A rare case of Langerhans cell histiocytosis (LCH) combined with Erdheim-Chester disease (ECD) in the tibia is presented. A 55-year-old female patient experienced a six-month history of left lower leg pain of unknown origin, which progressively worsened over the past month and was accompanied by restricted mobility. Radiographic imaging revealed patchy, mixed-density shadows within the medullary cavities of the middle and lower segments of both tibiae and fibulae. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) showed extensive abnormal signal areas in the lower segments of the left tibia and fibula, as well as in the left talus and calcaneus. Positron emission tomography-computed tomography (PET-CT) demonstrated significantly increased diffuse radioactive uptake in the middle and lower segments of both femora, the upper and lower segments of the tibiae, the bilateral talus, the distal radius, and symmetrical uptake in the bilateral elbow joints. Additionally, mild radionuclide uptake was observed in the bilateral clavicles and the upper segment of the right femur. The initial diagnosis suggested a space-occupying lesion in the tibia with a suspicion of ECD. Histopathological examination of a biopsy from the left tibial lesion indicated a histiocytic proliferative disorder. After a multidisciplinary consultation, a definitive diagnosis of LCH with fibrous hyperplasia and extensive infiltration of foam cells, along with scattered multinucleated giant cells, was established. The presence of the BRAFV600E mutation further supported the concurrent diagnosis of ECD. Subcutaneous interferon-α therapy was initiated. Two years later, pulmonary lesions were identified. Computed tomography (CT) revealed multiple round nodules in both lungs, chronic inflammatory changes, and fibrous cord-like lesions. Consequently, interferon treatment was discontinued, and oral vemurafenib was administered. After three years of follow-up, chest CT demonstrated a significant reduction in chronic inflammatory lesions and fibrous cords, along with a decrease in nodule size. Currently, after four years of continuous follow-up, the patient remains in stable condition, experiences no significant discomfort, and continues to receive vemurafenib maintenance therapy. A review of the literature suggests that the co-occurrence of LCH and ECD is rare, often leading to misdiagnosis or delayed diagnosis. While no standardized treatment protocol exists, patients harboring the BRAFV600E mutation may benefit from BRAF inhibitors such as vemurafenib.

Hallux valgus is one of the common foot deformities. Osteotomy can effectively correct hallux valgus and relieve pain. In recent years, minimally invasive osteotomy for hallux valgus has attracted the attention of doctors and patients due to its perioperative advantages (small incision and fast recovery) and effectiveness. Compared with the first and second generation minimally invasive osteotomy techniques for hallux valgus, the third generation of minimally invasive techniques has the advantages of easy osteotomy, strong correction ability, and stable internal fixation, so it has been rapidly promoted at home and abroad. Although it has been reported that the third generation of minimally invasive techniques has satisfactory therapeutic effects, complications such as nerve damage and metastatic metatarsalgia are reported as well. Therefore, there are many key points and skills in the surgery that deserve attention. A high-torque power system, portable intraoperative fluoroscopy equipment, and appropriate reduction and internal fixation instruments are all prerequisites for the technique. The minimally invasive osteotomy is V-shaped or transverse (some surgeons define the transverse osteotomy as the fourth-generation technique). The direction of osteotomy is recommended to be perpendicular to the second metatarsal. Three-dimensional orthopedics should be paid attention to when extrapolating metatarsal heads such as crowbars, "in-out-in" method can be used to avoid the dorsomedial cutaneous nerve when internal fixation and nail placement, the continuity of the contralateral cortex should be preserved as much as possible when Akin osteotomy is used, the release of the lateral adductor muscle and the tightening of the medial joint capsule are helpful to further achieve soft tissue balance, and good postoperative bandaging and analgesia are also important links to ensure the treatment effect. In summary, it requires a certain learning curve and operational experience to master the minimally invasive technique. Performing surgery according to indications, doing a good job of preoperative evaluation and perioperative management are conducive to obtaining a good prognosis.

Global population aging has exacerbated the clinical management challenges of osteoporotic fractures, especially during the high-risk period of re-fracture within 2 years after fracture. Although significant progress has been made in the comprehensive management of osteoporotic fractures in China, which has improved patient prognosis. There are still many challenges in clinical practice, including the mismatch between traditional implants and osteoporotic bone structure, the clinical management bottlenecks from treatment to rehabilitation of osteoporotic fractures (such as low implementation rates of drug treatment, poor drug compliance, and inadequate rehabilitation awareness), as well as the underdevelopment and regional disparities of fracture liaison services in China. To address these challenges, we propose three strategic improvements: transitioning from a purely mechanical fixation to a combined "mechanical-biological" synergistic treatment model, optimizing a full-cycle management pathway for osteoporotic fractures based on the enhanced recovery after surgery, and developing a systematic and intelligent approach for re-fracture prevention (such as establishing exclusive management teams, constructing specialized databases, and developing intelligent data platforms). These strategies are expected to enable efficient screening, precise monitoring, and full lifecycle management of patients with osteoporotic fractures, thereby enhancing the effectiveness and precision of clinical management and offering new insights and practical pathways for improving the treatment and care of osteoporotic fractures in China.

Objective:To compare the clinical efficacy and analyze the surgical approach differences using CT parameters between mini-open transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (MO-TLIF) and minimally invasive surgery of transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (MIS-TLIF) in the treatment of degenerative lumbar diseases.Methods:A total of 68 consecutive patients with degenerative lumbar diseases undergoing surgery at the Second Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University from January 2022 to January 2023 were randomized into the MO-TLIF group (34 cases, percutaneous screw-assisted posterior midline MO-TLIF) and the MIS-TLIF group (34 cases, Wiltse approach MIS-TLIF using the Quadrant channel). Perioperative indicators (operative time, incision length, intraoperative blood loss, fluoroscopy frequency, postoperative bedrest duration, and hospital stay) and complications were compared. Visual analogue scale (VAS) and Oswestry disability index (ODI) were assessed preoperatively and at 3 days, 3 months, and 1 year postoperatively. Effective cross-sectional area (eCSA) of paraspinal muscles was evaluated on MRI preoperatively and 1 year postoperatively. CT parameters of surgical approaches, including spinous process-midline distance (SM), Wiltse-midline distance (WM), surgical approach angle, depth, and multifidus muscle displacement were compared. Pearson correlation and multivariate linear regression analyses were performed to explore associations between CT parameters, operative time, blood loss, and eCSA atrophy.Results:Baseline characteristics showed no significant differences between groups ( P>0.05). The MO-TLIF group exhibited shorter operative time (109.85±7.82 min vs. 133.82±20.22 min), reduced blood loss (77.21±21.83 ml vs. 141.18±31.44 ml), smaller incision length (6.09±0.22 cm vs. 7.00±0.43 cm), shorter bedrest duration (1.59±0.49 d vs. 2.38±0.50 d), and shorter hospital stay (8.93±1.44 d vs. 10.35±1.45 d), but higher fluoroscopy frequency (19.53±1.92 times vs. 16.29±1.78 times) compared to the MIS-TLIF group ( P<0.05). Complications included fat liquefaction (5 cases) and dural tears (2 cases). Both groups showed improved VAS and ODI postoperatively ( P<0.05). At 3 d postoperatively, the MO-TLIF group had lower VAS (2.74±0.47 points vs. 3.35±0.48 points) and ODI (27.46%±2.16% vs. 30.42%±2.52%) than the MIS-TLIF group ( P<0.05). Postoperative eCSA decreased significantly in the MIS-TLIF group ( P<0.05) but remained stable in the MO-TLIF group ( P>0.05). The MO-TLIF group demonstrated smaller SM (8.43±1.81 mm vs. 31.15±6.53 mm), approach angle, depth, and muscle displacement ( P<0.05). CT parameters in the MO-TLIF group showed no correlation with operative time, blood loss, or eCSA atrophy ( r<0.3, P>0.05), whereas parameters in the MIS-TLIF group correlated positively with these outcomes (0.3< r<0.6, P<0.05). Multivariate regression revealed a significant association between CT parameters and eCSA atrophy in the MIS-TLIF group ( R 2=0.474, P<0.05). Conclusion:Compared to MIS-TLIF, MO-TLIF reduces intraoperative blood loss, accelerates recovery, and minimizes paraspinal muscle trauma.

Objective:To evaluate the therapeutic efficacy of an upper limb rehabilitation robot on the recovery of elbow function recovery following arthroscopic elbow joint release.Methods:Seventy-two patients who underwent arthroscopic elbow joint release at Shanghai Sixth People’s Hospital from December 2022 to December 2023 were recruited. All patients were randomly assigned to either the conventional group (n=36; 16 males, 20 females; age 34.39±9.04 years, range 24-56; fractures: 4 intercondylar humerus, 18 olecranon, 8 radial head, 6 other) which received conventional rehabilitation postoperatively, or the robot-assisted group (n=36; 18 males, 18 females; age 33.78±9.98 years, range 20-59; fractures distribution identical to the conventional group) receiving conventional rehabilitation combined with robot-assisted upper limb rehabilitation therapy. The active range of motion (ROM) of elbow joint, Mayo elbow performance score (MEPS), visual analogue scale (VAS) of elbow joint were recorded preoperatively and at 4 weeks and 3 months postoperatively. The surface electromyography were analyzed at 3 months postoperatively.Results:All patients completed the 3-month rehabilitation program. At 4 weeks postoperatively, the conventional group exhibited a mean active ROM of 106.78°±9.91°, MEPS of 67.78±7.68, VAS of 2.11±0.74; the robot-assisted group showed active ROM of 113.72°±7.06°, MEPS of 73.33±9.28, VAS of 21.89±0.46. By 3 months postoperatively, the conventional group achieved a mean active ROM of 118.11°±6.75°, MEPS of 85.00±8.66, VAS of 0.67±0.67; robot-assisted achieved a mean active ROM of 127.61°±6.61°, MEPS of 91.11±6.57, VAS of 0.39±0.49. Both groups exhibited significant improvements in active ROM and MEPS, and significant reductions in VAS scores at 4 weeks and 3 months postoperatively compared with preoperatively values ( P<0.05). The robot-assisted group demonstrated significantly higher active ROM and MEPS at both 4 weeks and 3 months postoperatively, and a significantly lower VAS score at 3 months postoperatively, compared with the conventional group ( P<0.05). Surface electromyography at 3 months revealed significantly higher biceps brachii root mean square and significantly lower co-contraction index in the robot-assisted group compared to the conventional group ( P<0.05). No adverse symptoms were reported in the treated elbows of either group during the operation and follow-up period. Conclusion:The integration of upper limb rehabilitation robot-assisted therapy and conventional rehabilitation program significantly enhances the recovery of elbow range of motion and functional outcomes at 3 months following arthroscopic elbow joint release.

Objective:To compare the clinical efficacy of fixed and non-fixed coronoid process fractures in the treatment of terrible triad of the elbow.Methods:Databases including CNKI, Wanfang Data Knowledge Service Platform, VIP, China Medical Journal Full-text Database, PubMed, Cochrane Library, Scopus and Web of Science were searched for relevant literatures on the treatment of elbow terrible triad. Postoperative elbow function score, range of motion, postoperative complications and other information were extracted, and meta-analysis was performed using Stata 18.0 statistical software.Results:A total of 139 patients from 5 literatures were included in the meta-analysis. All included literatures were in English, and the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale scores were 7-8 points. The results of meta-analysis showed that there was no statistically significant difference in the postoperative Mayo Elbow Performance Score (MEPS) between the two groups [ SMD=-0.33, 95% CI(-0.67, 0.01), P=0.061]. In Regan-Morrey type I and O'Driscoll type I coronoid process fractures, the MEPS of the coronoid fixation group was lower than that of the non-fixation group, and the difference was statistically significant [ SMD=-0.46, 95% CI(-0.88, -0.03), P=0.032]; the upper extremity functional disability score of the coronoid fixation group was higher than that of the non-fixation group, and the difference was statistically significant [ SMD=0.45, 95% CI(0.02, 0.89), P=0.041]. There were no statistically significant differences in the postoperative elbow flexion-extension range [ SMD=-0.31, 95% CI(-0.68, 0.07), P=0.109] and pronation-supination range [ SMD=-0.14, 95% CI(-0.51, 0.24), P=0.470] between the two groups. Conclusion:In the treatment of elbow terrible triad, the postoperative joint function score of non-fixation of Regan-Morrey type I and O'Driscoll type I coronoid process fractures is better than that of fixation.

Ulnar coronoid process fractures are frequently associated with complex elbow injuries, and their optimal management remains a long-term concern in clinical practice. In particular, there are many controversies regarding whether surgical treatment is required for O'Driscoll type II ulnar coronoid process fractures, the size of the bone block that needs to be fixed, and the surgical approach and internal fixation method to be adopted, with significant controversy particularly surrounding O'Driscoll Type II fractures regarding the necessity of surgical intervention, the fragment size threshold mandating fixation, and the choice of surgical approach and internal fixation method. O'Driscoll Type II fractures involve the anteromedial facet of the coronoid and are subdivided into Type IIa (fracture line extending from the medial aspect of the coronoid tip to the anterior half of the anteromedial facet), Type IIb (similar to IIa but involving the coronoid tip), and Type IIc (fracture extending to the anteromedial rim and the entire anteromedial facet). While surgery for Type II fractures was historically indicated based on fragment size >5 mm, recent studies advocated determining the need for surgical management through a comprehensive assessment of elbow joint stability. Regarding surgical exposure of ulnar coronoid process fracture: the Hotchkiss over-the-top approach is suitable for Type II anteromedial facet fractures without medial collateral ligament (MCL) injury; the FCU-Split approach is indicated for Type II fractures requiring MCL repair; the Taylor-Scham approach is used for injuries involving posteromedial coronoid fractures; the Extensile Medial Elbow approach is applicable for Type III fractures with trochlear injury; the Kocher lateral approach is more appropriate for coronoid fractures combined with radial head fractures. Fixation methods include suture lasso techniques, anchor sutures, screws, or plates, selected based on fracture location, fragment size, and biomechanical requirements. Major postoperative complications include ulnar neuropathy and elbow stiffness, along with osteoarthritis, heterotopic ossification, hardware prominence/exposure, elbow instability, infection, screw loosening, and complex regional pain syndrome.

Open reduction and internal fixation are the preferred methods for treating intra-articular fractures of the distal humerus. However, in cases of comminuted fractures, open reduction and internal fixation may result in loss of reduction. Although total elbow arthroplasty can be used as an alternative treatment option, total elbow arthroplasty has several limitations, including excessive bone removal, strict weight-bearing restrictions, polyethylene liner wear, and alterations in biomechanical properties. Elbow hemiarthroplasty is emerging as a novel surgical technique, only the distal end of the humerus is replaced while the proximal end of the ulna and radius is retained. Particularly for patients with high functional demands, elbow hemiarthroplasty may be a viable treatment option. This technique is particularly suitable for young patients with severely comminuted and non-reconstructive intra-articular fractures. Postoperative complications of elbow hemiarthroplasty include elbow stiffness, proximal wear of the ulna and radius, and prosthesis loosening, etc. In some cases, total elbow prosthesis revision is required. Existing research has initially confirmed that elbow hemiarthroplasty has certain advantages in terms of safety and elbow joint function recovery. Additionally, to better accommodate the anatomical characteristics of the Chinese population, customized 3D-printed prostheses based on the contralateral distal humerus and the ipsilateral proximal ulna and radius can be utilized. Further research and development of elbow hemiarthroplasty and novel technologies tailored to the Chinese population should be encouraged to enhance the precise treatment of complex elbow injuries in China.

Objective:To investigate the therapeutic effectiveness of double-anatomical plate-assisted reconstruction of a stable triangle in the treatment of chronic distal humerus fractures.Methods:A retrospective analysis was performed on the medical records of 10 patients with distal humerus fracture treated with double plate assisted reconstruction of a stable triangle from August 2021 to December 2024. All patients were followed up for more than 6 months. The cohort included 9 males and 1 female, with a mean age of 54.75±15.15 years (range, 31-73 years). Causes of injury: 4 cases of slip, 2 cases of high-energy fall, 3 cases of traffic accident, and 1 case of crush injury. According to the AO/OTA classification, all fractures were type C3, including 4 cases of C3.3 and 6 cases of C3.2. The operation duration, intraoperative blood loss, and length of hospital stay were recorded. Follow-up evaluations were conducted at 1, 3, and 6 months postoperatively and at the final follow-up. Radiographs were obtained to assess fracture reduction, healing, and implant positioning. Functional outcomes of the elbow were assessed using carrying angle, humeral condyle anteversion angle, modified trochleocapitellar index (mTCI), range of motion (ROM), visual analogue scale (VAS) for pain, Mayo elbow performance score (MEPS), and complication rates.Results:All 10 patients successfully completed the operation, with an average operation time of 221.75±48.73 min (range, 165-310 min), an average intraoperative blood loss of 462.50±215.05 ml (range 150-800 ml). 4 patients received blood transfusion. The average hospital stay was 10.75±2.55 d (range 6-14 d). The average carrying angle of 171.50°±5.37° (range 165°-179°) and the anterior angle of humeral condyle 39.75°±3.96° (range 34°-45°) were all within the standard range. At least one index in the mTCI was within the optimal range at the last follow-up. All patients were followed up with an average follow-up of 10.75±5.73 months (range 6-22 months). All 10 patients were healed after surgery with an average healing time of 4.75±2.05 months (range 3-9 months). At the final follow-up, the average elbow ROM was 93.75°±25.88° (range, 50°-115°), internal rotation was 83.13°±9.61° (range, 60°-90°), and external rotation was 88.13°±3.72° (range, 80°-90°). The mean VAS score was 0.63±0.92 (range, 0-2), and the average MEPS was 88.75±11.57 (range, 70-100), with 4 excellent, 4 good, and 2 fair outcomes, an excellent and good rate of 80%. Complications included one case of periarticular osteophyte formation, one case of transient ulnar nerve numbness that improved with conservative treatment, and three cases of occasional mild pain following increased activity. Conclusion Double-anatomical plate-assisted reconstruction of a stable triangle provides effective and stable fixation for chronic AO/OTA C3 distal humerus fractures. The short-term postoperative outcomes are satisfactory, with good functional recovery and a low complication rate.Conclusions:Double-anatomical plate-assisted reconstruction of a stable triangle provides effective and stable fixation for chronic AO/OTA C3 distal humerus fractures. The short-term postoperative outcomes are satisfactory, with good functional recovery and a low complication rate.

Objective:To investigate the clinical efficacy of open arthrolysis in the treatment of posttraumatic elbow stiffness.Methods:A retrospective analysis was conducted on the data of 407 patients with post-traumatic elbow stiffness treated by open arthrolysis surgery in Shandong Provincial Hospital from January 2010 to January 2024. The cohort included 303 males and 104 females, with a mean age of 38.98±10.90 years (range, 18-72 years) and mean body mass index (BMI) of 24.32±3.29 kg/m 2 (range, 17.91-33.41 kg/m 2). There were 230 patients with right-sided elbow stiffness, 159 patients with left-sided elbow stiffness, and 18 patients with bilateral elbow stiffness. Initial injuries included 21 patients of isolated elbow dislocation; 25 patients of soft tissue injury; and 361 patients of initial intra-articular elbow fractures, among which there were 200 patients of multiple fractures, 87 patients of single distal humerus fracture, 43 patients of single proximal ulna fracture, and 31 patients of single radial head fracture. Initial injuries were treated non-surgically in 69 cases and surgically in 338 cases, among which 177 cases were retained with internal fixation. There were 334 preoperative patients complicated with heterotopic ossification and 73 patients without heterotopic ossification, with 99 patients undergoing early release (stiffness duration <6 months) and 308 patients undergoing late release (stiffness duration ≥6 months). Record the range of motion (ROM) of the elbow joint, forearm rotational range (FRR), visual analogue scale (VAS), Mayo elbow performance score (MEPS), modified Broberg-Morrey score (MBS), Oxford elbow score (OES), and disability of arm, shoulder and hand (DASH) score before and after surgery, and conduct comparative analysis. Results:All patients were followed up for an average of 41.86±10.27 months (range, 13-119 months). At 12 months postoperatively, elbow ROM improved from preoperative 33.7°±26.5° to 101.2°±24.0°, elbow FRR improved from preoperative 101.4°±53.5° to 138.9°±38.7°, the MEPS increased from 60.1±14.7 to 91.5±10.1, the BMS increased from 57.5±12.8 to 83.7±11.0, the OES decreased from 31.6±7.3 to 16.0± 4.6, the DASH score decreased from 38.8±13.9 to 10.1±9.5, and the VAS decreased from 3.0±2.3 to 0.9±1.1, with all changes showing statistical significance ( P<0.05). In patients with preoperative heterotopic ossification, postoperative mean flexion range was 120.1°±15.5° and elbow ROM was 102.6°±23.4°. In patients without preoperative heterotopic ossification, postoperative mean flexion range was 113.9°±15.6° and elbow ROM was 93.4°±26.4°. Statistically significant differences were observed between the two groups in postoperative flexion range and flexion-extension ROM. There were no statistically significant differences in the postoperative above-mentioned indicators between early and late release patients ( P>0.05). The supination range and elbow FRR in patients with multiple fractures were lower than those in patients with distal humerus fractures and proximal ulna fractures; the DASH score in patients with multiple fractures was higher than that in patients with proximal ulna fractures and radial head fractures; the OES score in patients with multiple fractures was higher than that in patients with proximal ulna fractures, and all differences were statistically significant ( P<0.05). Among 407 patients, complications included new-onset postoperative ulnar neuropathy in 61 cases, new heterotopic ossification in 11 cases, recurrent heterotopic ossification in 96 cases, elbow instability in 6 cases, and superficial surgical site infection in 2 cases. Conclusions:Open arthrolysis is an effective treatment option for post-traumatic elbow stiffness. Patients with preoperative heterotopic ossification have a greater postoperative flexion range and elbow flexion-extension range of motion. The surgical timing exerts no significant influence on the ultimate functional outcome of treatment in patients with post-traumatic elbow stiffness. Patients with different initial fracture sites exhibited significant differences in postoperative functional outcomes, including supination, DASH scores, and OES.