[Objective] To explore the influencing factors of quality monitoring index on the nucleic acid pooling detection mode and continuously improve the detection quality of nucleic acid laboratory. [Methods] The quality monitoring indicators (NAT reactive rate, NAT resolution reactive rate, NAT invalid batch rate, NAT invalid result rate, equipment failure rate) and causes of invalidity in our laboratory from January 1, 2020 to December 31, 2022 were retrospectively analyzed. The quality monitoring indicators of the laboratory during 2020 to 2022 were compared longitudinally. The quality monitoring indicators of the laboratory in 2022 were compared horizontally with the overall level in Shandong for the same period to find the differences. [Results] From 2020 to 2022, a total of 218 686 samples were detected, the NAT reactive rate was 0.15‰ (32 samples in total), the resolution reactive rate was 39.02%, the invalid batch rate was 1.06%, the invalid result rate was 1.18%, and the equipment failure rate was 3.58%. There were no differences in the NAT reactive rate, NAT resolution reactive rate and NAT invalid batch rate among different years (P>0.05), but there were differences in the invalid result rate (P<0.05). Equipment failure was the main cause of invalid results (56.53%). Compared with other laboratories in Shandong, there were differences in the NAT reactive rate and invalid result rate (P<0.05). There were differences in the reaction rate, resolution rate and invalid result rate among different reagents (P<0.05). Compared with other two laboratories using the same manufacturer's reagent, there were differences in the reactive rate and invalid result rate (P<0.05), but no difference in the resolution rate and invalid batch rate (P>0.05). [Conclusion] Establishing quality indexes for process control and regular analysis can timely detect potential risks in laboratory operation. The use of quality indicators to implement self-comparison and inter-laboratory comparison can help the laboratory systematically and scientifically evaluate its own operating status and formulate corresponding quality management strategies, thereby improving the laboratory's testing capacity and ensure the safety of blood use.

BACKGROUND:We have successfully established an animal model of small ear pig in southern Yunnan province with internal tension relieving technique combined with autologous Achilles tendon for anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction,and verified the stability and reliability of the model.However,whether internal tension relieving technique can promote the ligamentalization process of autologous Achilles tendon graft has not been studied. OBJECTIVE:To investigate the differences in the process of ligamentalization between conventional reconstruction and internal reduction reconstruction of the anterior cruciate ligament by gross view,histology and electron microscopy. METHODS:Thirty adult female small ear pigs in southern Yunnan province were selected.Anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction was performed on the left knee joint with the ipsilateral knee Achilles tendon(n=30 in the normal group),and anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction was performed on the right knee joint with the ipsilateral knee Achilles tendon combined with the internal relaxation and enhancement system(n=30 in the relaxation group).The autogenous right forelimb was used as the control group;the anterior cruciate ligament was exposed but not severed or surgically treated.At 12,24,and 48 weeks after surgery,10 animals were sacrificed,respectively.The left and right knee joint specimens were taken for gross morphological observation to evaluate the graft morphology.MAS score was used to evaluate the excellent and good rate of the ligament at each time point.Hematoxylin-eosin staining was used to evaluate the degree of ligament graft vascularization.Collagen fibers and nuclear morphology were observed,and nuclear morphology was scored.Ultrastructural remodeling was evaluated by scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1)The ligament healing shape of the relaxation group was better at various time points after surgery,and the excellent and good rate of MAS score was higher(P<0.05).Moreover,the relaxation group could obtain higher ligament vascularization score(P<0.05).(2)The arrangement of collagen bundles and fiber bundles in the two groups gradually tended to be orderly,and the transverse fiber connections between collagen gradually increased and thickened,suggesting that the strength and shape degree of the grafts were gradually improved,but the ligament remodeling in the relaxation group was always faster than that in the normal group at various time points after surgery.(3)The diameter,distribution density,and arrangement degree of collagen fibers in the relaxation group were better than those in the normal group at all time points,especially in the comparison of collagen fiber diameter between and within the relaxation group(P<0.05).

ObjectiveTo observe the clinical effect of modified Huanglian Wendantang on cardiovascular risk factors in patients with metabolic syndrome under the guidance of treating disease before its onset. MethodsA total of 82 patients with metabolic syndrome treated in the First Affiliated Hospital of Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine from July 2023 to July 2024 were selected and allocated into an observation group （41 cases） and a control group （41 cases） by the random number table method. The control group received routine treatment， and the observation group was treated with modified Huanglian Wendantang on the basis of routine treatment. Both groups were treated for 8 weeks. The therapeutic effects on TCM symptoms after treatment in the two groups were evaluated. The levels of obesity degree indicators， blood pressure indicators， glucose and lipid metabolism indicators， inflammatory factors， and vascular endothelial function indicators before and after treatment in the two groups were measured， and the treatment safety was evaluated. ResultsAfter treatment， the total response rate of TCM symptoms in the observation group was 97.56% （40/41）， which was higher than that （87.80%， 36/41） in the control group （χ²=5.205， P<0.05）. After treatment， both groups showed declines （P<0.05） in systolic blood pressure （SBD）， diastolic blood pressure （DBP）， triglyceride （TG）， total cholesterol （TC）， low density lipoprotein cholesterol （LDL-C）， fasting blood glucose， 2-hour postprandial blood glucose （2 h PG）， glycosylated hemoglobin （HbA1c）， fasting insulin （FINS）， Homeostatic Model Assessment for Insulin Resistance （HOMA-IR）， body mass index （BMI）， waist circumference （WC）， waist-to-hip ratio （WHR）， leptin （LEP）， interleukin-6 （IL-6）， tumor necrosis factor-α （TNF-α）， endothelin-1 （ET-1）， and inducible nitric oxide synthase （iNOS）. Moreover， the declines in the observation group were more obvious than those in the control group （P<0.05， P<0.01）. After treatment， both groups showed elevated levels of high density lipoprotein cholesterol （HDL-C）， adiponectin （ADP）， nitric oxide （NO）， and endothelial nitric oxide synthase （eNOS） （P<0.05）， and the above indexes in the observation group were higher than those in the control group （P<0.01）. ConclusionUnder the guidance of the thought of treating disease before its onset， modified Huanglian Wendantang was used to treat patients with metabolic syndrome. The decoction improved the clinical efficacy by ameliorating IR to improve insulin sensitivity， reducing inflammation， and protecting the vascular endothelial function. It inhibits cardiovascular risk factors without inducing adverse reactions， being worthy of clinical application and promotion.

ObjectiveTo investigate the anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects of baicalin for treating chronic obstructive pulmonary disease （COPD） in rats and decipher the molecular mechanisms via the nuclear factor-kappa B （NF-κB）/nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 （Nrf2） signaling pathway. MethodsSixty SPF-grade male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly assigned into six groups： normal control， COPD model， low-dose baicalin， medium-dose baicalin， high-dose baicalin， and budesonide. The normal control group received no treatment， whereas COPD was modeled in other groups with a combined modeling approach involving intratracheal lipopolysaccharide instillation and passive cigarette smoke exposure. The model establishment was evaluated through behavioral observation combined with pathological examination. Hematoxylin-eosin （HE） staining was performed to assess histopathological changes in the lung. Serum levels of inflammatory cytokines ［interleukin （IL）-6， IL-8， IL-17， IL-22， tumor necrosis factor （TNF）-α， and transforming growth factor （TGF）-β）］， reactive oxygen species （ROS）， and vascular endothelial growth factor （VEGF） were quantified by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay （ELISA）. Meanwhile， the levels of IL-6， IL-17， and IL-22 in the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid （BALF） and IL-10， IL-22， and TNF-α in the lung tissue were measured via ELISA. Immunohistochemistry （IHC） was employed to detect the expression of histone deacetylase 2 （HDAC2） and Nrf2. Western blot was performed to evaluate the expression of phosphoinositide 3-kinase （PI3K）， protein kinase B （Akt）， glucocorticoid receptor （GR）， NF-κB， HDAC2， and Nrf2 in the lung tissue. Additionally， real-time PCR was conducted to assess the mRNA levels of PI3K， Akt， HDAC2， Nrf2， GR， and NF-κB in the lung tissue. ResultsHE staining revealed that the airway mucosal epithelium in the COPD model group appeared extensive shedding， structural disorganization， and diffuse infiltration of inflammatory cells within the lumen. And goblet cells showed compensatory proliferation with pathological hypertrophy of mucus glands. In contrast， inflammatory infiltration and alveolar overdistension were significantly alleviated in the medium- and high-dose baicalin groups. The COPD model group exhibited mucus plug formation within the terminal bronchioles， along with fibrotic narrowing of the bronchial wall. Moreover， the smooth muscle bundles of the bronchial wall were hypertrophic， with concomitant collagen deposition. Progressive dissolution and rupture of alveolar septa were observed， leading to the formation of abnormally enlarged air-filled cavities. However， the bronchial wall structure was largely restored with only mild thickening of the smooth muscle layer in the baicalin groups. Compared with the COPD model group， the medium- and high-dose baicalin groups showed declined ROS and VEGF levels （P<0.05）， and all the baicalin groups presented lowered levels of IL-6， IL-8， IL-17， IL-22， TGF-β， and TNF-α and elevated level of IL-10 （P<0.05）. Baicalin upregulated the protein levels of HDAC2， Nrf2， GR， PI3K， and Akt， while suppressing the protein level of NF-κB （P<0.05）. Furthermore， baicalin increased the mRNA levels of Nrf2 and GR while down-regulating the mRNA level of NF-κB （P<0.05）. ConclusionBaicalin exerts anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects by inhibiting the pro-inflammatory factor NF-κB while enhancing the expression of the anti-inflammatory factor HDAC2 and activating the antioxidant factor Nrf2， thereby alleviating the lung tissue damage in COPD rats. The therapeutic effects of baicalin may be closely associated with its regulatory role in the NF-κB/Nrf2 signaling pathway.

ObjectiveTo investigate the anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects of baicalin for treating chronic obstructive pulmonary disease （COPD） in rats and decipher the molecular mechanisms via the nuclear factor-kappa B （NF-κB）/nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 （Nrf2） signaling pathway. MethodsSixty SPF-grade male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly assigned into six groups： normal control， COPD model， low-dose baicalin， medium-dose baicalin， high-dose baicalin， and budesonide. The normal control group received no treatment， whereas COPD was modeled in other groups with a combined modeling approach involving intratracheal lipopolysaccharide instillation and passive cigarette smoke exposure. The model establishment was evaluated through behavioral observation combined with pathological examination. Hematoxylin-eosin （HE） staining was performed to assess histopathological changes in the lung. Serum levels of inflammatory cytokines ［interleukin （IL）-6， IL-8， IL-17， IL-22， tumor necrosis factor （TNF）-α， and transforming growth factor （TGF）-β）］， reactive oxygen species （ROS）， and vascular endothelial growth factor （VEGF） were quantified by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay （ELISA）. Meanwhile， the levels of IL-6， IL-17， and IL-22 in the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid （BALF） and IL-10， IL-22， and TNF-α in the lung tissue were measured via ELISA. Immunohistochemistry （IHC） was employed to detect the expression of histone deacetylase 2 （HDAC2） and Nrf2. Western blot was performed to evaluate the expression of phosphoinositide 3-kinase （PI3K）， protein kinase B （Akt）， glucocorticoid receptor （GR）， NF-κB， HDAC2， and Nrf2 in the lung tissue. Additionally， real-time PCR was conducted to assess the mRNA levels of PI3K， Akt， HDAC2， Nrf2， GR， and NF-κB in the lung tissue. ResultsHE staining revealed that the airway mucosal epithelium in the COPD model group appeared extensive shedding， structural disorganization， and diffuse infiltration of inflammatory cells within the lumen. And goblet cells showed compensatory proliferation with pathological hypertrophy of mucus glands. In contrast， inflammatory infiltration and alveolar overdistension were significantly alleviated in the medium- and high-dose baicalin groups. The COPD model group exhibited mucus plug formation within the terminal bronchioles， along with fibrotic narrowing of the bronchial wall. Moreover， the smooth muscle bundles of the bronchial wall were hypertrophic， with concomitant collagen deposition. Progressive dissolution and rupture of alveolar septa were observed， leading to the formation of abnormally enlarged air-filled cavities. However， the bronchial wall structure was largely restored with only mild thickening of the smooth muscle layer in the baicalin groups. Compared with the COPD model group， the medium- and high-dose baicalin groups showed declined ROS and VEGF levels （P<0.05）， and all the baicalin groups presented lowered levels of IL-6， IL-8， IL-17， IL-22， TGF-β， and TNF-α and elevated level of IL-10 （P<0.05）. Baicalin upregulated the protein levels of HDAC2， Nrf2， GR， PI3K， and Akt， while suppressing the protein level of NF-κB （P<0.05）. Furthermore， baicalin increased the mRNA levels of Nrf2 and GR while down-regulating the mRNA level of NF-κB （P<0.05）. ConclusionBaicalin exerts anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects by inhibiting the pro-inflammatory factor NF-κB while enhancing the expression of the anti-inflammatory factor HDAC2 and activating the antioxidant factor Nrf2， thereby alleviating the lung tissue damage in COPD rats. The therapeutic effects of baicalin may be closely associated with its regulatory role in the NF-κB/Nrf2 signaling pathway.

Aim To investigate the effect of artificial intelligence(AI)assisting doctors with different seniority in predicting the enlargement of hematoma in the early stage of cerebral hemorrhage.Methods A total of 108 patients diagnosed with cerebral hemorrhage in Central Hospital Affiliated to Dalian University of Technology were retrospectively collected.CT images at admission and 24 hours after admission were collected.DICOM images obtained from plain CT scan were input into AI-CAD model developed by Biomind in collaboration with Temple of Heaven.A total of 9 doctors of different senior-level were selected in neurosurgery department of our hospital.Firstly,independent prediction was applied in the patients and then the study predicted whether patients would delelop hematoma enlargement within 24 hours combined with the results of auxiliary AI.The accuracy of independent prediction of doctors with different seniority and assisted AI prediction of aneurysm stability was calculated respectively.McNemar of paired samples was used to test the significance of difference between independent prediction coincidence rate and assisted AI prediction accuracy among differ-ent doctors.Results The accuracy of high,middle and low seniority doctors independently predicting the early expan-sion of cerebral hemorrhage was 58.95％,50.62％and 38.89％,respectively,and the accuracy of prediction was signifi-cantly improved after assisted AI(P＜0.001),the highest increase rate was low seniority doctors(25.92％),followed by middle seniority doctors(19.75％)and high seniority doctors(11.73％).The ability of senior physicians to independ-ently predict the expansion of intracerebral hemorrhage was strongest in patients and non-patients,with sensitivity of 18.75％(95％CI:9.44％～33.10％)and specificity of 65.94％(95％CI:59.98％～71.45％).The sensitivity of middle seniority doctors was 16.67％(95％CI:7.97％～30.76％),the specificity was 56.52％(95％CI:50.44％～62.42％),and the sensitivity of low seniority doctors was 8.33％(95％CI:2.70％～20.87％),the specificity was 44.20％(95％CI:38.29％～50.28％).However,after AI assisted the prediction of senior doctors,the sensitivity and specificity of each seniority group of doctors increased.The sensitivity of high seniority doctors was 60.42％(95％CI:45.29％～73.88％),the specificity was 72.46％(95％CI:66.72％～77.57％),the sensitivity of middle seniority doc-tors was 64.58％(95％CI:49.40％～77.45％),the specificity was 71.38％(95％CI:65.59％～76.56％),and the sensitivity of low seniority doctors was 68.75％(95％CI:53.60％～80.91％),the specificity was 64.13％(95％CI:58.13％～69.73％).Conclusion AI-CAD assisted doctors with high,middle and low seniority can improve the ac-curacy of predicting the enlargement of hematoma in early stage of cerebral hemorrhage,especially the ability of doctors with low seniority to find patients can be significantly improved,which can make up for the lack of work experience of doc-tors with low seniority to a certain extent.

Objective:To observe the effect of warming needle therapy combined with Tuina(Chinese therapeutic massage)on the clinical symptoms and anxiety state of patients with cervical vertigo accompanied by anxiety. Methods:Seventy patients with cervical vertigo accompanied by anxiety state were divided into an observation group and a control group using the random number table method,with 35 patients in each group.In addition to disease education,the observation group was treated with warming needle therapy and Tuina 3 times a week,and the control group was treated with betahistine mesylate tablets orally 3 times a day.Both groups were treated for 4 weeks.The changes in the scores of the evaluation scale for cervical vertigo(ESCV),self-rating anxiety scale(SAS),and Hamilton anxiety rating scale(HAMA)were compared between the two groups after treatment. Results:One case in the observation group dropped out due to failure to cooperate with the treatment during the study.In the treatment group,the total effective rate and the cured plus markedly effective rate were 94.1%and 50.0%,respectively,and 88.6%and 8.6%in the control group,respectively;the differences between the two groups were statistically significant(P<0.05).After treatment,the ESCV,SAS,and HAMA scores of both groups decreased significantly compared with those before treatment(P<0.01),and the scores of the observation group were lower than those of the control group(P<0.01 or P<0.05). Conclusion:Warming needle therapy combined with Tuina can significantly improve the clinical symptoms of patients with cervical vertigo accompanied by anxiety state.

ObjectiveTo observe the effect of Jiawei Shenqi Yixin prescription on cardiovascular risk factors in the patients with heart failure with preserved ejection fraction and insulin resistance. MethodFrom January 2021 to January 2022， a total of 82 patients with heart failure with preserved ejection fraction were enrolled in the ward of the First Affiliated Hospital of Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine. The patients were randomly assigned into two groups （ 41 cases） and received the same basic treatment. The observation group was additionally treated with Jiawei Shenqi Yixin prescription for 8 weeks. The clinical efficacy， traditional Chinese medicine （TCM） efficacy， cardiac function indexes ［NT-probrain natriuretic peptide （NT-proBNP） and 6-min walking test （6MWT）］， echocardiographic parameters ［left atrial volume index （LAVI）， left ventricular mass index （LVMI）， peak early diastolic to peak late diastolic mitral flow velocity （E/A） ratio］， insulin resistance-related indexes ［fasting insulin （FINS）， fasting plasma glucose （FPG）， triglyceride （TG）， high-density lipoprotein cholesterol （HDL-C）， homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance （HOMA-IR）， triglyceride-glucose index （TYG）， and triglyceride to high-density lipoprotein cholesterol （TG/HDL-C） ratio］， inflammatory cytokines ［tumor necrosis factor-α （TNF-α）， interleukin-6 （IL-6）， adiponectin （ADP）， and C-reactive protein （CRP）］， vascular endothelial function indicators ［nitric oxide （NO）， endothelial nitric oxide synthase （eNOS）， inducible nitric oxide synthase （iNOS）， and endothelin-1 （ET-1）］， and the safety of treatment were determined. In addition， Pearson correlation analysis was performed to analyze the correlations of insulin resistance， inflammatory cytokines， and vascular endothelial factors with the mitigation of heart failure. ResultIn terms of clinical efficacy， the therapy of the observation group was significantly effective in 26 patients， effective in 12 patients， ineffective in 3 patients， with the total effective rate of 92.68%， the therapy of the control group was significantly effective in 14 patients， effective in 12 patients， and ineffective in 15 patients， with the total effective rate of 63.41%. The clinical total effective rate of the observation group was higher than that of the control group （χ²=11.6， P<0.05）. In terms of TCM efficacy， the therapy of the observation group was significantly effective in 26 patients， effective in 11 patients， and ineffective in 4 patients， with the total effective rate of 90.24%； the therapy of the control group was significantly effective in 9 patients， effective in 13 patients， and ineffective in 19 patients， with the total effective rate of 53.66%. The TCM total effective rate of the observation group was higher than that of the control group （χ²=8.19， P<0.05）. Compared with those before treatment， the levels of NT-proBNP， LAVI， LVMI， FPG， FINS， HOMA-IR， TYG， TG/HDL-C， TNF-α， IL-6， CRP， ET-1， and iNOS in two groups declined after treatment （P<0.05）， while the levels of 6MWT， E/A， ADP， NO， and eNOS elevated （P<0.05）. After treatment， the observation group had lower levels of NT-proBNP， LAVI， LVMI， FPG， FINS， HOMA-IR， TYG， TG/HDL-C， TNF-α， CRP， and ET-1 （P<0.05） and higher levels of 6MWT， E/A， ADP， and NO than the control group （P<0.05）. In addition， the increase in 6MWT after treatment was positively correlated with the increase in NO and the decrease in ET-1. The decrease in LVMI after treatment was positively correlated with the increase in NO and the decrease in FINS. The increase in left ventricular ejection fraction after treatment was positively correlated with the decreases in TNF-α and TYG （P<0.05）. Adverse reactions were observed in neither group. ConclusionJiawei Shenqi Yixin prescription can significantly mitigate the symptoms， reduce inflammation， and improve vascular endothelial function in the patients with heart failure with preserved ejection fraction and insulin resistance， being safe without causing adverse reactions.

Objective:To investigate the effect of the Ilizarov technique in the treatment of post-traumatic lower extremity shortening with talipes equinovarus.Methods:Clinical data of patients with post-traumatic lower extremity shortening and talipes equinovarus treated by the Ilizarov technique in the Department of Orthopaedics of Xuzhou Renci Hospital from January 2013 to April 2020 were retrospectively analyzed. The annular external fixator was installed on the affected limb according to the Ilizarov principle of external fixation. 3 days after the operation, the internal and lateral screw rods were adjusted at the speed of 2 mm/d to gradually correct the talipes equinovarus. 7 days after surgery, the lower leg was lengthened at a speed of 1 mm/d. After the foot was corrected, the foot external fixator was continued to be worn for 4 to 6 weeks, and then the fixator was removed and the foot was immobilized with a brace for 6 to 8 weeks. The lower leg fixator was removed after the lower extremity length was restored and the bone mineralization at the extension site was good. The length of both lower extremities, angle of talonavicular joint, angle of plantar flexion and dorsal extension of the ankle, and range of motion of ankle were compared before surgery and at the last follow-up. At the last follow-up, the affected feet were scored and rated using the International Clubfoot Study Group (ICFSG) scoring system, which was divided into four grades: excellent, good, medium, and poor. SPSS 25.0 software was used for statistical analysis, and each measurement index and ICFSG score were expressed in Mean±SD. Paired t-test was used to compare the preoperative and last follow-up data, and P<0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results:A total of 31 patients were enrolled, including 17 males and 14 females. The age was 15-18 years old, with an average of 16.5 years old. There were 16 cases on the right side and 15 cases on the left side. The lower extremity shortening was 45-75 mm, with an average of 65 mm. The fixation time of the external fixator was 4.5-6 months after surgery, with an average of 5 months, and the follow-up time was 22-28 months, with an average of 25.5 months. The length of the affected lower extremity recovered, the shape was basically satisfactory, and the plantar gait was restored. At the last follow-up, compared with the preoperative period, the anteroposterior talocalcaneal angle of the foot (23.0°±2.1° vs. 8.5°±2.6°), from lateral talocalcaneal angle the foot (27.0°±4.3° vs. 11.2°±4.4°), ankle plantar flexion angle (24.5°±6.8° vs. 51.1°±6.5°), ankle dorsiflexion angle (5.8°±3.5° vs. -46.8°±7.0°) and ankle range of motion (30.3°±8.2° vs. 4.2°±1.6°) were statistically significant ( P <0.01). ICFSG score: The points at the last follow-up (8.0 ± 4.2) were significantly lower than that before the operation (41.9 ± 5.3) ( P<0.01), of which 18 were excellent, 9 were good, and 4 were medium. Two cases had recurrent deformities in the later stage, and the results were satisfactory after the fusion of the talonavicular joint and calcaneocuboid joint and the anteposition of the posterior tibial tendon in the second stage. There were 4 cases of toe contracture deformity, which did not recur after the release of the flexor digitorum longus tendon at the toe. Anterior ankle impingement was observed in 5 cases and improved after the arthroscopic osteophyte removal. After the lower extremity extension was in place, the external fixator was replaced by the intramedullary nail for walking in 6 patients. The infection of the nail path occurred in 7 cases, which improved after replacement of fixing pins and dressing change of the nail path. Conclusion:The application of the Ilizarov technique in the treatment of post-traumatic lower extremity shortening with talipes equinovarus has the advantages of small trauma and dynamic control of deformity correction, which can achieve good result.

Objective:To investigate the effect of the Ilizarov technique in the treatment of post-traumatic lower extremity shortening with talipes equinovarus.Methods:Clinical data of patients with post-traumatic lower extremity shortening and talipes equinovarus treated by the Ilizarov technique in the Department of Orthopaedics of Xuzhou Renci Hospital from January 2013 to April 2020 were retrospectively analyzed. The annular external fixator was installed on the affected limb according to the Ilizarov principle of external fixation. 3 days after the operation, the internal and lateral screw rods were adjusted at the speed of 2 mm/d to gradually correct the talipes equinovarus. 7 days after surgery, the lower leg was lengthened at a speed of 1 mm/d. After the foot was corrected, the foot external fixator was continued to be worn for 4 to 6 weeks, and then the fixator was removed and the foot was immobilized with a brace for 6 to 8 weeks. The lower leg fixator was removed after the lower extremity length was restored and the bone mineralization at the extension site was good. The length of both lower extremities, angle of talonavicular joint, angle of plantar flexion and dorsal extension of the ankle, and range of motion of ankle were compared before surgery and at the last follow-up. At the last follow-up, the affected feet were scored and rated using the International Clubfoot Study Group (ICFSG) scoring system, which was divided into four grades: excellent, good, medium, and poor. SPSS 25.0 software was used for statistical analysis, and each measurement index and ICFSG score were expressed in Mean±SD. Paired t-test was used to compare the preoperative and last follow-up data, and P<0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results:A total of 31 patients were enrolled, including 17 males and 14 females. The age was 15-18 years old, with an average of 16.5 years old. There were 16 cases on the right side and 15 cases on the left side. The lower extremity shortening was 45-75 mm, with an average of 65 mm. The fixation time of the external fixator was 4.5-6 months after surgery, with an average of 5 months, and the follow-up time was 22-28 months, with an average of 25.5 months. The length of the affected lower extremity recovered, the shape was basically satisfactory, and the plantar gait was restored. At the last follow-up, compared with the preoperative period, the anteroposterior talocalcaneal angle of the foot (23.0°±2.1° vs. 8.5°±2.6°), from lateral talocalcaneal angle the foot (27.0°±4.3° vs. 11.2°±4.4°), ankle plantar flexion angle (24.5°±6.8° vs. 51.1°±6.5°), ankle dorsiflexion angle (5.8°±3.5° vs. -46.8°±7.0°) and ankle range of motion (30.3°±8.2° vs. 4.2°±1.6°) were statistically significant ( P <0.01). ICFSG score: The points at the last follow-up (8.0 ± 4.2) were significantly lower than that before the operation (41.9 ± 5.3) ( P<0.01), of which 18 were excellent, 9 were good, and 4 were medium. Two cases had recurrent deformities in the later stage, and the results were satisfactory after the fusion of the talonavicular joint and calcaneocuboid joint and the anteposition of the posterior tibial tendon in the second stage. There were 4 cases of toe contracture deformity, which did not recur after the release of the flexor digitorum longus tendon at the toe. Anterior ankle impingement was observed in 5 cases and improved after the arthroscopic osteophyte removal. After the lower extremity extension was in place, the external fixator was replaced by the intramedullary nail for walking in 6 patients. The infection of the nail path occurred in 7 cases, which improved after replacement of fixing pins and dressing change of the nail path. Conclusion:The application of the Ilizarov technique in the treatment of post-traumatic lower extremity shortening with talipes equinovarus has the advantages of small trauma and dynamic control of deformity correction, which can achieve good result.