Objective To evaluate the feasibility and safety of Remodeling+Ring (modified Yacoub) for patients with aortic root aneurysm. Methods The clinical data of patients who underwent modified Yacoub surgery at West China Hospital of Sichuan University from July 2020 to May 2023 were retrospectively analyzed. Results Four male patients were enrolled, with an average age of (47.3±10.3) years and body surface area of (1.9±0.2) m2. One patient had bicuspid aortic valve. Aortic valve regurgitation was mild in three patients and moderate in one patient. Preoperative New York Heart Association (NYHA) heart function was gradeⅠin one patient and gradeⅡin three patients. The maximum diameter of the aortic sinus was (59.3±8.1) mm. All four patients recovered and were discharged without a second thoracotomy. No postoperative complications such as brain injury, infection, respiratory failure or renal insufficiency occurred. During the follow-up of (17.0±13.1) months, two patients showed no regurgitation of the aortic valve, two patients exhibited mild regurgitation. Three patients had a heart function of gradeⅠ and one patient of gradeⅡ. Conclusion Modified Yacoub technique is safe and effective for patients with aortic root aneurysm.

Objective To investigate the early clinical efficacy of a 3D-printed external fixation guide combined with video-assisted thoracic surgery (VATS) in the treatment of flail chest, and to provide evidence for its clinical application. Methods Patients with flail chest admitted to Xiamen University Affiliated Chenggong Hospital between January 2010 and January 2023 were retrospectively selected as the study subjects. Based on the surgical methods, the patients were divided into two groups: patients treated with the 3D-printed external fixation guide combined with VATS were assigned to a 3D group, and those who underwent open reduction and internal fixation were assigned to an internal fixation group. The operative time, intraoperative blood loss, duration of chest tube drainage, recovery of thoracic volume, visual analogue scale (VAS) scores at 1 month postoperatively, and complications were compared between the two groups. Results A total of 40 patients were included, with 20 patients in each group. The 3D group consisted of 13 males and 7 females, with a mean age of (45.7±3.8) years; the internal fixation group consisted of 14 males and 6 females, with a mean age of (47.3±4.1) years. There were no statistical differences between the two groups in terms of gender, age, number of rib fractures, or preoperative VAS scores (P>0.05). The surgeries were performed successfully in both groups, primary wound healing was achieved in all patients, and pain symptoms were significantly alleviated compared to preoperation. No postoperative complications occurred in the 3D group, whereas 1 patient each of chronic postoperative pain, fracture malunion, and incision infection occurred in the internal fixation group, resulting in a complication rate of 15.0%. The operative time, intraoperative blood loss, and duration of chest tube drainage in the 3D group were significantly shorter or less than those in the internal fixation group (P<0.05). There were no statistical differences in the recovery of thoracic volume or the VAS scores at 1 month postoperatively between the two groups (P>0.05). Conclusion The early clinical efficacy of a 3D-printed external fixation guide combined with VATS in the treatment of flail chest is satisfactory. This technique offers the advantages of being minimally invasive, highly efficient, promoting rapid recovery, and resulting in fewer postoperative complications, and can effectively reconstruct the thoracic contour and restore thoracic volume.

Lung cancer ranks first in morbidity and mortality among malignant tumors in China. Low-dose computed tomography (LDCT), as the primary screening method, faces increasingly prominent challenges of false positives and overdiagnosis associated with its high sensitivity. In recent years, the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) and three-dimensional reconstruction technology has provided a novel approach to addressing these challenges. This review highlights how AI and three-dimensional reconstruction contribute to improving image quality, enabling precise identification of pulmonary nodules and intelligent risk stratification, optimizing dynamic follow-up strategies, and assisting in preoperative planning, thereby driving the transformation of the LDCT screening paradigm. Meanwhile, current technical limitations and future directions are also discussed.

Objective To evaluate the predictive ability and clinical application value of artificial intelligence (AI) systems in the benign and malignant differentiation and pathological type of pulmonary nodules, and to summarize clinical application experience. Methods A retrospective analysis was conducted on the clinical data of patients with pulmonary nodules admitted to the Department of Thoracic Surgery, Second Hospital of Lanzhou University, from February 2016 to February 2025. Firstly, pulmonary nodules were divided into benign and non-benign groups, and the discriminative abilities of AI systems and clinicians were compared. Subsequently, lung nodules reported as precursor glandular lesions (PGL), microinvasive adenocarcinoma (MIA), and invasive adenocarcinoma (IAC) in postoperative pathological results were analyzed, comparing the efficacy of AI systems and clinicians in predicting the pathological type of pulmonary nodules. Results In the analysis of benign/non-benign pulmonary nodules, clinical data from a total of 638 patients with pulmonary nodules were included, of which there were 257 males (10 patients and 1 patient of double and triple primary lesions, respectively) and 381 females (18 patients and 1 patient of double and triple primary lesions, respectively), with a median age of 55.0 (47.0, 61.0) years. Different lesions in the same patient were analyzed as independent samples. Univariate analysis of the two groups of variables showed that, except for nodule location, the differences in the remaining variables were statistically significant (P<0.05). Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that age, nodule type (subsolid pulmonary nodule), average density, spicule sign, and vascular convergence sign were independent influencing factors for non-benign pulmonary nodules, among which age, nodule type (subsolid pulmonary nodule), spicule sign, and vascular convergence sign were positively correlated with non-benign pulmonary nodules, while average density was negatively correlated with the occurrence of non-benign pulmonary nodules. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) of the malignancy risk value given by the AI system in predicting non-benign pulmonary nodules was 0.811, slightly lower than the 0.898 predicted by clinicians. In the PGL/MIA/IAC analysis, clinical data from a total of 411 patients with pulmonary nodules were included, of which there were 149 males (8 patients of double primary lesions) and 262 females (17 patients of double primary lesions), with a median age of 56.0 (50.0, 61.0) years. Different lesions in the same patient were analyzed as independent samples. Univariate analysis results showed that, except for gender, nodule location, and vascular convergence sign, the differences in the remaining variables among the three groups of PGL, MIA, and IAC patients were statistically significant (P<0.05). Multinomial multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that the differences between the parameters in the PGL group and the MIA group were not statistically significant (P>0.05), and the maximum diameter and average density of the nodules were statistically different between the PGL and IAC groups (P<0.05), and were positively correlated with the occurrence of IAC as independent risk factors. The average AUC value, accuracy, recall rate, and F1 score of the AI system in predicting lung nodule pathological type were 0.807, 74.3%, 73.2%, and 68.5%, respectively, all better than the clinical physicians’ prediction of lung nodule pathological type indicators (0.782, 70.9%, 66.2%, and 63.7% respectively). The AUC value of the AI system in predicting IAC was 0.853, and the sensitivity, specificity, and optimal cutoff value were 0.643, 0.943, and 50.0%, respectively. Conclusion This AI system has demonstrated high clinical value in predicting the benign and malignant nature and pathological type of lung nodules, especially in predicting lung nodule pathological type, its ability has surpassed that of clinical physicians. With the optimization of algorithms and the adequate integration of multimodal data, it can better assist clinical physicians in formulating individualized diagnostic and treatment plans for patients with lung nodules.

Objective To evaluate the anticoagulation efficacy of non-vitamin K antagonist oral anticoagulants (NOACs) and vitamin K antagonists (VKAs) in patients with high-risk atrial fibrillation (AF) undergoing transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI). Methods A computer-based search was conducted on PubMed, EMbase, The Cochrane Library, CNKI, SinoMed, and VIP databases to identify studies on the application of NOACs and VKAs in high-risk AF patients after TAVI. The search period was from database inception to January 2023. The quality of the included studies was assessed using the Cochrane risk assessment tool and the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale (NOS). Meta-analysis was performed using RevMan 5.4 software. Results A total of 7 studies involving 24 592 patients were included. The meta-analysis results showed that compared to patients using VKAs, those treated with NOACs had a significantly lower risk of all-cause mortality [RR=0.74, 95%CI (0.58, 0.94), P=0.01]. Subgroup analysis indicated that when the follow-up period was less than 1 year, there was no significant difference in all-cause mortality between the NOAC and VKA groups [RR=0.57, 95%CI (0.17, 1.88), P=0.35]; however, when the follow-up period was ≥1 year, the VKA group had a higher all-cause mortality rate than the NOAC group, with a statistically significant difference [RR=0.73, 95%CI (0.57, 0.95), P=0.02]. No significant differences were found between the two groups regarding early stroke [RR=0.50, 95%CI (0.19, 1.28), P=0.15], stroke during follow-up [RR=1.04, 95%CI (0.88, 1.22), P=0.64], bleeding [RR=0.94, 95%CI (0.73, 1.21), P=0.61], major or life-threatening bleeding [RR=0.80, 95%CI (0.49, 1.31), P=0.38], or acute kidney injury [RR=0.51, 95%CI (0.16, 1.59), P=0.24]. Conclusion Compared to VKAs, the use of NOACs in patients with high-risk AF undergoing TAVI may reduce the risk of all-cause mortality, especially during long-term anticoagulation therapy, potentially offering greater benefits. However, further evidence from randomized controlled trials is needed to confirm these findings.

OBJECTIVE: To summarize the research progress of suture augmentation (SA) in anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction. METHODS: A comprehensive review of recent literature about SA in ACL reconstruction at home and abroad was conducted. The efficacy of SA in ACL reconstruction was evaluated by examining the definition, biomechanics, and histological studies of SA, along with its clinical application status in ACL reconstruction. RESULTS: SA demonstrates significant advantages in enhancing the biomechanical stability of ACL grafts, reducing the risk of re-rupture, and accelerating postoperative recovery. Specifically, SA improves graft stiffness, ultimate failure strength, and cyclic stability, thereby diminishing the risk of early postoperative failure and joint instability. Histologically, it fosters remodeling and tendon-bone integration through early load-sharing mechanisms; however, stress shielding may interfere with natural remodeling processes, warranting further attention. Clinically, SA reduces graft failure rates and the need for revision surgeries, markedly improving knee joint stability and functional recovery in young patients. Nevertheless, its impact on graft maturation and potential complications remains controversial. CONCLUSION Despite the many advantages of SA in ACL reconstruction, future endeavors should focus on optimizing tensioning techniques, developing bioactive materials, and conducting large-scale randomized controlled trials to further elucidate its clinical value and scope of applicability, providing a more reliable solution for ACL reconstruction.
Humans ; Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction/methods* ; Biomechanical Phenomena ; Anterior Cruciate Ligament/surgery* ; Anterior Cruciate Ligament Injuries/surgery* ; Suture Techniques ; Sutures ; Tendons/transplantation* ; Joint Instability/prevention & control* ; Knee Joint/surgery*

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effectiveness of Poster Fusion Cage combined with xenogeneic bone graft augmentation for bone defect management in distal radius fractures. METHODS: A retrospective analysis was conducted on 20 patients with bone defects complicating distal radius fractures who met the selection criteria and were treated between June 2022 and June 2024. The cohort comprised 2 males and 18 females, aged 54-87 years (mean, 63.3 years). Etiologies included falls in 17 cases, traffic accidents in 2 cases, and crush injury in 1 case. According to AO classification, there were 5 cases of type A, 8 cases of type B, and 7 cases of type C. The interval from injury to operation ranged from 2 to 10 days (mean, 5.8 days). All patients underwent volar plate fixation augmented with Poster Fusion Cage and demineralized xenogeneic bone matrix grafting. The operation time, intraoperative blood loss, fracture healing time, and postoperative complications were recorded. Radiographic parameters, including radial height, volar tilt, and ulnar deviation, were measured on standardized X-ray films obtained immediately postoperatively and at last follow-up, and whether secondary reduction loss occurred was judged. At last follow-up, wrist range of motion (extension, flexion, radial deviation, ulnar deviation, pronation, and supination) and grip strength (expressed as a percentage of the contralateral side) were measured. Wrist function was assessed using the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand (DASH) score and Patient-Rated Wrist Evaluation (PRWE) score. RESULTS: The operation time was 70-200 minutes (mean, 116.4 minutes), and the intraoperative blood loss was 10-80 mL (mean, 36.5 mL). All surgical incisions healed by first intention, with no neurovascular complications documented. All patients were followed up 9-12 months (mean, 11.6 months). All fractures healed normally, with a healing time of 8-14 weeks (mean, 9.95 weeks). No significant difference was observed in radial height, volar tilt, or ulnar deviation between immediate postoperatively and last follow-up ( P>0.05). All fractures achieved satisfactory reduction, with no secondary loss of reduction or implant failure occurring during follow-up. At last follow-up, the range of motion of the affected wrist joint was 60°-65° (mean, 62.5°) in extension, 67°-75° (mean, 71.1°) in flexion, 18°-23° (mean, 20.4°) in radial deviation, 28°-33° (mean, 30.1°) in ulnar deviation, 69°-80° (mean, 74.7°) in pronation, and 69°-82° (mean, 75.6°) in supination. Grip strength recovered to 75%-85% (mean, 80%) of the contralateral side. Functional scores showed a DASH score of 5-15 (mean, 9.4) and PRWE score of 8.0-12.5 (mean, 10.2). CONCLUSION The combination of Poster Fusion Cage and xenogeneic bone graft augmentation provides a safe and effective treatment for bone defects in distal radius fractures.
Retrospective Studies ; Humans ; Male ; Female ; Middle Aged ; Aged ; Aged, 80 and over ; Treatment Outcome ; Wrist Fractures/surgery* ; Heterografts ; Transplantation, Heterologous/methods* ; Bone Transplantation/methods* ; Operative Time ; Blood Loss, Surgical ; Radius/surgery* ; Fracture Healing ; Time Factors ; Postoperative Complications/etiology* ; Range of Motion, Articular ; Follow-Up Studies ; Internal Fixators ; Fracture Fixation, Internal/methods* ; Combined Modality Therapy

OBJECTIVE: To explore the effectiveness of artificial hemi-knee prosthesis reconstruction for bone defects after resection of pediatric osteosarcoma. METHODS: A retrospective analysis was conducted on the clinical data of 18 children with osteosarcoma who met the selection criteria and were treated between January 2016 and December 2019. There were 11 males and 7 females, aged 6-10 years (mean, 8.9 years). Osteosarcoma located in the distal femur in 11 cases and the proximal tibia in 7 cases. Among them, 12 cases were conventional osteosarcoma and 6 cases were small cell osteosarcoma, with a disease duration of 1-9 months (mean, 3.1 months). All patients received 2 cycles of preoperative chemotherapy with doxorubicin, cisplatin, and ifosfamide. After en bloc tumor segment resection, bone defects were reconstructed using custom-made artificial hemi-knee prostheses. Rehabilitation training was initiated at 8 weeks postoperatively under the protection of a knee immobilizer brace, combined with 4 cycles of adjuvant chemotherapy. During follow-up, lower limb growth length and limb shortening (compared with the healthy side) were measured, and limb function was evaluated using the Musculoskeletal Tumor Society-93 (MSTS-93) scoring system. RESULTS: All surgeries were successfully completed, with an operation time of 2.0-3.1 hours (mean, 2.4 hours) and intraoperative blood loss of 180-320 mL (mean, 230.0 mL). Incisional edge necrosis occurred in 1 case at 10 days postoperatively, while the incisions of the remaining 17 patients healed by first intention. One case developed periprosthetic infection caused by Staphylococcus aureus at 1 week postoperatively, which was cured after symptomatic treatment. All 18 patients were followed up 60-96 months (mean, 74.2 months). No local tumor recurrence was observed during follow-up. Imaging examinations showed prosthesis loosening in 2 cases, while the prosthesis of other patients were well-positioned. At last follow-up, the knee joint range of motion was 80°-120° (mean, 106.7°). The MSTS-93 score was 16-29 (mean, 24.7), with 12 cases rated as excellent, 5 good, and 1 fair. The patients' height increased by 12.8-20.0 cm (mean, 15.5 cm), the lower limb growth length was 6.0-13.0 cm (mean, 9.7 cm), and limb shortening was 1.8-4.6 cm (mean, 3.1 cm). There was no significant difference in MSTS-93 scores, lower limb growth length, or limb shortening between the distal femur group and the proximal tibia group ( P>0.05). CONCLUSION Artificial hemi-knee prosthesis reconstruction can preserve the adjacent normal epiphysis of the knee joint, maximize limb growth potential, and reduce adult limb length discrepancy, making it a suitable reconstruction option for children with knee osteosarcoma.
Humans ; Osteosarcoma/surgery* ; Male ; Child ; Female ; Knee Prosthesis ; Retrospective Studies ; Bone Neoplasms/surgery* ; Plastic Surgery Procedures/methods* ; Tibia/surgery* ; Femur/surgery* ; Arthroplasty, Replacement, Knee/methods* ; Treatment Outcome ; Chemotherapy, Adjuvant ; Femoral Neoplasms/surgery*

OBJECTIVE: To compare the effectiveness of using a composite loop plate to reconstruct the coracoclavicular ligament around the coracoid process and using a clavicular hook plate for fixation in treatment of Rockwood type Ⅲ acute acromioclavicular joint dislocation. METHODS: A retrospective analysis was conducted on the clinical data of 60 patients with Rockwood type Ⅲ acute acromioclavicular joint dislocation who were admitted between June 2022 and September 2023 and met the selection criteria. Among them, 30 patients were treated with the composite loop plate to reconstruct the coracoclavicular ligament around the coracoid process (loop plate group) and 30 with clavicular hook plate fixation (hook plate group). There was no significant difference in baseline data between the two groups ( P>0.05), including gender, age, injured side, cause of injury, disease duration, preoperative visual analogue scale (VAS) score for pain, and Constant-Murley score. The incision length, operation time, length of hospital stay, and the occurrence of complications during follow-up were recorded. The Constant-Murley score and VAS score were used to evaluate shoulder joint function and pain, and the differences (change values) of the indicators between before operation and at 6 months after operation were calculated for inter-group comparison. In the loop plate group, the coracoclavicular distance (CCD) on the anteroposterior X-ray films of the acromioclavicular joint was measured at 1 day and 6 months after operation to assess the loss of acromioclavicular joint reduction. RESULTS: The incision length of the loop plate group was significantly shorter than that of the hook plate group ( P<0.05). There was no significant difference in the operation time and the length of hospital stay between the two groups ( P>0.05). All incisions healed by first intention after operation. All patients were followed up 12-18 months (mean, 16.3 months). There was no significant difference in the follow-up time between groups ( P>0.05). The Constant-Murley scores and VAS scores of both groups significantly improved at 6 months after operation when compared with those before operation ( P<0.05); the differences in the change values of the two indicators between groups were significant ( P<0.05). The CCD of the loop plate group were (10.40±0.83) mm at 1 day and (10.70±0.68) mm at 6 months and no repositioning loss was observed. Three cases in the hook plate group had residual shoulder joint pain after operation. The difference in the accidence of complications between groups was not significant ( P>0.05). CONCLUSION For Rockwood type Ⅲ acute acromioclavicular joint dislocation, compared with the clavicular hook plate fixation, the composite loop plate for reconstructing the coracoclavicular ligament around the coracoid process has the advantages of simple operation, safety, minimally invasive, good functional recovery, and fewer complications. Moreover, it avoids the need for a second surgery to remove the internal fixation device, and the patient acceptance and satisfaction are higher.
Humans ; Acromioclavicular Joint/surgery* ; Bone Plates ; Male ; Retrospective Studies ; Female ; Adult ; Ligaments, Articular/injuries* ; Joint Dislocations/surgery* ; Coracoid Process/injuries* ; Treatment Outcome ; Middle Aged ; Plastic Surgery Procedures/instrumentation* ; Fracture Fixation, Internal/instrumentation* ; Young Adult ; Clavicle/surgery*

Baihuasheshecao(Hedyotis diffusa) is a commonly used traditional Chinese medicine derived from the whole herb of H. diffusa and has been widely utilized in folk medicine. It possesses anti-tumor, antibacterial, and anti-inflammatory properties, making it one of the frequently used herbs in TCM clinical practice. However, Shuixiancao(H. corymbosa) and Xianhuaercao(H. tenelliflora), species of the same genus, are often used as substitutes for Baihuasheshecao. To substantiate the medicinal basis of Baihuasheshecao, this study systematically reviewed classical herbal texts and modern literature, examining its nomenclature, botanical origin, harvesting, processing, properties, meridian tropism, pharmacological effects, and clinical applications. The results indicate that Baihuasheshecao was initially recorded as "Shuixiancao" in Preface to the Indexes to the Great Chinese Botany(Zhi Wu Ming Shi Tu Kao). Based on its morphological characteristics and habitat description, it was identified as H. diffusa in the Rubiaceae family. Subsequent records predominantly refer to it as Baihuasheshecao as its official name. In most regions, Baihuasheshecao is recognized as the authentic medicinal material, distinct from Shuixiancao and Xianhuaercao. Baihuasheshecao is harvested in late summer and early autumn, and the dried whole plant, including its roots, is used medicinally. The standard processing method involves cutting. It is known for its effects in clearing heat, removing toxins, reducing swelling and pain, and promoting diuresis to resolve abscesses. Initially, it was mainly used for treating appendicitis, intestinal abscesses, and venomous snake bites, and later, it became a treatment for cancer. The excavation of its clinical value followed a process in which overseas Chinese introduced the herb from Chinese folk medicine to other countries. After its unique anti-cancer effects were recognized abroad, it was reintroduced to China and gradually became a crucial TCM for cancer treatment. The findings of this study help clarify the historical and contemporary uses of Baihuasheshecao, providing literature support and a scientific basis for its rational development and precise clinical application.
Humans ; China ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal/chemistry* ; Hedyotis/classification* ; Medicine, Chinese Traditional/history*