OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the short-term clinical efficacy of external fixation and internal fixation with steel plate in the treatment of unstable distal radius fractures (AO-23C type), based on the principles of Chinese osteosynthesis (CO). METHODS: Forty-eight patients with unstable distal radius fractures between January 2022 and February 2023 were retrospectively analyzed and divided into the CO external fixation group and internal fixation group. CO external fixation group consisted of 25 patients, including 7 males and 18 females, aged from 37 to 56 years old with an average of ( 52.6±11.3) years old. Among them, there were 7 patients of traffic accidents and 18 patients of falls, resulting in a total of 25 patients of closed fractures and no open fractures, the treatment was conducted using closed reduction and CO external fixation. The internal fixation group consisted of 23 patients, comprising 8 males and 15 females, age ranged from 41 to 59 years old, with an average age of(53.3±13.7) years old. Among them, 8 patients resulted from car accidents while the remaining 15 patients were caused by falls. All 23 patients were closed fractures without any open fractures observed. The technique of open reduction and internal fixation with steel plate was employed. The perioperative data, including injury-operation time, operation duration, blood loss, and length of hospital stay, were assessed in both groups. Additionally, the QuickDASH score and visual analogue scale (VAS) were evaluated. Range of motion and grip strength assessment, imaging findings such as palmar inclination angle, ulnar declination angle, radius length, articular surface step, intra-articular space measurements were also examined along with any complications. RESULTS: The follow-up duration ranged from 0 to 24 months, with an average duration of (16.0±3.8) months. The CO external fixation exhibited significantly shorter time from injury to operation (2.4±3.3) d vs (7.4±3.7) d, shorter operation duration (56.27±15.23) min vs (74.10±5.26) min, lower blood loss (14.52±6.54) ml vs (32.32±10.03) ml, and reduced hospitalization days (14.04±3.24 )d vs (16.45±3.05) d compared to the internal fixation group (P<0.05). The QuickDASH score at 12 months post-operation was (8.21±1.64) in the CO external fixation group, while no significant difference was observed in the internal fixation group (7.04±3.64), P>0.05. There were no statistically significant differences in VAS between two groups at 6 weeks, as well as 1 and 3 months post-surgery (P>0.05). Additionally, there were no significant disparities observed in terms of range of motion and grip strength between two groups at the 2-year follow-up after the operation (P>0.05). After 12 months of surgery, the CO external fixation group exhibited a significantly smaller palmar inclination angle (17.90±2.18) ° vs (19.87±3.21) °, reduced articular surface step (0.11±0.03) mm vs (0.17±0.02) mm, and shorter radius length (8.16±1.11) mm compared to the internal fixation group (9.59±1.02) mm, P<0.05. The ulnar deviation angle and intra-articular space did not show any significant difference between two groups (P>0.05). The reduced fell within the allowable range between the CO external fixation group (23 out of 25 cases) and the internal fixation group (21 out of 23 cases) was not statistically significant (P=0.29). There was no significant difference in complications between the two groups(P>0.05). CONCLUSION Both the CO external fixation and open reduction with plate internal fixation demonstrate clinical efficacy in managing unstable distal radius fractures. The CO external fixation offers advantages in shorter injury-to-operation times, reduced intraoperative blood loss, and decreased surgical durations, while radial shortening is more effectively controlled by internal fixation.
Humans ; Male ; Female ; Middle Aged ; Radius Fractures/physiopathology* ; Adult ; Bone Plates ; Fracture Fixation, Internal/methods* ; External Fixators ; Retrospective Studies ; Fracture Fixation/methods* ; Wrist Fractures

OBJECTIVE: Investigating the clinical efficacy of treating dorsally displaced distal radial double-column Die-punch fractures using a dorsal approach external fixator combined with Kirschner wires. METHODS: Retrospectively analyzed the clinical data of 15 patients with distal radial double-column Die-punch fractures treated with an external fixator combined with Kirschner wire between July 2020 and January 2023. There were 10 males and 5 females;6 cases on the left side and 9 on the right;age ranged from 22 to 76 years old. Recorded the preoperative and the final follow-up Cooney wrist function scores for the patients. The fracture healing time, and occurrence of complications were recorded. RESULTS: All 15 patients were followed up ranged from 12 to 16 months post-operation. All fractures achieved bony union, healing time ranging form 8 to 16 weeks. Not a single patient exhibited complications such as surgical site infection, fracture redislocation, or tendon injury. All individuals had their Kirschner wires and external fixation devices removed six weeks post-operatively and commenced rehabilitative therapy for wrist articulation. The Cooney wrist function scores at preoperative and ranged from 5 to 45 scores, at the latest follow-up ranged from 65 to 100 scores. At the final follow-up, the results were assessed as excellent in 10 patients, good in 4 patients, and fair in 1 patient. CONCLUSION The clinical efficacy of treating distal radial double-column Die-punch fractures using a dorsal approach external fixator combined with Kirschner wires is satisfactory.
Humans ; Male ; Female ; Middle Aged ; Adult ; External Fixators ; Bone Wires ; Aged ; Retrospective Studies ; Radius Fractures/physiopathology* ; Young Adult ; Fracture Fixation/methods*

OBJECTIVETo evaluate the technique and the clinical effect of folding roof and rotary pushing in treatment of children with distal radius and ulna fracture of "back to back".

METHODSFrom January 2012 to February 2014,38 children with distal radius and ulna fracture of "back to back" were treated by using the technique of folding roof and rotary pushing to reset and splint fixation including 23 males and 15 females with an average age of 9.5 years old ranging from 6 to 14 years old. Injury time was from 45 min to 3 days (averaged 1.3 days). All cases was unilateral closed fracture without symptoms of nerve injury occurred. The wrist joint anteroposterior and lateral radiographs showed double fracture of radius and ulna, and the broken end of radius was typical "back to back" displacement. The quality of reduction was assessed according to Dienst recommendation on the combination of Aro measurement, and the therapeutic effect was evaluated using standard of Anderson function.

RESULTSAll patients were followed up from 3 to 13 months with an average of 6 months. There were no iatrogenic nerve injury. Thirty cases were treated successfully for the first time, 8 cases were again reset successfully; 28 cases were anatomical reduction, 7 cases were near anatomic reduction, 3 cases were functional reduction. At the second day 7 cases with hand and finger swelling appeared in multiple reset patients. Quality results of reduction were excellent in 33 cases, good in 5 cases. According to the standard of Anderson function evaluation, 35 cases were excellent, 3 cases were good. All fractures were healed with of deformity of wrist.

CONCLUSIONUsing the technique of folding roof and rotary pushing in treatment of children with distal radius and ulna fracture of "back to back" is very successful, the patient's limb function recovered well, the whole operation process is simple.

Adolescent ; Child ; Female ; Fracture Healing ; Humans ; Male ; Radius Fractures ; physiopathology ; surgery ; Ulna Fractures ; physiopathology ; surgery

OBJECTIVETo investigate the effects of external fixation combined with minimally invasive internal fixation for the treatment of distal radial fracture and dislocation of type IV based on Fernandez classification.

METHODSFrom January 2007 to October 2012,19 patients with the distal radius fracture and dislocation of type IV according to Fernandez classification were reviewed. There were 14 males and 5 females,ranging in age from 22 to 42 years old,with an average of 36.5 years old. All the patients were treated with minimally invasive reduction, and external fixation with finite internal fixation. The K-wire was used to fix radiolunate articular surface for correcting the instability of dorsal and volar intercalated segment. The radiolunate angle, scapholunate angle, and the length of the radial shorting were measured by the standard X-ray. Gartland and Werley evaluation system was used to evaluate recovery of function.

RESULTSNo complications such as injury of blood vessels and radial nerves and pin track infections occurred. After operation, the radiolunate angle, scapholunate angle and the length of the radial shorting time were (9.5 +/- 3.3) degrees, (51.3 +/- 11.2) degrees and (11.2 +/- 1.8) mm by the standard X-ray. On the 3rd month after operation, GW score was 3.02 +/- 3.05. There was no re-displacement and subluxation occurred during the follow-up period. Good functional recovery were improved wrist function significantly.

CONCLUSIONExternal fixation combined with minimally invasive internal fixation can treat distal radial fracture and dislocation of type IV based on Fernandez classification. Wrist joint stability depends on the structure of the bone and ligament around wrist joint. Emphasis on the diagnosis and treatment of carpal instability, and postoperative functional rehabilitation can improve wrist function.

Adult ; Bone Nails ; Female ; Fracture Fixation, Internal ; Humans ; Joint Dislocations ; surgery ; Male ; Minimally Invasive Surgical Procedures ; Radius Fractures ; physiopathology ; surgery ; Range of Motion, Articular ; Treatment Outcome ; Wrist Injuries ; physiopathology ; surgery ; Wrist Joint ; physiopathology ; surgery ; Young Adult

OBJECTIVETo evaluate efficacy and safety of Baimai ointment (see symbol in text) in the treatment of wrist-dysfunction after distal radius fracture.

METHODSFrom April, 2011 to June, 2012, 43 patients with distal radius fracture were treated with plaster fixation. All the patients were divided into two group: test group and control group. Twenty-one patients in test group and 22 in control group, and the baseline was balance (P > 0.05). The 21 patients in test group were treated with Baimai ointment (see symbol in text), fomentation, functional exercises. The 22 patients in control group were treated with placebo, fomentation, functional exercises. Foment affected side wrist with wet towel in 20 min before medication, with the temperature between 50 degrees C and 60 degrees C. Smear drugs uniformly in range of 3 cm in the vicinity of palm stripes after drying (about 3 g) and take functional exercises for the activities of wrist and hand. Continuous follow the program per 8 hours once and follow-up for 8 weeks. The Wrist's pain was assessed with VAS. The wrist's activities were measured with the protractor of orthopedic. Measure The grip strength was measured with dynamometer. The wrist's function were assessed with the table of Cooney.

RESULTSThe test group had a significantly better results than those of control group in the extent of wrist's pain throughout the treatment (P < 0.001), and grip strength on the 28th day and the 56th day (P < 0.05), and Cooney functional assessment on the 56th day (P < 0.05). Wrist's activities had no significane difference throughout the 8 weeks (P > 0.05). There were no drug adverse reactions occurred.

CONCLUSIONTibetan Baimai ointment (see symbol in text) has the treatment of wrist-dysfunction after distal radius fracture for external use, which can reduce the extent of wrist's pain, promote grip strength recovery in the middle and late of process, promote wrist's function recovery latterly, and safety for external use.

Adult ; Aged ; Case-Control Studies ; Double-Blind Method ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Medicine, Tibetan Traditional ; Middle Aged ; Ointments ; Radius Fractures ; drug therapy ; physiopathology ; Recovery of Function ; Wrist Joint ; drug effects ; physiopathology

OBJECTIVETo study therapeutic effects of comprehensive traditional Chinese medicine therapy for preventing postsurgery stiffness after operation for terrible triad of the elbow.

METHODSFrom December 2008 to December 2013,32 patients with elbow triad were randomly divided into two groups: therapy group and control group. There were 17 patients in control group including 12 males and 5 females with a mean age of (41.0 ± 7.1) years old. The patients in control group were received the past procedure therapy. There were 15 patients in therapy group, including 10 males and 5 females with a mean age of (41.3 ± 7.6) years old. The patients in therapy group were received comprehensive traditional Chinese medicine therapy, including passive exercise training at early stage (0 to 2 weeks after operation), transition from passive to active exercise training at middle stage (3 to 4 weeks after operation), and active exercise training at late stage (5 to 12 weeks after operation). Other treatment methods, such as orally taking or externally use of Chinese herbal medicine, manipulation and physiotherapy, were used at all stages. The Mayo Elbow Performance Score, patient satisfaction and complications were evaluated and analyzed.

RESULTSAll the patients were followed up, and the mean duration was 7.5 months. There were no complications such as internal fixation loosing, obvious displacement fracture and heterotopic ossification occurred. The Mayo score and patient satisfaction in therapy group were higher than those in control group (t = 12.78, P = 0.00; χ2 = 8.719, P = 0.003). Seven patients needed reoperation in control group, compared with 1 patient in therapy group (χ2 = 4.626, P = 0.032).

CONCLUSIONThe comprehensive traditional Chinese medicine therapy is effective to prevent postoperative stiffness after operation for terrible triad of the elbow by using different methods at different stages, which is worthy of spread and application.

Adult ; Case-Control Studies ; Elbow Joint ; injuries ; physiopathology ; surgery ; Female ; Humans ; Joint Dislocations ; surgery ; Male ; Medicine, Chinese Traditional ; Middle Aged ; Movement ; Postoperative Complications ; prevention & control ; Radius Fractures ; surgery ; Ulna Fractures ; surgery

OBJECTIVETo study therapeutic effects of anteromedial approach combined with lateral approach for the treatment of terrible triad of elbow.

METHODSFrom November 2009 to March 2013,17 patients with terrible triad of elbow were treated through anteromedial approach combined with lateral approach. There were 11 males and 6 females, with an average age of 36.6 years old, ranging from 22 to 68 years old. Ten patients had fractures in the left side and 7 patients had fractures in the right side. All of which were close fractures. Coronoid process fractures were reduced and treated with internal fixation through the anteromedial approach, and the incision was located between radiocarpus and cubitalis grailis. In order to expose the lateral collateral ligament joint capsule and capitulum radii, Kocher approach was used with the incision between triceps brachii muscle and brachioradialis muscle along condylus lateralis humeri, down to posterior side between anconeus muscle and extensor carpi ulnaris muscle. Then capitulum radii fractures were treated with internal fixation using miniature plates and screws, and lateral collateral ligament complexes were repaired using fasciole rivets. Mayo elbow performance score (MEPS) was used to evaluate clinical effects at the latest follow-up.

RESULTSAll the patients were followed up, and the duration ranged from 13 to 24 months,with a mean of 12.4 months. At the latest follow-up, the average flexion angle of all patients was (134.0 ± 8.8) degrees; the average extension angle was (6.4 ± 2.3) degrees. According to the Mayo criteria system, the average total score was 91.8 ± 7.9, including pain score 42.4 ± 5.9, range of motion score 17.6 ± 2.6, joint stability score 9.7 ± 1.2, and functional score 22.1 ± 2.5; 13 patients got an excellent result and 4 good. Two patients had transient ulnar nerve palsy, and 1 patient had heterotopic ossification. There were no complications such as infection, nonunion, elbow residual instability, dislocation and elbow stiffness.

CONCLUSIONThe operation through anteromedial approach combined with lateral approach for the treatment of terrible triad of elbow has advantages of providing both bone and soft-tissue stability simultaneously, allowing early exercise and improving early functional recovery.

Adult ; Aged ; Elbow Joint ; injuries ; surgery ; Female ; Fracture Fixation, Internal ; methods ; Humans ; Joint Dislocations ; physiopathology ; surgery ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Radius Fractures ; physiopathology ; surgery ; Ulna Fractures ; physiopathology ; surgery

OBJECTIVETo evaluate clinical outcomes of fixation for the treatment of radial head fracture with collapse of anterior articular surface.

METHODSFrom March 2006 to January 2013,17 patients with radial head fractures with collapse of anterior articular surface were analysed. According to the Mason classification, there were 12 cases with Mason type II fractures and 5 cases with Mason type III fractures. All the patients were treated with open reduction through posterolateral entrance of elbow joint and Herbert or titanium cannulated screw internal fixation.

RESULTSAll the patients were followed up, and the duration ranged from 6 to 18 months, with a mean of 11.3 months. According to the Broberg and Morrey score system, 2 patients got an excellent result, 12 good and 3 fair. There were no complications such as infection of elbow joint, nerve injury, non-union, traumatic osteoarthritis, heterotopic ossification and elbow instability. However, the postoperative activity range of elbow in the injuried side was less than that in the normal side.

CONCLUSIONRadial head fracture with collapse of anterior articular surface is easily misdiagnosed, and it can be treated with open reduction and internal fixation through posterolateral entrance.

Adult ; Aged ; Elbow Joint ; physiopathology ; Female ; Follow-Up Studies ; Fracture Fixation, Internal ; methods ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Radius Fractures ; physiopathology ; surgery ; Range of Motion, Articular

OBJECTIVETo analyze the causes of delayed union or nonunion of the ulna after intramedullary nailing in pediatric forearm fractures.

METHODSFrom February 2005 to February 2010,5 patients with forearm fractures who were treated with titanium elastic nailing (TEN) were identified to fulfill the criteria of having developed a delayed union or nonunion of the ulna. The causes of delayed union or nonunion were investigated according to mechanism of injury, fracture location, treatments methods and postoperative management. All patients were male and the age was 3 to 14 years old with an average of 9.4 years. All fractures were located on the mid-third part of forearm. Two cases had a re-fracture. Among them, 3 cases caused by high-energy injury and 2 cases by falling down. Open reduction were performed in 4 cases while the other one was treated with closed reduction. Four patients were immobilized in an above-elbow cast, postoperatively.

RESULTSAll patients were followed up from 7 to 19 months with an average of 11.4 months. There were 4 delayed union and 1 nonunion. Three patients healed after the removal of the nail and avoidance of weight-bearing. Two patients healed by replacing another fixation. No patients had soft-tissue irritation or nail-entry-site infections.. The clinical effect was evaluated according to Daruwalla and Price scores with 3 excellent and 2 good of the results.

CONCLUSIONSUsing titanium elastic nailing for the treatment of pediatric both-bone forearm fractures is a good method. However,strict indication selection should be followed to avoid delayed union or nonunion.

Adolescent ; Child ; Child, Preschool ; Fracture Fixation, Intramedullary ; methods ; Fracture Healing ; Humans ; Male ; Radius Fractures ; physiopathology ; surgery ; Retrospective Studies ; Ulna Fractures ; physiopathology ; surgery

BACKGROUND: It is not clear whether the pronator quadratus (PQ) muscle actually heals and provides a meaningful pronation force after volar plating for distal radius fractures (DRFs). We aimed to determine whether the length of the PQ muscle, which is dissected and then repaired during volar plating for a DRF, affects the forearm rotation strength and clinical outcomes. METHODS: We examined 41 patients who requested hardware removal after volar plating. We measured the isokinetic forearm rotation strength and clinical outcomes including grip strength, wrist range of motion, and disabilities of the arm, shoulder and hand (DASH) scores at 6 months after fracture fixation. During the hardware removal surgery, which was performed at an average of 9 months (range, 8.3 to 11.5 months) after fracture fixation, we measured the PQ muscle length. RESULTS: The average PQ muscle length was 68% of the normal muscle length, and no significant relationship was found between the PQ muscle length and the outcomes including isokinetic forearm rotation strength, grip strength, wrist range of motion, and DASH scores. CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrates that the length of the healed PQ muscle does not affect isokinetic forearm rotation strength and clinical outcomes after volar plating for DRFs. The results of this study support our current practice of loose repair of the PQ that is performed by most of the surgeons to prevent tendon irritation over the plate, and suggest that tight repair of the PQ is not necessary for achieving improved forearm function.
Adult ; Aged ; Bone Plates ; Device Removal ; Female ; Forearm/physiopathology/surgery ; Fracture Fixation, Internal/*methods ; Hand Strength ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Muscle Strength ; Muscle, Skeletal/physiopathology/*surgery ; Radius Fractures/radiography/*surgery ; Range of Motion, Articular ; Wound Healing ; Young Adult