1.QingNangTCM: a parameter-efficient fine-tuning large language model for traditional Chinese medicine
Xuming TONG ; Liyan LIU ; Yanhong YUAN ; Xiaozheng DING ; Huiru JIA ; Xu YANG ; Sio Kei IM ; Mini Han WANG ; Zhang XIONH ; Yapeng WANG
Digital Chinese Medicine 2026;9(1):1-12
Objective:
To develop QingNangTCM, a specialized large language model (LLM) tailored for expert-level traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) question-answering and clinical reasoning, addressing the scarcity of domain-specific corpora and specialized alignment.
Methods:
We constructed QnTCM_Dataset, a corpus of 100 000 entries, by integrating data from ShenNong_TCM_Dataset and SymMap v2.0, and synthesizing additional samples via retrieval-augmented generation (RAG) and persona-driven generation. The dataset comprehensively covers diagnostic inquiries, prescriptions, and herbal knowledge. Utilizing P-Tuning v2, we fine-tuned the GLM-4-9B-Chat backbone to develop QingNangTCM. A multi-dimensional evaluation framework, assessing accuracy, coverage, consistency, safety, professionalism, and fluency, was established using metrics such as bilingual evaluation understudy (BLEU), recall-oriented understudy for gisting evaluation (ROUGE), metric for evaluation of translation with explicit ordering (METEOR), and LLM-as-a-Judge with expert review. Qualitative analysis was conducted across four simulated clinical scenarios: symptom analysis, disease treatment, herb inquiry, and failure cases. Baseline models included GLM-4-9B-Chat, DeepSeek-V2, HuatuoGPT-II (7B), and GLM-4-9B-Chat (freeze-tuning).
Results:
QingNangTCM achieved the highest scores in BLEU-1/2/3/4 (0.425/0.298/0.137/0.064), ROUGE-1/2 (0.368/0.157), and METEOR (0.218), demonstrating a balanced and superior normalized performance profile of 0.900 across the dimensions of accuracy, coverage, and consistency. Although its ROUGE-L score (0.299) was lower than that of HuatuoGPT-II (7B) (0.351), it significantly outperformed domain-specific models in expert-validated win rates for professionalism (86%) and safety (73%). Qualitative analysis confirmed that the model strictly adheres to the “symptom-syndrome-pathogenesis-treatment” reasoning chain, though occasional misclassifications and hallucinations persisted when dealing with rare medicinal materials and uncommon syndromes.
Conclusion
Combining domain-specific corpus construction with parameter-efficient prompt tuning enhances the reasoning behavior and domain adaptation of LLMs for TCM-related tasks. This work provides a technical framework for the digital organization and intelligent utilization of TCM knowledge, with potential value for supporting diagnostic reasoning and medical education.
2.Longitudinal cohort study on pubertal development trajectories of testicular and breast development among children
Chinese Journal of School Health 2026;47(3):408-412
Objective:
To characterize longitudinal trajectories of testicular development in boys and breast development in girls, so as to provide reference data for understanding patterns of pubertal sexual maturation.
Methods:
Based on the Shanghai Pudong New Area Cohort Study on Growth, Development and Health in Children and Adolescents, a baseline survey was conducted in 2020 using a mult stage cluster random sampling method. A total of 2 184 children who completed all follow ups during the primary school period from 13 elementary schools in Pudong New Area,Shanghai,with annual follow ups during 2021-2025. Testicular volume and Tanner stage of breast development were assessed by professional physicians using standardized visual inspection and palpation. The age distribution of testicular volume and breast development was fitted by using cumulative link mixed models and Turnbull s nonparametric maximum likelihood estimation method.
Results:
Median ages for testicular volumes of 2, 3, 4 and 5 mL in boys were 7.07, 9.24, 10.29, and 11.57 years old, respectively. Median ages for Tanner breast stages Ⅱ, Ⅲ, Ⅳ, and Ⅴ in girls were 8.55 , 10.17, 11.18, and 13.78 years old, respectively. Based on overweight and obesity, stratified analysis showed that earlier pubertal onset among overweight/obesity children, and the key milestones for pubertal initiation were testicular volume reaching 4 mL in boys and breast Tanner II in girls for 10.29, 10.83; 8.18, 9.00 years.
Conclusion
Overweight and obesity are associated with earlier pubertal initiation,but there are certain gender and developmental stage specific patterns.
3.Species of sandflies and prevalence of Leishmania infections in sandflies in selected areas of northern and northwestern China
Yaqi HE ; Lei CUI ; Yi ZHANG ; Yuanyuan LI ; Limin YANG ; Yuan FANG ; Zhongqiu LI ; Zhengbin ZHOU
Chinese Journal of Schistosomiasis Control 2026;38(1):20-28
Objective To investigate the species of sandflies and the prevalence of Leishmania infections in sandflies from selected areas of northern and northwestern China, so as to provide insights into identification of leishmaniasis vectors and assessment of epidemiological trends of leishmaniasis in China. Methods Sandfly samples were collected from Mentougou District of Beijing Municipality, Xiangning County in Linfen City of Shanxi Province, Ejin Banner in Alxa League of Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, and Payzawat County of Karamay District of Karamay City, Gaochang District of Turpan City in Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region from July 2023 to July 2024. Approximately 100 intact female sandfly samples were randomly selected from each site and the species of sandflies was identified according to morphological characteristics and molecular assays. Female sandflies originating from the same habitat were grouped into pools of 10 individuals. Leishmania infection was detected using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay targeting the internal transcribed spacer 1 (ITS-1) gene, and the prevalence of Leishmania infection was calculated in sandflies from different sampling sites using the minimum infection rate (MIR) method. In addition, positive amplicons were sequenced and subjected to phylogenetic analysis. Results A total of 6 155 sandflies were collected from different environments at sampling sites across the six aforementioned regions from July 2023 to July 2024. Phlebotomus chinensis (96.00%) was the dominant sandfly species in Mentougou District, Beijing Municipality, with a small proportion of Ph. sergenti (4.00%), and only Ph. chinensis was found in Xiangning County, Linfen City, Shanxi Province. Ph. wui was the only sandfly species detected in Ejin Banner, Alxa League, Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, and Payzawat County, Kashgar City, Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, and Ph. caucasicus (97.70%) was the dominant sandfly species in Karamay District, Karamay City, Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, with a small proportion of Ph. wui (2.30%), while Ph. alexandri was the only species in Gaochang District, Turpan City, Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. A total of 40, 60, 34, 18, 18, and 22 pools of sandfly samples were tested from Mentougou District in Beijing Municipality, Xiangning County in Linfen City of Shanxi Province, Ejin Banner in Alxa League of Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, Payzawat County in Kashgar City, Karamay District in Karamay City, and Gaochang District in Turpan City of Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, respectively. L. infantum was detected in Ph. chinensis samples from Mentougou District in Beijing Municipality, and Xiangning County of Linfen City in Shanxi Province, with MIR of 0.25% to 1.00%, and L. donovani was detected in Ph. wui from Ejin Banner in Alxa League of Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, and Payzawat County in Kashgar City of Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, with MIR of 0.56% to 0.88%; however, no Leishmania infection was detected in Ph. caucasicus from Karamay District in Karamay City or Ph. alexandri from Gaochang District in Turpan City of Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. Phylogenetic analysis showed that the Leishmania ITS-1 gene sequences obtained from Mentougou District in Beijing Municipality and Xiangning County in Linfen City of Shanxi Province were clustered into the same clade with the reference sequences of L. infantum ITS-1 gene, while the Leishmania ITS-1 gene sequences obtained from Ejin Banner in Alxa League of Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region and Payzawat County in Kashgar City of Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region were clustered into the same clade with the reference sequences of L. donovani ITS-1 gene. Conclusions There are variations in sandfly species in selected areas of northern and northwestern China, and variations in the species of Leishmania infecting sandflies. Improved surveillance of sandfly vectors and targeted control strategies with adaptations to geographical features and leishmaniasis vectors are recommended.
4.Effect of lower extremity exoskeleton robots on balance and walking function of patients with post-stroke cerebellar ataxia
Yuan YUE ; Tong ZHANG ; Yuanmin LIU ; Ya'nan WANG
Chinese Journal of Rehabilitation Theory and Practice 2026;32(1):23-29
ObjectiveTo investigate the effect of lower extremity exoskeleton robots on balance and walking function of patients with post-stroke cerebellar ataxia. MethodsA total of 60 patients with post-stroke cerebellar ataxia in Beijing Bo'ai Hospital from October, 2022 to October, 2024 were selected, and randomly divided into control group (n = 30) and exoskeleton group (n = 30) randomly. Both groups were given conventional exercise training, including trunk control training, rotation axis training and Frenkel training; the exoskeleton group received additional training with lower limb exoskeleton robots, for four weeks. Before and after treatment, the Gait Watch three-dimensional gait analyzer and the Holden Functional Ambulation Classification (HFAC) were used to evaluate the walking spatiotemporal parameters such as walking speed, walking frequency and step length deviation, as well as the walking ability. Berg Balance Scale (BBS) and the International Cooperative Ataxia Rating Scale (ICARS) were used to access the balance and ataxia functions, respectively. ResultsAfter treatment, the walking speed, walking frequency and step length deviation of both groups improved (|t| > 19.676, P < 0.001), the BBS score improved (|t| > 29.032, P < 0.001), and the ICARS scores decreased (t > 33.192, P < 0.001) in both groups, and they were better in the exoskeleton group than in the control group (|t| > 2.284, P < 0.05). There was no significant difference in the improvement rate of HFAC between two groups (P > 0.05). ConclusionLower extremity exoskeleton robots can effectively improve the balance and walking function of patients with post-stroke cerebellar ataxia.
5.Zuoguiwan Mitigates Oxidative Stress in Rat Model of Hyperthyroidism Due to Kidney-Yin Deficiency via DRD4/NOX4 Pathway
Ling LIN ; Qianming LIANG ; Changsheng DENG ; Li RU ; Zhiyong XU ; Chao LI ; Mingshun SHEN ; Yueming YUAN ; Muzi LI ; Lei YANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(2):43-51
ObjectiveTo decipher the mechanism by which Zuoguiwan (ZGW) treat hyperthyroidism in rats with kidney-Yin deficiency based on the dopamine receptor D4 (DRD4)/nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH) oxidase 4 (NOX4) signaling pathway. MethodsThe rat model of kidney-Yin deficiency was induced by unilateral intramuscular injection of dexamethasone (0.35 mg·kg-1). After successful modeling, the rats were randomized into model, methimazole (positive control, 5 mg·kg-1), low-, medium-, and high-dose (1.85, 3.70, 7.40 g·kg-1, respectively) ZGW, and normal control groups. After 21 days of continuous gavage, the behavioral indexes and body weight changes of rats were evaluated. The pathological changes of the renal tissue were observed by hematoxylin-eosin staining. The serum levels of thyroid hormones [triiodothyronine (T3), thyroxine (T4), thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH)], renal function indexes [serum creatine (Scr) and blood urea nitrogen (BUN)], energy metabolism markers [cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) and cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP)], and oxidative stress-related factors [superoxide dismutase (SOD), malondialdehyde (MDA), and NADPH)] were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Western blot was employed to analyze the expression of DRD4, NOX4, mitochondrial respiratory chain complex proteins [NADH:ubiquinone oxidoreductase subunit S4 (NDUFS4) and cytochrome C oxidase subunit 4 (COX4)], and inflammation-related protein [tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), interleukin-6 (IL-6), p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK)] pathway in the renal tissue. ResultsCompared with the normal group, the model group showed mental malaise, body weight decreases (P<0.01), inflammatory cell infiltration in the renal tissue, a few residual parotid glands in the thyroid, elevations in serum levels of T3, T4, Scr, BUN, cAMP, cAMP/cGMP, MDA, and NADPH (P<0.01), down-regulation in protein levels of TSH, SOD, and DRD4 (P<0.05, P<0.01), and up-regulation in expression of NOX4, p-p38 MAPK/p38 MAPK, and inflammatory factors (P<0.01). Compared with the model group, ZGW increased the body weight (P<0.05, P<0.01), reduced the infiltration of renal interstitial inflammatory cells, restored the thyroid structure and follicle size, lowered the serum levels of T3, T4, Scr, BUN, cAMP, cAMP/cGMP, MDA and NADPH (P<0.05, P<0.01), up-regulated the expression of TSH, SOD and DRD4 (P<0.05, P<0.01), and down-regulated the expression of NOX4, p-p38 MAPK/p38 MAPK, and inflammatory factors (P<0.05, P<0.01). Moreover, high-dose ZGW outperformed methimazole (P<0.05). ConclusionBy activating DRD4, ZGW can inhibit the expression of NOX4 mediated by the p38 MAPK pathway, reduce oxidative stress and inflammatory response, thereby ameliorating the pathological state of hyperthyroidism due to kidney-Yin deficiency. This study provides new molecular mechanism support for the clinical application of ZGW.
6.Application of radiomics combined with machine learning algorithms for preoperative prediction of perineural invasion in oral squamous cell carcinoma
MENG Xiangze ; YUAN Ying ; YANG Xi
Journal of Prevention and Treatment for Stomatological Diseases 2026;34(5):456-470
Objective:
To explore the value of contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CT) radiomics combined with machine learning algorithms in the preoperative prediction of perineural invasion (PNI) in oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC), aiming to provide evidence for assisting clinical treatment decision-making.
Methods:
This study was approved by the Ethics Committee of the Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine. A total of 250 OSCC patients confirmed by postoperative pathology were included, comprising 128 PNI-positive and 122 PNI-negative cases. The dataset was randomly divided into training (n=175), validation (n=38), and independent testing (n=37) sets in a ratio of 7:1.5:1.5. Regions of interest were delineated on preoperative images, and radiomic features were extracted. After dimensionality reduction and feature selection using methods like Least Absolute Shrinkage and Selection Operator (LASSO) regression, multiple machine learning models, including support vector machine (SVM), random forest, Light gradient boosting machine (LightGBM), and a Stacking ensemble model, were constructed. Model performance was evaluated using metrics such as the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC), sensitivity, calibration curves, and decision curve analysis (DCA). Model interpretability was analyzed using Shapley additive explanations (SHAP) and grouped permutation feature importance analysis.
Results :
Among the 250 samples analyzed, the LightGBM model based on radiomics demonstrated the best performance on the independent test set, with an AUC of 0.781, outperforming models like SVM (AUC = 0.730) and Random Forest (AUC = 0.691), as well as clinical models (AUCs ranging 0.549-0.711). The LightGBM model showed good calibration (Brier score 0.198), and DCA indicated high clinical net benefit over a wide threshold probability range. Paired DeLong tests revealed no statistically significant differences in AUC between the ensemble (Stacking) model and the corresponding best-performing radiomics-based model. SHAP analysis and grouped permutation feature importance analysis further indicated that the primary discriminative information for the model came from radiomic texture features.
Conclusion
The LightGBM model based on contrast-enhanced CT radiomics demonstrated good discriminative ability for preoperative prediction of PNI in OSCC. In the independent test set, it achieved the highest AUC. This model holds promise as a non-invasive auxiliary tool for preoperative risk assessment. Given the limited sample size of the independent test set, these results require further validation in larger cohorts and external datasets.
7.Expert consensus on precise intervention with repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation for sleep disorders in the elderly
Yuan SHAO ; Jian WANG ; Wei LIANG ; Yingli ZHANG ; Gangqiang HOU ; Xia LI ; Yi XING ; Lu WANG ; Shi TANG ; Yongjun WANG
Sichuan Mental Health 2026;39(2):97-105
In recent years, repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) has garnered significant attention as a therapeutic approach for sleep disorders in the elderly. However, the prevailing rTMS protocols are predominantly developed based on normative neurophysiological data derived from young adults and fail to incorporate individualized parameters tailored to the brain characteristics of the elderly. To address this gap, the consensus development group synthesized the latest evidence from 2010 to 2025 and established a standardized rTMS protocol specifically for elderly patients with sleep disorders. Adhering to the Appraisal of Guidelines for Research and Evaluation II (AGREE II) framework, systematically screened randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and systematic reviews regarding rTMS in the treatment of sleep disorders across various conditions. Meanwhile, the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) system was employed to rigorously grade the quality of evidence and the strength of recommendations. This consensus guideline delineates precise rTMS protocols for the management of sleep disorders in the elderly, highlights the adjustment of stimulation intensity according to scalp-cortex distance recommends either MRI‑guided neuronavigation or the Beam F3/F4 heuristic approach for accurate target localization, thereby providing precise rTMS intervention protocol for sleep disorders in the elderly, aiming to enhance clinical efficacy while ensuring treatment safety. [Funded by National Key Research and Development Program (number, 2023YFC3603200); General Program of Shenzhen Science and Technology Innovation Commission (number, JCYJ20240813112859008, JCYJ20240813112900002); Youth Program of Shenzhen Kangning Hospital (number, KN2023A004); www.guidelines-registry.cn number, PREPARE-2026CN530]
8.Effects of Moxibustion at "Guanyuan (CV 4)" on Oxidative Stress and Autophagy-Related Gene Expression of Skin Tissue in Photoaging Model Rats
Qianqian HUI ; Yuan JING ; Sijie OUYANG ; Shijing YOU ; Boying TONG
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;66(6):621-628
ObjectiveTo explore the potential mechanism of moxibustion at Guanyuan (CV 4) in delaying skin photoaging. MethodsThirty-two male Wistar rats were randomly divided into four groups, namely blank group, model group, vitamin E group, and moxibustion group, with 8 rats in each group. Except for the blank group, dorsal skin of rats were exposed to ultraviolet (UV) radiation to establish a skin photoaging model. One week after modeling, the moxibustion group received moxibustion at "Guanyuan (CV 4)" once a day, five days per week; the vitamin E group received vitamin E (25 mg/kg·d) once a day by gavage, five days per week; the blank group, model group, and moxibustion group received an equivalent volume of normal saline via gavage; the intervention lasted for 7 weeks. After 7 weeks, dorsal skin tissues were collected to analyze the following indicators, such as skin tissue moisture content, histomorphological changes using hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining, Collagen Ⅰ and collagen Ⅲ content using ELISA. Malondialdehyde (MDA), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), superoxide dismutase (SOD), hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), and catalase (CAT) activity in skin tissue were dectected. Western Blot was used to determin autophagy-related proteins, including microtubule-associated protein 1A/1B-light chain 3 (LC3), polyubiquitin-binding protein (p62), and autophagy-specific gene (Beclin-1); LC3, p62, and Beclin-1 mRNA expression was detected via qRT-PCR, and autophagosome formation was observed using transmission electron microscopy (TEM). ResultsHE staining showed that the epidermal structure in the blank group was orderly and evenly thick, while the model group exhibited uneven epidermal thickness. In the moxibustion group, the epidermis was well-structured, smooth, and uniform, with densely arranged dermal layers; the epidermis in the vitamin E group was thicker than that in the model group. Compared with the blank group, the model group exhibited decreased skin moisture content and reduced level of Collagen Ⅰ and collagen Ⅲ, reduced SOD, CAT, and GSH-Px activity in skin tissue, increased H2O2 and MDA activity, elevated p62 protein and mRNA expression, reduced LC3 and Beclin-1 protein and mRNA expression (P<0.05 or P<0.01). Compared with the model group, the moxibustion group showed significant improvement in all these indicators (P<0.05 or P<0.01); whereas the vitamin E group did not show a statistically significant difference in Collagen Ⅰ and collagen Ⅲ levels (P>0.05). TEM results showed that, compared with the blank group, the model group had atrophic skin cells, extensive mitochondrial vacuolization, and degraded cellular structures; the moxibustion group exhibited crescent- or cup-shaped autophagosomes with a significantly increased number of autophagosomes per unit area, whereas the vitamin E group showed less improvement than the moxibustion group. ConclusionMoxibustion at "Guanyuan (CV 4)" may alleviate skin photoaging by regulating oxidative stress imba-lance, modulating cellular autophagy, and promoting collagen synthesis, thereby slowing the aging process of the skin.
9.Sangma Zhike Formula alleviates airway inflammation and hyperresponsiveness in rats with postinfectious cough by inhibiting the TRPV1-SP/CGRP and pyroptosis pathways
Qinjun YANG ; Hongyu ZHU ; Yuan GAO ; Cheng YANG ; Tong LIU ; Lu ZHANG ; Jiabing TONG ; Zegeng LI
Journal of Southern Medical University 2025;45(9):1830-1839
Objective To investigate the therapeutic mechanism of Sangma Zhike Formula(SMZKF)for relieving cough sensitivity and airway inflammation in rats with postinfectious cough(PIC).Methods Male SD rat models were established by cigarette smoke exposure with intranasal LPS instillation and capsaicin aerosol inhalation.From day 19 following the start of PIC modeling,the rats received daily treatment with saline(model group),low-,medium-,and high-dose SMZKF,and compound methoxyphenamine(ASM)via gavage for 10 consecutive days(n=8).The assessments included behavioral changes,cough sensitivity(latency and frequency),lung histopathology,inflammatory cell counts and cytokine/mediator levels in the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid(BALF),oxidative stress markers in the lung tissue,and expressions of proteins related with cough hypersensitivity and pyroptosis.Results The rat models of PIC exhibited reduced mental alertness,accelerated respiration,and pronounced symptoms such as coughing,sneezing,and facial scratching with significantly shortened cough latency and increased 5-min cough frequency.Histopathological analysis revealed collapsed alveolar structures,thickened alveolar septa,and extensive inflammatory cell infiltration in the bronchi and peribronchial regions,accompanied by elevated bronchial and alveolar inflammation scores of the rat models.In the BALF,inflammatory cell counts and the levels of IL-1β,TNF-α,IL-6,COX-2,PGE-2,and TXA-2 were all markedly elevated,and the pulmonary oxidative stress markers(ROS and MDA)and myeloperoxidase(MPO)activity were also significantly increased.The pulmonary expressions of cough hypersensitivity-related proteins(TRPV1,SP,CGRP,and NK1R)and pyroptosis-associated markers(P-NF-κB,NLRP3,ACS,cleaved caspase-1,cleaved IL-1β,and GSDMD-N)were significantly upregulated in the model group.SMZKF interventions significantly ameliorated these pathological changes in the rat models,and high-dose SMZKF produced a similar therapeutic efficacy to that of ASM.Conclusion SMZKF alleviates cough sensitivity and airway inflammation in PIC rats possibly by inhibiting TRPV1-mediated SP/NK1R signaling and the NLRP3/caspase-1/GSDMD pyroptosis pathway.
10.Modified Chevron osteotomy for moderate and severe hallux valgus deformity with enlarged distal metatarsal articular angle
Zizhang LIU ; Yiheng CHENG ; Tong LIU ; Yu YUAN ; Yu SONG ; Ruidong ZHANG ; Yuanpeng MAN ; Wenqing QU
Chinese Journal of Plastic Surgery 2025;41(7):682-691
Objective:To evaluate the radiological and functional outcomes of moderate to severe hallux valgus patients with enlarged distal metatarsal articular angle (DMAA) underwent modified Chevron osteotomy.Methods:The clinical data of patients with moderate and severe hallux valgus with increased distal metatarsal joint angle who accepted surgery operation in the Department of Foot and Ankle Surgery of Yantaishan Hospital from October 2020 to December 2022 were retrospectively analyzed. All patients underwent modified Chevron osteotomy. Taking the proximal end of the metatarsal head centre as the osteotomy apex, the vertical arm osteotomy line in the sagittal plane made an angle of ≤80° with the metatarsal stem, the horizontal plane was inclined to the lateral distal end of the metatarsal head by about 10°, and the sagittal plane metatarsal arm osteotomy line made an angle of ≥90° with the vertical arm osteotomy line; at the proximal osteotomy surface, another cuneiform bone with its base on the medial and its apex on the lateral was resected. The deformity correction was insufficient and Akin osteotomy was performed in combination. Weil osteotomy was performed in combination with metatarsalgia. Radiological assessment including the hallux valgus angle (HVA), intermetatarsal angle (IMA), DMAA, the joint congruity angle (JCA), forefoot bone width and soft tissue width was performed preoperatively and at last follow-up postoperatively. American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Society/hallux metatarsophalangeal-interphalangeal scale (AOFAS/HMIS) was used for clinical and functional evaluation, total score from 0 to 100, with higher scores indicating better function.Visual analogue scale (VAS) was used for pain valuation, total score from 0 to 10, with higher scores indicating more pain. A questionnaire survey on patient satisfaction was conducted at the last follow-up. Shapiro-Wilk test was used for normal distribution test, and measurement data following normal distribution were represented as Mean±SD. Paired t-test was used for comparison before and after operation. Other indicators conformed to non-normal distribution were denoted by M( Q1, Q3) and were tested by Wilcoxon signed-rank test. P<0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results:Fifty-two feet of 48 patients (5 males, 43 females; mean age (52.4±14.9) years; range, 24 to 78 years) were enrolled. Before the operation, 8 feet combined with metatarsalgia, among them, 7 feet underwent modified Chevron+ Akin+ Weil osteotomy, and 1 foot underwent modified Chevron+ Weil osteotomy. Among the 44 feet without metatarsalgia, 11 feet underwent modified Chevron osteotomy and 33 feet underwent modified Chevron+ Akin osteotomy. The mean follow-up time was 17.8 months (12-24 months). The HVA angle decreased from 38.30°±7.59° before surgery to 10.00°±5.73° at the last follow-up; the IMA angle decreased from 16.08°(12.89°, 18.24°) to 4.81°(3.62°, 7.57°); the DMAA angle decreased from 18.35°(13.03°, 27.47°) to 4.52°(2.68°, 7.09°); JCA decreased significantly from 15.93°(10.25°, 23.06°) to 3.56°(1.71°, 6.98°); forefoot bone width decreased from (90.05±6.12) mm to (82.75±5.01) mm; forefoot soft tissue width decrease from 102.25(96.77, 107.15) mm to 98.08(91.01, 100.60) mm; the VAS decreased from 6(5.5, 7) points to 0(0, 0) points; the score according to the AOFAS/HMIS forefoot was increased from 49(42, 52.5) points to 90(83.5, 95) points; which were statistically significant compared with that before the operation (all P<0.01). There was no statistically significant difference in the first metatarsal length before the operation and at the last follow-up [54.60(52.86, 56.42) mm vs. 54.29(51.85, 56.35) mm, P>0.05]. In the post-operative period, there were 8 feet had limited metatarsophalangeal joint movement, 3 feet had limited interphalangeal joint movement, 5 feet had limited movement in both joints, which did not affect walking and function; 3 feet of partial recurrence of hallux valgus, 2 feet of screw irritation pain, 1 foot of cystic degeneration of the first metatarsal head, and no complications such as metastatic metatarsalgia. The satisfaction survey showed that the satisfaction rate of patients with the orthopedic effect was 90.4% (47/52). Conclusion:The modified Chevron osteotomy is effective in the treatment of moderate to severe hallux valgus with enlarged DMAA. Careful intraoperative operation and standardized postoperative rehabilitation training can reduce complications.


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