OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effectiveness of spring ligament repair combined with subtalar arthroereisis (STA) and the Kidner procedure for treating children's flexible flatfoot with painful accessory navicular. METHODS: A retrospective analysis was conducted on clinical data from 45 children (45 feet) aged 7-14 years with flexible flatfoot and painful accessory navicular who met the selection criteria and were treated between February 2018 and May 2022. Among them, 23 cases (23 feet) were treated with spring ligament repair combined with STA and Kidner procedure (observation group), while 22 cases (22 feet) received STA with Kidner procedure alone (control group). Comparison of baseline data between the two groups including gender, age, affected side, preoperative visual analogue scale (VAS) score, American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society (AOFAS) score, talonavicular coverage angle (TCA), talus-first metatarsal angle (T1MT), talus-second metatarsal angle (T2MT), talus first plantar angle (Meary angle), calcaneal inclination angle (Pitch angle) showed no significant differences ( P>0.05). The following parameters were recorded and compared between the two groups: operation time, intraoperative blood loss, incision length, hospital stay, time to full weight-bearing, and complication rates. Foot pain and functional recovery were assessed using the VAS score and AOFAS score preoperatively and at last follow-up. Radiographic measurements including TCA, T1MT, T2MT, Meary angle, and Pitch angle were analyzed by comparing preoperative to last follow-up values. RESULTS: Both groups of patients successfully completed the surgery without any procedure-related complications such as vascular, neural, or tendon injury. The operation time in the observation group was significantly longer than that in the control group ( P<0.05). There was no significant difference between the two groups in terms of intraoperative blood loss, incision length, hospital stay, or time to full weight-bearing ( P>0.05). All patients were followed up 23-47 months (mean, 33.7 months). In the control group, 1 patient experienced discomfort during walking, attributed to screw irritation in the sinus tarsi, which resolved after 2-3 months of rehabilitation. None of the remaining patients developed complications such as sinus tarsi screw loosening, peroneal tendon contracture, or wound infection. At last follow-up, the observation group showed significantly better improvements in radiographic parameters (TCA, T1MT, T2MT, Meary angle, Pitch angle) and greater reductions in VAS and AOFAS scores compared to the control group ( P<0.05). CONCLUSION The combined procedure of spring ligament repair, STA, and Kidner procedure for children's flexible flatfoot with painful accessory navicular demonstrates significant improvements in foot appearance, arch collapse correction, and pain relief. This technique offers technical simplicity, minimal intraoperative complications, and satisfactory clinical outcomes.
Humans ; Flatfoot/surgery* ; Child ; Retrospective Studies ; Adolescent ; Male ; Female ; Treatment Outcome ; Tarsal Bones/abnormalities* ; Subtalar Joint/surgery* ; Ligaments, Articular/surgery* ; Orthopedic Procedures/methods* ; Foot Diseases

OBJECTIVE: To explore the effectiveness of partial translocation of flexor carpi radialis tendon in the treatment of traumatic dislocation of the first carpometacarpal joint. METHODS: The clinical data of 6 patients with traumatic dislocation of the first carpometacarpal joint who met the selection criteria between March 2020 and June 2024 were retrospectively analyzed. There were 3 males and 3 females with an average age of 33.5 years (range, 16-42 years). All the 6 cases were treated with plaster immobilization for 4-6 weeks, and the time from injury to operation was 6-12 weeks, with an average of 8.8 weeks. All patients underwent reconstruction of the metacarpophalangeal anterior oblique ligament and dorsal posterior oblique ligament of the first carpometacarpal joint with partial translocation of flexor carpi radialis tendon. The pain relief was evaluated by visual analogue scale (VAS) score before and after operation, and the pinch force, palmar abduction and radial abduction angles of the affected side and the healthy side were recorded before and after operation, and the ratio of the above indexes between the affected side and the healthy side was calculated to evaluate the effectiveness. RESULTS: All the incisions healed by first intention after operation, and there was no complication related to operation such as neurovascular injury. All patients were followed up 6-19 months (mean, 12.7 months). The range of motion of the thumb on the affected side was the same as that on the healthy side, the first carpometacarpal joint was stable without recurrent dislocation and pain. At last follow-up, the VAS score, the pinch force of the affected side, the abduction angle of the palmar side of the affected thumb, the abduction angle of the radial side of the affected thumb, and the pinch force ratio, the palmar abduction angle ratio of the thumb, and the radial abduction angle ratio of the thumb of the affected side to the healthy side significantly improved when compared with those before operation ( P<0.05). CONCLUSION Partial translocation of the flexor carpi radialis tendon to reconstruct the metacarpophalangeal and dorsal radial ligaments for the treatment of traumatic dislocation of the first carpometacarpal joint is a reliable surgical method.
Humans ; Carpometacarpal Joints/surgery* ; Male ; Female ; Adult ; Adolescent ; Retrospective Studies ; Joint Dislocations/surgery* ; Young Adult ; Tendons/surgery* ; Tendon Transfer/methods* ; Plastic Surgery Procedures/methods* ; Treatment Outcome ; Range of Motion, Articular ; Ligaments, Articular/injuries*

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*

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effectiveness of hip arthroscopy in the treatment of patients with femoroacetabular impingement (FAI) syndrome combined with ligamentum teres injury. METHODS: A retrospective analysis was conducted on 23 patients (23 hips) with Cam-type FAI syndrome combined with ligamentum teres injury who met the selection criteria between April 2022 and May 2024. The cohort included 12 males and 11 females, with a mean age of 29.16 years (range, 16-57 years). According to Tönnis classification, there were 5 cases of grade 0, 10 cases of grade Ⅰ, and 8 cases of grade Ⅱ in hip osteoarthritis. The disease duration ranged from 6 to 24 months, with an average of 12 months. Under hip arthroscopy, hypertrophic synovium and the damaged ligamentum teres were debrided, while the torn labrum and cartilage were repaired, and femoral head-neck osteoplasty was performed to eliminate impingement, restore the normal morphology of the acetabulum and femoral head-neck, and suture the joint capsule. Acetabular lateral center-edge angle (LCEA) and α angle (reflecting the degree of non-sphericity at the femoral head-neck junction) were measured before and after operation, and the modified Harris hip score (mHHS), the International Hip Outcome Tool-12 (IHOT-12), and the visual analogue scale (VAS) score for pain were evaluated. RESULTS: The operation was successfully completed in all patients. The incisions healed by first intention after operation, and there was no perioperative complications such as iatrogenic cartilage injury, fracture, infection, neurovascular traction injury, or lower extremity venous thrombosis. All the 23 patients were followed up 12-24 months, with an average of 14.6 months. The pain of hip joint significantly relieved, and the function of hip joint improved; no complication such as joint stiffness, joint instability, and osteonecrosis of the femoral head occurred. The α angle, VAS score, mHHS score, and IHOT-12 score at last follow-up were significantly better than those before operation ( P<0.05); there was no significant difference in LCEA compared to preoperative value ( P>0.05). CONCLUSION Hip arthroscopy is a safe and effective treatment for patients with FAI syndrome combined with ligamentum teres injury, which can achieve satisfactory effectiveness.
Humans ; Femoracetabular Impingement/complications* ; Arthroscopy/methods* ; Adult ; Male ; Female ; Retrospective Studies ; Middle Aged ; Adolescent ; Treatment Outcome ; Young Adult ; Hip Joint/surgery* ; Acetabulum/surgery* ; Round Ligaments/surgery* ; Range of Motion, Articular

OBJECTIVE: To explore the effectiveness of the flexor digitorum longus (FDL) transfer combined with single-bundle spring ligament reconstruction and medial displacement calcaneal osteotomy in the treatment of stage ⅠAB progressive collapsing foot deformity (PCFD). METHODS: Between January 2019 and September 2023, 19 patients (19 feet) with stage ⅠAB PCFD were treated with FDL transfer combined with single-bundle spring ligament reconstruction and medial displacement calcaneal osteotomy. There were 11 males and 8 females, aged 18 to 60 years, with an average age of 45.5 years. Nine cases were on the left foot and 10 cases on the right foot. The disease duration was 9-21 months, with an average of 12.3 months. Postoperatively, the effectiveness was evaluated by visual analogue scale (VAS) for pain, American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) score, and Tegner score. Based on X-ray films, the talonavicular coverage angle (TNCA), talus-first metatarsal angle (T1MT), Meary angle, and pitch angle were measured. The plantar pressure parameters of the foot were measured by the Footscan plantar pressure measurement system, including peak pressure and load of the forefoot, midfoot, and hind foot. The patients' satisfaction with the surgical outcome was evaluated. RESULTS: All 19 surgeries were successfully completed. One patient had poor incision healing after operation, while the incisions of the remaining patients healed by first intention. All patients were followed up 12-28 months (mean, 16.8 months). At last follow-up, the VAS score significantly decreased compared with that before operation, and the AOFAS score and Tegner score significantly increased ( P<0.05). Radiological measurements showed that the TNCA, T1MT, Meary angle, and Pitch angle all significantly improved compared with those before operation ( P<0.05). Plantar pressure tests indicated that the peak pressures of the forefoot and midfoot significantly reduced compared with those before operation ( P<0.05), while the peak pressure of the hind foot showed no significant change ( P>0.05). The forefoot load significantly increased and the midfoot load decreased compared with those before operation ( P<0.05), while the hind foot load showed no significant change ( P>0.05). The total satisfaction rate of patients with the surgical outcome (very satisfied+satisfied) reached 84.2% (16/19). CONCLUSION The FDL transfer combined with single-bundle spring ligament reconstruction and medial displacement calcaneal osteotomy can effectively correct the stage ⅠAB PCFD, improve the abnormal distribution of plantar pressure and load, alleviate foot pain symptoms, and improve foot movement function. The patient's satisfaction is high. However, the long-term effectiveness still needs to be further observed and clarified.
Humans ; Female ; Male ; Osteotomy/methods* ; Adult ; Middle Aged ; Calcaneus/surgery* ; Young Adult ; Adolescent ; Tendon Transfer/methods* ; Treatment Outcome ; Plastic Surgery Procedures/methods* ; Foot Deformities/surgery* ; Ligaments, Articular/surgery*

Objective:To evaluate the feasibility, safety and effects of tumor resection in the anterior space of the styloid process via transoral endoscopic medial parapterygomandibular ligament approach. Methods:This retrospective study included 24 patients who were diagnosed with tumors in the anterior space of the styloid process and treated with the transoral endoscopic medial parapterygomandibular ligament approach. Twenty-four patients who underwent surgery by traditional approach were selected on a 1∶1 ratio as control group. We compared the en bloc resection rate, the operation time, amount of blood loss, the postoperative pain VAS score, recurrence rate, length of hospital stay, complication rate between the two groups. Results:Among the 24 patients, pleomorphic adenoma was confirmed in 18 cases （75.0%）, basal cell adenoma in 2 cases （8.3%）, and neurilemmoma in 4 cases （16.7%）. In the transoral endoscopic group, the en bloc resection rate was 91.7%, the maximum tumor diameter was （42.2±12.2） mm, the operative time was （117.9±29.8）min, the blood loss was （36.7±18.7） mL, the postoperative pain VAS score （1.5±0.7）, no recurrence was observed, length of hospital stay was （10.8±2.9） d. Wound dehiscence occurred in one case in the transoral endoscopic group, and no other postoperative complication was observed. There were significant differences in the operation time, blood loss, the postoperative pain VAS score between the two groups, while no difference was found in gender, age, en bloc resection rate and length of hospital stay. Conclusion:The tumor resection in the anterior space of the styloid process via transoral endoscopic medial parapterygomandibular ligament approach was safe, minimally invasive and feasible.
Humans ; Male ; Female ; Retrospective Studies ; Middle Aged ; Adult ; Endoscopy/methods* ; Temporal Bone/surgery* ; Aged ; Young Adult ; Ligaments/surgery*

OBJECTIVE: To review the research progress of Schöttle's method in medial patellofemoral ligament reconstruction (MPFLR), and provide the latest knowledge and suggestions for surgical treatment. METHODS: The studies on Schöttle's method at home and abroad in recent years were extensively collected, then summarized the problems affecting the accuracy of Schöttle's method and the new ideas to improve the accuracy of localization. RESULTS: It's vital to accurately locate the femoral tunnel during MPFLR. Malposition of the femoral tunnel is the main cause of postoperative complications and surgical failure. Schöttle's method is the most well studied and most reproducible method for femoral tunnel localization, which is widely used as the "gold standard". However, there are still problems that affect the accuracy of Schöttle's method, including the impact of the internal/external rotation and varus/valgus of the knee on localization accuracy, unclear requirements for X-ray imaging and anatomical landmark reference line drawing standards, no suitable for patients with anatomical variations, and lack of further research on pediatric patients. In recent years, some new ideas are proposed to improve the Schöttle's method to improve the localization accuracy. CONCLUSION Future research should combine new technologies such as three-dimensional (3D) printing and intraoperative navigation to develop personalized and intelligent Schöttle's method, further improving their localization accuracy.
Humans ; Femur/surgery* ; Plastic Surgery Procedures/methods* ; Patellofemoral Joint/surgery* ; Patellar Ligament/surgery* ; Postoperative Complications ; Knee Joint/surgery* ; Ligaments, Articular/surgery* ; Tomography, X-Ray Computed/methods*

OBJECTIVES: Pelvic organ prolapse (POP) is a common condition in postmenopausal women, with an increasing prevalence due to aging. Some women experience POP recurrence after surgical treatment, significantly affecting their physical and mental health. The uterosacral ligament is a critical pelvic support structure. This study aims to investigate the molecular pathological changes in the uterosacral ligament of postmenopausal women with recurrent POP using transcriptomic analysis. METHODS: Transcriptomic data of uterosacral ligament tissues were obtained from the public dataset GSE28660, which includes samples from 4 postmenopausal women with recurrent POP, 4 with primary POP, and 4 without POP. Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified between recurrent POP and both primary and non-POP groups. Further analysis included intersection analysis of DEGs, gene ontology enrichment, protein-protein interaction (PPI) network construction, gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA), single-sample GSEA, and xCell immune cell infiltration analysis to explore molecular pathological changes in recurrent POP. Additionally, histological and molecular differences in the uterosacral ligament were compared between simulated vaginal delivery (SVD) rat models with and without ovariectomy. RESULTS: Compared with primary POP and non-POP groups, recurrent POP exhibited activation of adipogenesis and inflammation-related pathways, while pathways related to muscle proliferation and contraction were downregulated in the uterosacral ligament. Nine key DEGs (ADIPOQ, FABP4, IL-6, LIPE, LPL, PCK1, PLIN1, PPARG, and CD36) were identified, with most enriched in the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR) signaling pathway. These genes were significantly correlated with lipid accumulation, monocyte infiltration, and neutrophil infiltration in the uterosacral ligament. Urodynamic testing revealed that the bladder leak point pressure was significantly higher in ovariectomized SVD rats, both of which had higher values than the sham group. Masson staining showed pronounced adipogenesis in the uterosacral ligament of ovariectomized SVD rats, along with reduced collagen and muscle fibers compared to the sham and non-ovariectomized SVD groups. Furthermore, real-time RT-PCR confirmed significantly elevated expression of key DEGs, including ADIPOQ, IL-6, PCK1, and PLIN1, in the uterosacral ligaments of ovariectomized SVD rats. CONCLUSIONS Adipogenesis and inflammation in the uterosacral ligament may contribute to its reduced supportive function, potentially leading to recurrence POP in postmenopausal women.
Female ; Humans ; Ligaments/pathology* ; Pelvic Organ Prolapse/metabolism* ; Postmenopause ; Animals ; Rats ; Adipogenesis/genetics* ; Recurrence ; Gene Expression Profiling ; Transcriptome ; Middle Aged ; Ovariectomy ; Protein Interaction Maps ; Aged ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley ; Uterus

OBJECTIVE: To study the effectiveness of TightRope elastic fixation combined with functional total repair of the inferior tibiofibular ligament in the treatment of distal tibiofibular syndesmosis injury. METHODS: The clinical data of 34 patients with distal tibiofibular syndesmosis injury who met the selection criteria between January 2020 and January 2022 were retrospectively analyzed, and they were divided into improved group (TightRope elastic fixation combined with functional total repair of inferior tibiofibular ligament) and control group (distal tibiofibular screw fixation) according to the surgical methods, with 17 cases in each group. There was no significant difference in age, gender, body mass index, fracture type, and other baseline data between the two groups (P>0.05). The operation time, intraoperative blood loss, and complications were recorded in the two groups. The American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) score, ankle metatarsal flexion and dorsal extension range of motion were used to evaluate the ankle function. The patient satisfaction survey was conducted at last follow-up. RESULTS: All 34 patients were followed up 8-20 months, with a median of 13 months. The operation time and intraoperative blood loss in the improved group were significantly longer than that in the control group (P<0.05). In the improved group, no infection or poor reduction occurred, and only 1 patient had TightRope knot reaction at 6 months after operation. In the control group, there were 2 cases of poor reduction, 1 case of lower tibiofibular screw rupture, and 1 case of subcutaneous infection (cured after anti-infection treatment). There was no significant difference in the incidence of complications between the two groups (P>0.05). At last follow-up, the AOFAS score and ankle metatarsal flexion and dorsal extension range of motion of the improved group were significantly better than those of the control group (P<0.05). The satisfaction rates of patients in the improved group and the control group were 94.1% and 82.4%, respectively, showing significant difference (P<0.05). CONCLUSION TightRope elastic fixation combined with functional total repair of inferior tibiofibular ligament in the treatment of distal tibiofibular syndesmosis injury has sufficient fixation strength, and can achieve better effectiveness and joint function compared with traditional screw fixation.
Humans ; Ankle Joint/surgery* ; Blood Loss, Surgical ; Ligaments/surgery* ; Plastic Surgery Procedures ; Retrospective Studies ; Ankle Injuries/surgery*

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the operability and effectiveness of a self-developed patellar bone canal locator (hereinafter referred to as "locator") in the reconstruction of the medial patellofemoral ligament (MPFL). METHODS: A total of 38 patients with recurrent patellar dislocation who met the selection criteria admitted between January 2022 and December 2022 were randomly divided into study group (the patellar canal was established with a locator during MPFL reconstruction) and control group (no locator was used in MPFL reconstruction), with 19 cases in each group. There was no significant difference in baseline data between the two groups ( P>0.05), such as gender, age, body mass index, disease duration, patella Wiberg classification, constituent ratio of cartilage injury, Caton index, tibia tubercle-trochlear groove, and preoperative Lysholm score, Kujal score, Tegner score, visual analogue scale (VAS) score, and so on. The Lysholm score, Kujal score, Tegner score, and VAS score were used to evaluate knee joint function before operation and at 3 days,1 month, 3 months, and 6 months after operation. The ideal prepatellar cortical thickness and canal length were measured before operation, and the actual prepatellar cortical thickness and canal length after operation were also measured, and D1 (the distance between the ideal entrance and the actual entrance), D2 (the ideal canal length minus the actual canal length), D3 (the ideal prepatellar cortical thickness minus the actual prepatellar cortical thickness) were calculated. RESULTS: Patients in both groups were followed up 6-8 months (mean, 6.7 months). The incision length and intraoperative blood loss in the study group were smaller than those in the control group, but the operation time was longer than that in the control group, the differences were significant ( P<0.05). There was no complication such as incision infection, effusion, and delayed healing in both groups, and no further dislocation occurred during follow-up. One patient in the study group had persistent pain in the anserine area after operation, and the symptoms were relieved after physiotherapy. The VAS score of the two groups increased significantly at 3 days after operation, and gradually decreased with the extension of time; the change trends of Lysholm score, Kujal score, and Tegner score were opposite to VAS score. Except that the Lysholm score and Kujal score of the study group were higher than those of the control group at 3 days after operation, and the VAS score of the study group was lower than that of the control group at 3 days and 1 month after operation, the differences were significant ( P<0.05), there was no significant difference in the scores between the two groups at other time points ( P>0.05). Patellar bone canal evaluation showed that there was no significant difference in preoperative simulated ideal canal length, prepatellar cortical thickness, and postoperative actual canal length between the two groups ( P>0.05). The postoperative actual prepatellar cortical thickness of the study group was significantly smaller than that of the control group ( P<0.05). D1 and D3 in the study group were significantly higher than those in control group ( P<0.05), but there was no significant difference in D2 between the two groups ( P>0.05). CONCLUSION The locator can improve the accuracy of MPFL reconstruction surgery, reduce the possibility of intraoperative damage to the articular surface of patella and postoperative patellar fractures.
Humans ; Patella/surgery* ; Patellar Dislocation/surgery* ; Patellofemoral Joint/surgery* ; Knee Joint/surgery* ; Joint Dislocations ; Ligaments, Articular/surgery*