ObjectiveTo review the history, current situation, and progress of augmentation plate (AP) for femoral shaft nonunion after intramedullary nail fixation.MethodsThe results of the clinical studies about the AP in treatment of femoral shaft nonunion after intramedullary nail fixation in recent years were widely reviewed and analyzed.ResultsThe AP has been successfully applied to femoral shaft nonunion after intramedullary nail fixation since 1997. According to breakage of the previous nailing, AP is divided into two categories: AP with retaining the previous intramedullary nail and AP with exchanging intramedullary nail. AP is not only suitable for simple nonunion, but also for complex nonunion with severe deformity. Compared with exchanging intramedullary nail, lateral plate, and dual plate, AP has less surgical trauma, shorter healing time, higher healing rate, and faster returning to society. However, there are still some problems with the revision method, including difficulty in bicortical screw fixation, lack of anatomic plate suitable for femoral shaft nonunion, and lack of postoperative function and quality of life assessment.ConclusionCompared with other revision methods, AP could achieve higher fracture healing rate and better clinical prognosis for patients with femoral shaft nonunion. However, whether patients benefit from AP in terms of function and quality of life remain uncertain. Furthermore, high-quality randomized controlled clinical studies are needed to further confirm that AP are superior to the other revision fixations.
Objective To explore the effect of blocking screws on the breakage of interlocking intramedullary nails. Methods From January 2003to August 2005, 56 patients with fresh and close fracture of long shafts were treated by interlocking intramedullary nails. Among them, there were 32 males and 24 females, including 26 femoral fracture and 30 tibial fracture. Fracture of femoral and tibialshaft was fixed with interlocking intramedullary nails normally in group Ⅰ(n=32). And long oblique, spiral, proximal or distal fracture of bone shaft was fixed with interlocking intramedullary nails and blocking screws in group Ⅱ(n=24). Results All cases were followed up 12 to 21 months(16 months on average). In group Ⅰ, fracture healing failed and the intramedullary nails broke in 3 cases, breakage site was the middle femoral fracture area in 1 case and the first distal interlocking nail hole in 2 cases of distal 1/3 tibial fracture. Fractures healed 6 to 12 months after operations in the other cases, but more bony callus occurred in fracture area. In group Ⅱ, fractures healing and good alignment were achieved, and no breakage was found in all 24cases. Conclusion The use of blocking screws added to interlocking intramedullary nails could improve the stability of fracture areas distinctively, and hence reduce the breakage of intramedullary nails.
ObjectiveTo investigate the effectiveness of intramedullary nailing fixation in semi-extended position via extraarticular parapatellar approach for tibial shaft fracture.MethodsBetween July 2018 and September 2019, 22 patients with tibial shaft fracture treated with intramedullary nailing fixation in semi-extended position via extraarticular parapatellar approach. There were 15 males and 7 females, with an average age of 46.4 years (range, 25-68 years). The fractures were caused by falling in 7 cases, by traffic accident in 14 cases, and by a heavy object in 1 case. Sixteen patients were closed fractures and 6 were open fractures. According to the AO classification, there were 4 cases of 42-A1 type, 2 cases of 42-A2 type, 3 cases of 42-A3 type, 3 cases of 42-B2 type, 4 cases of 42-B3 type, 2 cases of 42-C1 type, 3 cases of 42-C2 type, and 1 case of 42-C3 type. Twenty cases complicated with fibular fractures. The time from injury to operation was 2-15 days (mean, 7.5 days). The fracture healing time, complications, the incidence of anterior knee pain during the follow-up were observed; and knee joint functions were evaluated by Lysholm score at last follow-up.ResultsThe operation time was 50-140 minutes (mean, 85 minutes). Two cases experienced incision exudation which healed after symptomatic treatment. The incisions of other patients healed by first intention. All patients were followed up 8-23 months (mean, 14.9 months). X-ray films reexamination showed that all fractures healed with the healing time of 12-20 weeks (mean, 14.4 weeks). Four patients (18.18%) experienced the anterior knee pain. No patellofemoral instability was observed during the follow-up period. Lysholm score of knee function was 85-100 (mean, 94.3) at last follow-up. ConclusionApplication of the intramedullary nailing fixation in semi-extended position via extraarticular parapatellar approach is effective for tibial shaft fractures, which can not only realize the effective fixation of the fracture, but also avoid the adverse factors including re-displacement and anterior knee pain in the application of the intramedullary nailing fixation via the sub-patellar approach.
Objective To develop a new type of tail cap for closing the tail of the central hole of the interlocking intramedullary nail so as to reduce difficulty in implantation of the tail cap into intramedullary nail, and ensure the accuracy of implantation, as well as reduce unnecessary operation time. Methods In 2014, the new type of intramedullary nail tail cap (" new tail cap” for short) was successfully developed, and has been granted national utility model patent. A randomized controlled clinical trial was conducted in 34 patients with non pathological femoral shaft fractures treated between August 2014 and March 2016. The patients were randomly divided into groups A and B, 17 patients each group. There was no significant difference in gender, age, side, body mass index, cause of injury, injury to operation time, and fracture AO classification between groups (P>0.05), with comparability. All patients underwent fixation with interlocking intramedullary nail, and the new tail cap and original tail cap were used in groups A and B respectively. The blood loss and operation time during tail cap implantation, fracture healing time, and complications were recorded and compared between 2 groups; the limb function was evaluated by Klemm function evaluation standard. Results The blood loss and operation time during tail cap implantation of group A [(3.5±0.8) mL and (10.57±3.15) s] were significantly less than those of group B [(5.5±1.7) mL and (21.99±6.90) s] (t=–8.281,P=0.010;t=–10.743,P=0.009). All new tail caps were successfully implanted by one-time in group A, and the one-time success rate was 100%; the original tail cap exfoliation occurred in 3 cases of group B, and the one-time success rate was 82.4%. All the patients were followed up 6-16 months (mean, 9.7 months); there was no deep infection, loosening or breakage of internal fixation, and other serious complications. The time of fracture healing was (16.4±3.2) weeks in group A and (15.8±3.5) weeks in group B, showing no significant difference (t=0.514,P=0.611). At last follow-up, according to the Klemm function evaluation standard, the results were excellent in 14 cases and good in 3 cases in group A, and were excellent in 11 cases and good in 6 cases in group B, showing no significant difference between 2 groups (χ2=0.142,P=0.707). Conclusion The new type of femoral intramedullary nail tail cap can simplify operation, shorten operation time, and reduce blood loss, and it has satisfactory effectiveness.
Objective To evaluate the treatment results of LCP and locked intramedullary nailing for tibial diaphysis fractures.MethodsFrom October 2003 to April 2006, 55 patients with tibial diaphysis fractures ( 58 fractures) were treated. Of them there were 39 males and 16 females with an average of 39 years years ( 14 to 62 years). The fractures were on the left side in 27 patients and on the right side in 31 patients (3 patients had bilateral involvement). Thirtyfour fractures were treated by intramedullary nailing (intramedullary nailing group) and 24 fractures by LCP fixation (LCP group). The average disease course was 3 days (intramedullary nailing group) and 3.1 days(LCP group). The operation time, the range of motion of knee and ankle joints, fracturehealing time, and complications were evaluated. Results The patients were followed up 8-26 months(13 months on average). The operation time was 84.0±9.2 min (intramedullary nailing group) and 69.0±8.4 min (LCPgroup)； the average cost in hospital was￥19 297.78 in the intramedullary nailing group and ￥14 116.55 in the LCP group respectively, showing significant differences(P＜0.05). The flexion and extension of knee joint was 139.0±3.7° and 4.0±0.7° in intramedullary nailing group and 149.0±4.2° and 0±0.4° in LCP group, showing no significant difference(Pgt;0.05). The doral flexion and plantar flexion of ankle joint were 13.0±1.7° and 41.0±2.6° in intramedullary nailing group, and 10.0±1.4° and 44.0±2.3° in LCP group, showing nosignificant differences(Pgt;0.05). The mean healing time was 3.3 months in intramedullary nailing group, and 3.1 months in LCP group. Length discrepancy occurred in 1 case (2.5 cm), delayed union in 1 case and nailing endtrouble in 3 cases in intramedullary nailing group; moreover rotation deformityoccurred 1 case and anterior knee pain occurred in 6 cases(17.1%). One angulation and open fracture developed osteomyelitis in 1 case 1 week postoperatively and angulation deformity occurred in 1 case of distalthird tibial fractures in LCP group. Conclusion LCP and locked intramedullary nailing can achieve satisfactory results in treating tibial diaphysis fracture LCP has advantages in less complication, operation time and cost in hospital.
Objective To determine the effect of interlocking intramedullary nail in treatment of open tibial and fibula fractures and analyze the method to promote the bone union. Methods From December 2003 to June 2006, thirtyfive patients with open tibial and fibula fracture were treated with emergency debridement, interlocked intramedullary fixation for tibia and fixed fibula at the same time. During operation, the bone marrow was collected and grafted into the fracture gaps. Among them, there were 27 males and 8 females, involving in 22 left legs and 13 right legs. Their ages ranged from 19 to 65 years, with an average of 34.7 years. The location of fracture was the middle of the tibia and fibula in 16 cases, the distal 1/3 of the tibia and fibula in 12 cases and the proximal 1/3 in 7 cases. According to the Gusitilo classification of open injuries, there were 7 cases of type I, 19 cases of type II, 8 cases of type III a and 1 case of type III b. The mean range of knee motion was 48.3° (45-70°). The mean time from injury to operation was 4.3 hours (50 minutes to 7 hours). Results The mean operation time was 94 minutes (60-132 minutes) and the mean blood loss was 122 mL (100-350 mL). The wound healed by first intention in 32 patients. Incision was sutured in 2 cases of type III a fractures after operation 4 days, gastrocnemius flap graft was performed in 1 case of type III b fracture 1 week after operation. They all achieve good heal ing. No fractures spl it off, no iatrogenic nerve and vascular injury occurred, no osteofascial compartment syndromes or deep vein thrombus happened. Tension bl isters appeared in 1 case of type II fracture after operation and subsided after 5 days. Patients were followed up for 14-43 months (mean 22 months). The X-ray films showed that fracture union was observe in 30 cases after 14 weeks of operation, in 3 cases after 18 weeks and in 1 caseafter 22 weeks of operation. The fractures union time was 15.2 weeks on average. About 2 cm nonunion in lateral tibial appeared in 1 case of type I fracture. No fracture occurred again. The mean range of knee motion was 127° (121-135°). The mean HSS score was 96.5 (87-100) at the end of the follow-up. The excellent and good rate was 100%. Conclusion The curative effect of interlocking intramedullary nail is definite in treatment of open tibial and fibula fractures and it can enhance fracture union to plant bone marrow into the fracture gaps.
ObjectiveTo explore the effectiveness difference between titanium elastic intramedullary nail internal fixation and bone plate internal fixation in the treatment of adult Galeazzi fracture.MethodsNinety-seven patients of Galeazzi fracture according with the selection criteria were divided into 2 groups by prospective cohort study, who were admitted between January 2012 and November 2015. In the patients, 59 were treated with open reduction and bone plate internal fixation (plate group), and 38 with titanium elastic intramedullary nail internal fixation (minimally invasive group). There was no significant difference in the gender, age, cause of injury, fracture site, type of fracture, and time from injury to operation between 2 groups (P>0.05). The operation time, intraoperative blood loss, fracture healing time, and complications were recorded and compared between 2 groups, and the forearm function was evaluated by Anderson score.ResultsAll the patients were followed up 12-23 months (mean, 17 months). The operation time, intraoperative blood loss, fracture healing time of minimally invasive group were significantly less than those in plate group (P<0.05). There were 1 case of fracture nonunion, 1 case of wound infection in plate group, and 1 case of nail tail slight infection in minimally invasive group, which were all cured after the corresponding treatment. The remaining patients had good fracture healing, and no vascular injury, internal fixation failure, deep infection, or other complications occurred. According to Anderson score at 12 months after operation, the forearm function results were excellent in 46 cases, good in 12 cases, and poor in 1 case, with an excellent and good rate of 98.3% in plate group; and the results were excellent in 26 cases, good in 11 cases, and poor in 1 case, with an excellent and good rate of 97.4% in minimally invasive group; showing no significant difference (χ2=0.10, P=0.75).ConclusionMinimally invasive fixation with titanium elastic nail has such advantages as small damage, quick recovery, no skin scarring, etc. As long as the correct indication is selected, minimally invasive titanium intramedullary nail internal fixation of Galeazzi fractures can also get good effectiveness.
Objective To review the recent advances in treatment of aseptic femoral shaft nonunion. Methods The clinical studies about the treatments of aseptic femoral shaft nonunion in recent years were widely reviewed and analyzed. Results There are several surgical methods for aseptic femoral shaft nonunion. Due to uncertain clinical outcome, dynamization of nail should be carefully selected. The exchange nailing is suitable for the hypertrophic nonunion of the isthmal femoral shaft fracture. The exchange lateral plating is suitable for nonunion with obvious malformation. However, wave plate or dual plate should be chosen when the bone nonuinon is combined with the medial defect. The augmentation plating improves the success rate of nailing for femoral shaft nonunion, but it should be carefully selected for patients with obvious deformity or bone defect. Ilizarov technique is suitable for various bone nonunion, especially with complicated or large segmental bone defects. Induced membrane technique is also an important method for the treatment of bone nonunion with large bone defects. The clinical efficacy of the blocking screw remains to be supported by further evidence. Biological stimulants are mainly used for atrophic nonunion, and the clinical efficacy of them alone are still controversial. Conclusion Due to lack of comparative studies between different surgical methods, the orthopedist should choose the appropriate treatment according to the individual situations of the patient and the types of bone nonunion.
Objective To compare the effectiveness of intramedullary nailing fixation via suprapatellar approach and medial parapatellar approach in semi-extended position in the treatment of multiple tibial fractures.Methods The clinical data of 43 patients with multiple tibial fractures treated with intramedullary nailing fixation between July 2018 and December 2022 were retrospectively analyzed, including 23 patients treated with suprapatellar approach in semi-extended position (group A) and 20 patients with medial parapatellar approach in semi-extended position (group B). There was no significant difference in gender, age, cause of injury, time from injury to operation, AO/Orthopaedic Trauma Association (AO/OTA) classification, preoperative visual analogue scale (VAS) score, and range of motion (ROM) of the knee joint between the two groups (P>0.05). The operation time, intraoperative blood loss, incision length, intraoperative fluoroscopy frequency, and fracture healing time were recorded and compared. The VAS score and ROM of the knee joint were analyzed at 4, 8, and 12 weeks after operation, and the incidence of postoperative complications was observed; knee function was evaluated by Lysholm score at last follow-up. ResultsThe operations were successfully completed in both groups, and there was no complication such as nerve and blood vessel injury during operation, and all incisions healed by first intention. There was no significant difference in operation time, intraoperative blood loss, and intraoperative fluoroscopy frequency between the two groups (P>0.05), but the incision length in group B was significantly longer than that in group A (P<0.05). Patients in both groups were followed up 12-30 months, with an average of 21.1 months. The VAS score decreased and ROM increased gradually in both groups with time after operation, showing significant differences between different time points (P<0.05). The VAS score of group B was significantly lower than that of group A at 4 and 8 weeks after operation (P<0.05); there was no significant difference in VAS score and ROM between the two groups at other time points (P>0.05). There was no significant difference in fracture healing time between the two groups (P>0.05). During the follow-up, there was no complication such as internal fixator loosening, breakage, and loss of fracture reduction. At last follow-up, the Lysholm score in group B was significantly better than that in group A (P<0.05). Conclusion Both the suprapatellar approach and the medial parapatellar approach in semi-extended position can achieve satisfactory results in the treatment of multiple tibial fractures. The medial parapatellar approach has lower symptoms of early knee pain and better long-term function.
Objective To determine whether the number of distal locking bolts have an impact on the biomechanical feature of locking intramedullary nails. Methods Twenty locking nails tested were divided into two groups randomly. One distal locking screw was used in first group (single bolt group); and two were used in the other group (double bolts group). After being fixed in the model, compressive and torsional strength of the interlocking nail were measured in each group. Results The average maximum strength of double bolts group and single bolt group was 2 160 N and 1 880 N respectively in compression tests(P＜0.05). In torsion tests, the average maximum torsional moment of double bolts group and single bolt group was 55.8 Nm and 55.5 Nm respectively(P＞0.05), the average maximum torsional angle indouble bolts group and single bolt group was 58.3° and 58.0° respectively(P＞0.05). Conclusion Single distal bolt used in interlocking nail system can meet clinical request, though the whole biomechanical behavior isnot better than that of double bolts. One distal bolt is enough for the stable fracture types and double bolts should be used in the serious fracture types.