External fixation is more suitable for intra-articular fractures of the distal radius in elderly patients

The purpose of this study was to compare the functional outcomes, psychological impact, and complication rates associated with external fixation and volar or dorsal plating in relation to the functional parameters following treatment of intra-articular fractures of the distal radius （IFDR） in patients older than 65 years. We hypothesized that using volar or dorsal plating would improve functional outcomes, but that it would be associated with more complications and equivalent functional outcomes when compared with the external fixation group. A total of 123 consecutive patients suffering from IFDR were recruited into the study. The patients were measured for clinical, radiological, and psychosocial functioning outcomes and were followed up after I week and 3, 6 and 12 months. After 3 months, the plating group had better pronation （P = 0.001）, supination, （P = 0.047） and extension （P = 0.043） scores. These differences were somewhat attenuated by 6 months and disappeared at I year. The plating group had a greater occurrence of wound infection （P = 0.043）, tendonitis, （P = 0.024） and additional surgery compared with the external fixation group. The only TNO-AZL Adult Quality of Life scores in the plating group that were lower than those in the external fixation group were in the ＂gross motor＂ category （walking upstairs, bending over, walking 500 yards; P = 0.023）. Internal fixation was more advantageous than external fixation in the early rehabilitation period; after I year the outcomes were similar. The plating group showed significantly higher levels of wound infection and tendonitis and had a greater need for additional surgeries.

Meta-analysis of the efficacy of volar plate internal fixation versus closed reduction and external fixation in the treatment of adult distal radius fractures

Objective:To compare the efficacy of open reduction and volar locking plate internal fixation with closed reduction and external fixation in the treatment of distal radius fractures by using meta analysis.Methods:The databases of CNKI,Wanfang,Weipu,Chinese biomedical literature,Pubmed,Embase,and Cochrane Library were retrieved,and the randomized controlled studies that directly compared the efficacy of plate internal fixation and closed reduction external fixation in the treatment of distal radius fractures published publicly from the establishment of the database to April 2023 were collected.The two researchers independently screened the retrieved literature according to the inclusion and exclusion criteria,extracted data,used Cochrane risk bias assessment tool for quality assessment,and used RevMan 5.4 software for meta analysis.Results:A total of 10 randomized controlled trials were included,all of which were in English.There were 1042 patients in total,and 9 of them were rated as low risk.Meta analysis results showed that one year after the treatment of distal radius fracture with volar locking plate internal fixation,DASH score[MD=-5.64,95%CI(-7.21,-4.06),P<0.00001];One year later,PRWE score[MD=-5.90,95%CI(-8.88,-2.92),P=0.001];Palm flexion[MD=5.92,95%CI(1.29,10.55),P=0.01];Pronation[MD=2.48,95%CI(0.59,4.36),P=0.01];Postrotation[MD=4.73,95%CI(2.15,7.31),P=0.0003];Grip strength[MD=0.61,95%CI(0.12,1.10),P=0.02];palmar tilt angle[MD=9.84,95%CI(5.66,14.02),P<0.00001];Radial inclination[MD=4.33,95%CI(2.97,5.69),P<0.00001]was superior to closed reduction plaster or splint external fixation.One year later,the European Five dimensional Health Scale(EQ-5D-5L)score[MD=0.02,95%CI(-0.01,0.05),P=0.27];Back extension[MD=2.22,95%CI(-4.15,8.59),P=0.49];Ulnar deviation[MD=3.49,95%CI(-0.80,7.78),P=0.11];Radial deviation[MD=2.05,95%CI(-2.39,6.50),P=0.37];Ulnar variance[MD=-1.14,95%CI(-3.16,0.88),P=0.27];There was no significant difference in complications[MD=0.77,95%CI(0.54,1.10),P=0.16](P>0.05).Conclusion:Based on the current clinical data,internal fixation with volar locking plate is more conducive to mid-term DASH score and grip strength recovery than closed reduction plaster or splint external fixation,but there is no significant difference in the quality of life and complications of patients.For adult distal radius fractures,surgical indications should be carefully grasped,and non operative treatment should be given priority.

Role of coatings and materials of external fixation pins on the rates of pin tract infection:A systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND Infection at the pin tract is a frequent and feared complication of external fixators(EF).The type of pin material and coatings have been regarded as possibly influencing infection rates.Over the last 20 years,few prospective clinical studies and systematic reviews addressed the role of coated pins on the rate of pin site infection in human clinical studies.AIM To assess the EF literature over the past 20 years on the clinical benefits of pins manufactured from varied materials and coating systems and their possible role in pin tract infection rates.METHODS We performed a systematic review according to the PRISMA and PICOS guidelines using four scientific platforms:PubMed,LiLacs,SciELO,and Cochrane.We searched the literature for related publications over the past 20 years.RESULTS A literature search yielded 29 articles,among which seven met the inclusion criteria.These studies compared stainless-steel pins and pins coated with hydroxyapatite(HA),titanium and silver.The pin tract infection definitions were arbitrary and not standardized among studies.Most studies included a low number of patients in the analysis and used a short follow-up time.Three metaanalyses were carried out,comparing stainless steel vs silver pins,stainless steel vs HA-coated pins,and titanium vs HA-coated pins.None of this analysis resulted in statistically significant differences in pin tract infection rates.CONCLUSION Currently,no clinical evidence supports the advantage of EF pins manufactured with materials other than stainless steel or coated over uncoated pins in reducing the rates of pin tract infections.A standardized definition of pin tract infection in external fixation is still lacking.

External fixation versus open reduction and internal fixation for tibial pilon fractures： A meta-analysis based on observational studies

Purpose： Tibial pilon fractures remain challenging for an orthopaedic surgeon to repair. External fixation （ExFix） and open reduction and internal fixation （ORIF） are two widely used methods for repairing tibial pilon fractures. However, conclusions of comparative studies regarding which method is superior are controversial. Our aim is to compare ORIF and ExFix and clarify which method is better in terms of reduction and union results and major complications. Methods： A computerized research of MEDLINE, EMBASE, Springer, and Cochrane Library （before December 2014） for studies of any design comparing ORIF and ExFix was conducted. Weighted mean difference （WMD）, risk ratio （RR） and corresponding 95% confidence intervals （Cl） were used for esti- mating the effects of the two methods. Statistical analyses were done using Review Manager Version 5.2. Results： Ten cohort studies and one randomized clinical trial were included in our ultimate analysis. And the analysis found no significant difference between the two methods in deep infection （p = 0.13）, reduction （p = 0.11）, clinical evaluation （p = 0.82）, post-traumatic arthrosis Cp = 0.87）, and union time （p = 0.35）. Besides, ExFix group was found to have a higher rate of superficial infection （p = 0.001）, malunion （p = 0.01） and nonunion （p= 0.02）, but have a lower risk of unplanned hardware removal （p = 0.0002）. Conclusions： We suggest that ORIF has a relatively lower incidence rate of superficial infection, malunion and nonunion, hut a higher rate of unplanned hardware removal. No difference was found in deep infection, reduction, clinical evaluation. ~ost-traumatic arthrosis and union time.

Locking plate versus external fixation for type C distal radius fractures： A meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

Purpose： Distal radial fracture is one of the most common fractures. Up to now, locking plates （LP） and external fixation （EF） are two conventional surgical approaches to type C radius fracture. Which method is superior has not yet reached a consensus. We try to assess the clinical effectiveness of the two in- terventions by this meta-analysis. Methods： We used network to search the PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Medical Library of randomized controlled clinical trials about the type C distal radius fractures performed according to the search strategy mentioned in Cochrane Handbook 5.1.0 from Jan. 2005 to Jan. 2016. Patients in the experimental group were used LP, in the control group were included EF and other surgical approaches. Publication language was restricted to English. Studies that patient population and surgical indication did not define had been excluded. Studies must report at least one of the outcomes as follow： radial inclination, patmar tilt, ulnar variance, range of wrist flexion and extension, and range of wrist supination and pronation. The trials in which participants included children were excluded. We used Jadad study scores to appraise the study. Results： Seven studies included 162 patients （LP group） and 190 patients （EF group）. We compared the radial inclination, palmar tilt, ulnar variance, range of wrist flexion and extension, and range of wrist supination and pronation. The radial inclination were revealed a difference favoring LP over EF [WMD = 1.84, 95% CI （0.17, 3.50）, p = 0.03] and the palmar tilt and ulnar variance was no significant difference between the two groups [（WMD = 3.61, 95% CI （0.00, 7.23）, p = 0.05; WMD = 0.05, 95% CI （-0.99,1.09）, p = 0.93]. The functional activities of range of flexion and extension and range of supination and pronation between the two groups was no difference [WMD = 10.04, 95% CI （-6.88, 26.96）, p = 0.24; WMD = 12.53, 95% CI （-9.99, 35.06）, p = 0.28]. Conclusion： Locking plate and external fixation is feasible to heal radius type C fracture. We found the small difference between the two groups on imaging examination. The locking plate has the advantage on maintaining reduction, however no significant difference regarding outcomes has been found be- tween the two groups.

Early complications of preoperative external traction fixation in the staged treatment of tibial fractures:A series of 402 cases

BACKGROUND Different external skeletal fixators have been widely used in preoperative traction of high-energy tibial fractures prior to a definitive surgical treatment.However,the early complications associated with this staged treatment for traction and soft tissue injury recovery have rarely been discussed.AIM To analyze the early complications associated with preoperative external traction fixation in the staged treatment of tibial fractures.METHODS A total of 402 patients with high-energy tibial fractures treated using preoperative external traction fixation at a Level 1 trauma center from 2014 to 2018 were enrolled in this retrospective study.Data regarding the demographic information,Tscherne soft tissue injury,fracture site,entry point placement,and duration of traction were recorded.Procedure-related complications such as movement and sensation disorder,vessel injury,discharge,infection,loosening,and iatrogenic fractures were analyzed.RESULTS The mean patient age was 42.5(18-71)years,and the mean duration of traction was 7.5(0-26)d.In total,19(4.7%)patients presented with procedure-related complications,including technique-associated complications in 6 patients and nursing-associated complications in 13.Differences in the incidence of complications with respect to sex,affected side,soft tissue injury classification,and fracture sites were not observed.However,the number of complications due to hammer insertion was significantly reduced than those due to drill insertions(2.9%vs 7.4%).CONCLUSION We found a low incidence of early complications related to the fixation.Furthermore,the complications were not significantly associated with the severity of the soft tissue injury and fracture site.Although relatively rough and more likely to cause pain,the number of complications associated with hammer insertion was significantly smaller than that of complications associated with drill insertion.

Application of Virtual Reconstruction 3D-Printed External Fixation Helmet in Early Functional Treatment of Facial Fracture

Facial fracture repair is time-dependent.Early reduction and fixation after trauma help with later repair.Abnormal healing caused by delayed repair increases not only the difficulty of reconstruction,but also the risk of aesthetic or functional defects.Digital technology was used to model local trauma in three dimensions.The fracture fragments were reset,and the facial shape was reconstructed on the reset model.After resampling,3D printing was used to construct a personalised external fixation helmet.Combined with the posterior nasal passage lift reduction technique,early reduction of the mid-face fractures was performed.Through the early application of a 3D-printed personalised external fixation helmet to a patient with a comprehensive fracture,the helmet manufacturing process and application methods were introduced,and the effect of this application was investigated.In the treatment of facial fractures,the early application of a 3D-printed personalised external fixation helmet is conducive to fracture reduction and fixation and reduces the difficulty of later reconstruction.

External fixation in early treatment of unstable pelvic fractures

Background Patients with pelvic fractures are often treated in hospitals without the capacity to implement an open reduction internal fixation （ORIF）. This often leads to pelvic malunion in patients with unstable pelvic fracture, shock or even death due to uncontrollable pelvic hemorrhage and unstable hemodynamics. This study explored the role of early external fixation （within 7 days） for patients with unstable pelvic fractures. Methods A retrospective analysis was conducted on 32 patients with unstable pelvic fractures treated with early external fixation from January 2005 to January 2010 （Tile type B： 18 cases; C： 14 cases）. The study comprised 28 males and 4 females, with a mean age of （32_＋8） years （range, 21-56 years）. Of these patients, 22 were treated with emergency pelvic external fixation and 10 were treated with external fixation within 1-7 days. Fifteen cases suffered traumatic hemorrhagic shock. A statistical analysis was conducted to compare fluid infusion and blood transfusion volumes within the first 24 hours of these shock patients with another cohort of patients treated without early external fixation from January 1993 to January 1998. Results The average follow-up was （34.7_＋14.6） months （range, 6-66 months）. Six to eight weeks after external fixation, patients could walk with crutches; by 12 weeks, external fixation was removed and all fractures had healed. Seven patients presented with sequelae, including 3 patients with long-term lumbosacral pain, 3 patients with erectile dysfunction and 1 patient with MoreI-Lavallee lesion and other complications. The 15 shock patients in this study （2005-2010 group） required significantly lower volumes of fluid infusion and blood transfusion （Pfluid=0.000; mtransfusion=0.000） as compared to the 1993-1998 cohort. Conclusions The early application of external fixation in unstable pelvic fracture patients positively affects hemodynamic stability, with outstanding efficacy as a final fixation option for unstable pelvic fractures.

Clinical efficacy and safety of limited internal fixation combined with external fixation for Pilon fracture： A systematic review and meta-analysis

Purpose： To compare the clinical efficacy and complications of limited internal fixation combined with external fixation （LIFEF） and open reduction and internal fixation （ORIF） in the treatment of Pilon fracture. Methods： We searched databases including Pubmed, Embase, Web of science, Cochrane Library and China Biology Medicine disc for the studies comparing clinical efficacy and complications of LIFEF and ORIF in the treatment of Pilon fracture. The clinical efficacy was evaluated by the rate of nonunion, malunion/delayed union and the excellent/good rate assessed by Mazur ankle score. The complications including infections and arthritis symptoms after surgery were also investigated. Results： Nine trials including 498 pilon fractures of 494 patients were identified. The meta-analysis found no significant differences in nonunion rate （RR 1.60, 95% CI： 0.66 to 3.86, p =0.30）, and the excellent/good rate （RR 0.95, 95% CI： 0.86 to 1.04, p= 0.28） between LIFEF group and ORIF group. For assessment of infections, there were significant differences in the rate of deep infection （RR 2.18, 95% CI： 1.34 to 3.55, p =0.002）, and the rate of arthritis （RR 1.26, 95% CI： 1.03 to 1.53, p =0.02） between LIFEF group and ORIF group. Conclusion： LIFEF has similar effect as ORIF in the treatment of pilon fractures, however, LIFEF group has significantly higher risk of complications than ORIF group does. So LIFEF is not recommended in the treatment of pilon fracture.

Treatment of Gustilo grade Ⅲ leg fractures by external fixation associated with limited internal fixation

Objective： To explore the clinical effects of external fixation associated with limited internal fixation on treatment of Gustilo grade Ⅲ leg fractures. Methods： From July 2006 to December 2008, 40 cases of Gustilo grade Ⅲ leg fractures were emergently treated in our unit with external fixation frames. Soft tissue injuries were grouped according to the Gustilo classification as ⅢA in 17 cases, ⅢB in 13 cases, and ⅢC in 10 cases. All the patients were debrided within 8 hours, and then fracture reposition was preformed to reestablish the leg alignment. Limited internal fixation with plates and screws were performed on all the Gustilo IliA cases and 10 Gustilo ⅢB cases at the first operation. But all the Gustilo ⅢC cases and 3 Gustilo ⅢB cases who had severe soft tissue injuries and bone loss only received Vacuum-sealing drainage （VSD）. Broad-spectrum antibiotics were regularly used and VSD must be especially maintained easy and smooth for one week or more after operation. Limited internal fixation and transplanted free skin flaps or adjacent musculocutaneous flaps were not used to close wounds until the conditions of the wounds had been improved. Results： The first operations were completed within 90-210 minutes （170 minutes on average）. The blood trans- fusions were from 400 ml to 1500 ml （those used for antishock preoperatively not included）. All the 40 patients in this study were followed up for 6-28 months, 20.5 months on average. The lower limb function was evaluated according to the comprehensive evaluation standards of leg function one year after operation and the results of 28 cases were excellent, 9 were good and 3 were poor. Conclusion： External fixation associated with limited internal fixation to treat Gustilo grade Ⅲ leg fractures can get satisfactory early clinical therapeutic effects.

Changes of blood circulation of the extremity after external fixation for tibia shaft defect: an experimental study

Objective:: To assess and compare two approaches, end to end compression with lengthening (EECL) and segmental bone transport by lengthening (STBL), for long tubular bone defect and nonunion. Methods: Ten goats were used to establish the bone defect model of the mid-tibia. The bone defect ends were shortened step by step with a sulcated half-ring external fixator. Changes of the blood flow of the distal extremity were measured with pulse-Doppler monitor and angiography. Results: The blood flow in the distal extremity was not affected when bone defect was less than 15% of the original length. Blood circulatory disorder would appear in the distal extremity when bone defect ranged 15%-20% of the original length. The necrosis would appear in the extremity because of the blood circulatory obstacle when bone defect was more than 20% of the original length.Conclusions: EECL is an appropriate alternative of treatments if bone defect is less than 15%; while SBTL may be feasible if bone defect is over 20% of the original length. When bone defect ranges between 15% and 20%, EECL should be applied with great care on condition of keeping watch on the extremity circulation with pulse-Doppler monitor.

External fixation and bone grafting for collapsed and comminuted distal radius fracture

Objective: To study the therapeutic effect of collapsed and comminuted distal radius fracture. Methods: Twenty-six patients with collapsed and comminuted distal radius fracture were hospitalized from July 1998 to June 2003. All fractures were treated by the methods of open reduction, sustained bone grafting and passing joint external fixator to restore the anatomic shape of distal radius. Results: All 26 cases were followed up, and the results showed that the fractures have been united radiographically. The joint surfaces were intact and there was no length discrepancy occurred in patient’s radius. The average volar tilt was 6° to 15° and the average ulnar tilt was 18° to 25°. According to the Dieust criterion, 19 cases were rated as excellent and 7 as good. Conclusions: The method that applying passing joint external fixator and bone grafting for the treatment of collapsed and comminuted distal radius fracture could maintain the stability of fracture and restore the length of radius and the intact of joint surface.

Dynamic External Fixator Combined with Volar Locking Plate Fixation for the Treatment of AO Type C3 Distal Radius Fractures

Background: AO type C3 distal radius fracture (DRF) is the most difficult-to-treat fracture type because of a tendency to shorten and collapse. The purpose of this study is to investigate the clinical and radiographic outcomes of comminuted intra-articular DRFs treated with a dynamic external fixator combined with a volar locking plate (VLP). Methods: Eleven patients (mean age, 61 years) with comminuted intra-articular DRFs were treated with a dynamic type of external fixator combined with a VLP. Following reduction and fixation with a VLP, the dynamic external fixator was applied and the distal ball joint of the fixator was aligned with the lunate-capitate line. The ball joint was unlocked approximately 2 weeks after surgery to allow wrist mobilization. The fixator was removed 3 - 6 weeks (mean, 5 weeks) after surgery. Consequently, clinical and radiographic assessments were carried out at the final follow-up. Results: At the final follow-up, the mean range values of wrist extension and flexion were 76&deg;and 64&deg;, respectively. Compared with the contralateral side, the mean grip strength was 84%. The mean Modified Mayo Wrist Score and the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand score were 88 and 9, respectively. No significant differences in the radiographic parameters exist between after surgery and final follow-up. Conclusions: This study indicated that the dynamic wrist fixator combined with a VLP is effective for the treatment of AO type C3 DRFs.

Dynamic external fixator combined with limited internal fixation for Pilon reactures

Objective To evaluate effects of manipulative reduction,dynamic external fixator combined with limited internal fixation for the treatment of Pilon fractures.Methods From January 2007 to June 2009,manipulative reduction,dynamic external

Formation process of extension knee joint contracture following external immobilization in rats

BACKGROUND Current research lacks a model of knee extension contracture in rats.AIM To elucidate the formation process of knee extension contracture.METHODS We developed a rat model using an aluminum external fixator.Sixty male Sprague-Dawley rats with mature bones were divided into the control group(n=6)and groups that had the left knee immobilized with an aluminum external fixator for 1,2,and 3 d,and 1,2,3,4,6,and 8 wk(n=6 in each group).The passive extension range of motion,histology,and expression of fibrosis-related proteins were compared between the control group and the immobilization groups.RESULTS Myogenic contracture progressed very quickly during the initial 2 wk of immobilization.After 2 wk,the contracture gradually changed from myogenic to arthrogenic.The arthrogenic contracture progressed slowly during the 1^(st) week,rapidly progressed until the 3^(rd) week,and then showed a steady progression until the 4^(rd) week.Histological analyses confirmed that the anterior joint capsule of the extended fixed knee became increasingly thicker over time.Correspondingly,the level of transforming growth factor beta 1(TGF-β1)and phosphorylated mothers against decapentaplegic homolog 2(p-Smad2)in the anterior joint capsule also increased with the immobilization time.Over time,the cross-sectional area of muscle fibers gradually decreased,while the amount of intermuscular collagen and TGF-β1,p-Smad2,and p-Smad3 was increased.Unexpectedly,the amount of intermuscular collagen and TGF-β1,p-Smad2,and p-Smad3 was decreased during the late stage of immobilization(6-8 wk).The myogenic contracture was stabilized after 2 wk of immobilization,whereas the arthrogenic contracture was stabilized after 3 wk of immobilization and completely stable in 4 wk.CONCLUSION This rat model may be a useful tool to study the etiology of joint contracture and establish therapeutic approaches.

BIOMECHANICAL STUDY ON UNILATERAL SINGLE-PLANE EXTERNAL FIXER

Six tibias removed from 30-40 years old males, who died in an accident for in less than 12 hours, were osteotomized at one-third supra-medium segment. They were fixed by an unilateral adjustable external fixer (UAEF), to be used as a model of external fixation of tibial fracture (MEFTF). The compression. tension, torsion, antero-posterior and lateral bending strength, and the strength for vertically extracting the pins from the tibia were determined in the MEFTF. Within a certain range of load, the correlation of strain to stress was basically a linear relationship. These data provide a theoretical basis of biomechanics for the improvement of UAEF and for early exercises of fracture patients, such as extend-bending of the joint.raising the limb and walking with a walking stick.

Proximal tibial osteotomy for genu varum:Radiological evaluation of deformity correction with a plate vs external fixator

BACKGROUND High tibial osteotomy(HTO)is a well-known procedure for the correction of knee varus.The purpose of this study was to compare the radiological results and accuracy of deformity correction performed using two different techniques:acute opening wedge correction using a plate and gradual correction with a monolateral external fixator.AIM To compare of the radiological results of two different techniques:acute opening wedge correction(a plate and screw)and gradual correction(external fixator).METHODS A total of 43 patients with plates and 36 patients with external fixators were included.All patients had moderate uniplanar varus deformities.We measured radiographic parameters,including the mechanical axis deviation(MAD),medial proximal tibial angle(MPTA),Caton-Deschamps Index(CDI),posterior proximal tibial angle,and joint line obliquity angle(JLOA).The accuracy of MAD correction was calculated based on a correction goal of neutral or overcorrection for medial compartment arthritis.RESULTS Demographics including age,body mass index,sex,and preoperative deformities were similar between the groups.The MAD significantly improved from 23.6 mm medial to the midline(SD=8.2 mm)to 6.9 mm lateral to the midline(SD=5.4 mm)(P<0.001).The accuracy of MAD correction did not differ between the groups and was 96.1%(SD=8.1%)in the plate group and 98.2%(SD=5.2%)in the external fixator group(P=0.18).The MPTA significantly improved from 83.9°(SD=2.9°)to 90.9°(SD=3.3°)(P<0.001),and the change was similar between the groups.Differences were noted in patella height,with a CDI change of-19.2%(SD=13.7%)and 3.1%(SD=8.0%)for the plate and external fixator groups,respectively(P<0.001).The change in JLOA was 1.6 degrees(SD=1.1 degrees)and 0.9 degrees(SD=0.9 degrees)for the plate and external fixator groups,respectively(P=0.04).CONCLUSION Reliable correction of moderate varus alignment was achieved with both the acute opening wedge technique with a plate and the gradual monolateral external fixator technique.The patellar height decreased with the open wedge plate technique.Joint line obliquity decreased to a greater degree with the open wedge plate technique,perhaps as a result of medial collateral ligament release.The appropriate technique should be selected based on surgeon and patient preferences;however,external fixation may be a better choice when the preservation of patellar height is deemed important.

Internal fixator vs external fixator in the management of unstable pelvic ring injuries:A prospective comparative cohort study

BACKGROUND Reconstruction of the pelvic ring anatomy in unstable anterior pelvic ring injuries is a significant step to reduce the mortality rate associated with these injuries efficiently.There is a debate on using either an anterior subcutaneous pelvis internal fixator(INFIX)or an anterior supra-acetabular external fixator(EXFIX)to manage an unstable anterior pelvic ring fracture.AIM To compare the functional and radiological outcomes and complications of INFIX vs EXFIX in managing unstable pelvic ring injuries.METHODS A prospective cohort study included 54 patients with unstable pelvic ring fractures.The patients were divided into two groups;the INFIX group,in which 30 cases were fixed by INFIX,and the EXFIX group,in which 24 patients were treated by EXFIX.The average age in the EXFIX group was 31.17 years(16-57 years),while in the INFIX group,it was 34.5 years(17-53 years).The study included 20(66.7%)males and 10(33.3%)females in the INFIX group and 10(41.7%)males and 14(58.3%)females in the EXFIX group.The radiological outcomes were evaluated using Matta and Tornetta's score,and the functional outcomes using the Majeed score.RESULTS The results revealed a statistically significant difference between both groups(P=0.013)regarding radiological outcomes,according to Matta and Tornetta's score in favor of the INFIX group.Sitting,standing,and walking abilities were measured at a 3-mo follow-up visit using Majeed score modules.It was significantly better among the INFIX group than the EXFIX group in all three modules.At the final follow-up,both groups had no statistically significant difference according to the Majeed score;92.35 in the INFIX group and 90.99 in the EXFIX group(P=0.513).A lower surgical site infection rate was noticed in the INFIX group(P=0.007).CONCLUSION Anterior subcutaneous pelvis INFIX is associated with better radiological outcomes and a lower infection rate than anterior supra-acetabular EXFIX in managing patients with unstable anterior pelvic ring fractures.

HYBRID EXTERNAL FIXATOR FOR THE TREATMENT OF UNICAMERAL BONE CYSTS WITH PATHOLOGICAL FRACTURE IN THE PROXIMAL HUMERUS

Objective: Unicameral bone cyst is a nonneoplasticbone lesion characterized by its tenacity and risk ofrecurrence. Pathological fracture is common and is often the presenting symptom. The objective of the present study was to evaluate the results of hybrid external fixator for thetreatment of a unicameral bone cyst with a pathologicalfracture. Methods: Hybrid external fixator for thetreatment of a unicameral bone cyst was performed intwelve patients. These patients presented with a pathological fracture and were managed immediately with hybridexternal fixator, of whom four had been managedconservatively at other clinics before they were referred toour department. The cyst was located in the proximalhumerus in all patients. The mean age of the patients at the time of surgery was 8.7 years, and the mean duration offollow-up was 32.6 months. Radiographic evaluation wasperformed according to the criteria of Capanna et al., andthe cyst was classified as completely healed, healed withresidual radiolucency (osteolysis), recurred, or having noresponse. Results: The healing period ranged from three to eight months. Eight cysts healed completely, and threehealed with residual radiolucent areas visible onradiographs. There was recurrence of one cyst that hadhealed with residual radiolucency. All of the cysts in thepresent study responded to treatment. A modulation ofhybrid external fixator was necessary in three patients, asthe bars had become too short after bone growth or the pins had been loose. No major complications were observed.Conclusion: Hybrid external fixator provides earlystability, which allows early mobilization and thus obviates the need for a plaster cast. This method of treatment alsoallows for an early return to normal activity.

A BIOMECHANICAL ANALYSIS OF UNILATERAL HOOKED-SULCATED EXTERNAL FIXATOR ON OSTEOMINED TIBIA

Four tibiae removed from 30-40 years males, who died of accidents in less than 12 hours, were os- teomized at medium part. Then these tibiae were fixed by an unilateral hooked-sulcated external fixator (UHSEF), and the bone-fixator system was used as a model of external fixation of tibial fracture. The axial compression, distraction, torsion, antero-posterior and lateral bending rigidly and the strain of the pins were determined in this system. Based on the results, we found that compared with the configuration of four paralled pins, the rigidity of the fan-like configuraton didn’t decrease significantly if the angle between lateral and medium pins was less than 45’. But the reverse was true when the frame separation increased from 5 to 8 cm. What’ more, the pin strain decreased if the rigidity of the system was improved. These data provided a theoretical basis of biomechanics for the improvement of UHSEF.