Internal fixation and unicompartmental knee arthroplasty for an elderly patient with patellar fracture and anteromedial osteoarthritis:A case report

BACKGROUND Open reduction and internal fixation(ORIF)is the traditional surgical treatment for patellar fractures,and unicompartmental knee arthroplasty(UKA),especially Oxford UKA,has been increasingly used in patients with medial knee osteoarthritis(OA).However,the process of choosing treatment for patients with both patellar fractures and anteromedial knee OA remains unclear.We present the case of a patient with a patellar fracture and anteromedial OA.CASE SUMMARY We present the case of a 72-year-old woman with a history of bilateral medial compartment OA of the knees and a right Oxford UKA.She also experienced a recent left patellar fracture.ORIF and Oxford UKA were performed in a single stage.The patient showed excellent postoperative clinical results.CONCLUSION ORIF and Oxford UKA can be performed simultaneously for patients with patellar fracture and anteromedial OA on the same knee.

Application of medial column classification in treatment of intraarticular calcaneal fractures

BACKGROUND There are many types of treatments for calcaneal fractures,including conservative treatment,conventional surgical treatment,and minimally invasive surgery.The choice of specific treatment options is still controversial.Open reduction and internal fixation are currently the most commonly used surgical procedures in the clinic.A good fracture reduction effect can be achieved by using the lateral extension incision of the calcaneus;however,many studies have reported a high incidence of postoperative incision complications.Although there are many methods for the classification of intra-articular calcaneal fractures,it is generally believed that the computed tomography(CT)classification proposed by Sanders has high application value in the selection of treatment methods and evaluation of prognosis of calcaneal fractures.However,this method has no clear guiding significance for the choice of surgical incision and surgical plan.AIM To explore the application and clinical efficacy of medial column classification in the treatment of intra-articular calcaneal fractures.METHODS From July 2017 to July 2018,91 patients,including 60 males and 31 females aged 27 to 60 years,were enrolled.All participants had closed intra-articular calcaneal fracture,and their surgical options were selected under the guidance of medial column classification.The patients'fractures were classified according to the Sanders classification:Type II,35 cases;Type III,33 cases;and Type IV,23 cases.Among them,53 patients had medial column displacement(shortened varus)and underwent open reduction and internal fixation with L-lateral incision of the calcaneus;38 patients had no displacement of the medial column and underwent open reduction and internal fixation with tarsal sinus incision.The calcaneus Bohler angle,Gissane angle,length,width,height,and step thickness of the articular surface were evaluated by X-ray and three-dimensional CT before and after surgery and at the last follow-up.Foot function recovery was assessed by the Maryland foot scoring criteria.RESULTS All patients were followed for 5 to 14 mo,with an average of 10.5±2.9 mo.The fractures of all patients healed,and the healing time was 10 to 19 wk,with an average of 10.8±1.5 wk.One patient developed wound infection 1 wk after surgery and was actively debrided and implanted with antibiotic calcium sulfate to control the infection.The patient's fracture healed 5 mo after surgery.One patient developed a sural nerve injury,and the symptoms disappeared 3 mo after surgery.The patients were assessed according to the Maryland foot scoring system:Excellent in 77 cases,good in 10,and fair in 4.The excellent and good rate was 95.6%.CONCLUSION Medial column classification can effectively guide the surgical selection for intraarticular fractures of the calcaneus.

Interference screws vs.suture anchors for isolated medial patellofemoral ligament femoral fixation:A systematic review

Purpose:The present study aimed to systematically review and compare 2 femoral autograft fixation techniques,namely,interference screws and suture anchors,for isolated medial patellofemoral ligament reconstruction in patients with recurrent patellofemoral instability at mid-to long-term follow-up.Methods:A literature search was performed in September 2020.All studies reporting the outcomes of primary isolated medial patellofemoral ligament reconstruction for recurrent patellofemoral instability were considered for inclusion.Only studies reporting the type of femoral autograft fixation under examination were considered.Studies reporting data from patients with elevated tibial tuberosity-tibial groove,patella alta,and/or Dejour’s trochlear dysplasia types C and D,were not included.Only articles reporting data with a minimum follow-up period of 18 months were considered.Results:Data from 19 studies(615 patients)were retrieved.The overall age was 24.4±6.7 years(mean±SD).The mean follow-up was 46.5±20.9 months.There were 76 patients in the anchor group and 539 in the screw group.Comparability was found with regard to age and follow-up duration between the 2 study groups.There was comparability between the Kujala,Lysholm,and Tegner scores at baseline.At the last follow-up,no worthy differences were found in terms of mean Kujala(+2.1%;p=0.04),Lysholm(+1.7%;p=0.05),and Tegner(+15.8%;p=0.05)scores.Although complications occurred almost exclusively in the screw cohort,no statistically significant difference was found.Conclusion:Femoral autograft fixation through interference screws or suture anchors report similar clinical scores and rate of apprehension test,persistent joint instability,re-dislocations,and revisions.These results must be interpreted within the limitations of the present study.

Femoral neck stress fracture and medial tibial stress syndrome following high intensity interval training: A case report and review of literature

BACKGROUND Femoral and tibial stress injuries are commonly found in long distance running athletes.Stress fractures have rarely been reported in athletes performing high intensity interval training(HIIT)exercise.The objective of this study was to report a case of a patient who presented with medial tibial stress syndrome and femoral neck stress fracture after performing HIIT exercises.CASE SUMMARY A 26 year old female presented with bilateral medial tibial pain.She had been performing HIIT exercise for 45 min,five times weekly,for a seven month period.Her tibial pain was gradual in onset,and was now severe and worse on exercise,despite six weeks of rest.Magnetic resonance imaging(MRI)revealed bilateral medial tibial stress syndrome.As she was taking norethisterone for birth control,a dual energy X-ray absorbitometry scan was performed which demonstrated normal bone mineral density of her lumbar spine and femoral neck.She was managed conservatively with analgesia and physiotherapy,but continued to exercise against medical advice.She presented again six months later with severe right hip pain.MRI of her right hip demonstrated an incomplete stress fracture of her subtrochanteric region.Her symptoms resolved with strict rest and physiotherapy.CONCLUSION HIIT may cause stress injury of the tibia and femur in young individuals.

Treatment of proximal humeral fractures accompanied by medial calcar fractures using fibular autografts:A retrospective,comparative cohort study

BACKGROUND Severe proximal humerus comminuted fractures are often accompanied by medial calcar comminuted fractures and loss of medial support,which are important factors that lead to internal fixation failure.The appropriate treatment for proximal humerus comminuted fractures has not been established.Therefore,this study assessed the outcomes of using a fibular autograft with locking plates to treat severe proximal humerus comminuted fractures.AIM To investigate the outcomes of using a fibular autograft with locking plates to treat severe proximal humerus comminuted fractures.METHODS This retrospective,comparative cohort study included two groups of patients.Group 1 comprised 22 patients and group 2 comprised 25 patients with complete follow-up data.Group 1 was treated with a fibular autograft with open reduction and locking plates to enable internal fixation.Group 2 was treated with open reduction and locking plates to enable internal fixation.The intraoperative blood loss volume from the shoulder wound,operative time,shoulder wound pain,bone fracture healing time,Constant-Murley score of the shoulder joint,preoperative Holden walking function score,Mallet score of the shoulder joint,and humeral neck-shaft angle during surgery of the two groups were compared,and the differences were analysed using an independent sample t-test.RESULTS Group 1 had a shorter mean operative time than group 2(2.25±0.30 h vs 2.76±0.44 h;P=0.000).Group 1 had a lower shoulder wound pain score on the first day after surgery than group 2(7.91±1.15 points vs 8.56±1.00 points;P=0.044).Group 1 had a shorter fracture healing time than group 2(2.68±0.48 mo vs 3.64±0.64 mo;P=0.000).Group 1 had higher Constant-Murley scores of the shoulder joint at 3,6,and 12 mo after surgery than group 2(76.64±4.02 points vs 72.72±3.02 points,86.36±3.53 points vs 82.96±3.40 points,and 87.95±2.77 points vs 84.68±2.63 points,respectively;P=0.000,0.002,and 0.000,respectively).Group 1 had higher Mallet scores of the shoulder joint at 3,6,and 12 mo after surgery than group 2(10.32±0.57 points vs 9.96±0.54 points,13.36±1.00 points vs 12.60±0.87 points,and 13.91±0.75 points vs 13.36±0.70 points,respectively;P=0.032,0.007,and 0.013,respectively).CONCLUSION Using locking plates with a fibular autograft can recreate medial support,facilitate fracture healing,and improve shoulder function;therefore,this may be an effective treatment option for severe proximal humerus comminuted fractures.

Pediatric Supracondylar Humerus Fractures: Are Medial Pins Indicated?

Background: Pediatric supracondylar humerus fractures are the most common elbow fractures in children. Operative management includes closed reduction and placement of 2 to 3 laterally based pins. Occasionally, a medial pin is used to create a crossed fixation pattern, despite risk of nearly 10% iatrogenic ulnar nerve injury. The objective of this study was to assess the trends and outcomes in the operative management of pediatric supracondylar humerus fractures at a level one academic trauma center. Materials & Methods: A retrospective review was performed on all children sustaining a Gartland type II or III supracondylar humerus fractures treated by closed or open reduction and percutaneous pinning in 2006-2008 and 2009-2011 at a level one academic trauma center by two of the authors (JTR, LMT). Pin placement patterns were evaluated and compared based on year performed. Outcomes measured were rates of ulnar nerve symptoms, non-union, re-operation, and varus malalignment. Data analysis was performed using a Fisher exact test on STATA software. Results: A total of 49 patients met inclusion criteria. Of 22 patients treated in 2006-2008, 5 (23%) were type II and 17 (77%) were type III. From 2009-2011, 16 (59%) were type II and 11 (41%) were type III. Comparison of pinning pattern in type II fractures between 2006-2008 and 2009-2011 did not indicate statistical significance (p = 0.429). Comparison of pinning pattern in type III fractures during the same time period did show that there was a statistically significant decrease (p = 0.010) in the number of cross pin fixations. There were no ulnar nerve injuries, non-unions, re-operations, or varus malalignment in any patient on final follow-up. Conclusion: This study shows that there has been a significant decrease in cross pin fixation for pediatric type III supracondylar humerus fractures with equivalent clinical outcomes at a Level I trauma center. Furthermore, performing lateral pinning for type III fractures has eliminated the risk of iatrogenic ulnar nerve injury. Level of Evidence: Level III—Retrospective cohort study.

Reconstruction of the Medial Patellofemoral Ligament Using Hamstring Tendon Graft With Different Methods:a Biomechanical Study

Objective To measure the tensile strength of the normal medial patellofemoral ligament(MPFL),and evaluate the biomechanics of different fixation methods of the hamstring tendon graft on the patella.Methods Eight fresh cadaver knees were prepared by isolating the patella,leaving only the MPFL as its attachment to the medial condyle of femur.The MPFL was reconstructed by three different methods:four-suture fixation,anchors-single suture fixation,and anchors-double suture fixation.The tensile strength and the elongation of the normal MPFL and the tendon grafts were measured.Results The tensile strength of the four-suture fixation group(234.86±49.02 N)was stronger than that of the normal MPFL(146.91±25.30 N,P=0.0014)and the anchors-single suture group(159.17±49.07N,P=0.0077),while weaker than that of the anchors-double suture group(314.74±78.46 N,P=0.0052)Conclusions With regard to the tensile strength,the four-suture fixation method is reliable for clinical use.Compared with the anchor-suture method,the four-suture fixation method which has no specific implants is more economical,convenient and efficient.

Research progress of medial patellofemoral ligament reconstruction

Patellar dislocation is a common disease in orthopaedics. The incidence of patellar dislocation is the highest in adolescents with an average age of 21.4 years. There are many methods to treat the dislocation of patella, among which the reconstruction of medial patellofemoral ligament (MPFL) is the main one. In this paper, the biomechanics and graft selection of medial patellofemoral ligament reconstruction were discussed in detail by reviewing the relevant literature at home and abroad. The femoral insertion, patellofemoral fixation and postoperative complications were also discussed, in order to provide reference for clinical workers. In view of different postoperative complications, there are many kinds of optimization schemes, and reasonable choice of operation scheme is the premise of good operation satisfaction rate.

Loss of the posteromedial support:a risk factor for implant failure after fixation of AO 31-A2 intertrochanteric fractures

Background:The purpose of this study was to analyze cases of AO31-A2 intertrochanteric fractures(ITFs)and to identify the relationship between the loss of the posteromedial support and implant failure.Methods:Three hundred ninety-four patients who underwent operative treatment for ITF from January 2003 to December 2017 were enrolled.Focusing on posteromedial support,the A2 ITFs were divided into two groups,namely,those with(Group A,n=153)or without(Group B,n=241)posteromedial support post-operatively,and the failure rates were compared.Based on the final outcomes(failed or not),we allocated all of the patients into two groups:failed(Group C,n=66)and normal(Group D,n=328).We separately analyzed each dataset to identify the factors that exhibited statistically significant differences between the groups.In addition,a logistic regression was conducted to identify whether the loss of posteromedial support of A2 ITFs was an independent risk factor for fixation failure.The basic factors were age,sex,American Society of Anesthesiologists(ASA)score,side of affected limb,fixation method(intramedullary or extramedullary),time from injury to operation,blood loss,operative time and length of stay.Results:The failure rate of group B(58,24.07%)was significantly higher than that of group A(8,5.23%)(χ2=23.814,P<0.001).Regarding Groups C and D,the comparisons of the fixation method(P=0.005),operative time(P=0.001),blood loss(P=0.002)and length of stay(P=0.033)showed that the differences were significant.The logistic regression revealed that the loss of posteromedial support was an independent risk factor for implant failure(OR=5.986,95%CI:2.667-13.432)(P<0.001).Conclusions:For AO31-A2 ITFs,the loss of posteromedial support was an independent risk factor for fixation failure.Therefore,posteromedial wall reconstruction might be necessary for the effective treatment of A2 fractures that lose posteromedial support.

Health economics for intra-capsular hip fractures undertaking fixation

BACKGROUND Hip fracture is a common musculoskeletal injury in the elderly requiring surgery worldwide.The operative mainstay of intra-capsular hip fractures is arthroplasty with a smaller proportion for fixation.AIM To determine the most beneficial method of fixation for patients with intracapsular hip fractures.METHODS A registered audit from 2012-2018 was conducted on all intra-capsular hip fractures treated with 2 commonly used fixation methods.Patient notes,electronic records and clinical codes for cost benefit were evaluated.A validated quality of life measure was collected at least 1 year after surgery.RESULTS A total of 83 patients were identified with intra-capsular fractures undergoing fixation during the retrospective period.There were 47 cannulated cancellous screw and 36 sliding hip screw fixations with the case mix comparable for age,gender,co-morbidities and fracture configuration.There was no significant difference in blood loss,tip apex distance,radiation exposure,length of stay,radiological union time,collapse,avascular necrosis or re-operation between fixation methods.Logistic regression analysis demonstrated displaced intracapsular hip fractures correlated significantly with an undesirable outcome conferring a relative odds ratio of 7.25.There were 9(19%)and 4(11%)patients respectively,who required re-operation.There was no significant difference in health resource group tariff and implant cost with comparable EQ-5D and visual CONCLUSION No significant advantage was identified with differing fixation type,but irrespective there were a high number of patients requiring re-operation.This was predicted by initial fracture displacement and patient age.Arthroplasty may need to be carefully considered for health economics and patient benefit.

Arthroscopic M-shaped suture fixation for tibia avulsion fracture of posterior cruciate ligament:A modified technique and case series

BACKGROUND Tibial avulsion fractures of the posterior cruciate ligament(PCL)are challenging to treat and compromise knee stability and function.Traditional open surgery often requires extensive soft tissue dissection,which may increase the risk of morbidity.In response to these concerns,arthroscopic techniques have been evolving.The aim of this study was to introduce a modified arthroscopic tech-nique utilizing an M-shaped suture fixation method for the treatment of tibial avulsion fractures of the PCL and to evaluate its outcomes through a case series.AIM To evaluate the effects of arthroscopic M-shaped suture fixation on treating tibia avulsion fractures of the PCL.METHODS We developed a modified arthroscopic M-shaped suture fixation technique for tibia avulsion fractures of the PCL.This case series included 18 patients who underwent the procedure between January 2021 and December 2022.The patients were assessed for range of motion(ROM),Lysholm score and International knee documentation committee(IKDC)score.Postoperative complications were also recorded.RESULTS The patients were followed for a mean of 13.83±2.33 months.All patients showed radiographic union.At the final follow-up,all patients had full ROM and a negative posterior drawer test.The mean Lysholm score significantly improved from 45.28±8.92 preoperatively to 91.83±4.18 at the final follow-up(P<0.001),and the mean IKDC score improved from 41.98±6.06 preoperatively to 90.89±5.32 at the final follow-up(P<0.001).CONCLUSION The modified arthroscopic M-shaped suture fixation technique is a reliable and effective treatment for tibia avulsion fractures of the PCL,with excellent fracture healing and functional recovery.

Percutaneous Fixation as an Option for Traumatic Neurologically Intact Thoracolumbar Vertebral Fractures

Background: The most frequent spinal fracture is the thoracolumbar fracture. Minimally invasive percutaneous fixation of cases having thoracolumbar vertebral fractures without neurological impairments has remained controversial. The advantages of minimally invasive percutaneous fixation are decreasing muscle and soft tissue injury, decreasing blood loss and infection rate, in addition to shortening hospital stay and recovery times. In comparison to the open technique, percutaneous fixation is adequate for treating thoracolumbar (TL) fractures without causing neurological impairments & with satisfactory outcomes in terms of kyphosis decline. Elevated radiation exposure to the surgeon &the patient, lack of decompression and fusion via bone graft, & a steep learning curve are all disadvantages of percutaneous fixation of vertebral fractures. Methods: This study was retrospectively conducted on forty-eight patients, age ranging from 16 to 65 years old, with a thoracolumbar (TL) fracture without causing neurological impairments who were meeting the eligibility criteria for fixation in the period from July 2019 to January 2024. Results: We included the forty-eight patients who met the inclusion criteria (34 males and 14 females) their ages ranged from 16 to 65 years. The most common pathology was L1 fracture in 38 patients. No major complications were experienced, only wound infection in five patients which was treated efficiently with repeated dressings and broad-spectrum antibiotics. Four patients experienced misdirected screws, only in one patient the screw encroach into the spinal canal with no deficit experienced, while the other three showed minimally laterally deviated screws. Conclusion: The advantages of percutaneous pedicle screw fixation in thoracolumbar fractures through preservation of posterior musculature, are less blood loss, shorter operative time, lower infection risk, less post-operative pain, shorter rehabilitation time as well as a shorter hospital stay. Limitations of percutaneous fixation include the inability to achieve direct spinal canal decompression and, not having the option to perform a fusion and also requiring a learning curve to master the anatomy and technique.

Clinical Outcome of Internal Fixation and Fusion in the Treatment of Spinal Fractures by Paraspinal Muscular Space Approach

Objective:To explore the clinical effect of internal fixation and fusion with the paraspinal muscle gap approach in the treatment of spinal fracture patients.Methods:104 spinal fracture patients admitted to Central Hospital of TCM from October 2022 to April 2024 were selected as the study subjects and were randomly divided into the control group(n=52)and the observation group(n=52)according to the random number table method.The control group was treated with the conventional approach of internal fixation surgery,and the observation group was treated with the paraspinal muscular interspace approach of internal fixation fusion.The two groups’general data,surgical indexes,pain,lumbar spine function,and postoperative complications were observed.Results:The baseline data of the two groups of patients were not statistically significant(all P>0.05)while the intraoperative bleeding,the first postoperative time getting up from bed,and the length of hospital stay of the patients in the observation group were shorter than that of the control group(all P=0.000<0.001),and the duration of the operation was longer than that of the control group(t=2.644,P=0.010<0.05);at 3 months postoperatively,the VAS scores of the patients in the observation group were significantly lower than those in the control group(t=10.768,P=0.000<0.001),and the JOA score was higher than that of the control group(t=6.498,P=0.000<0.001);the total complication rate of patients in the observation group(3/5.77%)was significantly lower than that of the control group(12/23.08%)(χ^(2)=6.310,P=0.012<0.05).Conclusion:In the treatment of spinal fracture patients,compared with the conventional approach to internal fixation surgery,the paraspinal muscular gap approach to internal fixation and fusion treatment is less traumatic,postoperative lumbar spine function recovery is faster,and can reduce the incidence of postoperative complications.

Clinical Effectiveness of the Plate Screw Internal Fixation Technique in the Treatment of Patients with Traumatic Fractures of Long Bones in the Lower Extremities

Objective: To investigate the effectiveness of the plate screw internal fixation technique on the clinical outcomes of patients with traumatic fractures of long bones in the lower extremities. Methods: From January 2022 to December 2023, 70 patients with traumatic fractures of long bones in the lower extremities were admitted to the hospital and randomly divided into two groups: the control group and the observation group, each consisting of 35 cases. The control group underwent traditional closed interlocking intramedullary nailing, while the observation group received internal fixation with steel plates and screws. Relevant surgical indicators, treatment effectiveness, and postoperative complication rates were compared between the two groups. Results: The observation group exhibited significantly short surgical duration (80.65 ± 5.01 vs. 88.36 ± 5.26 minutes), fracture healing time (13.27 ± 0.32 vs. 15.52 ± 0.48 weeks), and hospitalization days (10.49 ± 1.13 vs. 16.57 ± 1.15 days) compared to the control group (P = 0.000). The effective treatment rate was significantly higher in the observation group (29/82.86%) than in the control group (21/60.00%), with a significant difference observed (χ2 = 4.480, P = 0.034). Additionally, the complication rate in the observation group (2/5.71%) was significantly lower than that in the control group (8/22.86%), with a correlated difference (χ2 = 4.200, P = 0.040). Conclusion: The plate screw internal fixation technique demonstrates significant clinical efficacy in treating traumatic fractures of long bones in the lower extremities. It improves the healing rate, reduces complications, and represents a safe and effective treatment strategy worthy of widespread use and application.

Influence of Medial Support Screws on the Maintenance of Fracture Reduction after Locked Plating of Proximal Humerus Fractures

Background： Technical aspects of the correct placement of medial support locking screws in the locking plate for proximal humerus fractures remain incompletely understood. This study was to evaluate the clinical relationship between the number of medial support screws and the maintenance of fracture reduction after locked plating of proximal humerus fractures. Methods： We retrospectively evaluated 181 patients who had been surgically treated for proximal humeral fractures （PHFs） with a locking plate between September 2007 and June 2013. All cases were then subdivided into one of four groups as follows： 75 patients in the medial cortical support （MCS） group, 26 patients in the medial multiscrew support （MMSS） group, 29 patients in the medial single screw support （MSSS） group, and 51 patients in the 11o medial support （NMS） group. Clinical and radiographic evaluations included the Constant-Murley score （CM）, visual analogue scale （VAS）, complications, and revision surgeries. The neck-shaft angle （NSA） was measured in a true anteroposterior radiograph immediately postoperation and at final follow-up. One-way analysis of variance or KruskaI-Wallis test was used for statistical analysis of measurement data, and Chi-square test or Fisher＇s exact test was used for categorical data. Results： The mean postoperative NSAs were 133.46°± 6.01°, 132.39° ± 7.77°. 135.17° ± 10.15°, and 132.41° ± 7.16° in the MCS, MMSS, MSSS, and NMS groups, respectively, and no significant differences were found （F = 1.02, P= 0.387）. In the final follow-up, the NSAs were 132.79° ±6.02°, 130.19° ± 9.25°, 131.28° ± 12.85°, and 127.35° ± 8.50° in the MCS, MMSS, MSSS, and NMS groups, respectively （F = 4.40, P = 0.008）. There were marked differences in the NSA at the final follow-up between the MCS and NMS groups （P = 0.004）. The median （interquartile range [IQR]） NSA losses were 0.0° （0.0-1.0）°, 1.3° （0.0-3.1）°, 1.5° （ 1.0-5.2）°, and 4.0° （ 1.2 -7.1 ）° in the MCS, MMSS, MSSS, and NMS groups, respectively （H = 60.66, P 〈 0.001 ）. There were marked differences in NSA loss between the MCS and the other three groups （MCS vs. MMSS, Z = 3.16, P = 0.002; MCS vs. MSSS, Z = 4.78, P 〈 0.001; and MCS vs. NMS, Z = 7.34, P 〈 0.001）. There was also significantly less NSA loss observed in the MMSS group compared to the NMS group （Z = -3.16, P = 0.002）. However, there were no significant differences between the MMSS and MSSS groups （Z = -1.65, P = 0.225） or the MSSS and NMS groups （Z =- 1.21, P = 0.099）. The average CM scores were 81.35 ± 9.79, 78.04± 8.97, 72.76 ± 10.98, and 67.33 ± 12.31 points in the MCS, MMSS, MSSS, and NMS groups, respectively （F = 18.68, P 〈 0.001）. The rates of excellent and good CM scores were 86.67%, 80.77%, 65.52%, and 43.14% in the MCS, MMSS, MSSS, and NMS groups, respectively （ X^2 = 29.25, P 〈 0.001 ）. The median （IQR） VAS scores were 1 （0-2）, l （0 2）,2 （ 1-3）, and 3 （1-5） points in the MCS, MMSS, MSSS, and NMS groups, respectively （H = 27.80, P 〈 0.001）. Functional recovery was markedly better and VAS values were lower in the MCS and MMSS groups （for CM scores： MCS vs. MSSS, P 〈 0.001 ; MCS vs. N MS. P 〈 0.001; MMSS vs. MSSS, P= 0.031 and MMSS vs. NMS, P 〈 0.001 and for VAS values： MCS vs. MSSS, Z=3.31, P = 0.001： MCS vs. NMS, Z = 4.64, P 〈 0.001; MMSS vs. MSSS, Z = -2.09, P = 0.037： and MMSS vs. NMS, Z=-3.16, P = 0.003）.Conclusions： Medial support screws might help enhance mechanical stability and maintain fracture reduction when used to treat PHFs with medial metaphyseal comminution or malreduction.

A two-choice strategy through a medial tibial approach for the treatment of pilon fractures with posterior or anterior fragmentation

Objective： The anterolateral approach to the tibia has been popularized for the management of tibial pilon fractures. For complex fracture patterns a com- bined anterolateral/anteromedial approach is suitable but a high rate of complication has been reported. In our retro- spective study a two-choice strategy adopting a medial tibial approach was proposed for the treatment of pilon fractures with anterior or posterior fragmentation. Methods： Based on an anatomic study oftibial pilon fractures, we retrospectively analyzed the fractures with primary posterior, posterior-lateral or anterior, anterior-lat- eral （Tillaux-Chaput） involvement of the distal tibia. This retrospective study consisted of 18 patients with a closed tibial plafond fracture. The inclusion criteria were： （1） pre- sence of an anterior/anterolateral type fragment or a poste- rior （Volkmann） type fragment involving 〉25% of the articu- lar surface, （2） a minimum follow-up of 12 months, （3） a fibula fracture associated with a medial colunm fracture of the distal tibia, and （4） soft tissue conditions at the time of opera- tion that did not compromise the choice of surgical access （Tscheme classification for closed fractures： grade 0 and grade 1）. Tibial plafond fractures were classified into two groups： one presenting anterior and the other with poste- rior rim （Volkmann） fragments. Results： Most patients achieved a good clinical re- covery in terms of range of motion and Olerud-Molander scale scores. Only three patients presented a grade 2 os- teoarthritis at the 12 month follow-up. Conclusion： Our two-choice strategy highlights con- cepts which have been previously debated and described in the literature. But a new extended protocol for surgical approach to the distal tibia, including more fracture pat- terns and their association should be further investigated.

Tibial Plateau Fracture with Bucket-handle Tears of Both the Medial and Lateral Menisci

Tibial plateau fractures represent approximately 1% of all fractures which have been reported to commonly accompany by soft tissue injuriesY1 Neglect or missed diagnosis of such soft tissue injuries have negative effects on clinical outcome. In this article, we report a rare case of tibial plateau fracture combined with extensive soft tissue injuries, including bucket-handle tears （BHTs） of both the medial meniscus （MM） and the lateral meniscus （LM）. The patient also had an anterior cruciate ligament （ACL） tibial avulsion fracture, which led to the formation of a loose body in the joint. If left untreated, all of these concomitant injuries could cause unpleasant residual symptoms, such as joint locking and loss of extension.

Undiagnosed Hoffa fracture of medial femoral condyle presenting as chronic pain in a post-polio limb

Isolated coronal fracture of medial femoral condyle with intact lateral femoral condyle is extremely rare. A high index of suspicion is necessary for early diagnosis especially in cases of undisplaced fractures. Here we report a case of medial Hoffa fracture in a post-polio limb presenting as chronic pain. Management of such fractures in limbs affected by late sequelae of poliomyelitis is particularly problematic in view of osteoporosis and osseous hypoplasia. The fracture was approached through medial parapatellar arthrotomy and fixation was done with cannulated cancellous screws in anteroposterior direction. Union was achieved at 16 weeks.

Selection of internal fixation method for femoral intertrochanteric fractures using a finite element method

BACKGROUND Failure to fix unstable intertrochanteric fractures impairs return to daily activities.AIM To simulate five different internal fixation methods for unstable proximal femoral fractures.METHODS A three-dimensional model of the femur was established from sectional computed tomography images,and an internal fixation model was established.Finite element analysis of the femur model was established,and three intertrochanteric fracture models,medial defect,lateral defect,and medial-lateral defects,were simulated.Displacement and stress distribution after fixation with a proximal femoral anti-rotation intramedullary nail(PFNA),integrated dual-screw fixation(ITN),PFNA+wire,PFNA+plate,and PFNA+wire+plate were compared during daily activities.RESULTS The maximum displacement and stress of PFNA and ITN were 3.51 mm/473 MPa and 2.80 mm/588 MPa for medial defects;2.55 mm/288 MPa and 2.10 mm/307 MPa for lateral defects;and 3.84 mm/653 MPa and 3.44 mm/641 MPa for mediallateral defects,respectively.For medial-lateral defects,reconstructing the medial side alone changed the maximum displacement and stress to 2.79 mm/515 MPa;reconstructing the lateral side changed them to 3.72 mm/608 MPa,when both sides were reconstructed,they changed to 2.42 mm/309 MPa.CONCLUSION For medial defects,intramedullary fixation would allow early low-intensity rehabilitation exercise,and ITN rather than PFNA reduces the risk of varus and cut-out;for lateral wall defects or weakness,intram-edullary fixation allows higher-intensity rehabilitation exercise,and ITN reduces the risk of varus.For both medial and lateral defects,intramedullary fixation alone will not allow early functional exercise,but locating lateral or medial reconstruction will.For defects in both the inner and outer sides,if reconstruction cannot be completed,ITN is more stable.

Orthopaedic surgeon＇s nightmare： iatrogenic fractures of talus and medial malleolus following tibial nailing

Intramedullary interlocking nailing is the gold standard for treatment of tibial shaft fractures. The growing use of intramedullary nailing has resulted in an increased number of tibial nailing in daily clinical practice. Despite adequate surgeon experience, tibial nailing is not without complications if proper techniques are not followed. A case of iatrogenic talar neck and medial malleolus frac- tures during intramedullary nailing of tibia in a 24-year-old male is reported. It is believed to be caused by forceful hammering of insertion zig with foot dorsiflexed. To the best of our knowledge, no such case has been reported in the literature. It is possible to reduce the risk of this complication by adoption of preventive measures.