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.

Effect of Infrared Irradiation Combined with External Application Nursing on Maintenance of Vascular Access in Hemodialysis Patients

Objective:This paper mainly analyzes the effect of infrared radiation combined with external application nursing on maintenance of vascular access in hemodialysis patients.Methods:A total of 150 hemodialysis patients in our hospital from December 2019 to September 2020 were divided into the conventional group and the study group,75 cases in each group.The conventional group was given external application nursing alone,and the study group was given infrared radiation combined with external application nursing,and the effect on the maintenance of vascular access was counted.Results:After the intervention,the indexes of URR,kt/V and human albumin in the study group were higher than those in the routine group,and the indexes of β2-mg and MIS in the study group were lower than those in the routine group,P<0.05;The improvement of vascular elasticity and quality of life in the study group was higher than that in the conventional group,and the incidence of complications was lower than that in the conventional group,P<0.05.Conclusion:Infrared radiation combined with external application of nursing care in hemodialysis patients with vascular access maintenance effect is significant,can effectively improve vascular elasticity.

Emergent and delayed hybrid external fixation management of tibial pilon fractures: A multicentric retrospective analysis of 80 patients

Objective:To report our experience with the hybrid external fixator in emergency.Methods:We assessed 80 cases of pilon fracture treated with the external fixator during the period of January 2009 and December 2016:55 men (69%) and 30 women (33%) with a mean age of 40 years (range between 16 and 70 ). About 45 occurred as isolated trauma, 35 instead were politrauma. Each patient underwent standard radiographic examination and a CT examination. There were 28 open fractures (35%), (Gustilo type 1, 2 and 3) while closed fractures showed soft tissue involvement of various grade (2-3 Tscherne classification). In all cases, the external fixation, sometimes associated with other reduction and synthesis techniques, was used. The timing of surgery was dictated by the condition of the soft tissues. For clinical evaluation, the Mazur score with mean follow-ups at 12 months was utilized.Results:The final range of ankle motion was 15 dorsal and 10 plantar flexion. In about 80 cases there was an average Mazur score of83. The mean score was 90;in open fractures 85 to 72. Radiographic healing of fractures in 60 patients occurred in 120 days (mean 105 days), at the time when the external fixator was removed.Conclusion:Pilon fractures are complex and often present complications;the definitive treatment, in emergency or delayed, with hybrid external fixator permits a stable synthesis with minimal soft tissue damage. Weight bearing maybe allowed early and functional recovery is generally good.

Advantages of Ilizarov External Fixation in an Elderly Patient with Pilon Fracture with Severe Soft Tissue Injury and Severe Osteoporosis: A Case Report

Introduction: Pilon fracture in elderly individuals is characterized by senile skin atrophy, poor dermal extensibility, and thin subcutaneous tissue. The use of bulky internal fixation material can thus cause the swelling that accompanies the fracture to induce secondary injury to skin tissue. In addition, initiation of postoperative weight-bearing is delayed due to bone fragility and difficulties with partial weight-bearing, causing a tendency toward prolonged hospitalization. Mean duration of hospitalization after pilon fracture for elderly patients in our department was 79.2 days. Case Presentation: An 80-year-old woman with pilon fracture with soft tissue injury and severe osteoporosis was transferred to our department. The fracture was treated using Ilizarov external fixation. Fourteen days postoperatively, walking with full weight-bearing was permitted. The hospital stay was 28 days. The external fixator of the ankle was removed 87 days postoperatively, at which time the patient was anatomically and functionally recovered and able to walk unaided. Conclusion: Ilizarov external fixation may represent a useful option in elderly patients with pilon fracture showing severe soft tissue injury and severe osteoporosis. The present case provides evidence that this procdure can be successfully applied to the management of such pilon fractures in elderly patients.

Triple Arthrodesis with Internal and External Fixation: Technique Paper

Background: The triple arthrodesis was described early by Myerson in 1923 and has been the gold standard surgical procedure for various conditions with the goal to reduce pain, improve deformity and facilitate function. Methods: The procedure consists of fusion of the subtalar joint, talonavicular joint and calcaneocuboid joint [1]. The procedure is traditionally done with internal fixation, however, Marinet al. has shown it to be performed with external fixation [2]. Dr. Marin and the associates have developed an alternative technique to perform a triple arthrodesis using internal and external fixation. This paper describes a step-by-step technique to perform a triple arthrodesis with both internal and external fixation. It will demonstrate the use of the prefabricated arches on the footplate for more precise and accurate placement of transosseous wires using arch-wire technique [3]. Results/Conclusion: We believe this technique will not only help increase the ability to achieve fusion with a less chance of non-union, but may also decrease healing time, which may allow patients to be mobile from the first week post-operatively and may diminish the risks associated with being non-weightbearing.

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.

Treatment of Vertically Unstable Sacral Fractures with Pelvic External Fixation and Skeletal Traction

Objective: To determine the efficacy in treatment of vertically unstable sacral fractures with pelvic external fixation and skeletal traction. Patients and Methods: The pelvic external fixation and skeletal traction were applied on 12 cases of vertically unstable sacral fracture (eight males and four females, at age of 19 - 52 years, mean 35.2 years) including two cases of Denis Zone I, nine of Zone II, and one of Zone III. All patients were treated with the pelvic external fixation, and pre- and post-operational longitudinal skeletal traction. Results: The mean operation time, skeletal traction time, skeletal traction removal time and full weight bearing time were 38 min, 4.5 weeks, 8.5 weeks, and 10.3 weeks respectively. All these patients were followed up for 12 - 36 months (average, 22.5 months), which showed no associated complication. The function results were rated as excellent in four cases, good in six and fair in two, with a mean score of 84.4 points, according to Majeed scoring system. Conclusion: The anterior pelvic external fixation with continuous skeletal traction can reliably restore and stabilize the vertically unstable sacrum fracture with excellent functional and radiographic outcomes. It is an ideal method to treat unstably vertical sacral fracture.

Hybrid External Fixation for Open Severe Comminuted Fractures of the Distal Femur

Background: The treatment of distal femoral open comminuted fractures is a major problem for orthopedic surgeon. The basic and important aim in treatment of these fractures is to assemble the condylar fragments and then fix the condyles to the femoral shaft by minimum handling of the bone and soft tissues. Objectives: To evaluate the treatment of distal femoral open comminuted fractures (type C2 and C3) with hybrid external fixator. Methods: Thirty-four patients with distal femur open comminuted fracture (type C2 and C3) were treated by hybrid external fixator between January 2005 and December 2008. All of the fractures were opened with extension to joint surface. 30 patients were male and 4 were female. Their average age was 30.5 years (17 to 72 years). Average follow up period was 36 months. 12 patients had isolated fracture and 22 patients had multiple fractures. The bony and functional results were evaluated by the association for the study and application of the method of Ilizarov (ASAMI) protocol and knee society score. Results: 29 out of 34 fractures (85%) had union without bone grafts. Average time of union was 6.1 months (4 - 19 ms). The average knee range of motion was 87.5 degrees (30 - 115 degrees). The bony results were excellent in 24 patients (70.5%), good in 6 (17.7%), fair in 2 (5.9%), and poor in 2 (5.9%), and the functional results were excellent in 10 (29.4%) patients, good in 14 (41.2%), fair in 6 (17.6%), and poor in 4 (11.8%), and the functional results were excellent in 10 (29.4%) patients, good in 14 (41.2%), fair in 6 (17.6%), and poor in 4 (11.8%) according to ASAMI protocol. According to the knee society score the functional results were excellent in 9 (26.44%) patients, good in 13 (38.26%), fair in 7 (20.6%), and poor in 5 (14.7%). Conclusion: Hybrid external fixator is an effective method for treatment of distal femoral open comminuted fractures (type C2 and C3) and may be considered as an alternative surgical methods in the management of these fractures.

Effect of Ilizarov external fixation combined with negative pressure sealing drainage and antibiotics in the treatment of infective tibial nonunion

Objective:Observation on the effect of Ilizarov external fixation combined with vacuum pressure sealing drainage and antibiotics in the treatment of infective tibial nonunion.Methods:79 patients with tibial infective nonunion who were treated in our hospital from August 2016 to August 2018 were divided into two groups according to random number table,with 39 patients in the control group treated with Ilizarov external fixation technology and 40 patients in the study group treated with vacuum pressure sealing drainage and antibiotics on the basis of the control group.Bone healing time and daily walking were recorded.Rasmussen score,serum intercellular adhesion molecule-1(ICAM-1)and IL-6 levels,lower limb Fugl-Meyer motor function score and lower limb BI index score were compared at different time.Results:The daily walking condition of the study group was significantly better than that of the control group(P<0.05),and the healing time of bone was significantly shorter than that of the control group(P<0.05);the Rasmussen score of the study group was higher than that of the control group at 1 month,6 months and 12 months after treatment(P<0.05);the levels of serum ICAM-1 and IL-6 in the two groups after treatment were lower than those before treatment(P<0.05),and the levels of serum ICAM-1 and IL-6 in the study group were lower than those in the control group after treatment(P<0.05).The lower limb Fugl-Meyer motor function score and lower limb BI index score of the two groups after treatment were higher than those before treatment(P<0.05),and the lower limb Fugl-Meyer motor function score and lower limb BI index score of the study group after treatment were higher than those of the control group(P<0.05).Conclusions:Ilizarov external fixation combined with vacuum pressure sealing drainage and antibiotics can promote the bone healing of patients with infective tibial nonunion,significantly improving their daily walking condition,alleviating inflammation,and recovering the knee joint function and lower limb function well.

Step-by-step external fixation of unstable pelvis with separate anterior and posterior modules

Objective: To evaluate the treatment outcomes of patients with pelvic ring injury by applying step-by-step external pelvic fixation and circular external fixation device.Methods: A total of 28 patients suffering from disintegrated pelvic ring injury are involved in the study. Fourteen patients(the treatment group) underwent step-by-step external pelvic fixation by applying anterior(anti-shock) and posterior modules. For the rest 14 patients(the experimental group), the osteosynthesis were conducted by means of a circular external fixation device. The long-term outcomes were evaluated in a year after the injury.Results: The residual deformity of 5(4–7) mm was observed in 10 patients(71.4%) from the experimental group. In the treatment group, the residual deformity was evident only in 4(28.6%) cases being 2.5(2–3) mm(P = 0.000 319) on the average. The functional result(according to the Majeed scale) was statistically better in the treatment group(P = 0.000 319). Nine(64.3%) and five(35.7%) patients in treatment group showed excellent and positive results, respectively. The excellent result was demonstrated by 3patients(21.4%) of the experimental group, the positive outcomes were observed in 6 cases(42.9%) and the unsatisfactory one was displayed by 1 patient(7.1%) of the same group.Conclusions: The modular approach applied is the advantage of the transosseous osteosynthesis allowing for a separate anterior(anti-shock) fixation and final posterior reposition of the pelvic ring preceded by the stabilization of vital functions. The above mentioned method gives an opportunity to increase the amount of techniques applied for the pelvic external fixation in polytrauma cases.

Assessment of the trauma degree and bone metabolism after external fixation combined with vacuum sealing drainage treatment of open tibiofibula fracture

Objective: To evaluate the effect of external fixation combined with vacuum sealing drainage on the trauma degree and bone metabolism in patients with open tibiofibula fracture. Methods:A total of 116 patients with open tibiofibula fracture who received surgical treatment in Luzhou People's Hospital between February 2015 and January 2017 were divided into control group (n=58) and study group (n=58) by random number table. Control group received debridement + external fixation, and study group received debridement + external fixation +vacuum sealing drainage. The differences in the levels of trauma indexes and bone metabolism indexes were compared between the two groups before and after treatment. Results: Before surgery, there was no statistically significant difference in serum levels of trauma indexes and bone metabolism indexes between the two groups. 1 week after surgery, serum acute phase protein Tf level of study group was higher than that of control group whereas CER, Hp and CRP levels were lower than those of control group;stress indexes NE and Cor levels were lower than those of control group;bone metabolism indexes P1NP, BGP and BALP levels were higher than those of control group whereas β-CTX level was lower than that of control group. Conclusion: External fixation combined with vacuum sealing drainage can effectively reduce fracture trauma and promote fracture end healing in patients with open tibiofibula fracture.

Effectiveness of the combination of workshops and flipped classroom model to improve tube fixation training for nursing students

BACKGROUND Tube indwelling is a key procedure in modern medicine.Careful tube setup is necessary to prevent unplanned extubation.The training for tube fixation is timeand resource-consuming,and optimal modes of training are currently being sought.Previous studies have compared workshops and flipped classroom models separately using conventional teaching strategies,but no study has examined a combination of both teaching models in nursing training.AIM To compare the effectiveness of workshops vs workshops combined with the flipped classroom model for improving tube fixation training for nursing students.METHODS This was a prospective cohort study.In this study,149 nurses who joined our hospital in 2019 underwent training using workshops combined with the flipped classroom model(experimental group),while 159 nurses who joined the hospital in 2018 received only workshop-based training(control group).The combination of workshops with the flipped classroom training model was divided into two modules:pre-class and in-class training.The participation of nurses in the training activities,onsite assessment of training,nurses’evaluation of their training,and related indicators of tube quality management were evaluated.RESULTS The average age of nurses in the control group was 22.94±0.94 years and that of nurses in the experimental group was 25.42±3.23 years(P<0.01).The qualified rate of after-class assessments for the experimental and control groups was 100.00%(average score:94.01±2.78 points)and 91.82%(average score:84.24±2.94 points),respectively(P<0.01).Most nurses in the experimental group completely agreed that the combined training was helpful to cultivate clinical thinking and independent learning ability and to master knowledge of tube fixation.In addition,the training content within the pre-class teaching video,pre-class tube atlas,pre-class main instructor guidance,in-class demonstration,and in-class practice was very informative.The experimental group had higher evaluation scores than the control group(4.88±0.38 vs 4.67±0.64;P<0.01).Comparison of tube quality management before and after training in 2018 to 2019 revealed that the unplanned ureteral tube removal rate dropped from 0.25‰to 0.06‰,the unplanned chest tube removal rate dropped from 1.07‰to 0.78‰,and the unplanned gastric tube removal rate dropped from 0.36‰to 0.17‰.The incidence rate of pressure ulcers caused by the tube decreased from 0.78‰to 0.45‰.CONCLUSION The combination of workshop and flipped classroom training is effective in improving tube fixation training of nurses,cultivating nurses’active learning abilities and clinical thinking,and improving the safety of the procedure.

Research on the Causes and Nursing Interventions of Extravasation During Intravenous Infusion

Intravenous infusion,a common clinical drug treatment method,is widely used in the treatment of various diseases.Due to the invasive nature of puncture during intravenous infusion,patients may inevitably experience resistance and tension when facing nursing staff performing infusion procedures.Additionally,the complexity of the nursing staff’s work and the impact of the infusion therapy environment can exacerbate the tension between nurses and patients,leading to risks such as drug leakage and needlestick injuries.This article focuses on the factors influencing extravasation during intravenous infusion and elaborates on how high-quality nursing interventions can reduce the incidence of adverse events during intravenous infusion.These interventions aim to improve patient satisfaction with intravenous infusion nursing care and ensure the safety of intravenous infusion procedures.

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.