Value of negative pressure sealing drainage on wound healing of Gustilo IIIB and IIIC open fractures

BACKGROUND Gustilo III fractures have a high incidence and are difficult to treat.Patients often experience difficulty in wound healing.Negative pressure drainage technology can help shorten wound healing time and has positive value in improving patient prognosis.AIM To explore the clinical value of the negative pressure sealing drainage technique in wound healing of Gustilo IIIB and IIIC open fractures.METHODS Eighty patients with Gustilo IIIB and IIIC open fractures with skin and soft tissue injuries who were treated in the Second People’s Hospital of Dalian from March 2019 to December 2021 were selected as the research subjects.They were divided into a study group(n=40,healed with negative pressure closed drainage)and a control group(n=40,healed with conventional dressing changes)according to the variation in the healing they received.The efficacy of the clinical interventions,the variations in the regression indicators(time to wound healing,time to fracture healing,time to hospitalization),and the conversion and healing of bacterial wounds were compared 1-3 mo after the intervention.RESULTS The total effective rate of patients among the study group was 95.00%(38/40),which was notably higher than 75.00%(30/40)among the control group(P<0.05).The wound healing time,fracture healing time,and hospital stay of the patients in the study group was shorter than the control group(P<0.05).After the intervention,the negative bacterial culture at the wound site rate and wound healing rate of the patients among the study group increased compared to the control group(P<0.05).CONCLUSION Negative pressure sealing and drainage technology has a good therapeutic effect on patients with Gustilo IIIB and IIIC open fracture wounds with skin and soft tissue injury.It can notably enhance the wound healing rate and the negative rate of bacteria on the wound surface and help to speed up the recovery process of patients.

Outcomes of early versus late irrigation and debridement of pediatric open long bone fractures

BACKGROUND Open long bone fractures are a major concern for pediatric patients due to the risk of surgical site infection(SSI).Early studies have recommended irrigation and debridement of open fractures within 6 hours-8 hours for the prevention of SSI.According to the American College of Surgeons(ACS)Best Practice Guidelines,in 2015,irrigation and debridement should be done within 24 hours.AIM To identify whether early irrigation and debridement,within 8 hours,vs late,between 8 hours and 24 hours,for pediatric open long bone fractures impacts rate of SSI.METHODS Using retrospective data review from the National Trauma Data Bank,Trauma Quality Improvement Project(TQIP)of 2019.TQIP database is own by the ACS and it is the largest database for trauma quality program in the world.Propensity matching analysis was performed for the study.RESULTS There were 390 pediatric patients with open long bone fractures who were incl-uded in the study.After completing propensity score matching,we had 176 patients in each category,irrigation and debridement within 8 hours and irrigation and debridement between 8 hours and 24 hours.We found no significant differences between each group for the rate of deep SSI which was 0.6%for patients who received surgical irrigation and debridement within 8 hours and 1.1%for those who received it after 8 hours[adjusted odd ratio(AOR):0.5,95%CI:0.268-30.909,P>0.99].For the secondary outcomes studied,in terms of length of hospital stay,patients who received irrigation and debridement within 8 hours stayed for an average of 3.5 days,and those who received it after 8 hours stayed for an average of 3 days,with no significant difference found,and there were also no sig-nificant differences found between the discharge dispositions of the patients.CONCLUSION Our findings support the recommendation for managing open long bone fractures from the ACS:Complete surgical irrigation and debridement within 24 hours.

DICE:An open-source MATLAB application for quantification and parametrization of digital outcrop model-based fracture datasets

An open-source MATLAB application(app)named Discontinuity Intensity Calculator and Estimator(DICE)was developed in order to quantitatively characterize the fractures,or in more general,discontinuities within a rocky outcrop in three-dimensional(3D)digital data,such as digital outcrop model(DOM).The workflow proposed for the parametrization of the discontinuities consists of the following steps:(1)Analysis and mapping of the fractures detected within the 3D DOMs;(2)Calculation of the orientation,position and dimensions of discontinuities that are represented by best-fit circular planes;(3)Determining the discontinuity parameters(dimension,distribution,spacing and intensity)by the DICE algorithm using different 3D oriented sampling techniques(3D oriented scanline,3D oriented circular scan window and spherical scan volume).Different sampling methods were bench tested with a synthetic,as well as a natural case study,and compared in order to understand the advantages and limitations of each technique.The 3D oriented circular scan window appears to be the most effective method for fracture intensity estimation with high accuracy(error 0.4%)and stability with variations in scan radius.

Axial load-share ratio testing to assess the healing of open tibial fractures treated with the Taylor Spatial Frame

Background:The Taylor Spatial Frame(TSF)has gained popularity among orthopedic surgeons for treating open fractures.However,a key challenge is the timely and safe removal of the frame.This study assessed the efficacy and safety of axial load-share ratio(ALSR)testing to evaluate callus healing strength after TSF treatment of open tibial fractures.Methods:A retrospective case-control study was conducted,analyzing 180 adult patients with open tibial fractures treated at Tianjin Hospital’s Orthopedic Limb Correction Unit between August 2019 and August 2022.All patients underwent TSF external fixation surgery,and were divided into two groups based on ALSR testing.Group I(92 patients)underwent ALSR testing,with frame removal if the test value fell below 5%.Traditional methods were used for fixator removal guidance in Group II(88 patients).Clinical outcomes,including fixation duration,complications after fixator removal,and Johner-Wruhs functional scores,were compared between the two groups.Results:The groups showed no statistically significant differences(P>0.05)in sex,age,injury side,body mass index,surgery timing,or fracture type.Group I had a significantly shorter fixation duration(25.85±5.57 weeks)compared to Group II(31.82±6.98 weeks)(P<0.05).Following fixator removal,Group I demonstrated superior Johner-Wruhs scores compared to Group II,indicating better outcomes(P<0.05).Complication rates did not differ significantly between the groups at the last follow-up(P>0.05).Conclusion:Regular postoperative ALSR testing could safely and effectively guide TSF removal following open tibial fracture treatment.This method significantly reduced fixation duration compared to traditional guidance methods while maintaining efficacy and safety.

Results of Open Surgical Treatment of Humeral Paddle Fractures about 63 Cases

Fractures of the humeral paddle, common to young adults, are most often complex, linked to violence and an increase in road accidents. The objective of our work is to evaluate our functional results, in the medium term, correlated with a review of the literature. This is a retrospective study of 63 patients, carried out in the traumatology-orthopedics department 1 of the IBN EL JAZZAR hospital in KAIROUAN, over a period of 7 years from January 2015 to December 2021. The average age of patients was 39 years (17 - 68 years). Predominantly male. The etiologies are dominated by falls and accidents on public roads. Fractures are classified according to the Müller and Allgöwer classification where type C is found in 51% of cases. All our patients undergo an olecranon osteotomy in 71% of cases. Osteosynthesis using a Lecestre plate combined with screwing or plugging is used in 84% of cases. The evolution is marked by complications observed in eight patients (16%), including two cases of sepsis, four cases of elbow stiffness (8%), one case of joint callus and one case of pseudarthrosis. Our results are evaluated according to the Mayo Elbow Performance Score, they are excellent and good in 71% of cases, average in 18% of cases and poor in 11% of cases. Fractures of the humeral paddle are fractures with a satisfactory functional prognosis, requiring ad integrum anatomical restoration and solid osteosynthesis allowing early rehabilitation of the elbow. One case of joint callus and one case of pseudarthrosis.

Watson-Jones Anatomical Approach for Open Reduction and Internal Fixation of Proximal Femoral Fractures without Image Intensifier in a Low-Resource Setting

Introduction: Standard procedures for surgical fixation of proximal femoral fractures (PFF) require an image intensifier which in developing countries remains a luxury. We hypothesized that, with a well-codified technique, the Watson Jones approach (WJA) without image intensifier nor traction table, can allow open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) of PFF using Dynamic hip screw (DHS), with satisfactory outcome. Patients and methods: Forty one consecutive patients (mean age 59.5 ± 21.6 years, 61% males) who were followed in a Teaching Hospital for PFF treated by ORIF using the WJA and DHS from January 2016 to December 2020 were reassessed. The outcome measures were the quality of the reduction, the positioning of the implants, the tip-apex distance (TAD), the rate and delay of consolidation, the functional results using Postel Merle d’Aubigné (PMA) score, the rate of surgical site infection (SSI) and the overall mortality. Logistic regression was used to determine factors associated with mechanical failure. Results: The mean follow-up period was 33.8 ± 15.0 months. Fracture reduction was good in 31 (75.6%) cases and acceptable in 8(19.5%) cases. Implant position was fair to good in 37 (90.2%) patients. The mean TAD was 26.1 ± 3.9 mm. Three patients developed SSI. Consolidation was achieved in 38 (92.6%) patients. The functional results were good to excellent in 80.5% of patients. The overall mortality rate was 7.3%. There were an association between mechanical failure and osteoporosis (p = 0.04), fracture reduction (p = 0.003), and TAD (p = 0.025). In multivariate logistic regression, no independent factors were predictive of mechanical failure. Conclusion: This study shows that ORIF using DHS for PFF via the Watson-Jones approach without an image intensifier can give satisfactory anatomical and functional outcomes in low-resource settings. It provides and validates a reliable and reproducible technique that deserves to be diffused to surgeons in austere areas over the world.

Clinical outcome of open ankle fractures in patients above 70 years of age

BACKGROUND Open fractures of the ankle are complex injuries requiring multidisciplinary input and are associated with significant morbidity and mortality.However,data on the clinical outcomes of open ankle fracture management in patients older than 70 is minimal.AIM To evaluate the clinical outcomes following open ankle fracture management in patients older than 70.Our secondary aim is to look at predictors of poor outcomes.METHODS Following local research and audit department registration,22 years of prospectively collated data from an electronic database in a district general hospital were assessed.All patients older than 70 years of age with an open ankle fracture requiring surgical intervention were identified.Demographic information,the nature,and the number of surgical interventions were collated.Complications,including surgical site infection(SSI),venous thromboembolic events(VTEs)during hospital stay,and mortality rate,were reviewed.RESULTS A total of 37 patients were identified(median age:84 years,range:70-98);n=30 females median age:84 years,range:70-97);n=7 males median age:74 years,range:71-98))who underwent surgical intervention after an open ankle fracture.Sixteen patients developed SSIs(43%).Superficial SSIs(n=8)were managed without surgical intervention and treated with antibiotics and regular dressing changes.Deep SSIs(n=8;20%)required a median of 3(range:2-9)surgical interventions,with four patients requiring multiple washouts and one patient having metalwork removed.VTE incidence was 5%during the hospital stay.Eight patients died within 30 d,and mortality at one year was 19%.The 10-year mortality rate was 57%.The presence of a history of stroke,cancer,or prolonged inpatient stay was found to be predictive of lower survivorship in this population(log-rank test:cancer P=0.008,stroke P=0.001,length of stay>33 d P=0.015).The presence of a cardiac history was predictive of wound complications(logistic regression,P=0.045).Age,number of operations,and diabetic history were found to be predictive of an increase in the length of stay(general linear model;age P<0.001,number of operations P<0.001,diabetes P=0.041).CONCLUSION An open ankle fracture in a patient older than 70 years has at least a 20%chance of requiring repeated surgical intervention due to deep SSIs.The presence of a cardiac history appears to be the main predictor for wound complications.

Exclusive Fibula Osteosynthesis for Treating Open Fractures Gustillo I-III B of the Distal Half of the Leg Bones in a Resources-Limited Setting

Introduction: Management of open leg bones fractures is a challenging health issue for the surgeon, particularly true in resource-limited settings. In this study, we evaluate exclusive fibular osteosynthesis in the treatment of open fractures of the distal half of the leg bones as a therapeutic option in our context. Methods: This is a prospective, experimental, multicenter study of 30 open fractures of the distal half of the leg bones treated with exclusive fibula osteosynthesis, conducted in 3 hospitals in the DRC from January 1, 2013 to September 30, 2016. Results: The age range of 20 to 40 years grouped 22 (73.4%) patients, the sex ratio was 1:1 and the unemployed were the most involved with 16 (53.3%) cases. The Gustilo II, I, III B and III A types represented 40%, 33.3%, 20% and 6.7%, respectively. The fractures were located in the distal third in 12 (40%) cases, in the middle third in 11 (36.7%) cases, and in both malleoli in 7 cases (23.3%). Osteosynthesis of the fibula by screw plate was applied in 22 (73.3%) patients and pinning in 8 (26.7%). Satisfactory reduction of the tibial fracture site was achieved in 29 (96.7%) cases and 100% bone healing was achieved within an average of 10 weeks. Four (13.3%) loss of alignment, 1 (3.3%) infection, 1 (3.3%) skin necrosis and 2 (6.7%) ankle stiffness complicated our fractures. Conclusion: Exclusive osteosynthesis of the fibula as a common technique for fractures of the distal half of the leg bones allowed us to reduce, immobilize and consolidate the tibial fracture in the required time and to preserve the mobility of the ankle.

Radial Head Dislocation Associated with an Ipsilateral Open Type II Gustilo-Anderson Fracture of the Radial Shaft

Radial head dislocation associated with an ipsilateral radial shaft fracture is a rare lesion, even more so for open lesions. Few cases have been found in the literature. We report this case due to its exceptional nature and discuss the mechanism of onset. A twenty-five-year-old patient presented with a dislocation of the radial head associated with a GUSTILO ANDERSON type II open fracture of the radial shaft following an occupational accident. He was managed twenty-four hours after the trauma. The mechanism was a direct blow. The dislocation was reduced by external manoeuvre following open reduction of the radial shaft. The fracture was stabilized by two Kirschner wires following reduction. The result at 12 months was satisfactory from a clinical and radiological standpoint.

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.

Outcome of application of primary versus secondary Illizarov＇s fixator in open tibial shaft fractures

BACKGROUND: The present study aimed to compare outcome of primary and secondary Illizarov's fi xator application as a treatment method for type III open tibial fractures in terms of nonunion and wound infection.METHODS: This prospective study was done in a tertiary care center. Forty-eight type III tibial fractures were treated with Illizarov's apparatus between 2008 and 2011. The patients were divided into two groups depending on the treatment protocol, timing of wound closure and Illizarov's application, primary(n=28) and secondary(n=20).RESULTS: In the primary group, healing was achieved in all 28 patients. The median time to recovery was 24 weeks, and the median number of operations was 3. There were 6 patients with a bone defect. In the secondary group, complete recovery was achieved in 18 out of 20 patients. The median time to recovery was 30 weeks, and the median number of operations 5. There were 9 patients with a bone defect. The median time to recovery and the number of operations were signifi cantly smaller in patients undergoing primary operation. Union was 100% in the primary group and more than 95% in the secondary group. Chronic osteomyelitis persisted in one patient and below amputation was done in one patient in the secondary group.CONCLUSION: Primary wound closure and Illizarov's fixation required a smaller number of operations and shorter time to recovery than secondary wound closure and Illizarov's fi xation, mostly due to a signifi cantly less number of patients with a bone defect in the primary group.

The treatment of severe open Pilon fractures

Objective To discuss the operative methods,timing and outcomes of severe open Pilon fractures.Methods From April 2003 to July 2008,21 patients with open Pilon fractures were admitted.All the patients were type C fracture according to

Surgical outcomes of mini-open Wiltse approach and conventional open approach in patients with single-segment thoracolumbar fractures without neurologic injury

This study aimed to introduce a novel mini-open pedicle screw fixation technique via Wiltse approach, and com- pared it with the traditional posterior open method. A total of 72 cases of single-segment thoracolumbar fractures without neurologic injury underwent pedicle screw fixation via two different approaches. Among them, 37 patients were treated using posterior open surgery, and 35 patients received mini-open operation via Wiltse approach. Crew placement accuracy rate, operative time, blood loss, postoperative drainage, postoperative hospitalization time, radiation exposure time, postoperative improvement in R value, Cobb＇s angle and visual analog scale （VAS） scores of the two methods were compared. There were no significant differences in the accuracy rate of pedicle screw placement, radiation exposure and postoperative R value and Cobb＇s angle improvement between the two groups. However, the mini-open method had obvious advantages over the conventional open method in operative time, blood loss, postoperative drainage, postoperative hospitalization time, and postoperative improvement in VAS. The mini-open pedicle screw technique could be applied in treatment of single-segment thoracolumbar fracture without neurologic injury and had advantages of less tissue trauma, short operative and rehabilitative time on the premise of guaranteed accuracy rate and no increased radiation exposure.

Fracture Resistance and Failure Patterns of Open Apex Root Teeth with Different Posts after Endodontic Treatment

The aim of this study is to investigate the influence of different posts on the fracture mechanics of endodontically-treated teeth with open apex. Forty-eight human maxillary anterior teeth were collected, and the root was transversely sectioned 12 mm under the cementoenamal junction （CEJ）. These samples were then randomly divided into two groups, i.e., minor diameter open apex root （group A） and major diameter open apex root （group B）, with mineral trioxide aggregate （MTA） placed into the apical 4 mm in the root canals. Subsequently, both groups were respectively further divided into three subgroups as follows： fiber-post （subgroup 1）, metal post （subgroup 2） and non-post （subgroup 3） group. Teeth were restored with a composite resin crown and tested by using a universal testing machine at the rate of 1 mm/min cross-head. Values of the maximum fracture resistance and failure patterns were recorded and compared among all subgroups. In addition, the changes of MTA properties were carefully examined via X-ray photography. Our results indicate that （1） In group A, the mean value of fracture resistance for teeth restored with fiber posts were statistically higher than that with either metal post or non-post; （2） In group B, there was no statistically significant difference in the mean value of fracture resistance among three subgroups; （3） No statistical significance in the mean value of fracture resistance was found between group A and group B; （4） The failure modes of most samples （58%） were irreparable; （5） MTA in two teeth developed cracks after loading tests. In conclusion, endodontically-treated teeth restored with fiber posts are more resistant to fracture than those restored with either metal posts or non-post, and most of the fracture modes are catastrophic in nature.

Minimally invasive open reduction of greater tuberosity fractures by a modified suture bridge procedure

BACKGROUND Most greater tuberosity fractures can be treated without surgery but some have a poor prognosis.The surgical procedures for avulsion fractures of the humeral greater tuberosity include screw fixation,suture anchor fixation,and plate fixation,all of which have treatment-associated complications.To decrease surgical complications,we used a modified suture bridge procedure under direct vision and a minimally invasive small incision to fix fractures of the greater tuberosity of the humerus.AIM To investigate the clinical efficacy and outcomes of minimally invasive modified suture bridge open reduction of greater tuberosity evulsion fractures.METHODS Sixteen patients diagnosed between January 2016 and January 2019 with an avulsion-type greater tuberosity fracture of the proximal humerus and treated by minimally invasive open reduction and modified suture bridges with anchors were studied retrospectively.All were followed up by clinical examination and radiographs at 3 and 6 wk,3,6 and 12 mo after surgery,and thereafter every 6 mo.Outcomes were assessed preoperatively and postoperatively by a visual analog scale(VAS),the University of California Los Angeles(UCLA)shoulder score,the American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeon score(ASES),and range of motion(ROM)for shoulders.RESULTS Seven men and nine women,with an average age of 44.94 years,were evaluated.The time between injury and surgery was 1-2 d,with an average of 1.75 d.The mean operation time was 103.1±7.23 min.All patients achieved bone union within 3 mo after surgery.VAS scores were significantly decreased(P=0.002),and the mean degrees of forward elevation(P=0.047),mean degrees of abduction(P=0.035),ASES score(P=0.092)were increased at 3 wk.The UCLA score was increased at 6 wk(P=0.029)after surgery.The average degrees of external rotation and internal rotation both improved at 3 mo after surgery(P=0.012 and P=0.007,respectively).No procedure-related deaths or incision-related superficial or deep tissue infections occurred.CONCLUSION Modified suture bridge was effective for the treatment of greater tuberosity evulsion fractures,was easier to perform,and had fewer implants than other procedures.

Effect of loading rates on crack propagating speed,fracture toughness and energy release rate using single-cleavage trapezoidal open specimen under impact loads

The former studies indicate that loading rates significantly affect dynamic behavior of brittle materials,for instance,the dynamic compressive and tensile strength increase with loading rates.However,there still are many unknown or partially unknown aspects.For example,whether loading rates have effect on crack dynamic propagating behavior(propagation toughness,velocity and arrest,etc).To further explore the effect of loading rates on crack dynamic responses,a large-size single-cleavage trapezoidal open(SCTO)specimen was proposed,and impacting tests using the SCTO specimen under drop plate impact were conducted.Crack propagation gauges(CPGs)were employed in measuring impact loads,crack propagation time and velocities.In order to verify the testing result,the corresponding numerical model was established using explicit dynamic software AUTODYN,and the simulation result is basically consistent with the experimental results.The ABAQUS software was used to calculate the dynamic SIFs.The universal function was calculated by fractal method.The experimental-numerical method was employed in determining initiation toughness and propagation toughness.The results indicate that crack propagating velocities,dynamic fracture toughness and energy release rates increase with loading rates;crack delayed initiation time decreases with loading rates.

Open reduction and internal fixation for radial head fractures: A prospective observational study

Objective: To evaluate the effect of open reduction and internal fixation on radial head fracture and assess the post-operative function. Methods: This prospective observational study was conducted from June 2016 to July 2017 at Liaquat National Hospital and Medical College, Karachi. Altogether, 28 patients with radial head and neck fractures were enrolled in our study. These patients were admitted to the hospital and their fractures were fixed with open reduction and internal fixation. Baseline information of the patients was collected, and patient-rated elbow evaluation scores were calculated. Results: Out of the 28 patients, 21 were male and 7 were female. Besides, 16 fractures were on the right side and 12 were on the left side and 17 involving the dominant hands. In addition, 8 patients had Mason type Ⅱ fracture and 20 had Mason type Ⅲ fracture. The mean age of patients was (31.0 ± 8.0) years, and the mean follow-up is (1.2 ± 0.5) years. The mean average patient-rated elbow evaluation scores were (27.64 ± 1.60) at 1-year follow-up. Conclusions:The majority of the patients who had radial head fractures and treated by open reduction and internal fixation have attained an excellent range of motion postoperatively.

Contaminated open fracture and crush injury: a murine model

Modern warfare has caused a large number of severe extremity injuries, many of which become infected. In more recent conflicts, a pattern of co-infection with Acinetobacter baumannii and methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus has emerged. We attempted to recreate this pattern in an animal model to evaluate the role of vascularity in contaminated open fractures. Historically, it has been observed that infected bones frequently appear hypovascular, but vascularity in association with bone infection has not been examined in animal models. Adult rats underwent femur fracture and muscle crush injury followed by stabilization and bacterial contamination with A. baumannii complex and methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus.Vascularity and perfusion were assessed by micro CT angiography and SPECT scanning, respectively, at 1, 2 and 4 weeks after injury. Quantitative bacterial cultures were also obtained. Multi-bacterial infections were successfully created, with methicillin-resistant S. aureus predominating. There was overall increase in blood flow to injured limbs that was markedly greater in bacteria-inoculated limbs. Vessel volume was greater in the infected group. Quadriceps atrophy was seen in both groups, but was greater in the infected group. In this animal model, infected open fractures had greater perfusion and vascularity than non-infected limbs.

Functional Outcomes of Traumatic Complex Acetabulum Fractures with Open Reduction and Internal Fixation: 200 Cases

Objective: Acetabular fractures are common injuries in Iran. We assess the functional outcome of open reduction and internal fixation management of displaced Complex acetabular fractures. Materials and Methods: We analyzed a case series of patients with open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) for complex acetabular fractures. Two hundred patients (132 men, 68 women) in four age groups including with a mean age of 43.39 ± 6.18 years (range 20 - 59 years) and a mean follow-up of 82.34 ± 12.48 months (range 18 - 109 months) met the inclusion criteria. Functional outcome at final follow-up was graded assessed according to Harris score. Factors affecting were defined. Results: Anatomic reduction was achieved in 192 hips, imperfect in 8 and poor in none. Radiological outcome revealed excellent results in 128 (64%) hips, good in eight, fair in five and none in poor. Harris score were excellent in 139 (69.5%) hips, good in 43 (21.5%) and fair in 18 (9%) and poor in none. The anatomical reduction results had a favorable final functional outcome. (0.003) However, BMI (P Conclusion: Optimal functional and radiological outcomes have been achieved with anatomic postoperative reduction. Also experience of specialist, on time surgery and good recovery lead to receiving excellent functional outcome with at least complications.

IRRIGATION AND TRACTION THERAPY FOR OPEN FRACTURE WITH LARGE－SIZED FULL－THICKNESS SKIN－DEFICIT AND SEVERELY INFECTED WOUND

In this paper the results of skeletal traction and irrigation therapy (STIT) used for open fracture complicated with large-sized full-thickness skin-deficit and infection wounds (OFIW) were presented. Fourteen patients of OFIW were treated by the plaster cast and wound dressing (PCWD), and 30 patients of OFIW were treated by STIT. The results indicated that after one week of treatment, the white blood cell count in the STIT group, compared to 17. 6±l. 0×109/L from before treatment, returned to 8. 8±0. 8×109/L,and in contrast, the cell count of the PCWD group was about 13. 0±1. 4×109/L. All of wound exudate culture in the STIT group was negative, and those of 7 cases (7/14) in PCWD group were positive (P<0. 0l). The symptoms and signs such as pain, fever and septic exudate on the wound in the STIT group were much milder than those in the PCWD group. There were 5 cases (35. 7%) of toxicemia and septicemia, 2 cases (14. 3%) of osteomyelitis, 2 cases (14. 3 %) of amputation, 1 case (7. 1%) of delayed union and 3 cases (21. 4 %) of malunion in the PCWD group, and no complications in the STIT group.