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

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

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.

Hemiarthroplasty for irreparable distal radius fractures in the elderly:A comprehensive review

BACKGROUND Elderly patients maintaining functional independence can now be candidates for primary wrist hemiarthroplasty to manage acute irreparable distal radius fractures(DRFs).However,further investigation with long-term follow-up is required to validate these initial findings.AIM To review the literature on the outcomes of distal radius hemiarthroplasty with available implants to assess its viability as a treatment option.METHODS A comprehensive review of the literature was conducted using electronic databases,including PubMed,Medline,and Scopus.The search terms employed were"distal radius fracture","hemiarthroplasty","wrist arthroplasty",and related terminology.The search was restricted to articles published in English from 1980 until June 2023.Inclusion criteria encompassed cases or case series of DRF treated with hemiarthroplasty,providing clinical or radiographic outcomes,and published in peer-reviewed journals.RESULTS A total of 2508 articles from PubMed and 883 from Scopus were identified initially.Following screening and removal of duplicates,13 articles met the inclusion criteria.These articles,predominantly clinical retrospective studies,provided insights into hemiarthroplasty outcomes,including functional improvements and complications.Hemiarthroplasty was a treatment option for complex DRF,particularly those cases with severe comminution,intraarticular involvement,or severe osteoporosis.Functional outcomes demonstrated improvements in pain relief,wrist mobility,and grip strength,with variability across studies.Complications included implant loosening,infection,nerve injury,and stiffness,with varying incidence rates influenced by surgical techniques and implant choice.Long-term outcomes were inadequately documented,warranting further research.CONCLUSION Hemiarthroplasty is a promising treatment for irreparable DRF in the elderly.Long-term outcomes and complications require further study.

Finite Element Analysis Study of Prototype of a Novel Intramedullary Injectable Bioresorbable Polymer Fixator versus a Volar Plate for Surgical Treatment of Distal Radius Fractures

Complications and shortcomings of volar plating, which is very widely used for surgical treatment of distal radius fractures, are well known. Thus, there is scope for alternative innovative surgical methods. In the present work, we used the finite element analysis method to compare the biomechanical performance of a model of a construct comprising a simulated distal radius fracture considered fixated using a notional intramedullary injectable bioresorbable polymer-bioresorbable balloon osteosynthesis system (“fixator”) versus using a commercially-available volar locking plate (VP). The biomechanical parameters determined were longitudinal stiffness and factor of safety under each of the applied loads.?For the fixator model, 1) each of the biomechanical parameters was markedly influenced by fracture gap fill ratio (FGFR) (defined as the proportion of the volume of the fracture gap that is considered occupied by the expanded polymer-filled balloon)?but not by modulus of elasticity assigned to the polymer;2) with FGFR = 100%, stiffness was comparable to that of the Ti-6Al-4V alloy VP construct model;and 3) stiffness was within the range of literature values for stiffness of constructs comprising simulated fractures in fresh cadaveric distal radii fixated using metal volar locking plate. These results suggest that the fixator may be an alternative modality to metal volar plating and, as such, deserves further evaluation.

Management of Tibial Metaphyseal Fractures by Hybrid External Fixator

Introduction: The Hybrid External Fixator combines the advantages of the monolateral pin fixators and the circular Ilizarov wire fixators. Principle of early motion has been touted as the functional savior of major intra articular injuries in application of hybrid external fixation. Materials & Methodology: 48 patients were considered for the study with tibial fractures admitted in Mamata General Hospital from May 2011 to May 2013. Results: The union and functional outcome of hybrid external fixator in simple and complex proximal and distal metaphyseal fractures of tibia in adults was evaluated at our centre. The fractures of the proximal tibia united with an average of 13.3 weeks (12 - 16 weeks). The fractures of the distal tibia united with an average of 14.42 weeks (13 - 22 weeks) with minimal complications. Conclusion: Our study shows high satisfaction rate after fixation, provides adequate stability and allows early motion of the joint. It is also effective in extra articular fractures occurring within 5 cm of the joint as the IM nails often do not provide enough stability and plating requires extensive soft tissue dissection.

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.

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

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

Ligamentotaxis versus Open Reduction and Internal Fixation for Distal Radius Intra-Articular Fractures

Objectives: This study compared the clinical and radiological outcomes of two different methods for the treatment of distal radial intra-articular fractures. Patients and Methods: Forty-six patients with distal radius intra-arti-cular fractures were divided into two groups. Group I included 24 patients with type C fracture treated by external fixator augmented by percutaneous K-wires. Group II included 22 patients with type C fracture treated by volar locked distal radial plate augmented by K-wires. Two patients had complex injuries necessitating double plating (sandwich). All patients were evaluated clinically by Mayo Wrist Score and radiologically by Sarmiento’s radiological score. Results: Both groups reported good personal satisfaction according to Mayo Wrist Score, and the results were not statistically different between the two groups. In Group I, 19 patients (79.2%) had excellent radiological outcome and five patients (20.9%) had good radiological outcome according to Sarmiento’s radiological score. In Group II, 20 patients (90.9%) had excellent outcome, and two (9.1%) had good radiological outcome;there was no or insignificant deformity. Conclusions: Complex distal radial fractures can be treated either by external fixation (ligamentotaxis) or by locked pre-contoured plating. The clinical outcome of plating and external fixator in our study did not show any statistically significant difference. The radiological outcome had no correlation with the clinical outcome.

The damage control in tibial pilon open fractures with a new external fixator delta frame

Objective: To evaluate the effectiveness of the damage control, in emergency to treat the open tibial pilon fractures with Dolphix? External Fixator Frame(CITIEFFE?, Calderara di Reno, Bologna, Italy). Methods: From January 2017 to August 2017, at the Department of Orthopedics and Traumatology of Vito Fazzi Hospital Lecce, we treated 23 open tibial pilon fractures with Dolphix? External Fixator Frame(CITIEFFE?, Calderara di Reno, Bologna, Italy). The evaluation criteria of the case series were: the time needed to assemble the external fixator;the time taked to treat the ankle associated lesions;the time of skin healing;the ankle alignment;the subjective/objective Ovadia and Beals score;and complications. The Endpoint assessment was set at the days of the definitive surgery. Results: The results in terms of alignment, biomechanical stability of the frame, healing of soft tissue, complications were as good as the objective and subjective results according Ovadia and Beals score. Conclusion:Pilon fractures are complex and often present complications;the damage control treatment, in emergency, with Dolphix? External Fixator Frame(CITIEFFE?, Calderara di Reno, Bologna, Italy) permits a stable osteotaxis with minimal soft tissue damage and permit the repair of muscles, blood vessels and nerves with a stable bone and the soft tissue healing with vaccum therapy.

Small splints versus plate fixation for distal radius fractures: A meta- analysis and systematical analysis

Objective:Evaluate the efficacy,safety and economy of small splints and plate in the treatment of distal radius fractures(DRFs).Methods:Seven electronic databases,including PubMed,EMBASE,Cochrane Library,sinomed,CNKI,VIP and Wanfang,were searched for the original study.Literature was screened according to the inclusion and exclusion criteria,and the methodological quality of the included studies was evaluated by Cochrane risk bias assessment tool.The software Revman 5.4 was used for data analysis.Results:A total of 19 studies were included in the study.The clinical effective rate of the plate group[RR=0.96,95%CI(0.93,0.99),P=0.007],Radial inclination[MD=-1.85,95%CI(-2.93,-0.77),P=0.0008],Ulnar inclination[MD=-2.49,95%CI(-3.95,-1.04),P=0.0007],relative height of radius[MD=-1.63,95%CI(-2.40,-0.86),P<0.0001]were better than those in small splints group.There was no significant difference in fracture healing time[MD=-4.39,95%CI(-9.07,0.28),P=0.07]and complications[RR=1.57,95%CI(0.98,2.52),P=0.06]between the two groups.In terms of treatment cost[MD=-2.83,95%CI(-3.37,-2.30),P<0.00001],the small splint group was better than the plate treatment group.Conclusion:Compared with small splints therapy,plate internal fixation has advantages in clinical effective rate and imaging scores.There is no significant difference in fracture healing time and complications between the two groups.In terms of treatment cost,small splint therapy is better than plate therapy.Clinical treatment should be selected and formulated according to the individual situation,demands and clinical practice of patients.

External fixator with lumbopelvic distraction spondylodesis for vertically unstable pelvic fracture

Objective To evaluate the clinical outcomes of external fixator with lumbopelvic distraction spondylodesis in treatment of vertically unstable pelvic fractures.Methods From January 2008 to March 2009,9 patients(4 males and 5 females)

Ilizarov external fixators for maluninon of obsolete calcaneal fracture of Stephen Type Ⅲ

Objective To evaluate the clinical effects of Ilizarov external fixator for maluninon of obsolete calcaneal fracture of Stephen Type Ⅲ.Methods From July 2006 to February 2009,25 patients suffering from maluninon of obsolete calcaneal

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.

Three dimensional finite element analysis of anatomic distal radius Nitinol memory connector treating distal radius fracture

Objective: To study the memory biomechanical character of anatomic distal radius Nitinol memory connector (DRMC) in treating distal radius fracture. Methods: Establishing three dimensional model and finite element analysis, we calculated the stress in and around the fracture faces when distal radius fracture was fixated with DRMC. Results: Axial holding stress produced by holding part of DRMC on distal radius was 14.66 MPa. The maximum stress of holding part was 40-70 MPa, the minimum stress was 3-7 MPa,and the stress of compression part was 20-40 MPa. Conclusion: The distribution of stress produced by DRMC around the fracture line is reasonable, and axial holding stress can help stabilize fracture during earlier period. The existence of longitudal compression and memory effect can transfer fixated disused section into developed section and enhance fracture healing.

Manual reduction with traditional small splints for distal radius fracture in older patients

Objective:To investigate the effect of manual reduction with traditional small splints fixation for distal radius fractures in older patients in the emergency department.Methods:Older patients(aged at least 60 years)with distal radius fractures were enrolled in this study.The patients were randomly divided into the treatment group and the control group.The treatment group was treated with manual reduction and small splints fixation.The control group was treated with manual reduction and resin plaster fixation.Before treatment,after reduction,and 3 months after treatment,the palmar tilt angle,ulnar deviation angle,and radial length were recorded.Before treatment and 3 months after treatment,the Cooney wrist joint scores were recorded.The time of fracture healing and related adverse events during the treatment were recorded.Results:Before treatment and after reduction,there were no statistically significant differences between the two groups in palmar tilt angle,ulnar deviation angle,or radial length(P>0.05).Three months after treatment,the palmar tilt angle,ulnar deviation angle,and radial length of the treatment group were better than those of the control group(P<0.05).The Cooney wrist scores of the treatment group was significantly higher than that of the control group three months after the treatment(P<0.05).The time of fracture healing of the treatment group was shorter than that of the control group,but the difference was no statistically significant(P>0.05).Conclusions:Compared with resin plaster fixation,traditional small splints fixation for distal radius fractures in older patients have the advantages of less loss of fracture reduction and faster functional recovery.Besides,the method is simple and low cost thus,it needs to be promoted.

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.

Reliability of the pronator quadratus fat pad sign to predict the severity of distal radius fractures

AIM To evaluate the reliability of pronator quadratus fat pad sign to detect distal radius fracture and to predict its severity.METHODS Retrospectively we identified 89 consecutive patients(41 female, mean age 49 ± 18 years) who had X-ray(CR) and computed tomography(CT) within 24 h following distal forearm trauma. Thickness of pronator quadratus fat pad complex(PQC) was measured using lateral views(CR) and sagittal reconstructions(CT). Pearson's test was used to determine the correlation of the PQC thickness in CR and CT. A positive pronator quadratus sign(PQS) was defined as a PQC > 8.0 mm(female) or > 9.0 mm(male). Frykman classification was utilized to assess the severity of fractures.RESULTS Forty-four/89 patients(49%) had a distal radius fracture(Frykman Ⅰ n = 3, Ⅱ n = 0, Ⅲ n = 10, Ⅳ n = 5, Ⅴ n = 2, Ⅵ n = 2, Ⅶ n = 9, Ⅷ n = 13). Mean thickness of the PQC thickness can reliably be measured on X-ray views and was 7.5 ± 2.8 mm in lateral views(CR), respectively 9.4 ± 3.0 mm in sagittal reconstructions(CT), resulting in a significant correlation coefficientof 0.795. A positive PQS at CR was present in 21/44 patients(48%) with distal radius fracture and in 2/45 patients(4%) without distal radius fracture, resulting in a specificity of 96% and a sensitivity of 48% for the detection of distal radius fractures. There was no correlation between thickness of the PQC and severity of distal radius fractures.CONCLUSION A positive PQS shows high specificity but low sensitivity for detection of distal radius fractures. The PQC thickness cannot predict the severity of distal radius fractures.

Pulmonary thromboembolism after distal ulna and radius fractures surgery: A case report and a literature review

BACKGROUND Pulmonary thromboembolism(PTE)is a serious postoperative complication that can occur after a fracture.Generally,PTE is caused by the falling off of lower extremity deep vein thrombosis(LEDVT)after lower limb fracture surgery.LEDVT and PTE after upper extremity fracture surgery are very rare.PTE is one of the most common clinical causes of sudden death.Venous thromboembolism includes PTE and DVT.We experienced one case of LEDVT and PTE after distal ulna and radius fracture surgery.The purpose of our report is to raise awareness for orthopedic surgeons that PTE can occur after distal ulna and radius fracture surgery,and patients with high risk factors should be considered for prevention and treatment of thrombosis in a timely manner.CASE SUMMARY We report a 51-year-old Chinese male who had severe fractures of the left distal ulna,radius and little finger after a motorcycle accident.The patient underwent external fixation,open reduction and internal fixation.On the third post-operative day,computed tomographic pulmonary angiography showed PTE.Doppler ultrasonography showed thrombus formation in the bilateral posterior tibial veins.After a period of anticoagulation therapy,on the 25th d after the PTE,computed tomographic pulmonary angiography showed that thrombus in both sides of the pulmonary artery disappeared.Furthermore,about 4 mo after the PTE,thrombosis in the deep veins of the lower limbs disappeared.About 1 year after the surgery,X-rays showed good fracture healing,and the function of the wrist joint recovered well.CONCLUSION Though rare,PTE can occur after distal ulna and radius fracture surgery and patients with high risk factors should be considered for prevention and treatment of thrombosis in a timely manner.

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.