Rates of readmission and reoperation after operative management of midshaft clavicle fractures in adolescents

The present letter to the editor is a commentary on the study titled“Rates of readmission and reoperation after operative management of midshaft clavicle fractures in adolescents”.There is a debate over whether surgical treatment of clavicle shaft fractures improves clinical outcomes in adolescents.The readmission and reoperation rates following surgery should be identified.

Operative vs non-operative management of displaced proximal humeral fractures in the elderly: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

AIM: To perform a systematic review and meta-analysis comparing operative vs non-operative treatment of displaced proximal humerus fractures in elderly patients.METHODS: A systematic literature search was performed using EMBASE and MEDLINE through the OVID interface,CINAHL,the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials(CENTRAL),Proquest,Web of Science,SAE digital library,and Transportation Research Board's TRID database.Searches of conference proceedings were also conducted.All available randomized controlled trials comparing operative vs non-operative management of displaced three- and four-part proximal humerus fractures in elderly patients were included.The primary outcomes measures included physical function,pain,health related quality of life,mortality,and the re-operation rate.RESULTS: Six randomized controlled trials(n = 287) were included.There was no statistically significant difference in function(MD = 1.72,95%CI:-2.90-6.34,P = 0.47),as measured by the Constant score,between the operative and the non-operative treatment groups.There was no statistically significance difference insecondary outcomes of health related quality of life(standardized MD = 0.27,95%CI:-0.05-0.59,P = 0.09),and mortality(relative risk 1.29,95%CI: 0.50-3.35,P = 0.60).Operative treatment had a statistically significant higher re-operation rate(relative risk 4.09,95%CI: 1.50-11.15,P = 0.006),and statistically significant decreased pain(MD = 1.26,95%CI: 0.02-2.49,P = 0.05).CONCLUSION: There is moderate quality evidence to suggest that there is no difference in functional outcomes between the two treatments.Further high quality randomized controlled trials are required to determine if certain subgroup populations benefit from surgical management.

THE OPERATIVE TREATMENT OF SPINAL FRACTURE-DISLOCATION WITHOUT NEUROLOGIC DEFICITS

To evaluate the results of operative treatment of spinal fracture dislocation without neurologic deficits. Methods.Eighteen patients with spinal fracture dislocation were neurologically intact at the time of injury, and all were treated operatively. The fracture sites were:8 cases in cervical spine, 3 cases in thoracic spine, and 7 cases in lumbar spine. Eight patients with cervical injuries had variant degrees of forward slide and kyphotic deformity. Of the 10 thoracic and lumbar fractures, one had lateral dislocation, 4 cases with kyphotic deformities, 5 cases with spinal canal compromise averaged 50% (ranging from 40% to 70%). Results.The average period of follow up was 4.4 years with a range of 11 months to 13 years. All the patients returned to full time work. No patient developed neurologic deterioration. Kyphotic deformity was corrected in the 4 cases, and no progressive kyphosis was noted. There was no operation related complication. The averaged post operative hospitalization time was 13 days. Conclusions. Despite the rare incidence of spinal fracture dislocation without neurologic deficits, we suggested that kind of fracture be considered unstable fracture because of its potential risk of delayed neurologic deterioration and kyphotic deformity, and be treated operatively to restore the sagittal alignment and the stability of the spine.

Scapula Fracture in a Child: Report of a Rare Injury

Scapular fracture is exceptional in children, mainly occurring after high-energy trauma. Radiologic investigations help its diagnosis and classification, which determines its management. We report the case of a 14-year-old patient admitted for blunt trauma of the left shoulder after falling from a speeding car. The diagnosis of a displaced fracture of the body of the scapula was made, and non-operative treatment was indicated and carried out for four weeks, followed by physiotherapy for another four weeks. Nine weeks after the trauma, the mobility of the affected shoulder was equivalent to that of the contralateral shoulder.

The impact of operative timing on clinical outcomes in elderly hip fracture

Objective To study the effect of operative timing on clinical outcomes in elderly hip fracture.Methods Two hundred sixty-seven patients with hip fracture were treated from July 2006 to May 2008.The patients who had an operation within

Diagnosing syndesmotic instability in ankle fractures

The precise diagnosis of distal tibiofibular syndesmotic ligament injury is challenging and a distinction should be made between syndesmotic ligament disruption and real syndesmotic instability.This article summarizes the available evidence in the light of the author’s opinion.Pre-operative radiographic assessment,standard radiographs,computed tomography scanning and magnetic resonance imaging are of limited value in detecting syndesmotic instability in acute ankle fractures but can be helpful in planning.Intra-operative stress testing,in the sagittal,coronal or exorotation direction,is more reliable in the diagnosis of syndesmotic instability of rotational ankle fractures.The Hook or Cotton test is more reliable than the exorotation stress test.The lateral view is more reliable than the AP mortise view because of the larger displacement in this direction.When the Hook test is used the force should be applied in the sagittal direction.A force of 100 N applied to the fibula seems to be appropriate.In the case of an unstable joint requiring syndesmotic stabilisation,the tibiofibular clear space would exceed 5 mm on the lateral stress test.When the surgeon is able to perform an ankle arthroscopy this technique is useful to detect syndesmotic injury and can guide anatomic reduction of the syndesmosis.Many guidelines formulated in this article are based on biomechanical and cadaveric studies and clinical correlation has to be established.

Fifth metatarsal fractures and current treatment

Metatarsal fractures are one of the most common injuries of the foot. There has been conflicting literatureon management of fifth metatarsal fractures due to inconsistency with respect to classification of these fractures. This article provides a thorough review of fifth metatarsal fractures with examination of relevant literature to describe the management of fifth metatarsal fractures especially the proximal fracture. A description of nonoperative and operative management for fifth metatarsal fractures according to anatomical region is provided.

Experimental Study and Preliminary Clinical Application of Miniinvasive Percutaneous Internal Screw Fixation for Scaphoid Fracture under the Guidance of a 3D-printed Guide Plate

This study explored the feasibility of employing computer-aided design(CAD)and 3 dimensional(3D)-printed personalized guide plate for the mini-invasive percutaneous internal screw fixation of fractured scaphoid.The study consisted of two parts:(1)experimentation on upper limbs from corpses and(2)preliminary clinical application.Corpse experiments involved upper limbs of 6 adult corpses.The specimens of upper limbs were subjected to plain CT scan.Then the CT data were input into computer to conduct 3D reconstruction of wrist region.The direction and depth of the guide wire and screw were designed on the basis of the principle that screw should lie at the center of scaphoid and the long axis of the screw should be aligned with that of the scaphoid.The carpal bone model and the guide plate were designed and 3D-printed.By using the guide plates,the guide wire was placed and the cannulated compression screw was inserted.The wrist region was examined by X-ray and CT to observe the location of the screw in the scaphoid.The scaphoid was longitudinally excised to grossly observe the location and evaluate the result of screw insertion.For clinical application,the guide plate was employed in 4 patients with fresh scaphoid fracture using the aforementioned operative technique.Our results showed that,in the 6 corpse limbs,the guide plate well fitted the skin surface and the guide wire and screw were accurately put in place in one session.X-ray examination and gross observation confirmed that the screw was satisfactorily positioned and the result met the requirements of the preoperative design.For 4 patients,the guide wire and screw were all precisely inserted into place in one session.The operation time and X-ray exposure times were apparently reduced.The imaging examination exhibited satisfactory results and the hand functioned well.It was concluded that the operative guide plate used for the mini­invasive percutaneous internal screw fixation of fractured scaphoid not only can assist in accurate placement of screw but also shorten operation time and reduce insertion and X-ray exposure times,thereby reducing the radiation injury and damage to the substance and the blood circulation of carpal bone.Its use can also improve the learning curve of surgeons.

Treatment of lower part of glenoid fractures through a novel axillary approach:A case report

BACKGROUND Based on the location and size of the fracture block,open reduction and internal fixation can be employed or assisted for shoulder arthroscopy in the treatment of glenoid fractures.However,the treatment of lower part of glenoid fractures through a novel axillary approach has not been reported so far.CASE SUMMARY A 22-year-old right-handed man was transferred to our outpatient clinic because of right shoulder injury during a traffic accident.X-ray examination after admission suggested the fracture of the lower part of the right glenoid and an ipiselial proximal humeral fracture.Three-dimensional(3D)computed tomography(CT)further suggested that the size of the fracture block of the lower part of the right glenoid was 3.4 mm×16.2 mm.The patient was diagnosed as the fracture of the lower part of the glenoid,also known as bony Bankart lesion without shoulder dislocation.After general anesthesia,the patient was surgically treated with the open reduction internal fixation through a novel axillary approach.3D CT and shoulder joint function were reexamined at 12 mo of followup,showing acceptable recovery.CONCLUSION This case report describes a novel axillary approach adopted in an open reduction with cannulated screw and wire anchor internal fixation.After a follow-up for more than 12 mo,3D CT and shoulder joint function examinations display a good recovery.

Treatment of distal femur fractures in a regional Australian hospital

AIM:To review our outcomes and compare the results of the Less Invasive Stabilization System(LISS)to other implants for distal femur fracture management at a regional Australian hospital.METHODS:The LISS is a novel implant for the management of distal femur fractures.It is,however,technically demanding and treatment results have not yet been assessed outside tertiary centres.Twenty-seven patients with 28 distal femur fractures who had been managed surgically at the Mackay Base Hospital from January 2004 to December 2010 were retrospectively enrolled and assessed clinically and radiologically.Outcomes were union,pain,Lysholm score,knee range of motion,and complication rates.RESULTS:Twenty fractures were managed with the LISS and eight fractures were managed with alternative implants.Analysis of the surgical techniques re-vealed that 11 fractures managed with the LISS were performed according to the recommended principles(LISS-R)and 9 were not(LISS-N).Union occurred in67.9%of fractures overall:9/11(82%)in the LISS-R group vs 5/9(56%)in the LISS-N group and 5/8(62.5%)in the alternative implant group.There was no statistically significant difference between pain,Lysholm score,and complication rates between the groups.However,there was a trend towards the LISS-R group having superior outcomes which were clinically significant.There was a statistically significant greater range of median knee flexion in the LISS-R group with compared to the LISS-N group(P=0.0143)and compared with the alternative implant group(P=0.0454).CONCLUSION:The trends towards the benefits of the LISS procedure when correctly applied would suggest that not only should the LISS procedure be performed for distal femur fractures,but the correct principle of insertion is important in improving the patient’s outcome.

Cervical spine fractures in osteopetrosis:a case report and review of the literature

While management of appendicular fractures has been well described in the setting of osteopetrosis, there is limited information on managing fractures of the axial spine. Here we present an osteopetrotic patient with multiple traumatic multiple, comminuted, unstable cervical spinal fractures managed with non-operative stabilization, and provide a review of the pathophysiology, genetic characteristics, and special considerations that must be explored when determining operative versus non-operative management of spinal injury in osteopetrosis. A PubMed query was performed for English articles in the literature published up to June 2016, and used the following search terms alone and in combination： ＂osteopetrosis＂, ＂spine＂, ＂fractures＂, ＂osteoclasts＂, and ＂operative management＂. Within four months after initial injury, treatment with halo vest allowed for adequate healing. The patient was asymptomatic with cervical spine dynamic radiographs confirming stability at four months. On four-year follow up examination, the patient remained without neck pain, and CT scan demonstrated partially sclerotic fracture lines with appropriate anatomical alignment. In conclusion, external halo stabilization may be an effective option for treatment of multiple unstable acute traumatic cervical spine fractures in patients with osteopetrosis. Given the challenge of surgical stabilization in osteopetrosis, further research is necessary to elucidate the optimal form of treatment in this select patient population.

A Peripherally Inserted Central Vein Catheter Fractured and Slid into the Right Pulmonary Artery:A Case Report

Catheter fracture is a rare but serious complication of a peripherally inserted central catheter （PICC）. An adolescent patient was sent to Tianjin Medical University General Hospital （Tianjin, China） because the PICC was fractured when removed by a nurse. Chest X-ray showed that the PICC fragment slid into the right pulmonary artery. Through emergency surgery, the remainder of the PICC was successfully retrieved by an interventional operation percutaneously via the right femoral vein. PICC fracture is less common and always without significant discomfort if not found timely, and it may lead to serious complications, such as pulmonary embolism, and even death. Thus, nurses, patients and their family members should pay enough attention to the daily maintenance of PICC and have a deep understanding of the reasons associated with PICC fracture as well as how to prevent it. Interventional operation is minimally invasive, which is a good choice for the removal of intravascular foreign bodies, leading to fewer complications and a good prognosis.

Diagnosis and Treatment and Infection Protection Strategy of Osteoporotic Vertebral Compression Fractures Minimally Invasive Percutaneous Kyphoplasty Surgery during the Prevention and Control of COVID-19

Background: As the global novel coronavirus pneumonia (NCP) remains severe, elderly people are at high risk for NCP and osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures, with high complications and mortality. How to treat patients and protect medical staff from infection, and at the same time strictly prevent the occurrence of clustered transmission events in the hospital, the establishment of perfect pre-hospital emergency measures and infection prevention and control strategy is the first element to ensure success. Objective: To establish the diagnosis and treatment and infection protection strategy for Osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures (OVCF) patients undergoing minimally invasive percutaneous kyphoplasty (PKP) surgery during the prevention and control of COVID-19, so as to ensure the stable, orderly and safe medical treatment. Methods: A total of 583 OVCF patients were admitted to the First Affiliated Hospital of Hebei North University during the epidemic prevention and control period from January 2020 to July 2022. After urgent and outpatient strict standardized screening, 382 patients met the inclusion criteria, including 112 males and 270 females, aged (70.50 ± 5.49) years. The preoperative visual analogue scale (VAS) score was 6.92 ± 1.86. Preoperative Oswestry disability index (ODI) was 74.67 ± 4.84. The satisfaction rate was (45.89 ± 3.67) %. According to the clinical diagnostic criteria and classification, 367 patients were diagnosed as ordinary OVCF, including 156 cases of mild compression and 226 cases of moderate compression. The clinical classification of 15 patients with OVCF diagnosed as COVID-19 was type I, including 10 cases of mild COVID-19 and 5 cases of common COVID-19. All patients were treated with PKP. Results: All patients were followed up at 1 day, 1 month and 3 months after operation, VAS (2.01 ± 0.56, 0.45 ± 0.11, 0 ± 0), ODI (45.41 ± 4.15, 10.22 ± 2.73, 4.03 ± 1.57) and satisfaction (90.12%, 95.57%, 99.23%) were significantly improved compared with those before operation (p < 0.05), and the original medical diseases were not aggravated. In this group, 15 cases of OVCF diagnosed with COVID-19 were given priority to treat COVID-19 under strict three-level protection in the designated isolation ward. PKP was carried out after the condition was stable, and the areas, items and personnel in contact with patients during the perioperative period must be strictly and thoroughly disinfected. The patient had a good prognosis, no complications, no cross-infection in the hospital, and no infection rate among medical staff. Conclusions: The implementation of the diagnosis and treatment and infection protection strategy for OVCF patients undergoing minimally invasive PKP surgery during the prevention and control of COVID-19 has a guiding role in preventing the spread of infection, improving the cure rate, promoting rapid recovery, reducing complications and reducing mortality.

Management of proximal humerus fractures in adults

The majority of proximal humerus fractures are lowenergy osteoporotic injuries in the elderly and their incidence is increasing in the light of an ageing population. The diversity of fracture patterns encountered renders objective classification of prognostic value challenging. Non-operative management has been associated with good functional outcomes in stable, minimally displaced and certain types of displaced fractures.Absolute indications for surgery are infrequent and comprise compound, pathological, multi-fragmentary head-splitting fractures and fracture dislocations, as well as those associated with neurovascular injury. A constantly expanding range of reconstructive and replacement options however has been extending the indications for surgical management of complex proximal humerus fractures. As a result, management decisions are becoming increasingly complicated, in an attempt to provide the best possible treatment for each indi-vidual patient, that will successfully address their specific fracture configuration, comorbidities and functional expectations. Our aim was to review the management options available for the full range of proximal humerus fractures in adults, along with their specific advantages, disadvantages and outcomes.

Diagnosis and Treatment of Penile Fractures: A Single Center Series

Objectives: The aim of this study is to review the diagnostic work-up, treatment methods and outcomes in patients treated for penile fractures. Methods: Thirty-one patients were treated for penile fracture during the period 2006-2014. Data were retrieved from patients’ journals and analyzed retrospectively. Follow-up data were available for 23 patients. Results: Twenty-eight patients (90%) experienced immediate pain at incidence;29 (94%) experienced immediate swelling;23 (74%) heard a cracking sound;20 (65%) observed a blue discoloration immediately afterwards and 20 (65%) got immediate detumescence. Magnetic Resonance Imaging was used preoperatively in 10 patients and demonstrated the side and localization of the rupture in tunica albuginea in all cases. A longitudinal incision over the suspected site of the rupture was used in 20 patients and a sub-coronal de-gloving incision of the penile skin was used in 10 patients. The average operation time with longitudinal incision method and de-gloving was 43 minutes and 57 minutes, respectively. Short term complications were seen in four patients and long term complications were seen in 14 patients of which deviation of penis during erection was most common. Conclusions: Immediate pain, swelling and hearing a cracking sound are predominant features in the history of patients with penile fracture. Magnetic Resonance Imaging is recommended for localizing the rupture site. A longitudinal incision over the rupture site means significantly shorter operation time than de-gloving.

Quadrilateral plate fractures of the acetabulum:Classification,approach,implant therapy and related research progress

The quadrilateral plate(QP)is an essential structure of the inner wall of the acetabulum,an important weight-bearing joint of the human body,which is often involved in acetabular fractures.The operative exposure,reduction and fixation of QP fractures have always been the difficulties in orthopedics due to the special morphological structure and anatomical features of the QP.Fortunately,there have been many effective methods and instruments developed for QP exposure,reduction and fixation by virtue of the combined efforts of numerous orthopedists.At the same time,each method presents with its own advantages and disadvantages,resulting in different prognoses.It is necessary to have a thorough understanding of the anatomy,radiology and fixation techniques of the QP in terms of patient prognosis optimization.In this paper,the anatomical features,definition and classification of QP,operative approach selection,implant internal fixation methods and efficacy were reviewed.

Case Report: A Rare Variety of Type 4 Monteggia Fracture Dislocation in A 28 Years Old Man

A Monteggia fracture is a fracture of the proximal ulna coupled with a radial head dislocation. Numerous classification systems have been developed to characterize these fractures. Bado classification is most commonly used. Bado type 1 Monteggia fractures are most common while type 3 & 4 are rare entities. In our case, after confirming the diagnosis as type 4 Bado Monteggia fracture dislocation, patient was posted for open reduction and internal fixation. The ulnar and radial fractures were rigidly fixed with 3.5 compression plate and ulnar length restored. However, the radial head was still found to be dislocated anteriorly on fluoroscopy. An attempt of closed reduction of the radial head failed. Open reduction of the radial head was performed under image intensifier and fixed with a Kirschner’s wire followed by immobilization in hyperflexion for 2 weeks. The patient followed up at the end of 2 weeks, 4 weeks and 6 weeks following injury and gradual mobilisation of the elbow joint was made. Further follow up at 6 months and 1 year showed complete return of routine function. As soon as the ulnar length is restored by rigid internal fixation, radial head is itself reduced in majority of Monteggia fracture dislocation where only ulnar fracture is involved. However, in cases of both bone forearm fracture with radial head dislocation, even after restoring the length of ulna and radius, operative reduction of radial head is essential.

Intro-extro carnial approach treatment serious post fronto-orbital fracture deformities

Objective To explore the method of treating serious secondary fronto-orbital fracture deformities through intro-extra cranial approach. Methods The fronto-orbital fracture was divided into two types according to whether there were any large scale fronto-otbital bone defects; typeⅠ: Large scale fronto-orbital bone defect; type Ⅱ: Concave fronto-orbital fracture deformity without large scale bone defect. Both types were treated throuth intro-extra cranial approach to expose the fracture site. For typel deformity, the bone defects were repaired and reconstructed with outer table of cranial bone and artificial bone. For type Ⅱ, the deformity was repaired by osteotomy, bone reposition and internal rigid fixation. Results 18 cases were treated from June 1998 to October 2000, include typeⅠ, 12 cases, and typeⅡ, 6 cases. All the patients recovered well and the post-operative appearance were greatly improved. Conclusion Intro-extra cranial approach can June 2003 Vol12 No2 expose the fractured site better

Effectiveness of an early operating room start time in managing pediatric trauma

BACKGROUND The timing of operative treatment for pediatric supracondylar humerus fractures(SCHF)and femoral shaft fractures(FSF)remains controversial.Many fractures previously considered to be surgical emergencies,such as SCHF and open fractures,are now commonly being treated the following day.When presented with an urgent fracture overnight needing operative treatment,the on-call surgeon must choose whether to mobilize resources for a late-night case or to add the case to an elective schedule of the following day.AIM To describe the effect of a program allowing an early operating room(OR)start for uncomplicated trauma prior to an elective day of surgery to decrease wait times for surgery for urgent fractures admitted overnight.METHODS Starting in October 2017,patients were eligible for the early slot in the OR at the discretion of the surgeon if they were admitted after 21:00 the previous night and before 05:00.We compared demographics and timing of treatment of SCHF and FSF treated one year before and after implementation as well as the survey responses from the surgical team.RESULTS Of the 44 SCHF meeting inclusion criteria,16 received treatment before imple mentation while 28 were treated after.After implementation,the mean wait time for surgery decreased by 4.8 h or 35.4%(13.4 h vs 8.7 h;P=0.001).There were no significant differences in the operative duration,time in the post anesthesia care unit,and wait time for discharge.Survey results demonstrated decreased popularity of the program among nurses and anesthesiologists relative to surgeons.Whereas 57%of the surgeons believed that the program was effective,only 9%of anesthesiologists and 16%of nurses agreed.The program was ultimately discontinued given the dissatisfaction.CONCLUSION Our findings demonstrate significantly reduced wait times for surgery for uncomplicated SCHF presenting overnight while discussing the importance of shared decision-making with the stakeholders.Although the program produced promising results,it also created new conflicts within the OR staff that led to its discontinuation at our institution.Future implementations of such programs should involve stakeholders early in the planning process to better address the needs of the OR staff.