Usage of buttress plate internal fixation associated with autografting of fibula and iliac bone for the treatment of distal femoral C_3 type fracture

To assess the effect of using buttress plate associated with antografting of fibula and iliac bone for the treatment of distal femoral C3 type fracture.Methods Seventeen cases of distal femoral C3 type fracture using buttress plate associated with antografting of fibula and iliac bone were analyzed retrospectively.Results All cases were followed up for an average of 24 months（8～55 months）.The average time of octets bridge forming were 4 months（3～5 months） while the average time for bone union were 8 months （6～14 months）.According to Shelbourne rating system,result of all 18 cases were excellent and no malunion,infection were found.Conclusion Buttress plate associated with antografting of fibula and iliac bone is an effective alternative for the treatment of distal femoral C3 type fracture.It can provide more stable fixation to the bone and earlier functional exercises can be achieved.5 refs,3 figs,1 tab.

Bilateral triceps tendon approach is flexible and efficient in the treatment of type C distal humerus fractures

Purpose:The purpose of this study was to assess and compare elbow range of motion,triceps extension strength and functional results of type C(AO/OTA)distal humerus fractures treated with bilateral triceps tendon(BTT)approach and olecranon osteotomy(00).At the same time,we are also trying to know whether BTT approach can provide sufficient vision for comminuted intra-articular fractures of the distal humerus,and whether it is convenient to convert to the treatment to total elbow arthroplasty(TEA)or 00.Methods:Patients treated with 00 and BTT approaches for type C distal humerus fractures between July 2014 and December 2017 were retrospectively reviewed.Inclusion criteria include:(1)patients'age were more than 18 years old,(2)follow-up was no less than 6 months,and(3)patients were diagnosed with type C fractures(based on the AO/OTA classification).Exclusion criteria include:(1)open fractures(Gustillo type 2 or type 3),(2)treated by other approaches,and(3)presented with combined injuries of ipsilateral upper extremities,such as ulnar nerve.Elbow range of motion and triceps extension strength testing were completely valuated,when the fractures had healed.Assessment of functional results using the Mayo elbow performance score and complications were conducted in final follow-up.The data were compared using the two tailed Student's t-test.All data were presented as mean±standard deviation.Results:Eighty-six patients of type C distal humerus fractures,treated by 00 and BTT approach were retrospectively reviewed between July 2014 and December 2017.Fifty-five distal humerus fractures(23 males and 32 females,mean age 52.7 years)treated by BTT approach or 00 were included in this study.There were 10 fractures of type Cl,16 type C2 and 29 type C3 according to the AO/OTA classification.Patients were divided into two surgical approach groups chosen by the operators:BTT group(28 patients)and 00 group(27 patients).And the mean follow-up time of all patients was 15.6 months(range,6-36 months).Three cases in BTT group were converted to TEA,and one converted to 00.Only one case in BTT group presented poor articular reduction with a step more than 2 mm.There were not significantly different in functional outcomes according to the Mayo elbow performance score,operation time and extension flexion motion are values between BTT group and 00 group(p>0.05).Complications and reoperation rate were also similar in the two groups.Triceps manual muscle testing were no significant difference in the two groups,even subdivided in elder patients(aged>60 years old).Conclusion:BTT is a safe approach to achieve similar functional result comparing with 00.BTT were not suitable for every case with severe comminuted pattern,but it avoids the potential complications related to 00,and has no complications concerning with triceps tendon.It is convenient for open reduction internal fixation and flexible to be converted to 00,as well as available to be converted to TEA in elder patients.