Early Treatment Outcome of Humeral Shaft Fracture Non-Union in Adults: Comparative Study of Plating versus Interlocking Nailing

Background: Fractures of humeral shaft in adults are common injuries. Humeral shafts non-union either from late presentation after initial treatment by traditional bone setters or failed non-operative orthodox care is a major problem in this part of the world. This non-union is a major treatment challenge with increased cost of care and morbidity in this part of the world. Humeral shaft non-union can be treated with locked intra-medullary nailing (LIMN) or dynamic compression plating (DCP). Study on comparison of these methods of fixation in this part of the world is scarce in literature search, hence the reason for this study. Objective: The objectives of this study are: (1) to compare early clinical outcome following fixation of humeral shaft fracture nonunion with DCP versus LIMN;(2) to compare the time of radiologic fracture union of DCP with LIMN;(3) to compare complications following fixation of humeral shaft fracture nonunion with DCP versus LIMN. Patients and Methods: This was a randomized control study done for 2 years in which fifty adult patients with humeral shaft non-union were recruited. The patients were grouped into 2 (P = DCP & N = LIMN). Forty five of the patients completed the follow up periods of the study and then analyzed. The P group had ORIF with DCP while the N group had ORIF with LIMN. Both groups had grafting with cancellous bones. Each patient was followed up for a period of 6 months at the time which radiographic union is expected. Any patient without clinical and/or radiographic evidence of union after six months of surgery was diagnosed as having recurrent non-union. The data generated was analyzed using SPSS Version 23. The results were presented in charts and tables. The paired t-test was used while considering p value Result: Forty five patients completed follow up. There was a male preponderance (4:1), right humerus predominated (3:2). Motor vehicular accidents were the commonest cause of the fractures (62%). Most non-union fractures occurred at the level of the middle 3rd of the humeral shaft (60%). Failed TBS treatment was the commonest indication for the osteosynthesis (71%). More patients had plating (53%) compared to 47% who had LIMN. Most patients (93.4%) had union between 3 to 6 months irrespective of fixation type with no significant statistical difference between the union rate of DCP and LIMN (p value 0.06) with similar functional outcome and complication rates irrespective of the type of fixation. Conclusion: This study showed that the success rates in term of fracture union, outcome functional grades and complication rates were not directly dependent on the types of the fixation: plating or locked intra-medullary nailing.

Locking plates for distal fibula fractures in young and elderly patients:A retrospective study

BACKGROUND Ankle fractures are common injuries in the young and elderly populations.To prevent post-traumatic arthritis,an anatomic reconstruction of the ankle structure is mandatory.Open reduction and internal fixation is the treatment of choice among orthopaedics.Conventional plates allow stability of the fracture if bone quality is present.Locking plates might offer an advantage for the treatment of lateral malleolar fracture in patients with comminution,severe instability,distal fractures,or osteoporotic bone.Our hospital introduced a new locking plate for fracture of the distal fibula.AIM To evaluate locking plates in terms of outcomes and complications in young and elderly patients.METHODS We retrospectively reviewed a total of 67 patients treated for displaced distal fibula fractures.Demographic data,number of comorbidities,use of inter fragmentary screw,complication,time of fracture healing,partial or full weight bearing,and reoperation were recorded for all patients.Clinical outcome was assessed by the American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Society clinical scoring system.Radiographs were obtained at 4,8,12,16,20,and 24 wk until radiographic union was obtained.RESULTS All patients displayed complete bony union on radiographic assessment,and no patients developed any serious complications.We observed two superficial infections,one delayed wound healing,and two plate intolerances.Significant differences were observed between the two age groups in terms of radiographic healing(11.9 wk in younger patients vs 13.7 wk in older patients;P=0.011)and in the American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Society score at 6 mo after surgery(88.2 in younger patients vs 86.0 in older patients;P=0.001)and at 12 mo after surgery(92.6 in younger patients vs 90.0 in older patients;P=0.000).CONCLUSION Locking plates provide a stable and rigid fixation in multifragmentary and comminuted fractures or in the presence of poor bone quality.

Fixation of Calcaneal Tuberosity Beavis II Fracture in Elderly Patients Using Locking Plate Combined with Tension Screw

Background:Calcaneus is the largest bone of foot and the main load-bearing structure of heel.The incidence of simple calcaneal tubercle avulsion fracture is low,accounting for about 1%to 3%of all calcaneal fractures.Beavis II fracture has large bone fracture,obvious displacement,obvious soft tissue irritation,and often leads to skin necrosis.It needs surgical treatment,reduction and fixation as soon as possible.Although open reduction and tension screw internal fixation is used for Beavis II calcaneal tubercle fracture,but the failure rate is more common.Methods:This study retrospectively analyzed the surgical treatment of calcaneal tubercle Beavis II fracture over 55 years old in our hospital from January 2013 to January 2019.The patients were treated with tension screw combined with locking plate,and followed up and analyzed.Results:12 patients in this group were followed up for 12 to 36 months(mean 20 months).After operation,the fracture healed smoothly in all patients,the healing time was 8 to 12 weeks(mean 10.7 weeks),and there were no complications such as poor incision healing,fracture displacement,internal fixation loosening,fracture and so on.When the patients were followed up 18 weeks after operation,the AOFAS score was 47 to 100,with an average of 91.1,of which 8 cases were excellent,3 good and 1 poor,with an excellent and good rate of 91.7%.Conclusion:Our hospital has been treated with tension screw combined with locking plate,fixed firmly,can early functional exercise,achieved good results.

Volar locking distal radius plates show better short-term results than other treatment options: A prospective randomised controlled trial

AIM To compare the outcomes of displaced distal radius fractures treated with volar locking plates and with immediate postoperative mobilisation with the outcomes of these fractures treated with modalities that necessitate 6 wk wrist immobilisation.METHODS A prospective, randomised controlled single-centre trial was conducted with 56 patients who had a displaced radius fracture were randomised to treatment either with a volar locking plate(n = 29), or another treatment modality(n = 27; cast immobilisation with or without wires or external fixator). Outcomes were measured at 12 wk. Functional outcome scores measured were the Patient-Rated Wrist Evaluation(PRWE) Score; Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand and activities of daily living(ADLs). Clinical outcomes were wrist range of motion and grip strength. Radiographic parameters were volar inclination and ulnar variance.RESULTS Patients in the volar locking plate group had significantly better PRWE scores, ADL scores, grip strength and range of extension at three months compared with the control group. All radiological parameters were significantly better in the volar locking plate group at 3 mo. CONCLUSION The present study suggests that volar locking plates produced significantly better functional and clinical outcomes at 3 mo compared with other treatment modalities. Anatomical reduction was significantly more likely to be preserved in the plating group. Level of evidence: Ⅱ.

Locking compression plate+T-type steel plate for postoperative weight bearing and functional recovery in complex tibial plateau fractures

Complex tibial plateau fractures can seriously affect quality of life and physical and mental health of patients.The anatomical relationship between the proximal tibial bone and soft tissue is complex,resulting in different types of tibial plateau fractures.Violent trauma can lead to displaced fracture,serious soft tissue injury,and potentially,dislocation of the knee joint.Therefore,tibial plateau fractures are extremely unstable.AIM To assess the use of locking compression plate(LCP)+T-type steel plate for postoperative weight bearing and functional recovery of complex tibial plateau fractures.METHODS Ninety-seven patients with complex tibial plateau fractures who underwent surgery at our hospital were selected for retrospective study.Forty-nine patients had been treated with LCP+T-type steel plate limited internal fixation(study group),and 48 patients with bilateral ordinary steel plate support(control group).The operation process index,postoperative rehabilitation related index,Rasmussen score of the knee joint,tibial plateau varus angle(TPA),tibial plateau retroversion angle(PA),and surgical complications of the two groups were compared.RESULTS The operation time and intraoperative bone graft volume in the study group were lower than those in the control group(P<0.05).There were no significant differences in surgical bleeding,anterior external incision length,postoperative drainage,hospital stay duration,and fracture healing time between the groups(P>0.05).There was no significant difference in the TPA and PA angle between the groups immediately and 18 mo after surgery(P>0.05).At 12 mo after surgery,the Rasmussen scale score was higher in the study group than in the control group(P<0.05).There was no significant difference in the Rasmussen scale score at 18 mo after surgery,and the radiology score at 12 and 18 mo after surgery,between the two groups(P>0.05).The postoperative complication rate in the study group(3.77%)was lower than that in the control group(15.09%;P<0.05).CONCLUSION LCP+T-type steel plate internal fixation has advantages in terms of minimizing trauma and enabling early postoperative functional exercise,promoting functional recovery and lower limb weight-bearing,and reducing postoperative complications.

Four corner fusion using a multidirectional angular stable locking plate

AIM: To review the results of our experience with the Medartis Aptus plating system for four corner arthrodesis of the wrist, which uses a combination of compression screws and variable angle locking screws.METHODS: We reviewed the results of 17 procedures in 16 patients that underwent scaphoid excision and four corner fusion using the Medartis Aptus system between May 2010 and June 2014. The primary outcome measure was radiographic and clinical union. RESULTS: The mean clinical follow up time was 20.6 mo. The mean union time was 6 mo. Two non-unions required revision procedures. The mean disabilities of the arm, shoulder and hand score taken after union was 36. The mean final grip strength was 27 kg. The mean final range of movement was 30° flexion and 31° of extension. All patients had a restored scapholunate angle on postoperative radiographs. There were no incidences of dorsal impingement.CONCLUSION: Overall our experience with the Aptus plating system shows comparable results to other methods of fixation for four corner fusion, in the short to medium term.

Screw placement is everything: Risk factors for loss of reduction with volar locking distal radius plates

AIM To determine factors correlated with postoperative radial shortening in patients with distal radius fractures treated with volar locking distal radius plates.METHODS A total of 250 patients with a distal radius fracture stabilised with volar locking plates between January 2010 and December 2014 were included in a multicentre retrospective cohort study. We measured the distance of the distal locking screws to the joint line immediately postoperatively and then measured radial shortening after six to eight weeks using the change in ulnar variance.RESULTS Multivariate linear regression analysis showed that there was a significant linear association between the distance of the screws from the joint line and radial shortening. No other patient, injury, or treatment-related characteristic significantly influenced radial shortening in multivariate analysis.CONCLUSION Distal locking screws should be placed as close as possible to the subchondral joint line to prevent postoperative loss of reduction.

Surgical Treatment of Olecranon Fractures Using a Medartis Screw-Locked H-Shaped Plate (Medartis Trilock Olecrane Plate) at the Moulins Yzeure Hospital Center (France)

Introduction: Olecranon fractures represent approximately 10% of upper limb fractures, orthopedic treatment is often doomed to failure and surgical treatment consists of fixing the fracture sites. Patients and Methods: This study retrospectively analyzed 130 patients, 90 men and 40 women, aged on average 48.7 ± 11.9 years (30 to 65) treated between 2018 and 2020 in the Orthopedics and trauma department at the Moulins-Yzeure hospital center, for olecranon fracture using the Medartis H-locked plate. The study aimed to evaluate the results of this surgical method, particularly with regard to postoperative complications. Results: Among the 130 patients, there were 90 men and 40 women, with an average age of 48.7 ± 11.9 years (30 to 65). 50% of all patients were aged over 51 years. The plate used was standard, the same for the 130 patients with the same operating technique. The left side was more affected at 53.8%, the dominant side was less affected at 46%;the majority of patients had been temporarily immobilized with a posterior cast splint before surgery. The average time between trauma and operation was 9 days with a minimum time of 1 day and a maximum of 30 days. At a maximum follow-up of 2 years postoperatively, all patients reported satisfactory results with a return to their previous activities within 60 days after surgery. Conclusion: Medartis H-locked plate osteosynthesis is a reliable solution for the surgical treatment of olecranon fractures.

Supracutaneous Locking Compression Plate for Grade I &II Compound Fracture Distal Tibia—A Case Series

Background: Supracutaneous plating using a locking compression plate (LCP) as an external fixator in compound periarticular areas is facilitated by the development of anatomical plates. The soft tissue around the distal tibia is easily compromised by trauma and subsequent operative fracture treatment posing a definitive challenge in the distal tibia compound fractures. The purpose of this report is to describe our successful results using the metaphyseal locking compression plate (LCP) as an external fixator in the treatment of Grade I & II compound fractures of distal tibia. Methodology: A total of five (05) patients underwent “supracutaneous plating” of the tibia using a metaphyseal locking compression plate. Average age was 36 years. Regular screw tract dressings were done. Average period of follow-up was 15 months. Results: The plate was in situ for an average of 24 weeks. There were no clinically significant screw site infections. In all five patients the plate was kept in place until there was complete consolidation both clinically and radiologically. At the latest follow-up (average 15 months), all patients were fully weight bearing with a fully healed tibia. All patients were infection-free with well-healed wounds. Conclusion: Routinely, after initial debridement and temporary bony stabilization is provided by external fixation in compound fractures of the distal tibia with significant soft tissue injury. Most external frames for the lower leg are bulky and cumbersome, causing significant problems for the patient. To circumvent these issues, we have successfully used an anatomically-contoured supracutaneous metaphyseal locking compression plate as external fixator in a series of five patients for grade I & II compound fracture of the distal tibia.

Biomechanical Comparison of Prototype of a Novel Intramedullary Injectable Bioresorbable Polymer-Bioresorbable Balloon Osteosynthesis and a Volar Locking Plate for Treatment of Distal Radius Fractures

Background: There is a large assortment of modalities for the surgical treatment/management of distal radius fractures (DRFs), where the most widely used is the fixed-angle volar plating (VLP) system, which, sometimes, is referred to as the “surgical modality of choice”. While outcomes with each modality are usually good to excellent, each has its share of shortcomings and complications. Thus, there is scope for improvements to existing modalities and/or introduction of new ones. Study Purpose: We introduce a novel modality, namely, the prototype of an intramedullary injectable bioresorbable polymer-bioresorbable balloon osteosynthesis (IPBO) system, and investigated its plausibility. Experimental Procedures: The biomechanical performance of a construct comprising a synthetic distal radius (fourth-generation Sawbones?) on which a simulated fracture was created (4-mm wide osteotomy positioned 25 mm from the most distal end of the radius) and fixated with a placement of the IPBO system (SIPBO Construct) was compared to that when the fixation was with an approved Ti-6Al-4V alloy VLP system (SVLP Construct), under a clinically-relevant compressive loading protocol. Performance involved determination of quantitative parameters of the construct (initial longitudinal stiffness (ICLS), final longitudinal stiffness (FCLS), and load-to-failure (Pf)) and observation and recording of features of the construct at the fracture point. We also determined the quantitative parameters for the intact synthetic distal radius (control). Results: For each of the quantitative parameters, the range of values for SIPBO Construct was within that for SVLP Construct, suggesting that the IPBO System is a plausible modality. Also, for SIPBO Construct, failure occurred within the polymer zone, whereas, for SVLP Construct, some failure features were fracture of the cortical wall and of the dorsal proximal fragments. Conclusion: The findings suggest that the IPBO system is plausible. As such, it merits further study;for example, determination of the influence of fracture gap fill ratio (defined as the proportion of the fracture gap that is filled by the expanding balloon as the polymer is injected into the balloon) on a large collection of quantitative biomechanical parameters.

Is Distal Femur Locking Plate a Superior Implant in Distal Femur Fracture?

In spite of advances in techniques and improvements in surgical implants, confusion still prevails regarding use of specific implants in distal femur fracture. Fractures in the distal femur have posed considerable therapeutic challenges throughout the history of fracture treatment. Most of these surgical failures were due to inadequate fixation of the fracture fragments. The Aim of the study is to determine whether distal femur locking plates are superior implants than dynamic condylar screw and distal femur nail. A prospective and observational study was done in Department of Orthopaedics and Traumatology, Sri Ramachandra Medical Collage, Chennai between Jan. 2011 and Jan. 2015. Patients with distal femoral fractures, admitted into the hospital, were treated using various modes of internal fixation and followed up over a period of six months to one year and their functional outcome was evaluated. The functional and radiological assessment of patients during follow-up was done using Neer’s criteria. The use of any one of the implant, i.e. distal femur locking plates, dynamic condylar screw or distal femur nailing for internal fixation, depends on the type of fracture and the pre operative planning and intra operate decision of the surgeon. In our study, 38% of fractures treated by Dynamic condylar screw, 72% of fractures treated by distal femur locking plate and 42% of fractures treated by Distal femur supracondylar nail had excellent/satisfactory results. Locking plates had better outcome in both extra-articular and intra-articular group. They also had better outcome in both younger and older age groups.

Endosteal Fibular Strut Graft with Proximal Humeral Locking Plate in Delayed and Neglected Fractures of the Proximal Humerus

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to define a treatment protocol in which a non-vascularized endosteal fibular strut graft, a corticocancellous grafts and a locking plate construct are used for stabilization of the delayed and neglected proximal humerus fractures and to report its outcome. Patients & Methods: Eleven patients (6 females and 5 males) with delayed, neglected proximal humerus fractures were included in this study, conducted between March 2015 and December 2019. Average age of the patients was 57 years (range: 41 to 67 yrs). All patients were treated with the debridement, decortication and shingling of the bone at the site of the fracture followed by using an endosteal fibular strut graft, corticocancellous bone grafts and stabilization with locking plate. The patients were followed up for a mean time of 16.3 months (range: 13 to 40 months). The patient outcomes were evaluated using the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand Questionnaire, and the modified scoring system of Constant and Murley. Results: Union at the fracture site was achieved in all patients at a mean of 8.5 months (range: 6 to 11 months). The DASH score improved from an average pre-operative score of 71.1 (range: 64 to 78) to an average post-operative score of 25.2 (range: 21 to 35) at the final follow-up. Albeit with a small sample size of n = 11, this difference was found to be statistically significant (p < 0.05). The CM score improved from an average pre-operative score of 33.2 (range: 20 to 48) to an average post-operative score of 66.8 (range: 59 to 72) at the final follow-up. This difference was also found to be statistically significant in this patient cohort (p < 0.05). The results were excellent in 3 patients, good in 6 and moderate in 2. Conclusions: An endosteal fibular strut, subperiosteally placed cortico-cancellous grafts with a locking plate fixation helps in biological healing of neglected fractures of proximal humerus.

Comparison of Clinical Effect of PFNA and Internal Fixation with Anatomical Locking Plate of Proximal Femur in Treatment of Intertrochanteric Fracture of Femur

Purpose:To investigate the clinical value of proximal femoral nail antirotation and anatomical locking plate of proximal femur in the treatment of intertrochanteric fracture of femur.Methods:The study group is treated with PFNA internal fixation.The control group is treated by internal fixation with anatomical locking plate of proximal femur.Results:The time of operation,the amount of intraoperative bleeding and the time of fracture healing in the study group are significantly less than those in the control group.The incidence rate of complication in the study group(3.23%)is significantly lower than that in the control group(17.2%).Data comparison shows P<0.05.Conclusion:The curative effect and prognosis for patients with intertrochanteric fracture of femur treated by PFNA internal fixation are more ideal.

Biplanar Open-Wedge High Tibial Osteotomy with Locking Plate for Treatment of Osteoarthritic Varus Knee

Aim: To introduce and characterize the modified biplanar opening high tibial osteotomy with rigid fixation to treat unicompartmental knee arthritis with varus deformity in active lifestyle patients. Patients and Method: 48 patients (19 females) with monocompartmental gonarthrosis of the knee combined with varus malalignment, 41 with bilateral affection and 7 cases with unilateral gonarthritis (total 89 knees). Mean age: 53 years (range from 42 to 61 years). They were treated and followed from June 2010 to May 2014 (35 months). Biplanar opening high tibial osteotomy technique was used and fixed by low profile locked T-plate (21 cases) and low profile anatomical proximal tibial plate (27cases). Pre-operative mean varus deformity was 16.5° (9° - 19°). We utilized Lysholm score and Knee Society Score for evaluation of preoperative and follow-up data. Results: The average correction angle was 11.50 ± 2.50° (7° - 19°). Preoperative posterior tibial slope was 8.04° ± 1.30° and at last follow-up 9.15° ± 1.60°, respectively (p = 0.437). The joint space distance increased from 4.05 ± 1.30 mm to 4.83 ± 1.33 mm (p < 0.001). The average time to complete bone union was 14.69 ± 1.5 weeks. There were no cases of delayed union or non-union. No major complications like broken plate, nerve injury, or blood vessel injury occurred. No progression of degenerations developed in the three compartments of the knee at final follow-up. The mean score on the Lysholm-Gillquist knee functional scoring scale was 45.5 ± 21.7 preoperatively, and it improved to 77.0 ± 23.9 (p < 0.001). There was no obvious difference in the range of motion before and after operation. The average knee score improved from 51.19 ± 11.82 to 93.49 ± 5.10. Conclusion: Biplanar opening high tibial osteotomy fixed with locking compression plate gives good results for symptomatic unicompartmental gonarthrosis with genu varum. Also this technique can be applied for medial compartment degeneration of the knee without deformity with good functional outcomes.

The Effects of Bone Screw Configurations on the Interfragmentary Movement in a Long Bone Fixed by a Limited Contact Locking Compression Plate

The locking compression plates (LCP) are efficient tools in open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF), especially in osteoporotic bones. Two important factors of screw density and screw position can affect the functionality of the bone plate. Several studies have assessed the influence of the screw configurations on the bone-plate stiffness, but the effects of screw positions on the interfragmentary strain, εIF of LCP construct have not been investigated yet. In this study, finite element method was used to investigate the influence of screws number and position on the interfragmentary strain of LCP-femur system for a mid-shaft fracture. Results of this study showed that by insertion of screws closer to the fracture site, εIF decreases by 2nd degree polynomial function versus screw position, but by adding the screws from the ends of the plate, or by moving and placing the screws towards the fracture site, the reduction of εIF will be linear. Results of this study were compared and are in agreement with some studies in the literature, even though their scope was mostly stability of the bone-implant system, whereas our scope was focused on the interfragmentary strain.

Can a Subcapital Osteotomy Fixed with an Intramedullary Locking Plate Correct all Possible Deformities of a Mild to Moderate Hallux Valgus?

Background: There are at least 5 very popular methods described for the correction of mild to moderate hallux valgus deformities. Despite of reported and self experienced good results in favorable fitting preoperative anatomical conditions of some of these methods;it seems that no one is really satisfying under “difficult” or non favorable preoperative anatomic conditions. How could an optimum operation method for a satisfying correction of a mild to moderate hallux valgus look like? The well known criteria for an optimally satisfying method to achieve full normalization of important forefoot parameters under all conditions should be a lateralization, plantarization and derotation of the Ist metatarsal head and also a normalization of the distal metatarsal articular angle (DMAA) in combination with a soft tissue correction. Methods: In order to achieve this outcome without the disadvantages of shortening or the need for unloading, we developed a new operation technique and new fixation devices. We performed a simple transverse lazy-L subcapital osteotomy and after an additional soft tissue release the Ist metatarsal head was restored to its preplaned optimum position in terms of narrowing the IM angle, plantarization, correction of the hallux valgus angle, derotation of a pronation l malrotation and improvement of the DMAA. Fixation was achieved with an intramedullary angel-stable transfixed 30 mm titanium plate. The rigidity of the implant rendered interfragmental compression or solid bone contact unnecessary. The goal was only an optimal correction. All patients were allowed to ambulate with full weightbearing immediately after the operation. Results: We retrospectively reviewed 346 patients (433 feet) who underwent subcapital osteotomy between May 2007 and December 2011;308 were women and 38 men;their mean age was 65 years. The follow-up investigation was performed on average after 6.5 years (78 months);range 5.5 to 10 years (66 to 120 months). The AOFAS Score improved from 61.18 to 96.82 (t = 55.13, p ° to 4.21° (t = 89.70, p ° to 7.75° (t = 51.68, p ° to 6.61° (t = 29.34, p < 0.001). Minimal shortening of the first metatarsal (0.33 mm) and no recurrence of the deformity was observed. Conclusion: A new access to hallux valgus surgery is presented. Our results show that interfragmental compression between the osteotomy partners or good interfragmental contact is not necessary when a rigid intramedullary fixation device is used. The goal of this approach to hallux valgus surgery was to achieve excellent correction and a very rigid intramedullary angle-stable locked implant. The procedure yielded excellent results and was associated with no recurrence of hallux valgus.

A New Intramedulary Locking Plate for the Osteotomy of the V. Metatarsal in the Correction of the Tailors Bunion. Midterm Results of 21 Patients

Background: Since we are very successful in the operation of hallux valgus using a transverse sub-capital osteotomy fixated with an intramedullary angle-stable locking plate, and a tailors bunion is understood as a reversed hallux valgus, we have applied the operation also for such indication. Method: The osteotomy was carried out at a straight V. metatarsal subcapitally, and in case of an outwardly curved V. metatarsal at the bending location. The intramedullary plates are available in different designs and the plate and screws disappear completely in the bone, so the soft tissues are not disturbed. The head of the plate is either straight or curved in order to shift the distal fragment sufficiently. Results: 26 patients were operated within a period of 5 years (2008-2012). 21 patients were followed up after an average of 34.4 months. The IM angle IV/V could be improved by an average of 11.76 to an average of 4.10. This is a highliy significant pre- to postoperative difference of 7.66 (t = 15.07, p < 0.001). The AOFAS score was improved by an average of 42.24 points from 55.76 points preoperatively to 98.00 points postoperative. There was no pseudo-arthrosis and no wound healing impairment. All patients were either satisfied or very satisfied with the surgery. Conclusion: This method does not have the disadvantages of the other common operations of the Tailors bunion and is applied now as a standard method in this deformity.

Application of proximal femur locking compression plate for unstable four part intertrochanteric fractures

Objective To evaluate the clinical results of proximal femur locking compression plate (LCP) for unstable four-part intertrochanteric femoral fractures.Methods Clinical data of53patients wiith unstable four-part intertrochanteric

Comparison of effect of locking compression plate internal fixation and reconstruction plate fixation for treatment of mid-shaft clavicular fracture

Objective:To compare the effect of locking compression plate internal fixation and reconstruction plate fixation for the treatment of mid-shaft clavicular fracture.Methods: In this study, the medical records of 68 patients with mid-shaft clavicular fractures treated in our department from May 2014 to May 2017 were retrospectively analyzed. 32 patients in the control group received the reconstruction plate fixation, while 36 patients in the observation group received the locking compression plate internal fixation. Patients were followed up for 12 months, thereafter, various indicators including operative indexes, Constant-Murley (CM) score, disability of arm shoulder and hand (DASH) score, activities of daily living (ADL), and complications were compared between groups.Results: The incision length, intraoperative blood loss, operation time, and fracture healing time of the observation group were significantly lower than the control group (P<0.05). The postoperative CM scores of the two groups were significantly increased, moreover, the scores of muscle strength, daily life and activity were significantly in the observation group were higher than those of the control group (P<0.05), and no difference was found in the pain degree (P>0.05). There was a decrease trend in the DASH score and an increase trend in the ADL score in both groups, while both indexes were better in the observation group than in the control group (P<0.05). The total incidence of complications in the observation group was significantly lower than that in the control group (8.33% vs 18.75%,P<0.05).Conclusion: Compared with the reconstruction plate fixation, locking compression plate internal fixation has the advantages of more mini invasive, better amelioration of shoulder joint function and less complication for patients with mid-shaft clavicular fractures.

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&deg;and 64&deg;, 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.