Bridging-combined internal fixation for extremity fractures

Abstract

Objective To explore the application of bridging-combined internal fixation for extremity fractures. Methods From May 2010 to August 2017, 56 patients were treated by bridging-combined internal fixation for 58 different extremity fractures at Department of Orthopaedics, Military Orthopaedic Trauma Institute, Kunming General Hospital of PLA. They were 34 males and 22 females, aged from 16 to 83 years (average, 48 years). There were 48 comminuted and 16 open fractures. The interval from injury to surgery ranged from one to 34 days (average, 8 days). Early functional rehabilitation was encouraged for the patients. The therapeutic outcomes were evaluated in terms of fracture union time, postoperative infection, and postoperative functional recovery. Results Fifty-two of the patients were followed up for 12 to 28 months (average, 16 months). The fractures united after 3 to 6 months (average, 3.5 months). Comprehensive evaluation of the therapeutic outcomes resulted in 36 excellent, 12 good, and 4 fair cases, yielding an excellent to good rate of 92.3%. Follow-ups revealed no postoperative infection, bone nonunion, loosening or breakage of the implants. Conclusion The bridging-combined internal fixation may lead to fine therapeutic outcomes for traumatic extremity fractures, because this system is flexible and easy to apply, and leads to fine reduction and limited postoperative complications. Key words: Extremities; Fractures, bone; Fracture fixation, internal