Combined Fixation System Research Articles

Biomechanical analysis of bridge combined fixation system as a novel treatment for the fixation of type A3 distal femoral fractures.

To compare the biomechanical parameters of AO/OTA type A3 distal femoral fractures fixed bilaterally with a bridge combined fixation system (BCFS) and lateral locking compression plate + locking reconstruction plate (LCP + LRP). Twelve A3 distal femoral fracture models with medial cortical defects of the distal femur were created using synthetic femoral Sawbones. BCFS and LCP + LRP were used for bilateral fixation, with six in each group. Axial compression and torsion tests were performed on the two groups of fracture models to determine their stiffness during axial compression and the Torsional stiffness during torsion tests. Axial compression failure tests were performed to collect the vertical loads of the ultimate failure tests. In the test conducted on the fixed type A3 distal femoral fracture models, the axial stiffness in the BCFS group (group A) (1,072.61 ± 113.5 N/mm) was not significantly different from that in the LCP + LRP group (group B) (1,184.13 ± 110.24 N/mm) (t = 1.726, P = 0.115), the Torsional stiffness in group A (3.73 ± 0.12 N.m/deg) was higher than that in group B (3.37 ± 0.04 N.m/deg) (t = 6.825, P < 0.001),and the ultimate failure test of type A3 fracture model showed that the vertical load to destroy group A fixation (5,290.45 ± 109.63 N) was higher than that for group B (3,978.43 ± 17.1 N) (t = 23.28, P < 0.05). Notably, intertrochanteric fractures occurred in groups A and B. In the fixation of type A3 distal femoral fractures, the anti-axial compression of the BCFS group was similar to that of the LCP + LRP group, but the anti-torsion was better.

Application of bridge-link type combined fixation system in the treatment of trifocal femoral fractures.

Ipsilateral combined fractures of the proximal femur, femoral shaft, and distal femur, though uncommon, present significant treatment challenges for orthopaedic surgeons. This retrospective study aims to investigate the intraoperative and long-term postoperative outcomes of this combination fracture when treated using a bridge-link type combined fixation system (BCFS). Four individuals received treatment at a level 1 trauma centre between January 2013 and December 2017 for combined fractures of the proximal femur, femoral shaft, and distal femur. The medical records of these patients were retrospectively examined. In addition to minimally invasive percutaneous plate osteosynthesis (MIO), all patients underwent BCFS. The median follow-up period for each patient was 28.5 months. The median duration of the surgical procedure was 176.0 min, with intraoperative haemorrhage measured at 470.0 ml. Among the cases, three patients showed firm union of the femoral shaft fractures. However, one patient experienced nonunion 12 months after the procedure, while another patient suffered from refracture of the femoral shaft and postoperative avascular necrosis of the femoral head. At the time of the last follow-up, the Friedman-Wyman functional scores were excellent in one case, good in two cases, and fair in one case. Trifocal femoral fractures lack a widely approved therapeutic strategy. Nonetheless, BCFS may present itself as a viable alternative for treating this type of fracture, offering positive clinical outcomes.

Bridged combined fixation system versus locking plate in the treatment of patients with implant periprosthetic refracture following proximal femoral fracture surgery: A retrospective observational study

Locking plate (LP) re-fixation is mainly used to treat postoperative implant periprosthetic refractures; however, the extensive trauma and the fixation form of LP make the operation difficult. The bridge combined fixation system (BCFS) is a new clip-rod internal fixation system, and its clinical application is in its infancy. To compare the clinical effect of BCFS and LP in the treatment of geriatric postoperative implant periprosthetic refracture following proximal femoral fracture surgery. Thirty-two patients (14 with BCFS and 18 with LP) with postoperative implant periprosthetic refracture following proximal femoral fracture surgery, who underwent surgery in our hospital, were analyzed retrospectively. The incision length, operation time, intraoperative bleeding volume, postoperative drainage volume, postoperative hospital stay, fracture healing time and complications of each patient were recorded. Regular radiographs were taken after the operation to evaluate the fracture reduction and fixation. All the patients were followed for 12 months to evaluate their limb function by Johner-Wruhs scoring criteria. The patients were followed for an average of 24.1 months, and all achieved bony union, with no complications such as infection, nonunion, and internal fixation instrument falling off and loosening after the operation. Delayed healing occurred in two cases in the LP group. The average value of surgical incision length, operation time, postoperative hospitalization time and fracture healing time in the BCFS group were significantly smaller than those in the LP group, accompanied by a decrease in intraoperative bleeding and postoperative drainage volumes (P < .05). The rate of limb function in the BCFS group (85.7%) was higher than that in the LP group (83.3%), with no significance (P > .05). The BCFS in the refracture around the implant of the proximal femoral fracture exhibited many advantages such as simple operation, strong plasticity, effective reduction of surgical trauma, promotion of fracture healing and early functional rehabilitation, etc, making it an advantageous clinical application.

Percutaneous fixation with helical bridge combined fixation system for long split fractures involving the middle and upper humerus

To evaluate the effectiveness of percutanous fixation with helical bridge combined fixation system (BCFS) for treatment of long split fractures involving the middle and upper humerus. Between February 2018 and February 2020, 15 patients of long split fractures involving the middle and upper humerus were treated. There were 6 males and 9 females, with an average age of 62 years (range, 37-82 years). The fractures were caused by slipping in 7 cases, falling from height in 3 cases, and traffic accident in 5 cases. According to AO classification, the shaft fractures were rated as type A in 4 cases, type B in 9 cases, and type C in 2 cases. And all fractures extended to proximal humerus; and the proximal fractures were rated as one-part fracture in 11 cases and two-part fracture in 4 cases according to Neer classification. The interval between injury and operation was 1-7 days (mean, 3.2 days). Nine patients underwent closed reduction and 6 patients underwent open reduction after lengthening the incisions. All fractures were percutaneously internal fixated with helical BCFS after reduction. The operation time, intraoperative blood loss, incision healing, and fracture healing were recorded. Constant-Murley score was used to evaluate shoulder joint function, and Mayo score was used to evaluate elbow joint function. The operation time ranged from 55 to 175 minutes, with an average of 76.5 minutes; the intraoperative blood loss ranged from 80 to 300 mL, with an average of 185.5 mL. All incisions healed by first intention, without infection or radial nerve injury. All patients were followed up 12-23 months, with an average of 16 months. The fractures all reached clinical healing, and the healing time was 12-20 weeks, with an average of 14.5 weeks. At 1 year after operation, the Constant-Murley score of the affected side was 88.7±7.6, and there was no significant difference when compared with that of the healthy side (90.8±8.3) ( t=1.421, P=0.052). According to the elbow Mayo score, the score of the affected side was 97.6±6.5, and there was no significant difference when compared with the healthy side (97.7±7.3) ( t=0.433, P=0.913). The helical BCFS can avoid the dissection of deltoid insertion and prevent the iatrogenic radial nerve injury. With satisfied effectiveness, it is suggested for minimally invasive surgical treatment of long split fractures involving the middle and upper humerus.

Treatment of open middle and lower tibial fractures with bridge link combined fixation system external by means of external fixation

To explore clinical effect of bridge-link combined fixation system(BCFS) in treating open middle and lower tibial fractures by external fixation. From October 2016 to September 2017, 11 patients with open middle and lower tibial fractures were treated with BCFS by external fixation, including 7 males and 4 females aged from 23 to 65 years old with an average of 44.2 years old;the course of disease ranged from 7 to 10 days. All fractures were open, middle and lower tibiofibular fractures. According to AO classification, 5 patients were type A, 5 patients were type B, and 1 patient was type C. All fractures were classified as typeⅡaccording to Gustilo-Anderson classification. The time of fracture healing, postoperative complications were observed, Johner-Wruhs standard were used to evaluate clinical effect. All patients were followed up from 7 to 13 months with an average of 10.1 months. Fracture healing time ranged from 4 to 8 months with an average of 6.2 months. The removal time of BCFS ranged from 5 to 11 months with an average of 7.8 months. No screws loosening and BCFS breakage occurred after operation, while 1 patient occurred infection of proximal and distal tibia after operation which was healed by anti-inflammatory treatment and dressing change. According to Johner-Wruhs standard, 8 patients were excellent and 3 patients good at the latest follow-up. BCFS could be used to treat open middle and lower tibial fractures by external fixation, which had features of small size, flexible use, solid and elastic fixation. It could not effectively reduce tissue injury and promote fracture healing, but also have advantages of less postoperative complications and better recovery of limb function.

Ipsilateral proximal and shaft femoral fractures treated with bridge-link type combined fixation system

BackgroundAlthough many treatments for ipsilateral proximal and shaft femoral fractures have been developed, controversy exists regarding their optimal management. The purpose of this retrospective study was to discuss the effectiveness of the bridge-link type combined fixation system (BCFS) and evaluate functional outcomes in treating patients with these complex fractures.Patients and methodsWe retrospectively reviewed 14 cases of ipsilateral proximal and shaft femoral fractures treated from January 2012 to December 2016. All cases were treated by BCFS combined with minimally invasive percutaneous plate osteosynthesis (MIPPO). Clinical and radiographic data were collected during regular post-operative follow-up visits. Functional outcomes were determined according to the Friedman and Wyman scoring system.ResultsThe proximal femoral fractures were emergency diagnoses in 11 cases and delayed diagnoses in 3 cases. The delay time was 5–6 days, with an average of 5.3 days. The mean operation time was 179.6 min (range 135–231 min) with a blood loss volume that ranged from 430 to 535 ml (average 483.6 ml). Follow-up was conducted in 13 cases between 9 and 30 months post-operation, with an average follow-up time of 17.3 months. The proximal femoral fractures were united in 12 cases at the final follow-up. One case had nonunion 13 months after the operation, underwent valgus intertrochanteric osteotomy, and healed 6 months later. The femoral shaft fractures obtained rigid union at the latest follow-up in 12 cases. One case endured nonunion 12 months after the operation. After the revision surgery and iliac bone grafting, the fracture healed 6 months later. Eight of the cases had good functional results, 4 had fair results, and results were poor in 1 case at the final follow-up.ConclusionsThe treatment of ipsilateral proximal femoral and shaft fractures with BCFS in combination with MIPPO demonstrated a high likelihood of union for both fractures and good functional results.

Treatment of Femoral Traumatic Fractures with a Custom Bridge Combined Fixation System

Background: With the development of transportation in modern China, the incidence of traumatic fracture and the global degree of fracture complexity are increasing. This study explored the use and curative effect of a novel custom-manufactured bridge combined fixation system for traumatic fractures of the femur. The bridge combined fixation system can be tailored to the specific patient's requirements by bending the rods and sliding the attachment modules. Methods: From May 2013 to August 2017, 14 patients with traumatic femur fractures were managed with the bridge combined fixation system. The operation was conducted according to the routine incision approach of femur fracture. The patients were given early postoperative functional rehabilitation exercise. The curative effect was evaluated according to clinical manifestations, postoperative imaging, and a self-developed standard for bone healing. Results: All patients were followed for 12–24 (median: 12.5) months. Fracture healing was assessed based on clinical symptoms and postoperative X-ray. After 3 months, complete weight-bearing on the affected leg was painless. X-ray showed that the fracture line had disappeared by 6–9 months postoperatively and showed bone healing. According to the self-developed standard for bone healing, 13/14 (92.8%) patients achieved excellent/good clinical outcomes. Bone union was achieved in all patients within 2 years. Conclusion: The custommanufactured bridge combined fixation system is simple and can effectively achieve tailored reduction of the fracture. The fixation was stable, with few complications after surgery and with good treatment effect for traumatic fractures.

Clinical application of bridge-link combined fixation system for adult mid-shaft clavicle fractures

To explore clinical efficacy of bridge-link combined fixation system for adult mid-shaft clavicle fractures. From January 2016 to August 2016, 28 patients with mid-shaft clavicle fractures were treated by bridge-link combined fixation system, including 15 males and 13 females, aged from 27 to 82 years old with an average of(48.50±15.34) years old; the courses of disease was for 13 to 15 months with an average of (14.17±0.77) months. Fracture healing time and complication were observed, postoperative and postoperative Constant function score of shoulder joint at 1, 3 and 13 months and were compared. All patients were followed up for 13 to 15 months with an average of (14.17±0.77) months. Twenty-eight patients achieved clinical fracture healing without infection, bone un-union, delayed union, breakage of internal fixation and re-fracture after removing of the internal fixation occurred. Fracture healing time ranged from 2.5 to 4 months with (3.05±0.44) months. Postoperative Constant score at 1, 3 and 13 months were 76.57±4.70, 90.75±3.62, 96.07±2.40 respectively, and had significant difference compared with before operation(58.36±4.98). Bridge-link combined fixation system could be used as a new internal fixation for adult mid-shaft clavicle fractures, which has advantages of rapid recovery, less complications, and could reduce incidence of breakage of internal fixation, osteoporosis, re-fractures after removing the internal fixation.

Combined fixation of modular tumor proximal humeral endoprosthesis (experimental and clinical study)

Objective: to substantiate, develop and implement a more reliable combined endoprosthesis fixation system for replacement of postresectional defects of the proximal humerus, reduction in the number of complications from the endoprosthesis and improvement of the results of tumor joint replacement.Methods: finite element models of the «endoprosthesis – humerus» system with different fixation methods (combined and intramedullary only) have been developed, investigated for tension, bending and twisting. In an experiment on 20 white rats, the situation was modeled after tumor resection of the long-bone diaphysis and replacement of the defect with a modular endoprosthesis. The animals were divided into two groups: in the experimental, an endoprosthesis was installed with a combined fixation system, in the control one — with intramedullary. Twelve patients with tumor lesion of the proximal humerus were operated: in 3 an endoprosthesis with intramedullary fixation was implanted, in 9 patients with a combined implant. The observation period is up to 7 years.Results: on mathematical models it is determined that the use of an additional fixation system can significantly reduce the load on the «critical zone» due to its redistribution to extracortical plates. In vivo experiment, the stability of fixation and a significant reduction in the number of complications with the use of combined fixation was demonstrated. On the basis of the theoretical and experimental data obtained, the proximal humeral endoprosthesis with a combined fixation system was developed and implemented into practice. In patients operated on with the proposed fixation system, complications associated with the endoprosthesis were not revealed.Conclusions: the use of the developed endoprosthesis with extra-cortical fixation to replace the post-exposure defects of the proximal humerus makes it possible to reduce the risk of complications associated with the implant.

Biomechanical analysis and clinical effects of bridge combined fixation system for femoral fractures.

This work aimed to compare the stress distribution and mechanical properties of our bridge combined fixation system and commonly used metal locking plate screw system by finite element analysis and by using the Zwick/Z100 testing machine. In addition, we also investigated the clinical outcome of our bridge combined fixation system for femoral fractures in 59 patients from June 2005 to January 2013. As a result, the stress distribution in the bone plate and screws of metal locking plate screw system during walking and climbing stairs was significantly lower than that of metal locking plate screw system. No significant difference in the displacement was observed between two systems. The equivalent bending stiffness of bridge combined fixation system was significantly lower than that of metal locking plate screw system. There were no significant differences in the bending strength, yield load, and maximum force between two systems. All the cases were followed up for 12-24 months (average 18 months). The X-ray showed bone callus was formed in most patients after 3 months, and the fracture line was faint and disappeared at 6-9 months postoperatively. No serious complications, such as implant breakage and wound infection, occurred postoperatively. According to self-developed standard for bone healing, clinical outcomes were rated as excellent or good in 55 out of 59 patients (success rate: 93.2%). Therefore, our findings suggest that our bridge combined fixation system may be a promising approach for treatment of long-bone fractures.

既製がく骨骨折用創外固定装置を利用したがく・顔面骨固定について

This paper presented the new device of external pin fixation method and appraisal of its clinical use. This new apparatus consisted of three parts of two different types of pin system, namely, HH (the initial of Hajime Hayashi) type pin system, HY (the initial of Hiroyuki Yamanaka) type pin system and the kirschner wire (diameter 3.0 mm). This combined fixation system was developed based on rigidity of pin, flexibility of klemme and easy adaptation of length of wire rod.It was applied to six cases of iliac bone grafting and five cases of maxillo-facial bone fracture, to which it may have been thought that ordinary fixation were not enough to get the stability of grafted or fractured bone. This worked very well in all cases, except in one case of iliac bone grafting because of its poor bed condition.Thus, clinical results showed this new type of external fixation system (we call it “Mei-dai system”) was much more useful and easier to get rigid fixation than other pin systems (ex. HH type alone, HY type alone, Roger-Anderson type etc.).