Internal Fixation Of Tibial Fractures Research Articles

Ginsenoside Rg1 protects the blood-brain barrier and myelin sheath to prevent postoperative cognitive dysfunction in aged mice.

In this study, the postoperative cognitive dysfunction (POCD) mouse model was established to observe the changes in inflammation, blood-brain barrier permeability, and myelin sheath, and we explore the effect of ginsenoside Rg1 pretreatment on improving POCD syndrome. The POCD model of 15- to 18-month-old mice was carried out with internal fixation of tibial fractures under isoflurane anesthesia. Pretreatment was performed by continuous intraperitoneal injection of ginsenoside Rg1(40 mg/kg/day) for 14 days before surgery. The cognitive function was detected by the Morris water maze. The contents of interleukin-1β and tumor necrosis factor-α in the hippocampus, cortex, and serum were detected by ELISA. The permeability of blood-brain barrier was observed by Evans blue. The mRNA levels and protein expression levels of 2',3'-cyclic nucleotide 3'-phosphodiesterase (CNPase), myelin basic protein (MBP), beta-catenin, and cyclin D1 in the hippocampus were analyzed by quantitative PCR and western blotting. The protein expression levels of ZO-1 and Wnt1 in the hippocampus were analyzed by western blotting. Finally, the localizations of CNPase and MBP in the hippocampus were detected by immunofluorescence. Ginsenoside Rg1 can prevent POCD, peripheral and central inflammation, and blood-brain barrier leakage, and reverse the downregulation of ZO-1, CNPase, MBP, and Wnt pathway-related molecules in aged mice. Preclinical studies suggest that ginsenoside Rg1 improves postoperative cognitive function in aged mice by protecting the blood-brain barrier and myelin sheath, and its specific mechanism may be related to the Wnt/β-catenin pathway.

Sexual Dysfunction in Women After Tibial Fracture: A Retrospective Comparative Study.

BACKGROUND Tibial fractures, common in adults, are often treated with external or internal fixation methods. While effective, external fixation (EF) can lead to sexual dysfunction (SD), especially in young patients. This study aimed to assess SD in women undergoing EF versus internal fixation for tibial fractures. MATERIAL AND METHODS Sexual function and frequency of monthly sexual intercourse (SI) were evaluated using the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) before surgery, with the fixator, after at least 6 months following fixator removal in EF group, and after achieving bone union for at least 3 months in the IF group. RESULTS The EF group consisted of 107 (mean age 28.5 years; 19-40 years) and IF group consisted of 106 patients (mean age 32.1 years; 18-40 years). The duration of EF was an average of 4.7 months (range, 2.5-13 months). FSFI scores were significantly lower in the EF group compared to the IF group (9.33 versus 27.3, P<0.001). Also, there was no significant difference between the FSFI scores before EF and after EF was removed (34.22 versus 33.8, P=0.413). FSFI sub-group scores such as desire, arousal, lubrication, and orgasm were significantly lower in the EF group (P<0.001). The monthly average frequency of SI before surgery and after the removal of EF was 10.2 and 9.1, respectively, while this frequency was 2.56 when EF was present (P<0.001). CONCLUSIONS The quality and frequency of SI in women significantly deteriorate and decrease during the period of extremity fixation following tibial diaphyseal fractures treated with EF, but return to normal after removal.

SS-31 inhibits mtDNA-cGAS-STING signaling to improve POCD by activating mitophagy in aged mice.

Neuroinflammation is crucial in the development of postoperative cognitive dysfunction (POCD), and microglial activation is an active participant in this process. SS-31, a mitochondrion-targeted antioxidant, is widely regarded as a potential drug for neurodegenerative diseases and inflammatory diseases. In this study, we sought to explore whether SS-31 plays a neuroprotective role and the underlying mechanism. Internal fixation of tibial fracture was performed in 18-month-old mice to induce surgery-associated neurocognitive dysfunction. LPS was administrated to BV2 cells to induce neuroinflammation. Neurobehavioral deficits, hippocampal injury, protein expression, mitophagy level and cell state were evaluated after treatment with SS-31, PHB2 siRNA and an STING agonist. Our study revealed that SS-31 interacted with PHB2 to activate mitophagy and improve neural damage in surgically aged mice, which was attributed to the reduced cGAS-STING pathway and M1 microglial polarization by decreased release of mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) but not nuclear DNA (nDNA). In vitro, knockdown of PHB2 and an STING agonist abolished the protective effect of SS-31. SS-31 conferred neuroprotection against POCD by promoting PHB2-mediated mitophagy activation to inhibit mtDNA release, which in turn suppressed the cGAS-STING pathway and M1 microglial polarization.

Obesity exacerbates postoperative cognitive dysfunction by activating the PARP1/NAD+/SIRT1 axis through oxidative stress

The purposes of this study were to explore the impact of obesity on postoperative cognitive dysfunction (POCD) and to investigate the underlying mechanism by which obesity exacerbates POCD. In this study, fifteen-month-old male C57BL/6 J mice were fed a High-fat diet for three months to establish obesity models. Internal fixation of tibial fractures under isoflurane inhalation was performed to construct a POCD animal model. Three days after surgery, mice were subjected to the Morris water maze (MWM) experiment to evaluate their learning and memory abilities. The findings from the MWM experiment revealed that in comparison to the Ad Libitum Surgical group (ALS), mice in the High-fat Surgical group (HFS) exhibited prolonged escape latencies and reduced platform crossings. These outcomes suggest the potential exacerbating role of obesity in cognitive impairment within the POCD mouse models. Immunofluorescence (IF) findings demonstrate that obesity intensifies anesthesia and surgery-induced oxidative stress levels within the hippocampus. Compared to the Ad Libitum Control group (ALC), an elevation in PARP1 expression and a reduction in the NAD+/NADH ratio and SIRT1 expression were observed in the hippocampus of mice from the ALS. Moreover, when contrasting the HFS group with the ALS group, increased PARP1 expression along with decreased NAD+/NADH ratio and SIRT1 expression were evident. In vitro studies found that compared with the Control group (CON), oil red staining and BODIPY probe staining showed significant lipid droplet aggregation in the palmitic acid (PA) group. IF results demonstrated that HT22 cells in the PA group experienced oxidative stress and activation of the PARP1/NAD+/SIRT1 axis in contrast to the CON group. Moreover, manipulation of PARP1 expression in HT22 cells through PARP1 lentivirus-based silencing or overexpression revealed a converse relationship between PARP1 expression levels and the NAD+/NADH ratio as well as SIRT1 expression levels. This study concludes that obesity may exacerbate POCD by triggering activation of the oxidative stress-induced PARP1/NAD+/SIRT1 axis.

Circular external fixation for revision of failed tibia internal fixation.

The management of failed tibial fracture fixation remains a challenge for orthopaedic surgeons. This study investigate the utility and outcomes of circular external fixation in the management of failed internal fixation of tibial fractures. Retrospective review of a prospectively collected database of a complex limb reconstruction unit at a major trauma centre was done during December 2022. Patients with failed internal fixation of tibial fracture who underwent revision surgery with circular external fixation frame were included. 20 patients with a mean age of 47.8 ± 16.5years (range: 15-69) were included. Fourteen (70.0%) patients had failed plate and screws fixations, and the remaining six (30.0%) failed intramedullary nail fixation. The most common indication for revision surgery was development of early postoperative surgical site infection (5 patients; 25.0%). The mean duration of frame treatment was 199.5 ± 80.1days (range = 49-364), while the mean follow-up duration following frame removal was 3.2 ± 1.8years (range = 2-8). The overall union rate in this series was 100%; and all infected cases had complete resolution from infection. The total number of complications was 11, however, only two complications required surgical intervention. The most common complications reported were pin site infection (6; 30.0%) and limb length discrepancy of 2cm (2; 10.0%). Circular external fixation is a reliable surgical option in the treatment of failed internal fixation of tibia fractures. This technique can provide limb salvage in complex infected and noninfected cases with a high union rate and minimal major complications.

Tregs dysfunction aggravates postoperative cognitive impairment in aged mice

ObjectivesEnhanced neuroinflammation is an important mechanism underlying perioperative neurocognitive disorders. Regulatory T cells (Tregs) play a crucial role in regulating systemic immune responses. The present study was aimed to investigate the participation of Tregs in the development of postoperative cognitive dysfunction (POCD).MethodsSurgery-associated neurocognitive disorder was induced in 18-month-old mice subjected to internal fixation of tibial fracture. Morris water maze was used to examine mice cognitive function. Splenic Tregs were collected for RNA sequencing and flow cytometry. Levels of inflammatory factors in the circulation and hippocampus were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Protein presences of tight junction proteins were detected by immunofluorescence.ResultsSurgery of internal fixation of tibial fracture induced cognitive impairment in aged mice, accompanied by elevated plasma levels of inflammatory factors and increased circulating Tregs. Transfusion of Tregs from young mice partially restored the structure of the blood–brain barrier and alleviated POCD in aged mice. Compared with young Tregs, differentially expressed genes in aged Tregs were enriched in tumor necrosis factor (TNF) signaling pathway and cytokine–cytokine receptor interaction. Flow cytometry revealed that aged Tregs had blunted functions under basal and stimulated conditions. Blockade of the CD25 epitope protected the blood–brain barrier structure, reduced TNF-α levels in the hippocampus, and improved surgery-associated cognition in aged mice.ConclusionsBlocking peripheral regulatory T cells improves surgery-induced cognitive function in aged mice. Therefore, aged Tregs play an essential role in the occurrence of POCD.

Comparison of the Effects of Intramedullary Nailing and Plate Fixation on Lower-Extremity Deep Vein Thrombosis after Tibial Fractures.

Lower-extremity deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is prone to occur after internal fixation of tibial fractures. This study analyzed the effect of intramedullary nailing (IMN) and plate fixation (PF) on lower-extremity DVT, providing reliable reference and guidance for future clinical treatment of tibial fractures. Sixty-eight patients with tibial fractures admitted to Honghui Hospital, Xi'an Jiaotong University, between February 2019 and October 2020 were selected as research participants, of which 32 cases treated with open reduction and locking-compression plate fixation were assigned to the FP group and 36 cases treated with closed reduction and interlocking IMN were included in the FN group. The two groups were compared regarding the following items: clinical efficacy, operation, rehabilitation, joint function, pain, inflammatory factors (IFs), incidence of adverse reactions (ARs), blood loss, prognosis, and quality of life (QoL). The related factors affecting the occurrence of DVT were analyzed. The results identified no evident difference in the overall response rate between the two groups (P > 0.05). The FN group showed longer operation time, higher incidence of ARs, and better rehabilitation, while there were lower incision length, VAS score, and IF levels (P < 0.05). The results revealed no significant difference in estnimated blood volume(EBV) and the incidence of DVT between the two groups(P > 0.05); however, the total blood loss (TBL), hidden blood loss (HBL), and blood transfusion rates in FN group were higher while the visible blood loss (VBL) was lower compared to the FP group (P < 0.05). Logistic regression analysis identified that blood transfusion, VBL, HBL, TBL, and treatment methods were independent risk factors affecting the occurrence of lower-extremity DVT (P < 0.05). In addition, the prognostic QoL was better in the FN group (P < 0.05). Therefore, closed reduction and interlocking IMN are more effective than open reduction and locking-compression plate fixation in the treatment of tibial fractures, but patients are more likely to suffer from lower-extremity DVT. In the future, it is necessary to carefully choose the treatment method in the treatment of tibial fracture patients to ensure their rehabilitation.

Increased perioperative C-reactive protein and decreased postoperative albumin is associated with acute posttraumatic osteomyelitis in patients with high-energy tibial fractures

BackgroundEarly diagnosis of acute posttraumatic osteomyelitis (POM) is of vital importance for avoiding devastating complications. Diagnosing POM is difficult due to the lack of a highly specific and sensitive test, such as in myocardial infarct, stroke and intracranial bleeding. Serum inflammatory markers, C-reactive protein (CRP), procalcitonin (PCT), white blood cells (WBC) can support clinical findings but they are not able to differentiate between inflammatory response to infection and the host response to non-infection insult with high specificity and sensitivity. AimThe objectives of the study were to investigate whether the biochemical and immunoinflammatory patient profile could facilitate postoperative monitoring, guide the antibiotic treatment and timing of revision surgery. Patients and methodsThis prospective nonrandomised cohort study included 86 patients after high-energy injury to the shin requiring primary surgical treatment (open or closed reduction and internal fixation of tibial fracture). Values of the biochemical and immunoinflammatory profile were measured on admission (ADD), first postoperative day (POD1) and fourth-postoperative day (POD4). ResultsWe discovered on our sample that the development of POM is associated with increased CRP on ADD, POD1 and decreased albumins on POD4. Further studies are needed to prove that these differences can be useful in diagnosing the risk of infection. The assessment of other important risk factors such as: the extent of soft tissue damage, multiple fractures, transfusion rate, need for conversion primary external fixation to intramedullary (IM) nailing or locking plate fixation can empower our clinical judgment of POM. ConclusionsWe can improve prediction of posttraumatic osteomyelitis by using the perioperative inflammatory biomarker CRP in combination with postoperative albumins levels and other associated independent risk factors.

Effectiveness of Drawtex hydroconductive dressing in treatment of early implantation-associated infection and soft tissue defect after internal fixation of tibial fracture

To investigate the feasibility of Drawtex hydroconductive dressing in treatment of early implantation-associated infection and soft tissue defect after internal fixation of tibial fracture. Thirty-six New Zealand rabbits were used to prepare the model of early implantation-associated infection after internal fixation of tibial fracture, and randomly divided into 3 groups ( n=12) . The infected wounds were covered with Drawtex hydroconductive dressing (group A), chitosan solution gauze (group B), and normal saline gauze (group C), respectively. The dressing was changed every 2 days. X-ray films were performed at 1, 14, and 21 days. The gross observation, microbiological evaluation, and histological observation were done at 21 days. There was no significant difference in the wound grading according to the James' grading criteria between groups at 21 days ( χ2=3.713, P=0.156). X-ray films showed no bone destruction in all groups at 1 day; and there was no significant difference in radiographic scores between groups ( P>0.05). At 14 days, the mild osteolysis was observed in group B; the radiographic score was significantly lower in groups A and C than in group B ( P<0.05), but there was no significant difference between groups A and C ( P>0.05). At 21 days, the osteolysis and osteomyelitis were observed in groups B and C; the radiographic score was significantly lower in group A than in groups B and C ( P<0.05), but there was no significant difference between groups B and C ( P>0.05). Also, the microorganism in bone tissue of group A was less than that of groups B and C ( P<0.05); and the difference between group B and group C was not significant ( P>0.05). Histological observation showed the mild inflammatory cell infiltration in group A and many inflammatory cells in groups B and C. The Smeltzer histological score was significant lower in group A than in groups B and C ( P<0.05); and there was no significant difference between groups B and C ( P>0.05). Drawtex hydroconductive dressing can be used for the implantation-associated infection after tibial fracture internal fixation. And the effectiveness of Drawtex hydroconductive dressing is better than that of chitosan solution gauze and normal saline gauze.

Classification to guide internal fixation for tibial fracture

To explore a classification method which can provide the clinical guidance for internal fixation of tibial fracture. The different fractures were fixed according to their mechanical classification. Totally, 71 cases of tibial plateau fracture, tibial proximal fracture, tibial distal fracture and Pilon fracture were analyzed to test this selective principle. All 71 patients were followed up for 6-32 months. The displacement was seldomly observed in cases treated acccording to the classification principle, while some cases against the principle had postoperative displacement. The difference was statistically significant (P less than 0.05). It was proved that there was remarkable correlation between tibial fracture classification, internal fixator and fixation methods. Types IIIa3, IIIb1 and IIIb2 fractures without eccentric moment should be fixed with double plates or angle-stable materials combined with locking structure, otherwise displacement may occur.

Use of external fixators for open tibial injuries in the rural third world: Panacea of the poor?

To determine the cost-effectiveness of external in comparison with internal fixation of tibial fractures in rural India. A retrospective study of 41 patients with open tibial fractures and 1 with infected non-union, treated with tubular external fixators. The average cost to the patient of an external fixator was approximately Rs 600 (or US $12), which compares very favourably with costs of internal fixation of similar effectiveness. In rural India, the use of locally made external fixators for primary and definitive treatment of open tibial fractures is cost effective.

IDENTIFICATION OF A GENETIC DEFECT RESPONSIBLE FOR THE POLYMORPHISM OF PROPOFOL METABOLISM

S352 INTRODUCTION: Glucuronic acid conjugation is the major metabolism of propofol whereas both conjugation of its ringhydroxylated derivative with glucuronic acid and sulphate are minor metabolic pathways of propofol, which need preliminary hydroxylation at the C4 posotion. Although cytochrome (CYP)-dependent monooxygenases are responsible for this biotransformation, the major CYP isoforms has not been identified. In this paper we reported delayed emergence from propofol anesthesia in two patients, who exhibited genetic polymorphism of CYP2C19. CASES: A 35-yr-old man who underwent internal fixation of tibial fracture was anesthetized by continuous infusion of propofol under epidural anesthesia. It took 35 minutes for his emergence from propofol. A 38-yr-old man who underwent lower leg amputation due to osteosarcoma was anesthetized by propofol with nitrous oxide under epidural anesthesia. It took 33 minutes for his emergence from propofol. Both patients exhibited a guanine to adenine point mutation in exon5 of CYP2C19, which produced an aberrant splice site and a truncated nonfunctional protein. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: Recently, Guitton et al showed that part of the propofol hydroxylase activity was mediated by CYP2C9 in vitro. However, propofol was likely to be metabolized by additional isoforms such as CYP2A6, 2C8, 2C18, 2C19 and 1A2. Although the activity of CYP2C9 and the expression rates of these specific isoforms in the microsomal fraction of two patients were unknown, genetic defect of CYP2C19 could be responsible for delayed emergence from propofol anesthesia.

Free flap reconstructions of tibial fractures complicated after internal fixation.

The cases of 15 patients are presented where microvascular soft-tissue reconstructions became necessary after internal fixation of tibial fractures. Primarily, seven of the fractures were closed. Eleven fractures had originally been treated by open reduction and internal fixation using plates and screws, and four by intramedullary nailing. All of the patients suffered from postoperative complications leading to exposure of the bone or fixation material. The internal fixation material was removed and radical revision of dead and infected tissue was carried out in all cases. Soft tissue reconstruction was performed using a free microvascular muscle flap (11 latissimus dorsi, three rectus abdominis, and one gracilis). In eight cases the nonunion of the fracture indicated external fixation. The microvascular reconstruction was successful in all 15 patients. In one case the recurrence of deep infection finally indicated a below-knee amputation. In another case, chronic infection with fistulation recurred postoperatively. After a mean follow-up of 26 months the soft tissue coverage was good in all the remaining 13 cases. All the fractures united. Microvascular free muscle flap reconstruction of the leg is regarded as a reliable method for salvaging legs with large soft-tissue defects or defects in the distal leg. If after internal fixation of the tibial fracture the osteosynthesis material or fracture is exposed, reconstruction of the soft-tissue can successfully be performed by free flap transfer. By radical revision, external fixation, bone grafting, and a free flap the healing of the fracture can be achieved.

Time domaine vibration analysis in the assessment of stability after internal fixation of tibial fractures

Time domaine vibration analysis in the assessment of stability after internal fixation of tibial fractures

Primary medullary nailing of the tibia for fractures of the shaft in adults

Nailing represents a particularly firm method of internal fixation for tibial fractures, allowing rapid resumption of weight-bearing. The avoidance of opening the fracture has many advantages—quicker union and much diminished risk of sepsis. The authors describe their technique of closed nailing without reaming. They have reviewed 356 cases; 207 were closed fractures of which 200 had good results. One hundred and forty-nine open fractures had 136 good results. One solitary case was amputated because of vascular complications. The infection rate was nil in closed fractures and 8·1 per cent in open fractures. All the infected cases healed secondarily after one or more operations. A solitary case of malunion has been encountered. The main indications for nailing are fractures of the lower third that are unstable, oblique, or short spiral or with a butterfly fragment; segmental fractures; fractures of the tibia associated with other injuries of the lower limb. Finally, indications for nailing could be extended to lower fractures, even to those 5 cm. from the ankle-joint.