Percutaneous External Fixation Research Articles

Management strategies for Docking Site refractures: a comparative analysis of 19 patient cases

AimsThis study aimed to compare the clinical effectiveness of intramedullary nailing (IMN), percutaneous external plate fixation (PEPF), and re-applied external fixation (REF) in the treatment of refracture at the consolidated docking site following the removal of external fixation in patients with tibial defects who had previously undergone the Ilizarov bone transport technique.MethodsA retrospective review was performed on patients who received IMN, PEPF, or REF for refracture at the consolidated docking site subsequent to the removal of external fixation. A collection of data was made regarding the following parameters: age, gender, defect size, treatment methods, external fixation time (EFT), external fixation index (EFI), time of refracture (TOR) subsequent to fixation removal, and docking reunion time (DRT). Bone and functional outcomes were evaluated by the Association for the Study and Application of the Method of Ilizarov (ASAMI) scoring system and the Lower Extremity Functional Scale (LEFS) questionnaire.ResultsThe study included 14 males and 5 females with an average age of 38.1 ± 8.9 years (range, 26 to 55 years). Etiologies included post-traumatic osteomyelitis in 11 cases and post-traumatic bone loss in 8 cases. The median bone defect was 5.11 ± 0.87 cm (range, 3.8 to 6.8 cm). Following docking site refracture, 6 cases were treated with IMN, 8 with PEPF, and 5 with REF. All patients achieved both satisfactory bone union and functional outcomes, and there was no significant difference in preoperative baseline data or postoperative outcomes among the three groups.ConclusionIMN, PEPF, and REF were all demonstrated favorable postoperative bone and functional outcomes, suggesting their reliability as treatment options for managing docking site refracture following external fixation removal.

Validity of percutaneous external fixator for calcaneal fractures to allow early weight bearing

Calcaneum, the most common tarsal bone to fracture affecting manual labourers who were sole breadwinners of the family. Generally treated with below knee pop and ORIF, commonly associated with complications and delayed weight bearing. This study analyses functional outcome of early weight bearing with minimally invasive skeletal stabilisation of calcaneal fractures.This study was conducted at Institute of orthopaedics and traumatology, Coimbatore medical college and Meenakshi medical college hospital and research institute, Kanchipuram between July 2019 to October 2021. 15 patients in age group 20-65 years with 19 calcaneal fractures less than 4 weeks duration are included in study.Surgery averaged 1.6 days after injury. Full weight-bearing was achieved in 11.7 days for unilateral calcaneal fractures (range 9 to 15 days) and 43.5 days for bilateral fractures (40 to 49 days). Patients returned to work in 35.6 days on average (range 24 to 52 days). All 19 calcaneal fractures healed in 52.63 days. External fixator removal averaged 56.57 days. Two patients had postoperative pin site infections. No bones were infected. Six-month AOFAS scores averaged 86.15.In our study calcaneal fractures are fixed with mini external fixator percutaneously and it can be used in presence of compound fractures and with skin blisters. Though anatomical reduction cannot be attained completely weight bearing is possible from 2nd day after surgery and full weight bearing was possible in 2nd week. The limitations of our study include a smaller number of cases. A large multi-centric study may be necessary to confirm our results.

TREATMENT INTERTROCHANTERIC FRACTURE OF FEMUR IN ELDERLY BY EXTERNAL FIXATION: PROSPECTIVE CASE-SERIES STUDY; IBN-SINA TRAINING HOSPITAL, BAGHDAD

Background: Internal fixation is gold standard in treatment of intertrochanteric fractures, but in patients with anesthesia or surgical hazards the external fixation should be explored as a safe approach to reduce operative time and complications risk. Objective: To assess the outcome of external fixation of an intertrochanteric fracture is in elderly patients with co-morbidities. Methods: Twenty-eight elderly patients with non-pathological fractures, closed, who were 65 years old or older, unsuited for surgery for a long period, and had chronic uncontrolled medical problems such as hypertension, diabetes mellitus, or heart disease were included in the study. Criteria for exclusion include reverse obliquity fractures, dementia, pathological fractures and prior hip fractures. Those patients treated with percutaneous external fixation under image intensifier from 2015 to 2020 in Ibn Sina Training Hospital in Baghdad. Results: At 1-year follow-up, 80% returned to pre-fracture ambulatory status. Average time to fixator removal was 12 weeks. There were no cases of pin loosening, breakage, or penetration of femoral head. All patients were evaluated clinically and radiologically for 24 months except 3 patients, 2 died 6 months’ post-operative due to causes unrelated to the surgery, and 1 lost follow up 3 months after surgery. Excellent and good results were found in 8 patients. The time of radiological union and fixator removal about 12 weeks. Pin tract infection occurred in most of the patients. Varus malalignment occurred in 20% of patients. Shortening ranged from 0 to 3 cm. Conclusion: External fixation of intertrochanteric fractures in elderly high-risk patients is a dependable, successful, and safe therapeutic option. Keywords: Intertrochanteric fracture, external fixator, elderly patient Citation: Alsudany FKI, Alhamashi AHS, Al-Abbody HHT, Ismael HA. Treatment intertrochanteric fracture of femur in elderly by external fixation: prospective case-series study; Ibn-Sina Training Hospital, Baghdad. Iraqi JMS. 2022; 20(1): 113-120. doi: 10.22578/IJMS.20.1.15

Predictive factors associated with the clinical outcome of intertrochanteric hip fracture in high-risk elderly patients treated with total hip arthroplasty versus percutaneous external fixation.

BackgroundLittle is known regarding the survival and functional recovery of elderly intertrochanteric hip fracture (IHF) patients after total hip arthroplasty (THA) versus percutaneous external fixation (PEF). This study aims to analyze the prognostic factors of THA and PEF in elderly IHF patients.MethodsA total of 155 consecutive elderly patients (mean age of 80 years) diagnosed with IHF were retrospectively reviewed from our database between January 1, 2010, and December 31, 2018. The preoperative, intraoperative and postoperative covariates were analyzed by two independent surgical cohorts: THA and PEF. The main outcomes included the hip function score, all-cause mortality within 1 year after surgery, and overall survival. Covariables and their influence on independent outcomes were analyzed using multivariate regression models.ResultsThe median follow-up period was 5.1 years, and 6 patients were lost to follow-up. At the endpoint, 70 of 85 patients treated with THA and 37 of 70 patients treated with PEF survived, exhibiting mean Harris hip scores of 84.4 and 69.0, respectively. The Kaplan-Meier curves and log-rank tests showed no significant difference in overall survival. After adjusting for the covariates, the surgical mode was a unique prognostic factor affecting hip function recovery, and two prognostic factors (leukocyte count and D-dimer) were correlated with 1-year all-cause mortality. Age at admission, fracture classification, D-dimer level and surgical mode were identified as prognostic factors affecting overall survival. After adjusting for the former three covariates, THA reduced the risk of death by 67.20% compared with PEF (HR 0.328, 95% CI, 0.121–0.890).ConclusionsDespite the nonsignificant difference in 1-year all-cause mortality, THA demonstrated superior midterm survival and hip function recovery in elderly IHF patients compared with PEF. Predictive factors, including age at admission, fracture classification, D-dimer level and surgical mode, are associated with the overall survival of IHF in high-risk elderly patients.

Prying reduction with mosquito forceps versus limited open reduction for irreducible distal radius\u2010ulna fractures in older children: a retrospective study

BackgroundThere are disputes about which reduction technique should be adopted in treatment of distal radius-ulna fractures in older children who failed to achieve manual reduction. This study compared clinical effects between prying reduction with mosquito forceps (PRMF) and limited open reduction (LOR) of treating irreducible distal radius-ulna fractures in older children.MethodsOne hundred ten children with irreducible distal radius-ulna fractures were selected from January 2015 to December 2017 in Xi’an Hong Hui hospital. Retrospective analysis was performed. According to different reduction techniques, these children were divided into PRMF group (59 cases) and LOR group (51 cases). All children were treated with percutaneous Kirschner wire fixation and external fixation with plaster. Operation indexes, complications and wrist joint functions were compared between the two groups.ResultsOperation time of PRMF group was shorter than that of LOR group (P < 0.05). Incision length in PRMF group was less than that in LOR group (P < 0.05). Bleeding volume of PRMF group was less than that of LOR group (P < 0.05). Incidence of complications in PRMF group was lower than that in LOR group.ConclusionsCompared with limited open reduction, it has better clinical effects of prying reduction with mosquito forceps in treatment of irreducible distal radius-ulna fractures in older children. This technique has the advantages of simple operation, less trauma, less bleeding and fewer complications, which is worthy of clinical promotion.

Incidence of distal radius fracture surgery in Finns aged 50 years or more between 1998 and 2016 \u2013 too many patients are yet operated on?

BackgroundAlthough optimal treatment of distal radius fractures is controversial, surgery has gained popularity. The purpose of this study was to evaluate recent trends in the surgical treatment of distal radius fractures in Finns aged 50 years or more.MethodsA nationwide hospital discharge register-based study was conducted among all patients 50 years of age or older who had a surgically treated distal radius fracture in Finland between 1998 and 2016. The number and rate of different surgical procedures were calculated per 100,000 person-years.ResultsAltogether 21,965 surgically treated distal radius fractures were identified. During the study period the rate of percutaneous pinning and external fixation diminished while the rate of plate fixation significantly increased. The rate of operative treatment increased continually from 1998 to 2008 whereupon the peak of the incidence was achieved. After 2008, the rate of operative treatment of distal radius fracture remained quite constant, ranging between 61.1 and 67.8 per 100,000 person-years.ConclusionsPlate fixation has almost completely replaced both external fixation and percutaneous pinning in the surgical treatment of distal radius fractures in Finland. Despite growing evidence for less invasive treatment options in elderly patients, operative treatment of distal radius fracture is still rather popular today.

Reducing the risk of impaired bone apposition to titanium screws with the use of fibroblast growth factor-2\u2212apatite composite layer coating

BackgroundLoosening of screws is a common problem in orthopedic and maxillofacial surgery. Modifying the implant surface to improve the mechanical strength of screws has been tried and reported. We developed screws coated with fibroblast growth factor-2 (FGF-2)−apatite composite layers. We then showed, in a percutaneous external fixation model, that this composite layer had the ability to hold and release FGF-2 slowly, thereby reducing the risk of pin tract infection of the percutaneous external fixation. The objective of the current study was to clarify the effect of FGF-2−apatite composite layers on titanium screws on bone formation around the screw.MethodsWe analyzed samples of previously performed animal experiments. The screws were coated with FGF-2−apatite composite layers by immersing them in supersaturated calcium phosphate solutions containing FGF-2. Then, the uncoated, apatite-coated, and FGF-2−apatite composite layer-coated screws were implanted percutaneously in rabbits. Finally, using inflammation-free histological sections, we histomorphometrically assessed them for the presence of bone formation. Weibull plot analysis was then applied to the data.ResultsOn average, screws coated with FGF-2−apatite composite layers showed a significantly higher bone apposition rate than the uncoated or apatite-coated screws. Although the difference in the average bone apposition rate was small, the FGF-2−apatite composite layers produced a significant, marked reduction in the incidence of impaired bone formation around the screw compared with the incidence in the absence of FGF-2 (uncoated and apatite-coated screws). The probability of resulting in a bone apposition rate equal to or less than 63.75%, for example, is 3.5 × 10-4 for screws coated with the FGF-2−apatite composite layers versus 0.05 for screws in the absence of FGF-2.ConclusionsFGF-2-apatite composite layer coating significantly reduced the risk of impaired bone apposition to the screw. Thus, it is feasible to use titanium screws coated with FGF-2−apatite composite layers as internal fixation screws to decrease the risk of loosening.

Complex Proximal Humeral Fractures (Three or Four Part) with Dislocation: Outcome Analysis of Percutaneous Reduction and External Fixation

1.1.Background: The complex fractures of the proximal humerus remain dilemmas far as treatment is concerned. Although better-quality techniques of internal fixation and prosthetic replacement are introduced effectively in the field of operative fracture care, management of complex fractures of the proximal humerus for head preserving modalities in injuries involving the humeral head remains to be a major factor concerning the trauma surgeon. 1.2.Materials & Methods: Thirty nine patients with complex three or four part proximal fracture of humerus with dislocation of humeral head were treated and analyzed for results of percutaneous reduction and external fixation. All Patients were subjected to careful closed reduction under general anesthesia with optimal relaxation and fluoroscopic control followed by percutaneous external fixation of proximal humerus in optimal position. The patients were evaluated clinically and radiologically for a period till union or 10 months, whichever was earlier. One patient had an incomplete brachial plexus injury, which was yet to recover completely at the end of last follow up 10 months, with acceptable hand, elbow and shoulder function. 1.3.Results: Percutaneous reduction & external fixation to treat complex fractures of the proximal humerus produces good results, if correct re-position and biological principles are respected. Most of the patients were pain-free and the shoulders functioned well despite the severity of shoulder injury. 1.4.Conclusion: Percutaneous reduction and external fixation is a reasonable and logical approach to treat complex proximal humeral head fractures, rather than conservative treatment and before hemi-arthroplasty by prosthesis is considered, in view of the acceptable results obtained. Our study shows that complex fractures of the proximal humerus should be treated initially by head preserving procedures. The probable revascularization of the humeral head occurs by creeping substitution as the shoulder is non weight bearing joint.

Western Trauma Association Critical Decisions in Trauma: Management of pelvic fracture with hemodynamic instability-2016 updates.

Western Trauma Association Critical Decisions in Trauma: Management of pelvic fracture with hemodynamic instability-2016 updates.

Immobilizer Removable Articulate in Rehabilitation of Dogs Submitted to Tenorrhaphy Patellar

Background: In cases of patellar tendon ruptures, there is a need for primary repair by sutures aiming to restore the extensor mechanism of the knee and prevent degenerative sequelae. Even though the need for temporary immobilization of the joint reconstruction surgeries involving tendons and ligaments, seeks to avoid or minimize the undesirable effects of disuse without any interference at the surgical site. Thus, the objective of this research was to propose a model of joint immobilization adjustable in dogs undergoing patellar tenorrhaphy to allow, in the immediate postoperative period, the achievement of physical therapy modalities without interfering with the healing of the involved structures.Materials, Methods &amp; Results: The dogs were randomly divided into two groups called fixed immobilization or GF (6 dogs) and adjustable or GA (5 dogs) immobilization. Once on plane and restrained in dorsal decubitus, lateral incision was performed on the right knee in dogs GF and GA for total section of the patellar tendon at its insertion 10 mm at the tibial crest. Immediately, it was made with tenorrhaphy modified Kessler suture pattern using monofilament nylon wire nº 1, followed by a Wolff point involving modified Kessler suture with the same type of wire. In both groups, the joint was immobilized femorotibiopatelar percutaneous external fixation biplanar at an angle of 110° for 30 days. The groups differed by the material used to connect the percutaneous pins, being employed in the GF acrylic resin, and in GA dogs was made adjustable apparatus which consisted of two stainless steel plates with rounded ends with three equally spaced holes 2.5 mm between them in the central part of the plate and the edge of 6mm, which is joined with the other plate by a nut and bolt and allowing to adjust the desired angle of the device. Were utilized four Steinmann pins 2.5 mm, two in the femur and two tibia, introduced perpendicularly to the bone. The assembled apparatus was encased in percutaneous pins and stuck with stainless steel nuts and lock washers causing immobilization of the knee joint, however adjustable in the period of application of physiotherapy protocol. The results demonstrated a reduction in measures in the period of 30 days, indicating that there was muscle atrophy. At 60 days post-operative values demonstrating increased muscle mass gain probably the bearing of the affected limb to the ground. In this study, was possible to observe that the values at 60 days did not return to the same found preoperatively, and the dogs GF and GA were on average 92.19% of the initial values. As for gait analysis, all dogs GF and GA were grade 5, 1 and 3 of lameness in the preoperative period and after 30 and 60 days after surgery, respectively.Discussion: The joint immobilization in dogs submitted to tenorrhaphy is required, however, the member cannot be used properly, which can lead to sequelae such as muscle atrophy from disuse and especially joint blockage. Currently in human medicine assisted rehabilitation in the immediate post-operative recovery involving the reconstruction of tendons and ligaments, without the need for joint immobilization is required, because patients are instructed to restrict the movements postoperatively. In veterinary medicine, however, it becomes risky this type of conduct, especially the lack of control the movements made by animals, arousing interest in this research to propose joint that could be undone each day to allow implementation of a method of immobilization physiotherapy and at the end of the session, the joint was immobilized again. According to the results, we can conclude that the temporary immobilization with adjustable articulating fixator in dogs submitted to patellar tenorrhaphy allows the use of a physical therapy protocol during the period of immobilization, without interfering with the healing of tendon anastomosis.

Minimally-Invasive Repair of Bilateral Calcaneal Fractures with Unilateral External Fixation: A Case Report

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES: Calcaneal fractures are a serious injury with significant associated morbidity. Bilateral calcaneal fractures complicate issues even further, due to the physical disability that the patient is left with. One of the major issues with any calcaneal fracture is the risk of soft tissue compromise caused by the traumatic nature of the injury. A percutaneous approach allows the soft tissue envelope to remain viable, while still fixating the fractures. The purpose of this presentation is to highlight the use of percutaneous repair, the role of external fixation in calcaneal fractures, and lastly discuss the outcome for this particular patient. METHODS: A 26 year-old male presented to the office with bilateral calcaneal fractures, approximately 1 week after sustaining a fall from a height of 12 feet. The patient was brought to the operating room after spending approximately 2 weeks in bilateral posterior splints with Jones compressive dressings. The right calcaneal fracture was fixated percutaneously with 4 screws. The left calcaneal fracture was fixated percutaneously with 3 screws, as well as an Ilizarov external fixator. Approximately 8 weeks later, the patient returned to the operating room for removal of the external fixator and a cast application to the left lower extremity. RESULTS: The patient continued to progress and was subsequently transitioned into bilateral CAM walkers. In the following weeks, the patient was again upgraded to full weight-bearing with physical therapy. The fracture sites were completely consolidated with minimal to no pain in his bilateral heels and full ambulation. CONCLUSIONS: Percutaneous repair, along with external fixation, offers a viable alternative to ORIF for calcaneal fractures. A percutaneous approach also does not disrupt the potentially fragile soft tissue envelope in a calcaneal fracture. Although this outcome is positive, larger controlled studies are needed to confirm percutaneous approaches and external fixation in the realm of a calcaneal fracture.

Outcomes of trochanteric external fixation for geriatric inter-trochanteric hip fractures

IntroductionTrochanteric fractures are a leading cause of disability among the elderly. Internal fixation is the gold standard treatment. However, it may be challenging in the high-risk population. We present our results using external fixator in trochanteric fractures in the elderly. Patients and methodsDuring 2005-2012, twenty-three high-risk elderly patients (average age 70 years) with trochanteric fracture were managed using percutaneous external fixation (EF). ResultsAt one year follow-up, 86% returned to pre-fracture ambulatory status. Average time to fixator removal was 14 weeks. There were no cases of pin loosening, breakage, or penetration of femoral head. ConclusionAdvantages of EF include avoidance of delay, use of local/regional anesthesia, and shorter duration of surgery, blood loss and hospital stay. EF is an acceptable alternative in this patient population, given the associated co-morbidities and especially due to limited resources in developing countries.

Percutaneous external fixator pins with bactericidal micron-thin sol–gel films for the prevention of pin tract infection

Risk of infection is considerable in open fractures, especially when fracture fixation devices are used to stabilize the fractured bones. Overall deep infection rates of 16.2% have been reported. The infection rate is even greater, up to 32.2%, with external fixation of femoral fractures. The use of percutaneous implants for certain clinical applications, such as percutaneous implants for external fracture fixation, still represents a challenge today.Currently, bone infections are very difficult to treat. Very potent antibiotics are needed, which creates the risk of irreversible damage to other organs, when the antibiotics are administered systemically. As such, controlled, local release is being pursued, but no such treatments are in clinical use. Herein, the use of bactericidal micron-thin sol–gel films on metallic fracture fixation pins is reported. The data demonstrates that triclosan (2,4,4′-trichloro-2′-hydroxydiphenylether), an antimicrobial agent, can be successfully incorporated into micron-thin sol–gel films deposited on percutaneous pins. The sol–gel films continuously release triclosan in vitro for durations exceeding 8 weeks (longest measured time point). The bactericidal effect of the micron-thin sol–gel films follows from both in vitro and in vivo studies. Inserting percutaneous pins in distal rabbit tibiae, there were no signs of infection around implants coated with a micron-thin sol–gel/triclosan film. Healing had progressed normally, bone tissue growth was normal and there was no epithelial downgrowth. This result was in contrast with the results in rabbits that received control, uncoated percutaneous pins, in which abundant signs of infection and epithelial downgrowth were observed. Thus, well-adherent, micron-thin sol–gel films laden with a bactericidal molecule successfully prevented pin tract infection.

Distal Radius Fractures Overview

Distal radius fractures are very common orthopaedic injuries, accounting for approximately 20% of all fractures. The most common mechanism of injury is usually a fall onto an outstretched hand. Non-operative treatments include splint or cast immobilization with or without closed reduction (bone setting). Operative treatments include percutaneous pinning, external fixation, and volar or dorsal plating. Both non-operative and operative treatments can be successful depending on their application in the right situations. Although not common, complications can occur with any treatment modality.

Nursing strategy after percutaneous external transpedicle fixation combined with vertebral screw in the treatment of thoracolumbar vertebral fracture

Objective To explore nursing strategy after percutaneous external transpedicle fixation combined with vertebral screw in the treatment of thoracolumbar vertebral fracture.Methods 60 patients with thoracolumbar vertebral fracture in our hospital from December 2011 to December 2013 were selected and divided into basic nursing group and comprehensive nursing group according to their diagnostic order.Compared complications and satisfaction rate in two groups.Results Incidences of puncture pain,stenttract infection and fixation loose in comprehensive nursing group were 6.67％,3.33％ and 6.67％,those in basic nursing group were 33.33％,30.00％ and 36.67％.Satisfaction rate in comprehensive nursing group was higher than that in basic nursing group (93.33％ vs.63.33％,P ＜ 0.05).Conclusions Comprehensive nursing strategy in patients with thoracolumbar vertebral fracture undergoing percutaneous external transpedicle fixation combined with vertebral screw can significantly decrease the occurrence of complication,improve treatment safety,and greatly shorten the recovery time,with high patients' satisfaction rate,worthy of promotion. Key words: Percutaneous external transpedicle fixation; Thoracolumbar spine; Fracture; Bone transplantation; Nursing strategy

« Articulation interphalangienne flottante ». À propos d’un cas

We report the case of a combination of closed extra-articular phalangeal fractures of the thumb, creating a floating interphalangeal joint. The lesions described were the result of a direct trauma to the thumb during the earthquake in Haiti in January 2010. It was fixed seven days after the trauma using a percutaneous external fixation with a dorsal frame or Martinique's “Ti’fix” – a modification of the Beaubourg fixator. We describe this simple, economical and improved quality method of fixation. Consolidation permitted the removal of the external fixator a month after surgery, followed by early mobilization. We report the functional and aesthetic results at 1-year follow-up.

Early Weight-bearing Using Percutaneous External Fixator for Calcaneal Fracture

Calcaneal fracture, the most common tarsal bone fracture, occurs predominantly in manual labors and subsequently has got considerable socioeconomic implications. Treatment modality which can offer early weight bearing and early return to work is therefore needed for those patients. We have used a biplanar percutaneous external fixator for treating calcaneal fractures without operative and per operative visualization of the fractures. We have treated 17 calcaneal fractures in 16 patients, 12 intra articular and five extra articular, with our percutaneous external fixator system without preoperative X-ray control or reduction. Functional outcome was measured using the American Orthopaedic Foot and ankle society Hind foot score. All fractures united with a mean of 55 days. Partial weight bearing was possible in a mean of 1.8 days and full bearing was possible in a mean of 11.6 days. All the patients were returned to their original work within six weeks. Minor infectious complications occurred in 17.6 percent of cases. The average AOFAS score at six months follow up was 83.8. We conclude that our percutaneous external fixator technique for fracture calcaneum is an effective alternative to the currently available – surgical and conservative treatment modalities especially in lower socio economic labor population who need to return to their job as early as possible. Level of Evidence – IV Case series.

METHODS AND TECHNIQUES OF PERCUTANEOUS EXTERNAL FIXATION IN PELVIC FRACTURES

The authors make a review and present their experience with the use of percutaneous external fixation techniques in pelvic fractures: (1) Transiliac placement (classic method – through the wings of the iliac bone, behind anterior superior iliac spine); (2) Sub-Iliac Crest technique (beneath and along the length of iliac crests); (3) Supra-acetabular Method (Frontal, antero-inferior). They review as well different variants of half-pin placement techniques and analyze the final results of external pelvic fixation study including 65 patients for 10-year period. The authors recommend more frequently usage of anteroinferior technique (supra-acetabular). According to them, this method exceeds the other techniques by many criteria.

External Spinal Skeletal Fixation Combination With Percutaneous Injury Vertebra Bone Grafting in the Treatment of Thoracolumbar Fractures

A technical report of thoracolumbar fractures managed by percutaneous external pedicular fixation and intracorporeal bone grafting. To develop a new technique by combining simplified percutaneous external pedicular fixator with intracorporeal bone grafting to treat thoracolumbar fractures and assess its technical safety and clinical efficacy. For surgical treatment of thoracolumbar fractures, the classical techniques are beneficial in decompression, restoration, fixation, and graft fusion, but they are also hugely invasive procedures. The earlier external spinal fixation procedures are good at indirect restoration, decompression, and elastic fixation of spinal fracture. However, they are limited by remains of a large external frame and inability of vertebral reconstruct. Therefore, the minimally invasive techniques combining simplified percutaneous external pedicular fixation and intracorporeal bone grafting might be a useful alternative. There were 50 consecutive patients who had thoracolumbar fractures with or without associated incomplete neurologic deficit. They underwent percutaneous external pedicle fixation and intracorporeal bone grafting surgery within 7 days of admission, had their implants removed after 3 months, and were prospectively followed for at least 12 months. American Spine Injury Association grading, spinal canal encroachment, spinal Cobb angle, and vertebral body height were calculated before and after surgery to assess clinical outcome. A minimum of 12-month follow-up was achieved in 50 patients. The average operative time was 90 minutes (range, 50-160 minutes). The mean bone graft volume was 4.8 cm (range, 3.2-10.6 cm). The intraoperative mean blood loss was 100 mL (range, 50-180 mL). Forty-two patients all had at least one American Spine Injury Association grade neurologic improvement on final follow-up observation; there were no surgery-related complications. The mean anterior height of vertebral body was 53.2% (range 25%-78%) before surgery, 93.6% (range 78%-104%) after surgery, and 94% (range 79%-103%) at final follow-up. The preoperative Cobb angle of the primary curve averaged 30.7° (range 8°-67°), and corrected to 4.5° (range 0°-12.0°) immediately after surgery, There were statistically significant (P < 0.01) among them before and after operation. There was no instrumentation failure or measurable loss of sagittal curve and vertebral height correction in any cases. The new technique by combination of percutaneous external transpedicular fixation and transpedicular bone grafting is a feasible, safe, useful, efficient, and minimally invasive method to treat thoracolumbar fractures. It is a reasonable alternative method to other minimally invasive techniques of surgical management of the thoracolumbar fractures.

Successful treatment of bilateral open calcaneal fractures with concomitant lower extremity injuries: A case report

Open calcaneal fractures are high morbidity injuries and the risk of complications depends on the concomitant injuries, on the size and the position of the traumatic wound. A 53-year-old male patient with bilateral open calcaneal fractures and associated concomitant lower extremity injuries such as subtalar dislocation, talonavicular dislocation and open distal tibial metaphyseal fracture was immediately operated by percutaneous Kirschner wire fixation combined with external fixators. He was able to walk with full weight bearing without any assistance at the end of the first postoperative year. Early aggressive debridement and irrigation followed by fixation with percutaneous Kirschner wires and external fixator can supply bony alignment in open comminuted calcaneal fractures associated with concomitant lower extremity injuries and should be considered for the healthy and active patients before primary arthrodesis.