Objective: This study was performed to observe the effect of internal Balser plate fixation for treating unstable sternoclavicular joints (SCJ) and displaced medial clavicle fractures. Methods: From April 2009 to September 2016, 17 consecutive patients who underwent open reduction and internal Balser plate fixation for SCJ dislocations or medial clavicle fractures were retrospectively reviewed. There were 11 male and six female patients, with a mean age of 45.6 ± 15.5 years. Standardized treatment procedures consisted of reduction, creating a space posterior dorsal osteal face of the sternal manubrium, an inverted Balser plating, and postoperative immobilization. At follow-up, plain radiographs were assessed for fracture union, implant loosening, degenerative changes, and joint congruity. Clinical evaluation included: completion of the Disability of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand (DASH) questionnaire; determination of the Constant and Murley score and visual analog scale (VAS) score; and assessment of intraoperative and postoperative complications. Results: All patients were followed up, at a mean follow-up of 20.1 ± 7.9 months, each fracture had a solid union, and each dislocation showed no sign of recurrent dislocation. The mean shoulder forward flexion was 162.9 ± 8.1. The mean DASH score was 5.2 ± 5.2 points. The mean Constant and Murley joint function score was 93.7 ± 7.9 points, with 15 excellent cases and two good cases. The mean VAS score was 1.1 ± 1.4 points, showing significant improvement compared with the VAS score preoperatively. Postoperative complications included one wound hematoma which was healed after a debridement and one recurrent instability due to hook migration, which underwent revision reconstruction. All patients were satisfied with their treatment outcome at the final follow-up. Conclusion: Sternoclavicular joints dislocation or medial clavicle fractures can be treated successfully with Balser plate fixation. This technique permits early functional exercise while preserving the SCJ.
This paper presents
a joint experimental and numerical study on
premixed laminar ammonia/methane/air flames, aiming to characterize
the flame structures and NO formation and determine the laminar flame
speed under different pressure, equivalence ratio, and ammonia fraction
in the fuel. The experiments were carried out in a lab-scale pressurized
vessel with a Bunsen burner installed with a concentric co-flow of
air. Measurements of NH and NO distributions in the flames were made
using planar laser-induced fluorescence. A novel method was presented
for determination of the laminar flame speed from Bunsen-burner flame
measurements, which takes into account the non-uniform flow in the
unburned mixture and local flame stretch. NH profiles were chosen
as flame front markers. Direct numerical simulation of the flames
and one-dimensional chemical kinetic modeling were performed to enhance
the understanding of flame structures and evaluate three chemical
kinetic mechanisms recently reported in the literature. The stoichiometric
and fuel-rich flames exhibit a dual-flame structure, with an inner
premixed flame and an outer diffusion flame. The two flames interact,
which affects the NO emissions. The impact of the diffusion flame
on the laminar flame speed of the inner premixed flame is however
minor. At elevated pressures or higher ammonia/methane ratios, the
emission of NO is suppressed as a result of the reduced radical mass
fraction and promoted NO reduction reactions. It is found that the
laminar flame speed measured in the present experiments can be captured
by
the investigated mechanisms, but quantitative predictions of the NO
distribution require further model development.
Background
Although most cases of humeral shaft nonunion respond well to surgical intervention, surgeons still encounter patients with humeral shaft nonunion who have already undergone repeated surgeries for nonunion. This study retrospectively analyzed the efficacy of double locking compression plate (LCP) fixation in combination with autogenous iliac crest bone grafting for recalcitrant humeral shaft nonunion.
Methods
A consecutive series of patients with aseptic recalcitrant humeral shaft nonunion underwent surgical treatment between May 2010 and August 2017 in our institution. Standardized treatment included thorough debridement, double LCP and screw fixation, and autogenous iliac bone grafting. The injury type and the duration of nonunion were recorded for all patients. The main outcome measurements were the Constant and Murley scale for shoulder function, Mayo elbow performance index (MEPI) for elbow function, and visual analog scale (VAS) for pain. In addition, all complications were documented.
Results
The study cohort comprised six females and nine males with a mean age of 45.3 ± 13.1 years. Each patient had already undergone at least one failed surgery for humeral shaft nonunion. The average duration of nonunion before the index intervention was 126.8 ± 124.2 months. All patients achieved bone union without implant failure. At final follow-up, the mean Constant and Murley score and mean MEPI were significantly improved, and the mean VAS score was significantly decreased. Each patient was very satisfied with the treatment. Four patients had complications, including one with a superficial wound infection, one with radial nerve palsy, one with ulnar nerve palsy, and one with discomfort at the iliac crest.
Conclusion
Double plate fixation combined with autogenous iliac crest bone grafting results in successful salvage of humeral shaft nonunion after prior failed surgical interventions.
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