Background Tibial plateau fractures remain a clinical challenge due to the complexity of the fracture patterns which have been repeatedly categorized by many researchers. However, limitations do exist in some respects. So we aimed to reclassify tibial plateau fractures based on injury mechanism and morphological characteristics. Methods Five hundred fourteen cases of tibial plateau fractures were enrolled. The X-rays and CT scans were analyzed. Results According to our observation and analysis, tibial plateau fractures can be categorized into the following six types: (1) Lateral condylar fractures (axial force applied while knee extending in valgus position). Two hundred fifty-one cases were included (48.83%). (2) Fracture dislocation (multiple forces especially rotational stress while knee extending). Fifty-five out of 514 cases belong to this pattern (10.70%). Correction of the subluxation remains primary and crucial during surgical procedures. (3) Simple medial condylar fractures (axial force applied while knee extending in varus position). One third of which were associated with an avulsion fracture of fibular head. Fifteen cases were included (2.92%). (4) Bicondylar fractures (axial forces applied while knee extending). One hundred twelve cases were included (21.79%). Surgical algorithm greatly depends on soft tissue conditions. (5) Posterior condylar fractures (axial stress applied while knee flexing). Sixty-five cases were seen in our study (12.65%), most of which were associated with an avulsion fracture of the intercondylar eminence (49/65, 75.38%). The fracture of posteromedial part, posterolateral part, and intercondylar eminence forms a unique pattern of injury defined as “Posterior Condylar Triad.” (6) Anterior condylar compression fractures (axial, varus, or valgus forces applied while knee overextending). Posterior structural complexes, crucial ligaments, or even popliteal arteries are prone to be damaged. Sixteen cases were identified (3.11%). Conclusion Our classification system has instructive significance in overall preoperative evaluation of fracture features and soft tissue problems as well as guiding clinical management for better functional outcomes.

Background The open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) was a standard treatment approach for fracture at distal humerus intercondylar, whereas the optimal way before ORIF remains inconclusive. We, therefore, performed a systematic review and meta-analysis to assess the efficacy and safety of olecranon osteotomy vs . triceps-sparing approach for patients with distal humerus intercondylar fracture. Methods The electronic searches were systematically performed in PubMed, EmBase, Cochrane library, and Chinese National Knowledge Infrastructure from initial inception till December 2019. The primary endpoint was the incidence of excellent/good elbow function, and the secondary endpoints included Mayo elbow performance score, duration of operation, blood loss, and complications. Results Nine studies involving a total of 637 patients were selected for meta-analysis. There were no significant differences between olecranon osteotomy and triceps-sparing approach for the incidence of excellent/good elbow function (odds ratio [OR]: 1.37; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.69–2.75; P = 0.371), Mayo elbow performance score (weight mean difference [WMD]: 0.17; 95% CI: −2.56 to 2.89; P = 0.904), duration of operation (WMD: 4.04; 95% CI: −28.60 to 36.69; P = 0.808), blood loss (WMD: 33.61; 95% CI: −18.35 to 85.58; P = 0.205), and complications (OR: 1.93; 95% CI: 0.49–7.60; P = 0.349). Sensitivity analyses found olecranon osteotomy might be associated with higher incidence of excellent/good elbow function, longer duration of operation, greater blood loss, and higher incidence of complications as compared with triceps-sparing approach. Conclusions This study found olecranon osteotomy did not yield additional benefit on the incidence of excellent/good elbow function, while the duration of operation, blood loss, and complications in patients treated with olecranon osteotomy might be inferior than triceps-sparing approach.

Background:Infection and aseptic loosening are common complications of total elbow arthroplasty (TEA) and often require revision surgery. However, bone defects, along with other complications, bring an extra difficulty to the second surgery, especially for patients with a massive bone defect in the proximal ulna. Several methods including allograft or autograft have been introduced into practice, but none sufficiently solves these problems.Methods:We conducted a new surgical method for patients with a massive ulnar bone defect needing revision TEA. During revision arthroplasty, the ulnar prosthesis was inserted into the radius as a salvage procedure. Four consecutive patients received revision arthroplasty with this method between 2013 and 2016. Patients’ data were collected to evaluate the clinical outcome.Results:All patients had a Grade III ulnar bone defect. At the last follow-up session, all patients reported a painless, functional elbow joint. Three patients suffered from a periprosthetic infection that was completely cured using the two-stage method. No major complications, including infection, aseptic loosening, or wound problems were found. One patient had a transient ulnar neuritis, and another had a transient radial neuritis. Both patients had full recovery at the last follow-up session.Conclusions:Inserting an ulnar prosthesis into the radius is a novel procedure for patients with a massive bone defect due to infection or aseptic loosening. It is a safe, quick, and effective treatment with a promising short-term outcome. This method should be provided as a salvage procedure for patients with a nonreconstructable ulnar bone defect.

Background Chronic intercondylar fractures of the distal humerus with massive bone defects and severe comminution in the metaphysis are rare and complex injuries that are challenging for surgeons to treat, as reconstructing the triangular structure of the distal humerus is difficult and may have a severe impact on functional outcomes, especially in young patients, for whom total elbow arthroplasty is usually not a suitable option due to significant impairment in upper limb strength. Here, we report a patient in such scenario who was young and active and was treated by structural iliac bone autografting and internal fixation. Case presentation A 26-year-old male patient experienced a major car accident and was diagnosed with an open fracture (Gustilo-Anderson type IIIB) of the right distal humerus with massive bone defects and severe intra-articular involvement, without neurovascular injuries or other associated injuries. Surgical debridement, negative pressure vacuum sealing drainage, and immobilization by braces were initially performed, and the wound was closed after 15 days. When the wound had finally healed and the soft tissue was in good condition without infection or effusion 45 days later, this young and active patient was diagnosed with a chronic type C3 distal humeral fracture associated with massive bone defects at the supracondylar level in both columns and severe comminution at the trochlear groove. We performed surgical debridement and arthrolysis around the fracture site, and then, we successfully reconstructed the triangular structure of the distal humerus using structural iliac crest autografts in both columns as well as in the defective trochlear groove. Finally, internal fixation via a parallel double-plate configuration was performed. Over a follow-up period of 3 years, the patient achieved almost full recovery of range of motion and an excellent functional score, without minor or major postoperative complications. Conclusion In this study, we proposed a surgical reconstruction strategy for complex chronic distal humeral fractures associated with massive bone defects and severe articular involvement in young and active patients using metaphyseal shortening and structural iliac crest bone autografting together with open reduction and internal fixation via a parallel configuration.

Background Studies have shown that the response of bone mineral density (BMD) to parathyroidectomy for symptomatic primary hyperparathyroidism (PHPT) is heterogeneous and difficult to predict. However, the independent factors affecting BMD in PHPT patients after parathyroidectomy remains limited and inconclusive. This study aimed to explore the independent factors affecting BMD changes in symptomatic PHPT patients after parathyroidectomy. Methods This study retrospectively analyzed 105 patients with symptomatic PHPT treated at Beijing Jishuitan Hospital between January 2010 and December 2015. The primary outcome was a > 10% increase in BMD at 3 years after parathyroidectomy compared with the preoperative value, whereas the secondary outcomes were BMD changes at various measurement sites. Results A total of 105 patients with a mean age of 46.37 years were included in this study. Univariate logistic regression analysis indicated that hypertension (odds ratio [OR[: 0.032; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.001–0.475; P = 0.012), and parathyroid hormone level (OR: 1.006; 95% CI: 1.004–1.009; P = 0.044) were associated with the > 10% BMD increase. However, these results were not significant after adjustments for potential confounders. Moreover, the BMD values at the lumbar spine, femoral neck, femoral trochanter, Ward’s triangle, and whole body after parathyroidectomy were significantly greater than those before the operation (P < 0.05). Conclusions This study suggests that patient characteristics were not associated with the > 10% BMD increase. However, the BMD values of the femur and lumbar spine were significantly increased in symptomatic PHPT patients after parathyroidectomy.

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Background To evaluate the difference of functional outcomes between OTA/AO type C, Gustilo type I/II open fractures and closed fractures of the distal humerus after open reduction and internal fixation. Methods We retrospectively analyzed the clinical data of patients with OTA/AO-C distal humerus fractures who were treated in our department from January 2014 to December 2016. The patients were divided into an open fracture group and a closed fracture group. Their baseline characteristics and functional outcomes were analyzed and compared. Results A total of 64 patients treated by operative fixation were identified (25 open and 39 closed injuries), and the average follow-up time was 35.1 ± 13.6 months. There were no significant differences in the range of motion (ROM) of the elbow, Mayo Elbow Performance Score (MEPS), Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH) score, complications, hospitalization time, operation time, intraoperative blood loss, or medical costs between the two groups (P > 0.05). Conclusion OTA/AO type C, Gustilo I/II distal humeral open fractures can yield satisfactory clinical results similar to those of closed distal humeral fractures after open reduction and internal fixation. Level of evidence Therapeutic Level III; Retrospective Cohort Comparison; Treatment Study.