Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research ›› 2020, Vol. 24 ›› Issue (3): 372-377.doi: 10.3969/j.issn.2095-4344.2411

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Removal of transepiphyseal plate after fixation for a certain period of time: growth inhibition of epiphyseal plate after a period of observation

Cui Qingda1, Wang Haige1, Zhao Haijun1, Liu Wei2, Bi Zhenggang2   

  1. 1Department of Joint Trauma, Jiaozhou Central Hospital, Qingdao 266300, Shandong Province, China; 2First Department of Orthopedics, the First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin 150000, Heilongjiang Province, China
  • Received:2019-03-18 Revised:2019-03-28 Accepted:2019-04-30 Online:2020-01-28 Published:2019-12-25
  • Contact: Bi Zhenggang, Doctoral supervisor, Chief physician, First Department of Orthopedics, the First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin 150000, Heilongjiang Province, China
  • About author:Cui Qingda, Master, Attending physician, Department of Joint Trauma, Jiaozhou Central Hospital, Qingdao 266300, Shandong Province, China
  • Supported by:
    the Science and Technology Research Project of Heilongjiang Provincial Education Department, No. 12531370

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Abstract:

BACKGROUND: Clinically, children with metaphyseal and periepiphyseal fractures are more common. Internal fixation of the tarsal plate has a more important role in stabilizing the fracture. However, after a certain period of internal fixation, the fixator was taken out. After a certain period of observation, the recovery of the epiphyseal plate was rarely reported.

OBJECTIVE: To design an animal model of epiphyseal plate fracture and observe the growth and inhibition of epiphyseal plate after removal of the transepiphyseal steel plate implanted with locking plate for a period of time.

METHODS: The 5 mm fracture models of the distal epiphyseal plate of the right femur in 32 young rabbits were established. They were randomly divided into four groups with eight rats in each group. The same type of steel plate and screw was used. Internal fixation of transepiphyseal plate was conducted at periplate fracture line. The internal fixator was removed 2, 4, 8, and 12 weeks after operation. The rabbits were sacrificed after 2 weeks of observation. The femoral specimens were obtained, and the femoral length was measured. The thickness of epiphyseal plate and the number of mast cells were measured by pathological section. Morphological changes of mast cells and epiphyseal plate thickness were observed. The fracture model was used as the experimental group and the distal epiphyseal plate of the left femur was used as the control group.

RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: (1) After 2 weeks of internal fixation, the steel plate was removed in the experimental group and the observation was continued for 2 weeks. There was no significant difference in femoral length, epiphyseal thickness and mast cell count between the experimental group and the control group. (2) In the experimental group, the internal fixator was removed at 4, 8 and 12 weeks and the plate was observed for 2 weeks. Compared with the control group, the femoral length, epiphyseal thickness and mast cell count in the experimental group were not completely restored to normal, and the difference was significant (P < 0.05). (3) On the premise that the internal fixator did not injure the epiphyseal plate, the transepiphyseal plate was taken out at the initial stage of internal fixation (≤ 2 weeks), and the plate was observed for 2 additional weeks. The growth and development of the epiphyseal plate were not significantly affected by appropriate pressure. (4) If the pressure limitation lasts for too long (≥ 4 weeks), the time of internal fixation for epiphyseal plate pressure limitation is too long. Although the plate is removed in time, the indexes such as limb length, epiphyseal plate thickness and mast cell count cannot be completely restored to normal, which can lead to partial or complete blockade of epiphyseal plate growth, resulting in limb deformity and stagnation of epiphyseal plate development.

Key words: periepiphyseal fracture, transepiphyseal plate, plate, internal fixation, femoral length, mast cell, animal experiment

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