The Journal of bone and joint surgery. American volume
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J Bone Joint Surg Am · May 2001
Randomized Controlled Trial Clinical TrialImprovement of the bone-pin interface strength in osteoporotic bone with use of hydroxyapatite-coated tapered external-fixation pins. A prospective, randomized clinical study of wrist fractures.
Achieving adequate fixation strength in osteoporotic bone is a challenge. In this study, we examined the use of hydroxyapatite-coated tapered external-fixation pins for the fixation of wrist fractures in patients with osteoporosis. ⋯ The present study showed that hydroxyapatite-coated tapered external-fixation pins provided improved fixation in the treatment of wrist fractures in patients with osteoporosis.
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J Bone Joint Surg Am · May 2001
Comparative StudyOperative treatment of supracondylar fractures of the humerus in children. The consequences of pin placement.
The commonly accepted treatment of displaced supracondylar fractures of the humerus in children is fracture reduction and percutaneous pin fixation; however, there is controversy about the optimal placement of the pins. A crossed-pin configuration is believed to be mechanically more stable than lateral pins alone; however, the ulnar nerve can be injured with the use of a medial pin. It has not been proved that the added stability of a medial pin is clinically necessary since, in young children, pin fixation is always augmented with immobilization in a splint or cast. ⋯ Fixation with only lateral pins is safe and effective for both Gartland type-2 and Gartland type-3 (unstable) supracondylar fractures of the humerus in children. The use of only lateral pins prevents iatrogenic injury to the ulnar nerve. On the basis of our findings, we do not recommend the routine use of crossed pins in the treatment of supracondylar fractures of the humerus in children. If a medial pin is used, the elbow should not be hyperflexed during its insertion.
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J Bone Joint Surg Am · May 2001
Reverse obliquity fractures of the intertrochanteric region of the femur.
The reverse obliquity fracture of the proximal part of the femur is a distinct fracture pattern that is mechanically different from most intertrochanteric fractures. The purpose of this retrospective study was to determine the prevalence of these fractures and the results and complications of different types of internal fixation used in their treatment. ⋯ In this series, reverse obliquity fractures accounted for 2% of all hip fractures and 5% of all intertrochanteric and subtrochanteric fractures. Ninety-five-degree fixed-angle internal fixation devices performed significantly better than did sliding hip screws. Results were also worse for fractures with poor reduction and those with a poorly placed implant.
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J Bone Joint Surg Am · May 2001
Comparative StudyImpact of smoking on the outcome of anterior cervical arthrodesis with interbody or strut-grafting.
An increased rate of pseudarthrosis has been documented following posterolateral lumbar spine grafting in patients who smoke. This same relationship has been assumed for anterior cervical interbody grafting, but to our knowledge it has never been proven. This study compared the long-term radiographic and clinical results of smokers and nonsmokers who had undergone arthrodesis with autogenous bone graft following multi-level anterior cervical decompression for the treatment of cervical radiculopathy or myelopathy, or both. ⋯ Smoking had a significant negative impact on healing and clinical recovery after multilevel anterior cervical decompression and fusion with autogenous interbody graft for radiculopathy or myelopathy. Since smoking had no apparent effect upon the healing of autogenous iliac-crest or fibular strut grafts, subtotal corpectomy and autogenous strut-grafting should be considered when a multilevel anterior cervical decompression and fusion is performed in patients who are unable or unwilling to stop smoking prior to surgical treatment.