The Journal of bone and joint surgery. American volume
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J Bone Joint Surg Am · Nov 2005
Clinical outcomes of unstable pelvic fractures in skeletally immature patients.
The orthopaedic literature contains few studies evaluating the long-term outcomes of unstable pelvic fractures in skeletally immature patients. The purpose of this study was to determine the factors that may influence the clinical and functional outcomes of such fractures. ⋯ Unstable pelvic fractures in children can result in long-term morbidity and functional problems. Fractures associated with > or =1.1 cm of pelvic asymmetry following closed reduction should be treated with open reduction and internal or external fixation in order to improve alignment and the long-term functional outcome.
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J Bone Joint Surg Am · Nov 2005
The medical-legal aspects of informed consent in orthopaedic surgery.
Orthopaedic surgeons routinely obtain informed consent prior to surgery. Legally adequate informed consent requires a thorough discussion of treatment options and risks and proper documentation; however, there is little data to guide orthopaedic surgeons regarding effective methods of obtaining informed consent. ⋯ Surgeons may be able to decrease the risk of a malpractice claim by obtaining informed consent in their offices, rather than in the preoperative holding area, and by documenting the informed consent discussion within their dictated office or operative notes.