Injury
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Comparative Study
The outcome of displaced intra-articular calcaneal fractures that involve the calcaneocuboid joint.
The outcome of displaced intra-articular fractures of the calcaneus is affected by many factors such as fracture type and age. The restoration and maintenance of the posterior facet is a priority and has a strong correlation with improved outcome. The fracture occasionally extends anteriorly to the calcaneocuboid joint (CCJ). Currently there is little literature discussing pain, functional or radiographic information about calcaneal fractures, which involve the CCJ or those that do not. The aim of this study was to compare pain and functional outcome measurements in a cohort of calcaneal fractures treated operatively and non-operatively to determine whether CCJ involvement was important. ⋯ Displaced intra-articular fractures of the calcaneus will often have a fracture line extending into the CCJ. This is commonly undisplaced and does not appear to predict continued pain, dysfunction on radiographic appearance using generalised outcome measurements.
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The extended deltoid-splitting approach was developed as an alternative to the deltopectoral approach in the treatment of three- and four-part proximal humeral fractures. The aim of our prospective study was to determine whether this approach was associated with evidence of nerve injury, functional deficits or other complications in these cases, during the first year following reconstruction. ⋯ This technique is a useful alternative in the treatment of complex proximal humeral fractures, providing good access for reduction and implant placement without adverse effects.
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To illustrate the correlations and effects of age, gender and cause of accident on the type of vertebral fracture and fracture distribution, as well as on the likelihood to sustain an associated injury or neurological deficit. ⋯ This study demonstrates correlations between the cause of accident, the type of spinal fracture and the fracture distribution. Using the AO classification, the likelihood to sustain either associated and/or spinal cord injuries, is predictable.
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To measure long-term functional outcome and health-related quality of life following tibial fracture in association with the full spectrum of soft tissue injury. ⋯ These results show that patients with these injuries still report long-term problems with their health-related quality of life, though to varying degrees. This information is useful when determining the treatment options for these patients and it is important that it is shared with the patient prior to surgery where possible.
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To compare the prevalence and characteristics of hip fractures sustained after inpatient falls (hospital subgroup) to those presenting with a fall in the community (control group). ⋯ Patients suffering hip fractures after falls in hospital are frailer with impaired cognitive function and have more co-morbidities than those suffering a fracture in the community. These patients have increased mortality, with almost 50% dead within 1 year of the fall. The majority of hip fractures after falls occur in medical or geriatric wards, but the highest risk group appears to be elderly patients on psychiatric wards. Therefore, falls risk assessment and falls prevention schemes in hospital elderly patients are of paramount importance.