Injury
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The conflict between the anatomist and biologist surgeons is exemplified by the debate about subtrochanteric hip fractures. Closed intramedullary nailing is biologically friendly but may result in prolonged procedures and malunion. By contrast, accurate anatomical open reduction may disturb the biological composition of the fracture environment. ⋯ The results demonstrate that judicious use of cerclage cables to augment fixation of subtrochanteric femur fractures does not have a deleterious effect on healing. One should endeavour, however, to minimise the number of cables used. The basic science literature underpinning our approach to these unstable fractures is also discussed.
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Bone bruising of the scaphoid is a term reported when magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is carried out for scaphoid injury. The aim of our study was twofold: to see if bone bruising alone without fracture of the scaphoid bone seen on initial MRI, in a clinically symptomatic (tender) patient at 10-14 days, progressed to fracture, and to define how this entity of bone bruising should be managed. ⋯ Bone bruising detected on MRI without fracture is an important entity, and can lead to occult fracture (2%). It can take anywhere up to 8 weeks to declare. Treatment for bone bruising should be with a scaphoid cast and follow-up X-ray.
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This study was designed to estimate trends in the number of proximal femoral fractures (PFFs), and consequent bed day requirements and financial implications for England until 2033. ⋯ The evaluation and implementation of cost-effective preventive and therapeutic strategies in the short term may help to ameliorate the future financial burden of PFF, and, more importantly, improve the outcome and quality of life for the elderly after fracture.
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Editorial
Enhancement of fracture healing with the diamond concept: the role of the biological chamber.
Bone regeneration presents a unique challenge to both clinicians and scientists. Recently, a vast amount of knowledge has been attained with regard to the molecular mediators, cell populations and the overall cascade of events participating in the bone repair processes. ⋯ At the end of the surgical procedure the non-union bed should have been transformed to a 'biological chamber' active enough to support efficiently all the necessary physiological processes for a successful outcome. The notion of creating the optimum 'biological chamber' represents the centre of the highest biological activity and in a sense the heart of the diamond concept.
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Anti-platelet drugs are commonly used for primary and secondary prevention of thrombo-embolic events and following invasive coronary interventions. Their effect on surgery-related blood loss and perioperative complications is unclear, and the management of trauma patients treated by anti-platelets is controversial. The anti-platelet effect is over in nearly 10 days. Notably, delay of surgical intervention for hip fracture repair for >48 h has been reported to increase perioperative complications and mortality. ⋯ Patients receiving anti-platelet drugs can safely undergo hip fracture surgery without delay, regardless of greater perioperative blood loss and possible thrombo-embolic/postoperative bleeding events.