Injury
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Non-union rate in forearm fractures is generally less than 2% when a proper technique is used; this rate increases when ulnar lesions are involved. ⋯ All patients in the study showed complete recovery, with excellent clinical outcomes. Although there were only seven patients in this case series, and there is a need to analyse more patients, this study showed that the use of a specific locking nail system can provide proper stability to ulnar or radial atrophic non-union despite rotational forces, and when combined with autologous growth factors (PRP) is sufficient to promote bone healing in young patients without the necessity to take autologous bone grafts.
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Multifocal humeral fractures are extremely rare. These may affect the neck and the shaft, the shaft alone, or the diaphysis and the distal humerus. There is no classification of these fractures in the literature. ⋯ A simple classification of multifocal fractures is suggested to help the surgeon choose the most suitable type of synthesis for surgical treatment.
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The outcome of prosthetic elbow surgery is continually evolving. We thoroughly reviewed the literature on this issue to analyse the indications, outcomes and complications of the numerous types of implants currently in use. Radial head replacement is recommended in comminuted fractures of the radial head and in post-traumatic conditions. ⋯ Lastly, the results yielded by linked elbow prosthesis in post-traumatic conditions are good, although not quite as good as those obtained in rheumatoid arthritis. Early mechanical failure may occur in younger and more active patients after elbow arthroplasty. However, the careful selection of patients who are prepared to accept functional limitations imposed by elbow implants will enable indications for elbow arthroplasty to be extended to young subjects, particularly when no other therapeutic options are available.
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The development of new megaprosthesis for the treatment of large bone defects provides important options to orthopaedic oncologic surgeons for the replacement of skeletal segments, such as the long bones of the upper and lower limbs and the relative joints. We implanted megaprosthesis using either a one-step or two-step technique depending on the patient's condition. The aim of this study was to evaluate retrospectively both clinical and radiological outcomes in patients who underwent lower limb megaprosthesis implant. ⋯ Megaprosthesis provides a valuable opportunity to restore functionality to patients with highly disabling diseases.
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Pathologic fractures of the femur because of bone metastases seriously affect the quality of life of cancer patients. Different surgical options are indicated to achieve a durable and solid fixation, depending on several clinical, prognostic and mechanical factors. Locked intramedullary nailing is currently used to treat pathologic femoral fractures in patients with multiple metastases when the trochanteric region or shaft is mainly involved. ⋯ Results confirm that multiple factors related to patients and primary cancer may affect survival rate after femoral fracture. Intramedullary nailing should be indicated for pathologic fractures at femoral diaphysis and metaphysis when cancer is in an advanced stage. This procedure offers good and durable stability, and enables pain relief, early postoperative mobilisation and weight-bearing, thus improving the quality of life of cancer patients.