Injury
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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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Immediate total hip replacement (THR) in patients with acetabular fractures is controversial because of concerns about high complication rates. The current article is a systematic review of the literature on the use of acute THR for the treatment of acetabular fractures. ⋯ Data reported in the literature indicate that immediate THR can be successful in appropriately selected elderly patients or patients with extensive osteoporosis, combined acetabular and femoral neck fractures or pathological fractures. There is currently a limited evidence base for THR in patients with acetabular fractures; therefore, physicians' practice and expertise are the most useful tools in clinical practice.
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There is no classification for acquired forearm deformities. A clinical-radiographic study was conducted to classify these deformities and evaluate the results. ⋯ Characteristics and locations of post-traumatic deformities were identified. The major location is diaphisary and distal, the elbow is rarely affected. The functional consequence is a limitation in the range of motion of the hand. The best results are achieved with short-term treatment.
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Comparative Study
Insertion of distal locking screws of tibial intramedullary nails: A comparison between the free-hand technique and the SURESHOT™ Distal Targeting System.
Positioning of the distal locking screws of an intramedullary nail is often challenging and time consuming because of difficult localisation of the distal locking holes, potential screw malalignment and nail deformation during insertion. The standard free-hand technique under fluoroscopic control involves considerable radiation exposure of both the patient and the surgical team. In this study, we aimed to compare the free-hand technique with a new system that utilises electromagnetic (EM) tracking data (SURESHOT™ Distal Targeting System) to localise distal locking holes. ⋯ The EM field-generating device significantly reduces distal locking time and, more importantly, significantly decreases duration of exposure to ionising radiation.