Injury
-
Multicenter Study
Variations of treatment in selected proximal femur fractures among surgeons with different surgical experience-A survey at an international AO course.
Different modalities of treatment for hip fractures have been discussed in the literature; however, practice may vary between centres. A survey was conducted on participants at an international AO course to assess the current management of pertrochanteric fractures (AO/OTA 31-A2) and displaced, non-impacted, subcapital fractures (AO/OTA 31-B3) in a 35-year-old patient and an 85-year-old patient. ⋯ This survey shows that a variety of methods are used to treat femoral neck fractures. A prospective randomised trial has shown the DHS to be the implant of choice for pertrochanteric fractures; however, this was not considered an option in the inexperienced group of surgeons and was the treatment of choice in only 13 out of 34 experienced surgeons. There is a general consensus for femoral head-conserving surgery in young patients with displaced subcapital fractures. Replacement arthroplasty was considered in the 85-year-old with a subcapital fracture. In the inexperienced group, 10 of 17 surgeons would cement the prosthesis, as would 27 of 36 in the experienced group.
-
We have used the principles of extracorporeal shock wave therapy (ESWT) in the treatment of nonunion of fractures in 44 patients (49 bones). There were 35 males and 9 females with a mean age of 34 years(range14-70). Clinical and radiological assessment was performed at regular time intervals with a minimum follow up of 18 months. ⋯ Failure in the remaining cases was due to more than 5mm gap, instability, compromised vascularity (type of bone) and deep low grade infection; which was discovered at the time of surgical intervention when no signs of radiological healing occurred after 6 months from treatment. Failing sites were shaft of femur, scaphoid, neck of humerus and neck of femur. No local complications were observed.
-
Grade III open fractures of the tibia represent a serious injury. It is recognised that combined management of these cases by experienced orthopaedic and plastic surgeons improves outcomes. Previous studies have not considered the timing of definitive soft tissue cover in relation to the definitive orthopaedic management. This paper reviews the outcomes in patients treated in an orthoplastic unit where the emphasis was on undertaking the definitive orthopaedic and plastic surgical procedures in a single stage, following initial debridement and temporary stabilisation as necessary. ⋯ Joint orthoplastic operating lists facilitate simultaneous definitive fixation and cover that greatly reduces infection rates. Based on our experience presented in this paper, we believe that emphasis should be placed on timely transfer to a specialist centre, aiming for a single-stage combined orthoplastic procedure to achieve definitive fixation and soft tissue coverage and optimal outcomes.
-
Outcomes from patients suffering hip fracture remain poor, with 9% mortality at 30 days and 35% at 1 year. Despite robust guidelines these mortality rates have undergone little change. Admission serum lactate in patients with sepsis or suffering general trauma has been shown to be an indicator of adverse clinical outcomes. ⋯ The difference was statistically significant (p<0.0001). Elevated admission venous lactate following hip fracture is a predictor of early death. Venous lactate may be useful as a prognostic indicator or risk stratifier in patients with proximal femoral fractures.
-
The role of simulation in orthopaedic surgical training is becoming increasingly evident, as simulation allows repeated sustained practice in an environment that does not harm the patient. Previous studies have shown that the cognitive aspects of surgery are of equal if not greater importance in developing decision making than the practical aspects. ⋯ IFN on the Touch Surgery app demonstrated construct, face and content validity. Users can demonstrate cognitive competencies prior to performing surgical procedures in the operating room. The application is an effective adjunct to traditional learning methods and has potential for curricular implementation.