Injury
-
English Major Trauma Centres (MTCs) were established in April 2012. Increased case volume and complexity has influenced trauma and orthopaedic (T&O) core surgical training in these centres. ⋯ Introduction of a departmental core surgical trainee rota utilising a 'problem-based' model can significantly improve T&O core surgical training in MTCs.
-
Fixation techniques of periprosthetic fractures are far from ideal although the number of this entity is rising. The presence of an intramedullary implant generates its own fracture characteristics since stiffness is altered along the bone shaft and certain implant combinations affect load resistance of the bone. Influencing factors are cement fixation of the implant, intramedullary locking and extramedullary or intramedullary localization of the implant and the cortical thickness of the surrounding bone. ⋯ Stability of the screw fixation itself can be enhanced by embracement configuration around the intramedullary implant. Poor bone stock quality, often being present in metaphyseal areas limits screw fixation. Cement augmentation is an attractive option in this field to enhance screw purchase.
-
There are an increasing number of fragility fractures, which present a surgical challenge given the reduced bone quality of underlying osteoporosis. Particularly in aged patients, there is a need for early weight bearing and mobilization to avoid further complications such as loss of function or autonomy. ⋯ Augmentation techniques can be applied in various locations, and fractures of the metaphyseal regions such as proximal humerus, femur, tibia and the distal radius remain the most common areas for its use. The current review, based on the available mechanical and biological data, provides an overview of the relevant treatment options and different composites used for augmentation of osteoporotic fractures.
-
This article is concerned with the search for threshold values for bone quality beyond which the risk of fixation failure increased. For trochanteric fractures we recognized a BMD lower than 250mg/cm(3) as an additional risk for cut out. For medial femoral neck fractures since joint replacement surgery is available and produces excellent functional results, we see no indication for further differentiation or analysis of bone quality in relation to fracture fixation. ⋯ For proximal humerus fractures, BMD value of 95mg/cm(3) could be seen as a threshold value below which the risk of failure rises markedly. In relation to osteoporotic distal radius fractures, based on our clinical experience and scientific analyses there are virtually no restrictions as far as bone quality is concerned on the application of palmar locking implants in the surgical management of distal radius fractures. Optimization of preoperative diagnostics might help to revise the treatment algorithm to take bone density into account, thus reducing the risk of failure and, at the same time, acquiring additional data for future reference.
-
The aim of this study was to review the complication rate and profile associated with surgical fixation of acute midshaft clavicle fracture in a large cohort of patients treated in a level I trauma centre. ⋯ Intramedullary fixation of midshaft clavicle fracture is associated with a higher incidence of complications. Plate fixation is associated with a higher rate of symptomatic metalware requiring removal compared to intramedullary fixation. Approximately one in three complications may be avoided by attention to adequate surgical technique.