Injury
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Locking plate fixation for proximal humeral fractures is a commonly used device. Recently, plate breakages were continuously reported that the implants all have a mixture of holes allowing placement of both locking and non-locking screws (so-called combi plates). In commercialized proximal humeral plates, there still are two screw hole styles included "locking and dynamic holes separated" and "locking hole only" configurations. It is important to understand the biomechanical effect of different screw hole style on the stress distribution in bone plate. ⋯ The computed results provide a possible explanation for the breakages of combi plates revealed in clinical reports. The locking and dynamic holes separated design may be a better configuration to reduce the risk of plate fracture.
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The outcome of pathological fracture due to large aggressive benign stage 3 Dormans and Flynn lesions [6] is often unsatisfactory and the rate of recurrence is high. No single technique has been considered safe and successful. Many Authors suggested curettage and bone grafting as the unique effective treatment in cases of large defect but, because of the invasive and complex nature of the operation (it needs a double-step procedure), it is not preferred. The purpose of this study is to examine the effectiveness of a minimally invasive treatment in one step through ESIN, curettage and packing with self-setting calcium phosphate cement. ⋯ The proposed three-in-one procedure has shown to be efficient, cost-effective, associated to high rates of definitive bone healing and low incidence of adverse effects.
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During external fixator treatment, displacement of soft tissue at pin sites may cause infection and contracture. Due to surrounding soft tissue thickness, the femur is especially susceptible to severe complications. However, standard textbooks demonstrate only how major neurovascular bundles should be avoided. This study is the first cadaver study investigating which pin sites within safe zones exhibit minimal soft tissue displacement. ⋯ "Reference positions" for transosseous elements were defined within zones absent neurovascular bundles, indicating 30 sites with minimal tissue displacement. Three or four directions at each level were chosen: I.9-11, II.9-11, III.8-11, IV.8-11, V.7-10, VI.3, 7-9, VII.3, 4, 8, 9, and VIII.3, 4, 8, 9. The anterolateral aspect near the hip joint and the posterolateral aspect near the knee tended to be chosen. They may prove useful in perioperative practice.
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Heterotopic Ossification (HO) is a well-recognized complication following acetabular fracture fixation and its presence is prognostic for suboptimal clinical outcome. There are many controversies pertaining to its aetiology, including surgical approach, associated injuries and the use of HO prophylaxis. Long term data from high volume centres is necessary to address these issues. ⋯ The risk factors for developing HO following acetabular fracture fixation are multifactorial and include admission to ICU, associated chest injuries, multiple fractures and delay between injury and surgery. Surgical approach, ipsilateral fractures and tibia and patellar fractures may also play a role. Age over thirty years was the only prognostic factor for developing severe HO.
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Comparative Study
Postoperative negative pressure therapy significantly reduces flap complications in distally based peroneus brevis flaps: Experiences from 74 cases.
The distally based peroneus brevis muscle flap is a valuable therapeutic option for coverage of tissue defects around the ankle and the distal lower leg. However, the rate of postoperative flap complications requiring revisional surgery is high due to an impaired venous drainage and oedema formation. The purpose of this study was to evaluate if postoperative negative pressure therapy is able to reduce flap complications. ⋯ Postoperative negative pressure therapy for 7 days reduces flap complications in distally based peroneus brevis flaps.