Injury
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Injuries of the hand can cause significant functional impairment, diminished quality of life and delayed return to work. However, the incidence and functional outcome of hand injuries in polytrauma patients is currently unknown. The aim of this study was to determine the incidence, distribution and functional outcome of fractures and dislocation of the hand in polytrauma patients. ⋯ The incidence of hand injuries in polytrauma patients is 3.5%, which is relatively low compared to a general trauma population. Metacarpal and carpal bones were most frequently affected. The functional extremity specific outcome scores are highly influenced by concomitant injuries (upper extremity injuries, neurological injuries and higher ISS).
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Randomized Controlled Trial Multicenter Study Comparative Study
Nadroparin or fondaparinux versus no thromboprophylaxis in patients immobilised in a below-knee plaster cast (PROTECT): A randomised controlled trial.
The immobilisation of the lower leg is associated with deep vein thrombosis (DVT). However, thromboprophylaxis in patients with a below-knee plaster cast remains controversial. We examined the efficacy and safety of nadroparin and fondaparinux to ascertain the need for thromboprophylaxis in these patients. ⋯ Thromboprophylaxis with nadroparin or fondaparinux significantly reduces the risk of DVT in patients with an ankle or foot fracture who were treated in a below-knee cast without any major adverse events.
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Comparative Study
Comparison of the Mini-Nutritional Assessment short and long form and serum albumin as prognostic indicators of hip fracture outcomes.
Malnutrition is common among older hip fracture patients and associated with adverse outcomes. We examined Mini Nutritional Assessment short (MNA-SF) and long form (MNA-LF) and serum albumin as prognostic indicators of mobility, living arrangements and mortality after hip fracture. ⋯ All measures were strong indicators of short- and long-term mortality after hip fracture. MNA-LF was superior in predicting mobility and living arrangements, particularly at four months. All measures were relatively poor in predicting short-term outcomes of mobility and living arrangements.
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Comparative Study
Displaced intracapsular neck of femur fractures: Outcome of 810 hydroxyapetite coated (HAC) uncemented hemiarthroplasties.
A Cochrane review influenced new NICE guidelines, which recommended surgeons: Offer cemented implants to patients undergoing surgery with arthroplasty. However our trust routinely uses HAC uncemented stem (Taperloc®, Biomet) hemiarthroplasties. A review of a consecutive series of uncemented HAC stem hemiarthroplasties including measures such as intro-operative complications, mortality and revision surgery. ⋯ Our study shows comparable data to cemented hemiarthroplasty but no deaths in the first 2days post-op. Our series also demonstrates a well below average mortality figures which are clearly multifactorial but believe uncemented prosthesis play a role. We believe that uncemented proven stem design hemiarthroplasty remains a safe and good surgical option for displaced intracapsular fractures.
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The incidence of trochanteric fractures is rising because of increasing number of senior citizens with osteoporosis. There are various modalities for reduction and internal fixation. ⋯ In the herein article we discuss issues that influence the fixation and outcomes of unstable trochanteric fractures. Moreover, the results of a prospective, randomised, cohort, time bound, hospital based, comparative study is presented.