Injury
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Comparative Study
Biomechanical evaluation of osteoporotic fracture: Metal fixation versus absorbable fixation in Sawbones models.
The failure of osteoporotic fracture after internal fixation is mainly caused by the underlying bone loss and strength compromise. The aim of this study is to investigate whether absorbable internal fixation can provide adequate mechanical stability and a reduction in the incidence of failure of fixation caused by bone loss and stress shielding. ⋯ In this experimental set-up it was found that the stability of absorbable screws in osteoporotic bone was better than metal screws. The absorbable system tested can achieve good stability, and the destruction of osteoporotic bone is small, which can reduce the occurrence of bone failure. Considering that absorbable material avoids the need of second surgery (implant removal) and reduces the stress shielding effect, we believe that absorbable internal fixation can be considered for fixation treatment of osteoporotic fractures.
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Despite the generally successful outcome of intertrochanteric fracture fixation, the treatment is challenging when fixation failure occurs. Some studies have reported a systemic treatment strategy for salvaging failed intertrochanteric fracture fixation. This prospective study with a retrospective review of data aimed to evaluate and validate the efficacy of an evidence-based protocol developed for the treatment of failed intertrochanteric fractures. ⋯ The new treatment strategy for failed intertrochanteric fracture fixation based on the condition of the femoral head, deformation of the fracture site and bone defect is successful based on clinical and radiographic results. Restoration of NSA of failed intertrochanteric fractures is a key factor for obtaining successful results.
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The "missed" scaphoid fracture is a common cause of litigation. This study investigates why a series of scaphoid fractures involved in medical negligence litigation were missed. It also assesses how many might have been detected if MRI had been used to assess all suspected scaphoid fractures with normal X-rays, as suggested by National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE). ⋯ Most of these scaphoid fractures were missed due to failure to consider the possibility of a scaphoid fracture and search for clinical signs of this injury. Some were missed due to failure to detect (or absence of) tenderness over the scaphoid bone. As a scaphoid fracture was never considered, or excluded by clinical examination, in 49 of the 52 cases, a policy of obtaining MRI for all suspected scaphoid fractures would only have detected three of 52 (6%) fractures. Improved awareness through better education is required to reduce the number of missed scaphoid fractures.
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Displaced intra-articular calcaneal fractures (DIACF) represent a challenging and controversial issue in traumatology. Conservative treatment has been recommended to avoid surgical problems and complications. The final result, however, is often a painful malunioun of the calcaneus with peroneal impingement. Surgical treatment is gaining acceptance since it offers a chance to restore bone anatomy improving function as long as complications are avoided. ⋯ Ostheosytesis through an extended lateral approach restored bone morphology with a reasonable complications rate. The clinical results were good but a normal function and complete subtalar motion were rarely achieved.
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To report clinical and radiographic results of treatment of patients with complex open tibial pilon fractures. ⋯ The results of our study suggest that open tibial pilon fractures can be safely managed with low rate of complications using intensive debridement, antibiotics, adequate devices and patient-tailored timing of definitive surgical treatment.