Injury
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Non-union after fracture depicts a devastating complication in trauma surgery and studies assessing patient-reported outcome measures after stable bone consolidation are rare. Therefore, we aimed to evaluate the long-term impact of aseptic long bone non-union on the patients' physical health state and psychological wellbeing. For this purpose, quality of life after successful surgical treatment of long bone non-union was assessed. ⋯ Even 4.7 years on average after surgically successful treatment of aseptic long bone non-union, patients still report significant lower quality of life in comparison to normative data. Future clinical studies on non-unions should focus on patient-related outcome measures. Newly emerging treatment strategies and interdisciplinary approaches should be implemented to improve the overall quality of life of non-union patients.
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Observational Study
Ipsilateral femoral neck and shaft fractures. When do we need further image screening of the hip?
The objective of the present study was to identify patterns of femoral diaphyseal fractures which are associated with fractures of the ipsilateral femoral neck according to the AO classification. We propose an algorithm of investigation based on plain radiographs, recognizing cases that need additional screening with computed tomography. ⋯ The patterns of high-energy diaphyseal fractures (A3, B and C) have a higher prevalence of associated ipsilateral neck fractures. Our study suggests that routine additional methods of image investigation of femoral neck fractures may be unnecessary for diaphyseal fractures type A1 and A2.
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The treatment of complex articular scapular fractures requires obtaining an anatomic reduction. The experience of the surgeon and the surgical skills needed are still the most important aspect in this surgical field. 3D printed models at a 1:1 scale provides tactile and visual experience. We used a specular healthy scapula (reverse engineering) as a reliable template for preoperative planning. ⋯ This reduces improvisation during surgery, the risks of complications and the total costs while improving the accuracy of the anatomical restoration of the native glenopolar angle derived from the indirect reduction of the fracture. Until recently, the use of RP (rapid prototyping) models for managing complex fractures required contracting the services provided by external companies, with the constraints posed on cost and time. We made the whole process ourselves in a DIY mode: from the post-processed radiological images to the 3D model printing, pre contoured plates and surgical simulation.
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Observational Study
Objective evaluation of the ``scratch collapse test'' for the diagnosis of carpal tunnel syndrome.
Evaluate the Scratch Collapse Test in an objective way, by replacing the subjective evaluation made by the physician with an objective evaluation measure, made with a digital dynamometer. ⋯ The Scratch Collapse Test is not a valid diagnostic exam for carpal tunnel syndrome if the strength is measured in an objective manner.
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Basicervical femoral neck fracture is associated with high rates of failure due instability patterns, mainly collapse and rotational instability. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the clinical-radiological results of a group of patients with a bascervical proximal femoral fractures treated with Percutaneous Compression Plate (PCCP). ⋯ PCCP is an appropriated implant for basicervical femoral neck fractures.