Injury
-
An external fixator is a promising medical device that could provide optimum stability and reduce the rate of complications in treating bone fracture during intervention period. It is noted that the biomechanics behaviour of device can be altered by introducing more features such as material suitability and additional components. Therefore, this study was conducted via finite element method to investigate the effects of additional hollow cylinder coated with external fixator screws in treating Type III pilon fracture. ⋯ For the micromovement, there was no difference between both models, whereby the value was 0.03 mm. The results supported previously published literature, in which high stresses are unavoidable at the interface, fortunately, those stresses did not exceed the ultimate strength of bone, which is safe for treating patients. In conclusion, if patients are allowed to bear weight bearing, the external fixator with coated screws is a more favourable option to be fixed into the bone to avoid complications at the interface.
-
Provisional reduction plating has been advocated as a reduction aid for tibial shaft fractures. Concerns regarding soft tissue stripping, infection, wound complications and nonunion have been postulated. Recent studies investigating reduction plating present patient cohorts where plates are removed or left to the discretion of the surgeon. This study aims to identify a cohort of open tibial shaft fractures treated with intramedullary nailing aided by permanent reduction plating. Our hypothesis is that permanent reduction plating in conjunction with intramedullary nailing of open tibia fractures does not increase risk of nonunion, infection or time to fracture union compared to intramedullary nailing alone. ⋯ Despite the small sample size, this study suggests that permanent reduction plating, in the setting of open tibia fractures, does not delay time to fracture union or increase risk of nonunion or infection.
-
Over the past two decades, the average age of hip fractured patients has increased, patients are increasingly fragile and their management is more complex. Most of the literature suggest that care improvement lowered short-term mortality but there is no clear evidence whether mid- and long-term mortality rates are improving. The aim of this study was to evaluate the variations in comorbidities in hip fractured patients over 15 years, the changes in mortality and identify the predictive factors for mortality for identifying the patients at higher risk. ⋯ After fifteen years, mean age of hip fracture patients increased by 2.6 years with a 31% increase in comorbidity. The most prevalent comorbidities were hypertension, COPD, diabetes, arrhythmia, renal impairment and dementia. In the 2015-2016 cohort, the age-adjusted mortality at 30 days significantly declined compared to the 2000-2001 cohort (respectively 6.9% vs. 12.5%) but the age-adjusted mortality at 1-year was equivalent. Older age, reduced mobility, higher comorbidity, lateral fractures and male sex were significant risk factors for reduced survival time CONCLUSIONS: After 15 years, there was a significant improvement in 30-days mortality in hip fractured patients despite their increase in comorbidities but this advantage was not observed in 1-year mortality. This suggests the need to implement targeted and longer-term care support for males, older patients and those with greater comorbidities which are at higher risk.
-
Consensus regarding the optimal approach for the treatment of femoral neck fractures remains lacking. A new internal fixation femoral neck system (FNS) was developed and used in clinical practice. We aimed to investigate the biomechanical outcomes of different types of FNS in the treatment of unstable femoral neck fractures. ⋯ From the perspective of biomechanics, we suggest that when the angle of the fracture line is less than 60°, both single-hole locking plated or double-hole locking plated FNS can be used to treat unstable femoral neck fractures. However, when the angle of the fracture line is greater than 70°, we recommend using a double-hole locking plated FNS. This result needs further verification in further clinical studies.
-
Fractures of the pelvis and acetabulum are often the consequence of high energy trauma in young individuals or fragility fractures in osteoporotic bone. They can be life-threatening or life changing injuries. No published data exists comparing body mass index (BMI) and mortality for this patient group. The aim of this study was to identify if low BMI (<18.5) was a predictor of morbidity and mortality for patients with these injuries. ⋯ This is the first published study that demonstrates a statistically significant increase in mortality in patients with pelvic or acetabular fractures who are underweight. Surgeons should carefully consider appropriate peri-operative optimisation for these patients. Further investigation into the effects of low BMI and response to trauma is required.