Injury
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Multicenter Study
Lisfranc injury: Refined diagnostic methodology using weightbearing and non-weightbearing radiographs.
To compare diagnostic parameters for Lisfranc instability on WB and NWB radiographs and to assess the inter-observer reliability of a standardized diagnostic protocol. ⋯ Using WB imaging for diagnosing subtle Lisfranc instability reveals larger diastasis in the tarsometatarsal joint and has a higher interobserver reliability compared to NWB imaging. Clinical concern for subtle or occult Lisfranc instability in any patient should therefore trigger WB radiographic assessment since such injuries may be missed on NWB views.
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Multicenter Study
Validation of the diagnostic criteria of the consensus definition of fracture-related infection.
The recently developed fracture-related infection (FRI) consensus definition, which is based on specific diagnostic criteria, has not been fully validated in clinical studies. We aimed to determine the diagnostic performance of the criteria of the FRI consensus definition and evaluated the effect of the combination of certain suggestive and confirmatory criteria on the diagnostic performance. ⋯ The presence of at least one confirmatory criterion identifies the vast majority of patients with an FRI and was associated with an excellent diagnostic discriminatory value. Therefore, our study validates the confirmatory criteria of the FRI consensus definition. Infection is highly likely in case of the presence of a single positive culture with a virulent pathogen. When certain clinical suggestive signs (e.g., wound drainage) are observed (individually or in combination and even without a confirmatory criterion), it is more likely than not, that an infection is present.
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To compare the cost of using single-use instruments (SUIs) and conventional ancillary instruments (CAIs) during osteosynthesis for distal radius fracture (DRF). ⋯ In our centre, SUI use was associated with logistical advantages, but it was not associated with increased costs. However, the SUI kit should be optimised in the future.
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In the early stage of fracture fixation, the aim of a unilateral external fixator (UEF) to stimulate healing and maintain stability may be suppressed by using inadequate number of pins. Cortical thinning due to age or osteoporosis endangers a successful fracture fixation. ⋯ This study suggests that initial instability due to cortical thinning can be efficiently alleviated by adding the number of pins up to 3 in a UEF; additionally, it may improve the knowledge about applying UEFs adequately stable, whilst promoting inclination toward endochondral ossification, simultaneously.
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Indigenous populations experience greater injury burdens than non-indigenous groups. This paper investigated, for injured Māori (New Zealand's indigenous population): 1) participation in paid and unpaid work 12 months after injury, 2) whether subsequent injuries are predictive of reduced participation, and 3) if particular characteristics of subsequent injuries predict reduced participation. ⋯ Reduced participation in paid work is prevalent for Māori after an ACC entitlement claim injury. Particular characteristics of subsequent injuries after such an event impacts on participation in paid work 12 months after the sentinel injury, but the picture is less clear for unpaid work. Understanding the changes in paid and unpaid work, and the predictive characteristics of subsequent injuries for injured Māori, is important for future injury prevention strategies and supporting return to work rehabilitation programmes, specifically for Māori.