Injury
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Ongoing lower extremity long-bone nonunion is a devastating condition and associated with substantial patient morbidity. There is limited evidence regarding physical and mental function after surgical management of lower extremity nonunions. The purpose of this study was to assess general physical and mental health and lower extremity specific physical function of patients that underwent surgery for a lower extremity long-bone nonunion. ⋯ At an average of 8.6 years after lower extremity nonunion surgery that led to bone healing, patients continue to report lower general and lower extremity specific physical functioning compared to the normative population. The number of surgical attempts to obtain definitive healing was associated with compromised physical function scores. Mental health scores may return close to normative population scores. These results can be used to inform patients and guide treatment strategies and healthcare policies.
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Knee dislocations (KD) are limb threatening injuries known to cause significant dysfunction and disability. This review aims to summarize KD knowledge and uncover areas where more research is needed. ⋯ This study highlights the significant gaps in understanding the treatment strategies, financial burden, and long-term outcomes of knee dislocations. The incomplete data, particularly the high loss to follow-up rates and underreported functional outcomes, hinders the ability to make comprehensive assessments. Available results should thusly be interpreted with an understanding of the gaps in data, however return to sport and prior employment is often not achieved. Additionally, the potential influence of socioeconomic factors and substance abuse on treatment decisions and outcomes remains inadequately explored. Future research should focus on these areas to improve the management and prognosis of patients with knee dislocations, ensuring more accurate and thorough evaluations of long-term recovery and quality of life.