International orthopaedics
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We treated 50 patients (average age 47.9 years) with a stabilized subcutaneous transposition of the ulnar nerve. The average follow-up period was 42.4 months. The indication was cubital tunnel syndrome in 19 patients and injuries around the elbow in 31 patients. ⋯ In the 31 patients with injuries around the elbow, there was only one patient with transient aggravation of parasthaesiae in the ulnar nerve region. Stabilized subcutaneous transposition is a simple and less invasive procedure that can facilitate decompression and prevent slipping back of the nerve. This procedure also can be applied to patients with injuries around the elbow that require ulnar nerve transfer.
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Comparative Study
Distraction osteogenesis by Ilizarov and unilateral external fixators in a canine model.
We studied distraction osteogenesis in canine experimental model using two types of external fixators, Ilizarov (n=6) or AO unilateral (n=9) external fixator. Distraction started 1 week after surgery (2 x 0.5 mm/day) and lasted for 3 weeks. Specimens were harvested from weeks 7 through 12. ⋯ No differences in histomorphometric parameters existed between the groups. In the study period, the bone formation was enhanced and prevailed in the distraction area. This study demonstrated the utility of the canine experimental model for the study of distraction osteogenesis.
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We developed a locking screw plate system for the stabilisation of distal radial fractures, which can be inserted through a standard volar approach and in which the locking mechanism allows early post-operative mobilisation. Forty-nine patients with 50 fractures underwent surgical treatment; 66% were type C fractures. ⋯ According to the scores of Gartland and Werley and Green and O'Brien, 92% and 68% respectively had an excellent or good outcome; 46% were radiologically identical to the uninjured side and in 42% the reduction remained unchanged after 2 years. The most frequent complication was rupture of the flexor pollicis longus tendon, which occurred in six cases (12%) at a mean of 10 months after operation.