International orthopaedics
-
The aim of this study was to compare our experience with minimally invasive transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (MITLIF) and open midline transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (TLIF). A total of 36 patients suffering from isthmic spondylolisthesis or degenerative disc disease were operated with either a MITLIF (n = 18) or an open TLIF technique (n = 18) with an average follow-up of 22 and 24 months, respectively. Clinical outcome was assessed using the visual analogue scale (VAS) and the Oswestry disability index (ODI). ⋯ No difference was observed in postoperative pain, initial analgesia consumption, VAS or ODI between the groups. Three pseudarthroses were observed in the MITLIF group although this was not statistically significant. A steeper learning effect was observed for the MITLIF group.
-
Case Reports
The use of a new locking 90 degree blade plate in the treatment of atrophic proximal humerus nonunions.
This level IV case series study prospectively evaluated patients with atrophic proximal humerus nonunions stabilised with a locking 90 degree blade plate. All patients were women with an average age of 69 years (range 56-78). Time from trauma to nonunion treatment averaged 23 months. ⋯ No patient required additional procedures. At the last follow-up all patients were free of infection, and there were no cases of avascular necrosis. The results with locked 90 degree blade plates in atrophic nonunions of the proximal humerus in adults were favourable in this series.