International orthopaedics
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Patients with haemodynamic instability due to pelvic fracture-related bleeding can have life-threatening haemorrhage. Management options for haemorrhage control in complex pelvic fractures include bony stabilization, angioembolization, and preperitoneal pelvic packing (PPP). ⋯ PPP directly addresses the bony and venous bleeding of complex pelvic fractures, which results in the majority of blood loss in exsanguinating patients. As such, PPP should be considered for pelvic fracture patients who remain haemodynamically unstable despite red cell transfusion.
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Review Case Reports
Fat emboli syndrome and the orthopaedic trauma surgeon: lessons learned and clinical recommendations.
Fat emboli syndrome is a rare but well-described complication of long-bone fractures classically characterised by a triad of respiratory failure, mental status changes and petechial rash. In this paper, we present the case of a patient who sustained bilateral femoral fractures and subsequently developed FES. Our aim was to review and summarise the current literature regarding the pathophysiology and management of fat emboli syndrome (FES) and propose an algorithm for treating patients with bilateral femoral fractures to reduce the risk of FES. ⋯ Our algorithm for managing bilateral femoral fractures prioritises early stabilisation with external fixation, staged intramedullary nailing and conversion to plate fixation if FES develops. This protocol is meant to be the basis of future investigations of optimal treatment strategies.
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No functional outcome related to 3-D CT evaluations for calcaneal fractures has been presented. The aims of this study are to analyze the post-operative morphological parameters of calcaneal fractures in 3-D space and to correlate the 3-D morphological parameters with functional outcomes. ⋯ The predictable functional outcome is related to the reconstruction of post-operative morphological characteristics of the calcaneus as evaluated on 3-D CT, especially the Böhler's angle and Gissane's angle. Despite post-operative step-off of the posterior facet exiting, the clinical outcomes appear to be not related to the posterior facet congruity.
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A four-column classification system offers a different way of evaluating tibial plateau fractures. The aim of this study is to compare the intra-observer and inter-observer reliability between four-column and classic classifications. ⋯ The proposed four-column classification showed the highest intra and inter-observer agreement. When taking into account the agreement that occurs by chance, Schatzker classification showed the highest inter-observer kappa, but again the four-column had the highest intra-observer kappa value. The proposed classification is a more inclusive classification for the posteromedial and posterolateral fractures. We suggest, therefore, that it be used in addition to one of the classic classifications in order to better understand the fracture pattern, as it allows more attention to be paid to the posterior columns, it improves the surgical planning and allows the surgical approach to be chosen more accurately.
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Early post-operative exercise and weight-bearing activities are found to improve the functional recovery of patients with displaced intra-articular calcaneal fractures (DIACFs). We hypothesized that early functional exercise after surgery might have a secondary reduction effect on the subtalar joint, in particular the smaller fracture fragments that were not fixed firmly. A prospective study was conducted to verify this hypothesis. ⋯ Early functional exercise and weight bearing activity can smooth and shape the subtalar joint and reduce the residual displacement of the articular surface, improving functional recovery of the affected foot. Therefore, early rehabilitation functional exercise can be recommended in clinical practice.