International orthopaedics
-
We treated 31 femoral shaft fractures in 28 children with a mean age of 6.7 (5-10) years with retrograde flexible intramedullary nailing. There were 16 isolated fractures, while 12 children had associated injuries. ⋯ At follow-up after a mean time lapse of 27 months there was no limb-length inequality exceeding 1 cm and no malunion. We feel that femoral fractures in patients aged 5-10 years can be safely treated with retrograde flexible intramedullary nailing with minimal risk of surgical complications.
-
We analysed 721 patients with primary malignant bone tumours treated in a single institution with regard to diagnosis, treatment and prognosis. From 1965 to 1974, 154 patients were treated, of whom 17% had no surgery, 36% underwent resection and 46% underwent amputation. Margins of resection were intralesional in 21%, 72% of patients received chemotherapy and overall survival rate was 24%. ⋯ From 1985 to 1994, 393 patients were treated, of whom 7% had no surgery, 77% underwent limb salvage procedures - mainly with endoprostheses - and 15% underwent amputation or resection-replantation. Margins of resection were intralesional in 12%, 68% of patients received chemotherapy and overall survival rate was 62%. Advancements in the treatment of primary malignant bone tumours justify limb salvage procedures in combination with highly effective polychemotherapy in specialised centres and has resulted in an overall survival rate of more than 60%.
-
Randomized Controlled Trial Comparative Study Clinical Trial
Cryotherapy compared with Robert Jones bandage after total knee replacement: a prospective randomized trial.
Sixty patients undergoing total knee replacement were randomized to receive either a cold compression dressing (Cryo/Cuff, Aircast, UK) or a modified Robert Jones bandage immediately after surgery. The cold compression dressing was used for a minimum of 6 h per day throughout the hospital stay, and the modified Robert Jones bandage remained in place for 48 h from the time of operation. ⋯ No difference was found between the 2 groups except for less blood loss in the surgical drains in the cold compression group (P < 0.05). Postoperative complications were seen in both groups, but no complication was associated with either the cold compression dressing or the modified Robert Jones bandage.
-
The relationship between the peroneal nerves and the anatomical structures near the fibular head were studied in 20 cadavers. It was the purpose to define the boundaries of a "safe" area when performing a biopsy of the fibular head. The distances between the proximal end of the fibular head and the deep peroneal nerve (26+/-0.32 mm) and the intermuscular septum (15+/-0.19 mm) were measured, as well as the angle between the deep peroneal nerve and the fibula as seen in the A-P view (23.5+/-3.5 degrees). We considered that biopsies should be performed with an anterolateral approach in the safe area formed by the fibular head and the deep peroneal nerve in the anterior compartment.
-
This is a retrospective study of eight consecutive patients of mean age 19 (13-27) years with severe Scheuermann's kyphosis who underwent anterior and/or posterior fusion using the Cotrel-Dubousset (CD) instrumentation. In two an anterior release and fusion with rib grafts had been previously performed. The mean follow-up was 5 years. ⋯ The average loss of correction was 4.6 degrees (1 degrees - 12 degrees). The lumbar hyperlordosis spontaneously improved from -67 degrees to -48 degrees. Two patients, who had chronic back pain refractory to conservative treatment, improved considerably after surgery.