Journal of orthopaedic trauma
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Seventeen distal tibial nonunions were treated by a combination of metal removal with closed intramedullary reaming for internal bone graft and application of a long leg cast for aseptic nonunions and an external fixator for quiescent septic nonunions. The nonunions were present for a median of 1.8 years (range, 1.2-3.4 years). All achieved a solid union with a union period of 5.2 +/- 1.6 months. ⋯ The functional rating score improved from all unsatisfactory before treatment to 13 satisfactory after treatment. The other four (all were infected nonunions) also improved from poor to a fair outcome. In conclusion, the technique described is a simple and effective method to treat some complex distal tibial nonunions.
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Between 1989 and 1995 a total of 47 patients with 50 fractures of the ipsilateral femoral and tibial shafts without significant articular involvement were treated at Tampa General Hospital. Within this group were 24 patients with 26 fractures who were treated with intramedullary fixation of both bones using a technique of retrograde insertion of a femoral nail and unreamed insertion of an interlocking tibial nail. Information concerning the injuries, treatments, and much of the follow-up was gleaned from a trauma registry. ⋯ No significant knee problem related to the femoral nailing technique was identified. This method of treatment can be performed using a standard radiolucent table and a single medial parapatellar incision. It is expedient and allows other procedures to be performed simultaneously in this group of severely injured patients.
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We report a very rare case of an avulsion of the pectoralis major tendon in association with a two-part proximal humerus fracture. Pectoralis major tendon avulsion was confirmed intraoperatively during open reduction and internal fixation of the humerus fracture. In retrospect, the preoperative radiographic finding of posterolateral and proximal displacement of the humeral shaft suggested an injury to the pectoralis major. Because others have reported that the best treatment of a pectoralis major tendon avulsion is surgical repair, we feel that it is important to suspect such an injury in a proximal humerus fracture when this anatomic displacement is present.
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Case Reports
Recalcitrant femoral pseudarthrosis healed with a torsionally stiff intramedullary nail.
A case of long-standing femoral pseudarthrosis was successfully treated by replacement of a torsionally less rigid intramedullary nail by one approximately 20 times more rigid. Complete union occurred 6 months after nail exchange.
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Review Case Reports
Avulsion of the patellar ligament with combined fracture luxation of the proximal tibial epiphysis: case report and review of the literature.
Disruption of the extensor mechanism of the knee joint at the insertion site of the patellar tendon into bone is a somewhat common injury. Avulsion of the patellar ligament associated with fractures of the proximal tibial epiphysis is an extremely rare injury. ⋯ We are reporting a case that has previously not been reported to our knowledge: an avulsion of the ligament in a closed fracture of the proximal tibial epiphysis with integrity of the tibial tubercle. We propose a three-type classification of an avulsion patellar ligament injury.