Journal of orthopaedic trauma
-
To evaluate the effects of pulsatile lavage and bulb syringe irrigation on fracture healing in vivo. ⋯ Pulsatile lavage irrigation of fresh intraarticular fractures in rabbits has a detrimental effect on early new bone formation; this effect, however, is no longer apparent two weeks following irrigation. While this study evaluated the effects of pulsatile lavage irrigation in noncontaminated fractures without extensive soft tissue injury, the detrimental effects observed on early new bone formation may translate to an increased risk of nonunion in the setting of a contaminated open fracture with extensive soft tissue injury. Based on the results of this investigation, the selective use of pulsatile lavage irrigation appears warranted. In the absence of gross wound contamination, irrigation with a bulb syringe appears less likely to impair fracture healing than does pulsatile lavage irrigation. Expansion of the model used in this study to include bacterial contamination and soft tissue crushing may further elucidate the effects of pulsatile lavage irrigation on fracture healing.
-
To determine the extent to which capacitively coupled electrical stimulation (CCEST) at a long bone fracture site can promote healing of nonunited fractures. ⋯ These findings confirm those of previous studies that CCEST promotes bone healing of fracture nonunions. The dependence of healing on the interplate distance suggests that maintaining sufficient current across the plates is necessary to allow healing, which for larger bones may be achieved by increasing the area of the plates, the applied voltage, or the excitation frequency of the stimulation signal.
-
To prospectively evaluate the results of retrograde intramedullary nailing of femoral shaft fractures. ⋯ This consecutive series had a 95 percent union rate after nailing and dynamization as necessary. No knee problems were associated with the retrograde femoral intramedullary nailing technique. The one septic knee raises concerns about the use of retrograde nailing in severe open femoral shaft fractures. Retrograde femoral nailing should be given serious consideration as an alternative to antegrade femoral nailing.