Journal of orthopaedic trauma
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Comparative Study
A biomechanical evaluation of methods of distal humerus fracture fixation using locking compression plates versus conventional reconstruction plates.
To examine the biomechanical behavior of 2 techniques of double-plate osteosynthesis for fractures of the adult distal humerus using conventional reconstruction plates and locking compression plates. ⋯ The biomechanical behavior of the osteosynthesis depends more on plate configuration than plate type. Advantages of locking compression plates are only significant if compared with dorsal plate application techniques. Nevertheless, locking compression plates are helpful supplementary tools for achieving primary stable fracture fixation. This might be of considerable clinical relevance in patients with diminished bone mineral quality or in the presence of metaphyseal comminution.
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Orthopaedic injuries constitute a majority of the combat casualties in recent U. S. military conflicts. Orthopaedic injuries sustained in Operation Enduring Freedom from December 2001 to January 2003 that were treated in forward-deployed military medical facilities and evacuated to a U. ⋯ All arterial injuries underwent urgent revascularization in a field hospital. None of the arterial repairs required revision after evacuation to a medical center. Operation Enduring Freedom has been an excellent example of how early and aggressive intervention in a forward-deployed area has a significant effect on rehabilitative and reconstructive efforts at a rear echelon tertiary care center.
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Bone rivets were developed as an alternative method to fasten plates during internal fixation of fractures when screw anchorage may be inadequate. This study examined whether such rivets allow proper fracture healing without eliciting adverse bone remodelling and whether they can be removed safely. ⋯ In this study, the efficacy of bone rivets for the internal fixation of a fracture with plates, where anchorage of screws may be difficult and/or insufficient, was demonstrated.