Journal of orthopaedic trauma
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The objective of this study is to establish the relative strength of fixation of a locking distal femoral plate compared with the condylar blade plate. ⋯ The locking screw-plate construct proved stronger than the blade plate in both cyclic loading and ultimate strength in biomechanical testing of a simulated A3 distal femur fracture. Although differences were small, the biomechanical performance of the locking plate construct over the blade plate may lend credence to use of the locking plate versus the blade plate in the fixation of comminuted distal femur fractures.
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To evaluate the utility of negative-pressure wound therapy (NPWT) in the setting of high-energy open tibial shaft fractures. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PATIENTS/PARTICIPANTS: This was a retrospective consecutive series in a level 1 university-based trauma center. Forty-nine consecutive patients presenting to a level 1 trauma center between 1996 and 2004 with 50 grade/type III open tibial shaft fractures were assessed. ⋯ Infection and nonunion rates with the use of NPWT for temporary coverage of wounds associated with grade/type III open tibial shaft fractures are similar to those of historical controls, but this technique may be beneficial in decreasing the need for free tissue transfer or rotational muscle flap coverage.