Journal of orthopaedic trauma
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Periprosthetic fractures are fractures that occur in association with an orthopaedic implant, most often used for joint arthroplasty or fracture fixation. They are associated with significant morbidity and increased mortality in some cases. ⋯ Implant, surgeon, and patient factors all contribute to the risk of periprosthetic fracture. In this review, we intend to discuss current trends in periprosthetic fractures and risk factors associated with their development in the joint arthroplasty and fracture patient.
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Multiple trauma in the elderly is increasing with the aging population. In contrast to their younger counterparts, elderly patients experience significantly higher mortality rates and complications after major trauma. Diminished physiological reserve and the existence of multiple medical comorbidities present additional challenges to management. As such, a different approach is required to care for the elderly trauma patient.
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Case Reports
Avulsion fracture of the iliac crest apophysis treated with open reduction and internal fixation.
We report a case involving an avulsion fracture of the iliac crest apophysis in a 16-year-old boy. Occasionally, apophyseal avulsion fractures of the pelvis occur; however, those that occur at the iliac crest are rare. As a result of the large size of the fracture fragment and marked displacement (more than 3 cm), the fracture was managed operatively with open reduction and internal fixation. The patient returned to preinjury physical activity levels 2 months after surgery without complication.
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Fragility fractures represent a growing problem with large economic and patient burdens that are likely to increase as the population ages. The elderly patient with osteopenic bone presents a unique surgical challenge with appreciable risks associated with each surgical treatment option. ⋯ Additional evidence, from large clinical trials, is required before definitive treatment recommendations can be made in many cases. In this article, we review the example of the femoral neck fracture to illustrate this point.
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Typical posterior pelvic fixation constructs use one or more large screws inserted from the lateral iliac cortex into the safe upper sacral ala or body. As a result of the deforming forces acting perpendicular to the implant axis, routine iliosacral screw fixation may not provide adequate stabilization, especially in certain unstable injuries. ⋯ These screws require careful preoperative planning and more precise technical attention during insertion because they pass through both sacral alar zones. Transiliac-transsacral screws may be particularly useful in the presence of osteoporosis, significant posterior pelvic instability including spinopelvic dissociation, patient obesity, anticipated noncompliant behavior, bilateral posterior pelvic injuries, and nonunion procedures.