Journal of orthopaedic trauma
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The aim of the study was to assess the feasibility and benefit of the intraoperative use of a mobile C-arm with 3-dimensional imaging (ISO-C-3D). ⋯ Intraoperative 3-dimensional visualization with the ISO-C-3D can provide useful information in foot and ankle trauma care that cannot be obtained from plain films or conventional C-arms. During the same procedure, after conventional C-arm scans judged the positioning to be correct and an ISO-C-3D scan was done, the reduction and/or implant position was corrected in 39% of the cases in this study, although not unnecessarily prolonging the operation. The ISO-C-3D appears to be most helpful in procedures with a closed reduction and internal fixation, and/or when axial reformations provide information that is not possible to obtain with a conventional C-arm and/or direct visualization during open reduction and internal fixation.
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Several recent studies have suggested that medial pinning in pediatric supracondylar humerus fractures leads to increased rates of ulnar nerve injury. The purpose of this study was to determine the risk of iatrogenic ulnar nerve injury in a consecutive series of supracondylar fractures treated using a standardized technique of crossed pin placement. ⋯ The rate of iatrogenic ulnar nerve injury with this specific technique of crossed pin placement for extension-type supracondylar humerus fractures was extremely low in this series. A single case of transient ulnar sensory neuropraxia occurred. Our series demonstrates that crossed pin fixation can be performed safely and reliably and is an appropriate treatment option for unstable supracondylar humerus fractures.
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Comparative Study
A biomechanical comparison of a dorsal 3.5-mm T-plate and a volar fixed-angle plate in a model of dorsally unstable distal radius fractures.
To compare the biomechanical stability of internal fixation of extra-articular, dorsally unstable distal radius fractures fixed by 1 of 2 methods, either a standard dorsal nonlocked T-plate or a volar locked fixed-angle plate. ⋯ The volar locked fixed-angle plate maintained a greater percentage of its initial stiffness after cyclic loading compared to the dorsal nonlocked plate. Also, the volar locked plate was stiffer than the dorsal nonlocked plate for all loading configurations tested except when subjected to a dorsally applied eccentric load.
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To present a case series of patients with posterior bicondylar tibial plateau fractures treated by direct fracture exposure and fixation through dual incisions. ⋯ Posterior bicondylar tibial plateau fractures have a high association with lateral meniscal pathology and can be associated with anterior cruciate ligament injury. Reduction of the posterior plateau condyles is easiest with the knee in full extension. Flexion contractures can be a problem, and patients should be encouraged to regain/maintain knee extension. The dual-incision approach to these challenging fractures can result in good to excellent knee function for these patients.
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Multicenter Study
Predictors of functional outcome following transsyndesmotic screw fixation of ankle fractures.
Given the continued debate regarding syndesmotic screw fixation, we reviewed our institution's series of ankle syndesmotic screw insertions: 1) to examine technical aspects of syndesmotic screw fixation; and 2) to identify predictors of function and quality of life utilizing validated instruments. ⋯ Our findings suggest: 1) technical aspects of syndesmotic screw fixation vary between surgeons; 2) 16% of syndesmotic screws may have been unnecessary; and 3) despite variability in technique and indications, anatomic reduction of syndesmosis was significantly associated with improved Short Musculoskeletal Functional Assessment Index functional outcome. Larger, prospective studies are needed to further explore our findings.