Journal of orthopaedic trauma
-
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.
-
Because of their complexity, war injuries inflicted by a blast mechanism often require tailoring of treatment to attain a more individualized solution. We report two cases of bilateral, severely mangled lower limbs with open tibial fractures and crush injuries to the feet. In each case, one limb had to be amputated below the knee, but the other limb was saved by immediate stabilization in a tubular external fixation frame crossing the knee; the frame was later replaced by a hybrid ring fixation frame with a freely moving knee. Such incidences are rare, and the particular management detailed here has not previously been reported in the literature.
-
Comparative Study Clinical Trial
Comparison of the Nebraska collar, a new prototype cervical immobilization collar, with three standard models.
To determine whether a novel immobilization collar called the Nebraska collar would restrict motion of the cervical spine better than three traditional designs: the Philadelphia collar, the sterno occipital mandibular immobilizer (S.O.M.I.), and the Lehrman-Minerva cervical orthosis. ⋯ The new Nebraska collar provides stabilization that is significantly more rigid than the other models tested, with no difference in patient comfort.
-
Comparative Study
Experimental study of distal interlocking of a solid tibial nail: radiation-independent distal aiming device (DAD) versus freehand technique (FHT).
Recently, radiation-independent aiming devices for the tibia that compensate for insertion-related implant deformation have been developed, but the benefits of such systems have not been determined. This study prospectively evaluated the duration of the nailing procedure, the length of radiation time, and the accuracy of interlocking screw placement when using a radiation-independent distal aiming device (DAD) versus the freehand technique (FHT). ⋯ These results suggest that the DAD can eliminate the need for radiation during placement of distal interlocking screws.