Journal of orthopaedic trauma
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Thirty dry adult bony specimens and eight embalmed cadavers were used to report on the morphological data of the ischial tuberosity and to determine the most optimal technique for ischial tuberosity screw placement for open reduction and internal fixation of posterior acetabular fractures. The average width, height, and depth of the ischial tuberosity were 27.0 mm, 32.2 mm, and 32.4 mm, respectively. The average angles between the posterior and medial aspects and between the posterior and lateral aspects of the ischial tuberosities were 79.5 degrees, and 111.5 degrees, respectively. ⋯ The tendinous origin of the hamstrings becomes quite substantial (7-10 mm thick) at a point 2 cm distal to the inferior acetabular margin. The exposure of the ischial tuberosity should therefore be restricted to this level. The entry point of the screws should be 5 mm or 10 mm medial to the lateral margin of the ischial tuberosity, and the screws should be directed 35-40 degrees, 45-50 degrees, and 50-55 degrees caudally at the level of the inferior acetabular margin and 1 cm and 2 cm below it, respectively, to obtain the most favorable bony purchase.
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Comparative Study
Biomechanical comparison of posterior internal fixation techniques for unstable pelvic fractures.
Early reduction and rigid fixation of unstable vertical shear pelvic fractures has been shown to decrease the incidence of late sequelae and facilitate early mobilization. The results of fixation of the posterior pelvic ring without anterior fixation are unknown. The purpose of this study was to perform a biomechanical comparison of the most frequently used techniques of posterior fixation for unstable pelvic sacroiliac dislocations in conjunction with ipsilateral rami fractures, i.e., an unstable vertical shear injury. ⋯ Compared to the intact pelvis, single posterior methods of fixation provided approximately 70-85% resistance to axial and torsional loading. By combining SI screws with transiliac bars, approximately 90% of intact pelvic stability was achieved. Our results suggest that rigid posterior fixation of sacroiliac dislocations alone may obviate the need for additional complex anterior surgical procedures to fix rami fractures.
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A retrospective evaluation of 138 patients requiring operative decompression, reduction and fixation of spinal injuries between January 1986 and April 1989 was conducted. The variables of timing and method of operative intervention, level and classification of fracture, associated injuries, injury severity score (ISS), associated neurologic deficits, length of intensive care unit and hospital stays, and projected costs were analyzed for correlation with postoperative complications (pulmonary, skin, urinary, other). Four subgroups were identified: group IA patients underwent surgery within 72 h of injury and had an ISS of < 18; group IB patients underwent surgery after 72 h and had an ISS of < 18; group IIA patients underwent surgery within 72 h and had an ISS of > or = 18; and group IIB underwent surgery after 72 h and had an ISS of > or = 18. ⋯ Irrespective of associated injuries, all had fewer complications if they underwent surgery within 72 h. Morbidity was higher in patients with a neurological deficit compared with neurologically intact patients. Surgical decompression, reduction, and/or fixation of spinal fractures within the first 72 h is indicated in patients with multiple trauma (ISS > or = 18) and cervical injuries with a neurological deficit.
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Alcohol has been shown to confound the initial assessment of trauma victims, and cocaine is associated with numerous medical and anesthetic complications. A prospective study was performed to determine the prevalence of alcohol and illicit drug use in orthopedic trauma patients at an inner-city teaching hospital. All patients admitted to the orthopedic service during a 2-year period (January 1993 to December 1994) were prospectively studied. ⋯ We conclude that drug and alcohol use is widespread in patients presenting with orthopedic injuries and we make recommendations regarding treatment of these patients. The majority of orthopedic trauma resources in this setting is devoted to treating intoxicated patients. Drug and alcohol use is a major social problem and may have an adverse effect on patient care.
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Seventeen distal tibial nonunions were treated by a combination of metal removal with closed intramedullary reaming for internal bone graft and application of a long leg cast for aseptic nonunions and an external fixator for quiescent septic nonunions. The nonunions were present for a median of 1.8 years (range, 1.2-3.4 years). All achieved a solid union with a union period of 5.2 +/- 1.6 months. ⋯ The functional rating score improved from all unsatisfactory before treatment to 13 satisfactory after treatment. The other four (all were infected nonunions) also improved from poor to a fair outcome. In conclusion, the technique described is a simple and effective method to treat some complex distal tibial nonunions.