Journal of orthopaedic trauma
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The purpose of this study was to evaluate pubic ramus fracture fixation. This biomechanical evaluation compared standard plating techniques with retrograde medullary screw fixation of a superior pubic ramus fracture in a pelvic fracture model. ⋯ The posterior disruptions of the pelvic ring were not fixed. The APC-II injury created in this study resulted in significant (p < 0.05) motion at the disrupted rami and the injured SI joint, compared with the intact pelvic specimen.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
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Between January 1989 and September 1991, 117 consecutive open tibial shaft fractures were treated at our institution. Of these, 64 (55%) met the inclusion criteria and were prospectively treated according to protocol using unreamed interlocking intramedullary nails as definitive fixation. Wounds were classified according to the method of Gustilo et al., and included 10 type I, 16 type II, and 38 type III (17 type IIIA, 21 type IIIB) wounds. ⋯ Mean time to healing was as follows: type I, 4.8 months; type II, 4.7 months; type IIIA, 8.28 months; and type IIIB, 9.30 months. Twenty fractures exhibited a delay in healing (> 6 months). This included two of 12 type II (16%), six of 10 type IIIA (60%), and 12 of 15 type IIIB fractures (80%).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
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High incidences of nerve lesions or rotator cuff tears in association with shoulder dislocations have been reported. However, the simultaneous occurrence of these three lesions has only been reported once previously. This case is an example of a not so uncommon injury, which emphasizes the importance of looking for associated brachial plexus and rotator cuff lesions when examining a patient with shoulder dislocation.
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By retrospective review of hospital records and by follow-up clinical examinations, we evaluated 58 patients with crush injuries to the foot treated at our institution between 1986 and 1990. All patients had received initial treatment according to a standardized protocol determined by the type and magnitude of the injury. Patients were examined at a mean interval of 3.3 years (range 2-4) after injury, and the functional outcome was determined according to a foot trauma rating scale. ⋯ There was a significant correlation between a good functional outcome and careful adherence to the treatment protocol; however, some patients fared poorly regardless of treatment. Poor results occurred if treatment was not immediately initiated, if soft-tissue coverage was delayed (in those who experienced severe, mangling-type injuries necessitating partial foot amputation), if patients subsequently had neuritis or reflex sympathetic dystrophy, or if patients were involved in ongoing workers' compensation and litigation. We conclude that because crush injuries of the foot may be associated with prolonged morbidity, initial management should be directed toward recognition and treatment of compartment syndromes, early soft-tissue coverage, and rigid skeletal stabilization to enhance soft-tissue healing.
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The mangled extremity severity score (MESS) is a scoring system that can be applied to mangled extremities and help one determine which mangled limbs will eventually come to amputation. The MESS is a graduated grading system based on skeletal and soft tissue injury, shock, ischemia, and age. The records of 37 patients having sustained 43 open fractures or mangled upper extremity injuries, seen and treated at the University of New Mexico's Regional Trauma Center between April 1987 and September 1990, have been reviewed. ⋯ Five of these Grade IIIC and four of the mangled extremities with a MESS of greater than or equal to seven were amputated. All Grade IIIC or mangled extremities with a MESS of less than seven were salvaged. In conclusion, the MESS is an early and accurate predictor for identifying the extremities that may be best treated by amputation.