Archives of orthopaedic and trauma surgery
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Arch Orthop Trauma Surg · Jul 2007
Comparative StudyFive-year follow-up examination after purely minimally invasive posterior stabilization of thoracolumbar fractures: a comparison of minimally invasive percutaneously and conventionally open treated patients.
It is well known that during posterior stabilization of the spinal column conventionally open methods are predominantly used. However, in this study a minimally invasive method was chosen to decrease the morbidity of the operative access and to protect the paravertebral musculature, which serves as an important spine-stabilizing factor during posterior stabilization. The aims of this retrospective non-randomized case-control study were to compare the clinical and radiological results of minimally invasive on the one hand and conventionally open posterior surgery on the other with each other and to measure the loss of correction after purely posterior stabilization. ⋯ The minimally invasive posterior stabilization leads to lower blood loss in comparison to the conventionally open method and can be carried out without any special effort limited to A-fractures without any neurological symptoms.
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Isolated fracture of the calcaneal apophysis is a rare injury in children and adolescents. In this study, we report on a case of a displaced calcaneal apophyseal avulsion fracture in a child treated with open reduction and internal fixation, as well as a review of the literature. A 9-year-old female child presented to the senior surgeon complaining of acute heel pain after a gymnastic injury. ⋯ A combination of bioabsorbable suture tacks and pins was used to anatomically fix the fragment using the tension band wiring technique. At 2 years and 6 months follow-up, she had full range of motion, complete return of strength. We report here on the successful surgical treatment and the first case evaluated by MRI of an avulsion fracture of the calcaneal apophysis in a child.
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Arch Orthop Trauma Surg · Jul 2007
Assessing leg length discrepancy following elastic stable intramedullary nailing for paediatric femoral diaphyseal fractures.
Femoral overgrowth is a recognised phenomenon following fractures of the femoral diaphysis in children. This study was designed to assess leg length discrepancy (LLD) following elastic stable intramedullary nailing (ESIN) and its clinical significance. ⋯ ESIN is a successful treatment for paediatric diaphyseal femoral fractures and allows early mobilisation and discharge. A statistically significant LLD is observed in children aged 4-8 years although clinically only one patient in the entire series was aware of a leg length discrepancy. In addition clinical methods of leg length measurement are sensitive for LLD and we conclude that routine radiographic follow up is not necessary unless clinically indicated.