Archives of orthopaedic and trauma surgery
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Arch Orthop Trauma Surg · Jul 2011
Treatment of lower extremity long bone nonunion with expandable intramedullary nailing and autologous bone grafting.
Nonunion of long bones in lower limbs is a common complication of orthopedic trauma that can be extremely debilitating. This retrospective study describes our experience using expandable intramedullary nails and autologous bone grafting in treating lower limb long bone nonunion with bone defects. ⋯ The use of expandable intramedullary nails and autologous bone grafts was an effective method for repair of nonunion of lower limb fractures combining with bone defects with minimal complications.
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Arch Orthop Trauma Surg · Jul 2011
Case ReportsAn unusual Monteggia type I equivalent fracture: a case report.
We report an unusual case of a type I Monteggia equivalent lesion in a 6-year-old girl consisting of fracture of the ulnar diaphysis and fracture of the neck of the radius without dislocation of the radial head. Manual reduction and immobilization in a plaster cast were performed. At 10 years of follow-up, the patient had regained full flexion and extension of the elbow, and nearly full pronation and supination. In the literature, this lesion has been reported only in two paediatric patients indicating that this is an extremely rare trauma.
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Arch Orthop Trauma Surg · Jul 2011
Comparative StudyPerioperative cardiopulmonary complications after cervical spine surgery in the prone position: the relationship between age and preoperative testing.
Cardiac arrest during spine surgery in the prone position is difficult to manage as poor access makes cardiopulmonary resuscitation and defibrillation difficult. Advanced age is the maximal risk factor for cardiac arrest. Therefore, we wanted to determine the relationship between age and cardiac risk factors/pre-operating tests for cervical spine surgery in the prone position. ⋯ These results suggested that patients aged 70 and above should undergo ECG and echocardiography examination before cervical spine surgery in the prone position whether they have cardiac risk factors or not . A prospective, randomized multi-center study with a larger patient sample is warranted to ultimately demonstrate how patients should be tested before spine surgery in the prone position.
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Arch Orthop Trauma Surg · Jul 2011
Case ReportsIsolated fractures of the teardrop of the acetabulum.
Fractures of the teardrop are very rare. We would like to present two patients with a fracture of the teardrop. The teardrop is a radiological entity, also known as the U figure. It can be seen on the antero-posterior as well as on the obturator oblique radiographs of the pelvis. It is one of the six fundamental radiographic reference lines corresponding to anatomical landmarks, which Letournel introduced for the evaluation of acetabular fractures. Injuries of the hip joint may include pure hip dislocations, dislocations with fracture of the femoral head, dislocations with fracture of the acetabulum, or both. The position of the femoral head in relation to the acetabulum and the vector of the force at the time of impact determine the type of injury produced. Dislocation of the hip can be classified as posterior, anterior, obturator, or central. Anterior dislocations of the hip are uncommon and constitute 10-15% of traumatic hip dislocations. Anterior dislocations are classified according to the position assumed by the femoral head: pubic, obturator, or perineal. In obturator dislocations, the femoral head can cause a fracture of the infero-medial margin of the acetabulum-the teardrop. ⋯ An isolated fracture of the teardrop is very rare. The typical injury mechanism consists in an anterior subluxation or luxation of the femoral head needing hip reduction on an emergency basis. The fracture of the teardrop itself can be treated non-operatively with a perfect functional result, because the infero-medial localization of the fracture does not impair the containment or congruity of the hip joint. In case of a painful or displaced fragment of the teardrop interfering with hip joint mobility, fragment removal may be indicated. In case of an associated supero-lateral femoral head fracture, the fragment can either be internally fixed or debrided depending on its size and fragmentation.
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Arch Orthop Trauma Surg · Jul 2011
Review Comparative StudyTo retain or remove the syndesmotic screw: a review of literature.
Syndesmotic positioning screws are frequently placed in unstable ankle fractures. Many facets of adequate placement techniques have been the subject of various studies. Whether or not the syndesmosis screw should be removed prior to weight-bearing is still debated. In this study, the recent literature is reviewed concerning the need for removal of the syndesmotic screw. ⋯ There is paucity in randomized controlled trials on the absolute need for removal of the syndesmotic screw. However, current literature suggests that it might be reserved for intact screws that cause hardware irritation or reduced range of motion after 4-6 months.