Archives of orthopaedic and trauma surgery
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Arch Orthop Trauma Surg · Feb 2005
Randomized Controlled Trial Clinical TrialExternal fixation versus locked intramedullary nailing in tibial shaft fractures: a prospective, randomised study of 78 patients.
We performed a prospective, randomised study to compare the Ex-fi-re external fixator (EF) with locked intramedullary (IM) nailing in tibial fractures. Only fractures without soft-tissue problems of importance were included. ⋯ The results were comparable in most respects. Unprotected weight-bearing was achieved earlier after IM nailing. Anterior knee pain was frequent after nailing.
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Arch Orthop Trauma Surg · Feb 2005
Clinical TrialUltrasonographic evaluation at 6-month follow-up of plantar fasciitis after extracorporeal shock wave therapy.
The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of extracorporeal shock wave therapy (ESWT) on the ultrasonographic appearance of chronically painful, proximal plantar fasciitis. ⋯ After ESWT, the thickness of the plantar fascia in patients with plantar fasciitis decreased, pain and walking time improved (all significantly).
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Arch Orthop Trauma Surg · Dec 2004
Complications following the treatment of trochanteric fractures with the gamma nail.
The treatment of trochanteric fractures with the use of gamma nails has become an established method. Despite the good and reliable results, some typical failures and complications may occur. It was our purpose to analyse the most common complications and their treatment options. ⋯ Most complications after gamma nail fixation can be prevented by following certain rules. The other inevitable problems can be dealt with either through a conversion to a total hip replacement, a re-osteosynthesis with a long gamma nail or an additional condylar plate. Conversion to total hip replacement may be a demanding operation with a higher than normal complication rate. Removal of the gamma nail should be performed cautiously as re-fractures can occur.
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Arch Orthop Trauma Surg · Dec 2004
The influence of preclinical anaemia on outcome following total hip replacement.
Preoperative anaemia confers a higher intraoperative and postoperative risk of complications on a patient. Preclinical anaemia is defined as a patient with laboratory indices of anaemia but without any of the symptoms. The patient population who undergo total hip replacement (THR) are elderly and are more likely to fall into this category. Our aim was to assess the effect of preclinical anaemia on a patient's postoperative course. ⋯ Identification and treatment of patients with preclinical anaemia preoperatively may reduce postoperative infection and transfusion needs and result in a shorter inpatient stay.