The American journal of orthopedics
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Review
Clinical implications of thromboprophylaxis in the management of total hip and knee arthroplasty.
Thrombosis is the most common cause of mortality in the United States, resulting in more than 2 million deaths per year. Almost an equal number of individuals are affected each year by nonfatal thrombosis, including deep vein thrombosis and nonfatal pulmonary embolism. A large proportion of thrombotic episodes can be prevented by the appropriate selection of prophylactic therapy--a clinical decision that figures greatly in numerous clinical conditions associated with an increased risk of thrombosis, including major orthopedic surgery. ⋯ However, determining which protocols are optimal for thromboprophylaxis remains a matter of contention, and the choice of prophylactic therapy is a critical factor in the successful completion of any major orthopedic surgical procedure. Although there are key differences between total hip and knee arthroplasty in terms of the measures available for thromboprophylaxis and the data documenting their relative degree of effectiveness, the two procedures share many similarities in these respects as well as in their surgical protocols. By reviewing the data and practice guidelines on thromboprophylaxis in total hip and knee arthroplasty together, orthopedic surgeons can more clearly see the implications for clinical success that the choice of prophylactic therapy has on their management of these two vitally important procedures.
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Tibia fractures are common orthopaedic injuries. One of the most difficult tibia fractures that physicians encounter is the extra-articular distal third fracture. Operative fixation has certain risks depending on the procedure. ⋯ We have devised a method of applying in-line traction while performing closed reduction and casting with the use of a stockinette. This method avoids many of the problems encountered with other techniques such as calcaneal traction pins and hair splints. With the use of in-line traction through the stockinette, we are able to apply traction throughout casting without assistance, and the procedure is noninvasive.