Acta Orthop Belg
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Comparative Study
Treatment of extracapsular hip fractures with the proximal femoral nail (PFN): long term results in 45 patients.
The authors have retrospectively studied the results achieved with the AO/ASIF PFN system in the treatment of unstable intertrochanteric fractures of the proximal femur. Between June 1999 and February 2003, 51 patients with unstable intertrochanteric fractures of the proximal femur underwent intramedullary nailing with the PFN system. A total of 45 patients (28 women, 17 men, average age 72 years) with 46 unstable pertrochanteric fractures (21 31-A2, 25 31-A3,) were available for outcome analysis. ⋯ The Salvati and Wilson score was > 25 in 27 (60%) of the patients. The PFN modifications might be responsible for the positive results in this study. Technical or mechanical complications seem to be related with the type of fracture, the operative technique and the time of weight bearing rather than the PFN system itself.
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Case Reports
Can peripheral nerve blocks contribute to heel ulcers following total knee replacement?
Peripheral nerve blocks are widely used for postoperative analgesia following total knee replacement. We would like to present three cases of heel ulcers encountered following a peripheral nerve block for knee replacement surgery. ⋯ Attention needs to be given to the pressure points in the foot after the nerve blocks. Awareness of this uncommon complication is necessary to prevent its occurrence.