Acta Orthop Belg
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Comparative Study
Sciatic nerve block causing heel ulcer after total knee replacement in 36 patients.
Femoral and sciatic nerve blocks are often used for postoperative analgesia following total knee replacement surgery. In this report, we focus on cases of heel ulcers which occurred following the implementation of peripheral nerve block in concert with knee replacement surgery. ⋯ Pressure points in the foot should be protected after the implementation of nerve blocks to prevent pressure sores. An awareness of this unusual complication related to knee replacement surgery is necessary to prevent its occurrence and avoid delays in patient rehabilitation and recovery.
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Comparative Study
Early repetitive radiography is unnecessary after an uncomplicated cemented hip or knee arthroplasty for osteoarthritis.
Radiographs are necessary at some early point after a hip and knee arthroplasty. The aim of this study was to assess the value of routine repetitive radiographic examinations and the value of a reading of the images by a radiologist. ⋯ If post-operative radiographs are of good quality, there seems to be no need for early repetitive radiographs. Neither is a radiologist reading of the radiographs after joint arthroplasty of any benefit.
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Although it is widespread in orthopaedic surgery, tourniquet use is associated with appreciable morbidity and even mortality. We review the use of tourniquets, highlighting how an understanding of their design and application can reduce the complications and injuries associated with their use. We also review the attempts being made to modulate these injuries through physical and pharmacological advances, in particular looking at the phenomenon of preconditioning.
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We present a rare case of spontaneous rupture of the adductor longus tendon induced by ciprofloxacin. A 35-year-old man was diagnosed with pneumonia and was recommended ciprofloxacin 500 mg iv twice a day for 7 days. ⋯ There was no obvious underlying disease or other factor causing fragility of his adductor longus tendon. We review the pathophysiological mechanisms leading to fluoroquinolone-related tendon rupture as well as the risk factors and discuss proper management.
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Comparative Study
Radiological analysis of titanium mesh cages used after corpectomy in the thoracic and lumbar spine: minimum 3 years' follow-up.
This study analyses radiological outcome of titanium mesh cages used for anterior column support following corpectomy in the thoracic and lumbar spine in 34 patients with a minimum three-year follow-up. The aim of the study was to assess the complications and radiological outcomes of patients with structural cages implanted into the anterior column. Titanium mesh cages for the anterior column became popular for anterior column reconstruction following discectomy and corpectomy. ⋯ Short posterior and only anterior instrumentation systems were associated with settling. The anatomical location and diagnosis did not affect the development of cage settling. Following corpectomy and mesh cage implantation, isolated anterior fixation or short posterior fixation do not provide enough stability, and correction loss and settling can occur.