Acta Orthop Belg
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Case Reports
Modified shoelace technique for delayed primary closure of the thigh after acute compartment syndrome.
The authors report a case of acute compartment syndrome in the thigh in a 19-year-old man with multiple injuries including fracture of the femoral diaphysis. Decompressive fasciotomy was performed emergently. Complete progressive closure of the wound without split-thickness skin grafting was achieved using a modified shoelace technique: sutures were run inside wide drains placed in contact with the muscles and were then tightened over the skin. These drains enlarged the contact area between sutures and muscles, preventing damage to muscles.
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Editorial Comment
Diagnosis of tuberculosis: the polymerase chain reaction (PCR).
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The authors review the treatment of fractures of the distal radius, based on their experience and from data in the literature. The choice of a treatment for any given fracture must take into account first of all the stability of the fracture. The best results are achieved in stable fractures. ⋯ Additional K-wires or bone grafting may be necessary. External fixation gives superior results to plate and screw fixation. Internal fixation should be reserved for fractures with ventral comminution or severe displacement with unacceptable reduction by closed or minimally invasive techniques.
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A number of cardiovascular and pulmonary complications have been reported to occur occasionally after insertion of a total hip prosthesis. Of the proposed causes of these reactions, the possibility of fat embolism has received considerable support. The increase in intramedullary pressure, produced by the mechanical compression of the femoral canal during the insertion of the stem, seems to be the decisive pathogenic factor for the development of emboli. ⋯ A correlation was found between the embolic events observed using transesophageal echocardiography and the cardiopulmonary function of the patients during the perioperative period. A modified surgical technique was designed to reduce the intramedullary pressure during insertion of the stem to prevent intraoperative embolic events. Surgical prevention of fat and bone marrow embolism can also reduce the incidence of postoperative deep vein thrombosis.
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The authors retrospectively studied 79 patients who had undergone simultaneous bilateral total hip arthroplasty during the period 1982 to 1994. Forty one patients were examined clinically and radiographically at least 5 years postsurgery. The procedure was associated with few early postoperative complications and so far excellent results at 7.5 years with regard to patient satisfaction, Hip Functional Index and survival of the prostheses. It is concluded, that in selected patients with bilateral hip disease necessitating bilateral hip replacement, the bilateral operation may be advantageously carried out in one session.