J Am Acad Orthop Sur
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The halo fixator may be used for the definitive treatment of cervical spine trauma, preoperative reduction in the patient with spinal deformity, and adjunctive postoperative stabilization following cervical spine surgery. Halo fixation decreases cervical motion by 30% to 96%. Absolute contraindications include cranial fracture, infection, and severe soft-tissue injury at the proposed pin sites. ⋯ Complications of halo fixation include pin loosening, pin site infection, and skin breakdown. A concerning rate of life-threatening complications, such as respiratory distress, has been reported in elderly patients. Despite a paucity of contemporary data, recent retrospective studies have demonstrated acceptable results for halo fixation in managing some upper and lower cervical spine injuries.
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De quervain disease, or stenosing tenosynovitis of the first dorsal compartment of the wrist, is a common wrist pathology. Pain results from resisted gliding of the abductor pollicis longus and the extensor pollicis brevis tendons in the fibro-osseus canal. de Quervain tenosynovitis of the wrist is more common in women than men. Diagnosis may be made on physical examination. ⋯ Nonsurgical management, consisting of corticosteroid injections and supportive thumb spica splinting, is usually successful. In resistant cases, surgical release of the first dorsal compartment is done, taking care to protect the radial sensory nerve and identify all accessory compartments. Repair of the extensor retinaculum by step-cut lengthening or other techniques is rarely required.
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Subtrochanteric femoral fractures are complicated injuries that may be associated with other life-threatening conditions. Patients should be carefully evaluated and appropriately treated for hypovolemic shock. These fractures can be effectively stabilized with 95 degrees plates, femoral reconstruction nails, or trochanteric femoral nails with interlocking options. ⋯ The 135 degrees hip screw-plate is not suitable in the treatment of subtrochanteric femoral fractures; use of these implants may result in loss of fixation and fracture displacement. Chemical and mechanical prophylaxis for deep vein thrombosis should be initiated unless contraindicated by other medical comorbidities. An accurate reduction and excellent surgical technique with minimal soft-tissue dissection can routinely produce good results without the need for secondary procedures.
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Ulnar nerve entrapment is the second most common nerve entrapment syndrome of the upper extremity. Although it may occur at any location along the length of the nerve, it is most common in the cubital tunnel. Ulnar nerve entrapment produces numbness in the ring and little fingers and weakness of the intrinsic muscles in the hand. ⋯ When these methods fail or when sensory or motor impairment progresses, surgical release of the nerve at the site of entrapment should be considered. Surgical release may be done alone or with nerve transposition at the elbow. Most patients report symptomatic relief following surgery.