J Am Acad Orthop Sur
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The adult paralytic foot is a common clinical entity. It has numerous neurologic, systemic, and traumatic causes that result in muscle imbalance and foot deformity. A thorough physical examination and diagnostic work-up, as well as an understanding of the relevant functional anatomy, are essential to proper management. Treatment goals include the establishment of a plantigrade foot, elimination of deforming forces, and, when possible, restoration of active motor control.
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Historically, treatment of meniscus tears consisted of complete meniscectomy. Over the past few decades, however, the long-term morbidities of meniscal removal, namely the early development of knee osteoarthritis, have become apparent. ⋯ In addition, adjunctive therapies used to enhance the healing process have advanced greatly in the past few years. Today, with increased understanding of the impact of meniscal loss and the principles of meniscal repair and healing, meniscal preservation is viewed as an increasingly realistic and important goal in the management of meniscus tears.
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Proximal ulna fractures can be difficult to manage because of the elbow's complex anatomy. Advances in understanding elbow anatomy and biomechanics, however, have led to new insights. Careful preoperative evaluation is critical because failure to restore normal anatomy of the proximal ulna could have a detrimental effect on postoperative elbow function. ⋯ Coronoid fractures, olecranon fractures, and associated elbow instability influence the indications for any given fixation device. Appreciating the subtleties of proximal ulna anatomy and biomechanics can lead to improved clinical outcomes. Recent concepts affecting fracture management include proximal ulna dorsal angulation, the importance of the anteromedial facet of the coronoid, and intermediate fragments of the olecranon.
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Understanding the pediatric response to polytrauma is essential for the orthopaedic surgeon. The physiologic effects of multisystem injury that manifest in a child have important implications for coordination of treatment, particularly in relation to the timing and incidence of organ failure. ⋯ Indications for surgery and postoperative immobilization in the pediatric polytrauma patient differ from those in the patient with an isolated injury. Further research is needed to determine the most appropriate method of management for extremity fractures in the pediatric polytrauma patient, particularly regarding the timing of fixation and management of open fractures.
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J Am Acad Orthop Sur · Feb 2013
ReviewAnterior cruciate ligament injuries in the skeletally immature athlete: diagnosis and management.
Intrasubstance anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries in children and adolescents were once considered rare occurrences, with tibial eminence avulsion fractures generally regarded as the pediatric ACL injury equivalent. However, with increased single-sport focus, less free play, and year-round training at younger ages, intrasubstance ACL injuries in children and adolescents are being diagnosed with increased frequency. ⋯ Management of ACL injuries in skeletally immature patients includes physeal-sparing, partial transphyseal, and complete transphyseal ACL reconstruction. Complications include iatrogenic growth disturbance resulting from physeal violation.