J Bone Joint Surg Br
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J Bone Joint Surg Br · Mar 1993
The effect of the entry hole for an intramedullary nail on the strength of the proximal femur.
We used 15 pairs of femora from fresh human cadavers to study the effects of the size and location of the entry hole for an intramedullary nail on the strength of the femur. Right femora were used as controls. ⋯ Femora were equipped with strain gauges and loaded to failure in compression. There was reduced stiffness and load to failure in group 3 specimens, suggesting that the location of the hole was more important than its size.
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J Bone Joint Surg Br · Mar 1993
Intra-articular fractures of the calcaneum. Part II: Open reduction and internal fixation by the extended lateral transcalcaneal approach.
The classification of intra-articular fractures of the calcaneum described in part I is related to an operative approach which allows accurate reduction and stable fixation of the fracture fragments. An extended lateral incision is used to avoid sural nerve damage and problems of soft-tissue healing. ⋯ Reduction of the body fragment and lateral joint fragment on to the sustentacular fragment allows the three fragments to be stabilised by a 3.5 mm Y-shaped reconstruction plate. Our early results have been successful in terms of fracture reduction and the restoration of heel shape and joint congruity, but extended follow-up will be necessary to define the indications for this difficult procedure.