J Bone Joint Surg Br
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Tuberculous osteomyelitis which does not involve a joint is uncommon and may fail to be diagnosed by an orthopaedic surgeon. We treated 28 lesions of tuberculous osteomyelitis in 25 patients between 1988 and 1995. The duration of symptoms was from two to 39 months, and most of our patients had been treated initially with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs which failed to provide relief. ⋯ On plain radiographs, more advanced lesions may mimic chronic pyogenic osteomyelitis, Brodie's abscess, tumours or granulomatous lesions. Biopsy is mandatory to confirm the diagnosis, and antituberculous drugs are the mainstay of treatment. When operative findings at biopsy have the features of skeletal tuberculosis curettage of the affected bone may promote earlier healing.
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J Bone Joint Surg Br · May 1997
Randomized Controlled Trial Comparative Study Clinical TrialExternal fixation and secondary intramedullary nailing of open tibial fractures. A randomised, prospective trial.
We performed a prospective, randomised trial in 39 patients with open tibial fractures treated initially by external fixation to compare cast immobilisation (group A) and intramedullary nailing (group B) as a sequential protocol planned from the onset of treatment. The results showed that group B achieved faster union (p < 0.05) than group A with less malunion or shortening and a greater range of movement. Patients treated by intramedullary nailing required fewer radiographs and outpatient visits (p = 0.0015) and had a more predictable and rapid return to full function. We feel that these severe fractures are better treated by delayed intramedullary nailing and that this has an acceptable rate of complications.
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J Bone Joint Surg Br · Mar 1997
Review Case ReportsAtlanto-axial dislocation without fracture: case report of an ejection injury.
We describe an unusual injury to the upper cervical spine sustained during ejection from an aircraft. MRI provided an accurate and direct diagnosis of the severe ligamentous injuries.
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Fifteen patients with ankylosing spondylitis who had developed a severe flexion deformity of the cervical spine which restricted their field of vision to their feet, were treated by an extension osteotomy at the C7/T1 level. The operation was performed under general anaesthesia with the patient in the prone position and wearing a halo-jacket. Three had internal fixation using a Luque rectangle and wiring. ⋯ All the patients were able to see straight ahead. One patient with normal neurology soon after operation became quadriparetic after one week; two others had unilateral palsy of the C8 root, which improved. There was subluxation at the site of osteotomy in four patients, and two of them developed a pseudarthrosis which required an anterior fusion.
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J Bone Joint Surg Br · Mar 1997
Articular penetration is more likely in Garden-I fractures of the hip.
Plain radiographs show only two dimensions of a three-dimensional object. On anteroposterior and lateral radiographs an implant may appear to be safely within the head of the femur although surface penetration has occurred. ⋯ Unrecognised screw penetration of the hip was observed in 8% and of the posterior part of the neck in 10%. The risk differs according to the type of fracture: it is greater in the coxa valga produced by Garden-I fractures of the femoral neck.