Brit J Hosp Med
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Clavicle fractures account for approximately 2-5% of all fractures in adults and 10-15% in children. There is a bimodal distribution, with two peaks occurring in patients <25 years of age as a result of direct trauma and in those >55 years of age secondary to a fall onto an outstretched arm. Approximately two-thirds of all clavicle fractures occur in men. This article provides an overview of the presentation, assessment and management of clavicle fractures for both core surgical trainees and acute care common stem/emergency medicine trainees.
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Developmental dysplasia of the hip encompasses a range of hip abnormalities in which the femoral head and acetabulum fail to develop and articulate anatomically. Developmental dysplasia of the hip is a clinically important condition, with a prevalence of 1-2/1000 in unscreened populations and 5-30/1000 in clinically screened populations. The pathology is incongruence between the femoral head and the acetabulum, which can be caused by an abnormally shaped femoral head, acetabulum, or both. ⋯ The physical examination of the newborn hip involves initial inspection of the infant for any of the clinical features of developmental dysplasia of the hip, followed by hip stability tests (Barlow's and Ortolani's tests). Hip ultrasound is the gold standard diagnostic and monitoring tool for developmental dysplasia of the hip in newborns and infants under 6 months of age, or until ossification of the femoral head. Some mild cases of developmental dysplasia of the hip (and the immature hip) resolve without requiring intervention; however, there are a number of treatments, both non-operative and operative, that may be used at various stages of this condition.
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Safe and effective care for the elderly or physiologically frail patient in cases of trauma requires a multidisciplinary perioperative approach. This article expands upon the British Orthopaedic Association Standards for Trauma and Orthopaedics guidelines for the management of the older or frail orthopaedic trauma patient. ⋯ This article discusses the evidence base for tailoring the management of these patients and the importance of doing so in an ageing population. It considers the requisite preoperative procedures and investigations, guidelines for specific cases such as comatose patients or those with complex fractures, and ceiling of care discussions, and then focuses on the postoperative period, including physiotherapy, rehabilitation goals and medical management.
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The anatomy of the acetabulum and femur is usually significantly altered in people with developmental dysplasia of the hip and this leads to secondary osteoarthritis of the hip joint. Ideal positioning of implants and reduction of the joint is technically demanding during arthroplasty. Lengthening may result in nerve palsies and therefore procedures may have to be undertaken to shorten the femur. ⋯ Thorough preoperative planning and templating is required before surgery to assess the need for shortening. Shortening osteotomies can be performed at the proximal femur, diaphysis or distal femoral levels, with subtrochanteric being the most common level. The procedure should be customised for each patient after extensive planning and detailed counselling.