Acta chirurgiae orthopaedicae et traumatologiae Cechoslovaca
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Acta Chir Orthop Traumatol Cech · Jan 2015
[Conservative and Surgical Treatment for Distal Ulna Fractures Associated with Distal Radius Fractures].
Fractures of the distal radius and distal ulna require anatomical reconstruction for good restoration of wrist and hand function. In this study we compared the results of conservative treatment with those of plate osteosynthesis management in distal ulna fractures of patients who had concomitant fractures of the distal radius indicated for plate osteosynthesis. Our objective was to specify indications for plate osteosynthesis of a distal ulna fracture in the case of an associated distal radius fracture. ⋯ Views vary on whether the distal ulna should be treated by plate osteosynthesis when, after distal radius fixation, its fracture managed by closed reduction heals well. A distal ulna plate often causes pain and has to be removed. The acute cases of DRUJ instability caused by comminuted distal ulna fracture can be treated by osteosynthesis of the distal ulna and two Kirschner wires inserted into the fracture site in an ulnar-to-radial direction. For chronic radioulnar instability, various methods involving free tendon grafts and dynamic tenodesis are used. Other options include the Sauvé-Kapandji procedure based on inducing artificial non-union of the distal ulna diaphysis and radioulnar arthrodesis; in our modification of this technique we use a single cancellous malleolar screw. In severely comminuted fractures of the distal ulna with injury to articular cartilage, ulnar head replacement can be indicated. CONCLUSIONS Distal ulna fractures can be treated conservatively if osteosynthesis of the distal radius in the anatomical position is achieved together with anatomical reduction of bone fragments of the distal ulna. When a distal radius fracture managed by osteosynthesis is not accompanied by anatomical reduction of distal ulna fragments, or the ulna is shorter or longer than the contralateral bone, an open reduction and stabilisation using an angle-stable locking plate, set at an adequate radius-toulna length ratio, is the method of choice.
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Acta Chir Orthop Traumatol Cech · Jan 2015
[Surgical Stabilisation of Flail Chest Injury: Indications, Technique and Results].
Multiple rib fractures with segmental chest wall instability are caused by high-energy chest trauma and are associated with significant morbidity and mortality. Flail chest injuries are mostly combined with lung injury (contusion, rupture, laceration) and subsequent pneumothorax or haemothorax. Early mechanical ventilation with internal pneumatic splinting is a conservative treatment for flail chest in patients with respiratory insufficiency. The surgical stabilisation of a flail chest is an effective method of treatment and is beneficial for selected patients. It shortens the duration of mechanical ventilation and thus reduces morbidity associated with prolonged ventilatory support. In addition, it decreases long-term pain and the inability of a flail chest to heal due to malunion, non-union or progressive collapse of the flail segment. Surgical stabilisation of a flail chest is indicated when the clinical examination shows progressive respiratory dysfunction confirmed by the results of multiple detector computer tomography (MDCT) of the thorax. ⋯ Surgical stabilisation of the flail chest segment is considered an effective procedure in selected patients, leading to improvement of respiratory function. By allowing for a shorter period of time on mechanical ventilation, it reduces the occurrence of complications due to ventilatory support. The result of MDCT chest examination in patients with fail chest is an important indication criterion for surgical fixation.
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Acta Chir Orthop Traumatol Cech · Jan 2015
[Kirschner wire transfixation of unstable ankle fractures: indication, surgical technique and outcomes].
PURPOSE OF THE STUDY The aim of the study was to assess treatment outcomes in patients undergoing K-wire transfixation of unstable ankle fractures and compare the results with those of patients in whom it was possible to perform primary one-stage osteosynthesis. MATERIAL AND METHODS Between 2009 and 2012, a total of 358 patients (191 women and 167 men) had surgery for unstable ankle fracture. At 1-year follow-up, their subjective feelings, objective findings and ankle radiographs were evaluated. ⋯ The temporary transfixation provides good alignment of the ankle joint necessary for successful healing of soft tissues. A higher occurrence of post-traumatic ankle osteoarthritis, ossification and distal tibiotalar synostosis found in the patients treated by temporary transfixation is more related to serious types of ankle fractures the patient had suffered than to the method itself. Key words: unstable ankle fracture, soft tissue condition, indications for transfixation, treatment outcome.
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Acta Chir Orthop Traumatol Cech · Jan 2015
[Fracture Type and Injury-to-Surgery Interval as Risk Factors for Avascular Necrosis of the Femoral Head after Internal Fixation of Intracapsular Femoral Neck Fracture].
The aim of the study was to investigate the occurrence of avascular necrosis (AVN) of the femoral head following the osteosynthesis of intracapsular fracture of the femoral neck in relation to the time interval between injury and surgery and the type of fracture. ⋯ The study showed a significantly lower AVN occurrence in the patients surgically treated within 24 h of injury. In the patients treated within 6 h of injury, AVN incidence was significantly lower in the patients with non-displaced fractures, as compared with those who had displaced fractures. This was not true for the two patient groups treated later (6-24 and later than 24 h) in which the differences between AVN development after non-displaced fractures and that after displaced fractures were similar.
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Acta Chir Orthop Traumatol Cech · Jan 2015
Measurement of compartment elasticity using pressure related ultrasound: a method to identify patients with potential compartment syndrome.
PURPOSE OF THE STUDY Decision-making in treatment of an acute compartment syndrome is based on clinical assessment, supported by invasive monitoring. Thus, evolving compartment syndrome may require repeated pressure measurements. In suspected cases of potential compartment syndromes clinical assessment alone seems to be unreliable. ⋯ Further studies are required to prove whether this assessment is transferable to human muscle tissue. Determining the complete compartmental elasticity by ultrasound enhancement, this application may improve detection of early signs of potential compartment syndrome. Key words: compartment syndrome, intra-compartmental pressure, non-invasive diagnostic, elasticity measurement, elastography.