Journal of orthopaedic surgery (Hong Kong)
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J Orthop Surg (Hong Kong) · Apr 2005
Comparative StudyBlood salvage in total hip and knee arthroplasty in a community hospital: a retrospective study.
To assess the results of postoperative and intra-operative blood salvage in patients undergoing total knee and hip arthroplasty, respectively, and to determine if both methods of blood salvage reduce allogeneic transfusion. ⋯ Although total knee arthroplasty patients who received salvaged blood had higher haemoglobin levels on the first postoperative day, the receipt of salvaged blood did not significantly reduce the incidence of allogeneic blood transfusion, because salvaged blood was a kind of blood loss. However, reinfusion of salvaged blood may reduce the number of units of allogeneic blood used. Given the short supply of allogeneic blood and its risks of transmitting disease, intra-operative and postoperative blood salvage carries clear advantages.
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J Orthop Surg (Hong Kong) · Apr 2005
The need for multidisciplinary management of patients with upper thoracic spine fractures caused by high-velocity impact: a review of 32 surgically stabilised cases.
To analyse the characteristics of patients who underwent surgery for fractures of the upper thoracic spine (T1-T6) in our institution. The thoracic spine is supported by the rib cage and associated ligaments; therefore, displacement and fracture of the upper thoracic spine in healthy young adults require a great force. The relatively narrow spinal canal around the spinal cord in this area could result in severe neurological deficit should fractures occur. ⋯ High-velocity fractures of the upper thoracic spine are injuries with devastating consequences, and can result in severe neurological deficit and concomitant injuries. These patients are best treated by a multidisciplinary approach.