Clinical orthopaedics and related research
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Clin. Orthop. Relat. Res. · Oct 2005
Clinical TrialIs the proximal femoral nail a suitable implant for treatment of all trochanteric fractures?
We reviewed 155 consecutive patients who were treated with a proximal femoral nail from 1997 to 2001 to determine the rate of implant specific complications. Results were stratified according to fracture type and surgeon experience to determine which problems occurred in these groups. One year postoperative followup was available for 129 of 132 surviving patients (98%). ⋯ General complications and intraoperative problems were seen more often with subtrochanteric fractures. Because the high reoperation rate with the proximal femoral nail is a concern, extramedullary devices continue to be the preferred implants for treatment of stable trochanteric fractures. The low rates of femoral shaft fractures and failure of fixation suggest the proximal femoral nail is useful for treatment of unstable trochanteric and subtrochanteric fractures.
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Clin. Orthop. Relat. Res. · Oct 2005
Clinical TrialManagement of calcaneal fracture using the Ilizarov technique.
Treating calcaneal fractures nonoperatively versus operatively is controversial. The aim of open reduction is to reduce the articular surface and to restore the calcaneal bone anatomy to recover its function. The disadvantages of open reduction include wound complications, risk of screw penetration of the articular surface and peroneal tendons, and irritation by the fixation plate. ⋯ Both groups had similar functional and radiographic outcomes. The internal fixation group had a higher complication rate. The Ilizarov apparatus for reduction and fixation seems to be a safe and effective alternative to open reduction and internal fixation in patients with poor skin condition.
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Clin. Orthop. Relat. Res. · Oct 2005
Preoperative characteristics identify patients with hip fractures at risk of transfusion.
Routine cross-matching places substantial demands on limited blood resources. The primary objective of this study was to identify patients with hip fractures at risk of transfusion, which may allow implementation of a more selective cross-matching policy. We also sought to determine the hemoglobin level that triggered a transfusion, the rate of urgent (intraoperative) transfusions, and these patients' characteristics. ⋯ Although 30% (37/124) of patients received transfusions, only 5% (six of 124) received transfusions intraoperatively, and the majority of these patients (five of six) had at least two risk factors of transfusion. Routine cross-matching for patients with hip fractures requiring surgery can safely be converted to cross-matching on demand in all but high-risk patients. Restrictive cross-matching policies would improve costs in healthcare delivery and prevent unnecessary use of blood resources.