Clinical orthopaedics and related research
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Clin. Orthop. Relat. Res. · Jul 2006
Case Reports Comparative StudyMedial fibula transport with the Ilizarov frame to treat massive tibial bone loss.
Massive segmental tibial bone loss from trauma, tumor, or infection is a limb-threatening situation. It is a considerable surgical challenge, especially when associated with extensive skin and soft tissue damage. Amputation was the only solution in the past, but current limb-salvage options include contralateral or ipsilateral microvascularized or free-fibular transfer. However, these methods are not without risks and disadvantages. We report seven patients with massive tibial bone loss treated by gradual medial transport of the ipsilateral fibula using an Ilizarov traction apparatus with olive wires after proximal and distal fibular osteotomies. This method has the advantages of avoiding surgery on the contralateral limb while allowing early weightbearing because of the stability of the Ilizarov frame. Hypertrophy of the transported fibula accompanied by full weightbearing and satisfactory joint motion occurred in all patients. All patients were satisfied with the results, and none thought amputation would have been a better treatment. The minimum followup was 5 years. We think the Ilizarov frame for ipsilateral fibular gradual transport is a reasonable alternative for limb salvage in patients with massive tibial bone loss. ⋯ Therapeutic Study, Level IV (case series). See the Guidelines for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.
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Clin. Orthop. Relat. Res. · Jul 2006
Case ReportsCase reports: polymethylmethacrylate lung embolus after limb-salvage surgery of the distal femur.
Limb-salvage surgery for malignant tumors frequently involves reconstruction with an endoprosthesis anchored to bone by using third-generation cementing techniques. A 10-year-old boy with osteosarcoma had a pulmonary embolus caused by polymethylmethacrylate after having limb-salvage surgery that used high-pressure cementing techniques. ⋯ A thoracotomy for resection of suspected metastatic osteosarcoma revealed a pulmonary infarct caused by cement embolization. Awareness of this potential complication should prompt investigation of possible pulmonary embolism and may prevent unnecessary thoracotomy.
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Clin. Orthop. Relat. Res. · Jul 2006
Comment Letter Case ReportsOsteosarcoma without radiographic evidence of tumor.
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Clin. Orthop. Relat. Res. · Jul 2006
Comparative StudyPrevalence and risk factors for symptomatic thromboembolic events after shoulder arthroplasty.
Deep venous thrombosis and pulmonary embolism after shoulder arthroplasty are not well described. We sought to identify the frequency of deep venous thrombosis and pulmonary embolisms in patients after shoulder arthroplasties to compare these rates with the frequency of deep venous thrombosis and pulmonary embolisms among patients who had total hip and total knee arthroplasties, and to identify associated risk factors. The New York State Department of Health Statewide Planning and Research Cooperative System database was used to identify hospital admissions of patients having shoulder, hip, or knee arthroplasties between 1985 and 2003 with or without an associated diagnostic code for deep venous thrombosis or pulmonary embolism. This resulted in a retrospective cohort of 328,301 procedures. The frequency of deep venous thrombosis was 5.0 per 1000 procedures for shoulder arthroplasties compared with 15.7 for hip arthroplasties and 26.9 for knee arthroplasties. The frequency of pulmonary embolisms was 2.3 for shoulder arthroplasties, 4.2 for hip arthroplasties, and 4.4 for knee arthroplasties. Increasing age, trauma, and cancer were risk factors for thromboembolic events after shoulder arthroplasties. Although the absolute rates of thromboembolic complications were less in patients who had shoulder arthroplasties compared with those of patients who had lower extremity procedures, a larger percentage of these complications were pulmonary embolisms. Perioperative antithrombotic prophylaxis may be beneficial to reduce the frequency of deep venous thrombosis and pulmonary embolisms among patients having shoulder arthroplasties, particularly in higher-risk groups. ⋯ Prognostic study, Level II (retrospective study). See the Guidelines for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.