Clinical orthopaedics and related research
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Clin. Orthop. Relat. Res. · Dec 2014
Comparative StudyIs synovial C-reactive protein a useful marker for periprosthetic joint infection?
Serum C-reactive protein (CRP) is a general marker of inflammation, and recent studies suggest that measurement of CRP in synovial fluid may be a more accurate method for diagnosing periprosthetic joint infection (PJI). ⋯ Level II, diagnostic study. See the Instructions to Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.
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Previous designs of internal bone lengthening devices have been fraught with imprecise distraction, resulting in nerve injuries, joint contractures, nonunions, and other complications. Recently, a magnet-operated PRECICE nail (Ellipse Technologies, Inc, Irvine, CA, USA) was approved by the FDA; however, its clinical efficacy is unknown. ⋯ Level IV, therapeutic study. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.
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Clin. Orthop. Relat. Res. · Dec 2014
Internal lengthening device for congenital femoral deficiency and fibular hemimelia.
Patients with congenital limb shortening can present with joint instability, soft tissue contractures, and significant leg length discrepancy. Classically, lengthening is done with external fixation, which can result in scarring, pin site infection, loss of motion, and pain. We therefore developed an alternative to this approach, a new, controllable, internal lengthening device for patients with congenital limb shortening. ⋯ Level IV, therapeutic study. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.
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Clin. Orthop. Relat. Res. · Dec 2014
Ilizarov fixator combined with an intramedullary nail for tibial nonunions with bone loss: is it effective?
Treatment of tibial nonunion with bone loss is extremely difficult. A variety of techniques have been described, but each has shortcomings, in particular prolonged external fixation time as well as serious complications such as nonunion and infection. Accordingly, we developed a technique that seeks to reduce these complications by using a circular external fixator in addition to an intramedullary nail to achieve union, limb lengthening, and stability of the regenerated segment. ⋯ Level IV, therapeutic study. See Guidelines for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.