Clinical orthopaedics and related research
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Clin. Orthop. Relat. Res. · Dec 2011
A reliable radiographic measurement technique for extra-articular scapular fractures.
Currently, neither well-defined nor standardized measurement techniques exist for assessing deformity of extra-articular scapular fractures. To properly evaluate these injuries, compare observations across studies, and make clinical decisions, a validated measurement protocol for evaluating scapular fractures is needed. ⋯ Level IV, diagnostic study. See Guidelines for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.
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Clin. Orthop. Relat. Res. · Dec 2011
Multicenter StudyIs reverse shoulder arthroplasty appropriate for the treatment of fractures in the older patient? Early observations.
The treatment of comminuted proximal humerus fractures in older patients is challenging. Variable values of functional outcomes scores, ROMs, patient satisfaction, and bony healing have been reported with conventional techniques, including open reduction and internal fixation, percutaneous pinning, and hemiarthroplasty. Another alternative is reverse total shoulder arthroplasty, although it is unclear whether this provides better ROM or function. ⋯ Level IV, therapeutic study. See Guidelines for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.
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Clin. Orthop. Relat. Res. · Dec 2011
Precontoured superior locked plating of distal clavicle fractures: a new strategy.
The ideal management of fractures of the distal third of the clavicle remains a topic of debate. Locked plating is a new treatment method but is not yet widely studied. ⋯ Level IV, therapeutic study. See Guidelines for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.
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Clin. Orthop. Relat. Res. · Dec 2011
Precontoured plating of clavicle fractures: decreased hardware-related complications?
Operative treatment of displaced midshaft clavicle fractures reportedly decreases the risk of symptomatic malunion, nonunion, and residual shoulder disability. Plating these fractures, however, may trade these complications for hardware-related problems. Low-profile anatomically precontoured plates may reduce the rates of plate prominence and hardware removal. ⋯ Level III, therapeutic study. See Guidelines for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.
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Clin. Orthop. Relat. Res. · Dec 2011
Diagnostic performance tests for suspected scaphoid fractures differ with conventional and latent class analysis.
Evaluation of the diagnostic performance characteristics of radiographic tests for diagnosing a true fracture among suspected scaphoid fractures is hindered by the lack of a consensus reference standard. Latent class analysis is a statistical method that takes advantage of unobserved, or latent, classes in the data that can be used to determine diagnostic performance characteristics when there is no consensus reference (gold) standard. ⋯ Level II, prognostic study. See the Guidelines for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.