Clinical orthopaedics and related research
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Clin. Orthop. Relat. Res. · Jun 1995
Open tibial diaphyseal fractures. Results of unreamed locked intramedullary nailing.
Forty-three high energy open tibial diaphyseal fractures were treated with unreamed locked intramedullary nails from 1989 to 1992, and were reviewed at a minimum of 1 year from injury. There were 6 Grade I, 2 Grade II, 16 Grade IIIA, 9 Grade IIIB, and 1 Grade IIIC open fractures. Ninety-eight percent of the fractures united in an average time of 6.1 months. ⋯ Complications included 49% of fractures with malunions, 12% deep infections, 41% locking screw breakages, and 20% compartment syndromes. These results are similar to those achieved with external fixation of open tibial fractures. The unreamed locked intramedullary nail has not improved the outcome of open tibial diaphyseal fractures because the biologic consequences of the injury are of greater significance than the methods or techniques of fracture stabilization.
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Clin. Orthop. Relat. Res. · Jun 1995
ReviewFractures of the fifth metatarsal. Analysis of a fracture registry.
To understand better the natural history of fractures of the fifth metatarsal, a fracture registry was established consisting of patients who had acute fractures of the fifth metatarsal. The first 100 patients were studied to develop data on the natural history of injuries to this bone, and on the results of standard treatment for those injuries. In this study, 3 fracture subtypes were identified: avulsion, true Jones' fracture, and shaft/neck fracture. ⋯ This method was, however, successful in 72% of patients (average time until union, 21.2 weeks). For the 7 patients in whom conservative treatment failed, surgical fixation at an average of 25 weeks after injury reliably achieved bony union in half the time required with cast treatment. This low-risk procedure met with higher patient satisfaction than prolonged casting.
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Clin. Orthop. Relat. Res. · Jun 1995
Nonreamed interlocked intramedullary tibial nailing. One community's experience.
Forty-nine acute displaced tibial fractures (31 closed, 18 open: 5 Grade I, 7 Grade II, 4 Grade IIIA, and 2 Grade IIIB) were treated in 1 community with a standard operative protocol using a distractor without a fracture table, and an unreamed interlocked tibial nail. Forty-six fractures healed (94%). Complications included 3 nonunions (6%), 2 deep infections (4%), 9 delayed unions (18%), 4 angular malunions (8%), 2 rotatory malunions (4%), and 12 interlocking screws bent or broke (24%). ⋯ However, static locking is required in axially unstable fractures. Early dynamization or exchange nailing and bone grafting should be considered to hasten union and avoid screw failure. The distractor is an excellent adjunctive technique for reduction and alignment of tibial shaft fractures during intramedullary nailing.
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Advances in microsurgical techniques have permitted replantation and reconstructive procedures to restore amputated or injured parts with a high degree of success in children. Despite this progress, some technical concerns remain. During a 15-year period, replantations were done in 53 children with major limb (18), hand (10), or digit (25) amputations. ⋯ The microsurgical success rate was 86.8% for replantation procedures and 96% for reconstructive procedures. Although the technical aspects and outcome of replantation attempts still differ between adults and children, there appears to be little difference in free tissue transfer. Thus, most replantation and reconstructive procedures can be attempted with a high possibility of success in children.
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Wound coverage after a complete degloving injury of the hand and fingers is 1 of the most difficult problems in hand surgery. Important structures such as tendons, nerves, and bones are exposed and will necrose if not covered adequately. The goal of treatment should be coverage with a pliable, sensitive, and cosmetically similar tissue that will allow early mobilization. ⋯ In 6 patients with degloving injuries of the thumb in whom replantation was not possible, the thumb was reconstructed using a free wraparound flap from the big toe. In 3 patients with degloving injuries of the fingers, coverage was obtained as an emergency measure using an island radial forearm flap. In conclusion, replantation should be attempted when the degloved skin is available and the vessels are not damaged; secondary reconstruction should be done as early as possible to limit the time of tendon, bone, and joint exposure.