Clinical orthopaedics and related research
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Clin. Orthop. Relat. Res. · Sep 1988
Changes in serum myoglobin levels caused by tourniquet ischemia under normothermic and hypothermic conditions.
Serum myoglobin levels have been found to be elevated for a few hours after removal of a tourniquet. In the present study, levels of serum myoglobin were measured by radioimmunoassay from local blood samples in patients who were treated with surgery of the hand in a bloodless field. ⋯ When the upper extremity was cooled with ice water before application of the tourniquet, however, the increase of serum myoglobin was statistically significantly inhibited when compared with the normothermic condition. Muscle injury due to tourniquet ischemia may be decreased by cooling of the upper extremity prior to tourniquet application.
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Clin. Orthop. Relat. Res. · Sep 1988
Radial head fractures with acute distal radioulnar dislocation. Essex-Lopresti revisited.
Seven adults with displaced radial head fractures had concurrent dislocation of the distal radioulnar joint. Because support of the radius was lost at both the elbow and wrist, proximal migration of the radius from 5 to 10 mm occurred. Different types of fractures were classified to designate the best method of restoring radial length to prevent chronic wrist pain and stiffness. ⋯ Recommendations include meticulous clinical and roentgenographic examination of the distal radioulnar joint in all patients with displaced radial head fractures. Preservation of the radial head with anatomic reduction and rigid internal fixation is preferred, but radial head replacement may be necessary in cases with extensive comminution. Radial head excision alone, though contraindicated, may be restructured by ulnar shortening and radial head prosthetic replacement.
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Clin. Orthop. Relat. Res. · Aug 1988
Case ReportsTherapeutic electrical stimulation of the lower limb by epimysial electrodes.
The problem of inadequate hip stability prevents many patients with head trauma, stroke, or spinal injury from balancing on one limb in order to take a step. There is no adequate orthotic substitute for hip instability, and electrical stimulation with surface electrodes cannot effectively activate the deep hip muscles. ⋯ Preliminary results indicate that functional muscle contractions of the deep hip muscles can be obtained with epimysial electrodes and that stimulation can be used to augment walking ability. The results demonstrate the safety and effectiveness of percutaneous electrical stimulation and contribute to the development of a practical, implanted stimulation system for patients who do not regain hip instability after an upper motor neuron lesion.
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Clin. Orthop. Relat. Res. · Jul 1988
Case ReportsManagement of posterior fracture-dislocations of the shoulder.
Posterior fracture-dislocation of the shoulder is rare. Comprehensive treatment guidelines for posterior fracture-dislocation of the shoulder with fracture of the humeral head have not been previously published. Although open reduction and internal fixation of the proximal humerus for posterior fracture-dislocation has been reported in several series, the successful reconstruction of the articular surface by rigid internal fixation of a large osteochondral fragment has not been reported. ⋯ Preoperative computed axial tomographic (CAT) scanning of the injured shoulders helped in operative planning by precisely defining the extent of the articular injury. Accurate reconstruction of the articular surface restored joint stability and gave excellent clinical results. Large humeral head osteochondral fracture fragments require accurate reduction and internal fixation.
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Clin. Orthop. Relat. Res. · May 1988
Severe open tibial fractures. Results treating 202 injuries with external fixation.
Grade III open tibial fractures are known for frequent complications and poor clinical results, yet published series are few and cite conflicting results. To address this dilemma, the authors report a prospective study of 202 consecutive Grade III tibial fractures. All injuries were treated under protocol at the authors' university with primary external fixation and serial debridement. ⋯ Ninety-three percent of the fractures united (median time, nine months) but healing times varied widely according to the amount of tissue injury and bone loss. Eighty-nine percent had satisfactory late clinical function. Results from this study, the largest series of open Grade III tibial fractures reported to date, suggest that successful staged reconstruction is now a reasonable expectation for most of these severe injuries.