Journal of orthopaedics
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Journal of orthopaedics · Mar 2018
Stress radiographs for evaluating acromioclavicular joint separations in an active-duty patient population: What have we learned?
Acromioclavicular (AC) joint separation is a common entity in athletic patient populations. The surgical treatment of these injuries varies based upon extent of injury, with numerous imaging modalities recommended to differentiate injury severity and treatment options. The use of weighted stress radiographs is controversial in the diagnostic evaluation of AC separation with previous consensus recommending against their use. No study to date has investigated the clinical utilization of diagnostic studies in the evaluation of AC joint separations in a military surgeon population. ⋯ This study identified substantial practice variation amongst military surgeons treating a relatively homogenous population with AC joint separations, reflective of a lack of definitive evidence to guide diagnosis and treatment. Overall, nonoperative management is the preferred initial approach for Type III injuries and operative treatment is the preferred initial approach for Type V injuries. The diagnostic evaluation varied across the surgeon cohort, but 87% elected against the use of weighted stress radiographs for the evaluation of AC joint separations, with only 10% relying upon them to dictate their recommended treatment. Future research identifying optimal diagnosis and treatment of AC joint separations is needed.
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Journal of orthopaedics · Mar 2018
Periprosthetic hip fractures: A review of the economic burden based on length of stay.
With the increasing rates of total hip replacements being performed worldwide, there is an increasing incidence of periprosthetic fractures. As our patients' demographics change to include older patients with multiple medical co-morbidities, there is a concurrent increase in morbidity and mortality rates. This leads to longer hospital stays and increasing hospital costs. In the current economic climate, the cost of treating periprosthetic fractures must be addressed and appropriate resource and funding allocation for future provision of services should be planned. ⋯ The prolonged length of stay associated with Vancouver B2 and B3 fractures leads to increased costs to the healthcare service. Accurately calculating the costs of total treatment for periprosthetic fractures is difficult due to a lack of transparency around implant and staffing costs. However, as we can expect increasing incidence of periprosthetic fractures presenting in the coming years it is paramount that we make financial provisions within healthcare budgets to ensure we can treat these patients appropriately.
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Journal of orthopaedics · Jun 2017
Plating of pilon fractures based on the orientation of the fibular shaft component: A biomechanical study evaluating plate stiffness in a cadaveric fracture model.
To evaluate mechanically superior method of pilon fracture fixation by comparing axial stiffness between anterolateral and medial tibial locking plates in a cadaveric fracture model. ⋯ Lateral plate fixation is biomechanically superior for pilon fractures resulting from valgus force as evident by comminuted fibular fracture. Similarly, medial plate location resulted in improved stiffness in compression for varus type fractures, evident by transverse fibular fracture. We approached statistical significance, however our lack of power regarding adequate sample size is an issue that is consistent with other biomechanical studies in this area.
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Journal of orthopaedics · Mar 2017
Treatment of atrophic femoral non-unions according to the diamond concept: Results of one- and two-step surgical procedure.
The treatment of non-unions in long bones poses a great challenge, particularly in cases of infection or large osseous defects. This article evaluates the use of the diamond concept in the treatment of femoral non-unions in a one-step or two-step procedure according to the Masquelet technique. ⋯ One-step therapy is a suitable method of treatment for aseptic femoral non-unions with small osseous defects, using BMP-7 and RIA in the case of primarily failed atrophic non-union treatment. The Masquelet technique is an efficient means of eradicating infections in non-unions. In combination with intramedullary nailing, this technique is the method of choice for the treatment of femoral shaft non-unions with large defects.
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Journal of orthopaedics · Mar 2017
Early results of the LPS™ limb preservation system in the management of periprosthetic femoral fractures.
Achieving skeletal fixation in the presence of progressive bone loss is a surgical challenge, especially in cases of periprosthetic fracture (PPF). Unpredictable fracture patterns and preexisting bone loss frequently combine in this patient group. Megaprosthetic arthroplasty allows for immediate mobilisation and shorter periods of rehabilitation. We describe the clinical outcomes of a cohort of LPS™ megaprostheses performed for PPF by a single surgeon at our institution. ⋯ We report minimal postoperative changes in functional outcome scores. The results of revision arthroplasty with LPS™ proximal femur megaprosthesis were satisfactory in 15/16 patients at a mean follow-up of 19.2 months. We recommend the use of megaprostheses in patients with markedly deficient bone stock for whom other available reconstructive procedures are unavailable.