Injury
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The treatment of isolated ulnar fractures remains controversial, with different authors recommending both surgical and non-surgical management. We undertook a systematic review of the current literature in order to assess whether any conclusions can be drawn. A total of 33 series involving 1876 patients were identified as suitable for analysis. ⋯ However, these have not been verified in clinical studies. Compression plate fixation gave reliable results in these cases. Other methods lacked sufficient published data to be recommended.
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The objective of this project was to study the effect of a "fast tracking protocol" on the time spent in the A&E department by patients with hip fractures. A review of 104 patients with hip fractures admitted via the A&E department between March 1997 and September 1997 (7 months) in a District General Hospital (Alexandra Hospital, Redditch) showed that many patients spent more than 2 h lying on uncomfortable trolleys in the department. A fast tracking protocol was devised for a quicker as well as safe transfer of these patients to the ward. ⋯ In conclusion, the fast tracking protocol significantly reduces time spent in the A&E department by patients with isolated hip fractures. There is also a significant increase in the number of patients transferred within the hour. This has numerous benefits for the patients as well as the A&E department.