Injury
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Septic arthritis following intra-capsular penetration of the knee by external fixation devices is a complication of traction/fixation devices inserted in the lower extremity [1,2]. The authors were unable to find reference to or exact measurements of the capsular attachments relating to the distal femur documented in the current literature. This study aimed to demonstrate the capsular attachments and reflections of the distal femur to determine safe placements of wires or traction devices. ⋯ Capsular reflections varied among specimens. Medially the capsule attachment was up to 74% of diameter of distal femur at the level of the adductor tubercle. Therefore, the insertion of distal femoral traction pins or similar should be placed proximal to the adductor tubercle and no further than 25% of the distance to the anterior cortex. Care is also needed to ensure pins do not travel to exit too anteriorly on the lateral side as capsular attachments were found to be up to a distance 48% of the diameter of the femur from anterior reference point. Distal condylar extra-articular fixation with Schanz screws is feasible if orientated in the oblique plane.
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Minimally invasive plate osteosynthesis (MIPO) using a locking plate has been widely used for distal femur fractures in the elderly with osteoporosis and yielded favourable results. However, implant failure and subsequent periplate fracture have still occurred owing to the controversy of concepts regarding locked plating. The treatment after failed MIPO in elderly patients is very challenging and has been not yet addressed definitely in the literature, although several options can be considered. We report the successful outcomes of two cases treated with overlapping intramedullary (IM) nailing for implant failure and periplate fracture after MIPO for osteoporotic distal femur fracture, along with simple tips of distal interlocking of IM nail.
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Randomized Controlled Trial Comparative Study
A prospective randomised study comparing TightRope and syndesmotic screw fixation for accuracy and maintenance of syndesmotic reduction assessed with bilateral computed tomography.
The accuracy and maintenance of syndesmosis reduction are essential when treating ankle fractures with accompanying syndesmosis injuries. The primary aim of this study was to compare syndesmosis screw and TightRope fixation in terms of accuracy and maintenance of syndesmosis reduction using bilateral computed tomography (CT). ⋯ Syndesmotic screw and TightRope had similar postoperative malreduction rates. However, intraoperative CT scanning of ankles with TightRope fixation was misleading due to dynamic nature of the fixation. After at least 2 years of follow-up, malreduction rates may slightly increase when using trans-syndesmotic screw fixation, but reduction was well maintained when fixed with TightRope. Neither the incidence of ankle joint osteoarthritis nor functional outcome significantly differed between the fixation methods.
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Review
Management of upper cervical spine fractures in elderly patients: current trends and outcomes.
Upper cervical spine fractures in the elderly represent serious injuries. Their frequency is on the rise. Their early accurate diagnosis might be compromised by the existence of extensive degenerative changes and deformities. ⋯ Surgical treatment got a mortality rate from 0 to 40.0%, and a morbidity rate from 10.3 to 62.5%. Non-union rate ranged between 8.9 to 62.5%. Elderly patients with upper cervical spine fractures must be notified that these injuries are associated with high incidence of non-union, morbidity and mortality.
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Review
Prehospital fluid resuscitation in hypotensive trauma patients: Do we need a tailored approach?
The ideal strategy for prehospital intravenous fluid resuscitation in trauma remains unclear. Fluid resuscitation may reverse shock but aggravate bleeding by raising blood pressure and haemodilution. We examined the effect of prehospital i.v. fluid on the physiologic status and need for blood transfusion in hypotensive trauma patients after their arrival in the emergency department (ED). ⋯ In hypotensive trauma patients, prehospital i.v. fluids were associated with a reduction of likelihood of shock upon arrival in ED. However, volumes of >1L were associated with a markedly increased likelihood of receiving blood transfusion in ED. Therefore, decision making regarding prehospital i.v. fluid resuscitation is critical and may need to be tailored to the individual situation. Further research is needed to clarify whether a causal relationship exists between prehospital i.v. fluid volume and blood transfusion. Also, prospective trials on prehospital i.v. fluid resuscitation strategies in specific patient subgroups (e.g. traumatic brain injury and concomitant haemorrhage) are warranted.