Injury
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Open comminuted intraarticular distal femur fracture represents a formidable challenge for the orthopaedic surgeon for the inherent fracture complexity, soft tissue damage, and contamination. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the mid-term outcome results and safety of using the Ilizarov fixator to treat these fractures. ⋯ Ilizarov fixator was an effective treatment modality of open comminuted distal femur fractures with high union rate, adequate alignment and satisfactory functional outcomes.
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Multicenter Study
Early coagulation support protocol: A valid approach in real-life management of major trauma patients. Results from two Italian centres.
Early coagulation support (ECS) includes prompt infusion of tranexamic acid, fibrinogen concentrate, and packed red blood cells for initial resuscitation of major trauma patients. The aim of this study was to determine the effects, in terms of blood product consumption, length of stay, and in-hospital mortality, of the ECS protocol, compared to the massive transfusion protocol (MTP) in the treatment of major trauma patients. ⋯ The ECS protocol was effective in reducing blood product consumption compared to the MTP and confirmed the importance of early fibrinogen administration as a strategy of rapid coagulation. This novel approach may be adopted in real-life management of major trauma patients.
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Fractures to the anterior process of the calcaneus (APC) have long been considered rare injuries. Although recent studies have reported a higher incidence, these injuries have yet received little attention in clinical research. Only few case reports/series, all suffering multiple methodical shortcomings, exist. The aim of this study was to objectively evaluate the outcome after fractures to the APC treated by full weight bearing and to investigate the influence of fracture characteristics. ⋯ Functional treatment of fractures to the anterior process of the calcaneus yielded good to excellent results and a fast return to work in the vast majority of patients. Yet, a prolonged return to sports was noted. No significant differences regarding the outcome were observed when comparing the different fracture types or any other fracture characteristic assessed.
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The incidence of osteosynthesis is increased by volar anatomic plate used for treatment of distal radius fractures and this increases the incidence of wrist extensor tendon irritation, a postoperative complication of the aforementioned surgical technique. The purpose of this study; was to evaluate the intraoperative skyline view which is commonly used to prevent dorsal cortex penetration of distal screws during the surgical treatment of intra-articular distal radius fractures with comminuted dorsal cortex with CT (computed tomography) scanning to determine its effectiveness. In the literature review, no other study focused on similar fracture types was found. ⋯ The insertion of a distal screw 2 mm (millimeter) shorter than the length measured with the help of skyline view is considered to be a more effective method than other intraoperative methods for preventing dorsal cortex penetration. In addition, more comprehensive studies are required in order to recommend the mono-cortex fixation, in which distal screws measuring 4 mm shorter are used.
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Randomized Controlled Trial Comparative Study
A qualitative study of patients' experience of recovery after a distal femoral fracture.
This qualitative study was conducted as part of a feasibility study for TrAFFix, (ISRCTN92089567), a randomised controlled trial that will compare two surgical interventions used to fix distal femoral fractures. Our aim was to understand patients' experiences of treatment and the early phase of recovery after a distal femoral fracture. While, much is known about the experience of recovery from hip fracture, little is known about whether patients with other lower limb fragility fractures experience the same concerns and challenges. ⋯ Our findings highlight the struggle patients endure while recovering after a distal femoral fracture and the limited rehabilitative support they receive after discharge from hospital. They reinforce the need to ensure a patient feels informed about their treatment and recovery and the need for greater support for patients to manage at home and move with confidence.