Injury
-
Despite recent advances in implants and surgical techniques, catastrophic and clinical failures in the treatment of intertrochanteric fractures continue to occur, with dire consequences in an overall frail population subset. The aim of the current study is to evaluate the effect of the factors under the surgeons' control, namely fracture reduction and implant selection, on the biomechanical behavior of fracture fixation constructs. ⋯ In stable two-part (AO31.A2) fractures the use of the SHS appears to be biomechanically equivalent to CMN. In unstable, anatomically reduced fractures, the use of CMN leads to significantly reduced cancellous bone stresses and decreased rotation of the proximal fragment during loading. A reduction in varus should be avoided at all costs. In unstable fractures treated with SHS a reduction in slight valgus appears to be biomechanically beneficial. The highest implant angle that allows for proper screw position and trajectory in the femoral head should be used for stable fractures with both implants and unstable fractures treated with Gamma3®.
-
Despite the plausibility that diabetes may increase the risk of motor vehicle crashes (MVCs) due to various diabetes related complications and co-morbidity, findings from epidemiological studies on the relationship between diabetes and MVCs remained inclusive mainly due to heterogeneity in the study design and failure to complete consideration of potential confounders. This study re-visited this putative association with an improved study design. ⋯ T2D diagnosis was associated with a moderate but significant increase in the risk of MVCs among scooter drivers, but not among car drivers.
-
A large proportion of hip fractures involve inter-trochanteric fractures which are managed by cephalomedullary nails. There is ongoing debate about the advantages and disadvantages of locked versus unlocked long cephalomedullary femoral nails in the treatment of intertrochanteric fractures. The objectives of our study are to evaluate the biomechanical effects of a distal interlocking bolt on the type of peri-implant fractures in a healed intertrochanteric fracture with long cephalomedullary nail fixation. ⋯ Distal-locked long cephalomedullary nails in a healed intertrochanteric fracture model are able to tolerate higher compressive stress at the point of failure but demonstrate more complex peri-implant fracture patterns in the femoral head-neck region as compared to unlocked specimens.
-
Ponticulus posticus (PP) is a variation of the bone bridge that appears in the first cervical vertebra and through which the vertebral artery passes. Odontoid fractures are common spinal bone fractures in older people. This study aims to investigate the effect of neck movements on the odontoid and transverse atlantal ligament (TAL) of people with PP variation from a biomechanical view. ⋯ The greatest stresses and deformations obtained in spines (AC) with PP were found in the odontoid. This may help explain the pathogenesis of odontoid fractures in older people. First, this study explains the mechanism of the formation of neck trauma in people with PP and the need for a more careful evaluation of the direction of impact. Secondly, the study reveals that the rotational motion of the neck independent of PP has more negative effects on the odontoid.
-
Pain and hemorrhage are common in midshaft femoral fractures. Traction splints (TSs) can reduce pain and control hemorrhage, but evidence of their effectiveness in femoral fractures is still lacking. Through a systematic review, we aimed to analyze and discuss the potential role of TSs in the prehospital and emergency department (ED) setting. ⋯ TS use is associated with a decreased necessity for blood transfusions and fewer pulmonary complications. No favorable effects were found in terms of pain relief. We recommend the use of TSs in situations where one is likely to encounter a femoral fracture as well as when the time to definitive treatment is long. Further well-designed studies are required to validate these recommendations.