International orthopaedics
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Femoral-neck fracture in the elderly population is a problem that demands the attention of the orthopaedic community as life expectancy continues to increase. There are several different treatment options in use, and this variety in and of itself indicates the absence of an ideal single treatment option. Recent debate has focussed on the probable superiority of total hip arthroplasty (THA) over hemiarthroplasty for femoral-neck fracture. Clinical trials and systematic reviews of such trials have not provided a convincing answer to this question. ⋯ Our review of data from national registries supports the continued use of bipolar hemiarthroplasty in femoral-neck fracture in the elderly and identifies age, method of fixation and surgical approach as important prognostic variables in determining implant survival.
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The incidence of deep vein thrombosis, non-fatal pulmonary embolism and fatal pulmonary embolism may be as high as 61%, 10% and 2%, respectively, in patients with pelvic and acetabular injuries. A survey of the pelvic and acetabular units across the United Kingdom was performed to ascertain the thrombo-prophylaxis policy for these patients. In particular, questions were asked about different regimes on post-operative patients, conservatively managed patients and those simply discussed over the telephone. We enquired about their known rates of DVT and PE and their methods of data collection. ⋯ Despite high rates of thrombo-embolic complications in patients with pelvic and acetabular injuries there is no UK consensus on prescribing prophylaxis.
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The American College of Radiologists (ACR) recognises the value of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) as the investigation of choice in patients with a clinically suspected scaphoid fracture but normal plain radiographs. The Royal College of Radiologists (RCR) in the UK produces no similar guidelines, as evidenced by the inconsistent management of such cases in hospitals around the UK. In discussion with our musculoskeletal radiologists, we implemented new guidelines to standardise management of our patients and now report our findings. ⋯ MRI should be regarded as the gold standard investigation for patients in whom a scaphoid fracture is suspected clinically. It allows the diagnosis of occult bony and soft-tissue injuries that can present clinically as a scaphoid fracture; it also helps exclude patients with no fracture. We believe that there is a need to implement national guidelines for managing occult scaphoid fractures.
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Our aim was to assess operative treatment for post-traumatic avascular necrosis of the femoral head (ANFH) in adolescents. ⋯ Patients treated for ANFH had good medium-term outcomes after THR for total necrosis and also after VITO for partial necrosis.
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Sacroiliac screw fixation is the method of choice for the definitive treatment of unstable posterior pelvic-ring injuries; however, this technique is demanding and associated with a high risk of iatrogenic neurovascular damage. This study evaluates whether minimally invasive transiliac locked compression plate stabilisation may be an alternative to sacroiliac screw fixation in unstable posterior pelvic-ring injuries. ⋯ Minimally invasive transiliac locked compression plate stabilisation may be a good alternative to sacral screw fixation because it is quick, safe and associated with a good functional outcome.