International orthopaedics
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We followed prospectively 38 orthopaedic implants in 36 HIV-positive patients. X-rays and clinical examination were used to assess union, and observation was made for early and late wound sepsis for 12 months from the time of surgery. Two patients died of causes unrelated to the implantation, two patients had implants removed for reasons other than infection and eight cases were lost to follow-up. ⋯ It is still not certain whether or not such a risk also applies to HIV-positive patients who are not haemophiliacs and have undergone internal fixation of fractures or non-unions. This study increases the confidence that fixation in immune-compromised patients with intact skin is safe, at least for the time period that the implant is required. Further studies are required to know whether or not fixation implants should be removed.
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Randomized Controlled Trial Comparative Study Clinical Trial
The timing of tourniquet release and its influence on blood loss after total knee arthroplasty.
We performed a prospective, randomized study on 76 patients (82 knees) scheduled for total knee arthroplasty to determine the effect of tourniquet release and hemostasis on the peri- and postoperative blood loss. Patients were randomly divided in two groups. Posterior cruciate retaining tricompartmental total knee prostheses were used in all. ⋯ Mean blood drainage was 880.85 ml (320-1,315) in group 1 and 745.36 ml (220-1,175) in group 2 ( p=0.03). The mean number of blood transfusions given, hemoglobin and hematocrit values, operation time, and tourniquet time were similar in both groups. Intraoperative tourniquet release and hemostasis does not reduce total blood loss in total knee arthroplasty.
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Randomized Controlled Trial Clinical Trial
Tranexamic acid reduces blood loss after cementless total hip arthroplasty-prospective randomized study in 40 cases.
We investigated the effects of tranexamic acid in 40 patients who had received cementless total hip arthroplasty (THA) in a prospective, randomized study. In 20 patients, 1000 mg of whole-body tranexamic acid was administered intravenously 5 min before the operation started. The other 20 patients served as a control group and were operated on without tranexamic acid. ⋯ Regarding time-related changes of postoperative blood loss, significant reduction was observed during the first 2 h after surgery in the tranexamic acid group ( P<0.001). After the first 2 h, there was no significant difference between the tranexamic acid group and the control group. Preoperative administration of tranexamic acid decreased postoperative blood loss until 12 h and total bleeding in cementless THA by reduction of blood loss during the first 2 h after surgery.
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Bony metastases in patients with osteosarcoma are unusual and normally appear late in the course of the disease. We report our experience with eight such patients, four with solitary and four with multiple metastases. Those with solitary metastases were treated as new tumours with neoadjuvant chemotherapy and surgery. ⋯ Histology and response to neoadjuvant chemotherapy was similar in both the primary and metastatic lesions and is a predictive factor of outcome. Those with multiple metastases were treated by palliative measures, and none survived. We conclude that resection of solitary metastases from osteosarcoma after neoadjuvant chemotherapy can be curative.
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Comparative Study
Distraction osteogenesis by Ilizarov and unilateral external fixators in a canine model.
We studied distraction osteogenesis in canine experimental model using two types of external fixators, Ilizarov (n=6) or AO unilateral (n=9) external fixator. Distraction started 1 week after surgery (2 x 0.5 mm/day) and lasted for 3 weeks. Specimens were harvested from weeks 7 through 12. ⋯ No differences in histomorphometric parameters existed between the groups. In the study period, the bone formation was enhanced and prevailed in the distraction area. This study demonstrated the utility of the canine experimental model for the study of distraction osteogenesis.