Orthopedics
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Randomized Controlled Trial
Cervical disk arthroplasty versus ACDF for preoperative reducible kyphosis.
Cervical total disk arthroplasty has proven to be an effective and safe alternative for anterior cervical diskectomy and fusion (ACDF) for the treatment of cervical disk degenerative disease. However, whether and when cervical disk arthroplasty is indicated for preoperative cervical spine kyphosis is unclear. In the authors' clinical experiences, preoperative kyphosis can generally be divided into reducible and irreducible forms according to the results of dynamic flexion-extension lateral radiographs. ⋯ However, the sagittal alignment of the overall cervical spine and the treated segment and the Neck Disability Index score significantly improved after 6 months in the arthroplasty group but not in the ACDF group. Therefore, preoperative reducible kyphosis is not a contraindication for cervical total disk arthroplasty. However, neck strength-building exercises should be emphasized for the postoperative rehabilitation after cervical total disk arthroplasty.
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Comparative Study
Superior versus anteroinferior plating of clavicle fractures.
Plate fixation of displaced clavicle fractures has proven to be reliable and reproducible, leading to high union rates and a low rate of associated complications. However, the decision of whether to place the plate superiorly or anteroinferiorly on the clavicle has remained controversial. The authors performed a retrospective review on a consecutive series of patients who underwent plate fixation for a displaced midshaft clavicle fracture at a Level I urban trauma center. ⋯ Implant removal occurred more frequently after superior plating but was not significant. Both superior and anteroinferior clavicle plating are safe treatment methods for displaced clavicle fractures. Superior plating leads to an increased rate of patient-reported implant prominence and may prompt more requests for implant removal.
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Clinical Trial
Posterior acetabular column and quadrilateral plate fractures: fixation with tension band principles.
Acetabular fractures can be classified into 5 simple and 5 associated fracture patterns. A significant amount of variation and complexity exists in these fractures patterns. Fractures of the posterior wall are the most common acetabular fractures. ⋯ Radiologic results were excellent in 50% of patients and good in 17% of patients. Radiologically, based on the fracture gap postoperatively, 8 (66%) patients showed anatomic reduction, 2 (17%) showed good reduction, and 2 (17%) showed poor reduction. The study confirms that this method of reconstruction facilitates accurate and firm reduction of displaced posterior wall fractures of the acetabulum.
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Intramedullary nailing is one of the most convenient biological options for treating distal femoral fractures. Because the distal medulla of the femur is wider than the middle diaphysis and intramedullary nails cannot completely fill the intramedullary canal, intramedullary nailing of distal femoral fractures can be difficult when trying to obtain adequate reduction. Some different methods exist for achieving reduction. ⋯ The main purpose of using blocking screws is to achieve reduction, but they are also useful for maintaining permanent reduction. When inserting blocking screws, the screws must be placed 1 to 3 cm away from the fracture line to avoid from propagation of the fracture. When applied properly and in an adequate way, blocking screws provide an efficient solution for deformities encountered during intramedullary nailing of distal femur fractures.