Orthopedics
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This article presents an unusual case of arachnoiditis ossificans after spinal surgery. A case of arachnoiditis ossificans secondary to lumbar fixation and decompression surgery for the treatment of multilevel lumbar fractures is reported and the relevant literature is reviewed. A 29-year-old man who previously underwent posterior pedicle screw fixation and fusion for multiple lumbar spine fractures reported lower back stiffness and discomfort 23 months postoperatively. ⋯ The authors report a case of arachnoiditis ossificans secondary to lumbar fixation and decompression surgery, which involved a large region. Arachnoiditis ossificans is a relatively rare disorder with unclear etiologies and limited treatment options. Spinal surgical intervention of arachnoiditis ossificans should be carefully considered because it may lead to poor outcomes and multiple revision surgeries.
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Comparative Study
Unicortical versus bicortical locked plate fixation in midshaft clavicle fractures.
Higher rates of poor outcomes in displaced midshaft clavicle fractures treated nonoperatively have recently been reported. Along with expanding indications for operative fixation and increasing application of locked plate constructs, it is unknown whether complications related to bicortical penetration of the clavicle can be avoided using unicortical fixation. The purpose of this study is to compare the biomechanical properties of unicortical and bicortical fixation in precontoured vs manually contoured locking clavicle plates. ⋯ Significant differences also existed between plates in torsion. Unicortical locked plate fixation may be a reasonable option in the treatment of displaced midshaft clavicle fracture fixation to avoid complications associated with posteroinferior hardware penetration following clavicle fracture fixation based on the biomechanical performance of these constructs. However, it remains unclear whether these differences will be clinically significant.
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Access to musculoskeletal consultation in the emergency department (ED) is a nationwide problem. In addition, consultation from a subspecialist may be delayed or may not be available, which can slow down the ED flow and reduce patient satisfaction. The purpose of this study was to review the 1-year results of a change in the authors' institutional practice to reduce subspecialty consultation for select musculoskeletal problems while still ensuring adequate patient follow-up in orthopedic or plastic surgery clinics for patients not seen by these services in the ED. ⋯ Another patient appeared to have scapholunate widening on the injury radiograph that was not appreciated in the ED. Of the 150 patients, 51 were seen in follow-up by a subspecialist at the authors' institution. An electronic system to organize follow-up with a subspecialist allowed the ED providers to deliver safe and effective care for simple musculoskeletal injuries.
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Case Reports
Use of auxiliary locking plates for the treatment of unstable pertrochanteric femur fractures.
Pertrochanteric femur fractures are successfully treated by orthopedic surgeons worldwide, but maintaining the reduction status or fixation of the greater trochanter is sometimes difficult in unstable cases in elderly patients. Several biomechanical advantages have been reported in locking plates when compared with conventional plates; locking plates provide angular and axial stability, better rigidity, and no toggling, and they preserve periosteal blood supply. The authors describe the use of auxiliary locking plates in unstable pertrochanteric femur fractures in elderly patients. Mini locking plates are simple, straightforward, and versatile enough to be used in elderly patients.
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Articular cartilage injuries to the patella are frequent after patellar dislocation. The management of these acute cartilage injuries in the acute setting can be challenging. It is well documented that acute fixation is the optimal choice for treatment of osteochondral injuries. This article discusses the challenges and potential treatment options for acute chondral/osteochondral injuries to the patella after acute patellar dislocation.