Orthopedics
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Comparative Study
Femoral Nerve Block Versus Long-Acting Wound Infiltration in Total Knee Arthroplasty.
Multimodal wound infiltration analgesic techniques have attracted growing interest for applications in total knee arthroplasty (TKA). A benefit of using wound infiltration instead of femoral nerve block (FNB) in a multimodal pain control regimen is the limitation of muscle strength impairment to the surgical area, which will focus the pain control effort and may provide the opportunity for easier rehabilitation and earlier discharge from the hospital. The current study directly compares patients undergoing TKA who are given a continuous FNB with those who were administered an injection of liposomal bupivacaine infiltration. ⋯ The average number of narcotic doses and the total number of narcotics consumed was greater in the FNB group (P<.001). Average visual analog scale pain scores trended higher for patients in the FNB group (2.29 vs 1.93) overall and for each day postoperatively up to day 5, although the overall difference was not significant in this study sample (P=.115). The results of the current study support the conclusion that long-acting liposome bupivacaine infiltration gives comparable postoperative analgesia compared with a continuous FNB, but with significantly less narcotic medication. [Orthopedics. 2016; 39(3):e449-e455.].
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Acute proximal humeral fractures are common injuries in elderly patients. These fractures can lead to significant pain and functional loss. Nonoperative treatment offers high rates of satisfactory function and pain relief in the majority of fractures, particularly in elderly patients. ⋯ Although complications remain a concern, early results of reverse total shoulder arthroplasty for proximal humeral fractures have been promising. Future comparative outcome studies are needed to define the indications for reverse total shoulder arthroplasty instead of nonoperative and other operative options. Optimal treatment of proximal humeral fractures requires clinical judgment based on fracture characteristics, bone quality, patient factors, and surgeon experience with the array of available techniques. [Orthopedics. 2016; 39(3):e465-e473.].
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Overgrowth of epidural fat, known as spinal epidural lipomatosis (SEL), can cause symptomatic compression of the spinal cord, conus medullaris, or cauda equina. Suggested predisposing factors such as obesity, steroid use, and diabetes mellitus have been based on a few reported cases, many of which were not surgically confirmed. There is a paucity of epidemiological data in surgically confirmed cases for this disorder. ⋯ This series represents the largest of its kind reported to date. Because symptom duration was the only difference noted, it is postulated to be the result of lack of awareness of SEL. Future prospective study in a larger group of patients is warranted. [Orthopedics. 2016; 39(3):163-168.].
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Fractures of the fifth metacarpal neck, or boxer's fractures, are common, particularly among young men. Because of the high frequency of this injury, there is a considerable range of treatment options. ⋯ Cast immobilization is not superior to soft wrap without reduction in most cases. The study found that reduction and cast immobilization is not necessary for boxer's fractures. [Orthopedics. 2016; 39(3):188-192.].