Orthopedics
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Fractures of the proximal humerus are common and the treatment for both displaced and comminuted variants remains controversial. Treatment options initially consisted of closed reduction, traction, casting, and abduction splints. In the early 1930s, operative treatment for displaced fractures gained popularity, which continued in the 1940s and 1950s. ⋯ During the surgical procedure, the patient's humeral head was completely extruded from the body through a posterior incision and then reduced back to the proximal humerus through the standard anterior deltopectoral approach. After 4 years of follow-up, the patient remains pain free, has functional range of motion, and is without signs of osteonecrosis on plain radiographs. This case illustrates that even with complete disruption of the vascular supply to the humeral head, revascularization after osteosynthesis is possible. [Orthopedics. 2016; 39(4):e779-e782.].
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Randomized Controlled Trial Comparative Study
Comparison of 3 Minimally Invasive Methods for Distal Tibia Fractures.
This study compared the results of external fixation combined with limited open reduction and internal fixation (EF + LORIF), minimally invasive percutaneous plate osteosynthesis (MIPPO), and intramedullary nailing (IMN) for distal tibia fractures. A total of 84 patients with distal tibia shaft fractures were randomized to operative stabilization using EF + LORIF (28 cases), MIPPO (28 cases), or IMN (28 cases). The 3 groups were comparable with respect to patient demographics. ⋯ Although EF + LORIF was associated with fewer secondary procedures vs MIPPO or IMN, it was related with more pin-tract infections (14.3%). Findings indicated that EF + LORIF, MIPPO, and IMN all achieved similar good functional results. However, EF + LORIF had some advantages over MIPPO and IMN in reducing operative and radiation times, postoperative complications, and reoperation rate. [Orthopedics. 2016; 39(4):e627-e633.].
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Osteomyelitis of the clavicle is a rare entity with a broad differential diagnosis and high potential for complications if not diagnosed promptly and treated appropriately. The threshold for surgical intervention should be low to prevent osteonecrosis and bony resorption. In addition, although rare, life-threatening complications have been reported. ⋯ This ruled out malignancy but was not curative, and the subperiosteal abscess recurred within 24 hours, prompting formal operative irrigation and debridement. The patient was seen for 12-month follow-up and has had no complications or evidence of recurrence. This case emphasizes the need for a high index of suspicion to prevent diagnostic delays as well as the importance of a low threshold for surgical debridement to minimize the potential for complications that could prolong the treatment course. [Orthopedics. 2016; 39(4):e760-e763.].
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For decades, the average hospital stay following total joint arthroplasty (TJA) has been getting shorter. The historical standard was several weeks of hospitalization, yet improvements in perioperative care have reduced the average length of stay to a few days. Medicare recognizes a 3-day inpatient stay as the standard of care following hip or knee replacement. ⋯ Although 16 (31.4%) of 51 patients reported minor adverse events in the postanesthesia care unit, specifically nausea and/or pain, early intervention permitted 50 (98.0%) of 51 patients to be discharged home, on average 176 minutes after surgery, with 1 patient discharged to a rehabilitation facility as arranged prior to surgery. There were no major adverse events in the 90-day perioperative period, and although 1 (2.0%) patient was hospitalized for persistent incisional drainage, none required admission for pain. This study examines the strict eligibility criteria and perioperative analgesia protocols that permit successful outpatient TJA. [Orthopedics. 2016; 39(4):223-228.].