Orthopedics
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Case Reports Randomized Controlled Trial Comparative Study Clinical Trial
Use of an advanced formulation of beta-tricalcium phosphate as a bone extender in interbody lumbar fusion.
Despite numerous advances in the development of bone graft substitutes over the past 20 years, iliac crest autograft remains the gold standard for lumbar spinal fusion. However, donor site morbidity associated with the harvesting of iliac crest autograft remains problematic. Acute and chronic pain, prolonged operative time, bleeding, infection, deformity, and nerve and vascular injury still produce significant postoperative morbidity, even in the presence of careful surgical technique. ⋯ This study presents a retrospective review of 7 patients who underwent anterior (ALIF) or posterior (PLIF) interbody fusion at 12 levels with a 3- to 6-month follow-up. At the patients' last radiographic examination, all 12 levels were solidly fused with interbody grafting material consisting only of allograft plus a combination of ultraporous beta-TCP and venous blood as an extender. Additionally, all 7 patients had segmental pedicle-screw fixation.
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Randomized Controlled Trial Comparative Study Clinical Trial
Postoperative pain control in total joint arthroplasty: a prospective, randomized study of a fixed-dose, around-the-clock, oral regimen.
This randomized, prospective study assessed postoperative pain control in 119 patients undergoing total joint arthroplasty. Group 1 (59 patients) received scheduled, around-the-clock, oral opioids and group 2 (60 patients) received oral opioids on an as-needed basis. Both groups had parenteral opioids available for breakthrough pain. ⋯ Differences were significant in sensory scores (AM day 1; AM and PM day 2), affective scores (PM day 2), total pain (PM day 2), visual analog scale (PM day 2), and present pain intensity index (AM day 1; PM day 2). Group 1 averaged 2.05 breakthrough pain doses and group 2 averaged 3.47 doses (P=.003), an average savings of 17.2% of the cost of pain medications during the first 2 postoperative days. The results indicate that scheduled, around-the-clock, oral opioids are an effective treatment regimen for postoperative pain control in total joint arthroplasty patients.
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Randomized Controlled Trial Comparative Study Clinical Trial
Assessing the outcomes: what really works?
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Randomized Controlled Trial Clinical Trial
The role of fixation of the fibula in open fractures of the tibial shaft with fractures of the ipsilateral fibula: indications and outcomes.
To determine the indications for fibular fixation in cases of combined fractures of the tibia and fibula and the effect of fibular fixation on tibial healing, a retrospective study of open fractures of the tibial shaft with concomitant fibula fractures was conducted at a level one trauma center. Apparent indications for fibular fixation included the presence of a syndesmotic injury and location of fracture within the distal third of the fibula. ⋯ These results suggest that fixation of the fibula in open fractures of the tibia and fibula has no effect on fracture healing or alignment. A randomized, prospective study is needed to properly validate these findings.
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Randomized Controlled Trial Multicenter Study Comparative Study Clinical Trial
A comparison of danaparoid and warfarin for prophylaxis against deep vein thrombosis after total hip replacement: The Danaparoid Hip Arthroplasty Investigators Group.
Orgaran (danaparoid sodium injection) is a novel antithrombotic agent. Early studies suggest that this compound may be beneficial in preventing deep vein thrombosis in predisposed patients. This multicenter, randomized, assessor blinded, clinical trial compared subcutaneous danaparoid with warfarin for the prevention of deep vein thrombosis in patients undergoing hip replacement surgery. ⋯ The incidence of venographically documented proximal deep vein thrombosis was 1.5% for danaparoid and 4.1% for warfarin. These results demonstrate that danaparoid is more effective than warfarin in preventing deep vein thrombosis following hip replacement surgery. The preoperative administration of danaparoid does not increase surgical blood loss compared with warfarin.