Orthopedics
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Randomized Controlled Trial Multicenter Study Comparative Study
Patient-Controlled Transdermal Fentanyl Versus Intravenous Morphine Pump After Spine Surgery.
Patient-controlled analgesia (PCA) is regularly used to manage pain following major surgery. The fentanyl hydrochloride iontophoretic transdermal system (ITS) was developed to overcome some of the limitations of intravenous (IV) PCA. The small, self-adhesive, needle-free disposable system is applied to the skin on the upper arm or chest and is controlled by patients clicking a button on the device. ⋯ Ratings of satisfaction with pain control method were consistently higher for the fentanyl ITS than the IV PCA morphine. The 2 groups had a similar safety profile. These results suggest that the fentanyl ITS appears to be a safe, efficacious alternative to IV PCA in spine surgery patients.
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There has been much debate and controversy about the safety and efficacy of the topical use of tranexamic acid in primary total knee arthroplasty (TKA). The purpose of this study was to perform a meta-analysis to evaluate whether there is less blood loss and lower rates of transfusion after topical tranexamic acid administration in primary TKA. A systematic review of the electronic databases PubMed, CENTRAL, Web of Science, and Embase was undertaken. ⋯ The authors found a statistically significant reduction in blood loss and transfusion rates when using topical tranexamic acid in primary TKA. Furthermore, the currently available evidence does not support an increased risk of deep venous thrombosis or pulmonary embolism due to tranexamic acid administration. Topical tranexamic acid was effective for reducing postoperative blood loss and transfusion requirements without increasing the prevalence of thromboembolic complications.
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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.].
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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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Comparative Study
Anatomic Total Shoulder Arthroplasty Versus Reverse Total Shoulder Arthroplasty for Post-Capsulorrhaphy Arthropathy.
Post-capsulorrhaphy arthropathy is a long-term sequela that can develop after open anterior stabilization surgeries, which have historically been performed. The purpose of this study was to compare anatomic total shoulder arthroplasty (ATSA) with reverse total shoulder arthroplasty (RTSA) for the treatment of post-capsulorrhaphy arthropathy. There were 19 patients in the ATSA cohort and 20 in the RTSA cohort. ⋯ For post-capsulorrhaphy arthropathy, patients treated with ATSA and patients treated with RTSA had comparable improvements in outcome scores and range of motion. However, the complication rate was higher in the ATSA group. All complications in the ATSA cohort were related to subscapularis insufficiency and postoperative anterior instability problems, resulting in a higher revision rate in this cohort (16%) compared with the RTSA cohort (0%). [Orthopedics. 2018; 41(5):275-280.].