Archives of orthopaedic and trauma surgery
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Arch Orthop Trauma Surg · Jan 1990
Open fractures of the femur treated by the pin-in-plaster technique. Contribution to the art and practice of trauma surgery in the Third World.
In order to cope with the frequent lack of adequate and sufficient external fixator systems in Third World countries, the pin-in-plaster technique was adopted and used in the management of open fractures of the femur. It consists of the use of Steinmann and Schanz pins incorporated into a plaster of Paris cast. ⋯ The advantages and disadvantages of the method are discussed. The method is recommended as an effective improvisation of the Hoffman apparatus for use in exceptional circumstances, such as war and adverse socioeconomic conditions as are found in most Third World countries.
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Arch Orthop Trauma Surg · Jan 1990
Comparative Study Clinical Trial Controlled Clinical TrialFlurbiprofen inhibits heterotopic bone formation in total hip arthroplasty.
A double-blind prospective parallel group study comparing slow-release flurbiprofen with placebo in the control of ectopic bone formation was carried out in 68 patients undergoing total hip arthroplasty. Eight weeks after surgery there was evidence, significant at the 1% level, that the incidence and extent of periarticular calcification was lower in the flurbiprofen group. At an early phase, serum calcium level decreased and after 8 weeks serum alkaline phosphatase level increased more in the placebo group than in the flurbiprofen group, indicating an effect of flurbiprofen on bone mineral metabolism. ⋯ Anti-inflammatory agents such as indomethacin and ibuprofen have turned out effective. Local irradiation also prevents ectopic bone formation, but diphosphonates seem not be effective in this respect. The aim of the present study was to assess the efficacy of flurbiprofen, a new anti-inflammatory agent, in limiting heterotopic bone formation, and to note the frequency and severity of any side effects of the treatment.
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Arch Orthop Trauma Surg · Jan 1990
Review Case ReportsBilateral posterior pendulum dislocation of the shoulder. Case report and review of the literature.
A 20-year-old patient with bilateral voluntary and involuntary dislocation of both shoulders is reported on. There was no history of significant trauma, no systemic hypermobility of joints, no signs of neurological or psychological problems, and no evidence of joint disease. According to Reischauer's classification of shoulder instabilities, the patient suffered from bilateral posterior pendulum dislocations of his shoulders. ⋯ After ruling out the possibility of psychological problems, we performed an operative stabilization by arthroscopic means. At 1-year follow-up the patient reported no recurrence, good shoulder musculature, and no disability at work. This result confirms the unsuspicious psychological evaluation and our therapeutic management.
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Arch Orthop Trauma Surg · Jan 1990
Randomized Controlled Trial Clinical TrialAntibiotic prophylaxis in lower-extremity amputations due to ischemia. A prospective, randomized trial of cephalothin versus methicillin.
The efficiency of prophylactic antibiotic therapy in amputation surgery was studied in a prospective, randomized trial of a first-generation cephalosporin (cephalothin) compared with a narrow-spectrum beta-lactam stable penicillin (methicillin). Eighty-eight patients received cephalothin 2 g X 4 on the day of operation, while 86 patients received methicillin 1 g X 4. The patients were followed up for 21 days. ⋯ The reamputation frequency was 18.2% in the cephalothin group compared with 12.8% in the methicillin group; the frequency of below-knee reamputation was 18.4% versus 7.7% (P = 0.1469). No clostridial infections were found. The study did not demonstrate any significant difference between cephalothin and methicillin in the prophylaxis for lower-extremity amputations, although the latter drug tended to be the best choice.
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Arch Orthop Trauma Surg · Jan 1990
Review Case ReportsIrreducible dorsal dislocation of the metatarsophalangeal joint of the hallux.
Irreducible dorsal dislocation of the metatarsophalangeal joint of the hallux is a rare injury. A case is presented and the literature is reviewed, with emphasis on pathomechanics and treatment alternatives.