J Bone Joint Surg Br
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J Bone Joint Surg Br · Jan 1989
Randomized Controlled Trial Comparative Study Clinical TrialExternal fixation or plaster for severely displaced comminuted Colles' fractures? A prospective study of anatomical and functional results.
We report a prospective, randomised, controlled trial of 50 severely displaced comminuted Colles' fractures treated by either external fixation or manipulation and plaster. Each patient was assessed radiographically throughout treatment, and functionally by an independent observer at three and six months. ⋯ This resulted in significantly improved function especially in young patients, and also a lower complication rate. We recommend the use of external fixation for young patients with comminuted displaced Colles' fractures unless manipulation and plaster show excellent reduction.
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J Bone Joint Surg Br · Jan 1988
Randomized Controlled Trial Clinical TrialTranscutaneous electrical nerve stimulation after major amputation.
We studied the effect of transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) on stump healing and postoperative and late phantom pain after major amputations of the lower limb. A total of 51 patients were randomised to one of three postoperative treatment regimens: sham TENS and chlorpromazine medication, sham TENS only, and active low frequency TENS. ⋯ There were, however, no significant differences in the analgesic requirements or reported prevalence of phantom pain between the groups during the first four weeks. The prevalence of phantom pain after active TENS was significantly lower after four months but not after more than one year.