Journal of surgical orthopaedic advances
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The objective of this study was to determine demographic characteristics and epidemiology of hand, wrist, and forearm fracture patients treated in the emergency departments (EDs) to identify the at-risk populations. The Nationwide Emergency Department Sample database collected by the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality was used to estimate ED visits for hand, wrist, and forearm fractures during 2008. The overall rate of ED visits for these injuries was 54 per 10,000 population. ⋯ A secondary increase in ED visits occurred at age 50 and rose with age. Metacarpals were the most common fracture location in adults aged 16 to 25, while radius and ulna were the most common fracture location in all other age groups. Demographic analysis identified children, adult males aged 16 to 25, and the elderly as target populations for preventive interventions.
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The objective of this study was to review the use of liposomal bupivacaine as a multimodal pain management adjunct following hallux valgus surgery. The study was a prospective review of a consecutive series of patients who underwent hallux valgus surgery and received liposomal bupivacaine. From postoperative day (POD) 1 to 4, pain scores, number of narcotic rescue pills used, and adverse events were recorded. ⋯ One adverse event and one wound complication occurred. Liposomal bupivacaine may be a safe and useful adjunct in a multimodal pain regimen for patients undergoing hallux valgus surgery. More rigorous studies are needed to determine its efficacy, safety profile, and cost-effectiveness compared to placebo.
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Liposomal bupivacaine, a slow-releasing form of bupivacaine, is proving to be effective and safe for postsurgical pain management. It can provide great benefit and patient satisfaction because of its long-duration local analgesia by a single infiltration for up to 72 hours. A technical tip and application considerations of liposomal bupivacaine in total ankle arthroplasties are described.
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In chronic pectoralis tendon tears, primary repair may not be possible and allograft reconstruction may be required. The goal of this study was to report the authors' experience with chronic pectoralis major tendon reconstructions using an Achilles tendon allograft in three military patients. Three consecutive patients presenting with chronic, complete pectoralis major tendon tears underwent reconstruction by a single surgeon using the same described technique at a mean of 22.2 months after initial injury. ⋯ All patients returned to full active duty military service and recreational weight lifting by 6 months. Achilles allograft reconstruction of chronic pectoralis major tendon ruptures is a viable treatment option. Good to excellent results can be achieved in active patients, even when reconstruction is performed nearly 2 years from the time of injury.
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Scapular winging resulting from long thoracic nerve palsy is a painful, disabling condition often associated with periscapular weakness and decreased active shoulder range of motion. Observation, therapy, and symptomatic treatment have customarily been the recommended treatment, often with disappointing results. Recently, encouraging results have been reported following decompression of the long thoracic nerve. ⋯ All patients had decreased pain, disability, and scapular winging, and improved shoulder range of motion. One patient had recurrence following a second injury. This procedure has resulted in good outcomes without the morbidity associated with tendon or nerve transfer.