Instructional course lectures
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Most fractures of the phalanges or metacarpals are amenable to closed treatment, with favorable outcomes. However, two groups of complex fractures are difficult to diagnose and treat. The first group includes unicondylar and bicondylar fractures, fracture-dislocations, and fracture-related instability of the proximal interphalangeal joint. ⋯ Some unstable fracture-dislocations are characterized by loss of the volar aspect of the articular surface of the base of the middle phalanx; they can be treated by using a sculpted osseous articular graft from the dorsal hamate. The second group includes displaced diaphyseal fractures associated with a soft-tissue injury, instability, or multiple fracturing. Articular fractures and fracture-dislocations at the base of the metacarpal also can be difficult to diagnose and treat.
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The absolute number of periprosthetic fractures seen by the orthopaedic surgeon is increasing. The basic principles of fracture management include preoperative patient optimization and determining the stability of the associated components. Loose components require revision, whereas fractures associated with well-fixed implants are generally treated with internal fixation. Although these fractures are challenging to manage, advances in surgical techniques, including the use of locking plates for internal fixation and improved revision systems and biomaterials (such as highly porous metals), offer the surgeon enhanced tools for treating these complex clinical disorders.
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The thumb trapeziometacarpal joint is a saddle joint that is subject to high compressive forces during prehensile hand function. Fractures to the base of the thumb metacarpal occur commonly following axial load to a partially flexed thumb. Although reduction is easily performed, severe deforming forces act to displace the fractures into a varus and shortened position. ⋯ Most Bennett fractures can be treated with closed reduction with percutaneous Kirschner wire fixation. Fractures with large Bennett fragments and Rolando fractures should be treated with open reduction and internal fixation to allow anatomic reduction with rigid fixation and early range of motion. Comminuted intra-articular fractures are challenging injuries that are best treated with application of an external fixator with limited open reduction and internal fixation, followed by bone grafting of metaphyseal bone defects if necessary.
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Two factors are primarily responsible for complications after treatment of proximal femoral fractures. First, the strong deforming forces across the hip joint and proximal femur can make fracture reduction difficult. ⋯ In intertrochanteric fractures, lag screw cutout can be prevented by correct implant positioning. In femoral neck fractures, nonunion can be avoided by careful attention to reduction and hardware positioning.
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Lumbar spinal stenosis associated with adult scoliosis is being increasingly recognized and studied. Degenerative changes leading to spinal stenosis can precede a spinal deformity resulting in de novo scoliosis. Conversely, degenerative changes leading to spinal stenosis can occur in a preexisting deformity. ⋯ The optimal surgical procedure depends on a careful evaluation of involved segments and patient comorbidities. Positive sagittal imbalance is associated with significant morbidity and should be corrected when feasible. Data that continue to be collected in this patient population will guide future efforts in treating this complicated disease.