Articles: fracture-fixation.
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Multicenter Study
The new proximal femoral nail antirotation (PFNA) in daily practice: results of a multicentre clinical study.
The treatment of unstable trochanteric femoral fractures is still challenging. The ideal implant should be easy to handle, allow for immediate full weight-bearing postoperatively and should have sufficient purchase in the femoral head/neck-fragment to limit cut-outs due to varus-deviation and rotation. The proximal femoral nail antirotation (PFNA), designed by AO, is an intramedullary device with a helical blade rather than a screw for better purchase in the femoral head and was tested in a clinical study. ⋯ Fifty-six percent of the patients regained the pre-trauma mobility and 18% died within the follow-up period. Forty-six implant-related complications--leading to 28 unplanned re-operations--were recorded, with four acetabular penetrations (three of which were after a new fall on that hip) and seven ipsilateral femoral shaft fractures as the most serious ones. As the joint-penetrations did not resemble the cut-out seen with other implants it is concluded that the PFNA--due to its helical blade--possibly limits the effects of early rotation of the head/neck-fragment in unstable trochanteric fractures and therefore seems currently to be the optimal implant for the treatment of these fractures especially in osteoporotic bone.
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Rev Chir Orthop Reparatrice Appar Mot · Jun 2008
Multicenter Study Comparative Study[Comminuted intra-articular fractures of the distal humerus in elderly patients].
Treatment of comminuted intra-articular fractures of the distal humerus in elderly patients remains a challenge in trauma surgery. These fractures are rare, but their frequency increases. Our multicenter studies collected 238 cases of comminuted intra-articular fractures of the distal humerus in patients older than 65: two hundred and five cases for the retrospective study, 33 for the prospective study with a minimum follow-up of six months. ⋯ Treatment of these fractures must be discussed according to the physiological status of the patient and the fracture patterns (scan evaluation). In conclusion, osteosynthesis remains the standard treatment when stable fixation is feasible. However, prosthetic reconstruction should be discussed for dependant patients or with comorbidity factors, bad bone quality leading to poor osteosynthesis or complex fracture.
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J Bone Joint Surg Am · Mar 2008
Randomized Controlled Trial Multicenter Study Comparative StudyNonoperative treatment compared with plate fixation of displaced midshaft clavicular fractures. Surgical technique.
Recent studies have shown a high prevalence of symptomatic malunion and nonunion after nonoperative treatment of displaced midshaft clavicular fractures. We sought to compare patient-oriented outcome and complication rates following nonoperative treatment and those after plate fixation of displaced midshaft clavicular fractures. ⋯ Operative fixation of a displaced fracture of the clavicular shaft results in improved functional outcome and a lower rate of malunion and nonunion compared with nonoperative treatment at one year of follow-up. Hardware removal remains the most common reason for repeat intervention in the operative group. This study supports primary plate fixation of completely displaced midshaft clavicular fractures in active adult patients.
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Multicenter Study
Do orthopaedic surgeons need a policy on the removal of metalwork? A descriptive national survey of practicing surgeons in the United Kingdom.
Routine metalwork removal, in asymptomatic patients, remains a controversial issue. Current literature emphasises the potential hazards of implant removal and the financial implications encountered from these procedures. However, there is little literature guidance and no published research on current practice. ⋯ Our results demonstrate that most practicing trauma surgeons do comply with the evidence presented in the little literature available. However, we do believe that a general policy for metalwork removal is essential. Such a policy should include guidelines specific to age groups and level of surgeon who should be performing the removal procedure. Such a document would require further validated studies but would eventually serve to steer surgeons in achieving best practice.
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Multicenter Study
A national survey into the peri-operative anaesthetic management of patients presenting for surgical correction of a fractured neck of femur.
We conducted a national postal survey of trauma anaesthetists in the UK to ascertain current practice for the peri-operative anaesthetic management in patients with fractured necks of femur. We received 155 replies from 218 questionnaires sent (71.1% response rate). Regional anaesthesia was preferred by 75.8% of respondents, with 95.5% of these employing a spinal technique. ⋯ Continuous epidural or nerve block infusions were used rarely. Of the anaesthetists, 50.6% would only request a pre-operative echo if there were suspicious signs or symptoms in patients with a previously undiagnosed heart murmur. The peri-operative management of these patients can be readily improved.