Achieving interlocking nails without using an image intensifier

Interlocking nails are commonly performed using an image intensifier. These are expensive and are not readily available in most resource-poor countries of the world. The aim of this study was to achieve interlocking nailing without the use of an image intensifier. This is a prospective descriptive analysis of 40 consecutive cases seen with shaft fractures of the humerus, femur, and tibia. Fracture fixation was done using Surgical Implant Generation Network (SIGN) nails. Forty limbs in 34 patients were studied. There were 12 females and 22 males, giving a ratio of 1:2. The mean age (years) was 35.75±13.16 and the range was 17–70 years. The studied bones were: humerus 10%, femur 65%, and tibia 25%. The fracture lines were: transverse 40%, oblique 15%, and communited 45%. Fracture grades were: closed 90%, grade I, 5%, grade II, 2.5%, and grade IIIA, 2.5%. Surgical approaches were: antegrade 62.5% and retrograde 37.5%. Indications for fixation were: recent fracture 92.5%, non-union 5%, and malunion 3%. Methods of reductions were: open 85% and closed 15%. The mean follow-up period (years) was 1.50±0.78. The union time averaged 3 months. Complication was mainly screw loosening due to severe osteoporoses in one case. It is, therefore, concluded that, with the aid of external jigs and slot finders, interlocking can be achieved without an image intensifier

Large bowel cancer in the setting of inflammatory bowel disease: Features and management with a focus on rectal cancer

Background: Inflammatory bowel diseases (IBDs) are a well-known risk factor for the development of colorectal cancer (CRC). This risk relates to different aspects of the disease, such as the duration, activity, and extension, and tends to increase in the presence of associated conditions, such as family history of CRC or some extra-intestinal manifestations. Rectal cancer (RC) in IBD has been poorly investigated. Methods: We reviewed the scientific literature for data on the features and management of RC in the setting of IBD. Here, we provide a practical insight into the diagnosis and management of the condition. Results: Several genetic and environmental factors promote the development of CRC, including alterations of intestinal microflora and mutations in the genes responsible for the cell cycle and for DNA mismatch repair. Dysplasia is the main evidence of a clear conversion of normal epithelium to cancer. Dysplasia is often multifocal, in contrast to sporadic CRC, which explains the tendency toward the development of synchronous and metachronous CRC in patients with IBD. Other conditions that need attention are strictures, for which the threshold for surgery must be low. Treatment of RC in patients with IBD follows the same oncologic criteria as non-IBD-related RC, but patients are often diagnosed at more advanced stages, suggesting that this is frequently overlooked. This is ultimately associated with poorer outcomes in IBD patients. Conclusion: There is a pressing need for more data on IBD-related RC. Implementing knowledge will result in optimization of survival for these patients