Established non-union of an operatively managed trans-scaphoid perilunate fracture dislocation progressing to spontaneous union

Perilunate dislocations and fracture dislocations represent uncommon and unusual injuries that are often missed at initial presentation and diagnosed late in up to 25% of cases. Prompt open reduction, carpal stabilisation and ligamentous repair is required to reduce the risk of complications. We report a case of an established scaphoid non-union in an operatively managed perilunate fracture dislocation that spontaneously united almost 2 years after the initial injury, just before a planned revision scaphoid fixation with bone grafting. This case highlights the importance of initial clinical assessment together with appropriate radiographs and follow-up of these injuries post-operatively, especially when complications such as non-union arise

Pulsed Electromagnetic Fields in the treatment of fresh scaphoid fractures. A multicenter, prospective, double blind, placebo controlled, randomized trial

Contains fulltext : 96247.pdf (publisher's version ) (Open Access)BACKGROUND: The scaphoid bone is the most commonly fractured of the carpal bones. In the Netherlands 90% of all carpal fractures is a fracture of the scaphoid bone. The scaphoid has an essential role in functionality of the wrist, acting as a pivot. Complications in healing can result in poor functional outcome. The scaphoid fracture is a troublesome fracture and failure of treatment can result in avascular necrosis (up to 40%), non-union (5-21%) and early osteo-arthritis (up to 32%) which may seriously impair wrist function. Impaired consolidation of scaphoid fractures results in longer immobilization and more days lost at work with significant psychosocial and financial consequences.Initially Pulsed Electromagnetic Fields was used in the treatment of tibial pseudoarthrosis and non-union. More recently there is evidence that physical forces can also be used in the treatment of fresh fractures, showing accelerated healing by 30% and 71% reduction in nonunion within 12 weeks after initiation of therapy. Until now no double blind randomized, placebo controlled trial has been conducted to investigate the effect of this treatment on the healing of fresh fractures of the scaphoid. METHODS/DESIGN: This is a multi center, prospective, double blind, placebo controlled, randomized trial. Study population consists of all patients with unilateral acute scaphoid fracture. Pregnant women, patients having a life supporting implanted electronic device, patients with additional fractures of wrist, carpal or metacarpal bones and pre-existing impairment in wrist function are excluded. The scaphoid fracture is diagnosed by a combination of physical and radiographic examination (CT-scanning).Proven scaphoid fractures are treated with cast immobilization and a small Pulsed Electromagnetic Fields bone growth stimulating device placed on the cast. Half of the devices will be disabled at random in the factory.Study parameters are clinical consolidation, radiological consolidation evaluated by CT-scanning, functional status of the wrist, including assessment by means of the patient rated wrist evaluation (PRWE) questionnaire and quality of life using SF-36 health survey questionnaire.Primary endpoint is number of scaphoid unions at six weeks, secondary endpoints are time interval to clinical and radiological consolidation, number of non-unions, functional status at 52 weeks and non-adherence to the treatment protocol. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Netherlands Trial Register (NTR): NTR2064

Results of a prospective randomised study comparing a non-invasive surgical zipper versus intracutaneous sutures for wound closure

A prospective randomised study was undertaken to investigate the advantages and disadvantages of a non-invasive surgical zipper (Medizip) vs intracutaneous sutures skin closure in orthopaedic surgery. The study group consisted of 120 consecutive patients, 45 men and 75 women with a mean age of 47 years. The Medizip was used in 20 surgical knee wounds, 20 hip wounds and 20 orthopaedic spine wounds. The same number of patients received intracutaneous sutures. Handling, wound healing and scar formation on day 1, at 2 weeks and 6 weeks were evaluated. The average time for wound closure with the zipper was 2 min and 9.4 min when the wound was closed with intracutaneous sutures (p=0.01). Patients were positive in their assessment of the wound healing progress and results; they found the skin closure device agreeable to wear. The scar result was rated very good in 82% (n=49) of the zipper group, and 85% (n=51) in the intracutaneous group (p=0.67). Based on the results obtained, the non-invasive skin closure system Medizip represents a safe option in the spectrum of surgical wound treatmen

The Gore-Tex prosthetic ligament as a salvage procedure in deficient knees

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the results of prosthetic ligament replacement of the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) or posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) with the Gore-Tex polytetrafluorethyene prosthesis (W.L. Gore and Co., Flagstaff, Ariz. ) in 52 patients (54 knees). All patients sustained multiple (failed) knee operations or had knees with gross instability. Twenty-eight (29 knees) of the 52 patients (54%) in whom the Goretex prosthesis was still in situ were available at a minimum follow-up of 5 years (mean 9 years, range 5-11 years). The mean age at examination was 39 years (range 30-57 years); there were 15 men and 13 women. The results of the procedure were compared with the results of the same patients at a mean follow-up of 3 years. Eighty-one percent of the patients of the whole group complained about pain. This was 78% for the patients with an ACL reconstruction and 75% for the patients with a PCL reconstruction. The Tegner activity score and the Lysholm knee score showed a statistically significant difference over time. The anterior instability pattern improved in only 43% of the knees and the posterior instability in 41% of the knees. The Lachman test showed also a significant difference over time. In all patients X-ray showed an increase in degenerative changes. In conclusion, the PTFE prosthetic ligament in the reconstruction of the ACL and the PCL in the (chronically) unstable knee seems to deteriorate over tim

Open reduction and internal fixation of three and four-part fractures of the proximal part of the humerus

BACKGROUND: Controversy persists concerning the preferred treatment of displaced fractures of the proximal part of the humerus. The present study was undertaken to evaluate the results of open reduction and internal fixation of three and four-part fractures of the proximal part of the humerus and the functional limitations of patients in whom avascular necrosis of the humeral head develops as a complication of this fracture. METHODS: We assessed the intermediate and long-term results for sixty patients with a three or four-part fracture of the proximal part of the humerus who had undergone open reduction and internal fixation with cerclage wires or a T-plate. The Constant score and a visual analog score for pain were calculated, and radiographs of the proximal part of the humerus were evaluated. RESULTS: After an average of ten years of follow-up, fifty-two patients (87%) had a good or excellent result on the basis of the Constant score whereas eight patients (13%) had a poor result. Fifty-one patients (85%) were satisfied with the result at the time of the most recent examination. Twenty-two patients (37%) had development of avascular necrosis of the humeral head, and seventeen (77%) of these twenty-two patients had a good or excellent Constant score. CONCLUSIONS: Open reduction and internal fixation with cerclage wires or a T-plate yields good functional results in most patients. This option should be considered even for patients with fracture-dislocation patterns that are associated with a high risk for avascular necrosis of the humeral head, as this complication did not preclude a good resul

Gastric emptying, CCK release, and satiety in weight-stable obese subjects

Scintigraphic gastric emptying studies are far from conclusive in obesity. The aim was to investigate gastric emptying and CCK release in weight-stable obese subjects on their usual diet and to study the impact of factors known to determine gastric emptying. Patients entering a weight reduction program were asked to participate in a study examining gastric emptying by scintigraphy and CCK release in response to a meal with questionnaires on feelings of satiety. Forty-five patients (9 M, 36 F) with a mean (SD) BMI of 37.0 (4.0) kg/m(2) entered the Study. The mean T-50 (emptying of 50%) of fluids was 20.7 (10.3) min, and that of solids 141.9 (168.3) min. The percentage emptying of solids was 34.5 (19.9)%/hr. CCK values peaked within 42 min and paralleled the subjective ratings of satiety but did not correlate with gastric emptying. Five of 45 subjects (11%) had very prolonged gastric emptying of solids; they showed higher caloric intakes and higher insulin levels. They did not differ in CCK values and ratings of satiety but scored higher in being active and awake. Without these five subjects the T50 of solids was 94.3 (36.1) min, and the percentage of emptying 37.9 (18.4)%/hr. Liquid emptying was faster and solid emptying similar compared with those of normal-weight individuals. Height, fat-free mass, and waist-hip circumference were positively related to solid emptying. In weight-stable obese subjects liquid emptying was faster and solid emptying similar to those in normal-weight subjects. Higher caloric intakes and insulin levels were present in subjects with prolonged solid emptying; they also appeared more vigilant. Body size and composition were the only determinants suggesting a faster solid emptying in taller and muscular subjects or in subjects with more intraabdominal fa