Functional recovery after fracture of the hip.
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Biomedical subjects
Publications and source records attributed to J D Zuckerman.
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Our hospital implemented an integrated cost-containment program designed to address the increasing disparity between the cost of orthopaedic implants used for total joint replacements and the amount of hospital reimbursement provided for these procedures. This program was divided into four phases: (1) the analysis of the specific usage of total hip and total knee implants at our institution, (2) the development of surgeons' awareness of the problem and the enlistment of their participation in the process of cost containment, (3) the initiation of a competitive bidding system to select standard prostheses that would be available for general use within the institution, and (4) the establishment of a prosthesis-utilization committee to monitor the process and to make decisions concerning the use of non-standard prostheses. Using this cost-containment program, our hospital greatly reduced the number of vendors and implant systems used; all implants were purchased on a consignment basis, which minimized the cost of implant inventory. The average cost reductions in the first year were 14 per cent for total hip implants and 24 per cent for total knee implants. Over-all implant costs were reduced by an estimated $706,477, or 23 per cent of the budget for implants for the previous year.
Fourteen patients with Stage II or III impingement syndrome (average age 58 years) were studied. Nine patients had full-thickness rotator cuff tears documented by arthrograms. Patients initially underwent a thorough shoulder examination followed by baseline isokinetic strength testing. Abduction/adduction testing was performed utilizing a Biodex dynamometer. Maximum concentric contractions were performed, and values for peak torque (PT), total work (W), and power (P) were obtained. All patients received a subacromial injection of 5 cc 1% lidocaine plus 5 cc 0.5% bupivacaine (Marcaine). After 5 minutes the testing sequence was repeated. Clinically, patients demonstrated marked improvement following injection. Eighty-six percent reported complete pain relief; the remaining two patients reported only mild discomfort at the extremes of motion. Improvement in functional activity of the affected shoulder was noted by all subjects. On manual muscle testing, 13 of 14 patients (93%) demonstrated increased abduction strength; 11 of 14 (79%) had improvement in external rotation. Mean increases in active forward elevation and external rotation were 36 degrees and 11 degrees, respectively (P < .01). Postinjection isokinetic changes in PT, W, and P for abduction/adduction were dramatic. For abduction, all patients showed significant increases in P (mean 82%), W (mean 90%), and PT (mean 48%) (all P < .05). No significant differences in range of motion testing or strength parameters were noted based on the presence or absence of a rotator cuff tear. For adduction, all patients showed significant increases in P (mean 208%), W (mean 183%), and PT (mean 41%) (all P < .05).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
A clinical and histological study was performed on fracture blisters found in association with 13 surgically treated ankle fractures. The timing of surgery was dependent upon soft tissue swelling; the status of the blister did not affect this aspect of the decision making process. The average time from injury to surgery was 2.1 days (range, 1-3 days). At the time of surgery all blisters were intact. Skin biopsies were obtained from the edge of the incision in proximity to the blister, and from the bed of the blister when the incision was made through the blister. Clinically, 2 blister types were identified: (1) clear fluid filled, and (2) blood filled. Histologically, both blister types demonstrated a cleavage injury at the dermoepidermal junction. However, the dermis of the clear fluid filled blister retained occasional epithelial cells, while the dermis of blood filled blisters was completely devoid of epidermis. Minimal to no evidence of dermal injury was found in histologic sections from the blister beds or from the skin in close proximity to blisters. All incisions made through and around skin blisters went on to heal without evidence of infection or wound breakdown. Delayed wound healing occurred in 1 patient in whom an incision was placed through a blood filled blister. The blood filled blister appears to represent a slightly deeper injury than the clear fluid blister and had a higher risk of poor healing of surgical incisions.
A biomechanical cadaver study was performed to compare the stability and ultimate strength of 3 standard fixation techniques used for treatment of basicervical hip fractures. Twenty one pairs of mildly osteoporotic femurs were selected, based on a computed tomography bone density reading of 40-50 Hounsfeld units and a Singh index of III. After initial mechanical characterization of intact femurs, basicervical femoral neck fractures were created, reduced, and then instrumented with random assignment to 1 of 3 methods of fixation: (1) 3 parallel 6.5-mm cannulated cancellous screws; (2) a 135 degrees sliding hip screw with a 4 hole side plate; and (3) a 135 degrees sliding hip screw with a 4 hole side plate and a 6.5-mm cannulated cancellous screw placed proximal and parallel to the sliding screw. Nine pairs were tested to failure in axial loading, 6 pairs in lateral bending, and 6 pairs in torsion. The group instrumented with the multiple cancellous screws had a significantly (p < 0.01) lower ultimate axial load to failure than either sliding hip screw group. However, the multiple screws demonstrated significantly (p < 0.01) less fracture displacement. There were no statistically significant differences in lateral bending or torsional testing behavior between the 3 fixation methods. Use of the sliding hip screw is recommended rather than use of multiple cancellous screws for treatment of basicervical femoral neck fractures. Although a superiorly located cancellous screw may provide rotational control during sliding hip screw insertion, it provides no incremental fixation after the sliding hip screw is placed.
The clinical efficacy of thromboprophylaxis with aspirin and dextran 40 was compared in a prospective review of 530 geriatric hip fracture patients treated surgically. All patients were also treated with early mobilization with weight bearing as tolerated and above-knee elastic stockings. In addition to clinical efficacy in preventing thromboembolic complications [deep vein thrombosis (DVT), pulmonary embolism (PE)], safety and cost-effectiveness were also assessed. The overall incidence of clinical thromboembolic disease was 2.8% (DVT = 0.4%, PE = 2.4%). The incidence of DVT (0.5%) and PE (2.6%) in the aspirin group was essentially the same as the incidence of DVT (0.3%) and PE (2.4%) in the dextran group. The inhospital mortality rate (aspirin 4.6%, dextran 3.8%), wound drainage (aspirin 1.5%, dextran 0.9%), deep wound infection (aspirin 0.5%, dextran 0.3%), gastrointestinal bleeding (aspirin 2.1%, dextran 1.5%), and congestive heart failure (aspirin 2.6%, dextran 1.8%) did not differ significantly between the two groups. The intraoperative transfusion rate was similar in both groups (aspirin .65 units, dextran .55 units). However, postoperatively, the transfusion rate was significantly higher in the dextran group (aspirin .26 units, dextran .41 units, p < .05). The treatment of thromboembolic complications was the same for each group and therefore represents similar treatment costs. However, the cost of prophylaxis with dextran was $309 per patient and with aspirin was $1.79 per patient. Our findings suggest that, based on clinical diagnostic criteria, aspirin and dextran are equally effective thromboembolic prophylactic agents in geriatric hip fracture patients. The safety, cost, and ease of administration of aspirin may make its use more desirable.
The radiographs of fifty fractures of the proximal part of the humerus were used to assess the interobserver reliability and intraobserver reproducibility of the Neer classification system. A trauma series consisting of scapular anteroposterior, scapular lateral, and axillary radiographs was available for each fracture. The radiographs were reviewed by an orthopaedic shoulder specialist, an orthopaedic traumatologist, a skeletal radiologist, and two orthopaedic residents, in their fifth and second years of postgraduate training. The radiographs were reviewed on two different occasions, six months apart. Interobserver reliability was assessed by comparison of the fracture classifications determined by the five observers. Intraobserver reproducibility was evaluated by comparison of the classifications determined by each observer on the first and second viewings. Kappa (kappa) reliability coefficients were used. All five observers agreed on the final classification for 32 and 30 per cent of the fractures on the first and second viewings, respectively. Paired comparisons between the five observers showed a mean reliability coefficient of 0.48 (range, 0.43 to 0.58) for the first viewing and 0.52 (range, 0.37 to 0.62) for the second viewing. The attending physicians obtained a slightly higher kappa value than the orthopaedic residents (0.52 compared with 0.48). Reproducibility ranged from 0.83 (the shoulder specialist) to 0.50 (the skeletal radiologist), with a mean of 0.66. Simplification of the Neer classification system, from sixteen categories to six more general categories based on fracture type, did not significantly improve either interobserver reliability or intraobserver reproducibility.
Two hundred fifty consecutive intertrochanteric fractures treated with a sliding hip screw (SHS) over a three year period were reviewed and specific types of technical pitfalls identified. Most pitfalls were technique dependent and potentially preventable with proper attention to the principles of fracture reduction and insertion of the device. Pitfalls encountered with the use of the SHS occurred as a result of either poor fracture reduction or implant insertion. Problems related to fracture reduction included poor radiographic visualization, posterior sag, varus angulation, and internal rotation of the femoral shaft in relation to the femoral neck. Potential pitfalls encountered during SHS insertion included superior guide wire placement, guide wire breakage or penetration into the hip joint or pelvis, loss of reduction during lag screw insertion, improper screw-barrel relationship, and improper plate application. Finally, the SHS may not be the implant of choice for all extracapsular hip fractures (i.e., the reverse obliquity fracture). This paper identifies the various pitfalls that may occur with the use of the SHS for the fixation of intertrochanteric hip fractures. Illustrative cases are provided and guidelines for avoiding these surgical pitfalls suggested.
In conclusion, the clinical picture of impingement syndrome is one of a continuum occurring as a result of compression of the bursa and rotator cuff within the subacromial space. In its early stages nonoperative management will often suffice, but in resistant cases and in cuff tears operative intervention is often indicated. The usefulness of MR imaging has greatly expanded for the orthopaedist diagnosing and treating the patient with impingement. After careful clinical evaluation and plain radiographs, MR imaging can significantly add to our knowledge as to the extent of the disease process. This added information can aid in tailoring an individualized treatment regimen and can be invaluable in the preoperative planning for patients with rotator cuff pathology.
Palsy of the suprascapular nerve may be easily overlooked in the differential diagnosis of the painful shoulder. Although the diagnosis is well documented in the literature, opinion is still divided regarding its etiology and treatment. This case report offers an example of successful nonoperative management of a suprascapular nerve palsy which followed an acute episode of muscular stress in a young male athlete.
A prospective study was performed comparing modified Knowles pins to cannulated cancellous screws for the treatment of nondisplaced and impacted femoral neck fractures. Forty-five impacted or nondisplaced fractures were identified: twenty-five were stabilized with modified Knowles pins and twenty with cannulated cancellous screws. Patient follow-up averaged twenty-four months (range 12 to 46 months) or until reoperation. Six patients (13%) required reoperation; these failures were evenly divided between the two groups. The remainder of patients (twenty-two patients (88%) in the Knowles pin group and seventeen patients (85%) in the cannulated screw group) were comparable with regard to functional outcome.
There are 23 cases in the literature of fracture table-induced pudendal nerve palsy. The majority of these patients had full sensory return; however, return of sexual function was unpredictable. The relevant anatomy, etiology, and incidence of this complication are discussed, and suggestions are made for its prevention.
The problem of osteomyelitis has, to date, not been completely resolved. Recent research has provided additional insight into the pathogenesis of bone infection. Advances in pharmacology and in surgical techniques have enhanced our ability to treat such infections. Despite these advances, successful treatment of posttraumatic tibial osteomyelitis depends on adherence to several basic principles: complete debridement of necrotic and infected tissue, obtaining bony stability, the elimination of dead space, and the provision of durable soft tissue coverage. Armed with this new knowledge and surgical ability, treatment results have improved. We do not know, however, whether osteomyelitis can ever be "cured," since infections become manifest many years after injury or treatment.
Total shoulder arthroplasty has become an effective treatment for advanced glenohumeral arthritis. The results depend, in part, on the underlying degenerative process. This article reviews the indications for glenohumeral arthroplasty, including important preoperative considerations. The different types of glenohumeral arthritides are discussed with respect to their clinical and radiographic manifestations, as well as their impact on preoperative planning.
Unstable intertrochanteric hip fractures are characterized by comminution of the posteromedial cortex, resulting in a fragment of variable size containing the lesser trochanter. Controversy exists as to whether it is necessary to perform reduction and fixation of this fragment. This case lends further support to the practice of fixating the lesser trochanteric fragment in unstable intertrochanteric fractures.
A 33-year-old male presented with acute onset of scapular winging following an injury to the shoulder girdle. A scapular osteochondroma was identified radiographically that was completely asymptomatic until the time of injury. Clinical presentation included the presence of a large exostosis bursata. Surgical resection of the osteochondroma resulted in resolution of all signs and symptoms.
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No doubt all experienced clinicians have observed cases in which a hip fracture dramatically diminished the independence and quality of life of an elderly person. This difficult problem requires a concentrated, multidisciplinary effort. More than 800 patients have now been treated using our interdisciplinary approach. A recent review of the data shows that results in this larger group compare favorably with those in the followup group described in this article. We believe that our approach shows promise as a model for the future. Further, comparisons with current practices may lead in some situations to significant improvements in hip fracture rehabilitation. Primary care physicians play a key role in this process of review and modification and in contributing to the overall restorative effort.