Biomedical subjects
Publications and source records attributed to P Smyrnis.
Twenty-two consecutive segmental tibial fractures were treated by Ender nails and early weight bearing. Sixteen fractures were closed and six open. All the fractures healed after an average time of 4 months. No infection was encountered. Slight malalignment of the distal metaphyseal segment occurred in 5 cases, but all of them had full knee and ankle function.
We have examined the presentation of low back pain in three patients with ochronosis, and have reviewed the literature. Low back pain and/or stiffness is the first presenting feature and usually appears after the age of 30. Discolouration of the ear is almost always present. Characteristic radiographic changes in the lumbar spine include calcification of the intervertebral discs and lucencies in the discs. The process gradually extends to the entire spine.
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A prospective study of 141 patients with 143 tibial shaft fractures has been carried out; 102 fractures were closed and 41 open. All the patients were treated by Ender's nailing and early weight-bearing. The average healing time was 15.2 weeks. There were no cases of bone infection and complications were minimal, the commonest being slight malalignment. Using this method, rapid restoration of bone continuity was achieved, combined with almost normal limb function during treatment.
We present a distinctly rare case of giant cell arteritis involving the small artery of the median nerve with symptoms that may be confused with carpal tunnel syndrome. The excision of the involved arterial segment cures the patient of the local symptoms, but the administration of corticosteroids as soon as the diagnosis is established is very important for these patients with multiple arterial involvement.
The results of 31 fractures of the tibial shaft treated with closed Ender nailing and early weight-bearing are reported. Twenty-five of these fractures were closed and six open. All fractures united between 6 and 16 weeks after operation. No case of deep wound infection was encountered. Comminuted fractures of the proximal and distal third were prone to angular deformities and needed cast protection post-operatively. Nail reinsertion became necessary in two patients. Delay of operation renders closed reduction very difficult. The advantages of this method are: 1) normal knee and ankle movements are possible during healing and 2) there is relatively rapid restoration of bone continuity.