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Biomedical subjects

R G McCormack

Publications and source records attributed to R G McCormack.

8 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed2000

Fixation of fractures of the shaft of the humerus by dynamic compression plate or intramedullary nail. A prospective, randomised trial.

We randomised prospectively 44 patients with fractures of the shaft of the humerus to open reduction and internal fixation by either an intramedullary nail (IMN) or a dynamic compression plate (DCP). Patients were followed up for a minimum of six months. There were no significant differences in the function of the shoulder and elbow, as determined by the American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons' score, the visual analogue pain score, range of movement, or the time taken to return to normal activity. There was a single case of shoulder impingement in the DCP group and six in the IMN group. Of these six, five occurred after antegrade insertion of an IMN. In the DCP group three patients developed complications, compared with 13 in the IMN group. We had to perform secondary surgery on seven patients in the IMN group, but on only one in the DCP group (p = 0.016). Our findings suggest that open reduction and internal fixation with a DCP remains the best treatment for unstable fractures of the shaft of the humerus. Fixation by IMN may be indicated for specific situations, but is technically more demanding and has a higher rate of complications.

Adult↗
PubMed1998

Ankle fractures in diabetics. Complications of surgical management.

To determine the relative risk of complications in treating ankle fractures in patients with diabetes, we compared the results of the management of displaced malleolar fractures in 26 patients with those of a matched group of non-diabetic patients, using a case-controlled study. The groups were matched for patient age, fracture type and treating surgeon. The incidence of significant complications in diabetic patients was 42.3%. By contrast, there were no complications in the matched group of non-diabetic patients. Of 19 diabetic patients treated surgically, six developed major complications including one case of malunion, one of necrosis of the wound edge requiring a flap, and two of deep sepsis. Two patients required amputation and both died. Diabetic patients with displaced ankle fractures treated non-operatively had a high incidence of loss of reduction and malunion but these caused few symptoms. In these patients, non-operative management may be preferable in view of the high risks of major complications after surgery and the acceptance of malunion by the older patient with lower demands.

Adult↗
PubMed1997

Open pelvic fractures. A multicenter retrospective analysis.

A marked discrepancy exists in the reported mortality rates in patients with open pelvic fractures, ranging from 4.8% to 50%. A retrospective review of patients with open pelvic fractures was performed at three centers. Thirty-nine patients with open pelvic fractures were identified; the average age was 32. The average injury-severity score was 29 (13-75). There were 10 (26%) deaths. Factors that correlated with mortality and morbidity were instability of the pelvic fracture and the presence of a rectal injury. Delay in performing diverting colostomy correlated with a poor outcome. Previously described methods of treatment are still valid; however, there is a need for re-emphasis of early diverting colostomy in the patient with a rectal or perineal injury. A classification system for open pelvic fractures is proposed in this article.

Adult↗
PubMed1995

The effect of knee flexion and quadriceps contraction on the axial view of the patella.

Axial views of the patella are standard in the investigation of anterior knee symptoms, and many investigators use congruence angles and patellar tilt in determining the diagnosis and appropriate treatment. A variety of different methods are used to obtain axial radiographs of the patella, but they are static representations of a dynamic phenomenon. The effect of quadriceps contraction on these indices has not been well defined. The purpose of this study was to compare the 30 degree axial view of the patella with the 45 degree axial view of the patella and to study the effect of quadriceps contraction on the 30 degree axial radiograph of the patella. Forty knees with normal patellofemoral joints and 20 knees with patellar subluxation were radiographed using 30 degree axial views of the patella with the quadriceps relaxed and contracted and with 45 degree axial views with the quadriceps relaxed. There was no significant difference in the sulcus or congruence angles between the 30 and 45 degree axial view in either the control or the patellar subluxation group. Contraction of the quadriceps did not cause a significant or consistent alteration in the congruence angles in either group. With quadriceps contraction, 55% of patients will centralize the patella, whereas 40% will actually increase lateral tracking or subluxation. In conclusion, the 30 degree axial view of the patella is equivalent to the 45 degree axial view in the assessment of patellar subluxation. Quadriceps contraction does not alter the congruence angles obtained in these axial views in a significant or consistent manner.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Adolescent↗