effect of operative delay on the postoperative complications in older patients with hip fractures

This study was carried postoperatively on 125 patients who had fractures around the hip to determine the effect of the operative delay on the postoperative complications. All patients were above the age of 60 years with a mean age of 66.3 years and were generally fit before surgery. The average follow-up period was at least one year. The operative delay was defined as an interval of three calendar days or more between the time of admission to the hospital and the operation. The pre-existing medical conditions were mainly grouped in diabetes mellitus, hypertension, cardiac diseases and chest diseases. The operative procedures that were done for the patients were the standard operations for neck femur fracture [56 cases], trochanteric femoral fractures [59 cases] and sub-trochanteric fractures [10 cases]. No specific preoperative medications were given other than those used to control the pre-existing medical conditions. It was concluded that operative delay of more than five calendar days after admission is an important predictor of mortality within one year for elderly patients who have hip fractures and who are able to walk and live at home before fracture. Optimally, such patients should have the operation within five calendar days after admission to the hospital

Arthroscopic release in the management of frozen shoulder

A prospective study was performed on 18 patients who developed frozen shoulders with variable degrees of complaint and severity. They all failed to respond to conservative treatment. Intraarticular corticosteroids were administrated as a part of the conservative treatment. Approximately half of the patients who responded initially to the latter regimen still their symptoms recurred. Postoperative physiotherapy was carried to maintain the range of movement. They were ten males and eight females, their ages ranged from 34 to 56 years. The follow up period varied from 1 to 5 years. In all patients, an arthroscopic release was done in one shoulder that had the severer symptoms in bilateral affection. The patients were assessed using the American Shoulder Society Score both preoperatively and postoperatively on five criteria, i.e. pain, motion, strength, stability and function