ABSTRACT
Introduction: The knowledge of morphometric parameters of laminae of cervical vertebrae is indispensable in surgical procedures and developing instrumentation for surgical processes. Literature reports ethnic and geographical variations reported in these dimensions. Materials and Methods: This cross‑sectional study included analysis of laminae of 212 cervical vertebrae (C3–C6). The length of superior border of lamina and inferior border of lamina was measured on the right and left sides using vernier caliper. Descriptive and inferential statistical analysis was done with the help of Microsoft Excel version 2021. Results: The length of the superior border of lamina on both sides increases from C3 to C5. The length of the inferior border of the lamina on both sides decreases from C3 to C4, then on the right side, it increases from C4 to C5 and then decreases from C5 to C6, and on the left side, it increases from C4 to C6. At C4, the length of superior border of lamina on the right side differed statistically from the length of superior border of lamina on the left side (P = 0.042). A significant difference betweenlengths of the inferior border of laminae on the right and left sides was also found at the C5 vertebra (P = 0.001) and C6 vertebra (P = 0.012). No significant difference in thickness and height of lamina was observed between right and left sides. Conclusion: The present study indicates morphometric parameters of laminae of typical cervical vertebrae in the North West Indian population differ from the same parameters in Brazilianas well as South Indian populations. The length of superior border as well as inferior border of lamina has significant differences between right and left sides. However, there is no significant difference in height and thickness of laminae between right and left sides.
ABSTRACT
<p><b>PURPOSE</b>Subtrochanteric fractures of the femur are being managed successfully with various intramedullary and extramedulary implants with reasonable success. However, these implants require precise placement under image intensifier guidance, which exposes the surgeon to substantial amount of radiation. It also restricts the management of these fractures at peripheral centers where facility of image intensifiers is not available. Keeping this in mind we designed this study to identify if contralateral reversed distal femoral locking plate can be used successfully without the use of image intensifier.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Twenty-four consecutive patients (18 men and 6 women) with a mean age of 28 years (range 19-47 years) suffering subtrochanteric fractures of the femur underwent open reduction and internal fixation with reversed contralateral distal femoral locking plate. The outcome was assessed at the mean follow-up period of 3.2 years (range 2-4.6 years) using the Harris hip score.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Twenty-one fractures united with the primary procedure, with a mean time of consolidation being 11 weeks (range, 9-16 weeks). One patient developed superficial suture line infection, which resolved with oral antibiotics. Another patient had a fall 3 weeks after surgery and broke the plate. Repeat surgery with reversed distal femoral locking compression plate was performed along with bone grafting and the fracture united. Two cases had nonunion, which went in for union after bone grafting. The mean Harris hip score at the time of final follow-up was 90.63 (range 82-97).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>The reversed contralateral distal femoral plate is a biomechanically sound implant, which when used for fixation of the subtrochanteric fractures with minimal soft tissue stripping shows results comparable to those achieved by using other extramedullary implants as well as intramedullary devices. The added advantage of this implant is its usability in the absence of an image intensifier.</p>