Compression Plate Fixation with Autogenous Bone Graft for Humerus Shaft Nonunion

PURPOSE: To evaluate the results of the compression plate fixation and autogenous bone graft in the management of humerus shaft nonunion. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Eighteen cases were treated for humerus shaft nonunion using compression plate fixation and an autogenous iliac bone graft. The mean follow-up period was 28 months. Bony union was confirmed from the serial radiographs and the clinical outcomes were assessed according to ASES scoring system. RESULTS: In 12 cases of initial plate fixation, the causes of nonunion were 6 cases of inadequate plate length, 2 with a broken plate, 2 with screw loosening, 1 infection and 1 noncompliance of a psychiatric patient. In 3 cases of initial intramedullary fixation, the cause of nonunion was a distraction of the fracture site. In 3 cases of external fixation, the cause of nonunion was inadequate fixation. All cases showed bony union after an average of 24 weeks. The clinical outcomes were 11 excellent, 6 good and 1 fair. CONCLUSION: In the treatment for nonunion, compression plate fixation with autogeneous bone graft after complete removal of the fibrous and necrotic tissue is believed to give satisfactory results

Efficacy of Multimodal Pain Control Protocol in the Setting of Total Hip Arthroplasty

BACKGROUND: This study evaluated the benefits and safety of a multimodal pain control protocol, which included a periarticular injection of local anesthetics, in patients undergoing total hip arthroplasty. METHODS: Between March 2006 and March 2007, 60 patients undergoing unilateral total hip arthroplasty were randomized to undergo either a multimodal pain control protocol or a conventional pain control protocol. The following parameters were compared: the preoperative and postoperative visual analogue scales (VAS), hospital stay, operative time, postoperative rehabilitation, additional painkiller consumption, and complication rates. RESULTS: There was no difference between the groups in terms of diagnosis, age, gender, and BMI. Although both groups had similar VAS scores in the preoperative period and on the fifth postoperative day, there was a significant difference between the groups over the four-day period after surgery. There were no differences in the hospital stay, operative time, additional painkiller consumption, or complication rate between the groups. The average time for comfortable crutch ambulation was 2.8 days in the multimodal pain control protocol group and 5.3 days in the control group. CONCLUSIONS: The multimodal pain control protocol can significantly reduce the level of postoperative pain and improve patients' satisfaction, with no apparent risks, after total hip arthroplasty.

Volar T-Locking Compression Plate for Treatment of Unstable Distal Radius Fractures

PURPOSE: To evaluate outcomes volar T-locking compression plate for treatment of unstable distal radius fractures. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We retrospectively analysed the results in 35 cases, which were treated by volar plating with T-LCP. We evaluated the clinical results according to the Mayo wrist scoring system and radiographic results. RESULTS: The mean score was 83.86 respectively. Between preoperative and immediate postoperative radiographic measurements, averaged radial length was improved from 5.75 mm to 11.53 mm, radial inclination from 12.86 degrees to 22.56 degrees, volar tilt from -3.64 degrees to 9.90 degrees and intraarticular step-off from 1.48 mm to 0.42 mm. Between immediate postoperative and latest follow-up radiographic measurements, mean loss of radial length measured 0.43 mm, radial inclination 0.46 degrees, volar tilt 0.89 degrees. CONCLUSION: Treatment of unstable distal radius fractures using a volar T-LCP showed satisfactory outcomes. We think that it is good surgical option to allow return to daily living, result in early postsurgical wrist motion.