Comparison between the Results of Internal Fixation Using Proximal Femur Nail Anti-rotation and Bipolar Hemiarthroplasty in Treatment of Unstable Intertrochanteric Fractures of Elderly Patients

PURPOSE: This study was performed to compare the clinical results and complications of bipolar hemiarthroplasty and internal fixation using proximal femur nail antirotation (PFNA) for unstable elderly femoral intertrochanteric fractures. MATERIALS AND METHODS: From May 2008 to September 2010, 74 patients older than 65 years who underwent bipolar hemiarthroplasty(33 patients) or PFNA(41 patients) and followed for more than 1 year after surgery were enrolled in this study. The mean blood loss during operation, mean operation time, radiological results, clinical results, and complications were analyzed by the Student t-test and Chi-square test to compare the two groups. RESULTS: The volume of blood loss during the operation was statistically lesser in the PFNA group (P<0.05) and operation time was not statistically different between the two groups (p=0.73). The bipolar hemiarthroplasty group showed a statistically better outcome than the PFNA group in the beginning of weight bearing (p<0.05), the hospital stay (p<0.05). The degradations of Koval score and modified Harris hip score of the bipolar hemiarthroplasty group were statistically better than those of the PFNA group (p=0.03, p=0.02). The bipolar hemiarthroplasty group showed a statistically lower incidence of mechanical(9.1%, p=0.01) and general(12.1%, p=0.00) complications than the PFNA group. CONCLUSION: In elderly patients, bipolar hemiarthroplasty is thought to be one of the effective treatments for unstable femoral intertrochanteric fracutures when considering complications and clinical outcomes.

Surgical Treatment of Diaphyseal Fractures of Both Forearm Bones in Adolescents

PURPOSE: To evaluate the results of surgical treatment for diaphyseal fractures of both forearm bones in adolescents. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Between March 2005 and February 2009, fifteen adolescents with diaphyseal fractures in both forearm bones were treated with a compression plate for the ulnar fractures and intramedullary pin fixation for the radial fractures. They were clinically and radiologically evaluated retrospectively. RESULTS: The mean time for radiological bone union was 9.2 weeks. At the last follow up, the rotational deformity and angulation were within seven degrees and evaluations of the functional results were excellent in all cases. One patient had a refracture of the ulna after plate removal, which was treated with a long-arm cast. CONCLUSION: The use of a compression plate for the ulnar fractures and intramedullary pin fixation for the radial fractures can be an effective method for unstable displaced diaphyseal fractures of both forearm bones in adolescents.

Surgical Treatment of Diaphyseal Fractures of Both Forearm Bones in Adolescents

PURPOSE: To evaluate the results of surgical treatment for diaphyseal fractures of both forearm bones in adolescents. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Between March 2005 and February 2009, fifteen adolescents with diaphyseal fractures in both forearm bones were treated with a compression plate for the ulnar fractures and intramedullary pin fixation for the radial fractures. They were clinically and radiologically evaluated retrospectively. RESULTS: The mean time for radiological bone union was 9.2 weeks. At the last follow up, the rotational deformity and angulation were within seven degrees and evaluations of the functional results were excellent in all cases. One patient had a refracture of the ulna after plate removal, which was treated with a long-arm cast. CONCLUSION: The use of a compression plate for the ulnar fractures and intramedullary pin fixation for the radial fractures can be an effective method for unstable displaced diaphyseal fractures of both forearm bones in adolescents.

A Case of Intraneural Ganglion Associated with Common Peroneal Nerve Palsy

There are few reports on intraneural ganglion, and this malformations mainly occurs in peripheral nerves of the upper and lower extremities. In the lower extremity, it often occurs in the common peroneal nerve, with neurologic symptoms such as motor weakness and sensory changes. We experienced a case of intraneural ganglion of the common peroneal nerve around the fibular head and this was associated with neurologic symptoms, including weakness of the motor power in the ankle and great toe dorsiflexion and sensory change in the foot dorsum. It was successfully treated by complete excision. We report here on this unusual case and we review the relevant literature.