ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Distal radius fractures are among the most prevalent fractures predictive of probable occurrence of other osteoporotic fractures. They are treated via a variety of methods, but the best treatment has not been defined yet. OBJECTIVES: This study was performed to compare the results of open reduction and internal fixation with locking plates versus the pin and plaster method. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this prospective study, 114 patients aged 40 to 60 years with Fernandez type III fracture referring to Imam-Reza and Mehr hospitals of Mashhad from 2009 to 2011, were selected randomly; after obtaining informed consent, they were treated with pin and plaster fixation (n = 57) or internal fixation with the volar locking plate (n = 57). They were compared at the one year follow up. Demographic features and standard radiographic indices were recorded and MAYO, DASH and SF - 36 tests were performed. Data was analyzed by SPSS software version 13, with descriptive indices, Mann-Whitney and Chi-square tests. RESULTS: SF-36 test demonstrated a better general health (P < 0.001), mental health (P = 0.006), physical functioning (P < 0.001), social functioning (P < 0.001) and energy/fatigue (P < 0.001) in LCP group. However, pain (P = 0.647) was not significantly different between the groups. Physical limitation (P < 0.001) and emotional limitation (P < 0.001) were greater in the pin and plaster group. Also, in the LCP group mean MAYO score (P < 0.001) was more than pin and plaster group. Mean DASH score was not different between the groups (P = 0.218). The rate of acceptable results of radiographic indices (P < 0.001), grip strength (P < 0.001) and range of motion in supination-pronation (P < 0.001) in LCP method were better than the pin and plaster method. CONCLUSIONS: In treatment of intra-articular distal radius fractures in middle-aged patients internal fixation with locking plates may be prefered to pin and plaster as the treatment of choice.
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Calcaneus has the most fracture prevalence among tarsal bones. About 3/4 of calcaneal fractures are intra-articular fractures with displacement. The majority of calcaneal fractures occur in 21 - 35 year old young men, and that are mostly active people, these fractures cause complete disability for 15 months. Moreover, inappropriate treatment leads to lots of social and economical damages. OBJECTIVES: In this study we compared the incidence and the severity of peroneal tenosynovitis as a complication of non-operative and operative treatment of intra-articular calcaneal fractures. In this study, some other complications of this fracture were also analyzed and the prevalence of the complication was higher in non-operated patients. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A total of 140 patients with intra-articular calcaneal fracture were analyzed prospectively. These patients were divided into 2 groups: operated group and non-operated group. RESULTS: In non-operated group (56 patients), 22 patients were complicated by peroneal tenosynovitis. In operated group (84 patients), 8 patients had the same complication. Statistical analysis revealed that the prevalence, and the severity of this complication in the mentioned groups had a meaningful difference. The results in operated group were much better than the non-operated one. CONCLUSIONS: Although some of the orthopedic surgeons are not interested to manage these fractures surgically and most of them treat these cases conservatively (casting, etc.), in most displaced intra-articular calcaneal fractures, surgical treatment is the method of choice. Moreover, in non-surgical treatment the prevalence of these complications among the patients is more and as a result, inevitable social, occupational and familial damages occur.
