Comparison of intramedullary fixation and percutaneous pinning of displaced and comminuted Colles' fractures: a prospective and consecutive study.

This consecutive study comprised 86 patients who were available for follow up 5-51 months after sustaining a Colles' fracture--Older type IV. A total of 42 patients were treated with Kirschner (K) wires of whom one had bilateral fracture. Forty-four patients (of whom two had bilateral fractures) were treated with Rush nails. A functional assessment of the patients was made using both a questionnaire and a clinical examination. The end-results of residual deformity, subjective and objective findings, and complications were evaluated according to the Lucas' modification of the Sarmiento demerit point-rating system. At follow-up, the ulnar/radial deviation was significantly better in the patients operated on with K-wires (37 degrees compared with 27 degrees, p < 0.02, range in both groups 0-80 degrees), but no differences were found in the other directions of movement. A total of three patients (7%) developed complications. The final result showed that 40 (93%) of the fractures treated with K-wires were excellent or good compared with 38 (86%) of those operated on with a Rush nail. One fracture in each group (2%) had a poor outcome. Comparison of the final results showed no significant difference between the two groups.

[Roller skating accidents as a cause of intracranial bleeding]. / Rulleskøjteulykker som årsag til intrakraniel blødning.

The number of roller-skating accidents has increased in recent years. A new type of "in line" roller-skates has been introduced to the market. We present two cases of intracranial bleeding resulting from accidents using "in line" skates. In one case the brain injuries were fatal. A helmet could probably have prevented or diminished the injuries. We emphasize that a helmet should be part of the correct protective gear in roller-skating.

Need for bilateral arthroplasty for coxarthrosis. 1,477 replacements in 1,199 patients followed for 0-14 years.

During the 10-year period 1981-1990, 1,199 patients in the county of South Jutland, Denmark, had 1,477 primary total hip arthroplasties (THA) performed because of primary arthrosis (OA). The patients were followed until the end of 1994, with a mean follow-up of 5.6 (0-14) years. Bilateral operations were performed on 356 patients, whereas 248 patients had died with only 1 THA. The cumulated risk of replacement of the contralateral hip was approximately 0.15 1 year after replacement of the first hip, 0.20 after 2 years, 0.29 after 5 years and 0.47 after 10 years, respectively. During the follow-up period, the demand for a THA of the contralateral hip continued to be approximately 15 times higher than in the general population.

Survivorship analysis of cemented total condylar knee arthroplasty. A long-term follow-up report on 348 cases.

Survivorship analysis was used in the evaluation of 348 consecutive primary total condylar knee arthroplasties (total knee arthroplasties) performed on 253 patients in a 27-month period, with a maximum follow-up period of 12 years. The diagnosis was osteoarthrosis in 184 cases and rheumatoid arthritis in 164 cases. Ten patients (10 total knee arthroplasties) were lost to follow-up evaluation. The endpoint was defined as prosthesis not in situ. The variables considered were age, sex, body mass index, and diagnosis. The overall cumulative survival rate was 92%. The survival rate of the osteoarthrosis group was significantly higher (97%) than that of the rheumatoid arthritis group (87%). None of the other variables affected survival rate significantly.

[Age and sex specific incidence of primary total hip alloplasty in the county of Southern Jutland]. / Alders- og kønsspecifik incidens af primaer total hoftealloplastik i Sønderjyllands Amt.

During the 10-year period 1981-90, 1752 primary total hip arthroplasties (THAs) were performed in the county of south Jutland, Denmark. The annual number of THA increased until a steady state level was reached during 1988-90. The age and sex specific incidences were calculated for this period using the population distribution of the County. The age specific incidences were highest in the age-group 70-79 years for both female and males, namely respectively 485 and 410 THAs per 100,000 inhabitants. The overall incidence was 82 THA per 100,000 inhabitants. During the next 30 years, the demand for primary THA in Denmark is expected to increase 32 percent (from 4013 to 5307 THAs) as a consequence of demographic changes.

Hip arthroplasty in Jutland, Denmark. Age and sex-specific incidences of primary operations.

During the 10-year period 1981-90, 1752 primary total hip arthroplasties were performed in the County of South Jutland, Denmark. The annual number increased to a steady state during 1988-90. In this period, the incidence was highest in the age group 70-79 years for both women and men, with 485 and 410 arthroplasties per 100,000 inhabitants, respectively; the overall incidence was 82 per 100,000 inhabitants. During the next 30 years, the demand for primary hip arthroplasties in Denmark is expected to increase because of demographic changes.

[Injuries due to lap seat belts]. / Hofteselelaesion.

A case of lap seat belt injury with damage to the small intestine is presented. The lap seat belt induces a sense of false security. This type of seat belt should be forbidden and should be replaced by the better three-point-restraint. Patients with seat belt lesions should be admitted to hospital.