ABSTRACT
PURPOSE: Long arm cast is the method of immobilization after closed reduction of the fracture of the distal third of the forearm, although short arm cast has been used to immobilize the forearm by some orthopedic surgeons. We conducted this study to evaluate the rate of displacement, union time, complication, and cost of treatment between the above-elbow and below-elbow plaster cast groups. METHODS: We designed a prospective randomized controlled trial to compare above- and below-elbow casts for patients of distal forearm fracture aged 4-12 years. One hundred and one patients were presented to our institution during the period from 1st June 2007 to 31st May 2008. Twelve patients were excluded from the study. Eighty-nine patients were randomized into two groups. Four patients were lost to follow up. Hence, 85 patients, 42 in the above-elbow group and 43 in the below-elbow group, were analyzed. Informed consent was obtained prior to participation in the trial. The parameters to be studied were defined before treatment and noted in the pilot-tested pro forma and follow up was done. RESULTS: Among the 85 patients analyzed, randomization was successful. Pain and swelling on the next day and at one week following cast application was significantly higher (P = 0.000) in the above-elbow group. Three cases in the above-elbow group needed slitting of the plaster cast. Remanipulation was needed more often in the above-elbow group (9.5%). Although the cast index was not statistically significant (P = 0.054) between the groups, those who needed remanipulation had a larger cast index (0.80). The total cost of the treatment and the number of school days lost was significantly higher (P = 0.000) in the above-elbow group. CONCLUSION: Below-elbow cast treatment was comparable in terms of redisplacement, union time, and movement of the wrist to the above-elbow treatment. The complications rate and total cost was higher in the above-elbow plaster group, which could be a cost benefit if a below-elbow cast is used.
ABSTRACT
Complex elbow dislocation1 (fracture of lateral condyle and avulsion fracture of medial epicondyle) with ipsilateral segmental fracture of radius and ulna without distal neurovascular deficit following machinery rolling belt injury in a 14 years boy presenting to emergency room of BP Koirala Institute of Health Sciences, is reported due to its complex nature of injury and good outcome after adequate follow up. The literature is reviewed for complex elbow dislocation to show its rarity.
Subject(s)
Elbow Injuries , Joint Dislocations/complications , Radius Fractures/complications , Ulna Fractures/complications , Adolescent , Elbow Joint/diagnostic imaging , Humans , Joint Dislocations/diagnostic imaging , Male , Radiography , Radius Fractures/diagnostic imaging , Ulna Fractures/diagnostic imagingABSTRACT
Polyarticular tuberculosis involving bilateral hip and bilateral knee joints without obvious pulmonary or disseminated form of tuberculosis in a young boy is presented along with literature review.
Subject(s)
Tuberculosis, Osteoarticular/diagnosis , Tuberculosis, Osteoarticular/therapy , Antitubercular Agents/therapeutic use , Child , Combined Modality Therapy , Diagnosis, Differential , Humans , Male , TractionABSTRACT
Osteosarcoma in pregnant women is rare. Delay in diagnosis may be due to lack of any signs or symptoms during gestation, clinical misdiagnoses, religious attitude and refusal of the patients. Most cases soft-tissue and bone tumors during pregnancy can be managed successfully with surgery during gestation. Therapies with fetal toxicity were more likely to be deferred to postpartum period. This case is rare and liable to be missed, hence is reported.
