ABSTRACT
PURPOSE: To compare differences in outcome between Maori and Caucasian patients undergoing total joint arthroplasty for osteoarthritis. METHODS: 45 men and 45 women aged 43 to 87 years who underwent total hip (n=54) or total knee (n=36) arthroplasties by a single surgeon and were followed up for at least one year were prospectively studied. Patients were classified according to American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) score. Preoperative comorbidity, length of hospital stay, postoperative complications, and pre- and post-operative outcomes in the 2 groups were compared. RESULTS: Maori patients were more likely than Caucasian patients to be obese (body mass index of >30 kg/m square) [37% vs. 15%], diabetic (15% vs. 5%), and smokers (32% vs. 13%). Postoperative complication rates and the lengths of hospital stay in the 2 groups were not significantly different. The ASA score correlated positively with the length of hospital stay; higher ASA scores predicted more prolonged recovery. CONCLUSION: Maori patients were more likely than Caucasian patients to have preoperative comorbidities, but their postoperative length of hospital stay and complication rates were not significantly different.
Subject(s)
Arthroplasty, Replacement, Hip/methods , Arthroplasty, Replacement, Knee/methods , Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islander , Osteoarthritis, Hip/ethnology , Osteoarthritis, Knee/ethnology , White People , Adult , Aged , Aged, 80 and over , Australia/epidemiology , Female , Humans , Male , Middle Aged , New Zealand/epidemiology , Osteoarthritis, Hip/surgery , Osteoarthritis, Knee/surgery , Prospective Studies , Treatment OutcomeABSTRACT
A 26 year old man was referred to us with extensor pollicis longus dysfunction (EPL), and investigation revealed a fracture of the trapezium (left) and carpo-metacarpal joint dislocation of the thumb. Operative exploration revealed mechanical displacement of the tendon secondary to fracture dislocation of the trapezium as the cause for EPL dysfunction. The lesion was managed with an open reduction and screw fixation resulting in good functional outcome.
ABSTRACT
This paper describes an unusual case of parasthesia in the medial two fingers of the hand in a 56-yearold lady. MRI suggested a space occupying lesion and on exploration this proved to be a venous malformation causing a pressure neuropathy of the ulnar nerve.
ABSTRACT
Rupture of the gastrocnemius muscle is an uncommon injury, with most cases occurring in athletes and, typically, presenting with the acute onset of focal calf pain and ecchymosis after injury. Although gastrocnemius ruptures are usually treated symptomatically with good results, we present an unusual case of a medial head of gastrocnemius muscle tear complicated by acute compartment syndrome in a 7-year-old boy whose right calf was crushed in a fall. After confirmation of the diagnosis of compartment syndrome, the patient underwent emergency fasciotomy with evacuation of hematoma, and, thereafter, he recovered unremarkably. Clinicians and surgeons need to maintain a high index of suspicion for compartment syndrome associated with gastrocnemius muscle injury, so that timely surgical decompression can be undertaken and complications related to delayed diagnosis and treatment can be avoided.
Subject(s)
Compartment Syndromes/etiology , Muscle, Skeletal/injuries , Acute Disease , Child , Compartment Syndromes/surgery , Fasciotomy , Humans , Leg Injuries/complications , Leg Injuries/surgery , Male , RuptureABSTRACT
The treatment of fractures of the distal third of the tibia has evolved with the development of improved imaging and surgical techniques. The outcome of treatment using conventional fixation is poor. We report a study on indirect reduction in 26 patients. All cases achieved radiological union and full weight bearing. The good to excellent results suggest that this method should be considered in metaphyseal fractures where intra-medullary nails are not suitable.
