Cardiac magnetic resonance imaging: infarct size is an independent predictor of mortality in patients with coronary artery disease.

BACKGROUND: Cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (CMR) can accurately determine infarct size. Prior studies using indirect methods to assess infarct size have shown that patients with larger myocardial infarctions have a worse prognosis than those with smaller myocardial infarctions. OBJECTIVES: This study assessed the prognostic significance of infarct size determined by CMR. METHODS: Cine and contrast CMR were performed in 100 patients with coronary artery disease (CAD) undergoing routine cardiac evaluation. Infarct size was determined by planimetry. We used Cox proportional hazards regression analyses (stepwise forward selection approach) to evaluate the risk of all-cause death associated with traditional cardiovascular risk factors, symptoms of heart failure, medication use, left ventricular ejection fraction, left ventricular mass, angiographic severity of CAD and extent of infarct size determined by CMR. RESULTS: Ninety-one patients had evidence of myocardial infarction by CMR. Mean follow-up was 4.8±1.6 years after CMR, during which time 30 patients died. The significant multivariable predictors of all-cause mortality were extent of myocardial infarction by CMR, extent of left ventricular systolic dysfunction, symptoms of heart failure, and diabetes mellitus (P<.05). The presence of infarct greater than or equal to 24% of left ventricular mass and left ventricular ejection fraction less than or equal to 30% were the most optimal cut-off points for the prediction of death with bivariate adjusted hazard ratios of 2.11 (95% confidence interval 1.02-4.38) and 4.06 (95% confidence interval 1.73-9.54), respectively. CONCLUSIONS: The extent of myocardial infarction determined by CMR is an independent predictor of death in patients with CAD.

Does use of a "rim cutter" improve quality of cementation of the acetabular component of cemented exeter total hip arthroplasty?

A randomized controlled trial was performed to assess the effect of a rim cutter device on cement mantles in modern elective total hip arthroplasty using a flanged acetabular component. Forty patients were randomized to a rim cutter (21) or control (19) group. A statistically significant improvement in cement penetration was demonstrated in zone 1 (10.1 vs 8.6 mm, P = .023), and in cement mantle thickness in zones 2 and 3 (7.8 and 6.7 mm vs 5.7 and 5.4 mm [P < .001 and P = .017]), with a reduced incidence of bottoming out of the socket (1/21 vs 8/19 [P = .007]). Cement mantle thicknesses greater than 8 mm were achieved more consistently in the rim cutter group (30% vs 2%). This technique improves cement penetration and mantle thickness in a reliable manner.

Management of odontoid fractures with anterior screw fixation.

Type II odontoid fractures are prone to undergo nonunion. Stabilization of such fractures with anterior screw fixation provides rigid internal fixation and preserves C1-C2 motion. During a 5-year period, 17 patients with displaced type II fractures of the odontoid were treated Thirteen were male and four were female with a mean age of 38.2 years. All patients were operated on for anterior screw fixation within a mean of 10.1 days from injury. Postoperatively, the patients were evaluated clinically and radiologically at regular intervals. With a mean follow-up of 3.2 years, union was observed in 16 of 17 patients (94%). One patient developed nonunion for which he required C1-C2 fusion subsequently. Screw back-out by a few millimeters was seen in another patient resulting in mild restriction of neck movements. No approach-related complications were noted. Anterior odontoid screw fixation has relatively low complication and high fusion rates. It not only restores normal anatomy but also gives better functional results by preserving intrinsic C1-C2 motion. Thus it should be considered the treatment of choice in acute displaced type II odontoid fractures.

Monteggia fracture dislocation in a neonate resulting from birth trauma: a case report.

Birth-related injuries in an uncommon location may be missed initially and may result in significant morbidity. We report for the first time a case of a Monteggia fracture dislocation in a neonate resulting from birth trauma. The delayed presentation at 7 days made open reduction necessary in this otherwise nonoperatively managed injury because of the accelerated rate of bony union in infants. All high-risk births, including 2nd-born twins, should be thoroughly screened to avoid initial misdiagnosis.

Intrapartum coccygeal fracture, a cause for postpartum coccydynia: a case report.

Coccydynia can result from a varying number of causes, parturition being one of them. Although strains and sprains of the ligaments attached to the coccyx have been thought to be the usual cause for coccydynia occurring after childbirth, an intrapartum coccygeal fracture dislocation can result in the same. A 28-year-old female presented to the orthopaedic department 4 weeks after the birth of her first child with the complaint of coccygeal pain. Examination revealed marked local tenderness over the coccyx but no crepitus was felt. Radiographs established the diagnosis of fracture and posterior dislocation between the second and third coccygeal fragments. Conservative treatment in the form of rest, doughnut ring, local heat, and avoidance of direct pressure over the area resulted in considerable improvement over the next 4 weeks. Coccygeal fracture dislocation may result in introital dyspareunia and tension myalgia of the pelvic floor. Pain from this lesion may become recurrently symptomatic. The diagnosis must be established at the outset and appropriate treatment instituted to avoid these complications.

Salmonella typhi septic arthritis of hip--a case report.

A case of rarely encountered Salmonella Typhi septic arthritis of the hip in a child with no preexisting disease is reported. Salmonella etiology was not suspected in this case, and the diagnosis was made only after bacterial isolation. Arthrotomy was done as an initial mode of management, followed by intravenous ciprofloxacin therapy to which the child responded favorably.

Fracture of the posterior process of talus.

Fracture of posterior process of talus is quite rare, but is associated with significant morbidity as it involves two articular surfaces. We report two such cases in which open reduction and internal fixation were done with good functional results. One of the cases had a concomitant medial malleolus fracture which to the best of our knowledge has not been reported so far.