The Papineau bone graft: a limb salvage technique.

The Papineau bone graft is a limb salvage technique that is an effective treatment alternative to amputation for problematic, infected nonunion of long bone. The graft technique involves radical open bone debridement, cancellous bone grafting over a granulation tissue base, delayed soft tissue closure, and immobilization of the affected extremity. A cooperative effort is necessary between the patient and health care team to ensure the success of the graft procedure. A case study is presented in this article detailing the care involved for a patient undergoing the Papineau procedure.

Bone stimulators for fusions and fractures.

Even though a complete understanding of electrical responses of bone has not been fully obtained, useful data toward this end have been gathered. The development of devices that use what is known about the bone's electrophysiologic properties has impacted patient care. Many health care professionals remain skeptical about the effects of electrical stimulation in bone healing. Therefore, further research is needed to help the practitioner formulate a more educated opinion on this form of therapy.

Treating ununited fractures with electricity: nursing implications.

Not only are the elderly more susceptible to fractures because of a decrease in total bone content from osteoporosis, but the regeneration of injured bone may be prolonged as well. When a long bone fracture occurs in the elderly person, weightlessness and immobility result in further acceleration of bone loss. Because the success of pulsing electromagnetic field treatments depends on adherence to the treatment protocol, patient education is a key in nursing care. Although all fractures are a serious setback for the elderly person, those that do not heal properly require special considerations and the mobilization of many resources if the patient is to remain out of an institution.