The effect of using a tourniquet on the intensity of postoperative pain in forearm fractures. A randomized study in 32 surgically treated patients.
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We have analysed the relationship between the intensity of postoperative pain and the use of a pneumatic tourniquet in procedures for operative fixation of fractures of the forearm. Thirty-two patients were divided randomly into two groups as a control (NT) and tourniquet (T). The pain scores in the NT group were significantly lower. Patients over the age of 30 had notably more pain than those younger after the use of a tourniquet. Avoidance of the tourniquet gave better postoperative analgesia in male patients and in those with comminuted fractures. When a tourniquet was used the best results were obtained if it was kept inflated for less than one hour. (+info)
Systemic hormonal, electrolyte, and substrate changes after non-thermal limb injury in children.
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Relatively little is known regarding the hormonal changes after injury in children. Adult protocols are often applied to children, although the latter often have different physiological responses to trauma. Twenty children with an angulated displaced fracture of the radius and/or ulna (injury severity score 9) were studied prospectively for changes in adrenaline, noradrenaline, cortisol, angiotensin II, arginine vasopressin, urea, electrolytes, and glucose. Two blood samples were taken: one an arrival at the accident and emergency department and one preoperatively several hours later. There were marked increases in adrenaline, noradrenaline, cortisol, and arginine vasopressin above the normal range. Five (25%) cases demonstrated greater early increases in adrenaline than those reported for adult injuries of similar severity. Early hypokalaemia in four cases had corrected towards normal within a few hours, without potassium supplementation. (+info)
Transcranial doppler detection of fat emboli.
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BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: The fat embolism syndrome (FES) is characterized by the simultaneous occurrence of pulmonary and neurological symptoms as well as skin and mucosal petechiae in the setting of long-bone fractures or their surgical repair. Its pathophysiology is poorly understood, and effective treatments are lacking. We present 5 patients with long-bone fractures in whom in vivo microembolism was detected by transcranial Doppler. METHODS: Five patients with long-bone fractures were monitored with transcranial Doppler for microembolic signals (MESs) after trauma. Two patients also had intraoperative monitoring. A TC-2020 instrument equipped with MES detection software was used. Detected signals were saved for subsequent review. Selected signals satisfied criteria defined previously and were categorized as large or small. RESULTS: Cerebral microembolism was detected in all 5 patients and was transient, resolving within 4 days of injury. Intraoperative monitoring revealed an increase in MESs during intramedullary nail insertion. The characteristics of MESs after injury varied among patients, with large signals being more frequent in the only patient with a patent foramen ovale. CONCLUSIONS: Cerebral microembolism after long-bone fractures can be detected in vivo and monitored over time. These findings may have potential diagnostic and therapeutic implications. (+info)
Use of a delayed cortical bone graft to treat diaphyseal defects in the forearm.
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The technique of delayed autogenous cortical bone grafting was used in 17 patients (6 women, 11 men, with an average age of 22 years) to treat diaphyseal defects resulting mainly from closed or compound fractures complicated by infection and bone tissue loss. Bones affected were the humerus in 1 case, the radius in 7 cases, the ulna in 4 cases, the radius and ulna in 2 cases, the first metacarpal in 1 case, and the femur in 2 cases. The average length of the defect was 5.7 cm and the graft, prepared from the anteromedial aspec of the tibia, was at least 1.5 cm longer than the defect. The graft application was combined with rigid internal fixation using an AO 3.5 mm DCP plate in most cases and this permitted early active movement. Union occurred without the need for any additional grafting procedure in 14 patients and within an average of 23 weeks. In most cases there was an increase in the thickness of the graft probably as a result of osteo-induction, with consequent restoration of the original diameter of the recipient bone diaphysis. The most frequent complication was infection (4 cases), and this was controlled by means of debridement, cleaning and antibiotics. A delayed graft provides mechanical support, incorporates quickly and is therefore a reasonable alternative method for treating diaphyseal defects of long bones, particularly in the upper limb. (+info)
A new fracture of the forearm adjacent to a healing fracture.
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A 10-year-old girl sustained closed fractures of the distal radius and ulna. This was manipulated and she was treated in an above-elbow plaster for 4 weeks. Two weeks later she was discharged, only to have a second injury to the same forearm. X-ray showed a new fracture distal to undisrupted callus. (+info)
New observations on carrying angle.
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Based on experiments on fresh cadaveric and accidentally amputated 8 upper limbs of children, study of ulnae for presence and absence of non articular strip on the trochlear notch, measurements of carrying angle, length of forearm bones, pronation-supination, height and weight in 2250 infants, children and adults of various age groups and clinical observations on 800 cases of injuries around elbow many new facts have been observed about the development of the carrying angle and its significance in the etiopathogenesis of various types of fractures seen around the elbow. The carrying angle develops in response to pronation of the forearm and is dependent on length of the forearm bones. Lesser the length of forearm bones greater is the carrying angle. So the carrying angle is more in shorter persons as compared to taller persons. It is abduction at the shoulder and not the carrying angle which keeps the swinging upper limbs away from the side of the pelvis during walking. Carrying angle is not a secondary sex character. The type of fracture a child sustains after fall on outstretched hand is also determined by the value of the carrying angle. A new type of fracture hitherto undescribed in the literature, T-Y fracture of the distal humeral epiphysis is also reported. (+info)
Entrapment of the index flexor digitorum profundus tendon after fracture of both forearm bones in a child.
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Entrapment of the index FDP tendon in a radius fracture callus occurred after fracture of both forearm bones in a 4-year-old boy. Surgical release of the FDP tendon, three months after fracture, resulted in normal index finger motion. This clinical problem can be avoided by a detailed physical examination of children with forearm fractures, verifying full passive range-of-motion of the hand after cast immobilization. Prompt supervised active range-of-motion should be done to prevent adhesions at the fracture site. (+info)
Effect of early mobilisation on grip strength, pinch strength and work of hand muscles in cases of closed diaphyseal fracture radius-ulna treated with dynamic compression plating.
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AIMS: The purpose of the study was to objectively determine the effects of early mobilisation in terms of grip strength and work of hand muscles in cases of closed diaphyseal fracture radius - ulna treated with dynamic compression plating. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Fifty normal subjects and Twenty-one patients, (Eleven patients treated with early active and resistive goal directed mobilisation and Ten control group) were assessed for pinch strength and grip strength on Pinch Dynamometer and Jamar Dynamometer and work of hand muscles on Ergograph. Standardised positions of the equipments and patients were maintained throughout the study. RESULTS: Results showed highly significant reduction in performance in patients treated with early mobilisation as compared to normal subjects in their first assessment (Fourth week post operatively). These patients showed significant improvement in successive assessments (sixth & eighth post operative week) on exercising in between these assessments. CONCLUSIONS: There are significant effects on grip strength and work of hand muscles in patients treated with that early active and resistive goal directed mobilisation. (+info)