Mortality Following Surgery for Proximal Femoral Fractures
Fracture of Neck of Femur (Hip)Proximal femoral fractures are most frequent traumatologic and orthopedic diagnoses undergoing surgery. It affect most seniors and accompanied by a series of complications. The aim of our retrospective clinical trial is to establish a thirty-day mortality rate after surgical solutions, mortality during hospitalization and compare the types of anesthesia chosen during the performance (general vs. subarachnoid anesthesia).
Evaluation of Health and Social Interventions Aimed to Old People Discharged From Hospital After...
ElderlyWrist Fracture1 moreObjectives: To describe social and health care provided to our older patients who have been admitted in the emergency department (ED) after suffering from a hip or wrist fracture due to a fall. To compare among the different hospitals and town halls, the health and social care that participants received. To compare the functional dependency and health related quality of life (HRQoL) presented by the patients immediately and six months after a fall. Methodology: Prospective Cohort study. One hundred and fifty patients suffering from each type of fracture (hip or wrist) will be recruited consecutively in the Basque Health System's participant hospitals sub-project. Within 3 sub-projects, more than 3000 cases are expected to be collected. Data will be collected from ED and hospital clinical records and by means of questionnaires to measure functional dependency (Barthel and Lawton indexes) and HRQoL (SF-36) requesting information on status before the fall, immediately and six months later. In addition to this, data referred to care provided to the patients by traumatologist, rehabilitation or primary care provider as well as social services in their homes after the index episode will be collected.
Young Goalkeeper's Fracture: Radiographic Findings
Radius FracturesThe aim of this project is to evaluate retrospectively goalkeeper's fractures in children using the children fracture classification and to evaluate the distal radius tilt angle of the growth plate on plain radiographs of the forearm. Patients positive for goalkeeper's fracture will prospectively answer a questionnaire concerning risk factors and circumstances during the injury.
Epidemiology, Identification Rate and Treatment Penetration of Osteoporotic Vertebral Fractures...
Postmenopausal OsteoporosisSpinal FracturesIn Switzerland, the prevalence of vertebral fractures in community- dwelling women is unknown and the published data from the Swiss hospitals statistics represent only the tip of the iceberg. In addition, the percentages of women correctly identified with vertebral fractures due to osteoporosis and the treatment rate of these women with a drug proven to reduce the risk of further fractures are unknown. Furthermore, it is not known whether the prevalence of vertebral fractures differs between urban and rural areas or between mountain areas and plain country, e.g. due to possible differences in sun exposure (vitamin D production) and/ or in physical activity and/ or dietary habits. Clinical signs and symptoms leading to the suspicion of vertebral fracture(s) lack either sensitivity (wall-occiput distance) or specificity (rib-pelvis distance). Whether a combination of both would improve sensitivity and specificity is unknown. The gold standard for the diagnosis of vertebral fracture relies on antero-posterior and lateral X-Rays of the thoracic and lumbar spine. Despite standardization of X-Ray readings, a retrospective study of hospitalized elderly patients has shown that as many as 50% of the radiographic reports failed to note the presence of moderate to severe vertebral fractures. In a primary care setting, fewer than 2% of the women received diagnoses of osteoporosis or vertebral fracture, although expected prevalence is 20% to 30% and appropriate drug treatment was offered to only 36% of the diagnosed patients. The recent availability of software for vertebral fracture assessment (VFA) coupled to DXA measurements allows for the detection of vertebral deformities, which is critical for management of osteoporosis, as the existence of such deformities substantially increases the risk of subsequent fracture. Recently published results show that VFA allows the diagnosis of a vertebral fracture. The sensitivity of VFA for detection of vertebral fractures compared to expert radiologist reading of X-ray is excellent for grade 2 and 3 fractures, ranging between 90-94%.
Nails Versus Plates for Femur Fractures in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
Femoral FracturesThis is a prospective observational study of patients with femur fractures in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania comparing two different surgical techniques: intramedullary nailing (IMN) and open reduction internal fixation (ORIF) with a plate. The primary outcome is the rate of reoperation for any reason, and the secondary outcomes are fracture healing, return to work, and health-related quality-of-life. The investigators hypothesize that there will be a difference in the rate of reoperation for patients with femur fractures treated with an IMN compared to ORIF with a plate.
Evaluation of Handling and Possible Complications Related to the Newly Developed Angular Stable...
Humerus FractureFemur Fracture1 moreIn many cases, the existing locking bolts and screws in intramedullary nails do not provide sufficient stability. Due to the play between screw and nail, the reduction can be lost and the instability can result in malunions, nonunions, or pseudoarthrosis. Consequently, secondary angular fracture dislocation (defined as a difference of the angle of 10° or more from the post-operative to the follow-up x-rays) can be observed in approximately 30% of patients after conventional intramedullary nailing of proximal third tibial fractures and in approximately 0-2% in patients with distal third tibial fractures. Therefore, an Angular Stable Locking System for Intramedullary Nails (ASLS) was developed to reduce the risk of secondary loss of reduction by providing axial and angular stability. ASLS provides angular stable fixation between nails and screws with resorbable sleeves used as dowels in the nail locking holes. The present study evaluates the handling of ASLS and the surgeon's compliance as well as any complications occurring during the baseline and the follow-up period in patients with proximal and distal tibial, femoral and humeral fractures treated with intramedullary nails. Furthermore, the relationship of any occurred complications to ASLS will be assessed.
Study of Sacral Fractures Using Patient Based and Objective Outcomes
Sacrum FractureThe purpose of this study is to define the outcomes, both patient based and radiographic, for sacral fractures based upon injury pattern, displacement, and treatment. This will aid the orthopaedist in determining the best course for those patients with mild to moderate displacement. Multiple centers will be included and not asked to change their protocols for management. The prospective evaluation will gather specific data points on mechanism of injury, displacements, position at union, and disease specific and general health outcomes.
Ultrasound Detection of Radiographically Negative Fractures of Elbow in Children
FracturesBoneFractures of an elbow are common in children. Accurate initial diagnosis is crucial for the management of the fractures of an elbow. In young children the fractures may be suspected clinically but missed on x-rays due to mostly non-ossified cartilage that is not visible on a regular x-ray. We propose that every x-ray negative, but clinically suspicious elbow trauma in children can be additionally evaluated using high resolution US.
Comparison of Ultrasound Versus Radiography for Diagnosis of Nasal Fractures
Nasal FractureThe standard imaging procedure to diagnose a nasal fracture still is radiography (lateral nasal view and occipitomental view). But technological advances in ultrasonography during the last few decades have made high-resolution ultrasound devices available to the majority of medical centers. It has been shown that the bony structures of the nose can be well examined by ultrasound in the last few years. The hypothesis: "Is ultrasound of equal diagnostic accuracy in diagnosing nasal fractures as radiography" is being tested in the investigators' study. Patients with suspected nasal fracture undergo ultrasound examination in addition to the routine x-ray imaging. After completion of treatment, the readings of both ultrasound and radiographs are compared in terms of sensitivity and specificity to diagnose nasal fractures.
Plate Fixation of Distal Femur Fractures: A Protocol for a Study of Two Plate Options
Femoral FracturesInternal fixation of femur fractures improves alignment and provides stability to the bone and the surrounding soft tissues. This generally allows for early motion of the adjacent joints; thus maximizing overall function of the limb. Open reduction and internal fixation with plates and screws is the standard method that has been used in the treatment of distal femoral fractures. One common traditional method of internal fixation is the 95-degree angled blade plate. Recent advances in technology for distal femur fractures include the LCP™ Condylar Plate. This implant differs from the blade plate, because the LCP offers multiple points of fixed angle contact between the plate and screws in the distal femur. The introduction of plates with the option of locked screws has provided means to increase the rigidity of fixation in osteoporotic bone or in periarticular fractures with a small distal segment, and the LCP may be technically easier to apply than the blade plate. To the investigators' knowledge, there have been no published clinical or biomechanical studies specific to the LCP Condylar Plate, although the early results of LCP implants for other fractures are promising. The investigators believe that locked plating represents a valuable advancement in fracture treatment. However, the limitations of this new technology and the indications for its use have not been completely elucidated. Furthermore, the cost of the new technology is approximately seven times more than the traditional treatment. This is a randomized, prospective, multi-center study to compare the blade plate and the LCP in the distal femur. All patients 16 years of age or older, regardless of race or gender, with a supracondylar fracture of distal femur will be considered. Whether patients are treated with a blade plate or/and LCP, they will be receiving standard orthopedic care for their injury. Neither of these methods currently places a patient at increased surgical or post-surgical risk for problems with infection, nonunion, malunion, or other complications. Because of the study, early and late complication rates and functional outcomes after these treatments may be better defined, allowing for optimization of care of people with these injuries in the future. This should reduce not only direct and indirect costs to the individual, but also costs to society.