Operative Versus Nonoperative Treatment of Humeral Shaft Fractures: A Prospective Cohort Comparison...
Closed Fracture of Shaft of HumerusThe subject's broken humerus (arm) is suitable for treatment with a fracture brace or operative fixation with plate and screws. Both of these types of treatments are often used by doctors to fix broken bones. If the subject agrees to participate in this study, the subject will be assigned by the treating surgeon to one of the following groups: Group B: Non-operative treatment with a fracture brace Group P: a plate & screws - a metal device placed on top of the bone. The investigators will collect information about the subject's arm fracture as it is treated with examinations and X-rays. X-rays will be obtained often in the first several months, depending on how the fracture is healing. This is determined by the doctor and will not be determined by the subject's participation in this research study. Both treatments are routinely used and this study hopes to provide information regarding each type of treatment on the subject's functional outcome. A subject's treatment will not be affected whether they choose to participate in this research study or not. The treatment of these subjects is no different because of this study. The treating surgeon will discuss with the patient their preferred treatment for the isolated humeral shaft fracture. If they meet the inclusion/exclusion criteria, they will be approached for participation in one of two treatment groups depending on a previous decision by the patient and the treating surgeon. Hypotheses: Patients with an isolated humeral shaft fracture that are plated will have a more rapid return to ADL's, work and full functional capacity than patients treated conservatively. Patients treated with plate technique will have a more rapid improvement in functional outcome scores, decreased pain scores and patient satisfaction than those managed conservatively. Complication rates of infection and iatrogenic neurologic injury will be higher in patients treated operatively. Nonunion and malunion will be higher in patients managed conservatively.
Diagnosis of Occult Hip Fractures With Ultrasound
Hip FracturesOccult Fracturesoccult hip fractures present to the emergency room with a history of trauma,a painful hip and normal X-ray. these patients usually undergo other imaging modalities such as CT scans, MRI, or bone scans. In this study we check the sensitivity and specificity of a directed ultrasound examination of the hip joint in diagnosing or excluding a hip fracture. We also compare the results of ultrasound examination by the orthopedic surgeon in the emergency room versus the consultant radiologist. The patients undergo bone scans or CT to make the diagnosis.