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ABSTRACT: To evaluate normative data on elbow range of motion (ROM) in the pediatric population. The passive ROM of 1361 healthy pediatric elbows was measured using a small goniometer calibrated in 1° increments, and recorded. The mean amount of flexion, extension, and arc of motion was 142°, -11°, and 153°, respectively. Our data indicated no meaningful correlation between patient sex, age, or weight and the amount of flexion, extension, or the total arc of motion. It appears that elbow ROM in this population is not affected by sex, age, or weight. Normative data are critical when setting the goals of a particular therapeutic approach.
Journal of pediatric orthopaedics. Part B / European Paediatric Orthopaedic Society, Pediatric Orthopaedic Society of North America 12/2012; · 0.66 Impact Factor
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ABSTRACT: Many orthopaedic surgeons treat tibial shaft fractures in children with a period of non-weight-bearing after application of a long leg cast, presumably to prevent fracture angulation and shortening. We hypothesized that allowing children to immediately bear weight as tolerated in a cast with the knee in 10° of flexion would lessen disability, without increasing the risk of unacceptable shortening or angulation.
We divided eighty-one children, between the ages of four and fourteen years, with a low-energy, closed tibial shaft fracture into two groups. One group (forty children) received a long leg cast with the knee flexed 60° and were asked not to bear weight. The second group (forty-one children) received a long leg cast with the knee flexed 10° and were encouraged to bear weight as tolerated. All patients were switched to short leg walking casts at four weeks. We compared time to healing, overall alignment, shortening, and physical disability as determined by the Activities Scale for Kids-Performance (ASK-P) questionnaire.
The mean time to fracture union was 10.8 weeks in both groups (p = 0.47). At the time of healing, mean coronal alignment was within 1.3° in both groups, mean sagittal alignment was within 1°, and mean shortening was <0.5 mm, with no significant differences. The ASK-P scores showed that both groups had overall improvement in physical functioning over time. However, at six weeks, the children who were allowed to bear weight as tolerated had better overall scores (p = 0.03) and better standing skills (p = 0.01) than those who were initially instructed to be non-weight-bearing.
Children with low-energy tibial shaft fractures can be successfully managed by immobilizing the knee in 10° of flexion and encouraging early weight-bearing, without affecting the time to union or increasing the risk of angulation and shortening at the fracture site.
Therapeutic Level II. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.
The Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery 10/2012; 94(20):1853-60. · 3.27 Impact Factor
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ABSTRACT: : The range of injury severity that can be seen within the category of type II supracondylar humerus fractures (SCHFs) raises the question whether some could be treated nonoperatively. However, the clinical difficulty in using this approach lies in determining which type II SCHFs can be managed successfully without a surgical intervention.
: We reviewed clinical and radiographic information on 259 pediatric type II SCHFs that were enrolled in a prospective registry of elbow fractures. The characteristics of the patients who were treated without surgery were compared with those of patients who were treated surgically. Treatment outcomes, as assessed by the final clinical and radiographic alignment, range of motion of the elbow, and complications, were compared between the groups to define clinical and radiographic features that related to success or failure of nonoperative management.
: During the course of treatment, 39 fractures were found to have unsatisfactory alignment with nonoperative management and were taken for surgery. Ultimately, 150 fractures (57.9%) were treated nonoperatively, and 109 fractures (42.1%) were treated surgically. At final follow-up, outcome measures of change in carrying angle, range of motion, and complications did not show clinically significant differences between treatment groups. Fractures without rotational deformity or coronal angulation and with a shaft-condylar angle of >15 degrees were more likely to be associated with successful nonsurgical treatment. A scoring system was developed using these features to stratify the severity of the injury. Patients with isolated extension deformity, but none of the other features, were more likely to complete successful nonoperative management.
: This study suggests that some of the less severe pediatric type II SCHFs can be successfully treated without surgery if close follow-up is achieved. Fractures with initial rotational deformity, coronal malalignment, and significant extension of the distal fragment are likely to fail a nonoperative approach. An algorithm using the initial radiographic characteristics can aid in distinguishing groups.
Journal of pediatric orthopedics 10/2012; 32(7):675-81. · 1.23 Impact Factor
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ABSTRACT: OBJECTIVES:: We measured biomechanical stability in simulated supracondylar humeral fractures fixed with each of six pin configurations, two with associated medial comminution, and developed a technique for reproducible pin placement and divergence. METHODS:: A transverse supracondylar osteotomy was performed on 36 biomechanical humerus models. Of these, twenty-four (4 groups of 6 specimens each) were fixed with pins in one of four lateral-entry configurations. The remaining twelve (2 groups of 6 specimens each) had a 30° medial wedge removed from the distal humerus and were fixed with one of two configurations. Half of each group was tested under axial rotation, the other half under varus bending. The distal humerus was divided into four equal regions from lateral to medial (1-4). Lateral entry pins were inserted through regions 1-3, while the medial pin was inserted through region 4. RESULTS:: Without comminution, three widely spaced, divergent lateral-entry pins resulted in higher torsional stiffness (0.36Nm/deg) than two pins in adjacent regions (p<0.055), but similar to two pins in nonadjacent regions (p=0.57). Three lateral-entry pins had higher bending stiffness (79.6N/mm) than two pins, which ranged from 46.7N/mm (p<0.01) to 62.5N/mm (p=0.21).With comminution, adding a third, medial-entry pin increased torsional stiffness (0.13 to 0.24 Nm/deg, p<0.01), and increased bending stiffness (38.7 to 44.7 N/mm, p=0.10). CONCLUSIONS:: For fractures without medial column comminution, fixation using 3 lateral-entry pins may provide the greatest combination of torsional and bending stiffness. With medial comminution, adding a third medial pin increased torsional stiffness (p<0.01), as well as bending stiffness (p=0.10).
Journal of orthopaedic trauma 08/2012; · 1.78 Impact Factor
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ABSTRACT: Bony overgrowth over the lateral condyle, or "lateral spurring," is commonly identified after lateral condyle fractures of the humerus in children. Despite its frequent recognition, no prior study has defined the phenomenon, established an incidence rate, explored a correlation with any fracture or treatment characteristics, nor assessed whether it is of functional significance.
We retrospectively analyzed information on 212 consecutive lateral condyle fractures in children. Spurring was defined as an overgrowth of bone over the lateral aspect of the lateral condyle resulting in an irregularity of the metaphyseal flare. The magnitude of the spurring was classified by measuring the increase in maximum interepicondylar width of the distal humerus on the latest follow-up radiograph.
Of the 212 fractures, 55% were treated with cast immobilization, 11% with closed reduction and percutaneous pinning, and 34% with open reduction and internal fixation. Of all fractures, 73% developed a lateral spur. Of those, 43% had a mild spur, 38% a moderate spur, and 19% a severe spur. Fractures that developed a spur had a mean initial displacement of 3.3 mm, as compared with 1.1 mm in those that did not develop spurring (P<0.0001). The amount of initial displacement was higher for fractures that developed mild (2.4 mm, P=0004), moderate (3.6 mm, P<0.00001), and severe (4.9 mm, P<0.00001) spurs, as compared with fractures with no spur. At the latest follow-up, patients that developed lateral spurring had a mean relative arc of motion of 93.7% of the normal contralateral elbow, whereas patients without a spur had a relative range of motion of 94.3% (P=0.4).
Lateral spurring is an extremely common sequela of lateral humeral condyle fractures in children. The development of a spur correlates with initial displacement and surgical treatment. The size of the spur is associated with the amount of initial fracture displacement. Despite concerns from patients, families, and physicians alike, neither the presence nor the size of the lateral spur seems to influence the final outcome.
Level II--retrospective study.
Journal of pediatric orthopedics 07/2012; 32(5):456-60. · 1.23 Impact Factor
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ABSTRACT: Temporary elbow stiffness is often seen after a lateral condylar fracture of the distal end of the humerus in children. There are scant scientific data available to assess the expected time frame for return of elbow motion after these injuries. The purpose of this study is to provide a prospective, longitudinal evaluation of elbow motion in a large group of pediatric patients undergoing treatment for a lateral condylar fracture of the distal end of the humerus.
We prospectively evaluated 141 patients with lateral humeral condylar fractures at a mean age of 5.2 years and with a mean follow-up of twenty-nine weeks. The patients were treated with cast immobilization, percutaneous pinning, or open reduction and internal fixation on the basis of the initial displacement. Elbow motion was followed longitudinally at clinic visits. Relative arc of motion was calculated as a percentage of the motion of the normal, contralateral elbow.
The mean relative arc of motion at the time of cast removal was 44%, reaching 84% by week 12. By weeks 18, 24, 36, and 48, the relative arc of motion reached 87%, 90%, 93%, and 97%, respectively. Compared with fractures treated without surgery, those treated surgically had a significantly lower absolute arc of motion from the time of cast removal (p = 0.018) and up to eighteen weeks after the injury (p < 0.001); however, no significant difference was observed at eighteen weeks or beyond. For patients treated surgically, no significant difference in relative arc of motion was observed between the patients with closed or open reductions. The age of the patient (hazard ratio = 0.87, p = 0.008), length of immobilization (hazard ratio = 0.79, p = 0.03), and severity of the fracture (hazard ratio = 0.40, p < 0.0001) were independent predictors of recovery of elbow motion after a lateral humeral condylar fracture in children.
An initial rapid recovery in elbow motion can be expected after a lateral humeral condylar fracture in a child, with progressive improvements for up to one year after the injury. This recovery is slower if the patient is older, has a longer period of immobilization, and has a more severe injury.
The Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery 05/2011; 93(9):871-7. · 3.27 Impact Factor
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ABSTRACT: Occasionally, the treatment of a pediatric supracondylar humeral fracture is delayed owing to lack of an available treating physician, necessitating transfer of the child, or delay in availability of an operating room. The purpose of this study is to prospectively evaluate whether delayed pinning of these fractures affects the outcome or number of complications.
We reviewed information that was prospectively collected on 145 pediatric supracondylar humeral fractures that were treated by closed reduction and percutaneous pinning, with a minimum follow-up of 8 weeks. To determine the effect of delayed treatment, we compared a group of fractures that was treated within the first 21 hours after their presentation to our urgent care center (Group A) with a group that was treated after more than 21 hours (Group B). We compared the following variables: need for open reduction, length of surgery, length of hospitalization, the presence of neurologic complications, vascular complications including compartment syndrome, pin tract infection, loss of fixation, final carrying angle, range of motion, and outcome.
Overall, the mean time from presentation to surgery for both groups was 52 hours. This interval was greater for Gartland type II fractures (65 h) than for Gartland type III fractures (19 h) (P=0.00001). There was no need for an open reduction in either group. There were no significant differences between the groups regarding iatrogenic nerve injuries, vascular complications, compartment syndromes, surgical time, final carrying angle, range of motion, and outcome.
The results of this prospective study found that a delay in pinning closed supracondylar humeral fractures in children did not lead to a higher incidence of open reduction or a greater number of complications. Although the urgency of treating any child with a supracondylar fracture should be individualized, our study suggests that most of these injuries can be managed safely in a delayed fashion without compromising the clinical outcome. We recommend careful monitoring of any patient with type 3 injury whose treatment is delayed.
II.
Journal of pediatric orthopedics 12/2010; 30(8):785-91. · 1.23 Impact Factor
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ABSTRACT: Coronal shear fractures of the distal humerus are uncommon in the pediatric population. We present the case of an 11-year-old girl who sustained a coronal shear fracture of the distal humerus, requiring open reduction and internal fixation with the use of headless screws. At the time of the latest follow-up, she had fully recovered the range of motion on the affected limb, had returned to full physical activities without limitations, radiographs showed a completely healed fracture with restoration of the articular line, and there was no signs of avascular necrosis of the capitellum.
Journal of pediatric orthopaedics. Part B / European Paediatric Orthopaedic Society, Pediatric Orthopaedic Society of North America 10/2010; 20(1):50-5. · 0.66 Impact Factor
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ABSTRACT: Temporary elbow stiffness after the treatment of a supracondylar humeral fracture in a child is often a concern of parents. However, little attention has been devoted to documenting, longitudinally, the time required for motion recovery. The purpose of the present study was to provide a prospective, longitudinal evaluation of elbow motion in a large population of pediatric patients undergoing treatment of a supracondylar humeral fracture.
We prospectively examined 373 patients (375 fractures) who presented to our urgent care center between March 1, 2007, and September 30, 2008. On the basis of a standard protocol, patients were managed with either casting or surgery, depending on the severity of the injury, and then were followed for a minimum of seven weeks. Values of elbow flexion and extension were recorded, and the relative arc of motion was calculated as a percentage of the motion of the contralateral elbow.
In general, following a supracondylar humeral fracture, the greatest increases in flexion, extension, and the absolute and relative arcs of motion are observed within the first month after cast removal, with a progressive improvement for up to forty-eight weeks after the injury. Age had a significant effect on the recovery of elbow motion, with patients older than five years of age demonstrating a 3% to 9% lower relative arc of motion at the follow-up points in comparison with younger patients. Similarly, patients with more-severe fractures requiring surgical treatment demonstrated a decrease in relative elbow motion of 10% (with respect to the contralateral side) at the time of cast removal in comparison with those who were managed nonoperatively.
The present study demonstrates that an initial rapid recovery in elbow motion can be expected after a supracondylar humeral fracture in a child, followed by a progressive improvement for up to one year after the injury. This motion recovery is slower in older patients and in those with more severe injuries.
The Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery 04/2010; 92(4):904-10. · 3.27 Impact Factor
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ABSTRACT: The Baumann angle of the humerus has been commonly used as an outcome measure for supracondylar fractures in children. However, there is limited or no information about the reliability of this measurement. The purpose of this study was to determine the inter-observer reliability (IEOR) and intra-observer reliability (IAOR) of the Baumann angle of the humerus. The Baumann angle of the humerus was measured by five observers on the anteroposterior radiographs of 35 children's elbows, all of which had sustained a nondisplaced supracondylar humeral fracture. The values of IEOR and IAOR were calculated using a Pearson coefficient of correlation. Ranges of differences in the measurement of the Baumann angle of the humerus were established, and the percentage of agreement between observers was then calculated using those ranges. The Baumann angle of the humerus is a simple, repeatable and reliable measurement that can be used for the determination of the outcome of supracondylar humeral fractures in the paediatric population. An excellent IEOR was found for the measurement of the Baumann angle (r = 0.78, p = 0.0001). When the difference between observers in the reported measurement of the Baumann's angle was calculated to be within seven degrees of each other, at least four of the five observers agreed 100% of the time. Similarly, excellent values of IAOR were found for the measurement of the Baumann's angle (r = 0.80, p = 0.0001). Level of evidence for this study was III.
International Orthopaedics 06/2009; 34(4):553-7. · 2.03 Impact Factor
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ABSTRACT: Chronic hemophilic synovitis of the elbow usually leads to enlargement and erosion of the radial head, resulting in mechanical blockage of forearm rotation, synovial impingement, recurrent hemarthrosis, and pain. The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the intermediate-term results of radial head excision and synovectomy in a large group of patients with hemophilia who had been managed at a single institution.
Information on forty radial head excision and synovectomy procedures that had been performed at our institution from 1969 to 2004 was retrospectively collected. All but one of the operations had been performed in patients with severe hemophilia. The mean age of the patients at the time of the procedure was thirty-three years. Pain, limited range of motion, and bleeding were the indications for surgery. The mean duration of follow-up was 7.7 years.
Only one postoperative complication was observed: a posterior interosseous nerve palsy that fully resolved by six months. No additional surgical intervention for bleeding was required in sixteen of the nineteen elbows in which bleeding was one of the indications for surgery. Of the forty elbows, seven required a secondary surgical procedure at a mean of five years after the excision of the radial head. Examination of the mean range of motion at the time of the latest follow-up demonstrated a 63 degrees increase in the pronation-supination arc (p < 0.00001) but only a 2 degrees increase in the flexion arc.
Radial head excision in patients with hemophilia is an effective procedure for improving forearm rotation and reducing pain and bleeding frequency, with a low risk of complications.
The Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery 11/2008; 90 Suppl 2 Pt 2:254-61. · 3.27 Impact Factor
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ABSTRACT: We previously demonstrated that the use of intermittent pneumatic soft tissue compression (IPC) treatment enhanced fracture healing in an animal model, but the exact mechanism remained unknown. The purpose of this study was to determine the local and remote effects of IPC treatment on blood flow within the medullary canal and outside the periosteum of mid-tibial diaphysis. Blood flow was measured with a Laser Doppler blood flow meter in the lower limbs of 21 rabbits. Laser probes were inserted at three different sites of the mid-diaphysis on the right tibia: in the medullary canal (n = 21), outside the periosteum on the lateral side (n = 11), and outside the periosteum on the medial side (n = 10). IPC was applied for 30 min through cuffs that were placed around the feet and the lower part of the calf. While applying IPC to the left leg, no changes in blood flow occurred on the right leg (remote changes). However, while applying IPC to the right leg, significant localized changes were found on the right leg, including 47 and 89% increases in total amount of blood flow outside the lateral and medial periosteum, respectively. Although an altered blood flow pattern was observed in the medullary canal, no significant change in total amount of blood flow was observed at this level. In summary, the present study demonstrated that the use of IPC in an intact bone model results in a significant local increase in total blood flow, with minimal measurable effects on the contralateral limb.
Journal of Orthopaedic Research 05/2008; 26(4):570-7. · 2.81 Impact Factor
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ABSTRACT: Chronic hemophilic synovitis of the elbow usually leads to enlargement and erosion of the radial head, resulting in mechanical blockage of forearm rotation, synovial impingement, recurrent hemarthrosis, and pain. The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the intermediate-term results of radial head excision and synovectomy in a large group of patients with hemophilia who had been managed at a single institution.
Information on forty radial head excision and synovectomy procedures that had been performed at our institution from 1969 to 2004 was retrospectively collected. All but one of the operations had been performed in patients with severe hemophilia. The mean age of the patients at the time of the procedure was thirty-three years. Pain, limited range of motion, and bleeding were the indications for surgery. The mean duration of follow-up was 7.7 years.
Only one postoperative complication was observed: a posterior interosseous nerve palsy that fully resolved by six months. No additional surgical intervention for bleeding was required in sixteen of the nineteen elbows in which bleeding was one of the indications for surgery. Of the forty elbows, seven required a secondary surgical procedure at a mean of five years after the excision of the radial head. Examination of the mean range of motion at the time of the latest follow-up demonstrated a 63 degrees increase in the pronation-supination arc (p < 0.00001) but only a 2 degrees increase in the flexion arc.
Radial head excision in patients with hemophilia is an effective procedure for improving forearm rotation and reducing pain and bleeding frequency, with a low risk of complications.
The Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery 11/2007; 89(10):2156-62. · 3.27 Impact Factor
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Orthopedics 06/2007; 30(5):352-7. · 2.66 Impact Factor
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ABSTRACT: The resurgence of metal-metal bearings has renewed interest in hip resurfacing, but a paucity of information exists regarding femoral cementing technique. We developed a laboratory model in which 72 open-cell foam specimens were used to simulate bone. Analyses of two cement viscosities, two foam porosities, and six cementing techniques were performed: manual cement application only, manual application and filling of one quarter of the component with cement, filling of half of the component, manual application and half component filling, full component filling, and manual application and full component filling. For manual application, cement was pressurized into the foam by rolling the finger tips. For component filling, a defined quantity of cement was poured into the component before pressing it onto the foam. Specimens were cut into quarters, and cement penetration was quantified in seven areas: top, chamfer, wall, interior area, and proximal, medial, and distal stem. The manual technique showed a 3-mm thick, even cement penetration of the outer fixation surface (top = 26 +/- 0 mm(2), chamfer = 14.9 +/- 0.2 mm(2), wall = 55.6 +/- 5.2 mm(2)). None of the other techniques showed a significantly higher penetration in these areas. Large differences were found between all techniques at the medial stem (27.7 +/- 17.5 mm(2), p < 0.001) and the interior area (128.5 +/- 69.6 mm(2), p = 0.013). An increasing degree of penetration occurred from manual cement application to manual application and full component filling. Sixteen specimens showed incomplete seating, which occurred with all techniques except the manual technique. The manual technique consistently gave an approximately 3-mm thick even cement penetration over the outer fixation area. Pouring any cement into the shell resulted in variable degrees of deeper penetration and a risk of incomplete seating, which have been associated with bone necrosis and early fracture.
Journal of Orthopaedic Research 04/2007; 25(4):423-31. · 2.81 Impact Factor
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ABSTRACT: Short-term failures of total hip resurfacing have been related to specific characteristics of the proximal femur. A radiographic arthritic hip grading scale was used to assess four characteristics of the proximal femur: bone density, shape, biomechanics, and focal bone defects. Hips with no unfavorable characteristics were Grade A, hips with one unfavorable characteristic were Grade B, hips with two unfavorable characteristics were Grade C, hips with three unfavorable characteristics were Grade D, and hips with four unfavorable characteristics were Grade F. One hundred forty-seven consecutive hips were treated with metal-on-metal resurfacing by a single surgeon. There were no femoral neck fractures. Of the 91 hips eligible for a minimum 2 year followup, 90% were Grades A or B, 10% were Grade C, and none were Grades D or F. With a minimum 2-year followup, arthritic hip grading was associated with preoperative Harris hip score, occurrence of mild to moderate postoperative pain, preoperative and postoperative range of motion, preoperative and postoperative hip center of rotation, preoperative and postoperative horizontal femoral offset, preoperative and postoperative limb length discrepancy, and acetabular radiolucencies. Hips with a lesser degree of secondary arthritic changes have a higher arthritic hip grade and better outcomes with total hip resurfacing. Relatively strict selection criteria for resurfacing were associated with a low occurrence of short-term failures. Level of Evidence: Prognostic study, Level II (retrospective study). See the Guidelines for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.
Clinical Orthopaedics and Related Research 01/2006; 441:200-4. · 2.53 Impact Factor
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ABSTRACT: The initial management of open fractures often requires repeated irrigation and debridement of the open wound and stabilization of the fracture. However, washing out the fracture hematoma could delay the early healing process of stable fractures. Because delayed union and non-union are serious complications, the effect of repeated irrigation and debridement on the fracture healing process was investigated.Twenty-four rabbits received unilateral, transverse, mid-tibial open osteotomies with a 3 mm gap. The osteotomy site was thoroughly irrigated and stabilized with double-bar external fixators. The osteotomy sites in the study groups underwent repeat irrigation and debridement on either the third day (Group II), the fourth day (Group III), or consecutively on the first and second days (Group IV) after the index procedure. The bone healing was assessed with weekly radiographs and peripheral quantitative computerized tomographs.In Group I (control), all osteotomies healed radiographically before the tenth week. In Group II, five out of six osteotomies healed radiographically before the tenth week. In Group III, only two of five osteotomies healed before the tenth week. In Group IV, none of the osteotomies had healed by week fifteen. All of the non-healed osteotomies exhibited atrophic non-unions at fifteen weeks. Compared to the control group at the tenth week, the average bone mineral content at the osteotomy site and the area of high mineral density callus (≥ 890 mg/cm3) were significantly lower in Groups III (63%, p = 0.002 and 95%, p = 0.05, respectively) and IV (99%, p < 0.001 and 100%, p = 0.05, respectively).The results of this study suggest that repeated irrigation and debridement, associated with persistent rigid immobilization, may contribute to the development of delayed unions or atrophic non-unions.© 2002 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.
Journal of Orthopaedic Research 12/2005; 20(6):1197 - 1204. · 2.81 Impact Factor
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ABSTRACT: Short-term failures of total hip resurfacing have been related to specific characteristics of the proximal femur. A radiographic arthritic hip grading scale was used to assess four characteristics of the proximal femur: bone density, shape, biomechanics, and focal bone defects. Hips with no unfavorable characteristics were Grade A, hips with one unfavorable characteristic were Grade B, hips with two unfavorable characteristics were Grade C, hips with three unfavorable characteristics were Grade D, and hips with four unfavorable characteristics were Grade F. One hundred forty-seven consecutive hips were treated with metal-on-metal resurfacing by a single surgeon. There were no femoral neck fractures. Of the 91 hips eligible for a minimum 2 year followup, 90% were Grades A or B, 10% were Grade C, and none were Grades D or F. With a minimum 2-year followup, arthritic hip grading was associated with preoperative Harris hip score, occurrence of mild to moderate postoperative pain, preoperative and postoperative range of motion, preoperative and postoperative hip center of rotation, preoperative and postoperative horizontal femoral offset, preoperative and postoperative limb length discrepancy, and acetabular radiolucencies. Hips with a lesser degree of secondary arthritic changes have a higher arthritic hip grade and better outcomes with total hip resurfacing. Relatively strict selection criteria for resurfacing were associated with a low occurrence of short-term failures.
Level of Evidence: Prognostic study, Level II (retrospective study). See the Guidelines for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.
Clinical Orthopaedics and Related Research 11/2005; 441:200-204. · 2.53 Impact Factor
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ABSTRACT: Crosslinked polyethylene (PE) was developed to reduce volumetric wear in prosthetic joints. Hip simulator studies have shown promising results but there is as yet limited clinical data. We identified three patients with bilateral total hip replacements who received a crosslinked PE liner (Marathon, DePuy, Warsaw, IN, USA) on one side and a conventional PE insert (Enduron, DePuy) on the contralateral side. As an assessment of in vivo PE wear, linear head penetration was measured on standardized radiographs using a validated computer-assisted technique. In all the three cases, a marked reduction of more than 70% in volumetric wear was found in association with Marathon crosslinked PE. These case reports support the efficacy of this type of crosslinked PE in a selected group that allows direct comparison of the two different materials without the influence of patient-related factors such as activity, gender, weight, or others.
Archives of Orthopaedic and Trauma Surgery 11/2005; 125(8):555-7. · 1.37 Impact Factor
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ABSTRACT: Quantitative assessment of patient activity is important in evaluating the outcomes of joint prostheses, and such methods are gaining popularity. The single greatest impediment to quantitative activity assessment is patient compliance. How many days of sampling are necessary to provide reliable and accurate estimates of walking activity? The current study analyzes how well sampling for 4 consecutive days of activity compares to assessing activity for 7 or more days with the same pedometer in 131 patients with either a total hip or total knee prosthesis. The mean steps per day obtained throughout the full-length sampling (7-123 days) was strongly correlated to the one obtained from the random consecutive 4-day sample (r2 = 0.94, P < .001) with only 5 outliers. The 4-day activity assessment gave an underestimation of 4.7% (P = .5). The number of outliers increased with fewer days of sampling. Monitoring activity for 4 consecutive days yields a quantitative assessment that is within 5% of a sampling of 7 or more days.
The Journal of Arthroplasty 06/2005; 20(4):487-91. · 2.38 Impact Factor