Abstract

Abstract

Introduction

The distal radius is the most frequently fractured bone in the forearm with an annual fracture incidence in the UK of about 9–37 in 10,000. Restoration of normal anatomy is an important factor that dictates the final functional outcome. A number of operative options are available, including Kirschner wiring, bridging or non-bridging external fixation and open reduction and internal fixation by means of dorsal, radial or volar plates. We designed this study to analyse the clinical and radiological outcome of distal radial fracture fixation using volar plating.

Hip fractures accounts to about 86000 cases per annum in UK. AP and Lateral radiographs form an essential investigation in planning the management of these fractures. Recently it has been suggested that lateral view doesn't provide any additional information in majority of the cases. We looked retrospectively at 25 consecutive radiographs with intracapsular and extracapsular fracture neck of femur each presenting to our department between May 2010 and January 2011. These radiographs were put on the CD in 2 folders as AP and Lateral. It was reviewed by 2 Observers who suggested their preferred treatment. The results were compared for the intra observer agreement to assess the necessity of the lateral view of the radiographs. We also compared the treatment options with the gold standard and looked at the interobserver agreement. Of the 50 set of radiographs that were reviewed, Observer 1 had disagreed with himself on one occasion (98%agreement) compared to the Observer 2 who had two disagreements (96% agreement). When analyzing the intracapsular fractures, we found 100% agreement of OBSERVER 1 with himself when proposing treatment on AP and Lateral View. Whereas, OBSERVER 2 had only one disagreement. It gave us a Free marginal kappa value of more than 0.70 indicating excellent agreement. One difference doesn't have any statistical significance. In the extracapsular fractures, Kappa values ranged from 0.413 to 0.88. OBSERVER 1 did change his opinion after reviewing the lateral view but generally had good outcome (K=0.88). Whereas, the opinion of OBSERVER 2 was unaffected by the Lateral view. The X-ray diagnoses by OBSERVER 1 and OBSERVER 2 had only moderate agreement (K=0.52 (AP) and 0.57 (Lat). Comparing the observer opinion to the gold standard (operation performed) showed moderate agreement both on AP and Lateral view (OBSERVER 1 AP and Lat both K=0.64, OBSERVER 2 AP and Lat both K=0.41). The Lateral view failed to change the opinion of the observers (K > 0.7) but there was moderate to excellent agreement between the observers and observer vs operation (The Gold Standard) with kappa value of more than 0.52. We feel that the Lateral view doesn't make any difference in most of the cases as shown by a good intra-observer agreement. However, we cannot completely rule out their importance and they should be performed in occult fractures, pathological fractures, fractures extending into the shaft, young patients, and on the request of physician.

We reported the first single surgeon series comparing outcome of microscopic and open primary single level unilateral lumbar decompression or discectomy. We aimed to determine any difference in outcomes between the two techniques.

Forty-six decompressions were performed with use of an operating microscope (microscopic), and forty without (open) at two different hospitals. All procedures were performed by the senior author. Information was obtained by analysis of the patients' notes. The average age of the patients in both groups was comparable. Operating time was shorter in the microscopic group (68min, range 30-130) compared to the open group (83 mins, range 30-180). Dural tear rate was 4.3% with use of a microscope (0% symptomatic dural tear rate) and 7.5% without (2.5% symptomatic dural tear rate). Nerve damage incidence was 0% with use of a microscope and 5% (two patients) without. One of these was a neurapraxia and the patient made a full recovery. Wound infection rates, diagnosed on grounds of clinical suspicion, were 4.3% and 2.5% for microscopic and open respectively. There were no incidences of deep infection or post-operative discitis. Average inpatient stay was under 48 hours in both groups.

Using the modified Macnab criteria, results using the microscope were 0% poor, 14% fair, 32% good, and 55% excellent. The results for the open group were 0% poor, 10% fair, 37% good and 53% excellent. Average follow-up was six months (1-19) for the microscope group, and seven months (2-16) for the open group.

We conclude that primary single level unilateral lumbar decompressive surgery, performed without the use of a microscope, has a higher dural tear rate than the same surgery performed with the benefit of an operating microscope. Surgical time and incidence of nerve damage are also reduced by use of the microscope.