The June 2015 Research Roundup360 looks at: Tranexamic acid: just give it – it’s not important how!; The
Rib fracture fixation by orthopaedic and cardiothoracic surgeons has become increasingly popular for the treatment of chest injuries in trauma. The literature, though mainly limited to Level II and III evidence, shows favourable results for operative fixation. In this paper we review the literature and discuss the indications for rib fracture fixation, surgical approaches, choice of implants and the future direction for management. With the advent of NICE guidance and new British Orthopaedic Association Standards for Trauma (BOAST) guidelines in production, the management of rib fractures is going to become more and more commonplace.
The August 2012 Children’s orthopaedics Roundup360 looks at: whether 3D-CT gives a better idea of coverage than plain radiographs; forearm fractures after trampolining accidents; forearm fractures and the Rush pin; the fractured distal radius; elastic stable intramedullary nailing for long-bone fractures; aponeurotic recession for the equinus foot; the torn medial patellofemoral ligament and the adductor tubercle; slipped capital femoral epiphysis; paediatric wrist arthroscopy; and Pirani scores and clubfoot.
Metal-on-metal (MoM) hip resurfacing was developed in the 1990s by surgeons in Birmingham, UK, as a surgical solution to the problem of osteoarthritis in younger, more active patients. Early results were promising and the procedure gained in popularity. However, adverse reports of soft-tissue reaction and failure started to appear from 2008 onwards. Surgeons may be asked to write medico-legal reports on the surgical aspects of an individual case for claimant lawyers or in defence for the NHSLA or indemnity insurers. The purpose of this article is to cover some of the aspects of the operation that may be considered in such medico-legal reports.