Leg length discrepancy (LLD) after intramedullary nailing of femoral shaft fractures is a common problem reported in up to 43% of cases. Comminuted fractures with radiographic loss of bony landmarks have an increased possibility of being fixed with unequal leg lengths. The purpose of this report is to evaluate the efficacy of routinely obtaining a CT scanogram post-operatively on patients of comminuted femoral shaft fractures treated with intramedullary nailing and immediate correction of limb length inequality if indicated.Background
Aims
In recent years, it has become increasingly common to publish the level of evidence of orthopaedic research in journal publications. Our primary research question is: is there an improvement in the levels of evidence of articles published in paediatric orthopaedic journals over time? In addition, what is the current status of levels of evidence in paediatric orthopaedic journals? All articles in the Journal of Paediatric Orthopaedics-A and Journal of Paediatric Orthopaedics-B for 2001, 2002, 2007 and 2008, and in the Journal of Children's Orthopaedics for 2007 and 2008, were collected. Animal, cadaveric and basic science studies, expert opinion and review articles were then excluded. The 750 remaining articles were blinded and put in random order. The abstract, introduction and methods of each article were independently reviewed. According to the currently accepted grading system, study type (therapeutic, prognostic, diagnostic, economic) and level of evidence (I, II, III, IV) were assigned. Inter- and intra-observer reliability were investigated.Purpose
Methods
