Background: Percutaneous compression plating (PCCP) is used for the fixation of intertrochanteric hip fractures by a minimally invasive technique. While offering several advantages compared to classic open reduction and internal fixation, the technique does not allow direct hemostasis. We aimed to assess the effect of regular aspirin use on blood loss, transfusion requirements and wound complications in patients undergoing urgent fixation using this technique.

Methods: The study involved 326 patients who presented to our hospital with an intertrochanteric fracture. Parameters recorded included time to surgery, blood loss (assessed by pre and post operative hemoglobin concentrations), and transfusion requirements. The status of wound healing was evaluated, with specific reference to hematoma formation. The influence of regular pre-operative aspirin use was analyzed with respect to these outcome measures.

Results: 32% of patients were regular aspirin users, and were comparable to the non aspirin group. There was no significant difference between the aspirin and non aspirin groups in terms of preoperative hemoglobin concentrations, perioperative changes in hemoglobin levels, and transfusion requirements. The severity of wound hematoma and the number of drainage procedures was not significantly different between the two groups. In a multivariate logistic regression analysis (composite complications* versus no complications as the dependent variable. R²=0.108, P< 0.001), only delay to surgery was associated with a higher complication rate.

*

Composite complications defined as transfusion ≥3 units, abnormal wound hematoma and length of stay ≥ 10 days.

Conclusion: Regular aspirin use pre-operatively is not associated with increased blood loss, transfusion requirements and wound complications in patients treated with this percutaneous fixation technique. Rather, it is the delay to surgery that is associated with a composite bad outcome. Our data suggest that patients on aspirin can safely undergo urgent non-delayed fracture fixation using the PCCP.

Purpose: Comparison of functional, anatomical and roenthgenological outcomes of subtalar arthrodesis technique: Ilizarov apparatus- EF and internal fixation IF.

Materials and Methods: 41 patients (31 men, 10 women) , average age of 38.8 years (12–71) with 44 symptomatic feet underwent procedures for painful arthrodeses. In 28 (30 feet) we performed subtalar arthrodeses by lateral approach, rigid internal fixation with screws.

13(14 feet) others underwent minimal invasive intervention and compression arthrodesis using Ilizarov frame. Nonweightbearing for 4–6 weeks. Removal – 8–10 weeks after the procedure.

Evaluation: subjective complaints, physical examination, postoperative radiographs. Patient suspected to have union problems underwent a CT.

Results:

In IF union rate 90% (25 patients).

Complications: Three re-arthrodeses for nonunion, entrapment of sural nerve – 2 patients, postoperative infection – 2 patients, postoperative infection – 2 patients. In one case intravenous antibiotic resolved the problem, another one needed surgical debridement. The IF overall results were excellent in 79%, good in 12%, fair in 9%.

In group EF – solid bone fusion was obtained in all patients. Pin tract infection treated in four, in one case with reinsertion of KW.

Conclusions:

Ilizarov external frame is superior for fusion.

Nuclear magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was used to study the normal knee. As well as revealing bone quality, MRI provided useful information on intra-articular and extra-articular soft tissues. Midsagittal views gave clear images of the cruciate ligaments, and of the patellar and quadriceps tendons. Parasagittal views were the best for delineating the menisci which, like ligaments and tendons, are of low intensity; the semimembranosus tendon and its insertion to the proximal tibia were also seen clearly in these views. The cruciate ligaments and menisci, though visible in the coronal view also, were better seen in the sagittal view. Axial views provided information on the structure of the patella, its cartilage, the patellofemoral joint and posterior soft-tissue structures.

The soft tissue response to carbon fibre was studied histologically one and a half years after being used to reconstruct the lateral collateral ligament of the human knee. A remarkably consistent pattern was seen in the induced ligament. The basic pattern was a "composite unit", consisting of a core of carbon fibre enveloped in a concentric manner by coherent layers of fibroblasts and collagen fibres. This new structure seemed to have been induced by continuous irritation caused by the physical structure of the carbon fibres; it is unlikely ever to acquire the structure of a natural ligament. However, it is biologically compatible and is biomechanically sufficient as long as the entire tow of carbon fibres is preserved.