Pilon fractures are complex intra-articular fractures of the tibial plafond associated with significant short and long morbidity. Minimising surgical complications is essential. Clinical and radiological outcomes in 49 patients with AO type 43B and 43C fractures were evaluated retrospectively. Definitive management depended on patient factors, soft tissue injury and fracture pattern.Background:
Methods:
There is little evidence from the literature regarding the timing of hip fracture surgery for patients who are on the antiplatelet agent clopidogrel bisulphate (Plavix) (1). We report the results of a retrospective case control study of 40 patients comparing the timing of surgery for patients taking clopidogrel against a control group of those not taking an antiplatelet agent. Time to surgery, length of stay, transfusion requirements, wound problems and other post operative complications were examined. Within the study group of patients taking clopidogrel, we also compared those who underwent surgery within four days of stopping the clopidogrel and after four days. The transfusion requirements were greater in those patients on clopidogrel prior to admission. Wound healing and post operative complications were similar between the two groups. Total length of hospital stay and post operative length of stay were longer in the clopidogrel group. There was an increase in transfusion requirements and post operative length of stay in patients on clopidogrel undergoing early surgery (within 4 days) compared to the group where surgery was delayed. We conclude that, in this small study, transfusion requirements and length of stay were greater in patients on clopidogrel. Transfusion requirements and post operative length of stay were also greater if surgery was performed within four days of omitting clopidogrel. Further studies are required to determine optimal timing of surgery following discontinuation of clopidogrel.
Children undergoing continuous corticosteroid therapy become stunted in height. The mechanism of this inhibition of natural growth has been investigated in the lower femoral epiphysial growth plate of young rabbits on daily corticosteroid. The growth plate became narrow: fewer cells in the germinative zone gave rise to short widely-spaced chondrocyte columns, each with a reduced number of mature and hypertrophic cells; the pattern of trabecular bone in the metaphysis was also disturbed. After even small doses these changes develop very rapidly, and therefore impose a threat to the growth of children receiving treatment with corticosteroids.
1. Because of the controversy over the clinical effects of corticosteroids on joint tissues a series of experiments on the knee joints of rabbits was undertaken. 2. The articular cartilage of the distal femoral epiphyses of normalcontrols has been compared with that of rabbits treated daily either with cortisone or with methyl prednisolone systemically or by intra-articular injections. 3. The changes caused by intravenous papain and their subsequent recovery have been described, and the adverse effect of corticosteroids on recovery has been assessed. 4. The biological mechanisms involved are discussed, and as a result caution is urged in the administration of corticosteroids in the presence of progressive degenerative joint disease.
