The Cochrane Collaboration has produced five new reviews relevant to bone and joint surgery since the publication of the last Cochrane Corner These reviews are relevant to a wide range of musculoskeletal specialists, and include reviews in Morton’s neuroma, scoliosis, vertebral fractures, carpal tunnel syndrome, and lower limb arthroplasty.
Objectives. There are various pin-in-plaster methods for treating fractures
of the distal radius. The purpose of this study is to introduce
a modified technique of ‘pin in plaster’. Methods. Fifty-four patients with fractures of the distal radius were
followed for one year post-operatively. Patients were excluded if
they had type B fractures according to AO classification, multiple
injuries or pathological fractures, and were treated more than seven
days after injury. Range of movement and functional results were
evaluated at three and six months and one and two years post-operatively.
Radiographic parameters including radial inclination, tilt, and
height, were measured pre- and post-operatively. Results. The average radial tilt was 10.6° of volar flexion and radial
height was 10.2 mm at the sixth month post-operatively. Three cases
of pin tract infection were recorded, all of which were treated
successfully with oral antibiotics. There were no cases of pin loosening.
A total of 73 patients underwent surgery, and three cases of radial
nerve irritation were recorded at the time of cast removal. All
radial nerve palsies resolved at the six-month follow-up. There
were no cases of
