Distal clavicle fractures are common, and no standard treatment exists. Many different surgical modalities exist. This report describes an open reduction internal fixation technique that achieves both plate and coracoclavicular stabilization using a button device. A precontoured superior-lateral plate is secured to the clavicle. A 3.2-mm spade-tipped drill bit is drilled across the clavicle and coracoid, passing through 4 cortices. The button is loaded onto an insertion device, passed across the 4 cortices, and captured on the undersurface of the coracoid under fluoroscopic guidance. This construct is linked to the distal clavicle plate by heavy sutures using a second button that sits in the plate. The lateral locking holes are then filled to finalize fixation. This technique provides for a simplified way to achieve coracoclavicular stabilization when using a plate for fixation of distal clavicle fractures.
There are many digital solutions which assist the orthopaedic trauma surgeon. This already broad field is rapidly expanding, making a complete overview of the existing solutions difficult. The AO Foundation has established a task force to address the need for an overview of digital solutions in the field of orthopaedic trauma surgery. Areas of new technology which will help the surgeon gain a greater understanding of these possible solutions are reviewed. We propose a categorization of the current needs in orthopaedic trauma surgery matched with available or potential digital solutions, and provide a narrative overview of this broad topic, including the needs, solutions and basic rules to ensure adequate use in orthopaedic trauma surgery. We seek to make this field more accessible, allowing for technological solutions to be clearly matched to trauma surgeons’ needs. Cite this article: EFORT Open Rev 2020;5:408-420. DOI: 10.1302/2058-5241.5.200021
Background and Objectives: Outcome data from wearable devices are increasingly used in both research and clinics. Traditionally, a dedicated device is chosen for a given study or clinical application to collect outcome data as soon as the patient is included in a study or undergoes a procedure. The current study introduces a new measurement strategy, whereby patients’ own devices are utilized, allowing for both a pre-injury baseline measure and ability to show achievable results. Materials and Methods: Patients with a pre-existing musculoskeletal injury of the upper and lower extremity were included in this exploratory, proof-of-concept study. They were followed up for a minimum of 6 weeks after injury, and their wearable outcome data (from a smartphone and/or a body-worn sensor) were continuously acquired during this period. A descriptive analysis of the screening characteristics and the observed and achievable outcome patterns was performed. Results: A total of 432 patients was continuously screened for the study, and their screening was analyzed. The highest success rate for successful inclusion was in younger patients. Forty-eight patients were included in the analysis. The most prevalent outcome was step count. Three distinctive activity data patterns were observed: patients recovering, patients with slow or no recovery, and patients needing additional measures to determine treatment outcomes. Conclusions: Measuring outcomes in trauma patients with the Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) strategy is feasible. With this approach, patients were able to provide continuous activity data without any dedicated equipment given to them. The measurement technique is especially suited to particular patient groups. Our study’s screening log and inclusion characteristics can help inform future studies wishing to employ the BYOD design.
Case:
A 29-year-old man sustained a near-complete laceration to the left pectoralis major muscle belly. The muscle and epimysium were repaired using the Kragh technique—a combination of running interlocked and Mason-Allen stitches. At the 6-year follow-up, the patient had an excellent outcome as measured by clinical scores (Short Form Survey-36, Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand, and American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons Score), bench press, cosmesis, and magnetic resonance imaging.
Conclusions:
Acute traumatic open pectoralis muscle belly tears may be successfully repaired in select patients using the Kragh technique with excellent postoperative function and cosmesis.
Post-traumatic osteomyelitis is a rare but debilitating complication of closed fractures. Most infections can be resolved with aggressive debridement, intravenous antibiotics, and hardware removal. However, the eradication of infection can be challenging in a patient with multiple comorbidities. Refractory infection may require suppressive therapy or amputation to control the disease. Improvements in care have led to improved survival for this population, posing new challenges in their post-traumatic care. We report on the successful use of hyperbaric oxygen therapy as an adjunct in a compromised host with recurrent post-traumatic osteomyelitis despite aggressive debridement, removal of instrumentation, and several courses of intravenous antibiotic therapy. Hyperbaric oxygen may be considered as an adjunct to standard treatment protocols for refractory osteomyelitis in compromised hosts.
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