Objective: To compare the efficacy of platelet rich plasma (PRP) against corticosteroid on the treatment of trochanteric pain syndrome. Methods:From July 2011 to November 2012, eighteen patients (20 hips) with trochanter pain syndrome were randomized in two groups and treated with platelet rich plasma or triamcinolone infiltration guided by ultrasound. Pain and function were evaluated prior to the intervention and after 10, 30 and 60 days, through the Facial Expressions Scale for Pain and the Western Ontario McMaster and Harris Hip Score questionnaires. Inter-group analysis was performed by Student t-test and intragroup analysis by ANOVA, followed by Bonferroni post hoc test. Statistical significance was set at p <0.05. Results:There was no difference between the groups. The triamcinolone group showed pain reduction (p=0.004) and improved function (p=0.036) through the Harris Hip Score questionnaire at 10, 30 and 60 days after treatment, when compared with the pre- intervention period. The platelet rich plasma group showed no statistical improvement in any of the variables. Conclusion: Up to 60 days, PRP infiltration has no influence on pain relief and function improvement in trochanteric syndrome treatment. Level of Evidence II, Prospective Comparative Study.

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ObjectiveTo analyze the treatment results from 20 patients who underwent an alternative osteosynthesis method as definitive treatment for pelvic ring fractures.MethodsA retrospective analysis was conducted on a series of 20 patients with pelvic ring fractures (Tile type C) and a high risk of postoperative infection, who were treated at Santa Casa de Misericórdia de São Paulo between August 2004 and December 2012. The patients underwent percutaneous supra-acetabular external fixation in association with cannulated 7.0 mm iliosacral screws.ResultsThe patients’ mean age was 40 years (range 22–77 years) and the mean length of follow-up was 18.5 months (range 3–69 months). At the end of the treatment, ten patients (50%) were classified as having good results, nine patients (45%) had fair results and one patient (5%) did not have any improvement. Six patients presented complications, and paresthesia of the lateral femoral cutaneous nerve was the most frequent of these (two patients).ConclusionSupra-acetabular external fixation in association with iliosacral percutaneous osteosynthesis is a good definitive treatment method for patients with a high risk of postoperative infection.

ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to establish an indirect, easy-to-use, predictable and safe means of obtaining the true degree of displacement of fractures of the neck of the fifth metacarpal bone, through oblique radiographic views.MethodsAn anatomical specimen from the fifth human metacarpal was dissected and subjected to ostectomy in the neck region. A 1-mm Kirschner wire was fixed to the base of the fifth metacarpal bone, perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the bone and parallel to the ground. Another six Kirschner wires of the same diameter were bent over and attached to the ostectomized bone to simulate fracture displacement. Axial rotation of the metacarpus was used to create oblique radiographic views. Radiographic images were generated with different angles and at several degrees of rotation of the bone.ResultsWe deduced a mathematical formula that showed the true displacement of fractures of the neck of the fifth metacarpal bone by means of oblique radiographs.ConclusionsOblique radiographs at 30̊ of supination provided the best view of the bone and least variation from the real value of the displacement of fractures of the fifth metacarpal bone. The mathematical formula deduced was concordant with the experimental model used.

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