Sixty closed fractures of the tibia were treated by open reduction and internal fixation with plates and screws. Half the operations were performed with a thigh tourniquet and half without. In the tourniquet group, there were six cases with erythema and induration of the wound; in the other group there were no such complications. Despite negative bacterial cultures, superficial infection of the inflamed wounds was suspected. It is suggested that a tourniquet may predispose tissues to infection, and its use is not recommended during operations for internal fixation of the tibia.
The ulnar nerve is vulnerable to compression and vibration injury in drivers who have the shoulder abducted and elbow flexed with the arm lying against the lower edge of the window. Three cases of ulnar neuropathy at the elbow are described in vehicle drivers.
We report a case of avulsion of the insertion of the flexor digitorum profundus in which the whole palmar cortex of the distal phalanx was avulsed, giving an unusual radiological appearance.
SUMMARYThe reduction in morbidity and mortality since the enforcement of seat-belt usage is well documented. Complications from the belt are also reported and the authors present anterior dislocation of the restrained shoulder, an injury not previously described.The mechanism of injury is explained and a change to the present standard of restraints is suggested.
Pain or tenderness in the anatomical snuff-box following trauma suggests an injury to the scaphoid or surrounding soft tissues. It is often difficult to make a definite diagnosis since normal bone markings across the scaphoid can be misinterpreted as a fracture. To clarify whether a fracture is present or not, an X-ray of the uninjured scaphoid is taken in a comparable position to the most suspicious view. If bone markings are similar on both views, then a fracture can be excluded. Conversely, if the bone markings differ, then suspicion of a fracture may be confirmed. In combination with the clinical features, a more accurate diagnosis can be made and unnecessary out-patient and X-ray reviews can be avoided.
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