Distal radius fractures are the most common upper extremity fracture, representing one-sixth of all fractures treated in emergency departments nationwide. Beyond the initial reduction and immobilization of these fractures, providing proper followup to ensure maintenance of the reduction and identify complications is necessary for optimal recovery of forearm and wrist functions. We sought to identify the clinical and demographic factors that characterize patients with distal radius fractures who do not return for followup and to assess the underlying causes for their poor followup rates. Compared with patients who were compliant with followup, those lost to followup had lower Physical and Mental Health scores on the SF-36 forms, more often were treated nonoperatively, and more likely had not surpassed secondary education. However, we found no difference between these two groups based on age, gender, mechanism of injury, marital status, or hand dominance. Early identification of patients who potentially are noncompliant can result in additional measures being taken to ensure the patient's return to the treating hospital and physicians. This in turn will prevent complications attributable to lack of followup and allow more accurate assessment of results, thereby improving patient outcomes.

The shoulder joint has the greatest range of motion of any joint in the body. However, it relies on soft-tissue restraints, including the capsule, ligaments, and musculature, for stability. Therefore, this joint is at the highest risk for dislocation. Thorough knowledge of the shoulder's anatomy as well as classification of dislocations, anesthetic techniques, and reduction maneuvers is crucial for early management of acute shoulder dislocation. Given the lack of comparative studies on various reduction techniques, the choice of technique is based on physician preference. The orthopaedic surgeon must be well versed in several reduction methods and ascertain the best technique for each patient.

Continuing perioperative administration of antibiotics for the entire duration that a drain is in place after spinal surgery did not decrease the rate of surgical site infections.

Background: Two-part proximal humerus fractures are common orthopedic injuries for which surgical intervention is often indicated. Choosing a fixation device remains a topic of debate. Purpose: The purpose of this study is to compare two methods of fixation for two-part proximal humerus fractures, locking plate (LP) with screws versus intramedullary nailing (IMN), with respect to alignment, healing, patient outcomes, and complications. To our knowledge, a direct comparison of these two devices in treating two-part proximal humerus fractures has never before been studied. We hope that our results will help surgeons assess the utility of LP versus IMN. Methods: A retrospective chart review was performed on 24 cases of displaced two-part surgical neck fractures of the humerus. Twelve shoulders were treated using IMN fixation and 12 others were fixated with LP. Data collected included sociodemographic, operative details, and postoperative care and function. Results: Radiographic comparison of fixation demonstrated an average neck-shaft angle of 124°and 120°in the IMN group and LP group, respectively. Adjusted postoperative 6-month follow-up range of motion was 134°of forward elevation in the IMN group and 141 in the LP group. The differences in range of motion and in complication rates were not found to be significant. Conclusions: Our results suggest that either LP fixation or IMN fixation for a two-part proximal humerus fracture provides acceptable fixation and results in a similar range of shoulder motion. Although complication rates were low and insignificant between the two groups, a trend toward increased complications in the IMN group is noted.