Triangular osteosynthesis fixation is a reliable form of fixation that allows early full weight-bearing at 6 weeks while preventing loss of reduction in comminuted vertical shear transforaminal sacral fractures. For this study group, operative reduction was maintained until healing in 95% of patients. However, the 1-year follow-up shows a substantial rate of potential technical problems and complications. Of primary concern were the asymmetric L5 tilting with L5-S1 facet joint distraction and the need for a second surgery in all patients to remove painful fixation. Iatrogenic nerve injury occurred in 5 patients (13%) and is thought to arise secondary to fracture manipulation and reduction. We recommend selective use of this technique for comminuted transforaminal sacral fractures in situations only where reliable iliosacral or trans-sacral screw fixation is not obtainable.
BackgroundEvolution of periarticular implant technology has led to stiffer, more stable fixation constructs. However, as plate options increase, comparisons between different sized constructs have not been performed. The purpose of this study is to biomechanically assess any significant differences between 3.5- and 4.5-mm locked tibial plateau plates in a simple bicondylar fracture model.Materials and methodsA total of 24 synthetic composite bone models (12 Schatzker V and 12 Schatzker VI) specimens were tested. In each group, six specimens were fixed with a 3.5-mm locked proximal tibia plate and six specimens were fixed with a 4.5-mm locking plate. Testing measures included axial ramp loading to 500 N, cyclic loading to 10,000 cycles and axial load to failure.ResultsIn the Schatzker V comparison model, there were no significant differences in inferior displacement or plastic deformation after 10, 100, 1,000 and 10,000 cycles. In regards to axial load, the 4.5-mm plate exhibited a significantly higher load to failure (P = 0.05). In the Schatzker VI comparison model, there were significant differences in inferior displacement or elastic deformation after 10, 100, 1,000, and 10,000 cycles. In regards to axial load, the 4.5-mm plate again exhibited a higher load to failure, but this was not statistically significant (P = 0.21).ConclusionsIn the advent of technological advancement, periarticular locking plate technology has offered an invaluable option in treating bicondylar tibial plateau fractures. Comparing the biomechanical properties of 3.5- and 4.5-mm locking plates yielded no significant differences in cyclic loading, even in regards to elastic and plastic deformation. Not surprisingly, the 4.5-mm plate was more robust in axial load to failure, but only in the Schatzker V model. In our testing construct, overall, without significant differences, the smaller, lower-profile 3.5-mm plate seems to be a biomechanically sound option in the reconstruction of bicondylar plateau fractures.
Thrombocytopenia is a known complication of antiepileptic drug therapy. We present a case of a 3-year-old child who developed fever, rash, and severe thrombocytopenia within 10 days of initiating therapy with carbamazepine for new onset epilepsy. The patient's thrombocytopenia resolved following discontinuation of carbamazepine and introduction of valproic acid, however, his seizure disorder became poorly controlled. Phenobarbital was added to valproic acid therapy, which resulted in reoccurrence of fever, rash, and thrombocytopenia consistent with antiepileptic hypersensitivity syndrome. Discontinuation of phenobarbital, valproic acid and introduction of zonisamide resulted in resolution of his symptoms. The potential etiologies of thrombocytopenia in this case include carbamazepine-induced antiepileptic hypersensitivity syndrome, phenobarbital-induced antiepileptic hypersensitivity syndrome as a result of cross-reactivity with carbamazepine, and/or dose-dependent thrombocytopenia caused by valproic acid therapy. The pathogenesis and cases of aromatic anticonvulsant-induced immune-mediated thrombocytopenia are discussed. Alternative therapies for antiepileptic hypersensitivity syndrome with thrombocytopenia include gabapentin, levetiracetam, tiagabine, topiramate, and zonisamide.
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