[Infection of a hip prosthesis after dry needling].

A 57-year-old patient presented to the orthopaedic department with hip pain 7 months after hip replacement and two weeks after dry needling by a physiotherapist. Dry needling is used by physiotherapists to treat pain and stiffness. In the Netherlands, there are no clear guidelines or contra-indications described for this treatment.

Long-term results of ankle fractures with a posterior malleolar fragment.

The aim of this study was to evaluate 1) long-term results of ankle fractures with a posterior malleolar fragment, and 2) the need for fixation of fragments smaller than 25%. Forty-five patients with ankle fractures and a posterior malleolar fragment were evaluated. Mean follow-up was 13 years (range, 2-24).

Open reduction and internal fixation of three and four-part fractures of the proximal part of the humerus.

Background: Controversy persists concerning the preferred treatment of displaced fractures of the proximal part of the humerus. The present study was undertaken to evaluate the results of open reduction and internal fixation of three and four-part fractures of the proximal part of the humerus and the functional limitations of patients in whom avascular necrosis of the humeral head develops as a complication of this fracture.

Methods: We assessed the intermediate and long-term results for sixty patients with a three or four-part fracture of the proximal part of the humerus who had undergone open reduction and internal fixation with cerclage wires or a T-plate.

[No positive effect of preoperative exercise therapy and teaching in patients to be subjected to hip arthroplasty].

Objective: To evaluate the benefits of preoperative physical therapy and instruction of patients with primary coxarthrosis to be subjected to a total hip arthroplasty.

Setting: University Hospital Maastricht.

Design: Controlled trial.