Accurate limb-length equalization during total hip arthroplasty.

A method of equalization of limb lengths during total hip arthroplasty (THA) was developed that uses the concept of precise reproduction of the position of the femur in space (abduction/adduction) by use of a carpenter's level. Precise reproduction of the femoral position allows accurate measurement of the distance between the pelvis and femur before hip dislocation and after trial component placement allowing accurate measurement of the change in the distance between the femur and pelvis. Accordingly, limb length can be maintained or adjusted to match the contralateral side with increased accuracy.

The potential use of human recombinant erythropoietin in orthopedic surgery.

Human recombinant erythropoietin has been approved by the Food and Drug Administration for treatment of anemia due to chronic renal failure or malignancy and in zidovudine-treated patients with the human immunodeficiency virus. It is highly effective in reducing the anemia commonly seen in these patients, with minimal adverse effects. Approximately 20% of patients undergoing elective orthopedic procedures are not able to donate adequate amounts of autologous blood prior to surgery.

Femoral artery and nerve compression by bulk allograft used for acetabular reconstruction. An unreported complication.

Absent pulses in the ipsilateral limb and a femoral nerve palsy occurred after revision total hip arthroplasty. Emergent arteriogram revealed an occlusion of the femoral artery inferior to the inguinal ligament. The femoral artery was found to be compressed by the bulk allograft bone used for reconstruction of an anterior segmental acetabular defect.

Long-term outcome of 42 knees with chronic infection after total knee arthroplasty.

The outcome of treatment in 40 patients (42 knees) with chronic infections after total knee arthroplasty was reviewed. Eighteen knees were treated with a 2-stage reimplantation. Sixteen of these 18 knees were treated with antibiotic-containing beads between debridement and reimplantation, and 7 of these were also treated with antibiotics in the cement at reimplantation.

Vein, silastic, and polyglycolic acid fine mesh: a comparative study in peripheral nerve repair.

We investigated three sheathing materials (autogenous vein, silastic, and polyglycolic acid fine mesh) using the rat model. Forty rats were divided into five groups of eight animals each. Group A animals underwent transection of the sciatic nerve but had no repair.

Transpedicular convex anterior hemiepiphysiodesis and posterior arthrodesis for progressive congenital scoliosis.

Nine children with progressive congenital scoliosis underwent bilateral posterior spinal fusion supplemented with transpedicular convex anterior hemiepiphysiodesis. The average preoperative curve was 52 degrees. The average age at surgery was 9 years and 1 month and the average follow-up period was 3 years and 6 months.

Superficial temporal artery laceration. A complication of skull tong traction.

Complications associated with the use of skull tongs are not uncommon. We report a case of superficial temporal artery injury as a complication of Gardner-Wells tong application. Chronic recurrent episodes of pulsatile bleeding from the pin site necessitated arterial ligation to control the bleeding.

A preliminary experience with the Russell-Taylor reconstruction nail for complex femoral fractures.

Eleven cases of complex femoral fractures were seen from November 1987 to November 1989; five ipsilateral femoral neck and shaft fractures and six comminuted subtrochanteric fractures. High-energy accidents accounted for most of these injuries. There were numerous associated injuries, many requiring operative procedures.

[Introduction of anesthetics into the oral mucosa by iontophoresis].

The results of this study of the behavior of anesthetics following ionic application showed great differences in terms of depth and duration of action. This is obviously attributable to different molecular structures resulting in variable rates of transport within the tissues.

The synergistic action of the anterior cruciate ligament and thigh muscles in maintaining joint stability.

The synergistic action of the ACL and the thigh muscles in maintaining joint stability was studied experimentally. The EMG from the quadriceps and hamstring muscle groups was recorded and analyzed in three separate experimental procedures in which the knee was stressed. The test revealed that direct stress of the ACL has a moderate inhibitory effect on the quadriceps, but simultaneously it directly excites the hamstrings.

Laryngeal manifestations of Wegener's granulomatosis: case reports and review of the literature.

We report two patients with laryngeal manifestations of Wegener's granulomatosis to demonstrate the marked variability of presentation in this disease. The reported literature is reviewed and shows a similar spectrum with early and late onset of laryngeal granulomata, subglottic in location. Of all the patients with Wegener's granulomatosis reviewed, 8.