The effects of silver coated external fixation pins.

We performed a randomized controlled trial in order to assess the effect silver coating of an external fixator pin has on pin infection. The experimental silver coated pins (SC) were compared to control stainless steel (SS) pins. A clamp design monolateral fixator was used, and pins were randomized to clamp position to allow side-by-side comparisons of pins in a similar environment.

Long-term results following ankle arthrodesis for post-traumatic arthritis.

Background: Ankle arthrodesis is considered by many to be the standard operative treatment for end-stage ankle arthritis; however, the long-term effect of ankle arthrodesis on other lower-extremity joints remains largely unknown. The purpose of this study was to perform a clinical and radiographic review to determine the effect of ankle arthrodesis on the development of osteoarthritis in other lower-extremity joints.

Methods: Twenty-three patients who had had an isolated ankle arthrodesis for the treatment of painful posttraumatic arthritis of the ankle were followed for a mean of twenty-two years (range, twelve to forty-four years) after the operation.