Weight bearing or non-weight bearing after surgically fixed ankle fractures, the WOW! Study: study protocol for a randomized controlled trial.

Background: The optimal post-operative care regimen after surgically fixed Lauge Hansen supination exorotation injuries remains to be established. This study compares whether unprotected weight bearing as tolerated is superior to protected weight bearing and unprotected non-weight bearing in terms of functional outcome and safety.

Methods/design: The WOW! Study is a prospective multicenter clinical trial.

Weight-bearing and mobilization in the postoperative care of ankle fractures: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials and cohort studies.

Purpose: To determine the effectiveness and safety of interventions used for rehabilitation after open reduction and internal fixation of ankle fractures.

Methods: A systematic review and meta-analysis was performed using both randomized trials and cohort studies. The effect of mobilization, weight-bearing, and unprotected weight-bearing as tolerated on postoperative recovery was compared using the Olerud Molander score, return to work/daily activities, and the rate of complications.

Treatment of torus fractures in the forearm in children using bandage therapy.

Background: In a torus fracture, there is an intact cortex at the side of the fracture which gives more intrinsic stability than in greenstick fractures, where one side of the cortex is disrupted. Two previously done studies compared soft bandage therapy (BT) with cast therapy in the treatment of torus forearm fractures in children and showed this is safe and does not cause any complications. The aim of our study was to validate these studies by treating all patients presenting to emergency department with a torus fracture with BT and investigate whether any complications occur.

The proximal femur nail antirotation: an identifiable improvement in the treatment of unstable pertrochanteric fractures?

Background: The optimal surgical treatment of patients with an unstable extracapsular proximal femoral fracture is yet to be found. From the biomechanical point of view, the use of an intramedullary device in combination with a dynamic femoral head/neck stabilization implant seems an optimal technique. One of these intramedullary devices, the Proximal Femoral Nail (PFN), has several drawbacks in practice.

Fracture surgery of the extremities with the intra-operative use of 3D-RX: a randomized multicenter trial (EF3X-trial).

Background: Posttraumatic osteoarthritis can develop after an intra-articular extremity fracture, leading to pain and loss of function. According to international guidelines, anatomical reduction and fixation are the basis for an optimal functional result. In order to achieve this during fracture surgery, an optimal view on the position of the bone fragments and fixation material is a necessity.

Treatment of impacted greenstick forearm fractures in children using bandage or cast therapy: a prospective randomized trial.

Background: To evaluate the relative risks and advantages of using soft bandage therapy (BT) for impacted greenstick fractures of the distal forearm compared with cast therapy (CT).

Methods: At a single center from September 2005 to October 2006 all patients with an impacted greenstick fracture were randomized to BT or CT.

Results: A total of 92 patients were randomized and assigned.

Surgical repair of a gunshot injury to the left carotid artery: case report and review of literature.

We present a case of a 37-year-old man who sustained a single gunshot wound (penetrating zones I and II) and internal carotid artery injury. Optimal evaluation and management of vascular injury remains controversial. Literature on the operative techniques of carotid artery injuries is reviewed.

Cost-effectiveness of the treatment of traumatic thoracolumbar spine fractures: Nonsurgical or surgical therapy?

Background: Spinal fractures can be an important cause for disabling back pain. Therefore, in judging the cost-effectiveness of nonsurgical or surgical therapy, not only direct costs but also the indirect costs should be calculated. In this prospective randomized study, the costs incurred by nonsurgically and surgically treated patients with a traumatic thoracolumbar spine fracture without neurological involvement were analysed.

Treatment of traumatic thoracolumbar spine fractures: a multicenter prospective randomized study of operative versus nonsurgical treatment.

Study Design: Multicenter prospective randomized trial.

Objective: To test the hypotheses that thoracolumbar AO Type A spine fractures without neurologic deficit, managed with short-segment posterior stabilization will show an improved radiographic outcome and at least the same functional outcome as compared with nonsurgically treated thoracolumbar fractures.

Summary Of Background Data: There are various opinions regarding the ideal management of thoracolumbar Type A spine fractures without neurologic deficit.

Spine fractures caused by horse riding.

Study Design: Retrospective study and review of literature.

Objectives: Study of demographic data concerning spinal fractures caused by horse riding, classification of fractures according to the AO and Load Sharing classifications, evaluation of mid-term radiological results and long-term functional results.

Methods: A review of medical reports and radiological examinations of patients presented to our hospital with horse riding-related spine fractures over a 13-year period; long-term functional follow-up is performed using the Roland Morris Disability Questionnaire (RMDQ-24).