A protective orthoplast splint in the treatment of a patient with Colles' fracture by external fixation.

Discussion is provided of an Orthoplast splint that was used to aid in the successful treatment of a mentally deficient patient who had sustained a fracture in the distal forearm, which was managed by external fixation. This splint is advocated for the treatment of various types of uncooperative patients. Although this splint has not been tried in the treatment of children, it appears likewise applicable for a noncompliant youngster.

Hemiplegia and lower extremity amputation: double disability.

A retrospective study of 52 consecutive patients was conducted to determine the influence of certain factors on the ambulatory rehabilitation of patients with hemiplegia and lower extremity amputation. Factors studied included side of hemiplegia, laterality of disability, level of amputation, order of disability (amputation first or hemiplegia first), neuromuscular status, mental status, sex, age. The level of function was defined as independent, limited, or nonambulatory.

Rehabilitation of blind patients with lower extremity amputations.

Twelve consecutive blind amputee patients, including 7 unilateral and 5 bilateral amputees with a median age of 64 years, were studied. All were fitted with prostheses, and gait training was accomplished on an outpatient basis. Seventy-five percent of patients were successfully ambulating 2 years or longer following the amputation; 5 regained their preoperative levels of activity; 3 lost 1 grade; 4 lost 2 or more grades.

How not to pin a hip.

Errors in judgement and technique are responsible for increased failure rates in fractures around the proximal femur. The advanced age of the average patient jeopardizes even the best hip pinning. Proper understanding of mechanics, operative techniques, and the natural course of those fractures will lower the incidence of failures.