Hip fracture treatment: outcome and socio-economic aspects. A one-year survey in a Belgian University Hospital.

Between October 1, 1997 and September 30, 1998, 201 consecutive hip fractures in patients over the age of 50 were registered according to the SAHFE (Standardised Audit of Hip Fractures in Europe) protocol. The mean age was 81.3 years; 75% were females, more than 40% were admitted from an institution and fewer than 10% were completely fit.

Bipolar versus total hip arthroplasty in the treatment of avascular necrosis of the femoral head in young patients.

The authors evaluate medium-term results of bipolar and total hip arthroplasty as a treatment for avascular necrosis of the femoral head. Between 1990 and 2000, 57 hips (45 patients) were treated with a bipolar (BHA: 37 hips) or total hip arthroplasty (THA: 20 hips) depending on the radiographic and macroscopic aspect of the acetabulum. At surgery, all patients were under 65 years of age (average: 45.

Split coronal fractures of the lumbar spine. Treatment by posterior internal fixation and transpedicular bone grafting.

The clinical and radiological results of 12 patients with a split coronal vertebral fracture were analysed with minimum follow-up of 24 months. All patients were treated operatively with an AO internal spinal fixator and transpedicular bone grafting. The operation was supplemented with posterior bone grafts in 4 patients.

Static and dynamic roentgenographic analysis of ankle stability in braced and nonbraced stable and functionally unstable ankles.

Patients suffering from functional ankle instability were selected based on a structured interview. Talar tilt was measured using supine ankle stress roentgenographs and standing talar tilt was measured using erect ankle stress roentgenographs. A digital roentgenocinematographic analysis of a 50 degrees ankle sprain simulation was performed to measure dynamic talar tilt and inversion distance between two video images (inversion speed).

Objective roentgenologic measurements of the influence of ankle braces on pathologic joint mobility. A comparison of 9 braces.

The stabilizing effect of external support (taping and nine different ankle braces) was tested in a total of 220 functionally unstable ankles. A standard surface EMG controlled stress Roentgen test protocol was used, measuring talar tilt (TT) without support and with tape bandage or brace. Different levels of TT restraining by external support could be identified.