The influence of MRI on treatment decisions regarding knee injuries.

This study evaluated whether the information gained from magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the knee would provide information that was useful in the treatment algorithm. Three orthopedic surgeons completed a questionnaire immediately after the initial evaluation of a patient with a knee injury and for whom an MRI also was ordered by that surgeon. The questionnaire asked the surgeons' what their proposed clinical diagnoses and treatment plans would be if MRI was not available.

The efficacy and safety of the hematoma block for fracture reduction in closed, isolated fractures.

Fracture manipulation in the emergency department often requires some method of anesthesia. This study evaluates the efficacy and safety of the hematoma block in patients with closed, isolated fractures requiring manipulative reduction. Sixty-one patients treated with a hematoma block (HB group) prior to fracture manipulation were compared with 53 patients treated with either intravenous sedation or "conscious sedation" (NHB group).

Complete rupture of the distal semimembranosus complex in a professional athlete.

Complete ruptures of the distal hamstring tendons rarely cause functional disability significant enough to warrant surgical intervention. Isolated ruptures of the distal semimembranosus tendon complex have not been reported previously in the literature. A case of a complete rupture of the distal semimembranosus tendon complex occurring in a professional football player with resultant functional disability is reported here.

[Introduction of definite molecular weight heparan sulfate in a protocol of prevention of deep venous thrombosis in prosthetic orthopedic surgery].

Use of definite molecular weight heparan sulphate in a protocol for the prevention of deep venous thrombosis in the total joint replacement surgery. The authors propose a working protocol for the prevention of deep venous thrombosis in prosthetic orthopaedic surgery. It requires that integration of pharmacological, anaesthesiological, rheological and physiokinesitherapic measures, it has permitted a very good prevention of thromboembolic disease and it is well-tolerated and safe.

Hematoma block for ankle fractures: a safe and efficacious technique for manipulations.

The purpose of this study was to examine the safety and efficacy of the hematoma block technique for closed ankle fracture manipulation. Twenty-three patients received a hematoma block with or without supplemental analgesia and/or sedation for the manipulative reduction of an ankle fracture, and 37 patients received parenteral agents alone. At an average of 12 months post-reduction, patients were administered a questionnaire concerning their level of discomfort surrounding the manipulation of their acute injury.