Distraction for proximal interphalangeal joint contractures: long-term results.

Purpose: To report the medium- to long-term outcomes of joint distraction using a unilateral external fixator in the treatment of chronic post-traumatic proximal interphalangaeal (PIP) joint contractures.

Method: Between September 2001 and October 2011, 94 consecutive patients (98 PIP joints) with a mean age of 43 years (range, 17-69 y) were treated with external fixation for chronic flexion deformity of the PIP joint from trauma. The average time from injury to surgery was 48 months (range, 6-84 mo), and the duration of joint distraction was 10 days (range, 7-22 d).

Management of posttraumatic proximal interphalangeal joint contracture.

Chronic flexion contracture of the proximal interphalangeal (PIP) joint presents a common yet challenging problem to hand surgeons. Over the years, multiple treatment modalities have been described for this problem, producing limited results. Nonoperative treatment using serial casting and splints should be tried before attempting open surgical release, which should be done in selected patients.

Treatment of Rolando fracture by capsuloligamentotaxis using mini external fixator: a report of 16 cases.

Treatment of Rolando fractures remains a challenge for hand surgeons. We present a case series of 16 comminuted Rolando type fractures treated by controlled capsuloligamentous distraction (and over distraction by 2 mm) using the Pennig mini-external fixation system. Additional Kirschner wire(s) were used to maintain fracture reduction and stability.

Post-traumatic cortical cysts in paediatric fractures: is it a concern for emergency doctors? A report of three cases.

Post-traumatic cortical bone cyst is a rare occurrence in children. It is typically located in the distal radius, as a result of greenstick fracture. We report three cases referred to our fracture clinic as a tumour in bones.

Distraction correction of chronic flexion contractures of PIP joint: comparison between two distraction rates.

Purpose: The surgical correction of chronic flexion contractures of the proximal interphalangeal (PIP) joints is quite challenging because the extensive soft-tissue surgery needed is demanding, and the results often are discouraging. Gradual joint distraction recently was shown to be effective in the correction of PIP joint contractures. We performed this study to determine the optimum rate and amount of daily distraction and the optimum duration for which the external fixator should be left in situ after correction.

Epidemiology of bacterial hand infections.

Objective: The aim of the study was to delineate and update the bacteriological spectrum, characterize patterns and sites of injury, evaluate laboratory tests and possible causes of complications in patients with bacterial hand infections.

Methods: All hand infections operated on in the department of orthopedics at Odense University Hospital during the period 1992-2001 were reviewed retrospectively. A standard protocol was used to collect data for each patient.

Forearm fractures in children. Single bone fixation with elastic stable intramedullary nailing in 20 cases.

We present our experience with elastic stable intramedullary nailing (ESIN) used in the single bone fixation of both bones forearm fractures in children. From May 2002 to July 2004, 20 children (14 boys and 6 girls), median age of 10 years (range 6-15 years) were treated with ESIN for 16 closed and 4 grade I open forearm fractures. All patients were reviewed clinically at a median follow-up of 20 months (range 6-30 months).

Femoral shaft fractures in children: elastic stable intramedullary nailing in 31 cases.

We report our experience with elastic stable intramedullary titanium nailing (ESIN) of femoral shaft fractures in children. From 1998 to 2001, we treated 31 children (20 boys), median age 6 (4-11) years, with ESIN for 29 closed and 2 grade I open femoral shaft fractures. We reviewed 30 children clinically after median 1.

Distraction with external fixator for contractures of proximal interphalangeal joints: good outcome in 10 cases.

We present a new and simple technique for the treatment of proximal interphalangeal (PIP) joint contractures by mini Orthofix external fixator without open surgery. The technique was tested on 10 patients. We found that the fixator is easy to apply and effective in reducing contractures of the PIP joint by soft tissue distraction.

Correction of congenital brachymetatarsia by gradual callus distraction.

Two children with congenital brachymetatarsia of the fourth metatarsal bone were treated by osteotomy of the metatarsal bone and bone lengthening by the Ilizarov technique. Both children were cosmetically improved.

[Evaluation of multitraumatized patients admitted to a trauma center].

Introduction: This study describes the survival possibility in a population of Danish multitraumatized patients. The analysis is related to international standards and to development over time as well.

Material And Methods: The study included 1664 patients admitted as trauma patients to the Odense University Hospital during the period January 1st 1996 to December 31st 2001.

Missed injuries in a level I trauma center.

Background: Major trauma presents major diagnostic and therapeutic problems. Any delay in providing the treatment necessary may lead to increased morbidity and mortality, prolonged length of hospital stay, and increased cost. This study was undertaken to determine the extent, contributing factors, and implication of missed injuries and relate them to the three surveys in a Danish Level I trauma center.