Randomised controlled trials in orthopaedic surgery and traumatology: overview of parameters and pitfalls.

There is a growing consensus that randomised controlled clinical trial (RCT) provide a secure basis for determining treatment effects. Prospective randomised clinical trials can be a powerful tool in medical science and evidence-based medicine. A well-defined study hypothesis, with a prospectively applied study design, blinded and randomised treatment allocation and assessment, with appropriate control groups can provide strong evidence in support of treatment decisions.

Vascularised bone grafts for the management of non-union.

Non-union of the long bones may have severe consequences, particularly when combined with other post-traumatic sequelae, such as tendon adhesions, reflex sympathetic dystrophy and infection, among others. In these cases, it is important to treat the delayed union or non-union first or at the same time with the other problems in order to achieve adequate function. Once the normal bony healing process has been slowed or stopped, it is necessary to provide both stability to the fracture site, as well as a biological stimulus for the fibrocartilagenous callus to finish the healing process.

Mid-palm replantation. Long-term results.

16 patients with complete mid-palm amputations underwent replantation between 1987 and 1991. 14 were successful. Young patients with guillotine type mid-palm amputations who could be treated with end-to-end suturing of the tendons and nerves, presented with the highest degree of function when evaluated both objectively and subjectively.

Major amputation of the upper extremity. Functional results after replantation/revascularization in 47 cases.

Over a 7 year period, 47 patients underwent replantation of complete (19) and revascularization of incomplete nonviable (28) amputations of the upper extremity. Revascularization of incomplete nonviable amputations had a success rate of 100 percent, where as replantation of complete amputations had a success rate of 74 percent. 37 of the 42 patients with successful replantations had satisfactory functional use of the replanted extremity.

Clinical assessment of primary digital nerve repair.

We have carried out a retrospective study of 64 primary digital nerve repairs in 50 patients who presented to our department between 1988 and 1993. 45 of the patients were operated on within 6 hours of the injury using microscope (x 14). Normal two-point discrimination was regained in only 9 cases, while 6-10 mm two-point discrimination was achieved in 22, 11-15 mm in 15 and protective sensation in 18.

Surgical treatment of acetabular posterior wall fractures.

This is an analysis of 52 fractures of the posterior wall of the acetabulum treated operatively and reviewed 2-15 years after injury. In 48 cases the fracture was associated with posterior dislocation of the hip, which was treated by closed reduction soon after the injury. In all but two of the cases there was a displaced single or comminuted fragment resulting in a large defect in the posterior acetabular wall; they were treated by open reduction and internal fixation to restore joint congruity and stability.

Surgical treatment of central acetabular fractures.

Surgical treatment is indicated in most displaced acetabular fractures in young adults. The fractures are generally intraarticular and almost invariably involve the weight-bearing area of the acetabulum. Complete or near anatomic reduction is essential for an excellent and long-standing recovery of the hip joint, and this is extremely difficult to accomplish by conservative management.