Locking plates versus retrograde intramedullary nails in the treatment of periprosthetic supracondylar knee fractures. A retrospective multicenter comparative study.

Introduction: Biomechanical studies demonstrated the superiority of retrograde supracondylar intramedullary nails (RIN) against locking plates (LP) for the treatment of periprosthetic supracondylar femoral fractures (PSFs); however, clinical results are still conflicting. This study aimed to compare LP and RIN, as well as, cemented and uncemented nails in the treatment of PSFs regarding fracture healing, complications and functional results.

Materials And Methods: A retrospective multicenter analysis of 60 PSFs classified as Rorabeck type I or II was performed.

Biological therapy of bone defects: the immunology of bone allo-transplantation.

Importance Of The Field: Bone is one of the most transplanted tissues worldwide. Autograft is the ideal bone graft but is not widely used because of donor site morbidity and restricted availability. Allograft is easily accessible but can transmit infections and elicit an immune response.

Investigating the role of PDGF as a potential drug therapy in bone formation and fracture healing.

Background: Platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) has been shown in vivo to increase bone formation and supplement fracture healing, and may have a role as a therapeutic agent in the treatment of bone loss and fracture healing in humans.

Objective: A comprehensive review of the recent literature on the effect of PDGF on bone mineral density and fracture healing.

Methods: In vitro and in vivo evidence was systematically collected using medical search engines MEDLINE/OVID (1950 to March 2008) and EMBASE (1980 to March 2008) databases.

The potential adverse effects of aromatase inhibitors on wound healing: in vitro and in vivo evidence.

Background: Estrogens and several other endogenous substances are recognised as being important in the process of wound healing. However, the effect of aromatase and aromatase inhibition in the wound healing process has yet to be fully defined.

Objective: A review of the in vitro and in vivo evidence on the effect of aromatase inhibition on wound healing.

Vertebral osteomyelitis and discitis due to Gardnerella vaginalis.

Gardnerella vaginalis is a facultative anaerobic Gram-variable pleomorphic rod that forms part of the normal vaginal flora. It is most commonly associated with infection of the genital tract in women, but recognition of extravaginal G. vaginalis infection is becoming more frequent.

Statins: under investigation for increasing bone mineral density and augmenting fracture healing.

Background: Statins are 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl (HMG)-CoA reductase inhibitors and have been shown to possess anti-lipidaemic properties effective in lowering cholesterol. Recent evidence has suggested beneficial pleiotropic effects, including that of fracture healing, alongside its widely accepted ability to reduce the incidence of cardiovascular disease.

Objectives: A comprehensive review of the recent literature on the effect of statins on bone mineral density and fracture healing.

Pharmacological treatment of heterotopic ossification following hip and acetabular surgery.

Heterotopic ossification is a common complication following total hip arthroplasty and surgery following acetabular trauma. It is associated with pain and a decreased range of movement. Prophylaxis is achieved by either non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug treatment or localised irradiation therapy.