Clinical results of the one-bone forearm.

Between 1973 and 1991, 19 patients underwent creation of a one-bone forearm at our institution as treatment for radioulnar instability secondary to trauma ("type 1" patients) or tumor resection or congenital deformity ("type 2" patients). Seventeen had failed previous reconstruction attempts. Ten one-bone forearms were constructed in neutral rotation, and nine in varying pronation (mean, 24 degrees). The distal ulna was absent or excised at the time of surgery in nine patients, partially excised in two, and shortened in one. At a mean follow-up interval of 42 months, the primary union rate was 68%, and the secondary rate was 74%. Using a rating scale devised for this study, 37% excellent, 32% good, 26% fair, and 5% poor results were noted. Poor results were statistically associated with previous trauma (type 1 patients), infection, severe nerve injury, and multiple previous surgical procedures. This is a retrospective study, and because of the limitations of such studies, no correlation of results with forearm rotational position, preoperative wrist or elbow dysfunction, fusion location, distal ulna excision or synostosis union was noted. Significant complications were noted in 10 patients, with a higher rate in type 1 patients. Although one-bone forearm construction remains a viable salvage option for forearm instability in selected patients, results may be less predictable than previously reported.

Combined use of phenoxybenzamine and dopamine for low cardiac output syndrome in children at withdrawal from cardiopulmonary bypass.

The combined use of phenoxybenzamine and dopamine was applied in infants and children when it was difficult to come off cardiopulmonary bypass for low cardiac output. The rationale of this method is to prevent the alpha-adrenergic action of dopamine by phenoxybenzamine and to encourage the beta-adrenergic and direct specific action of dopamine. Dopamine was used in dosage of 10 to 30 micrograms/kg per min after the additional administration of a half of the initial dosage of phenoxybenzamine; this was infused by drip always in a dosage of 0.5 to 1.0 mg/kg during the first half of cardiopulmonary bypass. It was possible to come off cardiopulmonary bypass with a stable haemodynamic state (mean arterial pressure more than 60 mmHg and total peripheral vascular resistance less than 2000 bynes s cm-5) and a good urinary output.