Comparison of torsional strength of humeral intramedullary nailing: a cadaveric study.

Control of rotation after intramedullary fixation of the humeral shaft has been observed to vary clinically. Two of the newer intramedullary nails specifically designed for the humerus were tested. Transverse and spiral fractures were created in 35 fresh-frozen cadaveric humeri. The constructs were tested in a materials testing system to evaluate in vitro the torsional strength of the nailed humeral fractures. Intact bones showed a mean peak torque of 53 +/- 17 Nm. The humeri fixed with the Russell-Taylor nail (n = 18) using one interlocking screw proximally and one distally showed a mean torsional strength of 10.4 +/- 3.6 Nm. The specimens fixed with the Seidel nail (n = 17), interlocked proximally with two screws and distally by the friction of three expanded flanges against the inner cortex, had a significantly lower mean torsional strength of 1.5 +/- 0.6 Nm (p < 0.0005). When compared with intact bones, constructs using the Russell-Taylor nail achieved 20% of mean peak torque. This improved rotational strength should permit an earlier return to full functional use of the extremity.

The management of long bone fractures in the head-injured polytrauma patient.

The polytrauma patient who sustains a significant head injury (head and neck Abbreviated Injury Scale of 3 or greater) will require prolonged and technically demanding operative intervention for musculoskeletal and associated soft tissue trauma. The presence of a head injury may delay the immediate surgical intervention for long bone injuries, which has proven to have major advantages for patient care and well-being. This retrospective review of the Sunnybrook Health Science Centre experience between January 1, 1986, and June 1, 1988, identified 153 polytrauma patients with a significant head injury. Forty-five died from complications unrelated to their long bone injuries or treatment thereof, not surviving long enough to reach the operating room for stabilization of their long bone fractures. The 108 survivors sustained 188 long bone injuries, 63 of which were open fractures. Twenty patients were treated nonoperatively. The 88 patients treated operatively had 12 complications: one peroneal nerve palsy; five cases of sepsis (three in open fractures and all resolving with removal of fixation devices); three malunions; and three cases of delayed union. Sixty-nine patients (78%) were available for long-term follow-up, 64 (93%) making a full recovery. Seven required additional surgery to achieve this goal and another patient awaits an ankle arthrodesis. Examining the head and neck AIS and Injury Severity Score of this group showed that 50 (46%) of these patients were expected to die and 22 (44%) made a full recovery.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Liquefaction and calcification of a chronic compartment syndrome of the lower limb.

We present an uncommon late sequela of a compartment syndrome of the leg that presented as liquefaction and calcification. Our experience with this clinical situation, along with the available literature review, suggests an approach to this diagnostic and therapeutic problem. We recommend that repeated needle aspiration be performed to lessen the risk of secondary infection, chronic sinus formation, and amputation, which may occur after debridement and drainage of the lesion.