Open reduction and fixation with a locking plate without bone grafting is a reasonable and safe option for treating proximal humerus nonunion.

AIM OF THE STUDY: The aim of this study was to evaluate union rate and clinical outcome in patients with proximal humeral nonunions treated by open reduction and locking plate fixation without bone grafting. METHODS: From 2011 to 2016, nine patients were treated using open reduction and locking plate stabilization without bone grafting. They were examined both clinically and radiologically, with a mean follow-up period of 31 months. Outcome was evaluated using pain and range of motion (ROM) parameters. In addition, self-assessment by patients was registered on the Disability of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand score, Constant-Murley Score, Oxford Shoulder Score, and American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons Standardized Shoulder Assessment Form. A CT scan of the shoulder was performed to analyze union. RESULTS: At checkup, all patients showed union in the CT scans, where the mean ROM in abduction was 139° (SD 50°), in adduction 39° (SD 8°), in forward flexion 136° (SD 40°), in extension 44° (SD 11°), in internal rotation 62° (SD 15°), and external rotation 54° (SD 31°). ROM improved significantly in all planes of motion, except for adduction, post-surgery (p < 0.05). Plate removal was necessary in three patients. No complications were reported. CONCLUSION: Open reduction and locking plate fixation without bone grafting is a reasonable and safe option for treating proximal humerus nonunion. It leads to a high union rate, significant improvement in ROM, and in the majority of the cases to an "excellent" and "good" functional outcome without an increased risk of complications.

Gelatin thrombin granules for hemostasis in a severe traumatic liver and spleen rupture model in swine.

BACKGROUND: Treatment of traumatic liver and spleen rupture is a major challenge for the surgeon. Because of their excellent blood supply and tissue structure, rupture of the liver and spleen is often associated with massive abdominal hemorrhage. Frequently the surgeon's only feasible option is partial or total resection of the organ. The purpose of this study was to test the hemostatic efficacy of gelatin thrombin granules (FloSeal) in a standardized severe traumatic liver and spleen rupture model in swine (representing a grade IV-V rupture) during severe hemorrhagic shock and coagulation disorder. METHODS: Standardized combined penetrating liver and spleen rupture was inflicted in 10 anesthetized swine. Hemorrhagic shock was induced after heparinization. Gelatin thrombin granules were used to treat both the ruptured liver and the ruptured spleen. Blood loss, hemostasis, and 48 hours survival rate were quantified. Cardiorespiratory parameters, activated clotting time, and plasma fibrinogen level were monitored. After 1 hour and 48 hours a second look evaluation was performed to detect any postoperative hemorrhage. Ruptures were then examined macroscopically and histologically. RESULTS: Hemostasis was achieved with FloSeal in all swine. The mean amount of FloSeal used was 14 mL +/- 2.5 mL. Macroscopic and histologic findings after 48 hours showed excellent clot integration into the surrounding tissue without any adverse effects. CONCLUSION: Gelatin thrombin granules (FloSeal) are effective in treating severe penetrating rupture of the liver and spleen even during hemorrhagic shock, retransfusion conditions, and coagulation disorder.

Sex-related outcome differences after arthroscopic shoulder stabilization.

Arthroscopic shoulder stabilization using Bankart's repair technique has become a standard intervention in the treatment of traumatic shoulder instability. Nevertheless, knowledge about sex-related differences postoperatively is scarce. The goal of our study was to compare the outcome of men and women after arthroscopic shoulder stabilization. All patients underwent arthroscopic shoulder stabilization due to anterior shoulder instability after traumatic shoulder dislocation. Patients received a standardized questionnaire for evaluating subjective parameters. Subsequently, patients were clinically examined by orthopedic physicians where their Constant-Murley score was raised, and apprehension and sulcus sign tests were conducted. The study included 24 men (mean age, 29.9 years; mean follow-up, 55 months) and 12 women (mean age, 31.8 years; mean follow-up, 62.3 months). Women showed a significantly decreased Constant-Murley score compared to men (P=.045). A positive apprehension test indicating decreased shoulder stability was found more often in women (P=.018). A positive sulcus sign test indicating increased joint laxity was found in 25% of women and only 12.5% of men without reaching statistical significance (P=.378). Compared to men, shoulder function as well as shoulder stability was significantly decreased in women after arthroscopic shoulder stabilization.