Crossed versus lateral K-wire fixation of supracondylar fractures of the humerus in children: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

BACKGROUND: Supracondylar fractures of the humerus are common in children. Whether fixation should be performed with crossed or lateral wires remains controversial. We performed a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials to evaluate both techniques in terms of the function of the elbow and the risk of neurologic injury and loss of reduction. We also assessed the quality of the evidence currently available. METHODS: The MEDLINE, Embase, Cochrane Library, and LILACS (Latin American and Caribbean Health Sciences Literature) databases, as well as ongoing clinical trial databases, were searched until March 2020. The main outcomes were function, measured by the Flynn criteria, and complications (neurologic lesions and loss of reduction). A meta-analysis was conducted using relative risk (RR) analysis for dichotomous variables and difference in means for continuous variables. Heterogeneity was tested using the I2 statistic. RESULTS: Twelve trials, with a total of 930 patients, met the inclusion criteria. Both groups (crossed-wire and lateral-wire fixation) presented satisfactory functional results, with no difference between them (RR, 0.99; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.96-1.02; P = .44). Patients undergoing crossed-wire fixation had a higher risk of iatrogenic neurologic injury (RR, 0.45; 95% CI, 0.21-0.99; P = .05). The crossed group showed greater fixation stability, with a lower incidence of loss of fracture reduction (RR, 1.39; 95% CI, 1.04-1.85; P = .03). The GRADEpro GDT (Guideline Development Tool) showed that the quality of evidence of the evaluated outcomes was low or very low. CONCLUSION: There is evidence of very low quality that fixation with lateral wires is safer regarding iatrogenic nerve lesions whereas fixation with crossed wires is more effective at maintaining fracture reduction.

Superficial Acral Fibromyxoma: Literature Review.

Superficial acral fibromyxoma is a benign and rare tumor of the soft tissues. It usually manifests itself through a painless mass of slow growth that affects mainly males in the fifth decade of life. It usually affects the distal region, with a polypoid or dome-shaped appearance. The histological appearance is of a dermal mass without capsule, with spindle-shaped fibroblasts in a storiform or fasciculated pattern in the myxocollagenous stroma. The immunohistochemical evaluation of superficial acral fibromyxoma is usually positive for CD34 and CD99, with variable positivity for epithelial membrane antigen. The treatment consists of complete excision of the tumor mass. A review of the current literature on superficial acral fibromyxoma was performed, with an emphasis on the number of cases reported, location, diagnostic methods, histological characteristics, differential diagnoses and treatment. A total of 314 reported cases of superficial acral fibromyxoma with variable locations were found in the current literature, mainly in the toes (45.8%) and fingers (39.1%). It has a slightly superior incidence in men (61%) and enormous variability in the age range of occurrence. Superficial acral fibromyxoma is a single soft-tissue tumor that should enter the differential diagnosis of periungual and subungual acral lesions; the treatment consists of simple excision. More studies are needed to better understand this pathology, which was first described in 2001.

Superficial Acral Fibromyxoma: Literature Review / Fibromixoma acral superficial: Revisão da Literatura

Abstract Superficial acral fibromyxoma is a benign and rare tumor of the soft tissues. It usually manifests itself through a painless mass of slow growth that affects mainly males in the fifth decade of life. It usually affects the distal region, with a polypoid or dome-shaped appearance. The histological appearance is of a dermal mass without capsule, with spindle-shaped fibroblasts in a storiform or fasciculated pattern in the myxocollagenous stroma. The immunohistochemical evaluation of superficial acral fibromyxoma is usually positive for CD34 and CD99, with variable positivity for epithelial membrane antigen. The treatment consists of complete excision of the tumor mass. A review of the current literature on superficial acral fibromyxoma was performed, with an emphasis on the number of cases reported, location, diagnostic methods, histological characteristics, differential diagnoses and treatment. A total of 314 reported cases of superficial acral fibromyxoma with variable locations were found in the current literature, mainly in the toes (45.8%) and fingers (39.1%). It has a slightly superior incidence in men (61%) and enormous variability in the age range of occurrence. Superficial acral fibromyxoma is a single soft-tissue tumor that should enter the differential diagnosis of periungual and subungual acral lesions; the treatment consists of simple excision. More studies are needed to better understand this pathology, which was first described in 2001.

Resumo O fibromixoma acral superficial é um tumor raro de tecidos moles. Geralmente se manifesta por meio de uma massa indolor de crescimento lento que acomete principalmente adultos do sexo masculino na quinta década de vida. Ele normalmente afeta a região distal, com aparência polipoide. A aparência histológica é de uma massa dérmica sem cápsula, com fibroblastos fusiformes em estroma mixocolagenoso. A avaliação imuno-histoquímica do fibromixoma acral superficial normalmente é positiva para CD34 e CD99, com positividade variável para o antígeno epitelial de membrana. O tratamento consiste na exérese completa da massa tumoral. Foi feita uma revisão da literatura atual sobre o fibromixoma acral superficial com ênfase na quantidade de casos relatados, na localização, nos métodos diagnósticos, nas características histológicas, nos diagnósticos diferenciais, e no tratamento. Foram encontrados na literatura atual 314 casos descritos de fibromixoma acral superficial com localização variada, principalmente em pododáctilos (45,8%) e quirodáctilos (39,1%). Este tumor tem acometimento ligeiramente superior em homens (61%), e enorme variabilidade na faixa etária de acometimento. O fibromixoma acral superficial é um tumor de tecido mole único que deve entrar no diagnóstico diferencial das lesões periungueais e subungueais acrais; o tratamento consiste da exérese simples. Mais estudos são necessários para que se conheça melhor essa patologia, descrita em 2001.

Sensitivity and specificity of ultrasonography in diagnosing supraspinatus lesions: a prospective accuracy diagnostic study.

BACKGROUND: This study was designed to define the accuracy of shoulder ultrasonography for diagnosing supraspinatus tendon tears. This examination is routinely used by orthopedists and may do away with the need for other examinations for diagnosing these tendon injuries. The aim of this study was to evaluate the sensitivity and specificity of shoulder ultrasonography for diagnosing supraspinatus tendon injuries, using magnetic resonance imaging as the reference. DESIGN AND SETTING: Prospective accuracy study at a single center: the Shoulder and Elbow Surgery Clinic of the Department of Orthopedics and Traumatology. METHODS: Shoulder ultrasonography was performed on 80 patients of both genders, over 18 years of age, with complaints of shoulder pain and clinically suspected supraspinatus tendon lesions. Jobe's test and a full can test were performed. In addition, they underwent magnetic resonance imaging in a 3.0-tesla machine, as the reference standard. The examinations were performed and interpreted by radiologists. RESULTS: Ultrasonography showed sensitivity of 36.3% and specificity of 91.7% for supraspinatus tears overall: sensitivity of 25.8% and specificity of 91.8% for partial tears and sensitivity of 46.2% and specificity of 100% for full-thickness tears. Ultrasonography showed high accuracy for diagnosing full-thickness tears: 91.3%. The p-values were 0.003 for tears overall, 0.031 for partial tears and < 0.001 for full-thickness tears. CONCLUSIONS: Ultrasonography showed low sensitivity for detecting supraspinatus tears, but high specificity for both partial and full-thickness tears.

Sensitivity and specificity of ultrasonography in diagnosing supraspinatus lesions: a prospective accuracy diagnostic study

ABSTRACT BACKGROUND: This study was designed to define the accuracy of shoulder ultrasonography for diagnosing supraspinatus tendon tears. This examination is routinely used by orthopedists and may do away with the need for other examinations for diagnosing these tendon injuries. The aim of this study was to evaluate the sensitivity and specificity of shoulder ultrasonography for diagnosing supraspinatus tendon injuries, using magnetic resonance imaging as the reference. DESIGN AND SETTING: Prospective accuracy study at a single center: the Shoulder and Elbow Surgery Clinic of the Department of Orthopedics and Traumatology. METHODS: Shoulder ultrasonography was performed on 80 patients of both genders, over 18 years of age, with complaints of shoulder pain and clinically suspected supraspinatus tendon lesions. Jobe's test and a full can test were performed. In addition, they underwent magnetic resonance imaging in a 3.0-tesla machine, as the reference standard. The examinations were performed and interpreted by radiologists. RESULTS: Ultrasonography showed sensitivity of 36.3% and specificity of 91.7% for supraspinatus tears overall: sensitivity of 25.8% and specificity of 91.8% for partial tears and sensitivity of 46.2% and specificity of 100% for full-thickness tears. Ultrasonography showed high accuracy for diagnosing full-thickness tears: 91.3%. The p-values were 0.003 for tears overall, 0.031 for partial tears and < 0.001 for full-thickness tears. CONCLUSIONS: Ultrasonography showed low sensitivity for detecting supraspinatus tears, but high specificity for both partial and full-thickness tears.

Surgical Interventions for the Treatment of Supracondylar Humerus Fractures in Children: Protocol of a Systematic Review.

BACKGROUND: The treatment of supracondylar humerus fracture in children (SHFC) is associated with complications such as functional deficit, residual deformity, and iatrogenic neurological damage. The standard treatment is closed reduction and percutaneous Kirschner wire fixation with different configurations. Despite this fact, there is still no consensus on the most effective technique for the treatment of these fractures. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this systematic review will be to evaluate the effect of surgical interventions on the treatment of Gartland type II and III SHFC by assessing function, complications, and error as primary outcomes. Clinical outcomes such as range of motion and pain and radiographic outcomes will also be judged. METHODS: A systematic review of randomized controlled trials or quasi-randomized controlled trials evaluating the surgical treatment of SHFC will be carried out in the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, PubMed, Literatura Latino-Americana e do Caribe em Ciências da Saúde, and Excerpta Medica Database. The search will also occur at ongoing and recently completed clinical trials in selected databases. Data management and extraction will be performed using a data withdrawal form and by analyzing the following: study method characteristics, participant characteristics, intervention characteristics, results, methodological domains, and risk of bias. To assess the risk of bias of the included trials, the Cochrane Risk of Bias Tool will be used. Dichotomous outcome data will be analyzed as risk ratios, and continuous outcome data will be expressed as mean differences, both with 95% confidence intervals. Also, whenever possible, subgroup analysis, sensitivity analysis, and assessment of heterogeneity will be performed. RESULTS: Following the publication of this protocol, searches will be run and included studies will be deeply analyzed. We hope to obtain final results in the next few months and have the final paper published by the end of 2018. This study was funded by a government-based noncommercial agency, Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP). CONCLUSIONS: This study may provide surgical treatment effects evidence for SHFC. The results will assist clinical practice by demonstrating the effectiveness and potential complications of these interventions and might serve as a reference for future clinical trials on the topic. TRIAL REGISTRATION: PROSPERO CRD42014009304; https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/display_record.php?RecordID=9304 (Archived by WebCite at http://www.webcitation.org/6usiDHzD7).

Treatment of Displaced Midshaft Clavicle Fractures: Figure-of-Eight Harness Versus Anterior Plate Osteosynthesis: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

BACKGROUND: Most midshaft clavicle fractures affect the economically active population, which is negatively impacted by transient limb impairment during the treatment. There is still debate about the advantages and disadvantages of surgical treatment for these fractures. METHODS: In this prospective randomized controlled trial, 117 patients were allocated to 1 of 2 groups: nonsurgical treatment with a figure-of-eight harness or surgical treatment with anteroinferior plate osteosynthesis. The primary outcome was upper-limb limitation measured with the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH) questionnaire at 6 months. Other outcomes included pain, radiographic findings, satisfaction with the cosmetic result, complications, and time to return to previous work and activities. Participants were assessed at 6 weeks, 6 months, and 1 year after the intervention. RESULTS: No difference between the 2 groups was detected in the DASH score at any time point (p = 0.398, 0.403, and 0.877 at 6 weeks, 6 months, and 1 year, respectively), pain levels measured with a visual analogue scale (VAS), time to return to previous activities, or dissatisfaction with the cosmetic result. Seven patients (14.9%) developed nonunion after nonsurgical treatment, a nonunion rate that was significantly higher than that in the surgical group, in which all fractures had healed (p = 0.004). The patients in the nonsurgical group had radiographic evidence of greater clavicle shortening (p < 0.001) and more of the patients in that group answered "yes" when asked if their clavicle felt short (p < 0.001) and if they felt bone prominence (p < 0.001). More patients answered "yes" when asked if they felt paresthesia in the surgical group (7; 13.7%) than in the nonsurgical group (1; 2.1%) (p = 0.036). CONCLUSIONS: This study did not demonstrate a difference in limb function between patients who underwent surgical treatment and those nonsurgically treated for a dislocated midshaft clavicle fracture. Meanwhile, surgical treatment decreased the likelihood of nonunion. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic Level I. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

Minimally Invasive Osteosynthesis with a Bridge Plate Versus a Functional Brace for Humeral Shaft Fractures: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

BACKGROUND: Nonoperative treatment has historically been considered the standard for fractures of the shaft of the humerus. Minimally invasive bridge-plate osteosynthesis for isolated humeral shaft fractures has been proven to be a safe technique, with good and reproducible results. This study was designed to compare clinical and radiographic outcomes between patients who had been treated with bridge plate osteosynthesis and those who had been managed nonoperatively with a functional brace. METHODS: A prospective randomized trial was designed and included 110 patients allocated to 1 of 2 groups: surgery with a bridge plate or nonoperative treatment with a functional brace. The primary outcome was the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH) score at 6 months. The score on the Short Form-36 (SF-36) life-quality questionnaire, complications of treatment, Constant-Murley score for the shoulder, pain level, and radiographic results were assessed as secondary outcomes. Participants were assessed at 2 weeks; 1, 2, and 6 months; and 1 year after the interventions. RESULTS: The mean DASH score of the bridge plate group was statistically superior to that of the functional brace group (mean scores, 10.9 and 16.9, respectively; p = 0.046) only at 6 months. The bridge plate group also had a significantly more favorable nonunion rate (0% versus 15%) and less mean residual angular displacement seen on the anteroposterior radiograph (2.0° versus 10.5°) (both p < 0.05). No difference between the groups was detected with regard to the SF-36 score, pain level, Constant-Murley score, or angular displacement seen on the lateral radiograph. CONCLUSIONS: This trial demonstrates that, compared with functional bracing, surgical treatment with a bridge plate has a statistically significant advantage, of uncertain clinical benefit, with respect to self-reported outcome (DASH score) at 6 months, nonunion rate, and residual deformity in the coronal plane as seen on radiographs. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic Level I. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

Arthrotomy versus arthroscopy in the treatment of septic arthritis of the knee in adults: a randomized clinical trial.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the efficacy of treatment and functional recovery of patients diagnosed with septic arthritis of the knee submitted to two surgical techniques: conventional arthrotomy and arthroscopic approach for debridement. METHOD: In this prospective clinical study, all adult patients diagnosed with knee pyoarthritis in a 15-month period at a philanthropic hospital in Brazil were randomized into two groups: one group submitted to arthrotomy and the other to arthroscopy. The protocols of antibiotic therapy, physical therapy and postoperative assessment were standardized in both groups. Demographic, clinical, functional and laboratorial variables were compared between groups, with a minimum follow-up of 24 months. RESULTS: There was no difference in effectiveness of treatment in both groups, but 2 patients (18.2 %) of the arthrotomy group needed a new approach. The pain was higher in those undergoing treatment by arthrotomy, at 7 and 14 days postoperatively. The return to activities of daily living took an average of 5.7 days for both groups: 7.1 days for the arthrotomy group and 4.3 days for arthroscopy group. CONCLUSION: It was found that the treatment of knee septic arthritis by both techniques showed similar effectiveness in healing, but the arthroscopy procedure was better than arthrotomy because it has a lower reinfection rate and low initial inflammatory reaction. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic studies, Level I.

Evaluation of the reproducibility of the AO/ASIF classification for humeral shaft fractures.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the reproducibility of the AO/Asif classification for humeral shaft fractures. METHODS: Consecutive radiographs of the arm in both anteroposterior and lateral view from 60 patients with humeral shaft fractures were analyzed. Six observers who were familiar with the AO/Asif classification (three shoulder and elbow surgery specialists and three general orthopedists) were selected to make the analysis, which was done at three different times. The data were subjected to statistical analysis using the kappa coefficient. RESULTS: The intra and interobserver concordance was statistically significant in all the analyses. CONCLUSIONS: All the evaluators showed concordance between the three evaluations that was considered to be statistically significant. However, the highest values were found among the specialists.

OBJETIVO: Avaliar a reprodutibilidade da classificação AO/Asif para as fraturas diafisárias do úmero. MÉTODOS: Foram analisadas radiografias consecutivas em duas incidências (anteroposterior e perfil do braço) de 60 pacientes com fratura do úmero diafisário. Seis observadores familiarizados com a classificação AO/Asif, três especialistas em cirurgia do ombro e cotovelo e três ortopedistas gerais foram selecionados para análise, a qual se deu em três tempos distintos. Os dados foram submetidos à análise estatística com o coeficiente kappa (κ). RESULTADOS: A concordância intra e interobservadores foi estatisticamente significante em todas as análises. CONCLUSÕES: Todos os avaliadores concordam com as três avaliações consideradas estatisticamente significantes. Porém, os maiores valores são encontrados entre os especialistas.

Open fractures and the incidence of infection in the surgical debridement 6 hours after trauma.

OBJECTIVES: To determine whether a time delay greater than 6h from injury to surgical debridement influences the infection rate in open fractures. METHODS: During a period of 18 months, from October 2010 to March 2012, 151 open fractures were available for study in 142 patients in our hospital. The data were collected prospectively and the patients were followed up for 6 weeks. The patients were divided into two groups regarding the time delay from injury to surgical debridement (more or less than 6 hours). RESULTS: Surgical debridement was carried out in less than 6h from injury in 90 (59.6%) fractures and after 6 hours from injury in 61 (40.4%) fractures. Infection rates were 12.22% and 13.24%, respectively. The global infection rate was 13.24%. CONCLUSION: A significantly increased infection rate was not observed in patients whose surgical debridement occurred more than 6h after injury. However, in the fractures of high-energy trauma, a statistically significant increase of the rate of infection was observed in those operated 6 hours after trauma. Level of Evidence II, Study Type Comparative and Prospective.

Result from surgical treatment on the terrible triad of the elbow.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the results from surgical treatment of the terrible triad of the elbow, with a minimum of six months of follow-up, taking elbow function into consideration. METHODS: The analyzed aspects of 20 patients, who underwent surgical treatment of the terrible triad of the elbow, were given as follows: Dash score (Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand), Meps (Mayo Elbow Performance Score), pain according to VAS (visual analog scale), ROM (range of motion), patient satisfaction, degree of energy of the trauma, complications and radiographs. RESULTS: The mean length of follow-up among the patients was 38 months. There were statistically significant relationships between the following set of parameters: trauma mechanism and patient satisfaction; radiological outcome of "heterotopic ossification" and satisfaction; functional flexion-extension ROM and satisfaction; and between type of radial head fracture and presence of a radiological outcome. CONCLUSION: The surgical treatment for the terrible triad of the elbow generally provided satisfactory results, when the functioning of this joint upon the return to activities was taken into consideration.

OBJETIVO: Avaliar os resultados do tratamento cirúrgico da tríade terrível do cotovelo, com no mínimo seis meses de seguimento, considerando a função do cotovelo. MÉTODOS: Foram analisados os seguintes aspectos de 20 pacientes submetidos a tratamento cirúrgico por tríade terrível do cotovelo: escores Dash (Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand), Meps (Mayo Elbow Performance Score), dor pela EVA (Escala Visual Analógica), ADM (arco de movimento), satisfação do paciente, grau de energia do trauma, complicações e radiografias. RESULTADOS: O tempo médio de seguimento dos pacientes foi de 38 meses. Houve relação estatisticamente significativa entre: mecanismo de trauma e satisfação dos pacientes; desfecho radiológico "ossificação heterotópica" e satisfação; ADM funcional de flexo-extensão e satisfação e entre o tipo de fratura da cabeça do rádio e a presença de desfecho radiológico. CONCLUSÃO: O tratamento cirúrgico da tríade terrível do cotovelo proporcionou, de forma geral, resultados satisfatórios, quando se considera a função dessa articulação no retorno às atividades.

Avaliação da reprodutibilidade da classificação AO/Asif para fraturas diafisárias do úmero / Evaluation of the reproducibility of the AO/ASIF classification for humeral shaft fractures

Avaliar a reprodutibilidade da classificação AO/Asif para as fraturas diafisárias do úmero. MÉTODOS: Foram analisadas radiografias consecutivas em duas incidências (anteroposterior e perfil do braço) de 60 pacientes com fratura do úmero diafisário. Seis observadores familiarizados com a classificação AO/Asif, três especialistas em cirurgia do ombro e cotovelo e três ortopedistas gerais foram selecionados para análise, a qual se deu em três tempos distintos. Os dados foram submetidos à análise estatística com o coeficiente kappa(κ). RESULTADOS: A concordância intra e interobservadores foi estatisticamente significante em todas as análises. CONCLUSÕES: Todos os avaliadores concordam com as três avaliações consideradas estatisticamente significantes. Porém, os maiores valores são encontrados entre os especialistas.

To evaluate the reproducibility of the AO/Asif classification for humeral shaft fractures. METHODS: Consecutive radiographs of the arm in both anteroposterior and lateral view from 60 patients with humeral shaft fractures were analyzed. Six observers who were familiar with the AO/Asif classification (three shoulder and elbow surgery specialists and three general orthopedists) were selected to make the analysis, which was done at three different times. The data were subjected to statistical analysis using the kappa coefficient. RESULTS: The intra and interobserver concordance was statistically significant in all the analyses. CONCLUSIONS: All the evaluators showed concordance between the three evaluations that was considered to be statistically significant. However, the highest values were found among the specialists.

Resultado do tratamento cirúrgico da tríade terrível do cotovelo / Result from surgical treatment on the terrible triad of the elbow

Avaliar os resultados do tratamento cirúrgico da tríade terrível do cotovelo, com no mínimo seis meses de seguimento, considerando a função do cotovelo. MÉTODOS: Foram analisados os seguintes aspectos de 20 pacientes submetidos a tratamento cirúrgico por tríade terrível do cotovelo: escores Dash (Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand), Meps (Mayo Elbow Performance Score), dor pela EVA (Escala Visual Analógica), ADM (arco de movimento), satisfação do paciente, grau de energia do trauma, complicações e radiografias. RESULTADOS: O tempo médio de seguimento dos pacientes foi de 38 meses. Houve relação estatisticamente significativa entre: mecanismo de trauma e satisfação dos pacientes; desfecho radiológico "ossificação heterotópica" e satisfação; ADM funcional de flexo-extensão e satisfação e entre o tipo de fratura da cabeça do rádio e a presença de desfecho radiológico. CONCLUSÃO: O tratamento cirúrgico da tríade terrível do cotovelo proporcionou, de forma geral, resultados satisfatórios, quando se considera a função dessa articulação no retorno às atividades.

To evaluate the results from surgical treatment of the terrible triad of the elbow, with a minimum of six months of follow-up, taking elbow function into consideration. METHODS: The analyzed aspects of 20 patients, who underwent surgical treatment of the terrible triad of the elbow, were given as follows: Dash score (Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand), Meps (Mayo Elbow Performance Score), pain according to VAS (visual analog scale), ROM (range of motion), patient satisfaction, degree of energy of the trauma, complications and radiographs. RESULTS: The mean length of follow-up among the patients was 38 months. There were statistically significant relationships between the following set of parameters: trauma mechanism and patient satisfaction; radiological outcome of "heterotopic ossification" and satisfaction; functional flexion-extension ROM and satisfaction; and between type of radial head fracture and presence of a radiological outcome. CONCLUSION: The surgical treatment for the terrible triad of the elbow generally provided satisfactory results, when the functioning of this joint upon the return to activities was taken into consideration.

Correlation of the degree of clavicle shortening after non-surgical treatment of midshaft fractures with upper limb function.

BACKGROUND: Despite the use of non-surgical methods to treat for the majority of midshaft fractures of the clavicle, it is remains controversial whether shortening of this bone following non-surgical treatment of a middle third fracture affects upper limb function. METHODS: We conducted a cohort study by sequentially recruiting 59 patients with a fracture of the middle third of the clavicle. All patients were treated nonsurgically with a figure-of-eight bandage until clinical and radiological findings indicated healing of the fracture. Functional outcome was assessed using the Disability of Arm, Hand and Shoulder (DASH) score revalidated for the Portuguese language, other outcomes assessed included: pain measured by visual analogue scale (VAS); radiographies to measure the degree of shortening, fracture consolidation and fracture malunion. Information were also collected regarding the mechanism of injury, patient's daily activities level and epidemiological features of the patient cohort. The results of our findings are expressed as the comparison of the functional outcome with the degree of shortening. RESULTS: Patients were assessed six weeks and one year after injury. In the first evaluation, the mean DASH score was 28.84 and pain measured by VAS was 2.57. In the second evaluation (one year after injury) the mean DASH score was 8.18 and pain was 0.84. The mean clavicle shortening was 0.92 cm, ranging from 0 to 3 cm (SD = 0.64). There were no correlation between the degree of shortening and DASH score after six weeks and one year (p = 0.073 and 0.706, respectively). When only patients with of shortening greater than 2 cm were assessed for correlation, the result did not change. CONCLUSION: We conclude that clavicle shortening after nonsurgical treatment with a figure-of-eight bandage does not affect limb function, even when shortening exceeds 2 cm. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ISRCTN85206617 . Registered 12 May 2014.

Open fractures and the incidence of infection in the surgical debridement 6 hours after trauma

Objectives: To determine whether a time delay greater than 6h from injury to surgical debridement influences the infection rate in open fractures. Methods: During a period of 18 months, from October 2010 to March 2012, 151 open fractures were available for study in 142 patients in our hospital. The data were collected prospectively and the patients were followed up for 6 weeks. The patients were divided into two groups regarding the time delay from injury to surgical debridement (more or less than 6 hours). Results: Surgical debridement was carried out in less than 6h from injury in 90 (59.6%) fractures and after 6 hours from injury in 61 (40.4%) fractures. Infection rates were 12.22% and 13.24%, respectively. The global infection rate was 13.24%. Conclusion: A significantly increased infection rate was not observed in patients whose surgical debridement occurred more than 6h after injury. However, in the fractures of high-energy trauma, a statistically significant increase of the rate of infection was observed in those operated 6 hours after trauma. Level of Evidence II, Study Type Comparative and Prospective.

Reproducibility of classifications for olecranon fractures.

INTRODUCTION: Fractures of the olecranon are relatively common injuries in adults and are of great clinical importance. Classification systems have been developed as tools to assist surgeons in grouping different types of fractures, to facilitate communication and to standardise treatment, but none of the systems used today is universally accepted for olecranon fractures. METHODS: Fifty-nine olecranon fractures were classified according to the Schatzker, Colton, Mayo and AO/ASIF systems by four observers with different levels of expertise. Intra- and inter-observer agreement was assessed. Each observer analysed the images at three different times; the images were randomised and presented in a different sequence at each assessment. RESULTS: There was higher mean intra-observer agreement in the AO/ASIF (0.60) and Mayo (0.64) classifications compared with the Schatzker (0.49) and Colton (0.38) classifications. Inter-observer agreement was better with AO/ASIF and Mayo (0.35 and 0.32, respectively) than with Schatzker and Colton (0.29 and 0.12, respectively). CONCLUSION: The results of this study indicate that the most commonly used classifications for olecranon fractures are associated with low reproducibility.

Influence of blood coagulability after spinal surgeries.

OBJECTIVE: To verify whether spinal surgery causes relevant changes in the blood clotting process and define which factors have the greatest influence on changes found. METHOD: This is a not randomized, cross-sectional study, Forty seven patients were evaluated between August 2011 and February 2013, whose clinical, surgical, laboratory and image daata were collected. The data obtained were crossed with the epidemiological data of each patient in a moment prior to and another after surgery searching which variables have been directly influenced. RESULT: Our analysis showed that the most important changes occurred in patients with BMI classified, according to the World Health Organization (WHO) as out of healthy range. Other smaller correlations were also found. Another important consideration was the tendency to observe hypercoagulability in smoker patients, a fact that is not influenced by spinal procedures. CONCLUSION: We concluded that spinal surgeries cause few relevant changes in the blood clotting process and that among the factors studied, BMI (when out of the healthy range, according to the WHO classification) showed closer relationship with changes in laboratory coagulation tests. Level of Evidence III, Cross-Sectional Study.

Influence of blood coagulability after spinal surgeries

Verificar se cirurgia da coluna vertebral causa alterações relevantesno processo de coagulação sanguínea e definir quais fatorespossuem maior influência nas alterações encontradas. Método: O estudoé do tipo transversal, não randomizado. Foram avaliados 47 pacientesentre agosto de 2011 e fevereiro de 2013 por meio da coleta dedados clínicos, cirúrgicos, laboratoriais e de imagem. Os dados obtidosforam cruzados com os dados epidemiológicos de cada paciente emum momento prévio e em outro após a cirurgia, buscando quais variá-veis sofreram influência direta. Resultado: Nossa análise mostrou queas alterações mais importantes ocorreram em pacientes que possuemIMC classificados, segundo a OMS, como fora da faixa saudável. Outrascorrelações menores também foram encontradas. Outra consideraçãoimportante vista foi a tendência à hipercoagulabilidade observada empacientes tabagistas, fato este que não sofre influência do procedimentona coluna vertebral. Conclusão: Concluímos que as cirurgiasda coluna vertebral causam poucas alterações relevantes no processode coagulação sanguínea e que dentre os fatores estudados, o IMC(quando fora da faixa saudável pela classificação da OMS) demonstroumaior relação com a alteração nos exames laboratoriais de coagulação.Nível de Evidência III, Estudo Observacional...

To verify whether spinal surgery causes relevant changesin the blood clotting process and define which factors havethe greatest influence on changes found. Method: This is a notrandomized, cross-sectional study, Forty seven patients wereevaluated between August 2011 and February 2013, whose clinical,surgical, laboratory and image data were collected. The dataobtained were crossed with the epidemiological data of eachpatient in a moment prior to and another after surgery searchingwhich variables have been directly influenced. Result: Our analysisshowed that the most important changes occurred in patientswith BMI classified, according to the World Health Organization(WHO) as out of healthy range. Other smaller correlations werealso found. Another important consideration was the tendency toobserve hypercoagulability in smoker patients, a fact that is notinfluenced by spinal procedures. Conclusion: We concluded thatspinal surgeries cause few relevant changes in the blood clottingprocess and that among the factors studied, BMI (when out of thehealthy range, according to the WHO classification) showed closerrelationship with changes in laboratory coagulation tests. Level ofEvidence III, Cross-Sectional Study...

Do computed tomography and its 3D reconstruction increase the reproducibility of classifications of fractures of the proximal extremity of the humerus? / A tomografia computadorizada e sua reconstrução 3D aumentam a reprodutibilidade das classificações das fraturas da extremidade proximal do úmero?

OBJECTIVE: to determine whether 3D reconstruction images from computed tomography (CT) increase the inter and intraobserver agreement of the Neer and Arbeitsgemeinschaft für Osteosynthesefragen (AO) classification systems. METHODS: radiographic images and tomographic images with 3D reconstruction were obtained in three shoulder positions and were analyzed on two occasions by four independent observers. RESULTS: the radiographic evaluation demonstrated that using CT improved the inter and intraobserver agreement of the Neer classification. This was not seen with the AO classification, in which CT was only shown to increase the interobserver agreement. CONCLUSION: use of 3D CT allows better evaluation of fractures with regard to their component parts and their displacements, but nevertheless the intraobserver agreement presented is less than ideal...

OBJETIVO: determinar se as imagens da reconstrução 3D da tomografia computadorizada (TC) aumentam a concordância inter e intraobservador dos sistemas de classificação de Neer e Arbeitsgemeinschaft für Osteosynthesefragen (AO). MÉTODOS: foram obtidas imagens radiográficas em três posições do ombro e imagens tomográficas com reconstrução 3D, que foram analisadas em dois tempos por quatro observadores independentes. RESULTADOS: a avaliação radiográfica demonstrou que o uso da TC melhora a concordância intra e interobservadores para a classificação de Neer. O mesmo não foi observado na classificação AO, na qual a TC demonstrou aumento somente da concordância interobservadores. CONCLUSÃO: o uso de TC 3D permite uma melhor avaliação da fratura quanto às partes que a compõem e aos seus desvios, mas mesmo assim apresenta uma concordância intraobservadores menor do que a ideal...