CT analysis of femoral malrotation after intramedullary nailing of trochanteric fractures.

PURPOSE: Functional results after internal fixation of trochanteric femoral fractures may be negatively affected by healing in a non-physiological position. The aim of this study was to evaluate the occurrence and severity of femoral malrotation after nailing of trochanteric fractures. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The authors conducted a prospective study focused on a CT analysis of malrotation after intramedullary nailing of trochanteric fractures (AO 31A1-3) in 101 patients. We recorded the type of fracture, method of anesthesia, scheduled surgery vs. acute surgery, and the surgeon's experience as possible risk factors for limb malrotation after trochanteric fracture surgeries. RESULTS: The average extent of malrotation was 9° of internal rotation ranging from 29° of external to 48°of internal rotation. In 35% of patients, we observed a rotation greater than 15°, and in 15 patients (15%), the rotation was greater than 25°. The risk of significant internal malrotation was significantly higher than external malrotation (37 vs. 4 patients). None of the factors observed proved to be statistically significant. The effect of general anesthesia and the type of intertrochanteric fracture came closest to having a significant effect on rotational error. CONCLUSION: Improper reduction of a trochanteric fracture is a common problem that can lead to femur malrotation. In our study, a rotational error greater than 15° occurred in 35% of the patients, but none of the monitored factors represented a statistically significant risk for this complication.

Short-term manual compression of hemodialysis fistula leads to a rise in cerebral oxygenation.

BACKGROUND: Decreased cerebral perfusion and oxygenation are common in hemodialysis patients. Magnitude of the arteriovenous fistula involvement in this phenomenon is not known. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect that a short-term arteriovenous fistula flow interruption has on cerebral oxygenation and to review and suggest possible explanations. METHODS: In 19 patients, basic laboratory and clinical data were obtained and arteriovenous fistula flow volume was measured by ultrasonography. Baseline regional cerebral oxygen saturation (rSO2) was measured by near-infrared spectroscopy. Manual pressure was then applied on the fistula, resulting in total blood flow interruption. After 1 min of manual compression, rSO2 and blood pressure values were noted again. The compression-related change in rSO2 was assessed, as well as its association with arteriovenous fistula flow volume, blood pressure, and other parameters. RESULTS: Mean cerebral rSO2 increased after arteriovenous fistula compression (from 53.6% ± 11.4% to 55.6% ± 10.8%; p = 0.000001; 95% confidence interval = 1.39-2.56). The rSO2 increase was higher in patients with lower rSO2 at baseline (r = -0.46; p = 0.045). CONCLUSION: A significant rise in cerebral oxygenation was observed following the manual compression of arteriovenous fistula. Therefore, the arteriovenous fistula could have a role in impaired cerebral oxygenation in hemodialysis patients.