ABSTRACT
Background Plate osteosynthesis is the gold standard treatment for the management of humeral shaft fractures. In the present study, we performed plate osteosynthesis on the anteromedial and anterolateral surfaces using the anterolateral approach to compare the functional outcomes. Aims and objectives To study and compare the functional outcome, time to achieve union and associated complications of anteromedial and anterolateral plating in humerus shaft fracture by anterolateral approach. Methods This prospective, randomised control study was performed at Dr Baba Saheb Ambedkar Medical College and Hospital, New Delhi, India. This study had 46 patients in total, who were divided into two equal groups at random. All of the fractures in group A were treated using a limited contact dynamic compression plate (LCDCP) on the anterolateral surface using an anterolateral approach, while all of the fractures in group B were corrected using an anteromedial surface using an anterolateral approach using LCDCP. All the patients were followed for six months at regular intervals. At each follow-up, patients were assessed radiologically with X-rays and clinically by Rodriguez-Merchan criteria (RM criteria). Results and conclusions The union was achieved in the majority of the cases of the anteromedial plating group within 12 weeks (78.3%) with a mean union time of 11.7±1.5 weeks than the anterolateral group (56.5%) with a mean union time of 12.3±1.8 weeks. Based on functional assessment according to RM criteria, the excellent outcome was achieved in 69.6% and 65.2% of the anterolateral and anteromedial plating groups, respectively. There was no case of non-union and radial nerve palsy in anteromedial plating cases whereas in anterolateral cases one patient did not achieve union and two (8.7%) had radial nerve injury, which recovered completely by the end of the study. An anterolateral approach with anteromedial surface plating on the flat medial aspect of the humerus is a good technique for fixing humeral fractures.
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Plantar fasciitis, which is a common cause of heel pain, often results in significant morbidity. In cases who are not responsive to initial conservative treatment, invasive procedures, often in the form of local infiltration of steroid are required. These procedures are associated with significant complications. Local Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) infiltration is an emerging addition to these treatments. However, whether it is more effective in reducing pain and improving function than other treatments (such as steroid injections or whole blood) remains controversial. METHODS: Skeletally mature patients with plantar fasciitis who had failed conservative therapy were randomized using envelope method into 2 groups: PRP and Steroid group. The participants were assessed for pain using Visual Analog Scale on the day of presentation, and then after therapy at 2 weeks, 4 weeks, 3 months, and 6 months. They were additionally assessed on final follow-up using AOFAS hind-foot Score. RESULTS: 118 patients were randomized into 2 groups: 58 patients to the PRP group and 60 to the Steroid group. PRP was associated with greater improvement in VAS score and resulted in superior AOFAS score at 6 months as compared to steroid injection. The authors did not find any local or systemic complications in any of the groups. The result and difference were more pronounced as the time from injection increased and maximal benefit was observed at 6 months follow-up. None of the patients needed a repeat injection at 6 months. CONCLUSION: Our study expands on the previous studies to provide a better evidence for superiority of PRP over local injection of steroid in plantar fasciitis, and the authors conclude that PRP provides better pain relief and function as compared to steroid injection. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level 1 Prospective Randomized Control Trial (RCT).