Kinematic parameters after tibial nonunion treatment using the Ilizarov method.

BACKGROUND: Analysis of the outcomes of Ilizarov treatment of tibial nonunion shows functional deficits in the lower limbs of some patients. Biomechanical gait parameters are an important measure for assessing musculoskeletal disorder treatments that aim to restore normal gait. The purpose of our study was to compare the kinematic parameters in patients with tibial nonunion treated using the Ilizarov method and those in a control group of healthy volunteers. METHODS: The study population consisted of 23 patients (age 54.9 ± 16.4 years) who were treated for tibial nonunion using the Ilizarov method, as well as 22 healthy adult controls (age 52.7 ± 10.6 years). Kinematic parameters were measured using a Noraxon MyoMOTION System. We measured hip flexion and abduction, knee flexion, ankle dorsiflexion, inversion, and abduction during walking. RESULTS: Our analysis showed significant differences between the patients' operated limbs (OLs) and the controls' nondominant limbs (NDLs) in the ranges of hip flexion, hip abduction, and knee flexion. We observed no significant differences in knee flexion between the OL and the NOL in patients or between the dominant limb (DL) and NDL in controls. Our evaluation of the kinematic parameters of the ankle joint demonstrated significant differences between the patients' OLs and the controls' NDLs in the ranges of ankle dorsiflexion, ankle inversion, and ankle abduction. There were also significant differences in the range of ankle dorsiflexion and ankle abduction between the patients' NOLs and the controls' DLs. CONCLUSION: Tibial nonunion treatment using the Ilizarov method does not ensure complete normalization of kinematic parameters assessed 24-48 months following the completion of treatment and rehabilitation.

Kinematic Parameters Following Pilon Fracture Treatment with the Ilizarov Method.

Background: The purpose of our study was to analyze kinematic parameters following pilon fracture treatment with the Ilizarov method. Methods: Our study assessed kinematic parameters of gait in 23 patients with pilon fractures treated with the Ilizarov method. Patients had completed their treatment 24−48 months prior to measurements. The range-of-motion values in the non-operated limb (NOL) and operated limb (OL) were compared. Kinematic parameters were measured using the Noraxon MyoMOTION System. Results: We observed no significant differences in hip flexion, hip abduction, or knee flection between the OLs and NOLs in patients after treatment with the Ilizarov method. We observed significant differences in the ranges of ankle dorsiflexion, inversion, and abduction (p < 0.001; p < 0.001; p < 0.003, respectively) between the OLs and the NOLs. Conclusion: Following pilon fracture treatment with the Ilizarov method, we observed no differences in terms of knee or hip joint mobility between the OL and the NOL, whereas the range of motion in the ankle joint of the OL was significantly limited. The treatment of pilon fractures with the Ilizarov method does not ensure the complete normalization of ankle joint kinematic parameters. Therefore, intense personalized rehabilitation of the ankle joint is recommended.

Dynamic Gait Parameters in Patients With Nonunion of the Tibia Following Treatment With the Ilizarov Method.

The purpose of this study was a comprehensive assessment of the dynamic parameters of gait in patients who underwent Ilizarov treatment for nonunion of the tibia. The experimental group consisted of 24 individuals treated with the Ilizarov method for nonunion of the tibia. The control group comprised 31 healthy individuals, matched for BMI, sex, and age. The dynamic gait parameters in patients and in the control group were measured with a Zebris pedobarographic platform. The treatment group and the control group showed statistically significant differences in terms of the following gait parameters: maximum force during braking nonoperated-limb (NOL), time maximum force during braking operated-limb (OL), time maximum force during braking NOL, maximum force during push-off NOL, time maximum force during push-off OL, and maximum force forefoot OL. Most of the evaluated gait parameters were bilaterally similar in patients group. The only significant differences between the operated and nonoperated limb were seen in terms of Time maximum force during push-off and Maximum force forefoot. The most pronounced abnormalities in dynamic gait parameters were observed in the forefoot (maximum force forefoot OL was 13.3% lower than in the control group, maximum force forefoot OL was 12.4% lower than in NOL). The patients treated with the Ilizarov method did not achieve a complete normalization of dynamic gait parameters, as their gait parameters did not equal those measured in the control group. The Ilizarov method for the treatment of tibial nonunion helps restore a symmetrical distribution of gait parameter values between the affected limb and the healthy limb. Patients continue to show the following abnormalities in their dynamic gait parameters after treatment: higher values maximum force during braking NOL, Time maximum force during braking OL, time maximum force during braking NOL, maximum force during push-off NOL, contact time forefoot NOL, contact time midfoot NOL, contact time heel NOL and smaller values of time maximum force during push-off OL.

Assessment of Lower Limb Load Distribution in Patients Treated with the Ilizarov Method for Tibial Nonunion.

BACKGROUND Successful treatment of tibial nonunion should lead to a complete bone union, lack of pain, and pathological mobility of the lower extremity, as well as to the achievement of satisfactory joint mobility and muscle strength, which in turn improves its biomechanics. The objective of this study was to assess the load placed on the lower limbs in patients subjected to treatment with the Ilizarov method due to aseptic tibial nonunion. MATERIAL AND METHODS This research involved 24 participants (average age, 55 years). All were diagnosed with aseptic tibia nonunion and treated with the Ilizarov external fixator between 2000 and 2017. The control group was matched to the treated group in terms of sex and age. This study used pedobarography evaluation to assess lower limb load distribution. RESULTS No differences were found in the distribution of the load over the entire foot or of the forefoot and hindfoot of the treated limb in comparison to the non-dominant limb of the controls, or in the healthy limb of the treated group compared to the dominant limb of the control group. Similarly, differences in load distribution between the operated and healthy limbs of the treated group were insignificant. CONCLUSIONS Patients subjected to treatment with the Ilizarov external fixator for aseptic tibial nonunion show symmetrical load distribution on both lower limbs following treatment, which does not differentiate them in this respect from healthy individuals. Treated patients presented with a symmetrical distribution of the load on the lower extremities over the entire foot surface, including the forefoot and hindfoot. Finally, the Ilizarov external fixator enables restoration of correct static biomechanics of the treated limbs over the period of aseptic tibial nonunion therapy.

Assessment of Gait after Treatment of Tibial Nonunion with the Ilizarov Method.

BACKGROUND: Tibial nonunion is a common bone union disorder leading to abnormal gait, and thus reducing quality of life in the social dimension. RESEARCH QUESTION: The aim of our work was to comprehensively assess gait parameters of patients who had undergone Ilizarov treatment for tibial nonunion compared to a control group of healthy individuals. METHODS: This study evaluated patients treated for aseptic tibial nonunion with the Ilizarov method. 24 patients with a mean age of 55.0 years were included in the study. The control group consisted of 32 healthy volunteers with no significant medical history who were selected to match the gender and age of patients in the study group so that the groups were homogeneous. A Zebris Medical GmbH pedobarographic platform was used to assess the gait parameters. RESULTS: For all gait parameters examined, force forefoot max, force backfoot max, step length, stance phase, swing phase and step time, we observed statistically significant differences between the group that had undergone treatment and the control group. In the group of patients, statistically significant differences between the operated lower limb and the non-operated limb were only observed for the force forefoot max and step time parameters (p = 0.029 and p = 0.045, respectively). Patients presented a longer loading of the operated limb (0.720 s) than the non-operated limb (0.635 s). For the stride time, step cadence and gait velocity parameters, healthy subjects achieved much better results during locomotion, and these differences were statistically significant at p < 0.001. SIGNIFICANCE: Treatment of tibial nonunion with the Ilizarov method did not restore normal gait parameters in our group of patients. In fact, the gait parameters of patients were significantly worse than the healthy individuals in the control group. Furthermore, gait parameters following treatment were not symmetrical, and the dynamics of the musculoskeletal system remained impaired.

A new criterion for assessing Ilizarov treatment outcomes in nonunion of the tibia.

INTRODUCTION: The purpose of this study was to assess a population of patients with nonunion of the tibia treated with the Ilizarov method in terms of achieved union rates and maintained union rates, determination of re-fracture factors, with a subsequent comparison of our findings with those reported in the available literature. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study was a retrospective assessment of 102 patients with nonunion of the tibia treated with the Ilizarov method in the period 2008-2015. The assessed parameters were bone union achieved during treatment, duration of stabilization with an Ilizarov external fixator, and maintained bone union at the last follow-up visit. RESULTS: The mean age at the start of treatment was 46.7 years (11-84 years). The mean follow-up period was 7 years (2-12 years). Bone union was achieved in all patients. The mean duration of Ilizarov stabilization in the study group was 7.9 months (2.8-20.7 months). The rate of union maintained at the last follow-up visit was 95.1%. CONCLUSIONS: All patients in our study achieved bone union, which constitutes a better outcome than those reported on average in the literature (73.7-100%). The mean length of time which the Ilizarov external fixator was in place in our patients was 8.3 months, which is consistent with the data from literature. Infection, atrophic nonunion, nonunion in 1/3 distal of tibia, and close surgery technique are risk factors of re-fracture. None of the analyzed studies assessed the proportion of patients with maintained bone union. In our study, maintained bone union was observed in 95.1% of patients at the follow-up visit at least 2 years after treatment, which indicates excellent long-term treatment outcomes in nonunion of the tibia treated with the Ilizarov method.

The outcomes of Ilizarov treatment in aseptic nonunions of the tibia stratified by treatment strategies and surgical techniques.

Nonunions of the tibia, particularly those located in the distal third of the bone, are relatively common in clinical practice. There is no gold standard for the treatment of nonunions of the tibia. The purpose of our study was to assess the results of treatment with the Ilizarov method in patients with aseptic nonunions of the tibia, depending on the employed treatment strategies and surgical techniques. A total of 75 patients with Ilizarov treatment of aseptic nonunions of the tibia were evaluated in the study. The patients's mean age at the beginning of treatment was 46 years. The mean follow-up period was 10 years and 11 months. The evaluated patients underwent either closed technique or open technique. The operators used one of two treatment strategies: neutral fixation without compression or continued compression. The following were assessed: rates of union, ASAMI bone scores, ASAMI functional scores, treatment time, complications, duration of hospital stay. Bone union was achieved in all of the 75 evaluated patients. The results of most analyses showed no significant differences in the assessed variables, except for the ASAMI functional scores, which were higher in the group of patients who underwent closed surgery (Me = 6.00 vs. Me = 4.00). We observed better ASAMI functional score outcomes in the patients who underwent closed fixation than in the open fixation group. The different surgical techniques and treatment strategies had no effect on the number of complications, rates of bone union, length of hospital stay, duration of Ilizarov treatment, or ASAMI bone scores. For managing nonunions of the tibia we recommend the technique of closed fixation without continued compression. The Ilizarov method in the treatment of nonunions of the tibia gives good outcomes.

Surgical treatment outcomes of the Ilizarov and internal osteosynthesis methods in posttraumatic pseudarthrosis of the tibia-a retrospective comparative analysis.

INTRODUCTION: This study compared surgical treatment outcomes of the Ilizarov and internal osteosynthesis methods in posttraumatic pseudarthrosis of the tibia. MATERIAL AND METHODS: In a retrospective comparative study, 75 patients were treated with the Ilizarov technique for aseptic posttraumatic pseudarthrosis of the tibia in the period 2000-2016. We compared them with the 51 patients from the control group, treated for tibial bone union disturbances using internal osteosynthesis methods, i.e., internal-fixation plates and intramedullary nails. The study groups were compared in terms of the rates of union, time to union, and the baseline-to-postoperative difference in lower leg deformity. RESULTS: Union rate in the Ilizarov group was 100% and the control group was 51.92% (p < 0.001). The median time to union suggests that patients from the Ilizarov group needed a shorter time to achieve bone union (203.00 days vs. 271.00 days) (p = 0.091). The effect size in the Ilizarov group was larger both in terms of reducing both limb deformity and shortening (it is worth noting, however, that the Ilizarov treatment was used in patients with higher baseline values of both these parameters). We observed no significant difference in terms of time to union between the group of patients with at least one risk factor for disturbance in fracture healing and the group with no risk factors. The following risk factors were considered: diabetes mellitus, corticosteroid therapy, smoking, alcohol dependence, and advanced lower-extremity vascular disease (p = 0.827). DISCUSSION: Our study demonstrated a high effectiveness of the Ilizarov method in the treatment of aseptic posttraumatic pseudarthroses of the tibia. The Ilizarov method seems to be worth considering in all cases where either the patient or the nature of injury is associated with additional risk factors and whenever there is a need for leg deformity correction or leg elongation.

Assessment of body balance of patients treated with the Ilizarov method for tibial nonunion.

PURPOSE: The biomechanics of the musculoskeletal system in patients after tibial nonunion treatment using the Ilizarov method have not yet been fully explored. From the orthopaedic and patient point of view, after the treatment, an assessment should be carried out of the biomechanics of the musculoskeletal system. The aim of this study was to assess the body balance of patients treated with the Ilizarov method for tibial nonunion. METHODS: The research group included 24 individuals with a mean age of 55 years, who were treated for aseptic tibial nonunion with the Ilizarov method. The control group was matched to the study group in terms of gender and age, and consisted of 32 subjects with a mean age of 50.5 years and no significant medical history. This study evaluated the balance of patients with the use of pedobarography. RESULTS: In the control group, a statistically significantly shorter path of centre of gravity was observed. There were no statistical differences between the study and control groups for the field area of the centre of gravity. There were no statistical differences between the study and control groups for the minor axis length or major axis length of the centre of gravity. There was a relationship between the centre of pressure path length and the age of the participants in both the control group and the study group. CONCLUSIONS: Treatment of patients with tibial nonunion with the Ilizarov fixator achieves similar balance to healthy volunteers. In the pedobarographic evaluation, patients treated for tibial nonunion using the Ilizarov method had similar statics of the musculoskeletal system to healthy volunteers.

Ankle Arthrodesis with Simultaneous Lengthening of the Lower Limb Using the Ilizarov Fixator.

BACKGROUND: Patients with advanced ankle arthrosis or joint deformities and co-existing lower limb shortening present a complex therapeutic problem. This paper presents the Ilizarov treatment as a comprehensive method of simultaneous ankle arthrodesis and equalisation of lower limb length in 18 patients. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Eighteen patients with arthrosis, deformities or other conditions of the ankle joint and ipsila-teral lower limb shortening were treated with the Ilizarov method. The patients were assessed with the Foot and Ankle Outcomes Questionnaire before the treatment and one year after Ilizarov Fixator removal. RESULTS: The Ilizarov Fixator allows early weight-bearing of the operated limb, which is undoubtedly convenient for the patient. The mean treatment duration was 8.2 months (range 4-18 months). Lower limb lengthening was 4.1 cm on ave-rage (range 2.5-8.5 cm). Bone union was achieved in all cases. Radiological and clinical outcomes were satisfactory in all 18 cases. Prolonged regenerate calcification was recorded in 1 patient. Ten patients developed soft tissue pin-tract infec-tions and in 1 patient the Kirschner wire broke. According to the Foot and Ankle Outcomes Questionnaire, patients achiev-ed a notable improvement in daily functioning and quality of life. CONCLUSIONS: 1. The outcomes of a comprehensive treatment con-sisting of ankle arthrodesis and lower-leg leng-then-ing using the Ilizarov method confirm its effec-tiveness. 2. The Ilizarov Fixator allows early weight-bearing of the operated limb and evaluation at all treat-ment stages, creating an optimal biological envi-ron-ment for bone healing. 3. The patient recovers functionally to allow satis-fac-tory and pain-free functioning as well as re-sum-ption of daily responsibilities. The low inci-den-ce of complications adds to the attractiveness of the method.

Comminuted Fractures of the Distal Femur Treated with Ilizarov External Fixator. Case Series Study.

BACKGROUND: Distal femoral fractures constitute a type of lower limb injuries that is rare and difficult to treat. Despite advances in surgical technique and development of implants used for internal fixation of fracture fragments, the treatment continues to result in numerous complications. The Ilizarov External Fixator reduces the risk of complications and allows for bone union. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Six men with distal femoral fractures resulting from multisite and multiorgan injuries were treated at the Department of Orthopaedics and Musculoskeletal Traumatology of the Medical Uni-versity of Warsaw between 2008 and 2016. Mean age of the patients was 42.6 years. Four of them were mana-ged with the Ilizarov method as a primary treatment and two wore the apparatus as a second-line treatment following unsuccessful plate osteosynthesis. RESULTS: Mean treatment duration with the Ilizarov apparatus was 29 weeks. Bone union was achieved in all patients. After the treatment, the patients ambulated unassisted, without orthopaedic aids. All patients re-turned to work. CONCLUSIONS: 1. The Ilizarov method allows for efficient fixation of comminuted distal femoral fractures, in-clud-ing C2 and C3 intra-articular fractures (AO/ASIF classification). 2. The use of the Ilizarov apparatus re-duces soft tissue laceration, preserves blood supply to the bone fragments, and allows for easier skin care, which is particularly important in the case of open fractures. 3. Early rehabilitation with the patient fully loading the operated limb reduces muscle atrophy and stimulates bone union.

Stress Fractures of Tibia Treated with Ilizarov External Fixator.

BACKGROUND: Stress fractures are the result of cyclic loading of the bone, which gradually becomes damaged. Most often they are treated by rest or plaster cast and, in rare cases, by internal fixation. There is little published data on initial reposition followed by stabilization with the Ilizarov apparatus in such fractures. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Six patients were treated with an external fixator according to the Ilizarov method for a stress fracture of the tibia between 2007 and 2015. Three patients were initially treated conservatively. Due to increasing tibial deformation, they were qualified for surgical treatment with external stabilization. In the other patients, surgery was the first-line treatment. All patients demonstrated risk factors for a stress fracture. After the surgery, they fully loaded the operated limb. RESULTS: No patient developed malunion, nonunion, infection or venous thrombosis. The average time from the first operation to the removal of the external fixator was 19 weeks. Radiographic and clinical outcomes were satisfactory in all patients. CONCLUSION: 1. The Ilizarov method allows for successful stabilization of stress fractures of the tibia. 2. It may be a good alternative to internal stabilization, especially in patients with multiple comorbidities which affect bone quality and may impair soft tissue healing.

Atypical Fractures of the Femur Associated with Chronic Treatment with Bisphosphonates.

BACKGROUND: The problem of atypical fractures, such as subtrochanteric or diaphyseal femoral fractures, associated with long-term treatment with bisphosphonates (BPs) has recently been given increasingly more attention. These fractures develop as stress fractures and are characterised by diaphyseal cortical thickening and a transverse or slightly oblique fracture line. The use of bisphosphonates has been documented to reduce the risk of osteoporotic fractures. However, an increasing number of papers verify the safety and benefits of the administration of these drugs over more than 3-5 years. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This paper presents 13 cases of atypical femoral fractures in 11 patients of the Department of Orthopaedics and Traumatology of the Musculoskeletal System of the Warsaw Medical University. RESULTS: All patients had been taking BPs for a mean period of over 13 years (between 2 and 25 years) before the fracture. CONCLUSIONS: 1. The authors stress that these fractures differ from "classic" osteoporotic fractures. 2. The authors indicate surgical treatment of these fractures (even incomplete ones) as a method of choice. 3. The authors suggest that the need for further BP therapy should be assessed after 3-5 years of treatment.

Open Trimalleolar Fractures Treated with Ilizarov External Fixator.

BACKGROUND: Open trimalleolar fractures are some of the most severe fractures of the ankle joint region and some of the most difficult in trauma surgery. Repositioning with internal fixation is the most common surgical treatment method. There is little published data on primary repositioning and external fixation. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Five patients with open trimalleolar were fitted with Ilizarov external fixators in single-stage procedures. RESULTS: Full weight bearing was possible following surgical treatment in all five patients. None of the patients developed malunion, infections or vein thrombosis. For all patients, the Ilizarov apparatus was remodelled after six weeks to allow movement in the ankle. Three patients developed posttraumatic arthrosis requiring joint fusion. Arthrodesis was performed in two patients, and another patient will require it in the future. None of the patients developed any inflammatory complications. The mean duration of treatment with an external fixator was 11.6 weeks (range: 9-15 weeks). Radiological and clinical outcomes were satisfactory in all patients. CONCLUSIONS: The Ilizarov method allows for early and definitive treatment of open trimalleolar fractures with a low risk of complications and a good clinical outcome.

Bilateral fatigue fractures of the bones of both crura in a patient with a history of abuse of alcohol and psychoactive substances treated with Ilizarov external fixator apparatus.

BACKGROUND: Fatigue (slow) fractures are a result of cyclic burden on the affected bones. At the same time, regeneration processes are disturbed or appropriate mechanical environment to promote healing is lacking. Fatigue fractures are classified into two types: stress fractures and deficiency fractures. The former occur as a result of excessive training in healthy individuals with normal bone structure, e.g. in sportsmen and soldiers. Deficiency-related fractures are most common in individuals with metabolic disorders that affect bone mineralization, such as osteomalacia or osteoporosis. CASE REPORT: The article presents a case of a 37-year-old male with fatigue fractures within both crura. During the interview, the patient reported the abuse of alcohol and benzodiazepines and the history of using other psychoactive substances. CONCLUSIONS: Fractures were treated using Ilizarov external fixator apparatus. Bone union was achieved after several months of external fixation.

Percutaneous thermoablation of osteoid osteoma--a case study.

Osteoid osteoma has been traditionally treated by curettage and en bloc resection. These methods are now being replaced by low-invasive techniques. We present the description of a percutaneous thermoablation of a femoral neck osteoid osteoma performed under CT guidance in a 22-year-old female patient.

[Early results of proximal femoral fractures treated with FENIX modular hemiarthroplasty]. / Ocena wczesnych wyników leczenia zlaman blizszego konca kosci udowej modularna proteza polowicza FENIX.

The article discusses preliminary clinical results in patients with proximal femoral fractures treated with hemiarthroplasty using a FENIX implant. The study group comprised 41 subjects aged 69 to 97 (median age 82.3 year). The follow-up study provided data on 26 subjects (63.4%), among which 15 attended the check-up, 5 subjects refused to visit at the Department and 6 subjects were reported as deceased. Median follow-up period amounted to 6.8 month (1 to 22 months). General hospitalization-related complications occurred in 8 patients (19.5%). During hospitalization no deaths occurred, in the deceased group 3 patients died within 12 months after surgery, while another 3 died after the twelve-month postoperative period (median of 13.3%). According to Merle d'Aubigne-Postel score favorable long-term results were observed in 9 patients (59.9%), 13 patients regained the level of motor function similar to the functional ability prior to fracture. The need to postpone the surgery due to general health status and impaired pre-operative motor function are significant negative prognostic factors. The results obtained were compared with previous efficacy studies on femoral fracture treatment using an Austin-Moore implant. Functional ability and self-reliance was higher in the FENIX group. FENIX arthroplasty effectively helps patients regain self-reliance and motor function thanks to its modular characteristics and anatmoical construction.

[Hemiarthroplasty for treatment of comminuted trochanteric fractures in elderly patients]. / Alloplastyka polowicza w leczeniu wieloodlamowych zlaman kretarzowych kosci udowej u chorych w wieku podeszlym.

Successful operative stabilization of the comminuted, trochanteric fractures in elderly patients is problematic due to advanced osteoporosis and poor physical activity excluding the cooperation in the postoperative rehabilitation. Stable fixation with dynamic hip screw or gamma nail, or flexible Ender nailing requires relieve of load during forthcoming several postoperative weeks needed for bone union, that reduced their usefulness in elderly patients. The aim of study was to analyze the usefulness of the cemented hemiartrhoplasty for the treatment of patients with comminuted trochanteric fractures. We analyzed 18 patients (16 women and 2 men, aged 69- 93-years-old (mean 83.3 years) treated in our Department in 2007 with cemented hemiathroplasty due to comminuted trochanteric fractures. Patients were intensively rehabilitated bearing their body weights from 3rd-5th, and consequently discharged on 9th-12th postoperative day. Due to the possibility of almost immediate mobilization in the postoperative period, cemented hemiathroplasty could be a method of choice for the treatment of the comminuted trochanteric fractures in elderly patients.

[Comparison of the Ender's nailing and Dynamic Hip Screw (DHS) fixation in the treatment of trochanteric fractures in elderly patients]. / Porównanie rozleglosci zabiegu przy zastosowaniu pretów Endera i sruboplytki DHS w leczeniu zlamaan przezkretarzowych kosci udowej u osób w wieku podeszlym.

The aim of this study was an evaluation which operative method of treatment: stabilisation with the Dynamic Hip Screw or with Ender's nails is less invasive procedure in elderly patients with trochanteric fractures. 100 consecutive patients with trochanteric fracture were enrolled into the study, of which 53 patients (49 women, 4 men; mean age 89 years) were stabilised intramedullarily with the use of Ender's nails and 47 patients (26 women, 21 men; mean age 76 years) were treated operatively with the use of Dynamic Hip Screw. The factors compared the mean length of hospital stay, the mean duration of the surgery, post-operative blood loss, early local and general complication rate and mortality in both groups. We took into account their general health and coexisting illnesses according to the American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) classification, type of fracture according to AO and Evan's classifications and the surgeon's experience. The mean duration of the surgery was 27 minutes longer in the case of DHS stabilisation. The complication rate was higher and the mean length of postoperative hospital stay was longer after Ender nailing. The mean blood loss: the drop in Red Blood Cells (RBC), Haematocrit (Ht) and the Mean Haemoglobin Concentration (Hb) was also higher in patients treated with the use of Ender nails. The mean rate of blood units that had to be transfused postoperatively was also higher in "Ender" group. The difference was statistically significant, especially in the group of patients treated as emergency procedure at the day of admission (p < 0.05). The operative treatment of trochanteric fractures in elderly patients with the use of DHS device showed to be a less invasive procedure in comparison to Ender nailing. In conclusion, the indications for this method of trochanteric fractures' treatment should be expanded, especially in the case of unstable fractures.

The evaluation of social awareness of osteoporosis, based on the aimed questionnaire.

BACKGROUND: Osteoporosis is the most common osteopathy. Osteoporosis is recognized by World Health Organization as a civilization disease. Still, the awareness of osteoporosis in polish society is unknown. The aim of the study is demographic evaluation of people who are interested in diagnosis and treatment of osteoporosis. Another aim is to analyze data such as age, sex, fracture occurrence, style of life of people who have phoned to Osteoporosis Information Telephone (OIT). MATERIAL AND METHODS: The analysis was based on 501 individuals (446 women, 55 men). The evaluated parameters were age, sex, place of living, education, risk factor awareness, fracture occurrence and the source of knowledge about OIT. The auxiliary questions concerned previous diagnosis and treatment. RESULTS: In 83,3 % of analyzed group the general information about osteoporosis was acquired from newspapers, 13,11% from books and folders, 3 % from radio programmes, 0,4 % from TV, and 0,19% from internet. 23,5% of people acquired information about OIT from magazines including weekly TV programme. 148 people (29,5%) were examined by densitometry. 57 people (11,3%) had a previous history of bone fractures. CONCLUSIONS: Our study helps to evaluate the social awareness of osteoporosis in people interested in this problem. We hope that our results will help to rise social awareness of osteoporosis thanks to new medial advertising companies in the future and will become the base for others analyzes of osteoporosis.