[Carbon external fixator--CARBOELASTOFIX in treatment of tibia diaphysis fractures]. / Stabilizator weglowy CARBOELASTOFIX w leczeniu zlamaii trzonów kosci piszczelowych.

The authors presents the results of healing status of tibia diaphysis fractures treated with carbon-plate fixator on a group of 12 patients (9 men and 3 women with age between 27 and 89 years). Long-term mechanical investigations and studies at animals, performed at our Department have shown advantages of bone fixation performed with a new device for osteosynthesis, called by authors CARBOELASTOFIX. General principle of the method is the use of external fixation device, made of carbon-epoxide resin composite plates with variable flexibility, enabling hastened fracture healing. The research allowed also to work out the guidelines of indications for surgery, surgical technique and method of modifying flexibility of fixation consistently with fracture healing course. The mean time of observation (from the operation to the healing) was 23 weeks, having 10 good and 2 bad results.

Total hip arthroplasty for treatment of bone metastases.

Background. Bone metastases are observed in many patients with neoplastic disease. Frequently, the first sign of metastasis is a pathological fracture in weight bearing regions. The proximal end of the femur is the most common site of long bone involvement by metastatic disease and pathological fracture. Treatment of metastatic disease should be multidisciplinary: both oncologic and orthopedic. The target of operative procedure is a relief of pain and regaining the ability to walk. In case of changes in proximal end of the femur, the tumor resection and total hip arthroplasty is a procedure of choice.
Material and methods. In the Orthopedic Clinic in Warsaw, 27 patients with bone metastases in proximal end of the femur had total hip arthroplasty performed in the period of 1998-2002. In 16 cases it was possible to collect data about postoperative period - these patients were analyzed. In 14 patients postresective prostheses were used and in 2 procedures - standard prostheses.
Results and Conclusions. This type of treatment reduced pain, restored weight bearing ability of the limb and improved comfort of life. Subjective estimation of treated patients was good. Only in one case the clinical result was poor. Total hip arthroplasty is an efficacious palliative treatment in patients with metastases in proximal end of the femur. Final effect of therapy depends on individual precise preoperative planning and multidisciplinary specialist postoperative care.