Extensor tendon injuries. Presentation of a series of ninety-nine cases.

A series of 99 cases of injuries of the extensor system, followed in the 3 Traumatology and Orthopedics Ward (Dijon, France) is presented. Results were analyzed according to Verdan's classification. In most cases, a Jenning "barb-wire" type repair, introduced in France by Y. Allieu, was made. Early mobilization and skin tension problems are emphasized; two cases of degloving on the dorsum of the hand are presented with details. As well, a special place concerning the results of repair in the proximal interphalangeal joint must be reserved, because of the very frequent association of articular destruction and the very difficult problem s of surgical management which arise in these cases.

[Acute carbon monoxide poisoning in the emergency service. The importance of early signs. 90 cases]. / L'intoxication aiguë à l'oxyde de carbone en service d'urgence. Intérêt des signes de début. Quatre-vingt-dix observations.

The authors describe 90 cases of carbon monoxide poisoning admitted to their unit. The high incidence of accidental poisoning may be partly related to the energy crisis. They underline the importance of recognising the early symptoms, headache, vomiting, weakness of the legs, allowing early diagnosis before irreversible complication set in.

[Post-fracture osteitis of the mandible and gentamicin acrylic cement pellets (author's transl)]. / Ostéites fracturaires de la mandibule et billes de ciment acrylique à la gentamicine.

The authors propose a method for osteosynthesis of mandibular fractures in a stable and even solid manner, to avoid the inconveniences of mandibulomaxillary fixation. These include: -- the duration of the operative period, -- the necessary close supervision to avoid secondary displacement, -- desmodontous lesions, -- the adverse effects on mouth hygiene, -- the nutritional disturbances with subsequent loss of weight. There is also the ever-present risk of infection, particularly in the dentulous zone where a fracture line crossing a dental alveolus is permanently exposed to the risk of infection from the buccal flora. Three cases are described in which gentamicin acrylic cement pellets were employed to treat bone infections after osteosynthesis of mandibular fractures, with subsequent healing of the septic foci.

[Papineau's technique: one possibility to treat osseous infection--a review of 35 cases (author's transl)]. / Une possibilité du traitement de l'infection osseuse: la technique de Papineau. A propos d'une série de 35 cas.

Amongst techniques recently proposed to treat osseous infections, Papineau's technique is one of the most frequently utilized. Success is certain if operating conditions and procedures are strictly respected. The first requirement is to excise as largely as necessary infected and necrotized tissues. Papineau's technique is particularly suitable to treat superficial bones, as tibia, in which the loss of tissue resulting of the excision are easily filled up with pieces cut off from other bones. This technique has a low social cost and may be carried out without an associated antibiotherapy and whatever germ is responsible. For these reasons, Papineau's method has a great value in the treatment of osseous infection in tropical environment.

[Traumatic rupture of the diaphragm. Report of 21 cases (author's transl)]. / Ruptures traumatiques du diaphragme. A propos de 21 cas.

The authors study 21 cases of traumatic rupture of the diaphragm. All were due to road accidents and were associated with multiple injuries. They emphasise the importance of clinical and radiological examination and the often negative results of peritoneal dialysis. Assessment of the lesions should be carefully carried out by a medical and surgical team familiar with these problems. The mortality remains high in spite of rapid and early surgical treatment.

[Compression of the posterior branch of the radial nerve by a benign tumour of the elbow region. Report of three cases (author's transl)]. / Compression de la branche postérieure du nerf radial par une tumeur bénigne de la région du coude. Trois observations.

The authors report three cases of a rare disorder : compression of the posterior motor branch of the radial nerve (ramus profundus n. radialis) by a benign tumor of the region of the elbow, in one case by a lipoma, in the other cases by a pseudocyst. Surgical removal was successful in all three cases. The authors review the literature concerning compression of the posterior interosseous nerve (ramus profundus n. radialis) by lipomas and pseudocysts. Apart from two cases treated at a late stage, surgery permitted complete functional recovery in all the other published cases. This emphasises the interest of early radiological diagnosis and of routine operation even the etiology does not appear obvious, especially as surgery is beneficial in the treatment of the tumour itself.