Atraumatic Bilateral Patella Fracture in Middle-Aged Female: A Rare Case Report.

The patella is the largest sesamoid bone in the body and an important structure of the extensor apparatus which is under undue stress during flexion and extension of the knee. Bilateral fracture of the patella without trauma is a very rare event and may be multifactorial without a single cause. A repetitive stress reaction in a previously predisposed bone can be an important cause. We report a case of a 45-year-old female with a nontraumatic bilateral transverse patella fracture with loss of extensor mechanism. A stable surgical fixation for such a displaced fracture with a good rehabilitation program can lead to a good functional outcome.

Ilizarov Ring External Fixation for Complex Tibial Plateau Fractures.

Objective To analyze the results of clinical, radiological, and functional outcomes of tibial plateau fracture (Schatzker Type V, VI) treated with Illizarov ring external fixator with or without minimum opening. Methods A total of 52 tibial plateau fractures of type V, VI were treated with Ilizarov ring external fixator with or without mininum internal fixation were studied. Functional outcome assessment was done using the American Knee Society (AKS) score with clinical, radiological union, and complications were analyzed. Results There were 37 (71.15%) male and 15 (28.84%) female patients, with a mean age of 39.07 ± 12.58 years old. Road traffic accidents (RTAs) were the major cause of fracture, accounting for 32 cases (61.53%) followed by fall injury, with 16 cases (30.76%), and direct impact, with 4 cases (7.69%). Twenty-one (40.38%) cases were type V and 31 (59.61%) cases were type VI fractures, and there were 24 (46.15%) cases of open fracture. The mean AKS score of Type V and Type VI fractures were 82.8 and 80.70, respectively, but this was statistically not significant at p <0.05. The mean AKS score of closed and open fractures were also statistically not significant at p <0.05. Conclusions For Schatzker Types V and VI complex tibial plateau fractures, Ilizarov external fixation is a safe, cost-effective and efficient treatment method that presents a satisfactory outcome.

Ilizarov Ring External Fixation for Complex Tibial Plateau Fractures / Fixação externa do anel de Ilizarov para fraturas complexas do platô tibial

Abstract Objective To analyze the results of clinical, radiological, and functional outcomes of tibial plateau fracture (Schatzker Type V, VI) treated with Illizarov ring external fixator with or without minimum opening. Methods A total of 52 tibial plateau fractures of type V, VI were treated with Ilizarov ring external fixator with or without mininum internal fixation were studied. Functional outcome assessment was done using the American Knee Society (AKS) score with clinical, radiological union, and complications were analyzed. Results There were 37 (71.15%) male and 15 (28.84%) female patients, with a mean age of 39.07 ± 12.58 years old. Road traffic accidents (RTAs) were the major cause of fracture, accounting for 32 cases (61.53%) followed by fall injury, with 16 cases (30.76%), and direct impact, with 4 cases (7.69%). Twenty-one (40.38%) cases were type V and 31 (59.61%) cases were type VI fractures, and there were 24 (46.15%) cases of open fracture. The mean AKS score of Type V and Type VI fractures were 82.8 and 80.70, respectively, but this was statistically not significant at p<0.05. The mean AKS score of closed and open fractures were also statistically not significant at p<0.05. Conclusions For Schatzker Types V and VI complex tibial plateau fractures, Ilizarov external fixation is a safe, cost-effective and efficient treatment method that presents a satisfactory outcome.

Resumo Objetivo Analisar os resultados clínicos, radiológicos e funcionais da fratura do planalto tibial (Schatzker Tipo V, VI) tratada com fixador externo do anel Illizarov com ou sem abertura mínima. Métodos Um total de 52 fraturas do planalto tibial dos tipos V e VI foram tratadas com fixador externo do anel Ilizarov com ou sem fixação interna mínima. A avaliação do desfecho funcional foi feita utilizando-se o escore da American Knee Society (AKS, na sigla em inglês) com consolidação clínica, radiológica e complicações encontradas. Resultados Foram 37 (71,15%) pacientes do sexo masculino e 15 (28,84%) do sexo feminino, com idade média de 39,07 ± 12,58 anos. Acidentes de trânsito (ATs) foram a principal causa das fraturas, contabilizando 32 casos (61,53%), seguidos por lesão por queda, com 16 casos (30,76%), e impacto direto, com 4 casos (7,69%). Foram 21 (40,38%) casos de fraturas tipo V, 31 (59,61%) casos do tipo VI e 24 (46,15%) casos de fratura exposta. Os escores médios da AKS para as fraturas tipo V e VI foram de 82,8 e 80,70, respectivamente, mas não foi estatisticamente significativo em p <0,05. O escore médio da AKS para fraturas fechadas e abertas também não foi estatisticamente significativo em p <0,05. Conclusões Para a fratura do planalto tibial complexa dos tipos V e VI de Schatzker, a fixação externa de Ilizarov é um método de tratamento seguro, econômico e eficiente que resulta em resultados satisfatórios.

Minimally-Invasive Plate Osteosynthesis for Clavicle Fractures.

Objective To analyze the radiological, clinical, and functional outcomes of clavicle fractures treated with the minimally-invasive plate osteosynthesis (MIPO) technique. Methods From June 2018 to July 2019, 17 cases of clavicular fractures were managed using the MIPO technique under C-arm fluoroscopy. The functional outcomes were assessed using the Constant-Murley score and the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH) questionnaire. The clinical results of union, the complications, the operative time, the hospital stay, as well as infection, were analyzed. Results The mean follow-up time was of 10.41 ± 1.75 months (range: 8 to 14 months). There were 11 male and 6 female patients, with a mean age of 39.05 ± 10.76 years (range: 22 to 57 years). All fractures united on the mean time of 15.35 ± 3.08 weeks (range: 12 to 20 weeks). The mean operative time was of 98.11 ± 13.83 minutes (range: 70 to 130 minutes), and the mean length of the hospital stay was of 4.7 ± 1.12 days (range: 3 to 7 days). The mean Constant-Murley score was of 74.82 ± 6.36 in 4 th postoperstive month, and of 92.35 ± 5.48 in the 8 th postoperative month, which was statistically significant. The mean DASH score was of 9.94 ± 1.55 in the 4 th postoperative month, and of 5.29 ± 1.85 in the 8 th postoperative month, which was also statistically significant. One patient had superficial skin infection at the site of the incision. Conclusions The MIPO technique is an alternative method for the fixation of clavicle fractures, but it is technically more demanding, and requires well-equipped operating room facilities.

Minimally-Invasive Plate Osteosynthesis for Clavicle Fractures / Osteossíntese minimamente invasiva com placa para fraturas de clavícula

Abstract Objective To analyze the radiological, clinical, and functional outcomes of clavicle fractures treated with the minimally-invasive plate osteosynthesis (MIPO) technique. Methods From June 2018 to July 2019, 17 cases of clavicular fractures were managed using the MIPO technique under C-arm fluoroscopy. The functional outcomes were assessed using the Constant-Murley score and the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH) questionnaire. The clinical results of union, the complications, the operative time, the hospital stay, as well as infection, were analyzed. Results The mean follow-up time was of 10.41 1.75 months (range: 8 to 14 months). There were 11 male and 6 female patients, with a mean age of 39.05 10.76 years (range: 22 to 57 years). All fractures united on the mean time of 15.35 3.08 weeks (range: 12 to 20 weeks). The mean operative time was of 98.11 13.83 minutes (range: 70 to 130 minutes), and the mean length of the hospital stay was of 4.7 1.12 days (range: 3 to 7 days). The mean Constant-Murley score was of 74.82 6.36 in 4th postoperstive month, and of 92.35 5.48 in the 8th postoperative month, which was statistically significant. The mean DASH score was of 9.94 1.55 in the 4th postoperative month, and of 5.29 1.85 in the 8th postoperative month, which was also statistically significant. One patient had superficial skin infection at the site of the incision. Conclusions The MIPO technique is an alternative method for the fixation of clavicle fractures, but it is technically more demanding, and requires well-equipped operating room facilities.

Resumo Objetivo Analisar o resultado radiológico, clínico e funcional das fraturas da clavícula, tratadas pela técnica de osteossíntese com placa minimamente invasiva (MIPO). Métodos De junho de 2018 a julho de 2019, um total de 17 casos de fraturas claviculares foram tratadas com a técnica de osteossíntese com placa minimamente invasiva (MIPO), sob fluoroscopia com o braço em C. Os resultados funcionais foram avaliados por meio do escore de Constant-Murley e pelo escore de incapacidade do braço, ombro e mão (DASH). Foram analisados os resultados clínicos de consolidação, complicações, tempo cirúrgico, permanência hospitalar e infecção. Resultados O tempo médio de acompanhamento neste estudo foi de 10,41 1,75 meses (variação, 8 a 14 meses). Havia 11 pacientes do sexo masculino e seis do feminino, com média de idade de 39,05 10,76 anos (variação de 22 a 57 anos). Todas as fraturas se consolidaram no tempo médio de 15,35 3,08 semanas (variação, 12 a 20 semanas). O tempo cirúrgico médio foi de 98,11 13,83 minutos (variação, 70 a 130), sendo a permanência hospitalar média de 4,7 1,12 dias (variação de 3 a 7). O escore de Constant-Murley médio foi de 74,82 6,36 no 4° mês e 92,35 5,48 no 8° mês do pós-operatório, o que foi estatisticamente significativo. O escore DASH médio foi de 9,94 1,55 no 4° mês e 5,29 1,85 na 8ª semana do pós-operatório, também sendo estatisticamente significativo. Um paciente apresentou infecção cutânea superficial no local da incisão. Conclusões A técnica MIPO é um método alternativo para a fixação de fraturas da clavícula, porém é tecnicamente mais desafiador, já que necessita de instalações cirúrgicas mais bem equipadas.

Kaplan's Lesion in a Child: A Case Report.

Kaplan's lesion is a rare complex metacarpophalangeal joint dislocation. A 7-year-old female child presented with pain, swelling and inability to move her right index finger. Her mother gave a history of sustaining a fall injury on the same hand around 3 weeks back. Radiographs showed a complex dorsal metacarpophalangeal joint dislocation. As the injury was already 3 weeks old at presentation, a few attempts at closed reduction were tried, under anaesthesia, which was unsuccessful. So, the patient underwent open reduction through a dorsal approach. At a 1-year follow-up, the patient was pain-free and had regained full range of motion of the index finger metacarpophalangeal joint. The differential diagnosis of Kaplan's lesion should be considered when a child presents with finger dislocation. Keywords: joint dislocations; metacarpophalangeal joint; open reduction.

Operative Treatment of Fixed Flexion Deformity of Elbow by Anterior Release: A Case Report.

A 20-year-old male presented to our OPD with stiffness in his right elbow. He gave a history of sustaining a fracture around the same elbow when he was 4 years old. He was treated operatively for the same. In the post-operative period, he did not undergo any physiotherapy. On examination, he had a fixed flexion deformity in his right elbow with a range of motion between 90 and 110 degrees. X-ray did not show any bony abnormalities and MRI revealed susceptibility artifacts in posterior aspect. The elbow was approached anteriorly releasing all the soft tissue contractures. The elbow was immobilised in extension in a plaster cast for 4 weeks. The patient was under regular physiotherapy after plaster removal in the post-operative period. At one year follow up, he has an elbow range of motion between 20 and 120 degrees.

Intertrochanteric Fracture of the Femur in an Ankylosed Hip: A Case Report.

Intertrochanteric fractures of the femur in ankylosed hips are extremely rare. The aims of the operative management for elderly patients with intertrochanteric fractures are to prevent general complications, to maintain mobility, and to relieve pain. The optimal management to achieve these goals is not clear. The authors present a case of a 74-year-old man with an intertrochanteric fracture of the femur in an ankylosed hip. The fracture was managed surgically with dynamic hip screws and cannulated screws. Two years after the surgery, good union was observed at the fracture, and the patient was ambulating independently.

Intertrochanteric Fracture of the Femur in an Ankylosed Hip: A Case Report / Fratura intertrocantérica do fêmur em um quadril anquilosado: Relato de caso

Abstract Intertrochanteric fractures of the femur in ankylosed hips are extremely rare. The aims of the operative management for elderly patients with intertrochanteric fractures are to prevent general complications, to maintain mobility, and to relieve pain. The optimal management to achieve these goals is not clear. The authors present a case of a 74-year-old man with an intertrochanteric fracture of the femur in an ankylosed hip. The fracture was managed surgically with dynamic hip screws and cannulated screws. Two years after the surgery, good union was observed at the fracture, and the patient was ambulating independently.

Resumo A fratura intertrocantérica do fêmur em um quadril anquilosado é extremamente rara. O objetivo do manejo operatório em idosos com fraturas intertrocantéricas é prevenir complicações gerais, manter a mobilidade, e aliviar a dor. O manejo ideal para atingir tal objetivo não é claro. Os autores apresentam o caso de um paciente do sexo masculino de 74 anos com fratura intertrocantérica do fêmur em um quadril anquilosado. A fratura foi tratada cirurgicamente com parafuso de quadril dinâmico e parafuso canulado. Dois anos após a cirurgia, observou-se boa união na fratura, e o paciente deambula de forma independente.

Intramedullary Flexible Nailing for Diaphyseal Fractures of Forearm Bones in Children.

Objectives Most of the fractures of the bones of the forearm in children are successfully treated conservatively with closed reduction and casting. The outcomes remain variable and the patients may require additional fracture manipulation or formal surgical intervention due to residual angulations. The present study assesses the radiological and functional outcomes of treating displaced forearm fractures in children with intramedullary flexible titanium elastic nailing. Methods A total of 31 patients aged between 7 and 15 years old with displaced forearm fractures underwent flexible titanium elastic nailing. The patients were followed-up for a mean period of 8.51 months (range: 6-12 months) and were assessed for radiological and functional outcomes. The Price criteria were used to assess the functional outcome. Results Out of 31 patients, 21 patients underwent closed reduction, and 10 required a minimal opening of the fracture site during reduction. A total of 29 patients had excellent results with normal forearm and elbow range of motion (ROM), and 2 patients had good results. In all patients, good radiological union was seen at an average time of 7.9 weeks. Five patients had minor complications, such as skin irritation over the prominent ulnar nail ( n = 2), superficial nail insertion site infection ( n = 2), and backing out of the ulnar nail ( n = 1), requiring early removal. Conclusion Flexible nailing is an efficient application of internal fixation for shaft fractures of both bones of the forearm in children, enabling early mobilization and return to the normal activities of the patients, with low and manageable complications.

Intramedullary Flexible Nailing for Diaphyseal Fractures of Forearm Bones in Children / Fixação intramedular flexível para fraturas diafisárias dos ossos do antebraço em crianças

Abstract Objectives Most of the fractures of the bones of the forearm in children are successfully treated conservatively with closed reduction and casting. The outcomes remain variable and the patients may require additional fracture manipulation or formal surgical intervention due to residual angulations. The present study assesses the radiological and functional outcomes of treating displaced forearm fractures in children with intramedullary flexible titanium elastic nailing. Methods A total of 31 patients aged between 7 and 15 years old with displaced forearm fractures underwent flexible titanium elastic nailing. The patients were followed-up for a mean period of 8.51 months (range: 6-12 months) and were assessed for radiological and functional outcomes. The Price criteria were used to assess the functional outcome. Results Out of 31 patients, 21 patients underwent closed reduction, and 10 required a minimal opening of the fracture site during reduction. A total of 29 patients had excellent results with normal forearm and elbow range of motion (ROM), and 2 patients had good results. In all patients, good radiological union was seen at an average time of 7.9 weeks. Five patients had minor complications, such as skin irritation over the prominent ulnar nail (n = 2), superficial nail insertion site infection (n = 2), and backing out of the ulnar nail (n = 1), requiring early removal. Conclusion Flexible nailing is an efficient application of internal fixation for shaft fractures of both bones of the forearm in children, enabling early mobilization and return to the normal activities of the patients, with low and manageable complications.

Resumo Objetivos A maioria das fraturas dos ossos do antebraço em crianças é tratada com sucesso de forma conservadora com redução fechada e imobilização gessada. No entanto, alguns pacientes podem necessitar de manipulação adicional da fratura ou intervenção cirúrgica devido a angulações residuais. O presente estudo avalia o resultado clinico e radiológico do tratamento de fraturas com desvio do antebraço em crianças fixadas com haste elástica intramedular de titânio. Métodos Um total de 31 pacientes com idades entre 7 e 15 anos com fraturas com desvio do antebraço foram submetidos a haste elástica de titânio flexível. Os pacientes foram acompanhados por um período médio de 8,51 meses (variação: 6-12 meses) e avaliados quanto aos resultados funcionais pelos critérios de Price e radiológicos. Resultados Dos 31 pacientes, 21 foram submetidos a redução fechada e 10 necessitaram de abertura mínima do local da fratura durante a redução. Um total de 29 pacientes tiveram excelentes resultados com arco de movimento normal, e 2 pacientes apresentaram bons resultados. Em todos os pacientes, a consolidação ocorreu em um tempo médio de 7,9 semanas. Cinco pacientes tiveram complicações menores, como irritação da pele sobre a haste proeminente (n = 2), infecção superficial do local de inserção no rádio (n = 2) e recuo da haste ulnar (n = 1), que exigiu remoção precoce. Conclusão A haste flexível é um método eficiente para tratamento da fratura do antebraço em crianças, permitindo mobilização precoce e retorno às atividades normais dos pacientes, com baixas e tratáveis complicações.

Bilateral symmetrical synovial chondromatosis of shoulder: a case report / Condromatose sinovial simétrica bilateral do ombro: relato de caso

ABSTRACT Synovial chondromatosis is a benign arthropathy rarely seen in diarthrodial joints. Extra-articular bilateral symmetrical synovial chondromatosis of shoulder is the rarest variety. The diagnosis is established with the help of imaging modalities and histopathological examinations. This report describes a case of a 39-year-old woman who presented with symmetrical, progressively increasing swelling over the bilateral shoulder region, of 12-18 months duration, with dull ache and restricted movements of the shoulder joints. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and ultrasonography (USG) revealed large bilateral subacromial-subdeltoid bursal swelling with loose floating bodies. Surgical excision of extensive bilateral bursa was performed at four weeks of interval. Histopathological examination revealed synovial chondromatosis on either side. Postoperative recovery occurred without complications.

RESUMO A condromatose sinovial é uma artropatia benigna raramente vista em articulações diartrodiais. A condromatose sinovial simétrica bilateral extra-articular do ombro é a variedade mais rara. O diagnóstico é estabelecido com a ajuda de exames de imagem e histopatológicos. Este relato descreve o caso de uma paciente de 39 anos, com aumento de volume progressivo simétrico sobre a região bilateral do ombro com 12-18 meses de duração com dor entorpecido e limitação dos movimentos das articulações do ombro. A ressonância magnética e a ultrassonografia revelaram um grande aumento de volume da bursa subacromial subdeltoidea bilateral com corpos livres flutuantes. A excisão cirúrgica extensa da bursa bilateral foi feita com quatro semanas de intervalo. O exame histopatológico revelou condromatose sinovial em ambos os lados. A recuperação pós-operatória transcorreu sem complicações.

Bilateral symmetrical synovial chondromatosis of shoulder: a case report.

Synovial chondromatosis is a benign arthropathy rarely seen in diarthrodial joints. Extra-articular bilateral symmetrical synovial chondromatosis of shoulder is the rarest variety. The diagnosis is established with the help of imaging modalities and histopathological examinations. This report describes a case of a 39-year-old woman who presented with symmetrical, progressively increasing swelling over the bilateral shoulder region, of 12-18 months duration, with dull ache and restricted movements of the shoulder joints. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and ultrasonography (USG) revealed large bilateral subacromial-subdeltoid bursal swelling with loose floating bodies. Surgical excision of extensive bilateral bursa was performed at four weeks of interval. Histopathological examination revealed synovial chondromatosis on either side. Postoperative recovery occurred without complications.

A condromatose sinovial é uma artropatia benigna raramente vista em articulações diartrodiais. A condromatose sinovial simétrica bilateral extra-articular do ombro é a variedade mais rara. O diagnóstico é estabelecido com a ajuda de exames de imagem e histopatológicos. Este relato descreve o caso de uma paciente de 39 anos de idade, com aumento de volume progressivo simétrico sobre a região bilateral do ombro com 12-18 meses de duração com dor entorpecido e limitação dos movimentos das articulações do ombro. A ressonância magnética e a ultrassonografia revelaram um grande aumento de volume da bursa subacromial subdeltoidea bilateral com corpos livres flutuantes. A excisão cirúrgica extensa da bursa bilateral foi realizada com quatro semanas de intervalo. O exame histopatológico revelou condromatose sinovial em ambos os lados. A recuperação pós-operatória transcorreu sem complicações.

Surgical management of pyogenic discitis of lumbar region.

STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective review of patients who had pyogenic discitis and were managed surgically. PURPOSE: To analyze the bacteriology, pathology, management and outcome of pyogenic discitis of the lumbar region treated surgically. OVERVIEW OF LITERATURE: Surgical management of pyogenic discitis is still an infrequently used modality of treatment. METHODS: A total of 42 patients comprised of 33 males and 9 females who had pyogenic discitis with a mean age of 51.61 years (range, 16-75 years) were included in this study. All the cases were confirmed as having pyogenic discitis by pus culture report and histopathological examination. The mean follow-up period was 41.9 months. RESULTS: Debridement and posterior lumbar interbody fusion with autologous iliac bone graft was done in all cases. Thirteen (30.95%) patients had other medical co-morbidities. Five cases had a previous operation of the spine, and three cases had a history of vertebral fracture. Three patients were operated for gynaecological problems, and four cases had a history of urological surgery. L4-5 level was the most frequent site of pyogenic discitis. The most common bacterium isolated was Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus). Radiologically good fusion was seen in the majority of patients. CONCLUSIONS: Pyogenic discitis should be suspected in people having pain and local tenderness in the spinal region with a rise in inflammatory parameters in blood. The most common bacterium was S. aureus, but there were still a greater number of patients infected with other types of bacteria. Therefore, antibiotics therapy should be started only after isolating the bacteria and making the culture sensitivity report.

Less invasive stabilization system for the management of proximal tibia fractures.

BACKGROUND: Proximal tibia fractures are difficult to treat especially when soft tissues are compromised by conventional open reduction and internal fixation with high complication rates. Many methods have been tried to manage these fractures. Less invasive stabilization system (LISS) is the latest technology applied for these injuries. This report presents clinical results of the LISS for the treatment of complex proximal tibia fractures. MATERIALS AND METHODS: From June 2007 to May 2010, total of 35 cases of the proximal tibia fractures (19 AO type 41A, 11 type 41B and five AO type 41C) were treated with the LISS technique. Clinical and radiological evaluation was done at 6, 10, 14, 20, 24 weeks and 9, 12, 18 and 24 months, respectively. RESULTS: The mean age of the patients was 50.17 years (range 20-73 years); male patients were 21 and female 14. The mean follow-up time was 31.42 months (range 21-42 months). The patients were evaluated using Knee Society scores, and the mean score was 92.11 (range 84-100); the mean full weight bearing time was 15.8 weeks (range 12-22), and union time was 25.17 weeks (range 20-29). Superficial infections and slight mal-alignment were seen on five patients each. CONCLUSION: The less invasive stabilization internal fixator system can be used successfully to treat complex proximal tibia fractures with minimal complications. It can be an alternative method for the treatment of the proximal tibia fractures.

Minimally invasive plate osteosynthesis for distal tibial fractures.

PURPOSE: To review the outcomes of 53 patients who underwent minimally invasive plate osteosynthesis (MIPO) for distal tibial fractures. METHODS: Medical records of 31 men and 22 women aged 22 to 78 (mean, 51) years who underwent MIPO using a locking compression plate for distal tibial fractures of the left (n=28) and right (n=25) legs with or without intra-articular extension were reviewed. RESULTS: Patients were followed up for a mean of 26 (range, 24-38) months. The mean time from injury to surgery was 9 (range, 3-12) days. The mean operating time was 105 (range, 75-180) minutes. The mean hospital stay was 16 (range, 8-25) days. Non-weight bearing walking with a crutch was started after a mean of 5.7 (range, 3-9) days. The mean time to callus formation was 12 (range, 8-15) weeks. The mean time to full weight bearing was 15 (range, 8-22) weeks. The mean time to bone union was 25 (range, 20-30) weeks. All except 2 fractures united anatomically. At 10 months, the range of motion of the ankle joint in all patients was similar to the contralateral side. Two patients had malunion but this was not clinically significant. Five patients had superficial infection, and 2 patients had persistent pain. CONCLUSION: MIPO is effective for closed, unstable fractures of the distal tibia. It reduces surgical trauma and preserves fracture haematoma.

Hand injuries in the oil fields of brunei darussalam.

UNLABELLED: Hands are essential organs and their agility and dexterity are vital to our daily lives. In the present study, we analysed 107 patients who presented at the local hospital with hand injuries sustained in the oil fields, oil industries and related employment sectors from the surrounding regions. All the patients were male and the mean age was 37.89 years (range, 21-61y). Forty-seven (43.93%) patients had simple cut injuries, 14 patients (13.08%) had tendon injuries, 13 patients (12.14%) had amputation of the digit (30.84%) had bone fractures (including 20 (66.66%) open fractures). Only 19 (17.75%) patients were admitted in hospital for further treatment. Ninety-one (85.04%) patients injured within one year of employment and 57(53.27%) patients were not satisfied with instructions and orientation before starting their job. Hand injury is one of the most common injuries in the oil industry and overtime work further increases incidence of this injury. KEY WORDS: Hand injury, trauma, oil field, digital fractures.