Distal radius fractures: surgical treatment with internal fixation.

AIM OF THE STUDY: To evaluate the efficacy of plates and screws with angular stability in osteosynthesis of fractures of the distal radius. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We analyzed 52 patients undergone surgery for fracture of the distal radius at the Clinica Ortopedica dell'Università di Trieste; in half of the patients osteosynthesis was provided using Synthes' LCP plates, in the other half we utilized a multidirectional and angular stable plate ("Aptus Radius" by Medartis). Mean follow-up was 28 ± 10 months, patients were evaluated with DASH score (disability of arm shoulder and hand) and the modified Gartland Werley score. RESULTS: There were no significant differences between the two groups in terms of joint function, motility, volar and radial mean inclination. CONCLUSIONS: Based on clinical and radiological results using angular stability plates must be considered as the method of election in the treatment of fractures of the distal epiphysis of the radius; in particular, thanks to the broader technical capabilities that they allow, are particularly indicated in unstable fractures.

Effect of tanshinone II on cell growth of breast cancer cell line type MCF-7 and MD-MB-231.

Breast cancer is the most common form of cancer in women and the leading cause of cancer death in American women, with over 207,090 new cases of invasive breast cancer in women and about 39,840 deaths from breast cancer in 2010. Current therapies for breast cancer usually have variable effectiveness with high toxicity to normal tissues, and breast tumours often develop metastasis and drug resistance. Therefore, searching for effective regimens with minimal side effects remains the top priority in breast cancer research. The objectives of this study were to evaluate the effects of tanshinone II from a Chinese herb, Salvia miltiorrhiza, on the growth of breast cancer cells type MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231.

Proximal cut-out in pertrochanteric femural fracture.

The average age of population is increasing in parallel with the worldwide incidence of fractures of the proximal femur; among all of them, 45% is represented by pertrochanteric fractures. Many other significant co-morbidity and even mortality are associated to this fractures (osteoporosis, malnutrition, decreased physical activity, reduced visual acuity, neurological deficits, asthenia, balance disorders and altered reflexes). Due to osteoporosis, the greater frequency of these fractures  occurs to elderly women. Among a total of 630 patients with pertrochanteric fracture treated in the Orthopedic Clinic of Trieste from January 2003 to December 2011, 16 cases were about Cut-out (5 males and 11 females). The mean follow-up after the revision surgery was 18 months. The aim of the study was to understand if in pertrochanteric fractures the best osteosynthesis can be guaranteed by the placement of an intramedullary nail or by positioning of plate and screws. It was established that, using intramedullary nail, the best target is to have a good positioning of the method of synthesis with a "Tip-Apex Distance" (TAD) of less than 25 millimeters.

Periprosthetic fractures of the femur: our experience.

A frequent problem in Orthopedic surgery is represented by periprosthetic fractures in Total Hip Arthroplasty (THA). The incidence of this pathology has interested 1,5% in primary THA and till 6-8% in revision prosthesis during last 10 years. About this contest, the authors performed a study on 24 patients (6 males; 18 females) surgically treated for periprosthetic femoral fracture at the Orthopedic and Traumatologic Clinic, University of Trieste, Italy, in the period from January 2006 to December 2011. Periprosthetic fractures were classified following guide-lines of the Vancouver Classification System. Even the choice of treatment was based on Vancouver Classification System, on patient clinical conditions and patients age.

Endovascular treatment of external iliac artery injuries after hip arthroplasty.

PURPOSE: To report endovascular repair of injuries to the external iliac artery during hip surgery. CASE REPORTS: Two elderly women with histories of chronically infected hip prostheses were found to have iatrogenic leaking pseudoaneurysms of the external iliac artery due to hip surgery trauma in the past. Both were treated successfully with a Jostent Peripheral Stent-Graft. The first patient died 17 months after treatment, and the second was well, with an excluded false aneurysm, at the 6-month follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: Stent-graft repair may be an appropriate and effective treatment for some traumatic arterial lesions.