Comparison of the reconstruction trochanteric antigrade nail (TAN) with the proximal femoral nail antirotation (PFNA) in the management of reverse oblique intertrochanteric hip fractures.

Reverse oblique intertrochanteric fractures have unique mechanical characteristics and are often treated with intramedullary implants. We compared the outcomes of the reconstruction trochanteric antegrade nail (TAN) with the proximal femoral nail antirotation (PFNA). Between July 2008 and February 2014, we reviewed all patients with reverse oblique intertrochanteric fractures treated at our hospital. Patients with pathological fractures and those who were treated with other than TAN and PFNA nailing systems were excluded. Preoperative assessment included the Abbreviated mental test score (AMT), the ASA grade, pre-injury mobility and place of residence. Postoperative outcome measures included the type of implant used, time to fracture union, failures of fixation and revision surgeries. Fifty-eight patients were included and divided into two groups based on the treatment: 22 patients treated with TAN and 36 patients treated with PFNA systems. The two groups were well matched with regards to demographics and fracture type. The overall union rate was similar in both groups but the time to union was shorter in the TAN group. There were 8 implant failures in the PFNA (22.2%) group compare to none in the TAN group. Implant failure was associated with the severity of fracture (AO 31.A3.3) but was not related to fracture malreduction or screw position (Tip-apex-distance). Our study suggests that the use of reconstruction system with two screws such as TAN may be more suitable implant for reverse oblique intertrochanteric hip fractures.

Management of high-energy tibial pilon fractures.

Tibial pilon fractures result from high-energy trauma unlike usual ankle fractures. Their management provides numerous challenges to the orthopaedic surgeon including obtaining anatomic reduction of articular surface and the management of associated soft tissue injuries. This article aims to review major advances and principles that guide our practice today. We also discuss a treatment algorithm based on a staged approach to the fracture: initial spanning external fixation followed by definitive fixation.

Thermal burns on lower limb resulting from laptop use: A case report and review of literature.

We report a case of a 29-year-old man with a background history of incomplete quadriplegia, who sustained a second degree thermal burn of the lower limb from prolonged proximity to the extractor fan of his laptop. We have also reviewed all other reported cases of thermal burns associated with laptop use. This literature review highlights the variability in the extent of injury and the subsequent management of laptop induced burns.