Autogenous bone marrow and allograft replacement of bone defects in the hand and upper extremities.

The posterior iliac crest has been shown to be an area extremely rich in red active marrow and it therefore provides a source of cells with osteoinductive and osteogenic potential. Concentration of these cells in the presence of routine bone graft enhances local healing of osseous defects and remodeling of graft into healthy bone, even in conditions where bone healing has been noted to be delayed and/or difficult. In a group of 29 patients there were no cases of adverse reactions to bone marrow aspiration or autogenous transplantation. Twenty-five of the 29 patients (86%) showed osseous union by 3 months postsurgery, while 28 of the 29 patients (96%) had complete incorporation at 6 months.

Emerging technology: remote analysis of traumatic musculoskeletal radiographs transmitted by electronic mail.

OBJECTIVES: To determine whether remote analysis of radiographs via electronic mail (e-mail) had an impact on treatment decision-making. DESIGN: Prospective. SETTING: Level I trauma center. PATIENTS/PARTICIPANTS: Twenty-five cases randomly selected from previous emergency room consultation. INTERVENTION: Textual descriptions obtained from emergency medicine physicians were compared with computer-digitized images of radiographs sent via e-mail and with the actual radiographs. Four board-certified orthopaedic surgeons reviewed all three forms of data to determine fracture diagnosis and treatment plans. MAIN OUTCOME ASSESSMENT: Diagnosis and treatment plans were obtained via written questionnaire after review of each group of data (textual, digitized image, and actual radiograph). Results were then compared across groups to determine whether digitized images were better than textual descriptions and equivalent to actual radiographs. RESULTS: Statistical analysis revealed a significant improvement in the frequency of correct diagnosis and treatment planning when digitized images were used (91 percent) compared with textual descriptions alone (48 percent) (p < 0.001). The difference in correct diagnosis and treatment plans between digitized images and actual radiographs was not statistically significant (p = 0.27). CONCLUSION: Digitized radiographs sent via e-mail can significantly improve accuracy of diagnosis and treatment compared with a simple verbal description.

Splint immobilization of gamekeeper's thumb.

Thirty-nine patients diagnosed with 40 acute complete ruptures of the ulnar collateral ligament of the thumb metacarpophalangeal joint were treated primarily with thumb spica splint immobilization. Duration of splinting ranged from 8 to 12 weeks. Thirty-four of these injuries (85%) followed for 1 to 5 years (average 2.4 years) healed without significant instability, arthrosis, pain, or stiffness (range of motion within 80% of the contralateral hand). Six ruptures (15%) demonstrated persistent instability and pain at 12 weeks and were treated with surgical reconstruction. Currently accepted guidelines for surgical intervention as primary treatment for ligamentous disruption at the thumb metacarpophalangeal joint may need revision. This study suggests that splint immobilization is an effective primary treatment modality. The minority of patients who demonstrate persistent laxity can be successfully treated surgically with excellent results.

Differential diagnosis in patients with disorders of the patellofemoral joint.

Anterior knee complaints are difficult diagnostic problems. It cannot be overstated that the most important information available is to be found in the patient's history. Onset, quality, and quantity of symptoms must be assessed. This information is then synthesized to determine the specific functional disabilities resulting from the patient's anterior knee disorder. Once a history is obtained, a consistent, methodical physical examination can be performed to narrow the differential diagnosis. Radiographic evaluation is used to further hone the differential or to confirm the most likely diagnosis. Ultimately, a specific working diagnosis is selected and treatment is tailored to changing the underlying structural or biomechanical abnormalities that led to the patient's complaints.

Reduction of treatment-related complications in the external fixation of complex distal radius fractures.

Treatment-related complications in the external fixation of complex distal radius fractures may be diminished by the insertion of 4-mm, self-tapping half-pins after predrilling. The pins are placed proximally in the radius and distally through six cortices of the second and third metacarpals. An adaptable fixation device that allows reduction after pin insertion and assembly is recommended. It must allow enough mobility to completely reduce a very unstable fracture after its application. A limited open surgical approach allows direct visualization of the bone where the fixator pins will be placed, as well as central insertion of the pins. It avoids eccentric drill placement, open section defects, redrilling, and damage to soft-tissue structures.