Orthopedics Commons^™

Fracture Of The Ulnar Sesamoid Bone In The Thumb Of A Collegiate Basketball Player: A Case Report, Andrew M. Hyden, Christopher A. Mcgrew, Deana Mercer

UNM Orthopaedic Research Journal

Sesamoid fractures of the hand are uncommon occurrences that can lead to prolonged pain and swelling if delayed in diagnosis. This is particularly problematic in competitive athletes. We describe an ulnar sesamoid fracture of the thumb due to a blunt traumatic injury in a Division I collegiate basketball player. The 22-year-old woman injured her left thumb when kicked during a game. The patient was treated nonoperatively with promising outcomes. Sesamoid fractures of the hand can be difficult to diagnose, and any delay can lengthen the amount of time before the athlete returns to play. Radiographic findings may help healthcare providers …

Lateral Versus Dorsal Plating For Treating Metacarpal And Phalanx Fractures: A Retrospective Cohort Study, Joshua W. Hustedt, Collin C. Barber, Michael Bonnelli, Lloyd P. Champagne

UNM Orthopaedic Research Journal

Background: The purpose of this study was to investigate the differences between the dorsal and lateral plate position for metacarpal and phalanx fractures.

Methods: We conducted a retrospective review of prospectively collected patient data for 186 fractures treated by a single surgeon between 2009 and 2011. Rates of plate removal, total arc of postoperative motion (TAM), and patient and injury demographics were tested for association with plating position.

Results: Increasing age, larger plates, and dorsal plating were found in univariate analysis to be associated with decreased TAM and increased plate removal in phalanx but not in metacarpal fractures.

Conclusions: These …

Determining Frequency And Defining The Patient Profile Of Sacral Insufficiency Fractures, Blake Obrock, Jeremy Wearn, Matthew L. Dehart, Paxton Gehling, Amer M. Mirza

UNM Orthopaedic Research Journal

Background: Insufficiency fractures at the sacrum represent a considerable cause of low back pain and disability within the geriatric population. However, there has never been a large-scale study examining the epidemiologic trends associated with the disease, and thus this condition has been largely under recognized.

Methods: This study analyzed a Nationwide Inpatient Sample (NIS) database to trend frequency and burden of sacral insufficiency fractures (SIF). All inpatient stays from 1998 to 2010 noted on the NIS were included if the case maintained at least one or more diagnostic code. A total of 257,697 unique admissions (63% women, 37% men) met …

Sciatic Nerve Palsy After Operative Treatment Of Subtrochanteric Femur Fracture Resulting From Postoperative Hematoma: A Case Report, Tony G. Pedri, Gehron P. Treme

UNM Orthopaedic Research Journal

Treatment of subtrochanteric femur fractures can be difficult owing to high risk of complications. No cases of sciatic nerve palsy after hematoma following open reduction and intramedullary nailing of a subtrochanteric femur fracture have been reported. We describe a 28-yearold man who presented with a subtrochanteric fracture in the left femur after a motor-vehicle collision, in whom open reduction and intramedullary nailing led to an immediate postoperative hematoma and sciatic nerve palsy. Prompt diagnosis and early wound exploration resulted in complete resolution of the palsy at 1 month postoperatively. Our findings reinforce the importance of prompt diagnosis and treatment in …

Periprosthetic Fractures Of The Femur After Total Hip Arthroplasty And Hemiarthroplasty: A Review, Reilly R. Kuehn

UNM Orthopaedic Research Journal

Periprosthetic fractures of the femur after total hip arthroplasty (THA) and hemiarthroplasty represent relatively uncommon but challenging complications. The incidence of these types of fractures has been rising, owing to an increasing number of hip arthroplasties performed, aging population, and prevalent use of uncemented stems, which may have unsuccessful long-term results compared with use of cemented stems. Method of treatment has been generally based on the Vancouver classification system that describes radiographic characteristics of fractures and stability of the femoral stems in respect to placement in the bone. In particular, the presence of loose stems has often indicated the need …

Treatment Of Injuries And Conditions Of The Distal Clavicle: A Review, Heather M. Menzer

UNM Orthopaedic Research Journal

Several trauma-related injuries and degenerative conditions affect the distal end of the clavicle. Fractures of the distal clavicle and separations of the acromioclavicular (AC) joint are common, resulting from direct impact onto the shoulder region. Osteolysis and osteoarthritis of degenerative processes of the AC joint are caused by repetitive activity and overuse of the shoulder. To help identify options for treating the distal end of the clavicle, this review highlighted notable anatomical locations and biomechanics; findings of physical examinations; classification systems of injuries; and standard operative and nonoperative methods used for treatment. Although distal clavicle fractures, AC joint separations, osteolysis, …

Open Reduction And Internal Fixation For Treatment Of Proximal Humerus Fractures: A Review, Heather K. Woodin

UNM Orthopaedic Research Journal

Fractures of the proximal humerus are common in older patients, and the incidence of these fractures in the United States is expected to notably increase with the aging population. Nonoperative procedures have been preferred in elderly patients with stable fracture patterns to avoid complications associated with osteoporotic bone. However, more complex and unstable fracture patterns often necessitate operative techniques to allow for more anatomical healing. Although proximal humerus fractures have been thoroughly examined, systemized, and studied, no clear method to choosing an appropriate surgical treatment or candidate has been accepted. I reviewed the role of the following factors on successful …