No abstract

Objective:This study compared groups of patients with calcaneal fractures of Sanders types II and III. One group was treated with ORIF using an LCP (plate), while the second was treated with a minimally invasive method using a C-Nail.Methods:The study included 217 patients in the ORIF group and 19 patients in the minimally invasive nail osteosynthesis group.Results:In the LCP group, the outcomes were excellent for 35.7% of the patients; good, 38.9%; satisfactory, 19.7%; and poor, 5.7%. In the C-Nail group, the outcomes were excellent for 36.9% of the patients; good; 31.6%; satisfactory, 21%; and poor, 10.2%. The mean values of the restoration of Böhler's angle from post-injury were 6.8° to 32.3° in the LCP group and 7.1° to 33.3° in the C-Nail group. After 12 months, there was only a minimal decrease in Böhler's angle to 29.2° in both the LCP and C-Nail groups.Conclusion:The outcomes obtained with C-Nail fixation are statistically identical to those obtained with LCP fixation. We conclude that osteosynthesis with a C-Nail is suitable as the first-choice treatment for Sanders types II and III fractures. Level of evidence IV, retrospective observational study.

Long PFN is a quality implant which extends our options in the treatment of ipsilateral hip and femoral shaft fractures. It is one of the most beneficial implants in the category of reconstruction nails. The availability of only 3 nail lengths and 1 diameter presents a certain drawback.

A group of 965 patients treated for thoracolumbal spine injury in the period 1998 till 2003 were analysed. 307 fractures were operated on. Out of this number, 4 fractures were type B3 according to Magerl's classification, i. e. 0.21 % of the admitted and 1.31 % of the operated patients. All 4 patients were operated by stabilization with internal fixator and posterior or combined fusion. Fractures were diagnosed in older patients, age average being 63.75 years, with the range of 57-72 years. All patients were obese, average body mass index being 32.75, with the range of 30.9 to 36.4. Fractures ensued two times in patients with heavy spondylarthrosis and spondylosis, once in ankylosing spondylitis and once in intact spine. Only one patient was injured by heavy trauma, the others sustained the injury during ordinary falls. One of the predisposing factors for occurrence of this injury is probably the increased body mass index resulting in increased moment of deceleration hyperextension force.

No abstract