The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between the delay between surgical treatment and mortality occurring within 30 days post-injury in patients aged 60 or older with femoral neck fracture. Data derive from the nationwide database of the National Health Insurance Fund Administration. Logistic regression analysis was performed to analyse the relationship between 30-day mortality and surgical delay in four groups of patients operated on within 12 h, between 12-24 h, 24-48 h or over 48 h post-injury. There were 3,777 patients involved in the study. Mortality rates in the four groups were 7.7%, 10.5%, 10.5% and 9.4%, respectively. Univariate logistic regression analysis revealed a statistically significant increase in the mortality risk in the 12-24-h treatment group compared to the group treated within 12 h (odds ratio, OR 12-24h =1.413, confidence interval, CI 12-24h : 1.032-1.935; p =0.031).According to multiple regression analysis, all three groups (12-24 h, 24-48 h and over 48 h) showed a trend to increased mortality risks, but this was not statistically significant p= 0.106; : 0.932-2.056, p=0.108; OR >48h =1.246, CI >48h : 0.950-1.635, p=0.113). We can conclude that sex, age and accompanying diseases significantly influenced early mortality, while early post-operative complications did not have a significant impact on the mortality risks.

No abstract

Chronic bone and soft tissue suppurations have become more frequent recently due to the increasing number of high-energy injuries. There are certain antibiotic beads available for local administration, but they cannot always be applied specifically against the pyogenic microorganisms. In the present study, a new technique of local antibiotic therapy for the treatment of infections is described. Polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) capsules were produced and filled with 0.1 ml Tazocin (0.02 g piperacillin sodium + 0.005 g tazobactam). The efficacy of these Tazocin-filled capsules was examined in vivo using a rabbit osteomyelitis model. Chronic osteomyelitis was induced in rabbit tibia by local injection of Staphylococcus aureus. The treatment included surgical debridement and implantation of Tazocin-containing PMMA capsules into the medullar cavity (n = 12). Simple surgical debridement with no antibiotic implantation was performed in control animals (n = 7). Results were evaluated using microbiological, radiological and histological methods 14 weeks after induction of osteomyelitis. Eight weeks after the implantation of PMMA capsules, complete physical, radiological and histological healing was achieved in 7 animals, initiation of the reparative phase was observed histologically in 3 cases and no reparative signs were detected in 2 rabbits. In the control group, no significant sign of reparation could be seen in any of the cases.

No abstract

Tenography has been performed on eight detached fingers and two intact hands of cadavers. Bulging and overlapping of synovial pockets between the ligamentous structures during flexion, their flattening during extension and the continuous change in expansion of the proximal cul de sac suggests a possible mixing mechanism for the synovial fluid. During flexion and extension a physiological joint-type bowstringing of the flexor tendons was observed at the PIP and DIP joints. This finding supports the theory that the flexor tendon moment arm is increased at these joints.