The Less Invasive Stabilization System allows for stable fixation and facilitates early healing in mechanically unstable high-energy fractures of the distal femur. There were no patients with fixation failure, varus collapse, or nonunion in this "at-risk" population. This treatment safely allows for immediate postoperative initiation of joint mobility and the progression of weight bearing with early radiographic signs of healing.

Background/Objective: A 67-year-old man with degenerative lumbar spinal stenosis and a medical history significant for coronary artery disease underwent routine lumbar surgical decompression. The objective of this study was to report a case of postoperative epidural hematoma associated with the use of emergent anticoagulation, including the dangers associated with spinal decompression and early postoperative anticoagulation.Methods: Case report.Findings: After anticoagulation therapy for postoperative myocardial ischemia, the patient developed paresis with ascending abdominal paraesthesias. Immediate decompression of the surgical wound was carried out at the bedside. Magnetic resonance imaging revealed a massive spinal epidural hematoma extending from the middle of the cervical spine to the sacrum. Emergent cervical, thoracic, and revision lumbar laminectomy without fusion was performed to decompress the spinal canal and evacuate the hematoma.Results: Motor and sensory function returned to normal by 14 days postoperatively, but bowel and bladder function continued to be impaired. Postoperative radiographs showed that coronal and sagittal spinal alignment did not change significantly after extensive laminectomy.Conclusions: Full anticoagulation should be avoided in the early postoperative period. In cases requiring early vigorous anticoagulation, patients should be closely monitored for changes in neurologic status. Combined cervical, thoracic, and lumbar laminectomy, without instrumentation or fusion, is an acceptable treatment option.

The On3 device reduced motion in the patient with an unstable lumbar spine during hospital bed transfers with fewer personnel.

Bed transfers made with a lateral transfer device seem to be as safe as those made by the lift and slide manual transfer. None of the collars tested were significantly better at preventing cervical spine motion during a transfer, but each allowed less movement than no collar.