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Background and Aims: A systematic review and meta-analysis was performed to investigate the risk factors associated with periprosthetic fracture after total hip arthroplasty. Material and Methods: We searched potential studies in the following databases: MEDLINE, Embase, Web of Science, SCOPUS and Cochrane CENTRAL up to December 2013. Newcastle–Ottawa Scale was used to evaluate the methodological quality, and Stata 11.0 was used to perform all the analyses. Results: Seven studies altogether, including 1069 cases of periprosthetic fractures and 74,776 controls, were included in the meta-analysis. Compared to those absent following demographic or medical conditions, patients involved with female gender (odds ratio, 1.534; p < 0.001), advanced age (>80) (odds ratio: 4.203; p < 0.001), revision (odds ratio: 4.398; p < 0.001), rheumatoid arthritis (odds ratio: 2.503; p < 0.001), osteonecrosis (odds ratio: 1.563; p = 0.009), and implant type of Exeter (odds ratio: 1.511; p = 0.017) were more likely to sustain periprosthetic fractures. Osteoarthritis (vs not) (odds ratio: 0.449; p < 0.001) was identified a protective factor for periprosthetic fractures after total hip arthroplasty. The other factors, including lower ages, American Society of Anesthesiologists ≥ 3, and other implant types, were not significant risk factors for periprosthetic fractures. Conclusions: These medical conditions as reminder should be kept in clinicians’ mind and close follow-up should be implemented in patients involved for preventing the occurrence of periprosthetic fractures after total hip arthroplasty.

We report a new surgical technique of open carpal tunnel release with subneural reconstruction of the transverse carpal ligament and compare this with isolated open and endoscopic carpal tunnel release. Between December 2007 and October 2011, 213 patients with carpal tunnel syndrome (70 male, 143 female; mean age 45.6 years; 29 to 67) were recruited from three different centres and were randomly allocated to three groups: group A, open carpal tunnel release with subneural reconstruction of the transverse carpal ligament (n = 68); group B, isolated open carpal tunnel release (n = 92); and group C, endoscopic carpal tunnel release (n = 53). At a mean final follow-up of 24 months (22 to 26), we found no significant difference between the groups in terms of severity of symptoms or lateral grip strength. Compared with groups B and C, group A had significantly better functional status, cylindrical grip strength and pinch grip strength. There were significant differences in Michigan Hand Outcome scores between groups A and B, A and C, and B and C. Group A had the best functional status, cylindrical grip strength, pinch grip strength and Michigan Hand Outcome score. Subneural reconstruction of the transverse carpal ligament during carpal tunnel decompression maximises hand strength by stabilising the transverse carpal arch.

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We report a new surgical technique for the treatment of traumatic dislocation of the carpometacarpal (CMC) joint of the thumb. This is a tenodesis which uses part of the flexor carpi radialis. Between January 2010 and August 2013, 13 patients with traumatic instability of the CMC joint of the thumb were treated using this technique. The mean time interval between injury and ligament reconstruction was 13 days (0 to 42). The mean age of the patients at surgery was 38 years: all were male. At a mean final follow-up of 26 months (24 to 29), no patient experienced any residual instability. The mean total palmar abduction of the CMC joint of the thumb was 61° and the mean radial abduction 65° The mean measurements for the uninjured hand were 66° (60° to 73°) and 68° (60° to 75°), respectively. The mean Kapandji thumb opposition score was 8.5° (8° to 9°). The mean pinch and grip strengths of the hand were 6.7 kg (3.4 to 8.2) and 40 kg (25 to 49), respectively. The mean Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand questionnaire score was 3 (1 to 6). Based on the Smith and Cooney score, we obtained a mean score of 85 (75 to 95), which included four excellent, seven good, and two fair results. Our technique offers an alternative method of treating traumatic dislocation of the CMC joint of the thumb: it produces a stable joint and acceptable hand function.