Ortho Oracle - orthopaedic operative atlas

External Fixators for Distal Radius Fractures

– See: orthofix fixator – Discussion: – convential “bridging” external fixation relies on ligamentotaxis to apply traction & restore displacement; – indications: – active pts when radial length is decr by > 3-4 mm; – presence of dorsal comminution; – when closed reduction fails to restore anatomic palmar tilt; – for any unstable or intra-articular … Read more

Extension Teardrop Fracture of C2

– Discussion:    – anterior longitudinal ligament inserts on anteroinferior portion of the C2 body;    – w/ extreme hyperextension, ligament may remain intact but may avulse from its insertion, pulling a corner of C2 body with it;    – vertical ht of the fracture fragment is > than its horizontal width;    – hyperextension … Read more

Excision of Olecranon

– Discussion:     – in elderly pts w/ comminuted frx, excision of up to 50% of olecranon can be well tolerated (no instability)             – if distal surface of semilunar notch of ulna & coronoid are not injured upto 80% of olecranon may be excised w/o producing instability; – … Read more

Exam: Spondylolithesis

– See: Back Pain in Children – Discussion:     – results of exam may be normal in child w/ spondylolysis or mild (Grade-I or Grade-II) spondylolisthesis. – Back:     – tenderness to palpation in the low back;     – splinting as well as guarding & restriction of side-to-side motion of low back, particularly … Read more

Epithelioid Sarcoma

– Discussion:     – epithelioid sarcoma is the most common soft-tissue sarcoma in the hand and most commonly occurs in young adults;     – slow growing malignant soft tissue tumor, usually occuring in adults;     – these are usually minimally symptomatic.     – “pseudocapsule” or poorly circumscribed mass often attached to tendons, tendon sheath, or joint capsule;     … Read more