RESUMEN

Pathological fractures after minor trauma in osteopenic patients are not uncommon, but fractures due to hypocalcemic convulsions in patients with renal insufficiency are relatively rare. Though similar cases have been reported in the literature, this type of fracture is still an unusual condition. The complex underlying pathophysiological mechanisms and the poor bone mineral density signify the employment of specific hardware and a different treatment approach, especially in young adults, where the salvage of the femoral head is of utmost importance. The aim of this review is to examine the specific features of the femoral neck fractures in young individuals who suffer from renal osteodystrophy and the treatment algorithm should be followed. The patient's age, the uremic condition, the skeletal maturity and the bone properties in renal osteodystrophy are examined in relation to the priorities in osteosynthesis methods. A conclusive treatment algorithm is proposed where all the relevant parameters are incorporated.

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The purpose of this study was to examine the nature and number of complications relative to magnitude of limb lengthening. Results and complications of 50 limb-lengthening procedures were analyzed. There were 49 patients. Mean age was 21 years (range, 7-48 years). Lengthening was performed in 24 femora, 18 tibiae, 4 humerii, 3 radii, and 1 ulna. Average length gained was 5 cm (range, 3-15 cm) at average follow-up of 48 months (range, 12-76 months). Desired length was accomplished in all but 1 patient. The 69 complications varied in severity, but only 5 of these significantly impaired end results. The most serious complications occurred in patients with >30% bone lengthening. Patients with <15% lengthening had a significantly decreased complication rate. The healing index was lower in children. We conclude that incidence and severity of complications after limb-lengthening procedures are significantly influenced by relative lengthening of bone.

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The characteristic pattern of fusion of distal tibial epiphysis explains the special configuration of the fragments in the triplane fracture and the "juvenile" fracture of Tillaux in adolescents. The application of external rotation force produces Tillaux and triplane fractures of the lateral portion of the distal tibial epiphysis in patients with a mean age of 13.5 years. Eight patients, 13 to 15 years of age, with distal tibial epiphyseal fractures were treated in the last 12 years. Three of the fractures were classified as "juvenile" Tillaux fractures and five were triplane fractures. Open reduction and fixation of the tibia was accomplished by using either malleolar screws or K-wires. Follow-up time ranged from 1.5 to 11 years. All patients were evaluated subjectively and objectively after surgery. Objective evaluation included clinical assessment and radiographic evaluation. All patients regained full range of motion and no one complained of pain or joint stiffness. Radiographs confirmed that all fractures have healed without articular incongruity.

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We retrospectively studied the outcome of 16 knee dislocations. 11 patients had surgical treatment, 4 were managed nonoperatively and 1 patient died. In the elderly the outcome was poor, regardless of the type of treatment. Only 3 adolescents obtained excellent results and 2 young adults had good results after surgical repair of the knee. Concurrent arterial and nerve damage increased the morbidity.

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Management of severe open fractures and non-viable injuries of the tibia remain both difficult and controversial. The orthopedist must carefully assess the injured limb in order to determine whether it should be salvaged or amputated. The difficult operative procedure requires thorough knowledge of microsurgical techniques necessary to repair vascular and neural injury. Over a 10 year period, 13 patients with non-viable, open fractures of the tibia underwent limb salvaging attempts using identical treatment protocol. 5 of the 13 limbs were salvaged, while 8 limbs were later amputated, because of either failure of revascularization or severe infection. 2 patients died; one with good circulation in the limb because of a massive pulmonary embolism 5 days postoperatively and the other because of severe septicemia 13 days postoperatively.

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Replantation of a completely amputated part of the distal phalanx, which has a very small vessel size, has been reported by several authors with a varying rate of success. Drainage through venous anastomosis is not always possible. In 12 completely amputated fingers, at the level of, or more distal to, the distal interphalangeal joint, we attempted microsurgical replantation with a successful outcome in ten cases. Seven digits had one or two veins anastomosed. In five digits, an adequate size vein was not found, and the drainage was accomplished with provoked bleeding which was maintained for the 3 postoperative days at the expense of blood transfusion. In all successful cases the patients returned to their occupation in a mean of 9 weeks with very good or excellent functional results.

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