RESUMEN
The management of pink pulseless limbs in supracondylar fractures has remained controversial, especially with regards to the indication for exploration in a clinically well-perfused hand. We reviewed a series of seven patients who underwent surgical exploration of the brachial artery following supracondylar fracture. All patients had a non-palpable radial artery, which was confirmed by Doppler ultrasound. CT angiography revealed complete blockage of the artery with good collateral and distal run-off. Two patients were more complicated with peripheral nerve injuries, one median nerve and one ulnar nerve. Only one patient had persistent arterial constriction which required reverse saphenous graft. The brachial arteries were found to be compressed by fracture fragments, but were in continuity. The vessels were patent after the release of obstruction and the stabilization of the fracture. There was no transection of major nerves. The radial pulse was persistently present after 12 weeks, and the nerve activity returned to full function.
RESUMEN
PURPOSE: To assess the association between tumour volume and occurrence of lung metastasis in patients with osteosarcoma and to determine the cut-off value. METHODS: Records of 70 patients with histopathologically confirmed primary osteosarcoma in the extremities who had magnetic resonance imaging and computed tomography of the thorax less than one month before treatment were reviewed, with reference to the official report of tumour dimensions and lung metastasis by radiologists. The status of lung metastasis was assessed. Tumour volume was measured using the formula for an ellipsoidal mass. RESULTS: Of the 70 patients with osteosarcoma, 33 (47%) had evidence of lung metastasis. Tumour volume was directly associated with occurrence of lung metastasis (p=0.048). The proportion having lung metastasis when the primary tumour volume exceeded 371 cm3 was 69%, compared to 34% in those with smaller tumours. CONCLUSION: Larger tumours are more likely to correlate with lung metastasis. Both features are predictive of patient survival and prognosis.