Another series of experiments was performed to determine if electricity could augment fracture repair in laboratory animals. The anode and cathode were placed in various configurations in relation to the…

Diagnosis of CRPS is based on clinical and radiographic manifestations, but other procedures may help confirm the diagnosis. Thermography may show asymmetry of skin temperature in a stocking or glove…

In the treatment of synovial pseudarthrosis, all of the synovial-like tissue is removed from between and around the nonunion fragments. If this tissue is not thoroughly removed, the synovial pseudarthrosis…

The diagnosis of nonunion is made both clinically and radiographically (see Plate 9-13). On clinical examination of a nonunion, the fracture fragments are still mobile after the appropriate healing time….

One of the best examples of this problem is a Colles fracture of the distal radius in the older patient (see Plate 9-11). Although this fracture almost always heals, adequate…

The blood supply to particular segments of certain bones is unique and one directional. Consequently, some specific fracture patterns are especially likely to create an avascular segment of bone. For…

Intra-articular fractures are particularly likely to lead to post-traumatic osteoarthritis. Whenever a fracture line extends across the articular surface, the articular cartilage is permanently damaged. The amount of injury can…

Bone mass deficiency may also contribute to implant failure, because stabilization of a fracture with plates and screws depends on the secure fixation of screws in the bone fragments. In…

Angular Malunion. Supracondylar fractures of the humerus are quite unstable, and reduction is difficult to maintain. Even an acceptable reduction may be lost, and the bone typically heals with a…

Limb Shortening. Although limb shortening is a risk in virtually any growth plate fracture, it is particularly common in Salter-Harris type V injuries, in which the growth plate is crushed…