PURPOSE Stabilization and replacement of ribs is still a challenge, because most available systems for intramedullary and extramedullary fixation are less than perfect. We present our experience with a modified device, which compensates for several disadvantages in other methods. DESCRIPTION Originating from the Strasbourg Thoracic Osteosyntheses System (STRATOS [MedXpert GmbH, Heitersheim, G...

Background: Hypercyphosis and vertebral deformity are related to vertebral fractures. There are no studies in chronic alcoholics. Objective: To analyse the relationship which exists between the Cobb angle and different degrees of vertebral deformity, and bone mass and various variables related to bone metabolism in chronic alcoholic patients. Material and methods: 57 alcoholic males aged 52 ± 1...

Objective(s): Pulmonary contusion (PC) is a clinical entity that often accompanies blunt traumas. We aimed to investigate the radiological and histopathological effects of surfactant treatment in an experimental rat model in which lung contusion was formed by blunt thoracic trauma.Materials and Methods: 50 female Sprague-Dawley rats were...

Background: The purpose of this prospective study was to determine the accuracy of pedicular screw insertion withoutthe use of fluoroscopy.Methods: This study was conducted on patients with spinal diseases in need of pedicular screw fixation and fusion.The included patients suffered from such conditions as vertebral fracture, spinal stenosis, kyphosis, tumor, and pelvicf...

BACKGROUND Vascular calcifications and the bone fractures caused by abnormal bone fragility, also called osteoporotic fractures, are frequent complications associated with chronic kidney diseases (CKD). The aim of this study was to investigate the association between vascular calcifications, osteoporotic bone fractures and survival in haemodialysis (HD) patients. METHODS A total of 193 HD pat...

Patients with osteoporotic vertebral fractures are at increased risk of hip fracture. In a cohort of hip fracture patients, many had previous imaging studies showing incidental vertebral fractures. Fifty-four percent of fractures were not reported by the radiologist, highlighting a missed opportunity for diagnosing and treating osteoporosis, thereby preventing further fractures. PURPOSE Patie...

Trauma is an integral part of our society. That truth is reflected in the fact that about 100,000 children die of some form of injury in the United States every year. Since there is great need for prevention of these deaths the nature and distribution of injuries in chiidren is of primary interest. Study of thoracic injuries is particulariy important since they are a substancial source of cripp...

STUDY DESIGN In a human cadaveric burst fracture model with and without longitudinal ligament damage, the amount of anterior and posterior bone displacement (ABD, PBD) during balloon vertebroplasty after pedicle-screw instrumentation was investigated quantitatively. OBJECTIVES To investigate, in a burst fracture model with and without longitudinal ligament damage, the amount of ABD, PBD, and ...

BACKGROUND Respiratory failure is a serious complication that can adversely affect the hospital course and survival of multiply injured patients. Some studies have suggested that delayed surgical stabilization of spine fractures may increase the incidence of respiratory complications. However, the authors of these studies analyzed small sets of patients and did not assess the independent effect...

  Background: Previous anatomic and radiological studies have described the relationship of the clavicle to major neurovascular structures in healthy subjects. We were curious about this relationship in patients with a clavicle fracture and if it is different from non-fractured clavicles.   Methods: We retrospectively identified all patients with a clavicle fracture between July 2001 and Octobe...