The application of screws covered with a layer of nanocrystaline diamond in tibia fractures treated with a Polfix fixator: further observations

This article presents further results in the treatment of tibial shaft fractures using a Polfix fixator with screws covered with a layer of nanocrystaline diamond. The advantages of this new protective layer are presented in 16 additional patients. Research to date indicates that nanocrystaline diamond can be used successfully to cover the surface of surgical screws and plates.

The cadmium contents in the femoral head in inhabitants of Upper Silesia

The cadmium content was analyzed in tissue samples from the femoral head, obtained perioperatively from 45 patients undergoing hip arthroplasty at the Voivodeship Hospital No. 5 in Sosnowiec. The average cadmium concentration was 0,06 ug/g in the cancellous and cortical bone, and 0,09 ug/g onm the articular surface. No differences were found in the cadmium content between males and females, nor were age a differentiating factor. Increased cadmium content was observed, however, in the cancellous and cortical bone from patients smoking more than 20 cigarettes per day. Increased cadmium content in the femoral head was found to exert a negative impact on the concentrations of calcium and magnesium.

[Functional assessment after operative treatment of femoral shaft fracture]

The paper presents results of treatment in 135 patients (aged 16-77 years) with fracture of the femoral shaft treated with one of the four techniques: open intramedullary Küntcher nailing, Zespol fixation, AO plating and closed locked and unlocked intramedullary nailing. The assessment has been based on authors' own 4-grade, 35-points scale involving 7 parameters. Closed intramedullary nailing proved to the most efficient. No reoperation in this group occurred. The percentage of excellent and good results was the highest--96.4% and such was the score--32.6 points. Open methods (Küntcher nailing, Zespol fixation, AO plating) rendered 88.2%, 31.7 points and 59% excellent and good results, 26.2 points in group without complication and reoperated one respectively.

[Database for assessment of treatment results in patients with multiple trauma]

Data base for assessment of results of treatment of politrauma patients is presented. It was created on the basis of Abbreviated Injury Scale, Injury Severity Score and Revised Trauma Score. Examination was supplemented with TRISS method inclusive of graphic assessment PRE-CHART and statistic Z and M. The software was created on the basis of Excel 7.0 and Windows 95.