PubMed Health⌕ Search

Biomedical subjects

B T O'Connor

Publications and source records attributed to B T O'Connor.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed1994

Measuring stiffness can define healing of tibial fractures.

We measured fracture stiffness in 212 patients with tibial fractures treated by external fixation. In the first 117 patients (group 1) the decision to remove the fixator and allow independent weight-bearing was made on clinical grounds. In the other 95 patients (group 2) the frames were removed when the fracture stiffness had reached 15 Nm/degree. In group 1 there were eight refractures and in group 2 there was none (p = 0.02, Fisher's exact test). The time to independent weight-bearing was longer in group 1 (median 24 weeks) than in group 2 (21.7 weeks, p = 0.02). The greater precision of our objective measurement was associated with a reduction in refracture rate and in the time taken to achieve independent weight-bearing. We consider that a stiffness of 15 Nm/degree in the sagittal plane provides a useful definition of union of tibial fractures.

Biomechanical Phenomena↗
PubMed1987

Ankle fractures in the elderly: nonoperative or operative treatment.

One hundred consecutive patients over the age of 60 years with unstable fractures of the ankle were retrospectively reviewed. Fifty were treated operatively and 50 nonoperatively. The mean follow-up was 7 years (2-16 years). Satisfactory reduction was a prerequisite in both groups. Patient satisfaction with regard to pain, deformity, and stability was significantly better in the operated group. The high proportion of poor final results in the nonoperatively treated group correlated well with malunion and nonunion.

Aged↗
PubMed1982

A Colles' fracture in a young person. A case presentation--its complications and their management.

This case illustrates the serious disability which may occur in a young person following a Colles' fracture. In this case, over correction occurred and it was necessary to carry out a corrective osteotomy of the distal radius. The operation is described and attention is drawn to a further complication of this procedure as it emphasizes the care required when placing screws through the distal end of the radius.

Adult↗
PubMed1981

A clinico-pathological study of fatal pulmonary embolism in a specialist orthopaedic hospital.

A study of post-mortem examinations performed between 1970 and 1979 at a specialist orthopaedic hospital revealed that the overall mortality rate due to pulmonary embolism was 0.23% and that pulmonary embolism was responsible for 19.1% of hospital deaths. The majority of these fatalities occurred following operation for either fractured proximal femur or total hip replacement. During the decade, 928 patients were operated upon for fractured proximal femur, none received prophylactic anticoagulation therapy and the mortality rate due to pulmonary embolism was 17.7%. However, the yearly mortality rate decreased with time and this change was attributed to earlier operation and early mobilisation. Over the same period, 3016 patients underwent total hip replacement, 20% were anticoagulated prophylactically; the mortality rate due to pulmonary embolism was 0.63%. In those patients who died of pulmonary embolism, post-mortem evidence of deep vein thrombosis was usually found, but no relationship between site of thrombosis and side of operation was observed. Pulmonary embolism was diagnosed in only a few patients although on later consideration at least a third of patients had symptoms suggestive of previous emboli. Possible improvements in diagnosis are discussed and a more rational approach to prophylactic anticoagulation suggested.

Dextrans↗
PubMed1981

Gallium-67 scanning in the painful total hip replacement.

Pain following total hip replacement is a significant clinical and diagnostic problem. Technetium scanning has proved a sensitive indicator of infection or loosening but does not differentiate between them. This study assessed the value of gallium-67 to aid this differentiation. Thirty patients underwent revision surgery. Fourteen were proven to be infected and 13 had positive gallium scans as also did two patients without infection. The implications of these false interpretations are discussed. Increased gallium activity was correlated with the patterns of the 99mTc scans and arthrographic appearances. It is concluded that gallium-67 scanning is a valuable adjunct to the assessment of the painful hip replacement when infection is suspected.

Aged↗
PubMed1980

A review of early mortality and morbidity in elderly patients following Charnley total hip replacement.

To assess the effects of ageing upon the outcome of total hip replacement, the in-patient records of 100 elderly patients who had undergone Charnley hip replacement procedures within the last decade were reviewed. There were 74 women and 26 men and their mean age was 80 years. Osteoarthritis was the cause of hip disease in 94 patients and rheumatoid arthritis the cause in the remaining six patients. The early mortality and morbidity rates were 4% and 77%, respectively, and the average duration of hospital treatment 42 days. Infection was the commonest post-operative complication followed by mental confusion and adverse drug reactions; multiple complications were a frequent finding. Avoidable complications are indicated and recommendations made regarding the pre-operative, operative and post-operative management of elderly patients.

Aged↗
PubMed1980

Gigantic monostotic fibrous dysplasia of the right humerus. A plea for advice on management.

A case of enormous enlargement and destruction of the right humerus is reported in a middle aged, right-handed, skilled manual worker. The tumour is cosmetically very ugly but right upper limb function is good. Advice from readers on the management of this case is honestly and thankfully requested, particularly information on what might be done should functional deterioration force us to undertake surgery.

Fibrous Dysplasia of Bone↗
PubMed1979

Technical problems in arthrography of the painful hip arthroplasty.

Arthrography following hip replacement has been reviewed. The problems encountered have been analysed with particular reference to technique and accuracy. The accepted criteria for loosening have not been consistently reliable and have led to false positive interpretation of loosening of the acetabular component. The reasons for false negative results are also considered.

Acetabulum↗