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Matthew G Zmurko

Publications and source records attributed to Matthew G Zmurko.

5 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed2004

Multiple unstable cervical fractures with cord compromise treated nonoperatively: a case report.

STUDY DESIGN: The case of a 17-year-old boy who sustained an unusual pattern of multiple unstable cervical spine fractures with a spinal cord injury is presented. OBJECTIVE: To review the management and treatment of multiple unstable cervical spine fractures. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA.: Combined unstable cervical spine injuries are uncommon. Treatment of multiple-level cervical spine fractures remains controversial. METHODS: The case of a 17-year-old boy who sustained a ring fracture of the atlas, an atypical traumatic spondylolisthesis of the axis, bilateral pedicle fractures of C3 with significant anterior subluxation of C3 on C4, a C6 burst fracture, compression fractures of C7 and T1, and significant cord compression as the result of a motor vehicle accident is presented. RESULTS: The patient was successfully treated with an initial closed reduction using cervical traction for 1 week followed by placement of a cervical halo vest. The fractures healed successfully, and the patient regained near-normal neurologic function. CONCLUSIONS: Despite advances in the surgical treatment of cervical fractures and dislocations, nonoperative treatment with halo immobilization remains a viable option for selected complex injury patterns.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2003

Cervical sprains, disc herniations, minor fractures, and other cervical injuries in the athlete.

In today's health-conscious society, more people are participating in athletic endeavors. As participation increases, so does the incidence of cervical injuries. Fortunately, most of the cervical injuries seen in sports are minor and can be treated successfully with minimal morbidity. It is important, however, to accurately assess the patient sustaining a cervical injury to rule out the presence of a more severe cervical injury. When practitioners understand the pathophysiology and treatment of common injuries, including sprains, strains, contusions, disc herniations, and simple fractures, most athletes can be returned to full function.

Athletic Injuries↗
PubMed2003

Inter- and intraobserver variance of Cobb angle measurements with digital radiographs.

This study compares the intra- and interobserver variance of Cobb angle measurements of primary and secondary curves on digital radiographs versus traditional radiographs. Four orthopaedic surgeons of varying experience measured the Cobb angles from a standard posteroanterior thoracolumbar scoliosis radiograph (25 digital, 25 traditional) on two occasions 2 weeks apart. The intra- and interobserver variances were calculated and compared for major versus minor curves and the digital versus traditional radiographs. There was no statistical difference in the mean error index, the variability in choosing the end vertebra on successive measurements, between the digital and traditional groups. Similarly, there was no significant difference in the intraobserver or interobserver variance between the digital and traditional groups. Digital radiographs are comparable to the use of traditional radiographs for following patients with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis. Furthermore, increasing years of experience appears to result in fewer errors and more consistency using the Cobb method.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2002

Functional outcome of patients following open reduction internal fixation for bilateral calcaneus fractures.

Treatment of displaced intra-articular calcaneus fractures has historically been controversial, but recent developments have led to resurgence in open reduction internal fixation (ORIF) for displaced calcaneus fractures. Recent functional outcome studies comparing operative to nonoperative treatment of unilateral calcaneus fractures has shown a trend towards improved function with ORIF. No studies have investigated the functional outcome of patients who have required operative treatment of bilateral displaced calcaneus fractures. The purpose of this study was to review our operative experience with bilateral displaced intra-articular calcaneal fractures. A retrospective review of medical charts indicated 13 patients had undergone ORIF for bilateral calcaneus fractures. Nine patients could be contacted and brought to the clinic for functional evaluation and radiographic CT studies. Functional outcome was assessed by the Musculoskeletal Functional Assessment Score (MFA) and the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Hindfoot Score (AOFAS). The average follow-up was 56 months. Over half of the patients required additional surgeries. The average MFA and AOFAS scores were 31.1 and 71.8, respectively. Functional outcome decreased for patients with multiple traumatic fractures and surgical procedures of the calcaneus. Our results show a diminished functional outcome for patients sustaining bilateral calcaneus fractures treated with ORIF when compared to patients managed surgically for unilateral calcaneus fractures, but better functional outcomes than patients who do not undergo ORIF for unilateral calcaneus fractures. This diminished function limits work capacity and ability to perform daily activities that require standing.

Adult↗