Background

Both-bone diaphyseal forearm fractures constitute up to 5.4% of all fractures in children under 16 years of age in the United Kingdom. Most can be managed with closed reduction and cast immobilisation. Surgical fixation options include flexible intramedullary nailing and plating. However, the optimal method is controversial.

Introduction

Indications for the use of external fixation include damage control orthopaedics, definitive fracture treatment, deformity correction and leg lengthening. Despite many advances in the development of external fixation techniques, pin-tract infection and loosening are still significant complications. They are the most commonly occurring complications during limb lengthening using external fixation, with some studies reporting an incidence of up to 80%.

Injuries to the spinal cord are rarely isolated problems. Multiple trauma patients with spinal injuries can face significant long-term disability. In this retrospective, descriptive study we investigated the relationship between the level of spinal trauma and the injuries associated with this. We aimed to define the populations at risk and highlight trends identified.

METHODS: Analysis of 1500 trauma patients admitted to the Royal London Hospital by the Helicopter Emergency Medical Service (HEMS) over 6 years was undertaken. 265 patients of these patients had spinal cord injuries (SCI). Data was obtained from the HEMS trauma registry, patient records and interviews with patients.

RESULTS: 265 patients sustained SCI (mean age: 38 25% female). The most common mechanisms of injury were motor vehicle accidents (46%) and falls (29%) Attempted suicide was a common cause of SCI in our study group (mean age 32. M:F ratio 2:1) The most common associated injuries were limb and head trauma. C-spine injuries were the most common spinal injury and were associated with the highest mortality rates (37%). C-injuries presented with a bimodal age distribution, 84% had head trauma and 30% had significant chest injuries. In patients who sustained thoracic spinal injuries 71% had severe chest injuries and 34% had head injuries. The most common associated injury in lumbar spine trauma was injuries to the limbs or pelvis (68%). Injuries to the lumbar spine occurred more frequently in the 20–40 year old age groups.

Discussion: Mortality rate in our study was 26%. Mortality rates were highest in patients with cervical spine injuries (37%). The causes of mortality were from suicide attempts, falls and RTA. The mortality rates in these groups were 20%, 22% and 32% respectfully. Our review highlights significantly higher mortality in the over 60-age group. Our population had high numbers of suicide attempts. We highlight suicide attempts as a significant aetiology for SCI. All the deaths in the suicide group were as a result of jumping from high buildings. In patients over 60, c-spine injuries are by far the common level of SCI. Subdural haematomas occurred in almost 10% of patients with c- spine injuries. Any injury to the cervical spine should therefore prompt investigation for intracranial trauma. The GCS should be closely monitored and a low threshold for performing a CT scan is advisable. Thoracic spine injuries are strongly associated with severe chest injuries. Lumbar spine and sacral injuries are strongly associated with severe pelvic and lower limb injuries. Understanding the demographics and etiology is essential to allow effective planning for spinal services. Appreciating the injuries associated with SCI should ensure better care for patients, by recognizing problems earlier and using a multidisciplinary approach to optimize treatment and reduce morbidity and mortality.

Background: The cause of intervertebral disc degeneration (IVDD) is multifactorial. One proposed mechanism is that IVDD originates in the nucleus pulposus (NP) and progresses radially to the annulus fibrosis (AF). Failure of current treatment modalities in preventing and treating IVDD and thereby low back pain have led to a growing interest in tissue-engineered solutions where a biological repair is induced. By preventing the abnormality at the NP it may be possible to halt further progression of IVDD. Injection of NP cells into an early degenerative IVD, where the AF is still intact, may retard the degenerative process and is presently under investigation. Using a 3-dimensional scaffold that could be successfully introduced into the NP cavity through minimally invasive techniques would prevent the loss of chondrocytic phenotype of the cells and be an improvement over the existing technique by which cells are directly injected into the NP cavity.

Methods:

CaSO4 and CaCO3 3% alginate hydrogels were injected into the NP cavity of a bovine tail. After 90 minutes the tail was dissected to reveal the gel.

Results:

Injectable alginate suspensions formed solid viscoelastic gels, filling the exact shape of the NP cavity.

Discussion: This study demonstrates that slowly polymerising CaCO3 and CaSO4 alginate gels are injectable and capable of sustaining NP cells in-vitro. Cells remain viable, maintain their phenotype, proliferate and produce ECM during the culture period. CaCO3 alginate gel provides a 3-dimensional matrix more favourable to NP cellular activity than the CaSO4 alginate gel. Synvisc® has a chondro-stimulatory effect on NP cells in-vitro. These effects are similar to those observed previously with hyaluronic acid, in that it binds to cell surface CD44 receptors, thereby affecting essential cellular functions and cytoskeleton structure. Synvisc® however has an advantage in that it is highly viscous and can reside longer within an alginate construct thereby having a sustained long-term stimulatory effect. This study demonstrates a successful tissue-engineered approach for replacing the NP and, subject to further studies, may be used for retarding mild-to-moderate IVDD, alleviating lower back pain and restoring a functional NP through a minimally invasive technique.