Undrained Group Research Articles

Reliability of MyotonPro in measuring the biomechanical properties of the quadriceps femoris muscle in people with different levels and types of motor preparation.

The aim of this research was to evaluate the reliability of the measurements of biomechanical parameters of the muscles of athletes representing different disciplines as well as untrained people. Ninety-four young, healthy male individuals participated in the study and were divided into five subgroups: footballers (n = 25), volleyballers (n = 14), handballers (n = 19), MMA fighters (n = 16), and undrained group (n = 20). All of the participants underwent measurements of stiffness (S), muscle tone (T) and elasticity (E) by two independent measurers using MyotonPro equipment. Analysis was conducted on two different parts of the quadriceps femoris: rectus femoris (RF) and vastus medialis (VM. Consequently, the comprehensive analysis comprised 564 measurements (94 participants * 3 parameters = 282 * 2 measurers = 564). The results proves high reliability of the myotonometry (Pearson's CC over 0.8208-0.8871 for different parameters, ICC from to 0.74 to 0.99 for different muscles and parameters) excluding only stiffness for the VM which was characterized withlow ICC of 0.08 and relatively highest between the examined parameters MAE% of 8.7% which still remains low value. The most significant differences between the parameters in examined groups were observed between MMA fighters and volleyballers in terms of muscle tone and elasticity of the VM (correlation of 0.14842 and 0.15083 respecitively). These results confirm the usability of myotonometry in measuring the biomechanical properties of the muscles in different sports groups and confirm the independence of the results obtained from the person performing the measurement.

Role of Surgical Drains in Orthopedics

Abstract Introduction: The use of drains in orthopedic practice has been affected by the concept of evidence-based medicine, which is accepted as the standard of care for all surgical or medical practices. This concept questions all care processes that cannot be backed by evidence to be beneficial to the patient. There have been a large number of multi-center meta-analytical studies that have found drains to be of little or no benefit in trauma and orthopedic surgeries. As a result of these studies, there are few situations where drains are routinely used, such as calcaneal fractures in developed countries. Even major procedures such as total knee and arthroplasties are being performed without drains. We aim to investigate whether similar evidence can be found in our practice. Materials and Methods: This sounds like the description of a prospective randomized controlled trial studying the use of drains in certain types of surgical procedures. The study population consisted of 86 patients matched for sex and type of injury, and they were assigned to either a group that used drains or a group that did not use drains during their operations. The study aimed to observe and compare the rates of complications, such as hematoma, drain migration, infection, and inadvertent drain stitching, between the two groups. Results: Eighty-six major orthopedic operations were studied. There was no evidence of the occurrence of complication arising from nonuse of drains in the undrained group. Those patients whose wounds were drained had no need for drain change, thus making the wound care less eventful. Conclusion: Wound drains can help reduce tissue swelling in the postoperative period, but there is no significant difference in infection rates, hematoma, or seroma formation between drained and undrained wounds.

Wound drainage after proximal femoral nail antirotation (PFNA) fixation may negatively affect the patients with intertrochanteric fractures: A prospective randomized controlled trial

Introduction: The effect of using closed suction drainage system with the proximal femoral nail antirotation (PFNA) system fixation on outcomes in treating intertrochanteric fractures (ITFs) is still unknown. This prospective randomized controlled trial aimed to examine whether routine drainage is useful for PFNA fixation in ITFs.Methods: A total of 80 patients with acute ITFs were treated with closed or mini-open reduction with PFNA fixation at the National Cheng Kung University Hospital and 60 eligible patients were randomized for whether to receive suction drainage. In clinical outcomes, the visual analog scale (VAS), morphine equivalent dosage, injured thigh width, body temperature, wound condition and wound infection were measured on postoperative day 1, 2, 4, 10, and 90. In laboratory outcomes, we evaluated hemoglobin and hematocrit levels postoperatively at different time points. Blood transfusion and total blood loss (TBL) were measured by Mercuriali's formula in millimeter.Results: The results revealed that the amount of blood transfusion received by the drained group (543.3 mL) was more than that by the undrained group (367.8 mL; p = 0.0074), and similarly, TBL in the drained group (750.1 mL) was more than that in the undrained group (537.4 mL; p = 0.0067). Regarding clinical and laboratory outcomes, compared with the undrained group, the drained group had a higher VAS score on postoperative day 2 (p = 0.0216). No difference was observed between the 2 groups for morphine equivalent dosage, thigh swelling, wound infection and hematoma, hospitalization period, or total number of complications at every time point after index procedure.Conclusions: Blood transfusion requirement and TBL were higher in the drained group than in the undrained group of PFNA fixation for ITFs. In addition, the closed drainage system may have manifested no short-term benefit for wound condition postoperatively.

Effects of preoperative percutaneous transhepatic biliary drainage on surgical treatment of type Ⅲ and Ⅳ hilar cholangiocarcinoma

Objective: To investigate the effects of preoperative percutaneous transhepatic biliary drainage on surgical treatment of type Ⅲ and Ⅳ hilar cholangiocarcinoma. Methods: Clinical data of 72 patients with hilar cholangiocarcinoma of the Bismuth-Corlette type Ⅲ and Ⅳ treated at Department of General Surgery,First Affiliated Hospital of Bengbu Medical College from January 2010 to December 2017 were analyzed retrospectively.Patients were divided into two groups based on whether PTBD was performed:a drained group and an undrained group.In the drained group,there were 31 patients,20 males and 11 females,aged (59.9±9.7)years (range: 39-73 years).Among them,14 patients underwent hepatectomy with half or more than half of the liver removed (extended hepatectomy)and 17 patients underwent non-anatomical hepatectomy in the hilar region (limited hepatectomy).In the undrained group,there were 41 patients, 26 males and 15 females, aged (60.8±7.8)years(range: 45-75 years).Among them, 17 patients underwent hepatectomy with half or more than half of the liver removed (extended hepatectomy)and 24 patients underwent non-anatomical hepatectomy in the hilar region (limited hepatectomy).Percutaneous transhepatic biliary drainage(PTBD)was used in the drained group.Under the guidance of ultrasound,one or more hepatobiliary ducts could be sufficiently drained,which had good effect and was not restricted by the obstruction location of hilar cholangiocarcinoma.The analysis of the measurement data was performed using t test,and the analysis of the count data was performed using χ(2) test,and the survival curve was plotted using Kaplan-meier method. Results: In total, 72 jaundiced patients with hilar cholangiocarcinoma underwent surgical treatment: 31 had PTBD prior to operation while 41 did not had PTBD.There were significant differences in ALT((93.2±21.4)U/L vs.(207.4±65.1)U/L),AST((87.6±18.1)U/L vs.(188.9±56.6)U/L)and total bilirubin((68.8±12.6)μmol/L vs.(227.5±87.7)μmol/L)between the patients after treatment and those before treatment(t=10.958, P=0.000; t=10.845, P=0.000; t=10.386, P=0.000).Compared with those in the undrained group, the operation time was shorter, the amount of intraoperative bleeding and the incidence of complications were lower in the drained group(t=-2.840, P=0.006; t=-3.698, P=0.000; χ(2)=4.108, P=0.043).There were no perioperative death cases in drained group and 2 perioperative death cases in undrained group.There was no significant difference in R0 resection rate between the two groups(χ(2)=0.778,P=0.378).The 1-,3-,5-year survival rate of patients in the drained group and the undrained group was 72.7%,34.2%, 13.7% and 72.8%, 31.5%, 11.8%, respectively.The difference was not statistically significant(all P>0.05). Conclusions: The preoperative percutaneous transhepatic biliary drainage in patients with hilar cholangiocarcinoma of Bismuth-Corlette type Ⅲ and Ⅳ could effectively shorten operative time, reduce amount of intraoperative bleeding and incidence of postoperative complications,but have no significant effect on the R0 resection rate and survival rate.

On the use of drains in orthopedic and trauma

The use of drains in trauma and Orthopaedic practice has been affected by the concept of evidence based medicine that has become accepted as standard of care for all surgical or medical practice, which questions all care processes that cannot be backed by evidence to be beneficial to the patient. There have been a large number of multi centre meta-analytical studies that found drains to be of little or no benefit in trauma and Orthopaedic operations. Because of these studies, there are few situations where drains are routinely used e.g. Calcaneal fractures in developed countries. Even major procedures like total knee and arthroplasties are being performed without drains. We set to find out whether such evidence can be found in our practice. Between 2004 and 2012, eighty six patients matched for sex and type of injury and operative procedures to be done were prospectively selected and assigned to use or no use of drains in their operations. Complications like haematoma, drain migration, infection, inadvertent drain stitching were observed in the two groups. Eighty six major orthopaedic operations were studied. There was no evidence of occurrence of complication arising from non use of drains in the undrained group. Those patients whose wounds were drained had no need for drain change thus making the wound care less eventful Postoperative wound drains make for neat postoperative period with less tissue swelling. There was no statistically significant differences between the drained and undrained wounds in terms of infection rates, haematoma or seroma formation.

The Significance of Closed Suction Drains With Tissue Expander

Objective: The study was done to evaluate the effect of closed suction drains on local wound complications and the progression of the expansion. Patients and methods: The study includes 32 patients were selected from outpatient clinic / Azadi teaching hospital / Kirkuk; divided to 2 groups, 20 patients with suction drain (redivac drain) and 12 patients without drain; between March 2007- July 2011.The surgeries done in plastic and reconstructive surgery department by one surgeon. Results: The median range of follow up was 2-4 months. post operative complications for drained group (20 patients) were seroma and hematoma 0% while infection occur in 1 patient (5%) only; on the other hand, complications for the undrained group (12 patients) include seroma and or hematoma formation in 4 patients (33.3%), infection in 4 patients (33.3%) while implant extrusion occur in 3 patients (25%). Conclusions: The use of closed suction drains with introduction of tissue expander is advantageous; it significantly decrease the risk of complications and re operation rate.

Preoperative biliary drainage in patients with hilar cholangiocarcinoma undergoing major hepatectomy

To investigate the effect of preoperative biliary drainage (PBD) in jaundiced patients with hilar cholangiocarcinoma (HCCA) undergoing major liver resections. An observational study was carried out by reviewing a prospectively maintained database of HCCA patients who underwent major liver resection for curative therapy from January 2002 to December 2012. Patients were divided into two groups based on whether PBD was performed: a drained group and an undrained group. Patient baseline characteristics, preoperative factors, perioperative and short-term postoperative outcomes were compared between the two groups. Risk factors for postoperative complications were also analyzed by logistic regression test with calculating OR and 95%CI. In total, 78 jaundiced patients with HCCA underwent major liver resection: 32 had PBD prior to operation while 46 did not have PBD. The two groups were comparable with respect to age, sex, body mass index and co-morbidities. Furthermore, there was no significant difference in the total bilirubin (TBIL) levels between the drained group and the undrained group at admission (294.2 ± 135.7 vs 254.0 ± 63.5, P = 0.126). PBD significantly improved liver function, reducing not only the bilirubin levels but also other liver enzymes. The preoperative TBIL level was significantly lower in the drained group as compared to the undrained group (108.1 ± 60.6 vs 265.7 ± 69.1, P = 0.000). The rate of overall postoperative complications (53.1% vs 58.7%, P = 0.626), reoperation rate (6.3% vs 6.5%, P = 1.000), postoperative hospital stay (16.5 vs 15.0, P = 0.221) and mortality (9.4% vs 4.3%, P = 0.673) were similar between the two groups. In addition, there was no significant difference in infectious complications (40.6% vs 23.9%, P = 0.116) and noninfectious complications (31.3% vs 47.8%, P = 0.143) between the two groups. Univariate and multivariate analyses revealed that preoperative TBIL > 170 μmol/L (OR = 13.690, 95%CI: 1.275-147.028, P = 0.031), Bismuth-Corlette classification (OR = 0.013, 95%CI: 0.001-0.166, P = 0.001) and extended liver resection (OR = 14.010, 95%CI: 1.130-173.646, P = 0.040) were independent risk factors for postoperative complications. Overall postoperative morbidity and mortality rates after major liver resection are not improved by PBD in HCCA patients with jaundice. Preoperative TBIL > 170 μmol/L, Bismuth-Corlette classification and extended liver resection are independent risk factors linked to postoperative complications.

Recurrence of chronic subdural haematomata with and without post-operative drainage

Chronic subdural haematoma is a common disease causing morbidity and mortality. Recurrence after surgical treatment is common, varying from 5% to 30% of cases. Several methods for reducing recurrence have been advocated. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of post-operative subdural drainage. Three hundred forty-four patients were included in a retrospective study. Treatment was performed by burr hole irrigation. Groups were separated into those with post-operative drainage compared to those without. Recurrence occurred in 14% in the drained group, significantly less than 26% in the undrained group (p = 0.011). There were no differences in the complication rates. Post-operative drainage reduces recurrence of chronic subdural haematoma without increasing the complication rate. These results support those reported in several other studies. We recommend the use of post-operative subdural drainage.

Draining after breast reduction: a randomised controlled inter-patient study

One hundred and seven bilateral breast reductions were prospectively randomised during surgery to receive or not receive wound drains. Fifty-five patients were randomised to have a drain and 52 to not have a drain. There was no statistical difference in the number of complications between the drained and undrained group (P=0.092; student's t-test for independent observations). Twenty-two of the 55 patients in the drained group had a complication, 12 of the 52 patients in the undrained group had a complication. The hospital stay was significantly shorter (P<0.001) in the undrained group. The main discomfort score due to the presence of the drains was 5.62, which can be qualified as high. This study demonstrates that breast reduction without postoperative draining does not increase the risk of complications, increases the patient's comfort and significantly reduces hospital stay.

Placental Drainage of Fetal Blood at Cesarean Delivery and Feto–Maternal Transfusion

To assess the efficacy of placental drainage of fetal blood at the time of cesarean delivery on the incidence of feto-maternal transfusion. This randomized trial includes 86 gravid women who underwent cesarean delivery. Forty-four women were assigned to the placental drainage group and 42 to the no-drainage group. Placental drainage was accomplished by cutting and milking the umbilical cord until no further blood flow occurred. All placentas were spontaneously expelled. The primary outcome variable, as assessed by preoperative and postoperative Kleihauer-Betke tests, was the amount of fetal blood (greater than or equal to 0.5 mL) in the maternal circulation. The group having placental drainage of fetal blood before placental delivery showed a significantly lower incidence (3 of 44, 6.8%) of feto-maternal transfusion (P=.003) as compared with the undrained group (14 of 42, 33%; relative risk 0.20, 95% confidence interval 0.065-0.65; number needed to treat=4). Placental drainage of fetal blood before spontaneous placental delivery at the time of cesarean delivery significantly reduces the incidence of feto-maternal transfusion. ClinicalTrials.gov, www.clinicaltrials.gov, NCT00470899 I.

PANCREATICODUODENECTOMY: DOES PREOPERATIVE BILIARY DRAINAGE, METHOD OF PANCREATIC RECONSTRUCTION OR AGE INFLUENCE PERIOPERATIVE OUTCOME? A RETROSPECTIVE STUDY OF 104 CONSECUTIVE CASES

Whether preoperative biliary drainage (PBD) is beneficial in reducing complications after pancreaticoduodenectomy is controversial. There remains a reluctance to consider pancreaticoduodenectomy in older patients. The major source of morbidity and potential mortality after pancreaticoduodenectomy is pancreatic fistula, which is caused by difficulties associated with the pancreatic anastomosis. The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of PBD, patient age and method of pancreatico-enteric reconstruction on postoperative morbidity and mortality. A total of 104 consecutive patients undergoing pancreaticoduodenectomy between November 1992 and November 2004 were identified from a prospectively collected database. Multiple preoperative and intraoperative variables were examined and their relationship to postoperative outcome was analysed. Postoperative mortality was <1%. Forty-three patients (43%) suffered a total of 85 complications. Median length of stay was 12.5 days (range, 1-88 days). The group undergoing PBD did not have higher rates of infectious complication (12 vs 19%; P = 0.34) or overall complication (41 vs 42%; P = 0.88) compared with the undrained group. Rate of anastomotic leak (18 vs 4%; P = 0.045) and anaemia requiring transfusion (41 vs 9%; P = 0.001) were significantly higher in the pancreaticojejunostomy group compared with the pancreaticogastrostomy group. Patients over the age of 70 years did not have higher rates of complication (44 vs 41%, P = 0.5) or postoperative length of stay. Preoperative biliary drainage was not associated with increased postoperative complications. Pancreaticogastrostomy after pancreaticoduodenectomy is a safe and reliable method of reconstruction. Finally, pancreaticoduodenectomy can be carried out with acceptable rates of postoperative morbidity and mortality in selected patients over 70 years of age.

A prospective, randomised, controlled trial of the use of drains in total hip arthroplasty

The routine use of surgical drains in total hip arthroplasty remains controversial. They have not been shown to decrease the rate of wound infection significantly and can provide a retrograde route for it. Their use does not reduce the size or incidence of post-operative wound haematomas. This prospective, randomised study was designed to evaluate the role of drains in routine total hip arthroplasty. We investigated 552 patients (577 hips) undergoing unilateral or bilateral total hip arthroplasty who had been randomised to either having a drain for 24 hours or not having a drain. All patients followed standardised pre-, intra-, and post-operative regimes and were independently assessed using the Harris hip score before operation and at six, 18 and 36 months follow-up. The rate of superficial and deep infection was 2.9% and 0.4%, respectively, in the drained group and 4.8% and 0.7%, respectively in the undrained group. One patient in the undrained group had a haematoma which did not require drainage or transfusion. The rate of transfusion after operation in the drained group was significantly higher than for undrained procedures (p < 0.042). The use of a drain did not influence the post-operative levels of haemoglobin, the revision rates, Harris hip scores, the length of hospital stay or the incidence of thromboembolism. We conclude that drains provide no clear advantage at total hip arthroplasty, represent an additional cost, and expose patients to a higher risk of transfusion.

Is Suction Drainage Necessary after Total Knee Arthroplasty?

Purpose: To assess the effectiveness of suction drainage following total knee arthroplasty in terms of blood-saving and local complications. Materials and Methods: A total of 67 patients who underwent primary total knee arthroplasty were evaluated. There were 35 drained and 32 undrained total knee arthroplasties. The total amount of blood loss and transfused were calculated in each patient. Any local or systemic complications were recorded. Results: No significant difference was noted between drained and undrained total knee arthroplasties regarding; wound healing, recovery of knee motion, or associated local or systemic complications. However, blood loss (1078 cc versus 298 cc) and transfusion amounts (2.8 unit versus 0.6 unit) were significantly higher in the drained group than in the undrained group. Conclusion: Following primary total knee arthroplasty, a lack of drainage did not cause significant wound healing problems, but it reduced blood loss and transfusion requirements. Wound drainage following total knee arthroplasty has been a tradition, but this study shows no benefits from a postoperative drainage system in primary total knee arthroplasty.

Retroperitoneal drainage after complete Para-aortic lymphadenectomy for gynecologic cancer: a randomized trial

Objective: To determine the relationship between retroperitoneal drainage after complete para-aortic lymphadenectomy for gynecologic cancer and subsequent development of lymphocysts. Methods: Eighty women undergoing complete para-aortic lymphadenectomy up to the level of the left renal vein for ovarian ( n = 43) or cervical carcinoma ( n = 37) were randomly assigned to receive drainage or no drainage of the para-aortic area. Most of patients had pelvic drainage. Abdominopelvic ultrasonography was done 8 to 12 days after surgery. Postoperative complications, duration of hospital stay, and characteristics of asymptomatic lymphocysts were studied. Results: Forty-two women had para-aortic drainage and 38 did not. Complications occurred in 15 patients who had drainage and in 5 patients who did not have drainage (36% versus 13%; P < .02). Three patients (8%) in the undrained group had complications potentially related to drainage (symptomatic lymphocysts or ascites) compared with 11 (26%) in the drained group (χ 2 = 4.6; P < .05). Median duration of the hospital stay was 9 days in the undrained group and 11 days in the drained group ( P < .03). The number of asymptomatic para-aortic lymphocysts detected during the ultrasonography was 9 (24%) in the undrained and 2 (5%) in the drained group (χ 2 = 4.6; P < .05). Conclusions: The number of asymptomatic para-aortic lymphocysts was higher in patients who did not undergo drainage, but morbidity and the duration of hospitalization were increased in these patients. Routine drainage of the retroperitoneum after para-aortic lymphadenectomy should be abandoned.

Retroperitoneal Drainage After Complete Para-aortic Lymphadenectomy for Gynecologic Cancer

In Brief Objective To determine the relationship between retroperitoneal drainage after complete para-aortic lymphadenectomy for gynecologic cancer and subsequent development of lymphocysts. Methods Eighty women undergoing complete para-aortic lymphadenectomy up to the level of the left renal vein for ovarian (n = 43) or cervical carcinoma (n = 37) were randomly assigned to receive drainage or no drainage of the para-aortic area. Most of patients had pelvic drainage. Abdominopelvic ultrasonography was done 8 to 12 days after surgery. Postoperative complications, duration of hospital stay, and characteristics of asymptomatic lymphocysts were studied. Results Forty-two women had para-aortic drainage and 38 did not. Complications occurred in 15 patients who had drainage and in 5 patients who did not have drainage (36% versus 13%; P < .02). Three patients (8%) in the undrained group had complications potentially related to drainage (symptomatic lymphocysts or ascites) compared with 11 (26%) in the drained group (χ2 = 4.6; P < .05). Median duration of the hospital stay was 9 days in the undrained group and 11 days in the drained group (P < .03). The number of asymptomatic para-aortic lymphocysts detected during the ultrasonography was 9 (24%) in the undrained and 2 (5%) in the drained group (χ2 < 4.6; P < .05). Conclusions The number of asymptomatic para-aortic lymphocysts was higher in patients who did not undergo drainage, but morbidity and the duration of hospitalization were increased in these patients. Routine drainage of the retroperitoneum after para-aortic lymphadenectomy should be abandoned Drainage of the retroperitoneum following para-aortic lymphadenectomy for gynecologic malignancies provides no benefits and increases morbidity.

全人工股関節置換術後のドレナージにおける検討

The closed suction drainage of wounds after total hip arthroplasty has become an established routine procedure, with the aim of preventing wound hematomas and thereby reducing wound complications and infection.A prospective evaluation of 40 hips in 39 patients who had undergone total hip arthroplasty was conducted to assess the effect of postoperative suction drainage. No suction drain was placed by randomization in 16 hips.Statistical analysis of the results showed no statistically significant differences between the drained and undrained group in decrease in hemoglobin, wound healing, and progressive of rehabilitation. We concluded that the use of routine postoperative suction drainage in uncomplicated total hip arthroplasty provides no apparent advantage.

Perforated appendicitis in children: to drain or not to drain?

We studied 66 children with perforated appendicitis at the University of New Mexico to determine whether or not transperitoneal drainage has any advantage in the management of these children. Patients were assigned to one or the other treatment group on the basis of the call schedule of the attending surgeons, two of whom preferred drainage and two of whom did not. Other aspects of appendicitis management (e. g., supportive care, antibiotics) were the same for both groups. Thirty-two other children who had an abscess at the time of appendectomy were excluded from the analysis. The two study groups were similar in age and severity of illness. Postoperative complications (wound infection, abdominal abscess, small-bowel obstruction) had a similar incidence in the two groups: 6/32 (18.8%) for the drained group and 7/34 (20.6%) for the undrained group. The hospital stay was significantly longer for the drained group (mean 10.1 days, median 9 days) versus the undrained group (mean 7.0 days, median 7 days). The power of our study was 0.52; twice our sample size would have been required to achieve a power of 0.80. The evidence suggests that, unless an abscess is present, drainage may be abandoned for children with perforated appendicitis.

Cholecystectomy: safe or not safe to drain?

The aim of this study was to determine whether drains influenced the size of subhepatic collections following cholecystectomy, and if these had any affect on complications. Eighty-five patients undergoing cholecystectomy had either no drain, a narrow bore suction drain or an open corrugated drain. Subhepatic fluid collections were measured by real time ultrasound on the first and fifth postoperative days, and thereafter if necessary. The volumes of fluid drained were also measured and clinical complications recorded. The subhepatic collections were, on average, the same whether a drain was used or not. Drains produced volumes considerably in excess of any subhepatic collection measured, but they did not appear to warn of biliary leakage. More complications (28%) were seen in the drained group compared with the undrained group (10.5%), and furthermore, the complications did not seem to occur in relation to the larger collections. One patient who had had a corrugated drain correctly placed developed biliary peritonitis. We suggest that drainage of simple cholecystectomy is unnecessary and, if an open drain is used, potentially dangerous.

Weakness of foot dorsiflexion and changes in compartment pressures after tibial osteotomy.

Weakness of dorsiflexion of the foot is a common complication of proximal tibial osteotomy and it has been suggested that this may be caused by an anterior tibial compartment syndrome. A prospective study of 20 patients undergoing tibial osteotomy was undertaken, in which compartment pressures were recorded and related to clinical signs. In 10 of the patients, the operation site was drained, and in 10 no drainage was employed. The undrained group showed significant elevation (greater than 45 mmHg) of the anterior compartment pressure in seven patients, and five of these had transient clinical signs. Only one patient had any permanent deficit, a minor asymptomatic weakness of extensor hallucis longus. In the drained group the pressures remained below 30 mmHg in all except two patients, who both had only a minor pressure rise and no significant early clinical signs. However, two patients from this group later developed weakness of dorsiflexion, probably due to common peroneal nerve injury, the cause of which is not clear.

THOMPSON PROSTHESIS FOR FRACTURED NECK OF FEMUR

The records of 243 patients with Thompson prostheses for displaced femoral neck fractures have been studied. One hundred and seven prostheses were inserted through an anterior approach and 136 by a posterior approach. The short-term results and complications in these otherwise comparable groups are discussed. The infection rate of 18.5 percent in the group operated upon by the posterior approach was thrice that after operations by the anterior route (6.5 per cent infected). Drained wounds had significantly less infection (6.3 per cent) compared with the undrained group (28 per cent infected). Other factors influencing the infection rate are discussed. The anterior approach offered greater stability. Of the twenty dislocations in the series, nineteen followed operations by the posterior approach. The mortality rate six weeks after operation was 6.5 per cent after the anterior approach and 20.6 per cent after the posterior approach. Statistical analysis significantly favours the anterior approach.