Non-union of femoral neck fractures may occur due to mechanical and biological factors. Valgus intertrochanteric osteotomy (VITO) alters hip biomechanics and enhances fracture union. The double-angled 120° plate is usually used for internal fixation of the osteotomy. It allows the osteotomy to heal with medialisation and verticalisation of the femoral shaft. This deformity causes medial ligament strain of the knee joint, genu valgum and ultimately osteoarthritis. This work presents our experience in treating vertical fractures and non-unions of the femoral neck by VITO and fixation by a single-angled 130º plate. Thirty-six patients presented with 19 recent vertical femoral neck fractures, and 17 non-unions were included. They were 26 men and ten women, and their ages averaged 37 years. Preoperative planning and VITO technique are described. Union was achieved in 35 patients (97%), and one recent fracture failed to unite (3%). Time to fracture union averaged four months in recent fractures and eight months in un-united fractures. All patients with united fractures had an almost normal configuration of the upper femur. Avascular necrosis of the femoral head was reported in five patients. Twentytwo patients (61%) were pain free, nine (25%) had hip pain on lengthy walks and the remaining five (14%) had persistent pain. Preoperative limb shortening averaged 2.5 cm, and post-operative shortening averaged 0.5 cm. We recommend VITO and fixation by a single-angled 130º plate for vertical femoral neck fractures and non-unions in relatively young adult patients.

Despite recent developments in fracture treatment, cases of non-union after long bone fractures are still encountered. This work aims at evaluating the active management of delayed union after the bridge-plate fixation of multifragmentary diaphyseal fractures by a limited surgical interference. Nineteen patients were included. All had revision surgery for delayed union of multifragmentary diaphyseal fractures after bridge-plate fixation. The period between primary and revision surgery was 12–20 weeks. Increasing stability was performed by adding more screws in all cases. Interfragmentary compression was performed in 16 patients. Axial compression of the fracture was applied in two patients, while one patient had the plate exchanged for a longer one. Bone grafting was added in nine patients. Union was achieved in all patients 8– 16 weeks after re-operation. This work is a message for timely surgical interference in delayed union after bridgeplate fixation by a limited surgical procedure, before complete failure of the fracture stabilisation or non-union.

Despite recent developments in fracture treatment, cases of non-union after long bone fractures are still encountered. This work aims at evaluating the active management of delayed union after the bridge-plate fixation of multifragmentary diaphyseal fractures by a limited surgical interference. Nineteen patients were included. All had revision surgery for delayed union of multifragmentary diaphyseal fractures after bridge-plate fixation. The period between primary and revision surgery was 12–20 weeks. Increasing stability was performed by adding more screws in all cases. Interfragmentary compression was performed in 16 patients. Axial compression of the fracture was applied in two patients, while one patient had the plate exchanged for a longer one. Bone grafting was added in nine patients. Union was achieved in all patients 8– 16 weeks after re-operation. This work is a message for timely surgical interference in delayed union after bridgeplate fixation by a limited surgical procedure, before complete failure of the fracture stabilisation or non-union.

Despite recent developments in fracture treatment, cases of non-union after long bone fractures are still encountered. This work aims at evaluating the active management of delayed union after the bridge-plate fixation of multifragmentary diaphyseal fractures by a limited surgical interference. Nineteen patients were included. All had revision surgery for delayed union of multifragmentary diaphyseal fractures after bridge-plate fixation. The period between primary and revision surgery was 12–20 weeks. Increasing stability was performed by adding more screws in all cases. Interfragmentary compression was performed in 16 patients. Axial compression of the fracture was applied in two patients, while one patient had the plate exchanged for a longer one. Bone grafting was added in nine patients. Union was achieved in all patients 8– 16 weeks after re-operation. This work is a message for timely surgical interference in delayed union after bridgeplate fixation by a limited surgical procedure, before complete failure of the fracture stabilisation or non-union.

We report five cases of intertrochanteric fractures that needed open reduction after failed closed reduction techniques. In all cases the shaft fragment included the lesser trochanter, and there was a long spike on the head—neck fragment. This was evident clinically as the proximal shaft, pulled by the iliopsoas tendon, produced a swelling in front of the hip joint. Radiographically, the fracture was minimally comminuted. The anteroposterior view revealed upward riding of the shaft fragment, while lateral view showed the femoral shaft in front of the head and neck. We describe a three-step technique, which was applied for open reduction in these unusual cases. With the patient supine on a standard operating table, the fracture site was exposed. The limb was placed in full adduction and external rotation to slacken the iliopsoas tendon. A Hohmann retractor was then passed medial to the shaft and behind the fractured surface of the sunken femoral neck, levering it anteriorly. Traction in abduction and internal rotation was applied to complete the reduction. Additional iliopsoas tenotomy was performed in two patients. All cases were fixed with a dynamic hip screw and all fractures united uneventfully. # 2005 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

We report five cases of intertrochanteric fractures that needed open reduction after failed closed reduction techniques. In all cases the shaft fragment included the lesser trochanter, and there was a long spike on the head—neck fragment. This was evident clinically as the proximal shaft, pulled by the iliopsoas tendon, produced a swelling in front of the hip joint. Radiographically, the fracture was minimally comminuted. The anteroposterior view revealed upward riding of the shaft fragment, while lateral view showed the femoral shaft in front of the head and neck. We describe a three-step technique, which was applied for open reduction in these unusual cases. With the patient supine on a standard operating table, the fracture site was exposed. The limb was placed in full adduction and external rotation to slacken the iliopsoas tendon. A Hohmann retractor was then passed medial to the shaft and behind the fractured surface of the sunken femoral neck, levering it anteriorly. Traction in abduction and internal rotation was applied to complete the reduction. Additional iliopsoas tenotomy was performed in two patients. All cases were fixed with a dynamic hip screw and all fractures united uneventfully. # 2005 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

We report five cases of intertrochanteric fractures that needed open reduction after failed closed reduction techniques. In all cases the shaft fragment included the lesser trochanter, and there was a long spike on the head—neck fragment. This was evident clinically as the proximal shaft, pulled by the iliopsoas tendon, produced a swelling in front of the hip joint. Radiographically, the fracture was minimally comminuted. The anteroposterior view revealed upward riding of the shaft fragment, while lateral view showed the femoral shaft in front of the head and neck. We describe a three-step technique, which was applied for open reduction in these unusual cases. With the patient supine on a standard operating table, the fracture site was exposed. The limb was placed in full adduction and external rotation to slacken the iliopsoas tendon. A Hohmann retractor was then passed medial to the shaft and behind the fractured surface of the sunken femoral neck, levering it anteriorly. Traction in abduction and internal rotation was applied to complete the reduction. Additional iliopsoas tenotomy was performed in two patients. All cases were fixed with a dynamic hip screw and all fractures united uneventfully. # 2005 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

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Background Pulmonary hypertension (PH) is a common complication of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) that is associated with poor prognosis. Noninvasive screening for PH in IPF patients is challenging and a combination of several noninvasive determinations can improve discrimination. Methods We included 235 IPF patients who underwent right heart catheterization (RHC) as part of the lung transplant evaluation. We measured electrocardiographic (ECG) and echocardiographic variables as well as the pulmonary artery (PA) and ascending aorta (AA) diameters on chest CT. We recorded results of arterial blood gases (ABG), pulmonary function (PFT) and 6-min walk tests (6MWT). Results Several variables were predictors of PH in IPF patients in univariable models including a lower arterial oxygenation and 6MWT distance; worse right ventricular (RV) function, rightward deviation of the QRS axis and a higher FVC/DLCOc ratio, PA/AA diameter ratio, and estimated RV systolic pressure. In multivariable analysis, a worse RV function and higher PA/AA ratio remained predictors of PH (c-index 0.75 (0.65–0.84)). Similarly, a worse RV function, a higher PA/AA ratio and a rightward QRS axis deviation were independent predictors of precapillary PH (c-index 0.86 (0.76–0.92)). A combination of PA/AA diameter ratio 1.1, a QRS axis 90° and normal RV function showed a negative predictive value of 85% for precapillary PH. Conclusions There are significant differences in ECG, echocardiographic, chest CT, PFT and ABG parameters between IPF patients with and without PH. However, these noninvasive tests alone or combination have limited discrimination ability for PH screening in IPF.

The incidental finding of high systolic pulmonary artery pressure on echocardiography is common. What we should do about it varies according to clinical presentation, comorbidities, and results of other tests, including assessment of the right ventricle. Thus, the optimal approach ranges from no further investigation to right heart catheterization and, in some cases, referral to a pulmonary hypertension center.