The Longitudinal Short-, Medium-, and Long-Term Functional Recovery After Unstable Pelvic Ring Injuries.

OBJECTIVES: Describe the trajectory of functional recovery for patients with surgically treated unstable pelvic ring injuries from baseline to 5 years. DESIGN: Prospective cohort study. SETTING: Level I Trauma Center. PATIENTS/PARTICIPANTS: One hundred eight adult patients with surgically treated pelvic fractures (72% OTA/AO 61 B1-B3 and 28% OTA/AO 61 C1-C3) were enrolled into the institutions orthopaedic trauma database between 2004 and 2015. The cohort was 78% men with a mean age of 44.9 years and injury severity score of 16.9. INTERVENTION: Surgical pelvic stabilization. MAIN OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS: Function was measured at baseline and prospectively at 6 months, 1, and 5 years postoperatively using the Short Form-36 Physical Component Score (SF-36 PCS). The trajectory was mapped, and the proportion of patients achieving a minimal clinically important difference (MCID) between time points was determined. RESULTS: The mean SF-36 PCS improved for the entire group between 6 and 12 months (P = 0.001) and between 1 and 5 years (P = 0.02), but did not return to baseline at 5 years (P < 0.0001). The proportion of patients achieving a MCID between 6 and 12 months and 1 and 5 years was 75% and 60%, respectively. The functional level was similar between type B and C groups at baseline (P = 0.5) and 6 months (P = 0.2); however, the type B cohort reported higher scores at 1 year (P = 0.01) and 5 years (P = 0.01). Neither group regained their baseline function (P < 0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: Functional recovery for patients with surgically treated pelvic fractures is characterized by an initial decline in function, followed by sharp improvement between 6 and 12 months, and continued steady improvement between 1 and 5 years. Type B injuries show better early recovery than type C and reach a higher level of function at the final follow-up. Despite the proportion of patients achieving MCID, patients do not regain the preinjury level of function. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Prognostic Level III. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

Role of North-South Partnership in Trauma Management: Uganda Sustainable Trauma Orthopaedic Program.

Uganda, as do many low-middle income countries, has an overwhelming volume of orthopaedic trauma injuries. The Uganda Sustainable Trauma Orthopaedic Program (USTOP) is a partnership between the University of British Columbia, McMaster University and Makerere University that was initiated in 2007. The goal of the project is to reduce the disabilities that occur secondary to musculoskeletal trauma in Uganda. USTOP works with local collaborators to build orthopaedic trauma capacity through teaching, innovation, and research. USTOP has maintained a multidisciplinary approach to training, involving colleagues in anesthesia, nursing, rehabilitation, and sterile reprocessing. The project was initiated at the invitation of the Department of Orthopaedics at Makerere University and Mulago Hospital in Kampala. The project is a collaboration between Canadian and Ugandan orthopaedic surgeons and is driven by the needs identified by the Ugandan surgeons. The program has also worked with collaborators to develop several technologies aimed at reducing the cost of providing orthopaedic care without compromising quality. As orthopaedic trauma capacity in Uganda advances, USTOP strives to continually evolve and provide relevant support to colleagues in Uganda to ensure that changes result in sustainable improvements in patient care.

Trajectory of Short- and Long-Term Recovery of Tibial Shaft Fractures After Intramedullary Nail Fixation.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the trajectory of recovery after tibial shaft fracture treated with intramedullary nail over the first 5 years and to evaluate the magnitude of the changes in functional outcome at various time intervals. DESIGN: Prospective cohort study. SETTING: A Level 1 trauma center. PATIENTS/PARTICIPANTS: One hundred thirty-two patients with tibial shaft fracture (OTA 42-A, B, C) were enrolled into the Center's prospective orthopaedic trauma database between January 2005 and February 2010. Functional outcome data were collected at baseline, 6 months, 1 year, and 5 years. INTERVENTION: Enrolled patients were treated acutely with intramedullary nailing of their tibia. MAIN OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS: Evaluation was performed using the Short Form-36 and Short Musculoskeletal Function Assessment (SMFA). RESULTS: Mean SF-36 physical component scores improved between 6 and 12 months (P = 0.0008) and between 1 and 5 years (P = 0.0029). Similarly, mean SMFA dysfunction index scores improved between 6 and 12 months (P = 0.0254) and between 1 and 5 years (P = 0.0106). In both scores, the rate or slope of this improvement is flatter between 1 and 5 years than it is between 6 and 12 months. Furthermore, SF-36 and SMFA scores did not reach baseline at 5 years (SF-36 P < 0.0001, SMFA P = 0.0026). A significant proportion of patients were still achieving a minimal clinically important difference in function between 1 and 5 years (SF-36 = 54%, SMFA = 44%). CONCLUSIONS: The trajectory of functional recovery after tibial shaft fracture is characterized by an initial decline in function, followed by improvement between 6 and 12 months. There is still further improvement beyond 1 year, but this is of flatter trajectory. The 5-year results indicate that function does not improve to baseline by 5 years after injury. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Prognostic Level IV. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

Is Early Definitive Fixation of Bicondylar Tibial Plateau Fractures Safe? An Observational Cohort Study.

OBJECTIVES: The optimal treatment protocol for bicondylar plateau fractures remains controversial. Contrary to popular practice which favors a staged protocol in many high-energy fracture patterns, we have used early single-stage open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) to treat these injuries whenever possible. The purpose of this study was to determine the complication rate and the functional and radiographic outcomes of this strategy. DESIGN: Retrospective cohort study and prospective data collection. SETTING: Level I trauma center. PATIENTS/PARTICIPANTS: One hundred one patients with 102 OTA/AO type 41-C bicondylar tibial plateau fractures were treated with early definitive ORIF, defined as nonstaged surgery performed within 72 hours from injury. A subset of patients was part of a longitudinal study and reported functional outcomes at 1 year. INTERVENTION: Early definitive ORIF. MAIN OUTCOME MEASUREMENT: Primary outcome: reoperation rate, defined as any surgery within 12 months after the index operation; secondary outcomes: quality and stability of radiographic fracture reduction; and functional outcome [Medical Outcomes Study 36-Item Short-Form Health Survey (SF-36) and short musculoskeletal functional assessment (SMFA)]. RESULTS: Nonstaged operative treatment of bicondylar plateau fractures was performed in 91.3% of the fractures during the study period. For those, early definitive ORIF (surgery within 72 hours from injury) was performed in 82.3% fractures. Mean time from injury to ORIF, for closed fractures, was 29.8 hours. Sixteen (15.7%) fractures, which were treated with early definitive ORIF, required an additional surgical procedure within 12 months. Complications included wound infection requiring surgical management, compartment syndrome requiring fasciotomies, nonunion, early fixation failure, and implant removal for discomfort. The reoperation rate was 12.7% if implant removal was excluded. At least 3 of the 4 radiographic criteria used to assess the adequacy of reduction were achieved in 95.1% of cases, and all 4 criteria were met in 59.8% of fractures. The Physical Component of the SF-36 at 12 months was 42.6, which is comparable to values reported in previous studies for operative treatment of bicondylar plateau fractures. CONCLUSIONS: In a model where surgery is performed without delay by experienced orthopaedic trauma surgeons, a large proportion of bicondylar tibial plateau fractures can be safely treated with early definitive ORIF. Early surgery was associated with satisfactory postoperative radiographic reductions. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic Level IV. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

Role of Depression in Outcomes of Low-Energy Distal Radius Fractures in Patients Older Than 55 Years.

OBJECTIVES: This study examines depression and outcomes in patients older than 55 years with distal radius fracture. DESIGN: Prospective data collection included patient characteristics, treatment, general and limb symptoms and disability, and complications at baseline, 3 months, and 1 year. Bivariate analysis and multivariable linear regression were used to assess relationships between depression and outcome measures, specifically the Short Form-36 (SF-36), Disability of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand (DASH) scores, and the Centre of Epidemiologic Studies Depression (CES-D) scale. SETTING: The study was conducted in a level-1 trauma center. PARTICIPANTS: All patients older than 55 years with isolated distal radius fracture were recruited (2007-2011). INTERVENTION: Patients were treated operatively or nonoperatively. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The SF-36 and DASH scores measured general and upper extremity status. Depression was measured using CES-D scale. All complications were recorded. RESULTS: Of 228 patients, 25% were depressed at baseline, 32% at 3 months, and 26% after 1 year. Thirty-two patients (14%) had complications. There was no relationship between depression at baseline and complications; however, there was a statistically significant relationship at 3 months (P = 0.021). There was a statistically significant association between baseline depression and the worse 1-year SF-36. Patients with baseline depression had poorer 1-year DASH scores (20 ± 2.3) than nondepressed patients (11 ± 1.3) (P = 0.0031), and less improvement in DASH scores over the first year (P = 0.023). Multivariable linear regression demonstrated that baseline depression is the strongest predictor of poorer 1-year DASH scores (3.7, P = 0.0078) and change in DASH scores over the first year (2.9, P = 0.026). CONCLUSIONS: Baseline depression predicts worse function and disability outcomes 1 year from injury. Depression (CES-D ≥16) is the strongest predictor of worse 1-year DASH scores and SF-36 outcome measures, after controlling for other potential predictors. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Prognostic Level I. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

Determinants of Functional Outcome in Distal Radius Fractures in High-Functioning Patients Older Than 55 Years.

OBJECTIVES: To determine the influence of treatment and radiographic parameters on patient-reported functional outcomes on a population of non-frail elderly with distal radius fractures. DESIGN: Prospective cohort study. SETTING: Level 1 trauma center. PATIENTS/PARTICIPANTS: Patients older than 55 years presenting with a distal radius fracture and a Canadian Study of Health and Aging Clinical Frailty Scale score of 1 or 2. INTERVENTION: Closed reduction and casting or open reduction and internal fixation as per the treating surgeons' decision. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Radiographic scores at baseline, 6 weeks, and 12 weeks, as well as Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand, Short Form 36, and Patient-Reported Wrist Evaluation scores up to 1 year after injury. Univariate analysis and linear regression analysis were performed on outcome measures. RESULTS: No difference exists in outcomes based on treatment choice. Patients with ulnar positivity greater than 2 mm at baseline, after treatment, and at final follow-up had worse patient-reported scores at 1 year. Persistent articular gaps and/or steps greater than 2 mm after treatment were also associated with worse patient-reported outcomes. CONCLUSION: Even in high-functioning patients older than 55 years, there was no difference in patient-reported outcomes at 1 year in the open reduction group as compared with the closed reduction group. Instead, physicians should pay particular attention to radial shortening and persistent articular gaps following their chosen treatment plan for distal radial fractures. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Prognostic Level I. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

Developing Orthopaedic Trauma Capacity in Uganda: Considerations From the Uganda Sustainable Trauma Orthopaedic Program.

Uganda, like many low-income countries, has a tremendous volume of orthopaedic trauma injuries. The Uganda Sustainable Trauma Orthopaedic Program (USTOP) is a partnership between the University of British Columbia and Makerere University that was initiated in 2007 to reduce the consequences of neglected orthopaedic trauma in Uganda. USTOP works with local collaborators to build orthopaedic trauma capacity through clinical training, skills workshops, system support, technology development, and research. USTOP has maintained a multidisciplinary approach to training, involving colleagues in anaesthesia, nursing, rehabilitation, and sterile reprocessing. Since the program's inception, the number of trained orthopaedic surgeons practicing in Uganda has more than doubled. Many of these newly trained surgeons provide clinical care in the previously underserved regional hospitals. The program has also worked with collaborators to develop several technologies aimed at reducing the cost of providing orthopaedic care without compromising quality. As orthopaedic trauma capacity in Uganda advances, USTOP strives to continually evolve and provide relevant support to colleagues in Uganda.

Making Safe Surgery Affordable: Design of a Surgical Drill Cover System for Scale.

Many surgeons in low-resource settings do not have access to safe, affordable, or reliable surgical drilling tools. Surgeons often resort to nonsterile hardware drills because they are affordable, robust, and efficient, but they are impossible to sterilize using steam. A promising alternative is to use a Drill Cover system (a sterilizable fabric bag plus surgical chuck adapter) so that a nonsterile hardware drill can be used safely for surgical bone drilling. Our objective was to design a safe, effective, affordable Drill Cover system for scale in low-resource settings. We designed our device based on feedback from users at Mulago Hospital (Kampala, Uganda) and focused on 3 main aspects. First, the design included a sealed barrier between the surgical field and hardware drill that withstands pressurized fluid. Second, the selected hardware drill had a maximum speed of 1050 rpm to match common surgical drills and reduce risk of necrosis. Third, the fabric cover was optimized for ease of assembly while maintaining a sterile technique. Furthermore, with the Drill Cover approach, multiple Drill Covers can be provided with a single battery-powered drill in a "kit," so that the drill can be used in back-to-back surgeries without requiring immediate sterilization. The Drill Cover design presented here provides a proof-of-concept for a product that can be commercialized, produced at scale, and used in low-resource settings globally to improve access to safe surgery.

Incidence, Magnitude, and Predictors of Shortening in Young Femoral Neck Fractures.

OBJECTIVES: To describe the incidence and magnitude of femoral neck fracture shortening in patients age younger than 60 years. Secondarily, to examine predictors of fracture shortening. DESIGN: Retrospective chart review. SETTING: Level I trauma centre. PATIENTS/PARTICIPANTS: Sixty-five patients with a median age of 51 years (interquartile range: 42-56 years) were included. Seventy-one percent were male, 75% were displaced fractures, and 78% were treated with cancellous screws. INTERVENTION: Internal fixation with multiple cancellous screws or sliding hip screw (SHS) + derotation screw. MAIN OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS: Radiographic femoral neck shortening at a minimum of 6 weeks after fixation. RESULTS: Fifty-four percent of patients had ≥5 mm of femoral neck shortening (22% had between ≥5 and <10 mm and 32% ≥10 mm). Initially, displaced fractures shortened more than undisplaced fractures (mean: 8.1 vs. 2.2 mm, P < 0.001), and fractures treated with SHS + derotation screw shortened more than fractures with cancellous screws alone (10.7 vs. 5.5 mm, P = 0.03). Even when adjusting for initial fracture displacement, fractures treated with SHS + derotation screw shortened an average of 2.2 mm more than fractures treated with screws alone (P = 0.03). CONCLUSIONS: The incidence of clinically significant shortening in our young femoral neck fracture population was higher than anticipated, and 32% of patients experienced severe shortening of >1 cm. Our findings highlight the need for further research to determine the impact of severe shortening on functional outcome and to determine if implant selection affects fracture shortening. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Prognostic Level IV. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

Methodology and interpretation of radiographic outcomes in surgically treated pelvic fractures: a systematic review.

OBJECTIVE: To identify and evaluate previously described methods for the measurement, and interpretation, of radiographic outcomes of operatively treated pelvic fractures. DATA SOURCES: A systematic review of the available literature was performed using all major databases (MEDLINE, EMBASE, MEDLINE IN-PROGRESS, and Cochrane Central) in August 2009. STUDY SELECTION: Inclusion criteria were case series, cohort studies, or clinical trials regarding orthopaedic treatment of acute traumatic pelvic ring fractures treated surgically in adults, with at least 12 weeks of radiographic follow-up. Exclusion criteria were case reports or case series of <10 patients, review articles, foreign language articles, and series where time frame of outcome measurement was not stated were excluded. DATA EXTRACTION: Modality, and timeline, of the radiographic assessment was recorded. Next, the description of the method of radiographic measurement technique used was scrutinized for standardization. The interpretation of the radiographic measurement was evaluated, and any grading scale used was recorded. The interpretation of the quality of the radiographic result as described by each author was recorded. Finally, a qualitative methodological analysis was performed. DATA SYNTHESIS: Number of standardized radiographic assessment techniques used (3 of 31) and interpretation scales used (13 of 31) were calculated. Nonweighted mean follow-up time (30.6 months) and overall positive radiographic outcomes were calculated (78.6% good or excellent). CONCLUSIONS: Reporting of radiographic outcomes in pelvic fractures has been done using largely unstandardized and universally untested measurement techniques. The interpretations of these measurements are also inconsistent and untested. Substantive future research is needed in this area.