Early Weightbearing and Range of Motion Versus Non-Weightbearing and Immobilization After Open Reduction and Internal Fixation of Unstable Ankle Fractures: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to compare early weightbearing and range of motion (ROM) to nonweightbearing and immobilization in a cast after surgical fixation of unstable ankle fractures. DESIGN: Multicentre randomized controlled trial. SETTING: Two-level one trauma centers. PATIENTS: One hundred ten patients who underwent open reduction and internal fixation of an unstable ankle fracture were recruited and randomized. INTERVENTION: One of 2 rehabilitation protocols: (1) Early weightbearing (weightbearing and ROM at 2 weeks, Early WB) or (2) Late weightbearing (nonweightbearing and cast immobilization for 6 weeks, Late WB). MAIN OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS: The primary outcome measure was time to return to work (RTW). Secondary outcome measures included: ankle ROM, SF-36 heath outcome scores, Olerud/Molander ankle function score, and rates of complications. RESULTS: There was no difference in RTW. At 6 weeks postoperatively, patients in the Early WB group had significantly improved ankle ROM (41 vs. 29, P < 0.0001); Olerud/Molander ankle function scores (45 vs. 32, P = 0.0007), and SF-36 scores on both the physical (51 vs. 42, P = 0.008) and mental (66 vs. 54, P = 0.0008) components. There were no differences with regard to wound complications or infections and no cases of fixation failure or loss of reduction. Patients in the Late WB group had higher rates of planned/performed hardware removal due to plate irritation (19% vs. 2%, P = 0.005). CONCLUSIONS: Given the convenience for the patient, early improved functional outcome, and the lack of an increased complication rate, we recommend early postoperative weightbearing and ROM in patients with surgically treated ankle fractures. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic Level I. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

Delayed wound closure increases deep-infection rate associated with lower-grade open fractures: a propensity-matched cohort study.

BACKGROUND: Primary closure of skin wounds after debridement of open fractures is controversial. The purpose of the present study was to determine whether primary skin closure for grade-IIIA or lower-grade open extremity fractures is associated with a lower deep-infection rate. METHODS: We identified 349 Gustilo-Anderson grade-I, II, or IIIA fractures treated at our level-I academic trauma center from 2003 to 2007. Eighty-seven injuries were treated with delayed primary closure, and 262 were treated with immediate closure after surgical debridement. After application of a propensity score-matching algorithm to balance prognostic factors, 146 open fractures (seventy-three matched pairs) were analyzed. RESULTS: After application of a propensity score-matching algorithm with adjustment for age, sex, time to debridement, American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) class, fracture grade, evidence of gross contamination, and a tibial fracture rather than a fracture at another anatomic site, the two treatment groups were compared with respect to the prevalence of infection. Deep infection developed at the sites of three of the seventy-three fractures treated with immediate closure (infection rate, 4.1%; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.86 to 11.5) compared with thirteen in the matched group of seventy-three fractures treated with delayed primary closure (infection rate, 17.8%; 95% CI, 9.8 to 28.5) (McNemar test, p = 0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: Immediate closure of carefully selected wounds by experienced surgeons treating grade-I, II, and IIIA open fractures is safe and is associated with a lower infection rate compared with delayed primary closure.

Mortality and complications following stabilization of femoral metastatic lesions: a population-based study of regional variation and outcome.

BACKGROUND: It is considered that patients at risk for spontaneous fracture due to metastatic lesions should undergo surgical stabilization before fracture occurs; however, prophylactic stabilization is associated with surgical morbidity and mortality. We sought to compare pathological fracture fixation versus prophylactic stabilization of diaphyseal femoral lesions for patients with femoral metastases and assess the rate of prophylactic surgery completed in all regions of Ontario. METHODS: Using population data sets, we identified all patients who had undergone femoral stabilization, either for pathological femoral fractures or for prophylactic fixation of femoral metastases before pathological fractures, between 1992 and 1997 in Ontario. We compared the rates of survival, serious medical and surgical complications and length of stay in hospital between the 2 groups. RESULTS: A total of 624 patients underwent surgical stabilization for femoral metastases. The most common sites of primary metastases were the lungs (26%), breasts (16%), kidneys (6%) and prostate (6%); 46% of patients had other or multiple primary metastases. Overall, 37% of lesions were fixed prophylactically, with wide variation by region (17.6%-72.2%). Patients who underwent prophylactic stabilization had better overall survival at all postoperative time points. This held true after adjusting for age, sex, comorbidities and type of cancer (p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: These data demonstrate a survival advantage with prophylactic fixation of metastatic femoral lesions combined with a relatively low perioperative risk excluding concomitant bilateral procedures. Ontario regional rates of prophylactic fixation vary enormously, with most patients not receiving prophylactic treatment.

Factors associated with outcome after subtalar arthrodesis.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate radiographic and functional outcomes after subtalar arthrodesis and to identify patient factors associated with poor outcome. DESIGN: Retrospective study. SETTING: Two academic hospitals. PATIENTS: Eighty-eight patients with primary or secondary osteoarthritis treated between 1995 and 2002. INTERVENTION: Primary subtalar arthrodesis. MAIN OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS: Radiographic outcome was assessed by determining union rates. Functional outcome was assessed through self-administered questionnaires (Short Form-36, Short Musculoskeletal Function Assessment, and the AAOS Foot and Ankle Instrument). RESULTS: After adjusting for age and sex smokers were 3.8 times more likely to go on to nonunion than nonsmokers (P < 0.05). As patients aged, there was a higher likelihood of nonunion if they also smoked (P < 0.05). Of patients undergoing subtalar bone block distraction arthrodesis 95% went on to union compared with 65% of patients treated with an in situ subtalar arthrodesis without bone graft (P < 0.05). There was a trend for higher rates of union if a bone graft was used among patients treated with an in situ subtalar arthrodesis. Diabetic patients were 18.7 times more likely to have a malunion (P < 0.05). As a group, patients who have undergone subtalar arthrodesis can expect significantly worse functional outcomes compared with the Canadian and American normative populations. The poorest functional outcomes were observed among patients with diabetes. A trend for poorer outcome in bodily pain and general health (Short Form-36) was seen in workers' compensation patients. CONCLUSIONS: Certain patient variables are associated with poorer outcomes after subtalar fusion. The results of this study will enable surgeons to provide better information to patients in preoperative discussions with respect to patient expectations, outcomes, and the success of surgery.

Deficits following nonoperative treatment of displaced midshaft clavicular fractures.

BACKGROUND: Displaced fractures of the midpart of the clavicular shaft are generally treated nonoperatively, and few functional deficits have been reported. Whereas prior investigators have presented radiographic and surgeon-based outcomes, we used a patient-based outcome questionnaire and objective muscle-strength testing to evaluate a series of patients who had received nonoperative care for a displaced midshaft fracture of the clavicle. METHODS: We identified thirty patients (twenty-two men and eight women with a mean age of thirty-seven years) who had sustained a displaced midshaft fracture of the clavicle. All patients were treated nonoperatively. At a mean of fifty-five months, and a minimum of twelve months, outcomes were measured with the Constant shoulder score and the DASH (Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand) patient questionnaire. In addition, objective shoulder muscle-strength testing was performed with the Baltimore Therapeutic Equipment Work Simulator, with the uninjured arm serving as a control. RESULTS: The range of motion was well maintained, with flexion averaging 170 degrees +/- 20 degrees and abduction averaging 165 degrees +/- 25 degrees . Compared with the strength of the uninjured shoulder, the strength of the injured shoulder was reduced to 81% for maximum flexion, 75% for endurance of flexion, 82% for maximum abduction, 67% for endurance of abduction, 81% for maximum external rotation, 82% for endurance of external rotation, 85% for maximum internal rotation, and 78% for endurance of internal rotation (p < 0.05 for all values). The mean Constant score was 71 points, and the mean DASH score was 24.6 points, indicating substantial residual disability. CONCLUSIONS: Traditionally, good results with minimal functional deficits have been reported following nonoperative treatment of clavicular fractures. However, surgeon-based methods of evaluation may be insensitive to loss of muscle strength. We detected residual deficits in shoulder strength and endurance in this patient population, which may be related to the significant level of dysfunction detected by the patient-based outcome measures.

The increasing incidence of severe pelvic injury in motor vehicle collisions.

BACKGROUND: Pelvic fractures constitute a major cause of death and residual disability in motor vehicle collisions (MVC). To date there has been poor documentation of the epidemiology of severe pelvic injuries. A detailed retrospective examination of all abbreviated injury score (AIS) > or = 4 pelvic fractures sustained in occupants of MVCs seen at this lead trauma hospital over the last 12 years and in the province of Ontario over the last 6 years was completed. METHODS: The regional trauma centre registry and provincial database were used to obtain demographics, injuries, course in hospital and crash data on patients sustaining AIS > or = 4 pelvic injuries between May 1988 and April 2000. Data was analysed for drivers (D), front (FP) and rear (RP) passengers in 4-year blocks. Means (S.D.) with t-test for continuous and chi2 for categorical data were used for analysis. RESULTS: AIS > or = 4 pelvic fractures increased significantly in D and FP over 12 years and in RP over the last 8 years. Similar significant increases were seen throughout the province over the last 6 years. No significant change in age, sex, ISS or referral patterns was seen. Lateral impact collisions also increased over the study duration. Occupants with pelvic injury compared to all MVC survivors ISS > or = 16 during the same study period had a higher ISS (P < 0.001), utilised more blood in 24h and in total (P < 0.001) and died more frequently (P < 0.001). However, significantly fewer required ICU support (P < 0.01) which may reflect the associated injuries. Patients with pelvic fractures had significantly fewer head and chest injuries as well as fewer face and neck injuries. They did have significantly more injuries in the region of the pelvis including lumbar and sacral spine fractures, genitourinary, liver, spleen and lower extremity blood vessel, nerve and bone injuries. CONCLUSION: This study documented an increasing incidence of severe pelvic injury resulting from MVCs. This may be related to an associated increase in the incidence of lateral impact collisions. The role of side impact protection and side airbags, introduced to decrease injury severity in lateral impact collisions will require further study.

Venting during prophylactic nailing for femoral metastases: current orthopedic practice.

INTRODUCTION: Reamed intramedullary nailing, recommended for impending fracture of a femur weakened by bone metastases, causes a rise in intramedullary pressure and increases the risk of a fat embolism syndrome. The pressure can be equalized by the technique of venting--drilling a hole into the distal cortex of the femur. Our objective was to study the current practice of orthopedic surgeons in Ontario with respect to venting during prophylactic intramedullary nailing for an impending femoral fracture due to bone metastases. METHODS: We mailed a questionnaire to all orthopedic surgeons from the Province of Ontario listed in the 1999 Canadian Medical Directory or on the Canadian Orthopaedic Association membership list, asking if they vent when prophylactically nailing an impending pathologic femoral fracture. The responses were modelled as a function of surgeon volume and year of graduation. RESULTS: Of the 415 surveys mailed, 223 (54%) surgeons responded. Of these, 81% reported having prophylactically treated a femoral metastatic lesion during the previous year; 67% treated 1 to 3 metastatic lesions and 14% treated more than 3; 19% did not treat a metastatic femoral lesion prophylactically. Over two-thirds of surgeons had never considered venting, whereas one-third always or sometimes vented the femoral canal. More recent graduates were 3 times more likely to vent than earlier (before 1980) graduates (odds ratio [OR] = 3.2, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.6-6.5) as were those who treat a greater number of impending fractures (OR = 1.4, 95% CI 1.1-1.7). CONCLUSIONS: Although there is a theoretical rationale for routine venting, there is disagreement among Ontario orthopedic surgeons regarding the use of this technique during prophylactic nailing for femoral metastatic lesions. Prospective evidence will be required to warrant a change in the standard of care.

The effect of smoking on clinical outcome and complication rates following Ilizarov reconstruction.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the effect of smoking on outcome and complication rates following Ilizarov reconstruction. DESIGN: We performed a retrospective review of 84 adult patients (86 limbs) who underwent Ilizarov reconstruction. There were 39 "limbs" in nonsmokers and 47 "limbs" in active smokers. Complications and an outcome score based on ASAMI (Association for the Study and Application of the Methods of Ilizarov) criteria were recorded for each patient. DATA ANALYSIS AND RESULTS: There were 35 major complications including 15 malunions/nonunions, 7 refractures, 8 persisting infections, and 5 amputations. Results were measured using the ASAMI outcome scale. There were significantly more poor results in the smoking group than in the nonsmoking group (18/47, 38% versus 4/39, 10%; P = 0.003). Seven of eight patients with persisting infection were smokers (P = 0.049). There was a higher incidence of nonunion in the smoking group (P = 0.031). All five amputations were in smokers (P = 0.035). CONCLUSION: Smokers had a higher percentage of poor results (P = 0.01), due primarily to higher complication rates. Smoking is a significant, potentially remediable risk factor for failure following Ilizarov reconstruction, and cessation strategies are of paramount importance prior to initiating treatment.

Provider volume and other predictors of outcome after total knee arthroplasty: a population study in Ontario.

INTRODUCTION: Because of rationing of the limited pool of health care resources, access to total knee arthroplasty (TKA) is limited, but investigation of variables that predict complications, length of hospital stay, cost and outcomes of TKA may allow us to optimize the available resources. The objective of this study was to examine the effect of various factors on complication rates after TKA in patients managed in Ontario. METHODS: Patients who had undergone an elective TKA between 1993 and 1996, as captured in the Canadian Institute for Health Information (CIHI) database, formed the study cohort. The CIHI dataset was used to obtain information regarding in-hospital complications, hospital length of stay, revision rates, infection rates and mortality. Generalized estimating linear or logistic regression equations were used to model outcomes as a function of age, gender, comorbidity, diagnosis and provider volume. RESULTS: During the study period, 14,352 patients in Ontario underwent TKA. Mortality at 3 months was associated with patient age, gender and comorbidity. There was no association between provider volume and mortality or the infection rate. Higher revision rates at 1 and 3 years were significantly associated with lower patient age and low hospital volume (p < 0.05). Hospitals in which fewer than 48 TKA procedures were done per year (< 40th percentile) had 2.2-fold greater 1-year revision rates than hospitals performing more than 113 TKAs annually (> 80th percentile). Complications during admission were associated with increased patient age and comorbidity, and higher hospital volume. Longer hospital stay was associated with female gender, increasing patient comorbidity and age, and lower provider volume. Surgeons who performed fewer than 14 TKAs annually (< 40th percentile) kept patients in hospital an average of 1.4 days longer than surgeons performing more than 42 TKAs annually (> 80th percentile). CONCLUSIONS: Patient variables significantly affect the rate of complications. Age, sex and comorbidity were significant predictors of complications, length of hospital stay and mortality after TKA. Although low surgeon volume was related to longer hospital stay, there was no association between surgeon volume and complication rates. The increased early revision rate for low-volume hospitals demands further study.

Subcapital hip fractures: the Garden classification should be replaced, not collapsed.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate rater agreement for a simple 2-category classification of subcapital hip fractures versus the 4-category Garden classification and to determine the effect of clinician experience on the level of agreement. SETTING: Sunnybrook and Women's Health Sciences Centre, Toronto, a level 1 trauma centre. METHOD: Eleven raters, with varying levels of clinical experience (3 fellowship-trained orthopedic surgeons, 4 clinical fellows and 4 residents), classified 34 pairs of anteroposterior and lateral radiographs of patients with subcapital hip fractures according to whether the fracture was stable (the fragments move as a unit) or unstable (the fragments move independently), and according to Garden's original 4-category classification. The exercise was repeated 1 month later. The radiographs were obtained from a fracture database to represent a wide spectrum of injury severity. OUTCOME MEASURES: The level of agreement beyond chance, quantified by use of the SAV statistic of O'Connell and Dobson. RESULTS: The most experienced raters demonstrated almost perfect inter- and intrarater agreement with respect to stable and unstable fractures (SAV > 0.80). The raters demonstrated only fair agreement for the Garden classification (mean SAV 0.64). Even junior clinicians demonstrated substantial agreement regarding fracture stability, with much lower scores for the Garden classification. Collapsing the Garden classification responses into 2 categories (stages I and II v. III and IV) was not synonymous with rater categorization of stable versus unstable. CONCLUSION: The Garden classification for subcapital hip fractures is unreliable and should be abandoned in favour of categorizing fractures as stable versus unstable.

Femoral intramedullary nailing: comparison of fracture-table and manual traction. a prospective, randomized study.

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to compare manual traction and fracture-table traction for the reduction and nailing of femoral shaft fractures. We evaluated the quality of the reduction, operative time, complications, and functional status of the patient. METHODS: Eighty-seven consecutive adult patients with a unilateral fracture of the femoral diaphysis that did not extend into the knee joint or proximal to the lesser trochanter were enrolled in the study. Patients who were transferred to our institution more than forty-eight hours after injury; those with multiple-system injuries, injury to the ipsilateral lower extremity, or pathological fracture; and those who were unable or unwilling to provide consent or to return for follow-up were excluded. Forty-five patients were randomized to manual traction and forty-two, to fracture-table traction; all were treated in the supine position. The number of surgical assistants, operative and fluoroscopy time, complications, functional scores, and other outcomes were recorded. RESULTS: There were no significant differences between the groups with respect to age, gender, Glasgow Coma Score, Injury Severity Score, side or mechanism of injury, fracture type, or time from injury to treatment. Internal malrotation was significantly more common when the fracture table had been used: twelve (29%) of the forty-two femora were internally rotated by >10 compared with three (7%) of the forty-five treated with manual traction (p = 0.007). Total operative time, from the beginning of the patient positioning to the completion of the skin closure, was decreased from a mean of 139 minutes (range, 100 to 212 minutes) when the fracture table was used to a mean of 119 minutes (range, sixty-five to 180 minutes) when manual traction was used (p = 0.033). There was no significant difference between the two treatment groups with regard to the number of assistants per case (mean two; range, zero to three), fluoroscopy time, other complications including femoral shortening or lengthening, or functional status of the patient at one year. CONCLUSIONS: Compared with fracture-table traction with the patient in a supine position, manual traction for intramedullary nailing of isolated fractures of the femoral shaft is an effective technique that decreases operative time and improves the quality of the reduction.