Post hip fracture orthogeriatric care-a Canadian position paper addressing challenges in care and strategies to meet quality indicators.

INTRODUCTION: Osteoporosis is a major disease state associated with significant morbidity, mortality, and health care costs. Less than half of the individuals sustaining a low energy hip fracture are diagnosed and treated for the underlying osteoporosis. OBJECTIVE: A multidisciplinary Canadian hip fracture working group has developed practical recommendations to meet Canadian quality indicators in post hip fracture care. METHODS: A comprehensive narrative review was conducted to identify and synthesize key articles on post hip fracture orthogeriatric care for each of the individual sections and develop recommendations. These recommendations are based on the best evidence available today. CONCLUSION: Recommendations are anticipated to reduce recurrent fractures, improve mobility and healthcare outcomes post hip fracture, and reduce healthcare costs. Key messages to enhance postoperative care are also provided.

What Are the Challenges Related to Family Planning, Pregnancy, and Parenthood Faced by Women in Orthopaedic Surgery? A Systematic Review.

BACKGROUND: Orthopaedic surgery is the surgical specialty with the lowest proportion of women. Conflicting evidence regarding the potential challenges of pregnancy and parenthood in orthopaedics, such as the implications of delayed childbearing, may be a barrier to recruitment and retainment of women in orthopaedic surgery. A summary of studies is needed to ensure that women who have or wish to have children during their career in orthopaedic surgery are equipped with the relevant information to make informed decisions. QUESTIONS/PURPOSES: In this systematic review, we asked: What are the key gender-related barriers pertaining to (1) family planning, (2) pregnancy, and (3) parenthood that women in orthopaedic surgery face? METHODS: Embase, MEDLINE, and PsychINFO were searched on June 7, 2021, for studies related to pregnancy or parenthood as a woman in orthopaedic surgery. Inclusion criteria were studies in the English language and studies describing the perceptions or experiences of attending surgeons, trainees, or program directors. Studies that sampled surgical populations without specific reference to orthopaedics were excluded. Quantitative and qualitative analyses were performed to identify important themes. Seventeen articles including surveys (13 studies), selective reviews (three studies), and an environmental scan (one study) met the inclusion criteria. The population sampled included 1691 attending surgeons, 864 trainees, and 391 program directors in the United States and United Kingdom. The Risk of Bias Instrument for Cross-Sectional Surveys of Attitudes and Practices tool was used to evaluate the risk of bias in survey studies. A total of 2502 women and 560 men were sampled in 13 surveys addressing various topics related to pregnancy, parenthood, and family planning during an orthopaedic career. Three selective reviews provided information on occupational hazards in the orthopaedic work environment during pregnancy, while one environmental scan outlined the accessibility of parental leave policies at 160 residency programs. Many of the survey studies did not report formal clarity, validity, or reliability assessments, therefore increasing their risk of bias. However, our analysis of the provided instruments as well as the consistency of identified themes across multiple survey studies suggests the evidence we aggregated was sufficiently robust to answer the research questions posed in the current systematic review. RESULTS: These data revealed that many women have witnessed or experienced discrimination related to pregnancy and parenthood, at times resulting in a decision to delay family planning. In one study, childbearing was reportedly delayed by 67% of respondents (304 of 452) because of their career choice in orthopaedics. Orthopaedic surgeons were more likely to experience pregnancy complications (range 24% to 31%) than the national mean in the United States (range 13% to 17%). Lastly, despite these challenging conditions, there was often limited support for women who had or wished to start a family during their orthopaedic surgery career. Maternity and parental leave policies varied across training institutions, and only 55% (56 of 102) of training programs in the United States offered parental leave beyond standard vacation time. CONCLUSION: The potential negative effects of these challenges on the orthopaedic gender gap can be mitigated by increasing the availability and accessibility of information related to family planning, parental leave, and return to clinical duties while working as a woman in orthopaedic surgery. Future research could seek to provide a more global perspective and specifically explore regional variation in the environment faced by pregnancy or parenting women in orthopaedic surgery. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III, prognostic study.

Safety of expedited-surgery protocols in anticoagulant-treated patients with hip fracture: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Perioperative management of patients with hip fracture patients receiving oral anticoagulants requires navigating the risks associated with surgical delay and perioperative hemostasis. The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to evaluate the effect of expedited-surgery protocols on time to surgery and perioperative outcomes in anticoagulant-treated patients with hip fracture. METHODS: We searched MEDLINE, Embase and CENTRAL from inception to May 5, 2020, to identify English-language studies reporting outcomes after expedited hip fracture surgery in patients receiving vitamin K antagonists (VKAs) or direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) before hospital admission. We performed a meta-analysis using Mantel-Haenszel weighting for dichotomous variables and inverse variance weighting for continuous variables. RESULTS: Among the 4253 citations identified, 14 studies were included. In the 6 studies eligible for meta-analysis, compared to hip fracture surgery before implementation of a VKA-reversal protocol, surgery after implementation of such a protocol was associated with a significant reduction in time to surgery (mean difference 45.31 h, 95% confidence interval [CI] 15.81 h to 74.80 h). Expedited surgery (within 48 h) in patients who received DOACs preoperatively was not associated with increased surgical duration (mean difference -7.29 min, 95% CI -22.5 min to 7.95 min) or 30-day mortality (odds ratio [OR] 1.30, 95% CI 0.49 to 3.89) compared to patients who did not receive anticoagulants (control patients). However, expedited surgery in DOAC-treated patients was associated with an increased blood transfusion risk compared to control patients (OR 0.58, 95% CI 0.36 to 0.96). CONCLUSION: Implementing a VKA-reversal protocol for patients with hip fracture is effective in decreasing time to surgery, without an increased bleeding risk. Performing hip fracture surgery within 48 hours in DOAC-treated patients is also safe, with a small increase in blood transfusion risk.

Four-dimensional computed tomography: musculoskeletal applications.

Four-dimensional computed tomography (4DCT), or dynamic CT, is an emerging modality with a wealth of orthopedic applications for both clinical practice and research. This technology creates CT volumes of a moving structure at multiple time points to depict real-time motion. Recent advances in acquisition technology and reduction in radiation dosage have allowed for increased adoption of the modality and have made imaging of joint motion feasible and safe. Musculoskeletal 4DCT has been used primarily to investigate wrist motion; however, the utility of 4DCT has been shown in other areas, including the shoulder, elbow, hip, knee and ankle. Imaging these joints through a full range of motion provides new insight into dynamic phenomena such as instability, impingement and joint kinematics. Although 4DCT has not yet been widely adopted in orthopedic practice and research, future use has the potential to enable a deeper understanding of musculoskeletal conditions and to improve patient care.

Estimated GFR and Incidence of Major Surgery: A Population-Based Cohort Study.

RATIONALE & OBJECTIVE: Kidney disease is associated with an increased risk for postoperative morbidity and mortality. However, the incidence of major surgery on a population level is unknown. We aimed to determine the incidence of major surgery by level of kidney function. STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective cohort study with entry from January 1, 2008, through December 31, 2009, and outcome surveillance from January 1, 2010, through December 31, 2016. SETTING & PARTICIPANTS: Population-based study using administrative health data from Alberta, Canada; adults with an outpatient serum creatinine measurement or receiving maintenance dialysis formed the study cohort. EXPOSURE: Participants were categorized into 6 estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) categories: ≥60 (G1-G2), 45 to 59 (G3a), 30 to 44 (G3b), 15 to 29 (G4), and<15mL/min/1.73m2 with (G5D) and without (G5) dialysis. eGFR was examined as a time-varying exposure based on means of measurements within 3-month ascertainment periods throughout the study period. OUTCOME: Major surgery defined as surgery requiring admission to the hospital for at least 24 hours. ANALYTICAL APPROACH: Incidence rates (IRs) for overall major surgery were estimated using quasi-Poisson regression and adjusted for age, sex, income, location of residence, albuminuria, and Charlson comorbid conditions. Age- and sex-stratified IRs of 13 surgery subtypes were also estimated. RESULTS: 1,455,512 cohort participants were followed up for a median of 7.0 (IQR, 5.3) years, during which time 241,989 (16.6%) underwent a major surgery. Age and sex modified the relationship between eGFR and incidence of surgery. Men younger than 65 years receiving maintenance dialysis experienced the highest rates of major surgery, with an adjusted IR of 243.8 (95% CI, 179.8-330.6) per 1,000 person-years. There was a consistent trend of increasing surgery rates at lower eGFRs for most subtypes of surgery. LIMITATIONS: Outpatient preoperative serum creatinine measurement was necessary for inclusion and outpatient surgical procedures were not included. CONCLUSIONS: People with reduced eGFR have a significantly higher incidence of major surgery compared with those with normal eGFR, and age and sex modify this increased risk. This study informs our understanding of how surgical burden changes with differing levels of kidney function.

Venous thromboembolism rates in patients with bone and soft tissue sarcoma of the extremities following surgical resection: A systematic review.

BACKGROUND: Patients undergoing an orthopedic surgery for bone or soft tissue sarcoma are at increased venous thromboembolism (VTE) risk. Unfortunately, there is a lack of thromboprophylaxis guidelines in this population. The purpose of this systematic review was to determine the soft tissue and bone sarcoma VTE rate and to explore the thromboprophylaxis regimens used. METHODS: The databases MEDLINE, EMBASE, and CENTRAL were queried using keywords related to VTE and long bone malignancy requiring surgical intervention to 2020. Included studied reported VTE rate in patients with surgically managed extremity sarcoma. Descriptive statistics and weighted mean totals were calculated. RESULTS: A total of 2082 studies were screened and 23 studies were included. The overall VTE rate was 2.9%, with a rate of 3.7% and 1.4% in patients with bone and soft tissue sarcomas, respectively. Low-molecular-weight heparin was the most commonly used chemoprophylaxis. CONCLUSIONS: There is a high VTE rate following sarcoma surgery. The VTE rate is higher in bone sarcoma surgery, which may be attributed to differences in surgery and postoperative recovery. There was no consensus on the duration or type of thromboprophylaxis used. Future research is needed to determine the most effective thromboprophylaxis regimen in patients with sarcoma and whether individualized thromboprophylaxis is required.

Thromboembolic complications after surgical fixation of bone metastases: A systematic review.

BACKGROUND: Patients undergoing a major orthopedic surgery for metastatic bone disease (MBD) are at high risk of developing venous thromboembolic (VTE) complications. Despite concerns, there is no consensus on the most effective strategy to prevent VTE in these patients. The purpose of this systematic review was to determine the VTE rate following the surgical management of MBD. METHODS: The databases MEDLINE, EMBASE, and CENTRAL were searched using keywords related to VTE and MBD requiring surgical management. Included studies reported VTE rates in patients with surgically managed MBD. Descriptive statistics and weighted mean totals were calculated. RESULTS: In total, 2082 abstracts were screened, and 29 studies were included. The overall VTE rate was 4.7%. Patients receiving surgery for impending pathologic fracture had a higher rate of VTE (5.6%) compared to patients with acute pathologic fractures (4.2%). Low-molecular-weight heparin was the most used chemoprophylaxis. CONCLUSIONS: Relative to other cancer and orthopedic patients, the VTE rate is extremely high in patients with MBD. The discordant recommendations of thromboprophylaxis, and absence of research in this distinct and more granular surgical oncology subgroup, underpins the challenges associated with developing guidelines to lessen the VTE risks in the MBD patient population.

Restoration of Stiffness During Fracture Healing at the Distal Radius, Using HR-pQCT and Finite Element Methods.

Finite element analysis (FE) coupled with high-resolution peripheral quantitative computed tomography (HR-pQCT) allows for noninvasive in vivo assessment of fracture stiffness at peripheral locations including the distal radius. Previous studies have reported the ability of FE analysis to capture significant longitudinal changes in fracture stiffness. We hypothesized that continuum-based FE methods are necessary to capture significant changes in FE-estimated stiffness in men and women, with closed reductions and casting, over the course of their fracture healing process. The primary aim of the study was to evaluate the performance of 3 micro-FE (µFE) methods, 2 density-based (continuum) methods, and a homogeneous method. A total of 30 participants with stable distal radius fractures completed follow-ups at 2, 4, 6, 8, 12, and 26 weeks postfracture. Participants had their fractured wrist scanned using HR-pQCT at each follow-up; the contralateral wrist was also scanned at the initial assessment to represent baseline conditions. Images were used to generate continuum and homogeneous µFE models. Uniaxial compression and torsional tests were completed, with apparent stiffness determined as the primary outcome measure. Stiffness of the fractured wrist was compared to stiffness of the uninjured contralateral wrist to quantify the change in stiffness. Days since fracture significantly predicted change in stiffness for continuum and homogeneous µFE methods (p < 0.05). Continuum µFE methods appeared to account for partially mineralized tissues, resulting in a graduated recovery of stiffness (1% per week). Homogeneous µFE methods were more sensitive to stages of healing progression, resulting in a faster recovery of stiffness (3% per week). Our findings demonstrate the capability of µFE to capture the restoration of stiffness at the fractured side to prefracture stiffness in men and women, up to 6 months postfracture.

Mortality and cardiovascular events in adults with kidney failure after major non-cardiac surgery: a population-based cohort study.

BACKGROUND: People with kidney failure have a high incidence of major surgery, though the risk of perioperative outcomes at a population-level is unknown. Our objective was to estimate the proportion of people with kidney failure that experience acute myocardial infarction (AMI) or death within 30 days of major non-cardiac surgery, based on surgery type. METHODS: In this retrospective population-based cohort study, we used administrative health data to identify adults from Alberta, Canada with major surgery between April 12,005 and February 282,017 that had preoperative estimated glomerular filtration rates (eGFRs) < 15 mL/min/1.73m2 or received chronic dialysis. The index surgical procedure for each participant was categorized within one of fourteen surgical groupings based on Canadian Classification of Health Interventions (CCI) codes applied to hospitalization administrative datasets. We estimated the proportion of people that had AMI or died within 30 days of the index surgical procedure (with 95% confidence intervals [CIs]) following logistic regression, stratified by surgery type. RESULTS: Overall, 3398 people had a major surgery (1905 hemodialysis; 590 peritoneal dialysis; 903 non-dialysis). Participants were more likely male (61.0%) with a median age of 61.5 years (IQR 50.0-72.7). Within 30 days of surgery, 272 people (8.0%) had an AMI or died. The probability was lowest following ophthalmologic surgery at 1.9% (95%CI: 0.5, 7.3) and kidney transplantation at 2.1% (95%CI: 1.3, 3.2). Several types of surgery were associated with greater than one in ten risk of AMI or death, including retroperitoneal (10.0% [95%CI: 2.5, 32.4]), intra-abdominal (11.7% [8.7, 15.5]), skin and soft tissue (12.1% [7.4, 19.1]), musculoskeletal (MSK) (12.3% [9.9, 15.5]), vascular (12.6% [10.2, 15.4]), anorectal (14.7% [6.3, 30.8]), and neurosurgical procedures (38.1% [20.3, 59.8]). Urgent or emergent procedures had the highest risk, with 12.1% experiencing AMI or death (95%CI: 10.7, 13.6) compared with 2.6% (1.9, 3.5) following elective surgery. CONCLUSIONS: After major non-cardiac surgery, the risk of death or AMI for people with kidney failure varies significantly based on surgery type. This study informs our understanding of surgery type and risk for people with kidney failure. Future research should focus on identifying high risk patients and strategies to reduce these risks.

Identification of hypercoagulability with thrombelastography in patients with hip fracture receiving thromboprophylaxis.

Background: Venous thromboembolism (VTE) is the second most common complication after hip fracture surgery. We used thrombelastography (TEG), a whole-blood, point-of-care test that can provide an overview of the clotting process, to determine the duration of hypercoagulability after hip fracture surgery. Methods: In this prospective study, consecutive patients aged 51 years or more with hip fractures (trochanteric region or neck) amenable to surgical treatment who presented to the emergency department were eligible for enrolment. Thrombelastography, including calculation of the coagulation index (CI) (combination of 4 TEG parameters for an overall assessment of coagulation) was performed daily from admission until 5 days postoperatively, and at 2 and 6 weeks postoperatively. All patients received 28 days of thromboprophylaxis. We used single-sample t tests to compare mean maximal amplitude (MA) values (a measure of clot strength) to the hypercoagulable threshold of greater than 65 mm, a predictor of in-hospital VTE. Results: Of the 35 patients enrolled, 11 (31%) were hypercoagulable on admission based on an MA value greater than 65 mm, and 29 (83%) were hypercoagulable based on a CI value greater than 3.0; the corresponding values at 6 weeks were 23 (66%) and 34 (97%). All patients had an MA value greater than 65 mm at 2 weeks. Patients demonstrated normal coagulation on admission (mean MA value 62.2 mm [standard deviation (SD) 6.3 mm], p = 0.01) but became significantly hypercoagulable at 2 weeks (mean 71.6 mm [SD 2.6 mm], p < 0.001). There was a trend toward persistent hypercoagulability at 6 weeks (mean MA value 66.2 mm [SD 3.8 mm], p = 0.06). Conclusion: More than 50% of patients remained hypercoagulable 6 weeks after fracture despite thromboprophylaxis. Thrombelastography MA thresholds or a change in MA over time may help predict VTE risk; however, further study is needed.

Contexte: La thromboembolie veineuse (TEV) est la deuxième complication la plus courante après une chirurgie pour fracture de la hanche. Nous avons eu recours à la thromboélastographie, un test de sang total effectué au point d'intervention et donnant une idée du processus de coagulation, pour évaluer la durée de l'hypercoagulabilité à la suite d'une chirurgie pour fracture de la hanche. Méthodes: Cette étude prospective a été menée auprès de patients consécutifs admissibles de 51 ans et plus qui se sont présentés à l'urgence pour une fracture de la hanche (région trochantérienne ou col du fémur) pouvant faire l'objet d'un traitement chirurgical. Une thromboélastographie (TEG), qui comprenait le calcul de l'indice de coagulation (IC) [combinaison de 4 paramètres du TEG permettant une évaluation globale de la coagulation], a été réalisée chaque jour, de l'admission au cinquième jour postopératoire, de même qu'à 2 et à 6 semaines postopératoires. Tous les patients ont suivi une thromboprophylaxie de 28 jours. Nous avons réalisé des tests t pour échantillon unique afin de comparer l'amplitude maximale (AM) moyenne (une mesure de la résistance d'un caillot) au seuil d'hypercoagulabilité de plus de 65 mm, un prédicteur de TEV à l'hôpital. Résultats: Des 35 patients recrutés, 11 (31 %) présentaient une hypercoagulabilité à l'admission selon une AM supérieure à 65 mm, et 29 (83 %) présentaient une hypercoagulabilité selon un IC supérieur à 3,0; les valeurs correspondantes à 6 semaines étaient de 23 (66 %) et de 34 (97 %), respectivement. Tous les patients avaient une AM de plus de 65 mm à 2 semaines. Dans l'ensemble, les patients avaient une coagulation normale à l'admission (AM moyenne 62,2 mm [écart type (E.T.) 6,3 mm], p = 0,01), mais présentaient une hypercoagulabilité importante à 2 semaines (moyenne 71,6 mm [E.T. 2,6 mm], p < 0,001). L'hypercoagulabilité avait tendance à persister à 6 semaines (AM moyenne 66,2 mm [E.T. 3,8 mm], p = 0,06). Conclusion: Malgré la thromboprophylaxie, plus de 50 % des patients présentaient toujours une hypercoagulabilité 6 semaines après leur fracture. Les seuils d'AM à la thromboélastographie et les changements de l'AM au fil du temps pourraient aider à prédire le risque de TEV, mais d'autres études sur le sujet sont nécessaires.

PrEvention of posttraumatic contractuRes with Ketotifen 2 (PERK 2) - protocol for a multicenter randomized clinical trial.

BACKGROUND: Injuries and resulting stiffness around joints, especially the elbow, have huge psychological effects by reducing quality of life through interference with normal daily activities such as feeding, dressing, grooming, and reaching for objects. Over the last several years and through numerous research results, the myofibroblast-mast cell-neuropeptide axis of fibrosis had been implicated in post-traumatic joint contractures. Pre-clinical models and a pilot randomized clinical trial (RCT) demonstrated the feasibility and safety of using Ketotifen Fumarate (KF), a mast cell stabilizer to prevent elbow joint contractures. This study aims to evaluate the efficacy of KF in reducing joint contracture severity in adult participants with operately treated elbow fractures and/or dislocations. METHODS/DESIGN: A Phase III randomized, controlled, double-blinded multicentre trial with 3 parallel groups (KF 2 mg or 5 mg or lactose placebo twice daily orally for 6 weeks). The study population consist of adults who are at least 18 years old and within 7 days of injury. The types of injuries are distal humerus (AO/OTA type 13) and/or proximal ulna and/or proximal radius fractures (AO/OTA type 2 U1 and/or 2R1) and/or elbow dislocations (open fractures with or without nerve injury may be included). A stratified randomization scheme by hospital site will be used to assign eligible participants to the groups in a 1:1:1 ratio. The primary outcome is change in elbow flexion-extension range of motion (ROM) arc from baseline to 12 weeks post-randomization. The secondary outcomes are changes in ROM from baseline to 6, 24 & 52 weeks, PROMs at 2, 6, 12, 24 & 52 weeks and impact of KF on safety including serious adverse events and fracture healing. Descriptive analysis for all outcomes will be reported and ANCOVA be used to evaluate the efficacy KF over lactose placebo with respect to the improvement in ROM. DISCUSSION: The results of this study will provide evidence for the use of KF in reducing post-traumatic joint contractures and improving quality of life after joint injuries. TRIAL REGISTRATION: This study was prospectively registered (July 10, 2018) with ClinicalTrials.gov reference: NCT03582176.

The Role of Lower-Limb Geometry in the Pathophysiology of Atypical Femoral Fracture.

PURPOSEOF REVIEW: The etiology of atypical femoral fracture (AFF) is likely multifactorial. In this review, we examined the recent literature investigating the role of lower-limb geometry in the pathophysiology of AFF. RECENT FINDINGS: Increased femoral bowing was associated with prevalent AFF and a greater likelihood of a diaphyseal versus a subtrochanteric AFF location. Femoral neck geometry or hip alignment may also be related to AFF, but findings remain equivocal. Differences in femoral geometry may, in part, be responsible for the high rate of AFF in Asian compared with Caucasian populations. Finally, simulation studies suggest that lower-limb geometry influences AFF risk via its effects on mechanical strain of the lateral femoral cortex. Femoral geometry, and bowing in particular, is related to prevalent AFF, but more prospective investigation is needed to determine whether measurements of geometry can be used for clinical risk stratification.

The Correction of Systematic Error due to Plaster and Fiberglass Casts on HR-pQCT Bone Parameters Measured In Vivo at the Distal Radius.

Due to difficulty assessing healing of distal radius fractures using conventional radiography, there is interest in using high resolution peripheral quantitative computed tomography (HR-pQCT) to track healing at the microarchitectural level. Unfortunately, the plaster-of-Paris and fiberglass casts used to immobilize fractures affect HR-pQCT measurements due to beam hardening, and increased noise. The challenge is compounded because casts have variable thickness, and an individual patient will often have their cast changed 2-3 times during the course of treatment. This study quantifies the effect of casts within a clinically relevant range of thicknesses on measured bone parameters at the distal radius, and establishes conversion equations to correct for systematic error in due to cast presence. Eighteen nonfractured participants were scanned by HR-pQCT in three conditions: no cast, plaster-of-Paris cast, and fiberglass cast. Measured parameters were compared between the baseline scan (no cast) and each cast scan to evaluate if systematic error exists due to cast presence. A linear regression model was used to determine an appropriate conversion for parameters that were found to have systematic error. Plaster-of-Paris casts had a greater range of thicknesses (3.2-9.5 mm) than the fiberglass casts (3.0-5.4 mm), and induced a greater magnitude of systematic error overall. Key parameters of interest were bone mineral density (total, cortical, and trabecular) and trabecular bone volume fraction, all of which were found to have systematic error due to presence of either cast type. Linear correlations between baseline and cast scans for these parameters were excellent (R2 > 0.98), and appropriate conversions could be determined within a margin of error less than a ±6% for the plaster-of-Paris cast, and ±4% for the fiberglass cast. We have demonstrated the effects of cast presence on bone microarchitecture measurements, and presented a method to correct for systematic error, in support of future use of HR-pQCT to study fracture healing.

A sub-meniscal arthrotomy improves the medium-term patient outcome of tibial plateau fractures.

PURPOSE: This trial was conducted to determine the medium-term functional outcome of displaced tibial plateau fracture patients treated with closed fluoroscopic assisted reduction and internal fixation (CRIF) versus patients treated with standard open reduction with sub-meniscal arthrotomy and internal fixation (ORIF). METHODS: A prospective trial was conducted in adult patients with displaced AO/OTA 41 B and 41 C tibial plateau fractures. Patients were assigned to treatment based upon the standard treatment of the surgeon involved following the call schedule for the day, either CRIF or ORIF. Postoperative radiographs and CT were performed on all patients and patients were followed for a minimum of 2 years. Primary outcome measures were the KOOS, SMFA and SF-36. RESULTS: Seventy patients were recruited with 2 year follow-up on 35 patients in the CRIF group and 27 patients in the ORIF group. Postoperative CT scans showed that reductions were better with the ORIF group especially in the posterolateral quadrant as compared to the CRIF group. The frequency of mal-reductions was higher in the CRIF group. The KOOS, at two years, showed that the CRIF had significantly less good outcomes in the subcategories of SPORT (p = 0.03) and QOL (p = 0.01) measurements. CONCLUSIONS: ORIF with a sub-meniscal arthrotomy provides better quality reductions and better medium-term results as compared to CRIF for tibial plateau fractures. This may provide more long-term benefit from osteoarthritic symptoms in this patient group. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic, Level 2.

The Effect of Cricoid Pressure on the Unstable Cervical Spine.

BACKGROUND: It has been proposed that cricoid pressure can exacerbate an unstable cervical injury and lead to neurologic deterioration. OBJECTIVE: We sought to examine the amount of motion cricoid pressure could cause at an unstable subaxial cervical spine injury, and whether posterior manual support is of any benefit. METHODS: Five fresh, whole cadavers had complete segmental instability at C5-C6 surgically created by a fellowship-trained spine surgeon. Cricoid pressure was applied to the anterior cricoid by an attending anesthesiologist. In addition, the effect of posterior cervical support was tested during the trials. The amount of angular and linear motion between C5 and C6 was measured using a Fastrak, three-dimensional, electromagnetic motion analysis device (Polhemus Inc., Colchester, VT). RESULTS: When cricoid pressure is applied, the largest angular motion was 3 degrees and occurred in flexion-extension at C5-C6. The largest linear displacement was 1.36 mm and was in anterior-posterior displacement of C5-C6. When manual posterior cervical support was applied, the flexion-extension was improved to less than half this value (1.43 degrees), and this reached statistical significance (p = 0.001). No other differences were observed to be significant in the other planes of motion with the applications of support. CONCLUSIONS: Based on the evidence presented, we believe that the application of cricoid pressure to a patient with a globally unstable subaxial cervical spine injury causes small displacements. There may be some benefit to the use of manual posterior cervical spine support for reducing motion at such an injured segment.

OPerative versus non-opERAtive management of isolated ULNAr diaphyseal fractures (OPERA-Ulna): protocol for a randomized controlled trial.

Aims: Isolated fractures of the ulnar diaphysis are uncommon, occurring at a rate of 0.02 to 0.04 per 1,000 cases. Despite their infrequency, these fractures commonly give rise to complications, such as nonunion, limited forearm pronation and supination, restricted elbow range of motion, radioulnar synostosis, and prolonged pain. Treatment options for this injury remain a topic of debate, with limited research available and no consensus on the optimal approach. Therefore, this trial aims to compare clinical, radiological, and functional outcomes of two treatment methods: open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) versus nonoperative treatment in patients with isolated ulnar diaphyseal fractures. Methods: This will be a multicentre, open-label, parallel randomized clinical trial (under National Clinical Trial number NCT01123447), accompanied by a parallel prospective cohort group for patients who meet the inclusion criteria, but decline randomization. Eligible patients will be randomized to one of the two treatment groups: 1) nonoperative treatment with closed reduction and below-elbow casting; or 2) surgical treatment with ORIF utilizing a limited contact dynamic compression plate and screw construct. The primary outcome measured will be the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand questionnaire score at 12 months post-injury. Additionally, functional outcomes will be assessed using the 36-Item Short Form Health Survey and pain visual analogue scale, allowing for a comparison of outcomes between groups. Secondary outcome measures will encompass clinical outcomes such as range of motion and grip strength, radiological parameters including time to union, as well as economic outcomes assessed from enrolment to 12 months post-injury. Ethics and dissemination: This trial has been approved by the lead site Conjoint Health Research Ethics Board (CHREB; REB14-2004) and local ethics boards at each participating site. Findings from the trial will be disseminated through presentations at regional, national, and international scientific conferences and public forums. The primary results and secondary findings will be submitted for peer-reviewed publication.

Preclinical models of orthopaedic trauma: Orthopaedic Research Society (ORS) and Orthopaedic Trauma Association (OTA) symposium 2022.

Orthopaedic trauma remains a leading cause of patient morbidity, mortality, and global health care burden. Although significant advances have been made in the diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation of these injuries, complications such as malunion, nonunion, infection, disuse muscle atrophy and osteopenia, and incomplete return to baseline function still occur. The significant inherent clinical variability in fracture care such as differing patient demographics, injury patterns, and treatment protocols make standardized and replicable study, especially of cellular and molecular based mechanisms, nearly impossible. Hence, the scientists dedicated to improving therapy and treatments for patients with orthopaedic trauma rely on preclinical models. Preclinical models have proven to be invaluable in understanding the timing between implant insertion and bacterial inoculation on the bioburden of infection. Posttraumatic arthritis (PTOA) can take years to develop clinically, but with a porcine pilon fracture model, posttraumatic arthritis can be reliably induced, so different surgical and therapeutic strategies can be tested in prevention. Conversely, the racehorse presents a well-accepted model of naturally occurring PTOA. With preclinical polytrauma models focusing on chest injury, abdominal injury, multiple fractures, and/or head injury, one can study how various injury patterns affect fracture healing can be systemically studied. Finally, these preclinical models serve as a translational bridge to for clinical application in human patients. With selection of the right preclinical model, studies can build a platform to decrease the risk of emerging technologies and provide foundational support for therapeutic clinical trials. In summary, orthopaedic trauma preclinical models allow scientists to simplify a complex clinical challenge, to understand the basic pathways starting with lower vertebrate models. Then, R&D efforts progress to higher vertebrate models to build in more complexity for translation of findings to the clinical practice.

Effectiveness of Thromboprophylaxis Agents Following Hip Fracture: A Systematic Review and Network Meta-Analysis.

Background: Multiple studies have compared different pharmacologic thromboprophylaxis agents after hip fracture surgery, including aspirin, unfractionated heparin (UFH), low-molecular-weight heparin (LMWH), direct oral anticoagulants (DOAC), and warfarin, resulting in variability in clinical practice. To guide clinical management, a systematic review and network meta-analysis (NMA), which enables the simultaneous assessment of the effects of multiple interventions for the same patient population, was performed. This study aimed to determine the comparative effectiveness of thromboprophylaxis in reducing venous thromboembolism (VTE) in patients with surgically treated hip fractures. Methods: The primary outcome was the effect of the treatment on the VTE rate, and the secondary outcome was the treatment effect on the bleeding rate. Relevant studies were identified by a systematic search of Embase, MEDLINE, and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL) from January 2000 to February 2022. Title, abstract, and full-text screening; data extraction; and risk-of-bias assessment were performed. All studies examining thromboprophylaxis interventions (DOAC, LMWH, UFH, aspirin, and warfarin) in patients with a surgically treated hip fracture were included. Bayesian NMA was performed, and dichotomous outcome data were pooled using the odds ratio. Interventions were ranked using the surface under the cumulative ranking curve (SUCRA) for each outcome. Results: A total of 19 studies were included after the screening of 466 citations and 77 full-text articles. Of the included studies, 15 studies had a high overall risk of bias. The NMA of the VTE outcome included 19 studies, 49,409 participants, and 6 thromboprophylaxis interventions. The NMA of the bleeding outcome included 3 studies, 18,163 participants, and 3 interventions. The mean age ranged from 43.5 to 86.2 years among the included studies. No thromboprophylaxis intervention was statistically different from any other intervention in its effect on the VTE or bleeding rate in hip fracture patients. Conclusions: This NMA demonstrated that there was no difference between the thromboprophylaxis interventions in reducing VTE or bleeding rates in hip fracture patients. More robust randomized controlled trials are needed to determine the most effective thromboprophylaxis interventions for patients with hip fractures. Level of Evidence: Therapeutic Level II. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.