"Bring Your Own Device"-A New Approach to Wearable Outcome Assessment in Trauma.

Background and Objectives: Outcome data from wearable devices are increasingly used in both research and clinics. Traditionally, a dedicated device is chosen for a given study or clinical application to collect outcome data as soon as the patient is included in a study or undergoes a procedure. The current study introduces a new measurement strategy, whereby patients' own devices are utilized, allowing for both a pre-injury baseline measure and ability to show achievable results. Materials and Methods: Patients with a pre-existing musculoskeletal injury of the upper and lower extremity were included in this exploratory, proof-of-concept study. They were followed up for a minimum of 6 weeks after injury, and their wearable outcome data (from a smartphone and/or a body-worn sensor) were continuously acquired during this period. A descriptive analysis of the screening characteristics and the observed and achievable outcome patterns was performed. Results: A total of 432 patients was continuously screened for the study, and their screening was analyzed. The highest success rate for successful inclusion was in younger patients. Forty-eight patients were included in the analysis. The most prevalent outcome was step count. Three distinctive activity data patterns were observed: patients recovering, patients with slow or no recovery, and patients needing additional measures to determine treatment outcomes. Conclusions: Measuring outcomes in trauma patients with the Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) strategy is feasible. With this approach, patients were able to provide continuous activity data without any dedicated equipment given to them. The measurement technique is especially suited to particular patient groups. Our study's screening log and inclusion characteristics can help inform future studies wishing to employ the BYOD design.

Neutrophil Gene Expression Patterns in Multiple Trauma Patients Indicate Distinct Clinical Outcomes.

INTRODUCTION: Patients after polytrauma suffer from posttraumatic immune system dysregulation and multiple organ dysfunction. Genome-wide microarray profiling in monocytes revealed a regulatory network of inflammatory markers around the transcription factor AP-1 in severely injured patients. Recent research focuses on the role of neutrophils in posttraumatic inflammation. The aim of this study was, therefore, to evaluate the impact of this inflammatory network in neutrophils. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Blood sampling and neutrophil separation were performed on admission of the patient and at 6 h, 12 h, 24 h, 48 h, and 72 h after trauma. Neutrophil expression levels of the target genes c-Jun, c-Fos, BCL2A, MMP-9, TIMP-1, ETS-2, IL-1ß, and MIP-1ß were quantified by RT-qPCR. Patients were assorted into groups according to distinct clinical parameters like massive transfusion (>10 RBC units/24 h), injury severity (ISS), 90-d survival, and the presence of traumatic brain injury (defined by ICI on head CT). Statistics were calculated by Mann-Whitney Rank-Sum Test, Receiver Operating Curves, and binary multiple logistic regression. RESULTS: Forty severely injured patients (mean ISS 36 ± 14) were included. BCL2A, MMP-9, TIMP-1, and ETS2 levels showed a significant correlation to 90-d-survival in the early posttraumatic period (6 h-24 h). Furthermore, differential BCL2A, IL-1ß, MIP-1ß, and MMP-9 regulation was observed in patients requiring massive transfusion. We could further show a significant TIMP-1 response in trauma PMN associated with traumatic brain injury. CONCLUSIONS: This study of seriously injured patients highlights very early posttraumatic transcriptional changes in PMNs, which were clearly associated with posttraumatic events and outcomes.

Analysis of partial weight bearing after surgical treatment in patients with injuries of the lower extremity.

INTRODUCTION: After surgical treatment of injuries of the lower extremity, partial weight bearing is often suggested until soft tissue consolidation. It is doubtful, if this recommendation can be implemented, even in the case that a patient is performing partial weight bearing with a physical therapist. Consequently the question remains, if patients are able to implement partial weight bearing after surgery and which factors favor incompliance. MATERIALS AND METHODS: 49 patients, who underwent surgical treatment after injuries of the lower extremity, were equipped with electronic shoe insoles on both sides. Different weight bearing instructions were given depending on the type of injury and surgery (full weight bearing vs. 20 kg weight bearing vs. non-weight bearing). Besides loading, other factors like age, gender, weight and physical activity were evaluated. Statistical analysis was performed using Chi-square and Fisher's exact test with significance set at a p value < 0.05. RESULTS: 25 of the 40 patients, who had to perform non- or partial weight bearing, were not able to follow postoperative instructions (compliance rate 37.5%). The average loading of the whole collective was 32.6 kg (4.8-109.2 kg). The specification of loading had no statistically significant influence on real loading (p-value 0.39). Elderly patients were less able to follow instructions than younger patients (36 vs 30.2 kg). Physically active compared to non-active patients overloaded their injured extremity (37.8 vs 28.7 kg). Patients with a high body mass index (BMI) encountered more difficulties to perform partial weight bearing than lightweight patients (36.9 vs 25.1 kg). CONCLUSIONS: Most patients were not able to follow loading limitation, even a few days after surgery and even if the patients were trained by a physiotherapist. Excessive weight bearing-related complications should be evaluated.

Wearable Sensors in Other Medical Domains with Application Potential for Orthopedic Trauma Surgery-A Narrative Review.

The use of wearable technology is steadily increasing. In orthopedic trauma surgery, where the musculoskeletal system is directly affected, focus has been directed towards assessing aspects of physical functioning, activity behavior, and mobility/disability. This includes sensors and algorithms to monitor real-world walking speed, daily step counts, ground reaction forces, or range of motion. Several specific reviews have focused on this domain. In other medical fields, wearable sensors and algorithms to monitor digital biometrics have been used with a focus on domain-specific health aspects such as heart rate, sleep, blood oxygen saturation, or fall risk. This review explores the most common clinical and research use cases of wearable sensors in other medical domains and, from it, derives suggestions for the meaningful transfer and application in an orthopedic trauma context.

First experiences with a surgery supporting computer system in regard to education, efficiency and complications.

Purpose: Since October 2019 a computer software named SPM (surgical process manager) is used in a Level I Trauma center. Workflows were developed for distinct surgical procedures (distal radius fractures, proximal femur fractures, ankle fractures, proximal humerus fractures and vertebral fractures). In addition, these workflows were separated in a shortened "Expert"-versions for consultants and a more detailed "Learner"- versions for residents.This investigation was intended to show, if and what kind of benefits in regard to efficiency (incision to suture and suture to incision time), education and complications a surgery supporting software can bring. Methods: SPM was used in 90 cases during October 2019 to June 2022. A control trial with 108 patients was developed, including patients of the same age, having same kind of injuries, receiving the same surgery technique without using the SPM.The software was installed on the computer in the operation room, projected on head monitors and operated by a foot pedal. Complications could also be documented using the pedal.Groups were divided in surgical procedures and fracture type, qualification of the surgeon, complications and surgery time. Surgery times were taken from the hospital computer system (SAP IS-H). A statistical analysis was performed by using the chi square and Fischer exact test with significance set at a P value <0.05. Results: In 51 cases the software was used for the distal radius (control group 54 patients), in 20 cases for Weber fractures (control group 21 patients), in 9 cases for the proximal femur (control group 19 patients), in 5 cases for vertebral fractures (control group 7 patients) and in 5 cases for the proximal humerus (control group 6 patients).Time from incision to closure was significant higher in the intervention group (49 vs 42 min, p- value 0,018) and wasn't significant lower in the "expert" group, fixing radius and ancle fractures (39 to 46 min, p value 0,186).Comparing the SPM and control group concerning closing to incision time, no difference could be observed (56 to 58,5 min, p value 0,828).The greatest time deviation between "Learners"und "Experts"was observed in reduction and fixation (p value 0,006) in ankle fractures. The "Expert"group also needed less time for the approach (p value 0,008) in case of distal radius fractures.Unexpected events were more often observed in the intervention group (5,5 vs 3,7 %). Conclusions: A surgery supporting computer system might be a good tool for detecting and optimizing workflows in the operation room and for improving and analyzing the training of residents and surgical assistants.In addition, it offers the opportunity to document intraoperative complications. However, a saving of time wasn't observed in this study. Further investigations with bigger number of cases and a longer follow-up are necessary to proof these findings statistically.

Geriatric patients with dementia show increased mortality and lack of functional recovery after hip fracture treated with hemiprosthesis.

PURPOSE: Operative timing, perioperative management and postoperative rehabilitation are rising challenges in orthopedic geriatric trauma. The aim of this study was to determine the outcome of patients with dementia or with a high number of comorbidities treated with hemiprosthesis after hip fracture. Literature regarding patients with high comorbidities is scarce, leaving nothing but endoprosthetic treatment for even the sickest, immobile patients. METHODS: A retrospective chart review of 326 patients (mean age 81 ± 9 years; 230 women and 96 men) with hip fractures treated between 2012 and 2017 with a hemiprosthesis was performed. Primary outcome measures were surgical and nonsurgical complication rates, best achievable mobilisation during the hospital stay and mortality. RESULTS: Patients with dementia had 20-fold increased risk to be bedridden after surgery and ninefold increased risk of dying (p < 0.005). Furthermore, they needed significantly more revision surgeries because of surgical complications. Patients classified ASA IV and V had significantly lower postoperative mobilization levels with only 10% able to walk with crutches and 53% bedridden. They also had significantly more non-surgical complications while dementia had no effect on non-surgical complication rate. CONCLUSION: Patients classified ASA IV and V or suffering dementia show poor outcome after hip fracture treated with hemiprosthesis. Multidisciplinary approaches including surgeons, geriatricians, physiotherapists and psychiatrists are needed to improve the outcome of these patients. Especially in a subgroup of patients, where no mobilization is expected, alternative treatment options may be considered.

[Surgical treatment strategies and their radiological potential for correction of proximal radius fractures in children and adolescents]. / Operative Versorgungsstrategien und deren radiologisches Korrekturpotenzial bei proximalen Radiusfrakturen des Kindes und Jugendlichen.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: The isolated proximal radius fracture in children is a quite rare injury. In difference to adults a conservative treatment is often possible. But in case of increasing dislocation the indication for surgery is given. Options for an operative treatment are "closed reduction", "percutaneous reduction", "intramedullary nailing", "open reduction" with and without fixation. Aim of this study is to compare these procedures with each other. STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: This was a retrospective investigation and 82 patients who underwent surgery after an isolated proximal radius fracture were included. Fracture types were classified according to the AO (working group for osteosynthesis questions)/OTA (Orthopedic Trauma Association) classification. The preoperative and postoperative degrees of axis deviation were compared and were considered to be a measure of the quality of treatment. RESULTS: The lowest degree of axis deviation resulted by open reduction and implantation of K­wires (15,8°) and implantation of headless compression screws (HCS, 16°). Closed reduction without any fixation resulted in 19°, with implantation of an TEN (titan elastic nail) in 20° and the open reduction without any fixation resulted in 21° of axis deviation. No correlation was observed concerning the fracture type and the postoperative axis deviation. CONCLUSION: The study shows that the postoperative result does not depend on the fracture type (according to the AO/OTA classification) but on the surgical procedure. Despite the good radiological results in open reduction and internal fixation this procedure should be reserved for difficult situations in which less invasive surgical procedures fail, to avoid aseptic bone necrosis.

Use of Wearable Technology to Measure Activity in Orthopaedic Trauma Patients: A Systematic Review.

Background: Patient-Reported Outcome Measures (PROMs) are widely used for measurement of functional outcomes after orthopaedic trauma. However, PROMs rely on patient collaboration and suffer from various types of bias. Wearable Activity Monitors (WAMs) are increasingly used to objectify functional assessment. The objectives of this systematic review were to identify and characterise the WAMs technology and metrics currently used for orthopaedic trauma research. Methods: PubMed and Embase biomedical literature search engines were queried. Eligibility criteria included: Human clinical studies published in the English language between 2010 and 2019 involving fracture management and WAMs. Variables collected from each article included: Technology used, vendor/product, WAM body location, metrics measured, measurement time period, year of publication, study geographic location, phase of treatment studied, fractures studied, number of patients studied, sex and age of the study subjects, and study level of evidence. Six investigators reviewed the resulting papers. Descriptive statistics of variables of interest were used to analyse the data. Results: One hundred and thirty-six papers were available for analysis, showing an increasing trend of publications per year. Accelerometry followed by plantar pressure insoles were the most commonly employed technologies. The most common location for WAM placement was insoles, followed by the waist. The most commonly studied fracture type was hip fractures followed by fragility fractures in general, ankle, "lower extremity", and tibial fractures. The rehabilitation phase following surgery was the most commonly studied period. Sleep duration, activity time or step counts were the most commonly reported WAM metrics. A preferred, clinically validated WAM metric was not identified. Conclusions: WAMs have an increasing presence in the orthopaedic trauma literature. The optimal implementation of this technology and its use to understand patients' pre-injury and post-injury functions is currently insufficiently explored and represents an area that will benefit from future study. Systematic review registration number: PROSPERO ID:210344. Supplementary Information: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s43465-022-00629-0.

Wearable technology in orthopedic trauma surgery - An AO trauma survey and review of current and future applications.

The use of wearable sensors to track activity is increasing. Therefore, a survey among AO Trauma members was conducted to provide an overview of their current utilization and determine future needs and directions. A cross sectional expert opinion survey was administered to members of AO Trauma. Respondents were surveyed concerning their experience, subspeciality, current use characteristics, as well as future needs concerning wearable technology. Three hundred and thirty-three survey sets were available for analysis (Response Rate 16.2%). 20.7% of respondents already use wearable technology as part of their clinical treatment. The most prevalent technology was accelerometry combined with smartphones (75.4%) to measure general patient activity. To facilitate the use of wearable technology in the future, the most pressing issues were cost, patient compliance and validity of results. Wearable activity monitors are currently being used in trauma surgery. Surgeons employing these technologies mostly measure simple activity or activity associated parameters. Cost was the greatest perceived barrier to implementation. Further research, especially concerning the interpretation of the outcome values obtained, is required to facilitate wearable activity monitoring as an objective patient outcome measurement tool.

Finding NEEMO: towards organizing smart digital solutions in orthopaedic trauma surgery.

There are many digital solutions which assist the orthopaedic trauma surgeon. This already broad field is rapidly expanding, making a complete overview of the existing solutions difficult.The AO Foundation has established a task force to address the need for an overview of digital solutions in the field of orthopaedic trauma surgery.Areas of new technology which will help the surgeon gain a greater understanding of these possible solutions are reviewed.We propose a categorization of the current needs in orthopaedic trauma surgery matched with available or potential digital solutions, and provide a narrative overview of this broad topic, including the needs, solutions and basic rules to ensure adequate use in orthopaedic trauma surgery. We seek to make this field more accessible, allowing for technological solutions to be clearly matched to trauma surgeons' needs. Cite this article: EFORT Open Rev 2020;5:408-420. DOI: 10.1302/2058-5241.5.200021.

Osteoporotic Bone: When and How to Use Augmentation?

The number of fragility fractures is rising, and treatment is a challenge for orthopaedic trauma surgeons. Various augmentation options have been developed to prevent mechanical failure. Different composites can be used based on the fracture type, patient needs, and biomechanical needs. Indications for augmentation are not limited to osteoporotic fractures but can also be performed as a salvage procedure or in pathologic fractures. Biomechanical studies have shown advantages for augmented implants in the spine, proximal femur, and humerus. Clinical studies are preliminary but promising, showing good clinical results after augmentation with reduced mechanical failure and minimal complications.

New advances in intra-operative imaging in trauma.

The invention of flat-panel detectors led to a revolution in medical imaging. The major benefits of this technology are a higher image quality and dose reduction. Flat-panel detectors have proved to be superior to standard C-arms (= C-arm with radiograph source and image intensifier).Cone-beam computed tomography (cone-beam CT) is a 3D data set, which can be acquired with a flat-panel detector. The cone-shaped beam is used for 3D data generation. For cone-beam CT acquisition, the flat-panel detector rotates around the patient lying on the operating table. Intra-operative cone-beam CT can be a very helpful tool in orthopaedic surgery. Immediate control of fracture reduction and implant positioning in high image quality can reduce the need for secondary revision surgery due to implant malposition.In recent years there has been a revival of standard fan beam CT technology in operating rooms. Fixed and mobile systems are available. Fixed systems are typically placed on a sliding gantry. Different mobile intra-operative CT scanners were recently introduced. Due to their mobility, they are not bound to a specific operating room. The use of standard intra-operative CT scanners results in high 3D image quality but, in comparison with a cone-beam CT scanner, fluoroscopy is not possible.The introduction of flat-panel detectors has led to improvements in intra-operative image quality combined with dose reduction. The possibility of high-quality 3D imaging in combination with navigation can assure optimal implant placement. Due to immediate control of the osteosynthesis, revision surgery at a later time can be prevented. Cite this article: EFORT Open Rev 2018;3 DOI: 10.1302/2058-5241.3.170055.

The Great Unknown-A systematic literature review about risk associated with intraoperative imaging during orthopaedic surgeries.

INTRODUCTION: Modern techniques in orthopaedic surgery using minimally invasive procedures, and increased use of fluoroscopic imaging present a potential increased risk to surgeons due to ionizing radiation exposure. This article is a systematic review of recent literature on radiation exposure of orthopaedic surgeons. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Pubmed and Cochrane searches were performed on intraoperative radiation exposure covering English and German articles published between 1.1.2000 and 11.8.2014. Inclusion criteria were clinical studies and systematic literature reviews focusing on radiation exposure of orthopaedic surgeons during surgical procedures of the musculoskeletal system reporting either effective dose (whole body) or equivalent dose at the organ level. All included articles were reviewed with focus on the surgical specialty, the procedure type, the imaging system used, the radiation measurement method, the fluoroscopy time, the radiation exposure, the use of radiation protection, and any references to specific safety guidelines. RESULTS: Thirty-four eligible publications were identified. However, the lack of well-designed studies focusing on radiation exposure of surgeons prevents pooling of data. Highest exposure and subsequent equivalent doses were reported from spinal surgery (up to 4.8mSv of equivalent dose to the hand) and intramedullary nailing (up to 0.142mSV of equivalent dose to the thyroid). Radiation exposure was reduced by 96.9% and 94.2% when wearing a thyroid collar and a lead apron. CONCLUSIONS: With the increasing use of intraoperative imaging, there is a growing need for radiation awareness by the operating surgeon. Strict adherence to radiation protection should be enforced to protect in-training surgeons. Strategies to reduce exposure include C-arm position, distance, protective wear, and new imaging technologies. Radiation exposure is harmful and action should be taken to minimize exposure.

Image quality and effective dose of a robotic flat panel 3D C-arm vs computed tomography.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to determine the effective dose and corresponding image quality of different imaging protocols of a robotic 3D flat panel C-arm in comparison to computed tomography (CT). METHODS: Dose measurements were performed using a Rando-Alderson Phantom. The phantom was exposed to different scanning protocols of the 3D C-arm and the CT. Pedicle screws were inserted in a fresh swine cadaver. Images were obtained using the same scanning protocols. RESULTS: At the thoracolumbar junction, the effective dose was comparable for 3D high-dose protocols, with (4.4 mSv) and without (4.3 mSv) collimation and routine CT (5 mSv), as well as a dose-reduction CT (4.0 mSv). A relevant reduction was achieved with the 3D low-dose protocol (1.0 mSv). Focusing on Th6, a similar reduction with the 3D low-dose protocol was achieved. The image quality of the 3D protocols using titanium screws was rated as 'good' by all viewers, with excellent correlation. CONCLUSIONS: Modern intra-operative 3D-C-arms produce images of CT-like quality with low-dose radiation. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Pelvic X-ray misses out on detecting sacral fractures in the elderly - Importance of CT imaging in blunt pelvic trauma.

Patients aged 75 years and older with blunt pelvic trauma are frequently seen in the ER. The standard diagnostic tool in these patients is the plain a.p.-radiograph of the pelvis. Especially lesions of the posterior pelvic ring are often missed due to e.g. bowel gas projection and enteric overlay. With a retrospective study covering these patients over a 3 year period in our level I trauma centre, we were able to evaluate the rate of missed injuries in the a.p.-radiograph whenever a corresponding CT scan was performed. Age, gender, and accompanying fractures of the pelvic ring were recorded. The intrinsic test characteristics and the performance in the population were calculated according to standard formulas. Thus, 233 consecutive patients with blunt pelvic trauma with both conventional radiographic examination and computed tomography (CT) were included. Thereof, 56 (23%) showed a sacral fracture in the CT scan. Of 233 pelvic X-ray-images taken, 227 showed no sacral fracture. 51 (21.7%) of these were false negative, yielding a sensitivity of just 10.5%. Average age of patients with sacral fractures was 85.1±6.1 years, with 88% being female. Sacral fractures were often accompanied by lesions of the anterior pelvic ring with pubic bone fractures in 75% of sacrum fracture cases. Second most concomitant fractures are found at the acetabulum (23.3%). Plain radiographic imaging is especially likely to miss out fractures of the posterior pelvic ring, which nowadays can be of therapeutic consequence. Besides the physicians experience in the ED, profound knowledge of insensitivity of plain radiographs in finding posterior pelvic ring lesions is crucial for a reliable diagnostic routine. Since the high mortality caused by prolonged immobilisation due to pelvic ring injuries, all fractures should be identified. We therefore provide a diagnostic algorithm for blunt pelvic trauma in the elderly.

One year orthopaedic trauma experience using an advanced interdisciplinary hybrid operating room.

Hybrid operating rooms have been used successfully in several surgical specialties, but no data have been published for orthopaedic trauma. We present our one-year orthopaedic trauma experience using a hybrid operating room, which incorporates 3D fluoroscopic imaging as well as navigation capabilities. Data were compiled for a series of 92 cases performed in an advanced hybrid operating room at the level one trauma center in Ulm, Germany. All patients who had surgery performed using this operating room during the first year were included. Setup time and surgical complications using hybrid operating room were recorded and analysed. The hybrid operating room resulted in no higher rate of complication than expected from the same cases in a conventional operating room. The hybrid room did however allow the surgeon to confidently place implants for orthopaedic trauma cases, and was most advantageous for spine and pelvis cases, both minimally invasive and conventional. Further, appropriate reduction and implant position was confirmed with 3D imaging prior to leaving the operating room and obviated the need for postoperative CT scan. Based on our one-year experience, the hybrid operating room is a useful and safe tool for orthopaedic trauma surgery.

A two-parameter study of the extent of chaos in a billiard system.

The billiard system of Benettin and Strelcyn [Phys. Rev. A 17, 773-785 (1978)] is generalized to a two-parameter family of different shapes. Its boundaries are composed of circular segments. The family includes the integrable limit of a circular boundary, convex boundaries of various shapes with mixed dynamics, stadiums, and a variety of nonconvex boundaries, partially with ergodic behavior. The extent of chaos has been measured in two ways: (i) in terms of phase space volume occupied by the main chaotic band; and (ii) in terms of the Lyapunov exponent of that same region. The results are represented as a kind of phase diagram of chaos. We observe complex regularities, related to the bifurcation scheme of the most prominent resonances. A detailed stability analysis of these resonances up to period six explains most of these features. The phenomenon of breathing chaos [Nonlinearity 3, 45-67 (1990)]-that is, the nonmonotonicity of the amount of chaos as a function of the parameters-observed earlier in a one-parameter study of the gravitational wedge billiard, is part of the picture, giving support to the conjecture that this is a fairly common global scenario. (c) 1996 American Institute of Physics.