Team-based digital communication reduced patient-initiated phone calls to the hospital and improved patient satisfaction after orthopedic surgery: a randomized controlled trial in 70 patients.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Post-discharge inquiries to the hospital are predominantly conducted through phone calls. The rigid timing of these calls is inconvenient for patients and disrupts the workflows of healthcare professionals. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of a team-based digital communication intervention (eDialogue) facilitated through a messenger-like commercial solution on patient-initiated phone calls to the hospital after discharge. Secondarily, we investigated other patient-initiated contacts, patients' perception of continuity of care, and their perception of feeling safe and satisfied after hospital discharge. METHODS: On the day of discharge, 70 surgically treated orthopedic patients were randomized to the intervention group with access to eDialogue (n = 35) or the control group with standard communication pathways by phone call (n = 35) for the following 8 weeks. Through eDialogue, the intervention group had access to team-based asynchronous digital communication in text and photos with healthcare professionals across disciplines and sectors. Inclusion criteria were discharge to own home and receipt of rehabilitation services from both hospital and primary care after discharge. RESULTS: We found a significant reduction in the mean number of patient-initiated phone calls to the hospital from 2.3 (95% confidence interval [CI] 1.4-4.1) in the control group to 0.5 (CI 0.3-1.0) in the intervention group (P = 0.004). Across groups, patients reported similar perceptions of continuity of care; however, the participants in the intervention group expressed significantly improved perceptions of, and satisfaction with, access to healthcare after discharge. CONCLUSION: Access to eDialogue reduced patient-initiated phone calls to the hospital, enhanced patient satisfaction with healthcare accessibility, and did not compromise patients' perception of continuity of care after discharge compared with standard communication pathways.

Clinical, functional, and patient-reported outcome of traumatic knee dislocations: a retrospective cohort study of 75 patients with 6.5-year follow-up.

INTRODUCTION: At present, limited knowledge regarding clinical, functional, and patient-reported outcomes at mid- and long-terms after surgical treatment of traumatic knee dislocations is available. This study aimed to investigate the mid-term recovery regarding clinical, functional, and patient-reported outcomes in patients following knee dislocation with associated multi-ligament injuries. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study design was a cross-sectional cohort study. Data were collected by retrospective chart review, clinical examination, and interview of patients. All patients treated surgically following a knee dislocation between January 2000 and December 2011 were included. The surgical technique was up to the decision of the individual surgeon. The main outcome was the Lysholm knee score. Secondary outcomes consist of clinical knee examination, functional performance test, pain, and patient-reported outcome across several domains in function, sport, pain, and quality of life. RESULTS: Seventy-five patients (66.3%) accepted the invitation to participate. The mean age at the time of knee dislocation was 33.5 years, with a range of 16-65 years of age. The mean follow-up time was 78 months (R: 17-147). 75% of patient a Schenck's type 1 lesion and 23% a type 3. The median Lysholm knee score was 83 (R: 18-100). The mean KOOS for the five subscales were pain 84.5 (95% CI 80.5-88.5), symptoms 75.1 (95% CI 70.7-79.4), ADL 87.0 (95% CI 83.1-90.9), sport 59.9 (95% CI 53.3-66.4), and QOL 71.3 (95% CI 67.0-75.6). The mean Tegner activity level was 5.1 (95% CI 4.5-5.7). The median single assessment numeric evaluation (SANE) was 93 (R: 0-100). The pain intensity score for pain (VAS) during activity was reported with a mean of 2.7 (95% CI 2.1-3.3). The objective IKDC examination showed 76% of patients grouped by Grade A (normal knee function) or Grade B (nearly normal). CONCLUSION: With a mean follow-up of 6.5 years, combined repair and reconstruction surgery following a knee dislocation shows good to excellent patient-reported outcome and more than 75% of patients experiencing normal knee functioned evaluated by the IKDC score.

National population-based reference data for the Hip Disability and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (HOOS).

INTRODUCTION: Interpretation of patient-reported outcome scores such as the Hip Disability and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (HOOS) can be improved with use of reference values. The aim of the study was to establish population-based reference values for the HOOS' five subscales and its short-form HOOS-12. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A representative sample of 9997 Danish citizens 18 years and older were identified. The population record-based sample was based on seven predefined age groups and an equal sex distribution within each age group. A national secure electronic system was used to send the HOOS questionnaire and one supplementary question regarding previous hip complaints to all participants. RESULTS: 2277 participants completed the HOOS, 947 women (42%) and 1330 men (58%). The mean HOOS subscale scores were: pain 86.9 (95% CI 86.1-87.7), symptoms 83.7 (95% CI 82.9-84.5), ADL 88.2 (95% CI 87.5-89.0), sport and recreation function 83.1 (95% CI 82.0-84.1), QOL 82.7 (95% CI 81.8-83.6). The youngest age group reported better mean scores in four subscales compared to the oldest age group (pain 91.7 vs. 84.5, mean difference 7.2 95% CI 0.4-14.0), (ADL 94.6 points vs. 83.2, mean difference 11.4 95% CI 4.9-17.8), (sport and recreation function 91.5 points vs. 73.8 points, mean difference 17.7 95% CI 9.0-26.4), (QOL 88.9 points vs. 78.8, mean difference 10.1 points 95% CI 2.0-18.2). Participants with a self-reported hip complaint had worse HOOS scores across all subscales (mean difference range 22.1-34.6). Super obese patients (BMI > 40) had > 12.5 points worse scores across the five HOOS subscales. Results were similar for the HOOS-12. CONCLUSION: This study provides reference values for the HOOS and its short form HOOS-12. Results show that older patients and patients with a BMI over 40 have worse HOOS and HOOS-12 scores that may be of clinical importance in the interpretation of scores both when evaluating potential for improvement and post-treatment results.

Blood-flow restricted exercise following ankle fractures - A feasibility study.

BACKGROUND: The objective was to investigate the feasibility of blood flow restricted exercise (BFRE) as a rehabilitation modality in patients with a unilateral ankle fracture. METHODS: Feasibility study with a prospective cohort design. Inclusion criteria were above 18 years of age and unilateral ankle fractures. EXCLUSION CRITERIA: history of cardiac or embolic diseases, cancer, diabetes, hypertension and family history of cardio or vascular diseases. The predefined feasibility outcome was based on three criteria regarding patients experience with participating in the BFRE protocol and the absence of any serious adverse events. RESULTS: Eight patients were included. Median age was 33 years (range: 23-60). All eight patients reported maximum satisfaction on the two questions regarding patient's perception of the overall experience with BFRE training and the feasibility to introduce BFRE as an intervention. CONCLUSION: Early use of BFRE in patients with unilateral ankle fractures seems feasible in patients without comorbidity.

Characteristics of patients requiring early total knee replacement after surgically treated lateral tibial plateau fractures-A comparative cohort study.

PURPOSE: The primary aim of the present study was to compare basic characteristics of patients requiring early treatment with TKR and patients not requiring TKR within 3 years following a lateral tibial plateau fracture. METHODS: Comparative cohort study. From December 2013 to November 2016, 56 patients were included. Five patients required a TKR within the first 3 years. We compared the basic characteristics (age, gender, BMI, comorbidity, osteoporosis, fracture classification, soft tissue injuries and trauma mechanism) between patients. RESULTS: Comparing baseline characteristics of the two groups of patients shows a higher rate of females (56.4% vs 80%), a higher BMI (25.9 vs 29.9), a higher rate of patients with diabetes (8% vs 20%), a higher rate of the fracture type AO 41-B1 (8% vs 80%) and a higher rate of soft tissue injuries (46% vs 100%). Age, smoking status and preoperative maximum joint depression were comparable between the two groups. CONCLUSIONS: Female gender, severe comorbidity, obesity, osteopenia, fracture type AO 41-B and soft tissue injuries were associated to early total knee replacements following surgically treated lateral tibial plateau fractures.

Results following prolonged recovery show satisfactory functional and patient-reported outcome after intramedullary nailing of a tibial shaft fracture: a prospective 5-year follow-up cohort study.

INTRODUCTION: Although a large number of previous studies have investigated the outcome in patients following tibial shaft fractures, the literature provides limited information on prospectively reported patients with mid- to long-term follow-up. The present study aimed to investigate prospectively the 5-year development in patient-reported quality of life after intramedullary nailing of a tibial shaft fracture. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The design was a prospective, 5-year follow-up cohort study. Quality of life (QOL) was measured with the questionnaire Eq5d-5L and compared to the 1-year outcome reported by the same patients. Secondary outcome measurements were the Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS), recordings of pain, gait and muscle strength. RESULTS: Twenty-nine patients were eligible for participation. Mean patient age at the time of the 5-year follow-up was 46.3 years. The 5-year postoperative mean Eq5d-5L index was 0.864 (95% CI 0.809-0.918). The mean Eq5d-5L VAS was 88.4 (95% CI 83.4-93.5). Compared with the same patients' Eq5d-5L index scores at the 1-year follow-up (0.784), a significant increase was observed (P = 0.014). A comparison to the Danish Eq.5D reference population showed no statistically significant difference. CONCLUSIONS: Patient-reported quality of life among patients treated with intramedullary nailing following a tibial shaft fracture increased significantly between the 1-year and 5-year follow-up. In contrast to the 1-year patient-reported quality of life, results are comparable to those of a reference population at the 5-year follow-up. In a clinical setting, these results highlight that patients may expect a prolonged period to recover. However, of most importance is that patients can expect a satisfactory outcome years after fracture and treatment.

Satisfactory outcome following arthroscopic fixation of tibial intercondylar eminence fractures in children and adolescents using bioabsorbable nails.

INTRODUCTION: Tibial intercondylar eminence fracture is a rare fracture and is commonly treated with suture, screw or bio-absorbable nail. Current literature includes little information regarding outcome of surgically treatment with bio-absorbable nails. The purpose of this study was to report the clinical and functional outcomes in patients with tibial intercondylar eminence fractures arthroscopically treated with bio-absorbable nails. METHODS: The study design was retrospective follow-up. Sixteen patients, age 11-16 years, were surgically treated with bio-absorbable nail following an intercondylar eminence fracture. Thirteen patients participate in the present follow-up study. The median follow-up time was 6.5 years. The main outcome measurement was the Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS). Secondary outcome measurements consisted of: Eq5d-5L questionnaire, knee pain, knee laxity, range of motion (ROM), muscle strength, gait analyses, radiological outcomes, activity and level. RESULTS: The median KOOS scores for the five subscales were: pain 98.5 (19-100), symptoms 90.5 (54-100), ADL 100 (22-100), sport 87.5, (0-100) and QOL 88.0 (13-100), indication satisfactory outcome. Low level of gait asymmetry was observed. Almost balanced muscle strength between the injured and non-injured leg for knee extension and knee flexion strength was observed. Measurement of anterior knee laxity showed 12 patients with a knee laxity between - 1 and 2 mm. The examination of intercondylar eminence displacement at the time of follow-up showed that 12 patients had a displacement of 2 mm or less. CONCLUSION: This case series demonstrates satisfactory patient-reported and functional outcomes in the treatment of intercondylar eminence fractures in children and adolescents with bio-absorbable nails.

Population-based incidence and epidemiology of 5912 foot fractures.

BACKGROUND: The present study aimed to report a full overview of the incidence and epidemiology of foot fractures. METHOD: Population-based epidemiological cohort study including all foot fractures over 5 years. All patient charts and radiology were manually assessed. RESULTS: A total of 4938 patients sustained 5912 foot fractures during the study period. Patients' mean age at the time of fracture was 36.1 (21.7 SD) years. The overall incidence of foot fractures was 142.3/100,000/year. The hind foot incidence was 13.7/100,000/year, the mid foot incidence 6.5/100,000/year, and the fore foot incidence 123.9/100,000/year. The most common mode of injury was due to low energy trauma (98.7%). CONCLUSION: This study shows an overall incidence of foot fractures to be 142.3/100,000/year. The hind foot incidence is 13.7/100,000/year, the mid foot incidence 6.5/100,000/year, and the fore foot incidence 123.9/100,000/year.

High mortality following distal femur fractures: a cohort study including three hundred and two distal femur fractures.

PURPOSE: What are the overall, 30-day, 6-month, and 1-year mortality rates following distal femur fractures? METHODS: Epidemiological cohort study. Retrospective reviews of charts and X-rays based on a search in the National Danish Health Registry. RESULTS: A total of 293 patients were treated for 302 distal femur fractures between 2005 and 2010. The mean age at the time of fracture was 44.0 years for males and 71.6 years for females. The overall mortality rates after a non-periprosthetic distal femur fracture at 30 days, six months, and one year were 5%, 15%, and 21%, respectively. The mortality rates for patients at > 60 years at 30 days, six months, and one year were 8%, 26%, and 35%, respectively. The mortality rates for patients at ≤ 60 years at 30 days, six months, and one year were 1%, 2%, and 3%, respectively. The overall mortality rates after a periprosthetic distal femur fracture at 30 days, six months, and one year were 10%, 15%, and 15%. Males were 2.6 (95% CI 1.01-6.86, P = 0.04) times more likely to die within the first year compared to women. Patients treated by conservative means shows a 2.8 (95% CI 1.41-5.54, P = 0.03) times increased likelihood of death within the first year compared to patients treated with surgery. CONCLUSIONS: The overall one year mortality rate was 21% for non-periprosthetic distal femur fractures and was elevated to 35% in patients older than 60 years. Patients presenting with a periprosthetic fracture showed a one year mortality rate of 15%.

Tibial plateau fractures are associated with a long-term increased risk of mortality: a matched cohort study of 7950 patients.

INTRODUCTION: Disregarding proximal femoral fractures, the current literature includes only limited information regarding mortality following lower extremity fractures. Information regarding risk of mortality related to specific fracture patterns is essential when planning treatment modalities. The primary aim of this study was to report the long-term cumulative survival rate in patients with a tibial plateau fracture compared to an age- and gender-matched reference population. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Patients who sustained a tibial plateau fracture in Denmark between 1996 and 2000 were included in the study. Survival status was monitored until 2015. We compared the mortality rate with a tenfold reference population matched on age and gender without a prior tibial plateau fracture. The study was based on register data from the Danish National Patient Register. RESULTS: The study included 7950 patients sustaining 8065 tibial plateau fractures. The cohort had a mean follow-up period of 13.9 years. Patients with a tibial plateau fracture had a 1.52 (95% CI 1.46-1.58) times higher hazard ratio (HR) of death compared to the age- and gender-matched reference population. The 30-day, 6-month and 1-year mortality rates were 1.2%, 3.3% and 4.9%, respectively. CONCLUSION: Patients with a proximal tibial plateau fracture have a higher cumulative risk of death during the mean 13.9-year observational period compared to an age- and gender-matched reference population.

Surgical versus conservative treatment for ankle fractures in adults - A systematic review and meta-analysis of the benefits and harms.

INTRODUCTION: Despite fractures of the ankle being very common, there is a lack of clarity regarding the relative effectiveness of conservative versus surgical treatment. The purpose of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to investigate the clinical effects, benefits, and harms of surgical versus conservative treatment of ankle fractures in adults. METHODS: A systematic search strategy was conducted in the databases: Pubmed, Embase, Web of Science, and Cochrane up until the 16th of August 2017. Eight available randomized controlled trials, regardless of fracture type, reported on patient-reported ankle-specific functional outcome and were included. Analyses were based on random effects models. RESULTS: The 8 included studies randomly allocated 1237 patients to either surgical or conservative treatment. Mean age of patients ranged from 38.1 to 71.4 years. Five studies evaluated short-term patient-reported ankle function, with no significant difference between surgery and conservative treatment (SMD=-0.14, 95%CI=-0.57 to 0.29, P=0.51, I2=84%). Three studies evaluated health-related quality of life, with no significant difference in treatment effect between surgery or conservative treatment (SMD=0.13, 95%CI=-0.01 to 0.27, P=0.06, I2=0%). CONCLUSIONS: The best available current evidence supports that clinicians can manage ankle fractures by both surgical and conservative means with equal short-term results in selected patient groups with stable and unstable nondisplaced ankle fractures. However, more research is needed including high-quality RCTs investigating the long-term effects. This is especially the case in younger patients, before making significant interpretations about clinical practice.

Long-Lasting Hyperalgesia Is Common in Patients Following Patella Fractures.

Background: The objective was to investigate the long-term development of pain and hyperalgesia after patella fractures. The secondary objective was to report the association between tibiofemoral and patellofemoral osteoarthritis, pain, and hyperalgesia. Methods: The study used a cohort design. Patients who were treated for patella fractures between January 2006 and December 2009 were identified. Patients age 20 to 78 years were included. The main outcome was the pain pressure threshold (PPT). Moreover, visual analog scale (VAS) for pain, radiological outcomes of patellofemoral and tibiofemoral osteoarthritis, and the pain subscale of the WOMAC and EQ-5D questionnaires were used. Results: Forty-nine patients were included, with a mean age of 53.9 years and a mean follow-up time of 8.5 years. The injured knee region showed significantly decreased PPT levels (P < 0.046), but decreases in PPT were not found for the forearm region (P = 0.24). The VAS score for the worst pain during the last 24 hours was reported, with a mean of 2.9 ± 2.4 cm. The EQ-5D-5L-pain scale was reported, with a mean score of 2.4 (95% confidence interval [CI] = 2.0-2.7). The WOMAC Pain score was reported, with a mean score of 3.9 (95% CI = 2.8-4.9). Moderate correlations were found between the VAS scores and PPT levels (R = 0.428, P = 0.002). Weak correlations were found between VAS scores and PPT levels for site 7 (forearm; R = 0.313, P = 0.03). Conclusions: The present study suggests that long-lasting local hyperalgesia following a patella fracture is common. No side-to-side difference at the forearms were observed, indicating that the observed local hyperalgesia was not part of a generalized sensitization.

Population-based epidemiology and incidence of distal femur fractures.

PURPOSE: The literature lacks recent epidemiological studies on the incidence, trauma mechanism and fracture classification of distal femur fractures. The aim of the present study was to provide up-to-date information concerning the incidence of distal femur fractures in a large and complete population and to report on the distribution of fracture classification, trauma mechanisms and patient baseline demographics. METHODS: The approach for this study was via a retrospective reviews of records. RESULTS: A total of 293 patients were treated for 302 distal femur fractures between 2005 and 2010. The mean age at the time of fracture was 62.2 years. The mean age was 44.0 years for males and 71.6 years for females. The gender distribution was 33.4% males and 66.6% females. The overall incidence of distal femur fractures was 8.7/100,000/year. After the age of 60 years, a rapid increase in the incidence of distal femoral fractures was observed in both genders, with a large female predominance. Low-energy injuries were the most common mode of injury in both genders (97%), with approximately 61% being the result of a fall from standing height. AO classification type A (extra-articular fractures) was the most common of all fractures (38.6%). Eighty-four patients (28.7%) were admitted with periprosthetic fractures, corresponding to an overall incidence of periprosthetic fractures of 2.4/100,000/year. CONCLUSIONS: The present study shows an incidence of 8.7/100,000/year of distal femur fractures. After the age of 60 years, a rapid increase in the incidence of distal femoral fractures was observed in both genders, with a considerable female predominance.

Population-based epidemiology of 9767 ankle fractures.

BACKGROUND: The purpose was to provide up-to-date information concerning the incidence of ankle fractures in a large and complete population including all age groups, spanning a decade, and report the distribution of fractures, trauma mechanism and patient baseline demographics. METHODS: Population-based epidemiological study of all patients treated for an ankle fracture in a 10-year period from 2005 to 2014. RESULTS: A total of 9767 patients with ankle fractures were treated between 2005 and 2014. The mean age at time of fracture was 41.4 (24.3 SD) years. The mean incidence of ankle fractures between 2005 and 2014 was 168.7/100,000/year. Years with cold winters showed increased incidences compared with years with normal winters. For males, the incidence was 157.1/100,000/year, and for females, 179.5/100,000/year. The incidence shows a peak incidence among adolescents in both genders with a male predominance. After the age of 19 the male incidence declines with age, which is in contrast to females, who experience an increasing incidence. The most common fracture type in all age groups was a fracture of the lateral malleolus representing 55% of all fractures. The predominant mode of injury was falls (61%) followed by sports (22%). CONCLUSION: This study shows an incidence of 168.7/100,000/year spanning a decade. The most common fracture type in all age groups was a fracture of the lateral malleolus representing 55% of all fractures. The predominant mode of injury was falls (61%) followed by sports (22%).

Local and Widespread Hyperalgesia After Isolated Tibial Shaft Fractures Treated with Intramedullary Nailing.

OBJECTIVES: Knee pain is accepted as a common complication to intramedullary nailing of tibial fractures. However, no studies have systematically studied the pain sequel following tibial fractures. The objective of this study was to assess pain and hyperalgesia from 6 weeks to 12 months postoperatively after intramedullary nailing of tibial shaft fracture. METHODS: A total of 39 patients were included in this 12-month follow-up study. After 6 weeks, 3, 6, and 12 months postoperatively the pain intensity was measured on a visual analog scale (VAS) and the pressure pain sensitivity was assessed bilaterally by pain pressure thresholds (PPTs). RESULTS: The mean age at the time of fracture was 42.9 years. Twelve months after surgery, the pain intensity for worst pain during the last 24 hours was 1.8 ± 2.7 cm. The PPTs progressively increased from 6 weeks after surgery to 12 months postoperatively for all PPT sites except for the forearm (P < 0.012). Moreover, the PPTs on the leg were generally reduced on the injured side compared with the non-injured side (P < 0.04). CONCLUSIONS: This study suggests that localized, distal, and bilateral hyperalgesia are common following an isolated tibial shaft fracture treated with intramedullary nailing, although no widespread (extrasegmental) hyperalgesia was detected. Such observations may be important for developing the most adequate rehabilitation procedure following a tibial fracture.

One-year development of QOL following orthopaedic polytrauma: a prospective observational cohort study of 53 patients.

INTRODUCTION: Most studies of polytrauma examined highly mixed patient groups. The objective of the present study was to report the development of patient-reported quality of life (QOL), in a patient group with musculoskeletal polytrauma, excluding patients with major thoracic, abdominal, and brain injuries. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study design was a 1-year cohort follow-up study. Recordings of injury severity were measured with the ISS and NISS. Patient-reported QOL was measured with the questionnaires Eq5d-5L and SF-36 and compared to age-matched reference populations. Moreover, patients return to work status was measured. Data were collected prospectively at discharge, 3, 6, and 12 months. RESULTS: 53 patients were included. The mean age was 42.3 years, ranging from 17 to 78 years. Twelve months after trauma admission, the mean Eq5d-5L index was 0.601 (95 % CI 0.546-0.657). A progressive increasing Eq5d-5L index and SF-36 PCS was observed between the discharge and the 12-month follow-up (p < 0.001). The development in QOL from 6 to 12 months almost shows identically scores. Throughout the study period, patients reported significant worse QOL compared with the established reference population. 32 % of patients have resumed earlier employment status at 1-year follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: Throughout the 12-month observational period, patients reported worse QOL compared to the age-matched reference population. The development of QOL from 6- to 12-month time points almost showed identically scores with only little improvement. At the end of 1-year follow-up, 32 % of patients had resumed prior employment status.

Decreased QOL and muscle strength are persistent 1 year after intramedullary nailing of a tibial shaft fracture: a prospective 1-year follow-up cohort study.

INTRODUCTION: To evaluate the development in patient-reported quality of life (QOL) and muscle strength in the period from surgery to 12 months postoperatively after intramedullary nailing of a tibial shaft fracture. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The design was a prospective, follow-up cohort study. QOL was measured with the questionnaire Eq5D-5L and compared to norm data from a reference population. Recordings of pain and contralateral muscle strength (isometric maximal voluntary contraction (MVC) for knee flexion and extension were collected at 6 weeks, 3, 6, and 12 months postoperatively. Ipsilateral MVCs were recorded at 6 and 12 months. RESULTS: Forty-nine patients were included. The mean age at the time of fracture was 43.1 years (18-79 years). Twelve months postoperatively, the mean Eq5D-5L index was 0.792 (95 % CI 0.747-0.837). Throughout the 12 months postoperatively, patients reported worse QOL compared to the reference population. Six and 12 months after surgery patients demonstrated decreased muscle strength in the injured leg compared to the non-injured leg for knee extension and flexion (P < 0.001). Twelve months postoperatively, increasing relative difference in muscle strength during knee extension show a fair correlation to worse QOL (R = 0.541, P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Throughout the 12 months postoperatively, patients reported worse QOL compared to the reference population. Muscle strength in the non-injured leg improved over time and was higher after 6 and 12 months compared with the injured leg.

A novel tool for measuring ankle dorsiflexion: A study of its reliability in patients following ankle fractures.

BACKGROUND: Assessment of ankle joint movement in a weight bearing position has important clinical implications. The lunge ankle dorsiflexion measurement device (LAD) has been developed with the aim of facilitating ease of and standardisation of the measurement of ankle joint movement. The literature lacks studies evaluating the reliability of weight bearing measurements of the ankle joint in study groups with ankle disabilities. The objective of this study was to examine the intra- and inter-tester reliability of ankle dorsiflexion measured with the novel LAD in patients following a fracture of the ankle. METHOD: This study was a randomized intra- and inter-tester reliability study with blinding of testers and participants. All participants were tested twice by each tester, with the order of testers randomized. The intra- and inter-tester reliability was assessed by the calculation of interclass correlation coefficients (ICC). RESULTS: The study sample consisted of 24 patients: 15 females and nine males post-immobilisation following surgery for ankle fractures. The mean age was 51.0 years, ranging from 22 to 92 years. All patients had sustained an AO classification 44- fracture of the ankle. The mean follow-up time was 9.3 months (16.2 SD) after the time of fracture. The inter-tester reliability was high, with an ICC of 0.984 (95%CI: 0.963-0.993) and SEmeas of 0.14cm. The ICC for Tester A was 0.989 (95%CI: 0.974-0.995) and SEmeas 0.10cm. The ICC for Tester B was 0.990 (95%CI: 0.977-0.996) and SEmeas 0.09cm. CONCLUSION: This study shows a high inter- and intra-tester reliability for measuring ankle dorsiflexion with the LAD following a fracture of the ankle.

Experimental treatment with bone void filler for lower extremity insufficiency fractures in rheumatoid arthritis patients - Early clinical results.

Introduction: The aim is to report early clinical results of an experimental surgical procedure, injecting bone void filler, for patients with lower extremity rheumatoid arthritis (RA) insufficiency fractures. Case Report: We used a cross-sectional design with retrospective follow-up. Patient-reported outcomes were reported by the body-region specific questionnaires, knee injury and osteoarthritis outcome score (KOOS), or foot and ankle outcome score (FOAS). The Eq5D-5L questionnaire reported overall health-related quality of life (QoL). Furthermore, patient satisfaction (semi-structured interview), pain reactions, and adverse events were reported.Results from the first five patients were included. The median age was 70 years (range 50-80). Fracture localizations were proximal tibia (2), distal tibia (2), and distal femur (1). Four out of five patients reported a high degree of patient satisfaction following treatment. Four out of five patients at follow-up reported no pain from the fracture location. The median improvement from baseline to follow-up on the KOOS/FAOS subscale scores was pain 65 (range 42-69), symptoms 39 (range 25-50), the activity of daily living 41 (range 29-51), sport and recreational activities (sport/rec) 48 (range 40-60), and QoL 60 (range 57-72). The median improvement for the Eq5D index was 0.30 (range 0.26-0.36). Conclusion: Surgical treatment of insufficiency fractures in RA patients with bone void filler seems promising. Four out of five patients reported considerable improvement in function and QoL and substantially lower pain scores following treatment. More research is needed to investigate the efficacy of this novel surgical procedure.

High risk of complications following surgical treatment of patella fractures - a cross-sectional study of 798 patients with mean 6.4 years follow-up.

PURPOSE: This study aimed to investigate the incidence of early and late complications following treatment of patella fractures. Secondary aims were to investigate the association between early and late complications and the patient-reported outcome measurement, the Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis outcome score (KOOS). METHODS: Cross-sectional study including all patients recorded with a patella fracture residing in the Northern Region of Denmark between 2010 and 2020. Early (before 3 months) and late complications were investigated by retrospective review of charts and x-rays. All patients were invited to participate in the study by reporting current knee-specific symptoms. The KOOS was used to investigate patient-reported knee-specific symptoms. RESULTS: Seven hundred ninety-eight patients were included in the study. A total of 532 (67%) patients were treated conservatively, and 266 (33%) patients underwent surgery. The mean age at the time of fracture was 66.8, ranging from 6 to 103 years of age. The mean follow-up time was 6.4 years, ranging from 1.1 to 12.3 years follow-up. Overall, the rate of complications was 26%. Overall, the rate of complication for the surgical group was 57% and for the conservative group 4%. The most common early complication was the loss of reduction followed by the removal of symptomatic hardware. The most common late complication was the removal of symptomatic hardware and knee arthroscopy. In all the five KOOS subscales (Pain, Symptoms, ADL, Sport/Rec, and QOL), patients presenting with early and late complications reported statistically significantly worse scores than those without complications. CONCLUSION: The overall incidence of complications in patients presenting with a patella fracture was 26%, with a mean follow-up time of 6.4 years. In the surgical group, 57% of patients experience at least one complication during the follow-up period. Early and late complications were significantly associated with worse KOOS subscale  scores.