A pilot study of surgical telementoring for leg fasciotomy.

INTRODUCTION: Acute extremity compartment syndrome requires rapid decompression. In remote locations, distance, weather and logistics may delay the evacuation of patients with extremity trauma beyond the desired timeline for compartment release. The aim of this study was to establish the feasibility of performing telementored surgery for leg compartment release and to identify methodological issues relevant for future research. METHODS: Three anaethetists and one critical care physician were recruited as operators. They were directed to perform a two-incision leg fasciotomy on a Thiel-embalmed cadaver under the guidance of a remotely located orthopaedic surgeon. The operating physician and the surgeon (mentor) were connected through software that allows for real-time supervision and the use of a virtual pointer overlaid onto the surgical field. Two experienced orthopaedic traumatologists independently assessed the adequacy of compartment decompression and the presence of iatrogenic complications. RESULTS: 14 of 16 compartments (in four leg specimens) were felt to have been completely released. The first evaluator considered that the deep posterior compartment was incompletely released in two specimens. The second evaluator considered that the superficial posterior compartment was incompletely released in two specimens. The only complication was a large laceration of the soleus muscle that occurred during a period of blurred video signal attributed to a drop in bandwidth. CONCLUSIONS: This study suggests that surgical telementoring may enable physicians to safely perform two-incision leg fasciotomy in remote environments. This could improve the chances of limb salvage when compartment syndrome occurs far from surgical care. We found interobserver variation in the assessment of compartment release, which should be considered in the design of future research protocols.

Effectiveness of foot fasciotomies in foot and ankle trauma.

BACKGROUND: Foot compartment syndrome (FCS) has been reported to cause neuropathic pain, claw or hammer toes, and motor and sensory disturbances. The optimal treatment of FCS is controversial. The purpose of this study was to determine if foot fasciotomies improve patient outcomes in high-energy, combat-related lower extremity trauma. METHODS: Medical records of patients with documented FCS from May 2007 to January 2009 were retrospectively reviewed. Consecutive, matched control patients were identified based on similar hindfoot, mid-foot and/or forefoot injuries who did not undergo foot fasciotomy during the same period. The primary outcomes analysed were the development of claw or hammer toes and neuropathic pain. RESULTS: 19 patients with foot fasctiotomies were identified and matched with 19 controls. Median follow-up was 19.5 months (range, 3.5-47.5 months) for the combined cohorts. The most common mechanism of injury was an explosive blast. Nine fasciotomy and nine control patients sustained open foot fractures. Significantly more patients with foot fasciotomies developed claw toes (50% vs 17%, p=0.03). There were no significant differences in the development of neuropathic pain, sensory deficits, motor deficits, chronic pain, stiffness or infection. The fasciotomy patients underwent an average of 5.5 surgeries per patient versus 4 surgeries per patient in the control group. CONCLUSIONS: Fasciotomy of the foot did not prevent neuropathic pain and deformities in patients with FCS in this study.

Biomechanical evaluation of a tool-less external fixator.

INTRODUCTION: Current external fixator systems used by the US and UK military for stabilising extremity fractures require specialised tools to build a construct. The goal of obtaining and maintaining limb length and alignment is not achieved if these tools are misplaced. An alternative, tool-less system is currently available, namely the Dolphix Temporary Fixation System. The aim of this study was to compare the stiffness of the Dolphix system with the existing Hoffmann III system. METHODS: Three Hoffmann III and three Dolphix constructs were assembled on a bone (tibia) surrogate. A 30 mm fracture gap was created to simulate a comminuted proximal tibia or distal femur fracture. The constructs were then tested in cyclic axial compression once daily for 3 consecutive days. RESULTS: The length and alignment of the surrogate limb was restored following each testing cycle with both external fixation systems. The stiffness of the constructs was maintained throughout each sequential test, with the Dolphix exhibiting 54% the stiffness of the Hoffmann III construct. CONCLUSION: Given the Dolphix's performance in mechanical testing and the unique advantage of having a tool-less manual locking clamp mechanism, this tool-less system should be considered for use in the mobile austere environment.

Time-dependent effect of chlorhexidine surgical prep.

Despite continued advances in preoperative preventive measures and aseptic technique, surgical site infections remain a problem. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the time-dependent effectiveness of chlorhexidine, a common surgical preparation solution, at various concentrations. Agar plates containing a Mueller-Hinton medium were inoculated with Staphylococcus aureus (lux) bacteria. The bacteria are genetically engineered to emit photons, allowing for quantification with a photon-counting camera system. Standardized amounts of aqueous chlorhexidine at three different concentrations (group 1:4%; group 2:2%; group 3:0.4%) were applied to the agar plates and comparisons in bacterial reduction were made. After 2 min of contact time, groups 1 and 2 had similar reductions in bacterial load with 30% bacterial load remaining in each group (P=0.512), whereas group 3 had a significantly higher bacterial load (33%) when compared to both groups 1 and 2 (1 vs 3, P<0.0001; 2 vs 3, P=0.0002). The bacterial load in all three groups continued to decrease out to the final time point (1h) with group 1 having the least amount of bacterial load remaining, 9% (P<0.0001) and group 3 with the highest bacterial load remaining, 19% (P<0.0001). This study demonstrates two key results: first, dilution of chlorhexidine correlates directly with its bactericidal activity; second, its effectiveness is directly related to its contact time. Based on the results of this study, the authors recommend using 4% chlorhexidine for surgical site preparation and allowing a minimum of 2 min of contact time prior to making the skin incision.