Functional results and unfavorable events after treatment of proximal humerus fractures using a new locking plate system.

BACKGROUND: Proximal humerus fractures are often treated with a fixed-angle titanium plate osteosynthesis. Recently, plates made of alternative materials such as carbon fibre-reinforced polyetheretherketone (CFR-PEEK) have been introduced. This study presents the postoperative results of patients treated with a CFR-PEEK plate. METHODS: Patients with proximal humerus fractures treated with a CFR-PEEK plate (PEEKPower™ Humeral Fracture Plate (HFP)) were included. In follow-up examination, age and gender adjusted Constant-Murley Score (ACS), Subjective Shoulder Value (SSV), Quick Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand Score (QDASH) and pain score (Visual Analog Scale (VAS)) were analyzed. General condition at follow-up was measured by European Quality of Life 5 Dimensions 3 Level Version (EQ-5D-3L). Range of motion was recorded. In addition, radiographs at follow-up, unfavorable events and revision rate were analyzed. RESULTS: In total, 98 patients (66.0 ± 13.2 years, 74 females, 24 males) were reexamined. Mean follow-up was 27.6 ± 13.2 months. There were 15 2-part, 28 3-part and 55 4-part fractures. The functional scores showed good results: SSV 83.3 ± 15.6%, QDASH 13.1 ± 17.0 and ACS 80.4 ± 16.0. A 4-part-fracture, head split component, nonanatomic head shaft reposition and preoperative radiological signs of osteoarthritis were significant negative predictors for poorer clinical scores. Unfavourable events were observed in 27 patients (27.6%). Revision surgery was performed in 8 (8.2%) patients. Risk factors for an unfavourable event were female gender, age of 50 years and older, diabetes, affected dominant hand, 4-part fracture, head split and preoperative radiological signs of osteoarthritis. CONCLUSION: There are several advantages of the CFR-PEEK plate (PEEKPower™ Humeral Fracture Plate (HFP)) such as the polyaxial screw placement and higher stability of locking screws. In summary, the CFR-PEEK plate osteosynthesis is a good alternative with comparable clinical results and some biomechanical advantages. Proximal humerus fractures show good clinical results after treatment with a CFR-PEEK plate. The revision rate and the risk of unfavorable events are not increased compared to conventional titanium plate osteosynthesis. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: IV.

A retrospective analysis of the definitive management of open talus fractures at a major trauma centre, comparing ORIF to FUSION: cohort study and audit of BOAST 4 guidelines.

PURPOSE: Open talus fractures are notoriously difficult to manage, and they are commonly associated with a high level of complications including non-union, avascular necrosis and infection. Currently, the management of such injuries is based upon BOAST 4 guidelines although there is no suggested definitive management, and thus, definitive management is based upon surgeon preference. The key principles of open talus fracture management which do not vary between surgeons are early debridement, orthoplastic wound care, anatomic reduction and definitive fixation whenever possible. However, there is much debate over whether the talus should be preserved or removed after open talus fracture/dislocation and proceeded to tibiocalcaneal fusion. METHODS: A review of electronic hospital records for open talus fractures from 2014 to 2021 returned fourteen patients with fifteen open talus fractures. Seven cases were initially managed with ORIF, and five cases were definitively managed with FUSION, while the others were managed with alternative methods. We collected patient's age, gender, surgical complications, surgical risk factors and post-treatment functional ability and pain and compliance with BOAST guidelines. The average follow-up of the cohort was 4 years and one month. EQ-5D-5L and FAAM-ADL/Sports score was used as a patient reported outcome measure. Data were analysed using the software PRISM. RESULTS: Comparison between FUSION and ORIF groups showed no statistically significant difference in EQ-5D-5L score (P = 0.13), FAAM-ADL (P = 0.20), FAAM-Sport (P = 0.34), infection rate (P = 0.55), surgical times (P = 0.91) and time to weight bearing (P = 0.39), despite a higher proportion of polytrauma and Hawkins III and IV fractures in the FUSION group. CONCLUSION: FUSION is typically used as second line to ORIF or failed ORIF. However, there is a lack of studies that directly compared outcome in open talus fracture patients definitively managed with FUSION or ORIF. Our results demonstrate for the first time that FUSION may not be inferior to ORIF in terms of patient functional outcome, infection rate and quality of life, in the management of patients with open talus fracture patients. Of note, as open talus fractures have increased risks of complications such as osteonecrosis and non-union, FUSION should be considered as a viable option to mitigate these potential complications in these patients.

Risk factors for prolonged preoperative waiting time of intertrochanteric fracture patients undergoing operative treatment.

PURPOSE: Intertrochanteric fracture is a common fracture in older adults. We observed the case characteristics of intertrochanteric fracture and analyzed the risk factors for prolonged preoperative waiting time based on patient data from a 6 year period. Investigate the post-admission treatment of intertrochanteric fracture. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed the medical records from July 2015 to July 2021 of patients hospitalized for intertrochanteric fracture who had undergone internal fixation surgery in the orthopedic ward of the Affiliated Hospital of Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine. Data regarding gender, age, AO/OTA classification, preoperative waiting time, preoperative medical comorbidities, and complicated deep venous thrombosis (DVT) of lower limbs were collected. Statistical tests were used to evaluate the factors influencing preoperative preparation time and DVT. RESULTS: A total of 1812 cases were retrospectively analyzed, 1258 patients (69.43%) had three or more medical comorbidities. The average preoperative waiting time was 5.09 ± 3.27 days. Advanced age, more preoperative medical comorbidities and DVT led to longer preoperative waiting times, and preoperative medical comorbidities were an independent risk factor. Patients with advanced age and preoperative medical comorbidities were more likely to have DVT. CONCLUSION: Age and preoperative medical comorbidities are risk factors for DVT and prolonged preoperative preparation time in intertrochanteric fracture patients. Preoperative medical comorbidities are an independent risk factors affecting the preoperative waiting time, and a combination of multiple comorbidities almost predicts the delay of the operation time.

Low Infection Rate for Hand Fractures Managed with Surgical Fixation under Wide-Awake Local Anesthesia with No Tourniquet in Minor Surgery.

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to review the rate and type of infectious complications after surgical fixation of hand fractures managed under wide-awake local anesthesia with no tourniquet (WALANT) in minor procedure rooms outside the main operating room. METHODS: A two-surgeon retrospective chart review was performed of patients who received surgical fixation of hand fractures under WALANT in minor surgery from March of 2014 to March of 2019. RESULTS A TOTAL OF: patients, with distal phalanx ( n = 16), middle phalanx ( n = 7), proximal phalanx ( n = 11), or metacarpal ( n = 26) fractures, were included in the study. The average patient age was 37 years, with a higher proportion of male patients (51:7). Two patients had two fractures each. Thirty of the 58 cases were already open fractures. Fixation was performed using either plates and screws (25 of 58) or nonburied Kirschner wires (31 of 58). Thirty-six percent of patients (21 of 58) were treated with prophylactic antibiotics. One patient developed postoperative cellulitis. The only case of osteomyelitis occurred in a patient with risk factors known to increase rates of infectious complications (open fracture, smoking history, and >24 hours from injury to treatment). No infectious complications occurred in those who sustained closed fractures. CONCLUSIONS: Although the minor surgery environment varies significantly from that of the main operating room, infection rates after surgical fixation of hand fractures using WALANT in this setting remain low (3.4 percent), with no documented infections in fractures that were referred closed and opened surgically for operative fixation. CLINICAL QUESTION/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic, IV.

Distal humerus hemiarthroplasty for trauma: a systematic review of the outcomes and complications.

BACKGROUND: In patients with distal humerus fractures that are unreconstructible, total elbow arthroplasty is an established alternative to open reduction-internal fixation. Distal humerus hemiarthroplasty is a further alternative to avoid the significant lifestyle limitations associated with total elbow arthroplasty. Distal humerus hemiarthroplasty is an increasingly popular treatment option for unreconstructible distal humeral fractures not amenable to reconstruction. The aim of this systematic review was to assess the literature regarding the functional outcomes and complications of the use of distal humerus hemiarthroplasty for acute trauma. METHODS: A systematic review of the PubMed, Embase, and Scopus databases was performed. The search terms included "distal humerus fracture" OR "elbow fracture" AND "hemiarthroplasty" OR "arthroplasty" OR "replacement." Studies were limited to those published in the English language with reported functional outcome measures and complications. Patient demographic characteristics, implant systems, clinical outcomes (range of motion and functional outcome scores), and complications were extracted. RESULTS: Thirteen studies with a total of 207 patients met the inclusion criteria. The average age ranged from 44 to 79 years, with the mean length of follow-up ranging from 11 to 82 months postoperatively. A mean range-of-motion arc ≥ 93° was achieved in all studies, with 11 of 13 studies achieving mean functional range of motion ≥ 100°. All studies reported good to excellent mean outcome scores. Heterotopic ossification, ulnar cartilage wear, stiffness, and ulnar neuropathy were the most commonly encountered complications. The reoperation rate and revision rate were 17% and 3%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Distal humerus hemiarthroplasty is a viable option in the treatment of unreconstructible distal humerus fractures, with good to excellent outcomes expected. Long-term outcome data and the use of distal humerus hemiarthroplasty in younger patients are yet to be fully defined.

A retrospective study about functional outcome and quality of life after surgical fixation of insufficiency pelvic ring injuries.

BACKGROUND: Fragility fractures without significant trauma of the pelvic ring in older patients were often treated conservatively. An alternative treatment is surgery involving percutaneous screw fixation to stabilize the posterior pelvic ring. This surgical treatment enables patients to be mobilized quickly and complications associated with bedrest and temporary immobility are reduced. However, the functional outcome following surgery and quality of life of the patients have not yet been investigated. Here, we present a comprehensive study addressing the long-term well-being and the quality of life of patients with fragility pelvic ring fractures after surgical treatment. METHODS: Between 2011-2019, 215 geriatric patients with pelvic ring fractures were surgically treated at the university hospital in Göttingen (Germany). Of these, 94 patients had fragility fractures for which complete sets of computer tomography (CT) and radiological images were available. Fractures were classified according to Tile and according to the FFP classification of Rommens and Hofmann. The functional outcome of surgical treatment was evaluated using the Majeed pelvic score and the Short Form Health Survey-36 (SF-36). RESULTS: Thirty five tile type C and 48 type B classified patients were included in the study. After surgery eighty-three patients scored in average 85.92 points (± 23.39) of a maximum of 100 points using the Majeed score questionnaire and a mean of 1.60 points on the numerical rating scale ranging between 0 and 10 points where 0 points refers to "no pain" and 10 means "strongest pain". Also, the SF-36 survey shows that surgical treatment positively effects patients with respect to their general health status and by restoring vitality, reducing bodily pain and an increase of their general mental health. CONCLUSIONS: Patients who received a percutaneous screw fixation of fragility fractures of the posterior pelvic ring reported an overall positive outcome concerning their long-term well-being. In particular, older patients appear to benefit from surgical treatment. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Functional outcome and quality of life after surgical treatment of fragility fractures of the posterior pelvic ring, DRKS00024768. Registered 8th March 2021 - Retrospectively registered. Trial registration number DRKS00024768 .

Plating of clavicle fracture using the wide-awake technique.

BACKGROUND: Fixation of clavicle fractures has now become a more popular option as it provides better outcome compared with conservative management. Wide-awake local anesthesia no tourniquet (WALANT) has been effectively used in plating of distal radius and olecranon fractures. This paper expands the usage of WALANT into the shoulder girdle, namely plating of the clavicle that has not been described. The operation is typically performed under general anesthesia. METHODS: We report a case series of 16 patients who successfully underwent fixation of the clavicle under the wide-awake technique. The clavicle fractures were grouped under the AO Fracture Classification. The WALANT solution comprised 1% lidocaine, 1:100,000 epinephrine, and 10:1 sodium bicarbonate. A total of 40 mL was injected in each patient with 10 mL subcutaneously along the clavicle followed by 30 mL subperiosteally at multiple intervals and directions. RESULTS: The Numerical Pain Rating Score was 0 during WALANT injection and during surgery except for 2 patients with Numerical Pain Rating Scores of 1 and 2, respectively, during reduction. CONCLUSION: We conclude that clavicle plating under WALANT is a good alternative option of anesthesia.

Lower limb paediatric trauma with bone and soft tissue loss: Ortho-plastic management and outcome in a major trauma centre.

AIM: We examined the management and outcome of patients suffering complex paediatric lower limb injuries with bone and soft tissue loss. METHOD: Patients were identified from our prospective trauma database (2013-2018). Inclusion criteria were age (<18 years) and open lower-limb trauma. We assessed severity of soft tissue and/or bone loss, fracture complexity, surgical techniques and time to surgery. Paediatric quality of life and psychological trauma impact scores (HRQOL and CRIES), Ganga Hospital Injury Severity score (GHISS), union and complication rates were measured. RESULTS: We identified 32 patients aged between 4 and 17 years. Twenty-nine patients had open tibia fractures including 14 patients with bone loss, one patient had an open femur fracture, one patient an open talus fracture and one an open ankle fracture with dorsal degloving. Thirty injuries were classified intra-operatively as Gustilo IIIB (or equivalent) and two injuries as Gustilo IIIC. In 10 patients primary skin closure was achieved by acute shortening following segmental bone loss. Twenty-two patients required soft tissue coverage: 17 free vascularised flaps, two fascio-cutaneous flaps and three split skin grafts were used. Two patients required vascular repair. Soft tissue coverage was achieved within 72 hours in 26 patients (81%) and within a week in 30 patients (94%). The surgical techniques applied were: circular fine wire frame (19), monolateral external fixator (4) and open reduction internal fixation (8). Median follow up time was 18 (7-65) months. Paediatric quality of life scores were available in 30 patients (91%) with a median total score of 77.2 out of 100. The psychological trauma impact scores showed one in three patients was at risk of developing post-traumatic stress symptoms (PTSD). The GHISS scores ranged from 6-13. All fractures went on to unite over a median time of 3.8 (2-10) months. Three patients (9%) had major complications; two flap failures requiring revision, one femur non-union requiring revision fixation. CONCLUSION: Limb salvage and timely fracture union is possible in children with complex lower limb trauma. Early intervention providing adequate debridement, skeletal stabilisation and early soft-tissue cover including the option of free microvascular reconstruction in small children when required, delivers acceptable outcomes. A multidisciplinary team approach including clinical psychologists to address the psychological impact of trauma provides optimal holistic care for these children and adolescents. Therefore, treatment for these patients should only be performed in paediatric major trauma centres.

Three-step Reduction Therapy of Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine for Thoracolumbar Burst Fracture.

Objective: To investigate and compare the efficacy of three-step reduction (TSR) therapy of integrated Chinese and Western Medicine and posterior open (PO) surgery for thoracolumbar burst fracture. Methods: We selected 60 patients diagnosed with thoracolumbar burst fracture and received treatment in our hospital from December 2014 to March 2017. According to randomized digital table, they were randomly divided into TSR and PO groups. VAS pain grade, Oswestry disability index, height of centrum front, Cobb's angle of spine, bleeding, and complication of internal fixation of the two groups were compared. Results: Postoperative reduction of injured centrum, regained volume of canalis vertebralis, volume of bleeding, and early functional rehabilitation of TSR group were better than that of PO groups (P < 0.05). Conclusion: Through three-step reduction combined pedicle screw fixation surgery, we can achieve satisfied reduction of thoracolumbar burst fracture, rebuild the height of centrum, recover the biomechanics function of spine, and reduce bleeding. Three-step reduction therapy is an effective therapy for thoracolumbar burst fracture.

Local Anesthetic Wound Infiltration after Osteosynthesis of Extracapsular Hip Fracture Does Not Reduce Pain or Opioid Requirements: A Randomized, Placebo-Controlled, Double-Blind Clinical Trial in 49 Patients.

Background and purpose: Local infiltration analgesia (LIA) supports early mobilization after hip and knee arthroplasty. Inspired by this, we studied the effectiveness of wound infiltration with the long acting local anesthetic ropivacaine in an effort to decrease the need for postoperative opioids after osteosynthesis of extracapsular hip fracture. Methods: Forty-nine patients undergoing osteosynthesis with a sliding hip screw were randomized into two groups in a double-blind study (ClinicalTrials.gov:NCT01119209). The patients received intraoperative infiltration followed by 6 postoperative injections through a wound catheter in eight-hour intervals. 23 patients received ropivacaine and 26 received saline. The intervention period was 2 days, and the observation period was 5 days. In both groups, there were no restrictions on the total daily dose of opioids. Pain was assessed at specific postoperative time points, and the daily opioid usage was registered. Results: Intraoperative infiltration with 200 mg ropivacaine and postoperative repeated infiltration with 100 mg ropivacaine did not result in statistically significant difference between the groups regarding postoperative opioid consumption or pain. Interpretation: Ropivacaine as single component in postoperative treatment of pain after hip fracture is not effective. In our setup, wound infiltration with ropivacaine is not statistically significantly better than placebo.

The Effect of Foot Massage on Pain Intensity and Anxiety in Patients Having Undergone a Tibial Shaft Fracture Surgery: A Randomized Clinical Trial.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the effect of massage therapy on pain intensity and anxiety in patients who have undergone tibial shaft fracture surgery. DESIGN: This study was a randomized clinical trial with a pre-post design. As the study included 2 treatment groups, it was a parallel study. SETTING: Khatam-Al-Anbia Hospital in Zahedan, Iran, between July and August 2017. PATIENTS: In all, 66 patients who underwent a tibial shaft fracture surgery were enrolled and randomly assigned to intervention and control groups (33 patients each). INTERVENTION: The intervention included a 10-minute foot massage (5 minutes per leg) using sweet almond oil, the most common lubricant used in massage therapy. MAIN OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS: Data were collected using pain numeric rating scale and Spielberger State-Trait Anxiety Inventory before and after intervention. RESULTS: After intervention, the mean scores for pain intensity, and anxiety in the intervention and control groups were 4.72 (0.97) and 5.72 (0.91), and 42.84 (6.50) and 58.36 (10.37), respectively. A significant difference was noted between the intervention and control groups concerning pain intensity and anxiety. CONCLUSIONS: The results indicated that massage therapy reduced pain intensity and anxiety in patients who underwent tibial shaft fracture surgery. Therefore, using massage as a noninvasive and acceptable intervention is suggested in orthopaedic surgery, especially after tibial shaft fracture surgeries. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic Level I. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

Beneficial effect of traditional Chinese medicine fumigation "Bone-healing Powder" in postoperative pain and recovery of neurological function of traumatic thoracolumbar spine fractures: A case-control study.

BACKGROUND: Thoracolumbar spine (TLS) fractures are commonly associated with the young healthy population, with its risk factors including both high-energy traumas and neurological deficit. The underlying mechanisms of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) and TLS fractures have been explored. Therefore, our prospective study was conducted in order to explore the beneficial effects of TCM fumigation "Bone-healing Powder" method in both postoperative pain as well as the recovery of the patient's neurological function following healing from their traumatic TLS fractures. METHODS: Patients dealing with traumatic TLS fractures were randomly assigned into both the control and the intervention groups based on whether or not they received prior TCM fumigation in addition to any and all conventional therapy. Imaging indexes, including height of the injured vertebra (%), Cobb angle (°), horizontal displacement (%), compression area (%), sagittal diameter (%), and degree of both the swelling and pain regarding the fractures were observed and recorded both before and after the treatment for proper progression documentation. The neurological function was evaluated according to American Spinal Injury Association (ASIA) classification in order to investigate whether TCM fumigation "Bone-healing Powder" could affect the recovery of the patient's neurological function. RESULTS: Following the treatment as well as 1 year after its completion, patients who received TCM fumigation presented a higher height of their previously injured vertebra (%) and sagittal diameter (%), while a lower Cobb angle (°), horizontal displacement (%), and compression area (%) than those who were part of the conventional therapy group. A week posttreatment, patients that received TCM fumigation also showed no signs of swelling or mild pain. One year following the treatment, patients receiving TCM fumigation demonstrated an improved neurological function. CONCLUSION: These findings help to indicate that TCM fumigation "Bone-healing Powder" reduces the degrees of postoperative pain and swelling, and effectively improves recovery of the neurological function of those patients with traumatic TLS fractures, proving its worth as a clinical method in treatment.

Anticoagulant effects of Rivaroxaban after surgical fixation of spinal fracture.

In recent years, the concept of treatment after surgery in the department of orthopedics has changed from hemostasis to anticoagulant. This article analyses the safety and effectiveness of anticoagulants for prophylactic anticoagulants after spinal fractures. By analyzing the incidence of bleeding and VTE in 2 weeks after operation, there was no significant difference between the 2 groups (P>0.05), but the incidence of VTE in rivaroxaban group was significantly lower than that in control group. In conclusion, the rivaroxaban oral anticoagulants are stable, safe and easy to use. It significantly reduced the incidence of VTE after spinal fracture and nerve injury, and did not increase the risk of bleeding. It is an ideal type of prophylactic anticoagulant after the operation of spinal fracture, which is worthy of further clinical study.

Determination of Pathogens in Postoperative Wound Infection After Surgically Reduced Calcaneal Fractures and Implications for Prophylaxis and Treatment.

High rates of postoperative wound infection (POWI) have been reported after surgery for calcaneal fractures. This is a retrospective cohort study to determine the causative pathogens of these infections and subsequent treatment strategies. In addition, microbacterial growth from superficial wound swabs and deep fluid or tissue cultures were compared. Patients with a unilateral surgically treated calcaneal fracture during a 15-year period were included. Patient, fracture, and surgical characteristics were collected from the electronic medical records. An infection was categorized as deep or superficial using the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention criteria. Secondary outcomes were wound edge necrosis and wound dehiscence. The collection of culture swabs, their results, and treatment strategies were documented. Of 357 patients, 92 (26%) developed a POWI; 55 (60%) deep and 37 (40%) superficial. The most frequent causative pathogens were Enterobacteriaceae and Staphylococcus aureus. Of the 55 patients with deep infection, 31 (56%) were treated with intravenous antibiotics and surgical debridement, 2 (4%) with intravenous antibiotics, and 22 (40%) with implant removal. In 33 of 92 patients (36%) with a POWI, both superficial and deep cultures were obtained, with a microorganism not cultured from the superficial swab 13 (39%) times. In conclusion, we found that one quarter of patients with operative calcaneal fracture treatment developed a POWI, mainly caused by Enterobacteriaceae or S. aureus. Physicians should not rely on the results of superficially obtained cultures for adequate treatment of deep infection. Because the spectrum of sensitivity profiles varies greatly between hospitals and countries, we recommend empiric antibiotic treatment of both gram-positive and gram-negative microorganisms on suspicion of deep infection.

A Prospective Randomized Study Comparing Bupivacaine Hydrochloride Versus Bupivacaine Liposome for Pain Management After Distal Radius Fracture Repair Surgery.

PURPOSE: To compare pain experience and opioid use after distal radius fracture repair surgery performed with perioperative infiltration of the local anesthesia bupivacaine hydrochloride (Marcaine; Pfizer, New York, NY) or bupivacaine liposome (Exparel; Pacira, Parsippany, NJ). METHODS: We conducted a prospective comparison of consecutive patients scheduled to undergo distal radius fracture repair surgery. Patients were randomized to either Marcaine or Exparel. Patients in the Marcaine group received 20 mL 0.5% bupivacaine without epinephrine into the incision and surgical site before incision. Patients in the Exparel group first received 10 mL 0.5% Marcaine with no epinephrine into the incision and surgical site before incision; then, upon completion of the surgery and wound closure, they also received 10 mL Exparel into the same site that had been preinjected with Marcaine. All operations were performed with the same surgical technique. Daily opioid pill consumption, pain levels, and any adverse reactions were recorded from postoperative days 0 to 5. RESULTS: On the day of surgery, patients in the Exparel group reported significantly lower pain levels (3.9 vs 5.8) and consumed significantly fewer prescribed opioid pills (1.2 vs 2.0) compared with patients in the Marcaine group. However, there were no other significant differences between the Exparel and Marcaine groups on any subsequent days or in the total number of pills consumed at the end of the study period (7.5 vs 8.9 pills, respectively). No major adverse reactions were noted in either group. CONCLUSIONS: Exparel use was found to result in decreased pain and opioid consumption only on the day of surgery and not thereafter. TYPE OF STUDY/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic II.

Comparison of percutaneous cannulated screw fixation and calcium sulfate cement grafting versus minimally invasive sinus tarsi approach and plate fixation for displaced intra-articular calcaneal fractures: a prospective randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: The management of displaced intra-articular calcaneal fractures (DIACFs) remains challenging and controversial. A prospective randomized controlled trial was conducted to compare percutaneous reduction, cannulated screw fixation and calcium sulfate cement (PR+CSC) grafting with minimally invasive sinus tarsi approach and plate fixation (MISTA) for treatment of DIACFs. METHODS: Ultimately, 80 patients with a DIACFs were randomly allocated to receive either PR+CSC (N = 42) or MISTA (N = 38). Functional outcomes were evaluated using the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) hindfoot scores. Radiological results were assessed using plain radiographs and computed tomography (CT) scans, and postoperative wound-related complications were also recorded. RESULTS: The average time from initial injury to operation and the average operation time in the PR+CSC group were both significantly shorter than those in the MISTA group (p < 0.05). There were significantly fewer complications in the PR+CSC group than those in the MISTA group (7.1 % vs 28.9 %, p < 0.001). The calcaneal width immediate postoperatively and at the final follow-up in the MISTA group were obviously improved compared to those in the PR+CSC group (p < 0.001). The variables of sagittal motion and hindfoot motion of the AOFAS scoring system in the PR+CSC group were significantly higher than those in the MISTA group (p < 0.05). The good and excellent results in the two groups were comparable for Sanders Type-II calcaneal fractures, but the good to excellent rate in the MISTA group was significantly higher for Sanders Type-III fractures (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: The clinical outcomes are comparable between the two minimally invasive techniques in the treatment of Sanders Type-II DIACFs. The PR+CSC grafting is superior to the MISTA in terms of the average time between initial injury and operation, operation time, wound-related complications and subtalar joint activity. However, the MISTA has its own advantages in improving the calcaneal width, providing a more clear visualization and accurate reduction of the articular surface, especially for Sanders Type-III DIACFs. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ChiCTRIOR16008512 . 21 May 2016.

Scaphoid Waist Internal Fixation for Fractures Trial (SWIFFT) protocol: a pragmatic multi-centre randomised controlled trial of cast treatment versus surgical fixation for the treatment of bi-cortical, minimally displaced fractures of the scaphoid waist in adults.

BACKGROUND: A scaphoid fracture is the most common type of carpal fracture affecting young active people. The optimal management of this fracture is uncertain. When treated with a cast, 88 to 90 % of these fractures unite; however, for the remaining 10-12 % the non-union almost invariably leads to arthritis. The alternative is surgery to fix the scaphoid with a screw at the outset. METHODS/DESIGN: We will conduct a randomised controlled trial (RCT) of 438 adult patients with a "clear" and "bicortical" scaphoid waist fracture on plain radiographs to evaluate the clinical effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of plaster cast treatment (with fixation of those that fail to unite) versus early surgical fixation. The plaster cast treatment will be immobilisation in a below elbow cast for 6 to 10 weeks followed by mobilisation. If non-union is confirmed on plain radiographs and/or Computerised Tomogram at 6 to 12 weeks, then urgent surgical fixation will be performed. This is being compared with immediate surgical fixation with surgeons using their preferred technique and implant. These treatments will be undertaken in trauma units across the United Kingdom. The primary outcome and end-point will be the Patient Rated Wrist Evaluation (a patient self-reported assessment of wrist pain and function) at 52 weeks and also measured at 6, 12, 26 weeks and 5 years. Secondary outcomes include an assessment of radiological union of the fracture; quality of life; recovery of wrist range and strength; and complications. We will also qualitatively investigate patient experiences of their treatment. DISCUSSION: Scaphoid fractures are an important public health problem as they predominantly affect young active individuals in the more productive working years of their lives. Non-union, if untreated, can lead to arthritis which can disable patients at a very young age. There is a rapidly increasing trend for immediate surgical fixation of these fractures but there is insufficient evidence from existing RCTs to support this. The SWIFFT Trial is a rigorously designed and adequately powered study which aims to contribute to the evidence-base to inform clinical decisions for the treatment of this common fracture in adults. TRIAL REGISTRATION: The trial is registered with the International Standard Randomised Controlled Trial Register ( ISRCTN67901257 ). Date registration assigned was 13/02/2013.

The 6-Hour Rule for Surgical Debridement of Open Tibial Fractures: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Infection and Nonunion Rates.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was a systematic review and meta-analysis of studies comparing early (<6 hours) versus late (>6 hours) surgical debridement of open tibial fractures, with regards to infection and nonunion rates. METHODS: A systematic literature search of MEDLINE, Excerpta Medica Database, Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature (1961 to present), Allied and Complementary Medicine, and COCHRANE databases was conducted using any combination of the key words: "open," "tibial," and "fractures." After appropriate screening, 7 studies were included for analysis. Inclusion criteria were studies assessing the relation between time to debridement from injury and infection and/or nonunion rates. RESULTS: Three studies (n = 365) evaluated overall infection rates that varied from 7.7% to 8.9% in the early group versus 1%-18.5% in the late group. Three studies (n = 197) evaluated deep infection rates that varied from 13% to 18.5% in the early group versus 7.1%-18.6% in the late group. Four studies (n = 245) evaluated nonunion rates that varied from 13.2% to 26.1% in the early group versus 0%-32.6% in the late group. Meta-analysis showed no statistical difference between groups with regards to overall infection rates (risk ratio = 1.32; 95% CI, 0.54-3.23; P = 0.55), deep infection rates (risk ratio = 0.99; 95% CI, 0.48-2.07; P = 0.98), and nonunion rates (risk ratio = 1.49; 95% CI, 0.64-3.49; P = 0.36). CONCLUSIONS: The available literature suggests that there is no obvious difference in the overall/deep infection and nonunion rates between open tibial fractures debrided within 6 hours and those debrided at more than 6 hours. The findings presented here would appear to indicate that judicious delays of greater than 6 hours may not result in a significantly increased risk of adverse events or peri-operative morbidity. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic Level III. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

Internal fixation treatments for intertrochanteric fracture: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized evidence.

The relative effects of internal fixation strategies for intertrochanteric fracture after operation remain uncertain. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) to address this important issue. We searched PubMed, EMBASE and CENTRAL for RCTs that compared different internal fixation implants in patients with intertrochanteric fracture at 6-month follow-up or longer. We ultimately included 43 trials enrolling 6911 patients; most trials were small in sample sizes and events. Their risk of bias was generally unclear due to insufficient reporting. Because of these, no statistically significant differences were present from most of the comparisons across all the outcomes, and no definitive conclusions can be made. However, a number of trials compared two commonly used internal fixation strategies, gamma nail (GN) and sliding hip screw (SHS). There is good evidence suggesting that, compared to SHS, GN may increase the risk of cut out (OR = 1.87, 95% CI, 1.08 to 3.21), re-operation (OR = 1.61, 95% CI, 1.02 to 2.53), intra-operative (OR = 3.14, 95% CI, 1.34 to 7.35) and later fractures (OR = 3.67, 95% CI, 1.37 to 9.83). Future randomized trials or observational studies that are carefully designed and conducted are warranted to establish the effects of alternative internal fixation strategies for intertrochanteric fracture.

Simultaneous bilateral femoral neck fracture and end-stage renal disease in a 76-year-old woman: a case report.

Hip fracture is a common occurrence in the elderly. Due to the growing demand for the specific care of these patients, we established the Orthogeriatric Unit (OGU) at San Gerardo University Hospital (Italy) in 2007. However, simultaneous bilateral femoral neck fractures among the geriatric population (those aged ≥65 years) are rarely reported in the literature. Reporting the rare case of a frail 76-year-old woman admitted with bilateral hip fracture and end-stage renal disease, we explain the important role played by the OGU and its flexible multidisciplinary approach for providing comprehensive care to patients with multimorbidity and clinical complexity. The team of geriatricians, orthopedic surgeons, anesthesiologists, and, in this case, a nephrologist, helped in the careful planning and timing of the single-step surgical repair, decided the appropriate type of anesthesia, and optimized outcomes. After a prompt evaluation of the patient, the OGU approach can achieve clinical stabilization prior to intervention. Along with a strict follow-up in the postoperative phase, this could result in a significant reduction of complications and mortality rates and an early start to a tailored rehabilitation process. We strongly suggest employing facilities with multidisciplinary teams for cases involving complex patients at short-term high risk for poor clinical outcomes. Indeed, the usual single-specialist model of care is gradually being abandoned worldwide.