Surgeon-designed patient-specific instrumentation improves glenoid component screw placement for reverse total shoulder arthroplasty in a population with small glenoid dimensions.

PURPOSE: Glenoid component loosening is a potential complication of reverse total shoulder arthroplasty (rTSA), occurring in part due to lack of adequate screw purchase in quality scapular bone stock. This study was to determine the efficacy of a surgeon-designed, 3D-printed patient-specific instrumentation (PSI) compared to conventional instrumentation (CI) in achieving longer superior and inferior screw lengths for glenoid component fixation. METHODS: A multi-centre retrospective analysis of patients who underwent rTSA between 2015 and 2020. Lengths of the superior and inferior locking screws inserted for fixation of the glenoid baseplate component were recorded and compared according to whether patients received PSI or CI. Secondary outcomes included operative duration and incidence of complications requiring revision surgery. RESULTS: Seventy-three patients (31 PSI vs. 42 CI) were analysed. Average glenoid diameter was 24.5 mm (SD: 3.1) and 81% of patients had smaller glenoid dimensions compared to the baseplate itself. PSI produced significantly longer superior (44.7 vs. 30.7 mm; P < 0.001) and inferior (43.0 vs. 31 mm; P < 0.001) mean screw lengths, as compared to CI. A greater proportion of maximal screw lengths for the given rTSA construct (48 mm) were observed in the PSI group (71.9% vs. 11.9% superior, 59.4% vs. 11.9% inferior). Operative duration was not statistically significantly different between the PSI and CI groups (150 min vs. 169 min, respectively; P = 0.229). No patients had radiographic loosening of the glenoid component with an average of 2-year follow-up. CONCLUSION: PSI facilitates longer superior and inferior screw placement in the fixation of the glenoid component for rTSA. With sufficient training, PSI can be designed and implemented by surgeons themselves.

Comparison of radiological and clinical outcomes, complications, and implant removals in anatomically pre-contoured clavicle plates versus reconstruction plates - a propensity score matched retrospective cohort study of 106 patients.

BACKGROUND: Plate fixation is frequently used to treat displaced midshaft clavicular fractures, however the ideal plate choice remains subject to discussion; reconstruction locking compression plates (RLCPs) are cheaper and can be easily contoured, whereas anatomically pre-contoured locking compression plates (ALCPs) are thought to provide better stability and therefore lower rates of mechanical failure. To compare the incidence of mechanical failures, functional and radiological outcomes in patients with midshaft clavicular fractures treated with ALCPs versus RLCPs. METHODS: A propensity score matched retrospective cohort study was conducted across two centers. One hundred and six consecutively recruited patients with displaced midshaft clavicular fractures, who were treated with plate fixation and had a minimum follow-up of 6 months, were matched on gender, age, fracture grading, energy of injury, and fracture location. The resulting groups included 53 ALCP-treated fractures and 53 matched controls treated with RLCPs. RESULTS: During a mean follow-up of 20.5 months, there were no implant deformities in the ALCP group whereas the RLCP group had 6 patients (11.3%, p = 0.012) with implant deformities (5 occurrences of plate bending with fracture union, and 1 plate breakage with nonunion). Despite the higher rate of plate deformities in the RLCP group, there were no statistically significant differences in number of patients recovering full shoulder range of motion (ALCP 90.6%, RLCP 88.7%, p = 0.751), incidence of rest pain (ALCP 13.2%, RLCP 9.4%, p = 0.542), or implant removals (ALCP 49.1%, RLCP 56.6%, p = 0.439). CONCLUSION: ALCPs may be superior to RLCPs in terms of implant stability but appear to produce similar clinical results.

Hip fracture time-to-surgery and mortality revisited: mitigating comorbidity confounding by effect of holidays on surgical timing.

PURPOSE: The association between delayed hip fracture surgery and mortality remains elusive because of strong confounding by comorbidity factors. We designed a study to investigate the effect of small delays in surgery due to holidays. METHODS: Consecutive hip fractures operated in a high-income, publicly funded healthcare system between 2006 and 2013 were analysed. Age <65 years, pathological fractures, history of previous hip operation and time to surgery >seven days were excluded. Patients were grouped according to number of holidays following admission (HFA) as a surrogate for time to surgery, with difference in mean time to surgery tested for statistical significance and baseline characteristics including age, sex, Charlson comorbidity index (CCI) and fracture and operation types assessed. Survival up to two years was compared. RESULTS: Thirty-one thousand five hundred and ninety-two patients were included. Patient groups with zero, one, two or three HFA had significantly different mean time to operation of 2.25, 2.47, 2.67 and 2.84 days, respectively (Kruskal-Wallis test p < 0.0001), but baseline characteristics were similar. There was no difference in mortality at six months (p = 0.431) and two years (p = 0.785). Cox's regression analysis identified age, gender and CCI as independent predictors of mortality but not HFA, and the adjusted hazards ratio for each HFA increment was 1.026 [95% confidence interval (CI) 0.999-1.025; p = 0.056] which was not statistically significant. CONCLUSIONS: We observed no increase in mortality rate in patients having small delays in surgery because of holidays.

The status of triangular fibrocartilage complex after the union of distal radius fractures with internal plate fixation.

PURPOSE: Distal radius fractures are associated with a high incidence of triangular fibrocartilage complex (TFCC) tears. This study aims to evaluate the status of TFCC after the healing of distal radius fractures, and its clinical significance. METHODS: Wrist arthroscopies were performed on 43 distal radius fractures, with an average age of 54 years old. RESULTS: Twenty-six complete tears and 15 partial healed tears were noted. Five out of eight patients with intact TFCC tears had neither signs nor symptoms, while eight patients with TFCC tears had no complaint. While no association was found between ulnar wrist pain and TFCC tears, there was association between DRUJ instability and TFCC tears and fovea tears. The function outcome did not differ with respect to the integrity of TFCC. CONCLUSIONS: A large majority of TFCC tears remained unhealed after the union of distal radius fractures. However, not all patients with tear were symptomatic.

Three-in-one protocol reduces mortality of patients with haemodynamically unstable pelvic fractures-a five year multi-centred review in Hong Kong.

PURPOSE: The mortality rate in patients with haemodynamically unstable pelvic fractures is as high as 40-60%. Despite the new advances in trauma care which are in phase in trauma centres in Hong Kong, the management of haemodynamically unstable pelvic fracture is still heterogeneous. The aim of this study is to review the results of management of haemodynamically unstable pelvic fracture patients in Hong Kong over a five year period. METHODS: This is a retrospective multi-centred cohort study of patients with haemodynamic and mechanically unstable pelvic fractures from 1 January 2010 to 31 December 2014. The primary outcome investigated is mortality of patients (including overall, 30-day, 7-day and 24-hour mortalities). RESULTS: Implementation of three-in-one pelvic damage control protocol was identified to be a significant independent predictive factor for overall, 30-day, seven-day and 24-hour mortalities. The overall in-hospital and 30-day mortality rates for patients managed with three-in-one protocol was 12.5%, while it was 11% for seven day mortality and 6% for 24 hour mortality. There were no significant differences in demographic characteristics, physiological measurements, types of pelvic fracture, severity and mechanism of injury between patients managed with or without three-in-one protocol. CONCLUSIONS: Implementation of the multidisciplinary three-in-one pelvic damage control protocol reduces mortality and therefore should be highly recommended. The results are convincing as it has eliminated the limitations of our previous single-centred trial.

Masquelet technique for treatment of posttraumatic bone defects.

Masquelet technique, which is the use of a temporary cement spacer followed by staged bone grafting, is a recent treatment strategy to manage a posttraumatic bone defect. This paper describes a series of 9 patients treated with this technique of staged bone grafting following placement of an antibiotic spacer to successfully manage osseous long bone defects. The injured limbs were stabilized and aligned at the time of initial spacer placement. In our series, osseous consolidation was successfully achieved in all cases. This technique gives promising result in the management of posttraumatic bone defects.

A biomechanical study comparing helical blade with screw design for sliding hip fixations of unstable intertrochanteric fractures.

Dynamic hip screw (DHS) is a well-established conventional implant for treating intertrochanteric fracture. However, revision surgery sometimes still occurs due to the cutting out of implants. A helical blade instead of threaded screw (DHS blade) was designed to improve the fixation power of the osteoporotic intertrochanteric fracture. In this study, the biomechanical properties of DHS blade compared to the conventional DHS were evaluated using an unstable AO/OTA 31-A2 intertrochanteric fracture model. Fifty synthetic proximal femoral bone models with such configuration were fixed with DHS and DHS blade in five different positions: centre-centre (CC), superior-centre (SC), inferior-center (IC), centre-anterior (CA), and centre-posterior (CP). All models had undergone mechanical compression test, and the vertical and rotational displacements were recorded. The results showed that DHS blade had less vertical or rotational displacement than the conventional DHS in CC, CA, and IC positions. The greatest vertical and rotational displacements were found at CP position in both groups. Overall speaking, DHS blade was superior in resisting vertical or rotational displacement in comparison to conventional DHS, and the centre-posterior position had the poorest performance in both groups.

Orthogeriatric Multidisciplinary Co-Management Across Acute and Rehabilitation Care Improves Length of Stay, Functional Outcomes and Complications in Geriatric Hip Fracture Patients.

Introduction: As the global number of geriatric hip fracture cases continues to proliferate, a newly developed orthogeriatric co-management multidisciplinary care model has been implemented since November 2018 to meet further increases in demand. Our objective was to evaluate the effectiveness of the new pathway in improving the clinical outcomes of fragility hip fractures. Methods: The data of geriatric hip fracture patients from 1 April 2018 till 30 October 2018 was collected as the conventional orthopaedic care model (pre-orthogeriatric care model) to compare with data from the orthogeriatric co-management model, 1 Feb 2019 till 31 August 2019. Clinical outcomes were analyzed between the groups, with the efficiency of the programme reflected in the total length of stay in acute and convalescent hospitals. Results: 194 patients were recruited to the conventional group and 207 were recruited to the orthogeriatric group, 290 patients (72.3%) were female. The mean (SD) patient age was 84.2 (7.9) years. The median length of stay in the acute and rehabilitation hospitals decreased by 1 day and 2 days, respectively (P=.001). The orthogeriatric group was associated with a higher Modified Barthel Index score on discharge from the rehabilitation hospital and more patients in the orthogeriatric collaboration group received osteoporosis medication prescription within one year after the index fracture. There was no difference in the 28-days unplanned readmission rate, complication rate, mortality rate or Elderly Mobility Scale scores on discharge from the rehabilitation hospital between the two groups. Conclusion: Orthogeriatric collaboration has been proven to be effective in terms of a decreased length of stay in both the acute and the rehabilitation hospitals.

Operative treatment of distal radial fractures with locking plate system-a prospective study.

The aim of this study was to determine the results of operative treatment of distal radial fractures with a 2.4-mm locking plate system in a single tertiary teaching hospital. Seventy-five patients were recruited into the study between May 2004 and November 2006. There were 41 males and 34 females, with a mean age of 51. Seventy-five percent of patients had AO type C fractures. All patients were allowed free active mobilisation of the wrist joint immediately after surgery. They were followed up at two weeks, three months, six months, one year and two years. Assessments of pain, motion, grip strength, and standard radiographs were performed. The Gartland and Werley functional scores, the modified Green and O'Brien score, and the disabilities of the arm, shoulder and hand (DASH) scores were recorded. The radiographic results at the final follow-up showed a mean of 18° of radial inclination, 5° of volar tilt, 1.3-mm radial shortening, and no articular incongruity. Twenty-nine percent of patients showed grade 1 osteoarthritic changes and 6% had grade 2 changes in their final follow-up radiographs. An excellent or good result was obtained in 98% and 96% of patients according to the Gartland and Werley, and modified Green and O'Brien scores, respectively. The mean DASH score was 11.6, indicating a high level of patient satisfaction. Internal fixation of distal radial fractures with a 2.4-mm locking plate system provided a stable fixation with good clinical outcomes and patient satisfaction.

Patient expectations predict outcomes following distal radius fracture: a prospective cohort study using the TEFTOM questionnaire.

INTRODUCTION: The relationship between patient expectations and clinical outcomes has recently been of increasing interest in the field of orthopaedics. The objective of this study was to evaluate the relationships between (1) patient pre-treatment expectations and post-treatment clinical outcomes, and (2) fulfillment of expectations and patient satisfaction, following distal radius fracture. METHODS: This was a prospective multicenter cohort study conducted across three hospitals. A total of 133 patients admitted to hospital between 2016 and 2018 with a distal radius fracture were recruited. Patients were administered the Trauma Expectation Factor (TEF) at baseline to measure expectations of pain and functioning at one-year post-injury. Patients were followed up at 6 and 12 months post-injury and outcomes were measured using the Trauma Outcome Measure (TOM), Shortened Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (QuickDASH) questionnaire, and Short-Form 12-item (SF-12) health survey. Fulfillment of expectations was measured as TEF score minus TOM score at each time point. Patient satisfaction was also measured using the Patient Satisfaction Questionnaire Short Form (PSQ-18). Multivariate regression models were created to evaluate the effect of expectations on outcomes. RESULTS: Patient expectations correlated moderately with outcomes at 6 and 12 months post-injury. In the multivariate analysis, patient expectations were predictive of better outcomes at 6 and 12 months. Injury severity, age, mechanism of injury, and whether the injury occurred on duty also contributed significantly to one or more regression models. Patient satisfaction correlated weakly with fulfillment of expectations at 6 months, but moderately with all outcome scores. At 12 months, satisfaction did not correlate significantly with expectations fulfillment but correlated moderately to highly with all outcome scores. CONCLUSION: Patient expectations independently predicted outcomes at 6 and 12 months post-injury. Standardized assessment and management of patient expectations may be relevant to future clinical practice and research to best quantify and optimize patient outcomes.

Differences in soft tissue damage using a percutaneous versus open approach for antegrade straight humeral nailing: a quantitative and qualitative anatomical study.

BACKGROUND: Percutaneous insertion of third-generation straight humeral nails is a recent alternative to the conventional open method. Rather than splitting, retracting and subsequently repairing the supraspinatus fibers to visualize the humeral head entry site, the percutaneous approach utilizes a cannulated awl to enter the intramedullary canal through the supraspinatus fibers without visualizing internal shoulder structures. Despite recent evidence demonstrating satisfactory outcomes in the percutaneous method, the potential for iatrogenic injury to the rotator cuff and other shoulder structures is not fully understood. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We performed an anatomical study of 46 shoulders in 23 cadavers to compare damage caused to internal shoulder structures between the open and percutaneous techniques. Dimensions and morphologies of supraspinatus and humeral head perforations were recorded. RESULTS: The percutaneous technique produced greater latitudinal tearing (p = 0.002) and less longitudinal tearing (p < 0.001) of muscle fibers, however there was no difference in supraspinatus hole area (p = 0.748). The long head biceps tendon was within 3 mm of the bone entry hole in 13 (28%) shoulders, with one shoulder in the open group exhibiting full tendon transection. CONCLUSIONS: Percutaneous insertion of intramedullary nails using a cannulated awl appears to produce similar soft tissue and bone entry site morphology as compared to the conventional open technique. The percutaneous method was associated with slightly greater latitudinal tearing, however the effects of this remain to be clarified through clinical studies. External rotation should be avoided during instrumentation to reduce the risk of biceps tendon transection.

Multi-Component Care Bundle in Geriatric Fracture Hip for Reducing Post-Operative Delirium.

BACKGROUND: Delirium in elderly orthopaedic patients poses an enormous medical, social and financial burden to the healthcare system, and causes significant distress to patients and their caregivers. We examined whether a Multi-component Care Bundle (MCB) could reduce the incidence of post-operative delirium (POD) in fractured hip patients. METHODS: An observational study was conducted, analyzing 154 patients (mean age ± SD, 85 ± 7.8, 68% women) admitted to Queen Mary Hospital with hip fracture. Half of the patients were cared for in the control group before MCB was introduced, which included installation of orientation aids, introduction of a Caregiver Empowerment Program, and incorporation of ultrasound-guided Fascia Iliaca Block (FIB) into the analgesia protocol. RESULTS: There were fewer patients with POD in the MCB group, compared with the control group (18/76, 23.4% v 34/76, 44.2%, p = 0.006). Patients in MCB group consumed less opioid ( 4/77 v 13/77, p = 0.048), experienced less post-operative dizziness (2/77, 2.6% v 13/77, 16.9%, p = 0.003) and had a shorter median day to start walking post-operatively (day 1 [IQR 1-2] vs day 2 [IQR 2-3]; p = 0.001) than the control group. Length of stay was not affected. CONCLUSION: MCB effectively reduces POD, postoperative dizziness, opioid consumption, and days to start mobilization postoperatively.

A child with acute myeloid leukemia complicated by calcaneal osteomyelitis due to Mycobacterium abscessus infection after induction chemotherapy successfully salvaged with bedaquiline and clofazimine.

Our patient was a 4-year-old female with acute myeloid leukemia complicated with right calcaneal osteomyelitis due to Mycobacterium abscessus with subcutaneous abscesses extending to the popliteal and groin regions after two courses of induction chemotherapy according to NOPHO-AML 2012 protocol. She required multiple operations and prolonged anti-mycobacterial therapy. A high index of suspicion for mycobacterial infection is required for immunocompromised patients with prolonged fever or unusual presentation. Mycobacterial osteomyelitis is rare, difficult to diagnose and treat, and may necessitate prolonged interruption of anti-leukemic therapy. Multidisciplinary collaboration in patient management is crucial. Long-term toxicity of antimicrobials with uncertain efficacy should not be overlooked.

Impact of postoperative haemoglobin on length of stay post fractured hip repair in patients with standardised perioperative management.

INTRODUCTION:: Perioperative blood transfusion is not without risk and effort should be made to limit patients' exposure to allogeneic blood. However, there is conflicting data regarding the impact of anaemia on postoperative recovery in patients with repaired hip fractures. It is hypothesised that for a given baseline functional status and fracture type, lower postoperative haemoglobin will increase rehabilitation time and prolong total length of hospital stay. METHODS:: This is a retrospective study on data collected prospectively on patients entered into the Clinical Pathway aged >65 years admitted to Queen Mary Hospital (QMH) with a fractured neck of femur during 2011-2013. Potential predictor variables were analysed with linear regression with respect to total length of stay and those that reached a significance level of 0.05 were included in further analysis. RESULTS:: 1092 patients were admitted to QMH with a suspected fractured neck of femur; data from 747 patients were analysed. The fracture sites were neck of femur (50%), intertrochanteric (48%) and subtrochanteric fracture (2%). Approximately 30% of patients received blood transfusions. Of these only the development of postoperative medical complications statistically prolonged hospital stay. No relationship was seen with haemoglobin levels cut-off above and below 10 g/dl with the result remaining non-significant down to a cut-off of above and below 8 g/dl. DISCUSSION:: This study revealed that post-surgical haemoglobin level of between 8 g/dl and 10 g/dL did not have an impact on the total length of hospital stay. The development of postoperative medical complications was the only factor that prolonged the total length of stay.

A Retrospective Review on Atypical Femoral Fracture: Operative Outcomes and the Risk Factors for Failure.

BACKGROUND: Atypical femoral fractures have been demonstrated to have high risks of reoperation and nonunion. The aim of this study is to evaluate whether the quality of reduction following operative fixation of atypical femoral fracture predicts failure. METHODS: This is a 6.5-year retrospective review of atypical femoral fractures from 2 centers in a high-income region. A total of 56 patients with 66 fractures met our inclusion criteria. The quality of reduction was evaluated from postoperative films according to Hoskins' modification of Baumgartner criteria for subtrochanteric fractures. Our primary outcome measure was failure of treatment, defined as either reoperation or nonunion at 12 months. RESULTS: There were a total of 8 reoperations (12% of all fractures) and 8 nonunion (12% of all fractures), affecting a total of 12 fractures (18%) in 12 patients (21%). Closed reduction (P = .04) and poor quality of reduction (P = .0227 Fisher exact test) are statistically significant risk factors for failure. CONCLUSIONS: An aim for anatomical reduction with both <4 mm maximal cortical displacement and <10° angulation can improve the operative outcome of atypical femoral fractures. The addition of open reduction may be beneficial.

Effectiveness of a Day Rehabilitation Program in Improving Functional Outcome and Reducing Mortality and Readmission of Elderly Patients With Fragility Hip Fractures.

INTRODUCTION: The incidence of hip fracture is projected to increase in the next 25 years as the world population ages. Hip fracture is often associated with subsequent readmission and mortality. Nevertheless, elderly patients often may not achieve the same level of functional ability as prior to their injury. Several studies have shown that close collaboration between orthopedic surgeons and geriatricians can improve such outcomes and Geriatric Day Hospital (GDH) is one of the examples of collaboration to improve such outcomes. The aim of this descriptive retrospective study is to review the effectiveness of the day rehabilitation program provided by a GDH on functional outcomes, mortality, and readmission rate, among a sample of elderly patients with hip fracture. METHODS: The medical records of patients from January 1, 2009, to December 31, 2012, were collected and evaluated. Demographic data of the patients and Charlson Comorbidity Index were collected. The Barthel Index, Elderly Mobility Scale, and Mini-Mental State Examination were measured on admission and at discharge of the patients to evaluate both physical and cognitive functions. RESULTS: The results showed that the majority of patients benefited from rehabilitation in the GDH. The 12-month mortality rate of patients taking full-course rehabilitation in the GDH was improved. The age of patient was the most important factor influencing the rehabilitation outcomes. Gender was the only risk factor for 12-month mortality and 6-month readmission. DISCUSSION: Since patients were selected to attend GDH, there was a bias during the selection of patients. Furthermore, it was difficult to compare patients attended GDH with patients who did not because outcomes of the latter were difficult to be recorded. CONCLUSIONS: Our study shows that postoperative geriatric hip fracture patients definitely can benefit from rehabilitation service offered by GDH in terms of functional and cognitive outcomes.

One-year mortality in displaced intracapsular hip fractures and associated risk: a report of Chinese-based fragility fracture registry.

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this registry-based retrospective study was to investigate the risk factors related to one-year mortality in displaced intracapsular fragility hip fracture patients. METHODS: Patients were screened from the Fragility Fracture Registry. Inclusion criterion was displaced intracapsular hip fracture patients with atypical or pathological fractures excluded. One-year mortality was investigated against risk factors including age, gender, past medical history, pre-fracture mobility (PFM), pre-operation ASA grade, delayed surgery over 48 h, post-surgical complications, and length of stay at acute orthopedic ward (LOS). RESULTS: A total of 1050 patients were included for further analysis. Gross one-year mortality was 14.9%. One-year mortality was significantly higher in patients who received non-operative treatment and those who received surgery but delayed over 48 h after admission (both p <  0.001). Male gender (OR = 2.708), advanced age (OR = 1.359), higher risk ASA grades (III to V) (OR = 1.990), past history of gastrointestinal disease (OR = 1.671), and renal impairment (OR = 1.984) were related to higher one-year mortality. The mortality of patients in PFM grade 3 and LOS group 3 was significantly higher (OR = 2.240 and 1.722, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: Higher age, male gender, past gastrointestinal disease and renal impairment, ASA grade over 3, indoor confined pre-fracture ambulatory, and stay at hospital over 15 days were risk factors related to higher one-year mortality in surgically treated displaced intracapsular hip fracture patients. A multi-disciplinary approach is advised to patients identified with these risks factors and co-managed by orthopedic surgeons, geriatricians, and fracture liaison nurses.

Restoration of Humeral Bone Stock Two Years After Internal Fixation of a Periprosthetic Fracture with a Loose Stem: A Report of Two Cases.

CASE: We describe 2 patients who sustained a periprosthetic humeral fracture with a loosened long-stemmed Coonrad-Morrey total elbow prosthesis. As noted in the literature, the success rate for a major revision with use of strut grafts is around 70%; therefore, both cases were managed without revision of the prosthesis. A submuscular locking plate was placed following typical fracture fixation principles. Screws that interfered with the humeral stem and the distal flange stabilized both the distal fragment and the humeral stem. CONCLUSION: At 2 years postoperatively, both fractures had healed, with increased endosteal bone stock. In each case, the prosthesis was successfully salvaged, and radiographic reconstitution of the implant-bone interface was noted after 2 years.

Infection after fracture osteosynthesis - Part II.

In the first part of this article, we have discussed the pathogenesis, clinical presentation, diagnosis and classification of infection after fracture osteosynthesis with implants, termed here as osteosynthesis-associated infection (OAI). Prolonged antibiotic treatment is usually necessary. Implant retention and maintenance of fracture stability to allow for fracture healing in spite of infection are allowed for OAI. Depending on the severity of infection, status of fracture healing and host status, the treatment follows five common pathways. These are non-operative treatment, debridement with implant retention, conversion of fixation, implant removal and suppression therapy. The decision-making process leading to each treatment pathway and challenging scenarios is discussed in detail.

Infection after fracture osteosynthesis - Part I.

Bone and surgical site infections after osteosynthesis are notoriously difficult to manage and pose a tremendous burden in fracture management. In this article, we use the term osteosynthesis-associated infection (OAI) to refer to this clinical entity. While relatively few surgically treated fractures become infected, it is challenging to perform a rapid diagnosis. Optimal management strategies are complex and highly customized to each scenario and take into consideration the status of fracture union, the presence of hardware and the degree of mechanical stability. At present, a high level of relevant evidence is unavailable; most findings presented in the literature are based on laboratory work and non-randomized clinical studies. We present this overview of OAI in two parts: an examination of recent literature concerning OAI pathogenesis, diagnosis and classification and a review of treatment options.