[Exploration and consideration on establishing a core outcome set of Traditional Chinese Medicine clinical trials in distal radius fracture].

There are inconsistencies in treatment outcomes, measurement instruments, and criteria for assessing clinical effectiveness in studies related to distal radius fractures (DRF), resulting in potential biases and failing to provide high-quality clinical evidence. To address these challenges, international researchers have reached a consensus on developing the core outcome indicator set for distal radius fractures(COS-DRF). However, it's important to note that the existing COS-DRF framework could not reflect the unique characteristics of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) treatment. Currently, there are no established standards for treatment outcomes and measurement instruments specific to TCM clinical research, nor has a COS-DRF been established for TCM clinical studies in China. In light of these gaps, our research team aims to construct a core set of treatment outcomes for TCM clinical research on distal radius fractures. This involves compiling a comprehensive list of treatment outcomes and measurement instruments, initially derived from a thorough literature review and expert consensus, which will then undergo further refinement and updates based on real-world clinical experiences, incorporating feedback from 2 to 3 rounds of expert consensus or Delphi questionnaire surveys. Our goal is to establish a COS-DRF or CMS-DRF that aligns with the principles and practices of TCM, and provide high-quality evidence for clinical practice.

Analysis of feline humeral fracture morphology and a comparison of fracture repair stabilisation methods: 101 cases (2009-2020).

OBJECTIVES: The aims of this study were to describe the type, presentation and prognostic factors of feline humeral fractures over a 10-year period and to compare three stabilisation systems for feline humeral diaphyseal fractures. METHODS: In total, 101 cats with humeral fractures presenting to seven UK referral centres between 2009 and 2020 were reviewed. Data collected included signalment, weight at the time of surgery, fracture aetiology, preoperative presentation, fixation method, surgical details, perioperative management and follow-up examinations. Of these cases, 57 cats with humeral diaphyseal fractures stabilised using three different fixation methods were compared, with outcome parameters including the time to radiographic healing, time to function and complication rate. RESULTS: The majority of the fractures were diaphyseal (71%), with only 10% condylar. Of the known causes of fracture, road traffic accidents (RTAs) were the most common. Neutered males were over-represented in having a fracture caused by an RTA (P = 0.001) and diaphyseal fractures were significantly more likely to result from an RTA (P = 0.01). Body weight had a positive correlation (r = 0.398) with time to radiographic healing and time to acceptable function (r = 0.315), and was significant (P = 0.014 and P = 0.037, respectively). Of the 57 humeral diaphyseal fractures; 16 (28%) were stabilised using a plate-rod construct, 31 (54%) using external skeletal fixation and 10 (18%) using bone plating and screws only. Open diaphyseal fractures were associated with more minor complications (P = 0.048). There was a significant difference between fixation groups in terms of overall complication rate between groups (P = 0.012). There was no significant difference between fixation groups in time to radiographic union (P = 0.145) or time to acceptable function (P = 0.306). CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE: All three fixation systems were successful in healing a wide variety of humeral diaphyseal fractures. There was a significantly higher overall complication rate with external skeletal fixators compared with bone plating; however, the clinical impact of these is likely low.

The influence of hospital-level variables on hip fracture outcomes.

AIMS: The aim of this study was to determine the impact of hospital-level service characteristics on hip fracture outcomes and quality of care processes measures. METHODS: This was a retrospective analysis of publicly available audit data obtained from the National Hip Fracture Database (NHFD) 2018 benchmark summary and Facilities Survey. Data extraction was performed using a dedicated proforma to identify relevant hospital-level care process and outcome variables for inclusion. The primary outcome measure was adjusted 30-day mortality rate. A random forest-based multivariate imputation by chained equation (MICE) algorithm was used for missing value imputation. Univariable analysis for each hospital level factor was performed using a combination of Tobit regression, Siegal non-parametric linear regression, and Mann-Whitney U test analyses, dependent on the data type. In all analyses, a p-value < 0.05 denoted statistical significance. RESULTS: Analyses included 176 hospitals, with a median of 366 hip fracture cases per year (interquartile range (IQR) 280 to 457). Aggregated data from 66,578 patients were included. The only identified hospital-level variable associated with the primary outcome of 30-day mortality was hip fracture trial involvement (no trial involvement: median 6.3%; trial involvement: median 5.7%; p = 0.039). Significant key associations were also identified between prompt surgery and presence of dedicated hip fracture sessions; reduced acute length of stay and both a higher number of hip fracture cases per year and more dedicated hip fracture operating lists; Best Practice Tariff attainment and greater number of hip fracture cases per year, more dedicated hip fracture operating lists, presence of a dedicated hip fracture ward, and hip fracture trial involvement. CONCLUSION: Exploratory analyses have identified that improved outcomes in hip fracture may be associated with hospital-level service characteristics, such as hip fracture research trial involvement, larger hip fracture volumes, and the use of theatre lists dedicated to hip fracture surgery. Further research using patient level data is warranted to corroborate these findings. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2021;103-B(10):1627-1632.

Refining Indications for Orbital Floor Fracture Reconstruction: A Risk-Stratification Tool Predicting Symptom Development and Need for Surgery.

BACKGROUND: Challenges in orbital floor fracture management include delayed symptom onset and controversial surgical indications based on radiographic findings. This study assessed which imaging characteristics most reliably predict symptomatology to generate a tool quantifying individual need for surgery on initial presentation. METHODS: The clinical course for all patients with isolated orbital fractures at a single institution from 2015 to 2017 were reviewed. Trauma mechanism, computed tomographic scan findings, and symptoms necessitating surgery (diplopia, enophthalmos) were noted. Univariable and multivariable regression modeling was used to generate a predictive risk model for operative fractures. RESULTS: One hundred twenty-one patients with isolated orbital fractures were identified. Mechanism of injury included falls (41 percent), assault (37 percent), and vehicular trauma (17 percent). Patient follow-up averaged 4.4 ± 4.8 months. Average orbital floor fracture area was 2.4 cm2 (range, 0.36 to 6.18 cm2), and orbital volume herniation averaged 0.70 cm3 (range, 0.01 to 4.23 cm3). Twenty-one patients (17.3 percent) required surgical intervention for symptomatic fractures. The strongest predictors of symptoms were orbital volume increase greater than 1.3 cm3 (OR, 10.5; p = 0.001) and inferior rectus displacement within/below the fracture line (OR, 3.7; p = 0.049). Mechanical fall was risk-reducing (OR, 0.08; p = 0.005). Symptom risk was stratified from low (3.6 percent) to high risk (71 percent) (C-statistic = 0.90). The volume of herniated orbital contents was significantly more predictive of symptoms than fracture area (C-statistic = 0.81 versus C-statistic = 0.66; p = 0.02). CONCLUSIONS: The proposed risk tool allows highly accurate, early prediction of symptomatic orbital floor fractures. Findings suggest that orbital volume change, not fracture area, more reliably informs operative indications, along with inferior rectus muscle caudal malposition. A simplified stepwise decision algorithm demonstrates the potential utility of this risk-assessment tool. CLINICAL QUESTION/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Risk, III.

Pre-operative echocardiograms in acute fragility hip fractures: How effective are the guidelines?

ABSTRACT: In 2014, the American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association (ACC/AHA) released guidelines for ordering pre-operative echocardiograms in patients undergoing non-cardiac surgery. The purpose of this study is to determine if pre-operative echocardiograms ordered prior to fragility hip fracture repair are ordered according to these guidelines, change anesthetic management or affect patient outcomes. In addition, we attempted to evaluate the efficacy of the ACC/AHA guidelines.We conducted a 4-year retrospective chart review of acute fragility hip fractures at a single institution. Charts were reviewed to determine which patients met criteria for a pre-operative echocardiogram. Within this group we then compared patients who received a pre-operative echocardiogram to those who did not. Comparisons were made with regard to time to surgery, changes from standard anesthetic management, major adverse cardiac events, length of hospital stay, and 1-year mortality. We also examined which patients received postoperative echocardiograms and the incidence of adverse cardiac events in this group.Of 402 patients, 87 (22%) had ACC/AHA indications for pre-operative echocardiogram, and 42 (48%) of them received one. The indication to order a pre-operative echocardiogram in stable heart failure or valve disease patients if their last echo was greater than 1 year was only followed 23% of the time. In the pre-operative echocardiogram group, anesthetic management was adjusted more frequently (P = .025), and average time to surgery was greater (P < .001). The incidence of a major adverse cardiac event was 10% in the ACC/AHA echocardiogram indicated group and 3% in the non-indicated echocardiogram group. An equal number of echocardiograms were completed postoperatively as were completed under ACC/AHA pre-operative guidelines. Sixty-seven percent of the postoperative echocardiograms did not have ACC/AHA pre-operative indications.Our data demonstrates that pre-operative echocardiograms for "stable heart failure and valvular disease with greater than 1 year from last echocardiogram" is infrequently performed without significant adverse cardiac outcomes. Pre-operative echocardiography was associated with more anesthetic adjustments and longer time to surgery. Postoperative echocardiograms were done for cardiopulmonary complications. Studies need to examine and refine clinical parameters that would improve the selection of patients who would benefit from pre-operative echocardiograms.

What Is the Quality of Surgical Care for Patients with Hip Fractures at Critical Access Hospitals?

BACKGROUND: Critical access hospitals (CAHs) play an important role in providing access to care for many patients in rural communities. Prior studies have shown that these facilities are able to provide timely and quality care for patients who undergo various elective and emergency general surgical procedures. However, little is known about the quality and reimbursement of surgical care for patients undergoing surgery for hip fractures at CAHs compared with non-CAH facilities. QUESTIONS/PURPOSES: Are there any differences in 90-day complications, readmissions, mortality, and Medicare payments between patients undergoing surgery for hip fractures at CAHs and those undergoing surgery at non-CAHs? METHODS: The 2005 to 2014 Medicare 100% Standard Analytical Files were queried using ICD-9 procedure codes to identify Medicare-eligible beneficiaries undergoing open reduction and internal fixation (79.15, 79.35, and 78.55), hemiarthroplasty (81.52), and THA (81.51) for isolated closed hip fractures. This database was selected because the claims capture inpatient diagnoses, procedures, charged amounts and paid claims, as well as hospital-level information of the care, of Medicare patients across the nation. Patients with concurrent fixation of an upper extremity, lower extremity, and/or polytrauma were excluded from the study to ensure an isolated cohort of hip fractures was captured. The study cohort was divided into two groups based on where the surgery took place: CAHs and non-CAHs. A 1:1 propensity score match, adjusting for baseline demographics (age, gender, Census Bureau-designated region, and Elixhauser comorbidity index), clinical characteristics (fixation type and time to surgery), and hospital characteristics (whether the hospital was located in a rural ZIP code, the average annual procedure volume of the operating facility, hospital bed size, hospital ownership and teaching status), was used to control for the presence of baseline differences in patients presenting at CAHs and those presenting at non-CAHs. A total of 1,467,482 patients with hip fractures were included, 29,058 of whom underwent surgery in a CAH. After propensity score matching, each cohort (CAH and non-CAH) contained 29,058 patients. Multivariate logistic regression analyses were used to assess for differences in 90-day complications, readmissions, and mortality between the two matched cohorts. As funding policies of CAHs are regulated by Medicare, an evaluation of costs-of-care (by using Medicare payments as a proxy) was conducted. Generalized linear regression modeling was used to assess the 90-day Medicare payments among patients undergoing surgery in a CAH, while controlling for differences in baseline demographics and clinical characteristics. RESULTS: Patients undergoing surgery for hip fractures were less likely to experience many serious complications at a critical access hospital (CAH) than at a non-CAH. In particular, after controlling for patient demographics, hospital-level factors and procedural characteristics, patients treated at a CAH were less likely to experience: myocardial infarction (3% (916 of 29,058) versus 4% (1126 of 29,058); OR 0.80 [95% CI 0.74 to 0.88]; p < 0.001), sepsis (3% (765 of 29,058) versus 4% (1084 of 29,058); OR 0.69 [95% CI 0.63 to 0.78]; p < 0.001), acute renal failure (6% (1605 of 29,058) versus 8% (2353 of 29,058); OR 0.65 [95% CI 0.61 to 0.69]; p < 0.001), and Clostridium difficile infections (1% (367 of 29,058) versus 2% (473 of 29,058); OR 0.77 [95% CI 0.67 to 0.88]; p < 0.001) than undergoing surgery in a non-CAH. CAHs also had lower rates of all-cause 90-day readmissions (18% (5133 of 29,058) versus 20% (5931 of 29,058); OR 0.83 [95% CI 0.79 to 0.86]; p < 0.001) and 90-day mortality (4% (1273 of 29,058) versus 5% (1437 of 29,058); OR 0.88 [95% CI 0.82 to 0.95]; p = 0.001) than non-CAHs. Further, CAHs also had risk-adjusted lower 90-day Medicare payments than non-CAHs (USD 800, standard error 89; p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Patients who received hip fracture surgical care at CAHs had a lower risk of major medical and surgical complications than those who had surgery at non-CAHs, even though Medicare reimbursements were lower as well. Although there may be some degree of patient selection at CAHs, these facilities appear to provide high-value care to rural communities. These findings provide evidence for policymakers evaluating the impact of the CAH program and allocating funding resources, as well as for community members seeking emergent care at local CAH facilities. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III, therapeutic study.

Are Hospitals Safe? A Prospective Study on SARS-CoV-2 Prevalence and Outcome on Surgical Fracture Patients: A Closer Look at Hip Fracture Patients.

OBJECTIVES: To describe clinical characteristics of fracture patients, including a closer look to hip fracture patients, and determine how epidemiological variables may have influenced on a higher vulnerability to SARS-CoV-2 infection, as the basis for the considerations needed to reintroduce elective surgery during the pandemic. DESIGN: Longitudinal prospective cohort study. SETTING: Level I Trauma Center in the East of Spain. PATIENTS/PARTICIPANTS: One hundred forty-four consecutive fracture patients 18 years or older admitted for surgery. INTERVENTION: Patients were tested for SARS-CoV-2 with either molecular and/or serological techniques and screened for presentation of COVID-19. MAIN OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS: Patients were interviewed and charts reviewed for demographic, epidemiological, clinical, and surgical characteristics. RESULTS: We interviewed all patients and tested 137 (95.7%) of them. Three positive patients for SARS-CoV-2 were identified (2.1%). One was asymptomatic and the other 2 required admission due to COVID-19-related symptoms. Mortality for the whole cohort was 13 patients (9%). Significant association was found between infection by SARS-CoV-2 and epidemiological variables including: intimate exposure to respiratory symptomatic patients (P = 0.025) and intimate exposure to SARS-CoV-2-positive patients (P = 0.013). No association was found when crowding above 50 people was tested individually (P = 0.187). When comparing the 2020 and 2019 hip fracture cohorts we found them to be similar, including 30-day mortality. A significant increase in surgical delay from 1.5 to 1.8 days was observed on the 2020 patients (P = 0.034). CONCLUSIONS: Patients may be treated safely at hospitals if strict recommendations are followed. Both cohorts of hip fracture patients had similar 30-day mortality. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Prognostic Level III. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

COVID-19 Orthopaedic Safe Care Toolset: Guidelines for the Diagnosis and Management of Patients with Fracture and COVID-19.

The SARS-CoV-2 (severe acute respiratory syndrome-coronavirus 2) was reported in Wuhan, Hubei Province, People's Republic of China, and, subsequently, in other provinces and regions across the People's Republic of China and >212 countries. COVID-19, the disease caused by this coronavirus, was declared a worldwide pandemic by the World Health Organization (WHO). The incidence of patients with fracture who are also positive for COVID-19 is on the rise. The diagnosis and management of such patients can be complicated as their clinical characteristics are heterogeneous. Furthermore, a surgical procedure can be particularly challenging given that the use of high-speed devices results in aerosol generation. In this study, we develop and propose globally applicable guidelines to fill this knowledge gap and we identify and propose the necessary protective strategies for medical personnel in an orthopaedic emergency department and in the inpatient wards. We also introduce diagnostic criteria, surgical complication management, and follow-up strategies for infected patients. These guidelines may be helpful to decrease the infection rate of orthopaedic trauma personnel and to provide diagnosis and treatment therapy for patients with fracture and COVID-19.

Doing Our Part to Conserve Resources: Determining Whether All Personal Protective Equipment Is Mandatory for Closed Reduction and Percutaneous Pinning of Supracondylar Humeral Fractures.

BACKGROUND: Closed reduction and percutaneous pinning (CRPP) of supracondylar humeral fractures is one of the most common procedures performed in pediatric orthopaedics. The use of full, standard preparation and draping with standard personal protective equipment (PPE) may not be necessary during this procedure. This is of particular interest in the current climate as we face unprecedented PPE shortages due to the current COVID-19 pandemic. METHODS: This is a retrospective chart review of 1,270 patients treated with CRPP of a supracondylar humeral fracture at 2 metropolitan pediatric centers by 10 fellowship-trained pediatric orthopaedic surgeons. One surgeon in the group did not wear a mask when performing CRPP of supracondylar humeral fractures, and multiple surgeons in the group utilized a semisterile preparation technique (no sterile gown or drapes). Infectious outcomes were compared between 2 groups: full sterile preparation and semisterile preparation. We additionally analyzed a subgroup of patients who had semisterile preparation without surgeon mask use. Hospital cost data were used to estimate annual cost savings with the adoption of the semisterile technique. RESULTS: In this study, 1,270 patients who underwent CRPP of a supracondylar humeral fracture and met inclusion criteria were identified. There were 3 deep infections (0.24%). These infections all occurred in the group using full sterile preparation and surgical masks. No clinically relevant pin-track infections were noted. There were no known surgeon occupational exposures to bodily fluid. It is estimated that national adoption of this technique in the United States could save between 18,612 and 22,162 gowns and masks with costs savings of $3.7 million to $4.4 million annually. CONCLUSIONS: We currently face critical shortages of PPE due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Data from this large series suggest that a semisterile technique during CRPP of supracondylar humeral fractures is a safe practice. We anticipate that this could preserve approximately 20,000 gowns and masks in the United States over the next year. Physicians are encouraged to reevaluate their daily practice to identify safe opportunities for resource preservation. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic Level III. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

Salter-Harris type II fractures of the distal tibia: Residual postreduction displacement and outcomes-a STROBE compliant study.

We assessed factors associated with premature physeal closure (PPC) and outcomes after closed reduction of Salter-Harris type II (SH-II) fractures of the distal tibia. We reviewed patients with SH-II fractures of the distal tibia treated at our center from 2010 to 2015 with closed reduction and a non-weightbearing long-leg cast. Patients were categorized by immediate postreduction displacement: minimal, <2 mm; moderate, 2 to 4 mm; or severe, >4 mm. Demographic data, radiographic data, and Lower Extremity Functional Scale (LEFS) scores were recorded.Fifty-nine patients (27 girls, 31 right ankles, 26 concomitant fibula fractures) were included, with a mean (±SD) age at injury of 12.0 ±â€Š2.2 years. Mean maximum fracture displacements were 6.6 ±â€Š6.5 mm initially, 2.7 ±â€Š2.0 mm postreduction, and 0.4 ±â€Š0.7 mm at final follow-up. After reduction, displacement was minimal in 23 patients, moderate in 21, and severe in 15. Fourteen patients developed PPC, with no significant differences between postreduction displacement groups. Patients with high-grade injury mechanisms and/or initial displacement ≥4 mm had 12-fold and 14-fold greater odds, respectively, of PPC. Eighteen patients responded to the LEFS survey (mean 4.0 ±â€Š2.1 years after injury). LEFS scores did not differ significantly between postreduction displacement groups (P = .61).The PPC rate in this series of SH-II distal tibia fractures was 24% and did not differ by postreduction displacement. Initial fracture displacement and high-grade mechanisms of injury were associated with PPC. LEFS scores did not differ significantly by postreduction displacement.Level of Evidence: Level IV, case series.

Treatment and outcomes of distal tibia salter harris II fractures.

BACKGROUND: Distal Salter-Harris (SH) II fractures of the tibia are common injuries in the pediatric population. The purpose of this study is to evaluate our treatment and outcomes of SH II fractures of the distal tibia. METHODS: The study was approved by the medical school's institutional review board (IRB). Fifty-one distal tibia SH type II fractures were treated from 2003 to 2017. We performed a retrospective review of all patients. Patients with displacement less than 3 mm, on x-ray, were treated with a cast. Patients with displacement greater than or equal to 3 mm displacement were initially treated with closed reduction in the emergency department with conscious sedation. Patients were also categorized based on the mechanism of injury and complications were noted. Patients were followed for an average of 4 months (range, 4 weeks-28 months). RESULTS: Fifty-one patients, 28 females and 23 males, were included in the study, with a mean age of 9.4 years (range, 13 months-13 years) at presentation. The most common mechanism of injury was participation in sports (43%). Out of the 51 patients, 45 were minimally displaced and treated with cast. Six displaced fractures were treated with closed reduction. The mean displacement in the closed reduction group at presentation was 5.7 (range, 3- 8.8) mm. Five out of 6 patients had reduction to less than 3 mm. The overall complication rate was 1 out of 51 patients, 2%. When examining displaced fractures, the complication rate was 1 out of 6 patients, 17%. CONCLUSION: Most SH II fractures of the distal tibia are minimally displaced and do not need a reduction. 6/51 cases (12%) in the current study were displaced and were indicated for a reduction. Displacement greater than or equal to 3 mm can be treated with closed reduction followed by a cast; if closed reduction fails, open reduction is indicated. Displaced fractures have a small risk of growth arrest.

Temporary Fixation of Reduction with Fabric Adhesive Bandage in the Surgical Treatment of Pediatric Supracondylar Humerus Fractures.

Background and objectives: Supracondylar humerus fractures are common in children andcan be surgically treated. However, the general surgical procedures involving reduction andfixation might lead to reduction loss, failure to direct the Kirschner (K)-wire toward the desiredposition, prolonged surgery, or chondral damage. This study aimed to show that temporaryfixation of closed reduction with a fabric adhesive bandage in pediatric supracondylar humerusfractures could maintain reduction so that surgical treatment can be easily performed by a singlephysician. Materials and Methods: Forty-six patients with Gartland type 3 supracondylar humerusfractures who underwent surgical treatment between May 2017 and June 2018 were retrospectivelyevaluated. Fluoroscopy-guided reduction and fixation were performed from the distal third of theforearm to the proximal third of the humerus using a fabric adhesive bandage. Two crossed pinswere applied on the fracture line by first inserting a lateral-entry K-wire and then inserting anotherK-wire close to the anterior aspect of the medial epicondyle and diverging from the ulnar nervetunnel. A tourniquet was not applied in any patient and no patients required open reduction.Results: The study included 32 boys (69.6%) and 14 girls (30.4%) (mean age, 7.1; range, 2-16 years).The mean hospital stay and follow-up duration were 4.3 ± 3.9 days and 48.1 ± 14.3 weeks,respectively. Heterotopic ossification was detected in one patient, and ulnar nerve neuropraxia wasdetected in another patient. Functional (according to Flynn criteria) and cosmetic outcomes wereexcellent in 95.6%, moderate in 2.2%, and poor in 2.2% of patients. The mean duration of fixation ofthe closed reduction with a fabric adhesive bandage was 8.1 ± 3.9 min, and the mean duration ofpinning was 7.9 ± 1.4 min. Conclusions: Temporary preoperative fixation of supracondylar humerusfractures that require surgical treatment with a fabric adhesive bandage may be significantlyconvenient in practice.

International Survey: Factors Associated With Operative Treatment of Distal Radius Fractures and Implications for the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons' Appropriate Use Criteria.

OBJECTIVES: Through an international survey, we assessed whether deciding to operatively treat an intra-articular distal radius fracture (DRF) is guided by identifiable patient and surgeon factors. In addition, we compared surgeons' treatment decisions with the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons' Appropriate Use Criteria (AUC) treatment recommendations. METHODS: This cross-sectional survey asked 224 surgeons to operatively or nonoperatively treat 28 hypothetical patients with radiographs of an intra-articular DRF. We randomized patient age (50/70 years), gender, mechanism of injury, activity level, and OTA/AO fracture type. We classified 6 fractures as "nonclinically significant displacement" and 22 as "potentially clinically significant displacement." Multilevel logistic regression analysis was performed. Odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were reported. Statistical significance was P < 0.05. RESULTS: Patient factors independently associated with surgery included younger age (OR 6.7, P = 0.003), clinically significant fracture displacement (type B: OR 122, CI, 20-739, P < 0.001; type C: OR 59, CI, 12-300, P < 0.001), normal activity level (OR 5.0, P < 0.001), and high-energy mechanisms (OR 1.3, P = 0.002). Surgeon factors associated with recommending surgery included practicing outside the United States (Europe: OR 2.6, P < 0.001; "other": OR 4.8, P < 0.001). Hand surgeons most often selected surgery, as compared to orthopaedic trauma surgeons (OR 2.3, P = 0.001) and "other orthopaedists" (OR 2.2, P = 0.022). Thirty-seven percent of treatment decisions for patients with normal activity levels were rated by AUC recommendations as "rarely appropriate," which included 91% disagreement for 70-year-olds with nonclinically significant displacement. CONCLUSIONS: Surgeons use patient age and fracture displacement to make treatment recommendations for intra-articular DRF. We recommend that the AUC be updated to include these clinical factors as essential components in its algorithm. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic Level V. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

Spanish National Hip Fracture Registry (RNFC): analysis of its first annual report and international comparison with other established registries.

Hip fracture registries have helped improve quality of care and reduce variability, and several audits exist worldwide. The results of the Spanish National Hip Fracture Registry are presented and compared with 13 other national registries, highlighting similarities and differences to define areas of improvement, particularly surgical delay and early mobilization. INTRODUCTION: Hip fracture audits have been useful for monitoring current practice and defining areas in need of improvement. Most established registries are from Northern Europe. We present the results from the first annual report of the Spanish Hip Fracture Registry (RNFC) and compare them with other publically available audit reports. METHOD: Comparison of the results from Spain with the most recent reports from another ten established hip fracture registries highlights the differences in audit characteristics, casemix, management, and outcomes. RESULTS: Of the patients treated in 54 hospitals, 7.208 were included in the registry between January and October 2017. Compared with other registries, the RNFC included patients ≥ 75 years old; in general, they were older, more likely to be female, had a worse prefracture ambulation status, and were more likely to have extracapsular fractures. A larger proportion was treated with intramedullary nails than in other countries, and spinal anesthesia was most commonly used. With a mean of 75.7 h, Spain had by far the longest surgical delay, and the lowest proportion of patients mobilized on the first postoperative day (58.5%). Consequently, development of pressure ulcers was high, but length of stay, mortality, and discharge to home remained in the range of other audits. CONCLUSIONS: National hip fracture registries have proved effective in changing clinical practice and our understanding of patients with this condition. Such registries tend to be based on an internationally recognized common dataset which would make comparisons between national registries possible, but variations such as age inclusion criteria and follow-up are becoming evident across the world. This variation should be avoided if we are to maximize the comparability of registry results and help different countries learn from each other's practice. The results reported in the Spanish RNFC, compared with those of other countries, highlight the differences between countries and detect areas of improvement, particularly surgical delay and early mobilization.

Ossification of the Proximal and Middle Phalangeal Condyles: Radiographic Aid in Phalangeal Neck Fracture Reduction.

BACKGROUND: Phalangeal neck fractures are commonly dorsally displaced and angulated. Surgical treatment is often necessary to restore the retrocondylar recess. The purpose of this study was to determine whether radiographic landmarks can serve as a reference tool for assessing phalangeal neck fracture alignment based on age and sex. METHODS: In total, 1061 lateral finger radiographs that were interpreted as "normal" by pediatric radiologists in children aged 1 to 18 years were retrospectively reviewed. The proximal and middle phalanges of each digit had a line drawn along the volar cortex [termed the volar phalangeal line (VPL)] and a second perpendicular line was drawn at the level of the phalangeal condyle. A ratio of the anterior to posterior aspects of the phalangeal condyle was determined at the intersection of these lines. Sex of the patients was noted to determine whether it influenced the temporal course of ossification. A linear regression model was utilized to determine the annual coefficient of growth for the phalangeal condyles. RESULTS: There is a temporal course of ossification of the proximal and middle phalangeal condyles. As children increase in age, the VPL will intersect the phalangeal condyle more dorsally due to the eccentric ossification. In children above 9 years of age, the VPL will reliably intersect the middle one third of the phalangeal condyle. No clinically significant difference exists between the ratios of the proximal and middle phalanges. Sex was not associated with a difference in growth. The greatest growth increase was observed in the 8 to 9-year-old interval. CONCLUSIONS: The phalangeal condyles ossify in an eccentric manner and the VPL will intersect the phalangeal condyle more dorsally with increasing age. The VPL and knowledge of where it should intersect the phalangeal condyle can be used as a reference guide for evaluating the reduction of proximal and middle phalangeal neck fractures in children. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III.

Standards for external fixation application: national survey under the auspices of the German Trauma Society.

INTRODUCTION: External fixation is widely accepted as a provisional or sometimes definitive treatment for long-bone fractures. Indications include but are not limited to damage control surgery in poly-traumatized patients as well as provisional bridging to definite treatment with soft tissue at risk. As little is known about surgeon's habits in applying this treatment strategy, we performed a national survey. METHODS: We utilized the member database of the German Trauma Society (DGU). The questionnaire encompassed 15 questions that addresses topics including participants' position, experience, workplace, and questions regarding specifics of external fixation application in different anatomical regions. Furthermore, we compared differences between trauma centre levels and surgeon-related factors. RESULTS: The participants predominantly worked in level 1 trauma centres (42.7%) and were employed as attendings (54.7%). There was widespread consensus for planning and intra-operative radiographical control of external fixation. Surgeons appointed at a level I trauma centre preferred significantly more often supra-acetabular pin placement in external fixation of the pelvis rather than the utilization of iliac pins (75.8%, p = 0.0001). Moreover, they were more likely to favor a mini-open approach to insert humeral pins (42.4%, p = 0.003). Overall, blunt dissection and mini-open approaches seemed equally popular (38.2 and 34.1%). Department chairmen indicated more often than their colleagues to follow written pin-care protocols for minimization of infection (16.7%, p = 0.003). CONCLUSION: Despite the fact that external fixation usage is widespread and well established among trauma surgeons in Germany, there are substantial differences in the method of application.

Clinical and radiographic comparison of single-sugar-tong splint to long-arm cast immobilization for pediatric forearm fractures.

The purpose of this study was to compare the efficacy of a single-sugar-tong splint (SSTS) to a long-arm cast (LAC) in maintaining reduction of pediatric forearm fractures, while avoiding secondary intervention. One hundred patients age 3-15 with a forearm fracture requiring a reduction and immobilization were evaluated (50 LAC and 50 SSTS). Medical records and radiographs were reviewed at injury, postreduction, and at 1, 2, and 4 weeks postinjury. Sagittal and coronal angular deformities were recorded. Any secondary intervention due to loss of reduction was documented. The groups were matched by age (P = 0.19), sex (P = 0.26), mechanism of injury (P = 0.66), average injury sagittal deformity (LAC 27.4°, SSTS 25.4°; P = 0.50), and average injury coronal deformity (LAC 15.5°, SSTS 16°; P = 0.80) At 4 weeks postinjury follow-up, there were no statistically significant differences between use of an SSTS or LAC when comparing postimmobilization sagittal alignment (LAC 10.3 ± 7.2, SSTS 8.4 ± 5.1°; P = 0.46), coronal alignment (LAC 6.9 ± 4.6, SSTS 7.6 ± 9.3°; P = 0.46), or need for repeat manipulation or surgery (LAC 4/50, SSTS 3/50; P = 0.70).

Standardization of Care of Common Pediatric Fractures.

Distal radius fractures are the most common site of fracture in the pediatric population. Supracondylar humerus fractures are the most common pediatric elbow fracture. Although there is abundant literature discussing treatment and outcomes of these fractures, there is only emerging literature specifically discussing the variation in care among surgeons. There is need for standardization of these types of injuries to optimize the quality, safety, and value for patients. Quality improvement methodology differs from traditional research and is meant to be shared and used to implement changes quickly. This article discusses basic quality improvement methodology.