Tibiotalar nailing using an antegrade intramedullary tibial nail: a salvage procedure for unstable distal tibia and ankle fractures in the frail elderly patient.

AIM: This article describes the technique of tibiotalar nailing performed using an antegrade tibial nail for salvage of distal tibia and ankle fractures in elderly patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We report indications, surgical technique, and the clinical outcomes and complication rate in our series to date. A retrospective review was performed at our level 1 major trauma centre. Patient demographics, comorbidities, and 12-month post-operative course were collected. Fractures were classified using the OTA/AO and modified Gustilo-Anderson classification. Fifteen patients underwent the procedure. We present data with a minimum 12-month follow-up. The median age of the patients in this cohort was 83 years (range, 51-102). Five patients were diabetic. Six patients (6/15; 40%) presented with an open fracture. RESULTS: At final follow-up, fourteen patients reported painless walking and had returned to baseline activity. CONCLUSION: This technique may serve as a salvage procedure, with indications similar to those for tibio-talar-calcaneal arthrodesis. Indications would include non-constructible pilon fractures, comminuted intra-articular fractures in low-demand patients, or patients at high risk of wound complications. LEVEL OF CLINICAL EVIDENCE: 3.

Prevalence and correlates of high-dose opioid use among survivors of head and neck cancer.

BACKGROUND: We characterized prescription opioid medication use up to 2 years following the head and neck cancer (HNC) diagnosis and examined associations with moderate or high daily opioid prescription dose. METHODS: Using administrative data from Veterans Health Administration, we conducted a retrospective cohort analysis of 5522 Veterans treated for cancers of the upper aerodigestive tract between 2012 and 2019. Data included cancer diagnosis and treatments, pain severity, prescription opioid characteristics, demographics, and other clinical factors. RESULTS: Two years post-HNC, 7.8% (n = 428) were receiving moderate or high-dose opioid therapy. Patients with at least moderate pain (18%, n = 996) had 2.48 times higher odds (95% CI = 1.94-3.09, p < 0.001) to be prescribed a moderate opioid dose or higher at 2 years post diagnosis. CONCLUSIONS: Survivors of HNC with at least moderate pain were at elevated risk of continued use of moderate and high dose opioids.

Using Nudges to Reduce Missed Appointments in Primary Care and Mental Health: a Pragmatic Trial.

BACKGROUND: Missed appointments ("no-shows") are a persistent and costly problem in healthcare. Appointment reminders are widely used but usually do not include messages specifically designed to nudge patients to attend appointments. OBJECTIVE: To determine the effect of incorporating nudges into appointment reminder letters on measures of appointment attendance. DESIGN: Cluster randomized controlled pragmatic trial. PATIENTS: There were 27,540 patients with 49,598 primary care appointments, and 9420 patients with 38,945 mental health appointments, between October 15, 2020, and October 14, 2021, at one VA medical center and its satellite clinics that were eligible for analysis. INTERVENTIONS: Primary care (n = 231) and mental health (n = 215) providers were randomized to one of five study arms (four nudge arms and usual care as a control) using equal allocation. The nudge arms included varying combinations of brief messages developed with veteran input and based on concepts in behavioral science, including social norms, specific behavioral instructions, and consequences of missing appointments. MAIN MEASURES: Primary and secondary outcomes were missed appointments and canceled appointments, respectively. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS: Results are based on logistic regression models adjusting for demographic and clinical characteristics, and clustering for clinics and patients. KEY RESULTS: Missed appointment rates in study arms ranged from 10.5 to 12.1% in primary care clinics and 18.0 to 21.9% in mental health clinics. There was no effect of nudges on missed appointment rate in primary care (OR = 1.14, 95%CI = 0.96-1.36, p = 0.15) or mental health (OR = 1.20, 95%CI = 0.90-1.60, p = 0.21) clinics, when comparing the nudge arms to the control arm. When comparing individual nudge arms, no differences in missed appointment rates nor cancellation rates were observed. CONCLUSIONS: Appointment reminder letters incorporating brief behavioral nudges were ineffective in improving appointment attendance in VA primary care or mental health clinics. More complex or intensive interventions may be necessary to significantly reduce missed appointments below their current rates. TRIAL NUMBER: ClinicalTrials.gov, Trial number NCT03850431.

Veteran Perspectives on Population-Based Suicide Risk Screening in VHA Primary Care: Mixed-Methods Study.

BACKGROUND: In late 2018, VHA implemented a multi-stage suicide risk screening and evaluation initiative, Suicide Risk Identification Strategy, or "Risk ID," in primary care settings. OBJECTIVE: The main objective of this study was to characterize VHA primary care patient perspectives regarding population-based suicide risk screening through the Risk ID program. DESIGN: Mixed methods; survey and qualitative interviews. PARTICIPANTS: Veterans screened for suicide risk using Risk ID in primary care (n = 868) participated in a survey of veteran attitudes about screening (45% response rate); thirty additionally participated in follow-up qualitative interviews. MAIN MEASURES: The quantitative survey consisted of three questions on attitudes about screening for suicidal thoughts in primary care. In qualitative interviews, veterans were asked about their experiences with the Risk ID processes and recommendations for improving Risk ID. KEY RESULTS: Over 90% of veterans reported that it is appropriate for primary care providers or nurses/medical assistants to ask veterans about thoughts of suicide during primary care visits. Approximately half of veterans indicated that veterans should be asked about suicidal thoughts at every visit. Qualitative findings revealed that while most veterans were generally supportive and appreciated VHA screening for suicidal thoughts, they also expressed concern for the potential for inadvertent harm. Participants expressed conflicting preferences for how screening should be handled and delivered. CONCLUSIONS: Findings suggest that most veterans support the integration of standardized suicide risk assessment into routine primary care visits. However, findings also suggest that population-based suicide risk assessment should further consider patient experiences and preferences. Specifically, additional guidance or training for staff conducting suicide risk screening may be warranted to ensure patients feel heard (e.g., eye contact, expressing empathy) and increase patient understanding of the purpose of the screening and potential outcomes. These patient-centered approaches may improve patient experience and facilitate disclosure of suicidal thoughts.

Factors associated with a lack of health care utilization among Veterans after a positive suicide screen in the emergency department.

OBJECTIVES: Many Veterans at high risk for suicide are identified in Veterans Health Administration (VHA) emergency departments (ED). Little is known about what may predict care utilization in this population. To address this knowledge gap, we explored factors associated with Veterans' lack of VHA care utilization following a positive suicide risk screen in the ED. METHODS: In a retrospective observational study, we identified all patients who were seen in a VHA ED from October 1, 2019, to September 30, 2020. We examined factors associated with not utilizing VHA mental health (MH) and all VHA care in the 6 months following a positive suicide ED screen. Predictors included comorbidity, homelessness, and MH visit and diagnosis history. RESULTS: We identified 23,446 Veterans with a positive suicide risk screen in the ED in fiscal year 2020. Overall, 4.1% had no VHA MH visits 6 months postscreen. The probability of not utilizing MH care was significantly higher for Veterans with no comorbidity (4.7% vs. 3.4% for mild comorbidity), no MH diagnosis (10.5% vs 2.8%), no past-year MH visits (13.6% vs 2.3%), and no past-year homelessness (5.4% vs. 1.1%). A smaller proportion of the population did not receive any VHA care 6 months postscreen (0.5%). Veterans who did not experience homelessness (0.6% vs 0.2%), had no MH diagnosis (1.6% vs. 0.3%), and had no previous MH visits (1.9% vs 0.2%) were significantly more likely to not utilize VHA care. CONCLUSIONS: Veterans who do not utilize VHA care after a positive suicide risk screen appear to have fewer documented health and housing concerns than those who do receive care. Yet, Veterans with a positive suicide risk screen who are otherwise healthy may remain at elevated risk for suicide following their ED visit. ED providers may consider enhanced follow-up care to mitigate suicide risk for these Veterans.

Radiological malunion after ankle fractures in older adults : definitions and new thresholds derived from clinical outcome data from the AIM trial.

AIMS: The rationale for exacting restoration of skeletal anatomy after unstable ankle fracture is to improve outcomes by reducing complications from malunion; however, current definitions of malunion lack confirmatory clinical evidence. METHODS: Radiological (absolute radiological measurements aided by computer software) and clinical (clinical interpretation of radiographs) definitions of malunion were compared within the Ankle Injury Management (AIM) trial cohort, including people aged ≥ 60 years with an unstable ankle fracture. Linear regressions were used to explore the relationship between radiological malunion (RM) at six months and changes in function at three years. Function was assessed with the Olerud-Molander Ankle Score (OMAS), with a minimal clinically important difference set as six points, as per the AIM trial. Piecewise linear models were used to investigate new radiological thresholds which better explain symptom impact on ankle function. RESULTS: Previously described measures of RM and surgeon opinion of clinically significant malunion (CSM) were shown to be related but with important differences. CSM was more strongly related to outcome (-13.9 points on the OMAS; 95% confidence interval (CI) -21.9 to -5.4) than RM (-5.5 points; 95% CI -9.8 to -1.2). Existing malunion thresholds for talar tilt and tibiofibular clear space were shown to be slightly conservative; new thresholds which better explain function were identified (talar tilt > 2.4°; tibiofibular clear space > 6 mm). Based on this new definition the presence of RM had an impact on function, which was statistically significant, but the clinical significance was uncertain (-9.1 points; 95% CI -13.8 to -4.4). In subsequent analysis, RM of a posterior malleolar fracture was shown to have a statistically significant impact on OMAS change scores, but the clinical significance was uncertain (-11.6 points; 95% CI -21.9 to -0.6). CONCLUSION: These results provide clinical evidence which supports the previously accepted definitions. Further research to investigate more conservative clinical thresholds for malunion is indicated.Cite this article: Bone Jt Open 2022;3(10):841-849.

Percutaneous Strain Reduction Screws Are a Reproducible Minimally Invasive Method to Treat Long Bone Nonunion.

OBJECTIVES: (1) Evaluate whether initial results from percutaneous treatment of nonunion are reproducible (2) Estimate the relative cost of percutaneous treatment of nonunion versus traditional methods. DESIGN: Retrospective multicentre case series. SETTING: Four Level 1 trauma centers. PATIENTS/PARTICIPANTS: Fifty-one patients (34 men and 17 women) with a median age of 51 years (range 14-81) were treated for nonunion at a median of 10 months (range 4-212) from injury. INTERVENTION: Percutaneous strain reduction screws (PSRS). MAIN OUTCOME MEASURED: Union rates and time to union were compared for patients treated in the developing institution versus independent units as well as with previously published results. RESULTS: Forty-five (88%) patients achieved union at a median time of 5.2 months (range 1.0-24.7) confirming the previously published results for this technique. Comparable results were seen between the developing institution and independent units. No patients experienced adverse events beyond failure to achieve union. PSRS seems to offer savings of between £3177 ($4416) to £11,352 ($15,780) per case compared with traditional methods of nonunion surgery. CONCLUSIONS: PSRS is a safe, efficacious treatment for long bone nonunion and may be more cost-effective than traditional nonunion treatment methods. The promising initial results of this technique have now been replicated outside of the developing institution. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic Level IV. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

Risk of Suicidal Self-directed Violence Among US Veteran Survivors of Head and Neck Cancer.

Importance: Head and neck cancer (HNC) survivors are about twice as likely to die by suicide compared with other cancer survivors. Objective: To examine the associations between precancer mental health and pain and postcancer receipt of mental health, substance use disorder (SUD), or palliative care services with risk of suicidal self-directed violence (SSDV). Design, Setting, and Participants: This retrospective cohort study used the Veterans Health Administration data of 7803 veterans with a diagnosis of HNC (stage I-IVB) who received cancer treatment between January 1, 2012, and January 1, 2018. Data were analyzed between May 2020 and July 2021. Exposures: Presence of precancer chronic pain and SUD diagnoses, and postcancer SUD, mental health, or palliative care treatment. Exposures were defined using International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision and International Statistical Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems, Tenth Revision codes in Veterans Health Administration administrative data. Main Outcomes and Measures: Documented SSDV event, including suicide attempt or death by suicide, after HNC diagnosis. Results: Among the cohort of 7803 veterans (7685 [98.4%] male; mean [SD] age, 65 [10.7] years), 72 (0.9%) had at least 1 documented SSDV event following their cancer diagnosis, and 51 (0.7%) died by suicide. Four adjusted modified Poisson regression analyses identified that precancer chronic pain (incidence rate ratio [IRR], 2.58; 95% CI 1.54-4.32) or mood disorder diagnoses (IRR, 1.95; 95% CI, 1.17-3.24) were associated with higher risk of postcancer SSDV. Those who had at least 1 documented mental health (IRR, 2.73; 95% CI, 1.24-6.03) or SUD (IRR, 3.92; 95% CI, 2.46-6.24) treatment encounter in the 90 days following HNC diagnosis were at higher risk for SSDV. A palliative care encounter within 90 days of postcancer diagnosis was associated with decreased risk of SSVD (IRR, 0.49; 95% CI, 0.31-0.78). Conclusions and Relevance: In this cohort study, a high proportion of HNC survivors with an SSVD event died from their injuries. Identification of risk factors for SSDV among HNC survivors may help direct additional resources to those who are at high risk. Referral to palliative care appears to be an important component of supportive oncologic care to reduce the risk of SSDV.

International trauma care: initial European approaches during the COVID 19 pandemic.

The world was not prepared for the global of pandemic in early 2020 with the arrival of COVID 19. Europe has some of the most developed health care systems in the world and this article explains the initial response to the pandemic from an orthopaedic and trauma viewpoint from 8 nations. Italy reported the first cluster in February, which then rapidly spread around the continent, requiring a rapid reorganization of services. The reports highlight how elective surgery was universally stopped, surgical services were reconfigured, and new practices, such as the widespread use of telemedicine, may well become permanent. It also emphasizes how the pandemic has re-educated us on the importance of a consistent and central approach to deal with a global health crisis, and how medical services need to remain flexible and responsive to new ways of working.

Percutaneous Strain Reduction Screws-A Safe and Simple Surgical Option for Problems With Bony Union. A Technical Trick.

This article describes percutaneous strain reduction screws, a technical trick, to provide effective stability in a simple manner and at low cost. Percutaneous strain reduction screws are an option when a surgeon has decided that further intervention is indicated for a fracture that has not united.

Close Contact Casting vs Surgery for Initial Treatment of Unstable Ankle Fractures in Older Adults: A Randomized Clinical Trial.

Importance: Ankle fractures cause substantial morbidity in older persons. Surgical fixation is the contemporary intervention but is associated with infection and other healing complications. Objective: To determine whether initial fracture treatment with close contact casting, a molded below-knee cast with minimal padding, offers outcome equivalent to that with immediate surgery, with fewer complications and less health resource use. Design, Setting, and Participants: This was a pragmatic, equivalence, randomized clinical trial with blinded outcome assessors. A pilot study commenced in May 2004, followed by multicenter recruitment from July 2010 to November 2013; follow-up was completed May 2014. Recruitment was from 24 UK major trauma centers and general hospitals. Participants were 620 adults older than 60 years with acute, overtly unstable ankle fracture. Exclusions were serious limb or concomitant disease or substantial cognitive impairment. Interventions: Participants were randomly assigned to surgery (n = 309) or casting (n = 311). Casts were applied in the operating room under general or spinal anesthesia by a trained surgeon. Main Outcomes and Measures: The primary 6-month, per-protocol outcome was the Olerud-Molander Ankle Score at 6 months (OMAS; range, 0-100; higher scores indicate better outcomes and fewer symptoms), equivalence prespecified as ±6 points. Secondary outcomes were quality of life, pain, ankle motion, mobility, complications, health resource use, and patient satisfaction. Results: Among 620 adults (mean age, 71 years; 460 [74%] women) who were randomized, 593 (96%) completed the study. Nearly all participants (579/620; 93%) received allocated treatment; 52 of 275 (19%) who initially received casting later converted to surgery, which was allowable in the casting treatment pathway to manage early loss of fracture reduction. At 6 months, casting resulted in ankle function equivalent to that with surgery (OMAS score, 66.0 [95% CI, 63.6-68.5] for surgery vs 64.5 [95% CI, 61.8-67.2] for casting; mean difference, -0.6 [95% CI, -3.9 to 2.6]; P for equivalence = .001). Infection and wound breakdown were more common with surgery (29/298 [10%] vs 4/275 [1%]; odds ratio [OR], 7.3 [95% CI, 2.6-20.2]), as were additional operating room procedures (18/298 [6%] for surgery and 3/275 [1%] for casting; OR, 5.8 [95% CI, 1.8-18.7]). Radiologic malunion was more common in the casting group (38/249 [15%] vs 8/274 [3%] for surgery; OR, 6.0 [95% CI, 2.8-12.9]). Casting required less operating room time compared with surgery (mean difference [minutes/participant], -54 [95% CI, -58 to -50]). There were no significant differences in other secondary outcomes: quality of life, pain, ankle motion, mobility, and patient satisfaction. Conclusions and Relevance: Among older adults with unstable ankle fracture, the use of close contact casting compared with surgery resulted in similar functional outcomes at 6 months. Close contact casting may be an appropriate treatment for such patients. Trial Registration: isrctn.com Identifier: ISRCTN04180738.

The Ankle Injury Management (AIM) trial: a pragmatic, multicentre, equivalence randomised controlled trial and economic evaluation comparing close contact casting with open surgical reduction and internal fixation in the treatment of unstable ankle fractures in patients aged over 60 years.

BACKGROUND: Close contact casting (CCC) may offer an alternative to open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) surgery for unstable ankle fractures in older adults. OBJECTIVES: We aimed to (1) determine if CCC for unstable ankle fractures in adults aged over 60 years resulted in equivalent clinical outcome compared with ORIF, (2) estimate cost-effectiveness to the NHS and society and (3) explore participant experiences. DESIGN: A pragmatic, multicentre, equivalence randomised controlled trial incorporating health economic evaluation and qualitative study. SETTING: Trauma and orthopaedic departments of 24 NHS hospitals. PARTICIPANTS: Adults aged over 60 years with unstable ankle fracture. Those with serious limb or concomitant disease or substantial cognitive impairment were excluded. INTERVENTIONS: CCC was conducted under anaesthetic in theatre by surgeons who attended training. ORIF was as per local practice. Participants were randomised in 1 : 1 allocation via remote telephone randomisation. Sequence generation was by random block size, with stratification by centre and fracture pattern. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Follow-up was conducted at 6 weeks and, by blinded outcome assessors, at 6 months after randomisation. The primary outcome was the Olerud-Molander Ankle Score (OMAS), a patient-reported assessment of ankle function, at 6 months. Secondary outcomes were quality of life (as measured by the European Quality of Life 5-Dimensions, Short Form questionnaire-12 items), pain, ankle range of motion and mobility (as measured by the timed up and go test), patient satisfaction and radiological measures. In accordance with equivalence trial US Food and Drug Administration guidance, primary analysis was per protocol. RESULTS: We recruited 620 participants, 95 from the pilot and 525 from the multicentre phase, between June 2010 and November 2013. The majority of participants, 579 out of 620 (93%), received the allocated treatment; 52 out of 275 (19%) who received CCC later converted to ORIF because of loss of fracture reduction. CCC resulted in equivalent ankle function compared with ORIF at 6 months {OMAS 64.5 points [standard deviation (SD) 22.4 points] vs. OMAS 66.0 points (SD 21.1 points); mean difference -0.65 points, 95% confidence interval (CI) -3.98 to 2.68 points; standardised effect size -0.04, 95% CI -0.23 to 0.15}. There were no differences in quality of life, ankle motion, pain, mobility and patient satisfaction. Infection and/or wound problems were more common with ORIF [29/298 (10%) vs. 4/275 (1%)], as were additional operating theatre procedures [17/298 (6%) vs. 3/275 (1%)]. Malunion was more common with CCC [38/249 (15%) vs. 8/274 (3%); p < 0.001]. Malleolar non-union was lower in the ORIF group [lateral: 0/274 (0%) vs. 8/248 (3%); p = 0.002; medial: 3/274 (1%) vs. 18/248 (7%); p < 0.001]. During the trial, CCC showed modest mean cost savings [NHS mean difference -£644 (95% CI -£1390 to £76); society mean difference -£683 (95% CI -£1851 to £536)]. Estimates showed some imprecision. Incremental quality-adjusted life-years following CCC were no different from ORIF. Over common willingness-to-pay thresholds, the probability that CCC was cost-effective was very high (> 95% from NHS perspective and 85% from societal perspective). Experiences of treatments were similar; both groups endured the impact of fracture, uncertainty regarding future function and the need for further interventions. LIMITATIONS: Assessors at 6 weeks were necessarily not blinded. The learning-effect analysis was inconclusive because of limited CCC applications per surgeon. CONCLUSIONS: CCC provides a clinically equivalent outcome to ORIF at reduced cost to the NHS and to society at 6 months. FUTURE WORK: Longer-term follow-up of trial participants is under way to address concerns over potential later complications or additional procedures and their potential to impact on ankle function. Further study of the patient factors, radiological fracture patterns and outcomes, treatment responses and prognosis would also contribute to understanding the treatment pathway. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Current Controlled Trials ISRCTN04180738. FUNDING: The National Institute for Health Research Health Technology Assessment programme and will be published in full in Health Technology Assessment; Vol. 20, No. 75. See the NIHR Journals Library website for further project information. This report was developed in association with the National Institute for Health Research Oxford Biomedical Research Unit funding scheme. The pilot phase was funded by the AO Research Foundation.

Ankle Injury Management (AIM): design of a pragmatic multi-centre equivalence randomised controlled trial comparing Close Contact Casting (CCC) to Open surgical Reduction and Internal Fixation (ORIF) in the treatment of unstable ankle fractures in patients over 60 years.

BACKGROUND: Ankle fractures account for 9% of all fractures with a quarter of these occurring in adults over 60 years. The short term disability and long-term consequences of this injury can be considerable. Current opinion favours open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) over non-operative treatment (fracture manipulation and the application of a standard moulded cast) for older people. Both techniques are associated with complications but the limited published research indicates higher complication rates of fracture malunion (poor position at healing) with casting. The aim of this study is to compare ORIF with a modification of existing casting techniques, Close Contact Casting (CCC). We propose that CCC may offer an equivalent functional outcome to ORIF and avoid the risks associated with surgery. METHODS/DESIGN: This study is a pragmatic multi-centre equivalence randomised controlled trial. 620 participants will be randomised to receive ORIF or CCC after sustaining an isolated displaced unstable ankle fracture. Participants will be recruited from a minimum of 20 National Health Service (NHS) acute hospitals throughout England and Wales. Participants will be aged over 60 years and be ambulatory prior to injury. Follow-up will be at six weeks and six months after randomisation. The primary outcome is the Olerud & Molander Ankle Score, a functional patient reported outcome measure, at 6 months. Follow-up will also include assessments of mobility, ankle range of movement, health related quality of life and complications. The six-month follow-up will be conducted face-to-face by an assessor blinded to the allocated intervention. A parallel economic evaluation will consider both a health service and a broader societal perspective including the individual and their family. In order to explore patient experience of their treatment and recovery, a purposive sample of 40 patients will also be interviewed using a semi-structured interview schedule between 6-10 weeks post treatment. DISCUSSION: This multicentre study was open to recruitment July 2010 and recruitment is due to be completed in December 2013. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Current Controlled Trials ISRCTN04180738.

Factors associated with mobility outcomes in older people post-ankle fracture: an observational cohort study focussing on peripheral vessel function.

INTRODUCTION: There are increasing numbers of older persons sustaining ankle fractures. This injury often results in a degree of functional limitation, particularly in older patients. There is currently limited research into factors associated with mobility outcomes. DESIGN: Observational cohort study. SETTING: Hospital Trauma Department, UK. PARTICIPANTS: Persons aged 60 years or over who sustained an unstable ankle fracture with no established peripheral arterial disease pre-injury. METHODS: This study investigated the association between ankle-brachial pressure index (ABPI) and extended timed 'up and go' (TUG) measures. Associations between TUG outcomes and age, pre-morbid functional mobility (Olerud-Molander Ankle Score) and fracture severity (number of malleoli injured) were also explored. ANALYSIS: Complete cases (n=76; 84% of cohort) were entered into univariate and multivariate linear regression. RESULTS: No association was found between ABPI and TUG at 6 months in unadjusted and adjusted analyses. Pre-morbid functional mobility (B=-0.34, 95% confidence interval (CI) -0.45 to -0.23, p<0.001) and age (B=0.46, 95% CI 0.25-0.66, p<0.001) were associated with extended TUG values (r2=0.53, p<0.001). Fracture severity was not a significant independent predictor variable. CONCLUSIONS: Peripheral vessel function and fracture severity may have a limited independent influence on mobility outcome after ankle fracture in those patients who do not have established pre-injury peripheral arterial disease. Age and pre-morbid mobility gave an indication of mobility outcome, but a substantial amount of variance remains unexplained. Limitations of this study, including missing data and potential residual confounding, indicate the need for caution in generalising these results. The study provides a basis on which to plan larger studies of the factors associated with mobility outcome after ankle fracture in older populations.

Intraarterial therapy for acute ischemic strokes.

PURPOSE: To determine the safety and feasibility of intraarterial stroke therapy for acute ischemic strokes at a community-based medical center. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This is a retrospective analysis of data gathered from consecutive stroke patients treated between June 2004 and April 2007. The following therapies were used to treat acute ischemic stroke within 6 hours of symptom onset: intraarterial thrombolytic drugs, intraarterial vasodilators, mechanical clot retrieval, intravascular stents, and angioplasty. The outcomes measured included posttherapy National Institutes of Health Stroke Score (NIHSS), neurologic function at 90 days graded according to the modified Rankin Scale (mRS), recanalization, symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage, and 90-day mortality. RESULTS: Eighty-three patients with a median baseline NIHSS of 17 (range, 3-30) were treated with intraarterial therapy. The median posttherapy NIHSS was 5 (range, 0-33). Forty-two patients (51%) [corrected] had an mRS score of 2 or less at 90 days. The recanalization rate was 76%. Five patients (6%) had symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage, and the 90-day mortality was 22%. CONCLUSIONS: The results of this review showed that an intraarterial therapeutic approach to acute ischemic stroke was feasible at a community-based heath center and demonstrated encouraging data for outcome and safety.

Dynamic ultrasound as a selection tool for reducing achilles tendon reruptures.

BACKGROUND: The optimal method of treatment for acute tendo-Achilles ruptures continues to be debated. HYPOTHESIS: The reported lower rerupture rate for operatively treated patients is an effect of tendon end apposition during the healing process, and patients in whom apposition can be demonstrated using ultrasound will have a similar rate of rerupture if treated nonoperatively. STUDY DESIGN: Cohort study; Level of evidence, 2. METHOD: The authors reviewed all patients with an Achilles tendon rupture who were treated to a standard protocol during a 5-year period (2000-2005). Patients with a gap of 5 mm or more in equinus on ultrasound underwent surgery; those with a gap of less than 5 mm received nonoperative treatment. All patients were followed up to a minimum of 12 months. RESULTS: After exclusions, 125 patients were included: 67 treated operatively and 58 nonoperatively. There were 2 reruptures in the nonoperative group and 1 with surgery. There was no significant difference between the groups for any complication. CONCLUSION: Reduction of rerupture and surgery risks may be possible using dynamic ultrasound case selection. Further studies are needed to show whether functional results are the same with surgical and nonsurgical treatment when dynamic ultrasound criteria are used for case selection.