¿Cómo ha afectado el COVID-19 a traumatólogos y residentes de traumatología en Chile? / How has covid-19 affected orthopedic surgeons and residents in chile?

INTRODUCCIÓN Desde marzo del 2020, Chile se ha visto afectado por la pandemia por coronavirus 2019 (coronavirus disease 2019, COVID-19, en inglés), que ha provocado alteraciones en todo el mundo, causando un gran impacto en los servicios de salud y el personal sanitario. OBJETIVO Describir características demográficas y laborales relacionadas al contagio de COVID-19 en traumatólogos y residentes de traumatología en Chile. MÉTODOS Realizamos una encuesta on-line, solicitando información demográfica, datos laborales, exposición y contagio de COVID-19, sintomatología y medidas de protección. RESULTADOS En total, 567 médicos contestaron. De ellos, 37 (6,4%) tuvieron COVID-19, sin diferencia significativa respecto a género. Se observó mayor contagio entre residentes, 9 de 73 (12,3%), que entre traumatólogos, 28 de 494 (5,7%), así como mayor contagio entre quienes trabajaron más de 60 horas (p <0,05). De los contagiados, 31 (83,8%) eran de la Región Metropolitana (RM), cuyo contagio es significativamente mayor que en el resto de las regiones (p < 0,05). Sólo 8 (21,6%) de los contagiados presentaban antecedentes médicos. Requirieron hospitalización 3 (5,4%), 1 de los cuales en Unidad de Cuidados Intensivos (UCI), y el resto fue manejado en forma domiciliaria. El sitio de contagio más frecuente fue el trabajo, siendo las áreas comunes las más sospechadas, seguidas de la atención ambulatoria y las áreas de hospitalización traumatológica. Un 40.5% (15) reportó haber contagiado a alguien más. Hubo además un impacto en los ingresos de los traumatólogos: un 14,8% (84) refirió una disminución menor al 20%, y un 45%, disminución mayor al 50%. Esta fue mayor en los traumatólogos que en los residentes, y en aquellos de la RM que en otras regiones (p < 0,05). CONCLUSIÓN Aunque la actividad traumatológica se ha visto disminuida por la pandemia, los traumatólogos se han visto expuestos al riesgo de contagio por COVID-19. El trabajo parece ser el lugar de mayor riesgo, sobre todo las áreas comunes.

BACKGROUND Since March 2020, Chile has been affected by the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, which has caused disruptions throughout the world, greatly impacting health services and healthcare workers. OBJETIVE To describe the demographic characteristics related to the COVID-19 pandemic in orthopedic surgeons and orthopedic surgery residents in Chile. METHODS We conducted an on-line survey requesting data on demographics, work, exposure to and infection by COVID-19, symptoms, and protection practices. RESULTS A total of 567 surgeons answered the survey; 37 (6.4%) had had COVID-19, without gender differences. There was a higher rate of infection among residents, 9 from 73 (12.3%), than among surgeons, 28 from 494 (5.7%), as well as higher rates of infection among those working more than 60 hours (p < 0.05). Among those infected, 31 (83.8%) were from the Metropolitan Region (MR), where the rate of infection was significantly higher compared with other regions (p < 0.05). Only 8 (21.6%) of those infected had medical history. Hospitalization was required by 3 (5.4%), 1 of them in the Intensive care Unit (ICU), and the remaining were handled at home. The most frequent location of infection was the workplace, with the common areas being the main suspected sites, followed by outpatient clinics and orthopedic surgery wards. In total, 40.5% (15) of the sample reported having infected other individuals. There was also an impact in the surgeon's income: 14.8% (84) reported a decrease lower than 20%, and 45% (256), a decrease higher than 50%. This decrease was higher among surgeons than among residents, and higher among those from the MR compared to other regions (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION Even though orthopedic surgery practice has been reduced by the pandemic, orthopedic surgeons have been exposed to the risk of infection by COVID-19. The workplace seems to be the site that poses the greatest risk, especially the common areas.

The Shortage of Trauma Surgeons in the US.

BACKGROUND: As the United States (US) population increases, the demand for more trauma surgeons (TSs) will increase. There are no recent studies comparing the TS density temporally and geographically. We aim to evaluate the density and distribution of TSs by state and region and its impact on trauma patient mortality. METHODS: A retrospective cohort analysis of the American Medical Association Physician Masterfile (PM), 2016 US Census Bureau, and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC's) Web-based Injury Statistics Query and Reporting System (WISQARS) to determine TS density. TS density was calculated by dividing the number of TSs per 1 000 000 population at the state level, and divided by 500 admissions at the regional level. Trauma-related mortality by state was obtained through the CDC's WISQARS database, which allowed us to estimate trauma mortality per 100 000 population. RESULTS: From 2007 to 2014, the net increase of TS was 3160 but only a net increase of 124 TSs from 2014 to 2020. Overall, the US has 12.58 TSs/1 000 000 population. TS density plateaued from 2014 to 2020. 33% of states have a TS density of 6-10/1 000 000 population, 43% have a density of 10-15, 12% have 15-20, and 12% have a density >20. The Northeast has the highest density of TSs per region (2.95/500 admissions), while the Midwest had the lowest (1.93/500 admissions). CONCLUSION: The density of TSs in the US varies geographically, has plateaued nationally, and has implications on trauma patient mortality. Future studies should further investigate causes of the TS shortage and implement institutional and educational interventions to properly distribute TSs across the US and reduce geographic disparities.

NASA-TLX assessment of workload in resident physicians and faculty surgeons covering trauma, surgical intensive care unit, and emergency general surgery services.

BACKGROUND: Higher workload is associated with burnout and lower performance. Therefore, we aim to assess shift-related factors associated with higher workload on EGS, ICU, and trauma surgery services. METHODS: In this prospective cohort study, faculty surgeons and surgery residents completed a survey after each EGS, ICU, or trauma shift, including shift details and a modified NASA-TLX. RESULTS: Seventeen faculty and 12 residents completed 174 and 48 surveys after working scheduled 12-h and 24-h shifts, respectively (response rates: faculty - 62%, residents - 42%). NASA-TLX was significantly increased with a higher physician subjective fatigue level. Further, seeing more consults or performing more operations than average significantly increased workload. Finally, NASA-TLX was significantly higher for faculty when they felt their shift was more difficult than expected. CONCLUSIONS: Higher volume clinical responsibilities and higher subjective fatigue levels are independently associated with higher workload. Designing shift coverage to expand on busier days may decrease workload, impacting burnout and shift performance.

Who are less likely to return to work after getting injured on duty? A 12-month epidemiological evaluation in an orthopedic and traumatology center in Hong Kong.

OBJECTIVES: Cases of injury on duty (IOD) are common in Hong Kong, but literature on this group of patients is limited. This study aims to describe local IOD cases' epidemiological characteristics and identify factors affecting return to work (RTW) outcomes. METHODS: This is a retrospective epidemiological study of IOD patients in the orthopedic and traumatology center of Yan Chai Hospital in 2016, using the hospital's electronic clinical record analysis and reporting system; 323 out of the 10 730 patients (M:F = 206:117; mean age 46.9 ± 11.3) were included. Data on demographics, the injury episode, administrative procedures, treatment and rehabilitation were collected. Outcomes were measured by "RTW" and "time to RTW from injury." RESULTS: Around 80% of patients had a successful RTW and the mean time to RTW was 10.6 ± 9.0 months. Patients who were female, divorced or widowed and living alone in a public rental flat were less likely to RTW. Psychiatric consultations (OR 13.70, P < .001), legal disputes (OR 8.20, P < .001) and more than 5 months of waiting time for physiotherapy (OR 3.89, P = .002) were the strongest among the numerous risk factors for non-RTW. An increase in one visit to the general outpatient clinic and the presence of legal disputes had lengthened the time to RTW by 4.8 days (P < .001) and 18.0 months (P < .001), respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Several demographic, psychosocial and administrative factors were negatively associated with RTW in the local population. Recommendations were made for healthcare providers and policymakers accordingly.

Primer registro de trauma en Chile: análisis de 2 años en un hospital público / First trauma registry in Chile: 2 years analysis in a public hospital

Resumen Introducción: El trauma representa un verdadero reto para los sistemas sanitarios por ser un gran problema de salud pública. En Chile se desconoce el manejo del paciente politraumatizado. Objetivo: Describir los resultados del primer registro de trauma (RT) en línea, en los pacientes que se atienden en el Hospital Dr. Sótero del Río durante los primeros dos años de la implementación. Materiales y Método: Se recoge información prospectiva en un registro en red, sobre pacientes víctimas de trauma, ingresados al Hospital Dr. Sótero del Río durante dos años. Estas variables involucran todo el proceso de atención clínica desde el ingreso al alta o fallecimiento. Resultados: En dos años, se registran 3.515 ingresos de pacientes víctima de trauma. Entre estos, el 81,3% son hombres. El 27% sufre trauma penetrante y 59% cerrado. Destacan más lesiones por arma de fuego que por arma blanca. El 18,4% de los pacientes ingresados tiene un el Injury Severity Score (ISS) mayor a 15 puntos. 34 pacientes ingresan en paro cardiorrespiratorio y 7,3 % lo hace hipotenso. Se realizan 1.856 tomografías y el 54,4% requiere cirugía de urgencia. Ingresan 692 traumas torácicos, 654 abdominales, 1.550 de extremidades, 687 lesiones en cráneo y 190 traumas cervicales. Se activa el protocolo de transfusión masiva en el 3,1% de los ingresos. El 8,3% utiliza la unidad de paciente crítico y la mortalidad es de 2,9%, teniendo como primera causa el trauma encéfalocraneano y segunda el shock hemorrágico. Conclusiones: Nuestro hospital tiene una gran incidencia de trauma. La implementación de un RT permite conocer la dimensión y evaluar el proceso asistencial en torno al paciente víctima de trauma. Es necesario dirigir recursos e implementar capacitación en los centros de alto volumen de trauma, además, de continuar con la extensión de la herramienta como estrategia de monitorización multicéntrica.

Introduction: Trauma represents a real challenge for health systems because is a major public health problem. In Chile, the management of polytrauma patients is unknown. Aim: Describe the results of the first online trauma registry; in patients treated at the Dr. Sótero del Río Hospital during the first two years of implementation. Materials and Method: Prospective information is collected in a network registry, about trauma victims, admitted to Dr. Sótero del Río Hospital for two years. These variables involve the entire clinical care process from admission to discharge or death. Results: 3.515 admissions of trauma victims are registered in two years. Among these, 81.3% are men. 27% suffered penetrating trauma and 59% closed. They emphasize larger injuries by firearm than by bladed weapon. 18.4% of admitted patients have ISS greater than 15 points. 34 patients enter cardio-respiratory arrest and 7.3% make it hypotensive. 1,856 CT scans are performed and 54.4% require emergency surgery. They admitted 692 thoracic trauma, 654 abdominal, 1550 limb, 687 skull injuries and 190 cervical trauma. The massive transfusion protocol is activated at 3.1% of the admissions. 8.3% use the critical patient unit and mortality is 2.9%, with cranial brain trauma as the first cause and hemorrhagic shock as a second cause. Conclusions: Our hospital has a high incidence of trauma. The RT implementation allows us to know the dimension and assess the care process about the trauma patient. It is necessary to direct resources and implement training in high-volume trauma centers, as well as continuing with the extension of the tool as a multi-center monitoring strategy.

Regional ethics of surgeon resuscitation for organ transplantation after lethal injury.

BACKGROUND: Trauma patients may present with nonsurvivable injuries, which could be resuscitated for future organ transplantation. Trauma surgeons face an ethical dilemma of deciding whether, when, and how to resuscitate a patient who will not directly benefit from it. As there are no established guidelines to follow, we aimed to describe resuscitation practices for organ transplantation; we hypothesized that resuscitation practices vary regionally. METHOD: Over a 3-month period, we surveyed trauma surgeons practicing in Levels I and II trauma centers within a single state using an instrument to measure resuscitation attitudes and practices for organ preservation. Descriptive statistics were calculated for practice patterns. RESULTS: The survey response rate was 51% (31/60). Many (81%) had experience with resuscitations where the primary goal was to preserve potential for organ transplantation. Many (90%) said they encountered this dilemma at least monthly. All respondents were willing to intubate; most were willing to start vasopressors (94%) and to transfuse blood (84%) (range, 1 unit to >10 units). Of respondents, 29% would resuscitate for ≥24 hours, and 6% would perform a resuscitative thoracotomy. Respect for patients' dying process and future organ quality were the factors most frequently considered very important or important when deciding to stop or forgo resuscitation, followed closely by concerns about excessive resource use. CONCLUSION: Trauma surgeons' regional resuscitation practices vary widely for this patient population. This variation implies a lack of professional consensus regarding initiation and extent of resuscitations in this setting. These data suggest this is a common clinical challenge, which would benefit from further study to determine national variability, areas of equipoise, and features amenable to practice guidelines.

Development of an Operative Trauma Course in Uganda-A Report of a Three-Year Experience.

BACKGROUND: Trauma is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality in low-income countries. Improved health care systems and training are potential avenues to combat this burden. We detail a collaborative and context-specific operative trauma course taught to postgraduate surgical trainees practicing in a low-resource setting and examine its effect on resident practice. METHOD: Three classes of second year surgical residents participated in trainings from 2017 to 2019. The course was developed and taught in conjunction with local faculty. The most recent cohort logged cases before and after the course to assess resources used during initial patient evaluation and operative techniques used if the patient was taken to theater. RESULTS: Over the study period, 52 residents participated in the course. Eighteen participated in the case log study and logged 117 cases. There was no statistically significant difference in patient demographics or injury severity precourse and postcourse. Postcourse, penetrating injuries were reported less frequently (40 to 21% P < 0.05) and road traffic crashes were reported more frequently (39 to 60%, P < 0.05). There was no change in the use of bedside interventions or diagnostic imaging, besides head CT. Of patients taken for a laparotomy, there was a nonstatistically significant increase in the use of four-quadrant packing 3.4 to 21.7%) and a decrease in liver repair (20.7 to 4.3%). CONCLUSIONS: The course did not change resource utilization; however, it did influence clinical decision-making and operative techniques used during laparotomy. Additional research is indicated to evaluate sustained changes in practice patterns and clinical outcomes after operative skills training.

Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on orthopaedic and trauma surgery training in Europe.

PURPOSE: This study aimed to evaluate the impact of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic on orthopaedic and trauma surgery training in Europe by conducting an online survey among orthopaedic trainees. METHODS: The survey was conducted among members of the Federation of Orthopaedic and Trauma Trainees in Europe (FORTE). It consisted of 24 questions (single-answer, multiple-answer, Likert scales). Orthopaedic trainees' demographic data (six questions), clinical role changes (four questions), institutional changes due to the COVID-19 pandemic (nine questions), and personal considerations (five questions) were examined. RESULTS: Three hundred and twenty-seven trainees from 23 European countries completed the survey. Most trainees retained their customary clinical role (59.8%), but a significant number was redeployed to COVID-19 units (20.9%). A drastic workload decrease during the pandemic was reported at most institutions. Only essential activities were performed at 57.1% of institutions and drastic disruptions were reported at 36.0%. Of the respondents, 52.1% stated that faculty-led education was restricted and 46.3% pursued self-guided learning, while 58.6% stated that surgical training was significantly impaired. Concerns about the achievement of annual training goals were expressed by 58.2% of the participants, while 25.0% anticipated the need for an additional year of training. CONCLUSIONS: The SARS-CoV-2 pandemic significantly affected orthopaedic and trauma training in Europe. Most trainees felt the decrease in clinical, surgical, and educational activities would have a detrimental effect on their training. Many of them consulted remote learning options to compensate training impairment, stating that after the COVID-19 pandemic electronic educational approaches may become more relevant in future.

Assessment of the Need for Immediate Trauma Team Presence for Infants Presenting in Cardiac Arrest.

OBJECTIVES: Out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) is rare in infants, with the cause of arrest often unknown upon presentation. Nonaccidental trauma is a potential etiology of OHCA among infants, but its occult presentation makes this etiology challenging to diagnose. In the absence of apparent injuries, identifying the need for trauma team activation is difficult during the initial resuscitation of infants with OHCA. METHODS: We performed a retrospective chart review of infants younger than 1 year old who presented to Children's National Health System from 2012 to 2016 with cardiopulmonary resuscitation in progress. Medical records and the trauma registry were reviewed for relevant resuscitation information. Autopsy records provided the cause and manner of death, contributing factors to death, and evidence of injury. RESULTS: Among 592 infants undergoing resuscitation during the study period, 34 infants (5.7%) presented in cardiac arrest. The average age on presentation was 101.2 days (standard deviation 78.7). Most of the patients (n = 32, 94.1%) died in the emergency department, with none surviving to discharge. Among the 32 infants for whom autopsy records were available, the cause of death was nonaccidental trauma in one patient (3.1%). CONCLUSIONS: Infant OHCA had poor outcomes, with trauma as a rare etiology. In the absence of external signs of injury or known injury mechanism, immediate trauma team presence was not beneficial for these infants during the initial resuscitation phase.

Surgical Trends in the Treatment of Supracondylar Humerus Fractures in Early Career Practice: An American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery (ABOS) Part-II Database Study.

BACKGROUND: Pediatric supracondylar humerus fractures are the most common elbow injury in children, accounting for 12% to 17% of all childhood fractures. A lack of information exists regarding complication rates on the basis of fellowship status and geography. METHODS: The American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery (ABOS) Part-II database was used to identify candidates who performed either percutaneous or open treatment of humeral supracondylar or transcondylar fractures between 2002 and 2016 on patients aged 0 to 12 years. Candidates were categorized by fellowship training experience. Information analyzed included fellowship status, surgical procedure, complications, and geographic location of treatment. Data were analyzed utilizing the χ and Fischer exact tests and were considered significant if P≤0.05. RESULTS: A total of 9169 cases (mean, 5.36+2.27 y; range, 0 to 12) were identified between 2002 and 2016, 8615 of which were treated with closed reduction and percutaneous pinning, whereas 554 were treated with an open procedure. The 5 most common fellowships treating these fractures were listed as pediatrics (4106), sports medicine (1004), none (912), trauma (732), and hand/upper extremity (543). Pediatrics performed the highest number of open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF), however, reported the statistically lowest percentage of ORIF. A statistically significant difference was identified between surgical complication rates and fellowship specialties, with pediatrics having the lowest complication rate (7.0%), followed by no fellowship (8.2%), trauma (9.0%), sports medicine (9.8%), and hand/upper extremity (11.2%) (P<0.001). This significant difference was also present when analyzing closed reduction and percutaneous pinning alone (P=0.002), however, not with the analysis of ORIF. CONCLUSIONS: Early career pediatric fellowship-trained orthopaedic surgeons are more likely to treat pediatric supracondylar humerus fractures. Overall, although they treat more patients with ORIF than any other group, their percentage treated with ORIF is statistically the lowest. A significant difference in reported complication rates was found to be associated with specific fellowship training, with pediatric fellowship-trained surgeons having the fewest complications and foot/ankle fellowship-trained surgeons associated with the highest rate of reported surgical complications. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III-retrospective cohort study.

La artrosis en España. Una encuesta a especialistas médicos a nivel nacional / Osteoarthritis in Spain: a nationwide survey of medical specialists

OBJETIVO: Conocer la realidad de los recursos y necesidades asistenciales en España para el manejo del paciente con artrosis. MATERIAL Y MÉTODO: Encuesta on-line. RESULTADOS: Descripción de las respuestas a las190 encuestas (141 traumatólogos y 49 reumatólogos) de un cuestionario estructurado. CONCLUSIONES: La enfermedad artrósica sigue sin encontrar tanto un modelo adecuado de atención como un manejo sistemático

OBJECTIVE: To determine the reality of the resources and care needs in Spain for the management of patients with osteoarthritis. Materials and method: An online survey. RESULTS: Description of 190 responses to a structured questionnaire (141 orthopedic surgeons and 49 rheumatologists). CONCLUSIONS: Osteoarthritis has yet to receive appropriate medical attention and a patient management model

Trauma registry implementation and operation in low and middle income countries: A scoping review.

Injury is a major public health crisis contributing to more than 4.48 million deaths annually. Trauma registries have proven highly effective in reducing injury morbidity and mortality rates in high income countries. They are a critical source of information for injury prevention, benchmarking care, quality improvement, and resource allocation. Historically, low and middle income countries (LMICs) have largely been excluded from trauma registry development due to limited resources. Recently, this has begun to change with low-resource hospitals adopting innovative strategies to implement trauma registries. Nonetheless, dissemination of these strategies remains fragmented. Hospitals looking to develop their own trauma registries have no current, comprehensive resource that summarises the implementation decisions of other registries in similar contexts. This scoping review aims to identify where trauma registries are located in LMICs, bringing up to date previous estimates, and to identify the most common approaches to registry implementation and operation in these settings.

Surgical Procedures Performed by Emergency Medical Teams in Sudden-Onset Disasters: A Systematic Review.

BACKGROUND: Emergency medical teams (EMTs) frequently provide surgical care after sudden-onset disasters (SODs) in low- and middle-income countries. The purpose of this review is to describe the types of surgical procedures performed by EMTs with general surgical capability in order to aid the recruitment and training of surgeons for these teams. METHODS: A search of electronic databases (PubMed, MEDLINE, and EMBASE) was carried out to identify articles published between 1990 and 2018 that describe the type of surgical procedures performed by EMTs in the impact and post-impact phases of a SOD. Further relevant articles were obtained by hand searching reference lists. RESULTS: A total of 16 articles met the inclusion criteria. Articles reporting on EMTs from a number of different countries and responding to a variety of SODs were included. There was a high prevalence of procedures for extremity soft tissue injuries (46.8%) and fractures (28.3%), although a number of abdominal and genitourinary/obstetric procedures were also reported. CONCLUSIONS: Based upon this review, deployment of surgeons or teams with experience in the management of soft tissue wounds, orthopaedic trauma, abdominal surgery, and obstetrics is recommended.

Compared efficiency of trauma versus scheduled orthopaedic surgery operating rooms in a university hospital.

BACKGROUND: The objective of this study was to contribute to an OR efficiency optimisation effort by comparing a trauma OR versus a scheduled surgery OR in a lower limb orthopaedic surgery department. HYPOTHESIS: The main hypothesis is that efficiency is lower in the trauma OR than in the scheduled surgery OR. The secondary hypothesis is that efficiency of the trauma OR is lower during weekends. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This prospective study was conducted in 2016 in the orthopaedic surgery department of a university hospital. Patients were divided into three groups based on whether they underwent scheduled surgery (SchOS), trauma surgery on a weekday (TSwk), or trauma surgery on a weekend (TSwkend). Actual OR occupancy time, allocated OR block time (BT), OR occupancy rate, patient entrance-to-incision time, incision-to-closure time, closure-to-post-anaesthesia care unit (PACU) entrance time, and clean-up/set-up time (T4) were measured. RESULTS: We included 691 patients in the SchOS group, 819 in the TSwk group, and 327 in the TSwkend group. OR efficiency was lower in the TSwk group compared to the SchOS group (occupancy rate, 86% vs. 88%; p=10-4). All occupancy time components were longer in the TSwk group. However, each component accounted for similar total occupancy time proportions in the two groups, except for clean-up/set-up time, which was longer in the TSwk group (p<0.05). On average, entrance-to-incision time accounted for 31%, incision-to-closure time for 34%, closure-to-PACU time for 18%, and clean-up/set-up time for 17% of total occupancy time. Efficiency was lower in the TSwkend group than in the TSwk group (occupancy rate, 75% vs. 86%; p=10-4). The TSwkend group had shorter entrance-to-incision and incision-to-closure times (p<0.05) and a nearly 10% longer clean-up/set-up time (p<0.05). CONCLUSION: Efficiency of the trauma OR, although lower compared to the scheduled orthopaedic surgery OR, was nevertheless satisfactory as assessed based on standard indicators. Of the four total occupancy time components, the first three accounted for similar proportions of the total; differences occurred only for clean-up/set-up time. Efforts to improve OR efficiency should focus on arrival of the first patient and turnover time. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: II, prospective cohort study.

Osteoarthritis in Spain: A nationwide survey of medical specialists. / La artrosis en España. Una encuesta a especialistas médicos a nivel nacional.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the reality of the resources and care needs in Spain for the management of patients with osteoarthritis. MATERIALS AND METHOD: An online survey. RESULTS: Description of 190 responses to a structured questionnaire (141 orthopedic surgeons and 49 rheumatologists). CONCLUSIONS: Osteoarthritis has yet to receive appropriate medical attention and a patient management model.

The consistency of care for older patients with a hip fracture: are the results of the integrated orthogeriatric treatment model of the Centre of Geriatric Traumatology consistent 10 years after implementation?

In the past 10 years after implementation, the orthogeriatric treatment model led in general to consistent outcomes for 1555 older adults in terms of most of the complications and mortality. Surgery was more often delayed to 24-48 h after arrival at the hospital, while the length of hospital stay shortened. INTRODUCTION: Since 1 April 2008, patients aged ≥ 70 years presenting themselves with a hip fracture at Ziekenhuisgroep Twente (ZGT) have been treated according to the orthogeriatric treatment model. The aim of this study was to investigate if outcomes of the orthogeriatric treatment model are consistent over the first 10 years after implementation. METHODS: Between 1 April 2008 and 31 December 2016, patients aged ≥ 70 years who were surgically treated at ZGT for a hip fracture were included and divided into three periods equally distributed in time. Patient characteristics, in-hospital logistics, complications, and mortality data were compared between the three periods. RESULTS: A total of 1555 patients were included. There was a shift in the surgical treatment for the fractured neck of femur from dynamic hip screw/cannulated screws to hemiarthroplasty (p < 0.001). Surgery within 24 h after arrival to the hospital decreased (p < 0.001), while surgery within 48 h stayed the same (p = 0.085). Length of hospital stay significantly decreased over time (p < 0.001). Complication rates were consistent except for the number of postoperative anemia, delirium, and urinary tract infections. Mortality rates did not change over the years. CONCLUSIONS: The orthogeriatric treatment model leads in general to consistent outcomes concerning mortality and most of the complications, except for postoperative anemia, delirium, and urinary tract infections. Inconsistent complication rates were influenced by altered diagnosis and treatment protocols. Length of hospital stay reduced, while time to surgery was more often delayed to 24-48 h. Monitoring clinical outcomes of the orthogeriatric treatment model over time is recommended in order to optimize and maintain the quality of care for this frail patient population.

Ten-year epidemiological study in an orthopaedic and trauma surgery centre: Are there risks involved in increasing scheduled arthroplasty volume without increasing resources?

BACKGROUND: Current trends in patient management include decreasing hospital stay lengths and reductions in available material and human resources. A shortening of hospital stays in university hospitals has been documented over the last decade. However, to our knowledge, no study has assessed possible relationships linking shorter stays to staffing levels or complication rates. The objectives of this study were: 1) to assess changes in case volume in a university orthopaedics and trauma surgery department between 2006 and 2016, 2) and to look for correlations linking these changes to staffing levels and the rates of significant complications, including the number of hip dislocations after total hip arthroplasty (THA) and the number of infections and complications resulting in malpractice litigation after hip, knee, or shoulder arthroplasty. HYPOTHESIS: The case volume increased during the study period, whereas resources remained unchanged or decreased. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A retrospective study was performed using the electronic database of an orthopaedics and trauma surgery department. Data collected between 2006 and 2016 were analysed. Mean hospital stay length, patient age, and surgical volume were recorded, and changes over time in case volume for trauma surgery and scheduled arthroplasties were evaluated. Changes in staffing levels and rates of complications (dislocation after THA and infections and complications resulting in malpractice litigation) between 2006 and 2016 were assessed. Only arthroplasty procedures performed in the department were considered for the study of complications and litigation. RESULTS: Between 2006 and 2016, mean hospital stay decreased from 8.7±10.8 days (range, 0-141 days) in to 7.0±9.4 days (range, 0-150 days). Mean patient age increased from 54.4±21.2 years (range, 11.7-100.9 years) in 2006 to 59.3±20.9 years (range, 13.2-103.1 years) in 2016. The total number of procedures rose from 2158 in 2006 to 3100 in 2016 (+43.6%). The number of THAs increased by 16.2% and the number of total knee arthroplasties by 96.7%. The number of operations for trauma increased from 725 in 2006 to 1135 in 2016 (+56.0%). During the study period, the number of hospital beds declined from 70 to 55. No increase was seen in the frequencies of dislocation after THA (3/284 [1.4%] in 2006 and 4/330 [1.2%] in 2016) or prosthetic joint infection (5/439 [1.1%] in 2006 and 6/657 [0.9%] in 2016). In contrast, malpractice suits filed by patients after arthroplasty increased from 1/439 (0.2%) in 2006 to 8/657 (1.2%) in 2016. CONCLUSION: Over the last decade, trauma and arthroplasty surgical volumes increased substantially, whereas staffing levels remained unchanged and number of beds diminished. The frequency of significant complications such as dislocation after THA did not increase. In contrast, a marked rise was seen in malpractice litigation. However, the increased volume with unchanged resources found in this study should be interpreted in the light of the marked increase in patient dependency and of our role as a referral centre managing patients with complications after surgery performed at other institutions. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: IV, retrospective observational study.

Burnout syndrome in orthopaedic and trauma surgery residents in France: A nationwide survey.

BACKGROUND: Burnout syndrome is one of the manifestations of distress in healthcare workers and is characterised by emotional exhaustion (EE), depersonalisation (DP), and a sense of low personal accomplishment (PA). The surgical residency is a period of intense training that imposes major challenges on future surgeons, who may therefore be at high risk for burnout syndrome. Nevertheless, no data on burnout syndrome in orthopaedic and trauma surgery (OTS) residents in France is available. Therefore we performed a prospective survey to: (1) evaluate the prevalence of burnout syndrome among OTS residents in France, (2) and to look for factors associated with a higher or lower risk of burnout syndrome in the survey respondents. HYPOTHESIS: Burnout syndrome is at least as prevalent among OTS residents in France as among residents in other medical and surgical specialities. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A nationwide prospective survey was conducted in France between February and April 2017 via a digital questionnaire sent by email. Burnout syndrome was evaluated using the Maslach Burnout Inventory (MBI) and symptoms of depression using the General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-12). Demographic data and information on relationships with partners and working modalities were collected. RESULTS: Of 480 OTS residents, 107 (22%) completed the questionnaire. Mean age was 27 years and 65% (n=70) were male. High EE was reported by 26% (n=28), high DP by 63% (n=68), and low PA by 33% (n=36) of respondents. The scores on two or all three of the MBI sub-scales were abnormal, indicating severe burnout syndrome, in 40% (n=43) of respondents. The GHQ-12 scores indicated symptoms of depression in 40% (n=43) of respondents. Furthermore, 61% (n=66) of respondents stated that they would not recommend OTS or any other area of medicine to their children as a career and 10% (n=11) reported suicidal ideation during the past year. The statistical analysis identified three risk factors for burnout syndrome: medical errors (odds ratio [OR], 8.8; 95% confidence interval [95%CI], 1.7-58.7; p=0.0121), symptoms of depression (OR, 19.3; 95%CI, 2.9-196.0; p=0.0048), and living single (OR, 4.7; 95%CI, 1.4-18.9; p=0.0173). DISCUSSION: Despite the 22% response rate, this study provides useful information on the prevalence of burnout syndrome among OTS residents in France, with severe burnout in 40% and suicidal ideation in 10%. These prevalences may be overestimations, however, as residents who felt under stress may have been more likely to respond to the survey. In published studies, burnout syndrome was associated with higher risks of medical error and suicidal behaviour. These data emphasise the importance of detecting and managing burnout syndrome in healthcare staff. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE IV: Prospective descriptive cross-sectional survey with no control group.

Orthopaedic Trauma in the Developing World: Where Are the Gaps in Research and What Can Be Done?

PURPOSE: There are an estimated 1.2 million deaths from road traffic injuries annually, disproportionately affecting patients in low-resource settings. The purpose of this scoping review is to identify knowledge gaps in global orthopaedic trauma in an effort to help prioritize future research. METHODS: Using the 6-stage Arksey and O'Malley framework for conducting a scoping review, orthopaedic trauma literature was reviewed over a ten-year period from 2004 to 2014. Studies from low-resource settings were included and categorized by geographic location, anatomic region, study type, and level of evidence. RESULTS: Of 548 included studies, 51.4% were from low- and middle-income countries in South Asia and 33.7% were from sub-Saharan Africa. Therapeutic (53.3%), epidemiologic (26.4%), and qualitative (8.9%) studies were most common. Only 10.2% of the studies were considered high level of evidence, whereas the vast majority (89.8%) was level 3 or below. Overall, lower extremity injuries were much more frequently represented in the literature compared with upper extremity injuries (233 vs. 78). Pelvic and acetabular fractures were the least studied anatomic region of the lower extremity (3.4%). CONCLUSIONS: Our study identified a lack of cost-effectiveness analyses pertaining to injury and intervention, paucity of high-quality research, and under-representation of pelvic, acetabular, and upper extremity injuries. Improved and prioritized research in low- and middle-income countries may help optimize care and inform policy makers of how to reduce the global burden of musculoskeletal trauma.