Orthopedic postoperative infection profile and antibiotic sensitivity of 2038 patients across 24 countries - Call for region and institution specific surgical antimicrobial prophylaxis.

Purpose: Improper utilization of surgical antimicrobial prophylaxis frequently leads to increased risks of morbidity and mortality.This study aims to understand the common causative organism of postoperative orthopedic infection and document the surgical antimicrobial prophylaxis protocol across various institutions in to order to strengthen surgical antimicrobial prophylaxis practice and provide higher-quality surgical care. Methods: This multicentric multinational retrospective study, includes 24 countries from five different regions (Asia Pacific, South Eastern Africa, Western Africa, Latin America, and Middle East). Patients who developed orthopedic surgical site infection between January 2021 and December 2022 were included. Demographic details, bacterial profile of surgical site infection, and antibiotic sensitivity pattern were documented. Results: 2038 patients from 24 countries were included. Among them 69.7 % were male patients and 64.1 % were between 20 and 60 years. 70.3 % patients underwent trauma surgery and instrumentation was used in 93.5 %. Ceftriaxone was the most common preferred in 53.4 %. Early SSI was seen in 55.2 % and deep SSI in 59.7 %. Western Africa (76 %) and Asia-Pacific (52.8 %) reported a higher number of gram-negative infections whereas gram-positive organisms were predominant in other regions. Most common gram positive organism was Staphylococcus aureus (35 %) and gram-negative was Klebsiella (17.2 %). Majority of the organisms showed variable sensitivity to broad-spectrum antibiotics. Conclusion: Our study strongly proves that every institution has to analyse their surgical site infection microbiological profile and antibiotic sensitivity of the organisms and plan their surgical antimicrobial prophylaxis accordingly. This will help to decrease the rate of surgical site infection, prevent the emergence of multidrug resistance and reduce the economic burden of treatment.

Optimising the Orthopaedic Trauma Society Open Fracture Classification system: a proposal for modification in the context of high civilian gunshot fractures.

OBJECTIVES: Uniformly classifying long bone open fractures is challenging. The purpose of this study was to propose a modified Orthopaedic Trauma Society (OTS) Open Fracture Classification System, developed in a setting with a high incidence of civilian gunshot fractures. METHODS: From our prospectively collected database, we identified all patients with open tibia and femur fractures treated with intramedullary nailing over a 4 year period. All open fractures were retrospectively reclassified from the Gustilo-Anderson Classification system to the OTS Open Fracture Classification System. RESULTS: One hundred and thirty-seven cases were identified. Ninety per cent of subjects were males. Their mean age was 34 years. The most common mechanism of injury was low-velocity civilian gunshot wounds (GSW) in 54.7% of cases. Soft tissue management was primary closure in 23.4% and soft tissue reconstruction in 24.1%. In 52.6% of cases (these all being secondary to civilian GSW), soft tissue management was healing via secondary intention. This is not included as a soft tissue management option in the OTS classification system. Fracture reclassification using the OTS Open Fracture Classification System was only possible in 47.5% of cases (Simple in 23.4%, Complex B in 24.1%). CONCLUSION: We conclude that the OTS Open Fracture Classification System is not inclusive of all open tibia and femur fractures as it does not cater for gunshot fractures. We propose a modification as follows: alter 'wound debridement' to 'appropriate wound care' and to subcategorise 'Simple' into type A and B: healing via secondary intention and primary closure, respectively.

Higher Sensitivity of Xpert MTB/RIF Ultra Over Tuberculosis Culture for the Diagnosis of Spinal Tuberculosis With Open or Computed Tomography-Guided Biopsies.

Background: Diagnostic specimens for spinal tuberculosis (STB) are mostly collected via open surgery. Percutaneous computed tomography (CT)-guided biopsies are used in times of limited surgical availability. However, poor diagnostic accuracy of Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) culture has been reported with this method, due to limited sample volume and the paucibacillary nature of STB. We evaluated Xpert MTB/RIF Ultra on open and CT-guided biopsies as compared with the gold standard Mtb culture and histopathology. Methods: We conducted a prospective diagnostic accuracy study of Xpert Ultra, as compared with tuberculosis culture and histopathology, in adults with signs and symptoms of STB at a tertiary academic hospital in South Africa from November 2020 to December 2021. Diagnostic testing was performed on 31 patients with available samples. Results: Xpert Ultra had a sensitivity of 94.7% (95% CI, 75.3%-99.7%) and specificity of 100% (95% CI, 75.7%-100.0%) against a reference standard of Mtb culture and histopathology. Xpert Ultra had high diagnostic accuracy in open and CT-guided biopsy samples with sensitivity and specificity of 100% and 100% (open) and 89% and 100% (CT), respectively. Mtb culture had limited specificity for CT-guided biopsies (43%; 95% CI, 15.8%-74.9%). HIV-1 coinfection did not affect Mtb abundance measures by Xpert Ultra or culture. Xpert Ultra was also superior to culture for STB diagnosis in patients concurrently treated for pulmonary tuberculosis. Conclusions: Xpert Ultra detected more STB cases than culture for CT-guided biopsy samples. There was also no difference in sensitivity for open biopsies, irrespective of HIV-1 status, making it an important tool for rapid diagnosis, especially during times or in locations where open surgery is not possible or concurrent pulmonary tuberculosis treatment is initiated.

Developing an antibiogram for empiric antibiotic prescribing for adult non-spinal orthopaedic infections in a developing world setting.

PURPOSE: Empiric antibiotic strategies in the treatment of fracture-related infections, chronic osteomyelitis, prosthetic joint infection, and septic arthritis should be based on local microbiological antibiograms. This study aims to describe the microbiology and review the antibiogram profiles of bacterial isolates from patients undergoing surgical treatment for non-spinal orthopaedic infections, to identify the most appropriate empiric antibiotic strategy. METHODS: A retrospective review was performed of all cases of non-spinal orthopaedic infections treated surgically from 1 January 2018 to 31 December 2018. The National Health Laboratory Service microbiology database was used to identify all intra-operative microbiological specimens obtained from orthopaedic patients, and data were correlated with the orthopaedic surgical database. Cases were divided into fracture-related infections, chronic osteomyelitis, prosthetic joint infection, and septic arthritis. Antibiotic susceptibility data were used to predict the efficacy of different empiric antibiotic regimens. RESULTS: A total of 107 cases were included in the study; 184 organisms were cultured. Overall, the most common organism cultured was Staphylococcus aureus (25%) followed by Acinetobacter baumannii (9%), Enterococcus faecalis (7%) and Enterobacter cloacae (5%). Across all categories the oral antibiotic combination with the highest effectiveness (81%) would have been a combination of co-trimoxazole, ciprofloxacin and amoxicillin. The most effective intravenous antibiotic combination would have been either piperacillin-tazobactam, amikacin and vancomycin or meropenem and vancomycin; 90% of tested isolates were susceptible to either of these combinations. CONCLUSION: Antibiogram profiles can serve to guide to empiric antibiotic choice in the management of different categories of non-spinal orthopaedic infections.

Is human immunodeficiency virus a risk factor for the development of nonunion?-a case-control study.

Objective: Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection has been suggested to be associated with an increased risk of the development of nonunion after a fracture. This prospective matched case-control study in South Africa investigated common risk factors, including HIV status, that influence the development of a nonunion after a femur or tibia fracture. Methods: Adult participants (cases) with established nonunions of the femur or tibia shaft were recruited over a 16-month period, between December 2017 and April 2019. They were matched for (1) age; (2) sex; (3) fracture site; and (4) fracture management type, with "control" participants who progressed to fracture union within 6 months of injury. All participants were tested for HIV. Multivariable logistic regression models were constructed to investigate associations between known risk factors for the development of nonunion and impaired fracture healing. Results: A total of 57 cases were matched with 57 "control" participants (44/57 male, 77.2% vs. 13/57 female, 22.8%, median age 36 years). HIV status was not associated with the development of nonunion after the management of tibia and femur fractures, on both univariate (odds ratio, 0.40; confidence interval, 0.10-1.32; P = 0.151) or multivariable (odds ratio, 0.86; confidence interval, 0.18-3.73; P = 0.831) analysis. No other confounding factors were shown to have any statistically significant impact on the odds of developing nonunion in this study cohort. Conclusion: This study demonstrates that HIV does not seem to increase the risk of the development of nonunion and HIV-positive individuals who sustain a fracture can be managed in the same manner as those who are HIV negative.

Conservative Management of Stable, Minimally Displaced Pertrochanteric Fractures: A Case Series.

Background: Hip fractures are common, and account for significant morbidity and mortality. While surgical intervention remains the gold standard, nonoperative treatment protocols are seldom analysed and may be of value in select settings. Objectives: We sought to review our conservatively treated pertrochanteric fractures and present a case series that outlined indications, treatment protocol and early outcomes. Materials and Methods: A retrospective review of medical records and radiographic imaging of all patients who presented with stable pertrochanteric fractures and were treated nonoperatively, from September 2017 to February 2021, at a Level 2 District Hospital in South Africa. Results: Of the 242 patients who were admitted with pertrochanteric fractures, 12 (4.9%) fractures were radiographically classified as AO 31A1.2 (stable, minimally displaced) and eligible for active nonoperative management. Within 6 weeks of injury, 10 (84%) of the patients who received active nonoperative treatment achieved union. Two patients (16%) failed the treatment protocol and required surgery, with one failing during the hospital phase of the treatment protocol and the other on follow up. In the group of united fractures, the neck shaft angle was on average within 3 degrees of the contralateral hip with a range of 0 to 5 degrees. At follow-up, two (16%) patients had a measurable shortening of 5 mm at union. There was no medical morbidity associated with this protocol. Conclusions: In our case series, the active nonoperative management protocol, involving early mobilisation and serial radiographs, in select cases of stable pertrochanteric fractures yielded acceptable outcomes. This is of relevance in low-middle income countries with limited surgical capacity.

Return to Work Following Intramedullary Nailing of Lower-Limb Long-Bone Fractures in South Africa.

BACKGROUND: Injuries are one of the leading causes of global death and disability and commonly have substantial economic implications. The economic impact of injuries is particularly pronounced in low- and middle-income countries, where 90% of injuries occur. In this study, we aimed to assess return-to-work rates of individuals who sustained a lower-limb long-bone fracture in South Africa and to identify factors that influence the ability to return to employment. METHODS: This prospective cohort study was conducted across 2 tertiary trauma centers in Cape Town, South Africa. Adults who received intramedullary nail fixation for a lower-limb fracture between September 2017 and December 2018 were recruited and followed for 18 months postoperatively. The participants' return to employment was assessed at 6 and 18 months post-injury. Multivariate logistic regression was used to identify factors that influence post-injury employment. RESULTS: Of the 194 participants enrolled, 192 completed follow-up. The study population had a median age of 33.0 years, and most of the participants (76.6%) were male. Seventy-five percent of the participants were employed before their injury. At 6 and 18 months post-injury, 34.4% and 56.3% of participants, respectively, were employed. Of those employed pre-injury, 70.1% had returned to work at 18 months. Multivariate regression identified increasing age, unemployment prior to injury, and working in the informal employment sector as factors that impede an individual's likelihood of working 18 months post-injury. For those in employment prior to injury, increasing age was the only factor found to impede the likelihood of returning to work following an injury. CONCLUSIONS: This study highlights the profound effect that lower-limb long-bone fractures may have on an individual's ability to return to work in South Africa, with the potential to cause substantial economic impact on an individual's livelihood and that of their dependents. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Prognostic Level III . See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

Establishing a consensus on research priorities in orthopaedic trauma within South Africa.

BACKGROUND: Musculoskeletal (MSK) injuries are one of the leading causes of disability worldwide. Despite improvements in trauma-related morbidity and mortality in high-income countries over recent years, outcomes following MSK injuries in low- and middle-income countries, such as South Africa (SA), have not. Despite governmental recognition that this is required, funding and research into this significant health burden are limited within SA. This study aims to identify research priorities within MSK trauma care using a consensus-based approach amongst MSK healthcare practitioners within SA. METHOD: Members from the Orthopaedic Research Collaboration in Africa (ORCA), based in SA, collaborated using a two round modified Delphi technique to form a consensus on research priorities within orthopaedic trauma care. Members involved in the process were orthopaedic healthcare practitioners within SA. RESULTS: Participants from the ORCA network, working within SA, scored research priorities across two Delphi rounds from low to high priority. We have published the overall top 10 research priorities for this Delphi process. Questions were focused on two broad groups-clinical effectiveness in trauma care and general trauma public health care. Both groups were represented by the top two priorities, with the highest ranked question regarding the overall impact of trauma in SA and the second regarding the clinical treatment of open fractures. CONCLUSION: This study has defined research priorities within orthopaedic trauma in South Africa. Our vision is that by establishing consensus on these research priorities, policy and research funding will be directed into these areas. This should ultimately improve musculoskeletal trauma care across South Africa and its significant health and socioeconomic impacts.

Evaluating Basic Knee Arthroscopy Skills in Orthopaedic Trainees in a Limited-Resource Setting.

Orthopaedic training in Southern Africa is largely focused on trauma, although elective procedures, such as knee arthroscopy, are increasing. This is especially true in the private sector where most trainees will practice. The primary aim of this study was to assess the arthroscopic competency of orthopaedic trainees in a setting of limited resources. Methods: A prospective observational cohort study was conducted. Orthopaedic trainees of a Southern African university hospital performed basic arthroscopy on a knee model. Their surgical competency was assessed by 2 surgeons proficient in arthroscopy using the modified Basic Knee Arthroscopy Skill Scoring System (mBAKSSS). Results: A total of 16 trainees (12 male) were included (6 junior and 10 senior trainees). The median age of participants was 36 (34.8-37) years. The median mBAKSSS was 28.0 (20.3-32.5) but showed a large variability (12.0-42.5). The overall reliability was excellent with Cronbach's alpha of 0.91 and interclass correlation of 0.91 (95% confidence interval 0.75-0.97). Conclusions: The average knee arthroscopy proficiency of our trainees is comparable with that of international training programs, but there was great variability with inconsistent skills among the trainees. This calls for improved and reproducible arthroscopy training and skills transfer, exposure to procedures, and ongoing assessment. Level of Evidence: II (prospective observational cohort study).

Filling the gap: a series of 3D-printed titanium truss cages for the management of large, lower limb bone defects in a developing country setting.

INTRODUCTION: Large segmental long bone defects are notoriously difficult to manage. Treatment is resource-intensive due to the complexity, cost, and specialized skills required. Truss designs are known for their triangular shapes organized in web configurations. This allows for maximal mechanical strength, the least mass, and a lattice that can be filled with bone graft. Using a truss cage combined with contemporary internal fixation provides immediate stability for bone ingrowth and long-term potential union. The implant is designed using virtual 3D modelling of the patient's bone defect based on a CT scan. The truss cage can be used in a staged procedure combined with Masquelet's induced membrane technique. This study aims to review the outcomes of patient-specific, locally designed 3D titanium truss cages packed with cancellous autograft in treating segmental, long bone defects in the lower limb in a developing country setting. METHODS: This retrospective series reviewed cases performed at various institutions between January 2019 and March 2022. Parameters assessed included patient demographics, size and location of the defect, time to clinical and radiological union and complications. RESULTS: Nine cases were included for review, with a mean age of 36 years (range 19-52). Defects ranged from 60 to 205 mm, and eight cases were staged procedures. Eight cases used intramedullary reamings as bone graft. Contemporary intramedullary nails were used for fixation in all cases. No peri- or post-operative complications occurred. All cases progressed to functional union. CONCLUSION: 3D-printed titanium truss cages combined with bone graft appear to be an effective treatment of large bone defects in the lower limb in a developing country setting in the short term. No complications were encountered, but longer follow-up is needed before definitive recommendations can be made. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV (retrospective case series).

The reuse of circular external fixator components: an assessment of safety and potential savings.

PURPOSE: Cost-saving strategies are important, especially in a resource-constrained environment. One such strategy well supported in the literature is the reuse of temporary monolateral external fixator components, a strategy we utilize at our institution. The aim of the study was to determine the safety and cost saving associated with the reuse of definitive circular external fixator components in a resource-constrained environment. METHOD: We performed a retrospective review of all adult patients who were treated with either new or reused circular external fixators from a single manufacturer between January and December 2017. Reused circular external fixator components, excluding half pins and wires, were subjected to an in-house reprocessing protocol. Cost savings were calculated as the difference between the price of a completely new frame and the amount invoiced for new components only in a reused frame. RESULTS: Thirty-three patients were included in the study with an average age of 31.9 years. The mean duration of treatment with a circular external fixator was 5.8 months. No mechanical failure events were recorded during the study period. Our institution saved approximately 52% (R717 503.89) and 63% (R136 568.19) of expected total cost for hexapod and Ilizarov frames, respectively. CONCLUSION: The strategy of reusing circular external fixator components is unconventional, and this study was conducted to evaluate the safety and potential savings in a resource-constrained environment. We demonstrated this practice to be reasonably safe and to result in significant cost savings which might be relevant in low-and-middle-income countries.

Radiographic union score for tibia (RUST) scoring system in adult diaphyseal femoral fractures treated with intramedullary nailing: an assessment of interobserver and intraobserver reliability.

OBJECTIVES: The Radiographic Union Score for Tibia (RUST) scoring system has been validated in multiple studies assessing the healing of tibial fractures. Our objective was to assess the interobserver and intraobserver reliability for the RUST in diaphyseal femoral fractures treated with intramedullary (IM) nailing. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A total of 60 sets of anteroposterior (AP) and lateral radiographs of diaphyseal femoral fractures treated by reamed IM nailing were randomly selected from a prospectively collected database. The 60 sets of radiographs were then scored by three reviewers using the RUST system. Interobserver reliability was measured at initial scoring. The 60 sets of radiographs were scored again by the three reviewers to calculate the intraobserver reliability. RESULTS: The RUST scores ranged from 4 to 12 with a mean score of 11.3 ± 1.3. The interobserver intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) was 0.87 (95% CI, 0.81-0.92) and the intraobserver ICC was 0.91 (95% CI, 0.88-0.94), which indicated excellent agreement. CONCLUSION: This study demonstrated that the RUST system can be used reliably in the assessment of healing in diaphyseal femur fractures treated by reamed intramedullary nailing, with excellent interobserver and intraobserver reliability.

A tale of three pandemics: Shining a light on a hidden problem.

An "epidemic" is an event in which a disease, infectious or non-infectious, is actively spreading within a population and designated area. The term "pandemic" is defined as "an epidemic occurring worldwide, or over a very wide area, crossing international boundaries and usually affecting a large number of people". The global response to the COVID-19 pandemic has not been seen since the outbreak of Human Immunodeficiency Virus in the early eighties. But there is another unseen pandemic running alongside the current COVID-19 pandemic, which affects a vast number of people, crossing international boundaries and occurring in every single country worldwide. The pandemic of traumatic injuries. Traumatic injuries account for 11% of the current Global Burden of Disease, resulting in nearly 5 million deaths annually and is the third-leading cause of death worldwide. For every trauma-related death, it is estimated that up to 50 people sustain permanent or temporary disabilities. Furthermore, traumatic injuries occur at disproportionately higher rates in low- and middle-income countries, with approximately 90% of injuries and more than 90% of global deaths from injury occurring these countries. Injuries are increasing worldwide, crossing international boundaries and affecting a large number of people, in the same manner Human Immunodeficiency Virus did in the 1980's and COVID-19 is today. The tremendous global effort to tackle the COVID-19 and Human Immunodeficiency Virus pandemics has occurred whilst ignoring the comparable pandemic of injury. Without change and future engagement with policy makers and international donors this disparity is likely to continue.

Fracture Healing in Patients With HIV in South Africa: A Prospective Cohort Study.

BACKGROUND: HIV reduces bone mineral density, mineralization, and turnover and may impair fracture healing. SETTING: This prospective cohort study in South Africa investigated whether HIV infection was associated with impaired fracture healing after trauma. METHODS: All adults with acute tibia and femur fractures who underwent intermedullary (IM) nailing for fracture fixation between September 2017 and December 2018, at 2 tertiary hospitals, were followed up for a minimum of 12 months postoperatively. The primary outcome was delayed bone union at 6 months (defined by the radiological union scoring system for the tibia score <9), and the secondary outcome was nonunion (defined as radiological union scoring system for the tibia score <9) at 9 months. Multivariable logistic regression models were constructed to investigate the associations between HIV status and impaired fracture healing. RESULTS: In total, 358 participants, who underwent 395 IM nailings, were enrolled in the study and followed up for 12 months. Seventy-one of the 358 (19.8%) participants were HIV-positive [83/395 (21%) IM nailings]. HIV was not associated with delayed fracture healing after IM nailing of the tibia or femur (multivariable odds ratio: 1.06; 95% confidence interval: 0.50 to 2.22). HIV-positive participants had a statistically significant lower odds ratio of nonunion compared with HIV-negative participants (multivariable odds ratio: 0.17; 95% confidence interval: 0.01 to 0.92). CONCLUSIONS: Fractures sustained in HIV-positive individuals can undergo surgical fixation as effectively as those in HIV-negative individuals, with no increased risk of delayed union or nonunion.

Bibliometric analysis of research on the effects of human immunodeficiency virus in orthopaedic and trauma surgery.

BACKGROUND: There is little research investigating how human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) affects outcomes in orthopaedic surgery. With advances in treatment, HIV has become a chronic health problem and the chance of orthopaedic surgeons encountering it in clinical practice is increasing. AIM: To ascertain the quantity and quality of peer-reviewed publications in orthopaedic journals about HIV. METHODS: A search of the Web of Science database was carried out, identifying any articles relating to HIV published in orthopaedic journals. These were assessed for geographic origin and level of evidence. RESULTS: Of 48.7% of orthopaedic journals listed on the Web of Science database had published articles relating to HIV. There were 168 articles about HIV in orthopaedic journals with only 40.5% (n = 68) published in the time frame we analysed (January 2007 to September 2017). Very few articles came from low-income countries and any articles published from that setting were collaborations. All of the articles were low level of evidence. CONCLUSION: There is a need for more high level orthopaedic and trauma research investigating the effects of HIV, particularly research from low-income countries, where higher level research will help to guide improvements in their treatment of its musculoskeletal manifestations and complications.

Civilian gunshot injuries in orthopaedics: a narrative review of ballistics, current concepts, and the South African experience.

The incidence of civilian gunshot injuries is on the rise worldwide.Unfortunately, there is a lack of high-level evidence guiding management. The treatment of orthopaedic injuries from gunshots is complex and requires consideration of multiple aspects, including energy transfer to the tissue, severity of the wound, possible contamination, presence of fractures and associated injuries. With this narrative review we aim to discuss some of the relevant ballistics, current concepts, and controversies in the general management of civilian gunshot-related orthopaedic injuries based on the available evidence and personal experience. Important points which will be highlighted are the initial management in the emergency room, the assessment and management of soft tissue injuries, associated injuries, use of antibiotics, indication and techniques for fracture fixation, and gunshot injuries to joints.

Management of segmental bone defects of the upper limb: a scoping review with data synthesis to inform decision making.

PURPOSE: Injuries to the long bones of the upper limb resulting in bone defects are rare but potentially devastating. Literature on the management of these injuries is limited to case reports and small case series. The aim of this study was to collate the most recent published work on the management of upper limb bone defects to assist with evidence based management when confronted with these cases. METHODS: Following a preliminary search that confirmed the paucity of literature and lack of comparative trials, a scoping review using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis extension for Scoping Reviews (PRISMA-ScR) was conducted. A literature search of major electronic databases was conducted to identify journal articles relating to the management of upper limb long bone defects published between 2010 and 2020. RESULTS: A total of 46 publications reporting on the management of 341 patients were reviewed. Structural autograft, bone transport, one-bone forearm and the induced membrane technique were employed in an almost equal number of cases. The implemented strategies showed similar outcomes but different indications and complication profiles were observed. CONCLUSION: Contemporary techniques for the management of post-traumatic upper limb bone defects all produce good results. Specific advantages, disadvantages and complications for each modality should be considered when deciding on which management strategy to employ for each specific patient, anatomical location, and defect size.

Effects of Covid-19 on orthopaedic trauma services: early experiences in South Africa and Israel.

South Africa and Israel have significantly different health systems. As South Africa is geographically 500 times as large and has a population nearly 7 times as large as the state of Israel, major differences in the challenges and subsequent handling of the pandemic between these countries were to be expected. South Africa's challenges included being under-resourced, particularly related to trauma, and severe and radical measures had to be undertaken that included extended strict lockdowns, bans on alcohol sales, and cancellation of the majority of the elective surgery during this initial period of the pandemic. Although Israel is much smaller and thereby theoretically easier to control, a complex political situation created difficulties and delays in controlling the pandemic after the initial response, leading to a second wave and additional lockdown. Although massively engaged initially, the Israeli trauma systems had continued functioning almost normally throughout the COVID-19 crisis.

Influence of Different Connecting Rod Configurations on the Stability of the Ilizarov/TSF Frame: A Biomechanical Study.

AIM: The Ilizarov external fixator (IEF) is frequently used in trauma and elective orthopaedics. Many of its biomechanical variables (ring size, wire diameter, wire number, half pins vs wires, etc.) and their influence on stability and stiffness have been investigated. There is, however, a paucity in the literature regarding the influence of the connecting rod numbers and configurations between the rings on IEF stability. The primary aim of this biomechanical study was to compare the stability between four- and three-rod IEF configurations. Secondarily to assess the difference in stability between symmetrical and asymmetrical spacing of the IEF rods. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A custom jig was designed to facilitate mounting of a basic two-ring IEF in a hydraulic press. Controlled centre and off-centre (thus simulated bending) axial loading was then applied across the frame. The configurations were loaded up to 4,000 N. The frame deformation was plotted and the data were then analysed and interpreted. RESULTS: Negligible differences were observed between different four- and three-rod configurations as long as the applied force at the loading point (LP) was within the area of support (AOS) created by the rods. The different four-rod constructs were always more stable than the three-rod constructs during bending. CONCLUSION: There is comparable stiffness between a four-rod and a three-rod IEF construct as long as the LP is within the AOS created by the rods. A four-rod IEF is stiffer than a three-rod IEF in bending. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: This study will possibly change some paradigms regarding the planning and application of IEFs by Orthopaedics Traumatologists and Reconstruction Surgeons. HOW TO CITE THIS ARTICLE: Thiart G, Herbert C, Sivarasu S, et al. Influence of Different Connecting Rod Configurations on the Stability of the Ilizarov/TSF Frame: A Biomechanical Study. Strategies Trauma Limb Reconstr 2020;15(1):23-27.

Gunshot Wounds to The Hip.

Gunshot wounds to the hip region are likely to cause complex peritrochanteric fracture. The fracture patterns are often highly comminuted and accompanied by injuries to local structures and abdominal viscera. Our case series analyses 25 orthopaedic procedures performed. The overall union rate for primary fixation was 66%. Two patients underwent revision surgery for failed primary fixation. Two cases where fixation had failed were revised to total hip replacement successfully. These types of injuries present a formidable challenge. Preservation of the femoral head should be prioritised to avoid arthroplasty. Long-term follow-up is necessary in assessing the success of these procedures.