The hip fracture assessment tool: A scoring system to assess high risk geriatric hip fracture patients for post-operative critical care monitoring.

INTRODUCTION: Intensive care unit risk stratification models have been utilized in elective joint arthroplasty; however, hip fracture patients are fundamentally different in their clinical course. Having a critical care risk calculator utilizing pre-operative risk factors can improve resourcing for hip fracture patients in the peri­operative period. METHODS: A cohort of geriatric hip fracture patients at a single institution were reviewed over a three-year period. Non-operative patients, peri­implant fractures, additional procedures performed under the same anesthesia period, and patients admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU) prior to surgery were excluded. Pre-operative laboratory values, Revised Cardiac Risk Index (RCRI), and American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) scores were calculated. Pre-operative ambulatory status was determined. The primary outcome measure was ICU admission in the post-operative period. Outcomes were assessed with Fisher's exact test, Kruskal-Wallis test, logistic regression, and ROC curve. RESULTS: 315 patient charts were analyzed with 262 patients meeting inclusion criteria. Age ≥ 80 years, ASA ≥ 4, pre-operative hemoglobin < 10 g/dL, and a history of CVA/TIA were found to be significant factors and utilized within a "training" data set to create a 4-point scoring system after reverse stepwise elimination. The 4-point scoring system was then assessed within a separate "validation" data set to yield an ROC area under the curve (AUC) of 0.747. Score ≥ 3 was associated with 96.8 % specificity and 14.2 % sensitivity for predicting post-op ICU admission. Score ≥ 3 was associated with a 50 % positive predictive value and 83 % negative predictive value. CONCLUSION: A hip fracture risk stratification scoring system utilizing pre-operative patient specific values to stratify geriatric hip patients to the ICU post-operatively can improve the pre-operative decision-making of surgical and critical care teams. This has important implications for triaging vital hospital resources. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: III (retrospective study).

Protocol for a multicentre randomised controlled trial of STeroid Administration Routes For Idiopathic Sudden sensorineural Hearing loss: The STARFISH trial.

Idiopathic sudden sensorineural hearing loss (ISSNHL) is the rapid onset of reduced hearing due to loss of function of the inner ear or hearing nerve of unknown aetiology. Evidence supports improved hearing recovery with early steroid treatment, via oral, intravenous, intratympanic or a combination of routes. The STARFISH trial aims to identify the most clinically and cost-effective route of administration of steroids as first-line treatment for ISSNHL. STARFISH is a pragmatic, multicentre, assessor-blinded, three-arm intervention, superiority randomised controlled trial (1:1:1) with an internal pilot (ISRCTN10535105, IRAS 1004878). 525 participants with ISSNHL will be recruited from approximately 75 UK Ear, Nose and Throat units. STARFISH will recruit adults with sensorineural hearing loss averaging 30dBHL or greater across three contiguous frequencies (confirmed via pure tone audiogram), with onset over a ≤3-day period, within four weeks of randomisation. Participants will be randomised to 1) oral prednisolone 1mg/Kg/day up to 60mg/day for 7 days; 2) intratympanic dexamethasone: three intratympanic injections 3.3mg/ml or 3.8mg/ml spaced 7±2 days apart; or 3) combined oral and intratympanic steroids. The primary outcome will be absolute improvement in pure tone audiogram average at 12-weeks following randomisation (0.5, 1.0, 2.0 and 4.0kHz). Secondary outcomes at 6 and 12 weeks will include: Speech, Spatial and Qualities of hearing scale, high frequency pure tone average thresholds (4.0, 6.0 and 8.0kHz), Arthur Boothroyd speech test, Vestibular Rehabilitation Benefit Questionnaire, Tinnitus Functional Index, adverse events and optional weekly online speech and pure tone hearing tests. A health economic assessment will be performed, and presented in terms of incremental cost effectiveness ratios, and cost per quality-adjusted life-year. Primary analyses will be by intention-to-treat. Oral prednisolone will be the reference. For the primary outcome, the difference between group means and 97.5% confidence intervals at each time-point will be estimated via a repeated measures mixed-effects linear regression model.

Skin Antisepsis before Surgical Fixation of Extremity Fractures.

BACKGROUND: Studies evaluating surgical-site infection have had conflicting results with respect to the use of alcohol solutions containing iodine povacrylex or chlorhexidine gluconate as skin antisepsis before surgery to repair a fractured limb (i.e., an extremity fracture). METHODS: In a cluster-randomized, crossover trial at 25 hospitals in the United States and Canada, we randomly assigned hospitals to use a solution of 0.7% iodine povacrylex in 74% isopropyl alcohol (iodine group) or 2% chlorhexidine gluconate in 70% isopropyl alcohol (chlorhexidine group) as preoperative antisepsis for surgical procedures to repair extremity fractures. Every 2 months, the hospitals alternated interventions. Separate populations of patients with either open or closed fractures were enrolled and included in the analysis. The primary outcome was surgical-site infection, which included superficial incisional infection within 30 days or deep incisional or organ-space infection within 90 days. The secondary outcome was unplanned reoperation for fracture-healing complications. RESULTS: A total of 6785 patients with a closed fracture and 1700 patients with an open fracture were included in the trial. In the closed-fracture population, surgical-site infection occurred in 77 patients (2.4%) in the iodine group and in 108 patients (3.3%) in the chlorhexidine group (odds ratio, 0.74; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.55 to 1.00; P = 0.049). In the open-fracture population, surgical-site infection occurred in 54 patients (6.5%) in the iodine group and in 60 patients (7.3%) in the chlorhexidine group (odd ratio, 0.86; 95% CI, 0.58 to 1.27; P = 0.45). The frequencies of unplanned reoperation, 1-year outcomes, and serious adverse events were similar in the two groups. CONCLUSIONS: Among patients with closed extremity fractures, skin antisepsis with iodine povacrylex in alcohol resulted in fewer surgical-site infections than antisepsis with chlorhexidine gluconate in alcohol. In patients with open fractures, the results were similar in the two groups. (Funded by the Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute and the Canadian Institutes of Health Research; PREPARE ClinicalTrials.gov number, NCT03523962.).

Evaluation of the stopping angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitor compared to angiotensin receptor blocker (STOP ACEi trial) in advanced and progressive chronic kidney disease.

In the STOP-ACEi trial, the outcome was similar whether or not renin-angiotensin system inhibitors (RASi) were discontinued. We now investigate whether the effect of withdrawing angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEi) or angiotensin-receptor blockers (ARBs) differed. In this open label trial patients with estimated glomerular filtration rates (eGFR) under 30ml/min per 1.73 m2 and progressive chronic kidney disease (CKD) were randomized to stop or continue RASi. The primary outcome was eGFR at three years. The composite of kidney failure, over 50% fall in eGFR, or kidney replacement therapy (KRT) was also assessed. Of patients randomized, 99 stopped and 123 patients continued ACEi while 104 stopped and 77 continued ARB at baseline. At three years, the eGFR was similar whether or not patients were withdrawn from ACEi or from ARB. Kidney failure or initiation of KRT occurred in 65% of those stopping and 54% continuing ACEi (hazard ratio if stopped, 1.52; 95% Confidence Interval, 1.07 to 2.16) and in 60% on an ARB regardless of randomized group (hazard ratio if stopped, 1.23; 0.83 to 1.81). Kidney failure/Initiation of KRT with over 50% decline in eGFR occurred in 71% of those stopping and 59% continuing ACEi (relative risk if stopped, 1.19; 95% CI, 1.00 to 1.41) and in 65% stopping and 69% continuing ARB (relative risk if stopped, 0.96; 0.79 to 1.16). Thus, neither discontinuing ACEi nor ARB slowed the rate of decline in eGFR. Although discontinuation of ACEi appeared to have more unfavorable effects on kidney outcomes than stopping ARB, the trial was neither designed nor powered to show differences between agents.

Functionally graded 3D printed plates for rib fracture fixation.

BACKGROUND: Design freedom offered by additive manufacturing allows for the implementation of functional gradients - where mechanical stiffness is decreased along the length of the implant. It is unclear if such changes will influence failure mechanisms in the context of rib fracture repair. We hypothesized that our novel functionally graded rib implants would be less stiff than controls and decrease occurrence of secondary fracture at implant ends. METHODS: Five novel additively manufactured rib implants were tested along with a clinically used Control implant. Fracture reconstructions were modeled with custom synthetic rib bones with a transverse B1 fracture. Ribs were compressed in a cyclic two-point bend test for 360,000 cycles followed by a ramp to failure test. Differences in cyclic stiffness, 3D interfragmentary motions, ramp-to-failure stiffness, maximum load, and work to failure were determined. FINDINGS: The Control group had lower construct stiffness (0.76 ± 0.28 N/mm), compared to all novel implant designs (means: 1.35-1.61 N/mm, p < 0.05) and rotated significantly more about the bending axis (2.7° ± 1.3°) than the additively manufactured groups (means between 1.2° - 1.6°, p < 0.05). All constructs failed via bone fracture at the most posterior screw hole. Experimental implants were stiffer than Controls, and there were few significant differences between functional gradient groups. INTERPRETATION: Additively manufactured, functionally graded designs have the potential to change the form and function of trauma implants. Here, the impact of functional gradients was limited because implants had small cross-sectional areas.

Long-term Outcomes with Spinal versus General Anesthesia for Hip Fracture Surgery: A Randomized Trial.

BACKGROUND: The effects of spinal versus general anesthesia on long-term outcomes have not been well studied. This study tested the hypothesis that spinal anesthesia is associated with better long-term survival and functional recovery than general anesthesia. METHODS: A prespecified analysis was conducted of long-term outcomes of a completed randomized superiority trial that compared spinal anesthesia versus general anesthesia for hip fracture repair. Participants included previously ambulatory patients 50 yr of age or older at 46 U.S. and Canadian hospitals. Patients were randomized 1:1 to spinal or general anesthesia, stratified by sex, fracture type, and study site. Outcome assessors and investigators involved in the data analysis were masked to the treatment arm. Outcomes included survival at up to 365 days after randomization (primary); recovery of ambulation among 365-day survivors; and composite endpoints for death or new inability to ambulate and death or new nursing home residence at 365 days. Patients were included in the analysis as randomized. RESULTS: A total of 1,600 patients were enrolled between February 12, 2016, and February 18, 2021; 795 were assigned to spinal anesthesia, and 805 were assigned to general anesthesia. Among 1,599 patients who underwent surgery, vital status information at or beyond the final study interview (conducted at approximately 365 days after randomization) was available for 1,427 (89.2%). Survival did not differ by treatment arm; at 365 days after randomization, there were 98 deaths in patients assigned to spinal anesthesia versus 92 deaths in patients assigned to general anesthesia (hazard ratio, 1.08; 95% CI, 0.81 to 1.44, P = 0.59). Recovery of ambulation among patients who survived a year did not differ by type of anesthesia (adjusted odds ratio for spinal vs. general, 0.87; 95% CI, 0.67 to 1.14; P = 0.31). Other outcomes did not differ by treatment arm. CONCLUSIONS: Long-term outcomes were similar with spinal versus general anesthesia.

A rare case of squamous cell carcinoma within the necrotic mass of acute necrotizing pneumonia: when cancer strikes unpredictably.

Introduction and importance: This case report presents an intriguing instance of a 35-year-old nonsmoker female who exhibited a convergence of acute necrotizing pneumonia (ANP) and squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), two distinct pulmonary conditions. ANP involves severe lung infection and tissue necrosis, while SCC is a non-small cell lung carcinoma originating from the bronchial epithelium. Such a unique combination in a nonsmoker female patient emphasizes the intricate interplay of diverse pulmonary pathologies and the importance of comprehensive diagnostic evaluation and effective patient management strategies. Case presentation: The patient's symptoms include fever, pain, cough, and sporadic hemoptysis. Initial imaging suggested ANP due to a multilobulated necrotic lung mass. Despite empirical antibiotic therapy, no improvement occurred, prompting further investigation. Positron emission tomography and computed tomography revealed intense fluorodeoxyglucose avidity in the lesion. A computer tomography-guided Tru-cut biopsy confirmed non-small cell carcinoma with squamous differentiation in the necrotic mass. Clinical discussion: ANP is a severe manifestation of pneumonia, predominantly affecting young, healthy individuals, while SCC, commonly linked to smoking, presents as non-small cell lung carcinoma. Overlapping symptoms and radiological findings complicate diagnosis. Early diagnosis and appropriate management are crucial for both conditions to prevent progression and complications. Conclusion: This case highlights the significance of precise diagnosis and adaptable treatment approaches. The coexistence of ANP and SCC in a nonsmoker female patient underscores the necessity of meticulous diagnostic evaluation and personalized treatment strategies. The scarcity of such presentations emphasizes the need for further research to comprehend the mechanisms underlying these occurrences.

Impact of the SARS-CoV-2 outbreak on ACGME-accredited orthopaedic trauma fellowship training.

INTRODUCTION: The SARS-CoV-2 viral outbreak created unprecedented challenges in surgical education. Yet, its impact on reported case volume during orthopaedic trauma fellowship training remains poorly understood. We hypothesized that cases performed during orthopaedic trauma fellowship training would decrease by 8 %-17 % during the 2019-2020 academic year corresponding to the 1-2 month moratorium of non-essential cases during the initial SARS-CoV-2 outbreak in the United States. METHODS: We designed a retrospective cohort study of orthopaedic trauma fellows at Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME)-accredited training programs (2018-2019 to 2021-2022). Mean case volumes were compared by case category across academic years. RESULTS: There was a -13 % year-over-year decrease in reported case volume during the 2019-2020 academic year (505 ± 126 vs 441 ± 94, P = 0.079, Fig. 1). Case categories with the greatest percentage declines were Treatment of Nonunion / Malunion (-31 %), Fasciotomy (-25 %), External Fixation (-21 %), Forearm / Wrist (-21 %), and Intra-articular Distal Humerus Fracture (-17 %). There was a 7 % year-over-year increase in case volume during the subsequent 2020-2021 academic year with near universal increases in case volume across case categories. CONCLUSION: There was a 13 % decrease in orthopaedic trauma case volume during the 2019-2020 academic year, corresponding to the SARS-CoV-2 outbreak. Certain trauma case categories experienced the greatest negative impact, which subsequently recovered during the next academic year. These results may help inform accrediting bodies and surgical educators on the impact of future viral outbreaks on orthopaedic trauma fellowship training.

Challenging diagnosis of sarcomatoid hepatic mesothelioma: a case report with review of literature.

Introduction: Mesothelioma is a rare and aggressive cancer that is primarily caused by asbestos exposure. However, cases of mesothelioma without asbestos exposure suggest the involvement of other risk factors. Sarcomatoid mesothelioma, which is characterized by spindle-shaped cells, is a particularly aggressive subtype with limited treatment options. Case presentation: The authors present a case of a 72-year-old man with no history of asbestos exposure who presented with abdominal pain, fatigue, and weight loss. Imaging revealed a large cystic mass in the liver. A Liver biopsy confirmed the diagnosis of sarcomatoid mesothelioma. Immunohistochemistry results further supported this diagnosis. Due to the advanced stage and tumor size, surgical resection was not feasible. Palliative chemotherapy was initiated, but the patient's condition deteriorated rapidly, leading to his demise. Conclusion: This case highlights the complexity of mesothelioma and the need for further research to identify the nonasbestos-related risk factors. Understanding alternative causative agents and mechanisms is crucial for the early detection, the development of targeted therapies, and improving patient outcomes. The presented case contributes to the existing literature and aligns with the Surgical CAse REport (SCARE) Criteria.

Hypercalcemia Secondary to Antibiotic-Eluting Calcium Sulfate Beads.

The use of calcium sulfate beads (CSBs) as a carrier for local delivery of antibiotics is increasingly reported for the treatment of localized infections. They are used most commonly in bone and joint infections, post-trauma infections, diabetes-related foot wounds, and vascular grafts. Hypercalcemia is rarely reported with CSB use but is an important safety concern, and patients at higher risk should be identified prospectively and followed carefully postoperatively. This case report details an 85-year-old male who developed severe, symptomatic postoperative hypercalcemia after antibiotic bead placement in the right knee. He presented with confusion, weakness, and lethargy, and was subsequently treated with fluids, calcitonin, and alendronate. The patient quickly returned to normal mental status, and calcium levels normalized, leading to discharge. The case report and review of the literature describe an incident of severe hypercalcemia attributed to the use of antibiotic-eluting CSBs and describe the risk factors and time course that may be expected.

Tubercular meningitis and cortical venous thrombosis: A rare but potentially lethal combination-A case report and literature review.

Key Clinical Message: Cortical venous thrombosis is a rare but severe complication of TBM that requires a high index of suspicion for early diagnosis. The treatment of CVT in TBM is based on anticoagulant therapy, which is known to improve the outcomes of the patients. Abstract: The case report describes an 18-year-old male in India with symptoms of tubercular meningitis complicated by cortical venous thrombosis. Tubercular meningitis is a rare but severe form of meningitis caused by tuberculosis bacteria and is a significant public health concern in India. The patient presented to the emergency department with a history of fever, headache, and vomiting for the past month, with a positive Mycobacterium tuberculosis test. The patient was started on standard antitubercular therapy and was diagnosed with cortical venous thrombosis via an MRI scan. Treatment included antitubercular therapy, anticoagulation therapy, dexamethasone, and antiemetic drugs. The patient's symptoms improved over 2 weeks of therapy. The case highlights the importance of early detection, treatment, and prevention strategies, such as the National Tuberculosis elimination program, in controlling the spread of tuberculosis in India. It also emphasizes the importance of close monitoring for complications in patients with tubercular meningitis, such as cortical venous thrombosis, which can be life-threatening.

Spontaneous Coronary Artery Dissection (SCAD) in an Atypical Patient Without Risk Factors and Prior Asymptomatic COVID-19 Infection.

Spontaneous coronary artery dissection (SCAD) is a condition primarily seen in young women and is characterized by non-atherosclerotic arterial damage. It can occur with or without conventional risk factors for coronary heart disease and is often associated with chronic inflammatory conditions. Here, we present a unique instance of a 67-year-old woman without known risk factors who developed sudden onset chest pain in the setting of an asymptomatic coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) infection three weeks earlier. Subsequent evaluation revealed SCAD in the distal left anterior descending (LAD) artery.

Intracranial invasive group A streptococcus: a neurosurgical emergency in children.

OBJECTIVE: Invasive group A streptococcus (iGAS) infections are associated with a high rate of morbidity and mortality. CNS involvement is rare, with iGAS accounting for only 0.2%-1% of all childhood bacterial meningitis. In 2022, a significant increase in scarlet fever and iGAS was reported globally with a displacement of serotype, causing a predominance of the emm1.0 subtype. Here, the authors report on iGAS-related suppurative intracranial complications requiring neurosurgical intervention and prolonged antibiotic therapy. METHODS: The authors performed a retrospective chart review of consecutive cases of confirmed GAS in pediatric neurosurgical patients. RESULTS: Five children with a median age of 9 years were treated for intracranial complications of GAS infection over a 2-month period between November 2022 and December 2022. All patients had preceding illnesses, including chicken pox and upper respiratory tract infections. Infections included subdural empyema with associated encephalitis (n = 2), extradural empyema (n = 1), intracranial abscess (n = 1), and diffuse global meningoencephalitis (n = 1). Streptococcus pyogenes was cultured from 4 children, and 2 were of the emm1.0 subtype. Antimicrobial therapy in all patients included a third-generation cephalosporin but varied in adjunctive therapy, often including a toxin synthesis inhibitor antibiotic such as clindamycin. Neurological outcomes varied; 3 patients returned to near neurological baseline, 1 had significant residual neurological deficits, and 1 patient died. CONCLUSIONS: Despite the worldwide increased incidence, intracranial complications remain rarely reported resulting in a lack of awareness of iGAS-related intracranial disease. Awareness of intracranial complications of iGAS and prompt referral to a pediatric neurology/neurosurgical center is crucial to optimize neurological outcomes.

Intramedullary Nailing vs Sliding Hip Screw in Trochanteric Fracture Management: The INSITE Randomized Clinical Trial.

Importance: Fractures of the hip have devastating effects on function and quality of life. Intramedullary nails (IMN) are the dominant implant choice for the treatment of trochanteric fractures of the hip. Higher costs of IMNs and inconclusive benefit in comparison with sliding hip screws (SHSs) convey the need for definitive evidence. Objective: To compare 1-year outcomes of patients with trochanteric fractures treated with the IMN vs an SHS. Design, Setting, and Participants: This randomized clinical trial was conducted at 25 international sites across 12 countries. Participants included ambulatory patients aged 18 years and older with low-energy trochanteric (AO Foundation and Orthopaedic Trauma Association [AO/OTA] type 31-A1 or 31-A2) fractures. Patient recruitment occurred between January 2012 and January 2016, and patients were followed up for 52 weeks (primary end point). Follow-up was completed in January 2017. The analysis was performed in July 2018 and confirmed in January 2022. Interventions: Surgical fixation with a Gamma3 IMN or an SHS. Main Outcomes and Measures: The primary outcome was health-related quality of life (HRQOL), measured by the EuroQol-5 Dimension (EQ5D) at 1-year postsurgery. Secondary outcomes included revision surgical procedure, fracture healing, adverse events, patient mobility (measured by the Parker mobility score), and hip function (measured by the Harris hip score). Results: In this randomized clinical trial, 850 patients were randomized (mean [range] age, 78.5 [18-102] years; 549 [64.6% female) with trochanteric fractures to undergo fixation with either the IMN (n = 423) or an SHS (n = 427). A total of 621 patients completed follow-up at 1 year postsurgery (304 treated with the IMN [71.9%], 317 treated with an SHS [74.2%]). There were no significant differences between groups in EQ5D scores (mean difference, 0.02 points; 95% CI, -0.03 to 0.07 points; P = .42). Furthermore, after adjusting for relevant covariables, there were no between-group differences in EQ5D scores (regression coefficient, 0.00; 95% CI, -0.04 to 0.05; P = .81). There were no between-group differences for any secondary outcomes. There were also no significant interactions for fracture stability (ß [SE] , 0.01 [0.05]; P = .82) or previous fracture (ß [SE], 0.01 [0.10]; P = .88) and treatment group. Conclusions and Relevance: This randomized clinical trial found that IMNs for the treatment of trochanteric fractures had similar 1-year outcomes compared with SHSs. These results suggest that the SHS is an acceptable lower-cost alternative for trochanteric fractures of the hip. Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT01380444.

Successful Primary Treatment of Ankle Fractures in Diabetic Patients with Peripheral Neuropathy Using a Tibiotalocalcaneal Nail: A Case Series.

Background: Among diabetics, patients with peripheral neuropathy are at increased risk of developing complications following an ankle fracture. While the outcomes in these patients treated nonoperatively have been poor, the outcomes in those undergoing open reduction and internal fixation are at the best modest. We hypothesize that closed reduction and internal fixation with tibiotalocalcaneal nail is an effective primary procedure in this complication prone patient group. Methods: A retrospective review of diabetic patients with peripheral neuropathy who underwent acute treatment of an ankle fracture with closed reduction and internal fixation with a tibiotalocalcaneal nail at two Level 1 trauma centers was performed. 30 patients were identified and divided into 2 groups with respect to their postoperative weight bearing protocol: 20 patients in the early weight bearing (EWB) group and 10 patients in the touch-down weight bearing (TDWB). The primary outcome was the rate of return to baseline function and the secondary outcomes included the incidence of wound dehiscence, wound infection, implant failure, loss of fixation, loss of reduction and amputation. Results: In the EWB group, 15/20 patients returned to their baseline function, 5/20 had wound dehiscence and infection, 2/20 had implant failure, 5/20 had loss of fixation, 4/20 had loss of reduction, and 4/20 underwent amputation. In the TDWB group, 9/10 patients returned to their baseline function, 1/10 had implant failure, 1/10 had loss of fixation. No patients from this group had loss of reduction or underwent amputation. Conclusion: Treatment with tibiotalocalcaneal nail is an effective primary procedure in this complication prone group of patients, assuming that weight bearing is delayed for six weeks to protect soft tissues and surgical incisions. Level of Evidence: Level IV, retrospective case series.

Bias in Care: Impact of Ethnicity on Time to Emergent Surgery Varies Between Subspecialties.

INTRODUCTION: Disparity in access to emergency care among minority groups continues to exist despite growing awareness of the effect of implicit bias on public health. In this study, we evaluated ethnicity-based differences in time between admission and surgery for patients undergoing emergent procedures at hospitals participating in the American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective review of 249,296 National Surgical Quality Improvement Program cases from 2006 to 2018 involving general, orthopaedic, and vascular surgeries. Analysis of variance was used to compare "time to operating room" (OR) between ethnic groups. RESULTS: Notable differences in time to OR were noted among general and vascular surgeries but not orthopaedic surgery. Post hoc comparison identified notable variation in general surgery between White and Black/African Americans. In vascular surgery, notable variations were identified between White and Black/African Americans and White and Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islanders. DISCUSSION: These findings suggest that certain surgical subspecialties continue to exhibit disparities in care that may manifest as surgical delay, most notably between White and Black/African Americans. Interestingly, variation in time to OR for patients treated by orthopaedic surgery was not notable. Overall, these results highlight the need for additional research into the role of implicit bias in emergent surgical care in the United States.

Great debates in trauma biomechanics.

At the 2021 annual meeting of the Orthopaedic Trauma Association, the Basic Science Focus Forum hosted its first ever debate-style symposium focused on biomechanics and fracture repair. The 3 subjects of debate were "Mechanics versus Biology-Which is 'More Important' to Consider?" "Locked Plate versus Forward Dynamization versus Reverse Dynamization-Which Way Should I Go?" and "Sawbones versus Cadaver Models-What Should I Believe Most?" These debates were held because fracture healing is a highly organized synergistic response between biological factors and the local mechanical environment. Multiple studies have demonstrated that both factors play roles in governing bone healing responses, and the causal relationships between the 2 remain unclear. The lack of clarity in this space has led to a spectrum of research with the common goal of helping surgeons make good decisions. Before reading further, the reader should understand that the questions posed in the debate titles are unanswerable and might represent a false choice. Instead, the reader should appreciate that the debates were held to gain a more thorough understanding of these topics based on the current state of the art of experimental and clinical studies, by using an engaging and thought-provoking format.

Outcomes with spinal versus general anesthesia for patients with and without preoperative cognitive impairment: Secondary analysis of a randomized clinical trial.

INTRODUCTION: The effect of spinal versus general anesthesia on the risk of postoperative delirium or other outcomes for patients with or without cognitive impairment (including dementia) is unknown. METHODS: Post hoc secondary analysis of a multicenter pragmatic trial comparing spinal versus general anesthesia for adults aged 50 years or older undergoing hip fracture surgery. RESULTS: Among patients randomized to spinal versus general anesthesia, new or worsened delirium occurred in 100/295 (33.9%) versus 107/283 (37.8%; odds ratio [OR] 0.85; 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.60 to 1.19) among persons with cognitive impairment and 70/432 (16.2%) versus 71/445 (16.0%) among persons without cognitive impairment (OR 1.02; 95% CI 0.71 to 1.47, p = 0.46 for interaction). Delirium severity, in-hospital complications, and 60-day functional recovery did not differ by anesthesia type in patients with or without cognitive impairment. DISCUSSION: Anesthesia type is not associated with differences in delirium and functional outcomes among persons with or without cognitive impairment.

3-D Printed Fracture Models Improve Resident Performance and Clinical Outcomes in Operative Fracture Management.

OBJECTIVE: To determine if preoperative examination of patient additive manufactured (AM) fracture models can be used to improve resident operative competency and patient outcomes. DESIGN: Prospective cohort study. Seventeen matched pairs of fracture fixation surgeries (for a total of 34 surgeries) were performed. Residents first performed a set of baseline surgeries (n = 17) without AM fracture models. The residents then performed a second set of surgeries randomly assigned to include an AM model (n = 11) or to omit it (n = 6). Following each surgery, the attending surgeon evaluated the resident using an Ottawa Surgical Competency Operating Room Evaluation (O-Score). The authors also recorded clinical outcomes including operative time, blood loss, fluoroscopy duration, and patient reported outcome measurement information system (PROMIS) scores of pain and function at 6 months. SETTING: Single-center academic level one trauma center. PARTICIPANTS: Twelve orthopaedic residents, between postgraduate year (PGY) 2 and 5, participated in this study. RESULTS: Residents significantly improved their O-Scores between the first and second surgery when they trained with AM models for the second surgery (p = 0.004, 2.43 ± 0.79 versus 3.73 ± 0.64). Similar improvements were not observed in the control group (p = 0.916, 2.69 ± 0.69 versus 2.77 ± 0.36). AM model training also significantly improved clinical outcomes, including surgery time (p = 0.006), fluoroscopy exposure time (p = 0.002), and patient reported functional outcomes (p = 0.0006). CONCLUSIONS: Conclusions: Training with AM fracture models improves the performance of orthopaedic surgery residents during fracture surgery.