Femoral Neck Fractures With Associated Ipsilateral Femoral Shaft Fractures in Young Adults <50 Years Old: A Multicenter Comparison of 80 Cases Versus Isolated Femoral Neck Fractures.

OBJECTIVES: To analyze patients, injury patterns, and treatment of femoral neck fractures (FNFs) in young patients with FNFs associated with shaft fractures (assocFNFs) to improve clinical outcomes. The secondary goal was to compare this injury pattern to that of young patients with isolated FNFs (isolFNFs). DESIGN: Retrospective multicenter cohort series. SETTING: Twenty-six North American level-1 trauma centers. PATIENT SELECTION CRITERIA: Skeletally mature patients, <50 years old, treated with operative fixation of an FNF with or without an associated femoral shaft fracture. OUTCOME MEASURES AND COMPARISONS: The main outcome measurement was treatment failure defined as nonunion, malunion, avascular necrosis, or subsequent major revision surgery. Odds ratios for these modes of treatment were also calculated. RESULTS: Eighty assocFNFs and 412 isolFNFs evaluated in this study were different in terms of patients, injury patterns, and treatment strategy. Patients with assocFNFs were younger (33.3 ± 8.6 vs. 37.5 ± 8.7 years old, P < 0.001), greater in mean body mass index [BMI] (29.7 vs. 26.6, P < 0.001), and more frequently displaced (95% vs. 73%, P < 0.001), "vertically oriented" Pauwels type 3, P < 0.001 (84% vs. 43%) than for isolFNFs, with all P values < 0.001. AssocFNFs were more commonly repaired with an open reduction (74% vs. 46%, P < 0.001) and fixed-angle implants (59% vs. 39%) (P < 0.001). Importantly, treatment failures were less common for assocFNFs compared with isolFNFs (20% vs. 49%, P < 0.001) with lower rates of failed fixation/nonunion and malunion (P < 0.001 and P = 0.002, respectively). Odds of treatment failure [odds ratio (OR) = 0.270, 95% confidence interval (CI), 0.15-0.48, P < 0.001], nonunion (OR = 0.240, 95% CI, 0.10-0.57, P < 0.001), and malunion (OR = 0.920, 95% CI, 0.01-0.68, P = 0.002) were also lower for assocFNFs. Excellent or good reduction was achieved in 84.2% of assocFNFs reductions and 77.1% in isolFNFs (P = 0.052). AssocFNFs treated with fixed-angle devices performed very well, with only 13.0% failing treatment compared with 51.9% in isolFNFs treated with fixed-angle constructs (P = <0.001) and 33.3% in assocFNFs treated with multiple cannulated screws (P = 0.034). This study also identified the so-called "shelf sign," a transverse ≥6-mm medial-caudal segment of the neck fracture (forming an acute angle with the vertical fracture line) in 54% of assocFNFs and only 9% of isolFNFs (P < 0.001). AssocFNFs with a shelf sign failed in only 5 of 41 (12%) cases. CONCLUSIONS: AssocFNFs in young patients are characterized by different patient factors, injury patterns, and treatments, than for isolFNFs, and have a relatively better prognosis despite the need for confounding treatment for the associated femoral shaft injury. Treatment failures among assocFNFs repaired with a fixed-angle device occurred at a lower rate compared with isolFNFs treated with any construct type and assocFNFs treated with multiple cannulated screws. The radiographic "shelf sign" was found as a positive prognostic sign in more than half of assocFNFs and predicted a high rate of successful treatment. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic Level III. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

[Comparison of effectiveness of tibial intramedullary nailing fixation via suprapatellar approach and medial parapatellar approach in treatment of multiple tibial fractures].

Objective: To compare the effectiveness of intramedullary nailing fixation via suprapatellar approach and medial parapatellar approach in semi-extended position in the treatment of multiple tibial fractures. Methods: The clinical data of 43 patients with multiple tibial fractures treated with intramedullary nailing fixation between July 2018 and December 2022 were retrospectively analyzed, including 23 patients treated with suprapatellar approach in semi-extended position (group A) and 20 patients with medial parapatellar approach in semi-extended position (group B). There was no significant difference in gender, age, cause of injury, time from injury to operation, AO/Orthopaedic Trauma Association (AO/OTA) classification, preoperative visual analogue scale (VAS) score, and range of motion (ROM) of the knee joint between the two groups ( P>0.05). The operation time, intraoperative blood loss, incision length, intraoperative fluoroscopy frequency, and fracture healing time were recorded and compared. The VAS score and ROM of the knee joint were analyzed at 4, 8, and 12 weeks after operation, and the incidence of postoperative complications was observed; knee function was evaluated by Lysholm score at last follow-up. Results: The operations were successfully completed in both groups, and there was no complication such as nerve and blood vessel injury during operation, and all incisions healed by first intention. There was no significant difference in operation time, intraoperative blood loss, and intraoperative fluoroscopy frequency between the two groups ( P>0.05), but the incision length in group B was significantly longer than that in group A ( P<0.05). Patients in both groups were followed up 12-30 months, with an average of 21.1 months. The VAS score decreased and ROM increased gradually in both groups with time after operation, showing significant differences between different time points ( P<0.05). The VAS score of group B was significantly lower than that of group A at 4 and 8 weeks after operation ( P<0.05); there was no significant difference in VAS score and ROM between the two groups at other time points ( P>0.05). There was no significant difference in fracture healing time between the two groups ( P>0.05). During the follow-up, there was no complication such as internal fixator loosening, breakage, and loss of fracture reduction. At last follow-up, the Lysholm score in group B was significantly better than that in group A ( P<0.05). Conclusion: Both the suprapatellar approach and the medial parapatellar approach in semi-extended position can achieve satisfactory results in the treatment of multiple tibial fractures. The medial parapatellar approach has lower symptoms of early knee pain and better long-term function.

[Surgical Stabilization of Traumatic Multiple Rib Fractures Using Absorbable Osteosynthesis Agent(u-HA/PLLA Composite Material)].

In case that met several indication criteria with 4 or more rib fractures, we performed surgical stabilization of multiple fractured ribs using a plate and screw system( Super FIXORB MX) that was made of uncalcined hydroxyapatite (u-HA)/poly-L-lactic acid (PLLA) composite material with excellent bioactivity and absorbability. We report our clinical experience of 7 cases in which this device was used. Although there is still room for further consideration of the technique and the strength of the device itself, computed tomography( CT) images taken 9 months after surgery showed that the fixative device was almost assimilated with the bone at the fracture repair site in cases where fixation was successful.

[The Surgical Indication of Multiple Rib Fractures of Patients by Traumas and Timing of the Surgical Stabilization of Rib Fractures].

It's reported that 10% of the inpatients by traumas have fractured ribs. It's easy to judge if it's the case of flail chest, or respiratory failure due to airway injury or pulmonary contusion. There is no guideline for treatments of a patient who has multiple ribs fractures without respiratory failure. We did the surgical stabilization of rib fractures for 10 cases from 2020 to October 2023. As a result, we find out useful surgical indication for treatment of rib fractures.

The therapeutic value of vacuum external fixation in polytrauma patients with multiple ribs fracture.

BACKGROUND: Multiple displaced rib fractures often result in a poor prognosis. Open reduction and internal fixation has been shown to provide benefits for patients with displaced rib fractures and flail chest. Nevertheless, for patients who are unwilling or unsuitable for surgery, the therapeutic options are limited. We developed a novel plastic vacuum device for rib fractures external stabilization. This study aims to compare the therapeutic efficacy of this device against a traditional chest strap in polytrauma patients with multiple rib fractures. METHODS: A retrospective investigation was conducted on polytrauma patients with multiple rib fractures admitted to our trauma center between March 2020 and March 2023. Patients were categorized into two groups: vacuum external fixation and chest strap. Comparative analysis was conducted on baseline parameters, injury characteristics, and clinical outcomes between the two groups. RESULTS: In this study, 54 patients were included, with 28 receiving chest strap and 26 undergoing vacuum external fixation. Results showed that, at 3 days and 7 days postintervention, the vacuum external fixation group had significantly lower visual analog scale scores during deep breathing and coughing (P < .05). Vacuum external fixation also reduced pleural drainage duration and volume, as well as lowered the risk of pneumonia and other complications (P < .05). Furthermore, the vacuum external fixation group demonstrated notable improvements in vital capacity, tidal volume, blood-gas test results, and a shorter hospital length of stay. CONCLUSIONS: According to the study findings, vacuum external fixation appears to offer benefits to patients with multiple rib fractures, potentially reducing the risk of complications and improving overall clinical outcomes.

Perfecting the Outcome of Nasal Bone Fracture in the Pediatric Population With a Navigation System.

BACKGROUND: The trend of using navigation systems for treating facial bone fractures is increasing. Nevertheless, any detailed recommendation on using a navigation system to treat nasal bone fracture has never been discussed. Plastic surgeons are prone to do closed reduction of nasal bone fractures with remnant posttraumatic edema in the pediatric population. This study hypothesized that the navigation system benefits this population's treatment of nasal bone fractures. METHODS: The authors evaluated the medical records, plain x-ray, and facial computed tomography scans of 44 pediatric patients (below the age of 18) with nasal bone fractures treated with a closed reduction from May 2021 to December 2022. Preoperative and postoperative computed tomography scan were used to assess the outcome. RESULTS: The average age for 44 pediatric nasal bone fracture patients was 10. Fifteen were female, while males were 29. All cases were successfully corrected clinically and radiologically without noticeable complications. CONCLUSIONS: Using navigation systems to correct nasal bone fractures provides additional benefits for the pediatric population. This technique is especially useful if the fracture is located at the junction between the nasal bone and nasal process of the maxilla and is combined with concurrent old nasal bone fractures.

A Novel Septoplasty Technique for Patients With Nasal Fractures.

ABSTRACT: Nasal structures have both functional and cosmetic significance. These structures maintain the shape of the nose and regulate the nasal airflow. During trauma, fractures of the nasal bone are frequently associated with nasal septum deviations. This can lead to the nasal bone collapsing and nasal obstruction. The septoplasty technique is a major surgical intervention to improve nasal obstructions, with the submucosal resection of the deviated septum. In the past, septoplasty was deferred until the nasal bone fracture was healed to reduce the postoperative risk of saddle-nose and flat nose deformities. Advances in technology have enabled surgeons to attempt septoplasty together with a closed reduction of the nasal bone fraction. It is most important to preserve the septal support structure during surgery. Hence, we advocate that the nasal septum be reset in the midline rather than removed, by modified endoscopic septoplasty.

Surgical stabilization of severe chest wall injury following cardiopulmonary resuscitation.

BACKGROUND: Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) contributes to significant chest wall injury similar to blunt trauma. With benefits realized for surgical stabilization of rib fractures (SSRFs) for flail injuries and severely displaced fractures following trauma, SSRF for chest wall injury following CPR could be advantageous, provided good functional and neurologic outlook. Experience is limited. We present a review of patients treated with SSRF at our institution following CPR. METHODS: A retrospective analysis of patients undergoing SSRF following CPR was performed between 2019 and 2020. Perioperative inpatient data were collected with outpatient follow-up as able. RESULTS: Five patients underwent SSRF over the course of the 2-year interval. All patients required invasive ventilation preoperatively or had impending respiratory. Mean age was 59 ± 12 years, with all patients being male. Inciting events for cardiac arrest included respiratory, ventricular tachycardia, ventricular fibrillation, pulseless electrical activity, and anaphylaxis. Time to operation was 6.6 ± 3 days. Four patients demonstrated anterior flail injury pattern with or without sternal fracture, with one patient having multiple severely displaced fractures. Surgical stabilization of rib fracture was performed appropriately to restore chest wall stability. Mean intensive care unit length of stay was 9.8 ± 6.4 days and overall hospital length of stay 24.6 ± 13.2 days. Median postoperative ventilation was 2 days (range, 1-15 days) with two patients developing pneumonia and one requiring tracheostomy. There were no mortalities at 30 days. One patient expired in hospice after a prolonged hospitalization. Disposition destination was variable. No hardware complications were noted on outpatient follow-up, and all surviving patients were home. CONCLUSION: Chest wall injuries are incurred frequently following CPR. Surgical stabilization of these injuries can be considered to promote ventilator liberation and rehabilitation. Careful patient selection is paramount, with surgery offered to those with reversible causes of arrest and good functional and neurologic outcome. Experience is early, with further investigation needed. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic, Level V.

Mapping of common rib fracture patterns and the subscapular flail chest associated with operative scapula fractures.

BACKGROUND: Rib fractures occur in approximately 10% of trauma patients and are associated with more than 50% of patients with scapula fractures. This study investigates the location and patterns of rib fractures and flail chest occurring in patients with operatively treated scapula fractures. Novel frequency mapping techniques of rib fracture patterns in patients who also injure the closely associated scapula can yield insight into surgical approaches and fixation strategies for complex, multiple injuries patients. We hypothesize that rib fractures have locations of common occurrence when presenting with concomitant scapula fracture that requires operative treatment. METHODS: Patients with one or more rib fractures and a chest computed tomography scan between 2004 and 2018 were identified from a registry of patients having operatively treated scapula fractures. Unfurled rib images were created using Syngo-CT Bone Reading software (Siemens Inc., Munich, Germany). Rib fracture and flail segment locations were marked and measured for standardized placement on a two-dimensional chest wall template. Location and frequency were then used to create a gradient heat map. RESULTS: A total of 1,062 fractures on 686 ribs were identified in 86 operatively treated scapula fracture patients. The mean ± SD number of ribs fractured per patient was 8.0 ± 4.1 and included a mean ± SD of 12.3 ± 7.2 total fractures. Rib fractures ipsilateral to the scapula fracture occurred in 96.5% of patients. The most common fracture and flail segment location was ipsilateral and subscapular; 51.4% of rib fractures and 95.7% of flail segments involved ribs 3 to 6. CONCLUSION: Patients indicated for operative treatment of scapula fractures have a substantial number of rib fractures that tend to most commonly occur posteriorly on the rib cage. There is a pattern of subscapular rib fractures and flail chest adjacent to the thick bony borders of the scapula. This study enables clinicians to better evaluate and diagnose scapular fracture patients with concomitant rib fractures. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Diagnostic test, level IV.

Long-term pulmonary function, thoracic pain, and quality of life in patients with one or more rib fractures.

BACKGROUND: Long-term outcomes after rib fractures and the effect of treatment modality or chest wall injury severity on these outcomes remains uncertain. This retrospective cohort study evaluated the long-term pulmonary function, thoracic pain, and quality of life in patients admitted with rib fractures. METHODS: Patients admitted with rib fractures between January 1, 2012, and December 1, 2019, were included. Data on long-term outcomes were collected during one follow-up visit. Patients were stratified by chest wall injury severity (one or two rib fractures, ≥3 rib fractures, or a flail chest) and treatment modality (surgical stabilization of rib fractures [SSRF] or nonoperative management). Multivariable analysis was performed to compare outcomes after SSRF with nonoperative treatment in patients with three or more rib fractures. RESULTS: In total, 300 patients were included. The median follow-up was 39 months (P25-P75, 18-65 months). At follow-up, the corrected forced vital capacity returned to 84.7% (P25-P75, 74.3-93.7) and the forced expiratory volume in 1 second to 86.3% (P25-P75, 75.3-97.0) of the predicted reference values. Quality of life was determined using the Short Form-12 version 2 and EuroQoL-5D-5L. The Short Form-12 version 2 physical and mental component summary were 45 (P25-P75, 38-54) and 53 (P25-P75, 43-60), respectively. The EuroQoL-5D-5L utility score was 0.82 (P25-P75 0.66-0.92) and visual analog scale score 75 (P25-P75 70-85). This indicated a quality of life within normal population ranges. Moderate to severe thoracic pain was reported by 64 (21.3%) patients. Long-term outcomes returned to values within population ranges and were similar across chest wall injury severity and for patients treated with SSRF or nonoperatively. CONCLUSION: While long-term pulmonary function and quality of life recover to values considered normal, subjective thoracic complaints, such as pain and dyspnea, remain frequently present following rib fractures. No effect of chest wall injury severity or treatment modality on long-term outcomes was demonstrated. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic, level III.

Fluorescence angiography-assisted debridement of critically perfused glabrous skin in degloving foot injuries: Two case reports.

RATIONALE: Degloving foot injuries are challenging to treat and associated with life-long sequelae for patients. An appropriate debridement of ischemic soft tissues with maximal preservation of glabrous skin is key during the reconstruction of these injuries. Indocyanine green (ICG) fluorescence angiography is an established technique for the intraoperative evaluation of tissue perfusion. PATIENT CONCERNS: Two patients sustained complex foot injuries in traffic accidents, including multiple fracture dislocations and extensive degloving of the plantar skin. DIAGNOSIS: Clinical inspection revealed significant degloving of the glabrous skin in both patients. INTERVENTIONS: After fracture fixation, ICG fluorescence angiography-assisted debridement with immediate latissimus dorsi free flap reconstruction was performed. OUTCOMES: In both cases, this technique allowed a precise debridement with maximal preservation of the glabrous skin. The healing of the remaining glabrous skin was uneventful and the 6-month follow-up was characterized by stable soft tissues and satisfying ambulation. LESSONS: ICG fluorescence angiography is a safe, user-friendly, and quick procedure with minimal risks, expanding the armamentarium of the reconstructive surgeon. It is highly useful for the debridement of extensive plantar degloving injuries and may also help to minimize the number of procedures and the risk of infection.

Treatment of Multiple Coronal Fractures in the Proximal Carpal Row with a Dorsal Distraction Bridge Plate: A Case Report.

Lunate coronal fracture is a rare injury, associated with impact along the capitate and lunate axis; neutralization of this axial force is important for satisfactory patient outcomes. This report presents a case of a 51-year-old man with a lunate coronal fracture associated with coronal fractures in the proximal carpal bones and volar and proximal dislocation of the distal carpal row. Open reduction and internal fixation with a dorsal distraction bridge plate were performed. Solid bony union was achieved at the fracture site and the patient resumed full activities without difficulty. Use of distraction bridge plate fixation can support treating this type of injury, in particular, in cases where the lunate fracture is difficult to treat with conventional osteosynthesis techniques; the presented approach provides good short-term results.

The Association of Zygomaticomaxillary Complex Fractures with Naso-Orbitoethmoid Fractures in Pediatric Populations.

BACKGROUND: Naso-orbitoethmoid fractures associated with ipsilateral zygomaticomaxillary complex fractures are more challenging injuries than zygomaticomaxillary complex fractures alone. However, there is a paucity of information on this complex fracture pattern in the pediatric population. This study investigated the cause, treatment, and outcomes of combined zygomaticomaxillary complex and naso-orbitoethmoid fractures versus isolated zygomaticomaxillary complex fractures in pediatric patients. METHODS: This was a 25-year retrospective cohort study of pediatric patients who presented to a single institution with zygomaticomaxillary complex fractures. Baseline patient demographics and clinical information, and concomitant injuries, treatment/operative management, and postoperative complications/deformities were recorded and compared between patients with combined zygomaticomaxillary complex and naso-orbitoethmoid fractures and patients with isolated zygomaticomaxillary complex fractures. RESULTS: Forty-nine patients were identified to have had zygomaticomaxillary complex fractures in the authors' 25-year study period, of whom 46 had adequate clinical documentation and follow-up. Seventeen patients had combined zygomaticomaxillary complex-naso-orbitoethmoid fractures, of whom six had panfacial fractures. Both patient groups (zygomaticomaxillary complex only and combined zygomaticomaxillary complex-naso-orbitoethmoid fractures) were similar in terms of demographics. However, a significantly greater proportion of combined fracture patients experienced postoperative complications compared to isolated zygomaticomaxillary complex fracture patients, even after excluding those with panfacial fractures (87.5 percent versus 35.3 percent; p < 0.001). Enophthalmos (37.5 percent) and midface growth restriction (37.5 percent) were the two most common complications/deformities in all combined fracture patients. CONCLUSIONS: High-impact trauma can lead to zygomaticomaxillary complex fractures with associated naso-orbitoethmoid fractures in children. This injury pattern was found to cause significantly greater postoperative morbidity than isolated zygomaticomaxillary complex fractures alone. Thus, pediatric patients presenting with this complex facial fracture pattern should be closely monitored. CLINICAL QUESTION/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Risk, II.

Simultaneous ipsilateral distal radius and radial head fractures: Two case reports of radius bipolar fracture.

RATIONALE: Distal radius fracture with simultaneous ipsilateral radial head fracture is a very rare pattern of injury. This type of injury is referred to as 'radius bipolar fracture'. Treatments for this injury pattern can be challenging because both the wrist and elbow need to be considered. There are currently no guidelines for the treatment of this specific type of injury. We report two cases of this unusual pattern of injury treated in our hospital. PATIENT CONCERNS: Case 1 was a 78-year-old female patient and case 2 was a 19-year-old female patient who visited our emergency department with left elbow and wrist pain after slipping and falling. DIAGNOSIS: Plain radiography and computed tomography revealed radius bipolar fracture. Case 1 had an AO type C3 distal radius fracture, a Mason type III radial head fracture. Case 2 had an AO type B2 undisplaced distal radius fracture and a Mason type III radial head fracture. INTERVENTIONS: In case 1, open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) was performed for the distal radius fracture and radial head replacement arthroplasty for the radial head fracture. In case 2, distal radius fracture was treated conservatively and ORIF was performed for the radial head fracture. OUTCOMES: Bony union as achieved in both cases. At 1-year follow-up, case 1 showed slight limited range of motion of the wrist. Case 2 showed no radius shortening and full range of motion of the wrist and elbow. The Quick disabilities of the arm, shoulder and hand score was 18 and 16, respectively. LESSONS: After this type of injury, the radius length can be changed, and as a result, ulnar variance can be affected. When radial head replaced is considered, it would be better to operate on the wrist first, and then perform radial head replacement. In this way, radiocapitellar overstuffing or instability can be prevented. However, if ORIF is planned for proximal radius fracture, either the proximal or distal radius can be fixed first. Surgeons should try to preserve radial length during treatment to optimize patient outcomes.

Percutaneous bridge plating of extra-articular distal fibular fracture for the management of distal tibia type III open fracture.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study is to conduct clinical and radiographic evaluations of the use of percutaneous bridge plating for distal fibular fractures combined with distal tibia type III open fractures. METHODS: Thirty-four patients with acute distal third fibular shaft fractures (4F2A(c) and 4F2B(c) according to the AO/OTA classification) combined with distal tibia type III open fractures were enrolled. Concurrent fibular fractures were fixed with the percutaneous bridge plating simultaneously, while distal tibia open fractures were temporally stabilized with a spanning external fixator. Clinical and radiographic outcomes were evaluated using the Lower Extremity Functional Scale (LEFS), the proportional length difference of the fibula, the talocrural angle, the union rate of the fibula and tibia, the operation time, and complications at the final follow-up. RESULTS: All fibular fractures healed with an average bone healing time of 20.7 ± 6.3 weeks (range, 16-35). The mean proportional length difference was 0.492 ± 0.732% compared with that in the uninjured fibula. The functional assessment result according to the LEFS was 74.0 ± 3.70 points (range, 57-80). No cases of fibula fracture infection developed throughout the follow-up period in any of the patients. Iatrogenic postoperative superficial peroneal nerve injury was not found in any of the patients. CONCLUSION: With the perspective of minimizing soft tissue problems due to high-energy trauma, the application of percutaneous bridge plating for the treatment of distal fibular fractures can be an alternative to conventional treatment methods.

Outcome after surgical stabilization of rib fractures versus nonoperative treatment in patients with multiple rib fractures and moderate to severe traumatic brain injury (CWIS-TBI).

BACKGROUND: Outcomes after surgical stabilization of rib fractures (SSRF) have not been studied in patients with multiple rib fractures and traumatic brain injury (TBI). We hypothesized that SSRF, as compared with nonoperative management, is associated with favorable outcomes in patients with TBI. METHODS: A multicenter, retrospective cohort study was performed in patients with rib fractures and TBI between January 2012 and July 2019. Patients who underwent SSRF were compared to those managed nonoperatively. The primary outcome was mechanical ventilation-free days. Secondary outcomes were intensive care unit length of stay and hospital length of stay, tracheostomy, occurrence of complications, neurologic outcome, and mortality. Patients were further stratified into moderate (GCS score, 9-12) and severe (GCS score, ≤8) TBI. RESULTS: The study cohort consisted of 456 patients of which 111 (24.3%) underwent SSRF. The SSRF was performed at a median of 3 days, and SSRF-related complication rate was 3.6%. In multivariable analyses, there was no difference in mechanical ventilation-free days between the SSRF and nonoperative groups. The odds of developing pneumonia (odds ratio [OR], 0.59; 95% confidence interval [95% CI], 0.38-0.98; p = 0.043) and 30-day mortality (OR, 0.32; 95% CI, 0.11-0.91; p = 0.032) were significantly lower in the SSRF group. Patients with moderate TBI had similar outcome in both groups. In patients with severe TBI, the odds of 30-day mortality was significantly lower after SSRF (OR, 0.19; 95% CI, 0.04-0.88; p = 0.034). CONCLUSION: In patients with multiple rib fractures and TBI, the mechanical ventilation-free days did not differ between the two treatment groups. In addition, SSRF was associated with a significantly lower risk of pneumonia and 30-day mortality. In patients with moderate TBI, outcome was similar. In patients with severe TBI a lower 30-day mortality was observed. There was a low SSRF-related complication risk. These data suggest a potential role for SSRF in select patients with TBI. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic, level IV.

Total Scapholunate Extrusion Into the Forearm in a Transscaphoid, Transcapitate Perilunate Fracture Dislocation: A Case Report.

CASE: A 50-year-old woman involved in a motorcycle accident sustained a transscaphoid transcapitate perilunate fracture dislocation with complete extrusion of the proximal scaphoid pole and lunate as a unit into the forearm. The patient underwent urgent open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) with screw fixation of the capitate and Kirschner wire fixation of the scaphoid, midcarpal joint, and lunotriquetral intervals. At 1-year postoperatively, radiographs confirm healing of capitate and scaphoid fractures, with no signs of avascular necrosis of the lunate. CONCLUSION: Despite a complex fracture-dislocation pattern, treatment with ORIF can successfully lead to scaphoid and capitate union and lunate revascularization.

Clinical efficacy of surgical versus conservative treatment for multiple rib fractures: A meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

BACKGROUND: There are still controversies between surgical treatment and conservative treatment for multiple rib fractures (MRFs). No consensus has been reached concerning the indications and timing of surgery. In this meta-analysis, we aimed to determine the optimal treatment for MRFs. METHODS: Six databases (PubMed, Medline, Embase, Cochrane, Cnki, Wanfang Database) were retrieved for all eligible randomized controlled trials (RCTs) published before January 2020. MRFs were treated either with operative reduction and internal fixation or conservative treatment. The pertinent data were retrieved. The quality of RCTs was evaluated by the modified Jadad rating scale and meta-analysis was performed using RevMan 5.3 software. RESULTS: Seven RCTs involving 538 MRFs patients (260 were treated surgically vs. 278 conservatively) were included in this meta-analysis. Compared with conservative treatment, surgical treatment resulted in shorter length of hospital stay (WMD -8.48; 95% CI -11.34 to -5.63; P < 0.001), length of ICU stay (WMD -5.72; 95% CI -7.31 to -4.13; P < 0.001) and duration of mechanical ventilation (WMD -4.93; 95% CI -8.79 to -1.07; P = 0.01), with a lower risk of complications including pneumonia (RR 0.40; 95% CI 0.30 to 0.53; P < 0.001) and chest wall deformity (RR 0.07; 95% CI 0.03 to 0.14; P < 0.001). The sensitivity analysis carried out by excluding one study with significant heterogeneity showed that the rate of tracheostomy was lower in the surgical group than in the conservative group (RR 0.44; 95% CI 0.28 to 0.71; P = 0.0008). CONCLUSIONS: For patients with MRFs, surgical treatment resulted in faster recovery, a lower risk of complications and better prognosis than conservative treatment.

Tendon Turndown to Bridge a Tibialis Anterior Gap and Restore Active Dorsiflexion After Degloving Foot Injury in a Child: A Case Report.

CASE: A child with a severe degloving injury to the dorsum of the foot and ankle had segmental loss of the tibialis anterior tendon and toe extensors. A tendon turndown procedure was used, and the repaired tendon was covered with a latissimus muscle free flap to restore active ankle dorsiflexion. Details of the procedure are described, and active dorsiflexion and functional ambulation were restored. CONCLUSIONS: The tendon turndown method is a simple and effective way to overcome segmental tendon loss of tibialis anterior and allowed restoration of active dorsiflexion in this case without relying on tendon transfers or grafting.