[Survey about the impact of COVID-19 on the traumatology and orthopedic surgery departments in Spain]. / Encuesta acerca del impacto de la COVID-19 en los servicios de Cirugía Ortopédica y Traumatología de España.

INTRODUCTION: We designed and conducted a survey to analyze the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the operation and performance of the orthopedic departments of the National Health System and private entities. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Descriptive study of a survey is distributed to Spanish Ortohopedic surgeons via Internet. RESULTS: 401 valid responses were obtained, out of these 85.7% had to reduce their surgical activity between 50% and 100%. 46% of the sample were asked to collaborate in other units or services and another 43% felt that their work had been underused. 52% modified the treatment indications in various bone fractures, with variability between centers and communities. 30% reported being satisfied with the management from the state and 60% with that of their province and center. 70% showed little to no satisfaction with the training received on the use of masks and personal protective equipment. An additional of 80% were also unsatisfied with the training received with regard to sample-taking. 65% did not have protective equipment to carry out their work. 46% have been denied protective measures to treat patients with suspected or confirmed infection. CONCLUSION: The COVID-19 pandemic has placed the National Health System in an extremely serious situation. Through the analysis of the results, we can observe an inefficient use of available human resources, a widespread discontent, as well as an absence of means and measures, which has had a direct impact on the number of infected professionals.

Does the fracture of the lateral wall affect the degree of collapse and the degree of sliding of the cephalic plate, in pertrochanteric fractures treated by intramedullary interlocking? Radiological study and review of the literature. / ¿Afecta la fractura de la pared lateral al grado de colapso y al grado de deslizamiento de la lámina cefálica, en fracturas pertrocantéreas tratadas mediante enclavado intramedular? Estudio radiológico y revisión de la literatura.

BACKGROUND: Lateral wall fracture has been recognized as an important sign of instability of pertrochanteric fractures. The aim of the present study is to assess the relationship between lateral wall fractures, helical blade telescoping and neck shortening in fractures treated with intramedullary nailing. MATERIAL AND METHOD: A descriptive radiological study was performed at our institution. Patients who suffered a pertrochanteric fracture, treated at Hospital 12 de Octubre by intramedullary nailing were included. All fractures were classified according to Evans and AO systems. Preoperative and postoperative radiological assessment was carried out including a lateral wall fracture classification, helical blade telescoping and femoral neck shortening. RESULTS: 210 patients were included, 48% had a fracture of the femoral lateral wall. Helical blade telescoping was higher in lower lateral wall fractures with respect to higher fractures. Difference was statistically significant (p<0.05). Neck shortening was higher in fractures with femoral lateral wall disruption; despite not have found any significant differences comparing to fractures with intact lateral wall (P=.39). Multivariate analysis showed statistically significant association between helical blade telescoping, neck shortening and lateral wall fracture. CONCLUSIONS: There is evidence of a higher helical blade telescoping and neck shortening in pertrochanteric fractures with lateral wall fracture treated with intramedullary nails, especially in those with most unstable patterns such us fractures of the lateral wall distal to the vastus ridge.

Tibial nailing using a suprapatellar rather than an infrapatellar approach significantly reduces anterior knee pain postoperatively: a multicentre clinical trial.

AIMS: The aim of this study was to compare the incidence of anterior knee pain after antegrade tibial nailing using suprapatellar and infrapatellar surgical approaches. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A total of 95 patients with a tibial fracture requiring an intramedullary nail were randomized to treatment using a supra- or infrapatellar approach. Anterior knee pain was assessed at four and six months, and one year postoperatively, using the Aberdeen Weightbearing Test - Knee (AWT-K) score and a visual analogue scale (VAS) score for pain. The AWT-K is an objective patient-reported outcome measure that uses weight transmitted through the knee when kneeling as a surrogate for anterior knee pain. RESULTS: A total of 53 patients were randomized to a suprapatellar approach and 42 to an infrapatellar approach. AWT-K results showed a greater mean proportion of weight transmitted through the injured leg compared with the uninjured leg when kneeling in the suprapatellar group compared with the infrapatellar group at all timepoints at all follow-up visits. This reached significance at four months for all timepoints except 30 seconds. It also reached significance at six months at 0 seconds, and for one year at 60 seconds. CONCLUSION: The suprapatellar surgical approach for antegrade tibial nailing is associated with less anterior knee pain postoperatively compared with the infrapatellar approach Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2019;101-B:1138-1143.

Valoración de parámetros clínicos del paciente politraumatizado como predictores del gasto hospitalario y de su distribución / Assessment of clinical parameters of the polytraumatized patient as predictors of hospital expenditure and of its distribution

Introducción: La enfermedad traumática continúa representando un importante problema socio-sanitario. El objetivo del estudio es valorar predictores clínicos del gasto total, así como analizar que componentes del coste se modifican con cada parámetro clínico del politraumatizado. Material y métodos: Estudio retrospectivo de 131 politraumatizados registrados prospectivamente. Se llevó a cabo un análisis estadístico para valorar la relación entre parámetros clínicos, el coste total y el coste de los principales componentes del tratamiento. Resultados: El coste total del ingreso hospitalario fue de 3.791.879 euros. El gasto medio por paciente fue de 28.945 Euros. La edad y el género no fueron predictores del coste. Las escalas ISS, NISS y PS fueron predictores del coste total y del coste de diferentes facetas del tratamiento. El AIS de cráneo y tórax predijo un mayor coste de ingreso en UCI y de coste total. El AIS de miembros inferiores se asoció exclusivamente a un mayor gasto en las facetas de tratamiento relacionadas con la actividad quirúrgica. Discusión: Existen parámetros clínicos que son predictores del coste de tratamiento del paciente politraumatizado. En el estudio se describe como el tipo de traumatismo que presenta el paciente modifica el tipo de gastos que presentará en su ingreso hospitalario. Conclusiones: Los pacientes politraumatizados que presentan lesión multisistémica grave presentan incremento del gasto en múltiples componentes del coste de tratamiento. Los pacientes donde predomina el TCE o traumatismo torácico presentan un mayor coste por ingreso en la UCI y los que predomina el traumatismo ortopédico asocian un mayor gasto en actividad quirúrgica

Introduction: Traumatic pathology continues to represent an important socio-health problem. The aim of the study was to assess the clinical predictors of total expenditure, as well as to analyze which components of the cost are modified with each clinical parameter of the polytraumatized patient. Material and methods: Retrospective study of 131 polytrauma patients registered prospectively. A statistical analysis was carried out to assess the relationship between clinical parameters, the total cost and the cost of various treatment components. Results: The total cost of hospital admission was 3,791,879 euros. The average cost per patient was Euros 28,945. Age and gender were not predictors of cost. The scales ISS, NISS and PS were predictors of the total cost and of multiple treatment components. The AIS of Skull and Thorax predicted a higher cost of admission to ICU and Total Cost. The AIS of lower limbs was associated with greater spending on facets of treatment related to surgical activity. Discussion: There are clinical parameters that are predictors of the treatment cost of the polytraumatized patient. The study describes how the type of trauma that the patient suffers modifies the type of expenses that will present in their hospital admission. Conclusions: Polytraumatized patients with severe multisystem injury present increased costs in multiple components of the treatment cost. Patients with TBI or chest trauma present a higher cost for admission to ICU and those with orthopaedic trauma are associated with greater expenditure on surgical activity

Assessment of clinical parameters of the polytraumatized patient as predictors of hospital expenditure and of its distribution. / Valoración de parámetros clínicos del paciente politraumatizado como predictores del gasto hospitalario y de su distribución.

INTRODUCTION: Traumatic pathology continues to represent an important socio-health problem. The aim of the study was to assess the clinical predictors of total expenditure, as well as to analyze which components of the cost are modified with each clinical parameter of the polytraumatized patient. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Retrospective study of 131 polytrauma patients registered prospectively. A statistical analysis was carried out to assess the relationship between clinical parameters, the total cost and the cost of various treatment components. RESULTS: The total cost of hospital admission was 3,791,879 euros. The average cost per patient was € 28,945. Age and gender were not predictors of cost. The scales ISS, NISS and PS were predictors of the total cost and of multiple treatment components. The AIS of Skull and Thorax predicted a higher cost of admission to ICU and Total Cost. The AIS of lower limbs was associated with greater spending on facets of treatment related to surgical activity. DISCUSSION: There are clinical parameters that are predictors of the treatment cost of the polytraumatized patient. The study describes how the type of trauma that the patient suffers modifies the type of expenses that will present in their hospital admission. CONCLUSIONS: Polytraumatized patients with severe multisystem injury present increased costs in multiple components of the treatment cost. Patients with TBI or chest trauma present a higher cost for admission to ICU and those with orthopaedic trauma are associated with greater expenditure on surgical activity.

Tratamiento de las fracturas diafisarias extraarticulares de húmero distal por abordaje posterior modificado y placa extraarticular / Surgical treatment of extra-articular distal-third diaphyseal fractures of the humerus using a modified posterior approach and an extra-articular plate

Objetivo. Evaluar los resultados clínicos y radiológicos del tratamiento quirúrgico de las fracturas diafisarias extraarticulares de húmero distal tratadas mediante un abordaje posterior modificado con una placa extraarticular preconformada de húmero distal. Material y métodos. Realizamos un estudio retrospectivo entre los años 2013 y 2015 de 23 pacientes mayores de 18 años, 45 años de media, con diagnóstico de fractura extraarticular de húmero distal que fueron intervenidos quirúrgicamente en nuestro centro mediante abordaje posterior modificado de Gerwin y placa extraarticular de húmero distal con seguimiento mínimo de un año y seguimiento medio de 18 meses. Se excluyeron las fracturas patológicas. Se recogieron los datos demográficos, el tipo de fractura, la lateralidad, el mecanismo de producción y la presencia de parálisis radial. Se evaluó el resultado clínico-funcional con las escalas Quick-Dash (QD), MEPS y EVA, el resultado radiológico y el tiempo hasta la consolidación. Se recogieron la satisfacción (sí o no) y las complicaciones. Resultados. Seis pacientes presentaban fractura tipo 12-A, 7 tipo 12-B y 10 tipo 12-C. Todos los pacientes presentaron consolidación al año de la intervención (media 12 semanas). Nueve pacientes presentaron parálisis radial prequirúrgica y uno posquirúrgica. No hubo complicaciones relacionadas con fracasos de material y se observaron 2 infecciones de herida quirúrgica. La puntuación media de las escalas fue la siguiente: QD 6,43, EVA 0,66, MEPS 88,88; 12 resultados fueron considerados como excelentes, 3 como buenos y 3 como suficientes. Conclusión. La osteosíntesis de este tipo de fracturas con placa extraarticular empleando el abordaje de Gerwin presenta una tasa de complicaciones muy baja, permite la exploración del nervio radial con una buena exposición proximal del húmero, permite reducción anatómica con montaje rígido y estabilización absoluta de la fractura, dejando libre las articulaciones, obtiene altas tasas de consolidación con excelentes resultados funcionales y una rápida vuelta a la actividad de los pacientes (AU)

Purpose. To evaluate the clinical and radiological outcomes of these fractures treated through a modified posterior approach with a distal humerus plate. Material and methods. Between 2013 and 2015 we performed a retrospective study of these fractures surgically treated in our centre. Inclusion criteria: older than 18 years old, no pathological fractures, follow up 1 year at least. 23 patients underwent surgery, mean age 45 years old, with an average follow-up of 18 months. Patient characteristics, aetiology and type of fractures were recorded. The surgery was performed using Gerwin modified posterior approach with a posterolateral distal humerus plate. Clinical results were evaluated using Quick DASH, MEPS, VAS. Radiological results were also evaluated. Complications associated with treatment and radial nerve palsy incidence were recorded as well. Results. Type of fracture according AO/OTA: six 12-A, seven 12-B, ten 12-C. 23 patients progressed to union. After one year: QD 6.43, VAS 0.66, MEPS 88.88. No failure of internal fixation. Two superficial infections. 15 excellent results, 5 good, and 3 fair, with no poor results. Conclusion. Surgical fixation of these fractures through a modified posterior approach with a posterolateral plate minimises iatrogenic nerve injury, provides better visualisation of the proximal humerus, provides stable fixation of these injuries and results in high union rates and overall excellent functional results (AU)

Surgical treatment of extra-articular distal-third diaphyseal fractures of the humerus using a modified posterior approach and an extra-articular plate. / Tratamiento de las fracturas diafisarias extraarticulares de húmero distal por abordaje posterior modificado y placa extraarticular.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the clinical and radiological outcomes of these fractures treated through a modified posterior approach with a distal humerus plate. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Between 2013 and 2015 we performed a retrospective study of these fractures surgically treated in our centre. INCLUSION CRITERIA: older than 18 years old, no pathological fractures, follow up 1 year at least. 23 patients underwent surgery, mean age 45 years old, with an average follow-up of 18 months. Patient characteristics, aetiology and type of fractures were recorded. The surgery was performed using Gerwin modified posterior approach with a posterolateral distal humerus plate. Clinical results were evaluated using Quick DASH, MEPS, VAS. Radiological results were also evaluated. Complications associated with treatment and radial nerve palsy incidence were recorded as well. RESULTS: Type of fracture according AO/OTA: six 12-A, seven 12-B, ten 12-C. 23 patients progressed to union. After one year: QD 6.43, VAS 0.66, MEPS 88.88. No failure of internal fixation. Two superficial infections. 15 excellent results, 5 good, and 3 fair, with no poor results. CONCLUSION: Surgical fixation of these fractures through a modified posterior approach with a posterolateral plate minimises iatrogenic nerve injury, provides better visualisation of the proximal humerus, provides stable fixation of these injuries and results in high union rates and overall excellent functional results.

Fracturas abiertas / Open fractures

Se presenta una revisión del estado actual del tratamiento de las fracturas abiertas. Procurando despejar controversias y establecer los principios básicos de su tratamiento actual. El empleo de antibióticos en el tratamiento inicial de las fracturas abiertas es un concepto bien establecido, cuanto más precoz es su administración mayor es la reducción de la posibilidad de infección. Cuanto más radical es el desbridamiento, menor es la tasa de infección. El método de fijación de elección para las fracturas abiertas de las diáfisis de la extremidad inferior es el enclavado endomedular. El uso de fijadores externos debería limitarse a los casos de politraumatismos. Si el desbridamiento ha sido exhaustivo, se obtiene un mejor resultado con el cierre primario de la herida. Se debe reparar la pérdida de partes blandas tan pronto como sea posible y mediante el uso del sistema más simple pero eficaz en la escalera ortoplástica: cierre secundario, injerto libre, colgajo rotacional, colgajo libre microvascularizado. Aunque algunas pautas de tratamiento son claras, cada fractura abierta es distinta por lo cual el tratamiento debe ajustarse a cada fractura y a cada paciente (AU)

A review is presented on the current status of open fracture treatments, and an attempt is made to clear up controversies and establish the basic principles of their current treatment. The use of antibiotics in the initial treatment of open fractures is a well known concept, and the earlier they are given the greater is the reduction in the likelihood of infection. The more radical the debridement is, the lower the rate of infection. The fixation method of choice for open fractures of the diaphysis of the leg is the intramedullary nail. The use of external fixation should be limited to cases of multiple traumas. If the debridement has been exhaustive, a better result is obtained with the primary closure of the wound. The loss of soft tissue must be repaired as soon as possible and using the simplest but most efficient system on the orthoplastic ladder; secondary closure, free graft, rotational flap, free microvascularised flap. Although some treatment guidelines are clear, each open fracture is different and must be adapted to each fracture and to each patient (AU)

Injury patterns from major urban terrorist bombings in trains: the Madrid experience.

BACKGROUND: Terrorist urban mass casualty incidents (MCI) in the last 3 years have targeted commuter trains at rush hour, producing large numbers of casualties. Civilian care providers are usually not familiar with the types of blast injuries sustained by victims of these MCI. METHODS: We focus on the injury patterns sustained by casualties of the Madrid, 11 March 2004, terrorist bombings, at the seven hospitals that received most victims. Data were gathered of casualties who had injuries other than superficial bruises, transient hearing loss from barotrauma without eardrum perforation, and/or emotional shock. The degree of severity in critical patients was assessed with the ISS. RESULTS: The bombings resulted in 177 immediate fatalities, 9 early deaths, and 5 late deaths. Most survivors had noncritical injuries, but 72 (14%) of 512 casualties assessed had an Injury Severity Score (ISS) >15. The critical mortality rate was of 19.5%. The most frequently injured body regions were the head-neck and face. Almost 50% of casualties had ear-drum perforation, and 60% of them were bilateral. There were 43 documented cases of blast lung injury, with a survival rate of 88.3%. Maxillofacial and open long-bone fractures were most prevalent. Gustillo's grade III of severity predominated in tibia-fibular and humeral fractures. Upper thoracic fractures (D1-6 segment) represented 65% of all vertebral fractures and were associated with severe blast to the torso. Severe burns were uncommon. Eye injuries were frequent, although most were of a mild-to-moderate severity. Abdominal visceral lesions were present in 25 (5%) patients. A multidisciplinary approach was necessary in most operated patients, and orthopedic trauma procedures accounted for 50% of the caseload in the first 24 h. CONCLUSIONS: Ninety-three percent of the fatalities of the Madrid trains terrorist bombings were immediate, and most survivors had noncritical injuries. Closed doors increased the immediate fatality rate in the trains. Severely wounded casualties presented specific patterns of injuries, some of them life-threatening and unusual in other types of trauma mechanisms. Ear-lobe amputations and upper thoracic spine fractures were markers of critical injuries.

Protocolo combinado de fijación externa y arteriografía en fracturas de pelvis con inestabilidad hemodinámica asociada: estudio retrospectivo sobre 79 casos / A combined external fixation and arteriography protocol for pelvic fractures with associated hemodynamic instability: retrospective study of 79 cases

Objetivo. Las fracturas de pelvis se asocian con frecuencia a sangrado intrapélvico arterial y/o venoso, ocasionando una mortalidad elevada que varía entre el 10 y 50%. Existen numerosos protocolos de tratamiento publicados para el control temprano de la hemorragia, que coinciden en la necesidad de un abordaje decidido y multidisciplinario combinando distintas maniobras terapéuticas. El objetivo del presente estudio consiste en determinar la aplicabilidad y la evolución clínica y los resultados de la aplicación de un algoritmo diagnóstico terapéutico, en un grupo de 79 pacientes con fractura de pelvis e inestabilidad hemodinámica mantenida asociada. Material y método. Estudio retrospectivo sobre una serie de pacientes con fractura de pelvis e inestabilidad hemodinámica asociada ingresados en nuestro centro desde 1994 a 2004. Los criterios de inclusión fueron: pacientes con fractura de pelvis por mecanismo de alta energía e inestabilidad hemodinámica definida como tensión arterial sistólica < 90 mmHg al ingreso o necesidades transfusionales superiores a dos unidades de concentrado de hematíes durante las primeras 12 horas. Resultados. Se utilizó fijación externa en 45 pacientes (57%) y 48 pacientes (61%) fueron sometidos a arteriografía, encontrándose sangrado arterial activo intrapélvico en 44 casos (56%). Veintiún pacientes precisaron de arteriografía y fijación externa de manera secuencial. Se realizó laparotomía en 24 pacientes. La incidencia de complicaciones sistémicas fue alta y la mortalidad del 19%. La aplicación del algoritmo fue elevada, excepto para el grupo de pacientes que precisó laparotomía y tenía configuración de fractura en libro abierto. Dicho grupo presentó una mortalidad elevada. Conclusiones. La incidencia de lesiones arteriales comprobadas por arteriografía fue muy alta. El empleo de un protocolo combinado de fijación externa y arteriografía adaptado a las características asistenciales de cada centro permite controlar el sangrado intrapélvico en un número importante de casos. Las indicaciones de laparotomía deben restringirse al tratamiento del hemoperitoneo y de fracturas abiertas, y debe acompañarse siempre de fijación externa

Purpose. Frequently pelvic fractures are associated with arterial and/or venous intrapelvic bleeding, resulting in a high mortality rate ranging between 10 and 50%. Numerous treatment protocols have been published for the early control of hemorrhage. All of them agree on the need of a determined and multi-disciplinary approach that combines various therapeutic methods. The purpose of this study is to determine the applicability, clinical evolution and results of a therapeutic diagnostic algorithm used with a group of 79 patients with a pelvis fracture and a related hemodynamic instability. Materials and methods. This is a retrospective study of a series of patients with a pelvic fracture associated to hemodynamic instability, who were admitted to our hospital between 1994 and 2004. The inclusion criteria were as follows: patients with a high-energy pelvic fracture and hemodynamic instability. The criteria used to define hemodynamic instability were a systolic blood pressure < 90 mmHg on admission or transfusion needs higher than 2 units of red cell concentrate in the first 12 hours. Results. External fixation was used for 45 patients (57%). 48 patients (61%) were subjected to an arteriography, which revealed active arterial intrapelvic bleeding in 44 cases (56%). Twenty-one patients required an arterography plus external fixation, one after the other. twenty-four patients underwent a laparotomy. The incidence of systemic complications was high and mortality stood at 19%. The application of the algorithm was fairly widespread, except for patients requiring a laparotomy and presenting with an open-book type fracture. This group had a high mortality rate. Conclusions. The incidence of arteriography-validated arterial lesions was very high. The use of a combined external fixation and arteriography protocol, adapted to the specific health-care characteristics of each hospital makes it possible to check intrapelvic bleeding in quite a large number of cases. Indications for laparotomy should be restricted to the treatment of the hemoperitoneum and of open fractures, and should always be accompanied by some external fixation device