Fracture haematoma proteomics.

Aims: The aim of this study was to determine the fracture haematoma (fxH) proteome after multiple trauma using label-free proteomics, comparing two different fracture treatment strategies. Methods: A porcine multiple trauma model was used in which two fracture treatment strategies were compared: early total care (ETC) and damage control orthopaedics (DCO). fxH was harvested and analyzed using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. Per group, discriminating proteins were identified and protein interaction analyses were performed to further elucidate key biomolecular pathways in the early fracture healing phase. Results: The early fxH proteome was characterized by immunomodulatory and osteogenic proteins, and proteins involved in the coagulation cascade. Treatment-specific proteome alterations were observed. The fxH proteome of the ETC group showed increased expression of pro-inflammatory proteins related to, among others, activation of the complement system, neutrophil functioning, and macrophage activation, while showing decreased expression of proteins related to osteogenesis and tissue remodelling. Conversely, the fxH proteome of the DCO group contained various upregulated or exclusively detected proteins related to tissue regeneration and remodelling, and proteins related to anti-inflammatory and osteogenic processes. Conclusion: The early fxH proteome of the ETC group was characterized by the expression of immunomodulatory, mainly pro-inflammatory, proteins, whereas the early fxH proteome of the DCO group was more regenerative and osteogenic in nature. These findings match clinical observations, in which enhanced surgical trauma after multiple trauma causes dysbalanced inflammation, potentially leading to reduced tissue regeneration, and gained insights into regulatory mechanisms of fracture healing after severe trauma.

[Current diagnostics and treatment of ankle sprains in German]. / Aktuelle Diagnostik und Behandlung der Sprunggelenks-Distorsion in Deutschland.

BACKGROUND: Ankle sprains are one of the most frequent injuries of the musculoskeletal system. The injury pattern determines the treatment and are crucial for the outcome. Nonoperative treatment is commonly recommended for isolated injuries of the lateral ligaments but no standard strategy exists in combined ankle ligament injuries. The goal of this national survey was to achieve an overview about the current diagnostic strategies and common treatment concepts in Germany. MATERIAL AND METHODS: All members of the German Society for Orthopaedics and Trauma Surgery (DGOU) were invited to participate in an anonymous survey about the diagnostic and therapeutic approach in cases of ankle sprains. The online survey consisted of 20 questions. Besides questions about the speciality and scope of activities the participants were ask to depict their diagnostic and therapeutic strategy. RESULTS: A total of 806 participants completed the survey. Most of them were orthopedic trauma surgeons and worked in a hospital. During the first presentation the anterior drawer test (89.5%) and the inversion/eversion test (81.6%) were most commonly used, 88.1% always make an X­ray examination and 26.5% an ultrasonography examination. Isolated injuries of the anterior fibulotalar ligament (LFTA) were treated nonoperatively by 99.7% of the participants, 78.8% recommend full weight bearing in an orthesis, 78.8% treat the complete rupture of the lateral ligaments without operation whereas 30.1% stated that they would treat a combined lateral ligaments rupture with an injury of the syndesmosis nonoperatively. DISCUSSION: Due to the heterogeneity of injury patterns after ankle sprain no consistent recommendations for diagnostics and treatment exist. The Ottawa ankle rules and ultrasonography were not often utilized despite of the good evidence. The isolated rupture of the LFTA is diagnosed and treated according to the national guidelines by most of the participants. In cases of combined injuries of the lateral and medial ankle ligaments the majority choose a nonoperative treatment strategy which is justified by the guidelines with a low level of evidence. Combined injuries of the syndesmosis and the lateral ankle ligaments were treated operatively, which also correlates with the recommendations in the literature. The standard care of ankle sprain in Germany is in accordance with the recommendations from the current literature.

Systemic acylcarnitine levels are affected in response to multiple injuries and hemorrhagic shock - an analysis of lipidomic changes in a standardized porcine model.

INTRODUCTION: Along with recent advances in analytical technologies, TCA-cycle intermediates are increasingly identified as promising makers for cellular ischemia and mitochondrial dysfunction during hemorrhagic shock (HS). For traumatized patients, the knowledge of the role of lipid oxidation substrates is sparse. In this study, we aimed to analyze the dynamics of systemic acylcarnitine (AcCa) release in a standardized polytrauma model with HS. METHODS: 52 male pigs (50 ± 5 kg) were randomized into two groups: Group IF (isolated fracture) was subject to a standardized femur shaft fracture. Group PT (polytrauma) was subject to a femur fracture, followed by blunt chest trauma, liver laceration and a pressure controlled hemorrhagic shock for 60 min. Resuscitation was performed with crystalloids. Fractures were stabilized by intramedullary nailing. Venous samples were collected at 6 timepoints (baseline, trauma, resuscitation, 2 h, 4 h and 6 h). Lipidomic analysis was performed via liquid chromatography coupled mass spectrometry. Measurements were collated with clinical markers and near-infrared spectrometry measurements (NIRS) of tissue perfusion. Longitudinal analyses were performed with linear mixed models and spearman's correlations were calculated. A p-value of 0.05 was defined as threshold for statistical significance. RESULTS: From a total of 303 distinct lipids, we identified two species of long-chain AcCas. Both showed a highly significant (p < 0.001) two-fold increase after HS in Group PT that promptly normalized after resuscitation. This increase was associated with a significant decrease of the base excess (p = 0.005) but recovery after resuscitation was faster. For both AcCas, there were significant correlations with decreased muscle tissue oxygen delivery (p = 0.008, p = 0.003) and significant time-lagged correlations with the increase of creatine kinase (p < 0.001, p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Our results point to plasma AcCas as a possible indicator for mitochondrial dysfunction and cellular ischemia in HS. The more rapid normalization after resuscitation in comparison to acid base changes may warrant further investigation. STUDY TYPE: Experimental Animal Model. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: N/A.

Mass Spectrometry Reveals Molecular Effects of Citrulline Supplementation during Bone Fracture Healing in a Rat Model.

Bone fracture healing is a complex process in which specific molecular knowledge is still lacking. The citrulline-arginine-nitric oxide metabolism is one of the involved pathways, and its enrichment via citrulline supplementation can enhance fracture healing. This study investigated the molecular effects of citrulline supplementation during the different fracture healing phases in a rat model. Microcomputed tomography (µCT) was applied for the analysis of the fracture callus formation. Matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry imaging (MALDI-MSI) and liquid-chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) were used for lipid and protein analyses, respectively. µCT analysis showed no significant differences in the fracture callus volume and volume fraction between the citrulline supplementation and control group. The observed lipid profiles for the citrulline supplementation and control group were distinct for the different fracture healing stages. The main contributing lipid classes were phosphatidylcholines (PCs) and lysophosphatidylcholines (LPCs). The changing effect of citrulline supplementation throughout fracture healing was indicated by changes in the differentially expressed proteins between the groups. Pathway analysis showed an enhancement of fracture healing in the citrulline supplementation group in comparison to the control group via improved angiogenesis and earlier formation of the soft and hard callus. This study showed the molecular effects on lipids, proteins, and pathways associated with citrulline supplementation during bone fracture healing, even though no effect was visible with µCT.

In vivo study to assess fat embolism resulting from the Reamer-Irrigator-Aspirator 2 system compared to a novel aspirator-based concept for intramedullary bone graft harvesting.

INTRODUCTION: Fat embolism (FE) following intramedullary (IM) reaming can cause severe pulmonary complications and sudden death. Recently, a new harvesting concept was introduced in which a novel aspirator is used first for bone marrow (BM) aspiration and then for subsequent aspiration of morselized endosteal bone during sequential reaming (A + R + A). In contrast to the established Reamer-Irrigator-Aspirator (RIA) 2 system, the new A + R + A concept allows for the evacuation of fatty BM prior to reaming. In this study, we hypothesized that the risk of FE, associated coagulopathic reactions and pulmonary FE would be comparable between the RIA 2 system and the A + R + A concept. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Intramedullary bone graft was harvested from intact femora of 16 Merino sheep (age: 1-2 years) with either the RIA 2 system (n = 8) or the A + R + A concept (n = 8). Fat intravasation was monitored with the Gurd test, coagulopathic response with D-dimer blood level concentration and pulmonary FE with histological evaluation of the lungs. RESULTS: The total number and average size of intravasated fat particles was similar between groups (p = 0.13 and p = 0.98, respectively). D-dimer concentration did not significantly increase within 4 h after completion of surgery (RIA 2: p = 0.82; A + R + A: p = 0.23), with an interaction effect similar between groups (p = 0.65). The average lung area covered with fat globules was similar between groups (p = 0.17). CONCLUSIONS: The use of the RIA 2 system and the novel A + R + A harvesting concept which consists of BM evacuation followed by sequential IM reaming and aspiration of endosteal bone, resulted in only minor fat intravasation, coagulopathic reactions and pulmonary FE, with no significant differences between the groups. Our results, therefore, suggest that both the RIA 2 system and the new A + R + A concept are comparable technologies in terms of FE-related complications.

European society for trauma and emergency surgery member-identified research priorities in emergency surgery: a roadmap for future clinical research opportunities.

BACKGROUND: European Society for Trauma and Emergency Surgery (ESTES) is the European community of clinicians providing care to the injured and critically ill surgical patient. ESTES has several interlinked missions - (1) the promotion of optimal emergency surgical care through networked advocacy, (2) promulgation of relevant clinical cognitive and technical skills, and (3) the advancement of scientific inquiry that closes knowledge gaps, iteratively improves upon surgical and perioperative practice, and guides decision-making rooted in scientific evidence. Faced with multitudinous opportunities for clinical research, ESTES undertook an exercise to determine member priorities for surgical research in the short-to-medium term; these research priorities were presented to a panel of experts to inform a 'road map' narrative review which anchored these research priorities in the contemporary surgical literature. METHODS: Individual ESTES members in active emergency surgery practice were polled as a representative sample of end-users and were asked to rank potential areas of future research according to their personal perceptions of priority. Using the modified eDelphi method, an invited panel of ESTES-associated experts in academic emergency surgery then crafted a narrative review highlighting potential research priorities for the Society. RESULTS: Seventy-two responding ESTES members from 23 countries provided feedback to guide the modified eDelphi expert consensus narrative review. Experts then crafted evidence-based mini-reviews highlighting knowledge gaps and areas of interest for future clinical research in emergency surgery: timing of surgery, inter-hospital transfer, diagnostic imaging in emergency surgery, the role of minimally-invasive surgical techniques and Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) protocols, patient-reported outcome measures, risk-stratification methods, disparities in access to care, geriatric outcomes, data registry and snapshot audit evaluations, emerging technologies interrogation, and the delivery and benchmarking of emergency surgical training. CONCLUSIONS: This manuscript presents the priorities for future clinical research in academic emergency surgery as determined by a sample of the membership of ESTES. While the precise basis for prioritization was not evident, it may be anchored in disease prevalence, controversy around aspects of current patient care, or indeed the identification of a knowledge gap. These expert-crafted evidence-based mini-reviews provide useful insights that may guide the direction of future academic emergency surgery research efforts.

Porcine Mandibular Bone Marrow-Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cell (BMSC)-Derived Extracellular Vesicles Can Promote the Osteogenic Differentiation Capacity of Porcine Tibial-Derived BMSCs.

OBJECTIVE: Existing research suggests that bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) may promote endogenous bone repair. This may be through the secretion of factors that stimulate repair processes or directly through differentiation into osteoblast-progenitor cells. However, the osteogenic potential of BMSCs varies among different tissue sources (e.g., mandibular versus long BMSCs). The main aim of this study was to investigate the difference in osteogenic differentiation capacity between mandibular BMSCs (mBMSCs) and tibial BMSCs (tBMSCs). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Bioinformatics analysis of the GSE81430 dataset taken from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database was performed using GEO2R. BMSCs were isolated from mandibular and tibial bone marrow tissue samples. Healthy pigs (n = 3) (registered at the State Office for Nature, Environment, and Consumer Protection, North Rhine-Westphalia (LANUV) 81-02.04.2020.A215) were used for this purpose. Cell morphology and osteogenic differentiation were evaluated in mBMSCs and tBMSCs. The expression levels of toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) and nuclear transcription factor κB (NF-κB) were analyzed using quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) and Western blot (WB), respectively. In addition, mBMSC-derived extracellular vesicles (mBMSC-EVs) were gained and used as osteogenic stimuli for tBMSCs. Cell morphology and osteogenic differentiation capacity were assessed after mBMSC-EV stimulation. RESULTS: Bioinformatic analysis indicated that the difference in the activation of the TLR4/NF-κB pathway was more pronounced compared to all other examined genes. Specifically, this demonstrated significant downregulation, whereas only 5-7 upregulated genes displayed significant variances. The mBMSC group showed stronger osteogenic differentiation capacity compared to the tBMSC group, confirmed via ALP, ARS, and von Kossa staining. Furthermore, qPCR and WB analysis revealed a significant decrease in the expression of the TLR4/NF-κB pathway in the mBMSC group compared to the tBMSC group (TLR4 fold changes: mBMSCs vs. tBMSCs p < 0.05; NF-κB fold changes: mBMSCs vs. tBMSCs p < 0.05). The osteogenic differentiation capacity was enhanced, and qPCR and WB analysis revealed a significant decrease in the expression of TLR4 and NF-κB in the tBMSC group with mBMSC-EVs added compared to tBMSCs alone (TLR4 fold changes: p < 0.05; NF-κB fold changes: p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Our results indicate that mBMSC-EVs can promote the osteogenic differentiation of tBMSCs in vitro. The results also provide insights into the osteogenic mechanism of mBMSCs via TLR4/NF-κB signaling pathway activation. This discovery promises a fresh perspective on the treatment of bone fractures or malunions, potentially offering a novel therapeutic method.

Investigating the link between frailty and outcomes in geriatric patients with isolated rib fractures.

Background: Studies have shown an increased risk of morbidity in elderly patients suffering rib fractures from blunt trauma. The association between frailty and rib fractures on adverse outcomes is still ill-defined. In the current investigation, we sought to delineate the association between frailty, measured using the Orthopedic Frailty Score (OFS), and outcomes in geriatric patients with isolated rib fractures. Methods: All geriatric (aged 65 years or older) patients registered in the 2013-2019 Trauma Quality Improvement database with a conservatively managed isolated rib fracture were considered for inclusion. An isolated rib fracture was defined as the presence of ≥1 rib fracture, a thorax Abbreviated Injury Scale (AIS) between 1 and 5, an AIS ≤1 in all other regions, as well as the absence of pneumothorax, hemothorax, or pulmonary contusion. Based on patients' OFS, patients were classified as non-frail (OFS 0), pre-frail (OFS 1), or frail (OFS ≥2). The prevalence ratio (PR) of composite complications, in-hospital mortality, failure-to-rescue (FTR), and intensive care unit (ICU) admission between the OFS groups was determined using Poisson regression models to adjust for potential confounding. Results: A total of 65 375 patients met the study's inclusion criteria of whom 60% were non-frail, 29% were pre-frail, and 11% were frail. There was a stepwise increased risk of complications, in-hospital mortality, and FTR from non-frail to pre-frail and frail. Compared with non-frail patients, frail patients exhibited a 87% increased risk of in-hospital mortality [adjusted PR (95% CI): 1.87 (1.52-2.31), p<0.001], a 44% increased risk of complications [adjusted PR (95% CI): 1.44 (1.23-1.67), p<0.001], a doubling in the risk of FTR [adjusted PR (95% CI): 2.08 (1.45-2.98), p<0.001], and a 17% increased risk of ICU admission [adjusted PR (95% CI): 1.17 (1.11-1.23), p<0.001]. Conclusion: There is a strong association between frailty, measured using the OFS, and adverse outcomes in geriatric patients managed conservatively for rib fractures.

[Treatment of proximal femoral fractures : Principles, tips and tricks]. / Therapie proximaler Femurfrakturen : Grundlagen, Tipps und Tricks.

Proximal femoral fractures occur at an annual incidence of approximately 200/100,000 inhabitants and mortality rates range up to 30% especially in geriatric patients where complications are not necessarily associated to surgery. In nearly all cases surgical treatment is required. Procedures to preserve the femoral head have to be performed as early as possible (as specified by the Federal Joint Committee, GBA, within 24 h). For joint-preserving approaches in medial femoral neck fractures a time to surgery within 6 h is considered to be advantageous. Perioperative patient care is of high importance regarding the prevention of pneumonia, renal failure, delirium and further complications. Postoperatively full weight bearing enables for early mobilization and prevention of surgery-related complications. Nonunions, avascular necrosis of the femoral head, cut-out and prosthetic dislocation must be avoided by the selection of the appropriate procedure. Minimally displaced femoral neck fractures are primarily treated by osteosynthesis and conservative management is only considered in isolated cases. For displaced femoral neck fractures, factors such as a young biological age with high activity levels, the absence of arthritis and good bone quality with a successful reduction favor for a femoral head-preserving osteosynthesis. Otherwise, (hybrid) total hip replacement (THR) is the preferred method for unstable and displaced fractures, whereby hemiarthroplasty should only be considered for very old and patients with pre-existing diseases. Fractures in the trochanteric region are treated with a proximal femoral nail and subtrochanteric fractures are managed using a long proximal femoral nail. To avoid secondary complications, the choice of optimal treatment should be based on a good understanding of the injury pattern, biomechanical and technical aspects of each procedure.

Evaluation of an early-stage prototype polyurethane femoral head implant for hip arthroplasty.

Introduction: Thi study evalautes a new bone-preserving femoral head cover that mimics the articular cartilage of the femoral head. Methods: A specially developed polyurethane (PU) was evaluated in biocompatibility (cytotoxicity test) and mechanical response to tensile loading. In the cytotoxicity test, steam sterilized (SS) and ethylene oxide sterilized (EtO) PU samples were incubated separately in a cell culture medium. The seeded cell line MG-63 was then added to these sample-incubated cell culture mediums. One negative control group and one positive control group were also evaluated. The cells in each group were cultured for seven days before being quantified using the alamarBlue assay. In the mechanical test, the femoral head cover implants were separated into three groups of three samples. Each group represented a different implant insertion idea: direct insertion (uc sample) and another two insertion modes (is and ss samples) representing implants with enclosure mechanisms. The test consisted of distance-controlled cyclic tensile loadings followed by a failure test. Results: The cytotoxicity test results show no significant difference in fluorescence intensity between the negative control, the three SS groups, and one EtO group (P > 0.05). However, the other two EtO groups exhibit significantly lower fluorescence intensity compared with the negative control (P < 0.05). In the mechanical test, the is samples have the highest cyclic loading force at 559.50 ± 51.41 N, while the uc samples exhibit the highest force in the failure test at 632.16 ± 50.55 N. There are no significant differences (P > 0.05) among the uc, is, and ss groups in terms of stiffness. Conclusion: The cytotoxicity test and the mechanical experiment provide initial assessments of the proposed PU femoral head cover implant. The evaluation outcomes of this study could serve as a foundation for developing more functional design and testing methods, utilizing numerical simulations, and developing animal/clinical trials in the future.

Sex-Specific Size Analysis of Carpal Bones: Implications for Orthopedic Biomedical Device Design and Therapy Planning.

Consideration of the individual carpal bone characteristics of the wrist plays a key role in well-functioning biomedical devices and successful surgical procedures. Although geometric differences and individual bone sizes have been analyzed in the literature, detailed morphologic descriptions and correlations covering the entire wrist reported in a clinical context are lacking. This study aimed to perform a comprehensive and automatic analysis of the wrist morphology using the freely available "Open Source Carpal Database" (OSCD). We quantified the size of each of the individual carpal bones and their combination. These sizes were extracted in n = 117 datasets of the wrist of the OSCD in anatomical directions and analyzed using descriptive statics and correlation analysis to investigate the morphological characteristics under sex-specific aspects and to provide regression plots and equations to predict individual carpal bone sizes from the proximal and distal row dimensions. The correlations in the proximal row were higher compared to the distal row. We established comprehensive size correlations and size rations and found that there exist statistical differences between sex, particularly of the scaphoid. The regression plots and equations we provided will assist surgeons in a more accurate preoperative morphological evaluation for therapy planning and may be used for future anatomically inspired orthopedic biomedical device designs.

Kinematic movement and balance parameter analysis in neurological gait disorders.

BACKGROUND: Neurological gait disorders are mainly classified based on clinical observation, and therefore difficult to objectify or quantify. Movement analysis systems provide objective parameters, which may increase diagnostic accuracy and may aid in monitoring the disease course. Despite the increasing wealth of kinematic movement and balance parameter data, the discriminative value for the differentiation of neurological gait disorders is still unclear. We hypothesized that kinematic motion and balance parameter metrics would be differently altered across neurological gait disorders when compared to healthy controls. METHODS: Thirty one patients (9 normal pressure hydrocephalus < NPH > , 16 cervical myelopathy < CM > , 6 lumbar stenosis < LST >) and 14 healthy participants were investigated preoperatively in an outpatient setting using an inertial measurement system (MyoMotion) during 3 different walking tasks (normal walking, dual-task walking with simultaneous backward counting, fast walking). In addition, the natural postural sway of participants was measured by pedobarography, with the eyes opened and closed. The range of motion (ROM) in different joint angles, stride time, as well as sway were compared between different groups (between-subject factor), and different task conditions (within-subject factor) by a mixed model ANOVA. RESULTS: Kinematic metrics and balance parameters were differently altered across different gait disorders compared to healthy controls. Overall, NPH patients significantly differed from controls in all movement parameters except for stride time, while they differed in balance parameters only with regard to AP movement. LST patients had significantly reduced ROMs of the shoulders, hips, and ankles, with significantly altered balance parameters regarding AP movement and passed center-of-pressure (COP) distance. CM patients differed from controls only in the ROM of the hip and ankle, but were affected in nearly all balance parameters, except for force distribution. CONCLUSION: The application of inertial measurement systems and pedobarography is feasible in an outpatient setting in patients with different neurological gait disorders. Rather than defining singular discriminative values, kinematic gait and balance metrics may provide characteristic profiles of movement parameter alterations in the sense of specific ´gait signatures´ for different pathologies, which could improve diagnostic accuracy by defining objective and quantifiable measures for the discrimination of different neurological gait disorders. TRIAL REGISTRATION: The study was retrospectively registered on the 27th of March 2023 in the 'Deutsches Register für Klinische Studien' under the number DRKS00031555.

Movement patterns during gait initiation in older adults with various stages of frailty: a biomechanical analysis.

BACKGROUND: Gait initiation is challenging for older individuals with poor physical function, particularly for those with frailty. Frailty is a geriatric syndrome associated with increased risk of illness, falls, and functional decline. This study examines whether spatial and temporal parameters of gait initiation differ between groups of older adults with different levels of frailty, and whether fear of falling, and balance ability are correlated with the height of lifting the food during gait initiation. METHODS: Sixty-one individuals aged > 65 years, classified by Fried frailty phenotype, performed five self-paced gait initiation trials. Data was collected using a three-dimensional passive optical motion capture system, consisting of 10 cameras with the ability to perceive reflective markers, and two force plates. The total duration of gait initiation and the duration of its four sub-phases, the first step length, and the maximum foot clearance during the first step were derived, and compared statistically between groups. Additionally, an association analysis was conducted between foot clearance and fear of falling, and confidence in balance in older individuals. RESULTS: Frail individuals had significantly longer unloading durations, and total durations of gait initiation compared to non-frail older adults. Additionally, they had shorter first step lengths compared to non-frail older adults. Pre-frail older adults also showed shorter steps compared to the non-frail group. However, there were no significant differences between groups for the maximum foot clearance during the first step. Nevertheless, the maximum foot clearance of older individuals correlated significantly with their fear of falling and confidence in balance. CONCLUSION: Older adults with reduced physical function and signs of frailty mainly display longer duration of gait initiation and decreased first step length compared to non-frail older adults. The release phase is decreased as the double support phase is prolonged in frail patients. This information can guide the development of specialized exercise programs to improve mobility in this challenging motion between static and dynamic balance.

Antithrombotic prophylaxis following total hip arthroplasty: a level I Bayesian network meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Several clinical investigations have compared different pharmacologic agents for the prophylaxis of venous thromboembolism (VTE). However, no consensus has been reached. The present investigation compared enoxaparin, fondaparinux, aspirin and non-vitamin K antagonist oral anticoagulants (NOACs) commonly used as prophylaxis following total hip arthroplasty (THA). A Bayesian network meta-analysis was performed, setting as outcomes of interest the rate of deep venous thrombosis (DVT), pulmonary embolism (PE) and major and minor haemorrhages. METHODS: This study was conducted according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) extension statement for reporting systematic reviews incorporating network meta-analyses of healthcare interventions. All randomised controlled trials (RCTs) comparing two or more drugs used for the prophylaxis of VTE following THA were accessed. PubMed, Web of Science and Google Scholar databases were accessed in March 2023 with no time constraint. RESULTS: Data from 31,705 patients were extracted. Of these, 62% (19,824) were women, with age, sex ratio, and body mass index (BMI) being comparable at baseline. Apixaban 5 mg, fondaparinux, and rivaroxaban 60 mg were the most effective in reducing the rate of DVT. Dabigatran 220 mg, apixaban 5 mg, and aspirin 100 mg were the most effective in reducing the rate of PE. Apixaban 5 mg, ximelagatran 2 mg and aspirin 100 mg were associated with the lowest rate of major haemorrhages, while rivaroxaban 2.5 mg, apixaban 5 mg and enoxaparin 40 mg were associated with the lowest rate of minor haemorrhages. CONCLUSION: Administration of apixaban 5 mg demonstrated the best balance between VTE prevention and haemorrhage control following THA. Level of evidence Level I, network meta-analysis of RCTs.

Cardiac risk stratification and adverse outcomes in surgically managed patients with isolated traumatic spine injuries.

INTRODUCTION: As the incidence of traumatic spine injuries has been steadily increasing, especially in the elderly, the ability to categorize patients based on their underlying risk for the adverse outcomes could be of great value in clinical decision making. This study aimed to investigate the association between the Revised Cardiac Risk Index (RCRI) and adverse outcomes in patients who have undergone surgery for traumatic spine injuries. METHODS: All adult patients (18 years or older) in the 2013-2019 TQIP database with isolated spine injuries resulting from blunt force trauma, who underwent spinal surgery, were eligible for inclusion in the study. The association between the RCRI and in-hospital mortality, cardiopulmonary complications, and failure-to-rescue (FTR) was determined using Poisson regression models with robust standard errors to adjust for potential confounding. RESULTS: A total of 39,391 patients were included for further analysis. In the regression model, an RCRI ≥ 3 was associated with a threefold risk of in-hospital mortality [adjusted IRR (95% CI): 3.19 (2.30-4.43), p < 0.001] and cardiopulmonary complications [adjusted IRR (95% CI): 3.27 (2.46-4.34), p < 0.001], as well as a fourfold risk of FTR [adjusted IRR (95% CI): 4.27 (2.59-7.02), p < 0.001], compared to RCRI 0. The risk of all adverse outcomes increased stepwise along with each RCRI score. CONCLUSION: The RCRI may be a useful tool for identifying patients with traumatic spine injuries who are at an increased risk of in-hospital mortality, cardiopulmonary complications, and failure-to-rescue after surgery.

Influence of COVID-19 pandemic on hospitalisations at a paediatric traumatology department during 2020: a single-centre observational study and comprehensive literature review.

PURPOSE: The study investigates changes in the injury characteristics of hospitalised children in a paediatric trauma centre during the COVID-19 pandemic. METHODS: Data from injured children from the pre-pandemic year 2019 were compared to the pandemic year 2020 using Pearson's chi-squared test and the Mann-Whitney U test. The period of highly restrictive regulations (HRP) was evaluated separately. A comprehensive literature review with defined search terms resulted in a descriptive data synthesis. RESULTS: Data from 865 patients indicated reductions in admissions of 5.6% and 54.4% during the HRP. In 2020, the hospitalisation time was longer (2.2 ± 2.7 days in 2019 vs. 2.4 ± 2.6 in 2020, p = 0.045); the proportions of wounds requiring surgical therapy (p = 0.008) and of observational treatments, primarily for mild brain injuries (p = 0.046), were higher; and conservative treatments, primarily for contusions, were lower (p = 0.005). There were no significant changes in age, location of lesions, or frequency of surgical therapy; nor were there differences in the HRP, except for fewer injuries in school and kindergarten (p < 0.001). The literature review summarises the main results of 79 studies. CONCLUSION: Limited resources did not alter the indications for surgical therapy. Further studies should examine whether the more common injuries sustained at home were caused by excessive work/childcare demands on parents. Reduced inpatient conservative treatment implies that hospital resources possibly were overused previously. The literature offers answers to many detailed questions regarding childhood injuries during a pandemic and more efficient safe treatment. Registration Ethical committee of RWTH Aachen University EK 22-320; Center for Translational & Clinical Research RWTH Aachen University (CTC-A) 21-430.

Sex disparities in adverse outcomes after surgically managed isolated traumatic spinal injury.

BACKGROUND: Traumatic spinal injury (TSI) encompasses a wide range of injuries affecting the spinal cord, nerve roots, bones, and soft tissues that result in pain, impaired mobility, paralysis, and death. There is some evidence suggesting that women may have different physiological responses to traumatic injury compared to men; therefore, this study aimed to investigate if there are any associations between sex and adverse outcomes following surgically managed isolated TSI. METHODS: Using the 2013-2019 TQIP database, all adult patients with isolated TSI, defined as a spine AIS ≥ 2 with an AIS ≤ 1 in all other body regions, resulting from blunt force trauma requiring spinal surgery, were eligible for inclusion in the study. The association between the sex and in-hospital mortality as well as cardiopulmonary and venothromboembolic complications was determined by calculating the risk ratio (RR) after adjusting for potential confounding using inverse probability weighting. RESULTS: A total of 43,756 patients were included. After adjusting for potential confounders, female sex was associated with a 37% lower risk of in-hospital mortality [adjusted RR (95% CI): 0.63 (0.57-0.69), p < 0.001], a 27% lower risk of myocardial infarction [adjusted RR (95% CI): 0.73 (0.56-0.95), p = 0.021], a 37% lower risk of cardiac arrest [adjusted RR (95% CI): 0.63 (0.55-0.72), p < 0.001], a 34% lower risk of deep vein thrombosis [adjusted RR (95% CI): 0.66 (0.59-0.74), p < 0.001], a 45% lower risk of pulmonary embolism [adjusted RR (95% CI): 0.55 (0.46-0.65), p < 0.001], a 36% lower risk of acute respiratory distress syndrome [adjusted RR (95% CI): 0.64 (0.54-0.76), p < 0.001], a 34% lower risk of pneumonia [adjusted RR (95% CI): 0.66 (0.60-0.72), p < 0.001], and a 22% lower risk of surgical site infection [adjusted RR (95% CI): 0.78 (0.62-0.98), p < 0.032], compared to male sex. CONCLUSION: Female sex is associated with a significantly decreased risk of in-hospital mortality as well as cardiopulmonary and venothromboembolic complications following surgical management of traumatic spinal injuries. Further studies are needed to elucidate the cause of these differences.

Effects of structured protocolized physical therapy on the duration of mechanical ventilation in patients with prolonged weaning.

PURPOSE: 20% of patients with mechanical ventilation (MV) have a prolonged, complex weaning process, often experiencing a condition of ICU-acquired weakness (ICUAW), with a severe decrease in muscle function and restricted long-term prognosis. We aimed to analyze a protocolized, systematic approach of physiotherapy in prolonged weaning patients and hypothesized that the duration of weaning from MV would be shortened. METHODS: ICU patients with prolonged weaning were included before (group 1) and after (group 2) introduction of a quality control measure of a structured and protocolized physiotherapy program. Primary endpoint was the tested dynamometric handgrip strength and the Surgical Intensive Care Unit Optimal Mobilization Score (SOMS). Secondary endpoints were weaning success rate, ventilator-free days, hospital mortality, the prevalence of ICUAW, infections and delirium. RESULTS: 106 patients were included. Both the SOMS and the handgrip test were significantly improved after introducing the program. Despite no differences in weaning success rates at discharge, the total length of MV was significantly shorter in group 2, which also had lower prevalence of infection and higher probability of survival. CONCLUSIONS: Protocolized, systematic physiotherapy resulted in an improvement of the clinical outcome in patients with prolonged weaning. Results were objectifiable with the SOMS and the handgrip test.