Damage-control orthopedics or early total care: What you need to know.

ABSTRACT: Patients with multisystem injuries are defined as multiply injured patients and may need multiple surgical procedures from more than one specialty. The importance of evaluating and understanding the resuscitation status of a multiple-injury patient is critical. Orthopedic strategies when caring for these patients include temporary stabilization or definitive early fixation of fractures while preventing further insult to other organ systems. This article will define multiple injuries and discuss specific markers used in assessing patients' hemodynamic and resuscitation status. The decision to use damage-control orthopedics or early total care for treatment of the patient are based on these factors, and an algorithm is presented to guide treatment. We will also discuss principles of external fixation and the management of pelvic trauma in a multiple-injury patient.

Early Weight-bearing Following Surgical Treatment of Ankle Fractures Without Trans-syndesmotic Fixation Is Safe and Improves Short-term Outcomes.

OBJECTIVES: The objective of this study was to ascertain outcome differences after fixation of unstable rotational ankle fractures allowed to weight-bear 2 weeks postoperatively compared with 6 weeks. DESIGN: Prospective case-control study. SETTING: Academic medical center; Level 1 trauma center. PATIENT SELECTION CRITERIA: Patients with unstable ankle fractures (OTA/AO:44A-C) undergoing open reduction internal fixation (ORIF) were enrolled. Patients requiring trans-syndesmotic fixation were excluded. Two surgeons allowed weight-bearing at 2 weeks postoperatively (early weight-bearing [EWB] cohort). Two other surgeons instructed standard non-weight-bearing until 6 weeks postoperatively (non-weight-bearing cohort). OUTCOME MEASURES AND COMPARISONS: The main outcome measures included the Olerud-Molander questionnaire, the SF-36 questionnaire, and visual analog scale at 6 weeks, 3 months, 6 months, and 12 months postoperatively and complications, return to work, range of ankle motion, and reoperations at 12 months were compared between the 2 cohorts. RESULTS: One hundred seven patients were included. The 2 cohorts did not differ in demographics or preinjury scores ( P > 0.05). Six weeks postoperatively, EWB patients had improved functional outcomes as measured by the Olerud-Molander and SF-36 questionnaires. Early weight-bearing patients also had better visual analog scale scores (standardized mean difference -0.98, 95% confidence interval [CI] -1.27 to -0.70, P < 0.05) and a greater proportion returning to full capacity work at 6 weeks (odds ratio = 3.42, 95% CI, 1.08-13.07, P < 0.05). One year postoperatively, EWB patients had improved pain measured by SF-36 (standardized mean difference 6.25, 95% CI, 5.59-6.92, P < 0.01) and visual analog scale scores (standardized mean difference -0.05, 95% CI, -0.32 to 0.23, P < 0.01). There were no differences in complications or reoperation at 12 months ( P > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: EWB patients had improved early function, final pain scores, and earlier return to work, without an increased complication rate compared with those kept non-weight-bearing for 6 weeks. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic Level II. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

The Effect of Underrepresented Minority Mentorship on Orthopaedic Spine Surgery Recruitment and Diversity: A 20-Year Analysis at a Single Institution.

INTRODUCTION: Despite national efforts to increase diversity and inclusion, underrepresented minority (URM) representation among orthopaedic spine surgery faculty remains low. Research has shown that URM trainees are more likely to pursue surgical careers when they have access to URM mentors. The purpose of this study was to explore the influence of URM representation among spine faculty on the rate of URM orthopaedic residents pursuing spine surgery fellowships. METHODS: From 2004 to 2023, data were collected from each residency class at our academic institution: residency year, number of residents per class (total and URM), and number of residents applying to spine surgery fellowships. These ethnicities were considered URM: Black or African American, Hispanic or Latino, and Native American. In 2018, two African American spine faculty were hired. Data were compared between Before and After their arrival. A subanalysis was done to include a period of increasing URM recruitment (2012 to 2018). Binary logistic regression analysis evaluated associations between appointment of URM faculty and fellowship choice of URM residents. RESULTS: Two hundred fifty-six residents were included. Thirty-one total URM residents were in the program during the study period (12.1%). Overall, URM representation in the program increased over time [OR: 1.1, 95% CI: 1.1 to 1.2], whereas residents applying to spine surgery fellowships did not change [OR: 1.0, 95% CI: 1.0 to 1.1]. Comparing Before-2012 and 2012 to 2018 groups with the After-2018 group demonstrated a significant difference in the proportion of URM residents applying to spine surgery fellowships after the hiring of URM spine faculty (0.0% versus 23.1% versus 74.1%; P = 0.001). CONCLUSION: This retrospective study provides empirical evidence of the importance of URM representation among orthopaedic spine surgery faculty and the potential effect on URMs pursuing orthopaedic fellowships. Institutions should consider prioritizing the representation of URM faculty in spine surgery to address the lack of current and future diversity in the field. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: III.

Does Flipping From Prone to Supine for Medial Malleolar Fixation of Trimalleolar Ankle Fractures Improve Results?

There has been a paradigm shift towards fixing the posterior malleolus in trimalleolar ankle fractures. This study evaluated whether a surgeon's preference to intraoperatively flip or not flip patients from prone to supine for medial malleolar fixation following repair of fibular and posterior malleoli impacted surgical outcomes. A retrospective patient cohort treated at a large urban academic center and level 1 trauma center was reviewed to identify all operative trimalleolar ankle fractures initially positioned prone. One hundred and forty-seven patients with mean 12-month follow-up were included and divided based on positioning for medial malleolar fixation, prone or supine (following closure, flip and re-prep, and drape). Data was collected on patient demographics, injury mechanism, perioperative variables, and complication rates. Postoperative reduction films were reviewed by orthopedic traumatologists to grade the accuracy of anatomic fracture reduction. Overall, 74 (50.3%) had the medial malleolus fixed prone, while 73 (49.7%) were flipped and fixed supine. No differences in demographics, injury details, and fracture type existed between the groups. The supine group had a higher rate of initial external fixation (p = .047), longer operative time in minutes (p < .001), and a higher use of plate and screw constructs for medial malleolar fixation (p = .019). There were no differences in clinical and radiographic outcomes and complication rates. This study demonstrated that intraoperative change in positioning for improved medial malleolar visualization in trimalleolar ankle fractures results in longer operative times but similar radiographic and clinical results. The decision of operative position should be based on surgeon comfort.

Implications of COVID-19 on hip fracture care discharge locations during the early stages of the pandemic.

Objectives: To document discharge locations for geriatric patients treated for a hip fracture before and during the COVID pandemic and subsequent changes in outcomes seen between each cohort. Design: Retrospective cohort study. Setting: Academic medical center. Patients/Participants: Two matched cohorts of 100 patients with hip fracture treated pre-COVID (February-May 2019) and during COVID (February-May 2020). Intervention: Discharge location and COVID status on admission. Discharge locations were home (home independently or home with health services) versus facility [subacute nursing facility (SNF) or acute rehabilitation facility]. Main Outcome Measurements: Readmissions, inpatient and 1-year mortality, and 1-year functional outcomes (EQ5D-3L). Results: In COVID+ patients, 93% (13/14) were discharged to a facility, 62% (8/13) of whom passed away within 1 year of discharge. Of COVID+ patients discharged to an SNF, 80% (8/10) died within 1 year. Patients discharged to an SNF in 2020 were 1.8x more likely to die within 1 year compared with 2019 (P = 0.029). COVID- patients discharged to an SNF in 2020 had a 3x increased 30-day mortality rate and 1.5x increased 1-year mortality rate compared with 2019. Patients discharged to an acute rehabilitation facility in 2020 had higher rates of 90-day readmission. There was no difference in functional outcomes. Conclusions: All patients, including COVID- patients, discharged to all discharge locations during the onset of the pandemic experienced a higher mortality rate as compared with prepandemic. This was most pronounced in patients discharged to a skilled nursing facility in 2020 during the early stages of the pandemic. If this trend continues, it suggests that during COVID waves, discharge planning should be conducted with the understanding that no options eliminate the increased risks associated with the pandemic. Level of Evidence: III.

Home discharge location is safest following fracture of the hip.

PURPOSE: To determine the factors associated with discharge location in patients with hip fractures and whether home discharge was associated with a lower readmission and complication rate. METHODS: Hip fracture patients who presented to our academic medical center for operative management of a hip fracture were enrolled into an IRB-approved hip fracture database. Radiographs, demographics, and injury details were recorded at the time of presentation. Patients were grouped based upon discharge disposition: home (with or without home services), acute rehabilitation facility (ARF), or sub-acute rehabilitation facility (SAR). RESULTS: The cohorts differed in marital status, with a greater proportion of patients discharged to home being married (51.7% vs. 43.8% vs. 34.1%) (P < 0.05). Patients discharged to home were less likely to require an assistive device (P < 0.05). Patients discharged to home experienced fewer post-operative complications (P < 0.05) and had lower readmission rates (P < 0.05). Being married was associated with an increased likelihood of discharge to home (OR = 1.679, CI = 1.391-2.028, P < 0.001). Being enrolled in Medicare/Medicaid was associated with decreased odds of discharge to home (OR = 0.563, CI = 0.457-0.693, P < 0.001). Use of an assistive device was associated with decreased odds of discharge to home (OR = 0.398, CI = 0.326-0.468, P < 0.001). Increases in CCI (OR = 0.903, CI = 0.846-0.964, P = 0.002) and number of inpatient complications (OR = 0.708, CI = 0.532-0.943, P = 0.018) were associated with decreased odds of home discharge. CONCLUSION: Hip fracture patients discharged to home were healthier and more functional at baseline, and also less likely to have had a complicated hospital course. Those discharged to home also had lower rates of readmission and post-operative complications. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: III.

The Role of External Fixation in the Management of Upper Extremity Fractures.

External fixation is a powerful tool in the armamentarium of the active orthopaedic surgeon. The upper extremity, however, poses unique challenges in the techniques of external fixation because of the smaller soft-tissue envelope and the proximity of neurovascular structures, which may be entrapped in fracture fragments or traversing in line with pin trajectories. This review article summarizes the indications, techniques, clinical outcomes, and complications of external fixation of the upper extremity in the setting of proximal humerus, humeral shaft, distal humerus, elbow, forearm, and distal radius fractures.

Does a Modified Frailty Index Predict 30-day Complications After Long-Bone Nonunion or Malunion Surgery?

OBJECTIVE: To assess the ability of a modified frailty index (mFI-5) score, which includes the presence of congestive heart failure, hypertension, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, diabetes, and nonindependent functional status, and to identify patients at increased risk of complications after surgical treatment of long-bone nonunions/malunions. DESIGN: Retrospective. SETTING: Hospitals participating in the 2005-2018 American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program. PATIENTS/PARTICIPANTS: Patients in the American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program database with upper extremity and lower extremity fractures were enrolled. INTERVENTION: Surgical repair of nonunions/malunions of upper and lower extremity long bones. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE: Postoperative complications after long-bone nonunion/malunion surgery. RESULTS: Respective univariate analysis of the 2964 UE [1786 (60.3%) with mFI-5 of 0 and 386 (13.0%) with mFI-5 ≥2] and 3305 LE [1837 (55.6%) with mFI-5 of 0 and 498 (15.1%) with mFI-5 ≥2] showed that increasing mFI-5 score was associated with medical complications, extended longer length of stay, adverse discharge, and readmission. Binomial logistic regression showed that UE patients with mFI-5 ≥2 had increased risk of wound complications [odds ratio (OR) 2.512, 95% (confidence interval) CI: 1.037-6.086, P = 0.041), adverse discharge (OR 1.735, 95% CI: 1.204-2.499, P = 0.003), and unplanned readmission (OR 2.102, 95% CI: 1.038-4.255, P = 0.039), while LE patients with mFI-5 ≥2 had an increased risk of medical complications (OR 1.847, 95% CI: 1.307-2.610, P = 0.001), cumulative morbidity (OR 1.835, 95% CI: 1.342-2.510, P < 0.001), extended longer length of stay (OR 1.809, 95% CI: 1.233-2.654, P = 0.002), and adverse discharge (OR 1.841, 95% CI: 1.394-2.432, P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: mFI-5 score ≥2 is associated with significant increase in postoperative complications after surgical repair of long-bone nonunions/malunions. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Prognostic Level III. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

One year later: How outcomes of hip fractures treated during the "first wave" of the COVID-19 pandemic were affected.

The purpose of this study was to assess the impact of COVID-19 on long-term outcomes in the geriatric hip fracture population. We hypothesize that COVID + geriatric hip fracture patients had worse outcomes at 1-year follow-up. Between February and June 2020, 224 patients > 55 years old treated for a hip fracture were analyzed for demographics, COVID status on admission, hospital quality measures, 30- and 90-day readmission rates, 1-year functional outcomes (as measured by the EuroQol- 5 Dimension [EQ5D-3L] questionnaire), and inpatient, 30-day, and 1-year mortality rates with time to death. Comparative analyses were conducted between COVID + and COVID- patients. Twenty-four patients (11%) were COVID + on admission. No demographic differences were seen between cohorts. COVID + patients experienced a longer length of stay (8.58 ± 6.51 vs. 5.33 ± 3.09, p < 0.01) and higher rates of inpatient (20.83% vs. 1.00%, p < 0.01), 30-day (25.00% vs. 5.00%, p < 0.01), and 1-year mortality (58.33% vs. 18.50%, p < 0.01). There were no differences seen in 30- or 90-day readmission rates, or 1-year functional outcomes. While not significant, COVID + patients had a shorter average time to death post-hospital discharge (56.14 ± 54.31 vs 100.68 ± 62.12, p = 0.171). Pre-vaccine, COVID + geriatric hip fracture patients experienced significantly higher rates of mortality within 1 year post-hospital discharge. However, COVID + patients who did not die experienced a similar return of function by 1-year as the COVID- cohort.

Screws Alone for Acute Lisfranc Injuries Fixed Without Arthrodesis: A Better "Value" Than Plating in the Short Term.

This study compares outcomes of patients with Lisfranc injuries treated with screw only fixation constructs to those treated with dorsal plate and screw constructs. Seventy patients who underwent surgical treatment for acute Lisfranc injury without arthrodesis and minimum 6-month (mean >1-year) follow-up were identified. Demographics, surgical information, and radiographic imaging were reviewed. Cost data were compared. The primary outcome measure was the American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Surgery (AOFAS) midfoot score. Univariate analysis through independent sample t tests, Mann-Whitney U, and chi-squared compared the populations. Twenty-three (33%) patients were treated with plate constructs and 47 (67%) with screw only fixation. The plate group was older (49 ± 18 vs 40 ± 16 years, p = .029). More screw constructs treated isolated medial column injuries compared to plate constructs (92% vs 65%, p = .006). At latest follow-up (mean 14 ± 13 months), all tarsometatarsal joints were aligned. There was no difference in AOFAS midfoot scores. Plate patients experienced longer operations (131 ± 70 vs 75 ± 31 minutes, p < .001) and tourniquet time (101 ± 41 vs 69 ± 25 minutes, p = .001). Plate constructs were more expensive than screw ($2.3X ± $2.3X vs $X ± $0.4X, p < .001) ($X is the mean cost of screws alone). Plate patients had a higher incidence of wound complications (13% vs 0%, p = .012). Treatment of Lisfranc fracture dislocation injuries with screws only demonstrated a higher value procedure as similar outcomes were found amidst lower implant costs. Screw only fixation required a shorter operative and tourniquet time with less frequent wound complications. Screw only fixations proved mechanically sound enough to achieve goals of repair without inferior outcomes.

The 2-Window Posterolateral vs Single-Window Approach for Ankle Fracture Fixation.

BACKGROUND: The posterolateral approach to the ankle allows for reduction and fixation of the posterior and lateral malleoli through the same surgical incision. This can be accomplished via 1 or 2 surgical "windows." The purpose of this study is to compare outcomes including wound complications following direct fixation of unstable rotational ankle fracture through the posterolateral approach using either 1 or 2 surgical windows. METHODS: One hundred sixty-four patients with bi- or trimalleolar ankle fractures treated using the single-window posterolateral approach (between the peroneal tendons and the flexor hallucis longus [FHL]) or the 2-window technique (between the peroneal tendons and the FHL for posterior malleolus fixation; lateral to the peroneal tendons for fibula fixation) were reviewed for demographics, radiographic details, and clinical outcomes. We were able to review these 164 at the 3-month follow-up and a subset of 104 at a minimum of 12-month follow-up. RESULTS: One hundred eight ankles had the single-window approach; 56 had the 2-window approach. These 2 cohorts did not differ in demographic or injury characteristics. Ankles in the 2-window group experienced a greater number of early (3 months postsurgery) wound complications (32% vs 12%, P < .01). Two-window patients had more wound complications among ankles treated later than 1 week after injury (44% vs 16%, P < .01). There was no difference in surgical site infection, with low rates in both cohorts. Single-window patients had greater plantarflexion (35 ± 10 vs 30 ± 11 degrees, P = .025) and dorsiflexion after 12 months (21 ± 10 vs 16 ± 11 degrees, P = .021). We did not find a significant difference in nerve complications for these 2 cohorts. CONCLUSION: In our study, we found the single-window posterolateral approach to be associated with fewer wound complications and better postoperative range of ankle motion when compared to the 2-window approach. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III, retrospective cohort study.

The Lateral Femoral Cutaneous and Over the Hip (LOH) Block for the Surgical Management of Hip Fractures: A Safe and Effective Anesthetic Strategy.

OBJECTIVES: To examine the efficacy of regional anesthesia with sedation only for a variety of hip fractures using the newly described lateral femoral cutaneous with over the hip (LOH) block. DESIGN: Retrospective. SETTING: Orthopedic specialty hospital. PATIENTS/PARTICIPANTS: 40 patients who presented between November 2021 and February 2022 for fixation of OTA/AO 31.A1-3 and 31.B1-3 fractures. Matched cohorts of 40 patients who received general anesthesia and 40 patients who received spinal anesthesia for hip fracture fixation were also used. INTERVENTION: Operative fixation under LOH block and sedation only. The LOH block is a regional hip analgesic that targets the lateral femoral cutaneous nerve, articular branches of femoral nerve, and accessory obturator nerve. MAIN OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS: Demographics, intraoperative characteristics, anesthesia-related complications, hospital quality metrics, and short-term mortality and reoperation rates. RESULTS: A total of 120 patients (40 each: general, spinal, and LOH block) were compared. The cohorts were similar in age, race, body mass index, sex, Charlson comorbidity index, trauma risk score, ambulatory status at baseline, fracture type, and surgical fixation technique performed. Physiologic parameters during surgery were more stable in the LOH block cohort ( P < 0.05). Total OR time and anesthesia time were the shortest for the LOH block cohort ( P < 0.05). Patients in the LOH block cohort also had lower postoperative pain scores ( P < 0.05). Length of hospital stay was the shortest for patients in the LOH block cohort ( P < 0.05), and during discharge, patients in the LOH block cohort ambulated the furthest ( P < 0.05). No differences were found for anesthesia-related complications, palliative care consults, major and minor hospital complications, discharge disposition, reoperation and readmission rates, and mortality rates. CONCLUSIONS: The LOH block is safe and effective anesthesia for the treatment of all types of hip fractures in the elderly patients requiring surgery. In addition, this block may decrease postoperative pain and length of hospital stay, and allow for greater ambulation in the early postoperative period for patients with hip fracture. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic Level III. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

Do All Fractures Need Surgery?

Common fractures managed by orthopaedic surgeons include ankle fractures, proximal humerus fractures in patients older than 60 years, humeral shaft fractures, and distal radius fractures. Recent trends indicate that surgical management is the best option for most fractures. However, there is limited evidence regarding whether most of these fractures need surgery, or whether there is a subset that could be managed without surgery, with no change in outcomes, or even possibly having improved results with lower complication rates with nonsurgical care.

Decreasing Postoperative Opioid Prescriptions After Orthopedic Trauma Surgery: The "Lopioid" Protocol.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the effectiveness of a multimodal analgesic regimen containing "safer" opioid and non-narcotic pain medications in decreasing opioid prescriptions after surgical fixation in orthopedic trauma. DESIGN: Retrospective cohort study. SETTING: One urban, academic medical center. SUBJECTS: Patients with traumatic fracture from 2018 (n=848) and 2019 (n=931). METHODS: In 2019, our orthopedic trauma division began a standardized protocol of postoperative pain medications that included 50 mg of tramadol four times daily, 15 mg of meloxicam once daily, 200 mg gabapentin twice daily, and 1 g of acetaminophen every 6 hours as needed. This multimodal regimen was dubbed the "Lopioid" protocol. We compared patients who received this protocol with all patients from the prior year who had followed a standard protocol that included Schedule II narcotics. RESULTS: Greater mean morphine milligram equivalents were prescribed at discharge from fracture surgery under the standard protocol than under the Lopioid protocol (252.3 vs 150.0; P < 0.001), and there was a difference in the type of opioid medication prescribed (P < 0.001). There was a difference in the number of refills filled for patients discharged with opioids after surgical treatment between the standard and Lopioid cohorts (0.31 vs 0.21; P = 0.002). There were no differences in the types of medication-related complications (P = 0.710) or the need for formal pain management consults (P = 0.199), but patients in the Lopioid cohort had lower pain scores at discharge (2.2 vs 2.7; P = 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: The Lopioid protocol was effective in decreasing the amount of Schedule II narcotics prescribed at discharge and the number of opioid refills after orthopedic surgery for fractures.

International Orthopaedic Volunteer Opportunities in Low and Middle-Income Countries.

ABSTRACT: Globally, the burden of musculoskeletal conditions continues to rise, disproportionately affecting low and middle-income countries (LMICs). The ability to meet these orthopaedic surgical care demands remains a challenge. To help address these issues, many orthopaedic surgeons seek opportunities to provide humanitarian assistance to the populations in need. While many global orthopaedic initiatives are well-intentioned and can offer short-term benefits to the local communities, it is essential to emphasize training and the integration of local surgeon-leaders. The commitment to developing educational and investigative capacity, as well as fostering sustainable, mutually beneficial partnerships in low-resource settings, is critical. To this end, global health organizations, such as the Consortium of Orthopaedic Academic Traumatologists (COACT), work to promote and ensure the lasting sustainability of musculoskeletal trauma care worldwide. This article describes global orthopaedic efforts that can effectively address musculoskeletal care through an examination of 5 domains: clinical care, clinical research, surgical education, disaster response, and advocacy.

Compartment Syndrome of the Foot.

Foot compartment syndrome is an uncommon condition that should be recognized by all orthopedic surgeons. The clinical presentation is often less clear than other limb compartment syndromes and requires high clinical suspicion with a low threshold for direct measurement of compartment pressure. Controversy exists regarding the number of anatomic compartments and the most effective treatment. Both acute surgical intervention and delayed management can result in significant morbidity and long-term sequelae.

Diversity in orthopaedic trauma: where we are and where we need to be.

Diversity has multiple dimensions, and individuals' interpretation of diversity varies broadly. The Orthopaedic Trauma Association (OTA) leadership recognized the need to address issues of diversity within the organization and appointed the OTA Diversity Committee in 2020. The OTA Diversity Committee has produced a statement that was confirmed by the OTA's board of directors reflecting the organization's position on diversity: "The OTA promotes and values diversity and inclusion at all levels with the goal of creating an environment where every member has the opportunity to excel in leadership, education, and culturally-competent orthopaedic trauma care." The OTA Diversity Committee surveyed its 1907 OTA members in the United States and Canada to assess its membership's attitudes toward and interpretation of this important topic. METHODS: Two surveys were distributed. One 15-question survey was sent to 1907 OTA members with different membership categories in the United States and Canada requesting basic demographic information and asking how members felt about the degree to which women and underrepresented minorities (URM) are represented within the OTA and within its leadership. A second 11-question survey was sent to 30 past chairs of 2017-2019 OTA educational courses and meetings evaluating their criteria for choosing faculty for OTA courses. Comments were reviewed and summarized to identify recurring themes. RESULTS: Two hundred seven responses from the membership and 14 from course chairs were received from the 1907 surveys that were emailed to OTA members in the United States and Canada. The results reveal awareness of the limited female and URM representation within the OTA. However, there is disagreement in how or even whether this should be addressed at an organizational level. Review of comments from both surveys reveals a number of common themes on these important topics. CONCLUSION: The members and course chairs surveyed recognize that there is limited diversity at the OTA leadership and faculty level. Many members feel that the OTA would benefit from increasing female and URM representation in committees, within the leadership, and as faculty at OTA-sponsored courses. However, survey comments reveal that many members and course chairs feel it is not the organization's role to regulate diversity and that diversity initiatives themselves may introduce an unnecessary form of bias.

Posterior Malleolar Fixation Reduces the Incidence of Trans-Syndesmotic Fixation in Rotational Ankle Fracture Repair.

BACKGROUND: Inaccuracy of ankle syndesmotic repair via reduction and trans-syndesmotic fixation can occur during ankle fracture repair. The goal of this study was to determine whether reduction and fixation of the posterior malleolar fracture (PM) fragment in rotational ankle fractures reduces the need for independent syndesmotic screw fixation. METHODS: A retrospective study was conducted using a consecutive series of patients treated operatively for a rotationally unstable ankle fracture with a PM fragment between 2011-2017. All ankle fractures underwent open reduction and internal fixation and divided into two groups: PM fixed or not fixed. An intraoperative stress evaluation of the ankle following bony fixation was performed in all cases to evaluate syndesmotic instability. Patient and fracture characteristics, and intraoperative instability and trans-syndesmotic fixation were compared between both groups. RESULTS: Eighty-five unstable ankle fractures that had a PM fragment were identified. Forty-three fractures underwent PM fixation and 42 did not. There were no differences between the PM fixation groups with regard to age, gender, body mass index or fracture pattern (p>0.183 for all). On average, PM fragments in the fixed group were larger than those not fixed (p<0.001). There were significantly lower odds of needing syndesmotic fixation if the PM fragment was reduced and fixed (p<0.001). Only 2 out of 43 ankles with a fixed PM fragment underwent syndesmotic fixation compared with 34 out of 42 non-fixed PM fragments. CONCLUSION: Posterior malleolar fixation imparts syndesmotic stability and may obviate the need for trans-syndesmotic fixation for restoring dynamic ankle mortise congruence.Level of Evidence: III.

Clinical outcomes of a combined osteoligamentous reconstruction technique of Neer Type IIB distal clavicle fractures.

PURPOSE: To evaluate outcomes for a combined osteoligamentous reconstruction technique for Neer Type IIB clavicle fractures. METHODS: Patients with Neer Type IIB clavicle fractures treated with combined clavicular locking plate and coracoclavicular ligament suture reconstruction were identified. Demographics, clinical outcomes, and radiographic outcomes were collected. RESULTS: Twenty-four patients with mean 13 months of follow-up were included. Bony union and normal radiographic coracoclavicular relationship were achieved in 23 (96%) patients. The mean UCLA Shoulder score was 33.3. Three (13%) complications occurred. DISCUSSION: The combined osteoligamentous reconstruction approach as described is a successful option for treating Neer Type IIB clavicle fractures.