Analysis of risk factors for failed closed reduction in pediatric Gartland Type III supracondylar humerus fracture.

BACKGROUND: Gartland Type III supracondylar humerus fractures (SCHFs) are commonly treated using closed reduction followed by percutaneous pin fixation. However, conversion to open reduction may be necessary if closed reduction fails. This study aimed to identify risk factors associated with failed closed reduction and provide a theoretical basis for clinical decision-making in the treatment of Gartland Type III fractures. METHODS: A retrospective analysis was conducted on children with Gartland Type III SCHF who underwent surgical treatment between April 2017 and June 2018. Based on whether or not the closed reduction was successful, patients were split into the open reduction group and the closed reduction group. Within the closed reduction group, subgroup analysis based on surgery duration was carried out. Data were collected from medical records and X-ray images. Univariate and multivariate regression analyses were utilized to evaluate the relationship between variables and failed closed reduction. RESULTS: The study included 36 patients in the open reduction group and 135 patients in the closed reduction group. Multivariate analysis revealed that the presence of angle (P = .024, OR = 3.199), rotation (P = .000, OR = 6.359), skin creases (P = .013, OR = 4.077), anterior-posterior displacement ratio (P = .011, OR = 4.337), fracture angle in the anteroposterior view (P = .014, OR = 0.939), and fracture distal displacement direction (P = .002, OR = 5.384) were independent risk factors for failed closed reduction. Subgroup analysis showed that fracture distal displacement direction (P = .013), skin folds (P = .013), lateral displacement ratio (P = .016), and anterior-posterior displacement value (P = .005) significantly influenced the duration of closed reduction surgery. CONCLUSION: The presence of sharp angle or rotation at the fracture ends, skin folds on the anterior elbow, minor anterior-posterior displacement of the fracture, higher medial inclination of the fracture plane, and distal fracture displacement toward the radial side are independent risk factors for failed closed reduction in pediatric Gartland Type III SCHF.

Definitive internal fracture fixation followed by staged free flap coverage ("fix followed by flap" protocol) for open Gustilo type IIIB fractures.

BACKGROUND: Although the concept of the "fix and flap" approach, in which definitive fracture fixation and flap coverage are completed in a single procedure at the earliest opportunity may seem ideal for the treatment of Gustilo type IIIB open fractures, the individual circumstances of patients, such as polytrauma or multiple fracture cases may not allow for the immediate fracture fixation and flap coverage ("fix and flap" approach). In our hospital, patients with Gustilo type IIIB open fractures are treated with definitive internal fixation of the fracture followed by staged flap coverage ("fix followed by flap" protocol) when the "fix and flap" approach was not feasible due to the patient's condition or difficulty in coordinating surgery schedules. The "fix followed by flap" protocol provides benefits in terms of flexibility in adjusting the surgical timetable, simplifying the planning of flap coverage following fracture fixation, and minimizing individual surgical invasion. METHODS: We reviewed 10 cases of severe open fractures treated with the "fix followed by flap" protocol and evaluated their outcomes. All surgical procedures, including wound debridement, fracture fixation, and flap coverage, were performed by orthoplastic surgeons specializing in both fracture surgery and microsurgery including soft tissue reconstruction. RESULTS: All free flaps survived, and no partial necrosis was observed. None of the patients developed postoperative deep infection up to the last follow-up. Fracture union was achieved in all patients with or without autologous bone grafts. The median time for union was 9.4 months (range, 4-12 months). CONCLUSIONS: This study presents favorable outcomes of treatment for Gustilo type IIIB open fractures with fracture fixation followed by staged flap coverage ("fix followed by flap" protocol). Despite a delay in flap coverage, the consistency of treatment provided by orthoplastic surgeons may have contributed to the favorable outcomes in this study.

Iatrogenic open humeral shaft fractures following functional bracing.

INTRODUCTION: The treatment of closed humeral shaft fractures tends to be successful with functional bracing. Treatment failure due to iatrogenic conversion to an open fracture has not been described in the literature. We present a case series of patients that experienced open humeral shaft fractures after initially being treated with functional bracing for closed humeral shaft fractures and describe what factors are associated with this complication. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This was a retrospective case series performed at three level 1 trauma centers across North America. All nonoperatively treated humeral shaft fractures were reviewed from 2001 to 2023. Patients were included if they sustained a humeral shaft fracture, > 18 years old, were initially treated non-operatively with functional bracing which subsequently converted to an open fracture. Eight patients met inclusion criteria. All included patients were eventually treated with irrigation, debridement, and open reduction and internal fixation. Outcomes assessed included mortality rate, time until the fracture converted from closed to open, need for further surgery, and bony union. Descriptive statistics were used in analysis. RESULTS: The eight included patients on average were 65 ± 21.4 years old and had a body mass index (BMI) of 25.6 ± 5.2. Six patients were initially injured due to a fall. Time until the fractures became open on average was 5.2 ± 3.6 weeks. Three patients (37.5%) died within 1.8 ± 0.6 years after initial injury. The average Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI) score was 4.5 ± 3.4. Three patients (37.5%) had dementia. Common characteristics among this cohort included a history of visual disturbances (50.0%), cerebrovascular accident (50.0%), smoking (50.0%), and alcohol abuse (50.0%). CONCLUSION: Conversion from a closed to open humeral shaft fracture after functional bracing is a potentially devastating complication. Physicians should be especially cognizant of patients with a low BMI, history of falling or visual disturbance, dementia, age ≥ 65, decreased sensorimotor protection, and significant smoking or alcohol history when choosing to use functional bracing as the final treatment modality. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: IV.

Does vanillic acid affect fracture healing? An experimental study in a rat model of femur fracture.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: We aimed to determine the effects of vanillic acid (VA) on fracture healing radiologically, histologically, immunohistochemically, and biomechanically using a rat femur open fracture injury model. METHODS: 32 male Wistar-Albino rats were used and divided into two groups: the study group (VA) and the control group. From the time they were operated on until they were sacrificed, the rats in the study group were given 100 mg/kg/day VA by oral gavage. After sacrification, the femurs were analyzed. RESULTS: It was observed that the Huo histological scoring was significantly higher in the VA group (p = 0.001), and the ratio of the amount of callus tissue compared to intact bone tissue was significantly higher. While no significant difference was observed in immunohistochemical H-scores in ColI antibody staining (p = 1.000), a borderline significant difference in favor of VA was observed in ColIII antibody staining (p = 0.078). In biomechanical analysis, failure load (N), total energy (J), maximum stress (MPa), and stiffness (N/mm) measurements were significantly higher in the VA group (p = 0.040, p = 0.021, p = 0.015, and p = 0.035, respectively). CONCLUSION: It has been observed that VA, with its antioxidative properties, increases fracture healing in rats, in which an open fracture model was created. We are hopeful that such an antioxidant, which is common in nature, will increase fracture healing. Since this study is the first to examine the effect of VA on fracture healing, further studies are needed.

Tibiotalocalcaneal nail and primary closure for the management of open ankle fractures in the elderly patient; results from a major trauma centre.

INTRODUCTION: Open ankle fractures in elderly patients are challenging injuries to manage. The aim of this study was to assess the outcome of elderly patients with open ankle fractures treated with a tibiotalocalcaneal nail and primary wound closure. METHODS: We identified all open ankle fractures in patients over 65 referred to our major trauma centre managed with a tibiotalocalcaneal nail and primary wound closure over 10 years. We recorded patient demographics, comorbidities, injury mechanism, length of stay, operation, weightbearing status, re-operations, infections and mortality. RESULTS: We included 34 patients with an average age of 87 (73-99). We found 56 % of patients' mobility status declined post-operatively and 21 % of patients were discharged directly home. Four patients required further unplanned surgery including two deep infections requiring amputation. We had a 6 % three month mortality rate. CONCLUSION: Use of a tibiotalocalcaneal nail with primary wound closure offers a reasonable treatment option for open fractures of the ankle in the elderly patient.

Open ankle fractures in the elderly: predisposing factors and the associated mortality.

The purpose of this study was to investigate the independent effect of open ankle fractures on postoperative mortality and to identify factors leading to open ankle fractures in the elderly population. This is a retrospective case-control study of 1,045 patients aged 65 years and older, with ankle fractures undergoing surgical fixation between 2010 and 2020 at three medical centers (Levels 1-2). A logistic regression analysis was used to identify risk factors for open fractures. Propensity score matching and survival analysis were used to measure the hazard of mortality attributable to open versus closed ankle fractures. There were 128 (12.2%) patients with open ankle fractures. Patients with open ankle fractures were more likely to be older, to be active smokers (OR = 1.7, p = 0.049), and tended to have a higher number of medical comorbidities including hypertension (OR = 2, p = 0.006) and chronic kidney disease (OR = 2.9, p = 0.005). Open ankle fractures were, independently of comorbid conditions and age, associated with higher risk of mortality (HR = 1.7, p = 0.03).

The management of critical bone defects: outcomes of a systematic approach.

BACKGROUND: The reconstruction of segmental long bone defects remains one of 'The holy grails of orthopaedics'. The optimal treatment of which remains a topic of great debate. This study aimed to evaluate the outcomes following the management of critical-sized bone defects using a classification-based treatment algorithm. METHODS: A retrospective review of all patients undergoing treatment for segmental diaphyseal defects of long bones at a tertiary-level limb reconstruction unit between January 2016 and December 2021, was performed. The management of the bone defect was standardised as per the classification by Ferreira and Tanwar (2020). RESULTS: A total of 96 patients (mean age 39.8, SD 15.2) with a minimum six months follow-up were included. Most bone defects were the result of open fractures (75/96) with 67% associated with Gustilo-Anderson IIIB injuries. There was a statistical difference in the likelihood of union between treatment strategies with more than 90% of cases undergoing acute shortening and bone transport achieving union and only 72% of cases undergoing the induced membrane technique consolidating (p = 0.049). Of those defects that consolidated, there was no difference in the time to bone union between strategies (p = 0.308) with an overall median time to union 8.33 months (95% CI 7.4 - 9.2 months). The induced membrane technique was associated with a 40% risk of sepsis. CONCLUSION: This study reported the outcomes of a standardised approach to the management of critical-sized bone defects. Whilst overall results were supportive of this approach, the outcomes associated with the induced membrane technique require further refinement of its indications in the management of critical-sized bone defects.

Time to surgery and outcomes following open reduction and internal fixation of both-bone forearm fractures.

PURPOSE: To determine the effect of time to surgery on outcomes following open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) of both-bone forearm fractures (BBFFs). METHODS: Ninety-nine patients who underwent ORIF of BBFFs in a single academic medical center over a 16-year time period were retrospectively reviewed. Demographic and clinical data including age, sex, current smoking status, time from injury to surgery (tsurg), presence of open injury, polytrauma status, and complications were obtained. Radiographs of the affected extremity were reviewed for fracture morphology, reduction quality, and time to union (or presence of nonunion). In addition to descriptive statistics, Chi-square and Wilcoxon-Mann-Whitney tests were used to compare categorical and interval, respectively, with a significance level of 0.05. RESULTS: A tsurg > 48 h was associated with increased rate of delayed unions (tsurg < 48 h: 25% vs tsurg > 48 h: 59%, p = 0.03), but not complications (tsurg < 48 h: 44% vs tsurg > 48 h: 47%, p = 0.79). Open BBFFs were not associated with increased rates of delayed unions (closed: 16% vs open: 19%, p = 0.77) or complications (closed: 42% vs open: 53%, p = 0.29). A trend toward increased time to union with tsurg > 48 h was also seen, but did not reach significance (tsurg < 48 h: 13.5 weeks vs tsurg > 48 h: 15.7 weeks, p = 0.11). CONCLUSION: A tsurg > 48 h is associated with an increased rate of delayed union, but not complications, after ORIF of BBFFs. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic Level III (Retrospective Cohort).

Concurrent plate fixation and pedicled flap coverage for open fractures complicated by soft tissue loss of the tibia in pediatric cohort: a clinical series.

BACKGROUND: The optimal treatment of open fractures complicated by soft tissue loss of pediatric tibial fractures remains inconclusive. The author described a protocol of concurrent plate fixation and pedicled flap coverage and retrospectively reviewed the outcomes of such injuries. METHODS: A total of 25 pediatric cases with Gustilo lllB open tibial fracture were treated by single-stage plate fixation and pedicled flap reconstruction. The reviewed information consisted of time to fix and flap, type of plate, type of pedicled flap, fracture union time, postoperative complication and the clinical outcomes by objective scoring system. RESULTS: Fix and flap was undergone between 7 and 12 days after injury with the average time of 8.2 days. Regarding the type of plate, narrow LCP was applied in 8, 3.5 mm precontoured LCP in 10, 5.0 mm precontoured in 2 and double LCP in 5. According to soft tissue reconstruction, the medial gastrocnemius flap was selected in 6 cases, myocutaneous medial gastrocnemius flap in 2, soleus flap in 3, hemisoleus flap in 5, reverse sural flap in 6 and combined medial gastrocnemius and hemisoleus flaps in 3. No flap-related complication was demonstrated. All cases established fracture union in between 12 and 24 weeks with an average time to union of 17.7 weeks. According to postoperative complications, infected plate occurred in 2 cases and implant irritation in 5. According to Puno functional score, excellent results were presented in 7 cases and good results in 18 cases. CONCLUSION: Single-stage plate fixation and pedicled flap coverage are a reliable regimen for pediatric open fractures complicated by soft tissue loss of the tibia.

Single institution retrospective study evaluating the frequency of implant removal and associated risk factors following open fracture fixation in 80 cases (2010-2020).

BACKGROUND: Open fractures occur commonly in small animals and are characterised by contamination of the fracture site. While never quantified, it is believed that open fractures stabilised with internal implants are at a higher risk for requiring explantation. This retrospective study determines the frequency and risk factors for explantation following use of internal fixation. Medical records of client-owned dogs and cats with an open fracture, between 2010 and 2020 stabilised using internal implants, were included. Data retrieved included signalment, cause and characterisation of the fracture, comorbidities, preexisting infections, and all details related to anesthesia and surgery. Pre-, Peri- and post-operative antibiotic use were detailed. All cases were followed to clinical union. Postoperative complications, including requirement for implant removal were recorded and classified as major or minor. Associations between potential risk factors and need for explantation were assessed. RESULTS: Of 80 cases, 72 (90%) were dogs and eight (10%) cats. Major complications were encountered in 23 (28.75%) cases and minor complications in 16 (20%) cases. Explantation was performed in 17 cases (21.25%). Out of 72 dogs, 13 required explantation (18%) whereas four of the eight cats needed implants removed (50%). Only diagnosis of postoperative infection was associated with an increased risk of explantation (RR 2.77; 95% CI 1.25; 6.15; p = 0.045). CONCLUSION: Approximately 1 in 5 open fractures stabilised using internal fixation can be anticipated to require explantation, with cats potentially being at a higher risk than dogs. Cases diagnosed with postoperative infection are at a higher risk for requiring implant removal.

Locked intramedullary nailing of open fractures in resource-poor settings: a prospective observational study of challenges and functional outcomes in 101 fractures at Ogbomoso, Nigeria.

BACKGROUND: Trauma is now one of the fastest growing epidemics globally but low and middle-income countries (LMICs) are more severely affected in terms of cost, disability and death. The high-energy trauma of road traffic accidents and violence often produces open fractures which can be difficult to manage in resource-poor settings. Adequate stabilization, such as provided by locked nails, has been found to ensure better outcome for open fractures. There is dearth of published studies on the use of locked intramedullary nail in the treatment of open fractures in Nigeria. METHODS: This is a prospective observational study of all the 101 open fractures of the humerus, femur and tibia treated over a period of 92 months with Surgical Implant Generation Network (SIGN) nail. Fracture severity was classified according to the modified Gustilo-Anderson system. The intervals between fracture and antibiotics administration, débridement and definitive fixation, as well as surgery duration and method of fracture reduction were noted. Outcomes measured at follow-up included infection, ongoing radiographic healing, knee flexion/shoulder abduction beyond ninety degrees (KF/SA > 900), full weight bearing (FWB), painless squatting (PS&S)/shoulder abduction-external rotation (SAER). RESULTS: Most of the patients fall between ages 20 and 49 years; 75.5% of them were males. There were more Gustilo-Anderson type IIIA fractures than other types but nine type IIIB tibia fractures were also nailed. The overall infection rate was 15%, contributed mostly by the type IIIB fractures. By the 12th post-operative week, at least 79% had ongoing radiographic healing and had achieved all of KF/SA > 900, FWB, and PS&S/SAER. CONCLUSION: The SIGN nail's solid construct reduces the risk of infection and allows earlier use of the limb, making it particularly suitable in LIMCs where socioeconomic functioning often requires an unhindered use of the limbs.

Epidemiology of 936 humeral shaft fractures in a large Finnish trauma center.

BACKGROUND: Humeral shaft fractures are relatively common injuries and are classified according to location and fracture morphology. Epidemiological studies improve understanding of injury patterns and lay foundations for future research. There are only a few published larger epidemiological studies on humeral shaft fractures. METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed the medical records of adult patients having sustained a humeral shaft fracture treated in the Helsinki University Hospital between 2006 and 2016. We recorded patient and fracture characteristics, timing and mechanism of injury, associated injuries, and 1-year mortality. RESULTS: We identified 914 patients (489 females, median age = 61.4 years; 425 males, median age = 50.4 years) with 936 fractures. Over 60% of these fractures were sustained from simple falls. The patient age distribution was bimodal, with highest fracture rates in elderly females and young males. We divided the fractures into typical traumatic, periprosthetic, and pathological fractures. Of the 872 typical traumatic fractures, 3.0% were open. In addition, there were 24 (2.6%) periprosthetic and 40 (4.3%) pathological fractures. An associated injury was found in 24% of patients, with primary radial nerve palsy (PRNP) being the most common (10%). PRNPs were more common in distal shaft fractures and high energy injuries. The 1-year mortality was 9.2%. CONCLUSIONS: In this study, the most common injury mechanism was a simple fall. The most common associated injury was PRNP. The observed bimodal fracture distribution is consistent with previous literature.

Oral functioning after open versus closed treatment of unilateral condylar neck or base fractures: A two-centre controlled clinical trial.

BACKGROUND: Oral functioning and rehabilitation in patients after condylar trauma can be measured by objective functional outcomes and patient-reported outcomes. The similarities or differences between these outcomes may contribute to the decision if open treatment (OT) or closed treatment (CT) will obtain the most advantageous results. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to compare OT versus CT for unilateral condylar mandibular neck or base fractures in a two-centre controlled clinical trial by objective functional outcomes and patient-reported outcomes measured at 6 weeks and 6 months follow-up. Additionally, these outcomes were compared within each group. METHODS: Patients were enrolled between January 2017 and November 2019. In one centre, patients received OT by extra-oral open reduction and internal fixation. In another centre, patients received CT by maxillomandibular fixation. Objective measurements included the mixing ability test (MAT) and mandibular active range of motion (ROM). Patient-reported outcomes included the mandibular function impairment questionnaire (MFIQ) and visual analogue scale (VAS) for pain. Independent t-tests and Mann-Whitney U-tests were used to determine differences between the treatment groups at 6 weeks and 6 months follow-up. Paired t-tests and Wilcoxon signed rank tests were used to determine differences within each group. RESULTS: Thirty-three patients were enrolled. No differences were found between the groups treated with OT or CT for MAT, ROM, MFIQ and VAS. Both groups showed functional improvement. CONCLUSION: Good objective functional outcomes and patient-reported outcomes were achieved with both OT and CT in patients with unilateral condylar mandibular neck or base fractures.

Manual versus rigid intraoperative maxillo-mandibular fixation in the surgical management of mandibular fractures: A European prospective analysis.

PURPOSE: Intraoperative stabilisation of bony fragments with maxillo-mandibular fixation (MMF) is an essential step in the surgical treatment of mandibular fractures that are treated with open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF). The MMF can be performed with or without wire-based methods, rigid or manual MMF, respectively. The aim of this study was to compare the use of manual versus rigid MMF, in terms of occlusal outcomes and infective complications. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This multi-centric prospective study involved 12 European maxillofacial centres and included adult patients (age ≥16 years) with mandibular fractures treated with ORIF. The following data were collected: age, gender, pre-trauma dental status (dentate or partially dentate), cause of injury, fracture site, associated facial fractures, surgical approach, modality of intraoperative MMF (manual or rigid), outcome (minor/major malocclusions and infective complications) and revision surgeries. The main outcome was malocclusion at 6 weeks after surgery. RESULTS: Between May 1, 2021 and April 30, 2022, 319 patients-257 males and 62 females (median age, 28 years)-with mandibular fractures (185 single, 116 double and 18 triple fractures) were hospitalised and treated with ORIF. Intraoperative MMF was performed manually on 112 (35%) patients and with rigid MMF on 207 (65%) patients. The study variables did not differ significantly between the two groups, except for age. Minor occlusion disturbances were observed in 4 (3.6%) patients in the manual MMF group and in 10 (4.8%) patients in the rigid MMF group (p > .05). In the rigid MMF group, only one case of major malocclusion required a revision surgery. Infective complications involved 3.6% and 5.8% of patients in the manual and rigid MMF group, respectively (p > .05). CONCLUSION: Intraoperative MMF was performed manually in nearly one third of the patients, with wide variability among the centres and no difference observed in terms of number, site and displacement of fractures. No significant difference was found in terms of postoperative malocclusion among patients treated with manual or rigid MMF. This suggests that both techniques were equally effective in providing intraoperative MMF.

Clinical outcomes of absorbable plates (hydroxyapatite-poly-l-lactide composites) for phalangeal fractures - case reports.

We report two cases of the basal phalanx fractures of the thumb treated with absorbable mesh plates. In both cases, the mesh plates specifically tailored for each fracture were effective in obtaining bone union and healing. We conclude that absorbable mesh plates could be a practical option for phalangeal fractures, especially where proprietary pre-molded metallic plates do not neatly fit the reduced fracture area.

Outcomes after primary intramedullary nail fixation of open tibial and femoral fractures in low resource settings.

INTRODUCTION: Open fractures are unique in the urgency they impart to the injury and the therapeutic challenge they pose. Non-union and infection are among the major concerns. Open tibial and femoral shaft fractures are among the commonest orthopaedic urgencies. Primary intramedullary (IM) nailing requires a skillset and knowledge of the principles of open fracture management and also a well-equipped operating room with the necessary implants and instruments. In a low resource setting, one or more of these prerequisites may not be met, and the outcome may thus be affected similarly. The objective of this study was to study these outcomes. METHODS: We prospectively studied primary IM nailing of open 1, 2 and 3A tibial and femoral fractures done in our hospital, in a simple non-modular operating room without an image intensifier. RESULTS: There were 106 fractures in 104 patients: 93 tibial and 13 femoral. The mean time from injury to surgical debridement was 19.6 h. Mean duration of antibiotics therapy was 4.3 days, and the mean duration of hospital stay was 4.1 days. All patients were followed up to union. Mean time to radiographic union was 6.1 months for the tibia and 5.7 months for the femur. Non-union was seen in 4 tibial and 1 femoral fractures. There were 3 superficial infections but no deep infection. CONCLUSION: The outcomes were comparable to, and in some cases better than, those found in existing literature. We conclude that primary IM nailing in open long bone fractures can be performed in austere environments with good success, in expert hands if the principles are adhered to.

The utility of air on computed tomography scans in the assessment of type 1 open fractures.

PURPOSE: The presence of air on computed tomography (CT) scans has been demonstrated to accurately diagnose occult traumatic arthrotomies. The purpose of this study was to determine if the presence of air on CT scans also has diagnostic utility for type 1 open fractures. METHODS: A retrospective review at a level 1 trauma center identified twenty-eight patients with Gustilo-Anderson Type 1 open fractures and preoperative CT scans. These patients were matched 2:1 with 56 closed fractures who also had CT scans. CT scans were reviewed to determine the presence of suprafascial and subfascial air. RESULTS: Air near the fracture site on CT scan was more common in open fractures then closed fractures (21 (75%) vs. 9 (16%) patients, proportional difference: 59% (37-75%), p < 0.0001). In the open fracture group, 18 (64.2%) patients had both supra- and subfascial air, 2 (7.1%) patients had isolated subfascial air, and 1 (3.5%) patient had isolated suprafascial air. In the closed fracture group, 3 (5.3%) patients had supra- and subfascial air, 4 (7.1%) had isolated subfascial air, and 2 (3.5%) had isolated suprafascial air. The sensitivity and specificity of air on CT for identifying a type 1 open fracture was 75 and 84%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: This study found that the presence of air on CT scan was more likely in type 1 open versus closed fractures; however, the sensitivity or specificity was too low to be used reliably to identify occult open fractures in isolation. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Diagnostic Level III.

Use of a trauma registry to drive improvement in the regional trauma network systems in Hawassa, Ethiopia.

AIM: Our aim is to establish and analyse the first year of trauma registry data from Hawassa University Comprehensive Specialised Hospital (HUCSH)-an Ethiopian tertiary referral centre. We plan to identify possible trends in injury patterns, access to health care and referral pathways and establish if our observations are in keeping with data published from other sub-Saharan LMIC's. METHODS: Prospective data collection using the WHO trauma registry dataset. All trauma patients presenting to HUCSH between November 2019 and November 2020 were included. Military patients were excluded. DATASET: Age, sex, region of residence, mode of transport to hospital, referral centre, time from injury to arrival in HUCSH, arrival triage category, Kampala Trauma Score (KTS), mechanism of injury, injury type, closed/open fracture and 24 h outcomes. Data statistical analysis was performed to calculate frequencies of the above variables. RESULTS: There were a total of 1919 cases. Fifty-three per cent were caused by road traffic collision and 49% were fracture/dislocations. Public transport was the most common mode to hospital-40%. Seventy-seven per cent of all trauma admissions were referred from other centres, 69% had a mild KTS. A total of 376 patients presented with an open fracture-76% had a low KTS and 67% remained in ED for > 24 h. Sixty-five per cent of ambulances were utilised for mild KTS patients, only 25% of ambulances transported moderate and severe injuries. CONCLUSION: We have shown that a 'one size fits all approach' should not be adopted for LMIC's as trends vary between regions and countries. Improvements are needed in ambulance utilisation, the use of appropriate triaging tools to facilitate initial basic trauma care and appropriate, timely referrals and the management of open fractures.

Short-term outcomes of instability related anterior glenoid fractures treated with open repair utilizing subscapularis split technique.

INTRODUCTION: The purpose of this series is to report on the one-year clinical outcomes of instability related anterior glenoid fractures treated with open repair utilizing the subscapularis split technique. METHODS: Patients with displaced anterior glenoid fractures who underwent open surgical treatment via deltopectoral incision and subscapularis split were identified from a single surgeons database. Fractures were repaired using screw fixation or with distal tibia osteochondral allograft reconstruction. Patient Reported Outcome Measurement Information System (PROMIS) Upper Extremity Computer Adaptive Test (UE), PROMIS Pain interference (PI), PROMIS pain intensity (Pi), American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES), Visual Analog Scale (VAS) pain, and Subjective Shoulder Value (SSV) scores were obtained at minimum one-year follow-up. RESULTS: Twelve patients with a mean age of 54 (range 28-72) years were included in our study with a follow-up at an average of 16.6 (range 12-30) months. Ten patients underwent internal fixation and two patients underwent allograft reconstruction. Postoperative imaging (n = 10) at latest follow-up demonstrated healed fractures without any hardware complication. Mean postoperative range of motion included forward elevation of 147 ± 44.0° and external rotation of 44 ± 17°. Postoperative PROMs were obtained from nine patients with a mean PROMIS UE, PI, and Pi score of 49.4 ± 4.1, 39.9 ± 3.8 and 35.6 ± 4.3, respectively. The respective mean ASES, VAS, and SSV scores were 91.8 ± 7.2, 1.2 ± 1.0, and 91.0 ± 8.0. CONCLUSION: Open surgical repair of anterior glenoid fractures utilizing subscapularis split results in good functional outcomes and low complications including risk of recurrent instability. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: III case series.

Risk assessment in delayed free flap reconstruction for severe lower extremity trauma.

PURPOSE: This study aims to identify serum biomarkers that contribute to vascular thrombosis and complete flap failure in delayed reconstruction with free flaps, as well as to develop a scoring system of risk assessment including these biomarkers. METHODS: A retrospective review of the database was conducted for lower extremity open fractures reconstructed between 7 and 90 days from injury, from March 2014 to February 2022. We investigated changes in platelet count (PLT), D-dimer, creatine phosphokinase (CPK), and C-reactive protein (CRP) and then, developed a risk assessment system including these biomarkers as risk factors. RESULTS: A total of 62 free flaps were enrolled, and vascular thrombosis occurred in 14 flaps (22.6%), 9 of which (14.5%) developed complete flap failure. The risk assessment score was set to a maximum of 6 points for 6 items: age ≤ 40 years, time from injury to coverage ≥ 14 days, zone of injury from middle to distal leg, D-dimer on the day of injury ≥ 60 µg/mL, maximum value of CPK ≥ 10,000 U/L, and maximum value of CRP ≥ 25 mg/dL. The best cutoff score was 3 in the vascular thrombosis model (sensitivity: 0.79, specificity: 0.77) and 4 in the complete flap failure model (sensitivity: 0.78, specificity: 0.92). CONCLUSIONS: Our risk assessment system showed that the risk of vascular thrombosis was high at ≥ 3 points and that of complete flap failure was high at ≥ 4 points. Significantly, elevated levels of D-dimer, CPK, and CRP require more caution during reconstruction using free flaps.