Assessing frailty in elderly patients with hip fractures: A retrospective review comparing geriatrician and orthopedic trainee assessments.

To assess the correlation of orthopedic surgery residents compared with expert geriatricians in the assessment of frailty stage using the Clinical Frailty Scale (CFS) in patients with hip fractures. A retrospective chart review was performed from January 1, 2015 to December 31, 2019. Patients admitted with a diagnosis of hip fracture were identified. Those patients with a CFS score completed by orthopedic residents with subsequent CFS score completed by a geriatrician during their admission were extracted. Six hundred and forty-eight patients over age 60 (mean 80.5 years, 73.5% female) were admitted during the study period. Orthopaedic residents completed 286 assessments in 44% of admissions. Geriatric medicine consultation was available for 215 patients such that 93 patients were assessed by both teams. Paired CFS data were extracted from the charts and tested for agreement between the 2 groups of raters. CFS assessments by orthopedic residents and geriatrician experts were significantly different at P < .05; orthopedic residents typically assessed patients to be one CFS grade less frail than geriatricians. Despite this, the CFS assessments showed good agreement between residents and geriatricians. Orthopaedic surgery residents are reliable assessors of frailty but tend to underestimate frailty level compared with specialist geriatricians. Given the evidence to support models such as orthogeriatrics to improve outcomes for frail patients, our findings suggest that orthopedic residents may be well positioned to identify patients who could benefit from such early interventions. Our findings also support recent evidence that frailty assessments by orthopedic surgeons may have predictive validity. Low rates of initial frailty assessment by orthopedic residents suggests that further work is required to integrate more global comprehensive care.

Technique for Removal of Broken InterTAN Integrated Cephalomedullary Screw.

SUMMARY: Pertrochanteric femoral fractures are routinely treated with cephalomedullary nailing, with good success. In the event of nonunion, implant fatigue failure may occur. The Trigen InterTAN system (Smith & Nephew, Memphis, TN) features 2 integrated cephalomedullary screws for improved rotational stability of the proximal segment. The inferior compression screw prevents rotation of the larger, superior lag screw. In the event of inferior screw breakage, the retained portion will prevent the integrated lag screw from being rotated to permit extraction. We present a case of a broken nail as well as a broken integrated screw, and describe a technique for successful implant removal.

A Reevaluation of the Risk of Infection Based on Time to Debridement in Open Fractures: Results of the GOLIATH Meta-Analysis of Observational Studies and Limited Trial Data.

BACKGROUND: Open fractures are one of the leading causes of disability worldwide. The threshold time to debridement that reduces the infection rate is unclear. METHODS: We searched all available databases to identify observational studies and randomized trials related to open fracture care. We then conducted an extensive meta-analysis of the observational studies, using raw and adjusted estimates, to determine if there was an association between the timing of initial debridement and infection. RESULTS: We identified 84 studies (18,239 patients) for the primary analysis. In unadjusted analyses comparing various "late" time thresholds for debridement versus "early" thresholds, there was an association between timing of debridement and surgical site infection (odds ratio [OR] = 1.29, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.11 to 1.49, p < 0.001, I2 = 30%, 84 studies, n = 18,239). For debridement performed between 12 and 24 hours versus earlier than 12 hours, the OR was higher in tibial fractures (OR = 1.37, 95% CI = 1.00 to 1.87, p = 0.05, I2 = 19%, 12 studies, n = 2,065), and even more so in Gustilo type-IIIB tibial fractures (OR = 1.46, 95% CI = 1.13 to 1.89, p = 0.004, I2 = 23%, 12 studies, n = 1,255). An analysis of Gustilo type-III fractures showed a progressive increase in the risk of infection with time. Critical time thresholds included 12 hours (OR = 1.51, 95% CI = 1.28 to 1.78, p < 0.001, I2 = 0%, 16 studies, n = 3,502) and 24 hours (OR = 2.17, 95% CI = 1.73 to 2.72, p < 0.001, I2 = 0%, 29 studies, n = 5,214). CONCLUSIONS: High-grade open fractures demonstrated an increased risk of infection with progressive delay to debridement. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Prognostic Level IV. See Instruction for Authors for a complete description of the levels of evidence.

Orthopaedic trauma care during a pandemic: initial responses in the United States and Canada.

As in other countries, COVID-19 had a significant impact on the delivery of Orthopaedic trauma care in North America. Both Canada and the United States had similar experiences and responses to the pandemic, while the burden of disease was significantly greater in the United States. There was significant uncertainty in the early phases of the pandemic, fueled by a lack of knowledge of the pathophysiology and spread of COVID-19, questions surrounding screening protocols, lack of guidelines for managing infected patients, and concern over limited supplies of personal protective equipment. As we gained knowledge and experience, changes were implemented to optimize the delivery of trauma care, some of which may have lasting effects. In this article, we share the experiences and lessons learned in Canada and the United States in response to the pandemic.

Open fractures with soft-tissue loss: Coverage options and timing of surgery.

Open fractures with soft-tissue loss remain challenging injuries to treat. These often high-energy fractures are at a higher risk of delayed healing and at much higher risk of infection than open fractures with less significant soft-tissue injury. The initial management of the open wound, flap coverage options, and the timing of definitive coverage all remain areas of controversy, which will be discussed in this article.

Ankle Fractures: An Expert Survey of Orthopaedic Trauma Association Members and Evidence-Based Treatment Recommendations.

OBJECTIVES: To describe current practice patterns of orthopaedic trauma experts regarding the management of ankle fractures, to review the current literature, and to provide recommendations for care based on a standardized grading system. DESIGN: Web-based survey. PARTICIPANTS: Orthopaedic Trauma Association (OTA) members. METHODS: A 27-item web-based questionnaire was advertised to members of the OTA. Using a cross-sectional survey study design, we evaluated the preferences in diagnosis and treatment of ankle fractures. RESULTS: One hundred sixty-six of 1967 OTA members (8.4%) completed the survey (16% of active members). There is considerable variability in the preferred method of diagnosis and treatment of ankle fractures among the members surveyed. Most responses are in keeping with best evidence available. CONCLUSIONS: Current controversy remains in the management of ankle fractures. This is reflected in the treatment preferences of the OTA members who responded to this survey. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic Level V. See Instructions for authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

Open reduction and internal fixation compared with ORIF and primary subtalar arthrodesis for treatment of Sanders type IV calcaneal fractures: a randomized multicenter trial.

OBJECTIVES: To compare long-term health outcome of Sanders type IV calcaneal fractures treated with open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) versus ORIF plus primary subtalar arthrodesis (PSTA). DESIGN: Randomized prospective multicenter trial. SETTING: Four Level 1 trauma hospitals in Canada. PATIENTS: Thirty-one patients with 31 Sanders IV displaced intraarticular calcaneal fractures. INTERVENTION: Seventeen patients were treated with a standard protocol involving a lateral approach for ORIF. Fourteen patients were treated with a standard protocol involving a lateral approach with ORIF + PSTA. MAIN OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS: Health outcomes were assessed with 4 validated instruments: (1) the Short Form 36 version 2 (SF-36), (2) the Musculoskeletal Functional Assessment Survey, (3) the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society's Ankle-Hindfoot Scale, and (4) the Visual Analogue Scale. RESULTS: From 2004 to 2011, 26 patients (26 displaced intraarticular calcaneal fractures) were followed for a minimum of 2 years (81% follow-up). No statistical difference was found between the results for ORIF compared with ORIF + PSTA: the mean SF-36 physical component scores were, respectively, 30.2 (SD = 11.4) and 37.8 (SD = 10.4) (P = 0.10); the mean Musculoskeletal Functional Assessment Survey scores were 44.2 (SD = 25.6) and 37.9 (SD = 21.5) (P = 0.50); the mean Ankle-Hindfoot Scale scores were 62.5 (SD = 19.6) and 65.8 (SD = 19.2), (P = 0.68); and the mean Visual Analogue Scale scores were 36.8 (SD = 34.7) and 36.0 (SD = 30.7) (P = 0.82). CONCLUSIONS: We were unable to demonstrate a significant difference between treating Sanders type IV fractures with either ORIF or ORIF + PSTA. It remains the choice of the surgeon and patient to take into account patient specific factors to determine treatment. However, ORIF + PSTA may be advantageous for both patients with Sanders type IV fractures and the health care system as patients heal quickly. Furthermore, ORIF + PSTA may prevent the need for late secondary subtalar fusion adding to increased costs and lost time from work. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic Level II. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

Selection of outcome measures for patients with hip fracture.

In designing a study protocol relating to hip fracture treatment and outcomes, it is important to select appropriate outcome instruments. Before beginning the process of instrument selection, investigators must gain a comprehensive understanding of the condition of interest and have a thorough knowledge of the expected benefits and harms of the proposed intervention. Adequate evidence of an intervention's effectiveness includes indication of impact on the patient's health. We provide a brief discussion about different ways that health and health measurement have been defined, including the International Classification of Function, Disability and Health (ICF), health-related quality of life (HRQOL), and cost-to-benefit analyses. We outline important properties (reliability, validity, sensitivity to change, and responsiveness) that a measurement instrument must demonstrate before being considered an acceptable means to measure outcome. Potential outcome measures relevant to patients with hip fracture are summarized, and important points to consider in the selection of outcome measures for a hypothetical research question in a hip fracture population are discussed.

Functional outcomes of severe bicondylar tibial plateau fractures treated with dual incisions and medial and lateral plates.

BACKGROUND: Plate fixation of comminuted bicondylar tibial plateau fractures remains controversial. This retrospective study was performed to evaluate the perioperative results and functional outcomes of medial and lateral plate stabilization, through anterolateral and posteromedial surgical approaches, of comminuted bicondylar tibial plateau fractures. METHODS: Over a seventy-seven-month period, eighty-three AO/OTA type-41-C3 bicondylar tibial plateau fractures were treated with medial and lateral plate fixation through two exposures. Injury radiographs were rank-ordered according to fracture severity. Immediate biplanar postoperative radiographs were evaluated to assess the quality of the reduction. The Musculoskeletal Function Assessment (MFA) questionnaire was used to evaluate functional outcome. RESULTS: Twenty-three male and eighteen female patients (average age, forty-six years) who completed the MFA questionnaire were included in the study group. The mean duration of follow-up was fifty-nine months. Two patients had a deep wound infection. Complete radiographic information was available for thirty-one patients. Seventeen (55%) of those patients had a satisfactory articular reduction (< or =2-mm step or gap), twenty-eight patients (90%) had satisfactory coronal plane alignment (medial proximal tibial angle of 87 degrees +/- 5 degrees ), twenty-one patients (68%) demonstrated satisfactory sagittal plane alignment (posterior proximal tibial angle of 9 degrees +/- 5 degrees ), and all thirty-one patients demonstrated satisfactory tibial plateau width (0 to 5 mm). Patient age and polytrauma were associated with a higher (worse) MFA score (p = 0.034 and p = 0.039, respectively). When these variables were accounted for, regression analysis demonstrated that a satisfactory articular reduction was significantly associated with a better MFA score (p = 0.029). Rank-order fracture severity was also predictive of MFA outcome (p < 0.001). No association was identified between rank-order severity and a satisfactory articular reduction (p = 0.21). The patients in this series demonstrated significant residual dysfunction (p < 0.0001), compared with normative data, with the leisure, employment, and movement MFA domains displaying the worst scores. CONCLUSIONS: Medial and lateral plate stabilization of comminuted bicondylar tibial plateau fractures through medial and lateral surgical approaches is a useful treatment method; however, residual dysfunction is common. Accurate articular reduction was possible in about half of our patients and was associated with better outcomes within the confines of the injury severity.

Open clavicle fractures and associated injuries.

OBJECTIVES: To describe the associated injuries, demographic distribution, and management of patients sustaining open clavicle fractures. DESIGN: Retrospective case series. SETTING: A single level-1 trauma center. PATIENTS: Twenty patients with open clavicle fractures were identified from a prospectively collected orthopaedic trauma registry. INTERVENTION: All patients were managed with surgical irrigation and debridement with or without internal fixation. RESULTS: Thirteen patients (65%) had a closed head injury. Fifteen patients (75%) had a significant associated pulmonary injury. In that group, there were 10 patients who had a pneumothorax (7 bilateral). Additionally, 12 patients had rib fractures and 11 had documented pulmonary contusions or effusions. Seven patients (35%) had a cervical or thoracic spine fracture or dislocation. Eight patients (40%) had concomitant scapula fractures. Six patients (30%) had additional ipsilateral upper extremity injuries remote from the shoulder girdle. One patient had a scapulothoracic dissociation. Eleven patients (55%) sustained significant facial trauma including fractures (5 patients), lacerations, and hematomas. Fourteen patients (70%) were treated with open reduction internal fixation. Fifteen patients (75%) were followed to healing (mean: 111 wk, median: 56 wk, range: 13 to 333 wk). There were no other complications related to the operative fixations. There were no known infections or nonunions. CONCLUSIONS: Open clavicle fractures are a rare injury. Patients often have associated pulmonary and cranial injuries. Ipsilateral upper extremity and shoulder girdle injuries are common, whereas concomitant neurologic and vascular injuries are infrequent. The majority of patients have rapid and uneventful healing of their fractures after surgical treatment.

The olecranon osteotomy: a six-year experience in the treatment of intraarticular fractures of the distal humerus.

OBJECTIVES: The transolecranon exposure for distal humerus fractures is a suggested technique for improving articular visualization, allowing accurate reduction. Significant osteotomy complications such as nonunion and implant prominence have prompted recommendations for alternate exposures. The purposes of this study are to present the techniques and complications of the olecranon osteotomy for the management of distal humerus fractures, and to evaluate the adequacy of distal humeral and olecranon articular reductions. DESIGN: Retrospective review. SETTING: Urban level-1 University trauma center. PATIENTS: One hundred fourteen skeletally mature AO/OTA type 13-C distal humerus fractures were identified from the orthopedic trauma database and formed the study group. INTERVENTION: Seventy fractures (61%), including 42 open injuries, were managed using an intraarticular, chevron-shaped olecranon osteotomy. Osteotomy fixations were performed with an intramedullary screw and supplemental dorsal ulnar wiring, or plate stabilization. In the remaining 44 fractures (39%), soft-tissue mobilizing exposures were performed. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE: Patient records and radiographs were reviewed to determine injury and operative characteristics, complications, and adequacy of articular reductions. Patient interviews were conducted by telephone to identify any subsequent surgical procedures. RESULTS: The proportion of osteotomies performed increased as fracture complexity increased (P<0.001). Sixty-seven of 70 patients had adequate follow-up to determine osteotomy union. All osteotomies united. There was 1 delayed union. Sixty-one of 70 patients had adequate follow-up to determine complications associated with ulnar fixations. Five of these patients (8%) underwent elective removal of symptomatic osteotomy fixations. An additional 13 patients had olecranon implants removed in conjunction with other surgical procedures (11 elbow contracture releases, 1 humeral nonunion repair, and 1 chronic draining sinus excision). Symptomatic ulnar fixations in this group could not be reliably ascertained, but may have been present. A total of 18 of 61 patients (29.5%), therefore, had proximal ulna fixations removed. All patients treated using an olecranon osteotomy exposure demonstrated satisfactory radiographic distal humeral articular reductions. Two osteotomies required early revision osteosynthesis secondary to loss of osteotomy reduction. CONCLUSIONS: In this study, no osteotomy nonunions were encountered in 67 patients, more than half of which were open injuries. Regardless of which type of fixation is used to secure the osteotomy, secure stabilization must be obtained. Isolated symptomatic olecranon fixation requiring removal occurred in approximately 8% of patients. Although not necessary for all fractures of the distal humerus, the olecranon osteotomy can be useful in the visualization of the complex articular injuries, allowing accurate articular reduction.