Effect of Vitamin D3 Supplementation on Acute Fracture Healing: A Phase II Screening Randomized Double-Blind Controlled Trial.

Nearly half of adult fracture patients are vitamin D deficient (serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] levels <20 ng/mL). Many surgeons advocate prescribing vitamin D supplements to improve fracture healing outcomes; however, data supporting the effectiveness of vitamin D3 supplements to improve acute fracture healing are lacking. We tested the effectiveness of vitamin D3 supplementation for improving tibia and femur fracture healing. We conducted a single-center, double-blinded phase II screening randomized controlled trial with a 12-month follow-up. Patients aged 18-50 years receiving an intramedullary nail for a tibia or femoral shaft fracture were randomized 1:1:1:1 to receive (i) 150,000 IU loading dose vitamin D3 at injury and 6 weeks (n = 27); (ii) 4000 IU vitamin D3 daily (n = 24); (iii) 600 IU vitamin D3 daily (n = 24); or (iv) placebo (n = 27). Primary outcomes were clinical fracture healing (Function IndeX for Trauma [FIX-IT]) and radiographic fracture healing (Radiographic Union Score for Tibial fractures [RUST]) at 3 months. One hundred two patients with a mean age of 29 years (standard deviation 8) were randomized. The majority were male (69%), and 56% were vitamin D3 deficient at baseline. Ninety-nine patients completed the 3-month follow-up. In our prespecified comparisons, no clinically important or statistically significant differences were detected in RUST or FIX-IT scores between groups when measured at 3 months and over 12 months. However, in a post hoc comparison, high doses of vitamin D3 were associated with improved clinical fracture healing relative to placebo at 3 months (mean difference [MD] 0.90, 80% confidence interval [CI], 0.08 to 1.79; p = 0.16) and within 12 months (MD 0.89, 80% CI, 0.05 to 1.74; p = 0.18). The study was designed to identify potential evidence to support the effectiveness of vitamin D3 supplementation in improving acute fracture healing. Vitamin D3 supplementation, particularly high doses, might modestly improve acute tibia or femoral shaft fracture healing in healthy adults, but confirmatory studies are required. The Vita-Shock trial was awarded the Orthopaedic Trauma Association's (OTA) Bovill Award in 2020. This award is presented annually to the authors of the most outstanding OTA Annual Meeting scientific paper. © 2022 The Authors. JBMR Plus published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.

Ground Level Falls in Patients Over 60, Do Race and Socioeconomic Status Affect Outcome?

BACKGROUND: Falls are a significant source of morbidity, mortality, and health care spending in the elderly. The objective was to identify whether race, insurance status, and median income by zip code were associated with discharge disposition, readmission within 90 days, or mortality within 1 year of ground-level falls in patients aged 60-90. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We conducted a retrospective chart review of 926 patients aged 60-90 treated for ground-level falls. We created a binomial linear regression model to identify predictors of discharge disposition, 90-day readmission, and mortality within 1 year of discharge. RESULTS: Length of stay (P < .01), having orthopedic surgery (P < .01), score on Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI) (P < .01), increasing age (P = .014), female sex (P = .05), and admission to the ICU (P = .05) were associated with discharge to a secondary facility. Readmission within 90 days was only associated with higher scores on the CCI (P < .01). Charlson Comorbidity Index (P < .0001), hospital length of stay (P < .001), and admission to the ICU (P = .015) were associated with increased mortality at 1 year. DISCUSSION: Predictors of discharge to another facility included hospital length of stay, having orthopedic surgery, CCI scores, increasing age, female sex, and admission to the ICU. Charlson Comorbidity Index score was the only significant predictor of readmission. Predictors of mortality at 1-year post-fall included CCI score, hospital length of stay, and admission to the ICU. Race, median income by zip code, and insurance provider were not statistically significant.

Are deep infections that present before and after 90 days from orthopaedic trauma different? An analysis of the validity of the recent change in CDC criteria for infections.

BACKGROUND: In 2016, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) changed the time frame for their definition of deep surgical site infection (SSI) from within 1 year to within 90 days of surgery. We hypothesized that a substantial number of infections in patients who have undergone fracture fixation present beyond 90 days and that there are patient or injury factors that can predict who is more likely to present with SSI after 90 days. METHODS: A retrospective review yielded 452 deep SSI after fracture fixation. These patients were divided into two groups-those infected within 90 days of surgery and those infected beyond 90 days . Data were collected on risk factors for infection. Univariate and multiple logistic regression analyses were performed to compare the two groups. A randomly selected control group was used to build infection prediction models for both outcomes. The two outcomes were then modelled against each other to determine whether differences in predictors for early versus late infection exist. RESULTS: Of the 452 infections, 144 occurred beyond 90 days (32% [95% CI, 28%-36%]). No statistically significant patient factors were found in multivariable analysis between the early and late infection groups. The need for flap coverage was the only injury characteristic that differed significantly between groups, with patients in the late infection group more likely to have needed a flap. When modelled against the control group and directly comparing the two models, predictors for early infection include male sex and fractures of the pelvis, acetabulum, or hip, whereas predictors of late infection include hepatitis C and/or human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and admission to the intensive care unit (ICU). CONCLUSION: Use of the recent CDC definition will underestimate the rate of actual postoperative infections when applied to orthopaedic trauma patients. Hepatitis C and/or HIV and ICU admission are predictors of late infection, whereas male sex and pelvis, acetabulum, or hip fractures are predictors of early infection. Patients who receive flap coverage may be more likely to present with late infection.

Acute haemorrhage rate in 28,000 Out-of-Hours CT heads.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this paper is to assess the acute haemorrhage rate in patients who had CT head investigation out-of-hours with and without trauma and compare the rates of haemorrhage between warfarin and DOACs, at a busy teritary teaching hospital. METHODS: All CT heads performed between January 2008 and December 2019 were identified from the radiology information system (RIS) at Sheffield Teaching Hospitals (STH), with the requesting information being available from January 2015. The clinical information was assessed for the mention of trauma or anticoagulation, and the reports were categorised into acute and non-acute findings. RESULTS: Between 2008 and 2019 the number of scans increased by 63%, with scans performed out of hours increasing by 278%. Between 2015 and 2019, the incidence of acute ICH was similar over the 5-year period, averaging at 6.9% and ranging from 6.1 to 7.6%. The rate of detection of acute haemorrhage following trauma was greater in those not anticoagulated (6.8%), compared with patients on anticoagulants such as warfarin (5.2%) or DOACs (2.8%). CONCLUSIONS: Over 12 years, there has been a significant increase in the number of CT heads performed at STH. The rate of ICH has remained steady over the last 5 years indicating a justified increase in imaging demand. However, the incidence of ICH in patients prescribed DOACs is lower than the general population and those on warfarin. ADVANCES IN KNOWLEDGE: This finding in a large centre should prompt discussion of the risk of bleeding with DOACs in relation to CT head imaging guidelines.

Factors influencing management of bilateral femur fractures: A multicenter retrospective cohort of early versus delayed definitive Fixation.

INTRODUCTION: The purpose of our study was to evaluate the factors that influence the timing of definitive fixation in the management of bilateral femoral shaft fractures and the outcomes for patients with these injuries. METHODS: Patients with bilateral femur fractures treated between 1998 to 2019 at ten level-1 trauma centers were retrospectively reviewed. Patients were grouped into early or delayed fixation, which was defined as definitive fixation of both femurs within or greater than 24 hours from injury, respectively. Statistical analysis included reversed logistic odds regression to predict which variable(s) was most likely to determine timing to definitive fixation. The outcomes included age, sex, high-volume institution, ISS, GCS, admission lactate, and admission base deficit. RESULTS: Three hundred twenty-eight patients were included; 164 patients were included in the early fixation group and 164 patients in the delayed fixation group. Patients managed with delayed fixation had a higher Injury Severity Score (26.8 vs 22.4; p<0.01), higher admission lactate (4.4 and 3.0; p<0.01), and a lower Glasgow Coma Scale (10.7 vs 13; p<0.01). High-volume institution was the most reliable influencer for time to definitive fixation, successfully determining 78.6% of patients, followed by admission lactate, 64.4%. When all variables were evaluated in conjunction, high-volume institution remained the strongest contributor (X2 statistic: institution: 45.6, ISS: 8.83, lactate: 6.77, GCS: 0.94). CONCLUSION: In this study, high-volume institution was the strongest predictor of timing to definitive fixation in patients with bilateral femur fractures. This study demonstrates an opportunity to create a standardized care pathway for patients with these injuries. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III.

Single-Stage Versus 2-Stage Bilateral Intramedullary Nail Fixation in Patients With Bilateral Femur Fractures: A Multicenter Retrospective Review.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate rates of complications in patients with bilateral femur fractures treated with intramedullary nailing (IMN) during either 1 single procedure or 2 separate procedures. DESIGN: A multicenter retrospective review of patients sustaining bilateral femur fractures, treated with IMN in single or 2-stage procedure, from 1998 to 2018 was performed at 10 Level-1 trauma centers. SETTING: Ten Level-1 trauma centers. PATIENTS/PARTICIPANTS: Two hundred forty-six patients with bilateral femur fractures. INTERVENTIONS: Intramedullary nailing. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Incidence of complications. RESULTS: A total of 246 patients were included, with 188 single-stage and 58 two-stage patients. Gender, age, injury severity score, abbreviated injury score, secondary injuries, Glasgow coma scale, and proportion of open fractures were similar between both groups. Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) occurred at higher rates in the 2-stage group (13.8% vs. 5.9%; P value = 0.05). When further adjusted for age, gender, injury severity score, abbreviated injury score, Glasgow coma scale, and admission lactate, the single-stage group had a 78% reduced risk for ARDS. In-hospital mortality was higher in the single-stage cohort (2.7% compared with 0%), although this did not meet statistical significance (P = 0.22). CONCLUSIONS: This is the largest multicenter study to date evaluating the outcomes between single- and 2-stage IMN fixation for bilateral femoral shaft fractures. Single-stage bilateral femur IMN may decrease rates of ARDS in polytrauma patients who are able to undergo simultaneous definitive fixation. However, a future prospective study with standardized protocols in place will be required to discern whether single- versus 2-stage fixation has an effect on mortality and to identify those individuals at risk. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic Level III. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

Quantitative Evaluation of Embolic Load in Femoral and Tibial Shaft Fractures Treated With Reamed Intramedullary Fixation.

OBJECTIVES: To compare the volume of embolic load during intramedullary fixation of femoral and tibial shaft fractures. Our hypothesis was that tibial intramedullary nails (IMNs) would be associated with less volume of intravasation of marrow than IM nailing of femur fractures. DESIGN: Prospective observational study. SETTING: Urban Level I trauma center. PATIENTS/PARTICIPANTS: Twenty-three patients consented for the study: 14 with femoral shaft fractures and 9 with tibial shaft fractures. INTERVENTION: All patients underwent continuous transesophageal echocardiography, and volume of embolic load was evaluated during 5 distinct stages: postinduction, initial guide wire, reaming (REAM), nail insertion, and postoperative. MAIN OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS: Volume of embolic load was measured based on previously described luminosity scores. The embolic load based on fracture location and procedure stage was evaluated using a mixed effects model. RESULTS: The IMN procedure increased the embolic load by 215% (-12% to 442%, P = 0.07) in femur patients relative to tibia patients after adjusting for baseline levels. Of the 5 steps measured, REAM was associated with the greatest increase in embolic load relative to the guide wire placement and controlling for fracture location (421%, 95% confidence interval: 169%-673%, P < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: Femoral shaft IMN fixation was associated with a 215% increase in embolic load in comparison with tibial shaft IMN fixation, with the greatest quantitative load during the REAM stage; however, both procedures produce embolic load. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Prognostic Level II. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

Predictors of Symptomatic Implant Removal After Open Reduction and Internal Fixation of Tibial Plateau Fractures: A Retrospective Case-Control Study.

A retrospective case-control study was conducted at a level I trauma center to assess whether radiographic details of tibial plateau fixation can predict symptomatic implant removal. Nine hundred fifty-one tibial plateau fractures were treated with open reduction and internal fixation from 2007 to 2016. Eighty-two (9%) were treated with implant removal for localized pain over the implant. A control group was selected from the remaining patients using cumulative sampling. Records and radiographs were reviewed for predictors hypothesized to be associated with implant removal. Based on the authors' multivariable model, implant removal was associated with each additional protruding screw (adjusted odds ratio, 1.32; 95% confidence interval, 1.13-1.55; P<.001), bicondylar fractures (adjusted odds ratio, 2.13; 95% confidence interval, 1.11-4.11; P=.02), and lower body mass index (P=.05). Associations that approached significance were observed with decreased age (adjusted odds ratio, 0.82 per 10 years; 95% confidence interval, 0.66-1.01; P=.06) and closed fractures (adjusted odds ratio, 0.34; 95% confidence interval, 0.10-1.19; P=.09). The model discriminated fractures requiring implant removal with moderate accuracy (area under the curve=0.71). Each additional screw that radiographically protrudes beyond the far cortex increases the odds of symptomatic implant removal by 32%. Bicondylar fractures and lower body mass index are also associated with symptomatic implant removal. These findings might help inform patients and guide fixation techniques to reduce the likelihood of symptomatic implant removal. [Orthopedics. 2020;43(3):161-167.].

A patient-centered composite endpoint weighting technique for orthopaedic trauma research.

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to address the current limitations of the use of composite endpoints in orthopaedic trauma research by quantifying the relative importance of clinical outcomes common to orthopaedic trauma patients and use those values to develop a patient-centered composite endpoint weighting technique. METHODS: A Best-Worst Scaling choice experiment was administered to 396 adult surgically-treated fracture patients. Respondents were presented with ten choice sets, each consisting of three out of ten plausible clinical outcomes. Hierarchical Bayesian modeling was used to determine the utilities associated with the outcomes. RESULTS: Death was the outcome of greatest importance (mean utility = - 8.91), followed by above knee amputation (- 7.66), below knee amputation (- 6.97), severe pain (- 5.90), deep surgical site infection (SSI) (- 5.69), bone healing complications (- 5.20), and moderate pain (- 4.59). Mild pain (- 3.30) and superficial SSI (- 3.29), on the other hand, were the outcomes of least importance to respondents. CONCLUSION: This study revealed that patients' relative importance towards clinical outcomes followed a logical gradient, with distinct and quantifiable preferences for each possible component outcome. These findings were incorporated into a novel composite endpoint weighting technique.

Study protocol: design and rationale for an exploratory phase II randomized controlled trial to determine optimal vitamin D3 supplementation strategies for acute fracture healing.

BACKGROUND: Observational studies have found that 75% of healthy adult fracture patients (ages 18-50) have serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) levels < 30 ng/mL. Although lower serum 25(OH)D levels have yet to be correlated to fracture healing complications or poor fracture outcomes, many orthopedic surgeons are routinely prescribing vitamin D supplements to improve fracture healing in healthy non-osteoporotic patients. To address this gap in the literature, we propose a phase II exploratory randomized controlled trial comparing three vitamin D3 dosing regimens for early surrogate treatment response. METHODS: We will conduct a 4-arm blinded exploratory phase II trial in 96 adults aged 18-50 years with a closed or low-grade open (Gustilo type I or II) tibial or femoral shaft fracture. Eligible patients will be randomized in equal allocation ratio of 1:1:1:1 to one of the treatment groups: (1) 150,000 IU loading dose vitamin D3 plus daily dose placebo; (2) loading dose placebo plus 4000 IU vitamin D3 per day, (3) loading dose placebo plus 600 IU vitamin D3 per day, or (4) loading dose placebo plus daily dose placebo. The primary outcome is fracture healing, assessed as follows: (1) clinical fracture healing measured using the Function IndeX for Trauma, (2) radiographic fracture healing measured using the Radiographic Union Score for Tibial fractures, and (3) biological fracture healing measured using serum levels of cross-linked C-terminal telopeptides of type I collagen and amino-terminal procollagen propeptides of collagen type I. The main secondary outcome will be assessed by measuring serum 25(OH)D levels. All outcome analyses will be exploratory and adhere to the intention-to-treat principle. Per-protocol sensitivity analyses will also be conducted. DISCUSSION: Study results will be disseminated through a publication in an academic journal and presentations at orthopedic conferences. Study results will inform dose selection for a large definitive randomized controlled trial and provide preliminary clinical data on which dose may improve acute fracture healing outcomes in healthy adult patients (18-50 years) at 3 months. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Vita-Shock (A Blinded Exploratory Randomized Controlled Trial to Determine Optimal Vitamin D3 Supplementation Strategies for Acute Fracture Healing) was registered at ClinicalTrials.gov (identifier NCT02786498) prior to enrollment of participants.

Incidence of Knee Pain Beyond 1 Year: Suprapatellar Versus Infrapatellar Approach for Intramedullary Nailing of the Tibia.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the magnitude of knee pain between the suprapatellar (SP) and infrapatellar (IP) approach for tibial nailing in patients who are more than 1 year after injury. DESIGN: Retrospective cohort study. SETTING: Academic Level I trauma center. PATIENTS/PARTICIPANTS: All tibia fracture patients 18-80 years of age treated with an intramedullary tibial nail during a 5-year period were retrospectively reviewed for inclusion. The surgical approach was determined by surgeon preference, with 3 of the 9 surgeons routinely using the SP approach. The primary outcome was knee pain during kneeling, with secondary assessments comparing knee pain during resting, walking, and the past 24 hours. INTERVENTION: Intramedullary nailing of a tibia fracture with either the SP or IP approach. MAIN OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS: Knee pain assessed with the Numeric Rating Scale between 0 and 10. A difference of >1.0 was considered to be clinically meaningful. RESULTS: The study group consisted of 262 patients (SP, n = 91; IP, n = 171) with a mean age of 41.4 years (SD = 16.6). The median follow-up was 3.8 years (range: 1.5-7.0). No difference in knee pain during kneeling was detected between the surgical approaches (IP: 3.9, SP 3.8; P = 0.90; mean difference: -0.06, 95% confidence interval, -1 to 0.9). Similarly, no differences were detected in average knee pain scores at rest (IP: 2.0, SP: 2.0; P = 1.00), walking (IP: 2.7, SP 3.0; P = 0.51), or the last 24 hours (IP: 2.6, SP 2.9; P = 0.45). CONCLUSIONS: In contrast to a study conducted by Sun et al, in which there was a statistical difference in knee pain between the SP and IP surgical approaches, we did not detect any statistical or clinical differences in knee pain between the SP and IP surgical approaches among patients with greater than 12 months of follow-up. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic Level III. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

A Predictive Score for Determining Risk of Surgical Site Infection After Orthopaedic Trauma Surgery.

OBJECTIVES: To determine factors predictive of postoperative surgical site infection (SSI) after fracture fixation and create a prediction score for risk of infection at time of initial treatment. DESIGN: Retrospective cohort study. SETTING: Level I trauma center. PATIENTS/PARTICIPANTS: Study group, 311 patients with deep SSI; control group, 608 patients. INTERVENTION: We evaluated 27 factors theorized to be associated with postoperative infection. Bivariate and multiple logistic regression analyses were used to build a prediction model. A composite score reflecting risk of SSI was then created. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Risk of postoperative infection. RESULTS: The final model consisted of 8 independent predictors: (1) male sex, (2) obesity (body mass index ≥ 30) (3) diabetes, (4) alcohol abuse, (5) fracture region, (6) Gustilo-Anderson type III open fracture, (7) methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus nasal swab testing (not tested or positive result), and (8) American Society of Anesthesiologists classification. Risk strata were well correlated with observed proportion of SSI and resulted in a percent risk of infection of 1% for ≤3 points, 6% for 4-5 points, 11% for 6 to 8-9 points, and 41% for ≥10 points. CONCLUSION: The proposed postoperative infection prediction model might be able to determine which patients have fractures at higher risk of infection and provides an estimate of the percent risk of infection before fixation. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Prognostic Level III. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

Radiographic predictors of symptomatic locking screw removal after treatment of tibial fractures with intramedullary nails.

INTRODUCTION: The purpose of this study was to determine the radiographic parameters associated with symptomatic locking screw removal after intramedullary tibial nail insertion. Our hypothesis was that locking screws located closer to joints and those extending longer than the width of the bone result in more symptomatic implant removal. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective cohort study at our Level I trauma center. Seventy-five patients underwent surgical removal of symptomatic locking screws from 2007 to 2014 and were compared with a control group of 122 patients from the same time period who did not undergo symptomatic locking screw removal. Our main outcome measures were radiographic and demographic factors associated with implant removal. RESULTS: Multivariable regression indicated that a proximal locking screw that started anterolateral and was directed posteromedial was the strongest radiographic predictor of symptomatic removal (odds ratio [OR], 2.83; p = 0.03). An Injury Severity Score <11 (OR, 3.10; p < 0.001) and a body mass index <25 kg/m2 (OR, 2.15; p = 0.02) were also associated with locking screw removal. The final prediction model discriminated patients requiring symptomatic locking screw removal with moderate accuracy (area under the receiver operating characteristic curve = 0.73). CONCLUSIONS: The strongest radiographic predictor for symptomatic locking screw removal after tibial nail insertion was the direction of the most proximal locking screw. In contrast to previous research on retrograde femoral nails, tibial locking screws that were closer to the joints were not associated with an increased likelihood of symptomatic screw removal. Clinicians can use these data to help counsel patients regarding the likelihood of symptomatic screws and perhaps to help guide screw placement in cases with multiple options.

Patient preferences for nutritional supplementation to improve fracture healing: a discrete choice experiment.

OBJECTIVE: Vitamin D is often prescribed as an adjuvant therapy to aid fracture healing due to its biological role in bone health. However, the optimal frequency, dosage and duration of vitamin D supplementation for non-osteoporotic fracture healing has not been established. The objective of this study was to determine patient preferences for fracture healing relative to hypothetical vitamin D supplementation dosing options. DESIGN: Discrete choice experiment. SETTING: Level 1 trauma centre in Baltimore, Maryland, USA. PARTICIPANTS: 199 adult (18-60 years) patients with a fracture. PRIMARY OUTCOME MEASURES: Parameter estimates of utility for fracture healing relative to dosing regimens were analysed using hierarchical Bayesian modelling. RESULTS: A reduced risk of reoperation (34.3%) and reduced healing time (24.4%) were the attributes of greatest relative importance. The highest mean utility estimates were for a one-time supplementation dose (ß=0.71, 95% CI 0.41 to 1.00) followed by a reduced risk of reoperation (ß=0.41 per absolute % reduction, 95% CI 0.0.36 to 0.46). Supplementation for 24 weeks in duration (ß=-0.83, 95% CI -1.00 to -0.67) and a daily supplement (ß=-0.29, 95% CI -0.47 to -0.11) had the lowest mean utilities. The 'no supplement' option had a large negative value suggesting supplementation was generally desirable in this sample population. Among other possible clinical scenarios, patients expected a 2% reduction in the absolute risk of reoperation or a 3.1-week reduction in healing time from the baseline to accept a treatment regimen requiring two separate doses of supplementation, two blood tests and a cost of $20 within 3 months of injury. CONCLUSIONS: Patients with orthopaedic trauma demonstrated strong willingness to take a vitamin D supplement that would decrease risk of reoperation and reduce healing time. Furthermore, these findings specify the required decrease in reoperation risk and reduction in healing time patients would expect to adhere to possible vitamin D dosing regimens.

Is prescribed lower extremity weight-bearing status after geriatric lower extremity trauma associated with increased mortality?

OBJECTIVES: Evaluate whether mortality after discharge is elevated in geriatric fracture patients whose lower extremity weight-bearing is restricted. DESIGN: Retrospective cohort study SETTING: Urban Level 1 trauma center PATIENTS/PARTICIPANTS: 1746 patients >65 years of age INTERVENTION: Post-operative lower extremity weight-bearing status MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE: Mortality, as determined by the Social Security Death Index RESULTS: Univariate analysis demonstrated that patients who were weight-bearing as tolerated on bilateral lower extremities (BLE) had significantly higher 5-year mortality compared to patients with restricted weight-bearing on one lower extremity and restricted weight-bearing on BLE (30%, 21% and 22% respectively, p < 0.001). Cox regression analysis controlling for variables including age, Charlson Comorbidity Index, Injury Severity Scale, combined UE/LE injury, injury mechanism (high vs low), sex, BMI and GCS demonstrated that, in comparison to patients who were weight bearing as tolerated on BLE, restricted weight-bearing on one lower extremity had a hazard ratio (HR) of 0.97 (95% confidence interval 0.78 to 1.20, p = 0.76) and restricted weight-bearing in BLE had a HR of 0.91 (95% confidence interval 0.60 to 1.36, p = 0.73). CONCLUSIONS: In geriatric patients, prescribed weight-bearing status did not have a statistically significant association with mortality after discharge, when controlling for age, sex, body mass index, medical comorbidities, Injury Severity Scale (ISS), mechanism of injury, nonoperative treatment and admission GCS. This remained true in when the analysis was restricted to operative injuries only.

Post-discharge adherence with venous thromboembolism prophylaxis after orthopedic trauma: Results from a randomized controlled trial of aspirin versus low molecular weight heparin.

BACKGROUND: Orthopedic trauma patients are often treated with venous thromboembolism (VTE) chemoprophylaxis with aspirin or low molecular weight heparin (LMWH) after discharge from their index admission, but adherence patterns are not known. We hypothesized that overall adherence would be moderate and greater with aspirin compared to LMWH. METHODS: We conducted a randomized controlled trial of adult trauma patients with an operative extremity fracture or any pelvic/acetabular fracture requiring VTE prophylaxis. Patients were randomized to receive either LMWH 30 mg BID or aspirin 81 mg BID. Patients prescribed outpatient prophylaxis were contacted between 10 and 21 days after discharge to assess adherence measured by the validated Morisky Medication Adherence Scale (MMAS-8). Adherence scores were compared between the two treatment arms with similar results for intention-to-treat and as-treated analyses. As-treated multivariable logistic regression was performed to determine factors associated with low-medium adherence scores. RESULTS: One hundred fifty patients (64 on LMWH, 86 on aspirin) on chemoprophylaxis at time of follow-up completed the questionnaire. As-treated analysis showed that adherence was high overall (mean MMAS 7.2 out of 8, SD 1.5) and similar for the two regimens (LMWH: 7.4 vs. aspirin: 7.0, p = 0.13). However, patients on LMWH were more likely to feel hassled by their regimen (23% vs. 9%, p = 0.02). In a multivariable model, low-medium adherence was associated with taking LMWH as the prophylaxis medication (aOR 2.34, CI 1.06-5.18, p = 0.04), having to self-administer the prophylaxis (aOR 4.44, CI 1.45-13.61, p < 0.01), being of male sex (aOR 2.46, CI 1.10-5.49, p = 0.03), and of younger age (aOR 0.72 per additional 10 years of age, CI 0.57-0.91, p < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: Overall post-discharge adherence with VTE prophylaxis was high. Several factors, including prophylaxis by LMWH, were associated with decreased adherence. These factors should be considered when managing patients and designing efficacy trials. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic, level II.

Risk Factors for Failure of Bone Grafting of Tibia Nonunions and Segmental Bone Defects: A New Preoperative Risk Assessment Score.

OBJECTIVE: To develop a clinically useful prediction model of success at the time of surgery to promote bone healing for established tibial nonunion or traumatic bone defects. DESIGN: Retrospective case controlled. SETTING: Level 1 trauma center. PATIENTS: Adult patients treated with surgery for established tibia fracture nonunion or traumatic bone defects from 2007 to 2016. Two hundred three patients met the inclusion criteria and were available for final analysis. INTERVENTION: Surgery to promote bone healing of established tibia fracture nonunion or segmental defect with plate and screw construct, intramedullary nail fixation, or multiplanar external fixation. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Failure of the surgery to promote bone healing that was defined as unplanned revision surgery for lack of bone healing or deep infection. No patients were excluded who had a primary outcome event. RESULTS: Multivariate logistic modeling identified 5 significant (P < 0.05) risk factors for failure of the surgery to promote bone healing: (1) mechanism of injury, (2) Increasing body mass index, (3) cortical defect size (mm), (4) flap size (cm), and (5) insurance status. A prediction model was created based on these factors and awarded 0 points for fall, 17 points for high energy blunt trauma (OR = 17; 95% CI, 1-286, P = 0.05), 22 points for industrial/other (OR = 22; 95% CI, 1-4, P = 0.04), and 28 points for ballistic injuries (OR = 28; 95% CI, 1-605, P = 0.04). One point is given for every 10 cm of flap size (OR = 1; 95% CI, 1-1.1, P < 0.001), 10 mm of mean cortical gap distance (OR = 1; 95% CI, 1-2, P = 0.004), and 10 units BMI, respectively (OR = 1.5; 95% CI, 1-3, P = 0.16). Two points are awarded for Medicaid or no insurance (OR = 2; 95% CI, 1-5, P = 0.035) and 3 points for Medicare (3; 95% CI, 1-9, P = 0.033). Each 1-point increase in risk score was associated with a 6% increased chance of requiring at least 1 revision surgery (P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: This study presents a clinical score that predicts the likelihood of success after surgery for tibia fracture nonunions or traumatic bone defects and may help clinicians better determine which patients are likely to fail these procedures and require further surgery.

Long-term and widespread changes in agricultural practices influence ring-necked pheasant abundance in California.

Declines in bird populations in agricultural regions of North America and Europe have been attributed to agricultural industrialization, increases in use of agrochemical application, and increased predation related to habitat modification. Based on count data compiled from Breeding Bird Survey (BBS) from 1974 to 2012, Christmas Bird Count (CBC) collected from 1914 to 2013, and hunter data from Annual Game Take Survey (AGTS) for years 1948-2010, ring-necked pheasants (Phasianus colchicus) in California have experienced substantial declines in agricultural environments. Using a modeling approach that integrates all three forms of survey data into a joint response abundance index, we found pheasant abundance was related to the amount of harvested and unharvested crop land, types of crops produced, amount of total pesticide applied, minimum temperature, precipitation, and numbers of avian competitors and predators. Specifically, major changes in agricultural practices over the last three decades were associated with declines in pheasant numbers and likely reflected widespread loss of habitat. For example, increases in cropland were associated with increased pheasant abundance during early years of study but this effect decreased through time, such that no association in recent years was evidenced. A post hoc analysis revealed that crops beneficial to pheasant abundance (e.g., barley) have declined substantially in recent decades and were replaced by less advantageous crops (e.g., nut trees). An additional analysis using a restricted data set (1990-2013) indicated recent negative impacts on pheasant numbers associated with land use practices were also associated with relatively high levels of pesticide application. Our results may provide valuable information for management policies aimed at reducing widespread declines in pheasant populations in California and may be applicable to other avian species within agricultural settings. Furthermore, this general analytical approach is not limited to pheasants and could be applied to other taxa for which multiple survey data sources exist.