Trends in Comorbidities and Complications Among Patients Undergoing Hip Fracture Repair.

BACKGROUND: Hip fracture patients represent various perioperative challenges related to their significant comorbidity burden and the high incidence of morbidity and mortality. As population trend data remain rare, we aimed to investigate nationwide trends in the United States in patient demographics and outcomes in patients after hip fracture repair surgery. METHODS: After Institutional Review Board (IRB) approval (IRB#2012-050), data covering hip fracture repair surgeries were extracted from the Premier Healthcare Database (2006-2016). Patient demographics, comorbidities, and complications, as well as anesthesia and surgical details, were analyzed over time. Cochran-Armitage trend tests and simple linear regression assessed significance of (linear) trends. RESULTS: Among N = 507,274 hip fracture cases, we observed significant increases in the incidence in preexisting comorbid conditions, particularly the proportion of patients with >3 comorbid conditions (33.9% to 43.4%, respectively; P < .0001). The greatest increase for individual comorbidities was seen for sleep apnea, drug abuse, weight loss, and obesity. Regarding complications, increased rates over time were seen for acute renal failure (from 6.9 to 11.1 per 1000 inpatient days; P < .0001), while significant decreasing trends for mortality, pneumonia, hemorrhage/hematoma, and acute myocardial infarction were recorded. In addition, decreasing trends were observed for the use of neuraxial anesthesia either used as sole anesthetic or combined with general anesthesia (7.3% to 3.6% and 6.3% to 3.4%, respectively; P < .0001). Significantly more patients (31.9% vs 41.3%; P < .0001) were operated on in small rather than medium- and large-sized hospitals. CONCLUSIONS: From 2006 to 2016, the overall comorbidity burden increased among patients undergoing hip fracture repair surgery. Throughout this same time period, incidence of postoperative complications either remained constant or declined with the only significant increase observed in acute renal failure. Moreover, use of regional anesthesia decreased over time. This more comorbid patient population represents an increasing burden on the health care system; however, existing preventative measures appear to be effective in minimizing complication rates. Although, given the proposed benefits of regional anesthesia, decreased utilization may be of concern.

Musculoskeletal Trauma in Critically Injured Patients: Factors Leading to Delayed Operative Fixation and Multiple Organ Failure.

BACKGROUND: Musculoskeletal injuries are common following trauma and variables that are associated with late femur fracture fixation are important to perioperative management. Furthermore, the association of late fracture fixation and multiple organ failure (MOF) is not well defined. METHODS: We performed a retrospective cohort investigation from 2 academic trauma centers. INCLUSION CRITERIA: age 18-89 years, injury severity score (ISS) >15, femoral shaft fracture requiring operative fixation, and admission to the intensive care unit >2 days. Admission physiology variables and abbreviated injury scale (AIS) scores were obtained. Lactate was collected as a marker of shock and was described as admission lactate (LacAdm) and as 24-hour time-weighted lactate (LacTW24h), which reflects an area under the curve and is considered a marker for the overall depth of shock. The primary aim was to evaluate clinical variables associated with late femur fracture fixation (defined as ≥24 hours after admission). A multivariable logistic regression model tested variables associated with late fixation and is reported by odds ratio (OR) with 95% confidence interval (CI). The secondary aim evaluated the association between late fixation and MOF, defined by the Denver MOF score. The summation of scores (on a scale from 0 to 3) from the cardiac, pulmonary, hepatic, and renal systems was calculated and MOF was confirmed if the total daily sum of the worst scores from each organ system was >3. We assessed the association between late fixation and MOF using a Cox proportional hazards model adjusted for confounding variables by inverse probability weighting (a propensity score method). A P value <.05 was considered statistically significant. RESULTS: One hundred sixty of 279 (57.3%) patients received early fixation and 119 of 279 (42.7%) received late fixation. LacTW24h (OR = 1.66 per 1 mmol/L increase, 95% CI, 1.24-2.21; P < .001) and ISS (OR = 1.07 per 1-point increase, 95% CI, 1.03-1.10; P < .001) were associated with higher odds of late fixation. Late fixation was associated with a 3-fold increase in the odds of MOF (hazard ratio [HR] = 3.21, 95% CI, 1.48-7.00; P < .01). CONCLUSIONS: In a cohort of multisystem trauma patients with femur fractures, greater injury severity and depth of shock, as measured by LacTW24h, were associated with late operative fixation. Late fixation was also associated with MOF. Strategies to reduce the burden of MOF in this population require further investigation.

Surgical versus conservative treatment of unilateral subaxial non-subluxed facet fractures: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Unilateral subaxial non-subluxed facet fractures (USNSFF) are a pathology seen in traumatic events such as motor vehicle accidents. Management involves either rigid collar bracing or surgical intervention. There currently is no consensus on the treatment of these injuries; this review aims to examine the extant data for recommendations as to which treatment is more effective. METHODS: MEDLINE, Scopus, and the Cochrane trial register were all searched on January 16, 2020, comparing outcomes for surgical and conservative therapy for USNSFF. The meta-analysis examined rates of treatment failure (need for subsequent operative management) in conservative versus surgical management. The meta-analysis was performed using a random effects model, with visualization in forest and L'Abbé plots. RESULTS: We identified six retrospective studies describing 270 patients, with three studies describing 137 patients used in the meta-analysis. Overall, a surgical success rate of 97.7 % and a non-operative success rate of 79.7 % was observed. A random effects model risk ratio of 1.66 (95 % CI: 0.61-4.52) was obtained, suggesting efficacy of surgical management over conservative management. CONCLUSION: The need for surgical intervention subsequent to initial management in the treatment of USNSFF was found to be lower in surgical treatment in contrast to conservative management. However, the studies that were included in the meta-analysis had patient cohorts with much higher rates of neurological deficit and ligamentous injury on presentation, indicating that these may be prognostic indicators of conservative management failure. Furthermore, those that did fail conservative management did not develop severely debilitating conditions. Accordingly, conservative treatment is generally sufficient as a first step in a majority of cases of USNSFF lacking neurological deficit or ligamentous involvement.

Distal third femoral shaft fractures in school-aged children: A comparative study of elastic stable intramedullary nail and external fixator.

Internal fixation such as elastic stable intramedullary(ESIN) nail and submuscular plate (SMP) is gaining popularity for femoral shaft fractures in school-aged children. However, external fixation (ExFix) might be a valuable option for the distal third femoral shaft fractures, where the fracture heals rapidly, but it is crucial to avoid angular malunion. This study aims to compare the clinical outcomes, postoperative complications of distal third femoral shaft fractures in school-aged children treated by ESIN versus ExFix.Patients aged 5 to 11 years with distal third femoral shaft fractures treated at our institute from January 2014 to January 2016 were included and categorized into ESIN (n = 33) and ExFix (n = 38) group. The preoperative data, including baseline information of the patients, radiographic parameters, and type of surgical procedure, were collected from the hospital database, and postoperative data, including complications, were collected during the follow-up visit.In all, 33 patients (average, 8.0 ±â€Š2.1 years, male 20, female 13) in the ESIN group and 38 patients (average, 8.3 ±â€Š2.3 years, male 23, female 15) in the ExFix group were included in this study. There was significantly less operative time for the ExFix group (45.4 ±â€Š7.8 min) as compared to the ESIN group (57.8 ±â€Š11.3 min) (P < .01), reduced estimated blood loss (EBL) in the ExFix group (9.9 ±â€Š3.5) as compared to the ESIN group (16.4 ±â€Š6.5) (P < .01). As for the frequency of fluoroscopy, there was a significant difference between the ExFix group (13.9 ±â€Š2.4) and the ESIN group (15.5 ±â€Š3.2) (P = .02). The rate of major complications was not significantly different between the 2 groups (P = .19). The rate of implant irritation was significantly higher in the ExFix group (28/38, 73.7%) than the ESIN group (12/33, 36.4%) (P < .01). The rate of surgical site infection (SSI) is significantly higher in the ExFix group (18/38, 47.4%)) than the ESIN group (1/33, 3%) (P < .01). The rate of scar concern was significantly higher in the ExFix (9/38, 23.7%) than the ESIN (2/33, 6.1%), (P = .04). According to the Flynn scoring system, 30(90.9%) patients in the ESIN group and 24(89.5%) patients in the ExFix group were rated as excellent. None of the patients had poor outcomes.Both ESIN and ExFix produced satisfactory outcomes in distal third femoral shaft fractures. ExFix remains a viable choice for selected cases, especially in resource-challenged and austere settings.

Fracture fixation in the polytrauma patient: Markers that matter.

Timing and type of fracture fixation in the multiply-injured trauma patient have been important and controversial topics. Ideal care for these patients come from providers who communicate well with one another in a team fashion and view the whole person, rather than focusing on injury to individual systems. This group encompasses a wide range of musculoskeletal and other injuries, further complicated by the broad spectrum of patients, with variability in age, medical and social comorbidities, all of which may have profound impact upon outcomes. The concept of Early Total Care arose from the realization that early definitive fixation of femur fractures provided pulmonary and systemic benefits to most patients. However, insufficient assessment and understanding of the physiological status of polytraumatized patients at the time of major orthopaedic procedures, potentially with inclusion of multiple other procedures in the same setting resulted in more morbidity, swinging the pendulum of care toward initial Damage Control Orthopaedics to minimize surgical insult. More recently, iterative assessment of response to resuscitation using Early Appropriate Care guidelines, suggests definitive fixation of most axial and femoral injuries within 36 h after injury appears safe in resuscitated patients, as measured by improvement of acidosis.

Do wrist buckle fractures in children need follow-up? Buckle fractures' follow-up.

Buckle or torus fractures in the distal forearm are characterized by a bulging of the cortical bone. They are a frequent reason for consultation in pediatric emergencies. The treatment and follow-up of this type of fractures varies from soft immobilizations to a plaster cast. The purpose of this study is to assess the stability of buckle fractures of the distal radius. We reviewed 106 pediatric patients with buckle fractures and analyzed the radiographs at the time of initial consultation and at the last follow-up. None of these fractures displaced further, regardless of the treatment given. Buckle or torus fractures do not need follow-up radiographs. As they are stable, the simpler immobilization treatment is sufficient.

External fixation of the lower extremities: Biomechanical perspective and recent innovations.

The concept of supporting fractured long bones externally with mechanical fixation has been evidentially applied for over 2000 years, and since been expanded on in the mid-19th century by percutaneous bone fixation. Surgical techniques, external fixator systems, and materials have made continued progress since. The benefits of traditional external fixation have been enhanced in recent years with the introduction of hexapod-style fixators, innovative configurations, and pin modifications, among other things. It is generally agreed upon that biomechanical testing of advancements in external fixation must be inclusive of transverse or torsional loading to simulate construct behaviour in realistic scenarios. Biomechanical studies indicate that hexapod-style fixators show comparable axial stiffness to Ilizarov-style systems and improved performance under torsional and transverse forces. The addition of configuration elements to fixators, inclusion of certain carbon fibre chemical compositions, and techniques intended to augment ring thickness have also been investigated, in hopes of increasing construct stiffness under loading. Novel external fixators attempt to broaden their applications by rethinking bone mounting mechanisms and either expanding on or simplifying the implementation of 3D bone segment transport for corrective osteotomy. Older and seemingly unconventional fixation techniques are being rediscovered and evolved further in order to increase patient comfort by improving everyday usability. The development of new pin coatings can potentially enhance the pin-bone interface while lowering infection rates typically expected at thicker soft tissue envelopes. Although complication, malunion, and nonunion rates have decreased over the past 50 years, the clinical results of external fixation today can still be optimized. Unsatisfactory healing in the lower extremities has especially been reported at locations such as the distal tibia; however, advancements such as osteoinductive growth hormone treatment may provide improved results. With the current progression of technology and digitization, it is only a matter of time before 'smart', partly-autonomous external fixation systems enter the market. This review article will provide a versatile overview of biomechanically proven fixator configurations and some carefully selected innovative systems and techniques that have emerged or been established in the past two decades.

Influence of screw to joint distance on articular subsidence in tibial-plateau fractures.

BACKGROUND: Tibial-plateau fractures with depressed osteochondral fragments have a high incidence of articular subsidence post reduction. Locking plates aim to prevent this via 'raft' screws below the subchondral bone. However, differences in plate design and patient anatomy result in variability of screw position in relation to the fragments they are designed to support. We evaluate the effect of screw placement and articular subsidence with this fracture pattern. METHODS: A retrospective cohort study of operatively treated tibial-plateau fractures with free osteochondral fragments was performed to determine if screw placement was correlated with articular subsidence. Primary outcome was the relationship between screw to joint distance and articular subsidence. Secondary outcomes were whether bicortical fixation, presence of bone graft, fracture characteristics and patient age was correlated with articular subsidence. RESULTS: Sixty-eight of 309 tibial-plateau fractures had depressed osteochondral fragments (22%). The average thickness of these fragments was 10.2 mm. Fractures with raft screws placed closer to the joint than the thickness of the osteochondral fragment were less likely to subside (1.8 versus 3.4 mm; P = 0.02). The proportion of fractures with no radiographic subsidence was also greater in this cohort versus fractures with distal screw placement (33% versus 8%; P = 0.02). Articular comminution (P = 0.04) and female patients aged over 65 years (P = 0.03) were associated with increased articular subsidence. CONCLUSION: Fractures fixed with screws closer to the joint than the thickness of the osteochondral fragment were correlated with less articular subsidence. The 'screw-joint distance' may help guide screw placement intra-operatively.

Complications during the treatment of missed Monteggia fractures with unilateral external fixation: a report on 20 patients in a 10-year period in a tertiary referral center.

The treatment of a missed Monteggia (MM) fracture dislocation is still controversial. We describe our initial experience with ulnar osteotomy and progressive correction with unilateral external fixator in MM. We retrospectively evaluated 20 children undergoing ulnar osteotomy and progressive distraction angulation by unilateral external fixator to treat MM. Nine patients had closed reduction, whereas 11 patients had simultaneous open reduction, repair, or reconstruction of the annular ligament and K-wire stabilization of the radiocapitellar joint. Patients were followed for an average of 3 (1-11) years. Three children developed aseptic nonunion and one child had delayed union. A distal level of the osteotomy significantly increased the rate of nonunion or delayed union. At the final follow-up, eight children had complete reduction of the radial head, six children had partial reduction, whereas in six cases, the radial head remained dislocated. The angulation and the level of the osteotomy significantly influenced the relocation, whereas the open reduction had no significant effect on the final position of the radial head. At the final follow-up, the Kim's score averaged 93.25. The flexion-extension arc significantly improved postoperatively, and it was positively correlated with the angulation. The ulnar osteotomy and progressive traction-angulation by unilateral external fixator can achieve satisfactory results in MM, if a meticulous surgical technique is applied; care must be taken regarding the level of osteotomy and the progressive traction-angulation.

The epidemiology and trends in the surgical management of calcaneal fractures in England between 2000 and 2017.

AIMS: This paper documents the epidemiology of adults (aged more than 18 years) with a calcaneal fracture who have been admitted to hospital in England since 2000. Secondary aims were to document whether publication of the United Kingdom Heel Fracture Trial (UK HeFT) influenced the proportion of patients admitted to hospital with a calcaneal fracture who underwent surgical treatment, and to determine whether there has been any recent change in the surgical technique used for these injuries. PATIENTS AND METHODS: In England, the Hospital Episode Statistics (HES) data are recorded annually. Between 2000/01 and 2016/17, the number of adults admitted to an English NHS hospital with a calcaneal fracture and whether they underwent surgical treatment was determined. RESULTS: During this 17-year period, 62 858 patients were admitted to hospital with a calcaneal fracture. The male-to-female ratio was 2.66:1. The mean annual incidence was 10.5/100 000 for men and 3.8/100 000 for women. The results of the UK HeFT were published in July 2014. The percentage of patients admitted with a calcaneal fracture undergoing internal fixation was 7.31% (3792/51 859) before and 7.38% (534/7229) after its publication. This difference was not statistically significant (p = 0.94). Since 2015, there has been a significant increase in the percentage of calcaneal fractures treated by closed reduction and internal fixation, as opposed to open reduction and internal fixation, from 7.7% (292/3792) to 13.29% (71/534) (p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: This study documents the epidemiology and trends in surgical treatment of calcaneal fractures in England. We established that surgeons did not change their practice in terms of offering surgery to these patients in response to the results of the UK HeFT. There has been a significant (p < 0.001) increase in the number of calcaneal fractures being treated surgically using less invasive procedures.

Current Trends in the Surgical Treatment of Open-Book Pelvic Ring Injuries: An International Survey Among Experienced Trauma Surgeons.

INTRODUCTION: In the open-book, rotationally unstable (OTA/AO type 61-B1.1) pelvic ring injury, the posterior sacroiliac complex is believed to remain intact. Therefore, anterior ring stabilization alone has been the standard treatment recommendation. However, treatment failures using this method have caused a reconsideration of this management strategy. Anterior plus posterior fixation is the main alternative. In the absence of any specific new guidelines, the choice of treatment currently relies on the preference of the treating surgeon. The objective of this survey was to determine the relative use of anterior plus posterior fixation, as opposed to the standard anterior fixation alone, for the treatment of open-book pelvic ring injuries. METHODS: An international group of 176 practicing trauma surgeons experienced in pelvic ring fracture fixation participated in an AO Foundation survey asking for their preferred standard surgical fixation (anterior alone or anterior plus posterior combined) for OTA/AO type 61-B1.1 open-book pelvic fractures. RESULTS: Anterior plate fixation alone (group 1) was preferred by 56% of the survey participants, and combined anterior plus posterior fixation (group 2) was preferred by 44%. Statistical analysis revealed that group 1 participants were significantly older than group 2 participants (P = 0.03) and had more years of surgical experience (P = 0.02). CONCLUSIONS: Concern regarding the inadequacy of anterior fixation alone has led many surgeons, especially those more recently in practice, to add posterior fixation, despite limited data to determine its indications. No doubt the OTA/AO type B 1.1 pelvic ring disruption actually represents a wide spectrum of injury. Further study is needed to determine the best fixation method.

Lower Complication Rate Following Ankle Fracture Fixation by Orthopaedic Surgeons Versus Podiatrists.

INTRODUCTION: Increased overlap in the scope of practice between orthopaedic surgeons and podiatrists has led to increased podiatric treatment of foot and ankle injuries. However, a paucity of studies exists in the literature comparing orthopaedic and podiatric outcomes following ankle fracture fixation. METHODS: Using an insurance claims database, 11,745 patients who underwent ankle fracture fixation between 2007 and 2015 were retrospectively evaluated. Patient data were analyzed based on the provider type. Complications were identified by the International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision, codes, and revision surgeries were identified by the Current Procedural Terminology codes. Complications analyzed included malunion/nonunion, infection, deep vein thrombosis, and rates of irrigation and débridement. Risk factors for complications were compared using the Charlson Comorbidity Index. RESULTS: Overall, 11,115 patients were treated by orthopaedic surgeons and 630 patients were treated by podiatrists. From 2007 to 2015, the percentage of ankle fractures surgically treated by podiatrists had increased, whereas that treated by orthopaedic surgeons had decreased. Surgical treatment by podiatrists was associated with higher malunion/nonunion rates among all types of ankle fractures. No differences in complications were observed in patients with unimalleolar fractures. In patients with bimalleolar or trimalleolar fractures, treatment by a podiatrist was associated with higher malunion/nonunion rates. Patients treated by orthopaedic surgeons versus podiatrists had similar comorbidity profiles. DISCUSSION: Surgical treatment of ankle fractures by orthopaedic surgeons was associated with lower rates of malunion/nonunion when compared with that by podiatrists. The reasons for these differences are likely multifactorial but warrants further investigation. Our findings have important implications in patients who must choose a surgeon to surgically manage their ankle fracture, as well as policymakers who determine the scope of practice. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III-retrospective cohort study.

Regional Variation and Trends in the Timing of Lower Extremity Reconstruction: A 10-Year Review of the Nationwide Inpatient Sample.

BACKGROUND: The ideal timing of soft-tissue coverage for open lower extremity fractures remains controversial. Using U.S. national data, this study aims to characterize secular trends and regional variation in the timing of soft-tissue coverage. METHODS: Using discharge data from the Nationwide Inpatient Sample (2002 to 2011), the authors identified 888 encounters admitted from the emergency department with isolated open lower extremity fractures treated with pedicled or free tissue transfer. Soft-tissue coverage timing was assessed by patient factors, hospital characteristics, and fracture patterns. Statistical significance and secular trends were analyzed with generalized linear models. RESULTS: The mean day of soft-tissue reconstruction was at 6.64 days. Over the 10-year period, the day of reconstruction increased significantly (from 6.12 days in 2002 to 12.50 days in 2011; coefficient, 0.09; 95 percent CI, 0.05 to 0.12; p < 0.001). Demographic and facility factors did not significantly impact timing. Elixhauser comorbidity scores greater than 2 were associated with later coverage (10.13 days versus 6.29 days; p = 0.001) along with multisite fractures (8.35 days; p = 0.022) and external fixators (8.78 days; p < 0.001). The U.S. Census division showed significant variation in timing ranging from 0.94 days (East North Central) to 9.84 days (Pacific). CONCLUSIONS: A progressive delay in the timing of soft-tissue reconstruction was noted and may be attributed to negative-pressure wound therapy. The timing of soft-tissue coverage varied by region after adjusting for patient and hospital factors. Additional studies are needed to understand the impact of delayed soft-tissue coverage on patient outcomes and health services utilization.

Trends in the surgical treatment of pathological fractures of the long bones: based on a questionnaire among members of the Dutch Orthopaedic Society and the European Musculo-Skeletal Oncology Society (EMSOS).

AIMS: The aim of this study was to assess the current trends in the estimation of survival and the preferred forms of treatment of pathological fractures among national and international general and oncological orthopaedic surgeons, and to explore whether improvements in the management of these patients could be identified in this way. MATERIALS AND METHODS: All members of the Dutch Orthopaedic Society (DOS) and the European Musculoskeletal Oncology Society (EMSOS) were invited to complete a web-based questionnaire containing 12 cases. RESULTS: A total of 96 of 948 members of the DOS (10.1%; groups 1 and 2) and 33 of 182 members of the EMSOS (18%; group 3) replied. The estimation of survival was accurate by more than 50% of all three groups, if the expected survival was short (< 3 months) or long (> 12 months). General orthopaedic surgeons preferred using an intramedullary nail for fractures of the humerus and femur, irrespective of the expected survival or the origin of primary tumour or the location of the fracture. Oncological orthopaedic surgeons recommended prosthetic reconstruction in patients with a long expected survival. CONCLUSION: Identifying patients who require centralized care, as opposed to those who can be adequately treated in a regional centre, can improve the management of patients with pathological fractures. This differentiation should be based on the expected survival, the type and extent of the tumour, and the location of the fracture. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2018;100-B:1392-8.

Trends in surgical treatment of femoral neck fractures in the elderly.

OBJECTIVE: To analyze recent demographic and medical billing trends in treatment of femoral neck fracture of American elderly patients. METHODS: The American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program database was analyzed from 2006 to 2015, for patients aged 65 years and older, using the Current Procedural Terminology codes 27130, 27125, 27235, and 27236. Patient demographics, postoperative complications, and frequency of codes were compared and analyzed over time. Our sample had 17,122 elderly patients, in that, 70% were female, mean age of 80.1 years (standard deviation±6.6 years). RESULTS: The number of cases increased, but age, gender, body mass index, rates of diabetes and smoking did not change over time. Open reduction internal fixation was the most commonly billed code, with 9,169 patients (53.6%), followed by hemiarthroplasty with 5,861 (34.2%) patients. Combined estimated probability of morbidity was 9.8% (standard deviation±5.2%), and did not change significantly over time. Postoperative complication rates were similar between treatments. CONCLUSION: Demographics and morbidity rates in femoral neck fractures of elderly patients did not change significantly from 2006 to 2015. Open reduction internal fixation was the most common treatment followed by hemiarthroplasty.

Pelvic Fracture Care.

While combat-related pelvis fractures are more commonly open, higher energy, and complex in pattern than those seen in the civilian setting, the principles of management are similar. The primary differences are related to the austere setting in which the initial management takes place, and the lack of resources typically available. Initial management consists of cessation of hemorrhage, along with the multi-disciplinary prioritized management of associated injuries, and skeletal stabilization. This is most commonly achieved with a compressive sheet or pelvic binder, with pelvic external fixation when resources allow, and debridement of open wounds as necessary. Definitive, internal fixation is delayed until the patient arrives at a higher echelon of care.

Do Orthopedic Trauma Surgeons Adhere to AAOS Guidelines when Treating Distal Radius Fractures?

Background: The American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons (AAOS) has provided Clinical Practice Guidelines (CPG) and Appropriate Use Criteria (AUC) regarding management of distal radius fractures. The purpose of this study was to evaluate current practices in management of distal radius fractures among orthopedic trauma surgeons and to examine adherence to the AAOS criteria. Methods: An online survey was posted and distributed via the Orthopaedic Trauma Association (OTA) website. Information collected included demographics, injury management, and case based questions. For all cases, surgeons were asked to select their treatment of choice given the same fracture in a 25-year-old patient and a 65-year-old patient. Results were compared between surgeons with < 10 years of practice experience and those with > 10 years of experience. Results: There was a total of 51 survey respondents. 45% had <10 years in practice, while 55% had > 10 years in practice. All respondents reported routine use of preoperative radiographs, while 26% reported routine use of preoperative computed tomography (CT) scans. 73% of respondents reported that they perform operative adjunct fixation of associated ligamentous injuries at the time of distal radius fracture fixation. No one used wrist arthroscopy or fixed associated ulnar styloid fractures. 69% did not allow any range of motion in the immediate postoperative period, while the remainder allowed active and/ or passive ROM. 20% routinely used Vitamin C for Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS) prophylaxis postoperatively. 59% routinely used physical and/ or occupational therapy postoperatively. For case-based scenarios, respondents generally tended towards operative fixation in younger patients compared to older patients with the same fracture type. Surgeons with < 10 years in practice and those with > 10 years in practice varied significantly in terms of preoperative imaging and operative fixation of associated ligamentous injuries at the time of fracture fixation. Conclusions: When compared to the AAOS CPG and AUC, orthopedic trauma surgeons generally followed accepted treatment guidelines. Differing practices between surgeons with <10 years in practice compared to those with >10 years in practice may be reflective of what is taught in residency training programs.

Facial Fractures: Pearls and Perspectives.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES: After studying this article, the participant should be able to: 1. Describe the A-frame configuration of anterior facial buttresses, recognize the importance of restoring anterior projection in frontal sinus fractures, and describe an alternative design and donor site of pericranial flaps in frontal sinus fractures. 2. Describe the symptoms and cause of pseudo-Brown syndrome, describe the anatomy and placement of a buttress-spanning plate in nasoorbitoethmoid fractures, and identify appropriate nasal support alternatives for nasoorbitoethmoid fractures. 3. Describe the benefits and disadvantages of different lower lid approaches to the orbital floor and inferior rim, identify late exophthalmos as a complication of reconstructing the orbital floor with nonporous alloplast, and select implant type and size for correction of secondary enophthalmos. 4. Describe closed reduction of low-energy zygomatic body fractures with the Gillies approach and identify situations where internal fixation may be unnecessary, identify situations where plating the inferior orbital rim may be avoided, and select fixation points for osteosynthesis of uncomplicated displaced zygomatic fractures. 5. Understand indications and complications of use for intermaxillary screw systems, understand sequencing panfacial fractures, describe the sulcular approach to mandible fractures, and describe principles and techniques of facial reconstruction after self-inflicted firearm injuries. SUMMARY: Treating patients with facial trauma remains a core component of plastic surgery and a significant part of the value of a plastic surgeon to a health system.

Motorcyclists and pillion passengers with open lower-limb fractures: a study using TARN data 2007-2014.

Introduction We aimed to identify population demographics of motorcyclists and pillion passengers with isolated open lower-limb fractures, to ascertain the impact of the revised 2009 British Orthopaedic Association/British Association of Plastic Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgeons joint standards for the management of open fractures of the lower limb (BOAST 4), in terms of time to skeletal stabilisation and soft-tissue coverage, and to observe any impact on patient movement. Methods Retrospective cohort data was collected by the Trauma Audit and Research Network (TARN). A longitudinal analysis was performed between two timeframes in England (pre-and post-BOAST 4 revision): 2007-2009 and 2010-2014. Results A total of 1564 motorcyclists and 64 pillion passengers were identified. Of these, 93% (1521/1628) were male. The median age for males was 30.5 years and 36.7 years for females. There was a statistically significant difference in the number of patients who underwent skeletal stabilisation (49% vs 65%, P < 0.0001), the time from injury to skeletal stabilisation (7.33 hours vs 14.3 hours, P < 0.0001) and the proportion receiving soft-tissue coverage (26% vs 43%, P < 0.0001). There was no difference in the time from injury to soft-tissue coverage (62.3 hours vs 63.7 hours, P = 0.726). The number of patients taken directly to a major trauma centre (or its equivalent) increased between the two timeframes (12.5% vs, 41%, P < 0.001). Conclusions Since the 2009 BOAST 4 revision, there has been no difference in the time taken from injury to soft-tissue coverage but the time from injury to skeletal stabilisation is longer. There has also been an increase in patient movement to centres offering joint orthopaedic and plastic care.

Trends in surgical treatment of femoral neck fractures in the elderly / Tendências no tratamento cirúrgico das fraturas do colo do fêmur em idosos

ABSTRACT Objective To analyze recent demographic and medical billing trends in treatment of femoral neck fracture of American elderly patients. Methods The American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program database was analyzed from 2006 to 2015, for patients aged 65 years and older, using the Current Procedural Terminology codes 27130, 27125, 27235, and 27236. Patient demographics, postoperative complications, and frequency of codes were compared and analyzed over time. Our sample had 17,122 elderly patients, in that, 70% were female, mean age of 80.1 years (standard deviation±6.6 years). Results The number of cases increased, but age, gender, body mass index, rates of diabetes and smoking did not change over time. Open reduction internal fixation was the most commonly billed code, with 9,169 patients (53.6%), followed by hemiarthroplasty with 5,861 (34.2%) patients. Combined estimated probability of morbidity was 9.8% (standard deviation±5.2%), and did not change significantly over time. Postoperative complication rates were similar between treatments. Conclusion Demographics and morbidity rates in femoral neck fractures of elderly patients did not change significantly from 2006 to 2015. Open reduction internal fixation was the most common treatment followed by hemiarthroplasty.

RESUMO Objetivo Analisar tendências recentes demográficas e de faturamento médico no tratamento de fraturas do colo do fêmur em idosos americanos. Métodos O banco de dados National Surgical Quality Improvement Program, do American College of Surgeons, foi analisado de 2006 a 2015, para pacientes com idade igual ou superior a 65 anos, usando os códigos de Current Procedural Terminology 27130, 27125, 27235 e 27236. Dados demográficos dos pacientes, complicações pós-operatórias e frequência de códigos foram comparados e analisados ao longo do tempo. A amostra teve 17.122 pacientes geriátricos, sendo 70% do sexo feminino, com média de idade de 80,1 anos (desvio padrão±6,6 anos). Resultados O número de casos aumentou no período, mas idade, gênero, índice de massa corporal e taxas de diabetes e tabagismo não mudaram ao longo do tempo. A fixação interna de redução aberta foi o código faturado mais comum, com 9.169 pacientes (53,6%), seguido por artroplastia parcial do quadril, com 5.861 (34,2%) pacientes. A probabilidade estimada combinada de morbidade foi de 9,8% (desvio padrão±5,2%) e não mudou significativamente ao longo do tempo. As taxas de complicações pós-operatórias foram semelhantes entre os tratamentos. Conclusão Os dados demográficos e as taxas de morbidade relacionadas às fraturas geriátricas do colo do fêmur não apresentaram mudança significativa entre 2006 e 2015. A redução aberta e a fixação interna foram as opções de tratamento mais comuns, seguidas da artroplastia parcial do quadril.