Postfasciotomy Classification System for Acute Compartment Syndrome of the Leg.

OBJECTIVE: Acute compartment syndrome (ACS) is a true emergency. Even with urgent fasciotomy, there is often muscle damage and need for further surgery. Although ACS is not uncommon, no validated classification system exists to aid in efficient and clear communication. The aim of this study was to establish and validate a classification system for the consequences of ACS treated with fasciotomy. METHODS: Using a modified Delphi method, an international panel of ACS experts was assembled to establish a grading scheme for the disease and then validate the classification system. The goal was to articulate discrete grades of ACS related to fasciotomy findings and associated costs. A pilot analysis was used to determine questions that were clear to the respondents. Discussion of this analysis resulted in another round of cases used for 24 other raters. The 24 individuals implemented the classification system 2 separate times to compare outcomes for 32 clinical cases. The accuracy and reproducibility of the classification system were subsequently calculated based on the providers' responses. RESULTS: The Fleiss Kappa of all raters was at 0.711, showing a strong agreement between the 24 raters. Secondary validation was performed for paired 276 raters and correlation was tested using the Kendall coefficient. The median correlation coefficient was 0.855. All 276 pairs had statistically significant correlation. Correlation coefficient between the first and second rating sessions was strong with the median pair scoring at 0.867. All surgeons had statistically significant internal consistency. CONCLUSION: This new ACS classification system may be applied to better understand the impact of ACS on patient outcomes and economic costs for leg ACS.

Defining Incidence of Acute Compartment Syndrome in the Research Setting: A Proposed Method From the PACS Study.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the retrospective decision of an expert panel who assessed likelihood of acute compartment syndrome (ACS) in a patient with a high-risk tibia fracture with decision to perform fasciotomy. DESIGN: Prospective observational study. SETTING: Seven Level 1 trauma centers. PATIENTS/PARTICIPANTS: One hundred eighty-two adults with severe tibia fractures. MAIN OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS: Diagnostic performance (sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), negative predictive value (NPV), and receiver-operator curve) of an expert panel's assessment of likelihood ACS compared with fasciotomy as the reference diagnostic standard. SECONDARY OUTCOMES: The interrater reliability of the expert panel as measured by the Krippendorff alpha. Expert panel consensus was determined using the percent of panelists in the majority group of low (expert panel likelihood of ≤0.3), uncertain (0.3-0.7), or high (>0.7) likelihood of ACS. RESULTS: Comparing fasciotomy (the diagnostic standard) and the expert panel's assessment as the diagnostic classification (test), the expert panel's determination of uncertain or high likelihood of ACS (threshold >0.3) had a sensitivity of 0.90 (0.70, 0.99), specificity of 0.95 (0.90, 0.98), PPV of 0.70 (0.50, 0.86), and NPV of 0.99 (0.95, 1.00). When a threshold of >0.7 was set as a positive diagnosis, the expert panel assessment had a sensitivity of 0.67 (0.43, 0.85), specificity of 0.98 (0.95, 1.00), PPV of 0.82 (0.57, 0.96), and NPV of 0.96 (0.91, 0.98). CONCLUSION: In our study, the retrospective assessment of an expert panel of the likelihood of ACS has good specificity and excellent NPV for fasciotomy, but only low-to-moderate sensitivity and PPV. The discordance between the expert panel-assessed likelihood of ACS and the decision to perform fasciotomy suggests that concern regarding potential diagnostic bias in studies of ACS is warranted. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Diagnostic Level I. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

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.

Real-World Evidence: A Review of Real-World Data Sources Used in Orthopaedic Research.

SUMMARY: Real-world data (RWD) play an increasingly important role in orthopaedics as demonstrated by the rapidly growing number of publications using registry, administrative, and other databases. Each type of RWD source has its strengths and weaknesses, as does each specific database. Linkages between real-world data sets provide even greater utility and value for research than single data sources. The unique qualities of an RWD data source and all data linkages should be considered before use. Close attention to data quality and use of appropriate analysis methods can help alleviate concerns about validity of orthopaedic studies using RWD. This article describes the main types of RWD used in orthopaedics and provides brief descriptions and a sample listing of publications from selected, key data sources.

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.

Evaluation of callus formation in distal femur fractures after carbon fiber composite versus stainless steel plate fixation.

INTRODUCTION: Carbon-fiber-reinforced polyetheretherketone (CFR) composite plates have a more favorable stress modulus than stainless steel (SS) plates that may confer an advantage to bridge plating. The purpose of this study was to compare callus formation after CFR and SS plating of distal femur fractures. METHODS: A retrospective review identified distal femoral fractures treated with CFR (n = 10) and SS (n = 21) plate fixation. Callus formation was measured using the modified Radiographic Union Score for Tibia (mRUST) at 3- and 6-month follow-up by three orthopedic trauma surgeons. Loss of alignment, implant failure, and revision surgeries were reviewed. RESULTS: At 3 months, the mRUST in the CFR and SS groups was 9.0 (range, 6.3-12.3) and 6.9 (range, 4.3-11.7), respectively (p = 0.01). At 6 months, the mRUST in the CFR and SS groups was 11.4 (range, 7.7-16.0) and 10.5 (range, 6.0-15.7), respectively (p = 0.3). CFR and SS groups had a loss of fracture alignment in 1 (10%) and 1 (5%) patient, respectively (p = 0.5), and an unplanned revision surgery in 0 (0%) and 3 (15%) patients, respectively (p = 0.2). All three revisions surgeries in the SS group were for nonunion repair. CONCLUSIONS: Treatment of distal femur fractures with CFR versus SS plating resulted in greater callus formation at 3 months. At 6 months, there was no difference in callus formation between groups. A larger series of patients is necessary to determine if the observed early increased callus formation confers a benefit to clinical outcomes. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic level III.

Perfusion Pressure Lacks Diagnostic Specificity for the Diagnosis of Acute Compartment Syndrome.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the diagnostic performance of perfusion pressure (PP) thresholds for fasciotomy. DESIGN: Prospective observational study. SETTING: Seven Level-1 trauma centers. PATIENTS/PARTICIPANTS: One hundred fifty adults with severe leg injuries and ≥2 hours of continuous PP data who had been enrolled in a multicenter observational trial designed to develop a clinical prediction rule for acute compartment syndrome (ACS). MAIN OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS: For each patient, a given PP criterion was positive if it was below the specified threshold for at least 2 consecutive hours. The diagnostic performance of PP thresholds between 10 and 30 mm Hg was determined using 2 reference standards for comparison: (1) the likelihood of ACS as determined by an expert panel who reviewed each patient's data portfolio or (2) whether the patient underwent fasciotomy. RESULTS: Using the likelihood of ACS as the diagnostic standard (ACS considered present if median likelihood ≥70%, absent if <30%), a PP threshold of 30 mm Hg had diagnostic sensitivity 0.83, specificity 0.53, positive predictive value 0.07, and negative predictive value 0.99. Results were insensitive to more strict likelihood categorizations and were similar for other PP thresholds between 10- and 25-mm Hg. Using fasciotomy as the reference standard, the same PP threshold had diagnostic sensitivity 0.50, specificity 0.50, positive predictive value 0.04, negative predictive value 0.96. CONCLUSION: No value of PP from 10 to 30 mm Hg had acceptable diagnostic performance, regardless of which reference diagnostic standard was used. These data question current practice of diagnosing ACS based on PP and suggest the need for further research. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Diagnostic Level I. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

The infected fracture: can we agree on standard definitions?

A precise definition of infection after fracture fixation is essential for the evaluation of published research data and for the future establishment of uniform treatment concepts. Recently, a multidisciplinary expert panel has developed a consensus definition that includes 4 confirmatory criteria for infection following fracture fixation. These criteria are: Fistula, sinus, or wound breakdown; purulent drainage or deep purulence at surgery; positive cultures from at least 2 separate deep tissue/implant specimens taken during an operative intervention; and microorganisms in deep tissue specimens confirmed by histopathological staining. The consensus panel also identified 6 categories of suggestive criteria which are features associated with infection that requires further investigation.

Prevention of the Infected Fracture: Evidence-Based Strategies for Success!

There is a significant burden of disease associated with infected fractures, and their management is challenging. Prevention of infection after musculoskeletal trauma is essential because treatment of an established infection continues to be a major obstacle. Despite the need for evidence-based decision making, there is a lack of consensus around strategies for prevention and surgical management of the infected fracture. The current evidence for the prevention of the infected fracture is reviewed here with a focus on evidence for antibiotic therapy and debridement, the induced membrane technique, management of soft-tissue defects, patient optimization, and adjuncts to prevent infection.

Intraabdominal hypertension/abdominal compartment syndrome after pelvic fractures: How they occur and what can be done?

BACKGROUND: Limited data exist regarding intraabdominal hypertension/abdominal compartment syndrome (IAH/ACS) after pelvic fractures. We aimed to explore risk factors for IAH/ACS in pelvic fracture patients, assess the physiological effects of decompressive laparotomy (DL) on IAH/ACS, and generate an algorithm to manage IAH/ACS after pelvic fracture. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Pelvic fracture patients were included based on the presence of IAH/ACS. Intraabdominal pressure (IAP) was measured through a Foley catheter. DL was performed in patients with refractory IAH or ACS. Multivariable linear regression was applied to assess associations between IAP levels (≥12 mmHg) and age, sex, injury severity score (ISS), pelvic fracture, volume of resuscitation fluids over 24 h and hemoglobin values. The Wilcoxon signed-rank test for paired samples was used to compare variables before and after DL. RESULTS: Among 455 pelvic fracture patients, 44 (9.7%) and 5 (1.1%) were diagnosed with IAH and ACS, respectively. The volume of resuscitation fluids over 24 h exhibited a significant positive correlation with IAP levels (≥12 mmHg) (p = 0.002). The main findings during DL were edematous bowel (11/20) and retroperitoneal hematoma (7/20). DL caused a significant decrease in the mean IAP from 24.4 ± 8.5 mmHg to 13.4 ± 4.0 mmHg (p < 0.0001). Physiological parameters (APP, PaO2/FIO2 ratio, PIP, arterial lactate and UOP) were significantly improved after DL. The mortality rate was 15% in patients who underwent DL and 40% in ACS patients. CONCLUSIONS: IAH/ACS is common in pelvic fracture patients. The most effective method to decrease IAP in pelvic fracture patients is DL. Prophylactic DL is important for decreasing mortality as it prevents IAH from progressing to ACS. Massive fluid resuscitation is a significant risk factor for IAH/ACS. A pathway incorporating prophylactic/therapeutic DL and optimized fluid resuscitation to prevent and manage IAH/ACS after pelvic fractures may reduce morbidity and mortality.

Functional outcome of surgically treated U-shaped sacral fractures: experience from 41 cases.

PURPOSE: To delineate the changes in functional outcomes of surgically treated U-shaped sacral fractures. METHODS: Forty-one patients with U-shaped sacral fractures were followed for a mean of 4.1 years after surgery. Impairment of lower extremities was assessed via a modified Gibbons score. Urinary function was assessed with a structured interview and residual urine volume. Sexual and bowel functions, as well as patient-reported health, were evaluated using a structured interview, and pain was evaluated with the visual analog scale. Comparisons of data at different time points were conducted with a mixed model, and Z-scores of the SF-36 questionnaire were calculated. RESULTS: Forty patients reported pain at 1 year and demonstrated no change at 2 years (p = 0.24). Thirty-six of 39 eligible patients had neurological deficits involving the lower extremities at baseline and demonstrated improvement at 1 year (p = 0.0002) but not between years 1 and 2 (p = 0.47). Twenty-three of 38 eligible patients had impaired bladder function, and 13 of 35 eligible patients had impaired bowel function at 3 months. Urinary function was worse at 2 years than at 1 year (p = 0.02). Sexual dysfunction was common, and patient-reported health was significantly worse than that of the normal population. CONCLUSIONS: Neurological function in the lower extremities of patients with U-shaped sacral fractures improved after surgery; however, bowel and sexual functions did not change, and urinary function deteriorated over time. The majority of impairments appear to be permanent if still present at 1 year after surgery. These slides can be retrieved under Electronic Supplementary Material.

Association Between 6-Week Postdischarge Risk Classification and 12-Month Outcomes After Orthopedic Trauma.

Importance: Numerous studies have demonstrated that long-term outcomes after orthopedic trauma are associated with psychosocial and behavioral health factors evident early in the patient's recovery. Little is known about how to identify clinically actionable subgroups within this population. Objectives: To examine whether risk and protective factors measured at 6 weeks after injury could classify individuals into risk clusters and evaluate whether these clusters explain variations in 12-month outcomes. Design, Setting, and Participants: A prospective observational study was conducted between July 16, 2013, and January 15, 2016, among 352 patients with severe orthopedic injuries at 6 US level I trauma centers. Statistical analysis was conducted from October 9, 2017, to July 13, 2018. Main Outcomes and Measures: At 6 weeks after discharge, patients completed standardized measures for 5 risk factors (pain intensity, depression, posttraumatic stress disorder, alcohol abuse, and tobacco use) and 4 protective factors (resilience, social support, self-efficacy for return to usual activity, and self-efficacy for managing the financial demands of recovery). Latent class analysis was used to classify participants into clusters, which were evaluated against measures of function, depression, posttraumatic stress disorder, and self-rated health collected at 12 months. Results: Among the 352 patients (121 women and 231 men; mean [SD] age, 37.6 [12.5] years), latent class analysis identified 6 distinct patient clusters as the optimal solution. For clinical use, these clusters can be collapsed into 4 groups, sorted from low risk and high protection (best) to high risk and low protection (worst). All outcomes worsened across the 4 clinical groupings. Bayesian analysis shows that the mean Short Musculoskeletal Function Assessment dysfunction scores at 12 months differed by 7.8 points (95% CI, 3.0-12.6) between the best and second groups, by 10.3 points (95% CI, 1.6-20.2) between the second and third groups, and by 18.4 points (95% CI, 7.7-28.0) between the third and worst groups. Conclusions and Relevance: This study demonstrates that during early recovery, patients with orthopedic trauma can be classified into risk and protective clusters that account for a substantial amount of the variance in 12-month functional and health outcomes. Early screening and classification may allow a personalized approach to postsurgical care that conserves resources and targets appropriate levels of care to more patients.

Treatment of infection following intramedullary nailing of tibial shaft fractures-results of the ORS/ISFR expert group survey.

OBJECTIVE: The lack of universally accepted treatment principles and protocols to manage infected intramedullary (IM) nails following tibial fractures continues to challenge us, eliciting a demand for clear guidelines. Our response to this problem was to create an ORS/ISFR taskforce to identify potential solutions and trends based on published evidence and practices globally. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A questionnaire of reported treatment methods was created based on a published meta-analysis on the topic. Treatment methods were divided in two groups: A (retained nail) and B (nail removed). Experts scored the questionnaire items on a scale of 1-4 twice, before and after revealing the success rates for each stage of infection. Inter- and intra-observer variability analysis among experts' personal scores and between experts' scores was performed. An agreement mean and correlation degree between experts' scores was calculated. Finally, a success rate report between groups was performed. RESULTS: Experts underestimated success rate of an individual treatment method compared to published data. The mean difference between experts' scores and published results was + 26.3 ± 46 percentage points. Inter-observer agreement mean was poor (< 0.2) for both rounds. Intra-observer agreement mean across different treatment methods showed a wide variability (18.3 to 64.8%). Experts agree more with published results for nail removal on stage 2 and 3 infections. CONCLUSIONS: Experts' and published data strongly agree to retain the implant for stage 1 infections. A more aggressive approach (nail removal) favoured for infection stages 2 and 3. However, literature supports both treatment strategies. EVIDENCE: Clinical Question.

Continuous Near-Infrared Spectroscopy Demonstrates Limitations in Monitoring the Development of Acute Compartment Syndrome in Patients with Leg Injuries.

BACKGROUND: We recorded measurements of muscle perfusion using near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) and intramuscular pressure (IMP) in a study designed to develop a decision rule for predicting acute compartment syndrome (ACS). The purpose of this study was to report our experience measuring NIRS data in the context of this broader investigation and to explore factors related to variations in data capture. METHODS: One hundred and eighty-five patients with lower-leg injuries had data consisting of continuous NIRS measurement of the O2 saturation in the anterior compartment of the injured limb and the contralateral (control) limb, and continuous IMP recording in the anterior and deep posterior compartments of the injured leg as part of their participation in an institutional review board-approved multicenter trial. All monitoring was done for a prescribed period of time. For both types of data, the percentage of valid data capture was defined as the ratio of the minutes of observed data points within a physiological range to the total minutes of expected data points. Clinically useful NIRS data required simultaneous data from the injured and control limbs to calculate the ratio. Statistical tests were used to compare the 2 methods as well as factors associated with the percent of valid NIRS data capture. RESULTS: For the original cohort, clinically useful NIRS data were available a median of 9.1% of the expected time, while IMP data were captured a median of 87.6% of the expected time (p < 0.001). Excluding 46 patients who had erroneous NIRS data recorded, the median percentage was 31.6% for NIRS compared with 87.4% for IMP data (p < 0.00001). Fractures with an associated hematoma were less likely to have valid data points (odds ratio [OR], 0.53; p = 0.04). Gustilo types-I and II open fractures were more likely than Tscherne grades C0 and C1 closed fractures to have valid data points (OR, 1.97; p = 0.03). CONCLUSIONS: In this study, NIRS data were not collected reliably. In contrast, IMP measurements were collected during >85% of the expected monitoring period. These data raise questions about the utility of current NIRS data capture technology for monitoring oxygenation in patients at risk of ACS.

Evolution of plate design and material composition.

The evolution of plate fixation of fracture was accompanied by advances in metallurgy and improvement in understanding of the requirements for successful fracture healing. Locked internal fixation minimizes biologic damage and when used in conjunction with minimally invasive approaches may optimize fracture healing. Some current metal locked plate constructs may actually be too stiff, and various methods including screw modification, plate hole modification, and changes in plate material composition may provide a solution to optimize fracture healing. This paper reviews the evolution of plate design and describes the early clinical experience with the use of carbon fibre reinforced reinforced polyetheretherketone composite plates.

The biology of fracture healing in osteoporosis and in the presence of anti-osteoporotic drugs.

Compromised bone strength in osteoporosis predisposes patients to an increased fracture risk. The management of these fractures is complicated due to the poor bone quality, which may lead to inadequate fixation strength and stability. While a number of studies using osteoporotic animal models have shown a detrimental impact on fracture healing, clinical evidence regarding whether fracture healing is impaired in the presence of osteoporosis is complicated by numerous associated conditions including advancing age. The mechanism of some anti-osteoporotic medications creates concern about a potential detrimental impact on fracture healing, while others appear to enhance fracture healing. The current evidence indicates that the beneficial effects of anti-osteoporosis treatment exceeds any concerns about possible adverse consequences on fracture healing in most circumstances.

Scientific Understanding of the Induced Membrane Technique: Current Status and Future Directions.

OBJECTIVES: To review the most recent basic science advances made in relation to the induced membrane technique and how those relate to clinical practice, applications, and future research directions. DESIGN: Review of the literature. SETTING: Any trauma center which might encounter large segmental bone defects. ARTICLES REVIEWED: Basic science articles that looked at characteristics of the induced membrane published in the past 30 years. INTERVENTION: None.

Medial buttress plate augmentation of cannulated screw fixation in vertically unstable femoral neck fractures: Surgical technique and preliminary results.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the outcome and complications of unstable Pauwels type 3 femoral neck fractures treated with a combination fixation of three cannulated screws and a medial buttress plate. PATIENTS AND METHODS: From October 2015 to June 2016, 28 patients under 60 years of age with Pauwels type 3 femoral neck fracture were treated with open reduction and internal fixation using a direct anterior approach. Fracture consisted of three cannulated screws augmented with a medial buttress plate. All reductions achieved Garden's alignment index grade one. Touch down weight bearing was permitted post-operatively for 6 weeks, and subsequently advanced to full weight bearing. One patient was lost to follow-up, which the remaining 27 patients were followed at 1 week, 6 weeks, 3 months, 6 months and 12 months post-operatively. RESULT: Union without femoral neck shortening was achieved in 89% of cases. Implant failure was seen in 3 cases and was associated femoral neck shortening. Reduction loss with backing out of the cannulated screws occurred in these cases, and in one case there was also plate and screw breakage. There were no cases of avascular necrosis identified at a mean follow-up was 13.6 months CONCLUSION: At short time follow-up, treatment of Pauwels type 3 femoral neck fractures using cannulated screws combined with medial buttress plate improves the fracture union rate compared to historical series using cannulated screws alone. The method of medial buttress plate augmentation does not appear to increase any implant related complications, including avascular necrosis.