Transfemoral amputation and prosthesis provision in Tanzania: Patient and provider perspectives.

Background: The burden of disability because of traumatic limb amputation, particularly transfemoral amputation (TFA) is disproportionately carried by low- and middle-income countries. The need for improved access to prosthesis services in these settings is well-documented, but perspectives on the burden imposed by TFA and the challenges associated with subsequent prosthesis provision vary among patients, caregivers and healthcare providers. Objectives: To examine the burden of TFA and barriers to prosthesis provision as perceived by patient, caregiver and healthcare professional, at a single tertiary referral hospital in Tanzania. Method: Data were collected from five patients with TFA and four caregivers recruited via convenience sampling, in addition to 11 purposively sampled healthcare providers. All participants participated in in-depth interviews regarding their perceptions of amputation, prostheses and underlying barriers to improving care for persons with TFA in Tanzania. A coding schema and thematic framework were established from interviews using inductive thematic analysis. Results: All participants noted financial and psychosocial burdens of amputation, and perceived prostheses as an opportunity for return to normality and independence. Patients worried about prosthesis longevity. Healthcare providers noted significant obstacles to prosthesis provision, including infrastructural and environmental barriers, limited access to prosthetic services, mismatched patient expectations and inadequate coordination of care. Conclusion: This qualitative analysis identifies factors influencing prosthesis-related care for patients with TFA in Tanzania which are lacking in the literature. Persons with TFA and their caregivers experience numerous hardships exacerbated by limited financial, social and institutional support. Contribution: This qualitative analysis informs future directions for research into improving prosthesis-related care for patients with TFA in Tanzania.

Clinic follow-up of orthopaedic trauma patients during and after the post-surgical global period: a retrospective cohort study.

BACKGROUND: Insurance status is important as medical expenses may decrease the likelihood of follow-up after musculoskeletal trauma, especially for low-income populations. However, it is unknown what insurance factors are associated with follow-up care. In this study, we assessed the association between insurance plan benefits, the end of the post-surgical global period, and follow-up after musculoskeletal injury. METHODS: This is a retrospective cohort study of 394 patients with isolated extremity fractures who were treated at three level-I trauma centers over four months in 2018. Paired t-tests were utilized to assess the likelihood of follow-up in relation to the 90-day post-surgical global period. Regression analysis was used to assess factors associated with the likelihood of follow-up. Supervised machine learning algorithms were used to develop predictive models of follow-up after the post-surgical global period. RESULTS: Our final analysis included 328 patients. Likelihood of follow-up did not significantly change while within the post-surgical global period. When comparing follow-up within and outside of the post-surgical global period, there was a 20.1% decrease in follow-up between the 6-weeks and 6-month time points (68.3% versus 48.2%, respectively; p < 0.0001). Medicaid insurance compared to Medicare (OR 0.27, 95% confidence interval (CI) = [0.09, 0.84], p = 0.02) was a predictor of decreased likelihood of follow-up at 6-months post-operatively. CONCLUSIONS: Our study demonstrates a statistically significant decrease in follow-up for orthopaedic trauma patients after the post-surgical global period, particularly for patients with Medicaid or Private insurance.

Screw-only fibular construct for Weber B ankle fractures: A retrospective clinical and cost comparison to assess feasibility for resource-limited settings.

INTRODUCTION: Ankle fractures are one of the most common injuries sustained worldwide, with the majority being isolated lateral malleolus fractures. The majority of the world's population live in Low and Middle Income Countries (LMIC), where implant cost may limit surgical treatment of ankle fractures. We investigate if Weber B ankle fractures could be effectively treated with a lower-cost technique using two screws between the fibula and the tibia to neutralize an interfragmentary lag screw. METHODS: After IRB approval, consecutive patients from January 1, 2020 to December 31, 2020 with Weber-B ankle fractures were treated using AO technique (AOT) with plate osteosynthesis neutralizing an interfragmentary screw. Syndesmotic injuries, as well as injuries to the medial malleolus or foot were treated according to the surgeon's preferences. From January 1, 2021 to December 31, 2021 these injuries were treated with a screw-only technique (SOT) with two fibula pro tibia screws to neutralize an interfragmentary screw. Patient demographics including age, sex, BMI, smoking status, associated rheumatoid arthritis, and associated diabetes mellitus were recorded. The primary outcome variable was a stable radiographic mortise at six weeks post-surgery, secondary outcome variables included clinical union, infection, hardware removal, and implant cost for lateral malleolar fixation charged to the hospital. RESULTS: Seventeen AOT and 10 SOT constructs were included. Demographic characteristics were similar between groups. All fractures maintained a stable mortise with clinical union at 6 weeks without infection. There was a statistically significant difference in hardware removal (17.6% AOT, 50% SOT, p = 0.012). The average implant cost to the hospital of the lateral malleolar fixation was significantly less in the SOT group ($592 (SD $229)), compared to the AOT group ($1,949.97 (SD $562)), (p < 0.0001). CONCLUSION: We introduce proof of concept of a novel lower-cost fixation strategy for Weber B ankle fractures that maintained a stable mortise with clinical union at six weeks post-surgery. However, there was a significantly higher rate of hardware removal following fixation with a screw-only construct.

Reliability of Modified Radiographic Union Score for Tibia Scores in the Evaluation of Femoral Shaft Fractures in a Low-resource Setting.

INTRODUCTION: The modified Radiographic Union Score for Tibia (RUST) fractures was developed to better describe fracture healing, but its utility in resource-limited settings is poorly understood. This study aimed to determine the validity of mRUST scores in evaluating fracture healing in diaphyseal femur fractures treated operatively at a single tertiary referral hospital in Tanzania. METHODS: Radiographs of 297 fractures were evaluated using the mRUST score and compared with outcomes including revision surgery and EuroQol five dimensions questionnaire (EQ-5D) and visual analog scale (VAS) quality-of-life measures. Convergent validity was assessed by correlating mRUST scores with EQ-5D and VAS scores. Divergent validity was assessed by comparing mRUST scores in patients based on revision surgery status. RESULTS: The mRUST score had moderate correlation (Spearman correlation coefficient 0.40) with EQ-5D scores and weak correlation (Spearman correlation coefficient 0.320) with VAS scores. Compared with patients who required revision surgery, patients who did not require revision surgery had higher RUST scores at all time points, with statistically significant differences at 3 months (2.02, P < 0.05). DISCUSSION: These results demonstrate that the mRUST score is a valid method of evaluating the healing of femoral shaft fractures in resource-limited settings, with high interrater reliability, correlation with widely used quality of life measures (EQ-5D and VAS), and expected divergence in the setting of complications requiring revision surgery.

Risk Factors for Delayed Hospital Admission and Surgical Treatment of Open Tibial Fractures in Tanzania.

BACKGROUND: Open fractures, especially of the tibia, require prompt intervention to achieve optimal patient outcomes. While open tibial shaft fractures are common injuries in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), there is a dearth of literature examining delays to surgery for these injuries in low-resource settings. This study investigated risk factors for delayed management of open tibial fractures in Tanzania. METHODS: We conducted an ad hoc analysis of adult patients enrolled in a prospective observational study at a tertiary referral center in Tanzania from 2015 to 2017. Multivariable models were utilized to analyze risk factors for delayed hospital presentation of ≥2 hours, median time from injury to the treatment hospital, and delayed surgical treatment of ≥12 hours after admission among patients with diaphyseal open tibial fractures. RESULTS: Two hundred and forty-nine patients met the inclusion criteria. Only 12% of patients used an ambulance, 41% were delayed ≥2 hours in presentation to the first hospital, 75% received an interfacility referral, and 10% experienced a delay to surgery of ≥12 hours after admission. After adjusting for injury severity, having insurance (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] = 0.48; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.24 to 0.96) and wounds with approximated skin edges (aOR = 0.37; 95% CI = 0.20 to 0.66) were associated with a decreased risk of delayed hospital presentation. Interfacility referrals (2.3 hours greater than no referral; p = 0.015) and rural injury location (10.9 hours greater than urban location; p < 0.001) were associated with greater median times to treatment hospital admission. Older age (aOR = 0.54 per 10 years; 95% CI = 0.31 to 0.95), single-person households (aOR = 0.12 compared with ≥8 people; 95% CI = 0.02 to 0.96), and an education level greater than pre-primary (aOR = 0.16; 95% CI = 0.04 to 0.62) were associated with fewer delays to surgery of ≥12 hours after admission. CONCLUSIONS: Prehospital network and socioeconomic characteristics are associated with delays to open tibial fracture care in Tanzania. Reducing interfacility referrals and implementing surgical cost-reduction strategies may help to reduce delays to open fracture care in LMICs. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Prognostic Level III. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

Cost-effectiveness analysis of prosthesis provision for patients with transfemoral amputation in Tanzania.

BACKGROUND: Limb loss leads to significant disability. Prostheses may mitigate this disability but are not readily accessible in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). Cost-effectiveness data related to prosthesis provision in resource-constrained environments such as Tanzania is greatly limited. OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to compare the cost-effectiveness of a prosthesis intervention compared with that of no prosthesis for persons with transfemoral amputations in an LMIC. STUDY DESIGN: This is a prospective cohort study. METHODS: Thirty-eight patients were prospectively followed up. Clinical improvement with prosthesis provision was measured using EuroQuol-5D, represented as quality-adjusted life years gained. Direct and indirect costs were measured. The primary outcome was incremental cost per quality-adjusted life year, measured at 1 year and projected over a lifetime using a Markov model. Reference case was set as a single prosthesis provided without replacement from a payer perspective. Additional scenarios included the societal perspective and replacement of the prosthesis. Uncertainty was measured with one-way probabilistic sensitivity analysis. RESULTS: From the payer perspective, the incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER) was $242 for those without prosthetic replacement over a lifetime, and the ICER was $390 for those with prosthetic replacement over a lifeime. From the societal perspective, prosthesis provision was both less expensive and more effective. One-way sensitivity analysis demonstrated the ICER remained below the willingness to pay threshold up to prosthesis costs of $763. CONCLUSIONS: These findings suggest prosthesis provision in an LMIC may be cost-effective, but further studies with long-term follow up are needed to validate the results.

Enhancing fracture repair: cell-based approaches.

Fracture repair is based both on the macrolevel modulation of fracture fragments and the subsequent cellular activity. Surgeons have also long recognized other influences on cellular behavior: the effect of the fracture or subsequent surgery on the available pool of cells present locally in the periosteum, the interrelated effects of fragment displacement, and construct stiffness on healing potential, patient pathophysiology and systemic disease conditions (such as diabetes), and external regulators of the skeletal repair (such as smoking or effect of medications). A wide variety of approaches have been applied to enhancing fracture repair by manipulation of cellular biology. Many of these approaches reflect our growing understanding of the cellular physiology that underlies skeletal regeneration. This review focuses on approaches to manipulating cell lineages, influencing paracrine and autocrine cell signaling, or applying other strategies to influence cell surface receptors and subsequent behavior. Scientists continue to evolve new approaches to pharmacologically enhancing the fracture repair process.

The impact of failed novel technology and technical errors on the revision burden in total hip arthroplasty: what percentage of revision hip arthroplasty was potentially avoidable?

BACKGROUND: Despite the high success rate of total hip arthroplasty (THA), new implant technologies continue to be developed. Although potentially useful, such novel developments may result in unintended consequences, leading to revision surgery, often prematurely. In several instances, new technology that appeared promising was later found to be inferior to existing technology and resulting in early revision surgery. Additionally, technical surgical errors may also lead to early revisions. Some have argued that revisions related to such phenomena are potentially avoidable. The present analysis investigates to what extent the contribution of "failed new technology" and "technical errors" contributes to the revision burden and to the need for premature revision arthroplasty. METHODS: We retrospectively analysed 432 revision THAs and categorised them as either "late revisions" based on survivorship of 10 years or "premature revisions". Among both cohorts, we determined what percentage of revisions were potentially avoidable and due to failed novel technologies and technical errors, and what percent were "unavoidable". RESULTS: Of the 432 revisions, 267 (62%) were considered premature and 38% were considered late. Of the premature revisions, 108 were considered potentially avoidable (81 failed novel technologies, 27 technical errors). CONCLUSIONS: Our data demonstrates that new technology and surgical techniques can result in premature failure of THA. Surgeons should take caution when incorporating new implant technology or surgical techniques into their practice.

Impact of prostheses on quality of life and functional status of transfemoral amputees in Tanzania.

BACKGROUND: The rise of diabetes and traumatic injury has increased limb loss-related morbidity in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). Despite this, the majority of amputees in LMICs have no access to prosthetic devices, and the magnitude of prosthesis impact on quality of life (QOL ) and function has not been quantified. OBJECTIVES: Quantify the impact of prostheses on QOL and function in Tanzanian transfemoral amputees. METHOD: A prospective cohort study was conducted. Transfemoral amputees at Muhimbili Orthopaedic Institute were assessed twice before and three times after prosthetic fitting using EuroQol-5D-3L (EQ-5D-3L), Prosthetic Limb Users Survey of Mobility (PLUS-M), 2-minute walk test (2MWT) and Physiologic Cost Index (PCI). Data were analysed for change over time. Subgroup analysis was performed for amputation aetiology (vascular or non-vascular) and prosthesis use. RESULTS: Amongst 30 patients, EQ-5D, PLUS-M and 2MWT improved after prosthesis provision (p < 0.001). EuroQol-5D increased from 0.48 to 0.85 at 1 year (p < 0.001). EuroQol-5D and 2MWT were higher in non-vascular subgroup (p < 0.030). At 1-year, 84% of non-vascular and 44% of vascular subgroups reported using their prosthesis (p = 0.068). CONCLUSION: Prosthesis provision to transfemoral amputees in an LMIC improved QOL and function. This benefit was greater for non-vascular amputation aetiologies. Quality of life and function returned to pre-prosthesis levels with discontinued use of prosthesis.

Orthopedic Sub-specialization: Need or Hype? Opinion from Nepalese Orthopedic Surgeons.

BACKGROUND: In Nepal, the trend of rushing to orthopedic subspecialty fellowship is rising up. It's debatable whether this pattern of practice is advancing orthopaedic care. There are issues with cost of subspecialty training and work satisfaction after it. Thus, this study aims to analyze orthopaedic surgeon's prospect regarding subspecialty training in Nepal. METHODS: This is a cross sectional observational study designed to take opinion of orthopaedic surgeons of Nepal regarding subspecialty practice in orthopedics. Structured closed ended questionnaire was designed in form of "Survey app" and was disseminated to maximum possible via electronic media. RESULTS: Out of total 93 respondents (mean age 37.07 years), 45.7% had a subspecialty training. Among fellowship completed surgeons (42), mean duration of fellowship was 6.92 months, India was the commonest destination (53.49%), and Arthroscopy was highest followed by Spine and Arthroplasty. Among them who haven't done fellowship (51), 100% mentioned to have interest in doing one. Maximum respondents recommended paid/sponsored fellowships (94.62%) and of 12 months' duration (44.1%). Total of 97.85% agreed that fellowship training in orthopedics has really become important. Only 4.3% agreed that fellowship is an unnecessary burden/hype. Only 16.1% agreed that surgeons get detached from mainstream orthopedics after fellowship and also only 11.9% agreed that there retains any threat to mother orthopedics in future. CONCLUSIONS: With emerging practice of subspecialty in Orthopedics in Nepal, a six months' duration fellowship and paid fellowship program is the major choice. Thus, the fraternity should work on to promote subspecialty practice and trainings.

The efficacy of an anti-protrusio plate in patients with anterior column posterior hemitransverse and associated both column acetabular fractures.

INTRODUCTION: Acetabular fractures in the elderly population are particularly challenging for orthopedic fracture surgeons to treat. Anterior column posterior hemitransverse (ACH) and both column (BC) fractures account for over 70% of these injuries in geriatric patients. Nonoperative management of these injuries has a mortality of about 79% and patients generally have a minimal chance of return to independent living. The aim of our study was to identify the degree of protrusio deformity geriatric patients with these injuries present with and if indirect reduction through a Stoppa approach was sufficient to improve protrusio deformity. METHODS: Patients older than 60 years of age who had ACH and BC pattern acetabular fractures treated at the BIDMC in Boston, MA between 2015 and 2020 were included in this study. Pelvic AP and Judet views were reviewed at injury and each available post-operative follow up. We modified the femoral head extrusion index and used its inverse to measure the level of protrusio at each time point (-FHEI). Patient outcomes were also graded as excellent, good, fair and poor based on post-operative follow up. RESULTS: Sixteen patients were included based on above criteria and average -FHEI at injury was 34.85% and decreased significantly to an average of 21.5% postoperatively and remained stable at all follow up points. At one year follow up (n = 2), the mean -FHEI was 18.15%. Most patients had good (4) or excellent (9) outcomes. CONCLUSIONS: We present short term results of indirect reduction of ACH and BC acetabular fractures in geriatric patients using a PRO quadrilateral surface plate, which was largely successful in controlling the primary protrusio deformity seen in these patients. This allowed for restoration of the anterior column, with limited surgical morbidity through a relatively simple and straightforward surgical approach.

Supracondylar humerus fractures in low- and lower middle-income countries: a scoping review of the current epidemiology, treatment modalities, and outcomes.

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this scoping review was to examine the nature and quality of research regarding paediatric supracondylar humerus (SCH) fractures in low and lower middle-income countries (LICs). METHODS: We searched PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, and African Journals Online on January 9, 2018, for studies of SCH fractures in LICs. Studies were categorized by geographic region, Gartland classification of included patients, and study design. We evaluated each study's methodology and conclusions. RESULTS: Out of 1805 results, we analyzed 105 studies, most of which included type 3 fractures only (66%). Many were conducted in South Asia (58%) and assessed treatment outcomes (78%). Most of the studies had level IV evidence (67%). Common limitations of research were small sample size (12%) and inadequate follow-up (6%). Epidemiological studies concluded that SCH fractures are more common among male children, are usually secondary to falls, and rarely present with nerve injuries. Most therapeutic studies reported outcomes of surgery (91%). Thirteen studies concluded that all-lateral versus cross-pinning techniques have similar outcomes. Seven studies reported preference for closed reduction over open reduction, when intra-operative fluoroscopy was available. Most common outcome measures were Flynn criteria (77%) and range of motion (53%). None of the papers looked at treatment costs. CONCLUSIONS: Our data show a predominance of small level IV studies from LICs, with few studies of higher level of evidence. Many studies examined controversies with surgical technique, similar to studies performed in high-income countries. Few studies examined non-operative treatment, which is commonly the predominant treatment available for patients in LICs. Further investigation of common treatment modalities and outcomes for SCH fractures in LICs is needed.

Intramedullary Nailing Versus External Fixation in the Treatment of Open Tibial Fractures in Tanzania: Results of a Randomized Clinical Trial.

BACKGROUND: Open tibial fractures are common injuries in low and middle-income countries, but there is no consensus regarding treatment with intramedullary nailing versus external fixation. The purpose of the present study was to compare the outcomes of initial treatment with intramedullary nailing or external fixation in adults with open tibial fractures. METHODS: We conducted a randomized clinical trial (RCT) at a tertiary orthopaedic center in Tanzania. Adults with acute diaphyseal open tibial fractures were randomly assigned to statically locked, hand-reamed intramedullary nailing or uniplanar external fixation. The primary outcome was death or reoperation for the treatment of deep infection, nonunion, or malalignment. Secondary outcomes included quality of life as measured with the EuroQol-5 Dimensions (EQ-5D) questionnaire, radiographic alignment, and healing as measured with the modified Radiographic Union Scale for Tibial fractures (mRUST). RESULTS: Of the 240 patients who were enrolled, 221 (92.1%) (including 111 managed with intramedullary nailing and 110 managed with external fixation) completed 1-year follow-up. There were 44 primary outcome events (with rates of 18.0% and 21.9% in the intramedullary nailing and external fixation groups, respectively) (relative risk [RR] = 0.83 [95% confidence interval (CI), 0.49 to 1.41]; p = 0.505). There was no significant difference between the groups in terms of the rate of deep infection. Intramedullary nailing was associated with a lower risk of coronal malalignment (RR = 0.11 [95% CI, 0.01 to 0.85]; p = 0.01) and sagittal malalignment (RR = 0.17 [95% CI, 0.02 to 1.35]; p = 0.065) at 1 year. The EQ-5D index favored intramedullary nailing at 6 weeks (mean difference [MD] = 0.07 [95% CI = 0.03 to 0.11]; p < 0.001), but this difference dissipated by 1 year. Radiographic healing (mRUST) favored intramedullary nailing at 6 weeks (MD = 1.2 [95% CI = 0.4 to 2.0]; p = 0.005), 12 weeks (MD = 1.0 [95% CI = 0.3 to 1.7]; p = 0.005), and 1 year (MD = 0.8 [95% CI = 0.2 to 1.5]; p = 0.013). CONCLUSIONS: To our knowledge, the present study is the first RCT assessing intramedullary nailing versus external fixation for the treatment of open tibial fractures in sub-Saharan Africa. Differences in primary events were not detected, and only coronal alignment significantly favored the use of intramedullary nailing. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic Level I. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

Professional Advancement and Performance of Amateur Baseball Players Selected in the Major League Baseball Draft With Previous Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction.

BACKGROUND: The effect that an anterior cruciate ligament injury requiring reconstructive surgery has on the professional advancement and performance of amateur baseball players selected in the Major League Baseball draft is not known. Return to sports after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR) in professional athletes has been shown to be high, but mixed results with regard to performance and return to preinjury level have been demonstrated in other sports. PURPOSE: To (1) investigate the highest level of professional advancement among Major League Baseball draftees with a history of ACLR before entering the draft, (2) examine how much time these players spent on the disabled list (DL) and determine if it was related to the knee, and (3) compare the batting and pitching performance of these players against healthy matched controls. STUDY DESIGN: Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3. METHODS: Predraft medical records of all players selected in the Major League Baseball draft from 2004 to 2008 were reviewed. Players with a documented anterior cruciate ligament injury treated with ACLR before the draft were included. For each study player, 3 controls were identified. Data were accumulated from the time when players were drafted through the 2015 season. Outcome variables included highest professional level of advancement, DL time, and batting and pitching performance. RESULTS: Forty draftees with a history of ACLR (22 pitchers, 18 position players) were identified and matched to 120 controls (66 pitchers, 54 position players). The difference in the highest level of professional advancement between the groups was not statistically significant (P = .488). The mean total number of times and the mean total number of days on the DL were similar between the groups (1.83 vs 1.47, P = .297; 121.54 vs 109.62, P = .955); however, the mean number of times on the DL because of a knee injury was significantly different (0.28 vs 0.11, P = .004), as was the mean number of days on the DL because of a knee injury (17.36 vs 7.72, P = .009). Among pitchers, there were no differences in performance. Similarly, there were no differences among position players in batting performance. CONCLUSION: There was no difference between draftees with a history of ACLR and their controls in terms of advancement from the minor to the major leagues. Additionally, pitching and batting performance were similar. Although the 2 groups spent similar time on the DL, the ACLR group spent more time on the DL because of a knee injury than the control group.

Barriers to Performing Soft Tissue Reconstruction Procedures among Orthopedic Surgeons in Low- and Middle-income Countries: Results of a Surgical Skills Training Course.

BACKGROUND: Appropriate management of soft tissue injury associated with orthopedic trauma is challenging in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) due to the lack of available reconstructive surgeons. The Surgical Management and Reconstructive Training (SMART) course teaches orthopedic surgeons reconstructive techniques aimed at improving soft tissue management. This study aims to identify additional barriers to implementing these techniques for surgeons in LMICs who have attended SMART courses. METHODS: This is a mixed-methods study including a Likert-scale-based survey administered to 150 surgeons from LMICs attending the 2018 SMART courses in Tanzania and San Francisco and key informant interviews with 20 surgeons who perform soft tissue coverage procedures. RESULTS: In surveys, respondents reported inadequate local plastic surgeon availability for lower extremity fracture requiring muscle flaps (88%). Surgeons agreed that flap surgeries are important for patients with significant soft tissue injury following open fractures (97%). They reported inadequate access to instruments, such as dermatomes (59%) and Humby knives (32%), and senior-level support (31%). Fewer than half of surgeons with flap experience (n = 85) felt confident in training peers (45%). In interviews, delays in returning patients to operating rooms were frequently cited as a barrier (90%). CONCLUSIONS: Our study demonstrates that soft tissue procedures are perceived as a high priority among orthopedic surgeons, but there are multiple barriers, including a lack of plastic surgeons, and many modifiable barriers including a lack of surgical equipment, peer training, and senior colleague support.

Early treatment of open diaphyseal tibia fracture with intramedullary nail versus external fixator in Tanzania: Cost effectiveness analysis using preliminary data from Muhimbili Orthopaedic Institute.

INTRODUCTION: Open tibia fractures are some of the most common types of Orthopedics injuries in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). In Tanzania, open tibia fractures are treated either conservatively by prolonged cast or surgically by external fixation (EF) or intramedullary nail (IMN) when available. The cost of treatment and amount of time patients spend away from work are major economic concerns with prolonged casting and EF. The goal of this study was to determine the cost effectiveness of IMN versus EF in the treatment of open diaphyseal tibia fractures at Muhimbili Orthopaedic Institute (Dar es Salaam, Tanzania). METHODS: This is a prospective randomized control study conducted of patients with a closeable AO/OTA 42 open diaphyseal tibia fracture. The patients underwent surgical fixation with either IMN or EF at Muhimbili Orthopaedic Institute (MOI), and were followed up at 2, 6, and 12 weeks postoperatively. A micro-costing method was used to estimate the fixed and variable costs of IMN and EF of the open diaphyseal tibial fracture. RESULTS: The mean total cost per patient was lower for the IMN group ($425.8 ± 38.4) compared to the EF group ($559.6 ± 70.5, p < 0.001), with savings of $133.80 per patient for the IMN group. The mean hospital stay was 2.72 ± 1.40 days for the IMN group and 2.44 ± 1.47 days for the EF group (p = 0.5). Quality-adjusted life years (QALYs) were 0.26 per patient for the IMN group and 0.24 in the EF group at 12 weeks (p = 0.8). Ninety-two percent of patients in the IMN group achieved fracture union versus 60% in the EF group at three months postoperatively (p = 0.03). CONCLUSION: IM nailing of a closeable open diaphyseal tibial fracture is more cost effective than EF. In addition, IM nailing has better union rates at three months compared to EF.

Development of Squat-and-Smile Test as Proxy for Femoral Shaft Fracture-Healing in Patients in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.

BACKGROUND: There are few validated instruments that serve as a proxy for fracture-healing after lower-extremity trauma in low-resource settings. The squat-and-smile test (S&S) has been under development by SIGN (Surgical Implant Generation Network) Fracture Care International to monitor outcomes of lower-extremity long-bone fractures after intramedullary nailing in resource-limited settings. The goals of this study were to develop and identify domains of the S&S test. METHODS: The S&S domains were developed through an iterative process, and consensus was achieved regarding 3: squat depth, support needed to squat, and facial expression. Adult patients with an OTA/AO type-32 femoral shaft fracture were included in this retrospective study and had the S&S administered at 6 weeks and 3, 6, and 12 months postoperatively. Two authors independently assessed photographs of the patients performing the S&S. S&S domains were correlated with the EuroQol 5-Dimensions (EQ-5D) index score, and comparisons were made between S&S domains and reoperation status. Interrater and test-retest reliability was assessed using the kappa statistic. Sensitivity and specificity analyses were performed. RESULTS: Six hundred and nine S&S images were evaluated for 231 patients. Each domain improved over time and correlated positively with EQ-5D scores (p < 0.05). Squat depth and support needed to squat correlated with the need for a reoperation (p ≤ 0.01), and both had high specificity (0.95 and 0.97, respectively) for ruling out the need for a reoperation at 1 year. All 3 domains had high test-retest reliability (κ = 0.95, 0.92, and 0.96). Squat depth and need for support also had strong interrater reliability (κ = 0.75 and 0.78). CONCLUSIONS: The S&S is a potential tool for monitoring clinical and functional outcome of femoral shaft fractures in low-resource settings. Our data support the binary assessment of squat depth and need for support, but not facial expression, as a proxy for fracture-healing. Future prospective studies in external populations are warranted to evaluate the validity, reliability, and responsiveness of the S&S. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: The S&S provides a valuable proxy for femoral shaft fracture assessment for middle to low-income countries because it is locally relevant (based on squatting), it is easy to administer, and assessment can be performed remotely via mobile telephone or text messaging.

Professional advancement, performance, and injury characteristics of baseball players entering the Major League Baseball draft after treatment for shoulder injuries.

BACKGROUND: How shoulder injuries treated before the Major League Baseball (MLB) draft affect the player's performance over their career is unclear. The purpose of this study was to determine whether prior shoulder injuries were associated with a difference in the level of performance and advancement of MLB draftees. METHODS: Before entering the draft, 119 professional baseball players from 2004 to 2010 were treated for a shoulder injury (73% treated surgically) as an amateur. A 3:1 matched case-control was performed to players without prior shoulder injuries by age, position, round selected, and signing bonus. Follow-up data were collected in 2016, and professional advancement, disabled list time, and in-game performance statistics for pitchers were analyzed and compared. RESULTS: Players with a prior shoulder injury had a statistically higher chance to be assigned to the disabled list then controls (P = .03), but there was no difference in disabled list time or professional advancement. Pitchers with a prior shoulder injury pitched a statistically lower number of innings per game than controls (P = .04). All other in-game performance statistics were not statistically different. The type of treatment did not have any effect on future performance or advancement. CONCLUSIONS: Professional baseball players treated for prior shoulder injuries at the amateur level were more likely to sustain future disability than their matched controls, but it did not affect professional advancement.

Orthopaedic Trauma in the Developing World: Where Are the Gaps in Research and What Can Be Done?

PURPOSE: There are an estimated 1.2 million deaths from road traffic injuries annually, disproportionately affecting patients in low-resource settings. The purpose of this scoping review is to identify knowledge gaps in global orthopaedic trauma in an effort to help prioritize future research. METHODS: Using the 6-stage Arksey and O'Malley framework for conducting a scoping review, orthopaedic trauma literature was reviewed over a ten-year period from 2004 to 2014. Studies from low-resource settings were included and categorized by geographic location, anatomic region, study type, and level of evidence. RESULTS: Of 548 included studies, 51.4% were from low- and middle-income countries in South Asia and 33.7% were from sub-Saharan Africa. Therapeutic (53.3%), epidemiologic (26.4%), and qualitative (8.9%) studies were most common. Only 10.2% of the studies were considered high level of evidence, whereas the vast majority (89.8%) was level 3 or below. Overall, lower extremity injuries were much more frequently represented in the literature compared with upper extremity injuries (233 vs. 78). Pelvic and acetabular fractures were the least studied anatomic region of the lower extremity (3.4%). CONCLUSIONS: Our study identified a lack of cost-effectiveness analyses pertaining to injury and intervention, paucity of high-quality research, and under-representation of pelvic, acetabular, and upper extremity injuries. Improved and prioritized research in low- and middle-income countries may help optimize care and inform policy makers of how to reduce the global burden of musculoskeletal trauma.