Minimally invasive technique for acute fixation and subtalar fusion of displaced intra-articular calcaneus fractures.

Displaced intra-articular calcaneus fractures (DIACFs) are difficult injuries to treat and are often encountered by orthopedic surgeons. For DIACFs treated nonoperatively or with open reduction internal fixation (ORIF), a common complication is painful subtalar arthritis and the need for a secondary subtalar fusion, which prolongs the overall recovery time. One treatment option to address this sequela involves ORIF with subtalar fusion as the primary treatment. We describe a reproducible, minimally invasive surgical technique for primary ORIF with subtalar fusion when the calcaneal tuberosity is amendable to cannulated screw fixation to treat these complex calcaneal fractures. Our technique offers advantages compared to other techniques in that it avoids screw traffic, allows easy bony compression of the subtalar joint, and minimizes soft tissue damage via percutaneous screw fixation. Fourteen fractured calcanei in 12 patients underwent our technique and all achieved bony union with a median time to fusion of 107.5 days (range, 54-530 days). Eight patients returned to work with the remaining 4 patients having an unknown work status at last follow-up, although 2 of these 4 patients resumed normal activities. Only 1 patient experienced a complication, which was an infection after achieving bony union, and was treated with successful hardware removal and our infection protocol. Overall, we conclude our surgical technique offers a successful option in the treatment of DIACFs when the calcaneal tuberosity is amendable to cannulated screw fixation.

Isolated injury, Charlson Comorbidity Index, and transfer from another facility are associated with delay in antibiotic administration: a retrospective study of 963 patients with open fractures.

Purpose: To identify factors associated with delays in administration and pharmacy and nursing preparation of antibiotics for patients with open fractures. Design: Retrospective review. Setting: Level I trauma center. Patients: Nine hundred sixty-three adults with open fractures administered antibiotics. Main Outcome Measurements: Delay in antibiotic administration greater than 66 minutes from arrival and significant pharmacy-related and nursing-related delay. Results: Isolated injury, Charlson Comorbidity Index, and transfer from another facility were associated with delay in antibiotic administration greater than 66 minutes. Injury Severity Score, transfer, and trauma team activation were associated with pharmacy-related or nursing-related delay. Conclusion: Interventions to reduce antibiotic administration time for open fractures should focus on early identification of open fractures and standardization of antibiotic protocols to ensure timely administration even in complex or resource-scarce care situations. Level of Evidence: Prognostic level III.

Nonoperative Treatment of Humeral Shaft Fractures With Immediate Functional Bracing Versus Coaptation Splinting and Delayed Functional Bracing: A Retrospective Study.

OBJECTIVES: To compare radiographic and clinical outcomes in nonoperative management of humeral shaft fractures treated initially with coaptation splinting (CS) followed by delayed functional bracing (FB) versus treatment with immediate FB. DESIGN: Retrospective cohort study. SETTING: Academic Level 1 Trauma Center. PATIENT SELECTION CRITERIA: Patients with closed humeral shaft fractures managed nonoperatively with initial CS followed by delayed FB or with immediate FB from 2016 to 2022. Patients younger than 18 years and/or with less than 3 months of follow-up were excluded. OUTCOME MEASURES AND COMPARISONS: The primary outcome was coronal and sagittal radiographic alignment assessed at the final follow-up. Secondary outcomes included rate of failure of nonoperative management (defined as surgical conversion and/or fracture nonunion), fracture union, and skin complications secondary to splint/brace wear. RESULTS: Ninety-seven patients were managed nonoperatively with delayed FB (n = 58) or immediate FB (n = 39). Overall, the mean age was 49.9 years (range 18-94 years), and 64 (66%) patients were female. The immediate FB group had less smokers ( P = 0.003) and lower incidence of radial nerve palsy ( P = 0.025), with more proximal third humeral shaft fractures ( P = 0.001). There were no other significant differences in demographic or clinical characteristics ( P > 0.05). There were no significant differences in coronal ( P = 0.144) or sagittal ( P = 0.763) radiographic alignment between the groups. In total, 33 (34.0%) humeral shaft fractures failed nonoperative management, with 11 (28.2%) in the immediate FB group and 22 (37.9%) in the delayed FB group ( P = 0.322). There were no significant differences in fracture union ( P = 0.074) or skin complications ( P = 0.259) between the groups. CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrated that nonoperative treatment of humeral shaft fractures with immediate functional bracing did not result in significantly different radiographic or clinical outcomes compared to treatment with CS followed by delayed functional bracing. Future prospective studies assessing patient-reported outcomes will further guide clinical decision making. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic Level III. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

Quitline usage does not improve rates of smoking cessation in orthopaedic trauma patients unless combined with nicotine replacement therapy.

PURPOSE: The negative effects of smoking following traumatic orthopaedic injury can lead to serious complications and decreased quality of life. The widely available quitline could be easily implemented in the orthopaedic postoperative period to improve outcome, but the effectiveness of this intervention in this population is unknown. The goal of this study was to determine if active referral to a quitline would improve rates of smoking cessation in this population. METHODS: This is a secondary analysis of a randomized control trial assessing the effectiveness of an inpatient intervention with varying intensities to promote smoking cessation. Participants were actively referred to the quitline as part of their intervention. Participants were surveyed at 6 weeks, 3 months and 6 months following their injury for 7-day abstinence, chemically confirmed with exhaled carbon monoxide monitoring. RESULTS: Smoking quitline use alone does not independently improve 7-day abstinence. Quitline and nicotine use are synergistic (OR, 5.6 vs. 2.3 at 3 months in patients who used nicotine patch and quitline vs. patch; OR, 7.8 vs. 2.1 at 3 months in patients who used any NRT and quitline vs. NRT alone). CONCLUSIONS: NRT use improves smoking cessation rates in orthopaedic trauma patients. Although smoking quitline use might not independently improve cessation rates in orthopaedic trauma patients postoperatively, concomitant use of NRT with quitline improves quit rates over NRT alone. Patients referred to quitline should be encouraged to use NRT.

Implementation of a Fascia Iliaca Compartment Block Program in Geriatric Hip Fractures: The Experience at a Level I Academic Trauma Center.

OBJECTIVES: Determine adherence to a newly implemented protocol of fascia iliaca compartment block (FICB) in geriatric hip fractures. DESIGN: Retrospective review. SETTING: Level I trauma center. PATIENT SELECTION CRITERIA: Patients with a hip fracture treated with cephalomedullary nailing or hemiarthroplasty (CPT codes 27245 or 27236). OUTCOME MEASURES AND COMPARISONS: Adherence to a protocol for FICB, time intervals between emergency department arrival, FICB, and surgery stratified by time of admission. RESULTS: Three hundred eighty patients were studied (average age 78 years, 70% female). Approximately 53.2% of patients received an FICB, which was less than a predefined acceptable adherence rate of 75% ( P < 0.001). Approximately 5.0% received an FICB within 4 hours and 17.3% within 6 hours from admission. Admission during daylight hours (7 am -7p m ) when compared with evening hours (7 pm -7 am ) was associated with improved timeliness ([8.3% vs. 0% within 4 hours, P < 0.001] [27.5% vs. 2.4% within 6 hours, P < 0.001]). Improved adherence to the protocol was observed over time (odds ratio: 1.0013, 95% confidence interval, 1.0001-1.0025, P = 0.0388). CONCLUSIONS: FICB implementation was poor but gradually improved over time. Few patients received an FICB promptly, especially during night hours. Overall, this study demonstrates that implementation of an FICB program at a Level I academic trauma center can be difficult; however, many hurdles can be overcome with institutional support and dedication of resources such as staff, space, and additional training.

Factors Associated With Long-Term Quadriceps Muscle Function After Surgical Fixation of Lower Extremity Fractures.

OBJECTIVE: The long-term performance of the quadriceps femoris muscle and physical function following surgical repair of a lower extremity fracture remains largely undefined. The purpose of this study was to investigate between-limb differences in quadriceps performance 12 months after surgical fixation of a lower extremity fracture. It was hypothesized that the injured limb would be significantly weaker, have a lower rate of torque development (RTD), and that there would be a reduced step-down performance compared to the uninjured limb 12 months after surgery. Additionally, this study sought to identify demographic, surgical, and psychological factors associated with poor quadriceps function 12 months after surgery. METHODS: Quadriceps performance was measured bilaterally in 95 participants (49 female), aged 42 (SD = 14.5) years, 12 months after surgical fixation of a lower extremity fracture. Isometric quadriceps strength and RTD were quantified using isometric dynamometry, and a timed step-down test was used to evaluate quadriceps performance. Independent predictor variables from the time of surgery were extracted from participants' medical records. Kinesiophobia was screened at the time of testing. Wilcoxon signed-rank tests and linear regression analyses were used to assess between-limb differences in quadriceps performance and to determine factors associated with quadriceps performance 12 months after surgery. RESULTS: Significant between-limb differences in each measure of quadriceps performance were identified (peak torque involved: 1.37 [0.71] Nm × kg-1; uninvolved: 1.87 [0.74] Nm × kg-1; RTD involved: 4.16 [2.75] Nm × kg-1 × s-1; uninvolved: 6.10 [3.02] Nm × kg-1 × × -1; and single-leg step-downs involved: 12.6 [5.0]; uninvolved: 21.7 [14.8]). Female biological sex, external fixation, and kinesiophobia at 12 months were associated with reduced after-surgery quadriceps performance outcomes. CONCLUSION: Quadriceps performance is impaired 12 months after surgical repair of a lower extremity fracture, particularly in female participants, in cases requiring external fixation, and in those with higher kinesiophobia 12 months after surgery. IMPACT: Because long-term quadriceps weakness negatively impacts functional mobility, targeted strengthening should be emphasized after surgical repair of lower extremity fracture.

How to get the most out of your gastrocnemius and soleus flaps.

Gastrocnemius and soleus flaps represent the workhorse local flaps to cover soft tissue defects of the proximal 1/3 and middle 1/3 of the leg, respectively. An important consideration before conducting a local flap is whether the flap can provide adequate coverage. The utility of the gastrocnemius flap can be increased using multiple techniques to increase the arc of rotation including the posterior midline approach, dissection at the pes anserinus and medial femoral condyle origin, scoring the fascia, and inclusion of a skin paddle. Concerning the soleus flap, the hemisoleus flap represents a technique to increase the arc of rotation. With a soleus flap, one must consider the soft tissue defect location, size, and perforator blood supply because these factors influence what soleus flap technique to use. This article discusses how to make the most out of gastrocnemius flaps and soleus flaps regarding maximizing coverage and ensuring successful flap outcome.

Comparison of post-op opioid use and pain between short and long cephalomedullary nails in elderly intertrochanteric fractures.

PURPOSE: It remains unknown if cephalomedullary nail (CMN) length has an impact on pain and opioid use following fixation. Given the lack of level I evidence favoring a specific CMN length to prevent adverse surgical outcomes, we investigated if CMN length impacts acute postoperative pain and opioid use. The authors hypothesize that the use of longer CMNs results in increased pain scores and morphine milligram equivalents (MME) intake during the 0-24 h (h) and 24-36 h postoperative period. METHODS: A retrospective chart review was performed from 2010 to 2020 of patients ≥ 65 years-old who underwent CMN for IT fractures and fractures with subtrochanteric extension (STE). We compared patients who received short and long CMNs using numeric rating scale (NRS) pain scores and MME intake at 0-24 h and 24-36 h postoperatively. RESULTS: 330 patients receiving short (n = 155) and long (n = 175) CMNs met criteria. CMN length was found to not be associated with higher pain scores in the early postoperative phase. However, patients with long CMNs received higher MME from 0-24 h (25.4% estimated mean increase, p value = 0.02) and 24-36 h (22.3% estimated mean increase, p value = 0.04) postoperatively, even after adjusting for covariates, gender, and age. CONCLUSION: Patients with long CMNs received greater MME postoperatively. Additionally, differences in pain and MME were not significantly different between patients with and without STE, suggesting our findings were not influenced by this pattern. These results suggest longer CMNs are associated with higher acute postoperative opioid intake among patients with IT fractures. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic level III.

Promoting Bone Formation and Healing in Segmental Defects Through Ectopic Induced Membrane.

We aimed to determine whether addition of an in vivo ectopic induced membrane (EM) to the Masquelet Technique enhanced angiogenesis and bone formation in a segmental defect. After generating and stabilizing a diaphyseal femur defect, 10 rats received a polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) spacer within the defect (control); 10 received another PMMA spacer implanted subcutaneously (EM). We removed the spacers and added autograft; the excised EM was added to their autograft (EM group). Post-mortem x-rays assessed bone formation and bridging. Osteogenesis in the proximal defect was significantly more uniform (p < 0.01), and there was greater amount of bone remodeling distally in the EM group (p < 0.05). There was no difference in bone formation (p = 0.19) but greater degrees of bridging in the EM group (2.20 vs. 1.20, p = 0.09). The EM resulted in more homogeneous proximal osteogenesis and increased bone remodeling distally. These findings could lead to more consistent and predictable bone healing. (Journal of Surgical Orthopaedic Advances 31(3):161-165, 2022).

Is the timing of fixation associated with fracture-related infection among tibial plateau fracture patients with compartment syndrome? A multicenter retrospective cohort study of 729 patients.

BACKGROUND: Tibial plateau fractures with an ipsilateral compartment syndrome are a clinical challenge with limited guidance regarding the best time to perform open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) relative to fasciotomy wound closure. This study aimed to determine if the risk of fracture-related infection (FRI) differs based on the timing of tibial plateau ORIF relative to closure of ipsilateral fasciotomy wounds. METHODS: A retrospective cohort study identified patients with tibial plateau fractures and an ipsilateral compartment syndrome treated with 4-compartment fasciotomy at 22 US trauma centers from 2009 to 2019. The primary outcome measure was FRI requiring operative debridement after ORIF. The ORIF timing relative to fasciotomy closure was categorized as ORIF before, at the same time as, or after fasciotomy closure. Bayesian hierarchical regression models with a neutral prior were used to determine the association between timing of ORIF and infection. The posterior probability of treatment benefit for ORIF was also determined for the three timings of ORIF relative to fasciotomy closure. RESULTS: Of the 729 patients who underwent ORIF of their tibial plateau fracture, 143 (19.6%) subsequently developed a FRI requiring operative treatment. Patients sustaining infections were: 21.0% of those with ORIF before (43 of 205), 15.9% at the same time as (37 of 232), and 21.6% after fasciotomy wound closure (63 of 292). ORIF at the same time as fasciotomy closure demonstrated a 91% probability of being superior to before closure (RR, 0.75; 95% CrI, 0.38 to 1.10). ORIF after fasciotomy closure had a lower likelihood (45%) of a superior outcome than before closure (RR, 1.02; 95% CrI; 0.64 to 1.39). CONCLUSION: Data from this multicenter cohort confirms previous reports of a high FRI risk in patients with a tibial plateau fracture and ipsilateral compartment syndrome. Our results suggest that ORIF at the time of fasciotomy closure has the highest probability of treatment benefit, but that infection was common with all three timings of ORIF in this difficult clinical situation.

Psychosocial Predictors of Chronic Pain 12 Months After Surgical Fixation for Lower Extremity Fracture: A Prospective Study.

OBJECTIVE: Pain is a common outcome after lower extremity fracture (LEF) requiring surgical fixation. Although psychosocial characteristics have meaningful associations with adverse outcomes, no studies have evaluated how psychosocial characteristics throughout recovery are associated with pain outcomes. The primary purpose of this study was to determine whether psychosocial characteristics are early risk factors for pain outcomes in patients following LEF who have no history of chronic pain. METHODS: Participants, 122 patients with a LEF, consented to this single-center, prospective cohort study. Measurements of depression, pain self-efficacy, pain catastrophizing, and fear of movement were completed at 1 week, 6 weeks, 3 months, 6 months, and 12 months after LEF. Chronic pain development and pain intensity were assessed at 12 months. Univariate analyses assessing the difference between means and corresponding effect sizes were evaluated between those individuals with and without chronic pain at 12 months. Separate logistic and linear regression models using psychosocial scores at each time point were used to determine the association with the development of chronic pain and pain intensity, respectively. RESULTS: Of 114 patients (93.4%) who completed the study, 51 (45%) reported chronic pain at 12 months. In the univariate analysis, all psychosocial variables at 6 weeks, 3 months, 6 months, and 12 months were significantly different between those with and those without chronic pain at 12 months (Cohen d range = 0.84 to 1.65). In the multivariate regression models, all psychosocial variables at 6 weeks, 3 months, and 6 months were associated with chronic pain development (odds ratio range = 1.04 to 1.22) and pain intensity (ß range = .05 to .14) at 12 months. CONCLUSION: Psychosocial scores as early as 6 weeks after surgery are associated with pain outcomes 12 months after LEF. IMPACT: Physical therapists should consider adding psychosocial screening throughout recovery after LEF to identify patients at increased risk for long-term pain outcomes.

Optimizing the implementation of a multisite feasibility trial of a mind-body program in acute orthopedic trauma.

The Toolkit for Optimal Recovery (TOR) is a mind-body program for patients with acute orthopedic injuries who are at risk for persistent pain/disability. In preparation for a multisite feasibility trial of TOR at three orthopedic trauma centers, we aim to qualitatively identify barriers and facilitators to study implementation and strategies to mitigate the implementation barriers and leverage facilitators.We conducted 18 live video focus groups among providers and three one-on-one interviews with department chiefs at Level 1 trauma centers in three geographically diverse sites (N = 79 participants). Using a content analysis approach, we detected the site-specific barriers and facilitators of implementation of TOR clinical trial. We organized the data according to 26 constructs of the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research (CFIR), mapped to three Proctor implementation outcomes relevant to the desired study outcomes (acceptability, appropriateness, and feasibility). Across the three sites, we mapped six of the CFIR constructs to acceptability, eight to appropriateness, and three to feasibility. Prominent perceived barriers across all three sites were related to providers' lack of knowledge/comfort addressing psychosocial factors, and organizational cultures of prioritizing workflow efficiency over patients' psychosocial needs (acceptability), poor fit between TOR clinical trial and the fast-paced clinic structure as well as basic needs of some patients (appropriateness), and limited resources (feasibility). Suggestions to maximize the implementation of the TOR trial included provision of knowledge/tools to improve providers' confidence, streamlining study recruitment procedures, creating a learning collaborative, tailoring the study protocol based on local needs assessments, exercising flexibility in conducting research, dedicating research staff, and identifying/promoting champions and using novel incentive structures with regular check-ins, while keeping study procedures as nonobtrusive and language as de-stigmatizing as possible. These data could serve as a blueprint for implementation of clinical research and innovations in orthopedic and other medical settings.

Effect of a Multimodal Analgesic Protocol on Short-Term and Long-Term Opioid Use After Orthopaedic Trauma.

OBJECTIVE: To determine whether the use of a multimodal analgesic protocol reduced short-term and long-term opioid use in patients hospitalized after orthopaedic trauma. DESIGN: Retrospective pre-post intervention study. SETTING: Regional, academic, Level 1 trauma center in Central Kentucky. PATIENTS/PARTICIPANTS: Patients were hospitalized after orthopaedic injury before (n = 393) and after (n = 378) the implementation of a multimodal analgesic protocol. INTERVENTION: The intervention involved a multimodal analgesic protocol consisting of acetaminophen, ibuprofen/ketorolac, gabapentinoids, skeletal muscle relaxants, and standardized doses of opioids plus standardized pain management education before hospital discharge. MAIN OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS: End points included discharge opioid prescription, days' supply and daily morphine milligram equivalent (MME), and long-term opioid use after hospitalization. Opioid use in the 90 days before and after hospitalization was assessed using state prescription drug monitoring program data. RESULTS: Discharge opioid prescription rates were similar in the intervention and control cohorts [79.9% vs. 78.4%, odds ratio (OR) 1.30 (0.83-2.03), P = 0.256]. Patients in the intervention cohort received a shorter days' supply [5.7 ± 4.1 days vs. 8.1 ± 6.2 days, rate ratio 0.70 (0.65-0.76), P < 0.001] and lower average daily MME [34.8 ± 24.9 MME vs. 51.5 ± 44.0 MME, rate ratio 0.68 (0.62-0.75), P < 0.001]. The incidence of long-term opioid use was also significantly lower in the intervention cohort [7.7% vs. 12.0%, OR 0.53 (0.28-0.98), P = 0.044]. CONCLUSIONS: Implementation of a multimodal analgesic protocol was associated with reductions in both short-term and long-term opioid use, including long-term opioid therapy, after orthopaedic trauma. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic Level III. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

Radiation Exposure Among Orthopaedic Trauma Surgeons: Deconstructing Commonly Held Myths and Misperceptions.

OBJECTIVES: To review and evaluate the validity of common perceptions and practices regarding radiation safety in orthopaedic trauma. DESIGN: Retrospective study. SETTING: Level 1 trauma center. SUBJECTS: N/A. INTERVENTION: The intervention involved personal protective equipment. MAIN OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS: The main outcome measurements included radiation dose estimates. RESULTS: Surgeon radiation exposure estimates performed at the level of the thyroid, chest, and pelvis demonstrate an estimated total annual exposure of 1521 mR, 2452 mR, and 1129 mR, respectively. In all cases, wearing lead provides a significant reduction (90% or better) in the amount of radiation exposure (in both radiation risk and levels of radiation reaching the body) received by the surgeon. Surgeons are inadequately protected from radiation exposure with noncircumferential lead. The commonly accepted notion that there is negligible exposure when standing greater than 6 feet from the radiation source is misleading, particularly when cumulative exposure is considered. Finally, we demonstrated that trauma surgeons specializing in pelvis and acetabular fracture care are at an increased risk of exposure to potentially dangerous levels of radiation, given the amount of radiation required for their caseload. CONCLUSION: Common myths and misperceptions regarding radiation in orthopaedic trauma are unfounded. Proper use of circumferential personal protective equipment is critical in preventing excess radiation exposure.

Is the Presence of a Psychiatric Disorder Associated With More Aggressive Management of Compartment Syndrome?

OBJECTIVE: To determine whether pre-existing psychiatric disorder is associated with potentially unnecessary fasciotomy. DESIGN: Retrospective cohort study. SETTING: Academic Level-1 trauma center. PATIENTS: All the patients with orthopaedic trauma undergoing leg fasciotomy at an academic Level I trauma center from 2006 to 2020. INTERVENTION: Pre-existing diagnosis of psychiatric disorder. MAIN OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS: Early primary wound closure and delayed primary wound closure. RESULTS: In total, 116 patients were included. Twenty-seven patients (23%) had a pre-existing diagnosis of psychiatric disorder with 13 having anxiety, 14 depression, 5 bipolar disorder, and 2 ADHD. Several patients had multiple diagnoses. Fifty-one patients (44%) had early primary closure (EPC), and 65 patients (56%) had delayed primary closure. Of patients with a psychiatric disorder, 52% received EPC compared with 42% of patients without a disorder, P = 0.38. This lack of a strong association did not seem to vary across specific psychiatric conditions. After adjusting for sex, age, injury type, and substance abuse, there was still no significant association between a psychiatric disorder and EPC with an odds ratio of 1.08 (95% CI, 0.43-2.75). CONCLUSIONS: Among patients with orthopaedic trauma undergoing emergent fasciotomy for acute compartment syndrome, a psychiatric disorder was not associated with a significantly increased rate of possibly unnecessary fasciotomy. Given the potential for a psychiatric condition to complicate the diagnosis of acute compartment syndrome, this data is somewhat reassuring; however, there remains a need for continued vigilance in treating patients with psychiatric conditions and research in this area. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Prognostic Level III. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

Early Advanced Weight-Bearing After Periarticular Fractures: A Randomized Trial Comparing Antigravity Treadmill Therapy Versus Standard of Care.

SUMMARY: In current clinical practice, weight-bearing is typically restricted for up to 12 weeks after definitive fixation of lower extremity periarticular fractures. However, muscle atrophy resulting from restricting weight-bearing has a deleterious effect on bone healing and overall limb function. Antigravity treadmill therapy may improve recovery by allowing patients to safely load the limb during therapy, thereby reducing the negative consequences of prolonged non-weight-bearing while avoiding complications associated with premature return to full weight-bearing. This article describes a multicenter randomized controlled trial comparing outcomes after a 10-week antigravity treadmill therapy program versus standard of care in adult patients with periarticular fractures of the knee and distal tibia. The primary hypothesis is that, compared with patients receiving standard of care, patients receiving antigravity treadmill therapy will report better function 6 months after definitive treatment.

Geriatric Ankle Fracture: Robust Fixation Versus Hindfoot Nail.

SUMMARY: The incidence of geriatric ankle fractures is increasing in step with the current aging population. Special considerations must be taken into account when treating geriatric patients due to increased medical comorbidities, worse soft tissue envelope, poor bone quality, and the needs for early mobilization. The orthopaedic surgeon must have a variety of surgical options to treat fractures in the elderly population based on patient-specific needs. This article uses a case-based approach to discuss relevant considerations when selecting between hindfoot fusion nail and robust open reduction and internal fixation for geriatric ankle fractures.

Early Pain Catastrophizing Exacerbates Impaired Limb Loading and 6-Minute Walk Test Distance 12 Months After Lower Extremity Fracture.

OBJECTIVE: Disability is common after lower extremity fracture (LEF). Although psychosocial factors have been associated with patient-reported outcomes after LEF, they have not been associated with objective measures of function. Aberrant gait patterns are important markers of function, but are poorly defined after LEF. The primary purpose of this study was to explore whether pain catastrophizing and fear of movement 6 weeks after surgery were associated with injured limb loading outcomes and 6-minute walk test (6MWT) distance 12 months after femur or tibia fracture. The secondary purpose was to determine if limb loading characteristics differed between injured and uninjured limbs. METHODS: At 6 weeks after LEF, patients completed validated measures of pain catastrophizing, fear of movement, and depression. At 12 months, patients completed a 6MWT while wearing instrumented insoles that recorded the limb loading outcomes of stance time, impulse, and loading rate. Bivariate correlations assessed how patient and psychosocial characteristics at 6 weeks were associated with injured limb loading outcomes and 6MWT distance. Multivariable regression analyses were performed to determine if psychosocial variables were associated with each outcome after controlling for depression and patient demographic and clinical characteristics. Finally, paired t tests compared limb loading outcomes between limbs. RESULTS: Forty-seven participants completed the 6MWT at 12 months (65%), and 38 completed the 6MWT with the instrumented insoles. Fear of movement carried a poor relationship (r = 0.11-0.32) and pain catastrophizing a moderate relationship (r = 0.46-0.54) with 12-month outcomes. The regression results indicated that pain catastrophizing continued to be associated with all outcomes. Finally, the injured limb had significantly lower limb loading outcomes than the uninjured limb at 12 months (Cohen d = 0.54-0.69). CONCLUSION: Pain catastrophizing early after LEF was associated with impaired limb loading and 6MWT distance at 12 months. IMPACT: Impaired limb loading persists 12 months after LEF. Further research is needed to determine whether rehabilitative efforts focused on pain catastrophizing can restore limb loading after LEF.