Enhancing the Evaluation of Physical Function Following Orthopaedic Trauma Care: Comparison of PROMIS Computerized Adaptive Testing and Short Musculoskeletal Function Assessment.

OBJECTIVES: To compare measurement properties of Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS) (physical function [PF] and pain interference [PI]) computerized adaptive testing to traditional Short Musculoskeletal Function Assessment (SMFA) (dysfunction index [DI] and bother index [BI]). To explore factors associated with PROMIS scores. DESIGN: Cross-sectional study. SETTING: Level I Trauma Center. PATIENT SELECTION CRITERIA: Isolated upper/lower extremity fracture patients were recruited from the orthopaedic trauma outpatient clinic (October 1, 2021 to January 1, 2023). OUTCOME MEASURES: Correlations (Pearson), reliability (standard error [SE] [T score]), efficiency (amount of information per item [1 - SE2/Nitems]), and floor/ceiling effects were assessed. An r > 0.7 represented high correlation, and SE ≤ 2.2 represented sufficient reliability. Factors associated with worse PROMIS scores were also identified. RESULTS: In total, 202 patients completed PROMs at median 98 days follow-up. Correlations between PROMIS-PF and SMFA-DI, and PROMIS-PI and SMFA-BI were -0.84 and 0.65. Reliability was very high for both instruments (mean SE 2.0 [PROMIS-PF], SE 2.1 [PROMIS-PI], and SE 1.2 [SMFA-DI], SE 1.8 [SMFA-BI]). Relative efficiency for PROMIS-PF versus SMFA-DI, and PROMIS-PI versus SMFA-BI was 7.8 (SD 2.5) and 4.1 (SD 1.7), respectively. Neither PROMIS nor SMFA exhibited floor/ceiling effects. In the multivariable regression analyses, elevated levels of depression, among other factors, showed an (independent) association with worse PROMIS-PF and PROMIS-PI scores. CONCLUSIONS: PROMIS-PF and PROMIS-PI CATs showed a (high and moderate) correlation with SMFA and hence measure a comparable construct of physical function and discomfort. As computerized adaptive tests are much more efficient to administer, they present a compelling alternative to SMFA for evaluating impact of fracture treatment. The relation between symptoms of depression and PROMIS scores emphasizes the importance of psychosocial aspects of health in orthopaedic trauma patients. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Prognostic Level III. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

Long-term results of distal oblique bundle reinforcement for treatment of chronic bidirectional instability of the distal radioulnar joint.

Distal oblique bundle (DOB) reinforcement for treatment of post-traumatic bidirectional instability of the distal radioulnar joint (DRUJ) has previously been reported. The objective of the current study was to assess the incidence of symptomatic graft failure and the need for secondary wrist procedures at a longer follow-up in an updated patient cohort of 27 patients with 28 DOB reinforcement procedures. Quick Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (QuickDASH) and patient-rated wrist/hand evaluation (PRWHE) outcome measures were also evaluated. At median 82 months follow-up, pre- to postoperative QuickDASH score improved from a mean of 62 (SD 14) to 31 (SD 22) (p < 0.01) and PRWHE score from a mean of 67 (SD 17) to 34 (SD 23) (p < 0.01). Symptomatic graft failure with resultant painful DRUJ instability occurred in four out of 28 procedures, which was better than the published results of alternative surgical options for DRUJ instability. DOB reinforcement presents a relatively safe, effective and durable method for treatment of post-traumatic DRUJ instability.Level of evidence: III.

What is the value of 3D virtual reality in understanding acetabular fractures?

BACKGROUND: Acetabular fractures are difficult to classify owing to the complex three-dimensional (3D) anatomy of the pelvis. 3D printing helps to understand and reliably classify acetabular fracture types. 3D-virtual reality (VR) may have comparable benefits. Our hypothesis is that 3D-VR is equivalent to 3D printing in understanding acetabular fracture patterns. METHODS: A total of 27 observers of various experience levels from several hospitals were requested to classify twenty 3D printed and VR models according to the Judet-Letournel classification. Additionally, surgeons were asked to state their preferred surgical approach and patient positioning. Time to classify each fracture type was recorded. The cases were randomized to rule out a learning curve. Inter-observer agreement was analyzed using Fleiss' kappa statistics (κ). RESULTS: Inter-observer agreements varied by observer group and type of model used to classify the fracture: medical students: 3D print (κ = 0.61), VR (κ = 0.41); junior surgical residents: 3D print (0.51) VR (0.54); senior surgical residents: 3D print (0.66) VR (0.52); junior surgeons: 3D print (0.56), VR (0.43); senior surgeons: 3D print (κ = 0.59), VR (κ = 0.42). Using 3D printed models, there was more agreement on the surgical approach (junior surgeons κ = 0.23, senior surgeons κ = 0.31) when compared with VR (junior surgeons κ = 0.17, senior surgeons 0.25). No difference was found in time used to classify these fractures between 3D printing and VR for all groups (P = 1.000). CONCLUSIONS: The Judet-Letournel acetabular classification stays difficult to interpret; only moderate kappa agreements were found. We found 3D-VR inferior to 3D printing in classifying acetabular fractures. Furthermore, the current 3D-VR technology is still not practical for intra-operative use.

Computed tomography versus plain radiography assessment of acetabular fracture reduction is more predictive for native hip survivorship.

INTRODUCTION: Computed tomography (CT) is more accurate than plain pelvic radiography (PXR) for evaluating acetabular fracture reduction. As yet unknown is whether CT-based assessment is more predictive for clinical outcome. We determined the independent association between reduction quality according to both methods and native hip survivorship following acetabular fracture fixation. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Retrospectively, 220 acetabular fracture patients were reviewed. Reductions on PXR were graded as adequate or inadequate (0-1 mm or > 1 mm displacement) (Matta's criteria). For CT-based assessment, adequate reductions were defined as < 1 mm step and < 5 mm gap, and inadequate reductions as ≥ 1 mm step and/or ≥ 5 mm gap displacement. Predictive values and Kaplan-Meier hip survivorship curves were compared and risk factors for conversion to total hip arthroplasty (THA) were identified. RESULTS: Mean follow-up was 8.9 years (SD 5.6, range 0.5-23.3 years), and 52 patients converted to THA (24%). Adequate reductions according to CT versus PXR assessment were associated with higher predictive values for native hip survivorship (92% vs. 82%; p = 0.043). Inadequate reductions were equally predictive for conversion to THA (33% for CT and 30% for PXR; p = 0.623). For both methods, survivorship curves of adequate versus inadequate reductions were significantly different (p = 0.030 for PXR, p < 0.001 for CT). Only age ≥ 50 years (p < 0.001) and inadequate reductions as assessed on CT (p = 0.038) were found to be independent risk factors for conversion to THA. Reduction quality as assessed on PXR was not found to be independently predictive for this outcome (p = 0.585). CONCLUSION: Native hip survivorship is better predicted based on postoperative CT imaging as compared to PXR assessment. Predicting need for THA in patients with inadequate reductions based on both assessment methods remains challenging. While both PXR and CT-based methods are associated with hip survivorship, only an inadequate reduction according to CT assessment was an independent risk factor for conversion to THA.

Imaging and Endovascular Treatment of Bleeding Pelvic Fractures: Review Article.

Pelvic fractures are potentially life-threatening injuries with high mortality rates, mainly due to intractable pelvic arterial bleeding. However, concomitant injuries are frequent and may also be the cause of significant blood loss. As treatment varies depending on location and type of hemorrhage, timely imaging is of critical importance. Contrast-enhanced CT offers fast and detailed information on location and type of bleeding. Angiography with embolization for pelvic fracture hemorrhage, particularly when performed early, has shown high success rates as well as low complication rates and is currently accepted as the first method of bleeding control in pelvic fracture-related arterial hemorrhage. In the current review imaging workup, patient selection, technique, results and complications of pelvic embolization are described.

Predictors for Long-Term Hip Survivorship Following Acetabular Fracture Surgery: Importance of Gap Compared with Step Displacement.

BACKGROUND: Historically, the greatest residual (gap or step) displacement is used to predict clinical outcome following acetabular fracture surgery. Gap and step displacement may, however, impact the outcome to different degrees. We assessed the individual relationship between gap or step displacement and hip survivorship and determined their independent association with conversion to total hip arthroplasty. METHODS: Patients who had acetabular fracture fixation (from 1992 through 2014), follow-up of ≥2 years (or early conversion to total hip arthroplasty), and postoperative computed tomography (CT) scans were included. Of 227 patients, 55 (24.2%) had conversion to total hip arthroplasty at a mean follow-up (and standard deviation) of 8.7 ± 5.6 years. Residual gap and step displacement were measured using a standardized CT-based method, and assessors were blinded to the outcome. Kaplan-Meier survivorship curves for the hips were plotted and compared (log-rank test) using critical cutoff values for gap and step displacement. These values were identified using receiver operating characteristic curves. Multivariate analysis was performed to identify independent variables associated with conversion to total hip arthroplasty. Subgroup analysis was performed in younger patients (<50 years old). RESULTS: The critical CT cutoff value for total hip arthroplasty conversion was 5 mm for gap and 1 mm for step displacement. Hip survivorship at 10 years was 82.0% for patients with a gap of <5 mm compared with 56.5% for a gap of ≥5 mm (p < 0.001) and 80.0% for a step of <1.0 mm versus 65.5% for a step of ≥1.0 mm (p = 0.012). A gap of ≥5 mm (hazard ratio [HR], 2.3; p = 0.012) and an age of ≥50 years (HR, 4.2; p < 0.001) were independently associated with conversion to total hip arthroplasty in all patients. In the subgroup of younger patients, only a step of ≥1 mm (HR, 6.4; p = 0.017) was an independent factor for conversion to total hip arthroplasty. CONCLUSIONS: Residual gap and step displacement as measured on CT scans are both related to long-term hip survivorship, but step displacement (1 mm) is tolerated less than gap displacement (5 mm). Of the 2 types of displacement, only a large gap displacement (≥5 mm) was independently associated with conversion to total hip arthroplasty. In younger patients who had less articular impaction with smaller residual gaps, only step displacement (≥1 mm) appeared to be associated with this outcome. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Prognostic Level III. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

Long-term patient reported outcomes following acetabular fracture fixation.

INTRODUCTION: Patient reported outcome scores may be the preferred method to assess clinical results following acetabular fracture fixation. However, in current acetabular fracture research, there is a scarcity of studies using these scores and long-term follow-up is lacking. The aim of this study is to describe long-term patient reported outcomes following acetabular fracture surgery and to evaluate the association between reduction quality and these outcome measures. METHODS: Patients who received operative fixation for acetabular fractures (1992-2012) were sent questionnaires (short musculoskeletal functional assessment (SMFA) function index and short form (SF)-12), which was returned by 106 patients (22%) (mean age 51 years, 74% male). Mean follow-up was 11.3 years and hip survivorship 78%. Reduction quality was assessed on postoperative CT or plain pelvic radiography (PXR) (3 patients). Reductions were graded as adequate (CT: <1 mm step and <5 mm gap/PXR: ≤3 mm displacement) or inadequate (CT: ≥1 mm step and/or ≥5 mm gap/PXR: >3 mm displacement). Outcome scores between native hip versus total hip arthroplasty (THA) and adequate versus inadequate reduction groups were compared and association between reduction quality and hip survivorship was determined. Subgroup analysis was performed in older patients (≥50 years). RESULTS: Patients with native hips reported overall superior relevant outcome scores (SMFA function index (p = 0.047), mobility (p = 0.048) and SF-12 physical component (p = 0.008)) compared to THA patients. Hip survivorship was associated with adequate reductions (p = 0.019). In the native hip group, an adequate reduction was also associated with lower (better) clinical scores (exceeding the minimal clinical important difference) (MCID) specifically for SMFA function index (p = 0.117) and mobility (p = 0.022). In elderly patients, the native hip versus THA group had similar outcomes, and adequate reductions were associated with hip survivorship as well as superior clinical scores (at least exceeding the MCID) in those who retained their native hip. CONCLUSION: At long-term follow-up, acetabular fracture surgery is associated with excellent patient reported outcomes. Patients who retain their native hip have overall superior relevant (SMFA and SF-12) function scores compared to those who convert to THA. Adequate reductions (on CT) were associated with both hip survivorship and superior outcome scores in patients who retain their hip.

Modified Stoppa approach for operative treatment of acetabular fractures: 10-year experience and mid-term follow-up.

INTRODUCTION: The (modified) Stoppa approach for acetabular fracture surgery has gained significant popularity and early results have been encouraging but clinical outcome at extensive follow-up is scarce. The purpose of this study is to provide an update on our experience with this approach for operative treatment of acetabular fractures and to assess clinical outcome at mid-term follow-up. METHODS: In this retrospective study, all patients treated operatively for an acetabular fracture using the Stoppa approach over a 10-year period were included. Surgery details were reviewed and patients were contacted and requested to return for follow-up. Primary outcome was native hip survivorship, secondary outcome measures included; functional outcome (Merle d'Aubiginé, Harris hip) scores, health-related quality of life (short-form 36) and radiographic outcome (heterotopic ossification, hip osteoarthritis). RESULTS: Forty-five patients received operative fixation for 47 acetabular fractures using the Stoppa approach. Complications requiring surgical intervention were found in one patient (with a vascular lesion) intra-operatively and 3 patients (with wound infections (2) and diffuse bleeding (1)) post-operatively. Follow-up was 83% and 29/39 (74%) native hips survived at mean 59 months (SD 49) postoperatively. Excellent-good functional scores were found in 88% (Merle d'Aubiginé) and 76% (Harris hip) of patients who had retained their native hip. Most (6/8) short-form 36 indices in these patients were comparable to population norms. Of 29 native hips with radiographic follow-up (mean 59 months (SD 49), 4 (86%) had no-minimal radiographic abnormalities. CONCLUSION: This study confirms that the Stoppa approach is a safe and effective technique for acetabular fracture fixation. Moreover, at mid-term follow-up, this approach is associated with satisfactory results in terms of hip survivorship as well as functional and radiographic outcome. As such, our findings reinforce the notion that this less invasive technique presents a valuable alternative to the ilioinguinal approach for the surgical treatment of acetabular fractures.

Assessing Postoperative Reduction After Acetabular Fracture Surgery: A Standardized Digital Computed Tomography-Based Method.

Quality of reduction after acetabular fracture surgery is an important predictor of clinical outcome. Computed tomography (CT) is likely superior to plain pelvic radiography for assessment of postoperative reduction, but interobserver reliability may be limited in the absence of a widely adopted technique. We describe a standardized digital CT-based method for measuring residual (gap and step) displacement on CT after acetabular fracture surgery. In a selection of patients, we determined the interobserver reliability for measuring displacement and grading the quality of reduction on postoperative pelvic radiography and CT, with and without the use of this novel technique.

Pelvic fractures in the Netherlands: epidemiology, characteristics and risk factors for in-hospital mortality in the older and younger population.

PURPOSE: To examine nationwide epidemiology of pelvic fractures in the Netherlands and to compare characteristics and outcome of older versus younger patients as well as predictors for in-hospital mortality. METHODS: Retrospective review of pelvic fracture patients admitted to all Dutch hospitals (2008-2012) utilizing National Trauma Registry. Average annual incidence of (minor and major) pelvic fractures was calculated for the population. Older (≥ 65 years) and younger (< 65 years) patients were compared. Multivariate regression analysis was performed to identify independent predictors for in-hospital mortality. RESULTS: Of 11,879 pelvic fracture patients (61.8%, ≥ 65 years), annual incidence of pelvic fractures in older versus younger population was 57.9 versus 6.4 per 100,000 persons. Older patients had lower ISS (7.1 (SD 6.9) vs 15.4 (SD 13.4)) and less frequently had severe associated injuries (15.6 vs 43.5%), an admission systolic blood pressure (SBP) ≤ 90 mmHg (1.6 vs 4.1%) or Glasgow Coma Score (GCS) ≤ 12 (2.0 vs 13.3%) (all, p < 0.01). In-hospital mortality was equal in older and younger patients (5.3 vs 4.8%: p = 0.28). In both subgroups, greatest independent predictors for in-hospital mortality were GCS ≤ 12, ISS ≥ 16, and SBP ≤ 90 mmHg and in all patients age ≥ 65 (OR 6.59 (5.12-8.48): p < 0.01). CONCLUSION: The annual incidence of (both minor and major) pelvic fractures in the older population was substantially higher than in the younger population. Elderly patients had a disproportionately high in-hospital mortality rate considering they were less severely injured. Among other factors, age was the greatest independent predictor for in-hospital mortality in all pelvic fracture patients.

Postoperative CT Is Superior for Acetabular Fracture Reduction Assessment and Reliably Predicts Hip Survivorship.

BACKGROUND: Postoperative pelvic radiographs are routinely used to assess acetabular fracture reduction. We compared radiographs and computed tomography (CT) with regard to their ability to detect residual fracture displacement. We also determined the association between the quality of reduction as assessed on CT and hip survivorship and identified risk factors for conversion to total hip arthroplasty (THA). METHODS: Patients were included in the study who had undergone acetabular fracture fixation between 1992 and 2012, who were followed for ≥2 years (or until early THA), and for whom radiographs and a pelvic CT scan were available. Residual displacement was measured on postoperative radiographs and CT and graded according to Matta's criteria (0 to 1 mm indicating anatomic reduction; 2 to 3 mm, imperfect reduction; and >3 mm, poor reduction) by observers who were blinded to patient outcome. Kaplan-Meier survivorship curves were plotted and log-rank tests were used to assess statistical differences in survivorship curves between adequate (anatomic or imperfect) and inadequate reductions on CT. Cox proportional hazard regression analysis was used to identify risk factors for conversion to THA. Two hundred and eleven patients were included. At mean of 9.0 years (standard deviation [SD], 5.6; median, 7.9; range, 0.5 to 23.3 years) postoperatively, 161 patients (76%) had retained their native hip. RESULTS: Compared with radiographs, CT showed worse reduction in 124 hips (59%), the same reduction in 79 (37%), and better reduction in 8 (4%). Of the 99 patients graded as having adequate reduction on CT, 10% underwent conversion to THA in comparison with 36% of those with inadequate reduction, and there was a significant difference between the survivorship curves (p < 0.001). Mean hip survivorship was shorter in patients ≥50 years of age (p < 0.001) and in those with an inadequate reduction on CT (p < 0.001). Independent risk factors for conversion to THA were age (hazard ratio [HR] = 4.46, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 2.07 to 9.62; p < 0.001), inadequate reduction (HR = 3.57, 95% CI = 1.71 to 7.45; p = 0.001), and posterior wall involvement (HR = 1.81, 95% CI = 1.00 to 3.26; p = 0.049). Sex, fracture type (elementary versus associated), and year of surgery did not influence hip survivorship. CONCLUSIONS: CT is superior to radiographs for detecting residual displacement after acetabular fracture fixation. Hip survivorship is greater in patients with adequate (anatomic or imperfect) reduction on CT. Along with older age and posterior wall involvement, an inadequate reduction on CT is a risk factor for conversion to THA. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Prognostic Level III. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

Low Profile Mesh Plating for Patella Fractures: Video of a Novel Surgical Technique.

Patella fractures can be challenging to treat particularly in the presence of inferior pole comminution. In this video we present a novel surgical technique for the treatment of patella fractures using a small fragment low profile mesh plate. Key points are the surgical exposure with direct visualization of the articular reduction, the preparation of the mesh plate to accommodate patellar anatomy and the augmentation of the construct using Krackow sutures to address inferior pole comminution. Low profile mesh plating allows for multiplanar fixation of patella fractures while avoiding implant and fixation problems related to tension band fixation. Our early experience with this technique is encouraging and it appears that this technique is useful for the treatment of the majority of patella fractures.

Anterolateral Approach to the Pilon.

This video reviews the indications, surgical approach, and case examples of the anterolateral approach to a distal tibial plafond fracture. If this approach is used in a staged fashion, when the soft envelope is ready, it affords excellent visualization for fracture fixation through thick skin flaps. An associated article reviews a cohort of 44 mainly type C3 pilon injuries treated by 2 orthopaedic traumatologist using the anterolateral approach after staged external fixation. An anatomic or good fracture reduction was obtained in 41 fractures with 13.6% of patients undergoing a secondary surgical procedure for infection or nonunion.

Importance of Pelvic Radiography for Initial Trauma Assessment: An Orthopedic Perspective.

BACKGROUND: Many institutions have abandoned the routine for selective pelvic x-ray (PXR) for initial imaging in blunt trauma patients undergoing computed tomography (CT) scanning. OBJECTIVE: Our aim was to examine the association between selective use of PXR and time to diagnosis of (major) pelvic fractures, as well as prioritization of key immediate interventions (including hip reduction and pelvic arterial embolization). METHODS: We conducted a 1-year review of early management of pelvic fracture patients undergoing pelvic CT scanning. Time interval and sequence of initial imaging and key immediate interventions were recorded. RESULTS: Of 218 pelvic fracture patients, 79 (36%) had no initial PXR, and instead had an initial CT scan. Time to first pelvic imaging in those patients was 48 min (standard deviation [SD] = 47 min vs. 2 min [SD = 6 min] with PXR; p < 0.001). Of 40 hip dislocations, 15 (38%) were detected first on CT scan. Overall, 22 (55%) required a second CT scan after reduction in the emergency department. No initial PXR was performed in 42 of 120 (35%) pelvic ring fracture patients and in 16 of 61 (26%) unstable pelvic ring fractures. Time to pelvic arterial embolization was longer in 4 patients without initial PXR than in 14 patients with PXR (296 min [SD = 206 min] vs. 170 min [SD = 76 min], respectively, p = 0.038). CONCLUSIONS: Selective PXR was associated with a significant delay in recognition of (major) pelvic fractures, including those with associated hip dislocations and (potential) pelvic bleeding. PXR remains a useful screening tool to rapidly determine the need for immediate interventions and to allow early planning before CT scanning.

Factors associated with radial nerve palsy after operative treatment of diaphyseal humeral shaft fractures.

BACKGROUND: The radial nerve is at risk after diaphyseal humeral fracture or surgery to repair the fracture. We hypothesized that there are no factors associated with iatrogenic radial nerve palsy and, secondarily, that there are no factors associated with traumatic radial nerve palsy or radial nerve palsy of any type. METHODS: We analyzed 325 adult patients who underwent operative treatment of a diaphyseal humerus fracture at 6 hospitals between January 2002 and November 2014 to determine factors associated with a radial nerve palsy. We excluded patients with pathologic fractures, fractures with massive bone loss, prior surgery in another hospital, periprosthetic fractures, and if no operative note was available. RESULTS: In patients without a traumatic radial nerve palsy, an iatrogenic radial nerve palsy occurred in 18 of 259 diaphyseal humeral fractures (7%). The surgical approach was associated with iatrogenic radial nerve palsy (P = .034). No factors were associated with traumatic radial nerve palsy (66 of 325 patients [20%]) of the humeral diaphysis. Open fractures, location of fracture, and high-energy trauma were significantly associated with radial nerve palsy of any type (84 of 325 patients [26%]). CONCLUSIONS: Patients and surgeons should keep in mind that iatrogenic transient dysfunction of the radial nerve will occur in approximately 1 in 5 patients treated with lateral exposure of the humerus, in 1 in 9 patients treated with posterior exposure, and in 1 in 25 patients with an anterolateral exposure.

Predicting the need for abdominal hemorrhage control in major pelvic fracture patients: the importance of quantifying the amount of free fluid.

BACKGROUND: In our institution, the computed tomographic (CT) scan has largely replaced the ultrasound for the rapid detection of intraperitoneal free fluid (FF) and abdominal injuries in severely injured patients.We hypothesized that in major pelvic fracture patients, quantifying the size of FF on CT improves the predictive value for the need for abdominal hemorrhage control (AHC). METHODS: The CT scans of major pelvic fracture (pelvic ring disruption) patients (January 1, 2004, to June 31, 2012) were reviewed for the presence of FF (small, moderate, or large amount) and abdominal injuries. AHC was defined as requiring a surgical intervention for active abdominal bleeding or angiographic embolization for an abdominal arterial injury.Positive predictive value (PPV) and negative predictive value (NPV) (95% confidence interval [CI]) were calculated for all patients and in a subgroup of patients with a high risk for significant hemorrhage (base deficit ≥ 6 mEq/L). RESULTS: Overall, 160 patients were included in the study. Of the 62 FF patients, 26 required AHC (PPV, 42%, 95% CI, 30-55%). Of the 98 patients without FF, none required AHC (NPV, 100%; 95% CI, 95-100%). For a moderate-to-large amount of FF, the PPV and NPV in all patients were 81% (95% CI, 60-93%) and 96% (95% CI, 91-99%), respectively.In the subgroup of 49 high-risk patients (31%), 17 of 26 FF patients required AHC (PPV, 65%; 95% CI, 44-82%), and none of the 23 patients without FF required AHC (NPV, 100%; 95% CI, 82-100%). For a moderate-to-large amount, the PPV and NPV in high-risk patients were 93% (95% CI, 64-100%) and 89% (95% CI, 72-96%), respectively. CONCLUSION: In major pelvic fracture patients, the predictive value of FF on CT for the need for AHC is closely related to the amount present. A moderate-to-large amount of FF is highly predictive for the presence of abdominal bleeding that requires hemorrhage control. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic study, level IV; prognostic study, level III.

Three-dimensional computed tomography is not indicated for the classification and characterization of calcaneal fractures.

This study determined inter- and intra-observer reliability for measurement of the angles of Böhler and Gissane, for the decision between surgical or conservative management and for the three mostly used classification systems for calcaneal fractures with the use of 2D-CT imaging versus 2D- and 3D-CT imaging. A consecutive series of 38 fractures in 36 patients, treated at a level II trauma centre between 2005 and 2008, were evaluated in two rounds by five observers. We measured the inter- and intraobserver reliability for the Sanders', Zwipp and Essex-Lopresti classification systems using the kappa values as described by Cohen. The intraclass correlation coefficient as described by Shrout and Fleiss was used to analyze inter- and intra-observer reliability of the angles of Böhler and Gissane. Usage of 2D-CT imaging interobserver reliability was fair for the Sanders' and Zwipp classifications and for measurement of the angle of Gissane, and it was moderate for measurement of the Essex-Lopresti classification system and measurement of the angle of Böhler. With the addition of 3D-CT imaging, the interobserver reliability was fair for the Sanders', Zwipp and Essex-Lopresti classification systems. The intraobserver reliability was fair for measurement of the angle of Gissane and it was moderate for the Sanders', Zwipp and Essex-Lopresti classification systems and for the measurement of the angle of Böhler. The addition of three-dimensional CT imaging did not increase inter- and intraobserver reliability for the classification of calcaneal fractures. Authors commented they experienced no additional benefit from 3D-CT imaging for the assessment of calcaneal fractures.