Management Of Acute Fractures Research Articles

Fractures around the knee in elderly patients: Balancing fixation and arthroplasty approaches, a multicenter experience.

In recent years, a discernible shift has occurred in the approach to knee pathologies, specifically in the management of acute fractures. Traditionally, fractures were primarily treated through osteosynthesis, whereas prosthesis replacement was primarily reserved for degenerative issues. Outcomes of this investigation aim to elucidate the potential indications and contraindications for the use of prosthetic interventions in the management of such fractures and to propose a scoring system that can be adopted for the choice between the two different approaches. A retrospective observational study was conducted on patients treated for periarticular knee fractures, with a focus on elderly patients. Patients aged older than 65 years treated in three Italian centers were recruited. Inclusion criteria comprised fractures around the knee, including distal femur types 33-A, 33-B, and 33-C, and proximal tibia types 41-A, 41-B, and 41-C, in accordance with the AO/OTA classification. Surgical treatment with osteosynthesis or arthroplasty was required and investigated. Between August 2017 and October 2022, 91 patients with periarticular knee fractures underwent surgical treatment, 23.1 % males and 76.9 % females, with 78 % undergoing osteosynthesis and 22 % acute total knee replacement. Distal femoral fractures constituted 37.4 %, while 62.6 % were proximal tibial fractures. Average age at surgery was 76.4 years. Patient outcomes were assessed using PROMs, revealing generally positive results, including survivorship of 95 % at the final follow-up for both groups using the Kaplan Meier survival estimate. The study introduces a novel Total Knee Replacement Indication Scoring System (TKRISS) based on the AO Classification. Nowadays osteosynthesis remains the main treatment for fractures around the knee. In a geriatric patient's population and in carefully selected patients replacement can be a valid option for early weight bearing and quicker recovery comparing to fixation. The Total Knee Replacement Indication Scoring System provides a useful tool for healthcare to assess the potential indication for TKR in the context of knee fractures. It integrates a range of relevant factors, acknowledging the complex nature of patient care. Further clinical research and validation are essential to refine and optimize this scoring system.

Utility of the LeFort I Osteotomy in the Acute Management of Midface Trauma

Purpose: Pure and isolated LeFort I, II, and III fractures are rare. Typically, they occur at different levels on each side and may be incomplete in nature, which complicates management. The LeFort I osteotomy is a well-described technique in elective management of midface deformities. However, there is minimal literature on its use in acute trauma. This study describes the use of the LeFort I osteotomy as a surgical maneuver to aid in the reduction of complex midface fractures and the re-establishment of premorbid occlusion. Methods: A retrospective review was performed of all consecutive midface fractures managed at our center from 2008 to 2020. The inclusion criteria were adult patients who had a LeFort I osteotomy in the setting of acute fracture management. Primary outcomes were the long-term stability of fracture fixation and the re-establishment of stable, reproducible occlusion at follow-up. Results: Twenty-two cases met the criteria for inclusion. The most common indication was contralateral LeFort I and ipsilateral incomplete or absent LeFort I (50%). Most remaining cases had a high LeFort (II or III) on the ipsilateral side and a high LeFort I on the contralateral side (41%). There was one case of nonunion requiring revision and bone grafting. In all remaining cases who presented for follow-up at an average of 1.5 years, stable, reproducible occlusion was achieved. Conclusions: In acute trauma, a LeFort I osteotomy is a safe and effective technique to re-establish premorbid occlusion when passive reduction of the maxilla cannot be achieved. This technique can be safely added to the armamentarium of any surgeon who manages acute craniofacial trauma.

Insights and trends review: the role of three-dimensional technology in upper extremity surgery.

The use of three-dimensional (3-D) technology in upper extremity surgery has the potential to revolutionize the way that hand and upper limb procedures are planned and performed. 3-D technology can assist in the diagnosis and treatment of conditions, allowing virtual preoperative planning and surgical templating. 3-D printing can allow the production of patient-specific jigs, instruments and implants, allowing surgeons to plan and perform complex procedures with greater precision and accuracy. Previously, cost has been a barrier to the use of 3-D technology, which is now falling rapidly. This review article will discuss the current status of 3-D technology and printing, including its applications, ethics and challenges in hand and upper limb surgery. We have provided case examples to outline how clinicians can incorporate 3-D technology in their clinical practice for congenital deformities, management of acute fracture and malunion and arthroplasty.

Racial Disparities in the Operative Management of Orthopedic Trauma: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

The objective of this study was to investigate if race is associated with the likelihood of operative management of acute fractures. A systematic review of the literature was performed using the PubMed, EMBASE, and Cochrane databases to identify studies associated with social disparities and acute orthopedic trauma. Peer-reviewed studies commenting on social disparities and the decision to pursue operative or non-operative management of acute fractures were identified for detailed review. Study characteristics and odds ratios were extracted from each article. The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analysis (PRISMA) guidelines were followed. A quality analysis of the data was also performed. In total, 13 studies were identified and 8 were included in the meta-analysis totaling 743,846 fractures. Hip, distal radius, pelvic, tibial plateau, clavicle, femoral neck, and femoral shaft fractures were represented in this patient population. The meta-analysis demonstrated that White race is associated with a higher likelihood of operative intervention compared to all other races pooled together (odds ratio, 1.31; 95% confidence interval 1.16 to 1.47; p < .0001) as well as Black race (odds ratio 1.39; 95% confidence interval 1.12 to 1.72; p = .0025). Non-White race and Black race are associated with a lower likelihood of receiving surgical management of acute orthopedic trauma. Surgeons and health systems should be aware of these inequities and consider strategies to mitigate bias and ensure all patients receive appropriate and timely care regardless of race.

Acute Lower Extremity Fracture Management in Chronic Spinal Cord Injury: 2022 Delphi Consensus Recommendations.

Information from a previous systematic review that addressed lower extremity fracture care in persons with an SCI as well as information from interviews of physical and occupational therapists, searches of the literature, and expert opinion were used to develop this CPG. The Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluations (GRADE) system was used to determine the quality of evidence and the strength of the recommendations. An overall GRADE quality rating was applied to the evidence. Individuals with a chronic SCI who sustain an acute lower extremity fracture should be provided with education regarding the risks and benefits of operative and nonoperative management, and shared decision-making for acute fracture management should be used. Nonoperative management historically has been the default preference; however, with the advent of greater patient independence, improved surgical techniques, and advanced therapeutics and rehabilitation, increased use of surgical management should be considered. Physical therapists, kinesiotherapists, and/or occupational therapists should assess equipment needs, skills training, and caregiver assistance due to changes in mobility resulting from a lower extremity fracture. Therapists should be involved in fracture management as soon as possible following fracture identification. Pressure injuries, compartment syndrome, heterotopic ossification, nonunion, malunion, thromboembolism, pain, and autonomic dysreflexia are fracture-related complications that clinicians caring for patients who have an SCI and a lower extremity fracture may encounter. Strategies for their treatment are discussed. The underlying goal is to return the patient as closely as possible to their pre-fracture functional level with operative or nonoperative management.

State-Wide COVID-19 Lockdowns Did Not Adversely Affect the Management of Acute Ankle Fractures

Category:Ankle; Trauma; OtherIntroduction/Purpose:The novel coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic has presented a unique challenge to orthopaedic trauma and operative fracture management throughout the United States. Various public health and safety measures imposed during the lockdown lead to cancelation or rescheduling of non-emergent or non-urgent surgery cases. In order to provide appropriate standard of care, certain operative cases were deemed urgent and managed on an inpatient basis. This change in practice had an impact on the management of acute ankle fractures which has previously reported excellent results and cost-savings with outpatient operative management. The goal of this study is to determine the impact of the COVID-19 lockdown and barriers to care in treating isolated operative ankle fractures in the inpatient setting.Methods:The current IRB approved study is a retrospective review of adult patients presenting to University of Cincinnati (UC) with isolated, operative ankle fractures. The study period consisted of patients who presented during the months of January 1st - July 1st 2020 to coincide with pre-, intra and post- COVID lockdown in Southwestern Ohio. Of note, the official mandated lockdown within the state of Ohio was March 23rd - May 1st with phased business re-openings after May 1st. Similarly, hospital operations including operative capacity was restricted until a return to full capacity on June 29, 2020. A total of 464 patient records were reviewed (159, 176, 129 ankle fractures for the respective years 2018-2020). A review of the data from years 2018, 2019 were analyzed for statistical comparison. Polytraumatized patients, open fractures and those with bilateral injuries were excluded.Results:The final cohort included 190 ankles (52, 71, 67, for 2018, 2019, 2020 respectively). This comprised of 71 males (38%), 119 females (62%). The average age of patients were 48+-19, 51+-18, 48+-20, respectively. There were no significant differences in BMI, smoking and diabetic status. There was a total of eight isolated ankle fractures during the immediate lockdown period of 2020, all managed with inpatient surgery. This was compared to the previous year 2019 (7/16 treated with inpatient management), versus 2018 (4/5 inpatient). Overall, among allcomers, 2020 had the lowest amount of acute fractures treated as outpatient, elective cases (34%) versus 45% -2019, 58%- 2018; however, this was not statistically significant. The length of stay for inpatients, time until surgical management, time to physical therapy clearance, postoperative follow up with index surgeon or midlevel providers were not significantly different among the 2020 cohort during and immediately after the state-wide lockdown.Conclusion:Little has been published about the effect of the coronavirus lockdown on acute fracture management. In this study of acute ankle fractures, strategic practice changes to predominantly inpatient management did not adversely affect patient care. However, there are disadvantages to inpatient versus outpatient management such as: (1) resource allocation (such as hospital beds during a pandemic) and (2) associated costs to both patients and hospital. Future efforts will be made to elucidate the cost analysis within our hospital system (not available at the time of this submission).

What is the role of ultrasound in fracture management?: Diagnosis and therapeutic potential for fractures, delayed unions, and fracture-related infection.

ObjectivesThe aim of this study was to review the current evidence and future application for the role of diagnostic and therapeutic ultrasound in fracture management.MethodsA review of relevant literature was undertaken, including articles indexed in PubMed with keywords “ultrasound” or “sonography” combined with “diagnosis”, “fracture healing”, “impaired fracture healing”, “nonunion”, “microbiology”, and “fracture-related infection”.ResultsThe use of ultrasound in musculoskeletal medicine has expanded rapidly over the last two decades, but the diagnostic use in fracture management is not routinely practised. Early studies have shown the potential of ultrasound as a valid alternative to radiographs to diagnose common paediatric fractures, to detect occult injuries in adults, and for rapid detection of long bone fractures in the resuscitation setting. Ultrasound has also been shown to be advantageous in the early identification of impaired fracture healing; with the advent of 3D image processing, there is potential for wider adoption. Detection of implant-related infection can be improved by ultrasound mediated sonication of microbiology samples. The use of therapeutic ultrasound to promote union in the management of acute fractures is currently a controversial topic. However, there is strong in vitro evidence that ultrasound can stimulate a biological effect with potential clinical benefit in established nonunions, which supports the need for further investigation.ConclusionModern ultrasound image processing has the potential to replace traditional imaging modalities in several areas of trauma practice, particularly in the early prediction of impaired fracture healing. Further understanding of the therapeutic application of ultrasound is required to understand and identify the use in promoting fracture healing.Cite this article: J. A. Nicholson, S. T. J. Tsang, T. J. MacGillivray, F. Perks, A. H. R. W. Simpson. What is the role of ultrasound in fracture management? Diagnosis and therapeutic potential for fractures, delayed unions, and fracture-related infection. Bone Joint Res 2019;8:304–312. DOI: 10.1302/2046-3758.87.BJR-2018-0215.R2.

Considerations in the Treatment of Osteoporotic Distal Radius Fractures in Elderly Patients.

With the incidence of distal radius fractures increasing in the elderly population, we sought to summarize the current orthopedic and medical management of these fractures in the elderly osteoporotic population. The number of osteoporotic patients undergoing surgical fixation for distal radius fractures has increased in recent years. This is likely due to the improved outcomes seen with volar locking plates, as well as an increase in the number of fellowship-trained hand surgeons. Despite this potential improvement in acute fracture management, a majority of these patients are underdiagnosed and undertreated for their underlying osteoporosis or endocrinopathies. The implementation of fracture liaison services and the ability of the treating orthopedist to recognize this gap in patient care result in a higher number of patients initiating appropriate treatment. It is vital that when discussing acute fracture management, a thorough discussion is had with patients regarding functional outcome and the benefits of both surgical and non-operative management. As these fractures become more prevalent and a greater percentage undergo surgical intervention, the economic burden of distal radius fractures will continue to rise. It is imperative that the treating surgeon view these fractures as sentinel events that are predictive of future hip and vertebral fractures. While relatively new, the use of fracture liaison services to help aide in proper screening and treatment of osteoporotic patients is of great value. Non-pharmacologic therapy such as physical therapy, smoking and alcohol cessation programs, and dietary modifications are crucial in treating patients with osteoporosis. While bisphosphonates remain the first-line treatment in patients with osteoporosis, novel therapies show promise for future use.

Gestione delle fratture acetabolari

Acetabular fractures are rare injuries which involve a heavy burden in terms of complications and long-term disability. The management of these fractures is challenging and it should be performed in Hospitals specialised in pelvic trauma. Initial management should follow Damage Control Orthopaedics principles and the definitive treatment should be performed with the patient under stable clinical conditions. In young patients, reduction and internal fixation is a safe treatment with satisfactory functional results and good hip survival. In elderly patients, acute total hip arthroplasty could be the right acute fracture management and is related with satisfactory clinical results.

2017 IFFAS Award for Excellence Winner

Category: Ankle Arthritis Introduction/Purpose: Pilon fractures of the distal tibia are high energy injuries often occurring in a young patient cohort. Despite optimal acute fracture management, post traumatic osteoarthritis of the tibiotalar joint is a common corollary. Standard treatment is by way of tibiotalar arthrodesis, however the lack of motion at the ankle afforded by this treatment is often poorly tolerated by patients and can lead to arthrosis of adjacent joints. Total ankle replacement (TAR) offers an attractive pain relieving and motion preserving option for this patient subgroup. Here we report the two-year patient reported outcome measures for a cohort of patients undergoing TAR for osteoarthritis secondary to tibial pilon fracture and compare them to the outcomes for other indications for total ankle replacement. Methods: The results of patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) for TAR performed between March 2006 and November 2014 by a single surgeon at a single institution in the United Kingdom were reviewed. Data collected included Foot and Ankle Outcome Scores (FAOS) (WOMAC pain/stiffness/function); SF-36 General Health Questionnaire; number of comorbidities; self- reported BMI and patient satisfaction scores. Time points for data collection were pre-operatively and then at one and two years post-operatively. Clinical notes and radiographs were reviewed to highlight the indication for TAR and were categorised into the following sub-groups: osteoarthritis (OA); rheumatoid arthritis (RA); arthritis following pilon fracture; arthritis following ankle fracture; and post-traumatic arthritis without previous fracture (PTOA). FAOS and SF-36 were analysed using a general linear model to assess variance and by way of repeated measures ANOVA. Demographic data was assessed using student t-test and chi- squared analysis. Patient satisfaction scores were evaluated using cross-tabulation and chi-squared examination. Results: The pilon fracture group had the youngest average age and highest BMI (56.5 years; mean BMI 31.6). There was no statistically significant difference in number of reported comorbidities between subgroups (p&gt;0.05). Significant improvement in FAOS pain, function and stiffness scores was seen in all subgroups from pre-operatively to one year post-operatively (p=0.01, 0.05 and 0.03 respectively). No further statistically significant improvement in the same scores was seen at two years. SF-36 analysis demonstrated similar results for all subgroups. There was general improvement in all parameters except for general health (p=0.890 at one year) and reduction in physical function in the RA group from first to second post-operative years (p=0.046). Patient satisfaction survey showed similar results for all subgroups. Conclusion: Our study has demonstrated that statistically significant improvement is seen in FAOS pain, function and stiffness scores in all subgroups of patients undergoing TAR by one year post surgery and that this improvement is maintained by two year follow up. There was no major difference in any of the reported outcomes between subgroups by two years post-operatively, suggesting that TAR performed for arthritis secondary to pilon fracture is a realistic alternative to tibio-talar arthrodesis.

Controlled Compression Nailing for At Risk Humeral Shaft Fractures.

Summary:Compression techniques seem to be the primary factor in determining the success of both plating and nailing techniques for the management of acute fractures and for delayed and nonunion management of these fractures. An intramedullary nail that can provide continual compression (like a plate) and mechanical manipulation of the callous throughout the course of treatment is an ideal device that provides all the advantages of plating and nailing and avoids the noted limitations of both. The UNYTE compression humeral nail is based on the PRECICE intramedullary limb lengthening system. This nail provides the ability to intraoperatively compress a humeral fracture immediately and continue compression in the outpatient setting with the external remote controller. This compression nail allows the surgeon to continually modulate stability through controlled compression and the ability to relengthen if necessary. The capacity to achieve constant compression at the fracture site has demonstrated rapid healing of the “at risk” humerus fracture in this series. We review the current indications for use of this device after its early introduction. In most cases, this was the failure of conservative brace management that presented with a progressive distraction gap and minimal callous formation or those fractures that could not be adequately controlled in the brace with malalignment greater than 20 degrees. The protocol for intraoperative compression using the external remote controller is detailed, as is the outpatient protocol for follow-up. The compression algorithm for progression to full fracture healing is also reviewed.

Senior Medical Student-Led Interactive Small-Group Module on Acute Fracture Management.

Medical students receive insufficient training in musculoskeletal diagnosis and management. To address this deficiency, a senior medical student at our institution designed and moderated small-group interactive discussions with third-year medical students on acute fracture management during their family medicine clerkship. In these sessions, students learned how to diagnose and comprehensively work up a case of a suspected fracture, how to effectively communicate findings from physical exam and X-ray, and when to appropriately consult a surgeon for treatment. This module was piloted with a total of 14 students in two separate small groups. One hundred percent of students regarded the module as very useful, and there was a 50% improvement in pre- versus posteducational assessment. Our experience suggests that students can quickly improve clinical skills for fracture management in a focused smallgroup interactive session. In addition, these sessions can be effectively designed and implemented by senior medical students. This module may be used with either clinical or preclinical students, but we believe that this information would be best received by clinical students on family medicine, emergency medicine, or orthopedic rotations.

Different Stabilization Techniques for Type 62B3 Acetabular Fractures in Combination With Primary Total Hip Arthroplasty in Elderly Patients

Introduction:The total hip arthroplasty (THA) as part of acute fracture management is used for acetabular fractures in elderly patients. Our objective was to assess the stability of osteosynthesis performed using 2 different techniques in combination with THA in an experimental model.Materials and Methods:We conducted 20 experiments using the left-side hemipelves composite bone models. There were 2 testing groups: 1- and 2-stage osteosynthesis. The acetabular fractures of the anterior column and posterior hemitransverse were simulated. The same THA technique was used in both groups. The stability of osteosynthesis was explored and compared between the groups by measuring the fracture displacement of anterior and posterior columns under the standardized test load (1187 N) protocol. Load distance diagrams were generated.Results:The 0.680-mm gap (0.518; 1.548) of the posterior column in the 1-stage group (n = 10) was higher than the 0.370-mm gap (0.255; 0.428) in the 2-stage group (n = 10; P = .002). There was no significant difference between the gap of the anterior column in the 1- and 2-stage groups (0.135 [0.078; 0.290] mm vs 0.160 [0.120; 0.210] mm; P = .579).Conclusion:The 2-stage osteosynthesis of the anterior and posterior columns in combination with THA provides better stability of posterior column when compared to 1-stage method in composite bone models.

Orthopaedic Considerations for the Adult With Osteogenesis Imperfecta.

Osteogenesis imperfecta is a heritable group of collagen-related disorders that affects up to 50,000 people in the United States. Although the disease is most symptomatic in childhood, adults with osteogenesis imperfecta also are affected by the sequelae of the disease. Orthopaedic manifestations include posttraumatic and accelerated degenerative joint disease, kyphoscoliosis, and spondylolisthesis. Other manifestations of abnormal collagen include brittle dentition, hearing loss, cardiac valve abnormalities, and basilar invagination. In general, nonsurgical treatment is preferred for management of acute fractures. High rates of malunion, nonunion, and subsequent deformity have been reported with both closed and open treatment. When surgery is necessary, surgeons should opt for load-sharing intramedullary devices that span the entire length of the bone; locking plates and excessively rigid fixation generally should be avoided. Arthroplasty may be considered for active patients, but the procedure frequently is associated with complications in this patient population. Underlying deformities, such as malunion, bowing, rotational malalignment, coxa vara, and acetabular protrusio, pose specific surgical challenges and underscore the importance of preoperative planning.

How do bisphosphonates affect fracture healing?

Bisphosphonates (BPs) have been in use for many years for the treatment of osteoporosis, multiple myeloma, Paget's disease, as well as a variety of other diseases in which there is reduced bone mineral density. Given that bisphosphonates inhibit bone resorption, an important stage of fracture healing; this class of compounds has been widely studied in preclinical models regarding their influence on fracture healing. In animal models, bisphosphonate treatment is associated with a larger fracture callus, coincident with a delay in remodeling from primary woven bone to lamellar bone, but there is no delay in formation of the fracture callus. In humans, de novo use of bisphosphonate therapy after fracture does not appear to have a significant effect on fracture healing. Rarely, patients with long term use of Bisphosphonates may develop an atypical fracture and delay in fracture healing has been observed. In summary, bisphosphonates appear safe for use in the setting of acute fracture management in the upper and lower extremity in humans. While much remains unknown about the effects on healing of long-term bisphosphonates, use prior to “typical” fracture, in the special case of atypical fracture, evidence suggests that bisphosphonates negatively influence healing.

Total hospital stay for hip fracture: measuring the variations due to pre-fracture residence, rehabilitation, complications and comorbidities.

BackgroundHospital treatment for hip fracture is complex, often involving sequential episodes for acute orthopaedics, rehabilitation and care of contingent conditions. Most reports of hospital length of stay (LOS) address only the acute phase of care. This study identifies the frequency and mean duration of the component episodes within total hospital stay, and measures the impacts of patient-level and clinical service variables upon both acute phase and total LOS.MethodsAdministrative datasets for 2552 subjects hospitalised between 1 July 2008 and 30 June 2009 were linked. Associations between LOS, pre-fracture accommodation status, age, sex, fracture type, hospital separation codes, selected comorbidities and complications were examined in regression models for acute phase and total LOS for patients from residential aged care (RAC) and from the community.ResultsMean total LOS was 30.8 days, with 43 per cent attributable to acute fracture management, 37 per cent to rehabilitation and 20 per cent to management of contingent conditions. Community patients had unadjusted total LOS of 35.4 days compared with 18.8 days for RAC patients (p <0.001). The proportion of transfers into rehabilitation (57 per cent vs 17 per cent, p <0.001) was the major determinant for this difference. In multivariate analyses, new RAC placement, discharge to other facilities, and complications of pressure ulcer, urinary or surgical site infections increased LOS by at least four days in one or more phases of hospital stay.ConclusionPre-fracture residence, selection for rehabilitation, discharge destination and specific complications are key determinants for acute phase and total LOS. Calculating the dimensions of specific determinants for LOS may identify potential efficiencies from targeted interventions such as orthogeriatric care models.

Ultrasound and shockwave therapy for acute fractures in adults.

Ultrasound and shockwave therapy for acute fractures in adults.

Arthroscopic Management of Elbow Fractures and Dislocations

Arthroscopic techniques continue to evolve over time. An area of increasing interest involves the management of acute fractures and ligamentous injuries of the elbow. The complicated soft tissue and complex joint arrangement of the elbow make it an intriguing joint for acute arthroscopic management. We present techniques for the management of radial head fractures, coronoid fractures, and lateral ligament injuries.

Managing scaphoid fractures. How we do it?

The scaphoid is the common carpal bone to be fractured. Proper clinical and radiological evaluation is required to establish it's diagnosis. The management of acute fractures includes conservative treatment with cast in minimally displaced to open reduction and internal fixation in case of displaced ones. The established nonunion requires open reduction, bone grafting and internal fixation.

The Effect of Nonsteroidal Anti-inflammatory Drug Administration on Acute Phase Fracture-Healing: A Review: Kurmis AP, Kurmis TP, O'Brien JX, Dalén T. J Bone Joint Surg Am 2012;94:815–23.

Although nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are a linchpin of pain management, concern for negative effects on healing has led to questions about their role in acute fracture management. The present study sought to examine this association with a systematic review of the literature on this topic. The authors identified 316 articles potentially relevant to their question, and then reviewed those studies they felt were of greatest relevance and quality of evidence.