Forearm Fractures Research Articles

The effect of vitamin D on the speed and quality of pediatric fracture healing

Purpose: To evaluate the effect of vitamin D on the speed and quality of pediatric fracture healing. Methods: A 4-year prospective study of healthy children with shaft fractures of the forearm bones (treated with minimally invasive osteosynthesis) or femur (treated by traction or by minimally invasive osteosynthesis). All children had their vitamin D levels examined four times—at the time of the injury, 1, 3, and 5 months after the injury. Also, all children underwent radiograph follow-ups (same time as blood tests) to evaluate fracture healing. Children were, in the beginning, blindly divided into two similarly sized groups—one group was orally administered cholecalciferol throughout the follow-up, the second group was not, and we compared those groups. Results: Altogether, 63 children were included in the study—36 supplemented and 27 non-supplemented. In supplemented children, the vitamin D levels increased statistically significantly during the follow-up period, in contrast to the non-supplemented group. The fracture healing on radiographs was also statistically significantly faster and better in the supplemented group. When we divided children according to fracture type, we observed statistically significantly better fracture healing in children with forearm fractures in the supplemented group for the whole study period. In children with femoral fractures, the healing in the supplemented group was statistically significantly better after 3 months; however, after 1 and 5 months, the difference was not statistically significant. Conclusions: Based on our results, we recommend vitamin D testing and administration for children treated for forearm and femoral fractures. Level of evidence: Level I.

Point-of-care ultrasound for the diagnosis of distal forearm fractures in children and adolescents: a scoping review.

Distal forearm fractures are the most common pediatric fractures. Currently, the diagnostic reference standard is X-ray. However, there is growing evidence that point-of-care ultrasound can be used for the diagnosis of distal forearm fractures in children and adolescents with good accuracy. The objective of this scoping review was to explore the current evidence for the use of ultrasound for the diagnosis of pediatric distal forearm fractures and to identify the gaps in the literature for further research. We performed a scoping review searching on the following databases PubMed, MEDLINE, SCOPUS, EMBASE, and ClinicalTrials.gov. The main review question was "What is the evidence for using ultrasound to diagnose distal forearm fractures in patients < 18years old?" All types of studies, including randomized clinical trials and prospective and retrospective observational studies (case-control, cohort, and cross-sectional studies, case series) were included. Twenty-three articles were included in the scoping review; only two articles were from a single randomized controlled trial. Our scoping review found high sensitivity (91.5-99.5%) and specificity (85-99.5%) of POCUS for distal forearm fracture diagnosis. All studies used a linear ultrasound probe, with an upper range frequency ranging from 5 to 15MHz and typically used a six-view scanning protocol. The duration of the procedure was only a few minutes, and pain associated with ultrasound was usually mild. When compared with X-ray, an ultrasound first approach shortened the length of stay by an average of 15min per participant. Conclusions: The evidence suggests that ultrasound can be used for the diagnosis of clinically nondeformed distal forearm fractures in children and adolescents by a variety of practitioners. However, the current gaps in the literature include its translation into clinical practice and its cost-effectiveness.

Treatment of diametaphyseal forearm fractures in children and adolescents : Antegrade intramedullary nail osteosynthesis and its alternatives

Osteosynthesis in dislocated diametaphyseal forearm fractures is intended to restore anatomy and function. Antegrade intramedullary nailing in the radius is used to restore length, rotation, and axis within the age-specific correction limits. Sufficient stability ensures early functional postoperative treatment without load. Dislocated diametaphyseal forearm or radius fractures that cannot be closed, stably reduced, or remain outside the age-specific correction limits. Radius or forearm fractures located distal or proximal to the defined area. Soft tissue defects, contamination or infections located in the access path. In the course of the Thompson approach, the soft spot between the extensor digitorum and extensor carpi radialis brevis muscles is located and an approx. 3-4 cm skin incision is made. Then blunt preparation down to the bone, sparing the profundus and superficial radial nerve. Retraction of the musculature with two Langenbeck hooks. Opening of the cortex with an awl. If necessary, a2.5 mm drill with tissue protection can be used beforehand if the cortex is very hard. Atitanium elastic nail (TEN) diameter is selected so that it fills approximately 2/3 of the medullary canal. It is recommended to flatten the TEN runner with parallel flattening forceps. After closed reduction, the TEN is then brought up in front of the growth plate with slightly rotating movements. The TEN is bent over at the proximal end and pinched off above the muscle bellies. Alternative procedures include Kirschner wire osteosynthesis or retrograde TEN from radial or dorsal, with or without bending. The aim of osteosynthesis is early functional follow-up without load. Sports abstinence is recommended for 8weeks. Metal removal can be performed after consolidation between 3and 6months. Clearly dislocated or outside the correction limits infantile radius and forearm fractures show very good treatment results with alow risk profile after the described osteosynthesis technique. Pseudarthrosis and nerve damage were not observed. Secondary dislocation has not occurred.

Paediatric Hand Fractures - A Review.

Paediatric hand fractures account for approximately 25% of hand-related emergency department visits, making them the second most common childhood fractures after distal forearm fractures. These injuries are more prevalent in boys and peak ages between 9 and 14 years. Hand fractures in children are primarily caused by crushing injuries and, increasingly in older children, by sports-related activities. The little finger (52%) and thumb (23%) are the most frequently fractured digits, with phalangeal fractures, especially of the proximal phalanx, being common. Metacarpal fractures are more prevalent in adolescents (13-16 years) compared to younger children. Accurate diagnosis in the paediatric population is complicated by difficult clinical examinations and the presence of growth plates, leading to an 8% misdiagnosis rate, mainly due to misinterpretation of the ossification centres and physes. High-quality radiographic evaluation combined with a thorough clinical assessment is critical for correct diagnosis and appropriate management. The robust periosteum and high remodelling potential of paediatric bones allow most hand fractures to be managed non-operatively with splinting or casting. However, fractures with significant angulation, rotation, intra-articular involvement or open wounds may require surgical intervention, such as closed or open reduction and internal fixation with Kirschner wires. Most paediatric hand fractures heal well with excellent functional outcomes due to the high remodelling capacity of paediatric bones. Early mobilisation and appropriate immobilisation are key to preventing stiffness. Despite the generally favourable prognosis, certain fractures remain challenging to diagnose and treat, highlighting the need for specialised care. The aim of this review article is to discuss the epidemiology, fracture patterns, diagnostic challenges and management strategies essential for optimising functional outcomes and minimising long-term complications in treating paediatric hand fractures. Level of Evidence: Level V (Therapeutic).

Comparative Analysis of Surgical Techniques for Pediatric Diaphyseal Forearm Fractures: A Focus on Titanium Flexible Nails versus Plates and Screws

Comparative Analysis of Surgical Techniques for Pediatric Diaphyseal Forearm Fractures: A Focus on Titanium Flexible Nails versus Plates and Screws

Fractures at various skeletal sites are dependent on different risk factors: the results from 10 years of prospective longitudinal observation in postmenopausal women from the RAC-OST-POL Study.

The aim of the study was to present data on risk factors for fractures in various parts of the skeleton in a cohort of postmenopausal women during a 10-year prospective observation period. It can be hypothesised that fracture risk factors should be different for spine, hip, and peripheral fractures. 640 postmenopausal women at mean baseline age was 65.0 ± 6.9 years were enrolled into the study. The cohort was randomly selected from the population of the entire Racibórz district. Data on the incidence of fractures and falls were updated annually during the 10-year follow-up period. Information on clinical risk factors for fractures was collected at baseline. During the observation period, 190 low-traumatic fractures were recorded in 129 patients. The following number of fractures was observed: hip 15, spine 30, non-hip fractures other than spine 145 (including 81 forearm fractures). The effect of falls was insignificant in the case of spine fractures (chi-square test: 3.64; p = 0.06). For all other skeletal sites, the incidence of fractures was significantly increased by falls, with the greatest effect observed for forearm fractures and non-spine and non-hip fractures (chi-square test for hip, forearm, and all non-spine, non-hip fractures was 6.43, p < 0.05; 42.7, p < 0.0001 and 66.7, p < 0.0001, respectively). To determine the factors having a significant impact on the incidence of fractures during the observation period, logistic regression was used separately in subgroups. The following risk factors were taken into account: age, height, body weight, bone mineral density (BMD) at the femoral neck as expressed by T-score, rheumatoid arthritis, steroid use, falls reported at baseline, and the total number of risk factors. Spine fractures depended only on T-score, odds ratio (OR) = 0.42 (0.23-0.76); hip fractures depended only on age, OR = 1.15 (1.07-1.24); forearm fractures depended only on age T-score, OR = 0.69 (0.51-0.92); and non-hip, non-spine on fall rate, OR = 1.86 (1.20-2.87). Fractures at various skeletal sites recorded in long-term follow-up in postmenopausal women were dependent on various risk factors. Multivariate analysis identified a single, dominant risk factor for each fracture location analysed.

Elastic stable intramedullary nailing in paediatric diaphyseal forearm fractures – a retrospective analysis of 201 cases

BackgroundForearm shaft fractures are common injuries, often caused by falling from a fully-upright position or falling off a bike. They can be treated nonoperatively or surgically with intramedullary nailing or plates. The method of choice for treating pediatric forearm shaft fractures is the application of elastic stable intramedullary nailing (ESIN)|. The aim of the study was to evaluate ESIN in pediatric patients with forearm shaft fractures based on radiological images, and determine the etiology and complication rate associated with the injury.MethodsThe study included 201 patients, 30.5% female 69.5% male, aged 1 to 17 years (mean 9.1 years; SD = 3.2), all had been diagnosed with a fracture of the forearm shaft and had been treated surgically with ESIN. In addition, all possessed a complete set of X-ray images and had attended a minimum six-month follow-up examination of the forearm. Axial alignment was evaluated retrospectively in the anatomical (AP) and lateral (LAT) positions. In total, 402 radiographs were examined. Of the injuries, 68% occurred during sports activity and 75% involved both the radius and the ulna.ResultsUnion was observed in all cases. Mean axial alignment values in AP and LAT X-ray or both the ulna and radius were satisfactory. Axial alignment values were not influenced significantly by age, type of surgery, type of fracture or etiology. Plaster cast application (9.8% of cases) significantly influenced radius axial alignment. The complication rate was 11.4% (n = 23). Significantly more complications were observed in patients receiving open reduction internal fixation (ORIF) (p = 0.0025).ConclusionThe ESIN technique is an effective treatment for forearm diaphyseal fractures in children, with good results regarding reduction and bone healing, indicated by x-ray.

Forearm Fractures in Older Children and Adolescents: ORIF is Safer Than IMN With Equivalent Outcomes.

Greater understanding of the impact of skeletal maturity on outcomes is needed to guide operative treatment of diaphyseal forearm fractures in children and adolescents. The purpose of this study was to compare the complications and outcomes of pediatric diaphyseal forearm fractures treated with intramedullary nailing (IMN) or open reduction internal fixation (ORIF) and to identify a radiographic marker of skeletal maturity that will aid in selecting between treatment options. A retrospective review of patients aged 10 to 16 years treated operatively for diaphyseal forearm fractures was performed. Markers of skeletal maturity including the olecranon apophysis score, the presence of the thumb adductor sesamoid, and radial epiphyseal capping. Complications were graded with the modified Clavien-Dindo system. Outcomes were scored based on final postoperative range of motion combined with complication grade. A total of 260 patients were included: 163 treated with IMN, 97 treated with ORIF, mean age 12.7 years, 72% male. Among closed forearm fractures treated with IMN, open reduction was required in 45% (53/118). Patients treated with IMN had a higher complication rate than ORIF (27.0% vs. 9.3%, P<0.05), including when stratified by age. Complication rates were not impacted by greater skeletal maturity as indicated by the presence of thumb sesamoid or radial epiphyseal capping. There was no significant difference in outcomes between the ORIF and IMN groups. More skeletally immature patients, as identified by a lack of either the thumb adductor sesamoid or radial epiphyseal capping, had significantly better outcomes with ORIF than patients with greater maturity. Across all age groups and levels of skeletal maturity, ORIF had a significantly lower rates of complications compared with IMN with equivalent outcomes. More skeletally immature patients had significantly better outcomes with ORIF treatment when compared with older patients. The thumb adductor sesamoid, radial epiphyseal capping, and the olecranon apophysis score did not provide useful information to select between ORIF over IMN in this population. Level III-retrospective comparative study.

Open reduction and plate fixation of fractures of both bones in the forearm in Klippel-Trenaunay-Weber syndrome: a case report

Klippel-Trenaunay-Weber syndrome (KTWS) is a rare disease characterized by vascular malformations, port-wine staining, and soft tissue and bone hypertrophy. Lesions occur in the lower extremities in 95% of cases, whereas only 5% occur in the upper extremities. Several case reports have described the treatment of fractures in the lower extremities in patients with KTWS. However, the risk of massive bleeding, bone deformity, and poor bone quality can lead to suboptimal surgical outcomes. No reports describing the treatment of forearm shaft fractures in KTWS could be found in the English-language literature. Intramedullary nailing is difficult due to the deformed bone and the risk of nonunion. Open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) should be considered with caution in KTWS patients due to the risks of intraoperative bleeding and wound problems. The authors report that satisfactory results were obtained with ORIF after preoperative vascular embolization in a 60-year-old KTWS patient with fractures in both bones of the forearm.

Use of cast index and three-point index in paediatric both bone forearm fractures: a prospective study

Introduction The majority of paediatric both bone forearm fractures are treated with manipulative reductions and casting; loss of reduction is one of the most commonly reported complications. We aimed to assess the role of cast index and 3-point index as predictor of outcome of a successful closed reduction in distal both bones forearm fractures.Materials and methods This prospective observational study was conducted at the Department of Orthopedics, Kalpana Chawala Government Medical College in Karnal to assess the role of cast index and 3-point index as predictor of outcome of a successful closed reduction in distal both bones forearm fractures. In the present study, 55 patients 16 years old were included irrespective of sex with distal both bones forearm fractures, managed by closed reduction and casting were included.Results Fracture reduction failure was observed in 32.7 % of the patients. Both three-point index and cast index were found to be significantly higher in patients with reduction failure. It was observed that at 2 weeks Area under curve (ROC Curve) for Cast index and Three point index was 0.72 and 0.85 respectively. At 4 weeks, Area under curve for Cast index and Three point index was 0.77 and 0.84 respectively and at 6 weeks 0.74 and 0.86 respectively. Thus, in the present study, CI and 3PI had similar predictability for fracture reduction failure.Discussion There are a few limitations of our study: We could not observe the patients for a longer period of time to know re-modelling in the long term. We did not take in to consideration the severity of fracture, type of anesthesia used (conscious sedation versus General Anesthesia) and the fracture configuration while assessing the outcomes. We also did not collect information about anthropometric parameters like child weight and diameter of the forearm.Conclusion The three-point index and cast index are clinically useful tools to assess the quality of cast molding following closed reduction of pediatric forearm fractures and to predict re-displacement in distal forearm fractures.

High SHBG and Low Bioavailable Testosterone are Strongly Causally Associated with Increased Forearm Fracture Risk in Women: An MR Study Leveraging Novel Female-Specific Data

The effects of androgens on women’s bone health are not fully understood. Mendelian randomization (MR) studies using sex-combined data suggest that sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG) and bioavailable testosterone (BioT) causally affect bone traits. Given significant sex differences in hormone regulation and effects, female-specific MR studies are necessary. In the current study, we explored the causal relationships of SHBG, BioT, and total testosterone (TT) with forearm fracture (FAFx) risk in women using two-sample MR analyses. We utilized a unique female-specific FAFx outcome dataset from three European biobanks (UFO, HUNT, Estonian Biobank) comprising 111,351 women and 8823 FAFx cases, along with female-specific genetic instruments of SHBG, BioT, and TT identified in the UK Biobank. We also assessed bone mineral density (BMD) at the forearm (FA), femoral neck (FN), and lumbar spine (LS) using female-specific GWAS data from the GEFOS consortium. High SHBG (odds ratio per standard deviation increase (OR/SD): 1.53, 95% confidence intervals (CIs): 1.34–1.75), low BioT (OR/SD: 0.77, 0.71–0.84) and low TT (OR/SD 0.90, 0.83–0.98) were causally associated with increased FAFx risk. BioT was positively, and SHBG inversely, causally associated with especially FA-BMD, but also LS-BMD and FN-BMD, while TT was only significantly positively associated with FA-BMD and LS-BMD. We propose that endogenous androgens and SHBG are important for women’s bone health at distal trabecular-rich bone sites such as the distal forearm and may serve as predictors for FAFx risk.

NEGLECTED BOTH-BONE FOREARM FRACTURE WITH DISTAL RADIOULNAR JOINT DISLOCATION: A CASE REPORT AND BRIEF LITERATURE REVIEW

Introduction: In this case, we discuss a patient with a neglected and malunited both-bone forearm fracture with distal radioulnar joint dislocation. This pattern of fracture by itself is uncommon, but the initial negligence of this trauma makes it even more rare and challenging for surgical treatment. Case report: The main aim of the surgery was to restore the forearm's function and anatomy. After thorough preoperative preparation, including planning the level of resections, the patient was treated with open reduction and internal fixation with a limited contact dynamic compression plate. The distal radio-ulnar joint was fixed with 2 K-wires. On control follow-up six months later, the resection sites were fully consolidated, with no visible deformation of the forearm. Pronosupination was restored up to 60% of normal functional arc. Conclusion: This case has shown that even with careful restoration of forearm anatomy, results of the surgical treatment in neglected and malunited both-bone forearm fracture with distal radioulnar dislocation will not be a priori good or excellent. Surgeons need to remind the patients that the return of the function of the upper limb to the degree before the trauma cannot be guaranteed.

Patella Fractures are Associated with Bone Fragility - A Retrospective Study.

Patella fractures are not typically considered osteoporotic fractures. We compared bone mineral density (BMD) and microstructure in elderly women from a multiethnic population-based study in New York City with any history of a patella fracture (n = 27) to those without historical fracture (n = 384) and those with an adult fragility forearm fracture (n = 28) using dual energy x-ray absorptiometry (DXA) and high resolution peripheral quantitative computed tomography (HR-pQCT). Compared to those without fracture, women with patella fracture had 6.5% lower areal BMD (aBMD) by DXA only at the total hip (P=.007), while women with forearm fracture had lower aBMD at multiple sites and lower trabecular bone score (TBS), adjusted for age, body mass index (BMI), race and ethnicity (all P<.05). By HR-pQCT, adjusted radial total and trabecular (Tb) volumetric BMD (vBMD) and Tb number were 10-24% lower while Tb spacing was 12-23% higher (all P<.05) in the fracture groups versus women without fracture. Women with a forearm, but not a patella, fracture also had lower adjusted radial cortical (Ct) area and vBMD and 21.8% (P<.0001) lower stiffness vs. women without fracture. At the tibia, the fracture groups had 9.3-15.7% lower total and Tb vBMD (all P<.05) compared to the non-fracture group. Women with a forearm fracture also had 10.9, and 14.7% lower tibial Ct area and thickness versus those without fracture. Compared to women without fracture, tibial stiffness was 9.9 and 12% lower in the patella and forearm fracture groups, respectively (all P<.05). By HR-pQCT, the patella vs. forearm fracture group had 36% higher radial Tb heterogeneity (P<.05). In summary, women with patella fracture had Tb deterioration by HR-pQCT associated with lower tibial mechanical competence that was similar to those with fragility forearm fracture, a more universally accepted "osteoporotic" fracture. These data suggest patella fractures are associated with skeletal fragility and warrant skeletal evaluation.

Associations of Serum Testosterone and Sex Hormone-Binding Globulin with Incident Fractures in Middle-Aged to Older Men.

As men age, circulating testosterone (T) decreases, circulating sex-hormone binding globulin (SHBG) increases, and risk of fracture increases. It is unclear if circulating T, independently of comorbidities, is associated with fracture risk in men. To determine associations for T and SHBG with incident fractures in men. We utilized the large (n=205,973 participants, 11,088 any fracture cases, 1,680 hip fracture cases, 1,366 forearm fracture cases) and well-characterized UK Biobank cohort. Associations were modelled using Cox regressions, adjusting for multiple comorbidities/covariates, imputing for missing information, and assessing non-linearity using cubic splines. For T, not considering SHBG, there was a non-linear association with hip but not forearm fractures, with the lowest risk in the second quintile. However, in models adjusted for SHBG or using calculated free T, lower T was associated with higher risk for fractures at all evaluated bone sites. Lower SHBG was strongly associated with lower risk of hip and forearm fractures (Q1 vs Q5, hip 0.55, 0.47-0.65; forearm 0.62, 0.52-0.74). Low circulating SHBG is strongly associated with low risk of fracture at all evaluated bone sites, while the associations of circulating T with fracture risk are of lesser magnitude, non-linear, inconsistent among fracture site, and affected by adjustment for SHBG. These findings demonstrate that circulating SHBG, rather than T, is a major independent biomarker of fracture risk in men. Consequently, both total T and SHBG should be assessed when examining the relationship of endogenous T concentrations with fractures in middle-aged to older men.

8377 Associations of Serum Testosterone and Sex Hormone-Binding Globulin with Incident Fractures in Middle-Aged to Older Men

Abstract Disclosure: L. Grahnemo: None. R.J. Marriott: None. K. Murray: None. L. Tyack: None. M. Nethander: None. A.M. Matsumoto: None. E.S. Orwoll: None. D. Vanderschueren: None. B.B. Yeap: None. C. Ohlsson: None. As men age, their circulating testosterone (T) decreases, circulating sex-hormone binding globulin (SHBG) increases, and risk of bone fracture increases. Unexpectedly, a recent large clinical trial reported that T treatment increased fracture risk in men. It is unclear if circulating T, independently of comorbidities, is associated with male fracture risk. We tested the hypothesis that serum T concentration is an independent risk predictor for incident bone fractures in men. We analyzed associations for T and SHBG with incident fractures in the large and well-characterized UK Biobank cohort (205,973 male participants median age 58 years, excluding men on androgen-related therapies). Baseline serum total T and SHBG were measured by immunoassay, and incident fractures documented over a median follow-up of 13.6 years (11,088 any fracture cases; 1,680 hip fracture cases; 1,366 forearm fracture cases). Associations of hormonal variables with fracture outcomes were modelled using Cox regression, adjusted for multiple comorbidities/covariates, with imputation for missing data, and non-linearity assessed using cubic splines. For total T, in multivariable models not including SHBG, there was a non-linear association with any fracture and hip fractures but not forearm fractures, with the lowest risk in the second quintile (Q2; hazard ratio (HR), 95% confidence intervals (CIs) Q2 vs Q5 any fracture 0.89, 0.84-0.94; hip fracture 0.76, 0.66-0.87; forearm fracture 0.97, 0.83-1.13). However, in multivariable models analyzing total T which were adjusted for SHBG, lower total T was associated with higher risk for fractures at all evaluated bone sites (HR, 95% CIs Q1 vs Q5 any fracture 1.24, 1.16-1.33; hip fracture 1.28, 1.08-1.51; forearm fracture 1.51, 1.25-1.82). Similar results were seen in multivariable models using calculated free T values. Lower SHBG concentration was associated with lower risk of any fracture, hip fractures, and forearm fractures, in multivariable models not including total T (HR, 95% CIs Q1 vs Q5, any fracture 0.71, 0.67-0.75; hip fracture 0.55, 0.47-0.65; forearm fracture 0.62, 0.52-0.74), with similar results following additional adjustment for total T. In conclusion, associations of total T concentrations with fracture risk without adjustment for SHBG are non-linear and inconsistent, whereas lower total T concentration, adjusted for SHBG, was independently associated with higher risks of any fracture, hip fractures, and forearm fractures. Lower circulating SHBG, without or with adjustment for total T, was strongly associated with lower risk of fractures at all three sites, consistent with SHBG being a major independent biomarker of fracture risk in men. When examining the relationship of endogenous T concentrations with health outcomes influenced by androgen-sensitive tissues in middle-aged to older men, both total T and SHBG concentrations should be assessed. Presentation: 6/2/2024

The CLIPS Protocol: Cast re-aLignment In Paediatric patients using Stationery

Paediatric tibial shaft fractures are commonly treated nonoperatively and followed-up in the clinic setting. Loss of position has traditionally been managed with wedging of the cast or admission and manipulation in the operaing theatre. The authors present a technique to aid in the wedging of plasters for paediatric tibia and forearm fractures that reduces time requirement, hospital costs and emotional distress on the part of the patient and family.

Association of orthogeriatric co-management with prescription frequencies of anti-osteoporotic drugs in patients with fragility fractures: An observational study with health insurance data

BackgroundGeriatricians are increasingly involved in the treatment of fragility fractures. In Germany, hospitals that meet specific standards for orthogeriatric co-management (OGCM) are additionally certified as 'geriatric trauma centers.' One responsibility of OGCM is the appropriate management of osteoporosis through medication. We aimed to analyse the association between prescription frequencies of anti-osteoporotic drugs in hospitals with certified OGCM, those with non-certified OGCM, and those with no OGCM at all. MethodsClaims data from nearly 200,000 patients aged 80 and older with an incident index fracture of the humerus, forearm, hip, pelvis, or spine, were obtained from a German health insurance. Hospitals were categorized into three groups: no OGCM, with OGCM, and with certified OGCM. The outcomes were new prescriptions for specific anti-osteoporotic drugs and vitamin D within 180 days after the index fracture. Crude incidences and adjusted incidence rate ratios (IRR) were calculated. ResultsPrescription rates of specific anti-osteoporotic drugs and vitamin D increased from hospitals with no OGCM to hospitals with OGCM and were highest in hospitals with certified OGCM. This pattern was observed across all fracture types, age groups, and both men and women, except for forearm fractures. For example, in hip fractures, the IRR for prescriptions of specific anti-osteoporotic drugs in hospitals with certified OGCM compared to those with no OGCM was 2.17 (95% CI: 1.90–2.48). ConclusionOGCM, especially when coupled with certification as a 'Geriatric Trauma Center,' is associated with higher prescription rates of specific anti-osteoporotic drugs and vitamin D after fragility fractures in Germany.

Comparison of free vascularized fibular grafts and the Masquelet technique for the treatment of segmental bone defects with open forearm fractures: a retrospective cohort study

PurposeSevere open forearm fractures commonly involve segmental bone defects. Although several methods have been proposed to treat segmental bone defects with such fractures, research comparing the radiological and clinical outcomes of free vascularized fibular grafts (FVFG) and the Masquelet technique (MT) is rare.MethodsData on 43 patients with open forearm fractures and segmental bone defects treated surgically in our hospital from January 2005 to January 2021 were retrospectively analyzed, and these patients were divided into an FVFG group (18 cases) and an MT group (25 cases). Clinical and radiological evaluations were performed regularly, and the minimum follow-up was 18 months.ResultsAll 43 patients were followed up for 18 to 190 months, with a mean of 46.93 months. The mean follow-up time was significantly longer in the FVFG group than in the MT group (p = 0.000). Bone healing time was 3–16 months, with a mean of 4.67 months. The QuickDASH score at the last follow-up was 0–38.6, with a mean of 17.71, and there was no statistically significant difference between the two groups. Operative time, hospital stay, and intraoperative bleeding for bone defect reconstruction were higher in the FVFG group compared to the MT group (p = 0.000), whereas the number of procedures was lower in the FVFG group than in the MT group (p = 0.035).ConclusionsFVFG and the MT showed satisfactory clinical results for segmental bone defects of the forearm. Compared with FVFG, the MT exhibited a lower operative time, hospital stay, and intraoperative bleeding.Level of evidenceLevel IV.Trial registration This study was registered in the Chinese Clinical Trial Registry (registration no. ChiCTR2300067675; registered 17 January 2023), https://www.chictr.org.cn/showproj.html?proj=189458.

Diagnosis of suspected pediatric distal forearm fractures with point-of-care-ultrasound (POCUS) by pediatric orthopedic surgeons after minimal training

BackgroundSeveral studies have advocated the use of ultrasound to diagnose distal forearm fractures in children. However, there is limited data on the diagnostic accuracy of ultrasound for distal forearm fractures when conducted by pediatric surgeons or trainees who manage orthopedic injuries in children. The objective of this study was to determine the diagnostic accuracy of point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) for pediatric distal forearm fractures when conducted by pediatric surgeons and trainees after minimal training.MethodsThis diagnostic study was conducted in a tertiary hospital emergency department in Germany. Participants were children and adolescents under 15 years of age who presented to the emergency department with an acute, suspected, isolated distal forearm fracture requiring imaging. Pediatric surgeons and trainees, after minimal training for sonographic fracture diagnosis, performed 6-view distal forearm POCUS on each participant prior to X-ray imaging. All data was retrospectively collected from the hospital’s routine digital patient files. The primary outcome was the diagnostic accuracy of POCUS compared to X-ray as the reference standard.ResultsFrom February to June 2021, 146 children under 15 met all inclusion and exclusion criteria, and 106 data sets were available for analysis. Regarding the presence of a fracture, X-ray and Wrist-POCUS showed the same result in 99.1%, with 83/106 (78.3%) fractures detected in both modalities and one suspected buckle fracture on POCUS not confirmed in the radiographs. Wrist-POCUS had a sensitivity of 100% (95% CI [0.956, 1]) and a specificity of 95.8% (95% CI [0.789, 0.999]) compared to radiographs. In 6 cases, there were minor differences regarding a concomitant ulnar buckle. The amount of prior ultrasound training had no influence on the accuracy of Wrist-POCUS for diagnosing distal forearm fractures. All fractures were reliably diagnosed even when captured POCUS images did not meet all quality criteria.ConclusionPediatric surgeons and trainees, after minimal training in POCUS, had excellent diagnostic accuracy for distal forearm fractures in children and adolescents using POCUS compared to X-ray.

Prevalence of fractures in adults over 50years of age with osteoporosis in Colombia.

The aim of this study was to determine the frequency of all bone fractures among adults aged 50 and above, both with and without osteoporosis, using data from SISPRO (Integrated Information System for Social Protection), the administrative database of the Colombian Ministry of Health. Information was collected for the years 2017 to 2021 for all bone fractures (except cranial or face fractures), and how many of them occurred in patients who had the diagnosis of osteoporosis. Prevalence ratios (PR) were estimated separately for males and females by dividing the prevalence in those with by the prevalence of those without osteoporosis. For the period from 2017 to 2021, 303,037 adults over 50years of age (females 279,057, 92.1%) were diagnosed with osteoporosis in Colombia, for a prevalence of 39.4 per thousand women and 4.14 in men; 40,823 of these women (14.6%) presented a fracture in the period, as well as 4020 of men (16.7%). Osteoporosis was present in 7.5% of the 596.618 (females 369.795; 62.0%) who suffered any fracture (1.8% of males and 11.0% of females). Overall PR was 3.4 (males 4.3; females 3.3). In men with osteoporosis, the most frequent fractures were hip (902), followed by lumbar vertebrae (842), ribs (648), and forearm (538), while in women, forearm (11,001), followed by hip (6885), lumbar vertebra (4813), and thoracic vertebra (2701) were the most common. PR in men was 21.9 for dorsal vertebrae fracture, 21.3 for lumbar vertebrae, 11.8 for ribs, and 7.7 for hip fracture. In women, PR was 15.7 for thoracic vertebrae, 13.3 for lumbar vertebrae, 3.3 for hip fracture, and 2.2 for forearm fracture. Osteoporosis is a highly prevalent disease in Colombia where women are more affected. Although fractures were more common in women, men with osteoporosis have a higher PR of associated fractures.