Joint Trauma Research Articles

Early Enteral Nutrition in Aeromedically Evacuated Critically Ill/Injured Patients With a Resultant Validation Algorithm for the Theater Validating Flight Surgeon.

Early enteral feeding in critically ill/injured patients promotes gut integrity and immunocompetence and reduces infections and intensive care unit/hospital stays. Aeromedical evacuation (AE) often takes place concurrently. As a result, AE and early enteral feeding should be inseparable. This retrospective descriptive study employed AE enteral nutrition (EN) data (2007-2019) collected from patients who were U.S. citizens and mechanically ventilated. The dataset was created from the En Route Critical Care, Transportation Command Regulating and Command and Control Evacuation System, and Theater Medical Data Store databases. Comparisons were performed between patients extracted and patients not extracted, patients treated with EN and patients treated without EN, and within the EN group, between AE Fed and AE Withheld. The impact of the nutrition support in the Joint Trauma System Clinical Practice Guidelines (CPG) was assessed using the 'before' and 'after' methodology. An uptick in feeding rates was found after the 2010 CPG, 15% → 17%. With the next two CPG iterations, rates rose significantly, 17% → 48%. Concurrently, AE feeding holds rose significantly, 10% → 24%, later dropping to 17%. In addition, little difference was found between those patients not enterally fed preflight and those enterally fed across collected demographic, mission, and clinical parameters. Likewise, no difference was found between those enterally fed during AE and those withheld. Yet, 83% of the study's patients were not fed, and 18% of those that were fed had feeding withheld for AE. It appeared that the Clinical Practice Guidelines (CPGs) reinforced the value of feeding, but may well have sensitized to the threat of aspiration. It also appeared that early enteral feeding was underprescribed and AE feeding withholds were overprescribed. Consequently, an algorithm was devised for the Theater Validating Flight Surgeon, bearing in mind relevant preflight/inflight/clinical issues, with prescriptions designed to boost feeding, diminish AE withholding, and minimize complications.

Abstract 15794: Incidence & Complications of Myocarditis in US Active-Duty Service Members Hospitalized With COVID-19 Infection

Introduction: Cardiovascular complications of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) infection, including myocarditis, have been widely reported. Research question/hypothesis: What was the incidence and clinical implications of viral myocarditis resulting from COVID-19 infection in hospitalized United States active-duty service members (US ADSM)? Goal/aims: Report the incidence of complications in US ADSM who suffered COVID-19 associated myocarditis. Methods: This retrospective observational cohort study from the Joint Trauma Service COVID-19 Registry included 399,284 US ADSM who contracted COVID-19 infection. Our team independently reviewed records of hospitalized US ADSM who were determined to have COVID-19 associated myocarditis. Results: Among the 399,284 US ADSM who contracted COVID-19, 1,629 (0.4%) required hospitalization and 18 (1.1%) met criteria for myocarditis. The most common presenting symptoms were chest pain (72%) and dyspnea (67%). Half of the patients required ICU level care of which 44% required inotropes or vasopressors, and one patient required mechanical circulatory support. Eight (44%) patients had clinical findings consistent with acute heart failure and two (11%) patients suffered intermittent advanced heart block that did not require permanent pacing. No patients died in the hospital. In the patients who had a left ventricular ejection fraction of less than 50% during their illness, 75% had full recovery of their left ventricular systolic function during follow up imaging. Conclusions: While myocarditis was an uncommon complication in US ADSM hospitalized for COVID-19, its clinical course was not benign.

Three-dimensional computed tomography analysis of the atlanto-dental interval in a healthy Karachi population: a single-center retrospective cross-sectional study

Background: The atlantoaxial joint has a complex anatomical configuration and has a wide range of mobility. Traumatic, inflammatory, and neoplastic joint pathologies frequently affect this joint. The aim of this retrospective cross-sectional study was to evaluate the atlanto-dental intervals (ADI) in patients who underwent computed tomography (CT) scans of the neck and cervical spine in at a Tertiary Care Hospital in Karachi, Pakistan. Methods: This was a retrospective cross-sectional study conducted at a tertiary care hospital in Karachi between 1 January 2021 and 31 December 2021, following approval from the hospital ethical review committee. Patients above the age of 15 who underwent CT scans were included, while individuals with a history of cervical trauma, infection, rheumatoid arthritis, or congenital anomalies, as well as those younger than 15 years old, were excluded. CT scans were performed using a multidetector scanner utilizing a standardized protocol. Sagittal and coronal images were reconstructed. ADI measurements, including anterior ADI (AADI), posterior ADI (PADI), and lateral ADI (LADI) on both sides, were determined using appropriate bone window settings. A radiologist with a minimum of 3 years of experience analyzed the CT scans. Results: The mean age of the patients was 49.3±17.7 years (age range: 16–85 years). The mean AADI was 1.4±0.4 mm, with a range of 0.0–2.1 mm. The mean PADI was 19.1±1.9 mm, with a range of 13.8–24.6 mm. The mean left LADI measurement was 3.3±1.2 mm with a range of 1.2–10.0 mm, and the mean right LADI measurement was 3.2±1.1 mm with a range of 1.2–6.3 mm. Conclusion: Our study examined the ADI in patients who underwent CT scans of the neck and cervical spine in Karachi. The findings provide valuable insights into the relationship between ADI measurements, age, and sex. These results contribute to our understanding of the anatomical variations in this region, which may aid in the diagnosis and management of cervical spine disorders.

Efficacy of supramalleolar osteotomy in the treatment of traumatic ankle joint varus deformity in adolescents

BackgroundSupramalleolar osteotomy (SMOT) has emerged as a valuable treatment for ankle varus deformity; however, there are fewer reports of treatment outcomes in adolescents. The purpose of this study was to investigate the radiologic and clinical outcomes of SMOT for the treatment of traumatic ankle joint varus deformity (TAVD) in adolescents.MethodsWe reviewed 32 adolescent cases who underwent SMOT between February 2017 and February 2022 for TAVD. Radiologic assessment included tibial anterior surface angle (TAS), talar tilt angle (TT), and tibial lateral surface angle (TLS) preoperatively and at 3 months and 12 months postoperatively, and clinical assessment was performed using American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) scores, Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) scores, and ankle dorsiflexion–plantarflexion ROM including preoperative and 6 months postoperative and 12 months postoperative.ResultsAll 32 patients were followed up completely with a mean follow-up of (20.3 ± 3.2) months. From the radiologic outcomes, the mean preoperative TAS improved from 61.53 ± 3.74 to 88 ± 1.72 at 12 months postoperatively, the mean preoperative TT decreased from 2.25 ± 1.32 to 0.5 ± 0.57 at 12 months postoperatively, the mean preoperative TLS improved from 76.72 ± 0.21 to 79.34 ± 1.52 at 12 months postoperatively, the differences between the above preoperative and 12 months postoperative radiologic outcomes were statistically significant (p < 0.05), the mean preoperative AOFAS score improved from 65.5 ± 9.40 to 92.34 ± 4.00 at 12 months postoperatively, the mean preoperative VAS score decreased from 2.44 ± 1.24 to 0.78 ± 0.75 at 12 months postoperatively, and the mean preoperative range of motion (ROM) of ankle improved from 50.16 ± 7.46 to 55.78 ± 4.77 at 12 months postoperatively. The differences between the above preoperative and 12 months postoperative clinical results were statistically significant (p < 0.05).ConclusionOur study demonstrated that SMOT was effective in correcting TAVD and significantly improving ankle function in adolescents, and that it is an efficient and successful method for restoring ankle joint congruence and normal hindfoot alignment.

Inflammatory mechanisms in post-traumatic osteoarthritis: a role for CaMKK2.

Post-traumatic osteoarthritis (PTOA) is a multifactorial disease of the cartilage, synovium, and subchondral bone resulting from direct joint trauma and altered joint mechanics after traumatic injury. There are no current disease-modifying therapies for PTOA, and early surgical interventions focused on stabilizing the joint do not halt disease progression. Chronic pain and functional disability negatively affect the quality of life and take an economic toll on affected patients. While multiple mechanisms are at play in disease progression, joint inflammation is a key contributor. Impact-induced mitochondrial dysfunction and cell death or altered joint mechanics after trauma culminate in inflammatory cytokine release from synoviocytes and chondrocytes, cartilage catabolism, suppression of cartilage anabolism, synovitis, and subchondral bone disease, highlighting the complexity of the disease. Current understanding of the cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying the disease pathology has allowed for the investigation of a variety of therapeutic strategies that target unique apoptotic and/or inflammatory processes in the joint. This review provides a concise overview of the inflammatory and apoptotic mechanisms underlying PTOA pathogenesis and identifies potential therapeutic targets to mitigate disease progression. We highlight Ca2+/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase kinase 2 (CaMKK2), a serine/threonine protein kinase that was recently identified to play a role in murine and human osteoarthritis pathogenesis by coordinating chondrocyte inflammatory responses and apoptosis. Given its additional effects in regulating macrophage inflammatory signaling and bone remodeling, CaMKK2 emerges as a promising disease-modifying therapeutic target against PTOA.

Non-Invasive Compression-Induced Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) Injury and In Vivo Imaging of Protease Activity in Mice.

Traumatic joint injuries such as anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) rupture or meniscus tears commonly lead to post-traumatic osteoarthritis (PTOA) within 10-20 years following injury. Understanding the early biological processes initiated by joint injuries (e.g., inflammation, matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), cathepsin proteases, bone resorption) is crucial for understanding the etiology of PTOA. However, there are few options for in vivo measurement of these biological processes, and the early biological responses may be confounded if invasive surgical techniques or injections are used to initiate OA. In our studies of PTOA, we have used commercially available near-infrared protease activatable probes combined with fluorescence reflectance imaging (FRI) to quantify protease activity in vivo following non-invasive compression-induced ACL injury in mice. This non-invasive ACL injury method closely recapitulates clinically relevant injury conditions and is completely aseptic since it does not involve disrupting the skin or the joint capsule. The combination of these injury and imaging methods allows us to study the time course of protease activity at multiple time points following a traumatic joint injury.

At the Crossroads: Bilateral Septic Knee Arthritis in Diabetic Patients – A Comprehensive Study and Future Perspectives

Septic arthritis of the knee is a potentially devastating acute joint condition, requiring prompt and accurate management to minimize long-term complications. This article looks at an exceptional case of bilateral septic arthritis of the knee in a 53-year-old patient with diabetes mellitus, who has no history of joint trauma. A thorough analysis of its clinical symptomatology, radiological results and laboratory tests. Direct examination of joint fluid is particularly notable, showing gram-negative bacilli, although microbial cultures remain negative despite repeated attempts. These results were compared with the existing literature on bilateral septic knee arthritis. Clinical implications are explored, including diagnostic challenges in diabetic patients, as well as treatment options and recommendations for future research. In conclusion, this article highlights the importance of effectively recognizing and managing rare cases of bilateral septic knee arthritis, taking into account patient specificities, such as diabetes. It provides useful information to clinicians and encourages further research in this complex area of rheumatology.

Improved Cartilage Protection with Low Molecular Weight Hyaluronic Acid Hydrogel.

Traumatic joint injuries are common, leading to progressive tissue degeneration and the development of osteoarthritis. The post-traumatic joint experiences a pro-inflammatory milieu, initiating a subtle but deteriorative process in cartilage tissue. To prevent or even reverse this process, our group previously developed a tissue-penetrating methacrylated hyaluronic acid (MeHA) hydrogel system, crosslinked within cartilage to restore and/or protect the tissue. In the current study, we further optimized this approach by investigating the impact of biomaterial molecular weight (MW; 20, 75, 100 kDa) on its integration within and reinforcement of cartilage, as well as its ability to protect tissue degradation in a catabolic state. Indeed, the low MW MeHA integrated and reinforced cartilage tissue better than the high MW counterparts. Furthermore, in a 2 week IL-1β explant culture model, the 20 kDa MeHA demonstrated the most protection from biphasic mechanical loss, best retention of proteoglycans (Safranin O staining), and least aggrecan breakdown (NITEGE). Thus, the lower MW MeHA gels integrated better into the tissue and provided the greatest protection of the cartilage matrix. Future work will test this formulation in a preclinical model, with the goal of translating this therapeutic approach for cartilage preservation.

Experience of Endoscopic Transcapsular Axillary Nerve Decompression

INTRODUCTION Posttraumatic axillary nerve neuropathy is a widely spread pathology, more often seen after shoulder joint trauma. It can also occur as a complication after orthopaedic surgeries, for example, after Latarjet procedure for shoulder stabilization. The technique of open axillary nerve decompression is very popular but has a number of disadvantages: large trauma of soft tissue, severe bleeding, high rate of complications, poor cosmetic effect. Endoscopic surgical technique of decompression is an effective, less traumatic alternative to open procedures.AIM To improve the outcomes of treatment of patients with axillary nerve neuropathy.MATERIAL AND METHODS We present the outcomes of endoscopic transcapsular axillary nerve decompression in 5 patients with a clinical picture of neuropathic pain syndrome, hypoesthesia in the deltoid area, hypotrophy of the deltoid muscle, who were operated from 2018 to 2021. The mean age of the patients was 44.4±14.9. An original surgical technique of decompression, which included arthroscopy of the shoulder joint with diagnostic and treatment components and transcapsular endoscopic axillary nerve decompression in the beach-chair position, was developed and applied to all the patients. Statistical analysis was performed using the MannWhitney U test.RESULTS According to VAS-scale, the severity of pain syndrome before the surgery was 6±4.6 points, 6 months after surgery it decreased to 1.4±0.5 points (p&lt;0.05). According to DASH scale, the function of the of shoulder joint before surgery was 77,6±6,9 points, 6 months after surgery it increased to 12±5,2 points (p&lt;0.05). According to BMRC scale (M0–M5), strength of the deltoid muscle before surgery was 2±0,4 points, after surgery it increased to 4,4±0,5 points (p&lt;0.05). Range of motion in the shoulder joint before surgery was as follows: flexion 107±45,6°, extension 102±49°, external rotation 22±13,6°; 6 months after surgery: flexion 154±25,6°, extension 156±22,4°, external rotation 50±8° (p&lt;0,05). The thickness of the middle portion of the deltoid muscle according to ultrasound examination before the surgery was 7.2±1.04 mm, after surgery 11.8±1.44 mm (p&lt;0.05). All the patients (100%) during long follow-up noticed complete relief of pain and regression of neurological symptoms.CONCLUSION The achieved results allow us to characterize the method of endoscopic transcapsular decompression as a reproducible, minimally invasive and highly effective technique providing pain relief to patients, curing neurological and intraarticular pathology, thus promoting early restoration of the upper limb function in the treated group of patients.

NOS inhibition reverses TLR2-induced chondrocyte dysfunction and attenuates age-related osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a joint disease featuring cartilage breakdown and chronic pain. Although age and joint trauma are prominently associated with OA occurrence, the trigger and signaling pathways propagating their pathogenic aspects are ill defined. Following long-term catabolic activity and traumatic cartilage breakdown, debris accumulates and can trigger Toll-like receptors (TLRs). Here we show that TLR2 stimulation suppressed the expression of matrix proteins and induced an inflammatory phenotype in human chondrocytes. Further, TLR2 stimulation impaired chondrocyte mitochondrial function, resulting in severely reduced adenosine triphosphate (ATP) production. RNA-sequencing analysis revealed that TLR2 stimulation upregulated nitric oxide synthase 2 (NOS2) expression and downregulated mitochondria function-associated genes. NOS inhibition partially restored the expression of these genes, and rescued mitochondrial function and ATP production. Correspondingly, Nos2-/- mice were protected from age-related OA development. Taken together, the TLR2-NOS axis promotes human chondrocyte dysfunction and murine OA development, and targeted interventions may provide therapeutic and preventive approaches in OA.

Nrf2 participates in progression of osteoarthritis through modulating redox balance

Osteoarthritis (OA) is one of the most common degenerative joint diseases associated with aging, obesity and joint trauma, and is always associated with pain, joint deformity and dysfunction. Recent studies have shown that OA is closely related to oxidative stress, which serves as a major cause of chronic inflammation in cartilage, leading to irreversible structural changes in the joint. As a transcription factor, nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) plays an important role in the antioxidant system, which regulates the expression of cytoprotective genes to facilitate the elimination of reactive oxygen species (ROS). In this review, we have summarized the dramatic function of oxidative stress in OA pathology, established a complex regulatory network of Nrf2 in OA progression, and aimed to provide new insights into the treatment of OA.

Mesenchymal progenitor cells from non-inflamed versus inflamed synovium post-ACL injury present with distinct phenotypes and cartilage regeneration capacity

BackgroundOsteoarthritis (OA) is a chronic debilitating disease impacting a significant percentage of the global population. While there are numerous surgical and non-invasive interventions that can postpone joint replacement, there are no current treatments which can reverse the joint damage occurring during the pathogenesis of the disease. While many groups are investigating the use of stem cell therapies in the treatment of OA, we still don’t have a clear understanding of the role of these cells in the body, including heterogeneity of tissue resident adult mesenchymal progenitor cells (MPCs).MethodsIn the current study, we examined MPCs from the synovium and individuals with or without a traumatic knee joint injury and explored the chondrogenic differentiation capacity of these MPCs in vitro and in vivo.ResultsWe found that there is heterogeneity of MPCs with the adult synovium and distinct sub-populations of MPCs and the abundancy of these sub-populations change with joint injury. Furthermore, only some of these sub-populations have the ability to effect cartilage repair in vivo. Using an unbiased proteomics approach, we were able to identify cell surface markers that identify this pro-chondrogenic MPC population in normal and injured joints, specifically CD82LowCD59+ synovial MPCs have robust cartilage regenerative properties in vivo.ConclusionsThe results of this study clearly show that cells within the adult human joint can impact cartilage repair and that these sub-populations exist within joints that have undergone a traumatic joint injury. Therefore, these populations can be exploited for the treatment of cartilage injuries and OA in future clinical trials.

The normal range of maximum mouth opening and its correlation with age, gender, height, and weight in Turkish children

ABSTRACT Objective The aim is to measure the maximum mouth opening (MMO) of healthy children between the ages 4 and 18 years. Methods Six hundred seventy-four children between ages 4 and 18 years were included in the study. Individuals with dentofacial anomaly, temporomandibular joint disease, infection, trauma, and rheumatic disease were not included in the study. The MMO of the participants was measured with a vernier caliper. Demographic information such as weight, height, and age was recorded. Results The MMO was calculated to be 46.62 mm in boys and 45.96 mm in girls. The MMO value increased with increasing age. However, no difference was observed in terms of gender in the same age group. Conclusion In this study, normal MMO values between the ages 4 and 18 years were determined. It is to have differences in age group and society-based examinations. For this reason, it is important to know the normal values of each society in terms of age groups.

Subgroup analysis of scientific performance in the field of arthroplasty.

Arthroplasty is the final treatment option for maintaining mobility and quality of life in many primary degenerative and (post-) traumatic joint diseases. Identification of research output and potential deficits for specific subspecialties may be an important measure to achieve long-term improvement of patient care in this field. Using specific search terms and Boolean operators, all studies published since 1945 to the subgroups of arthroplasty listed in the Web of Science Core Collection were included. All identified publications were analysed according to bibliometric standards, and comparative conclusions were drawn regarding the scientific merit of each subgroup. Most publications investigated the subgroups of septic surgery and materials followed by approach, navigation, aseptic loosening, robotic and enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS). In the last 5 years, research in the fields of robotic and ERAS achieved the highest relative increase in publications In contrast, research on aseptic loosening has continued to lose interest over the last 5 years. Publications on robotics and materials received the most funding on average while those on aseptic loosening received the least. Most publications originated from USA, Germany, and England, except for research on ERAS in which Denmark stood out. Relatively, publications on aseptic loosening received the most citations, whereas the absolute scientific interest was highest for the topic infection. In this bibliometric subgroup analysis, the primary scientific outputs focused on septic complications and materials research in the field of arthroplasty. With decreasing publication output and the least financial support, intensification of research on aseptic loosening is urgently recommended.

Frequency of Microorganisms in Septic Arthritis in Children Under the Age of 10 Years

Background: Septic arthritis is an infrequent disease although very important due to the possibility of disastrous outcomes if treatment is not adequately established. Adequate information concerning the epidemiology of septic arthritis is still lacking. Objective: To find determine the frequency of various microorganisms in septic arthritis in children under age of 10 year. Materials and Methods: This Cross-Sectional Study was conducted in the Department of Orthopedics and Trauma, Medical Teaching Institute Lady Reading Hospital Peshawar Pakistan on from September 2022 to March 2023 on 171 consecutive patients. Non Probability Consecutive Sampling Technique was used in the study. Sample size was calculated using WHO sample size formula, using the proportion, anticipated frequency of E. coli, p=8%3, Margin of error=7.5%, Confidence Level=95%. Patient age 1 month to 10 years of both genders presenting with septic arthritis as per operational definition were included in the study while Patients with congenital joint deformity, Immunocompromised patients, Patients with rheumatologic joint disease and Patients with traumatic joint injury were excluded from the study. Septic arthritis was confirmed with clinical fever, pain and tenderness in the joint and ultrasound showing collection and debris in the joint cavity. Synovial fluid was aspirated for C/S. Pattern of microorganisms in the growth in the culture was noted. Results: Mean age of the patients was 6.68±1.239 years. Out of 177 patients, 96 (%) were male. Large joint arthritis was more common (63.8%). Staph aureus was the most common microorganism isolated in 79 patients (44.6%) while E coli was least commonly isolated (28 patients, 15.8%). Conclusion: S. aureus is still the most common pathogen in acute joint infections in our environment in children under the age of 10 years.

Joint Injury, Osteoarthritis, and Cardiovascular Disease Risk Factors in Former National Football League Athletes: An NFL-LONG Study.

Individuals with lower extremity osteoarthritis (OA) have a 25% greater risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) than those without OA. The prevalence of traumatic joint injuries among National Football League (NFL) players exposes these athletes to an elevated risk for OA and potentially a greater risk of cardiovascular risk factors (CRFs) and CVD. To examine the associations between a history of lower extremity joint injury, lower extremity OA, and the prevalence of CRFs and CVD among former NFL athletes. Cross-sectional study. Former NFL players completed a comprehensive health questionnaire that was used in an ongoing study, the Neurologic Function Across the Lifespan: A Prospective, Longitudinal, and Translational Study for Former NFL Players (NFL-LONG). A subsample of 1738 former players reported lifetime medical diagnoses including CVD or CRFs. Crude and adjusted prevalence ratios (PRsadj) characterized the associations between CVD or CRFs and injury, OA diagnosis, or both among athletes who reported (1) no history of lower extremity joint injury or surgery and no diagnosed OA, (2) a history of lower extremity joint injury or surgery and no diagnosed OA, and (3) a history of lower extremity joint injury or surgery and diagnosed OA. Neither a history of lower extremity joint injury (PRadj = 1.34; 95% CI = 0.86, 2.07) nor a history of lower extremity joint injury and diagnosed OA (PRadj = 1.41; 95% CI = 0.89, 2.25) was significantly associated with CVD. However, CRFs were 30% and 53% more prevalent in former players with lower extremity joint injury and no diagnosed OA (PRadj = 1.30; 95% CI = 1.12, 1.50) and those with lower extremity joint injury and diagnosed OA (PRadj = 1.53; 95% CI = 1.31, 1.78), respectively, versus athletes with no history of either condition. The prevalence of CRFs was highest among former NFL athletes with a history of lower extremity joint injury and diagnosed OA. These findings provide insight regarding the potential pathways to chronic diseases that may be initiated by joint injury early in life.

Committee on Surgical Combat Casualty Care position statement: Neurosurgical capability for the optimal management of traumatic brain injury during deployed operations.

Experiences over the last three decades of war have demonstrated a high incidence of traumatic brain injury (TBI) resulting in a persistent need for a neurosurgical capability within the deployed theater of operations. Despite this, no doctrinal requirement for a deployed neurosurgical capability exists. Through an iterative process, the Joint Trauma System Committee on Surgical Combat Casualty Care (CoSCCC) developed a position statement to inform medical and nonmedical military leaders about the risks of the lack of a specialized neurosurgical capability. The need for deployed neurosurgical capability position statement was identified during the spring 2021 CoSCCC meeting. A triservice working group of experienced forward-deployed caregivers developed a preliminary statement. An extensive iterative review process was then conducted to ensure that the intended messaging was clear to senior medical leaders and operational commanders. To provide additional context and a civilian perspective, statement commentaries were solicited from civilian clinical experts including a recently retired military trauma surgeon boarded in neurocritical care, a trauma surgeon instrumental in developing the Brain Injury Guidelines, a practicing neurosurgeon with world-renowned expertise in TBI, and the chair of the Committee on Trauma. After multiple revisions, the position statement was finalized, and approved by the CoSCCC membership in February 2023. Challenges identified include (1) military neurosurgeon attrition, (2) the lack of a doctrinal neurosurgical capabilities requirement during deployed combat operations, and (3) the need for neurosurgical telemedicine capability and in-theater computed tomography scans to triage TBI casualties requiring neurosurgical care. Challenges identified regarding neurosurgical capabilities within the deployed trauma system include military neurosurgeon attrition and the lack of a doctrinal requirement for neurosurgical capability during deployed combat operations. To mitigate risk to the force in a future peer-peer conflict, several evidence-based recommendations are made. The solicited civilian commentaries strengthen these recommendations by putting them into the context of civilian TBI management. This neurosurgical capabilities position statement is intended to be a forcing function and a communication tool to inform operational commanders and military medical leaders on the use of these teams on current and future battlefields. Prognostic and Epidemiological; Level V.

Toward Efficient Cartilage Disease Management with Additive Manufacturing: Monitoring, Cell Culture, and Drug Release

AbstractArticular cartilage damage is often caused by joint disease, trauma, and aging in everyday life. Cartilage damage usually refers to some changes in the normal structure and a gradual loss of function. Local discomforts, such as slight swelling or pain, may occur. Due to the lack of blood vessels and nerves in articular cartilage, articular cartilage damage is difficult to repair, making the detection and repair of articular cartilage damage difficult. New detection and repair technologies are urgently needed. The existing treatment methods are often used to monitor the internal environment and repair cartilage by implanting stents. Due to its high precision and simulation, 3D printing has shown great potential in carrier drug refinement and detection sensing and has become one of the more ideal technologies in the biomedical field. This article reviews the mitigation measures of bone injury, 3D printing technology, and treatment strategies for bone injury based on 3D printing technology. In addition, some challenges and possible solutions are also put forward for the treatment of bone injuries, as well as some possible development directions in the future.

87 An Augmented Reality Burn Management Application to Guide Care in Austere Environments

Abstract Introduction Novel medical technologies are necessary to support virtual health in low bandwidth environments. When tele-mentoring is not possible, advanced clinical decision support tools can deliver essential medical knowledge to assist novice clinicians. These tools can fill knowledge gaps in specialty fields, like burn. We developed the Augmented Reality Burn Assist Manager (ARBAM), a novel, comprehensive augmented reality (AR)-based burn management platform to address key tasks in burn care. Methods A randomized 2x2 cross-over design was used to investigate if ARBAM could enhance a user’s ability to care for a simulated burn patient as compared to standard clinical practice guidelines (CPGs). We developed the software for use on a mixed reality, head-mounted device. Participants were clinicians with little to no burn care experience, and were asked to complete 4 key tasks, twice each, using either paper copies of the Joint Trauma System’s CPGs and supplemental worksheets first (Paper) or our AR technology. Tasks included calculating burn size (TBSA), performing medication dosage calculations (MC), managing a burn fluid resuscitation (FR), and performing a simulated escharotomy (EC). All tasks were evaluated for completion time and accuracy. Cross-over analysis of treatment effects used a two-sided, two-sample t-test or Wilcoxon Rank-Sum test as appropriate. Results Eleven participants were randomized: 5 started with Paper and 6 started with AR. Time to perform FR was statistically different (p&amp;lt; 0.05) with AR taking less time than Paper (4.8 vs. 7.0 mins, respectively). FR clinical performance was also better in the AR group with a mean accuracy score of 99% vs. 52% for Paper (p&amp;lt; 0.001). EC completion times were not clinically or statistically different. However, EC accuracy was 93% for AR compared to 55% for Paper (p&amp;lt; 0.001). Although not statistically different, MC performance accuracy was considerably better for AR (91%) than for Paper (66%). No differences between groups were observed for TBSA or MC completion times nor TBSA accuracy. Conclusions Compared to traditional tools, AR may enhance a clinician's ability to complete key tasks in the initial management of a burn patient. This technology may be helpful during disasters when tele-mentoring is not available. Limitations of this study include a small sample size, limited user training on the AR device, and potential carry-over effects. Therefore, generalizations cannot be made about wide-scale usage. Nonetheless, this study showed that AR may be helpful in managing lifesaving burn tasks. Applicability of Research to Practice ARBAM may enhance decision making by novice clinicians when caring for burn patients. Our data demonstrate the potential for AR-based support tools to improve burn care delivery and reduce error rates for novice clinicians, which could lead to reductions in morbidity and mortality. Future research is needed to investigate how AR technology can be used for other lifesaving interventions.

Effects of risk factors on evoked pain patterns in rat models of experimental knee osteoarthritis.

Pain experiences in patients with knee osteoarthritis (OA) may be influenced differently by OA risk factors, reducing the translatability of preclinical research into the clinic. Our objective was to contrast evoked pain patterns after exposure to different OA risk factors including acute joint trauma, chronic instability, or obesity/metabolic syndrome using rat models of experimental knee OA. We tested longitudinal patterns of evoked pain behaviors (knee pressure pain threshold and hindpaw withdrawal threshold) in young male rats exposed to different OA-inducing risk factors including (1) nonsurgical joint trauma (impact-induced anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) rupture); (2) surgical joint destabilization (ACL + medial meniscotibial ligament transection); and (3) high fat/sucrose (HFS) diet-induced obesity. Histopathology for synovitis, cartilage damage, and subchondral bone morphology was performed. Pressure pain threshold was reduced (more pain) most, and earlier by joint trauma (Week 4-12) and HFS (Week 8-28) than by joint destabilization (Week 12). Hindpaw withdrawal threshold was reduced transiently after joint trauma (Week 4), with smaller and later reductions after joint destabilization (Week 12), but not with HFS. Synovial inflammation occurred at Week 4 after joint trauma and instability but only coincided with pain behaviors after joint trauma. Cartilage and bone histopathology were most severe after joint destabilization and least severe with HFS. The pattern, intensity, and timing of evoked pain behaviors varied due to OA risk factor exposure and were inconsistently associated with histopathological OA features. These findings may help to explain the challenges with translating preclinical OA pain research to multimorbid clinical OA contexts.