Trauma Surgery Research Articles

Evaluating ChatGPT's Ability to Answer Common Patient Questions Regarding Hip Fracture.

ChatGPT is an artificial intelligence chatbot software programmed for conversational applications using reinforcement learning techniques. With its growing popularity and overall versatility, it is likely that ChatGPT's applications will expand into health care especially because it relates to patients researching their injuries. The purpose of this study was to investigate ChatGPT's ability to accurately answer frequently asked questions regarding hip fractures. Eleven frequently asked questions regarding hip fractures were posed to ChatGPT, and the responses were recorded in full. Five of these questions were determined to be high-yield based on the likelihood that a patient would ask the question to a chatbot software. The chatbot's responses were analyzed by five fellowship-trained orthopaedic trauma surgeons for their quality and accuracy using an evidence-based approach. The chatbot's answers were rated as "Excellent response requiring no clarification", "Satisfactory response requiring minimal clarification", "Satisfactory response requiring moderate clarification", or "Unsatisfactory response requiring significant clarification." Of the five high-yield questions posed to the chatbot, no question was determined to be unsatisfactory requiring significant clarification by the authors. The remaining responses were either satisfactory requiring minimal clarification (n = 3) or satisfactory requiring moderate clarification (n = 2). The chatbot was generally found to provide unbiased and evidence-based answers that would be clearly understood by most orthopaedic patients. These findings suggest that ChatGPT has the potential to be an effective patient education tool especially because it continues to grow and improve as a chatbot application. Level IV study.

Clinical and radiological variants of the nail–patella syndrome: Why is it important to make a correct diagnosis?

BACKGROUND: Nail–patella syndrome is an autosomal dominant disease caused by LMX1B mutations, characterized by a combination of dermatological and musculoskeletal abnormalities. The classic tetrad of the nail–patella syndrome includes hypoplasia of the nail plates, absence or hypoplasia of the patella, elbow joint contractures, often accompanied by posterior subluxation of the radial head, presence of “iliac horns” on radiographs of the pelvic bones, and renal changes. However, its diagnosis and treatment are not described in sufficient detail in domestic and foreign literature. AIM: This study aimed to analyze the variability of clinical and radiological manifestations in children with nail–patella syndrome. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Nine patients with nail–patella syndrome were examined and treated (aged 4 months to 14 years). All children presented to the H. Turner National Medical Research Center for Children’s Orthopedics and Trauma Surgery with a diagnosis of congenital multiple arthrogryposis. The examination results excluded this diagnosis. The diagnosis of nail–patella syndrome has been verified. RESULTS: Various variants of the nail–patella syndrome have been identified, with lesions to only the elbow joints (n = 3), damage to the upper and lower extremities (n = 5), and damage to only the lower extremities (n = 1). All patients had hypoplasia of fingernail plates. However, the pathognomonic sign – “iliac horns” on radiographs of the pelvic bones – was noted only in 33% of cases. Regarding functional disorders of the kidneys, proteinuria was observed in one patient, which appeared at the age of 15 years. In two cases, the parents suffered from this disease. A genetic examination was performed in three patients: a pathogenic variant in LMX1B was detected in a heterozygous state. All patients underwent conservative treatment for knee and elbow joint contractures and foot deformities. When casting, the presence of dislocation of the radial head or patella was considered. Surgical treatment was performed on five patients. The results of surgery on the lower extremities (knee contractures, foot deformities, and hip dislocation) were good in 87% of the cases. Recurrence of flexion contractures in the elbow joints was observed both after conservative and after surgical treatment in all cases; however, their severity varied. CONCLUSIONS: Clinical observations were considered to attract the attention of doctors of different specialties to a rare pathology. Moreover, a molecular genetic study is recommended for the timely diagnosis of the nail–patella syndrome, determining the treatment techniques and disease prognosis.

Complexities of autonomy in military medical ethics: A brief report.

The first Fallen Surgeons Military Educational Symposium was convened in conjunction with the the American Association for the Surgery of Trauma (AAST) 23 meeting, under the guidance of the AAST Military Liaison Committee. The daylong session included a 1.5-hour segment on military medical ethics in combat and its unique challenges. Medical ethical issues arise frequently within the military across a range of varied circumstances, from the day-to-day operations of stateside forces to the complexities of deployed troops in theaters of conflict. Given the scope of these circumstances, preparation and advanced planning are the key to addressing and resolving the ethical issues that occur. The goal of this session was to present illustrative cases, not to prescribe solutions, and to make the attendees aware of some of the challenges they may encounter when deployed.

A trauma expert consensus: Capabilities are required early to improve survivability from traumatic injury.

Mortality reviews examine US military fatalities resulting from traumatic injuries during combat operations. These reviews are essential to the evolution of the military trauma system to improve individual, unit, and system-level trauma care delivery and inform trauma system protocols and guidelines. This study identifies specific prehospital and hospital interventions with the potential to provide survival benefits. US Special Operations Command fatalities with battle injuries deemed potentially survivable (2001-2021) were extracted from previous mortality reviews. A military trauma review panel consisting of trauma surgeons, forensic pathologists, and prehospital and emergency medicine specialists conducted a methodical review to identify prehospital, hospital, and resuscitation interventions (e.g., laparotomy, blood transfusion) with the potential to have provided a survival benefit. Of 388 US Special Operations Command battle-injured fatalities, 100 were deemed potentially survivable. Of these (median age, 29 years; all male), 76.0% were injured in Afghanistan, and 75% died prehospital. Gunshot wounds were in 62.0%, followed by blast injury (37%), and blunt force injury (1.0%). Most had a Maximum Abbreviated Injury Scale severity classified as 4 (severe) (55.0%) and 5 (critical) (41.0%). The panel recommended 433 interventions (prehospital, 188; hospital, 315). The most recommended prehospital intervention was blood transfusion (95%), followed by finger/tube thoracostomy (47%). The most common hospital recommendations were thoracotomy and definitive vascular repair. Whole blood transfusion was assessed for each fatality: 74% would have required ≥10 U of blood, 20% would have required 5 to 10 U, 1% would have required 1 to 4 U, and 5% would not have required blood products to impact survival. Five may have benefited from a prehospital laparotomy. This study systematically identified capabilities needed to provide a survival benefit and examined interventions needed to inform trauma system efforts along the continuum of care. The determination was that blood transfusion and massive transfusion shortly after traumatic injury would impact survival the most. Expert Opinion; Level V.

Is Quantitative Radiographic Measurement of Acetabular Version Reliable in Anteverted and Retroverted Hips?

The acetabular version is crucial for hip function, and its accurate assessment is necessary for treating patients with hip disorders. Current studies reveal discrepancies in the precision of quantitative radiographic measurements versus CT measurements, but there is a lack of focused analysis on anteverted versus retroverted hips. This study aims to fill this gap by directly comparing the reliability of these two methods in assessing varied hip configurations. (1) How reliable are quantitative radiographic and CT methods in measuring the acetabular version angle? (2) Is there any difference in the reliability of acetabular version angle measurements using radiography compared with CT in anteverted and retroverted hips? (3) What is the extent of variation in acetabular version measurements when quantitative radiographic and CT methods are compared in anteverted and retroverted hips? We searched our image archives for patients who had received both radiographs and CT scans between January 2020 and June 2022 and found 84 patients who met the criteria. From these patients, we selected those who presented with hip pain of different causes and who had no previous elective and/or hip trauma surgery, no hip dysplasia, and results from adequate radiographic examinations. Accordingly, 73% (61 of 84) of the patients were included in this study, and angle measurements were performed on both hips of these patients (122 hips). Standardized positioning was meticulously verified for all plain radiographs and CT scans utilized in the measurement process. We measured quantitative angles and assessed qualitative signs of retroversion, including crossover, posterior wall, and ischial spine findings. We considered a hip with at least one of these findings a retroverted hip, and the hips without these findings were included in the anteverted hip group. Three clinicians took measurements independently. Measurement reliability and agreement were examined using intraobserver and interobserver intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs), with statistical analyses including paired and independent t-tests. To investigate the reliability of quantitative radiographic and CT methods, we assessed both intraobserver and interobserver agreements. To explore the reliability disparities in measuring the acetabular version via radiography and CT in anteverted and retroverted hips, we analyzed the agreement between measurements from both modalities in the hip groups. Furthermore, to evaluate the degree of variation in acetabular version measurements when comparing quantitative radiographic and CT methods in anteverted and retroverted hips, we utilized paired and independent t-tests to examine the measurement differences within these hip categories. The difference between radiographic and CT measurements was also evaluated by Bland-Altman analysis. Quantitative radiographic measurements showed intraobserver and interobserver reliabilities with ICCs of 0.87 (95% CI 0.84 to 0.91) and 0.78 (95% CI 0.75 to 0.82), respectively, and CT measurements demonstrated higher reliabilities with ICCs of 0.92 (95% CI 0.90 to 0.93) and 0.91 (95% CI 0.89 to 0.92), respectively. The reliability of measuring the acetabular version in anteverted hips was moderate, with an ICC of 0.59 (95% CI 0.49 to 0.68). In contrast, retroverted hips showed an ICC of -0.41 (95% CI -1.17 to 0.08), indicating a lack of consistency between quantitative radiographic and CT measurements. Variation in measurement on plain radiographs in anteverted hips was less than that of retroverted hips (mean ± SD absolute difference between anteverted hips and retroverted hips 3° ± 3° versus 6° ± 4°; p = 0.0001), indicating greater variability in the radiographic measurement of retroverted hips. According to Bland-Altman analysis, we observed that the difference between radiographic and CT measurements was well outside the CI, especially in retroverted hips. Although quantitative radiographic measurement demonstrates acceptable intraobserver and interobserver reliabilities, its precision is lower than that of CT-based measurements. Specifically, quantitative radiographic methods are prone to a larger margin of error in retroverted hips. For more precise assessments of acetabular version, especially in retroverted hips, we recommend using CT measurement instead of the radiographic method. Level III, diagnostic study.

Does a Point-of-Care 3-Dimensional Printer Result in a Decreased Length of Surgery for Orbital Fractures?

Utilization of point-of-care 3-dimensional printing (3DP) has decreased length of surgery in facial trauma. Little is known regarding 3DP's impact on length of surgery in orbital fracture. The purpose of this study was to compare length of surgery between 3DP/preadapted (3DPPA) orbital plates and intraoperative adapted plates (IOAP) for orbital fracture reconstruction. This was a prospective, non-blinded, randomized clinical study of consecutive subjects with orbital fractures presented to Grady Memorial Hospital in Atlanta, Georgia, between January 2018 and June 2021. Subjects ≥ 18years, unilateral fracture, no previous orbital surgery, and/or congenital craniofacial anomaly were included. We excluded subjects <18years and bilateral fractures. Primary predictor variable was the treatment approach. Randomization software was used, and subjects were randomized to 3DPPA or IOAP groups. Primary outcome variable was length of surgery in minutes. Secondary outcomes were the time required for plate insertion and fixation in minutes, operating room (OR) charges, and orbital volume (OV) calculation. Age, sex, race, etiology, laterality, location, dimension, indication for surgery, postoperative enophthalmos, and diplopia. Univariate and bivariate analyses were calculated. Statistical significance was P<.05. Twenty-five subjects met the inclusion criteria. Mean ages in 3DPPA and conventional IOAP groups were 41.5 (±9) and 38.2 (±10, P=.31), respectively. The mean length of surgery was 32.6 (±13.7) in 3DPPA and 53.3 (±12.8, P<.001) in conventional IOAP. The mean time required for plate insertion and fixation was 15.8n (±14.4) in 3DPPA and 41.4 (±9.4, P<.001) in conventional IOAP. The mean OR charges were $1,072.5 (±524.6) in 3DPPA and $1,757.3 (±422.6, P ≤ 0.001) in conventional IOAP. The mean calculated OV of uninjured and reconstructed orbit for the 3DPPA was 23.5 (±3.2)cm3 and 23 (±3.5, P=.37)cm3, respectively. The mean calculated OV of uninjured and reconstructed orbit for conventional IOAP was 28.6 (±3.6)cm3 and 22.8 (±2.6, P<.001)cm3, respectively. Using 3DP to produce a model that enables preoperative plate bending/adaptation reduces the length of surgery, decreases OR charges, and results in predictable OV.

Time to surgical stabilization of rib fractures: does it impact outcomes?

ObjectivesRib fractures are common, morbid, and potentially lethal. Intuitively, if interventions to mitigate downstream effects of rib fractures can be implemented early, likelihood of developing these complications should be reduced....

Secondary defect coverage and functional reconstruction

Secondary reconstruction in trauma surgery is crucial for restoring both functional and esthetic results in patients with complex defects. Established reconstructive techniques in plastic surgery offer awide range of options for an effective treatment. This applies not only to covering large defects with free flaps but especially also for the functional reconstruction of bony, neural and musculotendinous impairments. Advances in the fields of microsurgery and 3D printing show innovative approaches to further improve the therapeutic options. Amultidisciplinary approach, requiring close collaboration between trauma and plastic surgeons, is necessary to optimize treatment plans and outcomes. The effective management of complications and qualified postoperative care are essential for the success of reconstructive measures.

Successful Non-Operative Management of a Patient with Grade IV Right Renal Trauma Associated with Hepatic and Right Adrenal Trauma – A Case Report

In case of a traumatic event, preservation of the injured renal and kidney function represents the goal of non-operative management (NOM) of renal trauma. The substantial benefits of non-operative management for minor blunt renal injury have already been clearly described in current literature, but its value for major blunt and penetrating renal injuries are still under debate and not clearly highlighted. We hereby fully report a case of a 64 years old male patient with a history of a thoraco-abdominal blunt trauma, victim of aggression caused by a blunt object, which resulted in grade IV injury of the right kidney and associated grade II hepatic injury and right adrenal injury – grading according to the American Association for the Surgery of Trauma (AAST) injury scale guidelines – evaluated through contrast enhanced emergency CT imaging. The patient was hemodynamically stable upon admission to the Emergency Department of Clinical Emergency County Hospital of Brașov, Romania. Non-operative management strategy was chosen, therefore constant and close monitorization and follow-up CT examinations were performed. The patient was subsequently discharged after 8 days, with no further complications reported.

A RARE CASE OF MINIMALLY INVASIVE REMOVAL OF A VERTEBRAL FOREIGN BODY AFTER A GUNSHOT FRAGMENT PENETRATING WOUND OF THE CHEST AND SPINE

Objective. To demonstrate the possibilities of minimally invasive technologies in the diagnosis and treatment of gunshot wounds of the chest and spine. Methods. Patient N., 42, was wounded in the chest during mortar fire. From the diagnosis: gunshot fragment blind penetrating wound chest on the right with a gunshot fracture of the right scapula, III–V ribs on the right, damage to the right lung with the presence of a metal fragment paravertebrallyon the right at the level ThV–ThVI vertebrae, right-sided hemopneumothorax, right-sided post-traumatic pulmonitis, spinal cord injury, lower paraplegia. Results. The final is established diagnosis: gunshot fragment blind penetrating wound chest on the right with a gunshot fracture of the right scapula,III–V ribs on the right, damage to the right lung with the presence of a metal fragment paravertebrally on the right at the level ThV vertebra, right-sided hemopneumothorax. right-sided post-traumatic pneumonia, spinal cord injury, lower paraplegia. The operation was performed: video-assisted thoracoscopy on the right, revision of the pleural cavity, removal of a metal fragment from the body of the ThV vertebra, sanitation and redrainingof the right pleural cavity according to Bulau, which lasted 40 min. In the future, after 2 weeks, the stitches and signs were removed neurological deficit regressed, the wounded was sent to the military medical commission and discharged to parts. Conclusions. Gunshot wounds to the chest with spinal injuryare rare. The use of modern magnetic surgical instrument allows to remove ferromagnetic foreign bodies during vertebral injury. The use of minimally invasive operative interventions for gunshot wounds of the chest with spinal cord injury reduces operative trauma and can be applied to the third level of medical care.

The Application of a Surgery Supporting Computer System Does Not Seem to Influence the Surgeons' Radiation Exposure: A Retrospective Analysis.

Since 2019, a surgery supporting system (SPM, surgical process manager; Johnson & Johnson, New Brunswick, New Jersey, Vereinigte Staaten) has been used in a Level I trauma center for common trauma surgery procedures (distal radius fractures, proximal femur fractures, ankle fractures, proximal humerus fractures, and spine fractures). The hypothesis of this study was that implementing standardized procedures (by using SPM) may reduce radiation exposure, especially for unexperienced surgeons.Workflows were developed for different surgical procedures (distal radius fractures, proximal femur fractures, ankle fractures, proximal humerus fractures, and spine fractures) and added into the SPM. Between October 2019 and June 2022, 90 surgeries using the SPM were included in the study. A control group was included with 107 surgeries using the same surgical technique. The values measured were the radiation exposure during the surgical procedure, the experience of the head surgeon, and whether or not the SPM was used. A statistical analysis was performed by using the chi square and Fischer exact tests, with significance set at a p value <0.05.SPM was applicated in 51 cases for the distal radius (control group 54 patients), 20 cases for distal fibula fractures (control group 21 patients), 9 cases for the proximal femur (control group 19 patients), 5 cases for vertebral fractures (control group 7 patients), and 5 cases for the proximal humerus (control group 6 patients). No difference concerning the median radiation exposure was observed by plating distal radius fractures with 5.7Gy/cm² in the SPM group and a median radiation exposure of 6.4Gy/cm² in the control group (p=0.96). The distal fibula fractures showed no significant difference in the intraoperative radiation (17.4Gy/cm² vs. 6.4Gy/cm², p value 0.53). Radiation exposure was lower when a consultant performed surgery without showing any significance, independent if SPM was used or not.In this study, no significant difference in the intraoperative radiation dose was observed when using a surgery supporting computer system. The experience of the surgeon showed no influence as well, regardless if SPM was used or not. Additional data should be collected questioning these findings.

Scoping an interdisciplinary model of student dental therapists in maxillofacial trauma.

Introduction This paper outlines a short pilot programme to assess the feasibility of an interdisciplinary model of involving student dental therapists in the management of maxillofacial trauma patients. It involved dental therapy students attending an oral and maxillofacial surgery trauma review clinic at a major trauma hospital in London, UK.Approach The small cohort of 15 second-year dental hygiene and therapy (BSc in Oral Health) students attended the trauma clinic once a week in pairs, over a period of six weeks, after which they completed a survey questionnaire.Findings No students had previous experience of dealing with trauma patients. The majority (81.8%) had learnt something by attending the clinic. Almost all (91.7%) had not thought previously about the importance of oral hygiene in maxillofacial trauma patients. By the end of the pilot programme, ten students (83.3%) felt that they had a role to play in the care of these trauma patients and they felt valued as members of the wider team.Conclusion These initial findings suggest that the scheme has potential for incorporation of maxillofacial trauma experience within the formal dental therapy curriculum. This would prepare them for future involvement in the management of maxillofacial trauma patients to promote oral health benefits and more widely, to work as a team member in interprofessional health care.

The geriatric trauma hospitalist service: An analysis of a management strategy for injured older adults.

Management of geriatric trauma patients requires balancing chronic comorbidities with acute injuries. We developed a care model in which patients are managed by hospitalists with trauma-centered education and hypothesized that clinical outcomes would be similar to outcomes in patients primarily managed by trauma surgeons. This was a retrospective study of trauma patients aged ≥65 from January 2020 to December 2021. Groups were defined by admitting service: trauma surgery service (TSS) or geriatric trauma hospitalist service (GTHS). The primary outcome was in-hospital mortality. Regression analyses and inverse probability treatment weighted (IPTW) propensity score (PS) analyses were performed to determine the association between admitting service and outcomes. A total of 1004 patients were eligible for inclusion-580 GTHS and 424 TSS admissions. GTHS patients were older (82 vs. 74, p < 0.001), more likely to have suffered blunt trauma (99.5% vs. 95%, p < 0.001), more likely to have comorbidities (91.2% vs. 87%, p < 0.001), had higher Charlson Comorbidity Indexes (CCIs), and had lower median injury severity scores (9 vs. 13, p < 0.001). Rates of mortality, delirium, 30-day readmission, and overall complications were low and similar between groups. While TSS patients were likely to be discharged home, GTHS had more discharges to skilled nursing facilities and longer length of stay (LOS). On multivariable analysis adjusted for age, ISS, CCI, and sex, patients admitted to GTHS had lower odds of death with an odds ratio of 0.15 (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.02-0.75, p = 0.03) when compared to TSS. On IPTW PS analysis, patients admitted to GTHS had similar odds of death with an odds ratio of 0.3 (95% CI 0.06-1.6, p = 0.16). Protocolized admission criteria to a GTHS resulted in similar low mortality rates but longer LOS when compared to patients admitted to a TSS. This care model may inform other trauma centers in developing their strategies for managing the increasing volume of vulnerable injured older adults.

Influence of age on pelvic inlet and outlet radiographic views

Background. Unstable fractures of the posterior pelvic ring represent a pressing concern in trauma surgery. Minimally invasive osteosynthesis techniques have gained widespread acceptance in contemporary practice. Accurate radiographic visualization is a critical component for the precise and successful placement of iliosacral and transsacral screws. Obtaining and accurately interpreting X-ray images can pose challenges in specific clinical situations, particularly those involving age-related skeletal changes. The aim of the study is to assess the influence of the patient’s age on the measures of pelvic radiographic inlet and outlet views angles for performing a sacral fracture fixation using cannulated screws. Methods. A retrospective analysis of CT data was conducted on 106 patients with posterior pelvic ring injuries requiring cannulated screw fixation. Preoperative CT scans were reconstructed into sagittal projections. We performed construction and measurement of the true inlet angle, super-inlet angle, pelvic outlet angle, sacral concavity angle, promontory angle, S1 and S2 outlet view angles. Statistical correlation between sacral tilt angle and the patient’s age was assessed. Results. A two-step cluster analysis divided the patient cohort into two groups with significant differences in pelvic outlet angles and age (N1 = 64, N2 = 42). Statistically significant differences were found between the two clusters in all the studied parameters: median values of true pelvic inlet angles were 27.2° [23.2-32.2] and 18.2° [11.4-26.6] respectively (p0.001); super-inlet angles were 42.5° [39.3-47.8] and 36.2° [28.7-42.8] respectively (p0.001); promontory angles were 128.1° [123.3-133.2] and 122.1° [115.6-129.3] respectively (p = 0.003); pelvic outlet angles were 62.6° [58.4-69.6] and 50.3° [45.9-53.5] respectively (p0.001); S1 outlet angles were 51.8° [48.9-56.5] and 46.8° [43.1-50.2] respectively (p0.001); S2 outlet angles were 40.8° [37.3-44.6] and 35.7° [30.9-38.6] respectively (p0.001); the mean of the sacral concavity angles was 174.8°±10.5 and 152.1°±38.2 respectively (p0.001); and the main age was 41.6±18.7 and 69.2±16.1 years respectively (p0.001). A statistically significant inverse correlation between age and pelvic tilt angle (ρ = 0.534; p0.001) was found. A novel diagnostic method for identifying sacral dysmorphism using angle measurement within the S1 bone corridor is presented. The sacrum was considered dysmorphic if the angle was equal to or less than 5°. Conclusions. As the patient’s age increases by one year, pelvic outlet angle decreases by 26°. If pelvic inlet angles are equal to or less than 14.45°, the difficulties in visualizing S1 and S2 outlet views during surgery are to be expected. The median of angles difference before and after anterior sacral tilt correction using a coccyx pad was 9.4° with interquartile range from 7.8° to 11°. Significant anatomical variations in posterior pelvic ring structure were observed among the study cohort. Preoperative CT sagittal reconstructions allow appropriate planning of intraoperative visualization considering expected intraoperative radiographic inlet and outlet views.

Impression fracture of the lateral condyle of tibial plateau complicated by acute peri-implant infection: a case report

Introduction. Deep infection after open osteosynthesis of tibial plateau fractures occurs in 9.9%. This rate is significantly higher than in surgical treatment of closed injuries of other localizations. Many authors consider it necessary to improve management protocols for patients with complex plateau fractures in order to minimize or prevent the development of infectious complications. Aims of the study: 1) to discuss the treatment tactics of a patient with an intraarticular fracture of the tibial plateau after osteosynthesis complicated by the development of early deep surgical site infection (SSI), using clinical case as an example; 2) to carry out the analysis of medical care defects. Case description. A 71-year-old patient with compromised somatic status underwent osteosynthesis with a buttress plate and allogeneic bone grafting of the metaphyseal defect on the 12th day after injury. In 7 days after the occurrence of signs of infection, a revision surgery was performed. Later, a number of consecutive revisions were performed due to recurrences of the infectious process. The complex of measures against SSI included the use of vacuum drainage systems and antibacterial spacers. As a result, the wounds had healed. Two years after the injury, the patient had a good functional result. Conclusion. The presented clinical case has shown that even if the treatment tactic for early peri-implant infection is chosen correctly, there are several defects in our routine practice. First of all, inaccurate sampling of material for bacteriological study and inadequate duration of antibacterial therapy are to be mentioned. To successfully treat infectious complications of osteosynthesis, a team of like-minded specialists including traumatologists as well as physicians, microbiologists and clinical pharmacologists is needed. Undoubtedly, surgical treatment of fractures might develop into infectious complications. Their diagnosis and treatment are often accompanied by a number of various mistakes. The most important points are early radical revision of the postoperative wound, etiotropic antibacterial therapy, maintaining stability of fixation after primary osteosynthesis. If these standards are complied with, the outcome of surgical treatment might be satisfying even with such a severe complication as peri-implant infection. At the same time, we are planning further researches aimed at improving algorithms and tactics for surgical treatment of infectious complications, reducing surgery trauma level and upgrading quality of primary osteosynthesis.

846 Implant Waste and Associated Costs in Trauma and Orthopaedic Surgery: A Systematic Review

Abstract Aim Trauma and orthopaedic (T&amp;O) surgery relies heavily on medical devices of different unrecyclable materials. This specialty generates significant metalwork wastage through implants, screws, nails and plates, placing a large economical strain on healthcare. Finding sustainable solutions is vital given globally increasing life expectancies and heavier dependency on invasive interventions, such a knee or hip arthroplasties. Our primary outcome is to quantify implant wastage across the literature, and secondarily investigate the associated costs. Method PRISMA guidelines were followed in the design, conduct and reporting. We searched through three databases (Scopus, PubMed and Embase) using MeSh terms including “implant waste” and “trauma and orthopaedic surgery”. We included observational and randomised controlled trials reporting patients undergoing T&amp;O surgery, where the wastage or associated costs was provided. Results Our final analysis included 15 articles, screened from a total of 2,145 articles. 25,025 procedures were included, but there was limited and unmatched data. Implant waste ranged, occurring in 0.8%-25.1% procedures and costing on average $167,139.13. Screws and nails were amongst the most wasted material (up to 91% and 48% respectively), however intramedullary nails were the greatest cost contributor, making up to 47.6% of total wastage cost. Up to 95% of waste was attributable to human error. Conclusions Balancing implant wastage and hospital costs with patient safety is a challenge for many T&amp;O subspecialties. The largest factors contributing to waste were human factors, such as surgeon or staff error, miscommunication and changing decision. We hope this review will inform future guidelines in encouraging implant waste mindfulness.

488 Surgical Site Infection After Hand Trauma Surgery in Low- and Middle-Income Countries: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Abstract Aim In low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) surgical site infections (SSIs) are the most common post-operative complication. Associated with increased morbidity and mortality, they impose a significant financial burden on patients. A recent meta-analysis found the overall SSI risk following hand trauma surgery is 5-10%. In this study a top-up-search and re-analysis was performed to establish SSI risk in the context of countries’ income classification. Method Our PRISMA-compliant systematic review searched MEDLINE, Embase, CINAHL, CENTRAL and clinicaltrials.gov to identify studies reporting SSI rates in adults undergoing hand or wrist surgeries for trauma. Studies were grouped by country-of-origin using World Bank income classifications. Meta-analysis of proportions was performed using R and risk of bias was evaluated. Results Of 11,056 screened s, 236 studies were included. None originated from low-income countries (LICs), 40 came from LMICs (16.9%), 48 from upper middle-income countries (UMICs) (20.3%) and 148 from high-income countries (HICs) (62.7%). Of LMIC studies, 70.0% were at high risk of bias, compared to 47.7% of UMIC and 31.1% of HIC studies. Meta-analysis demonstrated SSI risk in LMIC studies as 7.9% [95%CI 6.3-9.9], UMIC studies as 6.3% [95%CI 4.4-8.8] and HIC studies as 4.5% [95%CI 3.5-5.8]. Conclusions No studies were identified from LICs, perhaps indicative of the limited hand surgery capacity. Reduced research was found from MICs compared to HICs. We concluded that SSI risk following hand trauma appears lower in HICs compared to UMICs and LMICs but may be under-reported in MIC studies. Further research into hand trauma burden and outcomes in LMICs is required.

Exploring trauma surgeons' views on trauma care in Nigeria: A qualitative study

BackgroundIn Nigeria, trauma care faces challenges due to high injury and death rates from road traffic accidents and violence. Improvements are underway, but gaps in service availability, training, and coordination persist, necessitating evidence-based interventions. PurposeTo evaluate trauma care practices in Nigeria, focusing on practitioners' perceptions of training, resources, and care quality to inform policy and practice enhancements. MethodsAn exploratory qualitative study was conducted with seven trauma surgeons across Nigeria, using semi-structured interviews and an Interpretive Description analysis approach, adhering to SRQR standards. ResultsAnalysis of interviews with seven Nigerian trauma surgeons highlighted a trauma care system burdened by high incidences of traffic-related injuries. Despite varying caseloads—from 20 cases per month to 65 weekly—common challenges included delayed care, leading to complications like infection and misaligned wound healing. Surgeons noted strengths in motivated staff and sub-specialization but stressed barriers such as underdeveloped prehospital care, financial constraints, and resource shortages, which hindered effective trauma management and outcomes. ConclusionsEffective trauma care in Nigeria is crucial and achievable through policy reforms, better resource distribution, and enhanced training. Systematic data collection and a national trauma care protocol are recommended to improve patient outcomes and guide future research and policymaking.

A Pediatric Brain Injury Guideline Allows Safe Management of Traumatic Brain Injuries by Trauma Surgeons

BackgroundWe implemented a pediatric Brain Injury Guideline (pBIG) to stratify traumatic brain injuries (TBI) and allow management of less severe cases without repeat CT imaging or neurosurgical consultation. Injuries were classified as mild (pBIG1), moderate (pBIG2), severe (pBIG3) or isolated skull fracture (ISF) based on neurologic status, size and number of bleeds. We hypothesize that pediatric TBIs can be safely managed with this guideline. MethodsIsolated TBIs (<18 years) were queried from the Pediatric Trauma Registry after pBIG implementation from July 2021–March 2023. Datasets included age, injury specifics, repeat head CTs, neurosurgical consultations and interventions. Analysis was performed with Stata, with significance set at p < 0.05. ResultsA total of 139 children with a median age of 2.8 years were included. Skull fractures (113, 81%) and subdural hematomas (54, 39%) were the most common injuries. Repeat head CTs were obtained in 44 (32%) and neurosurgical consultation in 89 (64%). Overall guideline compliance was 83.5%, with best performance in the pBIG3 category (96%). One pBIG1 patient had increasing symptoms requiring upgrade, neurosurgical consultation and repeat head CT, but no intervention. Five children (3.6%; 4 isolated skull fracture, 1 pBIG3) had post-discharge ED visits and 1 (0.7%, ISF) had a post-discharge CT. Three (2.2%) children, all in the pBIG3 group, died from their TBIs. ConclusionsAdherence to the algorithm was 83.5%, with the lowest compliance in the moderate TBI (pBIG2) category. This group had a high rate of neurosurgical consultation suggesting uneasiness with independent management of moderate injuries when compared to minor TBIs or isolated skull fracture. Outcomes with the use of the pBIG algorithm were otherwise acceptable. Level of EvidenceLevel IV, Therapeutic/Care Management.

Machine learning-based delirium prediction in surgical in-patients: a prospective validation study.

Delirium is a syndrome that leads to severe complications in hospitalized patients, but is considered preventable in many cases. One of the biggest challenges is to identify patients at risk in a hectic clinical routine, as most screening tools cause additional workload. The aim of this study was to validate a machine learning (ML)-based delirium prediction tool on surgical in-patients undergoing a systematic assessment of delirium. 738 in-patients of a vascular surgery, a trauma surgery and an orthopedic surgery department were screened for delirium using the DOS scale twice a day over their hospital stay. Concurrently, delirium risk was predicted by the ML algorithm in real-time for all patients at admission and evening of admission. The prediction was performed automatically based on existing EHR data and without any additional documentation needed. 103 patients (14.0%) were screened positive for delirium using the DOS scale. Out of them, 85 (82.5%) were correctly identified by the ML algorithm. Specificity was slightly lower, detecting 463 (72.9%) out of 635 patients without delirium. The AUROC of the algorithm was 0.883 (95% CI, 0.8523-0.9147). In this prospective validation study, the implemented machine-learning algorithm was able to detect patients with delirium in surgical departments with high discriminative performance. In future, this tool or similar decision support systems may help to replace time-intensive screening tools and enable efficient prevention of delirium.