Orthopaedic Trauma Society Research Articles

The Orthopaedic Trauma Fellowship Application Process: An Analysis of the Applicant Experience

Background: Several studies have analyzed the fellowship application process from the perspective of the program director and few have analyzed the application process from the perspective of the applicant. There is no study that analyzes orthopaedic trauma fellowship applicant perspectives on the application process to fellowship. Methods: An anonymous electronic survey was distributed via the Orthopaedic Trauma Association directory to all current orthopaedic trauma surgery fellows and attending physicians one year post-fellowship in the United States who completed fellowship in 2021-2022 and 2022-2023. The survey contained a total of 24 questions: 10 questions regarding demographics and accomplishments, 13 questions regarding interview statistics, preferences and expenses, and a set of questions concerning how applicants formed impressions of programs. Results: 47/180 surgeons (26.11%) completed the survey. 37 (78.7%) were male. There was no associations between sex, USMLE Step 1, Step 2, or AOA status and number of interviews (R<0.20). There was a moderate correlation between the number of applications and number of interviews (R=0.68). Respondents valued faculty interaction (average scoring of 3.91 out of 4) and case volume/complexity (3.83 out of 4) the most. Research was the least valued program factor (2.19 out of 4). The average cost of applying to fellowship was $3331.84. Conclusions: Orthopaedic trauma fellowship applicants value case volume/complexity and faculty interaction the most and least value research. The financial burden of applying to fellowship is significant with most applicants spending over $3000. This study provides insight into factors that applicants value; which may lead to improved applicant satisfaction and reduced financial burden.

Factors Associated With Increased Sex Diversity in Orthopaedic Trauma Association-Accredited Fellowship Training.

This study quantifies the state of sex diversity in orthopaedic trauma training and analyzes fellowship program characteristics associated with greater sex diversity among trainees. We hypothesized that greater sex diversity among orthopaedic trauma fellows would be associated with the presence of female faculty. This was a retrospective, cross-sectional study of orthopaedic trauma faculty (2023 to 2024) and fellows (2009 to 2024). A trainee analysis for orthopaedic trauma fellows was done relative to orthopaedic surgery residents and allopathic medical students. Fellowship program characteristics associated with increased sex diversity among fellows were elucidated with chi square tests. Temporal analyses were done with linear regression. Overall, 1,266 orthopaedic trauma fellows and 200 were female (15.8%). Sex diversity in orthopaedic trauma fellowships was similar to orthopaedic surgery residency programs (14.2%, P = 0.135) but less than allopathic medical schools (47.5%, P < 0.001). Female representation in orthopaedic trauma fellowship training increased over the study period (9.1% vs. 31.5%, P < 0.001); 349 orthopaedic trauma faculty at 65 orthopaedic trauma fellowships and 41 were female (11.7%). Of the 65 fellowship program directors, only four were female (6.2%). The presence of female faculty was associated with greater sex diversity among orthopaedic trauma fellows (P = 0.017). Additional program characteristics, like geographic region, accreditation status, and number of faculty, were not associated with greater sex diversity. Sex diversity is increasing in orthopaedic trauma fellowship training and is associated with the presence of female faculty. Efforts to mentor and recruit female trainees in orthopaedic trauma fellowship training may lead to greater workforce diversity in orthopaedic trauma.

Analysis of Sex Diversity Within Orthopedic Trauma Surgery Fellowship Programs.

Women continue to be underrepresented in orthopedic surgery and in orthopedic fellowship programs, especially in orthopedic trauma. We aimed to assess sex diversity among faculty and trainees in orthopedic trauma surgery fellowship programs and investigate whether the presence of female faculty in those programs is associated with the recruitment of female fellows. This was a cross-sectional analysis of 63 orthopedic trauma surgery fellowship programs. Information regarding program faculty (as of October 2023) and fellows from 2018 to 2024 was gathered. For programs without publicly accessible information, fellowship coordinators were e-mailed for de-identified sex breakdown of fellows categorized by year. The sex of each fellow and faculty member was categorized as male or female and determined by inference from the fellow's first name and confirmed via Internet search using photos, biographies, and preferred pronouns when available. Of 63 programs with 323 orthopedic trauma faculty, 30 (47.6%) programs had at least 1 female faculty member, with only 4 (6.4%) programs having female fellowship directors. Women made up 12% (n = 39) of orthopedic trauma faculty. Of 399 total fellows identified over the 6-year period, 67 (16.7%) were women, with a notable increase in the representation of female fellows over time, from 10.8% in 2018 to 25.4% in 2024. Although programs with female faculty had a similar proportion of female fellows over the 6-year period as those without, in the most recent fellowship year (2023-2024), programs with female faculty had a higher proportion of female fellows than those without (38.2% vs 13.5%, respectively). This cross-sectional, observational study suggests that female surgeons remain underrepresented in orthopedic trauma fellowship director roles, although we observed an increasing number of female trainees entering orthopedic trauma surgery fellowship programs in recent years. In the most recent fellowship class studied, programs with female faculty had more than double the proportion of female fellows compared to programs without any female faculty.

Analysis of the diversity pipeline for the orthopedic trauma surgeon workforce in the United States

IntroductionThere is a lack of research on the state of racial, ethnic, and gender diversity in the emerging orthopedic trauma workforce. The purpose of this study was to analyze the training pathway for diverse candidates in orthopedic trauma as it relates to race, ethnicity, and sex. MethodsSelf-reported demographic data were compared among allopathic medical students, orthopedic surgery residents, orthopedic trauma fellows, and the general population in the United States (2013–2022). Race categories consisted of White, Asian, Black, and Native American/Alaskan Native (NA/AN), and Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander (NH/PI). Ethnicity categories were Hispanic/Latino or non-Hispanic/Latino. Sex categories were male and female. Representation was calculated at each stage of accredited training. Participation-to-prevalence ratios (PPRs) quantified the equitable representation of demographic groups in the emerging orthopedic trauma workforce relative to the US population. PPR thresholds were used to classify representation as overrepresented (PPR > 1.2), equitable (PPR = 0.8–1.2), and underrepresented (PPR < 0.8). ResultsRelative to medical school and orthopedic surgery residency, fewer female (48.5 % vs 16.7 % vs 18.7 %, P < 0.001), Hispanic (6.1 % vs 4.5 % vs 2.6 %, P < 0.001), Black (6.9 % vs 5.0 % vs 3.1 %, P < 0.001), and Asian (24.0 % vs 14.3 % vs 12.2 %, P < 0.001) trainees existed in orthopedic trauma fellowship training. In contrast, more male (51.5 % vs 83.3 % vs 81.3 %, P < 0.001) and White (62.8 % vs 79.1 % vs 84.0 %, P < 0.001) trainees existed in orthopedic trauma fellowship relative to earlier training stages. There were zero NA/AN or NH/PI trainees in orthopedic trauma (PPR = 0). Relative to the US population, Hispanic (PPR = 0.14), Black (PPR = 0.25), and female (PPR = 0.37) trainees were underrepresented in orthopedic trauma. In contrast, Asian (PPR = 2.04), male (PPR = 1.64), and White (PPR = 1.36) trainees were overrepresented in orthopedic trauma. ConclusionWomen, racial, and ethnic minorities are underrepresented in the emerging orthopedic trauma workforce relative to the US population, and earlier stages of training. Targeted recruitment and guided mentorship of these groups may lead to greater interest, engagement, and diversity in orthopedic trauma.

Management of open fracture and related complications: the Japanese way.

Open fractures continue to be a challenging clinical problem throughout the world, and Japan is no exception. Surgeons are faced with critical decisions throughout the care of these injuries that can have significant effects in clinical outcome, ranging from the type and timing of antibiotic administration, fixation, soft-tissue management, and interventions for postfracture complications. In October 2022, the Japanese Society for Fracture Repair (JSFR) was invited to represent Japan as the Guest Nation society at the 38th Annual Meeting of the Orthopaedic Trauma Society held in Tampa, Florida. The JSFR organized a symposium, entitled "Management of Open Fracture and related complications-the Japanese way," that featured cutting-edge approaches to open fractures in their country, including presentations on the "fix-and-flap" approach, local antibiotics perfusion delivery, and a "chipping" method for the stimulation of bone healing. This article summarizes the content of these 3 presentations from that symposium.

DO ORTHOPAEDIC TRAUMA SOCIETY (OTS) SIMPLE FRACTURES RECEIVE A DIFFERENT STANDARD OF TREATMENT TO OTS COMPLEX FRACTURES?

IntroductionOpen fractures of the tibia are disabling injuries with a significant risk of deep infection. Treatment involves early antibiotic administration, early and aggressive surgical debridement, and may require complex soft tissue coverage techniques. The extent of disruption to the skin and soft-tissue envelope often varies, with ‘simple’ open fractures (defined by the Orthopaedic Trauma Society (OTS) open fracture severity classification) able to be closed primarily, whilst others may require shortening or soft-tissue reconstruction. This study aimed to determine whether OTS simple tibial open fractures received different rates of adequate debridement and plastic surgical presence at initial debridement, compared with OTS complex injuries, and whether rates of fracture-related infection, nonunion, or reoperation differed between the groups.Materials &amp; MethodsA consecutive series of open tibia fractures managed at a tertiary UK Major Trauma Centre between January 2021 and November 2022 were included. Patient demographics, injury characteristics, timing of antibiotic delivery, timing and method of definitive fixation, and frequency of plastic surgical presence at initial debridement were retrospectively collected. The delivery of bone ends at initial debridement was used as a proxy for adequacy of surgical debridement. The primary outcome measure was rate of fracture-related infection, secondary outcomes included rates of reoperation, nonunion, and amputation. Chi2 Tests and independent samples T-tests were used to assess nominal and continuous outcomes respectively between simple and complex injuries. Ordinal data was assessed using nonparametric equivalent tests.Results79 patients with open fractures of the tibia were included. 70.8% of patients were male, with mean age 50.4 years (SD 19.2) and BMI 26.4 Kg/m2 (SD 6.0). Injuries were mostly sustained by low-energy falls (n = 28, 35.4%) and from road traffic accidents (n = 26, 32.9%). 27 (34.2%) were OTS simple open fractures. Simple open fractures were most commonly Gustillo-Anderson grade 1 (38.5%), or 2 (30.8%), whilst complex open fractures were mostly grade 3B (66.7%) (p &lt; 0.001). Fracture-related infection rates in OTS simple and complex open fractures were 25.9% and 25.5% respectively (p = 0.967), and nonunion rates were 32% and 37.8% (p = 0.637). Primary amputation was less common in simple (0%) than in complex open fractures (20%, p = 0.012), there were no differences in delayed amputation rates (7.4% and 6% respectively, p = 0.811). Simple open fractures were less likely to have plastic surgeons present at initial debridement compared to complex open fractures (18.5% and 44%, p = 0.025), and less likely to have bone ends delivered through the skin at initial debridement (25.9% and 61.2%, p = 0.003). There were no differences in patient age, delays to antibiotic administration, or reoperation rates between OTS simple and OTS complex fractures (p &gt; 0.05).ConclusionsDespite involving less significant soft tissue injury, OTS simple open tibia fractures had comparable deep infection and nonunion rates to complex fractures and received early plastic surgical input and adequate debridement less frequently. The severity of open fractures with less significant soft tissue injury may be underrecognized and therefore undertreated, although further prospective study is needed.

Permissive Weight Bearing in Proximal Humeral Fracture Management: A Survey-Based Inquiry in the Netherlands.

Purpose Proximal humeral fractures (PHF) are common, particularly among the elderly due to low-energy trauma. Adequate rehabilitation is essential for functional recovery, whether through conservative or surgical treatment. Permissive weight bearing (PWB) is a relatively new rehabilitation concept, characterized by earlier mobilization of the affected limb/joint after trauma. Multiple studies demonstrated the value of PWB for the lower extremities, but this has not been translated to the upper extremity (i.e. PHF). Therefore, our aim was to investigate the current state and variability of rehabilitation of PHF and the role of implementing PWB principles in aftercare. Materials and methods An online survey, comprising 23 questions about the treatment of PHF, was distributed amongst an estimated 800 Dutch orthopaedic and trauma surgeons via the Dutch Orthopaedic and Dutch Trauma Society newsletter from May 2021 until July 2021. Results Among 88 respondents (n=69 orthopaedic, n=17 trauma surgeons, and n=2 other), most recommended early post-trauma mobilization (<6 weeks). Additionally, 53.4% (n=49) advised starting load bearing after six weeks for conservatively treated patients and 59.8% (n=52) for operative treatment. A wide variation of exercises used after immobilization was found in both groups. The usage of a sling after operative treatment was advised by 86% (n=74) of all 86 respondents. Conclusions The present study found limited consensus about PHF aftercare and the implementation of weight-bearing principles. The majority recommended early mobilization and advised the usage of a sling. A protocol capable of accommodating the diversity in aftercare (e.g. fracture type) is essential for maintaining structured rehabilitation, with PWB emerging as a promising example. More prospective studies are needed to form an evidence-based protocol focusing on the aftercare of PHF.

Consensus on managing open ankle fractures in the frail patient.

Ankle fractures are common injuries and the third most common fragility fracture. In all, 40% of ankle fractures in the frail are open and represent a complex clinical scenario, with morbidity and mortality rates similar to hip fracture patients. They have a higher risk of complications, such as wound infections, malunion, hospital-acquired infections, pressure sores, veno-thromboembolic events, and significant sarcopaenia from prolonged bed rest. A modified Delphi method was used and a group of experts with a vested interest in best practice were invited from the British Foot and Ankle Society (BOFAS), British Orthopaedic Association (BOA), Orthopaedic Trauma Society (OTS), British Association of Plastic & Reconstructive Surgeons (BAPRAS), British Geriatric Society (BGS), and the British Limb Reconstruction Society (BLRS). In the first stage, there were 36 respondents to the survey, with over 70% stating their unit treats more than 20 such cases per year. There was a 50:50 split regarding if the timing of surgery should be within 36 hours, as per the hip fracture guidelines, or 72 hours, as per the open fracture guidelines. Overall, 75% would attempt primary wound closure and 25% would utilize a local flap. There was no orthopaedic agreement on fixation, and 75% would permit weightbearing immediately. In the second stage, performed at the BLRS meeting, experts discussed the survey results and agreed upon a consensus for the management of open elderly ankle fractures. A mutually agreed consensus from the expert panel was reached to enable the best practice for the management of patients with frailty with an open ankle fracture: 1) all units managing lower limb fragility fractures should do so through a cohorted multidisciplinary pathway. This pathway should follow the standards laid down in the "care of the older or frail orthopaedic trauma patient" British Orthopaedic Association Standards for Trauma and Orthopaedics (BOAST) guideline. These patients have low bone density, and we should recommend full falls and bone health assessment; 2) all open lower limb fragility fractures should be treated in a single stage within 24 hours of injury if possible; 3) all patients with fragility fractures of the lower limb should be considered for mobilisation on the day following surgery; 4) all patients with lower limb open fragility fractures should be considered for tissue sparing, with judicious debridement as a default; 5) all patients with open lower limb fragility fractures should be managed by a consultant plastic surgeon with primary closure wherever possible; and 6) the method of fixation must allow for immediate unrestricted weightbearing.

Optimising the Orthopaedic Trauma Society Open Fracture Classification system: a proposal for modification in the context of high civilian gunshot fractures

ObjectivesUniformly classifying long bone open fractures is challenging. The purpose of this study was to propose a modified Orthopaedic Trauma Society (OTS) Open Fracture Classification System, developed in a setting with a high incidence of civilian gunshot fractures.MethodsFrom our prospectively collected database, we identified all patients with open tibia and femur fractures treated with intramedullary nailing over a 4 year period. All open fractures were retrospectively reclassified from the Gustilo-Anderson Classification system to the OTS Open Fracture Classification System.ResultsOne hundred and thirty-seven cases were identified. Ninety per cent of subjects were males. Their mean age was 34 years. The most common mechanism of injury was low-velocity civilian gunshot wounds (GSW) in 54.7% of cases. Soft tissue management was primary closure in 23.4% and soft tissue reconstruction in 24.1%. In 52.6% of cases (these all being secondary to civilian GSW), soft tissue management was healing via secondary intention. This is not included as a soft tissue management option in the OTS classification system. Fracture reclassification using the OTS Open Fracture Classification System was only possible in 47.5% of cases (Simple in 23.4%, Complex B in 24.1%).ConclusionWe conclude that the OTS Open Fracture Classification System is not inclusive of all open tibia and femur fractures as it does not cater for gunshot fractures. We propose a modification as follows: alter ‘wound debridement’ to ‘appropriate wound care’ and to subcategorise ‘Simple’ into type A and B: healing via secondary intention and primary closure, respectively.

Impact of the SARS-CoV-2 outbreak on ACGME-accredited orthopaedic trauma fellowship training

IntroductionThe SARS-CoV-2 viral outbreak created unprecedented challenges in surgical education. Yet, its impact on reported case volume during orthopaedic trauma fellowship training remains poorly understood. We hypothesized that cases performed during orthopaedic trauma fellowship training would decrease by 8 %–17 % during the 2019–2020 academic year corresponding to the 1–2 month moratorium of non-essential cases during the initial SARS-CoV-2 outbreak in the United States. MethodsWe designed a retrospective cohort study of orthopaedic trauma fellows at Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME)-accredited training programs (2018–2019 to 2021–2022). Mean case volumes were compared by case category across academic years. ResultsThere was a −13 % year-over-year decrease in reported case volume during the 2019–2020 academic year (505 ± 126 vs 441 ± 94, P = 0.079, Fig. 1). Case categories with the greatest percentage declines were Treatment of Nonunion / Malunion (−31 %), Fasciotomy (−25 %), External Fixation (−21 %), Forearm / Wrist (−21 %), and Intra-articular Distal Humerus Fracture (−17 %). There was a 7 % year-over-year increase in case volume during the subsequent 2020–2021 academic year with near universal increases in case volume across case categories. ConclusionThere was a 13 % decrease in orthopaedic trauma case volume during the 2019–2020 academic year, corresponding to the SARS-CoV-2 outbreak. Certain trauma case categories experienced the greatest negative impact, which subsequently recovered during the next academic year. These results may help inform accrediting bodies and surgical educators on the impact of future viral outbreaks on orthopaedic trauma fellowship training.

Fellowship-Trained Orthopaedic Trauma Surgeons Achieve Better Postoperative Radiographic Parameters After Intramedullary Nailing of Intertrochanteric Femur Fractures when Compared With Non-trauma-Trained Surgeons.

Intertrochanteric femoral fractures are common orthopaedic injuries accounting for nearly 30% of all fracture-related hospitalizations. Because many factors predictive of failure are related to technical aspects of the surgery, the purpose of this study was to compare radiographic parameters after fixation, comparing fellowship-trained orthopaedic trauma surgeons with surgeons who did not complete an orthopaedic trauma fellowship. We initiated a search for CPT code 27245 across our hospital network to identify 100 consecutive patients treated by five fellowship-trained orthopaedic traumatologists and 100 consecutive patients treated by community surgeons. Patients were then stratified based on their surgeon's subspecialty training (trauma vs community). Primary outcome variables were neck-shaft angle (NSA), a comparison of the repaired NSA with the uninjured side, tip-apex distance, and reduction quality. One hundred patients were included in each group. The mean age in the community group was 77 years compared with 79 years in the trauma group. The mean tip-apex distance for the trauma group was 10 mm compared with 21 mm for the community group ( P < 0.001). The mean postoperative NSA for the trauma group was 133° compared with 127° for the community group ( P < 0.001). The mean difference of the NSA of the repaired side compared with the uninjured side was 2.5° of valgus in the trauma group compared with 5° of varus for the community group ( P < 0.001). There were 93 good reductions in the trauma group compared with 19 in the community group ( P < 0.001). There were 0 poor reductions in the trauma group and 49 in the community group ( P < 0.001). Overall, we have shown that fellowship-trained orthopaedic trauma surgeons achieve better reductions when treating intertrochanteric femur fractures with intramedullary nails. Orthopaedic residency training should emphasize teaching proper techniques and acceptable parameters for reduction and implant placement when treating geriatric intertrochanteric femur fractures.

What's New in Orthopaedic Trauma.

What's New in Orthopaedic Trauma.

Elbow arthroplasty is safe for the management of simple open distal humeral fractures.

Elbow arthroplasty (EA) is an established technique for the treatment of select distal humeral fractures, yet little data exists regarding the safety and outcome of EA in the presence of an open distal humeral fracture where the risk of periprosthetic infection is an even greater concern. We hypothesized that EA does not carry an increased risk of infection or other postoperative complications when performed for simple open distal humeral fractures. Seventeen patients underwent total EA (n=9) or hemiarthroplasty (n=8) for an open distal humeral fracture. The open fracture component was classified according to the Orthopaedic Trauma Society system as "simple" or "complex." Outcome measures collected included the Mayo Elbow Performance Score (MEPS), range of motion, complications, and reoperations. Patients who underwent primary débridement and implantation were compared with those who underwent preliminary débridement procedures and subsequent staged arthroplasty. A systematic review of the existing literature was performed to analyze other reported cases and contextualize our findings. The mean follow-up was 46 months (range, 12-138 months). All fractures were multifragmentary and intra-articular. Sixteen patients had a "simple" open fracture and 1 had a "complex" fracture. The overall mean MEPS was 83 (range, 30-100; standard deviation±17), with a mean flexion-extension arc of 96°. Patients who underwent primary débridement and implantation demonstrated a higher mean flexion arc (116° vs. 79°, P=.02) than those who underwent staged arthroplasty. The mean MEPS was not significantly different between the groups (90 vs. 78, P=.12). Complications included asymptomatic ulna component loosening (n=1), joint instability (n=1), and symptomatic heterotopic ossification (n=3). There were no deep or superficial infections recorded. EA is safe and effective when performed for simple open distal humeral fractures. Primary débridement and implantation may offer functional benefits over a staged approach.

Association between the Orthopaedic Trauma Society classification of open fractures and economic costs.

The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between the Orthopaedic Trauma Society (OTS) classification of open fractures and economic costs. Resource use was measured during the six months that followed open fractures of the lower limb in 748 adults recruited as part of two large clinical trials within the UK Major Trauma Research Network. Resource inputs were valued using unit costs drawn from primary and secondary sources. Economic costs (GBP sterling, 2017 to 2018 prices), estimated from both a NHS and Personal Social Services (PSS) perspective, were related to the degree of complexity of the open fracture based on the OTS classification. Adjusted mean total NHS and PSS costs were £13,785 following treatment of complex fractures and £3,550 following treatment of simple fractures, where the open fracture wound is closed at the end of the first wound debridement, generating a mean difference of £10,235 (95% confidence interval £8,074 to £12,396). Following previous work correlating clinical outcomes with the OTS classification of open fractures, this study suggests that the new OTS classification also correlates with economic costs estimated from alternative study perspectives. Cite this article: Bone Joint J2022;104-B(3):408-412.

Management of patients with hip fracture receiving anticoagulation: What are we doing in Canada?

Background:Direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) are rapidly replacing warfarin for therapeutic anticoagulation; however, many DOACs are irreversible and may complicate bleeding in emergent situations such as hip fracture. In this setting, there is a lack of clear guidelines for the timing of surgery. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the current practices of Canadian orthopedic surgeons who manage patients with hip fracture receiving anticoagulation.Methods:In January–March 2018, we administered a purpose-specific cross-sectional survey to all currently practising orthopedic surgeons in Canada who had performed hip fracture surgery in 2017. The survey evaluated approaches to decision-making and timing of surgery in patients with hip fracture receiving anticoagulation.Results:A total of 280 surgeons representing a mix of academic and community practice, seniority and fellowship training responded. Nearly one-quarter of respondents (66 [23.4%]) were members of the Canadian Orthopaedic Trauma Society (COTS). Almost three-quarters (206 [73.6%]) felt that adequate clinical guidelines for patients with hip fracture receiving anticoagulation did not exist, and 177 (61.9%) indicated that anesthesiology or internal medicine had a greater influence on the timing of surgery than the attending surgeon. A total of 117/273 respondents (42.9%) indicated that patients taking warfarin should have immediate surgery (with or without reversal), compared to 63/270 (23.3%) for patients taking a DOAC (p < 0.001). Members of COTS were more likely than nonmembers to advocate for immediate surgery in all patients (p < 0.05).Conclusion:There is wide variability in Canada in the management of patients with hip fracture receiving anticoagulation. Improved multidisciplinary communication, prospectively evaluated treatment guidelines and focus on knowledge translation may add clarity to this issue. Level of evidence: IV.

Orthopaedic Trauma Research Priorities in Latin America: Developing Consensus Through a Modified Delphi Approach.

Despite a substantial burden of musculoskeletal injury, orthopaedic trauma studies in Latin America are lacking. The purpose of the present study was to identify research priorities among orthopaedic trauma surgeons in Latin America. Research questions were solicited from members of the Asociación de Cirujanos Traumatólogos de las Américas. Participants rated questions by importance from 1 to 9. All questions were redistributed with an aggregate rating, and participants rerated questions with knowledge of group responses. Seventy-eight participants completed the first survey and were included in subsequent surveys. The mean age was 51.8 years, and most participants were male (92%), had completed an orthopaedic trauma fellowship (60.3%), and participated in research (80.8%). Seventeen countries were represented; 5 respondents were from a high-income country, 67 were from an upper middle-income country, and 6 were from a lower middle-income country. Sixty-five questions were identified. Six questions were rated from 1 to 3 ("more important") by >70% of participants: (1) What is the optimal treatment protocol for elderly patients with hip fracture? (2) What is the most effective initial and definitive management of musculoskeletal injury, including timing and surgical strategy, for the polytraumatized patient? (3) What is the ideal state of open fracture treatment, including timeliness and method of antibiotics, debridement, surgical fixation, and closure or coverage, at each hospital level in the health-care system? (4) What patient and fracture characteristics predict infection after musculoskeletal injury? (5) What is the current state of treatment for fracture-related infection, including timeliness and method of antibiotics and surgical intervention, at each hospital level in the health-care system? (6) What is the optimal protocol for temporary management for the hemodynamically unstable patient with a pelvic or acetabular fracture? This modified Delphi study of orthopaedic trauma surgeons in Latin America identified geriatric hip fractures, polytrauma, open fractures, musculoskeletal infection, and pelvic and acetabular fractures as top research priorities. This information is important for resource allocation and goal setting for orthopaedic trauma in the region.

Recommendations on the use of virtual interviews in the orthopaedic trauma fellowship match: A survey of applicant and fellowship director perspectives.

ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to assess applicant and fellowship director (FD) perspectives on virtual interviewing based on the 2019 to 2020 orthopaedic trauma fellowship interview experience and to develop recommendations for future application cycles.MethodsWeb-based surveys were distributed to all matched applicants and orthopaedic trauma FDs after the 2019 and 2020 orthopaedic trauma fellowship match. Thirty-one applicants and 23 FDs completed the survey—response rates of 34% and 38%, respectively.ResultsVirtual interviews were completed by 68% of applicants and 17% of FDs. Twenty-nine percent of applicants felt they were able to familiarize themselves with the culture of programs, and 38% of applicants were satisfied with their ability to present themselves. Most (62%) were comfortable ranking programs based on the virtual interview, but 38% reported the format influenced them to rank a program lower. Among all applicants, 77% preferred the in-person interview. Most FDs (75%) reported virtual interviews limited their ability to familiarize themselves with an applicant, and only 50% were comfortable ranking an applicant afterward. Still, 78% of FDs believe there is a role for virtual interviews in the fellowship match. Choosing a virtual interview may negatively affect applicants as 97% of applicants worry the choice conveys less interest to programs, while 43% of FDs would interpret it as less interest.ConclusionsVirtual interviews have multiple shortcomings but are technically feasible and provide reasonable information to applicants and FDs to complete the match process. Our recommendations, based on the perspectives of applicants and FDs, can guide their implementation.

The Competitive Orthopaedic Trauma Fellowship Applicant: A Program Director's Perspective.

Introduction:In 2018, orthopaedic trauma had the lowest match rate among orthopaedic subspecialties. The purpose of this study was to determine the importance of factors evaluated by orthopaedic trauma fellowship directors when ranking applicants after the interview.Methods:An electronic survey was submitted to fellowship directors and consisted of 16 factors included in a fellowship application. Respondents were asked to rate the importance of these factors for applicants they interviewed on a 1 to 5 Likert scale, with 1 being not at all important and 5 being critical.Results:Thirty-seven fellowship directors responded (63.8%). The highest-rated factor was the applicant interview (mean score 4.82), followed by the quality of letters of recommendation (4.69), personal connections made to the applicant (3.89), and potential to be leader (3.86). Fellowship directors at academic programs rated interest in an academic career (P = 0.003), research experience (P = 0.023), and exposure to well-known orthopaedic traumatologists (P = 0.003) higher than their counterparts at private institutions. Programs with more than one fellow rated potential to be a leader higher than programs with one fellow (P = 0.02).Discussion:Trainees may use this study when compiling an application to optimize their chances of matching at the program of their choice.

The Canadian Orthopaedic Trauma Society: 30 years of randomized controlled trials.

The Canadian Orthopaedic Trauma Society: 30 years of randomized controlled trials.

The Canadian Orthopaedic Trauma Society

This study reviews the past 30 years of research from the Canadian Orthopedic Trauma Society (COTS), to identify predictive factors that delay or accelerate the course of randomized controlled trials in orthopaedic trauma. We conducted a methodological review of all papers published through the Canadian Orthopaedic Trauma Society or its affiliates. Data abstracted included: year of publication; journal of publication; study type; number of study sites; sample size; and achievement of sample size goals. Information about the study timelines was also collected, including: the date of study proposal to COTS; date recruitment began; date recruitment ended; and date of publication. In total, 22 studies have been published through the COTS working group, 13 of which are randomized controlled trials (RCTs). In total, 1,423 individual patients have been involved in COTS studies, a mean of 110 patients per trial (22 to 424). Each study was conducted across a mean of approximately six centres (1 to 11) and took nearly ten years (mean 119.9 months (59 to 188)) from presentation of concept to publication. The mean length of enrolment was 63 months (26 to 113) and the mean time from cessation of enrolment to publication 51 months (19 to 78). Regardless of sample size, the only factor associated with a decreased length of enrolment was a higher number of clinical sites (p = 0.041). Neither study sample size nor length of enrolment were associated with total time to publication. Over the last three decades, COTS has developed a multinational strategy to produce high-quality evidence in the field of orthopaedic trauma through 13 multicentre RCTs. Future efficiencies can be realized by recruitment of more clinical sites, improving connectivity between the sites, and the promotion of national streamlined ethics processes. Cite this article: Bone Joint J2021;103-B(5):898-901.