Trial Of Nonoperative Management Research Articles

Simultaneous Traumatic Fractures of the Atlas and Axis: Presentation, Management, and Outcomes from a Series of 103 Consecutive Patients.

Simultaneous fractures of C1 and C2 are increasingly common, but contemporary series are limited in their evaluation. All patients with traumatic fractures of both C1 and C2 admitted to an academic trauma center from 2012 to 2022 were retrospectively analyzed. Multivariable regression was used to identify characteristics relevant to management and outcomes. 103 patients were identified, most of whom (52.4%) were age ≥80 years, suffered ground-level falls (80.6%), and had minor associated injuries (median Injury Severity Score 1), but had a 28.2% 1-year mortality rate. Landells Type 1 fractures were the most common C1 fracture (50.5%), and dens fractures were the most common C2 fracture (74.8%). Most patients did not undergo MRI, but ligamentous injury was seen in 54.8% of those who did. Fourteen patients (13.6%) had surgery upfront, and 7 (6.8%) had surgery after a trial of nonoperative management. Selection for upfront surgery was associated with neurologic deficits (p=0.010) and age (p=0.026). Dens fracture patients tended to have C2 as their lower instrumented vertebra (p=0.0902), and hangman's fracture patients tended to have C3 as theirs (p=0.0714). Upfront surgery decreased the odds of bony nonunion (p=0.0281). 91.7% of patients with bony nonunion with flexion-extension films had fibrous nonunion. Simultaneous atlantoaxial fractures commonly occur in elderly patients after ground level falls with minor associated injuries. Surgical selection is driven by neurologic deficits and age, and C2 fracture type may influence procedure choice. Surgery decreases the odds of bony nonunion, and fibrous nonunion is common in its absence.

The neurologically intact patient with TLICS 4 or 5 burst fracture should be given a trial of nonoperative management.

Thoracolumbar burst fracture treatment in neurologically intact patients is controversial with many classification systems to help guide management. Thoracolumbar Injury Classification and Severity score (TLICS) provides a framework, but evidence is limited, and recommendations are primarily based on expert opinion. In this retrospective cohort study, data was reviewed for patients with thoracolumbar burst fractures at a Level-1 Trauma Center in New England from 2013 to 2018. Neurologically intact patients without subluxation/dislocation on supine computed tomography were included. Multimodal pain control and early mobilization were encouraged. Patients that failed to mobilize due to pain were treated with operative stabilization. Outcome measures include degree of kyphosis, visual analog scale pain scores, and neurological function. Thirty-one patients with thoracolumbar burst fractures with TLICS scores of 4 or 5 were identified, of which 21 were treated nonoperatively. Kyphosis at final follow-up was 26.4 degrees for the nonoperative cohort versus 13.5 degrees for the operative group (P < .001). Nonoperative patients tended towards shorter hospital lengths-of-stay (3.0 vs 7.1 days, P = .085) and lower final pain scores (2.0 vs 4.0, P = .147) compared to the operative group. Two patients (6%) developed radicular pain with mobilization, which resolved after surgical intervention. No patients experienced decline in neurologic function. A trial of mobilization for neurologically intact TLICS grade 4 and 5 thoracolumbar burst fractures is a safe and reasonable treatment option that resulted in successful nonoperative management of 21 out of 31 (68%) patients.

Medial Malleolar Stress Fracture Treatment and Return to Activity: A Systematic Review.

Medial malleolar stress fractures (MMSFs) naturally appear to occur primarily in athletes participating in sports requiring prolonged running or repetitive jumping. Nonoperative and operative modalities have been described, yielding a wide range of outcomes and return to activity (RTA) rates. To systematically review the current literature to identify reports of MMSFs to better understand the current state of treatment, outcomes, and RTA rate. Studies published in PubMed, Embase, and the Cochrane Library reporting on patients sustaining MMSF from inception to October 2024 were identified. Human subjects, articles published in English, and studies reporting treatment (operative vs nonoperative), outcomes, RTA rates, and the incidence of any complications, were included. Seventeen studies were identified, consisting of 68 patients, with 74% (n = 50/68) of patients being male. Weighted mean patient age was 26.1 (range, 9-73) years. Overuse injury mechanisms during sporting activities accounted for 94% (n = 64/68) of injuries, with soccer being the most commonly reported athletic activity (n = 18). Initial operative management was reported in 44% (n = 30/68) of patients at a weighted mean of 10.1 weeks from symptom onset, with an additional 14 patients undergoing operative treatment following a weighted mean 16.8-week trial of nonoperative management. Complications following treatment were reported in 4 (n = 4/30) patients treated initially with surgery and 2 (n = 2/38) patients initially treated nonoperatively. A total of 98% (n = 57/58) of patients reported successful return to preinjury activity levels at a weighted mean of 3.4 months. Medial malleolar stress fractures are reported to occur primarily in younger, adult patients, commonly as a result of overuse, especially in individuals participating in soccer. Operative management was performed in 65% (n = 44/68) of overall cases with a low rate of complication and a high rate of successful RTA following nonoperative and operative management.

Non-Operative Rehabilitation Principles for Use in Individuals with Acetabular Dysplasia: A North American Based Delphi Study.

Acetabular dysplasia (AD) is defined as a structurally deficient acetabulum and is a well-recognized cause of hip pain in young adults. While treatment of severe AD with a periacetabular osteotomy has demonstrated good long-term outcomes, a trial of non-operative management is often recommended in this population. This may be especially true in patients with milder deformities. Currently, there is a paucity of research pertaining to non-operative management of individuals with AD. To present expert-driven non-operative rehabilitation guidelines for use in individuals with AD. Delphi study. A panel of 15 physiotherapists from North America who were identified as experts in non-operative rehabilitation of individuals with AD by a high-volume hip preservation surgeon participated in this Delphi study. Panelists were presented with 16 questions regarding evaluation and treatment principles of individuals with AD. A three-step Delphi method was utilized to establish consensus on non-operative rehabilitation principles for individuals presenting with AD. Total (100%) participation was achieved for all three survey rounds. Consensus, defined a piori as > 75%, was reached for 16/16 questions regarding evaluation principles, activity modifications, appropriate therapeutic exercise progression, return to activity/sport criteria, and indications for physician referral. This North American based Delphi study presents expert-based consensus on non-operative rehabilitation principles for use in individuals with AD. Establishing guidelines for non-operative management in this population will help reduce practice variation and is the first step in stratifying individuals who would benefit from non-operative management. Future research should focus on patient-reported outcomes and rate of subsequent surgical intervention to determine the success of the guidelines reported in this study. Level V.

A Qualitative Exploration of Stakeholders' Preferences for Early-Stage Rectal Cancer Treatment.

As treatment options for patients with rectal cancer evolve, patients with early-stage rectal cancer may have a treatment choice between surgery and a trial of nonoperative management. Patients must consider the treatments' clinical tradeoffs alongside their personal goals and preferences. Shared decision-making (SDM) between patients and clinicians can improve decision quality when patients are faced with preference-sensitive care options. We interviewed 28 stakeholders (13 clinicians and 15 patients) to understand their perspectives on early-stage rectal cancer treatment decision-making. Clinicians included surgeons, medical oncologists, and radiation oncologists who treat rectal cancer. Adult patients included those diagnosed with early-stage rectal cancer in the past 5 years, recruited from an institutional database. A semi-structured interview guide was developed based on a well-established decision support framework and reviewed by the research team and stakeholders. Interviews were conducted between January 2022 and January 2023. Transcripts were coded by 2 raters and analyzed using thematic analysis. Both clinicians and patients recognized the importance of SDM to support high-quality decisions about the treatment of early-stage rectal cancer. Barriers to SDM included variable clinician motivation due to lack of training or perception of patients' desires or abilities to engage, as well as time-constrained encounters. A decision aid could help facilitate SDM for early-stage rectal cancer by providing standardized, evidence-based information about treatment options that align with clinicians' and patients' decision needs.

P157. Neurologically intact TLICS 4 and 5 burst fractures should be given trial of nonoperative management

<h3>BACKGROUND CONTEXT</h3> Thoracolumbar burst fracture treatment in neurologically intact patients with a TLICS score of 4 is controversial. Scores of 5 are generally accepted to be best treated with surgical stabilization. However, evidence guiding current treatment recommendations is limited and primarily based on expert opinion. <h3>PURPOSE</h3> To evaluate and report on nonoperative treatment of neurologically intact patients with thoracolumbar burst fractures and TLICS score of 4 or 5. <h3>STUDY DESIGN/SETTING</h3> Retrospective Case Series. <h3>PATIENT SAMPLE</h3> Neurologically intact patients with TLICS 4 and 5 burst fractures presenting acutely to a single level-1 trauma center. <h3>OUTCOME MEASURES</h3> Length of hospital stay, supine and upright kyphosis, vertebral height loss, canal compromise, VAS pain score at final followup and neurologic status. <h3>METHODS</h3> Data was retrospectively reviewed for patients with thoracolumbar burst fractures treated at a single Level-1 Trauma Center in New England from 2016 to 2018. Neurologically intact patients without subluxation/dislocation on supine computed tomography and subsequent upright radiographs were identified and counseled regarding treatment options. Multimodal pain control and early mobilization were encouraged. Radiographic parameters and neurologic status were followed over time. Patients that failed to mobilize due to pain were treated with surgical stabilization. <h3>RESULTS</h3> A total of 31 patients with thoracolumbar burst fractures graded TLICS 4 or 5 were identified, of which 21 were ultimately treated nonoperatively. Kyphosis at final followup was 13.5 degrees for the operative group vs 26.4 degrees for nonoperative cohort (p<0.001). Nonoperative patients trended towards shorter hospital length of stay (3.0 vs 7.1 days, p=0.08) and lower final pain scores (2.0 vs 4.0, p=0.14) compared to the operative group (p=0.14). Two patients (6.4%) developed radicular pain with mobilization, which resolved after surgical intervention. No patients in either operative or nonoperative treatment group experienced any decline in neurologic function. <h3>CONCLUSIONS</h3> A trial of mobilization for neurologically intact TLICS grade 4 and 5 thoracolumbar burst fractures is a reasonable and safe treatment option, and resulted in successful nonoperative treatment in 65% of patients in our series. <h3>FDA DEVICE/DRUG STATUS</h3> This abstract does not discuss or include any applicable devices or drugs.

Delayed Operative Management in Complicated Acute Appendicitis—Is Avoiding Extended Resection Worth the Wait ? Results from a Global Cohort Study

BackgroundThe optimal management of complicated acute appendicitis remains undefined. According to current guidelines, a trial of non-operative management with delayed appendectomy may be associated with better outcomes for patients, including a reduced rate of extended resection appendectomy. MethodsWe conducted an analysis of the American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement program to analyze the outcomes of hemodynamically stable patients presenting with complicated (abscess, perforation, or both) appendicitis submitted to early (less than 24 h) or delayed (24 h or more) operative management. ResultsDelayed operative management was associated with a significant reduction of the rate of extended resection appendectomy (RR: 2.15, 95% CI: 1.59 − 2.81, p<0.001). Delayed operative management was associated with a non-significant trend towards reduced mortality (RR: 2.17; 95% CI: 0.98–2.85, p = 0.05). Delayed operative management was also associated with a significant decrease in total operative time and a significant reduction in the rate of postoperative abscess. There was no association between delayed intervention and medical related morbidity (RR: 1.01; 95% CI 0.91–1.11, p 0.811). However, delayed operative management was associated with a significant increase in total length of stay (coefficient 1.10; 95% CI: 1.02 to 1.18, p < 0.001). ConclusionDelayed operative management may be associated with a reduction in the need of extended resection appendectomy, shorter operative time, and a trend towards reduced mortality. On the other hand, it may also be associated with an increased length of in-hospital stay and short-term morbidity.

Acute versus delayed reverse total shoulder Arthroplasty for the management of Proximal Humerus Fractures

ObjectivesProximal humerus fractures (PHF) are common, yet their optimal management remains debated. Reverse total shoulder arthroplasty (rTSA) is an increasingly popular option, particularly for non-reconstructible or osteoporotic fractures. Despite this trend, current literature provides limited guidance with regards to surgical timing and patient selection for rTSA. A trial of non-operative management might be beneficial for many patients who are not clearly indicated for surgery, provided this does not have a major negative impact on results for those who ultimately require rTSA. The purpose of this study was to investigate whether delayed reverse shoulder arthroplasty for fracture (>28 days from injury) is associated with any difference in complication rates or functional outcomes relative to acute surgery. DesignRetrospective cohort study Patients/Participants114 consecutive patients who underwent rTSA as the primary management of a PHF at two Level 1 trauma centers and one academic community hospital between 2004 and 2016. InterventionrTSA as primary management of proximal humerus fracture Main Outcome MeasurementsComplications, range of motion, and patient-reported functional outcomes scores (DASH, PROMIS physical function, and EQ-5D) ResultsEighty-two of 114 patients (72%) underwent early surgery. Complex (4-part, head-split, dislocated) fractures were significantly more common in the acutely treated group. There was no significant difference in complications. Overall complication rate was 11.4%. There was a significant difference in DASH score favoring early surgery, with an average score of 22.4 in acutely treated patients versus 35.1 in delayed patients (p = 0.034). There was a non-statistically significant trend towards better PROMIS physical function scores and ROM in the acutely treated group. ConclusionDelay in performing primary rTSA for management of PHF does not lead to an increase in complication rates but it may come at the cost of worse functional outcomes in patients who ultimately require rTSA.

Simplifying the Volar Distraction Osteotomy for Distal Radius Malunion Repair.

Background Extra-articular fractures of the distal radius are often treated with a trial of nonoperative management if radiographic parameters are within an acceptable range, especially in the elderly population. Unfortunately, some malunions become symptomatic or become grossly misaligned during nonoperative management which require corrective surgery to restore the normal osseous anatomy and restore function. Description of Technique We describe correction of a distal radius malunion utilizing a distraction-type volar osteotomy, a volar plate specific distraction device, and a novel resorbable calcium phosphate bone cement (Trabexus) designed to withstand compressive loads. Patients and Methods Twelve patients with 13 distal radius fractures were included in this study. The average patient age was 60.9 years and average time from injury to corrective osteotomy was 96.3 days. Radiographic measures (radial inclination, volar tilt, and ulnar variance) and clinical assessment (wrist/forearm range of motion and grip strength) were done pre- and postoperatively and compared. Results The average time from corrective surgical osteotomy to final clinical follow-up was 375.8 days. After surgical intervention, there was a statistically significant improvement in mean volar tilt (-19.8 vs. +0.5 degrees) and mean ulnar variance (+2.8 vs. -0.4 mm). Improvements were also seen in grip strength (1.7 vs. 43.6 lb), wrist flexion (30.5 vs. 48.3 degrees), wrist extension (33.3 vs. 53.8 degrees), forearm pronation (75.0 vs. 88.8 degrees), and forearm supination (53.8 vs. 81.3 degrees). On average, 56.0% of Trabexus bone substitute remained on final clinical radiographs. Conclusion This simplified technique of distraction corrective osteotomy after distal radius malunion results in improved clinical and radiographic outcomes for patients.

Non-operative Management of Small Bowel Obstruction in Patients with No Previous Abdominal Surgery: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.

While the contemporary management of adhesive small bowel obstruction (SBO) often includes a trial of non-operative management (NOM), surgical dogma dictates urgent operative exploration in patients without previous abdominal surgery. This dogma has been challenged by recent evidence suggesting most obstructions in this population are adhesive in nature. The objectives of this review were to evaluate the feasibility of NOM in patients with SBO and no history of previous abdominal surgery, to examine the etiologies of SBO in this population, and to explore the rate of adverse events seen following NOM. Embase, Medline, Cochrane, and Google Scholar were searched from inception to September 24, 2019. Articles reporting on NOM for SBO in patients without previous abdominal surgery and without clinical or radiographic features necessitating an emergent operation were included. Data were combined to obtain a pooled proportion of patients discharged without operation following a trial of NOM. 6 studies reporting on a total of 272 patients were included. The pooled proportion of patients discharged following NOM was 49.5% (95% CI 23.7-75.3%). Adhesions were found to be the predominant cause of obstruction. NOM did not appear to increase short-term complications. Most SBOs in patients without previous abdominal surgery are adhesive in nature and many patients can be discharged from hospital without surgery. While the short-term outcomes of NOM are acceptable, future studies are needed to address the long-term outcomes and safety of NOM as a treatment strategy for SBO in patients without previous abdominal surgery.

Physiotherapy utilisation and costs before lumbar spine surgery: a retrospective analysis of workers compensation claims in Australia

BackgroundUnderstanding how much physiotherapy people receive before lumbar spine surgery could give insight into what people and clinicians consider an adequate trial of non-operative management. The aim of this study was to investigate physiotherapy utilisation and costs before lumbar spine surgery under a workers’ compensation claim in New South Wales (NSW), Australia.MethodsUsing data from the NSW State Insurance Regulatory Authority, we audited physiotherapy billing codes used before surgery for people who received lumbar spine surgery from 2010 to 2018. We summarised, separately for fusion and decompression, the time from initiation of physiotherapy to surgery, number of physiotherapy sessions people received before surgery, total cost of physiotherapy before surgery, and time from injury date to initiation of physiotherapy. All analyses were descriptive.ResultsWe included 3070 people (800 had fusion, 2270 decompression). Mean age (standard deviation, SD) was similar between those who received fusion and decompression [42.9 (10.4) vs. 41.9 (11.6)]. Compared to people who had fusion, those who had decompression were more likely to not have any physiotherapy before surgery (28.4% vs. 15.4%), received physiotherapy for a shorter duration before surgery [median (interquartile range, IQR): 5 (3 to 11) vs. 15 (4–26) months], were less likely to have physiotherapy for ≥2 years before surgery (5.6% vs. 27.5%), had fewer physiotherapy sessions before surgery [mean (SD): 16 (21) vs. 28 (35) sessions], were less likely to have > 50 physiotherapy sessions before surgery (6.8% vs. 18.1%), and had lower total physiotherapy-related costs [mean (IQR): $1265 ($0–1808) vs. $2357 ($453–2947)]. Time from injury date to first physiotherapy session was similar between people who had fusion and decompression [median (IQR): 23 (9–66) vs.19 (7–53) days].ConclusionsThere is variation in physiotherapy utilisation and costs before lumbar spine surgery for people funded by NSW Workers’ Compensation. Some people may not be receiving an adequate trial of physiotherapy before surgery, particularly before decompression surgery. Others may be receiving an excessive amount of physiotherapy before surgery, particularly before fusion.

Early operative management in patients with adhesive small bowel obstruction: population-based cost analysis.

BackgroundAdhesive small bowel obstruction (aSBO) is a potentially recurrent disease. Although non‐operative management is often successful, it is associated with greater risk of recurrence than operative intervention, and may have greater downstream morbidity and costs. This study aimed to compare the current standard of care, trial of non‐operative management (TNOM), and early operative management (EOM) for aSBO.MethodsPatients admitted to hospital between 2005 and 2014 in Ontario, Canada, with their first episode of aSBO were identified and propensity‐matched on their likelihood to receive EOM for a cost–utility analysis using population‐based administrative data. Patients were followed for 5 years to determine survival, recurrences, adverse events and inpatient costs to the healthcare system. Utility scores were attributed to aSBO‐related events. Cost–utility was presented as the incremental cost‐effectiveness ratio (ICER), expressed as Canadian dollars per quality‐adjusted life‐year (QALY).ResultsSome 25 150 patients were admitted for aSBO and 3174 (12·6 per cent) were managed by EOM. Patients managed by TNOM were more likely to experience recurrence of aSBO (20·9 per cent versus 13·2 per cent for EOM; P < 0·001). The lower recurrence rate associated with EOM contributed to an overall net effectiveness in terms of QALYs. The mean accumulated costs for patients managed with EOM exceeded those of TNOM ($17 951 versus $11 594 (€12 288 versus €7936) respectively; P < 0·001), but the ICER for EOM versus TNOM was $29 881 (€20 454) per QALY, suggesting cost‐effectiveness.ConclusionThis retrospective study, based on administrative data, documented that EOM may be a cost‐effective approach for patients with aSBO in terms of QALYs. Future guidelines on the management of aSBO may also consider the long‐term outcomes and costs.

Study of blunt trauma abdomen involving liver injuries based on grade of injury, management: a single centre study

Background: Modern treatment of liver trauma is increasingly non-operative. Advantages of non-operative management include avoidance of non-therapeutic celiotomies and the associated cost and morbidity, fewer intra-abdominal complications compared to operative repair and reduced transfusion risks. It is associated with a low overall morbidity and mortality and does not result in increase in length of the hospital stay. The objectives was to study efficacy of non-operative management of blunt liver injury.Methods: Seventy patients were studied, out of which 59 were initially given a trial of non-operative management and 11 patients were immediately shifted to the operating room. Of the 59 patients initially considered for non-operative management, 5 of them became unstable hemodynamically and were operated. Any complications arising in patients in non-operative group were managed with the help of interventional radiological procedures.Results: Total 54 patients were managed successfully without operative intervention which included patients with higher grade of injuries. 11 patients were shifted to surgery on arrival as they did not respond to resuscitation measures. Mortality and morbidity were found to be higher in patients undergoing surgery. Also, number of transfusions required, ICU stay and total number of days in hospital were higher in operated group. High ISS, low BP at admission, higher grade of injury in this study were seen in patients who failed non-operative management.Conclusions: Non-operative management is the initial management of choice in hemodynamically stable patients, irrespective of the grade of injury and is associated with less mortality and morbidity.

NON-OPERATIVE MANAGEMENT OF INDIVIDUALS WITH NON-ARTHRITIC HIP PAIN: A LITERATURE REVIEW

Non-arthritic hip pain is defined as being related to pathologies of the intra-articular structures of the hip that can be symptomatic. A trial of non-operative management is commonly recommended before consideration of surgery for individuals with non-arthritic hip conditions. There is a need to describe a non-operative or conservative treatment plan for individuals with non-arthritic hip pain. The purpose of this literature review was to systematically examine the literature in order to identify and provide evidence for non-operative or conservative management of individuals with non-arthritic hip pain. A proposed home exercise program will be provided for individuals with non-arthritic hip pain. Review of the Literature. A literature search of PubMed, Medline, SPORTSDiscus, and CINAHL was conducted. Keywords included: "hip" AND "femoroacetabular impingement" OR "labral tear." Studies were included if they described non-operative management for individuals with non-arthritic hip pain. Studies were excluded if they recommended a trial of conservative treatment without specific management or interventions and/or activity modification without specific details for intervention. A total of 49 studies met the eligibility criteria and were included in the review. Rehabilitation recommendations were identified from manuscripts including clinical trials, case series, discussion articles, or systematic reviews related to the non-operative or conservative management of non-arthritic hip pain. Rehabilitation interventions focused on patient education, activity modification, limitation of aggravating factors, an individualized physical therapy protocol, and use of a home exercise program. Rehabilitation should address biomechanical deficiencies with neuromuscular training of the hip and lumbopelvic regions. While the current literature on non-operative management is limited, future randomized control trials will establish the effectiveness of specific physical therapy protocols for individuals with non-arthritic hip pain. 3b.

Complicated appendicitis: Immediate operation or trial of nonoperative management?

BackgroundThe optimal treatment for complicated appendicitis remains controversial. We sought to compare clinical outcomes of patients with complicated appendicitis treated with an immediate operation or a trial of nonoperative management. MethodsAdult patients (≥18 years) with complicated appendicitis were included. Patient characteristics and outcomes were compared between the immediate operation group and the nonoperative management group. ResultsA total of 101 patients met our inclusion criteria. Of those, 36 patients received an initial trial of nonoperative management with an 86.1% success rate. Patients who failed nonoperative management required significantly longer hospital stays than those in the immediate operation group (11 vs. 5 days). An immediate operation was performed in 65 patients. Open surgery was required in 9 patients (13.8%). Postoperatively, 7 patients (10.8%) required percutaneous drainage of intraabdominal abscess. ConclusionsNonoperative management was successful in the majority of patients with complicated appendicitis, whereas failure of nonoperative management was associated with prolonged hospital stay. Patients who underwent an immediate operation often required percutaneous drainage of intraabdominal abscess.

Subfibular impingement: current concepts, imaging findings and management strategies

Subfibular impingement is one cause of extraarticular ankle impingement characterized by pain in the lateral aspect of the hindfoot. Associated with severe hindfoot deformity, subfibular impingement can be secondary to posterior tibial tendon dysfunction, calcaneal fracture malunion, or neuropathic or inflammatory arthritidies. MRI often is necessary to rule out other causes of ankle pain. Advanced imaging findings are related to abutment between the fibula and calcaneus and include subcortical marrow edema, cystic changes, sclerosis, and the presence of soft-tissue entrapment or extensive soft-tissue thickening between the fibula and the calcaneus. A trial of nonoperative management should be exhausted prior to open or arthroscopic procedures being considered. However, in recalcitrant cases unresponsive to conservative treatment, there are several surgical procedures described for the management of these deforming forces. Level of Evidence: Level V.

Cost effectiveness analysis of duration of nonoperative management for adhesive bowel obstruction in a developing country.

Adhesive bowel obstruction (ABO) costs billions of dollars in developed countries. Cost is unknown in developing countries. This depends on the type of management and duration of hospital stay. Nonoperative management (NOM) of uncomplicated obstruction is safe for up to 10 days. While it remains cost effective, the most efficient duration of nonoperative management must retain its advantages over operative management. To describe cost effectiveness of various durations of nonoperative management of adhesive obstruction in a developing country. Over 2 year period, Patients who had uncomplicated adhesive obstruction were observed on trial of nonoperative management. Length of hospital stay and success rate were combined as surrogates for Cost effectiveness analysis of 2 to 5 days and ≥7 days nonoperative management. 41 patients (24(58.5%) females) were eligible. Mean age 38.4 ± 14.7 (range 18-80) years. 31 (75.6%) were first time admissions. The most common previous abdominal operations were for appendix and obstetrics and gynecologic pathologies. Median duration of nonoperative management (dNOM) was 4 days, median LOS was 9 days. Nonoperative management was successful in 53.7% (22 patients). Total estimated direct hospital cost of 41 adhesive bowel obstructions was $133,279. Total personnel charges were $112,142. Mean operative and nonoperative management was $4,914 and $1,814 respectively (p <0.0001). Most of successful nonoperative management was within 5 days. 4 days nonoperative management had the highest cost utility. From this study, without indications for immediate surgical intervention, 4 days nonoperative management is the most cost effective course, after which surgical intervention may be considered if there is no improvement.

Non-operative management of isolated single abdominal stab wound: is it safe?

This is a retrospective review of prospectively collected data on our hospital, a Level 1 trauma centre, where stable patients with single abdominal stab wounds are considered for non-operative (conservative) management if they fulfil the criteria with the aid of computed tomography. The aim is to review our current approach in managing these patients. Patients' data were obtained from January 2005 to June 2016. All injuries classed as assault or self-harm by sharp object in Injury Severity Score body region 4 were included. Patients were excluded from this study if they had haemodynamic instability, peritonism, significant findings on computed tomography, intoxicated, sustained head injury, sedated and intubated or evisceration of bowel, impalement of the stabbed object, potential thoraco-abdominal injury and multiple stab wounds. The patients were divided into non-operative and delayed operative groups for analysis. One hundred and sixty-six of the 313 patients who presented with abdominal stab wounds matched our criteria. One hundred and sixty-three patients (98.2%) from the non-operative group were discharged without complications following period of observation, while three patients underwent operative intervention following trial of non-operative management. The mean length of stay for the successful non-operative group and the group which required delayed operative intervention were 2.8 and 6 days, respectively. No morbidity or mortality was recorded in either group. Our observational study showed that in a Level 1 trauma centre, patients with single anterior abdominal stab wound and normal vital signs can potentially be safely managed with non-operative approach provided that these patients are cooperative for close observation.

Management of Acute Unilateral Nondisplaced Subaxial Cervical Facet Fractures.

Few studies have focused on the management of patients with nondisplaced cervical facet fractures. To determine the rate of successful nonoperative management and risk factors for instability in patients with acute traumatic, unilateral, nondisplaced cervical facet fractures. We reviewed patients with single or multilevel unilateral nondisplaced or minimally displaced subaxial cervical facet fractures between 2008 and 2014. Facet fractures were classified as type A1 fractures: superior facet fracture of caudal vertebra; type A2: inferior facet fracture of rostral vertebral; and type A3: floating lateral mass (fracture of pedicle and vertical laminar fracture). All patients were given a trial of nonoperative management with external immobilization using a hard cervical collar. Follow-up clinical data and cervical spine radiographs were analyzed to determine factors associated with instability. Thirty-five patients (34 males, mean age 40.2 ± 2.4 yr) were reviewed. The mean follow-up duration was 2.7 ± 0.4 mo. The distribution of fracture types was type A1 (n = 15), type A2 (n = 4), type A3 (n = 5), type A1 and A2 fractures (n = 10), and type A1 and A3 fractures (n = 1). Nonoperative management was successful in 29 patients (82.9%), and 6 patients developed instability requiring surgery. All patients who failed nonoperative management had associated injuries suggesting a more severe mechanism of injury. No significant association was found between the type of facet fracture and outcome (Fisher's exact test, P = .18). In our series, more than 80% of the patients with unilateral, nondisplaced cervical facet fractures underwent successful nonoperative management in the short term.

Adhesive Small Bowel Obstruction: Early Operative versus Observational Management

We assessed the nonoperative and operative management of adhesive small bowel obstruction (ASBO) and compared complication rates and surgical outcomes. ASBO is a common complication of abdominopelvic surgery. Although patients may respond to nonoperative management, many require surgery. We retrospectively studied patients admitted to Mount Sinai Hospital with a diagnosis of complete ASBO to determine outcomes of nonoperative management. Patients admitted with complete ASBO from 2001 to 2011 were included. Patients with no previous abdominopelvic surgery, surgery within the six weeks preceding admission and obstruction due to other identifiable causes, such as incarcerated hernia, were excluded. Complication rates and outcomes were compared between patients managed with immediate surgery and those managed initially with nonoperative strategies. Of 460 patients admitted with complete ASBO, 106 (23.0%) had surgery within 24 hours of admission. At surgery, 20 (18.9%) had ischemic bowel and 8 (7.5%) had perforations. The remaining 354 patients had a trial of nonoperative management lasting at least 24 hours. Of 354 patients managed initially without surgery, 100 (28.2%) patients were discharged without operative intervention during their index admissions. Among the patients having surgery more than 24 hours after admission, indications for surgery were generally failure to resolve, worsening clinical status, and change in imaging findings. Of those patients observed for at least 24 hours, 40 (15.7%) were found to have ischemic bowel and 5 (2.0%) had perforation at surgery. Rates of bowel resection, stoma creation and postoperative complications were similar for the immediate and delayed surgery groups. Among the delayed surgery group, 71 (28.0%) required a bowel resection and 11 (4.3%) stoma creation. Twenty one per cent had postoperative complications, most commonly ileus. There were no statistically significant differences in the outcomes between immediate and delayed groups regardless of duration of delay. Among patients observed with complete ASBO, 24.6 per cent of patients with adhesive obstruction resolved without surgery or readmission. Delaying operative management did not affect surgical findings or complication rates.