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Objective To assess whether the fixation method and vitamin D supplementation affect the risk of patient-important outcomes within 12 months of injury in nongeriatric femoral neck fracture patients. Design A pilot factorial randomized controlled trial. Setting Fifteen North American clinical sites. Participants Ninety-one adults 18-60 years of age with a femoral neck fracture requiring surgical fixation. Intervention Participants were randomized to a surgical intervention (sliding hip screw or cancellous screws) and a vitamin D intervention (vitamin D3 4000 IU daily vs. placebo for 6 months). Main outcome measurements The primary clinical outcome was a composite of patient-important complications (reoperation, femoral head osteonecrosis, severe femoral neck malunion, and nonunion). Secondary outcomes included fracture-healing complications and radiographic fracture healing. Results Eighty-six participants with a mean age of 41 years were included. We found no statistically significant difference in the risk of patient-important outcomes between the surgical treatment arms (hazard ratio 0.90, 95% confidence interval 0.40-2.02, P = 0.80) and vitamin D supplementation treatment arms (hazard ratio 0.96, 95% confidence interval 0.42-2.18, P = 0.92). Conclusions These pilot trial results continue to describe the results of current fixation implants, inform the challenges of improving outcomes in this fracture population, and may guide future vitamin D trials to improve healing outcomes in young fracture populations. Although the pilot trial was not adequately powered to detect treatment effects, publishing these results may facilitate future meta-analyses on this topic. Level of evidence Therapeutic Level II. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

OBJECTIVES To determine the association between displaced femoral shaft bone fragments ("spikes") seen on radiographs after intramedullary nail insertion and the need for future motion surgery. DESIGN Retrospective case-control study. SETTING Academic trauma center. PATIENTS We included patients with femoral shaft fractures treated with intramedullary nail insertion. Case patients (n = 22) had developed knee stiffness treated with motion surgery. The control group was a randomly selected sample (1:3 ratio). MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Motion surgery to address knee stiffness. We defined a "spike distance ratio" and "spike area ratio" from initial postoperative anteroposterior and lateral radiographs. Multivariable logistic regression determined the effect of spike distance and area ratios on the likelihood of need for motion surgery, controlling for polytraumatic injuries and bilateral fractures. RESULTS The case group had a median femoral spike distance ratio of 1.9 [interquartile range (IQR), 1.6-2.5] compared with 1.5 (IQR, 1.2-1.8) in the control group. An increased femoral spike distance ratio was associated with increased odds of motion surgery (P 2 times the femoral radius had 32 times the odds (95% confidence interval, 2-752) of motion surgery compared with patients with distance ratios

Objectives To determine whether using topical vancomycin powder in fracture surgery may result in low levels of vancomycin in the serum and not result in nephrotoxicity. Design Prospective observational at a single site as a substudy of the VANCO trial. Setting Single, large urban level I trauma center. Patients/participants Fifty-eight patients with tibial plateau and pilon fractures randomized to the treatment arm at the principal investigator's site. Intervention Topical vancomycin powder (1000 mg) applied directly in the wound over all metal implants at the time of wound closure. Main outcome measurements Serum vancomycin levels at 1 hour and 6-8 hours after surgery. Secondary outcomes included serum creatinine before surgery, a day after surgery, and at 2 weeks postoperatively and complete blood count at 2 weeks postoperatively. Results Except in 2 patients who also received intravenous vancomycin, none of the study patients had detectable (>5 µg/mL) serum vancomycin levels at 1 hour and 6-8 hours after surgery. One patient with a history of elevation of serum creatinine had a minor increase of serum creatinine but had undetectable vancomycin levels. None of the other patients had a clinically significant increase in creatinine levels. Conclusions Despite its relatively widespread usage, little data exist regarding the systemic levels and nephrotoxicity associated with the topical use of vancomycin powder in orthopaedic fracture surgery. These prospective data indicate that there seems to be little clinical concern regarding toxicity associated with systemic absorption of vancomycin powder in this specific clinical application. Level of evidence Therapeutic Level IV. See instructions for authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

Objectives To determine whether patients with operatively treated fractures and surgical site infection after use of topical vancomycin powder have a lower proportion of Staphylococcus aureus infections than patients who did not receive topical vancomycin powder. Design Retrospective cohort study. Setting Level I trauma center. Patients Treatment group: 10 of 133 patients (145 fractures) with surgical site infections who received intrawound vancomycin powder at the time of wound closure for fracture fixation. Control group: 175 patients who sustained deep surgical site infections during the same period but did not receive vancomycin powder. Intervention Vancomycin powder or no vancomycin powder. Main outcome measurement Proportion of patients' cultures positive for S. aureus. Results The proportion of cultures positive for S. aureus was significantly lower in patients with surgical site infection who received vancomycin powder than in those who did not receive vancomycin powder (10% [1 of 10 patients in the treatment group] vs. 50% [87 of 175 patients in the control group]; P = 0.02). A trend was observed for a lower proportion of methicillin-resistant S. aureus (0% vs. 23%; P = 0.12). Conclusions Vancomycin powder might alter the bacteriology of surgical site infections and decrease the proportion in culture of the most common organism typically present after fracture surgery infection. These findings suggest that the application of vancomycin powder might change the bacteriology of surgical site infections when they occur, regardless of the effect on overall infection rates. Although our bacteriology results are clinically and statistically significant, these findings must be confirmed in larger randomized controlled trials. Level of evidence Therapeutic Level III. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

OBJECTIVES To determine whether Hounsfield units (HUs) measured on perioperative computed tomographic scans are associated with radiographic outcomes and reoperations after femoral neck fracture fixation. DESIGN Retrospective cohort study. SETTING Level I trauma center. PATIENTS One hundred fourteen patients age ≥18 years, who presented to a Level I trauma center, and who underwent surgical fixation of intracapsular femoral neck fracture and had perioperative computed tomographic scans and adequate follow-up. INTERVENTION None. MAIN OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS Screw penetration, femoral neck shortening >5 mm, and revision surgery. RESULTS A median follow-up was 23 months. An HU measurement of the femoral head was significantly associated with screw penetration and femoral neck shortening but not revision surgery. Patients with middle femoral head HU measurements

Objectives: To conduct a pilot trial for the Fixation using Alternative Implants for the Treatment of Hip Fractures (FAITH-2) protocol to assess feasibility of a definitive trial. Design: Pilot trial. Setting: Twenty-five clinical sites across North America and Australia were initiated, but enrolment occurred in only 15 North American sites. Patients/Participants: Ninety-one randomized adults aged 18 to 60 years with a femoral neck fracture requiring surgical fixation. Intervention: Eligible patients were randomized to receive surgical treatment (sliding hip screw or cancellous screws) AND nutritional supplementation (4000 IU of vitamin D or placebo) for 6 months postfracture. Main Outcome Measurements: Feasibility outcomes included: clinical site initiation, participant enrolment rate, proportion of participants with complete 12-month follow-up, level of data quality, and rate of protocol adherence (number of randomization errors, crossovers between treatment groups, and daily supplementation adherence). Results: Eighty-six of 91 participants randomized into the pilot trial from 15 North American hospitals were deemed eligible. Four of five primary feasibility criteria were not achieved as we were unable to initiate clinical sites outside of North America and Australia due to feasibility constraints, slow participant enrolment (60 participants recruited over 36 mo), low adherence with daily nutritional supplementation at the 6-week (72.1%), 3-month (60.5%), and 6-month (54.7%) follow-up visits, and a high loss to follow-up rate of 22.1% at 12 months. Conclusions: Despite not meeting key feasibility criteria, we increased our knowledge on the logistics and anticipated barriers when conducting vitamin D supplementation trials in this trauma population, which can be used to inform the design and conduct of future trials on this topic.

SUMMARY Acetabular fractures may not always be amenable to classic clamp-assisted reductions and interfragmentary lag screw fixation. The routine clamp-assisted reductions with limited osseous territory availability can inhibit typical 3.5-mm reconstruction plate application. Provisional minifragment plate fixation of these fracture patterns with subsequent clamp removal allows for definitive plate application. The provisional minifragment plates may also be retained to theoretically augment fixation. The authors present a step-by-step technique and clinical series of 57 patients demonstrating provisional minifragment fixation of elementary (n = 8) and associated (n = 49) acetabular fractures.

Subtrochanteric femur fractures associate with a relatively high complication rate and are traditionally treated operatively with a period of limited weight bearing. Transitioning from extramedullary to intramedullary implants, there are increasing biomechanical and clinical data to support early weight bearing. This multicenter retrospective study examines the effect of postoperative weight bearing as tolerated (WBAT) for subtrochanteric femur fractures. We hypothesize that WBAT will result in a decreased length of stay (LOS) without increasing the incidence of re-operation.This study assesses total LOS and postoperative LOS after intramedullary fixation for subtrochanteric fractures between postoperative weight bearing protocols across 6 level I trauma centers (n = 441). Analysis techniques consisted of multivariable linear regression and nonparametric comparative tests. Additional subanalyses were performed, targeting mechanism of injury (MOI), Winquist-Hansen fracture comminution, 20-year age strata, and injury severity score (ISS).Total LOS was shorter in WBAT protocol within the overall sample (7.4 vs 9.7 days; p 0.01). Rates of re-operation were similar between the two groups (10.6% vs 10.5%; p = 0.99). Stratified analysis identified patients between ages 41-80, WH comminution 2-3, high MOI, and ISS between 6-15 and 21-25 to demonstrate a significant reduction in LOS as a response to WBAT.An immediate postoperative weight bearing as tolerated protocol in patients with subtrochanteric fractures reduced length of hospital stay with no significant difference in reoperation and complication rates. If no contraindication exists, immediate weight bearing as tolerated should be considered for patients with subtrochanteric femur fractures treated with statically locked intramedullary nails.Therapeutic Level III.

Author(s): Pogorzelski, David; Nguyen, Uyen; McKay, Paula; Thabane, Lehana; Camara, Megan; Ramsey, Lolita; Seymour, Rachel; Goodman, J Brett; McGee, Sheketha; Fraifogl, Joanne; Hudgins, Andrea; Tanner, Stephanie L; Bhandari, Mohit; Slobogean, Gerard P; Sprague, Sheila; PREP-IT Investigators Executive Committee:; Steering Committee; Adjudication Committee; Data and Safety Monitoring Committee; Research Methodology Core; Patient Centred Outcomes Core; Orthopaedic Surgery Core; Operating Room Core; Infectious Disease Core; Military Core; McMaster University Methods Center; University of Maryland School of Medicine Administrative Center; University of Maryland School of Pharmacy, The PATIENTS Program; PREP-IT Clinical Sites: Lead Clinical Site (Aqueous-PREP and PREPARE); Aqueous-PREP and PREPARE; Aqueous-PREP; PREPARE; PREP-IT Investigators Executive Committee | Abstract: IntroductionPragmatic trials in comparative effectiveness research assess the effects of different treatment, therapeutic, or healthcare options in clinical practice. They are characterized by broad eligibility criteria and large sample sizes, which can lead to an unmanageable number of participants, increasing the risk of bias and affecting the integrity of the trial. We describe the development of a sampling strategy tool and its use in the PREPARE trial to circumvent the challenge of unmanageable work flow.MethodsGiven the broad eligibility criteria and high fracture volume at participating clinical sites in the PREPARE trial, a pragmatic sampling strategy was needed. Using data from PREPARE, descriptive statistics were used to describe the use of the sampling strategy across clinical sites. A Chi-square test was performed to explore whether use of the sampling strategy was associated with a reduction in the number of missed eligible patients.Results7 of 20 clinical sites (35%) elected to adopt a sampling strategy. There were 1539 patients excluded due to the use of the sampling strategy, which represents 30% of all excluded patients and 20% of all patients screened for participation. Use of the sampling strategy was associated with lower odds of missed eligible patients (297/4545 (6.5%) versus 341/3200 (10.7%) p l 0.001).ConclusionsImplementing a sampling strategy in the PREPARE trial has helped to limit the number of missed eligible patients. This sampling strategy represents a simple, easy to use tool for managing work flow at clinical sites and maintaining the integrity of a large trial.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the association between prophylactic antibiotic duration after the definitive wound closure of an open fracture and deep surgical site infection (SSI). DESIGN: Retrospective cohort study. SETTING: 41 clinical sites in the United States, Canada, Australia, Norway, and India. PARTICIPANTS: Patients (N = 2400) with open fractures of the extremities who participated in the Fluid Lavage of Open Wounds (FLOW) trial. INTERVENTION: Extended antibiotic prophylaxis, defined as more than 72 hours of continuous antibiotic use after definitive wound closure. MAIN OUTCOME MEASUREMENT: Deep SSI diagnosed within 1 year of enrollment. RESULTS: Forty-two percent of participants received extended antibiotic prophylaxis. Deep SSI prevalence was 5%, 8%, and 23% for wounds with mild, moderate, and severe contamination, respectively. In open fractures with mild contamination, extended antibiotic use showed a trend toward increased odds [adjusted odds ratio (aOR) = 1.39; 95% confidence interval (CI), 0.92–2.11] of deep SSI compared with shorter use. No association was found among patients with moderate contamination (aOR = 1.09; 95% CI, 0.53–2.27). By contrast, extended antibiotic prophylaxis was strongly protective (aOR = 0.20; 95% CI, 0.07–0.60) against deep SSI in patients with severe contamination. Propensity score sensitivity analysis results were consistent with these findings. CONCLUSIONS: The evidence suggests differential effects of extended postclosure antibiotic duration on SSI odds contingent on the degree of contamination in open fracture wounds. Although extended antibiotic duration resulted in lower odds of SSI among patients with severely contaminated wounds, we observed a trend toward higher odds of SSI in mildly contaminated wounds. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic Level III. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

There is a significant global burden of disease associated with the management of hip fractures. Despite numerous studies that are focused on the treatment of patients with proximal femur fractures, the management of these injuries remains controversial. Clinicians should become familiar with the current evidence regarding the management of these common injuries and understand the key issues and controversies because they will have important implications given the large-scale effect of hip fractures internationally.

We recorded measurements of muscle perfusion using near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) and intramuscular pressure (IMP) in a study designed to develop a decision rule for predicting acute compartment syndrome (ACS). The purpose of this study was to report our experience measuring NIRS data in the context of this broader investigation and to explore factors related to variations in data capture.One hundred and eighty-five patients with lower-leg injuries had data consisting of continuous NIRS measurement of the O2 saturation in the anterior compartment of the injured limb and the contralateral (control) limb, and continuous IMP recording in the anterior and deep posterior compartments of the injured leg as part of their participation in an institutional review board-approved multicenter trial. All monitoring was done for a prescribed period of time. For both types of data, the percentage of valid data capture was defined as the ratio of the minutes of observed data points within a physiological range to the total minutes of expected data points. Clinically useful NIRS data required simultaneous data from the injured and control limbs to calculate the ratio. Statistical tests were used to compare the 2 methods as well as factors associated with the percent of valid NIRS data capture.For the original cohort, clinically useful NIRS data were available a median of 9.1% of the expected time, while IMP data were captured a median of 87.6% of the expected time (p0.001). Excluding 46 patients who had erroneous NIRS data recorded, the median percentage was 31.6% for NIRS compared with 87.4% for IMP data (p0.00001). Fractures with an associated hematoma were less likely to have valid data points (odds ratio [OR], 0.53; p = 0.04). Gustilo types-I and II open fractures were more likely than Tscherne grades C0 and C1 closed fractures to have valid data points (OR, 1.97; p = 0.03).In this study, NIRS data were not collected reliably. In contrast, IMP measurements were collected during85% of the expected monitoring period. These data raise questions about the utility of current NIRS data capture technology for monitoring oxygenation in patients at risk of ACS.

Purpose To develop and test a computed tomography (CT)-based predictive model for major arterial injury after blunt pelvic ring disruptions that incorporates semiautomated pelvic hematoma volume quantification. Materials and Methods A multivariable logistic regression model was developed in patients with blunt pelvic ring disruptions who underwent arterial phase abdominopelvic CT before angiography from 2008 to 2013. Arterial injury at angiography requiring transarterial embolization (TAE) served as the outcome. Areas under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve (AUCs) for the model and for two trauma radiologists were compared in a validation cohort of 36 patients from 2013 to 2015 by using the Hanley-McNeil method. Hematoma volume cutoffs for predicting the need for TAE and probability cutoffs for the secondary outcome of mortality not resulting from closed head injuries were determined by using ROC analysis. Correlation between hematoma volume and transfusion was assessed by using the Pearson coefficient. Results Independent predictor variables included hematoma volume, intravenous contrast material extravasation, atherosclerosis, rotational instability, and obturator ring fracture. In the validation cohort, the model (AUC, 0.78) had similar performance to reviewers (AUC, 0.69-0.72; P = .40-.80). A hematoma volume cutoff of 433 mL had a positive predictive value of 87%-100% for predicting major arterial injury requiring TAE. Hematoma volumes correlated with units of packed red blood cells transfused (r = 0.34-0.57; P = .0002-.0003). Predicted probabilities of 0.64 or less had a negative predictive value of 100% for excluding mortality not resulting from closed head injuries. Conclusion A logistic regression model incorporating semiautomated hematoma volume segmentation produced objective probability estimates of major arterial injury. Hematoma volumes correlated with 48-hour transfusion requirement, and low predicted probabilities excluded mortality from causes other than closed head injury. © RSNA, 2018 Online supplemental material is available for this article.

Orthopedic trauma patients are often treated with venous thromboembolism (VTE) chemoprophylaxis with aspirin or low molecular weight heparin (LMWH) after discharge from their index admission, but adherence patterns are not known. We hypothesized that overall adherence would be moderate and greater with aspirin compared to LMWH.We conducted a randomized controlled trial of adult trauma patients with an operative extremity fracture or any pelvic/acetabular fracture requiring VTE prophylaxis. Patients were randomized to receive either LMWH 30 mg BID or aspirin 81 mg BID. Patients prescribed outpatient prophylaxis were contacted between 10 and 21 days after discharge to assess adherence measured by the validated Morisky Medication Adherence Scale (MMAS-8). Adherence scores were compared between the two treatment arms with similar results for intention-to-treat and as-treated analyses. As-treated multivariable logistic regression was performed to determine factors associated with low-medium adherence scores.One hundred fifty patients (64 on LMWH, 86 on aspirin) on chemoprophylaxis at time of follow-up completed the questionnaire. As-treated analysis showed that adherence was high overall (mean MMAS 7.2 out of 8, SD 1.5) and similar for the two regimens (LMWH: 7.4 vs. aspirin: 7.0, p = 0.13). However, patients on LMWH were more likely to feel hassled by their regimen (23% vs. 9%, p = 0.02). In a multivariable model, low-medium adherence was associated with taking LMWH as the prophylaxis medication (aOR 2.34, CI 1.06-5.18, p = 0.04), having to self-administer the prophylaxis (aOR 4.44, CI 1.45-13.61, p0.01), being of male sex (aOR 2.46, CI 1.10-5.49, p = 0.03), and of younger age (aOR 0.72 per additional 10 years of age, CI 0.57-0.91, p0.01).Overall post-discharge adherence with VTE prophylaxis was high. Several factors, including prophylaxis by LMWH, were associated with decreased adherence. These factors should be considered when managing patients and designing efficacy trials.Therapeutic, level II.

Objectives Posterolateral bone grafting to treat nonunions of the distal two-thirds of the tibia avoids the often traumatized and more tenuous anterior soft-tissue envelope. Few modern reports of its effectiveness are available. We assessed whether posterolateral bone grafting leads to high union and low complication rates. Methods We conducted a retrospective review at a Level I trauma center. Our study group was 59 patients with distal two-thirds tibial fractures treated with posterolateral bone grafting. Patients included those with history of deep surgical site infection (SSI) before bone grafting (n = 17), established nonunions (n = 42), and impending nonunions associated with open fractures and bone gaps (n = 17). All patients were followed for a minimum of 12 months unless they achieved union before that time point. Our primary outcome measurement was fracture union. Secondary outcome measurements were any complication associated with the approach and infection requiring return to the operating room. Results Fracture union was achieved in 44 (75%) of 59 patients without further intervention. The mean interval to union was 9.9 months (range, 3–22). Of 11 infected nonunions treated, nine progressed to union. Seventeen of 23 patients with defects >2 cm, including defects up to 5.4 cm without infection, were successfully treated. Two patients who underwent grafting at least 10 years after initial injury achieved union. No complications were associated with the approach (specifically, no wound breakdown, vascular injury, or tendon injury). Fourteen percent of patients experienced SSI after bone grafting. Seven of eight deep SSI occurred in patients with previous infection or positive intraoperative cultures. Only one (3%) of 36 patients without infection pre- or intraoperatively experienced SSI. Conclusions Even in this relatively difficult patient cohort that included large bone gaps and history of infection, union was achieved at a relatively high rate with posterolateral bone graft. The approach seems to be safe, considering no known complications specifically associated with the approach occurred, and seems to reduce the risk of SSI in the absence of previous infection.

Background: Chronic pain is a significant problem for patients with lower extremity injuries. While pain hypersensitivity has been identified in many chronic pain conditions, it is not known whether patients with chronic pain following lower extremity fracture report pain hypersensitivity in the injured leg. Purpose: To quantify and compare peripheral somatosensory function and sensory nerve activation thresholds in persons with chronic pain following lower extremity fractures with a cohort of persons with no history of lower extremity fractures. Method: This was a cross-sectional study where quantitative sensory testing and current perception threshold testing were conducted on the injured and noninjured legs of cases and both legs of controls. Results: A total of 14 cases and 28 controls participated in the study. Mean time since injury at the time of testing for cases was 22.3 (standard deviation = 12.1) months. The warmth detection threshold ( p = .024) and nerve activation thresholds at 2,000 Hz ( p < .001) and 250 Hz ( p = .002), respectively, were significantly higher in cases compared to controls. Conclusion: This study suggests that patients with chronic pain following lower extremity fractures may experience hypoesthesia in the injured leg, which contrasts with the finding of hyperesthesia previously observed in other chronic pain conditions but is in accord with patients with nerve injuries and surgeries. This is the first study to examine peripheral sensory nerve function at the site of injury in patients with chronic pain following lower extremity fractures using quantitative sensory testing and current perception threshold testing.

Removal of symptomatic implants is a common procedure performed by orthopaedic trauma surgeons. No guidance is available regarding which factors contribute to the likelihood of an implant becoming symptomatic. Our objective was to determine whether radiographic parameters associated with distal interlocks in retrograde femoral nails are associated with the rate of symptomatic screw removal.We conducted a retrospective review at a Level I trauma center. Study patients (n=442) had femoral fractures treated with retrograde intramedullary nails from 2007 to 2014 and at least 1year of follow-up. The main outcome measurement was symptomatic distal screw removal as predicted by radiographic parameters.Symptomatic screw removal occurred in 12% of the patients. Increased distance between the most distal screw and the articular surface of the femur significantly reduced likelihood of symptomatic screw removal. A cutoff of 40mm from the articular block was predictive of removal (≥40mm, 0% removal;40mm, 18% removal, p0.0001). In patients with distal screws placed within 40mm of the articular surface of the femur, a ratio of screw length to distance between medial and lateral femoral cortices that was ≥1 was a strong predictor of symptomatic screw removal (area under Receiver Operating Characteristic curve, 0.75; p0.0001).More distal screws and screws that radiographically extend to or beyond the medial cortex are more likely to cause pain and require removal in femoral fractures treated with retrograde intramedullary nails. We identified a specific distance from the joint (40mm) and a ratio of screw length to bone width (≥1) that significantly increased the likelihood of symptomatic screw removal. Clinicians can use these data to inform patients of the likely risk of implant removal and perhaps to better guide placement and length of screws when the clinical scenario allows some flexibility in location and length of screws.

Background Traumatic injury is a major source of chronic pain, particularly for individuals with traumatic fracture of the fibula and/or tibia (lower extremity fracture [LEFx]). Although several factors (e.g., older age, being female, high pain intensity at time of initial injury) have been identified as risk factors for chronic pain associated with LEFx. Comprehensive biopsychosical models to predict the odds of transitioning from acute to chronic pain after LEFx are needed to better understand the underlying processes, predict risk for chronic pain, and develop personalized therapies for individuals at higher risk for developing chronic pain. Objective The aim of the study was to outline the study design that will be used to examine the physiological, psychological, and genetic/genomic variables-models that predict the transition from acute to chronic pain after LEFx. Method This prospective descriptive cohort study will enroll 240 participants with a fibula and/or tibia fracture and 40 controls with no LEFx. Data will be collected during an in-hospital baseline visit, five in-person clinic visits (6 weeks, 12 weeks, 24 weeks, 52 weeks, and 24 months), and seven online between-visit surveys (2 weeks, 4 weeks, 8 weeks, 10 weeks, 16 weeks, 20 weeks, and 18 months) from participants with LEFx and at concordant intervals from controls. Measures will consist of 19 questionnaires characterizing pain and psychological status, neurophysiological testing for peripheral sensory nerve function, and peripheral blood samples collections for RNA sequencing. Illumina standard protocols will be used to sequence RNA, and read counts will be used to measure gene expression. Analysis Direct-entry, multiple logistic regression will be used to produce odds ratios expressing the relative risk on each explanatory variable when controlling for other predictors/covariates in the model. Conclusion This study is one of the first to longitudinally characterize the biopsychosocial variables associated with a clinically relevant problem of the transition from acute to chronic posttraumatic fracture pain in individuals with LEFx. Results from this study will be used to construct predictive risk models of physiological, psychological, and genetic/genomic variables associated with increased risk for transitioning from acute to chronic pain status after LEFx. This work will lead to a better understanding of the trajectory of pain and relevant variables over time; initiate a better understanding of variables associated with risk for transitioning from acute to chronic pain; and, in the future, could provide a foundation for the identification of novel therapeutic targets to improve the outcomes of individuals with LEFx.

Background In blunt trauma, orthopedic injuries are often associated with cerebral and torso injuries. The optimal timing for definitive care is a concern. The aim of the study was to develop evidence-based guidelines for damage-control orthopedic (DCO) and early total care (ETC) of pelvic and long-bone fractures, closed or open, and mangled extremities in adult trauma patients with and without associated injuries. Methods The literature since 2000 to 2016 was systematically screened according to Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and meta-analyses protocol. One hundred twenty-four articles were reviewed by a panel of experts to assign grade of recommendation and level of evidence using the Grading of recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation system, and an International Consensus Conference, endorsed by several scientific societies was held. Results The choice between DCO and ETC depends on the patient's physiology, as well as associated injuries. In hemodynamically unstable pelvic fracture patient, extraperitoneal pelvic packing, angioembolization, external fixation, C-clamp, and resuscitative endovascular balloon occlusion of the aorta are not mutually exclusive. Definitive reconstruction should be deferred until recovery of physiological stability. In long bone fractures, DCO is performed by external fixation, while ETC should be preferred in fully resuscitated patients because of better outcomes. In open fractures early debridement within 24 hours should be recommended and early closure of most grade I, II, IIIa performed. In mangled extremities, limb salvage should be considered for non-life-threatening injuries, mostly of upper limb. Conclusion Orthopedic priorities may be: to save a life: control hemorrhage by stabilizing the pelvis and femur fractures; to save a limb: treat soft tissue and vascular injuries associated with fractures, stabilize fractures, recognize, and prevent compartmental syndrome; to save functionality: treat dislocations, articular fractures, distal fractures. While DCO is the best initial treatment to reduce surgical load, ETC should be applied in stable or stabilized patients to accelerate the recovery of normal functions. Level of evidence Systematic review of predominantly level II studies, level II.

Four treatments for geriatric acetabular fractures have been described in the literature to date: nonoperative, percutaneous fixation, open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF), and acute arthroplasty. Data on nonoperative treatment and percutaneous fixation are limited. There are more studies on ORIF and a fair number of small studies on acute arthroplasty. These studies do provide some guidance to clinicians and an excellent starting point for further work. However, the current literature is flawed by small sample size, retrospective methodology, and obvious selection bias that render comparison between techniques impossible. Future work is needed to address this obvious knowledge gap as clinicians currently have significant decisional uncertainty regarding the ideal treatment for any individual patient.

BACKGROUND A preliminary validation study on a computer-based force-feedback simulation platform demonstrated the ability of the simulator to distinguish between novice and experienced users during a simulated hip-pinning procedure. The purpose of the present study was to further investigate whether the simulator and associated training modules are effective for improving user performance during simulated percutaneous hip-pinning procedures. METHODS With institutional review board approval, 24 medical students at our institution were randomized to "Trained" and "Untrained" groups. After a basic introduction, the Untrained group placed 3 guidewires in a valgus-impacted femoral neck fracture with use of the simulator. The Trained group completed 9 simulator-based training modules before performing the same task. Measured outcomes included an overall performance score and the distance from the pin to various ideals on the femoral neck, femoral head articular surface, and lateral cortex. Performance parameters were compared between groups with the Mann-Whitney U test. RESULTS The Trained group achieved a significantly higher overall score (median, 29) compared with the Untrained group (median, 6) (p < 0.01), outperformed the Untrained group in 4 specific performance metrics, and trended toward improvement over the Untrained group in 4 pin placement measures (p < 0.2). CONCLUSIONS Completion of novel training modules for percutaneous hip pinning on this fluoroscopic surgery simulator improves skill performance on simulator-based objective measurements and a simulated orthopaedic procedure compared with non-simulator-trained surgically inexperienced users. Improvement in the overall score and on 4 of 13 specific performance parameters implies that the training modules more effectively teach only certain motor and 3-dimensional spatial skills. CLINICAL RELEVANCE A valid platform such as the one described here has the potential to improve surgical education in orthopaedic trauma.

In polytrauma patients with unstable pelvic ring injuries, pelvic binders interfere with femoral arterial access and are frequently removed for emergent endovascular and abdominal procedures. The ‘trochanteric C-clamp’ (T-clamp) is a novel technique described for rapid stabilization of the pelvis without fluoroscopic imaging, while ensuring adequate access to the groin. This case series reports the feasibility and safety following T-clamp application for unstable pelvic ring injuries in patients requiring simultaneous endovascular intervention. Between May 2018 – May 2019, seventeen patients with unstable pelvic ring injuries were treated with a T-clamp in conjunction with other emergent endovascular or intra-abdominal procedures. Nine presented with unstable APC injuries, seven with unstable LC injuries and one with a vertical shear pattern. Complications related to the T-clamp were prospectively collected. Following T-clamp application, there were two cases of intraoperative over-reduction, one of which required exchange for an anterior external fixator. This was the result of a concomitant acetabulum fracture leading to iatrogenic acetabular protrusion secondary to the T-clamp. Twelve cases maintained the T-clamp fixation postoperatively ranging from 1–3 days. One postoperative loss of reduction was noted and required exchange for anterior external fixator. In hemodynamically unstable patients who require emergent endovascular procedures, such as pelvic angiography and REBOA, T-clamp application offers a reasonably safe and effective method for expeditious stabilization of the pelvis while allowing unimpeded access to the abdomen, groin and pelvis. Caution should also be applied in patients with concomitant acetabulum fracture for risk of malreduction. Additionally, its prolonged postoperative use should be limited to patients who are not immediately suitable for fixation of the pelvis.

To assess whether far-cortical locking (FCL) screws alter the fracture site strain environment and allow shorter bridge plate constructs for supracondylar femoral fractures, we tested the fracture site displacement under force of synthetic left femora with a 5-cm metaphyseal fracture gap, modeling comminution. Five models of nine constructs were tested (three types of diaphyseal screws [nonlocking, locking, and FCL] and two plate lengths [13 holes and 5 holes]). Long plate models using three or four diaphyseal screws (working length 13.5 or 7.5 cm, respectively) were compared with short plates with three diaphyseal screws (working length 7.5 cm). Models were loaded axially and torsionally; 100 cycles in random order. Primary outcome measures were axial and torsional fracture site stiffness. FCL screws decreased rotational stiffness 19% (P < .01) compared with baseline nonlocking screws in the same plate and working length construct, mirroring the effect (20% decrease in stiffness, P < .01) of nearly doubling the nonlocking construct working length (7.5-13.5 cm). Similarly, FCL screws decreased axial stiffness 23% (P < .01) in the same baseline comparison. Fracture site displacement under loading comparable to a long working length nonlocked plate construct was achieved using a shorter FCL plate construct. By closely replicating the biomechanical properties of a long plate construct, a fracture site strain environment considered favorable in promoting fracture healing might still be achievable using a shorter plate length. Clinical Significance: It might be possible to optimize fracture site strain environment and displacement under loading using shorter FCL plate constructs. Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 00:00-00, 2020.

Objectives To compare clinically important mechanical properties of three techniques used to fix transverse olecranon fractures (Arbeitsgemeinschaft fur Osteosynthesefragen and Orthopaedic Trauma Association class 2U1B1): (1) intramedullary (IM) screw, (2) locking plate, and (3) tension band wire in a realistic loading protocol using a cadaveric model. Methods Fresh frozen cadaveric transverse olecranon fracture models were fixed with an IM screw (n = 6), a locking plate (n = 6), or a tension band (n = 6). Compression after fixation was recorded using a pressure sensor in the fracture before samples were loaded through the triceps tendon for 500 cycles of 0–500 N, assessing implant survival. The primary outcome measure was compression force before loading. The secondary outcome was frequency of implant failure defined as breakage of the implant itself or fracture gapping >5 mm. Binary outcomes were compared with χ2, and continuous variables were compared with unadjusted analysis of variance and a multivariable regression model adjusting for age, sex, dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry T-score, and testing order. Results No statistically significant difference was shown in fracture compression between IM screw (mean, 162 N; 95% confidence interval [CI], 27–297 N), locking plate (mean, 125 N; 95% CI, −9–260 N), and tension band (mean, 163 N; 95% CI, 29–298 N) in unadjusted (p = 0.89) and adjusted (p = 0.82) analyses. A 100% implant failure rate was observed with tension band compared with 0% implant failure with IM screw or locking plate (p Conclusion We found no statistically significant differences in compression across the fracture site among techniques. We did find a higher risk of implant failure with tension band compared with IM screw and locking plate during cyclic loading in cadaveric bone.

ObjectiveTo quantify which publicly reported hospital quality metrics have the greatest impact on a patient’s simulated hospital selection for hip or knee arthroplasty.DesignDiscrete choice experiment.SettingTwo university-affiliated orthopaedic clinics in the greater Baltimore area, Maryland, USA.ParticipantsOne hundred and twenty-eight patients who were candidates for total hip or knee arthroplasty.Primary and secondary outcome measuresThe effect and magnitude of acceptable trade-offs between publicly reported hospital quality parameters on patients’ decision-making strategies using a Hierarchical Bayes model.ResultsPublicly reported information on patient perceptions of attention to alleviation of postoperative pain had the most influence on simulated hospital choice (20.7%), followed by methicillin-resistantStaphylococcus aureus(MRSA) rates (18.8%). The understandability of the discharge instructions was deemed the least important attribute with a relative importance of 6.9%. Stratification of these results by insurance status and duration of pain prior to surgery revealed that patient demographics and clinical presentation affect the decision-making paradigm.ConclusionsPublicly available information regarding hospital performance is of interest to hip and knee arthroplasty patients. Patients are willing to accept suboptimal understanding of discharge instructions, lower hospital ratings and suboptimal cleanliness in exchange for better postoperative pain management, lower MRSA rates, and lower complication rates.

A retrospective case-control study was conducted at a level I trauma center to assess whether radiographic details of tibial plateau fixation can predict symptomatic implant removal. Nine hundred fifty-one tibial plateau fractures were treated with open reduction and internal fixation from 2007 to 2016. Eighty-two (9%) were treated with implant removal for localized pain over the implant. A control group was selected from the remaining patients using cumulative sampling. Records and radiographs were reviewed for predictors hypothesized to be associated with implant removal. Based on the authors' multivariable model, implant removal was associated with each additional protruding screw (adjusted odds ratio, 1.32; 95% confidence interval, 1.13–1.55; P P =.02), and lower body mass index ( P =.05). Associations that approached significance were observed with decreased age (adjusted odds ratio, 0.82 per 10 years; 95% confidence interval, 0.66–1.01; P =.06) and closed fractures (adjusted odds ratio, 0.34; 95% confidence interval, 0.10–1.19; P =.09). The model discriminated fractures requiring implant removal with moderate accuracy (area under the curve=0.71). Each additional screw that radiographically protrudes beyond the far cortex increases the odds of symptomatic implant removal by 32%. Bicondylar fractures and lower body mass index are also associated with symptomatic implant removal. These findings might help inform patients and guide fixation techniques to reduce the likelihood of symptomatic implant removal. [ Orthopedics . 2020;43(3):161–167.]

Background This study aimed to address the current limitations of the use of composite endpoints in orthopaedic trauma research by quantifying the relative importance of clinical outcomes common to orthopaedic trauma patients and use those values to develop a patient-centered composite endpoint weighting technique. Methods A Best-Worst Scaling choice experiment was administered to 396 adult surgically-treated fracture patients. Respondents were presented with ten choice sets, each consisting of three out of ten plausible clinical outcomes. Hierarchical Bayesian modeling was used to determine the utilities associated with the outcomes. Results Death was the outcome of greatest importance (mean utility = − 8.91), followed by above knee amputation (− 7.66), below knee amputation (− 6.97), severe pain (− 5.90), deep surgical site infection (SSI) (− 5.69), bone healing complications (− 5.20), and moderate pain (− 4.59). Mild pain (− 3.30) and superficial SSI (− 3.29), on the other hand, were the outcomes of least importance to respondents. Conclusion This study revealed that patients’ relative importance towards clinical outcomes followed a logical gradient, with distinct and quantifiable preferences for each possible component outcome. These findings were incorporated into a novel composite endpoint weighting technique.

The authors aimed to characterize surgical and functional outcomes of open fractures of the distal radius in patients younger than 65 years. At their level I trauma center, the authors conducted a retrospective review of 92 patients (age range, 16–64 years) who had 94 open fractures of the distal radius (average follow-up, 30 months; range, 3–95 months). Sixty-four fractures received definitive treatment at the time of initial débridement; 30 received definitive fixation and soft tissue coverage after staged débridement. Primary surgical outcome was development of deep surgical site infection requiring repeat surgical débridement; secondary surgical outcome was surgical complications requiring reoperation. Functional outcome was assessed by wrist range of motion. Overall infection rate was 15% (14 of 94 fractures). Seven (11%) of 64 fractures in the immediate definitive fixation group developed infection compared with 7 (23%) of 30 fractures in the staged treatment group ( P =.13). Twenty-one (33%) of 64 fractures in the immediate definitive fixation group required reoperation compared with 15 (50%) of 30 in the staged treatment group ( P =.11). Deep surgical site infections and surgical complications associated with open fractures of the distal radius are driven by soft tissue injury. [ Orthopedics . 2019; 42(4):219–225.]

Background Temporary external fixators are often used to stabilize fractures when definitive fracture surgery must be delayed. Sometimes, external fixators are left in place during repeat operations, including definitive internal fixation of tibial pilon and tibial plateau fractures. It is unknown how well current surgical preparation sterilizes these devices, which become part of the surgical field. Our hypothesis was that our institution’s standard surgical preparation creates a low rate of culture-positive environments on external fixators at the time of surgical skin incision. Methods We prospectively consented and enrolled patients to obtain cultures (48 patients, 55 external fixators, 165 sets of culture data). After standard preparation and immediately before incision, cultures were obtained from three sites on each external fixator: 1) most distal pin 1 cm from pin-skin interface, 2) most distal bar at midpoint between pin and clamp connectors, and 3) most distal clamp at bar-clamp interface. Our standard preparation for patients with external fixation in place is to don sterile gloves and wipe down all components of the external fixator with 70% alcohol-soaked sterile 4 × 4 in gauze sponges before skin preparation. The skin and external fixator are then prepped in the usual fashion with ChloraPrep for closed wounds or with povidone iodine scrub and paint for open wounds. Swabs were processed and organisms from cultures identified. Clinicians were blinded to study results until study completion. Results Two of 165 cultures (1.2%; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0–2.9%) were positive for common pathogens sometimes observed in surgical site infection. Four cultures (2.4%; 95% CI: 0–4.8%) had pathogens that are rarely associated with surgical site infection, and four (2.4%; 95% CI: 0–4.8%) had nonpathogenic organisms. Conclusion Using 70% alcohol on external fixators plus either ChloraPrep for closed wounds or povidone iodine for open wounds seems to result in a low rate of positive cultures. Most species that were isolated are infrequently identified as sources of surgical site infections. This preparation protocol might be effective at producing a relatively clean environment at the time of surgery for patients with external fixators already in place.

Background Antibiotic-impregnated cement nails are used to treat postoperative deep infections after primary intramedullary nail insertion for the treatment of tibial fractures. Few data exist regarding the efficacy of this treatment strategy. We hypothesized that such treatment with antibiotic nails results in a high rate of infection clearance at intermediate follow-up. Methods We conducted a retrospective review at our Level I trauma center. Patients who received intramedullary nails to stabilize tibial fractures (from 2000 to 2011) and subsequently required antibiotic nails to treat deep postoperative infection (n = 55) were considered for study inclusion. Patients with less than 6 months of follow-up were excluded, leaving 41 patients in the study group (average age, 41 years; average follow-up, 20 months). Results Thirty-one patients (76%) had no evidence of infection after treatment. The 10 patients for whom treatment failed were shown to have infection within the first 6 months. Two experienced persistent infection after antibiotic nail removal, necessitating massive debridement and ring fixator placement. Four patients underwent repeat antibiotic nail insertion after persistent infection. Three infections resulted in eventual above-knee amputations, and one chronic infection resulted in the need for multiple debridement and saucerization procedures. No complications associated with use of the antibiotic nails were observed. Conclusion The use of antibiotic nails for treatment of tibial infections seems to be a reasonable option, clearing 76% of infections at the 6-month time frame. Further investigation is needed to compare this treatment algorithm with other strategies, such as antibiotic treatment without nail removal and massive debridement with ring fixator placement.

Background We sought to compare the incidence of complications after fixation of displaced femoral neck fractures in young adults treated with fixed-angle devices versus multiple cancellous screws and a trochanteric lag screw (Pauwel screw). Methods We conducted a retrospective cohort study at a level I trauma centre. Sixty-two skeletally mature patients (age range, 16–60 years) with displaced femoral neck fractures were included in the study. Forty-seven were treated with a fixed-angle device (sliding hip plate with screw or helical blade) and 15 with multiple cancellous screws placed in a Pauwel configuration. The main outcome measure was postoperative complication of osteonecrosis or nonunion treated with a surgical procedure. Results Significantly fewer failures occurred in the fixed-angle group (21%) than in the screws group (60%) ( p = 0.008). Osteonecrosis was rare in the fixed-angle group, occurring in 2% of cases versus 33% of cases in the screws group ( p = 0.002). Consistent with previous studies, good to excellent reductions were associated with a failure rate of 25% and fair to poor reductions were associated with a failure rate of 55% ( p = 0.07). The best-case scenario of a good to excellent reduction stabilised with a fixed-angle device yielded a success rate of 85%. Conclusion In young patients with displaced high-energy femoral neck fractures, fixed-angle devices resulted in fewer treatment failures than did Pauwel screws.

BackgroundEmerging evidence suggests aspirin may be an effective venous thromboembolism (VTE) prophylaxis for orthopaedic trauma patients, with fewer bleeding complications. We used a patient-centered weighted composite outcome to globally evaluate aspirin versus low-molecular-weight heparin (LMWH) for VTE prevention in fracture patients.MethodsWe conducted an open-label randomized clinical trial of adult patients admitted to an academic trauma center with an operative extremity fracture, or a pelvis or acetabular fracture. Patients were randomized to receive LMWH (enoxaparin 30-mg) twice daily (n = 164) or aspirin 81-mg twice daily (n = 165). The primary outcome was a composite endpoint of bleeding complications, deep surgical site infection, deep vein thrombosis, pulmonary embolism, and death within 90 days of injury. A Global Rank test and weighted time to event analysis were used to determine the probability of treatment superiority for LMWH, given a 9% patient preference margin for oral administration over skin injections.ResultsOverall, 18 different combinations of outcomes were experienced by patients in the study. Ninety-nine patients in the aspirin group (59.9%) and 98 patients in the LMWH group (59.4%) were event-free within 90 days of injury. Using a Global Rank test, the LMWH had a 50.4% (95% CI, 47.7-53.2%, p = 0.73) probability of treatment superiority over aspirin. In the time to event analysis, LMWH had a 60.5% probability of treatment superiority over aspirin with considerable uncertainty (95% CI, 24.3-88.0%, p = 0.59).ConclusionThe findings of the Global Rank test suggest no evidence of superiority between LMWH or aspirin for VTE prevention in fracture patients. LMWH demonstrated a 60.5% VTE prevention benefit in the weighted time to event analysis. However, this difference did not reach statistical significance and was similar to the elicited patient preferences for aspirin.

Musculoskeletal infections (MSKI) remain the bane of orthopedic surgery, and result in grievous illness and inordinate costs that threaten healthcare systems. As prevention, diagnosis, and treatment has remained largely unchanged over the last 50 years, a 2nd International Consensus Meeting on Musculoskeletal Infection (ICM 2018, https://icmphilly.com) was completed. Questions pertaining to all areas of MSKI were extensively researched to prepare recommendations, which were discussed and voted on by the delegates using the Delphi methodology. The questions, including the General Assembly (GA) results, have been published (GA questions). However, as critical outcomes include: (i) incidence and cost data that substantiate the problems, and (ii) establishment of research priorities; an ICM 2018 research workgroup (RW) was assembled to accomplish these tasks. Here, we present the result of the RW consensus on the current and projected incidence of infection, and the costs per patient, for all orthopedic subspecialties, which range from 0.1% to 30%, and $17,000 to $150,000. The RW also identified the most important research questions. The Delphi methodology was utilized to initially derive four objective criteria to define a subset of the 164 GA questions that are high priority for future research. Thirty-eight questions (23% of all GA questions) achieved the requisite > 70% agreement vote, and are highlighted in this Consensus article within six thematic categories: acute versus chronic infection, host immunity, antibiotics, diagnosis, research caveats, and modifiable factors. Finally, the RW emphasizes that without appropriate funding to address these high priority research questions, a 3rd ICM on MSKI to address similar issues at greater cost is inevitable.

Polytrauma patients who are often obtunded, intubated, and unable to cooperate with an examination, combined with painful high-energy injury to the limbs, create a particularly problematic clinical scenario for recognition of compartment syndrome. Prompt diagnosis and surgical management are paramount in producing optimal outcomes in these patients. Physical examination is routinely inadequate, as participation in clinical examination is often limited due to mental status and distracting injuries. Furthermore, recognition of elevated compartment pressures by physicians has been found to be poor. It is therefore imperative to recognize at-risk patients and specific injuries when diagnosing compartment syndrome, including young males with high-energy proximal tibia fractures. Serum markers including greater base deficits, lactate levels, PRBC requirements, LDH, and CK values have also been associated with compartment syndrome, although their utility remains limited. Intracompartmental pressure monitoring in this patient population remains an appealing avenue, although not without its limitations. In particular, while clinical data seems to indicate that no compartment syndrome will be missed using a Δ P of ≤30 mm Hg as a threshold, this does not necessarily mean that this value indicates the presence of compartment syndrome. Future avenues in the diagnosis of compartment syndrome have included the use of a novel compartment monitoring system catheter, near-infrared spectroscopy to measure tissue oxygenation, and the use of decreasing glucose levels as a marker for compartment syndrome, although most remain far from clinical applicability. With varying conscious states, limited participation in clinical examination, and distracting injuries, it is imperative to identify high-risk injuries and patients and to maintain a high level of clinical suspicion in the polytrauma patient.

Importance The risk of developing a surgical site infection after extremity fracture repair is nearly 5 times greater than in most elective orthopedic surgical procedures. For all surgical procedures, it is standard practice to prepare the operative site with an antiseptic solution; however, there is limited evidence to guide the choice of solution used for orthopedic fracture repair. Objective To compare the effectiveness of iodophor vs chlorhexidine solutions to reduce surgical site infections and unplanned fracture-related reoperations for patients who underwent fracture repair. Design, Setting, and Participants The PREP-IT (Program of Randomized Trials to Evaluate Pre-operative Antiseptic Skin Solutions in Orthopaedic Trauma) master protocol will be followed to conduct 2 multicenter pragmatic cluster randomized crossover trials, Aqueous-PREP (Pragmatic Randomized Trial Evaluating Pre-Operative Aqueous Antiseptic Skin Solution in Open Fractures) and PREPARE (Pragmatic Randomized Trial Evaluating Pre-Operative Alcohol Skin Solutions in Fractured Extremities). The Aqueous-PREP trial will compare 4% aqueous chlorhexidine vs 10% povidone-iodine for patients with open extremity fractures. The PREPARE trial will compare 2% chlorhexidine in 70% isopropyl alcohol vs 0.7% iodine povacrylex in 74% isopropyl alcohol for patients with open extremity fractures and patients with closed lower extremity or pelvic fractures. Both trials will share key aspects of study design and trial infrastructure. The studies will follow a pragmatic cluster randomized crossover design with alternating treatment periods of approximately 2 months. The primary outcome will be surgical site infection and the secondary outcome will be unplanned fracture-related reoperations within 12 months. The Aqueous-PREP trial will enroll a minimum of 1540 patients with open extremity fractures from at least 12 hospitals; PREPARE will enroll a minimum of 1540 patients with open extremity fractures and 6280 patients with closed lower extremity and pelvic fractures from at least 18 hospitals. The primary analyses will adhere to the intention-to-treat principle and account for potential between-cluster and between-period variability. The patient-centered design, implementation, and dissemination of results are guided by a multidisciplinary team that includes 3 patients and other relevant stakeholders. Discussion The PREP-IT master protocol increases efficiency through shared trial infrastructure and study design components. Because prophylactic skin antisepsis is used prior to all surgical procedures and the application, cost, and availability of all study solutions are similar, the results of the PREP-IT trials are poised to inform clinical guidelines and bring about an immediate change in clinical practice. Trial Registration ClinicalTrials.gov Identifiers:NCT03385304andNCT03523962

Importance Numerous studies have demonstrated that long-term outcomes after orthopedic trauma are associated with psychosocial and behavioral health factors evident early in the patient’s recovery. Little is known about how to identify clinically actionable subgroups within this population. Objectives To examine whether risk and protective factors measured at 6 weeks after injury could classify individuals into risk clusters and evaluate whether these clusters explain variations in 12-month outcomes. Design, Setting, and Participants A prospective observational study was conducted between July 16, 2013, and January 15, 2016, among 352 patients with severe orthopedic injuries at 6 US level I trauma centers. Statistical analysis was conducted from October 9, 2017, to July 13, 2018. Main Outcomes and Measures At 6 weeks after discharge, patients completed standardized measures for 5 risk factors (pain intensity, depression, posttraumatic stress disorder, alcohol abuse, and tobacco use) and 4 protective factors (resilience, social support, self-efficacy for return to usual activity, and self-efficacy for managing the financial demands of recovery). Latent class analysis was used to classify participants into clusters, which were evaluated against measures of function, depression, posttraumatic stress disorder, and self-rated health collected at 12 months. Results Among the 352 patients (121 women and 231 men; mean [SD] age, 37.6 [12.5] years), latent class analysis identified 6 distinct patient clusters as the optimal solution. For clinical use, these clusters can be collapsed into 4 groups, sorted from low risk and high protection (best) to high risk and low protection (worst). All outcomes worsened across the 4 clinical groupings. Bayesian analysis shows that the mean Short Musculoskeletal Function Assessment dysfunction scores at 12 months differed by 7.8 points (95% CI, 3.0-12.6) between the best and second groups, by 10.3 points (95% CI, 1.6-20.2) between the second and third groups, and by 18.4 points (95% CI, 7.7-28.0) between the third and worst groups. Conclusions and Relevance This study demonstrates that during early recovery, patients with orthopedic trauma can be classified into risk and protective clusters that account for a substantial amount of the variance in 12-month functional and health outcomes. Early screening and classification may allow a personalized approach to postsurgical care that conserves resources and targets appropriate levels of care to more patients.

Introduction The purpose of this study was to determine the radiographic parameters associated with symptomatic locking screw removal after intramedullary tibial nail insertion. Our hypothesis was that locking screws located closer to joints and those extending longer than the width of the bone result in more symptomatic implant removal. Methods We conducted a retrospective cohort study at our Level I trauma center. Seventy-five patients underwent surgical removal of symptomatic locking screws from 2007 to 2014 and were compared with a control group of 122 patients from the same time period who did not undergo symptomatic locking screw removal. Our main outcome measures were radiographic and demographic factors associated with implant removal. Results Multivariable regression indicated that a proximal locking screw that started anterolateral and was directed posteromedial was the strongest radiographic predictor of symptomatic removal (odds ratio [OR], 2.83; p = 0.03). An Injury Severity Score Conclusions The strongest radiographic predictor for symptomatic locking screw removal after tibial nail insertion was the direction of the most proximal locking screw. In contrast to previous research on retrograde femoral nails, tibial locking screws that were closer to the joints were not associated with an increased likelihood of symptomatic screw removal. Clinicians can use these data to help counsel patients regarding the likelihood of symptomatic screws and perhaps to help guide screw placement in cases with multiple options.

Radiographic imaging is integral to the diagnosis and treatment of orthopedic injuries. Previous studies have shown that orthopedists consistently underestimate the price of implants, but their knowledge of imaging charges is unknown. This study evaluated whether orthopedic residents and faculty could accurately estimate charges of imaging modalities at their respective institutions. A survey with 10 common imaging studies was sent to 8 academic level I trauma centers. Participants estimated the total charge of each imaging modality. This was compared with the actual charge at their institution. Seven centers produced 162 responders: 74 faculty and 88 residents. The differences between the estimated cost and the billing charge were calculated and broken down by training level and imaging modality. Overall, imaging charges were underestimated by 31% ( P P =.69). There was greater than 1000% variation in charges between institutions. Orthopedists across training levels underestimate hospital charges associated with common imaging studies, and there is a large variation in charges between centers. Awareness of charges is important because charges affect clinical decision making and are relevant to practicing both cost-conscious and clinically sound medicine. [ Orthopedics . 2019; 42(5):e454–e459.]

BACKGROUND Patient-reported outcomes are increasingly utilized in routine orthopedic clinical care. Computer adaptive tests (CATs) from the Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS) offer a brief and precise assessment that is well suited for collection within busy clinical environments. However, software apps that support the administration and scoring of CATs, provide immediate access to patient-reported outcome (PRO) scores, and minimize clinician burden are not widely available. OBJECTIVE Our objective was to design, implement, and test the feasibility and usability of a Web-based system for collecting CATs in orthopedic clinics. METHODS AO Patient Outcomes Center (AOPOC) was subjected to 2 rounds of testing. Alpha testing was conducted in 3 orthopedic clinics to evaluate ease of use and feasibility of integration in clinics. Patients completed an assessment of PROMIS CATs and a usability survey. Clinicians participated in a brief semistructured interview. Beta-phase testing evaluated system performance through load testing and usability of the updated version of AOPOC. In both rounds of testing, user satisfaction, bugs, change requests, and performance of PROMIS CATs were captured. RESULTS Patient feedback supported the ease of use in completing an assessment in AOPOC. Across both phases of testing, clinicians rated AOPOC as easy to use but noted difficulties in integrating a Web-based software application within their clinics. PROMIS CATs performed well; the default assessment of 2 CATs was completed quickly (mean 9.5 items) with a satisfactory range of measurement. CONCLUSION AOPOC was demonstrated to be an easy-to-learn and easy-to-use software application for patients and clinicians that can be integrated into orthopedic clinical care. The workflow disruption in integrating any type of PRO collection must be addressed if patients’ voices are to be better integrated in clinical care.

Intramedullary (IM) nail fixation is a common operative treatment, yet concerns regarding the frequency of complications, such as nonunion, remain. Treatment of tibial shaft fractures remains a challenge, and little evidence of prognostic factors that increase risk of nonunion is available. The aim of this study was to develop a predictive model of tibial shaft fracture nonunion 6 weeks after reamed intramedullary (IM) nail fixation based on commonly collected clinical variables and the radiographic union score for tibial fractures (RUST).A retrospective case-control study was conducted. All tibial shaft fractures treated at our level I trauma center from 2007 to 2014 were retrospectively reviewed. Only patients with follow-up until fracture healing or secondary operation for nonunion were included. Fracture gaps ≥3 mm were excluded. A total of 323 patients were included for study.Infection within 6 weeks of operation, standard RUST, and the Nonunion Risk Determination (NURD) score had statistically significant associations with nonunion (odds ratioor1.0; p0.01). The NURD score was increasingly predictive of nonunion with decreasing RUST. All patients in the high RUST group (RUST ≥ 10), achieved union regardless of NURD score. In the medium RUST group (RUST 6-9), 25% of patients with a NURD score ≥7 experienced nonunion. In the low RUST group (RUST6 or infection within 6 weeks), 69% of patients with a NURD score ≥7 experienced nonunion.Three variables predicted nonunion. Based on these variables, we created a clinical prediction tool of nonunion that could aid in clinical decision making and discussing prognosis with patients.

Background Effective acute pain management following injury is critical to improve short-and long-term patient outcomes. Analgesics can effectively reduce pain intensity, yet half of injury patients report moderate to severe pain during hospitalization. Purpose The primary aim of this study was to identify the analgesic, different analgesic combinations, or analgesic and adjuvant analgesic combination that generated the largest percent change from pre- to post-analgesic pain score. Design This was a descriptive retrospective cohort study of 129 adults admitted with lower extremity fractures to a trauma center. Methods Name, dose, and frequency of analgesics and adjuvant analgesics administered from admission to discharge were collected from medical records. Percent change was calculated from pain scores documented on the 0-10 numeric rating scale. Results The analgesic with largest percent change from pre- to post-administration pain score was hydromorphone 2 mg IV (53%) for the emergency department and morphine 4 mg IV (54%) for the in-patient unit. All analgesics administered in the emergency department and ∼50% administered on the in-patient unit produced a minimal (15%) decrease in pain score. Conclusions This study revealed that few analgesics administered in the emergency department and the in-patient unit to patients with lower extremity fractures provide adequate pain relief. In the emergency department, all analgesics administered resulted in at least minimal improvement of pain. On the in-patient unit 13 analgesic doses resulted at least minimal improvement in pain while nine doses did not even reach 20% change in pain. Findings from this study can be used guide the treatment of fracture pain in the hospital.

This study sought to determine (1) whether surgeons can accurately predict functional outcomes of operative fixation of pilon fractures based on injury and initial postoperative radiographs, (2) whether the surgeon's level of experience is associated with the ability to successfully predict outcome, and (3) the association between patients' demographic and clinical characteristics and surgeons' prediction scores. A blinded, randomized provider survey was conducted at a level I trauma center. Seven fellowship-trained orthopedic traumatologists and 4 orthopedic trauma fellows who were blinded to outcome reviewed data regarding 95 pilon fractures in random order. Injury ankle radiographs, initial postoperative fixation radiographs, and brief patient histories were assessed. Midterm follow-up functional outcome scores obtained a mean 4.9 years after surgery were available for all patients. Main outcome measures were Pearson correlation coefficient-assessed functional outcomes and surgeon-predicted outcomes. A mixed-effect model determined the association between patients' characteristics and surgeons' prediction scores. Minimal positive correlation was observed between functional outcomes and prediction scores. No difference was noted between the attending and fellow groups in prediction ability. When surgeons' prediction confidence level was greater than 1 SD above the mean confidence level, correlation between functional outcome and prediction improved, although poor correlation was still observed. AO/OTA type 43C fractures, high-energy mechanisms, and older patient age were characteristics associated with lower prediction scores. Surgeons had poor ability to predict functional outcomes of patients with pilon fractures based on injury and initial postoperative radiographs, and level of experience was not associated with ability to predict outcome. [ Orthopedics . 2020; 43(1): e43–e46.]

BACKGROUND Many patient care procedures are routinely performed by orthopaedic residents while not directly supervised by attending physicians. However, resident competence to perform these procedures is often presumed and not confirmed by objective measures. The purpose of this study was to formally evaluate 3 basic pediatric orthopaedic procedures commonly performed without attending supervision. METHODS All orthopaedic residents (n=20) were asked to complete 3 procedures (placement and removal of a short arm cast, aspiration of a knee joint, and compartment pressure checks of a leg) under direct attending supervision. Attending faculty developed a checklist for each procedure, listing the appropriate steps required and criteria with which to assess the final results. Scores were calculated, including means and SDs. Change in score by postgraduate year level was determined by simple linear regression. RESULTS The mean score for short arm cast application and removal was 6.2 of a total possible score of 8, with an average 1.1 increase in score per year of training (P

Controversy exists regarding the effect of operative treatment on mortality after acetabular fracture in elderly patients. Our hypothesis was that operative treatment would confer a mortality benefit compared with nonoperative treatment even after adjusting for comorbidities associated with death.Retrospective study.Three University Level I Trauma Centers.All patients aged 60 years and older with acetabular fractures treated from 2002 to 2009 were included in the study. Four hundred fifty-four patients were identified with an average age of 74 years. Sixty-seven percent of the study group was male and 33% female.One of 4 treatments: nonoperative management with early mobilization, percutaneous reduction and fixation, open reduction and internal fixation, acute total hip arthroplasty.Kaplan-Meier survival curves were created, and Cox proportional hazards models were used to calculate unadjusted and adjusted hazard ratios (HRs) for covariates of interest.In contrast to previous smaller studies, the overall mortality was relatively low at 16% at 1 year [95% confidence interval (CI), 13-19]. Unadjusted survivorship curves suggested higher 1-year mortality rates for nonoperatively treated patients (21% vs. 13%, P0.001); however, nonoperative treatment was associated with other risk factors for higher mortality. By accounting for these patient risk factors, our final multivariate model of survival demonstrated no significant difference in hazard of death for nonoperative treatment (0.92, P = 0.6) nor for any of the 3 operative treatment subgroups (P range, 0.4-0.8). As expected, we did find a significantly increased hazard for factors such as the Charlson comorbidity index [HR, 1.25 per point (95% CI, 1.16-1.34)] and age [HR, 1.08 per year of age more than 70 years (95% CI, 1.05-1.11)]. In addition, associated fracture patterns (compared with elementary patterns) significantly increased the hazard of death with a ratio of 1.51 (95% CI, 1.10-2.06).The operative treatment of acetabular fractures does not increase or decrease mortality, once comorbidities are taken into account. The reasons for this are unknown. Regardless of the causes, the decision for operative versus nonoperative treatment of geriatric acetabular fractures should not be justified based on the concern for increased or decreased mortality alone.Prognostic Level II. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

Complications, including nonunion and avascular necrosis, are relatively common after internal fixation of a femoral neck fracture. Young patients are particularly impacted by these complications as salvage options often result in a suboptimal functional result. The quality of reduction appears to be of primary importance; however, it is unknown whether the choice of internal fixation affects the incidence of complications. In this article, we present the rationale and evidence for available internal fixation options. Current evidence is insufficient to recommend an optimal method of internal fixation, and this review demonstrates the need for high-quality randomised, controlled trials to study this problem.

MI is a 24-year-old male who presents to the emergency department with a chief complaint of left leg pain after being thrown off of his ATV while riding in woods. He denies any other injuries or pain. On primary survey he demonstrates a GCS of 15, a patent airway, and is hemodynamically stable. On secondary survey he demonstrates a gross deformity to the left leg with a large open wound and exposed bone. His past medical history is consistent with depression. His only medication is Lexapro® (escitalopram, a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor) and he has no allergies.

Evaluate whether mortality after discharge is elevated in geriatric fracture patients whose lower extremity weight-bearing is restricted.Retrospective cohort study SETTING: Urban Level 1 trauma center PATIENTS/PARTICIPANTS: 1746 patients65 years of age INTERVENTION: Post-operative lower extremity weight-bearing status MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE: Mortality, as determined by the Social Security Death Index RESULTS: Univariate analysis demonstrated that patients who were weight-bearing as tolerated on bilateral lower extremities (BLE) had significantly higher 5-year mortality compared to patients with restricted weight-bearing on one lower extremity and restricted weight-bearing on BLE (30%, 21% and 22% respectively, p 0.001). Cox regression analysis controlling for variables including age, Charlson Comorbidity Index, Injury Severity Scale, combined UE/LE injury, injury mechanism (high vs low), sex, BMI and GCS demonstrated that, in comparison to patients who were weight bearing as tolerated on BLE, restricted weight-bearing on one lower extremity had a hazard ratio (HR) of 0.97 (95% confidence interval 0.78 to 1.20, p = 0.76) and restricted weight-bearing in BLE had a HR of 0.91 (95% confidence interval 0.60 to 1.36, p = 0.73).In geriatric patients, prescribed weight-bearing status did not have a statistically significant association with mortality after discharge, when controlling for age, sex, body mass index, medical comorbidities, Injury Severity Scale (ISS), mechanism of injury, nonoperative treatment and admission GCS. This remained true in when the analysis was restricted to operative injuries only.