Aims. To evaluate the impact of negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT) on the odds of having deep infections and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) following open fractures. Methods. Patients from the Fluid Lavage in Open Fracture Wounds (FLOW) trial with Gustilo-Anderson grade II or III open fractures within the lower limb were included in this secondary analysis. Using mixed effects logistic regression, we assessed the impact of NPWT on deep wound infection requiring surgical intervention within 12 months post-injury. Using multilevel model analyses, we evaluated the impact of NPWT on the Physical Component Summary (PCS) of the 12-Item Short-Form Health Survey (SF-12) at 12 months post-injury. Results. After applying inverse probability treatment weighting to adjust for the influence of injury characteristics on type of dressing used, 1,322 participants were assessed. The odds of developing a deep infection requiring operative management within 12 months of initial surgery was 4.52-times higher in patients who received NPWT compared to those who received a standard wound dressing (95% confidence interval (CI) 1.84 to 11.12; p = 0.001). Overall, 1,040 participants were included in our HRQoL analysis, and those treated with NPWT had statistically significantly lower mean
Aims. The Fluid Lavage in Open Fracture Wounds (FLOW) trial was a multicentre,
blinded, randomized controlled trial that used a 2 × 3 factorial
design to evaluate the effect of irrigation solution (soap versus normal
saline) and irrigation pressure (very low versus low versus high)
on health-related quality of life (HRQL) in patients with open fractures.
In this study, we used this dataset to ascertain whether these factors
affect whether HRQL returns to pre-injury levels at 12-months post-injury. Patients and Methods. Participants completed the Short Form-12 (SF-12) and the EuroQol-5
Dimensions (EQ-5D) at baseline (pre-injury recall), at two and six
weeks, and at three, six, nine and 12-months post-fracture. We calculated
the Physical Component Score (PCS) and the Mental Component Score
(MCS) of the
Aims. Minimally invasive fixation of pelvic fragility fractures is recommended to reduce pain and allow early mobilization. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the outcome of two different stabilization techniques in bilateral fragility fractures of the sacrum (BFFS). Methods. A non-randomized, prospective study was carried out in a level 1 trauma centre. BFFS in 61 patients (mean age 80 years (SD 10); four male, 57 female) were treated surgically with bisegmental transsacral stablization (BTS; n = 41) versus spinopelvic fixation (SP; n = 20). Postoperative full weightbearing was allowed. The outcome was evaluated at two timepoints: discharge from inpatient treatment (TP1; Fitbit tracking, Zebris stance analysis), and ≥ six months (TP2; Fitbit tracking, Zebris analysis, based on modified Oswestry Disability Index (ODI), Majeed Score (MS), and the 12-Item Short Form Survey 12 (SF-12). Fracture healing was assessed by CT. The primary outcome parameter of functional recovery was the per-day step count; the secondary parameter was the subjective outcome assessed by questionnaires. Results. Overall, no baseline differences were observed between the BTS and SP cohorts. In total, 58 (BTS = 19; SP = 39) and 37 patients (BTS = 14; SP = 23) could be recruited at TP1 and TP2, respectively. Mean steps per day at TP1 were median 308 (248 to 434) in the BTS group and 254 (196 to 446) in the SP group. At TP2, median steps per day were 3,759 (2,551 to 3,926) in the BTS group and 3,191 (2,872 to 3,679) in the SP group, each with no significant difference. A significant improvement was observed in each group (p < 0.001) between timepoints. BTS patients obtained better results than SP patients in ODI (p < 0.030), MS (p = 0.007), and
We report the outcome of 84 nonunions involving
long bones which were treated with rhBMP-7, in 84 patients (60 men:
24 women) with a mean age 46 years (18 to 81) between 2003 and 2011.
The patients had undergone a mean of three previous operations (one
to 11) for nonunion which had been present for a mean of 17 months
(4 months to 20 years). The nonunions involved the lower limb in
71 patients and the remainder involved the upper limb. A total of 30
nonunions were septic. Treatment was considered successful when
the nonunion healed without additional procedures. The relationship
between successful union and the time to union was investigated
and various factors including age and gender, the nature of the
nonunion (location, size, type, chronicity, previous procedures,
infection, the condition of the soft tissues) and type of index
procedure (revision of fixation, type of graft, amount of rhBMP-7) were
analysed. The improvement of the patients’ quality of life was estimated
using the Short Form (SF) 12 score. A total of 68 nonunions (80.9%) healed with no need for further
procedures at a mean of 5.4 months (3 to 10) post-operatively. Multivariate
logistic regression analysis of the factors affecting union suggested
that only infection significantly affected the rate of union
(p = 0.004).Time to union was only affected by the number of previous
failed procedures
(p = 0.006). An improvement of 79% and 32.2% in
Aims
To determine whether platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injection improves outcomes two years after acute Achilles tendon rupture.
Methods
A randomized multicentre two-arm parallel-group, participant- and assessor-blinded superiority trial was undertaken. Recruitment commenced on 28 July 2015 and two-year follow-up was completed in 21 October 2019. Participants were 230 adults aged 18 years and over, with acute Achilles tendon rupture managed with non-surgical treatment from 19 UK hospitals. Exclusions were insertion or musculotendinous junction injuries, major leg injury or deformity, diabetes, platelet or haematological disorder, medication with systemic corticosteroids, anticoagulation therapy treatment, and other contraindicating conditions. Participants were randomized via a central online system 1:1 to PRP or placebo injection. The main outcome measure was Achilles Tendon Rupture Score (ATRS) at two years via postal questionnaire. Other outcomes were pain, recovery goal attainment, and quality of life. Analysis was by intention-to-treat.
Aims
Acetabular fractures are associated with long-term morbidity. Our prospective cohort study sought to understand the recovery trajectory of this injury over five years.
Methods
Eligible patients at a level I trauma centre were recruited into a longitudinal registry of surgical acetabular fractures between June 2004 and August 2019. Patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs), including the 36-Item Short Form Health Survey (SF-36) physical component summary (PCS), were recorded at baseline pre-injury recall and six months, one year, two years, and five years postoperatively. Comparative analyses were performed for elementary and associated fracture patterns. The proportion of patients achieving minimal clinically important difference (MCID) was determined. The rate of, and time to, conversion to total hip arthroplasty (THA) was also established.
Aims
Acetabular fractures in older adults lead to a high risk of mortality and morbidity. However, only limited data have been published documenting functional outcomes in such patients. The aims of this study were to describe outcomes in patients aged 60 years and older with operatively managed acetabular fractures, and to establish predictors of conversion to total hip arthroplasty (THA).
Methods
We conducted a retrospective, registry-based study of 80 patients aged 60 years and older with acetabular fractures treated surgically at The Alfred and Royal Melbourne Hospital. We reviewed charts and radiological investigations and performed patient interviews/examinations and functional outcome scoring. Data were provided by the Victorian Orthopaedic Trauma Outcomes Registry (VOTOR). Survival analysis was used to describe conversion to THA in the group of patients who initially underwent open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF). Multivariate regression analyses were performed to identify factors associated with conversion to THA.
Aims
It has been generally accepted that open fractures require early skeletal stabilization and soft-tissue reconstruction. Traditionally, a standard gauze dressing was applied to open wounds. There has been a recent shift in this paradigm towards negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT). The aim of this study was to compare the clinical outcomes in patients with open tibial fractures receiving standard dressing versus NPWT.
Methods
This multicentre randomized controlled trial was approved by the ethical review board of a public sector tertiary care institute. Wounds were graded using Gustilo-Anderson (GA) classification, and patients with GA-II to III-C were included in the study. To be eligible, the patient had to present within 72 hours of the injury. The primary outcome of the study was patient-reported Disability Rating Index (DRI) at 12 months. Secondary outcomes included quality of life assessment using 12-Item Short-Form Health Survey questionnaire (SF-12), wound infection rates at six weeks and nonunion rates at 12 months. Logistic regression analysis and independent-samples
Aims
The primary aim of this study was to establish the cost-effectiveness of the early fixation of displaced midshaft clavicle fractures.
Patients and Methods
A cost analysis was conducted within a randomized controlled trial comparing conservative management (n = 92)
Aims
The primary aim of this prognostic study was to identify baseline factors associated with physical health-related quality of life (HRQL) in patients after a femoral neck fracture. The secondary aims were to identify baseline factors associated with mental HRQL, hip function, and health utility.
Patients and Methods
Patients who were enrolled in the Fixation using Alternative Implants for the Treatment of Hip Fractures (FAITH) trial completed the 12-item Short Form Health Survey (SF-12), Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Arthritis Index, and EuroQol 5-Dimension at regular intervals for 24 months. We conducted multilevel mixed models to identify factors potentially associated with HRQL.
Aims
The aim of this study was to estimate the cost-effectiveness of negative-pressure wound therapy (NPWT) in comparison with standard wound management after initial surgical wound debridement in adults with severe open fractures of the lower limb.
Patients and Methods
An economic evaluation was conducted from the perspective of the United Kingdom NHS and Personal Social Services, based on evidence from the 460 participants in the Wound Management of Open Lower Limb Fractures (WOLLF) trial. Economic outcomes were collected prospectively over the 12-month follow-up period using trial case report forms and participant-completed questionnaires. Bivariate regression of costs (given in £, 2014 to 2015 prices) and quality-adjusted life-years (QALYs), with multiple imputation of missing data, was conducted to estimate the incremental cost per QALY gained associated with NPWT dressings. Sensitivity and subgroup analyses were undertaken to assess the impacts of uncertainty and heterogeneity, respectively, surrounding aspects of the economic evaluation.
Aims
The aims of this study were to quantify health state utility values (HSUVs) after a tibial fracture, investigate the effect of complications, to determine the trajectory in HSUVs that result in these differences and to quantify the quality-adjusted life years (QALYs) experienced by patients.
Patients and Methods
This is an analysis of 2138 tibial fractures enrolled in the Fluid Lavage of Open Wounds (FLOW) and Study to Prospectively Evaluate Reamed Intramedullary Nails in Patients with Tibial Fractures (SPRINT) trials. Patients returned for follow-up at two and six weeks and three, six, nine and 12 months. Short-Form Six-Dimension (SF-6D) values were calculated and used to calculate QALYs.
Aims
Outcome measures quantifying aspects of health in a precise, efficient, and user-friendly manner are in demand. Computer adaptive tests (CATs) may overcome the limitations of established fixed scales and be more adept at measuring outcomes in trauma. The primary objective of this review was to gain a comprehensive understanding of the psychometric properties of CATs compared with fixed-length scales in the assessment of outcome in patients who have suffered trauma of the upper limb. Study designs, outcome measures and methodological quality are defined, along with trends in investigation.
Materials and Methods
A search of multiple electronic databases was undertaken on 1 January 2017 with terms related to “CATs”, “orthopaedics”, “trauma”, and “anatomical regions”. Studies involving adults suffering trauma to the upper limb, and undergoing any intervention, were eligible. Those involving the measurement of outcome with any CATs were included. Identification, screening, and eligibility were undertaken, followed by the extraction of data and quality assessment using the Consensus-Based Standards for the Selection of Health Measurement Instruments (COSMIN) criteria. The review is reported according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) criteria and reg
istered (PROSPERO: CRD42016053886).
Aims
The aim of this study was to estimate economic outcomes associated with deep surgical site infection (SSI) in patients with an open fracture of the lower limb.
Patients and Methods
A total of 460 patients were recruited from 24 specialist trauma hospitals in the United Kingdom Major Trauma Network. Preference-based health-related quality-of-life outcomes, assessed using the EuroQol EQ-5D-3L and the 6-Item Short-Form Health Survey questionnaire (SF-6D), and economic costs (£, 2014/2015 prices) were measured using participant-completed questionnaires over the 12 months following injury. Descriptive statistics and multivariate regression analysis were used to explore the relationship between deep SSI and health utility scores, quality-adjusted life-years (QALYs), and health and personal social service (PSS) costs.
Aims
To analyse the influence of upper extremity trauma on the long-term outcome of polytraumatised patients.
Patients and Methods
A total of 629 multiply injured patients were included in a follow-up study at least ten years after injury (mean age 26.5 years, standard deviation 12.4). The extent of the patients’ injury was classified using the Injury Severity Score. Outcome was measured using the Hannover Score for Polytrauma Outcome (HASPOC), Short Form (SF)-12, rehabilitation duration, and employment status. Outcomes for patients with and without a fracture of the upper extremity were compared and analysed with regard to specific fracture regions and any additional brachial plexus lesion.
We performed a systematic review of the literature pertaining to the functional outcomes of the surgical management of acetabular fractures. A total of 69 articles met our inclusion criteria, revealing that eight generic outcome instruments were used, along with five specific instruments. The majority of studies reported outcomes using a version of the d’Aubigne and Postel score, which has not been validated for use in acetabular fracture. Few validated outcome measures were reported. No psychometric testing of outcome instruments was performed. The current assessment of outcomes in surgery for acetabular fractures lacks scientific rigour, and does not give reliable outcome data for either scientific comparison or patient counselling.
Take home message: The use of non-validated functional outcome measures is a major limitation of the current literature pertaining to surgical management of acetabular fractures; future studies should use validated outcome measures to ensure the legitimacy of the reported results.
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Aims
Fractures of the distal femur are an important cause of morbidity. Their optimal management remains controversial. Contemporary implants include angular-stable anatomical locking plates and locked intramedullary nails (IMNs). We compared the long-term patient-reported functional outcome of fixation of fractures of the distal femur using these two methods of treatment.
Patients and Methods
A total of 297 patients were retrospectively identified from a State-wide trauma registry in Australia: 195 had been treated with a locking plate and 102 with an IMN. Baseline characteristics of the patients and their fractures were recorded. Health-related quality-of-life, functional and radiographic outcomes were compared using mixed effects regression models at six months and one year.
Fractures of the tibial shaft are common injuries, but there are no long-term outcome data in the era of increased surgical management. The aim of this prospective study was to assess the clinical and functional outcome of this injury at 12 to 22 years. Secondary aims were to determine the short- and long-term mortality, and if there were any predictors of clinical or functional outcome or mortality. From a prospective trauma database of 1502 tibial shaft fractures in 1474 consecutive adult patients, we identified a cohort of 1431 tibial diaphyseal fractures in 1403 patients, who fitted our inclusion criteria. There were 1024 men, and mean age at injury was 40.6 years. Fractures were classified according to the AO system, and open fractures graded after Gustilo and Anderson. Requirement of fasciotomy, time to fracture union, complications, incidence of knee and ankle pain at long-term follow-up, changes in employment and the patients’ social deprivation status were recorded. Function was assessed at 12 to 22 years post-injury using the Short Musculoskeletal Function Assessment and short form-12 questionnaires. Long-term functional outcome data was available for 568 of the surviving patients, 389 were deceased and 346 were lost to follow-up. Most fractures (90.7%, n = 1363) united without further intervention. Fasciotomies were performed in 11.5% of patients; this did not correlate with poorer functional outcome in the long term. Social deprivation was associated with a higher incidence of injury but had no impact on long-term function. The one-year mortality in those over 75 years of age was 29 (42%). At long-term follow-up, pain and function scores were good. However, 147 (26%) reported ongoing knee pain, 62 (10%) reported ankle pain and 97 (17%) reported both. Such joint pain correlated with poorer functional outcome.
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We report on the use of the Ilizarov method to treat 40 consecutive fractures of the tibial shaft (35 AO 42C fractures and five AO 42B3 fractures) in adults. There were 28 men and 12 women with a mean age of 43 years (19 to 81). The series included 19 open fractures (six Gustilo grade 3A and 13 grade 3B) and 21 closed injuries. The mean time from injury to application of definitive Ilizarov frame was eight days (0 to 35) with 36 fractures successfully uniting without the need for any bone-stimulating procedure. The four remaining patients with nonunion healed with a second frame. There were no amputations and no deep infections. None required intervention for malunion. The total time to healing was calculated from date of injury to removal of the frame, with a median of 166 days (mean 187, (87 to 370)). Minor complications included snapped wires in two patients and minor pin-site infections treated with oral antibiotics in nine patients (23%). Clinical scores were available for 32 of the 40 patients at a median of 55 months (mean 62, (26 to 99)) post-injury, with ‘good’ Olerud and Molander ankle scores (median 80, mean 75, (10 to 100)), ‘excellent’ Lysholm knee scores (median 97, mean 88, (29 to 100)), a median Tegner activity score of 4 (mean 4, (0 to 9)) (comparable to ‘moderately heavy labour / cycling and jogging’) and Short Form-12 scores that exceeded the mean of the population as a whole (median physical component score 55 (mean 51, (20 to 64)), median mental component score 57 (mean 53, (21 to 62)). In conclusion, the Ilizarov method is a safe and reliable way of treating complex tibial shaft fractures with a high rate of primary union.
Radiological evidence of post-traumatic osteoarthritis (PTOA) after fracture of the tibial plateau is common but end-stage arthritis which requires total knee arthroplasty is much rarer.
The aim of this study was to examine the indications for, and outcomes of, total knee arthroplasty after fracture of the tibial plateau and to compare this with an age and gender-matched cohort of TKAs carried out for primary osteoarthritis.
Between 1997 and 2011, 31 consecutive patients (23 women, eight men) with a mean age of 65 years (40 to 89) underwent TKA at a mean of 24 months (2 to 124) after a fracture of the tibial plateau. Of these, 24 had undergone ORIF and seven had been treated non-operatively. Patients were assessed pre-operatively and at 6, 12 and > 60 months using the Short Form-12, Oxford Knee Score and a patient satisfaction score.
Patients with instability or nonunion needed total knee arthroplasty
earlier (14 and 13.3 months post-injury) than those with intra-articular
malunion (50 months, p <
0.001). Primary cruciate-retaining implants
were used in 27 (87%) patients. Complication rates were higher in
the PTOA cohort and included wound complications (13%
Total knee arthroplasty undertaken after fracture of the tibial plateau has a higher rate of complications than that undertaken for primary osteoarthritis, but patient-reported outcomes and satisfaction are comparable.
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Early total hip replacement (THR) for acetabular fractures offers accelerated rehabilitation, but a high risk of heterotopic ossification (HO) has been reported. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the incidence of HO, its associated risk factors and functional impact. A total of 40 patients with acetabular fractures treated with a THR weres retrospectively reviewed. The incidence and severity of HO were evaluated using the modified Brooker classification, and the functional outcome assessed. The overall incidence of HO was 38% (n = 15), with nine severe grade III cases. Patients who underwent surgery early after injury had a fourfold increased chance of developing HO. The mean blood loss and operating time were more than twice that of those whose surgery was delayed (p = 0.002 and p < 0.001, respectively). In those undergoing early THR, the incidence of grade III HO was eight times higher than in those in whom THR was delayed (p = 0.01). Only three of the seven patients with severe HO showed good or excellent Harris hip scores compared with eight of nine with class 0, I or II HO (p = 0.049). Associated musculoskeletal injuries, high-energy trauma and head injuries were associated with the development of grade III HO.
The incidence of HO was significantly higher in patients with a displaced acetabular fracture undergoing THR early compared with those undergoing THR later and this had an adverse effect on the functional outcome.
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The aim of this study was to review the number of patients operated on for traumatic disruption of the pubic symphysis who developed radiological signs of movement of the anterior pelvic metalwork during the first post-operative year, and to determine whether this had clinical implications. A consecutive series of 49 patients undergoing internal fixation of a traumatic diastasis of the pubic symphysis were studied. All underwent anterior fixation of the diastasis, which was frequently combined with posterior pelvic fixation. The fractures were divided into groups using the Young and Burgess classification for pelvic ring fractures. The different combinations of anterior and posterior fixation adopted to stabilise the fractures and the type of movement of the metalwork which was observed were analysed and related to functional outcome during the first post-operative year.
In 15 patients the radiographs showed movement of the anterior metalwork, with broken or mobile screws or plates, and in six there were signs of a recurrent diastasis. In this group, four patients required revision surgery; three with anterior fixation and one with removal of anterior pelvic metalwork; the remaining 11 functioned as well as the rest of the study group.
We conclude that radiological signs of movement in the anterior pelvic metalwork, albeit common, are not in themselves an indication for revision surgery.
The increasing prevalence of osteoporosis in an ageing population has contributed to older patients becoming the fastest-growing group presenting with acetabular fractures. We performed a systematic review of the literature involving a number of databases to identify studies that included the treatment outcome of acetabular fractures in patients aged > 55 years. An initial search identified 61 studies; after exclusion by two independent reviewers, 15 studies were considered to meet the inclusion criteria. All were case series. The mean Coleman score for methodological quality assessment was 37 (25 to 49). There were 415 fractures in 414 patients. Pooled analysis revealed a mean age of 71.8 years (55 to 96) and a mean follow-up of 47.3 months (1 to 210). In seven studies the results of open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) were presented: this was combined with simultaneous hip replacement (THR) in four, and one study had a mixture of these strategies. The results of percutaneous fixation were presented in two studies, and a single study revealed the results of non-operative treatment.
With fixation of the fracture, the overall mean rate of conversion to THR was 23.1% (0% to 45.5%). The mean rate of non-fatal complications was 39.8% (0% to 64%), and the mean mortality rate was 19.1% (5% to 50%) at a mean of 64 months (95% confidence interval 59.4 to 68.6; range 12 to 143). Further data dealing with the classification of the fracture, the surgical approach used, operative time, blood loss, functional and radiological outcomes were also analysed.
This study highlights that, of the many forms of treatment available for this group of patients, there is a trend to higher complication rates and the need for further surgery compared with the results of the treatment of acetabular fractures in younger patients.
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We report the functional and socioeconomic long-term outcome of patients with pelvic ring injuries.
We identified 109 patients treated at a Level I trauma centre between 1973 and 1990 with multiple blunt orthopaedic injuries including an injury to the pelvic ring, with an Injury Severity Score (ISS) of ≥ 16. These patients were invited for clinical review at a minimum of ten years after the initial injury, at which point functional results, general health scores and socioeconomic factors were assessed.
In all 33 isolated anterior (group A), 33 isolated posterior (group P) and 43 combined anterior/posterior pelvic ring injuries (group A/P) were included. The mean age of the patients at injury was 28.8 years (5 to 55) and the mean ISS was 22.7 (16 to 44).
At review the mean Short-Form 12 physical component score for the A/P group was 38.71 (22.12 to 56.56) and the mean Hannover Score for Polytrauma Outcome subjective score was 67.27 (12.48 to 147.42), being significantly worse compared with the other two groups (p = 0.004 and p = 0.024, respectively). A total of 42 patients (39%) had a limp and 12 (11%) required crutches. Car or public transport usage was restricted in 16 patients (15%). Overall patients in groups P and A/P had a worse outcome. The long-term outcome of patients with posterior or combined anterior/posterior pelvic ring injuries is poorer than of those with an isolated anterior injury.
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Techniques for fixation of fractures of the lateral malleolus have remained essentially unchanged since the 1960s, but are associated with complication rates of up to 30%. The fibular nail is an alternative method of fixation requiring a minimal incision and tissue dissection, and has the potential to reduce the incidence of complications.
We reviewed the results of 105 patients with unstable fractures of the ankle that were fixed between 2002 and 2010 using the Acumed fibular nail. The mean age of the patients was 64.8 years (22 to 95), and 80 (76%) had significant systemic medical comorbidities. Various different configurations of locking screw were assessed over the study period as experience was gained with the device. Nailing without the use of locking screws gave satisfactory stability in only 66% of cases (4 of 6). Initial locking screw constructs rendered between 91% (10 of 11) and 96% (23 of 24) of ankles stable. Overall, seven patients had loss of fixation of the fracture and there were five post-operative wound infections related to the distal fibula. This lead to the development of the current technique with a screw across the syndesmosis in addition to a distal locking screw. In 21 patients treated with this technique there have been no significant complications and only one superficial wound infection. Good fracture reduction was achieved in all of these patients. The mean physical component Short-Form 12, Olerud and Molander score, and American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons Foot and Ankle outcome scores at a mean of six years post-injury were 46 (28 to 61), 65 (35 to 100) and 83 (52 to 99), respectively. There have been no cases of fibular nonunion.
Nailing of the fibula using our current technique gives good radiological and functional outcomes with minimal complications, and should be considered in the management of patients with an unstable ankle fracture.