Aims. The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to gather epidemiological information on selected musculoskeletal injuries and to provide pooled injury-specific incidence rates. Methods. PubMed (National Library of Medicine) and Scopus (Elsevier) databases were searched. Articles were eligible for inclusion if they reported incidence rate (or count with population at risk), contained data on adult population, and were written in English language. The number of cases and population at risk were collected, and the pooled incidence rates (per 100,000 person-years) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated by using either a fixed or random effects model. Results. The screening of titles yielded 206 articles eligible for inclusion in the study. Of these, 173 (84%) articles provided sufficient information to be included in the pooled incidence rates. Incidences of fractures were investigated in 154 studies, and the most common fractures in the whole adult population based on the pooled incidence rates were distal radius fractures (212.0, 95% CI 178.1 to 252.4 per 100,000 person-years), finger fractures (117.1, 95% CI 105.3 to 130.2 per 100,000 person-years), and hip fractures (112.9, 95% CI 82.2 to 154.9 per 100,000 person-years). The most common sprains and dislocations were ankle sprains (429.4, 95% CI 243.0 to 759.0 per 100,000 person-years) and first-time patellar dislocations (32.8, 95% CI 21.6 to 49.7 per 100,000 person-years). The most common injuries were anterior cruciate ligament (17.5, 95% CI 6.0 to 50.2 per 100,000 person-years) and Achilles (13.7, 95% CI 9.6 to 19.5 per 100,000 person-years) ruptures. Conclusion. The presented pooled incidence estimates serve as important references in assessing the global economic and social burden of musculoskeletal injuries. Cite this article: Bone Joint Res 2022;11(11):814–825

Introduction. Pain is an expected and appropriate experience following traumatic musculoskeletal injury. By contrast, chronic pain and disability are unhelpful yet common sequelae of trauma-related injuries. Presently, the mechanisms that underlie the transition from acute to chronic disabling post-traumatic pain are not fully understood. The aim of this study is to identify prognostic factors for risk of developing chronic pain and disability following acute musculoskeletal trauma. Methods. A prospective observational study will recruit two temporally staggered cohorts (n=250 each cohort; 10 cases per candidate predictor) of consecutive acute musculoskeletal trauma patients aged ≥16 years, who are emergency admissions into a Major Trauma Centre in the United Kingdom, with an episode inception defined as the traumatic event. The first cohort will identify prognostic factors to develop a screening tool to predict development of chronic and disabling pain, and the second will allow evaluation of the predictive performance of the tool (validation). The outcome being predicted is an individual's absolute risk of poor outcome measured at 6-months follow-up using the Chronic Pain Grade Scale (poor outcome ≥Grade II). Candidate predictors encompass the four primary mechanisms of pain: nociceptive (e.g. injury characteristics), neuropathic (e.g. painDETECT), inflammatory (biomarkers), and central hypersensitivity (e.g. quantitative sensory testing). Concurrently, patient-reported outcome measures will assess general health and psychosocial factors. Risk of poor outcome will be calculated using multiple variable regression analysis. Conclusion. A prognostic screening tool for post-trauma pain will inform precision rehabilitation, targeting interventions to individual patients to improve clinical and cost effectiveness. Conflicts of interest: None. Sources of funding: NIHR Surgical Reconstruction and Microbiology Research Centre

Background: Circulating endothelial precursor cells (CEPS) are thought to play a role in postnatal angiogenesis. We investigated the angiogenic stress of musculoskeletal trauma on CEP kinetics in trauma patients and their bone marrow progenitor populations in a murine model. Methods: Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PB-MNCs) were isolated from patients (n=12) on consecutive days following closed lower-limb diaphyseal fractures. CEP levels, defined by the surface expression patterns of VEGFR2, CD34 and AC133 were determined and cytokine analysis of collected serum was performed. Bone marrow precursors defined by Ly-6A/E and c-Kit expression were harvested following traumatic insult from the murine model and quantified on flow cytometry. Human and murine progenitor populations were cultured on fibronectin and examined for markers of endothelial cell linage (Ulexeuropaeus- agglutinin- 1 binding and acetylated-LDL uptake) and cell morphology. Statistical analysis was performed using variance analysis. Results: A consistent increase in human CEPs levels was noted within 72 hours of the initial insult, the percentage increase over day 1 reaching 300%. Conclusion: We propose that musculoskeletal trauma through the release of chemokines such as VEGF, promotes rapid mobilisation of CEP from born marrow, which have the potential to contribute to reparative neovascularisation. Strategies to enhance CEPs kinetics may accelerate this process and offer a therapeutic role in aberrant fracture healing

Aims: Circulating endothelial precursor cells (CEPs) are thought to play a role in angiogenesis. We investigated the angiogenic stress of musculoskeletal trauma on CEP kinetics in trauma patients and their bone marrow progenitor populations in a murine model. Methods: Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PB-MNCs) were isolated from patients (n=12) on consecutive days following closed lower-limb diaphyseal fractures. CEP levels, deþned by the surface expression patterns of VEGFR2, CD34 and AC133 were determined and cytokine analysis of collected serum was performed. Bonemarrow precursors deþned byLy-6A/E and c-Kit expression were harvested following the traumatic insult from the murine model and quantiþed on ßow cytometry. Human and murine progenitor populations were cultured on þbronectin and examined for markers of endothelial cell lineage (Ulexeuropaeus- agglutinin-1 binding and acetylated-LDL uptake) and cell morphology. Statistical analysis was performed using variance analysis. Results: A consistent increase in human CEPs levels was noted within 72 hours of the initial insult, the percentage increase over day 1 reaching 300% (p=0.008) and returning to normal levels by day 10. Murine bone marrow precursors were mobilisd within 24 hrs peaking at 48hrs (900% p=0.035). On culture, morphologically characteristic endotheliallike cells binding UEA-1 and incorporating LDL were identiþed. Serum VEGF levels increased signiþcantly within 24 hrs of the insult, (p=0.018) preceeding the peak in CEP mobilisation. Conclusion: We propose that musculoskeletal trauma through the release of chemokines such as VEGF, promotes rapid mobilisation of CEPs from born marrow, which have the potential to contribute to reparative neovascularisation. Strategies to enhance CEPs kinetics may accelerate this process and offer a therapeutic role in aberrant fracture healing

Myostatin (GDF-8) is known to play an important role in muscle regeneration, and myostatin is also expressed during the early phases of fracture healing. In this study we used fluorescent immunohistochemistry to define the temporal and spatial localization of myostatin during muscle and bone repair following deep penetrant injury in a mouse model. We then used hydrogel delivery of exogenous myostatin in the same injury model to determine the effects of myostatin exposure on muscle and bone healing. Results show that while myostatin was constitutively expressed in the cytoplasm of intact skeletal muscle fibers, a pool of intense myostatin staining was observed amongst injured skeletal muscle fibers 12-24 hours post-surgery. Myostatin was also expressed in the soft callus chondrocytes 4 days following osteotomy. Hydrogel delivery of 10 or 100 ug/ml recombinant myostatin decreased fracture callus cartilage area relative to total callus area in a dose-dependent manner by 41% and 80% (p<0.05), respectively, compared to vehicle treatment. Myostatin treatment also dose-dependently decreased fracture callus total bone volume by 23% and 47% (p<0.05), with the higher dose of recombinant myostatin yielding the greatest decrease in callus bone volume. Finally, exogenous myostatin treatment caused a significant, dose-dependent increase in fibrous tissue formation in skeletal muscle. Together, these findings suggest that myostatin may inhibit bone repair after traumatic musculoskeletal injury through both autocrine (soft-callus chondrocytes) and paracrine (surrounding injured muscle fibers) mechanisms. Thus, early pharmacological inhibition of myostatin is likely to improve the regenerative potential of both muscle and bone following deep penetrant musculoskeletal injury

Acute respiratory distress syndrome is a long established complication and continuing cause of significant morbidity and mortality in the multiply injured patient. Systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS) is classically associated with acute pulmonary dysfunction. A variety of insults including trauma, sepsis, hypoxia, ischaemia reperfusion, can trigger systemic inflammatory response and acute lung injury. In models of sepsis, endotoxaemia and ischaemia-reperfusion, acute lung injury is characterised by widespread endothelial-neutrophil interaction and neutrophil activation. Another associated finding in these models of injury, is evidence of induced diaphragm muscle dysfunction, by electrophysiological testing of muscle strips post injury. An established model of incremental increasing skeletal trauma was employed. Adult male sprague dawley rats (mean weight 476grams, 370–520g) were randomised to control, single hindlimb fracture, bilateral hindlimb fracture and bilateral hind limb fracture + 20% haemorrhage. Indices of acute lung injury studied 2 hours post injury were bronchalveolar lavage, cell counts, and protein assays. Pulmonary tissue myeloperoxidase activity was assayed as an indicator of neutrophil activation and pulmonary wet/dry weights were measured as a marker of pulmonary oedema. Diaphragmatic electrophysiological testing was also performed 2 hours post injury. Freshly harvested diaphragmatic muscle strips had peak evoked muscle twitches measured, the maximal tetanic twitch and muscle strip fatigue times were also assessed. Statistical analysis was performed by means of analysis of variance (ANOVA). Results: The cohort of animals with the greatest injury severity manifested evidence of acute lung injury when compared with controls, this was associated with evidence of interstitial leucosequestration. This data suggests that neutrophils are involved in mediating an acute lung injury following musculoskeletal trauma

In the UK, multidisciplinary teamwork for patients with hip fracture has been shown to reduce mortality and improves health-related quality of life for patients, while also reducing hospital bed days and associated healthcare costs. However, despite rapidly increasing numbers of fragility fractures, multidisciplinary shared care is rare in low- and middle-income countries around the world. The HIPCARE trial will test the introduction of multidisciplinary care pathways in five low- and middle-income countries in South and Southeast Asia, with the aim to improve patients’ quality of life and reduce healthcare costs.

Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2024;106-B(12):1369–1371.

Background

Serious traumatic injury is a leading cause of death and disability globally, with the majority of survivors developing chronic pain.

Introduction

The available scoring methods and outcome analysis methods in lower extremity skeletal trauma with vascular injuries are not always specific. Biochemical parameters like venous blood lactate, bicarbonate and serum CPK (at the time of admission and serial monitoring) were measured to assess whether they supplement clinical parameters in predicting limb salvageability in lower extremity skeletal trauma with vascular injuries. Materials and methods: 74 adult patients with long bone fracture of lower limb associated with vascular injury (open and closed) were included in the study group. Patients with significant head injury (who cannot provide informed consent) and those with mangled extremities (MESS score>8) were excluded.

Surfing has rapidly grown in popularity as the sport made its debut at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games. Surfing injuries are becoming more relevant with the globalisation and increasing risks of the sport, but despite this, little is known about surfing injuries or prevention strategies in either the competitive or recreational surfer. We reviewed the literature for the incidence, anatomical distribution, type and underlying mechanism of acute and overuse injuries, and discuss current preventative measures. Four online databases, including MEDLINE, PubMed, EMBASE and Cochrane Library were searched from inception to March 2020. This review finds that skin injuries represent the highest proportion of total injuries. Acute injuries most frequently affect the head, neck and face, followed by the lower limbs. Being struck by one's own board is the most common mechanism of injury. Surfers are injured at a frequency of 0.30–6.60 injuries per 1000 hours of surfing. Most prior studies are limited by small sample sizes, poor data collection methodology and geographical constraints. The scientific literature on surfing injuries under-represents overuse musculoskeletal injuries and the efficacy of prevention strategies for surfing-related overuse musculoskeletal injuries has not been studied. Injuries to the head and neck pose greater risks to a surfer's morbidity and mortality, yet there is no consensus on the management protocol of spinal injuries that occur in open water. Non-contact acute ligament injuries have increased as surfing manoeuvres have become more acrobatic, and overuse musculoskeletal injuries are highly correlated with paddling. Further research is needed to establish preventative measures for both acute and overuse surfing injuries and to ensure the increasing popularity of surfing is met with an improved understanding of sport risks and safety. Specifically, we recommend research be prioritised regarding the efficacy of training programmes to prevent surfing-related overuse musculoskeletal injuries

Aims. The UK government declared a national lockdown on 23 March 2020 to reduce transmission of COVID-19. This study aims to identify the effect of lockdown on the rates, types, mechanisms, and mortality of musculoskeletal trauma across Scotland. Methods. Data for all musculoskeletal trauma requiring operative treatment were collected prospectively from five key orthopaedic units across Scotland during lockdown (23 March 2020 to 28 May 2020). This was compared with data for the same timeframe in 2019 and 2018. Data collected included all cases requiring surgery, injury type, mechanism of injury, and inpatient mortality. Results. A total of 1,315 patients received operative treatment from 23 March 2020 to 28 May 2020 compared with 1,791 in 2019 and 1,719 in 2018. The numbers of all injury types decreased, but the relative frequency of hip fractures increased (36.3% in 2020 vs 30.2% in 2019, p < 0.0001 and 30.7% in 2018, p < 0.0001). Significant increases were seen in the proportion of DIY-related injuries (3.1% in 2020 vs 1.7% in 2019, p = 0.012 and 1.6% in 2018, p < 0.005) and injuries caused by falls (65.6% in 2020 vs 62.6% in 2019, p = 0.082 and 61.9% in 2018, p = 0.047). Significant decreases were seen in the proportion of road traffic collisions (2.6% in 2020 vs 5.4% in 2019, p < 0.0001 and 4.2% in 2018, p = 0.016), occupational injuries (1.8% in 2020 vs 3.0% in 2019, p = 0.025 and 2.3% in 2018, p = 0.012) and infections (6.8% in 2020 vs 7.8% in 2019, p = 0.268 and 10.3% in 2018, p < 0.012). Cycling injuries increased (78 in 2020 vs 64 in 2019 vs 42 in 2018). A significant increase in the proportion of self-harm injuries was seen (1.7% in 2020 vs 1.1% in 2019, p = 0.185 and 0.5% in 2018, p < 0.0001). Mortality of trauma patients was significantly higher in 2020 (5.0%) than in 2019 (2.8%, p = 0.002) and 2018 (1.8%, p < 0.0001). Conclusion. The UK COVID-19 lockdown has resulted in a marked reduction in musculoskeletal trauma patients undergoing surgery in Scotland. There have been significant changes in types and mechanisms of injury and, concerningly, mortality of trauma patients has risen significantly. Cite this article: Bone Joint Open 2020;1-9:541–548

Aims. The use of biologics in the treatment of musculoskeletal injuries in Olympic and professional athletes appears to be increasing. There are no studies which currently map the extent, range, and nature of existing literature concerning the use and efficacy of such therapies in this arena. The objective of this scoping review is to map the available evidence regarding the use of biologics in the treatment of musculoskeletal injuries in Olympic and professional sport. Methods. Best-practice methodological frameworks suggested by Arksey and O’Malley, Levac et al, and the Joanna Briggs Institute will be used. This scoping review will aim to firstly map the current extent, range, and nature of evidence for biologic strategies to treat injuries in professional and Olympic sport; secondly, to summarize and disseminate existing research findings; and thirdly, to identify gaps in existing literature. A three-step search strategy will identify peer reviewed and non-peer reviewed literature, including reviews, original research, and both published and unpublished (‘grey’) literature. An initial limited search will identify suitable search terms, followed by a search of five electronic databases (MEDLINE, EMBASE, Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, Web of Science, and Google Scholar) using keyword and index terms. Studies will be screened independently by two reviewers for final inclusion. Dissemination. We will chart key concepts and evidence, and disseminate existing research findings to practitioners and clinicians, through both peer reviewed and non-peer reviewed literature, online platforms (including social media), conference, and in-person communications. We will identify gaps in current literature and priorities for further study

The aim of this study was to identify the effect of COVID-19 lockdown on the rates, types, mechanisms and mortality of musculoskeletal trauma across Scotland. Data for all musculoskeletal trauma requiring operative treatment was collected prospectively from five orthopaedic units across Scotland during the initial lockdown period (23/03/2020-28/05/2020). This was compared with data for the same timeframe in 2018 and 2019. Data collected included all cases requiring surgery, injury type, mechanism of injury, and inpatient mortality. 1315 patients received operative treatment in 2020 compared to 1791 in 2019 and 1719 in 2018. The numbers of all injury types decreased, but the relative frequency of hip fractures increased(36.3% 2020 vs 30.2% 2019, p<0.0001 & 30.7% 2018, p<0.0001). Significant increases were seen in proportion of DIY-related injuries(3.1% 2020 vs 1.7% 2019, p=0.01 & 1.6% 2018, p<0.01) and injuries caused by falls(65.6% 2020 vs 62.6% 2019, p=0.08 & 61.9% 2018, p=0.05). Significant decreases were seen in proportion of RTCs(2.6% 2020 vs 5.4% 2019, p<0.0001 & 4.2% 2018, p=0.02) and occupational injuries(1.8% 2020 vs 3.0% 2019, p=0.03 & 2.3% 2018, p=0.01). A significant increase in proportion of self-harm injuries was seen(1.7% 2020 vs 1.1% 2019, p=0.19 & 0.5% 2018, p<0.0001). Mortality of trauma patients was significantly higher in 2020 (4.9%), than in 2019 (3.2%, p=0.02) and 2018 (2.6%, p<0.0001). In conclusion, lockdown has resulted in a marked reduction of musculoskeletal trauma requiring surgery in Scotland. There have been major changes in types and mechanisms of injury, and mortality of trauma patients has risen significantly

Musculoskeletal (MSK) injuries are one of the leading causes of disability worldwide. Despite improvements in trauma-related morbidity and mortality in high-income countries over recent years, outcomes following MSK injuries in low and middle-income countries, such as South Africa (SA), have not. Despite governmental recognition that this is required, funding and research into this significant health burden are limited within SA. This study aims to identify research priorities within MSK trauma care using a consensus-based approach amongst MSK health care practitioners within SA. Members from the Orthopaedic Research Collaborative (ORCA), based in SA, collaborated using a two round modified Delphi technique to form a consensus on research priorities within orthopaedic trauma care. Members involved in the process were orthopaedic healthcare practitioners within SA. Participants from the ORCA network, working within SA, scored research priorities across two Delphi rounds from low to high priority. We have published the overall top 10 research priorities for this Delphi process. Questions were focused on two broad groups - clinical effectiveness in trauma care and general trauma public health care. Both groups were represented by the top two priorities, with the highest ranked question regarding the overall impact of trauma in SA and the second regarding the clinical treatment of open fractures. This study has defined research priorities within orthopaedic trauma in South Africa. Our vision is that by establishing consensus on these research priorities, policy and research funding will be directed into these areas. This should ultimately improve musculoskeletal trauma care across South Africa and its significant health and socioeconomic impacts

Fracture related infection remains a major challenge in musculoskeletal trauma surgery. Despite best practice, treatment strategies suffer from high failure rates due to antibiotic resistance and tolerance. Bacteriophages represent a promising alternative as they retain activity against such bacteria. However, optimal phage administration protocols remain unknown, although injectable hydrogels, loaded with phage and conventional antibiotics, may support conventional therapy. In this study we tested the activity of meropenem, and two newly isolated bacteriophages (ϕ9 and ϕ3) embedded within alginate-chitosan microbeads and a hydrogel. Antibiotic and phage stability and activity were monitored in vitro, over a period of 10 days. In vivo, the same material was tested in treatment of a 5-day old Pseudomonas aeruginosa infection of a tibial plate osteotomy in mice. Treatment involved debridement and 5 days of systemic antibiotic therapy plus: i- saline, ii-phages in saline, iii-phages and antibiotics loaded into a hydrogel (n=7 mice/group). To assess the efficacy of the treatments, the infection load was monitored during revision surgery with debridement of the infected tissue after 5,10 and 13 days (euthanasia) by CFU and PFU quantification. In vitro testing confirmed that the stability of meropenem and activity of ϕ9 and ϕ3, was not affected within the alginate beads or hydrogel over 10 days. The in vivo study showed that all mice receiving phages and antibiotics loaded into a hydrogel survived the infection with a reduction of the bacterial load in the soft tissue. Active phages could be recovered from the infected site at euthanasia (10. 4. PFU/g). The hydrogel loaded with bacteriophages and meropenem showed a positive result in locally reducing the infection load indicating a synergistic effect of the selected antimicrobials. Overall, our new strategy shows encouraging results for improving the treatment of antibiotic-resistant biofilm infections that are related to medical implants

Musculoskeletal disorders have been recognised as common occupational risks for all orthopaedic surgeons. The nature of tasks performed by hip surgeons often requires both forceful and repetitive manoeuvres, potentially putting them at higher risk of musculoskeletal injuries compared to other orthopaedic sub-specialities. This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of musculoskeletal conditions among hip surgeons and evaluate the association between their workplace and lifestyle factors and musculoskeletal health. An online questionnaire consisting of 22 questions was distributed to UK-based consultant hip surgeons via email and social media platforms. This survey was completed by 105 hip surgeons. The mean age of the respondents was 49 years (range 35–69), with an average of 12 years (range 1–33) in service. 94% were full-time and 6% worked part-time. 49% worked at a district general hospital, 49% at a tertiary centre and 4% at a private institution. 80% were on the on-call rota and 69% had additional trauma commitments. 91% reported having one or more, 50% with three or more and 13% with five or more musculoskeletal conditions. 64% attributed their musculoskeletal condition to their profession. The most common musculoskeletal conditions were base of thumb arthritis (22%), subacromial impingement (20%), degenerative lumbar spine (18%) and medial or lateral epicondylitis (18%). 60% stated that they experienced lower back pain. Statistical analysis showed that being on the on-call rota was significantly (P<0.001) associated with a higher musculoskeletal burden. Regular resistance and/or endurance training and BMI<30 were statistically significant protective factors (P<0.001). Over the last few decades, most of the hip-related literature has focused on improving outcomes in patients, yet very little is known about the impact of hip surgery on the musculoskeletal health of hip surgeons. This study highlights a high prevalence of musculoskeletal conditions among UK-based hip surgeons. Hip surgeons have a pivotal role to play in the ongoing recovery of elective orthopaedics services. There is a pressing need for the identification of preventative measures and improvement in the surgical environment of our hip surgeons

Aims. This study aims to define the epidemiology of trauma presenting to a single centre providing all orthopaedic trauma care for a population of ∼ 900,000 over the first 40 days of the COVID-19 pandemic compared to that presenting over the same period one year earlier. The secondary aim was to compare this with population mobility data obtained from Google. Methods. A cross-sectional study of consecutive adult (> 13 years) patients with musculoskeletal trauma referred as either in-patients or out-patients over a 40-day period beginning on 5 March 2020, the date of the first reported UK COVID-19 death, was performed. This time period encompassed social distancing measures. This group was compared to a group of patients referred over the same calendar period in 2019 and to publicly available mobility data from Google. Results. Orthopaedic trauma referrals reduced by 42% (1,056 compared to 1,820) during the study period, and by 58% (405 compared to 967) following national lockdown. Outpatient referrals reduced by 44%, and inpatient referrals by 36%, and the number of surgeries performed by 36%. The regional incidence of traumatic injury fell from 5.07 (95% confidence interval (CI) 4.79 to 5.35) to 2.94 (95% CI 2.52 to 3.32) per 100,000 population per day. Significant reductions were seen in injuries related to sports and alcohol consumption. No admissions occurred relating to major trauma (Injury Severity Score > 16) or violence against the person. Changes in population mobility and trauma volume from baseline correlated significantly (Pearson’s correlation 0.749, 95% CI 0.58 to 0.85, p < 0.001). However, admissions related to fragility fractures remained unchanged compared to the 2019 baseline. Conclusion. The profound changes in social behaviour and mobility during the early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic have directly correlated with a significant decrease in orthopaedic trauma referrals, but fragility fractures remained unaffected and provision for these patients should be maintained. Cite this article: Bone Joint Open 2020;1-6:182–189

Intimate partner violence (IPV) causes significant morbidity and its unlikely to be reported compared to other forms of gender-based violence (GBV). For early detection, understanding Orthopaedic injuries from GBV is vital. This study assesses the pattern of musculoskeletal injuries from GBV and determines the factors associated with it. It is a retrospective observational study of patients aged ≥18 years, with GBV-related acute Orthopaedic injuries. Data was reviewed from January 2021 to December 2021, including, demographic information, soft tissue and bony injuries, relationship to assailant, substance abuse and the day and time of injury. Frequencies and percentages for categorical data were analysed. Chi-square test was used to calculate association. T-test was used to compare groups for continuous & categorical variables. Multivariate analysis was conducted to find the odds ratio and a p-value <0.05 was statistically significant. 138 patients were included, the mean age at presentation being 35.02 years (SD=11). 92.75% of GBV victims were females. Most were unemployed (66.7%). 30.43% (n-42) had a soft tissue injury; superficial laceration being the most common (23.1%), flexor tendon injury (10.87%), hand abscess (5.8%), and extensor tendon injury (5.07%). 71.02 % (n=98) sustained appendicular fractures. 51.45% (n=71) sustained upper limb fractures; distal radius fractures (10.86%) and distal 3rd ulnar fractures (9,42%). 19.57% (n=27) had lower limb fractures; 7.25% (n=10) had lateral malleolus ankle fractures. 63.7% (n=80) of cases were by an intimate partner on weekends (50.73%). 62.31% occurred between 16h00 and 0h00. 41.1% (n=65) reported alcohol abuse. 63.04% had surgery. GBV likely occurs in early middle-aged females by intimate partners influenced by alcohol over the weekends between 16h00 to 0h00. Distal radius/distal 3rd ulnar fractures are the most common bony injuries. Superficial wrist laceration is the commonest soft tissue injury. These findings may assist with early detection and intervention to prevent adverse outcomes in GBV

Fracture related infections (FRI) are debilitating complications of musculoskeletal trauma surgery that can result in permanent functional loss or amputation. This study aims to determine risk factors associated with FRI treatment failure, allowing clinicians to optimise them prior to treatment and identify patients at higher risk. A major trauma centre database was retrospectively reviewed over a six-year period. Of the 102 patients identified with a FRI (66 male, 36 female), 29.4% (n=30) had acute infections (onset <6 weeks post-injury), 34.3% (n=35) had an open fracture. Open fractures were classified using Gustilo-Anderson (GA) classification (type 2:n=6, type 3A:n=16, type 3B:n=10, type 3C:n=3). Patients with periprosthetic infections of the hip and knee joint, those without prior fracture fixation, soft tissue infections, diabetic foot ulcers, pressure sore infections, patients who died within one month of injury, <12 months follow-up were excluded. FRI treatment failure was defined as either infection recurrence, non-union, or amputation. Lifestyle, clinical, and intra-operative data were documented via retrospective review of medical records. Factors with a P-value of p<0.05 in univariate analysis were included in a stepwise multivariate logistic regression model. FRI treatment failure was encountered in 35.3% (n=36). The most common FRI site was the femoral shaft (16.7%; n=17), and 15.7% (n=16) presented with signs of systemic sepsis. 20.6% (n=21) had recurrent infection, 9.8% (n=10) had non-union, and 4.9% (n=5) required an amputation. The mean age at injury was 49.71 years old. Regarding cardiovascular risk factors, 37 patients were current smokers (36.3%), 31 patients were diabetics (30.4%), and 32 patients (31.4%) were obese (BMI≥30.0). Average follow-up time was 2.37 (range: 1.04-5.14) years. Risk factors for FRI treatment failure were BMI>30, GA type 3c, and implant retention. Given that FRI treatment in 35.3% (36/102) ended up in failure, clinicians need to take into account the predictive variables analysed in this study, and implement a multidisciplinary team approach to optimise these factors. This study could aid clinicians to redirect efforts to improve high risk patient management, and prompt future studies to trial adjuvant technologies for patients at higher risk of failure