Objectives. The exact aetiology and pathogenesis of microdamage-induced long bone fractures remain unknown. These fractures are likely to be the result of inadequate bone remodelling in response to damage. This study aims to identify an association of osteocyte apoptosis, the presence of osteocytic osteolysis, and any alterations in sclerostin expression with a fracture of the third metacarpal (Mc-III) bone of Thoroughbred racehorses. Methods. A total of 30 Mc-III bones were obtained; ten bones were fractured during racing, ten were from the contralateral limb, and ten were from control horses. Each Mc-III bone was divided into a fracture site, condyle, condylar groove, and sagittal ridge. Microcracks and diffuse microdamage were quantified. Apoptotic osteocytes were measured using TUNEL staining. Cathepsin K, matrix metalloproteinase-13 (MMP-13), HtrA1, and sclerostin expression were analyzed. Results. In the fracture group, microdamage was elevated 38.9% (. sd 2.6. ) compared with controls. There was no difference in the osteocyte number and the percentage of apoptotic cells between contralateral limb and unraced control; however, there were significantly fewer apoptotic cells in fractured samples (p < 0.02). Immunohistochemistry showed that in deep zones of the fractured samples, sclerostin expression was significantly higher (p < 0.03) than the total number of osteocytes. No increase in cathepsin K, MMP-13, or HtrA1 was present. Conclusion. There is increased microdamage in Mc-III bones that have fractured during racing. In this study, this is not associated with osteocyte apoptosis or osteocytic osteolysis. The finding of increased sclerostin in the region of the fracture suggests that this protein may be playing a key role in the regulation of bone microdamage during stress adaptation. Cite this article: N. Hopper, E. Singer, F. Henson. Increased sclerostin associated with stress fracture of the third metacarpal bone in the Thoroughbred racehorse. Bone Joint Res 2018;7:94–102. DOI: 10.1302/2046-3758.71.BJR-2016-0202.R4

Aims

Alcoholism is a well-known detrimental factor in fracture healing. However, the underlying mechanism of alcohol-inhibited fracture healing remains poorly understood.

Aims

This study aimed to gather insights from elbow experts using the Delphi method to evaluate the influence of patient characteristics and fracture morphology on the choice between operative and nonoperative treatment for coronoid fractures.

Aims

To fully verify the reliability and reproducibility of an experimental method in generating standardized micromotion for the rat femur fracture model.

Background. The molecular mechanisms underlying non-union bone fractures largely remain elusive. Recently, spatial transcriptomics approaches for musculoskeletal tissue samples have been developed requiring direct placement of histology sections on barcoded slides. However, Formalin-Fixed-Paraffin-Embedded (FFPE) bone sections have been associated with limited RNA quality and read depth compared to soft tissue. Here, we test spatial transcriptomics workflows based on transcriptomic probe transfer to characterize molecular features discriminating non-union and union bone fractures in mice. Method. Histological sections (n=8) used for spatial transcriptomics (Visium CytAssist FFPE; 10x Genomics, n=4 on glass slides, n=4 on hydrogel-coated slides) were obtained from a fracture healing study in female 20-week-old C57BL/6J mice receiving either a femur osteotomy (0.7mm) or a segmental defect (2.4mm) (license 22/2022, Grisons CH). Sequence alignment and manual segmentation of different tissues (bone, defect region/callus, bone marrow, muscle) were performed using SpaceRanger and LoupeBrowser (10x Genomics). Differential gene expression was performed using DESeq2 (Seurat) followed by Gene-Set-Enrichment-Analysis (GSEA) of Gene Ontology (ClusterProfiler). Group comparison of quality measures was done using a Welch's t-test. Results are given as mean±standard deviation. Result. The quality measures, mean counts, and genes per spot, were significantly ~10× higher for sections on hydrogel slides (counts: 4700±1796, genes: 2389±1170) compared to glass slides (counts: 463±415, genes: 250±223). In challenging tissues like cortical bone, we reached high counts+genes in comparison to published data. Direct comparison of a non-union and union section showed a total of 432 differentially regulated genes, 538 in the defect region/callus. GSEA revealed differential regulation of pathways involved in muscle organ morphogenesis, cartilage development and endochondral ossification. Conclusions. Optimized spatial transcriptomics workflows based on transcriptomic probe transfer enable for improved read depth in musculoskeletal tissue enabling the characterization of molecular features discriminating non-union and union bone fractures. Acknowledgements. AO Foundation (AOTRAUMA), SNSF (PhD salary)

Aims. Though most humeral shaft fractures heal nonoperatively, up to one-third may lead to nonunion with inferior outcomes. The Radiographic Union Score for HUmeral Fractures (RUSHU) was created to identify high-risk patients for nonunion. Our study evaluated the RUSHU’s prognostic performance at six and 12 weeks in discriminating nonunion within a significantly larger cohort than before. Methods. Our study included 226 nonoperatively treated humeral shaft fractures. We evaluated the interobserver reliability and intraobserver reproducibility of RUSHU scoring using intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs). Additionally, we determined the optimal cut-off thresholds for predicting nonunion using the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) method. Results. The RUSHU demonstrated good interobserver reliability with an ICC of 0.78 (95% CI 0.72 to 0.83) at six weeks and 0.77 (95% CI 0.71 to 0.82) at 12 weeks. Intraobserver reproducibility was good or excellent for all analyses. Area under the curve in the ROC analysis was 0.83 (95% CI 0.77 to 0.88) at six weeks and 0.89 (95% CI 0.84 to 0.93) at 12 weeks, indicating excellent discrimination. The optimal cut-off values for predicting nonunion were ≤ eight points at six weeks and ≤ nine points at 12 weeks, providing the best specificity-sensitivity trade-off. Conclusion. The RUSHU proves to be a reliable and reproducible radiological scoring system that aids in identifying patients at risk of nonunion at both six and 12 weeks post-injury during non-surgical treatment of humeral shaft fractures. The statistically optimal cut-off values for predicting nonunion are ≤ eight at six weeks and ≤ nine points at 12 weeks post-injury

Abstract. Objective. Bi-condylar tibia plateau fractures are one of challenging injuries due to multi-planar fracture lines. The risk of fixation failure is correlated with coronal splits observed in CT images, although established fracture classifications and previous studies disregarded this critical split. This study aimed to experimentally and numerically compare our innovative fracture model (Fracture C), developed based on clinically-observed morphology, with the traditional Horwitz model (Fracture H). Methods. Fractures C and H were realized using six samples of 4th generation tibia Sawbones and fixed with Stryker AxSOS locking plates. Loading was introduced through unilateral knee replacements and distributed 60% medially. Loading was initiated with six static ramps to 250 N and continued with incremental fatigue tests until failure. Corresponding FE models of Fractures C and H were developed in ANSYS using CT scans of Sawbones and CAD data of implants. Loading and boundary conditions similar to experimental situations were applied. All materials were assumed to be homogenous, isotropic, and linear elastic. Von-Mises stresses of implant components were compared between fractures. Results. Fracture C showed 46% lower static stiffness than Fracture H, and it was 38–59% laxer than Fracture H during cyclic loading. Fractures C and H failed at 368±63N and 593±159N, respectively. Von-Mises stress distributions of locking plates indicated that for Fracture C peak stresses, observed around the proximal-inferior and proximal-threadless holes, were 55% higher than Fracture H's, which occurred around the kick-stand hole. The Kick-stand screw of Fracture C demonstrated 65% higher stress than Fracture H's. Conclusions. Experimental outcomes revealed that coronal splits significantly reduced structural stability. Von-Mises stress distributions demonstrated that potential fatigue failure points of implant components depend on the fracture geometry. Therefore, coronal fracture lines should be counted to precisely assess different fixation methods and find the optimum option for this problematic trauma

There is still no consensus on which concentration of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) to use for promoting fracture healing in a rat model of long bone fracture. To assess the optimal concentration of MSCs for promoting fracture healing in a rat model. Wistar rats were divided into four groups according to MSC concentrations: Normal saline (C), 2.5 × 106 (L), 5.0 × 106 (M), and 10.0 × 106 (H) groups. The MSCs were injected directly into the fracture site. The rats were sacrificed at 2 and 6 자 post-fracture. New bone formation [bone volume (BV) and percentage BV (PBV)] was evaluated using micro-computed tomography (CT). Histological analysis was performed to evaluate fracture healing score. The protein expression of factors related to MSC migration [stromal cell-derived factor 1 (SDF-1), transforming growth factor-beta 1 (TGF-β1)] and angiogenesis [vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)] was evaluated using western blot analysis. The expression of cytokines associated with osteogenesis [bone morphogenetic protein-2 (BMP-2), TGF-β1 and VEGF] was evaluated using real-time polymerase chain reaction. Micro-CT showed that BV and PBV was significantly increased in groups M and H compared to that in group C at 6 wk post-fracture (P = 0.040, P = 0.009; P = 0.004, P = 0.001, respectively). Significantly more cartilaginous tissue and immature bone were formed in groups M and H than in group C at 2 and 6 wk post-fracture (P = 0.018, P = 0.010; P = 0.032, P = 0.050, respectively). At 2 wk post fracture, SDF-1, TGF-β1 and VEGF expression were significantly higher in groups M and H than in group L (P = 0.031, P = 0.014; P < 0.001, P < 0.001; P = 0.025, P < 0.001, respectively). BMP-2 and VEGF expression were significantly higher in groups M and H than in group C at 6 wk postfracture (P = 0.037, P = 0.038; P = 0.021, P = 0.010). Compared to group L, TGF-β1 expression was significantly higher in groups H (P = 0.016). There were no significant differences in expression levels of chemokines related to MSC migration, angiogenesis and cytokines associated with osteogenesis between M and H groups at 2 and 6 wk post-fracture. The administration of at least 5.0 × 106 MSCs was optimal to promote fracture healing in a rat model of long bone fractures

Objectives. The aim of this study was to review the impact of smoking tobacco on the musculoskeletal system, and on bone fractures in particular. Methods. English-language publications of human and animal studies categorizing subjects into smokers and nonsmokers were sourced from MEDLINE, The Cochrane Library, and SCOPUS. This review specifically focused on the risk, surgical treatment, and prevention of fracture complications in smokers. Results. Smokers have an increased risk of fracture and experience more complications with delayed bone healing, even if they have already stopped smoking, because some adverse effects persist for a prolonged period. Some risks can be reduced during and after surgery by local and general prevention, and smoking cessation is an important factor in lessening this risk. However, if a patient wants to stop smoking at the time of a fracture, the cessation strategies in reducing tobacco use are not easy to implement. The patient should also be warned that using e-cigarettes or other tobaccos does not appear to reduce adverse effects on health. Conclusion. The evidence reviewed in this study shows that smoking has a negative effect in terms of the risk and treatment of fractures. Cite this article: J. Hernigou, F. Schuind. Tobacco and bone fractures: A review of the facts and issues that every orthopaedic surgeon should know. Bone Joint Res 2019;8:255–265. DOI: 10.1302/2046-3758.86.BJR-2018-0344.R1

This study was conducted to investigate the characteristics, complications, radiologic features and clinical course of patients undergoing reduction of forearm fractures in order to better inform patient prognosis and postoperative management. We conducted a retrospective cohort study of 1079 pediatric patients treated for forearm fractures between January 2014 and September 2021 in a 327 bed regional medical center. A preoperative radiological assessment and chart review was performed. Percent fracture displacement, location, orientation, comonution, fracture line visibility and angle of angulation were determined by AP and lateral radiographs. Percent fracture displacement was derived by: (Displacement of Bone Shafts / Diameter) x 100% = %Fracture Displacement. Angle of angulation and percent fracture displacement were calculated by averaging AP and lateral radiograph measurements. 80 cases, averaging 13.5±8.3 years, were identified as having a complete fracture of the radius and/or ulna with 69 receiving closed reduction and 11 receiving fixation via an intramedullary device or percutaneous pinning. Eight patients (10%) experienced complications with four resulting in a refracture and four resulting in significant loss of reduction (LOR) without refracture. Fractures in the proximal ⅔s of the radius were associated with a significant increase in complications compared to fractures in the distal ⅓ of the radius (31.6% vs 3.4%) (P=.000428). Likewise, a higher percent fracture displacement was associated with a decreased risk of complications (28.7% vs 5.9% displacement)(P=0.0403). No elevated risk of complications was found based on fracture orientation, angulation, fracture line visibility, forearm bone(s) fractured, sex, age or arm affected. Our result highlights radius fracture location and percent fracture displacement as markers with prognostic value following forearm fracture. These measurements are simply calculated via pre-reduction radiographs, providing an efficient method of informing risk of complications following forearm fracture

Aims. To assess the feasibility of a randomized controlled trial (RCT) that compares three treatments for acetabular fractures in older patients: surgical fixation, surgical fixation and hip arthroplasty (fix-and-replace), and non-surgical treatment. Methods. Patients were recruited from seven UK NHS centres and randomized to a three-arm pilot trial if aged older than 60 years and had a displaced acetabular fracture. Feasibility outcomes included patients’ willingness to participate, clinicians’ capability to recruit, and dropout rates. The primary clinical outcome measure was the EuroQol five-dimension questionnaire (EQ-5D) at six months. Secondary outcomes were Oxford Hip Score, Disability Rating Index, blood loss, and radiological and mobility assessments. Results. Between December 2017 and December 2019, 60 patients were recruited (median age 77.4 years, range 63.3 to 88.5) (39/21 M/F ratio). At final nine-month follow-up, 4/60 (7%) had withdrawn, 4/60 (7%) had died, and one had been lost to follow-up; a 98% response rate (50/51) was achieved for the EQ-5D questionnaire. Four deaths were recorded during the three-year trial period: three in the non-surgical treatment group and one in the fix-and-replace group. Conclusion. This study has shown a full-scale RCT to be feasible, but will need international recruitment. The Acetabular Fractures in older patients Intervention Trial (AceFIT) has informed the design of a multinational RCT sample size of 1,474 or 1,974 patients for a minimal clinically important difference of 0.06 on EQ-5D, with a power of 0.8 or 0.9, and loss to follow-up of 20%. This observed patient cohort comprises a medically complex group requiring multidisciplinary care; surgeon, anaesthetist, and ortho-geriatrician input is needed to optimize recovery and rehabilitation. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2024;106-B(4):401–411

Fractures of the distal radius are common, and form a considerable proportion of the trauma workload. We conducted a study to examine the patterns of injury and treatment for adult patients presenting with distal radius fractures to a major trauma centre serving an urban population. We undertook a retrospective cohort study to identify all patients treated at our major trauma centre for a distal radius fracture between 1 June 2018 and 1 May 2021. We reviewed the medical records and imaging for each patient to examine patterns of injury and treatment. We undertook a binomial logistic regression to produce a predictive model for operative fixation or inpatient admission. Overall, 571 fractures of the distal radius were treated at our centre during the study period. A total of 146 (26%) patients required an inpatient admission, and 385 surgical procedures for fractures of the distal radius were recorded between June 2018 and May 2021. The most common mechanism of injury was a fall from a height of one metre or less. Of the total fractures, 59% (n = 337) were treated nonoperatively, and of those patients treated with surgery, locked anterior-plate fixation was the preferred technique (79%; n = 180). The epidemiology of distal radius fractures treated at our major trauma centre replicated the classical bimodal distribution described in the literature. Patient age, open fractures, and fracture classification were factors correlated with the decision to treat the fracture operatively. While most fractures were

Introduction. The management of open long bone fractures is well described and has been standardised through a number of well-established guidelines. However, there is no consensus regarding the application of local antibiotics into the open fracture site as a means of reducing infection rates. Materials & Methods. A systematic review and meta-analysis were undertaken as per PRISMA guidelines. PROSPERO Registration CRD42022323545. PubMed, EMBASE, Scopus and CENTRAL were the databases assessed. The Newcastle Ottawa Scale and the Rob 2 Tool were used to assess bias. A qualitative synthesis of all included studies and meta-analysis of suitable subgroups was undertaken. Results. In total, 12 studies (11 observational, 1 RCT) assessing 2431 open fractures were included for analysis. All compared the addition of a local antibiotic therapy to a standard treatment versus the standard treatment alone. The methods of delivery were vancomycin powder (4 papers), tobramycin polymethylmethacrylate beads (4 papers), gentamicin coated intramedullary (IM) nails (2 papers), gentamicin injections (1 paper) and antibiotic released IM core cement (1 paper). The addition of vancomycin powder did not decrease infection rates in comparison to intravenous antibiotics alone (OR 1.3, 95% CI (0.75 – 2.26)). Antibiotic coated IM Nails appear to have an association with lower infection rates than standard IM Nails. PMMA antibiotics have shown varied results in reducing infection rates depending on the individual studies. Conclusions. There are numerous methods available to deliver antibiotics locally to an open fracture site. Further high-quality research is required to provide a definitive conclusion on their efficacy irrespective of delivery method

Healing after bone fracture is assessed by frequent radiographs, which expose patients to radiation and lacks behind biological healing. This study aimed to investigate whether the electrical impedance using electrical impedance spectroscopy correlated to quantitative scores of bone healing obtained from micro-CT and mechanical bending test. Eighteen rabbits were subjected to tibial fracture that was stabilized with external fixator. Two electrodes were positioned, one electrode placed within the medullary cavity and the other on the lateral cortex, both three millimeters from the fracture site. Impedance was measured daily across the fracture site at a frequency range of 5 Hz to 1 MHz. The animals were divided into three groups with different follow-up time: 1, 3 and 6 weeks for micro-CT (Bone volume/tissue volume (BV/TV, %)) and mechanical testing (maximum stress (MPa), failure energy (kJ/cm3), young modulus (Mpa)). There was a statistically significant correlation between last measured impedance at 5 Hz frequency immediately prior to euthanasia and BV/TV of callus (−0.68, 95%CI: (−0.87; −0.31)). Considering the mechanical testing with three-point bending, no significant correlation was found between last measured impedance at 5 Hz frequency immediately prior to euthanasia and maximum stress (−0.35, 95%CI: (−0.70; 0.14)), failure energy (−0.23, 95%CI: (−0.63; 0.26)), or young modulus (−0.28, 95%CI: (−0.66; 0.22)). The significant negative correlation between impedance and BV/TV might indicate that impedances correlate with the relative bone volume in the callus site. The lack of correlation between impedance and mechanical parameters when at the same time observing a correlation between impedance and days since operation (0-42 days), might indicate that the impedance can measure biological changes at an earlier time point than rough mechanical testing

Objectives. Distal humerus fractures in elderly population are often comminuted and presents multiple challenges. When managed with fixation the results are often complicated with stiffness, pain, and reduced function while total elbow replacement is fraught with lifelong restrictions on load bearing which can significantly affect elderly patients who rely assistive devices for ambulation. Elbow hemiarthroplasty however, presents a viable alternative in these cases. This series evaluates the results of the distal humerus hemiarthroplasty in a single centre. Designs and methods. Data was collected retrospectively. Comprehensive case reviews were done to collect demographic, intra-operative and post-operative data. Fractures were classified as per AO classification. The primary outcome was functional outcome and range of motion (ROM). The secondary outcomes were complications and patient satisfaction. Results. 22 cases were included in this study from 2016 – 2023 majority being females (n=18). Mean age was 74years (SD −11.2). Majority fractures were AO type C3 (n=15) with two A2 type fractures managed for non-union. Pre-existing bone on bone arthritis was present in 3 cases and CT scan was done for 12 patients to assess fracture configuration. Excluding those treated for non- union the median time between fracture and surgery was 8.5 days. Follow-up of more than 6 months was available for 16 patients with median follow-up of 18 months. ROM was available for 17 patients with 13 (50%) patients having functional ROM. No patients had full extension and there was a mean lag of 20. 0. Mean flexion was 118.2. 0. Nearly 2/3. rd. patients (73%- n=16) were satisfied with the surgery with no problems in activity of daily living. Complications seen were ulnar neuropathy (n=3), heterotopic ossification(n=2) and periprosthetic fracture (n=1). Conclusion. This single centre study suggests good outcomes following distal humerus hemiarthroplasty. It is a reasonable alternative to fixation and total elbow arthroplasty in complex fractures

Fractures of the neck of femur are common in the older adult with significant morbidity and mortality rates. This patient cohort is associated with frailty and multiple complex medical and social needs requiring a multidisciplinary team to provide optimal care. The aim of this study was to assess the outcomes at 5 years following implementation of a collaborative service between the Orthopaedic and Geriatric departments of Southland Hospital in 2012. Retrospective data was collected for patients aged 65 years and older who were admitted with a fragility hip fracture. Data was collated for 2011 (pre-implementation) and 2017 (post-implementation). Demographics and ASA scores were recorded. We assessed 30-day and 1-year mortality, surgical data, length of stay and complications. There were 74 patient admissions in 2011 and 107 in 2017. Mean age at surgery was 84.2 years in 2011 and 82.6 years in 2017 (p>0.05). Between the 2011 and 2017 groups there has been a non-significant reduction in length of stay on the orthopaedic ward (9.8 days vs 7.5 days, p=0.138) but a significant reduction in length of stay on the rehabilitation ward (19.9 vs 9 days, p<0.001). There was a significant decrease in frequency of patients with a complication (71.6% vs 57%, p=0.045) and a marginal reduction in number of complications (p=0.057). Through logistic regression controlling for age, sex and ASA score, there was a reduction in the odds of having a complication by 12% between 2011 and 2017 (p<0.001). There was no difference in mortality between the groups. The orthogeriatric model of care at Southland Hospital appears to have reduced both the frequency of complications and length of stay on the rehabilitation ward 5 years after its implementation. This is the first study in New Zealand demonstrating medium-term post-implementation follow-up of what is currently a nationally accepted standard model of care

Olecranon fractures are common injuries representing roughly 5% of pediatric elbow fractures. The traditional surgical management is open reduction and internal fixation with a tension band technique where the pins are buried under the skin and tamped into the triceps. We have used a modification of this technique, where the pins have been left out of the skin to be removed in clinic. The purpose of the current study is to compare the outcomes of surgically treated olecranon fractures using a tension-band technique with buried k-wires (PINS IN) versus percutaneous k-wires (PINS OUT). We performed a retrospective chart review on all pediatric patients (18 years of age or less) with olecranon fractures that were surgically treated at a pediatric academic center between 2015 to present. Fractures were identified using ICD-10 codes and manually identified for those with an isolated olecranon fracture. Patients were excluded if they had polytrauma, metabolic bone disease, were treated non-op or if a non-tension band technique was used (ex: plate/screws). Patients were then divided into 2 groups, olecranon fractures using a tension-band technique with buried k-wires (PINS IN) and with percutaneous k-wires (PINS OUT). In the PINS OUT group, the k-wires were removed in clinic at the surgeon's discretion once adequate fracture healing was identified. The 2 groups were then compared for demographics, time to mobilization, fracture healing, complications and return to OR. A total of 35 patients met inclusion criteria. There were 28 patients in the PINS IN group with an average age of 12.8 years, of which 82% male and 43% fractured their right olecranon. There were 7 patients in the PINS OUT group with an average age of 12.6 years, of which 57% were male and 43% fractured their right olecranon. All patients in both groups were treated with open reduction internal fixation with a tension band-technique. In the PINS IN group, 64% were treated with 2.0 k-wires and various materials for the tension band (82% suture, 18% cerclage wire). In the PINS OUT group, 71% were treated with 2.0 k-wires and all were treated with sutures for the tension band. The PINS IN group were faster to mobilize (3.4 weeks (range 2-5 weeks) vs 5 weeks (range 4-7 weeks) p=0.01) but had a significantly higher complications rate compared to the PINS OUT group (6 vs 0, p =0.0001) and a significantly higher return to OR (71% vs 0%, p=0.0001), mainly for hardware irritation or limited range of motion. All fractures healed in both groups within 7 weeks. Pediatric olecranon fractures treated with a suture tension-band technique and k-wires left percutaneously is a safe and alternative technique compared to the traditional buried k-wires technique. The PINS OUT technique, although needing longer immobilization, could lead to less complications and decreased return to the OR due to irritation and limited ROM

Fractures of the humeral diaphysis occur in a bimodal distribution and represent 3-5% of all fractures. Presently, the standard treatment of isolated humeral diaphyseal fractures is nonoperative care using splints, braces, and slings. Recent data has questioned the effectiveness of this strategy in ensuring fracture healing and optimal patient function. The primary objective of this randomized controlled trial (RCT) was to assess whether operative treatment of humeral shaft fractures with a plate and screw construct provides a better functional outcome than nonoperative treatment. Secondary objectives compared union rates and both clinical and patient-reported outcomes. Eligible patients with an isolated, closed humeral diaphyseal fracture were randomized to either nonoperative care (initial sugar-tong splint, followed by functional coaptation brace) or open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF; plate and screw construct). The primary outcome measure was the Disability Shoulder, Arm, Hand (DASH) score assessed at 2-, 6-, 16-, 24-, and 52-weeks. Secondary outcomes included the Short Musculoskeletal Functional Assessment (SMFA), the Constant Shoulder Score, range of motion (ROM), and radiographic parameters. Independent samples t-tests and Chi-squared analyses were used to compare treatment groups. The DASH, SMFA, and Constant Score were modelled over time using a multiple variable mixed effects model. A total of 180 patients were randomized, with 168 included in the final analysis. There were 84 patients treated nonoperatively and 84 treated with ORIF. There was no significant difference between the two treatment groups for age (mean = 45.4 years, SD 16.5 for nonoperative group and 41.7, SD 17.2 years for ORIF group; p=0.16), sex (38.1% female in nonoperative group and 39.3% female in ORIF group; p=0.87), body mass index (mean = 27.8, SD 8.7 for nonoperative group and 27.2, SD 6.2 for ORIF group; p=0.64), or smoking status (p=0.74). There was a significant improvement in the DASH scores at 6 weeks in the ORIF group compared to the nonoperative group (mean=33.8, SD 21.2 in the ORIF group vs. mean=56.5, SD=21.1 in the nonoperative group; p < 0 .0001). At 4 months, the DASH scores were also significantly better in the ORIF group (mean=21.6, SD=19.7 in the ORIF group vs. mean=31.6, SD=24.6 in the nonoperative group; p=0.009. However, there was no difference in DASH scores at 12-month follow-up between the groups (mean=8.8,SD=10.9 vs. mean=11.0, SD=16.9 in the nonoperative group; p=0.39). Males had improved DASH scores at all timepoints compared with females. There was significantly quicker time to union (p=0.016) and improved position (p < 0 .001) in the ORIF group. There were 13 (15.5%) nonunions in the nonoperative group and four (4.7%) combined superficial and deep infections in the ORIF group. There were seven radial nerve palsies in the nonoperative group and five (a single iatrogenic) radial nerve palsies in the ORIF group. This large RCT comparing operative and nonoperative treatment of humeral diaphyseal fractures found significantly improved functional outcome scores in patients treated surgically at 6 weeks and 4 months. However, the early functional improvement did not persist at the 12-month follow-up. There was a 15.5% nonunion rate, which required surgical intervention, in the nonoperative group and a similar radial nerve palsy rate between groups

Fractures of the humeral diaphysis occur in a bimodal distribution and represent 3-5% of all fractures. Presently, the standard treatment of isolated humeral diaphyseal fractures is nonoperative care using splints, braces, and slings. Recent data has questioned the effectiveness of this strategy in ensuring fracture healing and optimal patient function. The primary objective of this randomized controlled trial (RCT) was to assess whether operative treatment of humeral shaft fractures with a plate and screw construct provides a better functional outcome than nonoperative treatment. Secondary objectives compared union rates and both clinical and patient-reported outcomes. Eligible patients with an isolated, closed humeral diaphyseal fracture were randomized to either nonoperative care (initial sugar-tong splint, followed by functional coaptation brace) or open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF; plate and screw construct). The primary outcome measure was the Disability Shoulder, Arm, Hand (DASH) score assessed at 2-, 6-, 16-, 24-, and 52-weeks. Secondary outcomes included the Short Musculoskeletal Functional Assessment (SMFA), the Constant Shoulder Score, range of motion (ROM), and radiographic parameters. Independent samples t-tests and Chi-squared analyses were used to compare treatment groups. The DASH, SMFA, and Constant Score were modelled over time using a multiple variable mixed effects model. A total of 180 patients were randomized, with 168 included in the final analysis. There were 84 patients treated nonoperatively and 84 treated with ORIF. There was no significant difference between the two treatment groups for age (mean = 45.4 years, SD 16.5 for nonoperative group and 41.7, SD 17.2 years for ORIF group; p=0.16), sex (38.1% female in nonoperative group and 39.3% female in ORIF group; p=0.87), body mass index (mean = 27.8, SD 8.7 for nonoperative group and 27.2, SD 6.2 for ORIF group; p=0.64), or smoking status (p=0.74). There was a significant improvement in the DASH scores at 6 weeks in the ORIF group compared to the nonoperative group (mean=33.8, SD 21.2 in the ORIF group vs. mean=56.5, SD=21.1 in the nonoperative group; p < 0 .0001). At 4 months, the DASH scores were also significantly better in the ORIF group (mean=21.6, SD=19.7 in the ORIF group vs. mean=31.6, SD=24.6 in the nonoperative group; p=0.009. However, there was no difference in DASH scores at 12-month follow-up between the groups (mean=8.8,SD=10.9 vs. mean=11.0, SD=16.9 in the nonoperative group; p=0.39). Males had improved DASH scores at all timepoints compared with females. There was significantly quicker time to union (p=0.016) and improved position (p < 0 .001) in the ORIF group. There were 13 (15.5%) nonunions in the nonoperative group and four (4.7%) combined superficial and deep infections in the ORIF group. There were seven radial nerve palsies in the nonoperative group and five (a single iatrogenic) radial nerve palsies in the ORIF group. This large RCT comparing operative and nonoperative treatment of humeral diaphyseal fractures found significantly improved functional outcome scores in patients treated surgically at 6 weeks and 4 months. However, the early functional improvement did not persist at the 12-month follow-up. There was a 15.5% nonunion rate, which required surgical intervention, in the nonoperative group and a similar radial nerve palsy rate between groups

Australian Football (AF) is a popular sport in Australia, with females now representing one-third of participants. Despite this, the injury profiles of females versus males in largely unknown. The current study investigated fractures, dislocations and tendon ruptures in females versus males presenting to emergency departments (ED) with an AF injury. All patients, regardless of age, presenting to one of 10 EDs in Victoria, Australia, with an AF injury were included. Data were prospectively collected over a 10-month period, coinciding with a complete AF season. Data were extracted from patient medical records regarding injury-type, body-part injured and treatments required. Female and male data were compared with chi-squared tests. Of the 1635 patients presenting with an AF injury, 595 (36.0%) had a fracture, dislocation or tendon rupture, of whom 85 (14.3%) were female and the average age was 20.5 years (SD 8.0). Fractures accounted for most injuries (n=478, 80.3% of patients had a fracture), followed by dislocations (n=118, 19.8%) and tendon ruptures (n=14, 2.4%). Upper limb fractures were more common than lower limb fractures (71.1% v 11.5% of fractures). Females were more likely to fracture their hands or fingers than males (45.7% v 34.3%). Males were more likely to fracture ribs (5.4% v 0%). Most fractures (91.2%) were managed in the ED, with the remainder being admitted for surgery (GAMP/ORIF). Males were more likely to be admitted for surgery than females (11.2% v 5.9%). Regarding dislocations (n=118), females were more likely to dislocate the patella (36.8% v 8.1% of dislocations). Only males sustained a tendon rupture (n=14): finger extensor or flexor (57.1%), achilles tendon (28.6%) and patella tendon (14.3%). Orthopaedic AF injuries are common presentations to EDs in Victoria, though few require specialist orthopaedic intervention. Injury profiles differed between genders suggesting that gender specific injury prevention and management might be required