Objectives. Open fracture classification systems are limited in their use. Our objective was to classify open tibia and femur fractures using the OTS classification system in a region with high incidence of gunshot fractures. One hundred and thirty-seven patients with diaphyseal tibia and femur open fractures were identified from a prospectively collected cohort of patients. This database contained all cases (closed and open fractures) of tibial and femoral intramedullary nailed patients older than 18 years old during the period of September 2017 to May 2021. Exclusion criteria included closed fractures, non-viable limbs, open fractures > 48 hours to first surgical debridement and patients unable to follow up over a period of 12 months (a total of 24). Open fractures captured and classified in the HOST study using the Gustilo-Anderson classification, were reviewed and reclassified using the OTS open fracture classification system, analysing gunshot fractures in particular. Ninety percent were males with a mean age of 34. Most common mechanism was civilian gunshot wounds (gsw) in 54.7% of cases. In 52.6% of cases soft tissue management was healing via secondary intention, these not encompassed in the classification. Fracture classification was OTS Simple in 23.4%, Complex B in 24.1% and 52.6% of cases unclassified. The OTS classification system was not comprehensive in the classification of open tibia and femur fractures in a setting of high incidence of gunshot fractures. An amendment has been proposed to alter acute management to appropriate wound care and to subcategorise Simple into A and B subdivisions; no soft tissue intervention and primary closure respectively. This will render the OTS classification system more inclusive to all open fractures of all causes with the potential to better guide patient care and clinical research

Introduction. Open fractures are complex injuries associated with substantial morbidity. These injuries are associated with harm to both physical and emotional health as well as preclusion of work, social, and leisure activities. Patient reported outcome measures (PROMs) and health related quality of life are critical indicators of successful rehabilitation following open fracture treatment. This study aimed to measure the PROMs for patients with open lower limb fractures and investigate the relationship with injury severity. Materials & Methods. A retrospective cohort study was performed at a single major trauma centre in the UK. All adult patients with an open lower limb fracture were eligible for inclusion. Patients were identified through a search of a local Open Fracture Database. Epidemiological, clinical, and fracture classification data were obtained by reviewing case notes. Lower Extremity Function Scale (LEFS) and EQ5-D were used as PROMs and measured by a postal questionnaire, alongside return to employment data. Results. A total of 73 patients responded to the questionnaire. Median LEFS was 42 (IQR 26.5 – 59.5), and median EQ5-D was 0.69 (IQR 0.48 – 0.89). There was no significant association between open fracture classification and PROMs. Over 40% of patients reported a change in employment due to their injury. Those who changed jobs had a statistically significant reduction in the EQ5-D of 0.12 (p = 0.021); no significant difference existed in LEFS. Conclusions. This study demonstrates the devastating functional impact of open fractures. This cohort of open injuries reported lower functional and quality-of-life measures compared to population norms. Injury classification was not a valuable predictor of PROMs. A substantial proportion of patients were forced to change employment due to their injury, and these patients reported a significantly lower quality of life. Further work is required to understand the factors contributing to open fracture PROMs

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

Background. Dynamic Hip Screw (DHS) is the most frequently used implant in management of intertrochanteric femoral fractures. There is a known statistical relationship between a tip-apex distance (TAD) >25mm and higher rate of implant failure. Our aim was to analyse all DHS procedures performed in our trust from seventeen months and compare their TAD values to the acceptable standard of ≤25mm. Methods. All patients undergoing DHS between April 2020-August 2021 were identified from our theatre system. Additionally, those presenting to hospital with implant failures were included. Patient demographics, date of surgery, fracture classification (AO) and date/mode of failure were recorded. Intraoperative fluoroscopy images were reviewed to calculate TAD, screw location and neck shaft angles by two independent observers. Results. 215 patients were identified, five of which were excluded due to inadequate fluoroscopy. Failure was seen in 3.3% of the cohort (n=7), of which 71.4% had an unacceptable TAD. In total, 21 patients (10%) had TAD >25mm, of whom 12 had superiorly and 15 had posteriorly placed screws. There were no failures in patients with a TAD of <20mm whereas a TAD >30mm had 50% failure rate. Conclusion. This audit reinforces the importance of aiming for a low TAD (preferably <20mm) intraoperatively. It is also desirable to avoid superiorly and significantly posteriorly placed screws. Implications. Complex hip revision surgery in the elderly bears substantial financial implications to the NHS and, more importantly, causes prolonged morbidity to the patient. Adhering to established standards will ensure reduced implant failure and best patient care

Introduction. Frame configuration for the management of complex tibial fractures is highly variable and is dependent not only on fracture pattern and soft tissue condition but also surgeon preference. The optimal number of rings to use when designing a frame remains uncertain. Traditionally, larger, stiffer constructs with multiple rings per segment were thought to offer optimal conditions for bone healing, however, the concept of reverse dynamisation questions this approach. Materials & Methods. We compared clinical outcomes in 302 consecutive patients with tibial fractures treated in our unit with either a two-ring circular frame or a three-or-more-ring (3+) frame. The primary outcome measure was time spent in frame. Secondary outcomes were the incidence of malunion and the need for further surgical procedures to achieve bone union. The groups were evenly matched for age, co-morbidities, energy of injury mechanism, fracture classification, post-treatment alignment and presence of an open fracture. Results. The mean time in frame was 168 days for the 2-ring group and 200 days for the 3+ rings group (p=0.003). No significant difference was found in the rate of malunion (p=0.428) or the requirement for secondary surgical intervention to achieve union (p=0.363). No significant difference in time in frame was found between individual surgeons. Conclusions. This study finds that 2-ring frame constructs are a reliable option associated with significantly shorter duration of treatment and no increase in rates of adverse outcomes compared with larger, more complex frame configurations. Although this study cannot identify the underlying cause of the difference in treatment time between frame designs, it is possible that differences in mechanical stability lead to a more favourable strain environment for fracture healing in the 2-ring group

Distal radius fractures (DRFs) are one of the most common types of fracture and one which is often treated surgically. Standard X-rays are obtained for DRFs, and in most cases that have an intra-articular component, a routine CT is also performed. However, it is estimated that CT is only required in 20% of cases and therefore routine CT's results in the overutilisation of resources burdening radiology and emergency departments. In this study, we explore the feasibility of using deep learning to differentiate intra- and extra-articular DRFs automatically and help streamline which fractures require a CT. Retrospectively x-ray images were retrieved from 615 DRF patients who were treated with an ORIF at the Royal Brisbane and Women's Hospital. The images were classified into AO Type A, B or C fractures by three training registrars supervised by a consultant. Deep learning was utilised in a two-stage process: 1) localise and focus the region of interest around the wrist using the YOLOv5 object detection network and 2) classify the fracture using a EfficientNet-B3 network to differentiate intra- and extra-articular fractures. The distal radius region of interest (ROI) detection stage using the ensemble model of YOLO networks detected all ROIs on the test set with no false positives. The average intersection over union between the YOLO detections and the ROI ground truth was Error! Digit expected.. The DRF classification stage using the EfficientNet-B3 ensemble achieved an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of 0.82 for differentiating intra-articular fractures. The proposed DRF classification framework using ensemble models of YOLO and EfficientNet achieved satisfactory performance in intra- and extra-articular fracture classification. This work demonstrates the potential in automatic fracture characterization using deep learning and can serve to streamline decision making for axial imaging helping to reduce unnecessary CT scans

The purpose of this study was to determine whether there have been changes in the complexity of femoral fragility fractures presenting to our Dunedin Orthopaedic Department, New Zealand, over a period of ten years. Patients over the age of 60 presenting with femoral fragility fractures to Dunedin Hospital in 2009 −10 (335 fractures) were compared with respect to demographic data, incidence rates, fracture classification and treatment details to the period 2018-19 (311 fractures). Pathological and high velocity fractures were excluded. The gender proportion and average age (83.1 vs 83.0 years) was unchanged. The overall incidence of femoral fractures in people over 60 years in our region fell by 27% (p<0.001). Intracapsular fractures (31 B1 and B2) fell by 29% (p=0.03) and stable trochanteric fractures by 56% (p<0.001). The incidence of unstable trochanteric fractures (31A2 and 31A3) increased by 84.5% from 3.5 to 6.4/10,000 over 60 years (p = 0.04). The proportion of trochanteric fractures treated with an intramedullary (IM) nail increased from 8% to 37% (p <0.001). Fewer intracapsular fractures were treated by internal fixation (p<0.001) and the rate of acute total hip joint replacements increased from 13 to 21% (p=0.07). The incidence of femoral shaft fractures did not change significantly with periprosthetic fractures comprising 70% in both cohorts. While there has been little difference in the numbers there has been a decrease in the incidence of femoral fragility fractures likely due to the increasing use of bisphosphonates. However, the incidence of unstable trochanteric fractures is increasing. This has led to the increased use of IM nails which are increasingly used for stable fractures as well. The increasing complexity of femoral fragility fractures is likely to have an impact on implant use, theatre time and cost

Classification systems for tibial plateau fractures suffer from poor interobserver agreement, and their value in preoperative assessment to guide surgical fixation strategies is limited. For tibial plateau fractures four major characteristics are identified: lateral split fragment, posteromedial fragment, anterior tubercle fragment, and central zone of comminution. These fracture characteristics support preoperative assessment of fractures and guide surgical decision-making as each specific component requires a respective fixation strategy. We aimed to evaluate the additional value of 3D-printed models for the identification of tibial plateau fracture characteristics in terms of the interobserver agreement on different fracture characteristics. Preoperative images of 40 patients were randomly selected. Nine trauma surgeons, eight senior and eight junior registrars indicated the presence or absence of four fracture characteristics with and without 3D-printed models. The Fleiss kappa was used to determine interobserver agreement for fracture classification and for interpretation, the Landis and Koch criteria were used. 3D-printed models lead to a categorical improvement in interobserver agreement for three of four fracture characteristics: lateral split (Kconv = 0.445 versus K3Dprint = 0.620; P < 0.001), anterior tubercle fragment (Kconv = 0.288 versus K3Dprint = 0.449; P < 0.001) and zone of comminution (Kconv = 0.535 versus K3Dprint = 0.652; P < 0.001). The overall interobserver agreement improved for three of four fracture characteristics after the addition of 3D printed models. For two fracture characteristics, lateral split and zone of comminution, a substantial interobserver agreement was achieved. Fracture characteristics seem to be a more reliable way to assess tibial plateau fractures and one should consider including these in the preoperative assessment of tibial plateau fractures compared to the commonly used classification systems

Introduction. A subset of patients in cast awaiting fixation of ankle fractures require conversion to delayed external fixation (dEF). We aimed to evaluate the effect of delayed versus planned external fixation (pEF), then identify objective characteristics contributing to need for conversion. Method. We extracted data from our booking system to identify all ankle external fixation procedures between 2010 to 2022. Exclusions included open fractures, the skeletally immature, and pilon or talus fractures. Fractures were classified using the AO/OTA classification, then a matched cohort was identified based on fracture classification. We compared the planned, delayed and matched cohorts for demographics, posterior malleolar fragment (PMF) ratio, and degree of displacement at presentation. Results. We identified 25 pEF, 42 dEF, and 67 matched patients. Ankles with dEF had a 3.8 day longer time to ORIF from presentation than those who had pEF, and had an infection rate of 9.5%, compared to 4% in the pEF group. Two patients in the dEF group required further operative intervention. There were no infections or reoperations required in the pEF or matched groups. The dEF group were more likely to have ≥2 reductions (OR 4.13), a PMF ratio of >0.23 (OR 5.07), and have increased displacement at time of injury on lateral (32% vs 19%) and AP (62% vs 36%) radiographs. Discussion. Our retrospective study highlights the longer time to operation and increased infection rates of patients who do not get timely external fixation. We propose a series of objective parameters that predict failure of cast treatment and guide the surgeon to consider planned external fixation in some ankle

The aim of this study is to analyse the radiological outcomes and predictors of avascular necrosis following 2-hole DHS in Garden I and II neck of femur fractures in patients more than 60 years with a minimum follow up of one year. We retrospectively reviewed 51 consecutive patients aged more than 60 years who underwent DHS fixation for Garden I and II fractures. Demographics, fracture classification, time to surgery, pre-operative AMTS, preoperative posterior tilt angle, quality of reduction, pre and post-operative haemoglobin(hb), creatinine and comorbidities were analysed for correlation with AVN using Chi-Square test, Independent Sample and paired t test. There were 40 (78.4%) females and the mean age of the cohort was 77 years. 28 and 23 were Garden I and II NOF fractures respectively. Union was observed in all our patients except one(kappa =1). 12/51(23.5%) developed AVN of the femoral head. Statistically significant higher incidence of AVN was noted in patients with a pre-op tilt angle > 200 (p = 0.006). The mean drop in Hb was higher in patients who developed AVN (21.5 g/L) versus the non-AVN group (15.9 g/L) (p = 0.001). There was no difference in AVN rates with respect to laterality, mean time to surgery, pre-op AMTS and Charlson comorbidity index. 4/52 (7.6%) had re-operations (one hardware prominence, two conversions to arthroplasty, one fixation failure during the immediate post-op period). The 30-day and one year mortality rates were 1.9 % and 11.7 % respectively. 2-hole DHS fixation in undisplaced NOF fractures has excellent union rates. A pre-operative posterior tilt angle of >200 and a greater difference in pre and post operative haemoglobin were found to correlate positively with the progression to AVN . No correlation was observed between AVN and time to surgery, laterality, quality of reduction and comorbidities

Objectives. Our aim to study the incidence, demographics, inpatient stay, use of imaging and outcomes of patients who have non-operatively managed NOF fractures. Study Design & Methods. The data was collected retrospectively for the last 14 years (Jan 2009- Jan 2023) of all non-operatively managed NOF fractures at a level 2 trauma centre. The data was collected from the trauma board, electronic patient records, radiographs, and National Hip Fracture Database (NHFD). The data collected as demographic details, fracture classification, any reasons for non-operative management, mortality and further surgical management was done. Patients who died or transferred to other sites for specialist surgery were excluded. Results. Our results showed that 1.7% (62/4132) of NOF fractures were managed non-operatively at our institution. The reasons for non-operative management were as follows, medically unwell 45% (n = 28) in whom operative risk was thought to outweigh benefit and risk of death was high within the 48 - 72 hrs of admission. The second group patients, minimal or no pain and old fractures with comfortable mobilisation 55% (n = 34). Out of 34 /62 patients who were mobilised, 14% (5/34) of this patient subgroup subsequently required surgical intervention for failed non-operative management. In the medically unwell group (28/62) the 30-day mortality was 32% (12/28) with a 1-year mortality rate of 42% (17/28). The patients who were mobilised (34/62) the 30-day mortality was 6% (4/34) with a 1-year mortality rate of 20% (5/34). The combined average 1 year mortality for this cohort was 35% (22/62). Conclusions. Our study showed higher mortality rate for medically unwell group 42%. The patients whose fractures are stable enough to allow them to mobilise comfortably showed 20% 1-year mortality rate and 14% surgical intervention needed in 14 % (5/34) patients. We note that an analysis is necessary to assess the functional outcomes of this subgroup, as well as the potential cost implications. The combined average 1 year mortality for this cohort was 35% (22/62) which was due to the high-risk factors in medically unwell group

Abstract. Background. The aim of this study is to analyse the radiological outcomes and predictors of avascular necrosis following 2-hole DHS in Garden I and II neck of femur fractures in patients >60 years with a minimum follow up of one year. Methods. We retrospectively reviewed 51 consecutive patients >60 years who underwent DHS fixation for Garden I and II fractures. Demographics, fracture classification, time to surgery, pre-operative AMTS, preoperative posterior tilt angle, quality of reduction, pre and post-operative haemoglobin (hb), creatinine and comorbidities were analysed. Results. There were 40 (78.4%) females and the mean age was 77 years. 28 and 23 were Garden I and II NOF fractures respectively. Union was observed in all our patients except one. 12/51(23.5%) developed AVN of the femoral head. Statistically significant higher incidence of AVN was noted in patients with a pre-op tilt angle > 20. 0. (p = 0.006). The mean drop in Hb was higher in patients who developed AVN (21.5 g/L) versus the non-AVN group (15.9 g/L) (p = 0.001). There was no difference in AVN with respect to laterality, mean time to surgery, pre-operative AMTS and Charlson comorbidity index. 4/52 (7.6%) had re-operations. The 30-day and one year mortality were 1.9 % and 11.7 % respectively. Conclusion. In our series a preoperative posterior tilt angle of >20. 0. and a drop in haemoglobin were found to correlate with the progression to AVN. No correlation was observed between AVN and time to surgery, laterality, quality of reduction and comorbidities

Introduction. Ankle fractures in the elderly have been increasing with an ageing but active population and bring with them specific challenges. Medical co-morbidities, a poor soft tissue envelope and a requirement for early mobilisation to prevent morbidity and mortality, all create potential pitfalls to successful treatment. As a result, different techniques have been employed to try and improve outcomes. Total contact casting, both standard and enhanced open reduction internal fixation, external fixation and most recently tibiotalocalcaneal (TTC) nailing have all been proposed as suitable treatment modalities. Over the past five years popular literature has begun to herald TTC nailing as an appropriate and contemporary solution to the complex problem of high-risk ankle fragility fractures. We sought to assess whether, within our patient cohort, the outcomes seen supported the statement that TTC has equal outcomes to more traditional open reduction internal fixation (ORIF) when used to treat the high-risk ankle fragility fracture. Materials & Methods. Results of ORIF versus TTC nailing without joint preparation for treatment of fragility ankle fractures were evaluated via retrospective cohort study of 64 patients with high-risk fragility ankle fractures without our trauma centre. We aimed to assess whether results within our unit were equal to those seen within other published studies. Patients were matched 1:1 based on gender, age, Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI) and ASA score. Patient demographics, AO/OTA fracture classification, intra-operative and post-operative complications, discharge destination, union rates, FADI scores and patient mobility were recorded. Results. There were 32 patients within each arm. Mean age was 78.4 (TTC) and 78.3 (ORIF). The CCI was 5.9 in each group respectively with mean ASA 2.9 (TTC) and 2.8 (ORIF). There were two open fractures within each group. Median follow up duration was 26 months. Time to theatre from injury was 8.0 days (TTC) versus 3.3 days (ORIF). There was no statistically significant difference in 30-day, one year or overall mortality at final follow up. Kaplan-Meier survivorship analysis did however demonstrate that of those patients who died post-operatively the mean time to mortality was significantly shorter in those treated with TTC nailing versus ORIF (20.3 months versus 38.2 months, p=0.013). There was no statistical difference in the overall complication rate between the two groups (46.9% versus 25%, p=0.12). The re-operation rate was twice as high in patients treated with TTC nailing however this was not statistically significant. There was no statistical difference in the FADI scores at final follow up, 72.1±12.9 (TTC) versus 67.9±13.9 (ORIF) nor post-operative mobility status. Conclusions. Within our study TTC nailing with an unprepared joint demonstrated broadly equivalent results to ORIF in the management of high-risk ankle fragility fractures; this replicates findings of previous studies. We did however observe that mean survival was significantly shorter in the TTC group than those treated with ORIF. We believe this may have been contributed to by a delay to theatre due to TTC stabilisation being treated as a sub-specialist operation in our unit at the time. We propose that both TTC and ORIF are satisfactory techniques to stabilise the frail ankle fracture however, similarly to the other fragility fractures, the priority should be on an emergent operation in a timely fashion in order to minimise the associated morbidity and mortality. Further randomised control studies are needed within the area to establish definitive results and a working consensus

Aim. To investigate the incidence and time-trend in reoperation due to deep Surgical Site Infection (SSI) following hip fracture surgery. Method. This was a population-based, nationwide, cohort study. We included 74,771 from the Danish Multidisciplinary Hip Fractures Register (1) consisting of patients 65 years of age or older, who underwent surgery between January 1. st. 2005 and December 31. st. 2016 for all types of hip fracture. Cross-linkage with the Danish National Patient Register and The Danish Civil Registration system was made. Demographic data extracted included vital status, civil status, gender, age, Body Mass Index (BMI), fracture classification (AO/OTA 31A-C) and surgical procedures binary registered as joint replacement or internal fixation, Charlson comorbidity index (CCI) and secondary diseases not included in CCI. Outcome was reoperations due to deep SSI in accordance with the definition from Centre for Disease Control (2). We computed cumulative incidence rates and risk ratios (RR) by calendar year periods and by different risk factors, considering death as competing risk and adjusting for age, gender, CCI, fracture type and surgery type. Results. Within 365 days of primary surgery 2.1% of all hip fractures had undergone reoperation due to deep SSI. During the period 2005–2016, the incidence of reoperation due to SSI decreased from 2.7% to 1.7%, We could not identify differences in reoperation due to SSI within one year regarding gender, BMI or CCI. Patients aged above 85 had about 50% lower risk of being reoperated compared with the youngest age group; 65–74 years (RR: 0.5; 95% CI: 0.4:0.6). The RR for reoperation due to deep SSI was lower for patients with pertrochanteric or subtrochanteric fractures (AO/OTA: 31A1-3) versus femoral neck fractures (AO/OTA: 31B1-3), RR was 0.7 (95%CI: 0.7:0.8). However, RR for surgery type (joint replacement vs internal fixation) at 365 days was significantly lower for joint replacement, RR: 0.6 (95% CI: 0.6:0.7). Conclusions. This study shows reoperation risk due to SSI for all types of hip fractures of 2.1%. There was a 45% decrease in reoperation over time from 2005 to 2016. However, the risk of revision is still high, and further action in avoidance of SSI should be taken

Introduction. Diaphyseal tibial fractures account for approximately 1.9% of adult fractures. Studies have demonstrated a high proportion have ipsilateral occult posterior malleolus fractures. We hypothesize that this rotational element will be highlighted using the Mason & Molloy Classification. Materials and Methods. A retrospective review of a prospectively collected database was performed at Liverpool University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust between 1/1/2013 and 9/11/2020. The inclusion criteria were patients over 16, with a diaphyseal tibial fracture, who underwent a CT. The Mason and Molloy posterior malleolus fracture classification system was used. Results. 764 diaphyseal tibial fractures were analysed, 300 had a CT. 127 were intra-articular fractures. 83 (27.7%) were classifiable using Mason and Molloy classification. There were 8 type 1 (9.6%), 43 type 2 (51.8%), 5 type 2B (6.0%) and 27 type 3 (32.5%). 90.4% (n=75) of the posterior malleolar fractures, were undisplaced. The majority of PM fractures occurred in type 42A1 (65 of 142 tibia fractures) and 42B1 (11 of 16). Conclusions. Most PM fractures occurred after a rotational mechanism. Unlike, the PM fractures of the ankle, the majority of PM fractures associated with tibia fractures are undisplaced. We theorise that unlike the force transmission in ankle fractures where the rotational force is in the axial plane in a distal-proximal direction, in the PM fractures related to fractures of the tibia, the rotational force in the axial plane progresses from proximal-distal. Therefore, the force transmission which exits posteriorly, finally dissipates the force and thus unlikely to displace

The Gartland extension-type supracondylar humerus fracture is the most common elbow fracture in the paediatric population. Depending on fracture classification, treatment options range from nonoperative treatment such as taping, splinting or casting to operative treatments such as closed reduction and percutaneous pinning or open reduction. Classification variability between surgeons is a potential contributing factor to existing controversy over nonoperative versus operative treatment for Type II supracondylar fractures. The purpose of this study was to investigate levels of agreement in classification of extension-type supracondylar humerus fractures using the Gartland classification system. A retrospective chart review was conducted on patients aged 2–12 years who had sustained an extension-type supracondylar fracture and received either operative or nonoperative treatment at a tertiary children's hospital. De-identified baseline anteroposterior (AP) and lateral plain elbow radiographs were provided along with a brief summary of the modified Gartland classification system to surgeons across Canada, United States, Australia, United Kingdom and India. Each surgeon was blinded to patient treatment and asked to classify the fractures as Type I, IIA, IIB or III according to the classification system provided. A total of 21 paediatric orthopaedic surgeons completed one round of classification, of these, 15 completed a second round using the same radiographs in a reshuffled order. Kappa values using pre-determined weighted kappa coefficients were calculated to assess interobserver and intraobserver levels of agreement. In total, 60 sets of baseline elbow radiographs were provided to survey respondents. Interobserver agreement for classification based on the Gartland criteria between surgeons was a mean of 0.68, 95% CI [0.67, 0.69] (0.61–0.80 considered substantial agreement). Intraobserver agreement was a mean of 0.80 [0.75, 0.84]. (0.61–0.80 substantial agreement, 0.81–1 almost perfect agreement). Radiographic classification of extension-type supracondylar humerus fractures at baseline demonstrated substantial agreement both between and within surgeon raters. Levels of agreement are substantial enough to suggest that classification variability is not a major contributing factor to variability in treatment between surgeons for Type II supracondylar fractures. Further research is needed to compare patient outcomes between nonoperative and operative treatment for these fractures, so as to establish consensus and a standardized treatment protocol for optimal patient care across centres

Distal radius fractures are among the most common fractures seen in the emergency department. Closed reduction can provide definitive management when acceptable radiographic parameters are met. Repeated attempts of closed reduction are often performed to improve the alignment and avoid operative management. However, multiple reduction attempts may worsen dorsal comminution and lead to eventual loss of reduction, resulting in no demonstrable benefit. We hypothesize that compared to one closed reduction attempt, repeated closed reduction of extra-articular, dorsally angulated, displaced distal radius fractures has a low success rate in the prevention of operative fixation and improvement of radiographic parameters. Initial and post reduction radiographs for all distal radius fractures managed at Vancouver General Hospital between 2015 and 2018 were reviewed. Inclusion criteria were based on the AO fracture classification and included types 23-A2.1, 23-A2.2 and 23-A3. Exclusion criteria included age less than 18, intra-articular involvement with more than two millimeters of displacement, volar or dorsal Barton fractures, fracture-dislocations, open fractures and volar angulation of the distal segment. Distal radius fractures that met study criteria and underwent two or more attempts of closed reduction were matched by age and gender with fractures that underwent one closed reduction. Radiographic parameters including radial height and inclination, ulnar variance and volar tilt were compared between groups. Sixty-eight distal radius fractures that met study criteria and underwent multiple closed reduction attempts were identified. A repeated closed reduction initially improved the radial height (p = 0.03) and volar tilt (p < 0.001). However, by six to eight weeks the improvement in radial height had been lost (p = 0.001). Comparison of radiographic parameters between the single reduction and multiple reduction groups revealed no difference in any of the radiographic parameters at one week of follow up. By six to eight weeks, the single reduction group had greater radial height (p = 0.01) ulnar variance (p = 0.05) and volar tilt (p = 0.02) compared to the multiple reduction group. With respect to definitive management, 38% of patients who underwent a repeated closed reduction subsequently received surgery, compared to 13% in the single reduction group (p = 0.001). Repeated closed reduction of extra-articular, dorsally angulated, displaced distal radius fractures did not improve alignment compared to a single closed reduction and was associated with increased frequency of surgical fixation. The benefit of repeating a closed reduction should be carefully considered when managing distal radius fractures of this nature

Paediatric femoral fractures are a common result of significant trauma, and always require intervention. Hip spica casting, traction, and surgical fixation can all be used to treat these fractures. This variety in treatment options leads to a vast potential for variability in management decisions among surgeons and has prevented effective comparative studies to show which treatment methods provide optimal outcomes for patients. The purpose of this study was to identify practice variability in management and follow-up and assess patient outcomes to aid in the development of a comprehensive, prospective, evidence-based pathway for the management of paediatric femoral fractures. A retrospective chart review was performed of all patients treated surgically for isolated femoral fractures during a six year period at a single tertiary care paediatric centre. Patients were identified from a surgical database and were included if there was no pre-existing pathology and no history of previous femoral fracture. Demographic data, operative details, post-operative management, and clinical outcomes were collected. Radiographic images and reports were analyzed to determine fracture classification and imaging parameters. Variability in treatment among eight surgeons was assessed, including number of follow-up appointments and length of follow-up. Patient demographics and follow up measures were summarised for each surgeon and between surgeon variability was assessed with linear models. In total, 138 femoral fractures in 134 patients (101 male, 33 female) were included in analysis. Of these patients, 55 had right femoral fractures, 76 left, and three bilateral (one bilateral patient had three distinct femoral fractures). Of 138 total fractures, 131 were of the diaphysis of the femur. 14 patients sought initial surgical treatment at our institution but received follow-up management elsewhere. Across all patients, median follow-up time was 32.8 weeks (0–201.4) with a median of three follow-up visits (0–26) in that period. Mean number of follow-up clinic visits ranged from 3 to 4.8 among surgeons, and mean length of follow-up ranged from 31.8 to 62.3 weeks. No significant differences in follow-up between surgeons were found, but small sample sizes are a likely contributing factor. Summary statistics show large ranges in most variables and differences in patient demographics between surgeon groups. The large ranges in follow-up time and visit number suggest a lack of consensus on optimal management for paediatric femoral fractures. Further prospective study examining long-term functional and quality of life outcomes will be required to identify and develop optimized management guidelines

Distal radius fractures are among the most common fractures seen in the emergency department. Closed reduction can provide definitive management when acceptable radiographic parameters are met. Repeated attempts of closed reduction are often performed to improve the alignment and avoid operative management. However, multiple reduction attempts may worsen dorsal comminution and lead to eventual loss of reduction, resulting in no demonstrable benefit. We hypothesize that compared to one closed reduction attempt, repeated closed reduction of extra-articular, dorsally angulated, displaced distal radius fractures has a low success rate in the prevention of operative fixation and improvement of radiographic parameters. Initial and post reduction radiographs for all distal radius fractures managed at Vancouver General Hospital between 2015 and 2018 were reviewed. Inclusion criteria were based on the AO fracture classification and included types 23-A2.1, 23-A2.2 and 23-A3. Exclusion criteria included age less than 18, intra-articular involvement with more than two millimeters of displacement, volar or dorsal Barton fractures, fracture-dislocations, open fractures and volar angulation of the distal segment. Distal radius fractures that met study criteria and underwent two or more attempts of closed reduction were matched by age and gender with fractures that underwent one closed reduction. Radiographic parameters including radial height and inclination, ulnar variance and volar tilt were compared between groups. Sixty-eight distal radius fractures that met study criteria and underwent multiple closed reduction attempts were identified. A repeated closed reduction initially improved the radial height (p = 0.03) and volar tilt (p < 0.001). However, by six to eight weeks the improvement in radial height had been lost (p = 0.001). Comparison of radiographic parameters between the single reduction and multiple reduction groups revealed no difference in any of the radiographic parameters at one week of follow up. By six to eight weeks, the single reduction group had greater radial height (p = 0.01) ulnar variance (p = 0.05) and volar tilt (p = 0.02) compared to the multiple reduction group. With respect to definitive management, 38% of patients who underwent a repeated closed reduction subsequently received surgery, compared to 13% in the single reduction group (p = 0.001). Repeated closed reduction of extra-articular, dorsally angulated, displaced distal radius fractures did not improve alignment compared to a single closed reduction and was associated with increased frequency of surgical fixation. The benefit of repeating a closed reduction should be carefully considered when managing distal radius fractures of this nature

Paediatric supracondylar fractures are the most common elbow fracture in children, and is associated with an 11% incidence of neurologic injury. The goal of this study is to investigate the natural history and outcome of motor nerve recovery following closed reduction and percutaneous pinning of this injury. A total of 246 children who underwent closed reduction and percutaneous pinning following supracondylar humerus fractures were prospectively enrolled over a two year period. Patient demographics (age, weight), Gartland fracture classification, and associated traumatic neurologic injury were collected and analyzed with descriptive statistics. Patients with neurologic palsies were separated based on nerve injury distribution, and followed long term to monitor for neurologic recovery at set time points for follow up. Of the 246 patient cohort, 46 patients (18.6%) sustained a motor nerve palsy (Group 1) and 200 patients (82.4%) did not (Group 2) following elbow injury. Forty three cases involved one nerve palsy, and three cases involved two nerve palsies. No differences were found between patient age (Group 1 – 6.6 years old, Group 2 – 6.2 years old, p = 0.11) or weight (Group 1 – 24.3kg, Group 2 – 24.5kg, p = 0.44). A significantly higher proportion of Gartland type III and IV injuries were found in those with nerve palsies (Group 1 – 93.5%, Group 2 – 59%, p < 0 .001). Thirty four Anterior Interosseous Nerve (AIN) palsies were observed, of which 22 (64.7%) made a full recovery by three month. Refractory AIN injuries requiring longer than three month recovered on average 6.8 months post injury. Ten Posterior Interosseous Nerve (PIN) palsies occurred, of which four (40%) made full recovery at three month. Refractory PIN injuries requiring longer than three month recovered on average 8.4 months post injury. Six ulnar nerve motor palsies occurred, of which zero (0%) made full recovery at three month. Ulnar nerve injuries recovered on average 5.8 months post injury. Neurologic injury occurs significantly higher in Gartland type III and IV paediatric supracondylar fractures. AIN palsies remain the most common, with an expected 65% chance of full recovery by three month. 40% of all PIN palsies are expected to fully recover by three month. Ulnar motor nerve palsies were slowest to recover at 0% by the three month mark, and had an average recovery time of approximately 5.8 months. Our study findings provide further evidence for setting clinical and parental expectations following neurologic injury in paediatric supracondylar elbow fractures