Aims

Deep surgical site infection (SSI) is common after lower limb fracture. We compared the diagnosis of deep SSI using alternative methods of data collection and examined the agreement of clinical photography and in-person clinical assessment by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) criteria after lower limb fracture surgery.

Aims. Complex fractures of the femur and tibia with associated severe soft tissue injury are often devastating for the individual. The aim of this study was to describe the two-year patient-reported outcomes of patients in a civilian population who sustained a complex fracture of the femur or tibia with a Mangled Extremity Severity Score (MESS) of ≥ 7, whereby the score ranges from 2 (lowest severity) to 11 (highest severity). Methods. Patients aged ≥ 16 years with a fractured femur or tibia and a MESS of ≥ 7 were extracted from the Victorian Orthopaedic Trauma Outcomes Registry (January 2007 to December 2018). Cases were grouped into surgical amputation or limb salvage. Descriptive analysis were used to examine return to work rates, three-level EuroQol five-dimension questionnaire (EQ-5D-3L), and Glasgow Outcome Scale-Extended (GOS-E) outcomes at 12 and 24 months post-injury. Results. In all, 111 patients were included: 90 (81%) patients who underwent salvage and 21 (19%) patients with surgical amputation. The mean age of patients was 45.8 years (SD 15.8), 93 (84%) were male, 37 (33%) were involved in motor vehicle collisions, and the mean MESS score was 8.2 (SD 1.4). Two-year outcomes in the cohort were poor: six (7%) patients achieved a GOS-E good recovery, the mean EQ-5D-3L summary score was 0.52 (SD 0.27), and 17 (20%) patients had returned to work. Conclusion. A small proportion of patients with severe lower limb injury (MESS ≥ 7) achieved a good level of function 24 months post-injury. Further follow-up is needed to better understand the long-term trajectory of these patients, including delayed amputation, hospital readmissions, and healthcare utilization. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2021;103-B(4):769–774

This paper reports the cost of outpatient venous thromboembolism (VTE) prophylaxis following 388 injuries of the lower limb requiring immobilisation in our institution, from a total of 7408 new patients presenting between May and November 2011. Prophylaxis was by either self-administered subcutaneous dalteparin (n = 128) or oral dabigatran (n = 260). The mean duration of prophylaxis per patient was 46 days (6 to 168). The total cost (pay and non-pay) for prophylaxis with dalteparin was £107.54 and with dabigatran was £143.99. However, five patients in the dalteparin group required nurse administration (£23 per home visit), increasing the cost of dalteparin to £1142.54 per patient. The annual cost of VTE prophylaxis in a busy trauma clinic treating 12 700 new patients (2010/11), would be £92 526.33 in the context of an income for trauma of £1.82 million, which represents 5.3% of the outpatient tariff.

Outpatient prophylaxis in a busy trauma clinic is achievable and affordable in the context of the clinical and financial risks involved.

Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2013;95-B:673–7.

Background

With an ageing population, the incidence of traumatic injuries in those aged over 65 years is increasing. As a result, strategies for dealing with these patients must be developed. At present the standard management of open tibial fractures is described by the BOAST4 guidelines. We describe our experience of managing elderly patients presenting with open tibial fractures to our Major Trauma Centre.

Aims. The aim of this study was to develop a psychometrically sound measure of recovery for use in patients who have suffered an open tibial fracture. Methods. An initial pool of 109 items was generated from previous qualitative data relating to recovery following an open tibial fracture. These items were field tested in a cohort of patients recovering from an open tibial fracture. They were asked to comment on the content of the items and structure of the scale. Reduction in the number of items led to a refined scale tested in a larger cohort of patients. Principal components analysis permitted further reduction and the development of a definitive scale. Internal consistency, test-retest reliability, and responsiveness were assessed for the retained items. Results. The initial scale was completed by 35 patients who were recovering from an open tibial fracture. Subjective and objective analysis permitted removal of poorly performing items and the addition of items suggested by patients. The refined scale consisted of 50 Likert scaled items and eight additional items. It was completed on 228 occasions by a different cohort of 204 patients with an open tibial fracture recruited from several UK orthoplastic tertiary referral centres. There were eight underlying components with tangible real-life meaning, which were retained as sub-scales represented by ten Likert scaled and eight non-Likert items. Internal consistency and test-retest reliability were good to excellent. Conclusion. The Wales Lower Limb Trauma Recovery (WaLLTR) Scale is the first tool to be developed from patient data with the potential to assess recovery following an open tibial fracture. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2020;102-B(1):17–25

Purpose. To examine the management and outcome of patients suffering complex paediatric lower limb injuries with bone and soft tissue loss. Method. A retrospective review was conducted identifying patients from our trauma database. Inclusion criteria were age (4–17 years) and open lower-limb trauma. Outcome measures included time to soft tissue coverage, surgical techniques, trauma impact scores, health-related quality of life, union and complication rates. Results. We identified 26 patients. 24 patients had open tibia fractures including 10 patients with bone loss. In 9 patients primary skin closure was achieved by acute shortening. 17 patients required soft tissue coverage including 14 free vascularised muscle flaps (89% within 48 hours). The surgical techniques applied were: circular fine wire frame (16), external fixateur (5) and open reduction internal fixation (5). Median follow up time was 8 (3–45) months. The trauma impact scores showed one in three patients were at risk of PTSD. All fractures went on to unite over a median time of 4.2 (2–9) months. No deep infections occurred. Conclusion. All our patients had limb salvage, fracture union and near normal levels of physical scores in the short term. Close psychological follow up is advisable to minimise the risk of PTSD

The defining weapon of the conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan has been the Improvised Explosive Device (IEDs). When detonated under a vehicle, they result in significant axial loading to the lower limbs, resulting in devastating injuries. Due to the absence of clinical blast data, automotive injury data using the Abbreviated Injury Score (AIS) has been extrapolated to define current NATO injury thresholds for Anti-vehicle (AV) mine tests. We hypothesized that AIS, being a marker of fatality rather than disability would be a worse predictor of poor clinical outcome compared to the lower limb specific Foot and Ankle Severity Score (FASS). Using a prospectively collected trauma database, we identified UK Service Personnel sustaining lower leg injuries from under-vehicle explosions from Jan 2006–Dec 2008. A full review of all medical documentation was performed to determine patient demographics and the severity of lower leg injury, as assessed by AIS and FASS. Clinical endpoints were defined as (i) need for amputation or (ii) poor clinical outcome. Statistical models were developed in order to explore the relationship between the scoring systems and clinical endpoints. 63 UK casualties (89 limbs) were identified with a lower limb injury following under-vehicle explosion. The mean age of the casualty was 26.0 yrs. At 33.6 months follow-up, 29.1% (26/89) required an amputation and a further 74.6% (41/89) having a poor clinical outcome (amputation or ongoing clinical problems). Only 9(14%) casualties were deemed medically fit to return to full military duty. ROC analysis revealed that both AIS=2 and FASS=4 could predict the risk of amputation, with FASS = 4 demonstrating greater specificity (43% vs 20%) and greater positive predictive value (72% vs 32%). In predicting poor clinical outcome, FASS was significantly superior to AIS (p<0.01). Probit analysis revealed that a relationship could not be developed between AIS and the probability of a poor clinical outcome (p=0.25). Foot and ankle injuries following AV mine blast are associated with significant morbidity. Our study clearly demonstrates that AIS is not a predictor of long-term clinical outcome and that FASS would be a better quantitative measure of lower limb injury severity. There is a requirement to reassess the current injury criteria used to evaluate the potential of mitigation technologies to help reduce long-term disability in military personnel. Our study highlights the critical importance of utilising contemporary battlefield injury data in order to ensure that the evaluation of mitigation measures is appropriate to the injury profile and their long-term effects

Aims

Acetabular fractures are associated with long-term morbidity. Our prospective cohort study sought to understand the recovery trajectory of this injury over five years.

Aims

Understanding of open fracture management is skewed due to reliance on small-number lower limb, specialist unit reports and large, unfocused registry data collections. To address this, we carried out the Open Fracture Patient Evaluation Nationwide (OPEN) study, and report the demographic details and the initial steps of care for patients admitted with open fractures in the UK.

Aims

To investigate health-related quality of life (HRQoL) of older adults (aged ≥ 60 years) after tibial plateau fracture (TPF) compared to preinjury and population matched values, and what aspects of treatment were most important to patients.

Aims

The Open-Fracture Patient Evaluation Nationwide (OPEN) study was performed to provide clarity in open fracture management previously skewed by small, specialist centre studies and large, unfocused registry investigations. We report the current management metrics of open fractures across the UK.

This project determines the numbers of UK service personnel with sports related injuries requiring physiotherapy or admission to Bastion Role 3 facility. We identified the trend of the injuries and how they were sustained during. The outcomes were recorded to determine the cost to the mission. Data was collected from April to September 2013. Results included 123 (29% of the deployed contingent in BSN catchment) were unfit for role whilst receiving treatment and 27 personnel (6%) were unable to return to their role in theatre due to their injury. 19 personnel were evacuated to UK, 7 to RCDM and 12 DAH to RRU. The mean length of hospital stay was 2.5 days, the total number of overnight stays was 58. The cost of an overnight stay in a Role 3 hospital bed is £200 and the cost of an escorted Aeromed £8,020. Incidence of sports injuries of UK personnel during H18, requiring role 1 or role 3 interventions was 6.3%. Individual PT accounted for 84% of injuries and 16% due to duty PT. 50% were lower limb injuries (UL – 25%, spine – 25%). Following treatment 94% patients remained in BSN in role, 4% Aeromed to UK. The potential cost was estimated at a minimum of £163,980

Introduction. The aim of this study was to evaluate the health quality of life and return to sports activities following pelvic ring injuries. Patients and Methods. Between January 2006–2007 patients treated in our institution with pelvic fractures were eligible to participate. Inclusion criteria were adult patients. Exclusion criteria were children and pathological fractures. Data recorded included demographics, injury mechanism, fracture pattern, Injury severity score (ISS), associated injuries, method of fixation, complications and functional outcome. Health related quality of life was assessed using the (EuroQol) and return to sports activities was evaluated using a return to sports questionnaire. The minimum follow up was 24 months (24–39). Results. Out of 60 patients, 53 (29 male) met the inclusion criteria. The mean age was 43 years (21–63), mean ISS was 25.1 (9–58). There was a significant decrease in quality of life (p<0.0001). The decrease was significant in all 5 EQ5D domains with mobility, usual activities and pain to be most significantly affected, p<0.0001. There was also a significant decrease in sporting activities (p>0.0001), (42 patients reported a decrease; 6 patients performed the same degree of activities and 5 reported an increase (they had the lowest mean ISS of 18 points)). Regression analysis showed lower extremity injury to be a significant risk factor for decreased sporting and physical activity, p> 0.049. Conclusion. Pelvic fracture causes a significant decrease in quality of life and return to sports activities. The presence of a lower limb fracture is a significant risk factor for a reduced sporting activity

We present the British Military's experience of treating devastating lower limb injuries in personnel returning from Iraq and Afghanistan. We evaluate current surgical practice of attempting to maximise stump length through sequential debridement, rather that early amputation outside the zone of injury. Following an observation that the frequency of sequential amputation had appeared to increase during spring 2009, it was speculated that there may be factors which would predict which patients would require a more aggressive early amputation. The Joint Theatre Trauma Registry was interrogated for all cases of amputation between Apr 06 and Sep 09. The following data were collected: demographics, mechanism of injury, requirement for massive transfusion, use of combat applied tourniquet, number of stump debridements and echelon of care performed at, all microbiology and final level of amputation. A regression analysis was performed to establish correlation between each data-set and final level of amputation. 95 cases were identified; 21 were either digits or upper limbs and excluded. Clinical notes of the remaining 74 cases were requested, of which 48 were available representing a total of 66 lower limb stumps. No significant relationships were established between sequential amputation and any of the variables we examined. It was not possible to identify factors with predictive value with respect to which patients would benefit from a more aggressive early amputation approach. These results support current practice by demonstrating that attempts to balance maximal stump length with sufficient debridement to eradicate infected tissue, does not expose patients to unnecessary operative “hits”

Aims

To identify the prevalence of neuropathic pain after lower limb fracture surgery, assess associations with pain severity, quality of life and disability, and determine baseline predictors of chronic neuropathic pain at three and at six months post-injury.

Background. A pedobarograph is a device that records pressures exerted by the foot on contact with the ground. Clinically most publications using pedobarography investigated diabetic foot pressures for prevention of ulcers, and assessing gait and sway. Only limited work was done on the effects of foot surgery on foot pressures. Any comparison between papers is hampered by the absence of available defined normal ranges of foot pressures. Aims of Study. The objective of the research project is to describe the foot pressures for 250 volunteers and to identify any trends and relationships of age, sex, body mass index (BMI), shoe & foot size and ethnic origin to foot pressures. The study is to provide a baseline upon which further comparative clinical research can be built. Materials and Methods. a sample size of 250 volunteers was determined after statistical advice. Ethics approval was sought. Recruitment was done after consent from Leicester Royal Infirmary and Leicester University. Volunteers with lower limb injury, diabetes, peripheral vascular disease or spinal cord injuries were excluded. Participants walked barefooted onto a (Takscan) matrix pressure mat. They walked at a speed they considered normal for themselves, as recommended by Taylor et al. We used the two step initiation protocol, invented by Myers-Rice et al to control the stride length, volunteers stood two steps away from the mat and hit the mat in their second step. Five steps per foot were collected for each patient and the average per foot area was calculated. The five steps method provided a coefficient of reliability of 0.94. Each foot was divided into 13 areas using the Tekscan software package. Data analysis was done using SPSS. Study participants’ characteristics (age, sex, foot size, height, weight and BMI) were summarised as a whole and by ethnic group, in tabular and graphical form. Histograms of foot pressure parameters (mean peak pressure at the medial and lateral heel, the mid foot, the head of each metatarsal and at each toe) were generated. The confidence interval was set to 95% and the level of significance to 0.05. Regression analysis testing was carried out to determine any significant relations between the variables. Coefficient of determination was reported for models including age, sex and ethnic origin, with and without adjustment for other body size measures. Results. Study population demographics, as well as BMI, height, weight and the average foot size were described. The average peak foot pressure for each foot area for each ethnic group was described and compared. Regression analysis of the variables has shown statistically significant associations between >70 years age group and low midfoot pressure, high BMI/weight and high midfoot pressure, big foot size and high midfoot pressure. The white western European group had the highest overall foot pressures

Aims

Acetabular fractures in older adults lead to a high risk of mortality and morbidity. However, only limited data have been published documenting functional outcomes in such patients. The aims of this study were to describe outcomes in patients aged 60 years and older with operatively managed acetabular fractures, and to establish predictors of conversion to total hip arthroplasty (THA).

Aims

The aim of this study was to evaluate near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) as a continuous, non-invasive monitor for acute compartment syndrome (ACS).

Aims

Osseointegrated prosthetic limbs allow better mobility than socket-mounted prosthetics for lower limb amputees. Fractures, however, can occur in the residual limb, but they have rarely been reported. Approximately 2% to 3% of amputees with socket-mounted prostheses may fracture within five years. This is the first study which directly addresses the risks and management of periprosthetic osseointegration fractures in amputees.

Aims

Many authors have reported a shorter treatment time when using trifocal bone transport (TFT) rather than bifocal bone transport (BFT) in the management of long segmental tibial bone defects. However, the difference in the incidence of additional procedures, the true complications, and the final results have not been investigated.