We undertook a retrospective case-control study to assess the clinical variables associated with infections in open fractures. A total of 1492 open fractures were retrieved; these were Gustilo and Anderson grade I in 663 (44.4%), grade II in 370 (24.8%), grade III in 310 (20.8%) and unclassifiable in 149 (10.0%). The median duration of prophylaxis was three days (interquartile range (IQR) 1 to 3), and the median number of surgical interventions was two (1 to 9). We identified 54 infections (3.6%) occurring at a median of ten days (IQR 5 to 20) after trauma. Pathogens intrinsically resistant to the empirical antibiotic regimen used (enterococci, Enterobacter spp, Pseudomonas spp) were documented in 35 of 49 cases (71%). In multivariable regression analyses, grade III fractures and vascular injury or compartment syndrome were significantly associated with infection. Overall, compared with one day of antibiotic treatment, two to three days (odds ratio (OR) 0.6 (95% confidence interval (CI) 0.2 to 2.0)), four to five days (OR 1.2 (95% CI 0.3 to 4.9)), or > five days (OR 1.4 (95% CI 0.4 to 4.4)) did not show any significant differences in the infection risk. These results were similar when multivariable analysis was performed for grade III fractures only (OR 0.3 (95% CI 0.1 to 3.4); OR 0.6 (95% CI 0.2 to 2.1); and OR 1.7 (95% CI 0.5 to 6.2), respectively). Infection in open fractures is related to the extent of tissue damage but not to the duration of prophylactic antibiotic therapy. Even for grade III fractures, a one-day course of prophylactic antibiotics might be as effective as prolonged prophylaxis. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2013;95-B:831–7

Aims. Currently, periprosthetic fractures are excluded from the American Society for Bone and Mineral Research (ASBMR) definition of atypical femoral fracture (AFFs). This study aims to report on a series of periprosthetic femoral fractures (PFFs) that otherwise meet the criteria for AFFs. Secondary aims were to identify predictors of periprosthetic atypical femoral fractures (PAFFs) and quantify the complications of treatment. Patients and Methods. This was a retrospective case control study of consecutive patients with periprosthetic femoral fractures between 2007 and 2017. Two observers identified 16 PAFF cases (mean age 73.9 years (44 to 88), 14 female patients) and 17 typical periprosthetic fractures in patients on bisphosphonate therapy as controls (mean age 80.7 years (60 to 86, 13 female patients). Univariate and multivariate analysis was performed to identify predictors of PAFF. Management and complications were recorded. Results. Interobserver agreement for the PAFF classification was excellent (kappa = 0.944; p < 0.001). On univariate analysis compared with controls, patients with PAFFs had higher mean body mass indices (28.6 kg/m. 2. (. sd. 8.9) vs 21.5 kg/m. 2. (. sd. 3.3); p = 0.009), longer durations of bisphosphonate therapy (median 5.5 years (IQR 3.2 to 10.6) vs 2.4 years (IQR 1.0 to 6.4); p = 0.04), and were less likely to be on alendronate (50% vs 94%; p = 0.02) with an indication of secondary osteoporosis (19% vs 0%; p = 0.049). Duration of bisphosphonate therapy was an independent predictor of PAFF on multivariate analysis (R. 2. = 0.733; p = 0.05). Following primary fracture management, complication rates were higher in PAFFs (9/16, 56%) than controls (5/17, 29%; p = 0.178) with a relative risk of any complication following PAFF of 1.71 (95% confidence interval (CI) 0.77 to 3.8) and of reoperation 2.56 (95% CI 1.3 to 5.2). Conclusion. AFFs do occur in association with prostheses. Longer duration of bisphosphonate therapy is an independent predictor of PAFF. Complication rates are higher following PAFFs compared with typical PFFs, particularly of reoperation and infection. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2019;101-B:1285–1291

Aims. National hip fracture registries audit similar aspects of care but there is variation in the actual data collected; these differences restrict international comparison, benchmarking, and research. The Fragility Fracture Network (FFN) published a revised minimum common dataset (MCD) in 2022 to improve consistency and interoperability. Our aim was to assess compatibility of existing registries with the MCD. Methods. We compared 17 hip fracture registries covering 20 countries (Argentina; Australia and New Zealand; China; Denmark; England, Wales, and Northern Ireland; Germany; Holland; Ireland; Japan; Mexico; Norway; Pakistan; the Philippines; Scotland; South Korea; Spain; and Sweden), setting each of these against the 20 core and 12 optional fields of the MCD. Results. The highest MCD adherence was demonstrated by the most recently established registries. The first-generation registries in Scandinavia collect data for 60% of MCD fields, second-generation registries (UK, other European, and Australia and New Zealand) collect for 75%, and third-generation registries collect data for 85% of MCD fields. Five of the 20 core fields were collected by all 17 registries (age; sex; surgery date/time of operation; surgery type; and death during acute admission). Two fields were collected by most (16/17; 94%) registries (date/time of presentation and American Society of Anesthesiologists grade), and five more by the majority (15/17; 88%) registries (type, side, and pathological nature of fracture; anaesthetic modality; and discharge destination). Three core fields were each collected by only 11/17 (65%) registries: prefracture mobility/activities of daily living; cognition on admission; and bone protection medication prescription. Conclusion. There is moderate but improving compatibility between existing registries and the FFN MCD, and its introduction in 2022 was associated with an improved level of adherence among the most recently established programmes. Greater interoperability could be facilitated by improving consistency of data collection relating to prefracture function, cognition, bone protection, and follow-up duration, and this could improve international collaborative benchmarking, research, and quality improvement. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2023;105-B(9):1013–1019

Aims. In the Netherlands, general practitioners (GPs) can request radiographs. After a radiologically diagnosed fracture, patients are immediately referred to the emergency department (ED). Since 2020, the Máxima Medical Centre has implemented a new care pathway for minor trauma patients, referring them immediately to the traumatology outpatient clinic (OC) instead of the ED. We investigated whether this altered care pathway leads to a reduction in healthcare consumption and concomitant costs. Methods. In this retrospective cohort study, patients were included if a radiologist diagnosed a fracture on a radiograph requested by the GP from August to October 2019 (control group) or August to October 2020 (research group), on weekdays between 8.30 am and 4.00 pm. The study compared various outcomes between groups, including the length of the initial hospital visit, frequency of hospital visits and medical procedures, extent of imaging, and healthcare expenses. Results. A total of 634 patients were included. The results show a median reduction of 25 minutes in duration of initial hospital visits, one fewer hospital visit, overall fewer medical procedures, and a decrease in healthcare costs of €303.40 per patient in the research group compared to the control group. No difference was found in the amount of imaging. Conclusion. The implementation of the new care pathway has resulted in a substantial reduction in healthcare use and costs. Moreover, the pathway provides advantages for patients and helps prevent crowding at the ED. Hence, we recommend immediately referring all minor trauma patients to the traumatology OC instead of the ED. Cite this article: Bone Jt Open 2023;4(10):728–734

Aims. Our objective was to conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis, to establish whether differences arise in clinical outcomes between autologous and synthetic bone grafts in the operative management of tibial plateau fractures. Methods. A structured search of MEDLINE, EMBASE, the online archives of Bone & Joint Publishing, and CENTRAL databases from inception until 28 July 2021 was performed. Randomized, controlled, clinical trials that compared autologous and synthetic bone grafts in tibial plateau fractures were included. Preclinical studies, clinical studies in paediatric patients, pathological fractures, fracture nonunion, or chondral defects were excluded. Outcome data were assessed using the Risk of Bias 2 (ROB2) framework and synthesized in random-effect meta-analysis. The Preferred Reported Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analyses guidance was followed throughout. Results. Six studies involving 353 fractures were identified from 3,078 records. Following ROB2 assessment, five studies (representing 338 fractures) were appropriate for meta-analysis. Primary outcomes showed non-significant reductions in articular depression at immediate postoperative (mean difference -0.45 mm, p = 0.25, 95%confidence interval (CI) -1.21 to 0.31, I. 2. = 0%) and long-term (> six months, standard mean difference -0.56, p = 0.09, 95% CI -1.20 to 0.08, I. 2. = 73%) follow-up in synthetic bone grafts. Secondary outcomes included mechanical alignment, limb functionality, and defect site pain at long-term follow-up, perioperative blood loss, duration of surgery, occurrence of surgical site infections, and secondary surgery. Mean blood loss was lower (90.08 ml, p < 0.001, 95% CI 41.49 to 138.67) and surgery was shorter (16.17 minutes, p = 0.04, 95% CI 0.39 to 31.94) in synthetic treatment groups. All other secondary measures were statistically comparable. Conclusion. All studies reported similar methodologies and patient populations; however, imprecision may have arisen through performance variation. These findings supersede previous literature and indicate that, despite perceived biological advantages, autologous bone grafting does not demonstrate superiority to synthetic grafts. When selecting a void filler, surgeons should consider patient comorbidity, environmental and societal factors in provision, and perioperative and postoperative care provision. Cite this article: Bone Jt Open 2022;3(3):218–228

Aims. This study aimed to identify risk factors (patient, healthcare system, and socioeconomic) for mortality after hip fractures and estimate their relative importance. Further, we aimed to elucidate mortality and survival patterns following fractures and the duration of excess mortality. Methods. Data on 37,394 hip fractures in the Norwegian Hip Fracture Register from January 2014 to December 2018 were linked to data from the Norwegian Patient Registry, Statistics Norway, and characteristics of acute care hospitals. Cox regression analysis was performed to estimate risk factors associated with mortality. The Wald statistic was used to estimate and illustrate relative importance of risk factors, which were categorized in modifiable (healthcare-related) and non-modifiable (patient-related and socioeconomic). We calculated standardized mortality ratios (SMRs) comparing deaths among hip fracture patients to expected deaths in a standardized reference population. Results. Mean age was 80.2 years (SD 11.4) and 67.5% (n = 25,251) were female. Patient factors (male sex, increasing comorbidity (American Society of Anesthesiologists grade and Charlson Comorbidity Index)), socioeconomic factors (low income, low education level, living in a healthcare facility), and healthcare factors (hip fracture volume, availability of orthogeriatric services) were associated with increased mortality. Non-modifiable risk factors were more strongly associated with mortality than modifiable risk factors. The SMR analysis suggested that cumulative excess mortality among hip fracture patients was 16% in the first year and 41% at six years. SMR was 2.48 for the six-year observation period, most pronounced in the first year, and fell from 10.92 in the first month to 3.53 after 12 months and 2.48 after six years. Substantial differences in median survival time were found, particularly for patient-related factors. Conclusion. Socioeconomic, patient-, and healthcare-related factors all contributed to excess mortality, and non-modifiable factors had stronger association than modifiable ones. Hip fractures contributed to substantial excess mortality. Apparently small survival differences translate into substantial disparity in median survival time in this elderly population. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2022;104-B(7):884–893

Aims. No randomized comparative study has compared the extensile lateral approach (ELA) and sinus tarsi approach (STA) for Sanders type 2 calcaneal fractures. This randomized comparative study was conducted to confirm whether the STA was prone to fewer wound complications than the ELA. Methods. Between August 2013 and August 2018, 64 patients with Sanders type 2 calcaneus fractures were randomly assigned to receive surgical treatment by the ELA (32 patients) and STA (32 patients). The primary outcome was development of wound complications. The secondary outcomes were postoperative complications, pain scored of a visual analogue scale (VAS), American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) score, 36-item Short Form health survey, operative duration, subtalar joint range of motion (ROM), Böhler’s angle and calcaneal width, and posterior facet reduction. Results. Although four patients (12.5%) in the ELA groups and none in the STA group experienced complications, the difference was not statistically significant (p = 0.113). VAS and AOFAS score were significantly better in the STA group than in the ELA group at six months (p = 0.017 and p = 0.021), but not at 12 months (p = 0.096 and p = 0.200) after surgery. The operation time was significantly shorter in the STA group than in the ELA group (p < 0.001). The subtalar joint ROM was significantly better in the STA group (p = 0.015). Assessment of the amount of postoperative reduction compared with the uninjured limb showed significant restoration of calcaneal width in the ELA group compared with that in the STA group (p < 0.001). Conclusion. The ELA group showed higher frequency of wound complications than the STA group for Sanders type 2 calcaneal fractures even though this was not statistically significant. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2021;103-B(2):286–293

Objectives. The biomembrane (induced membrane) formed around polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) spacers has value in clinical applications for bone defect reconstruction. Few studies have evaluated its cellular, molecular or stem cell features. Our objective was to characterise induced membrane morphology, molecular features and osteogenic stem cell characteristics. Methods. Following Institutional Review Board approval, biomembrane specimens were obtained from 12 patient surgeries for management of segmental bony defects (mean patient age 40.7 years, standard deviation 14.4). Biomembranes from nine tibias and three femurs were processed for morphologic, molecular or stem cell analyses. Gene expression was determined using the Affymetrix GeneChip Operating Software (GCOS). Molecular analyses compared biomembrane gene expression patterns with a mineralising osteoblast culture, and gene expression in specimens with longer spacer duration (> 12 weeks) with specimens with shorter durations. Statistical analyses used the unpaired student t-test (two tailed; p < 0.05 was considered significant). Results. Average PMMA spacer in vivo time was 11.9 weeks (six to 18). Trabecular bone was present in 33.3% of the biomembrane specimens; bone presence did not correlate with spacer duration. Biomembrane morphology showed high vascularity and collagen content and positive staining for the key bone forming regulators, bone morphogenetic protein 2 (BMP2) and runt-related transcription factor 2 (RUNX2). Positive differentiation of cultured biomembrane cells for osteogenesis was found in cells from patients with PMMA present for six to 17 weeks. Stem cell differentiation showed greater variability in pluripotency for osteogenic potential (70.0%) compared with chondrogenic or adipogenic potentials (100% and 90.0%, respectively). Significant upregulation of BMP2 and 6, numerous collagens, and bone gla protein was present in biomembrane compared with the cultured cell line. Biomembranes with longer resident PMMA spacer duration (vs those with shorter residence) showed significant upregulation of bone-related, stem cell, and vascular-related genes. Conclusion. The biomembrane technique is gaining favour in the management of complicated bone defects. Novel data on biological mechanisms provide improved understanding of the biomembrane’s osteogenic potential and molecular properties. Cite this article: Dr H. E. Gruber. Osteogenic, stem cell and molecular characterisation of the human induced membrane from extremity bone defects. Bone Joint Res 2016;5:106–115. DOI: 10.1302/2046-3758.54.2000483

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This study aimed to investigate the clinical characteristics and outcomes associated with culture-negative limb osteomyelitis patients.

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The use of multimodal non-opioid analgesia in hip fractures, specifically acetaminophen combined with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), has been increasing. However, the effectiveness and safety of this approach remain unclear. This study aimed to compare postoperative outcomes among patients with hip fractures who preoperatively received either acetaminophen combined with NSAIDs, NSAIDs alone, or acetaminophen alone.

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Factors associated with high mortality rates in geriatric hip fracture patients are frequently unmodifiable. Time to surgery, however, might be a modifiable factor of interest to optimize clinical outcomes after hip fracture surgery. This study aims to determine the influence of postponement of surgery due to non-medical reasons on clinical outcomes in acute hip fracture surgery.

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The aim of this study was to assess the safety and clinical outcome of patients with a femoral shaft fracture and a previous complex post-traumatic femoral malunion who were treated with a clamshell osteotomy and fixation with an intramedullary nail (IMN).

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Pneumatic tourniquets are often used during the surgical treatment of unstable traumatic ankle fractures. The aim of this study was to assess the risk of reoperation after open reduction and internal fixation of ankle fractures with and without the use of pneumatic tourniquets.

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Tobacco, in addition to being one of the greatest public health threats facing our world, is believed to have deleterious effects on bone metabolism and especially on bone healing. It has been described in the literature that patients who smoke are approximately twice as likely to develop a nonunion following a non-specific bone fracture. For clavicle fractures, this risk is unclear, as is the impact that such a complication might have on the initial management of these fractures.

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Musculoskeletal infection is a devastating complication in both trauma and elective orthopaedic surgeries that can result in significant morbidity. Aim of this study was to assess the effectiveness and complications of local antibiotic impregnated dissolvable synthetic calcium sulphate beads (Stimulan Rapid Cure) in the hands of different surgeons from multiple centres in surgically managed bone and joint infections.

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The aim of this study was to compare the early postoperative mortality and morbidity in older patients with a fracture of the femoral neck, between those who underwent total hip arthroplasty (THA) and those who underwent hemiarthroplasty.

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Ankle fractures are common injuries and the third most common fragility fracture. In all, 40% of ankle fractures in the frail are open and represent a complex clinical scenario, with morbidity and mortality rates similar to hip fracture patients. They have a higher risk of complications, such as wound infections, malunion, hospital-acquired infections, pressure sores, veno-thromboembolic events, and significant sarcopaenia from prolonged bed rest.

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Proximal femur fractures treatment can involve anterograde nailing with a single or double cephalic screw. An undesirable failure for this fixation is screw cut-out. In a single-screw nail, a tip-apex distance (TAD) greater than 25 mm has been associated with an increased risk of cut-out. The aim of the study was to examine the role of TAD as a risk factor in a cephalic double-screw nail.

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To compare the cost-effectiveness of high-dose, dual-antibiotic cement versus single-antibiotic cement for the treatment of displaced intracapsular hip fractures in older adults.

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Despite limited clinical scientific backing, an additional trochanteric stabilizing plate (TSP) has been advocated when treating unstable trochanteric fractures with a sliding hip screw (SHS). We aimed to explore whether the TSP would result in less post operative fracture motion, compared to SHS alone.

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The aim of this study was to perform the first population-based description of the epidemiological and health economic burden of fracture-related infection (FRI).

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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.

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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.

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Periprosthetic fractures (PPFs) following hip arthroplasty are complex injuries. This study evaluates patient demographic characteristics, management, outcomes, and risk factors associated with PPF subtypes over a decade.

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We introduced a self-care pathway for minimally displaced distal radius fractures, which involved the patient being discharged from a Virtual Fracture Clinic (VFC) without a physical review and being provided with written instructions on how to remove their own cast or splint at home, plus advice on exercises and return to function.

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To determine whether platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injection improves outcomes two years after acute Achilles tendon rupture.

Aims. Low haemoglobin (Hb) at admission has been identified as a risk factor for mortality for elderly patients with hip fractures in some studies. However, this remains controversial. This study aims to analyze the association between Hb level at admission and mortality in elderly patients with hip fracture undergoing surgery. Patients and Methods. All consecutive patients (prospective database) admitted with hip fracture operated in a tertiary hospital between 2012 and 2016 were analyzed. We collected patient characteristics, time to surgery, duration and type of surgery, comorbidities, Hb at admission, nadir of Hb after surgery, the use and amount of red blood cells (RBCs) transfusion products, postoperative complications, and death. The main outcome measures were mortality at 30 days, 90 days, 180 days, and one year after surgery. Results. We included 829 patients; the mean age was 81 years (. sd. 11). Mortality at 30 days, 90 days, 180 days, and one year was 5.7%, 12.3%, 18.1%, and 23.5%, respectively. The highest mortality was observed in patients aged over 80 years (162/557, 29%) and in male patients (85/267, 32%). Survival at 90 days, 180 days, and one year after surgery was significantly lower in patients with a Hb level below 120 g/l at admission. In multivariate analysis, Hb level below 120 g/l at admission was found to be an independent factor associated with mortality (adjusted hazard ratio (aHR) 1.68 (95% confidence interval (CI) 1.22 to 2.31); p = 0.001), along with age (aHR 1.06 (95% CI 1.04 to 1.06); p < 0.001), male sex (aHR 2.19 (95% CI 1.61 to 2.96); p < 0.001), and need for RBC transfusions (aHR 1.10 (95% CI 1.02 to 1.19); p = 0.01). Conclusion. Our results suggest that low Hb at admission along with age and RBC transfusions is significantly associated with short- and long-term mortality after hip fracture surgery, independently of comorbidity confounders. Further studies should be performed to understand how preoperative Hb could be taken into account in perioperative management. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2019;101-B:1122–1128

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Due to the recent rapid expansion of scooter sharing companies, there has been a dramatic increase in the number of electric scooter (e-scooter) injuries. Our purpose was to conduct a systematic review to characterize the demographic characteristics, most common injuries, and management of patients injured from electric scooters.

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Heterotopic ossification (HO) is a common complication after elbow trauma and can cause severe upper limb disability. Although multiple prognostic factors have been reported to be associated with the development of post-traumatic HO, no model has yet been able to combine these predictors more succinctly to convey prognostic information and medical measures to patients. Therefore, this study aimed to identify prognostic factors leading to the formation of HO after surgery for elbow trauma, and to establish and validate a nomogram to predict the probability of HO formation in such particular injuries.

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The aim of this study was to describe the management and associated outcomes of patients sustaining a femoral hip periprosthetic fracture (PPF) in the UK population.

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There is increasing evidence to support the use of topical antibiotics to prevent surgical site infections. Although previous research suggests a minimal nephrotoxic risk with a single dose of vancomycin powder, fracture patients often require multiple procedures and receive additional doses of topical antibiotics. We aimed to determine if cumulative doses of intrawound vancomycin or tobramycin powder for infection prophylaxis increased the risk of drug-induced acute kidney injury (AKI) among fracture patients.

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To evaluate the impact of negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT) on the odds of having deep infections and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) following open fractures.

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The incidence of atypical femoral fractures (AFFs) continues to increase. However, there are currently few long-term studies on the complications of AFFs and factors affecting them. Therefore, we attempted to investigate the outcomes, complications, and risk factors for complication through mid-term follow-up of more than three years.

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Open reduction and plate fixation (ORPF) for displaced proximal humerus fractures can achieve reliably good long-term outcomes. However, a minority of patients have persistent pain and stiffness after surgery and may benefit from open arthrolysis, subacromial decompression, and removal of metalwork (ADROM). The long-term results of ADROM remain unknown; we aimed to assess outcomes of patients undergoing this procedure for stiffness following ORPF, and assess predictors of poor outcome.

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The aim of this study was to assess whether it is possible to predict the mortality, and the extent and time of neurological recovery from the time of the onset of symptoms and MRI grade, in patients with the cerebral fat embolism syndrome (CFES). This has not previously been investigated.

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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. The aims of this study were to determine the cumulative ten-year survivorship of hips treated for acetabular fractures using surgical hip dislocation and to identify factors predictive of an unfavourable outcome. Patients and Methods. We followed up 60 consecutive patients (61 hips; mean age 36.3 years, standard deviation (. sd. ) 15) who underwent open reduction and internal fixation for a displaced fracture of the acetabulum (24 posterior wall, 18 transverse and posterior wall, ten transverse, and nine others) with a mean follow-up of 12.4 years (. sd. 3). . Results. Clinical grading was assessed using the modified Merle d’Aubigné score. Radiographic osteoarthritis was graded according to Matta. Kaplan-Meier survivorship and a univariate Cox-regression analysis were carried out using the following endpoints: total hip arthroplasty, a Merle d’Aubigné score of < 15 and/or progression of osteoarthritis. . Conclusion. The ten-year cumulative survivorship was 82% (95% confidence interval 71 to 92). Predictors for the defined endpoints were femoral chondral lesions, marginal impaction, duration of surgery, and age of patient. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2017;99-B:508–15

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Deep surgical site infection (SSI) remains an unsolved problem after hip fracture. Debridement, antibiotic, and implant retention (DAIR) has become a mainstream treatment in elective periprosthetic joint infection; however, evidence for DAIR after infected hip hemiarthroplaty is limited.

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The purpose was to compare operative treatment with a volar plate and nonoperative treatment of displaced distal radius fractures in patients aged 65 years and over in a cost-effectiveness analysis.

Aims. This is a prospective randomised controlled trial comparing the functional outcomes of plate fixation and elastic stable intramedullary nailing (ESIN) of completely displaced mid-shaft fractures of the clavicle in the active adult population. Patients and Methods. We prospectively recruited 123 patients and randomised them to either plate fixation or ESIN. Patients completed the Quick Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH) score at one to six weeks post-operatively. They were followed up at six weeks, three and six months and one year with radiographs, and their clinical outcome was assessed using both the DASH and the Constant Score. Results. Plate fixation provided a faster functional recovery during the first six months compared with ESIN, but there was no difference after one year. The duration of surgery was shorter for ESIN (mean 53.4 minutes, 22 to 120) than for plate fixation (mean 69.7 minutes, 35 to 106, p < 0.001). The recovery after ESIN was slower with increasing fracture comminution and with open reduction (p < 0.05). Conclusion. Both methods return the patients to their pre-injury functional levels, but plate fixation has a faster recovery period in comminuted fractures than ESIN. ESIN has a shorter operative time and lower infection and implant rates of failure when using 2.5 mm nails or wider, suggesting that this is the preferred method in mid-shaft fractures with no comminution, whereas plate fixation is the superior method in comminuted fractures. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2017;99-B:1095–1101

Aims. Flail chest from a blunt injury to the thorax is associated with significant morbidity and mortality. Its management globally is predominantly non-operative; however, there are an increasing number of centres which undertake surgical stabilisation. The aim of this meta-analysis was to compare the efficacy of this approach with that of non-operative management. Patients and Methods. A systematic search of the literature was carried out to identify randomised controlled trials (RCTs) which compared the clinical outcome of patients with a traumatic flail chest treated by surgical stabilisation of any kind with that of non-operative management. Results. Of 1273 papers identified, three RCTs reported the results of 123 patients with a flail chest. Surgical stabilisation was associated with a two thirds reduction in the incidence of pneumonia when compared with non-operative management (risk ratio 0.36, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.15 to 0.85, p = 0.02). The duration of mechanical ventilation (mean difference -6.30 days, 95% CI -12.16 to -0.43, p = 0.04) and length of stay in an intensive care unit (mean difference -6.46 days, 95% CI 9.73 to -3.19, p = 0.0001) were significantly shorter in the operative group, as was the overall length of stay in hospital (mean difference -11.39, 95% CI -12.39 to -10.38, p < 0.0001). Conclusion. Surgical stabilisation for a traumatic flail chest is associated with significant clinical benefits in this meta-analysis of three relatively small RCTs. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2016;98-B:1119–25

The aim of this study was to analyse the functional outcome after a displaced intracapsular fracture of the femoral neck in active patients aged over 70 years without osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis of the hip, randomised to receive either a hemiarthroplasty or a total hip replacement (THR). We studied 252 patients of whom 47 (19%) were men, with a mean age of 81.1 years (70.2 to 95.6). They were randomly allocated to be treated with either a cemented hemiarthroplasty (137 patients) or cemented THR (115 patients). At one- and five-year follow-up no differences were observed in the modified Harris hip score, revision rate of the prosthesis, local and general complications, or mortality. The intra-operative blood loss was lower in the hemiarthroplasty group (7% > 500 ml) than in the THR group (26% > 500 ml) and the duration of surgery was longer in the THR group (28% > 1.5 hours versus 12% > 1.5 hours). There were no dislocations of any bipolar hemiarthroplasty and eight dislocations of a THR during follow-up. Because of a higher intra-operative blood loss (p < 0.001), an increased duration of the operation (p < 0.001) and a higher number of early and late dislocations (p = 0.002), we do not recommend THR as the treatment of choice in patients aged ≥ 70 years with a fracture of the femoral neck in the absence of advanced radiological osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis of the hip

This study aimed to evaluate the use of pin leverage in the reduction of Gartland type III supracondylar fractures of the humerus in children. The study comprised 95 children, who were split into three groups according to the type of method of reduction used. Group 1, had an open reduction, group 2, had closed reduction and percutaneous pin fixation and group 3, the pin leverage technique. Each group was analysed according to the time to surgery, the duration of the procedure, the incidence of complications, and the clinical and radiological outcome. The mean duration of the operative procedure in groups 1, 2 and 3 was 119 minutes (80 to 235), 57 minutes (20 to 110) and 68 minutes (30 to 90), respectively. At a mean follow-up of 30 months (12 to 63) the clinical results were declared excellent or good in all children and the radiological results intermediate in five patients in group 2. The results of the closed reduction using the pin leverage technique was classified as failure in two children. Our findings lead us to believe that the pin leverage method of reduction gives good results in the treatment of Gartland type III fractures

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To explore staff experiences of a multicentre pilot randomized controlled trial (RCT) comparing intramedullary nails and circular frame external fixation for segmental tibial fractures.

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Complex joint fractures of the lower extremity are often accompanied by soft-tissue swelling and are associated with prolonged hospitalization and soft-tissue complications. The aim of the study was to evaluate the effect of vascular impulse technology (VIT) on soft-tissue conditioning in comparison with conventional elevation.

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To clarify the effectiveness of the induced membrane technique (IMT) using beta-tricalcium phosphate (β-TCP) for reconstruction of segmental bone defects by evaluating clinical and radiological outcomes, and the effect of defect size and operated site on surgical outcomes.

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Pin-site infection remains a significant problem for patients treated by external fixation. A randomized trial was undertaken to compare the weekly use of alcoholic chlorhexidine (CHX) for pin-site care with an emollient skin preparation in patients with a tibial fracture treated with a circular frame.

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The management of completely displaced fractures of the distal radius in children remains controversial. This study evaluates the outcomes of surgical and non-surgical management of ‘off-ended’ fractures in children with at least two years of potential growth remaining.

A total of 20 patients with a depressed fracture of the lateral tibial plateau (Schatzker II or III) who would undergo open reduction and internal fixation were randomised to have the metaphyseal void in the bone filled with either porous titanium granules or autograft bone. Radiographs were undertaken within one week, after six weeks, three months, six months, and after 12 months. The primary outcome measure was recurrent depression of the joint surface: a secondary outcome was the duration of surgery. The risk of recurrent depression of the joint surface was lower (p < 0.001) and the operating time less (p < 0.002) when titanium granules were used. The indication is that it is therefore beneficial to use porous titanium granules than autograft bone to fill the void created by reducing a depressed fracture of the lateral tibial plateau. There is no donor site morbidity, the operating time is shorter and the risk of recurrent depression of the articular surface is less. . Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2015; 97-B:836–41

Aims

Echocardiography is commonly used in hip fracture patients to evaluate perioperative cardiac risk. However, echocardiography that delays surgical repair may be harmful. The objective of this study was to compare surgical wait times, mortality, length of stay (LOS), and healthcare costs for similar hip fracture patients evaluated with and without preoperative echocardiograms.