Injury
-
Although recent literature has demonstrated the utility of the ASA score in predicting postoperative length of stay, complication risk and potential utilization of other hospital resources, the ASA score has been inconsistently assigned by anaesthesia providers. This study tested the reliability of assignment of the ASA score classification by both attending anaesthesiologists and anaesthesia residents specifically among the orthopaedic trauma patient population. ⋯ This study shows substantial agreement strength for reliability of the ASA score among anaesthesiologists when evaluating orthopaedic trauma patients. The significant increase in inter-rater reliability based on anaesthesiologists' comfort with the ASA scoring method implies a need for further evaluation of ASA assessment training and routine use on the ground. These findings support the use of the ASA score as a statistically reliable tool in orthopaedic trauma.
-
Traumatic knee dislocation represents a rare but devastating injury. Several controversies persist regarding type of treatment, surgical timing, graft selection, repair versus reconstruction of the medial and lateral structures, surgical techniques and postoperative rehabilitation. A new technique for primary ACL stabilization, dynamic intaligamentary stabilization (DIS) was developed at the authors' institution. The purpose of this study was to analyze the clinical and radiological outcomes of surgically treated traumatic knee dislocations by means of the DIS technique for the ACL, primary suturing for PCL, MCL and LCL. ⋯ Early, one stage reconstruction with DIS can achieve good functional results and patient satisfaction with overall restoration of sports and working capacity without graft requirements.
-
Lisfranc injuries are commonly asked about in FRCS Orthopaedic trauma vivas. The term "Lisfranc injury" strictly refers to an injury where one or more of the metatarsals are displaced from the tarsus. The term is more commonly used to describe an injury to the midfoot centred on the 2nd tarsometatarsal joint. ⋯ Martin (1790-1847), a French surgeon and gynaecologist who first described the injury in 1815. 'Lisfranc injury' encompasses a broad spectrum of injuries, which can be purely ligamentous or involve the osseous and articular structures. They are often difficult to diagnose and treat, but if not detected and appropriately managed they can cause long-term disability. This review outlines the anatomy, epidemiology, classification, investigation and current evidence on management of this injury.
-
Observational Study
Delayed implants sepsis in HIV-positive patients following open fractures treated with orthopaedic implants.
There has been concern that HIV-positive patients may be more susceptible to delayed infection (>1 month) after treatment of open fractures with orthopaedic implants. To date, the longest published follow-up for such patients is 6 months. ⋯ With an average follow-up period of 39 months (range=34-43 months), this is the longest follow-up period to evaluate HIV-positive patients with open fractures who received orthopaedic implants. Despite its limitations of poor follow up, it provides the strongest available evidence that in our setting HIV positive patients are not at higher risk of delayed sepsis, and we would not suggest routine removal of metal work in these patients.
-
Comparative Study
Short-term complications in hip fracture surgery using spinal versus general anaesthesia.
Spinal anaesthesia when compared to general anaesthesia has been shown to decrease postoperative morbidity in orthopaedic surgery. The aim of the present study was to assess the differences in thirty-day morbidity and mortality for patients undergoing hip fracture surgery with spinal versus general anaesthesia. ⋯ Patients who underwent hip fracture surgery with general anaesthesia had a higher risk of thirty-day complications as compared to patients who underwent hip fracture repair with spinal anaesthesia. Surgeons should consider using spinal anaesthesia for hip fracture surgery.