Injury
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Current procedural terminology (CPT) codes for surgical stabilization of rib fractures (SSRF) are based solely on the number of ribs fixed, tricotomized at 1-3, 4-6, and ≥ 7. Our objective was to validate CPT codes against operative time at our institution, as well as further stratify complexity by rib fracture location and surgical approach. The purpose of this study is to validate the current CPT coding schema for SSRF, and to identify potential modifiers that are associated with increased case complexity. We hypothesized that operative time is associated with CPT code, number of fractures repaired, exposure technique, and fracture location. ⋯ Number of fractures repaired provided a more accurate estimation of operative time as compared to number of ribs repaired. Based on these data, we recommend altering the CPT schema for SSRF to involve number of fractures repaired, with modifiers for both multiple positions/exposures and repair of sub-scapular fractures.
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Review Meta Analysis
Prognosis of nonoperative treatment in elderly patients with a hip fracture: A systematic review and meta-analysis.
Hip fractures in frail elderly patients are associated with significant mortality and morbidity. Surgery remains the predominant treatment of choice, despite the poor prognosis. Limited research has been done with regards to nonoperative management of frail elderly patients with a hip fracture and therefore the natural course is relatively unknown. This systematic review aimed to provide an overview of the prognosis of nonoperative management in frail elderly patients with a hip fracture in terms of mortality, complications, mobility, and quality of life (QoL). ⋯ Nonoperative management of frail elderly patients with a hip fracture is associated with a poor prognosis. Heterogenous study cohorts and limited outcomes were reported. Current literature shows a lack of evidence of the true prognosis of nonoperative management of frail elderly patient with a hip fracture and a limited life expectancy. Results of this review can be used to aid decision making and improve expectation management.
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Inferior vena cava (IVC) injuries occur in 0.5-5% of cases of penetrating abdominal injury. Uncommonly encountered in general surgical and trauma practice, they remain extremely lethal despite advances in resuscitation and critical care. Important factors determining treatment outcomes are the hemodynamic status of the patient at presentation, the level and extent of injury, and the presence of associated injuries. ⋯ Retro-hepatic and supra-hepatic caval injuries are particularly challenging in terms of exposure and repair, and are associated with high fatality. Endovascular approaches are being used in select cases with success. This paper reviews in detail the epidemiology, injury patterns, management protocols, and outcomes of IVC injuries due to penetrating abdominal trauma.
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With the U.S. healthcare system focused on value of care, providers and hospitals are increasingly measured by factors that increase patient care and decrease healthcare cost. Early postoperative adverse events not only increase healthcare cost, but also illuminate areas of potential improvement in patient care. This large single institution study aims to delineate factors that may influence emergency department visits, admissions, and reoperations within 30 days of ankle fracture surgery. ⋯ Age less than 45 years old was a risk factor for early ED visits, highlighting a potential "at-risk" population after ankle fracture surgery. Furthermore, many of the ED visits (37%) and readmissions (60%) were unrelated to the ankle fracture suggesting unnecessary healthcare utilization may be avoided with protocols that increase emphasis on reconditioning and optimization of comorbidities.
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Intertrochanteric fractures are common fragility fractures in elderly patients. The importance of a reliable classification system for these fractures has been increasingly recognized. The aim of this study was to test the hypothesis that three-dimensional classification by CT has better intra- and inter-observer reliability than conventional two-dimensional classification. ⋯ The findings of this study confirm that the fragment-based classification system has high reliability. Surgeons should be aware that the three-dimensional fragment-based CT system for classification of intertrochanteric fractures has better intra-observer and inter-observer reliability than the conventional two-dimensional systems.