Faculty Bibliography

PURPOSE/OBJECTIVE:The purpose of this study was to evaluate the short-term postoperative outcomes of patients undergoing patella open reduction internal fixation procedures based on the type of anesthesia administered. METHODS:A retrospective review was conducted of patients who were surgically treated for displaced patella fractures from 2012 to 2024 at a single multi-site academic institution. Patients were included if they were > 18 years of age, sustained an isolated patella fracture, and had a minimum of 6-month follow-up. Patients were divided into groups based on the anesthetic modality used during their surgery: regional anesthesia only (RA), general/neuraxial anesthesia (NR), and a combination of these methods (CA). Comparisons of statistics were performed using Pearson chi-squared tests, one-way ANOVA tests, and linear regression tests as appropriate. RESULTS:There were no complications associated with the administration of anesthesia within each cohort. There was no significant difference in fracture healing rates (p = .210) nor complication rates between the anesthesia groups (p = .088). The RA and CA groups had significantly shorter operating room (wheels in to wheels out) times than the NR group (p < .001), significantly greater 3-month (p = .001) and 6-month knee ROM (p = .016) than the NR group when controlling for age, fracture pattern, and repair method. CONCLUSION/CONCLUSIONS:This study demonstrates the efficacy of the use of regional anesthesia only for repair of a patella fracture. This technique is associated with greater early range of knee motion in patients after surgery and a shorter surgical time with no increase in intra or postoperative complications.

PURPOSE/OBJECTIVE:To identify factors associated with prolonged length of stay following geriatric hip fractures. METHODS:A single-center retrospective study of a consecutive series of geriatric (age > 65) hip fractures between 10/1/14 and 11/1/23 was performed. Patient demographics, injury/surgery characteristics, and inpatient complications were reviewed. Patients who died during hospitalization were excluded. Patients were cohorted into "average" LOS (nLOS) and "prolonged" LOS (pLOS); pLOS was defined as 1 standard deviation above the mean LOS. Cohort variables were compared using standard statistical tests. Multivariable logistic regression was used to isolate covariates that were independently associated with pLOS while controlling for confounders. RESULTS:A total of 3383 patients were identified. Average LOS was 6.38 days (S.D. = 4.24 days), and prolonged LOS was 10.62 days. The pLOS cohort was sicker and less functionally independent at baseline. The pLOS cohort had a more complicated hospital course with a 6 × increase in major complications and 2 × increase in minor complications. The demographic characteristic associated the most to pLOS was male gender. The injury/surgery characteristic contributing the most to pLOS was time from admission to surgery. The complication contributing the most to pLOS was new-onset stroke. CONCLUSION/CONCLUSIONS:Multiple demographic and outcome factors are associated with pLOS in geriatric hip fractures. While demographics cannot be changed, teams should focus on modifiable factors such as reducing time to surgery and identification, prevention, and treatment of perioperative complications, most importantly stroke and pneumonia, to prevent delays in discharge following hip fracture in the elderly population. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE/METHODS:Level IV.

PURPOSE/OBJECTIVE:The Moore type II tibial plateau fracture dislocation (M2) represents a specific subset of tibial plateau injuries. This study aims to assess outcomes for M2 fractures and examine the impact of surgical approach on recovery. METHODS:Patients were identified in a prospectively collected tibial plateau fracture database. Inclusion criteria included age ≥ 18 years, operative treatment, and minimum 1-year follow-up. Fractures were classified according to the systems of Schatzker et al. and Moore. Patients classified as Moore type 2 (M2) were identified and compared to all others. Demographic, injury, and surgical data were collected. Outcomes included knee range of motion (ROM), pain (VAS), and functional status (SMFA). M2 patients were categorized by surgical approach: medial (M), lateral (L), or combined (C). Statistical analyses were performed using Pearson Chi-Squared, t-tests, and ANOVA. RESULTS:A total of 595 patients met inclusion criteria; 58 (10%) sustained an M2 fracture (mean follow-up = 28.34 months). The M2 cohort had fewer females (p = 0.048) and a higher complication rate (22.4% vs. 14.0%, p = 0.085). At 6 months, the M2 group had worse SMFA scores (p = 0.004), but by 1 year, differences were not significant (p = 0.199). Complications included knee contracture, fracture-related infections, venous thromboembolism events, and peroneal nerve issues. The combined surgical approach (C) had more external fixation use (50%) and poorer outcomes for pain and function compared to isolated approaches (p = 0.004, p = 0.041). The lateral approach (L) showed better ROM but was associated with higher rates of postoperative peroneal nerve injuries. CONCLUSION/CONCLUSIONS:Moore type II fractures are complex, with poorer outcomes and higher complication rates than other tibial plateau fractures. Isolated medial surgery yields better results compared to combined approaches.

BACKGROUND/UNASSIGNED:The purpose of this study is to determine differences in outcomes between "extreme" tibial metaphyseal fractures treated with intramedullary nailing (IMN) or plate osteosynthesis. METHODS/UNASSIGNED:545 prospectively collected patients were reviewed by two board-certified orthopedic trauma surgeons to identify extreme tibial shaft fractures (defined as most proximal or distal segments that involved or would have involved the area encompassed by the nail locking bolts). Fifty-one patients were identified. Twenty-five patients treated with an intramedullary nail were compared to 24 patients treated with plate and screws for similar patterns. Data collected included patient demographics, surgical details, and outcomes. Cohorts were compared using fisher's exact test, independent T tests, and multivariable linear regression. RESULTS/UNASSIGNED:The mean age of all patients was 46.73 years. There were no differences in ASA, CCI, age, male/female composition, or BMI between cohorts. There were no differences in low vs. high-energy mechanism of injury between cohorts, however the IMN cohort had a greater proportion of open fractures (p = 0.018). When controlling for covariates, patients who underwent IMN were allowed earlier weight bearing on the operative extremity. There were no differences in ankle or knee range of motion at latest follow up. There was a greater incidence of total complications among IMN (p = 0.033). Single variable analysis revealed an association between IMN and nonunion (p = 0.050). IMN trended towards greater need for reoperation (p = 0.086). CONCLUSION/UNASSIGNED:Intramedullary nailing of "extreme tibia fractures" was associated with higher rates of total complications compared to plate osteosynthesis and trended with greater need for reoperation. However, it should be noted that there was a higher incidence of open fractures in this cohort. There were no differences in the rate of malalignment, range of motion, or time to healing between cohorts.

BACKGROUND/UNASSIGNED:Septic arthritis (SA) is an orthopedic urgency with significant morbidity and potential mortality. Differentiating SA and crystalline arthritis (CA) is difficult as concurrent disease may exist. This study sought to identify the prevalence of and define diagnostic laboratory markers for SA in the setting of CA. METHODS/UNASSIGNED:A retrospective review was conducted of adult patients presenting to a single medical center between January 2012 and March 2023 with monosodium urate (MU) or calcium pyrophosphate (CPP) in synovial knee joint fluid of a native knee. Categorical variables were assessed using chi-square and Fisher exact tests. Receiver operating characteristic curves were computed, and diagnostic accuracy was determined from associated area under the ROC curve (AUC). The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), and negative predictive value (NPV) were calculated and optimal diagnostic thresholds determined by Youden index. RESULTS/UNASSIGNED:225 knee aspirations were analyzed, 56.4 % CPP and 43.6 % MSU. There were 12 cases of superimposed SA (5.3 %), 11 culture confirmed and 1 suspected. Immunosuppression was associated with a higher incidence of SA (41.7 % versus 14.6 %, p = 0.0271). SA had a significantly higher mean synovial WBC (135,796 vs 22,510; p = 0.0007). There was no difference in percentage of PMNs between the septic and aseptic groups (90.6 % vs 69.7 %; p = 3.327). Of the 12 cases of concomitant SA, 10 (83.3 %) had a synovial WBC ≥50,000/mm3, compared to 21 (9.9 %) of the aseptic aspirations (p < 0.0001). Nine (75 %) aspirations in the septic group had ≥90 % PMNs, compared to 78 (36.6 %) in the aseptic group (p = 0.0123). The optimal diagnostic threshold for synovial WBC was 50,000/mm3 (91.7 % sensitivity, 90.1 % specificity, AUC = 0.960). The optimal synovial percentage of PMNs was 64 % (100 % sensitivity, 6.7 % specificity, AUC = 0.731). CONCLUSION/UNASSIGNED:In the setting of CA, synovial WBC may provide a useful diagnostic marker for SA with an optimal threshold of 50,000 cells/mm3.

OBJECTIVES/OBJECTIVE:To examine the efficacy of regional only anesthesia for arthroplasty surgery following displaced femoral neck fractures. METHODS:Design: Retrospective study. SETTING/METHODS:A single academic medical center and Level 1 Trauma Center. PATIENT SELECTION CRITERIA/UNASSIGNED:Patients with displaced femoral neck fracture (AO/OTA 31B1.3) treated with either hemi- or total hip arthroplasty were identified. Patients who had general (GA) and Spinal (SA) anesthesia were each matched 2:1 to those who underwent Lateral Femoral Cutaneous and Over the Hip (LOH),based on the Score for Trauma Triage in the Geriatric and Middle Aged (STTGMA) risk score and arthroplasty type. OUTCOME MEASURES AND COMPARISONS/UNASSIGNED:Patient demographics, injury characteristics, and surgical history were compared. Outcomes included postoperative complications, 90-day readmission rates, 1-year mortality and discharge location. Significance was p>0.05. RESULTS:145 patients were analyzed: 58 GA, 58 SA, and 29 Regional. Cohorts were similar in demographics: mean age was 79.9 +9.9 for LOH, 79.8+11.00 for GA and 82.2+8.6 for SA (p=0.3), with 72% female patients in the LOH, 67% female in the GA and 76% female in SA (p=0.585). GA patients had the highest BMI (25.3±5.3 kg/m2, p=0.004). SA patients had the highest ASA score (2.9±0.7, p=0.036). GA patients had the longest anesthesia (2:55 hours, p=0.013) and operating room time (3:35, p=0.009). Regional anesthesia had the shortest anesthesia (2:26, p=0.013) and operating room time (2:54, p=0.009). GA had a higher complication rate (56.9%, p=0.039), including major complications (20.7%, p=0.025) and post-operative anemia (34.5%, p=0.049). GA had a longer length of stay (6.4±2.9 days, p=0.022). Patients operated on under regional only were discharged to home (62%, p=0.003) while more GA (79%) and SA (71%) patients were discharged to SNF (p<0.001). LOH patients ambulated sooner following surgery (1.03±0.2 days, p=0.001). No post-operative complications, blood transfusions (p=0.321), mortality (p=0.089), 30-day readmission (p=0.819), and post-operative delirium (p=0.514) were significantly different. CONCLUSION/CONCLUSIONS:Regional only anesthesia (LOH Block) was safe and effective for hemi and total hip arthroplasty for a displaced femoral neck fracture as compared to spinal and general anesthesia. This anesthetic approach allowed for successful procedures and yielded lower associated rates of post-operative complications and operative time in addition to improved quality measures. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE/METHODS:Prognostic Level III.

INTRODUCTION/BACKGROUND:The purpose of this study was to assess the demographic characteristics of hip fracture patients who followed up versus those who did not and secondarily to evaluate if follow-up duration correlated with long-term functional outcomes. METHODS:This was a retrospective review that queried a trauma database for all patients aged >55 years with hip fractures because of low-energy mechanisms between February 2019 and May 2020. Demographic characteristics, hospital quality measures, clinical outcomes, follow-up attendance, and 1-year functional outcomes were collected from the electronic medical record or through phone. Comparative analyses were conducted between patients who attended >50% of their follow-up appointments and those who attended <50% of their follow-up appointments. Patients were stratified based on the number of follow-up appointments attended and were compared. Multivariable regression analyses were conducted to identify factors influencing follow-up attendance and its association with functional outcomes. RESULTS:Four hundred fifty-two patients were included for analysis. Patients attending follow-up were younger, more likely to be community ambulators, White, and female. Multivariable regression revealed that younger age, White ethnicity, and female sex were independently associated with higher 1-year follow-up attendance. A positive linear relationship was observed between follow-up attendance and improved functional outcomes. Patients attending >50% of their appointments had better outcome scores. Overall, 218 patients were contacted through phone for 1-year follow-up and thus the 1-year follow-up rate increased to 69%. CONCLUSION/CONCLUSIONS:Consistent follow-up is associated with better 1-year outcomes in geriatric hip fracture patients. Recognizing the demographic factors associated with follow-up attendance can assist in patient education and engagement.

OBJECTIVE:This study assesses the impact of a structured summer externship program (SEP) in orthopedic surgery on participants' career trajectories and diversity within the field. Specifically, we evaluated the proportion of SEP participants who chose a career in orthopedic surgery and analyzed trends in gender and racial/ethnic diversity among the cohort over a 20-year period. DESIGN/METHODS:A retrospective cohort analysis was conducted using data from participants in 1 academic department's SEP between 2004 and 2023. Participant demographic data, ultimate specialty match information, and residency outcomes were collected and statistically analyzed to assess trends in specialty selection, gender, and racial/ethnic diversity among the SEP alumni. SETTING/METHODS:This study took place in the Department of Orthopedic Surgery at a large academic tertiary medical center. PARTICIPANTS/METHODS:The study included 564 medical students who participated in the SEP between 2004 and 2023. Of these, 441 (78.2%) have graduated from medical school to date, 114 (20.2%) are still enrolled, and 5 (0.89%) have left medicine for careers in other sectors. Data for 9 participants (1.6%) was unavailable. RESULTS:Among the 436 graduates, 161 (36.9%) eventually matched into orthopedic surgery. An additional 13.5% entered internal medicine, 7.3% matched into radiology, 6.6% into emergency medicine, 5.5% into anesthesiology, and 30.3% into various other specialties. Female representation in the SEP increased from 16.6% in 2004 to 51.1% in 2023 (χ² = 4.95, p = 0.026), while non-white participant representation grew from 16.6% to 45% over the same period (χ² =3.18, p = 0.075). CONCLUSIONS:The SEP is one way of providing resources and opportunity for engagement for students interested in orthopedic surgery careers while promoting diversity within the field. This program serves as a valuable pathway, offering early exposure to orthopedic surgery, research opportunities, and professional networking, all of which may play an increasingly critical role as residency selection criteria evolve. The SEP's advantages to participants underscore the importance of targeted programs in fostering opportunity for previously underrepresented groups in the field of orthopedic surgery.

PURPOSE/OBJECTIVE:The purpose of this study is to examine the effect of age on outcomes following repair of acute displaced patella fractures Methods: 248 patients who sustained a displaced patella fracture and underwent open reduction and internal fixation were identified. Patients included underwent a similar operative protocol, were prescribed a standard post-operative protocol of therapy, and were seen at standard follow-up intervals. Patients were divided into groups of < 65 years old (young) and ≥ 65 years old (older). Statistical analysis was run to determine if there was a significant difference in range of knee motion and rate of major complications. RESULTS:Of the 248 patients, 149 were young and 99 were older. The mean age of the older group was 74.5 ± 6.7 and the mean age of the young group was 50 ± 12. Fracture pattern and BMI were similar the groups, however the older group had a higher average CCI (p<0.001). Additionally, the groups had similar length of follow up (p=0.693) and similar mean time to radiographic healing (p=0.533). Older patients had limited knee extension at 6 months (compared young patients (p=0.031). Finally, older patients had a higher rate of all complications compared to young patients. Two percent of older patients developed a fracture related infection (FRI), 4% developed a symptomatic nonunion and 11% were underwent re-operation including removal of hardware, total knee replacement, irrigation and debridement and manipulation under anesthesia. CONCLUSION/CONCLUSIONS:Complication rates following patella fracture fixation in older patients were higher than young patients, despite having similar injury patterns, surgical treatment and follow up. These findings can better inform treating physicians during surgical intervention of older patients with patella fractures.

OBJECTIVES/OBJECTIVE:To determine the most common reason for 30-day readmission following hospitalization for hip fractures. METHODS:Design: A retrospective review. SETTING/METHODS:Single academic medical center that includes a Level 1 Trauma Center. PATIENT SELECTION CRITERIA/UNASSIGNED:Included were all patients operatively treated for hip fractures (OTA 31) between October 2014 and November 2023. Patients that died during their initial admission were excluded. OUTCOME MEASURES AND COMPARISONS/UNASSIGNED:Patient demographics, hospital quality measures, outcomes and readmission within 30-days following discharge for each patient were reviewed. 30-day readmission reason was recorded and correlation analysis was performed. RESULTS:A total of 3,032 patients were identified with a mean age of 82.1 years and 70.5% of patients being female. The 30-day readmission cohort was 2.6 years older (p<0.001) and 8.8% more male patients (p=0.027), had 0.5 higher CCI (p<0.001), 0.3 higher ASA class (p<0.001) and were 9.2% less independent at the time of admission (p= 0.003). Hemiarthroplasty procedure (32.7% vs. 24.1%) was associated with higher 30-day readmission compared to closed percutaneous screw fixation (4.5% vs. 8.8%) and cephalomedullary nail fixation (52.2% vs. 54.4%, p<0.001). Those readmitted by 30-days developed more major (16.7% vs. 8.0%) (p<0.001) and minor (50.5% vs. 36.4%) (p<0.001) complications during their initial hospitalization and had a 1.5 day longer LOS during their first admission (p<0.001). Those discharged home were less likely to be readmitted within 30-days (20.7% vs. 27.6%, (p=0.008). Multivariate regression revealed increasing ASA class (O.R. 1.47, p=0.002) and pre-injury ambulatory status (O.R. 1.42, p=0.007) were most associated with increased 30-day readmission. The most common reason for readmission was pulmonary complications (17.1% of complications) including acute respiratory failure, COPD exacerbation and pneumonia. CONCLUSION/CONCLUSIONS:Thirty-day readmission following hip fracture was associated with older, sicker patients with decreased pre-injury ambulation status. Hemiarthroplasty for femoral neck fracture was also associated with readmission. The most common reason for 30-day readmission following hip fracture was pulmonary complications. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE/METHODS:Prognostic Level III.