Practice management guidelines for the optimal timing of long-bone fracture stabilization in polytrauma patients: the EAST Practice Management Guidelines Work Group

Early total care or damage control orthopaedics for major fractures ? Results of propensity score matching for early definitive versus early temporary fixation based on data from the trauma registry of the German Trauma Society (TraumaRegister DGU®)

PURPOSE

Damage control orthopaedics (DCO) und early total care (ETC) are well-established strategies for managing severely injured patients. There is no definitive evidence of the superiority of DCO over ETC in polytrauma patients. We conducted this study to assess the probability of a polytraumatised patient undergoing DCO. In addition, the effect of DCO on complications and mortality was investigated.

METHODS

We analysed data from 12,569 patients with severe trauma (Injury Severity Score ≥ 16) who were enrolled in the trauma registry of the German Trauma Society (TraumaRegister DGU®) from 2009 to 2016 and had undergone surgery for extremity or pelvic fractures. These patients were allocated to a DCO or an ETC group. We used the propensity score to identify factors supporting the use of DCO. For a comparison of mortality rates, the groups were stratified and matched on the propensity score.

RESULTS

We identified relevant differences between DCO and ETC. DCO was considerably more often associated with packed red blood cell (pRBC) transfusions (33.9% vs. 13.4%), catecholamine therapy (14.1% vs. 6.8%), lower extremity injuries (72.4% vs. 53.5%), unstable pelvic fractures (41.0% vs. 25.9%), penetrating injuries (2.8% vs. 1.5%), and shock (20.5% vs. 10.8%) and unconsciousness (23.7% vs. 16.3%) on admission. Based on the propensity score, patients with penetrating trauma, pRBC transfusions, unstable pelvic fractures, and lower extremity injuries were more likely to undergo DCO. A benefit of DCO such as reduced complications or reduced mortality was not detected.

CONCLUSION

We could identify some parameters of polytrauma patients used in the trauma registry (Traumaregister DGU®), which led more likely to a DCO therapy. The propensity score did not demonstrate the superiority of DCO over ETC in terms of outcome or complications. It did not appear to adequately adjust for the variables used here. Definitive evidence for or against the use of DCO remains unavailable.

Design and Development of an Objective Evaluation System for a Web-Based Simulator for Trauma Management

BACKGROUND

Trauma injuries are one of the main leading causes of death in the world. Training with guidelines and protocols is adequate to provide a fast and efficient treatment to patients that suffer a trauma injury.

OBJECTIVES

This study aimed to evaluate deviations from a set protocol, a new set of metrics has been proposed and tested in a pilot study.

METHODS

The participants were final-year students from the Universidad Autónoma de Madrid and first-year medical residents from the Hospital Universitario La Paz. They were asked to train four trauma scenarios with a web-based simulator for 2 weeks. A test was performed pre-training and another one post-training to evaluate the evolution of the treatment to those four trauma scenarios considering a predefined trauma protocol and based on the new set of metrics. The scenarios were pelvic and lower limb traumas in a hospital and in a prehospital setting, which allow them to learn and assess different trauma protocols.

RESULTS

The results show that, in general, there is an improvement of the new metrics after training with the simulator.

CONCLUSION

These new metrics provide comprehensive information for both trainers and trainees. For trainers, the evaluation of the simulation is automated and contains all relevant information to assess the performance of the trainee. And for trainees, it provides valuable real-time information that could support the trauma management learning process.

The Need for Trauma Management Training and Evaluation on a Prehospital Setting

Trauma is one of the leading causes of death in the world, being the main cause of death in people under 45 years old. The epidemiology of these deaths shows an important peak during the first hour after a traumatic event. Therefore, learning how to manage traumatic injuries in a prehospital setting is of great importance. Medical students from Universidad Autónoma performed 66 different simulations to stabilize a trauma patient on a prehospital scene by using a web-based trauma simulator. Then, a panel of trauma experts evaluated the simulations performed, observing that, on average, an important number of simulations were scored below 5, being the score values provided from 0, minimum, to 10, maximum. Therefore, the first need detected is the need to further train prehospital trauma management in undergraduate education. Additionally, a deeper analysis of the scores provided by the experts was performed. It showed a great dispersion in the scores provided by the different trauma experts per simulation. Therefore, a second need is identified, the need to develop a system to objectively evaluate trauma management.

Definitive Surgery Is Safe in Borderline Patients Who Respond to Resuscitation

OBJECTIVES

We hypothesize that in adequately resuscitated borderline polytrauma patients with long bone fractures (femur and tibia) or pelvic fractures, early (within 4 days) definitive stabilization (EDS) can be performed without an increase in postoperative ventilation and postoperative complications.

DESIGN

Retrospective cohort study.

SETTING

Level 1 trauma center.

PATIENTS

In total, 103 patients were included in this study; of whom, 18 (17.5%) were female and 85 (82.5%) were male. These patients were borderline trauma patients who had the following parameters before definitive surgery, normal coagulation profile, lactate of <2.5 mmol/L, pH of ≥7.25, and base excess of ≥5.5.

INTERVENTION

These patients were treated according to Early Total Care, definitive surgery on day of admission, or Damage Control Orthopaedics principles, temporizing external fixation followed by definitive surgery at a later date. Timing of definitive surgical fixation was recorded as EDS or late definitive surgical fixation (>4 days).

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Primary outcome measured was the duration of ventilation more than 3 days post definitive surgery and presence of postoperative complications.

RESULTS

Thirty-five patients (34.0%) received Early Total Care, whereas 68 (66.0%) patients were treated with Damage Control Orthopaedics. In total, 51 (49.5%) of all patients had late definitive surgery, whereas 52 patients (50.5%) had EDS. On logistic regression, the following factors were found to be predictive of higher rates of postoperative ventilation ≥ 3 days, units of blood transfused, and time to definitive surgery > 4 days. Increased age, head abbreviated injury score of 3 or more and time to definitive surgery were found to be associated with an increased risk of postoperative complications.

CONCLUSIONS

Borderline polytrauma patients with no severe soft tissue injuries, such as chest or head injuries, may be treated with EDS if adequately resuscitated with no increase in need for postoperative ventilation and complications.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Therapeutic Level III. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

Surgical strategy for femoral shaft fractures in severely injured patients: A 13-year experience from a tertiary trauma centre

BACKGROUND

The treatment strategy of femoral shaft fractures in polytraumatised patients has evolved over the years and led to improved outcomes for these patients. However, there is still controversy regarding the optimal treatment strategy and surgical care can differ markedly from one country to another. We investigate the surgical treatment strategy (Early Definitive Care (EDC) or Damage Control Orthopaedics (DCO)) implemented in the care of severely injured patients with femoral shaft fractures treated at a single tertiary trauma centre in southern Finland and factors affecting decision making.

METHODS

The Helsinki Trauma Registry (HTR) was used retrospectively to identify severely injured patients (New Injury Severity Score [NISS] ≥ 16) treated from 2006 through to 2018 with concomitant femoral shaft fractures. Patients <16 years old, with isolated head injuries, dead on arrival and those admitted >24 h following the injury were excluded. Based on their initial surgical management strategy, femoral fracture patients were divided into EDC and DCO groups and compared.

RESULTS

Compared to other trauma-registry patients, those with femoral shaft fractures are younger (30.9 ± 15.9 vs. 47.0 ± 19.7, p<0.001) and more often injured in road traffic accidents (64.1% vs. 34.4%, p<0.001). The majority (78%) of included patients underwent EDC. Patients who underwent DCO were significantly more severely injured (NISS: 40.1 ± 11.5 vs. 27.8 ± 10.1, p<0.001) with longer lengths of stay in ICU (15.4 ± 9.8 vs. 7.5 ± 6.1 days, p<0.001) and in hospital (29.9 ± 29.6 vs. 13.7 ± 11.4 days, p<0.001) than patients treated with EDC. Decision making was based primarily on injury related factors, while non-injury related factors may have contributed to choosing a DCO approach in a small number of cases.

CONCLUSION

Early definitive care is the prevailing treatment strategy in severely injured femoral shaft fracture patients treated at a tertiary trauma centre. Patients treated with DCO strategy are more severely injured particularly having sustained worse intracranial and thoracic injuries. In addition to injury related factors, treatment strategy decision making was influenced by non-injury related factors in only a minority of cases.

Retrograde femoral nails for emergency stabilization in multiply injured patients with haemodynamic instability

Introduction

The purpose of this study is to retrospectively evaluate the immediate effect of retrograde intramedullary femoral nail (RIMFN) fixation technique on patient's hemodynamic status as documented by vital signs (blood pressure and pulse) intraoperatively in all patients with femoral shaft fractures with multiple injuries and hemodynamic instability who were treated with RIMFN at our institution on emergency basis as part of damage control orthopaedics.

Patients and methods

A retrospective review of intra operative vital signs obtained from patient records was completed at a Level 1 trauma center in a university hospital.

In all, 11 multiply injured patients with (14) femur fractures with hemodynamic instability were identified. Of those, 3 had bilateral femur fractures. Closed reduction and retrograde femoral nailing without proximal locking was performed to achieve immediate skeletal and haemodynamic stability. Pulse rate and BP measurements were noted for all patients starting from the time patient would enter the operating room till the patient was shifted back to the recovery ward.

Results

The average cohort age was 28 years (20–36 years). The average Injury Severity Score was 28 (16–50). Statistically significant improvement in pulse rate and blood pressure was noted following femoral fracture fixation with intramedullary nail. No cases of infection or symptomatic fat or pulmonary embolism were encountered. One patient required exchange nailing for non-union and one femur underwent later lengthening.

Conclusions

Retrograde Intramedullary femoral nail can be an effective alternative to external fixator as damage control device and is associated with immediate improvement in vital signs (pulse and blood pressure) intra operatively.

•

Reversal of shock is important determinant of outcome in multiply injured patients.

•

Retrograde femoral nailing achieves immediate haemodynamic stability.

•

Retrograde nailing as damage control device has low morbidity and mortality.

•

Retrograde nailing without proximal locking is rapid, safe, effective procedure.

Collision of Priorities in Posttraumatic Coma and Suspected Multiple Injuries: A Prospective Multicenter Trial

OBJECTIVE

 The presence of multiple injuries in addition to a traumatic brain injury (TBI) is initially uncertain in most patients with posttraumatic coma. The interdisciplinary team of physicians in charge of initial treatment after hospital admission may face a collision of vital priorities. The purpose of this study was to analyze which diagnostic and surgical measures were given priority over others in comatose patients after injury and to draw conclusions from these data.

METHODS

 In this prospective multicenter cohort study, the outcomes of 1,003 comatose patients with suspected multiple injuries were studied. The analysis was divided into an early and a late stage. Diagnostic and surgical measures were analyzed for a 6-month period. The prognostic value of the Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) and the World Federation of Neurosurgical Societies grading scale were investigated.

RESULTS

 Removal of intracranial hematomas and decompressive craniotomies were the most frequent procedures within the first 48 hours after admission to the hospital. Prognosis depends on the location and the combination of injuries. Outcome is significantly correlated to initial signs of brainstem dysfunction. The GCS did not adequately predict clinical outcome.

CONCLUSION

 Comatose patients with suspected multiple injuries should only be admitted to hospitals with a continuous neurosurgical service because intracranial operations are more frequent in the first 48 hours than extracranial operations. Depending on the neurologic status of the patient, an urgent surgical decompression may be essential for a good outcome. The GCS alone is not a sufficient tool for the neurologic assessment and the prognosis of patients with multiple injuries. The onset of clinical signs of brainstem dysfunction indicates a critical deterioration of the functioning of the central nervous system. The priority of surgical measures should be tailored accordingly.

The use of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation in trauma patients: A national case-control study

Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) has been increasingly applied for the treatment of patients with trauma. Because a common complication of ECMO is bleeding, the use of ECMO support for patients with trauma was limited in the past. Studies have demonstrated a survival benefit from ECMO support in cases of traumatic lung injury, and it is likely that patients with other types of trauma would also benefit from ECMO support. However, the effect of ECMO in patients with other types of trauma is unknown.Using the national insurance data of Taiwan, we identified 810 patients with trauma who received ECMO support from 2000 to 2010. Patients who died or who withdrew from the program within 7 days after discharge were defined as deceased. Logistic regression was used to estimate the odds ratio (OR) of death and 95% confidence intervals (CIs).The overall mortality was 32.8% (266/810). A total of 417 patients received surgery during hospitalization, with an overall mortality of 39.0% (163/417). Patients who underwent thoracic surgery had an OR of 2.23 (95% CI: 1.49-3.34) compared with those who did not. Patients who underwent brain surgery had an OR of 2.86 (95% CI: 1.37-5.98) compared with patients who did not. Patients who received abdominal surgery had an OR of 4.47 (95% CI: 2.63-7.61) compared with patients who did not. All types of surgery had odds of mortality except orthopedic surgery; the use of ECMO with orthopedic surgery had an OR of 1.06 (95% CI: 0.69-1.62) compared with patients who did not receive orthopedic surgery.Except for orthopedic surgery, patients with trauma who received ECMO support and required further surgery during hospitalization exhibited a relatively high mortality rate.

Are large fracture trials really possible? What we have learned from the randomized controlled damage control study?

PURPOSE

Although they are considered the 'gold standard' of evidence-based medicine, randomized controlled trials are still a rarity in orthopedic surgery. In the management of patients with multiple trauma, there is a current trend toward 'damage control orthopedics', but to date, there is no proof of the superiority of this concept in terms of evidence-based medicine. The purpose of this article is to present unexpected difficulties we encountered in successfully completing our randomized controlled trial and to discuss the problematic differences between theoretically planning a trial and real-life practical experience of implementing the plan, with attention to published strategies.

METHODS

The multicenter randomized controlled trial on risk adapted damage control orthopedic surgery of femur shaft fractures in multiple trauma patients (DCO study) was designed to determine whether 'risk adapted damage control orthopedics' of femoral shaft fractures is advantageous when treating multiple trauma patients. We compared our methods of study planning and realization point by point with published methods for conducting such trials.

RESULTS

The study was methodically planned. We met the most prerequisites for successfully completing a large fracture trial, but experienced unexpected difficulties. After 2.5 years, the Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft suspended the financing because of low recruitment. The reasons were multifactorial.

CONCLUSIONS

We believe it is much more difficult to perform a large fracture trial in reality than to plan it in theory. Even the theoretically best designed trial can prove unsuccessful in its implementation. The question remains: are large fracture trials even possible? Hopefully YES!

TRIAL REGISTRATION

Current Controlled Trials ISRCTN10321620. Date assigned: 09/02/2007.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level I.

Feasibility of and Rationale for the Collection of Orthopaedic Trauma Surgery Quality of Care Metrics

INTRODUCTION

Reproducible metrics are needed to evaluate the delivery of orthopaedic trauma care, national care, norms, and outliers. The American College of Surgeons (ACS) is uniquely positioned to collect and evaluate the data needed to evaluate orthopaedic trauma care via the Committee on Trauma and the Trauma Quality Improvement Project.

METHODS

We evaluated the first quality metrics the ACS has collected for orthopaedic trauma surgery to determine whether these metrics can be appropriately collected with accuracy and completeness. The metrics include the time to administration of the first dose of antibiotics for open fractures, the time to surgical irrigation and débridement of open tibial fractures, and the percentage of patients who undergo stabilization of femoral fractures at trauma centers nationwide. These metrics were analyzed to evaluate for variances in the delivery of orthopaedic care across the country.

RESULTS

The data showed wide variances for all metrics, and many centers had incomplete ability to collect the orthopaedic trauma care metrics. There was a large variability in the results of the metrics collected among different trauma center levels, as well as among centers of a particular level.

DISCUSSION

The ACS has successfully begun tracking orthopaedic trauma care performance measures, which will help inform reevaluation of the goals and continued work on data collection and improvement of patient care. Future areas of research may link these performance measures with patient outcomes, such as long-term tracking, to assess nonunion and function. This information can provide insight into center performance and its effect on patient outcomes.

CONCLUSIONS

The ACS was able to successfully collect and evaluate the data for three metrics used to assess the quality of orthopaedic trauma care. However, additional research is needed to determine whether these metrics are suitable for evaluating orthopaedic trauma care and cutoff values for each metric.

Assessment of resuscitation as measured by markers of metabolic acidosis and features of injury

AIMS

The best time for definitive orthopaedic care is often unclear in patients with multiple injuries. The objective of this study was make a prospective assessment of the safety of our early appropriate care (EAC) strategy and to evaluate the potential benefit of additional laboratory data to determine readiness for surgery.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

A cohort of 335 patients with fractures of the pelvis, acetabulum, femur, or spine were included. Patients underwent definitive fixation within 36 hours if one of the following three parameters were met: lactate < 4.0 mmol/L; pH ≥ 7.25; or base excess (BE) ≥ -5.5 mmol/L. If all three parameters were met, resuscitation was designated full protocol resuscitation (FPR). If less than all three parameters were met, it was designated an incomplete protocol resuscitation (IPR). Complications were assessed by an independent adjudication committee and included infection; sepsis; PE/DVT; organ failure; pneumonia, and acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS).

RESULTS

In total, 66 patients (19.7%) developed 90 complications. An historical cohort of 1441 patients had a complication rate of 22.1%. The complication rate for patients with only one EAC parameter at the point of protocol was 34.3%, which was higher than other groups (p = 0.041). Patients who had IPR did not have significantly more complications (31.8%) than those who had FPR (22.6%; p = 0.078). Regression analysis showed male gender and injury severity score to be independent predictors of complications.

CONCLUSIONS

This study highlights important trends in the IPR and FPR groups, suggesting that differences in resuscitation parameters may guide care in certain patients; further study is, however, required. We advocate the use of the existing protocol, while research is continued for high-risk subgroups. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2017;99-B:122-7.

When is the best time to fix fractures?

The best time to operate on a fracture is governed in part by the nature of the fracture itself. It is also influenced by the premorbid condition of the patient and by the degree that associated injuries have disrupted normal processes. It is likely that some patients have a period of increased physiological risk for intervention, during which a second insult will result in further harm. The picture is not yet fully clear but relates to variations in the inflammatory response to trauma. One consistent lesson appears to resonate throughout the published literature. The most predictable risk factor for iatrogenic physiological disturbance is transfer to the operating theatre before adequate resuscitation of the patient has taken place.

Randomized, controlled, two-arm, interventional, multicenter study on risk-adapted damage control orthopedic surgery of femur shaft fractures in multiple-trauma patients

Background

Long bone fractures, particularly of the femur, are common in multiple-trauma patients, but their optimal management has not yet been determined. Although a trend exists toward the concept of “damage control orthopedics” (DCO), current literature is inconclusive. Thus, a need exists for a more specific controlled clinical study. The primary objective of this study was to clarify whether a risk-adapted procedure for treating femoral fractures, as opposed to an early definitive treatment strategy, leads to an improved outcome (morbidity and mortality).

Methods/Design

The study was designed as a randomized controlled multicenter study. Multiple-trauma patients with femur shaft fractures and a calculated probability of death of 20 to 60 % were randomized to either temporary fracture fixation with external fixation and defined secondary definitive treatment (DCO) or primary reamed nailing (early total care). The primary objective was to reduce the extent of organ failure as measured by the maximum sepsis-related organ failure assessment (SOFA) score.

Results

Thirty-four patients were randomized to two groups of 17 patients each. Both groups were comparable regarding sex, age, injury severity score, Glasgow Coma Scale, prothrombin time, base excess, calculated probability of death, and other physiologic variables. The maximum SOFA score was comparable (nonsignificant) between the groups. Regarding the secondary endpoints, the patients with external fixation required a significantly longer ventilation period (p = 0.049) and stayed on the intensive care significantly longer (p = 0.037), whereas the in-hospital length of stay was balanced for both groups. Unfortunately, the study had to be terminated prior to reaching the anticipated sample size because of unexpected low patient recruitment.

Conclusions

Thus, the results of this randomized study reflect the ambivalence in the literature. No advantage of the damage control concept could be detected in the treatment of femur fractures in multiple-trauma patients. The necessity for scientific evaluation of this clinically relevant question remains.

Trial registration

Current Controlled Trials ISRCTN10321620

Date assigned: 9 February 2007.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s13063-016-1162-2) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Early and late intramedullary nailing of femur fracture: A single center experience

Background:

Femur fracture (FF) is a common injury, and intramedullary nailing (IMN) is the standard surgical fixation. However, the time of intervention remains controversial. We aimed to describe the reamed IMN (rIMN) timing and hospital outcomes in trauma patients presenting with FF.

Materials and Methods:

A retrospective analysis was conducted for all patients admitted with FF and they underwent fixation at level 1 trauma unit between January 2010 and January 2012. Patients were divided into Group I with early rIMN (<12 h) and Group II with late rIMN (≥12 h). Patients’ demographics, clinical presentations, mechanism of injury, pulmonary complications, organ failure, length of stay, and mortality were described.

Results:

A total of 307 eligible patients with FF were identified (156 patients in Group I and 151 patients in Group II). Patients in Group II were older (36 ± 18 vs. 29 ± 9; P = 0.001) and had higher rate of polytrauma (35% vs. 18%, P = 0.001), head injury (5% vs. 12%, P = 0.68) and bilateral FF (10.7% vs. 5.1%; P = 0.07) in comparison to Group I. Group II had longer stay in Intensive Care Unit (7 [1–56] vs. 2 [1–17] days; P = 0.009) and hospital (13 [2–236] vs. 9 [1–367]; P = 0.001). There were no significant differences in outcomes between the two groups in terms of sepsis, renal failure, fat embolism, adult respiratory distress syndrome and death.

Conclusions:

Based on this analysis, we believe that early rIMN is safe in appropriately selected cases. In patients with traumatic FFs, early rIMN is associated with low hospital complications and shorter hospital stay. The rate of pulmonary complications is almost the same in the early and late group. Further prospective randomized studies with large sample size would be ideal using the information garnered from the present study.

Timing of Femoral Shaft Fracture Fixation Affects Length of Hospital Stay in Patients with Multiple Injuries

Purpose :

Appropriate timing of definitive fracture care in the setting of polytrauma remains controversial. The aim of this study is to determine whether timing of definitive fixation of femur fractures impacts subsequent length of hospital stay, a surrogate for postoperative morbidity, in patients with multi-system trauma.

Methods :

Secondary analysis of data from the National Trauma Data Bank (January 1, 2000 to December 31, 2004) was performed. Adult patients who: (1) had an open or closed femoral shaft fracture, (2) had an injury severity score (ISS) greater than or equal to 15, (3) and underwent definitive internal fixation were included. Time to fixation was divided into 5 time periods based on commonly used cut-off points from the literature: (1) 12 hours or less, (2) between 12 and 24 hours, (3) between 24 and 48 hours, (4) between 48 and 120 hours, and (5) more than 120 hours. Because we consider length of stay a surrogate for adverse outcome causally affected by treatment time, the outcome variable was calculated as the duration of hospitalization following definitive treatment. Time to definitive fixation and its effect on post-treatment length of hospital stay was analyzed using median regression with inverse probability of treatment-weighting (IPTW) to control for confounding factors.

Results :

Compared to fixation during the first 12 hours after admission, median length of hospital stay was significantly higher (2.77 days; 95% confidence interval, 0.54 to 4.72) when fixation occurred between 48 and 120 hours from admission. Among the other time intervals, only treatment between twelve to twenty-four hours after admission was shown to reduce length of stay (-0.61 days; 95% confidence interval, -1.53 to 0.42) versus the referent interval of the first 12 hours, though this result did not achieve statistical significance. In order to assess the impact of shorter recorded length of stay for deceased patients, sensitivity analysis was conducted excluding all patient that underwent definitive treatment and died. Results were nearly identical for the second analysis, showing a higher post-treatment length of stay estimated for the population treated between 48 and 120 hours versus had they been treated within the first 12 hours from admission (2.53 days, 95% confidence interval, 0.27 to 4.13).

Conclusion :

Delayed fixation of femoral shaft fractures in patients with multiple injuries between 2-5 days may lead to an increase in adverse outcomes as evidenced by increased median length of hospital stay. This finding supports prior clinical reports of a perilous period where a “second hit” resulting from definitive internal fixation can occur. Whether there is an optimal window for fixation during which physiologic stress of fracture fixation does not adversely lengthen hospital stay should be the subject of future prospective study.

Role of Damage Control Orthopedics and Early Total Care in the Multiple Injured Trauma Patients

The care of multiply injured patients with orthopedic injuries has evolved from prolonged periods in traction to early total care (ETC). ETC is advantageous in ease of nursing care and aiding patient recovery. However, concerns have been raised that this ‘second hit’ of surgery places these severely injured patients at risk of excessive inflammatory responses that can lead to systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS). Damage control was initially used in abdominal trauma but has been adapted for use in orthopedics. The mainstay of treatment involves external fixation of long bone and pelvic fractures which acts to defer definitive fixation until physiologic stability is restored. The indications for implementing each approach are not clear and this article provides a narrative review of the topic.

Timing of orthopaedic surgery in multiple trauma patients: development of a protocol for early appropriate care

OBJECTIVES

The purpose was to define which clinical conditions warrant delay of definitive fixation for pelvis, femur, acetabulum, and spine fractures. A model was developed to predict the complications.

DESIGN

Statistical modeling based on retrospective database.

SETTING

Level 1 trauma center.

PATIENTS

A total of 1443 adults with pelvis (n = 291), acetabulum (n = 399), spine (n = 102), and/or proximal or diaphyseal femur (n = 851) fractures.

INTERVENTION

All fractures were treated surgically.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS

Univariate and multivariate analysis of variance assessed associations of parameters with complications. Logistic predictive models were developed with the incorporation of multiple fixed and random effect covariates. Odds ratios, F tests, and receiver operating characteristic curves were calculated.

RESULTS

Twelve percent had pulmonary complications, with 8.2% overall developing pneumonia. The pH and base excess values were lower (P < 0.0001) and the rate of improvement was also slower (all Ps < 0.007), with pneumonia or any pulmonary complication. Similarly, lactate values were greater with pulmonary complications (all Ps < 0.02), and lactate was the most specific predictor of complications. Chest injury was the strongest independent predictor of pulmonary complication. Initial lactate was a stronger predictor of pneumonia (P = 0.0006) than initial pH (P = 0.047) or the rate of improvement of pH over the first 8 hours (P = 0.0007). An uncomplicated course was associated with the absence of chest injury (P < 0.0001) and definitive fixation within 24 (P = 0.007) or 48 hours (P = 0.005). Models were developed to predict probability of complications with various injury combinations using specific laboratory parameters measuring residual acidosis.

CONCLUSIONS

Acidosis on presentation is associated with complications. Correction of pH within 8 hours to >7.25 was associated with fewer pulmonary complications. Presence and severity of chest injury, number of fractures, and timing of fixation are other significant variables to include in a predictive model and algorithm development for Early Appropriate Care. The goal is to minimize complications by definitive management of major skeletal injury once the patient has been adequately resuscitated.

Surgical strategies in polytraumatized patients with femoral shaft fractures - comparing a German and an Australian level I trauma centre

BACKGROUND

Femoral shaft fractures are one of the most common injuries in multiple trauma patients. Due to their prognostic relevance, there is an ongoing controversial discussion as to the optimal treatment strategy in terms of Damage Control Orthopaedics (DCO) and Early Total Care (ETC). We aimed to describe the differences in fracture management and clinical outcome of multiple trauma patients with concomitant femoral shaft fractures treated at a German and an Australian level I trauma centre using the same inclusion criteria.

METHODS

Polytraumatized patients (ISS ≥ 16) with a femoral shaft fracture aged ≥ 16 years treated at a German and an Australian trauma centre between 2003 and 2007 were included. According to ETC and DCO management principles, we evaluated demographic parameters as well as posttraumatic complications and clinical outcome.

RESULTS

Seventy-three patients were treated at the German and 134 patients at the Australian trauma centre. DCO was performed in case of increased injury severity in both hospitals. Prolonged mechanical ventilation time, and length of ICU and hospital stay were demonstrated in DCO treatment regardless of the trauma centre. No differences concerning posttraumatic complications and survival were found between both centres. Survival of patients after DCO was similar to those managed using ETC despite a greater severity of injury and lower probability of survival. There was no difference in the incidence of ARDS. DCO was, however, associated with a greatly increased length of time on mechanical ventilation and length of stay in the ICU.

CONCLUSION

We found no differences concerning patient demographics or clinical outcomes in terms of incidence of ARDS, MODS, or mortality. As such, we propose that comparability between German and Australian trauma populations is justified. Despite a higher ISS in the DCO group, there were no differences in posttraumatic complications and survival depending on ETC or DCO treatment. Further research is required to confirm whether this is the case with other countries, too.

Do patients with multiple system injury benefit from early fixation of unstable axial fractures? The effects of timing of surgery on initial hospital course

OBJECTIVES

We hypothesized that early definitive management (within 24 hours of injury) of mechanically unstable fractures of the pelvis, acetabulum, femur and spine would reduce complications and shorten length of stay.

DESIGN

Retrospective review.

SETTING

Level 1 trauma center.

PATIENTS/PARTICIPANTS

1005 skeletally mature patients with Injury Severity Score (ISS) ≥18 with pelvis (n = 259), acetabulum (n = 266), proximal or diaphyseal femur (n = 569), and/or thoracolumbar spine (n = 98) fractures. Chest (n = 447), abdomen (n = 328), and head (n = 155) injuries were present.

INTERVENTION

Definitive surgery was within 24 hours in 572 patients and after 24 hours in 433.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS

Complications related to the initial trauma episode included infections, sepsis, pneumonia, deep venous thrombosis, pulmonary embolism, acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), organ failure, and death.

RESULTS

Days in intensive care unit (ICU) and total hospital stay were lower with early fixation (5.1 ± 8.8 vs. 8.4 ± 11.1 ICU days (P = 0.006); 10.5 ± 9.8 versus 14.3 ± 11.4 total days (P = 0.001), after adjusting for ISS and age. Fewer complications (24.0% vs. 35.8%, P = 0.040), ARDS (1.7% vs. 5.3%, P = 0.048), pneumonia (8.6% vs. 15.2%, P = 0.070), and sepsis (1.7% vs. 5.3%, P = 0.054) occurred with early versus delayed fixation. Logistic regression was used to account for differences in age and ISS between the early and delayed groups. Adjustment for severity of chest injury was included when analyzing pulmonary complications including pneumonia and ARDS.

CONCLUSIONS

Definitive fracture management within 24 hours resulted in shorter ICU and hospital stays and fewer complications and ARDS, after adjusting for age and associated injury types and severity. Surgical timing must be determined with consideration of the physiology of the patient and complexity of surgery. Parameters should be established within which it is safe to proceed with fixation. These data will serve as a baseline for comparison with prospective evaluation of such parameters in the future.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Therapeutic Level III. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

Timing of definitive treatment of femoral shaft fractures in patients with multiple injuries: a systematic review of randomized and nonrandomized trials

BACKGROUND

Optimal timing of definitive treatment of femoral shaft fractures in patients with multiple injuries remains controversial. This study aimed to determine the impact of timing of definitive treatment (early, delayed, or damage-control orthopedics [DCO]) of femoral shaft fractures on the incidence of adult respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), mortality rate, and hospital length of stay (LOS) in patients with multiple injuries.

METHODS

A systematic review of published English-language reports using MEDLINE (1946-2011), Embase (1947-2011), and Cochrane Library. Search terms included femoral fractures, multiple trauma, fracture fixation, and time factors. This study reviewed randomized and nonrandomized studies that (1) compared early and delayed treatment or early treatment and DCO and (2) reported the incidence of ARDS, mortality rate, or LOS. Extraction of articles was performed by one of the authors using predefined data fields.

RESULTS

Thirty-eight studies met our inclusion criteria. Studies were grouped into heterogeneous injuries with early versus delayed treatment (17 studies), heterogeneous injuries with early versus DCO (8 studies), head injury (13 studies), and chest injury (7 studies). Most of the studies (≥ 50%) reporting ARDS and mortality rate showed no difference in each of these groups. However, 6 of 7 and 2 of 3 studies reporting LOS in the heterogeneous injuries with early versus delayed and heterogeneous injuries with early versus DCO, respectively, showed shorter stay for early treatment. Pooled analyses were not conducted owing to changes in critical care delivery during the study period and variations in definitions of early treatment, ARDS, and multiple injuries. Thirty-five reports were based on nonrandomized trials and were subject to biases inherent in retrospective studies. The review process was limited by language and publication status.

CONCLUSION

The literature suggests that early definitive treatment may be used safely for most patients with multiple injuries. However, a subgroup of patients with multiple injuries may benefit from DCO [corrected].

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Systematic review, level III.

The association of reamed intramedullary nailing and long-term cognitive impairment

OBJECTIVES

To examine the association of reamed intramedullary nailing (IMN) and long-term cognitive impairment in trauma intensive care unit survivors.

DESIGN

Prospective observational cohort.

SETTING

Academic Level I trauma center.

PATIENTS

One hundred seventy-three patients with multiple trauma (Injury Severity Score greater than 15) who presented to a Level I trauma intensive care unit from July 2006 to July 2007 without evidence of intrancranial hemorrhage.

INTERVENTION

None.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE

Twelve-month cognitive impairment defined a priori as two neuropsychological test scores 1.5 standard deviation below the mean or 1 neuropsychologic test score 2 standard deviations below the mean.

RESULTS

One hundred eight of 173 patients (62.4%) were evaluated 12 months after injury with a comprehensive battery of neuropsychological tests. There were 18 patients who received a reamed IMN and 14 of 18 (78%) of these patients had cognitive deficit at follow-up. Fracture treatment with a reamed IMN was associated with long-term impairment (27.4% vs 8.2%, P = 0.03). Multivariable logistic regression found that a reamed IMN (odds ratio, 3.2; 95% confidence interval, 0.95-10.9; P = 0.06) was a moderate risk factor for the development of cognitive impairment 12 months after injury after controlling for Injury Severity Score, level of education, intraoperative hypotension, and duration of mechanical ventilation.

CONCLUSIONS

Fracture fixation with a reamed IMN is moderately associated with cognitive impairment in this cohort of multiple trauma patients without intrancranial hemorrhage at 1 year postinjury. Orthopaedic trauma research should continue to investigate a potential association of acute fracture management and long-term cognitive outcome.

Intramedullary nailing of the femur and the systemic activation of monocytes and neutrophils

Background

Trauma such as found patients with femur fractures, induces a systemic inflammatory response, which ranges from mild SIRS to ARDS. Neutrophils (i.e. PMN) play an important role in the pathogenesis of this inflammatory condition. Additional activation of PMNs during intramedullary nailing (IMN) is thought to act as a second immunological hit. Damage control orthopedics has been developed to limit this putative exacerbation of the inflammatory response. The hypothesis is tested that IMN exacerbates systemic inflammation, thereby increasing the risk for ARDS.

Methods

Thirty-eight trauma patients who required IMN for femur fracture were included. The development of SIRS and ARDS was recorded. Blood samples were taken prior and 18 hours after IMN. Inflammatory response was analyzed by changes in plasma IL-6 levels, monocyte (HLA-DR) and PMN phenotype (MAC-1 and responsiveness for the innate immune stimulus fMLP in the context of active FcγRII).

Results

Plasma IL-6 was significantly enhanced in severely injured patients compared to patients with isolated femur fractures and matched controls (P = 0.005; P = 0.018). This enhanced inflammatory tone was associated with a lower percentage HLA-DR positive monocytes (P = 0.002). The systemic PMN compartment was activated, characterized by an increased MAC-1 expression and a significantly decreased sensitivity for the innate stimulus fMLP Interestingly the PMN compartment was not affected by IMN.

Conclusions

Multitrauma patients were characterized by a marked activation of the systemic inflammatory response, associated with a systemic activation of the monocyte and PMN compartments. IMN particularly affected the monocyte arm of the systemic innate immune system.

[Comparison of early total care (ETC) and damage control orthopedics (DCO) in the treatment of multiple trauma with femoral shaft fractures: benefit and costs]

INTRODUCTION

Femoral fractures are common injuries in multiple trauma patients. The treatment concept of damage control orthopedics (DCO) is in competition with the concept of early total care (ETC).

PATIENTS AND METHODS

In a retrospective study (2003-2007) 73 multiple trauma patients with femoral shaft fractures were included. The cohort was subdivided according to the Injury Severity Score (ISS) (16-24, 25-39 and more than 40) and treatment strategy (ETC versus DCO). Patients were analyzed for outcome and cost aspects.

RESULTS

In the patient group with an ISS 16-24 ventilation time and intensive care treatment were longer after DCO treatment, overall costs and deficient cost cover were higher in the DCO group. In the patient group with an ISS 25-39 cost aspects showed a higher cover deficient in the DCO group.

CONCLUSION

From an economic point of view the cost deficits for the ETC group were lower than in the DCO group. The treatment strategy should be selected by the pattern of injuries. The costs should be addressed by the Institute for the Hospital Remuneration System (INEK).

Early definitive stabilization of unstable pelvis and acetabulum fractures reduces morbidity

BACKGROUND

Although the benefits of acute stabilization of long bone fractures are recognized, the role of early fixation of unstable pelvis and acetabular fractures is not well-defined. The purpose of this study was to review complications and hospital course of patients treated surgically for pelvis and acetabulum fractures. We hypothesized that early definitive fixation would reduce morbidity and decrease length of stay.

METHODS

Six hundred forty-five patients were treated surgically at a level I trauma center for unstable fractures of the pelvic ring (n = 251), acetabulum (n = 359), or both (n = 40). Mean age was 40.5 years, and mean Injury Severity Score (ISS) was 25.6 (range 9-66). They were retrospectively reviewed to determine complications including acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), pneumonia, deep vein thrombosis, pulmonary embolism, multiple organ failure (MOF), infections, and reperations.

RESULTS

Definitive fixation was within 24 hours of injury in 233 patients (early, mean 13.4 hours) and >24 hours in 412 (late, mean 99.2 hours). Twenty-nine patients (12.4%) had complications after early fixation versus 81 (19.7%) after late, p = 0.006. Length of stay and intensive care unit days were 10.7 days versus 11.6 days (p = 0.26) and 8.1 days versus 9.9 days (p = 0.03) for early and late groups, respectively. With ISS >18 (n = 165 early [ISS 32.7]; n = 253 late [ISS 33.1]), early fixation resulted in fewer pulmonary complications (12.7% versus 25%, p = 0.0002), less ARDS (4.8% versus 12.6%, p = 0.019), and less MOF (1.8% versus 4.3%, p = 0.40). Rates of complications, pulmonary complications, deep vein thrombosis, and MOF were no different for patients with pelvis versus acetabulum fractures. In patients receiving ≥ 10U packed red blood cells (n = 41 early, n = 56 late) early fixation led to fewer pulmonary complications (24% versus 55%, p = 0.002), less ARDS (12% versus 25%, p = 0.09), and MOF (7.3% versus 14%, p = 0.23). Two hundred ten patients had some chest injury (32.6%). Chest injury with Abbreviated Injury Scores ≥ 3 was present in 46 (19.7%) of early and 78 (18.9%) of late patients (p = 0.44) and was associated with pulmonary complications in 26.1% versus 35.9%; ARDS in 15.2% versus 23.1%; and MOF in 6.5% versus 6.4%, respectively (all p > 0.20). However, chest injury with Abbreviated Injury Scores ≥ 3 was independently associated with more complications including ARDS (20.2% versus 3.3%, p < 0.0001), other pulmonary complications (32.3% versus 10.4%, p < 0.0001), and MOF (6.5% versus 1.2%, p = 0.0016), regardless of timing of fixation.

CONCLUSIONS

Early fixation of unstable pelvis and acetabular fractures in multiply injured patients reduces morbidity and length of intensive care unit stay, which may decrease treatment costs. Further study to ascertain the effects of associated systemic injuries and the utility of physiologic and laboratory parameters during resuscitation may delineate recommendations for optimal surgical timing in specific patient groups.

Acute definitive internal fixation of pelvic ring fractures in polytrauma patients: a feasible option

BACKGROUND

Staged surgery is recommended for the management of multiple injuries-associated high-energy pelvic ring fractures (acute temporary skeletal stabilization is followed by definitive internal fixation [ORIF]). Acute definitive internal fixation is a controversial topic. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the safety and efficiency of acute pelvic ORIF by comparing its short-term outcomes with those who had staged surgery.

METHODS

A 43-month retrospective review of the prospective pelvic fracture database of a level-1 trauma center was performed. Consecutive high-energy trauma patients who sustained a fracture that was suitable for minimally invasive internal fixation (iliosacral screw fixation and symphyseal plating) were included. Patients were categorized as acute ORIF (<24 hours) or staged late ORIF (>24 hours). Demographics, Injury Severity Score, pelvic Abbreviated Injury Score, first 24-hour transfusions, physiologic parameters, time to operating room (OR), angiography requirement, length of stay (LOS), and mortality were recorded. Data are presented as mean +/- SD or percentages. Statistical significance was determined at p < 0.05 based on univariate analysis.

RESULTS

Forty-five patients met inclusion criteria, 18 patients had acute definitive ORIF (5.5 hours to OR) and 27 had late definitive ORIF (5 days to OR). Acute and late ORIF patients had comparable demographics (age: 48 +/- 22 years vs. 40 +/- 14 years, gender: 82% vs. 79% men) and injury severity (Injury Severity Score: 30 +/- 18 vs. 24.5 +/- 13, pelvic Abbreviated Injury Score: 3.7 +/- 1 vs. 3.4 +/- 1.1). Initial shock parameters were significantly worse in the acute ORIF group (systolic blood pressure, 69.7 +/- 17 mm Hg vs. 108 +/- 21 mm Hg; BD, -7.4 +/- 4 vs. -4.9 +/- 2 mEq/L, lactate 6.67 +/- 7 mmol/L vs. 2.51 +/- 1.3 mmol/L). Angiography was used in 18% (3/18) vs. 21% (6 of 27) of the cases. All early ORIF patients survived and one (3%) of the late ORIF patients died. There was a trend to shorter hospital LOS (25 +/- 24 days vs. 37 +/- 32 days) and a decreased 24-hour red cell transfusion rate (4.7 +/- 5 U vs. 6.6 +/- 4 U) in the early ORIF group. The intensive care unit admission rate (12 of 18 vs. 15 of 27) and LOS was comparable (2.9 +/- 2.5 days vs. 3.7 +/- 3.6 days).

CONCLUSION

Acute ORIF of unstable pelvic ring fractures within 6 hours could be safely performed even in severely shocked patients with multiple injuries. The procedure did not lead to increased rates of transfusion, mortality, intensive care unit LOS, or overall LOS. Furthermore, all these parameters showed a trend toward benefit compared with a staged approach.

The effects of intraoperative positioning on patients undergoing early definitive care for femoral shaft fractures

OBJECTIVES

To determine if there is a difference in morbidity and mortality in orthopaedic trauma patients with femoral shaft fractures undergoing early definitive care with intramedullary (IM) nails in the supine versus the lateral position.

DESIGN

Retrospective cohort study, single centered.

SETTING

One level 1 trauma center.

PATIENTS

Nine hundred eighty-eight patients representing 1027 femoral shaft fractures treated with IM nails were identified through a prospectively gathered database between 1987 and 2006.

INTERVENTION

Antegrade IM nail insertion with reaming of the femoral canal in either the supine or lateral position.

OUTCOME MEASURES

Mortality was the primary outcome. Admission to intensive care unit (ICU) was the secondary outcome measure and a surrogate measure of morbidity. Literature review was performed to identify factors shown to contribute to morbidity and mortality in orthopaedic trauma patients. Intraoperative position in either the supine or lateral position was added to this list. Logistic regression analysis was performed to determine the magnitude and effect of the independent variables on each of the study end points. To determine if a more significant trend toward less favorable outcomes was observed with increasing severity of injury, particularly injuries of the chest and thorax, subgroup analysis was performed for all those with a femur fracture and an Injury Severity Score > or =18 and all those with a femur fracture and an Abbreviated Injury Score chest > or =3.

RESULTS

Intraoperative position in either the supine or lateral position was not a significant predictor of mortality or ICU admission for the original cohort or the subgroup of Injury Severity Score > or =18. However, for the subgroup of Abbreviated Injury Score chest > or =3, intraoperative positioning in the lateral position had a statistically significant protective effect against ICU admission (P = 0.044).

CONCLUSIONS

For polytrauma patients with femoral shaft fractures, surgical stabilization using IM nails inserted with reaming of the femoral canal in the lateral position is not associated with an increased risk of mortality or ICU admission.

Protocol for a randomized controlled trial on risk adapted damage control orthopedic surgery of femur shaft fractures in multiple trauma patients

Background

Fractures of the long bones and femur fractures in particular are common in multiple trauma patients, but the optimal management of femur fractures in these patients is not yet resolved. Although there is a trend towards the concept of "Damage Control Orthopedics" (DCO) in the management of multiple trauma patients with long bone fractures as reflected by a significant increase in primary external fixation of femur fractures, current literature is insufficient. Thus, in the era of "evidence-based medicine", there is the need for a more specific, clarifying trial.

Methods/Design

The trial is designed as a randomized controlled open-label multicenter study. Multiple trauma patients with femur shaft fractures and a calculated probability of death between 20 and 60% will be randomized to either temporary fracture fixation with fixateur externe and defined secondary definitive treatment (DCO) or primary reamed nailing (early total care). The primary objective is to reduce the extent of organ failure as measured by the maximum sepsis-related organ failure assessment (SOFA) score.

Discussion

The Damage Control Study is the first to evaluate the risk adapted damage control orthopedic surgery concept of femur shaft fractures in multiple trauma patients in a randomized controlled design. The trial investigates the differences in clinical outcome of two currently accepted different ways of treating multiple trauma patients with femoral shaft fractures. This study will help to answer the question whether the "early total care" or the „damage control” concept is associated with better outcome.

Trial registration

Current Controlled Trials ISRCTN10321620

The stress response to bilateral femoral fractures: a comparison of primary intramedullary nailing and external fixation

OBJECTIVES

Concern has recently been expressed with regard to the physiologic effects of primary intramedullary femoral nailing in seriously injured patients. "Damage control orthopaedics" techniques have been proposed, which comprise principally the use of primary external fixation. The aim of this study was to compare the physiologic effects of external femoral fixation with those of intramedullary stabilization over the first 24 hours after femoral fracture using an established large animal (ovine) trauma model.

METHODS

Under terminal anesthesia, bilateral high-energy femoral fractures and hypovolemic shock were produced using a pneumatic actuator. Twenty-four sheep were randomized into 4 groups and monitored for 24 hours. Group 1--control, group 2--trauma only, group 3--trauma and external fixation, and group 4--trauma and reamed intramedullary nailing. Outcome measures included the following: pulmonary embolic load (transesophageal echocardiography), metabolic base excess, plasma coagulation markers, and polymorphonuclear cell counts obtained from bronchoalveolar lavage samples.

RESULTS

The total embolic load was significantly higher (P < 0.001) in the intramedullary nailing group. All trauma groups had a significant increase (P < 0.05) in prothrombin times with a fall in antithrombin III and fibrinogen levels. However, the type of fracture stabilization used did not significantly affect any of the other outcome measurements.

CONCLUSIONS

A higher pulmonary embolic load can be expected during early intramedullary femoral fracture stabilization compared with primary external fixation. However, the degree of stimulation to systemic coagulation and pulmonary inflammation by each type of surgery was comparable.

Delayed internal fixation of femoral shaft fracture reduces mortality among patients with multisystem trauma

BACKGROUND

Fractures of the femoral shaft are common and have potentially serious consequences in patients with multiple injuries. The appropriate timing of fracture repair is controversial. The purpose of the present study was to assess the effect of timing of internal fixation on mortality in patients with multisystem trauma.

METHODS

We performed a retrospective cohort study with use of data from public and private trauma centers throughout the United States that were reported to the National Trauma Data Bank (version 5.0 for 2000 through 2004). The study included 3069 patients with multisystem trauma (Injury Severity Score, > or =15) who underwent internal fixation of a femoral shaft fracture. The time to treatment was defined in categories as the time from admission to internal fixation: t(0) (twelve hours or less), t(1) (more than twelve hours to twenty-four hours), t(2) (more than twenty-four hours to forty-eight hours), t(3) (more than forty-eight hours to 120 hours), and t(4) (more than 120 hours). The relative risk of in-hospital mortality when the four later periods were compared with the earliest one was estimated with inverse probability of treatment-weighted analysis. Subgroups with serious head or neck, chest, abdominal, and additional extremity injury were investigated.

RESULTS

When compared with that during the first twelve hours after admission, the estimated mortality risk was significantly lower in three time categories: t(1) (relative risk, 0.45; 95% confidence interval, 0.15 to 0.98; p = 0.03), t(3) (relative risk, 0.58; 95% confidence interval, 0.28 to 0.93; p = 0.03), and t(4) (relative risk, 0.43; 95% confidence interval, 0.10 to 0.94; p = 0.03). Patients with serious abdominal trauma (Abbreviated Injury Score, > or =3) experienced the greatest benefit from a delay of internal fixation beyond twelve hours (relative risk, 0.82 [95% confidence interval, 0.54 to 1.35] for patients with an Abbreviated Injury Score of <3, compared with 0.36 [95% confidence interval, 0.13 to 0.87] for those with an Abbreviated Injury Score of > or =3) (p value for effect modification, 0.09).

CONCLUSIONS

Delayed repair of femoral shaft fracture beyond twelve hours in patients with multisystem trauma, which may allow time for appropriate resuscitation, reduces mortality by approximately 50%. Patients with serious abdominal injury benefit most from delayed treatment. These results support delaying definitive treatment of long-bone injuries in patients with multisystem trauma as a means of so-called damage-control in order to reduce adverse outcomes.

Comparison of quality control for trauma management between Western and Eastern European trauma center

Background

Quality control of trauma care is essential to define the effectiveness of trauma center and trauma system. To identify the troublesome issues of the system is the first step for validation of the focused customized solutions. This is a comparative study of two level I trauma centers in Italy and Romania and it has been designed to give an overview of the entire trauma care program adopted in these two countries. This study was aimed to use the results as the basis for recommending and planning changes in the two trauma systems for a better trauma care.

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed a total of 182 major trauma patients treated in the two hospitals included in the study, between January and June 2002. Every case was analyzed according to the recommended minimal audit filters for trauma quality assurance by The American College of Surgeons Committee on Trauma (ACSCOT).

Results

Satisfactory yields have been reached in both centers for the management of head and abdominal trauma, airway management, Emergency Department length of stay and early diagnosis and treatment. The main significant differences between the two centers were in the patients' transfers, the leadership of trauma team and the patients' outcome. The main concerns have been in the surgical treatment of fractures, the outcome and the lacking of documentation.

Conclusion

The analyzed hospitals are classified as Level I trauma center and are within the group of the highest quality level centers in their own countries. Nevertheless, both of them experience major lacks and for few audit filters do not reach the mmum standard requirements of ACS Audit Filters. The differences between the western and the eastern European center were slight. The parameters not reaching the minimum requirements are probably occurring even more often in suburban settings.

Timing of Surgery After Multisystem Injury With Traumatic Brain Injury: Effect on Neuropsychological and Functional Outcome

OBJECTIVE

The optimal timing for noncranial surgery after multisystem injury is not known. Early surgery may lead to decreased pulmonary complications and length of stay, but also predispose to secondary brain injury if decreased cerebral perfusion occurs intraoperatively. Previous work has not consistently evaluated neuropsychological or functional outcome. We sought to determine whether 6-month neuropsychological and functional outcome was associated with timing of noncranial surgery after traumatic brain injury.

MATERIALS

We performed a cohort study to evaluate the effect of timing of non-neurosurgical operative interventions on neuropsychological and functional outcome, morbidity, and mortality. Early surgery was defined as <or=24 hours after injury, and late surgery, >24 hours after injury but during the same admission. Patients with a nonoperative brain injury and an operative facial or orthopedic fracture were selected from two randomized trials previously performed at our Level I trauma center. Data were abstracted from medical records and outcome had been prospectively gathered as part of the two clinical trials.

RESULTS

Patients undergoing early or late surgery had similar demographics, overall injury severity, traumatic brain injury severity, and admission characteristics. The early group had more open orthopedic fractures, but also underwent multiple operations more often than did the late group. At 6 months postinjury, patients in the early group had a better composite neuropsychological score than did those in the late group on unadjusted analysis and after including a propensity score. After adjusting for potential confounders, this difference was significant. No significant differences in return to work or Glasgow Outcome Score were noted. The late group had a higher incidence of pneumonia and a longer hospital stay (p<0.10).

CONCLUSIONS

In traumatic brain injury patients with multisystem trauma, early timing of orthopedic and facial fracture fixation under general anesthesia was not associated with worse neuropsychological or functional outcome when compared with the outcomes associated with late surgery. Clinical conclusions may be limited by inherent selection bias and unmeasured confounding. However, these results contribute to equipoise regarding timing of surgery after multiple injuries, and emphasize the need for a randomized trial.

Early Unreamed Intramedullary Nailing of Femoral Fractures is Safe in Patients With Severe Thoracic Trauma

BACKGROUND

The timing of fixation of femoral fractures in multiply injured patients with severe thoracic trauma is discussed controversially. Some authors recommend damage control surgery, whereas other authors prefer early definitive treatment. The aim of our study was to investigate the effect of early definitive fixation of femoral fractures on outcomes in multiply injured patients with severe thoracic trauma.

METHODS

Between May 1, 1998 and December 31, 2004, 578 severely injured patients were admitted to our institution. Forty-five patients met the inclusion criteria for the study cohort (severe thoracic trauma and femoral fracture stabilized with unreamed intramedullary nailing [IMN] within the first 24 hours) and 107 patients were selected for the control cohort (severe thoracic trauma without any lower extremity fracture). Inclusion criteria for both cohorts were age 15 to 55 years with blunt trauma (e.g. motor vehicle collisions, falls) including severe thoracic trauma (Abbreviated Injury Scale [AIS] score >or=3) and Injury Severity Score (ISS) >or=18. For comparison between the cohorts data on patients status (Glasgow Coma Scale score at arrival, Revised Trauma Score, Trauma and Injury Severity Score survival prognosis, Simplified Acute Physiology Score II score), treatment (intubation rate, thoracic drainage, surgery), and outcomes (duration of intensive care unit stay and ventilation, rate of adult respiratory distress syndrome [ARDS], multiple organ failure syndrome [MOFS], and mortality) were selected from hospital databases. Dichotomous data were analyzed by chi test; continuous data were analyzed by Student's t test. Any values of p < 0.05 were considered significant for any test.

RESULTS

Both cohorts were comparable with regard to demographic data, ISS, AIS score in the thoracic region, and incidence and severity of brain injury. There was no difference in dependent parameters in both cohorts. Rates of ARDS, MOFS, and mortality were not negatively influenced by early unreamed IMN.

CONCLUSION

Early unreamed IMN of femoral fractures in multiply injured patients with severe thoracic trauma is a safe procedure and seems to be justified to achieve early definitive care.

[Management strategies in the first operative phase after long-bone injury of the lower extremity in multiple-injured patients. A systematic literature review]

OBJECTIVE

Lower extremity injuries make up a substantial proportion of the injuries in multiply injured patients. The aim of this systematic literature analysis was to give an overview of the levels of evidence for different management strategies in the first operative phase after long-bone injuries of the lower extremity in multiply injured patients to enable, in the presence of adequate evidence, the development of clinical management corridors or, if the evidence was found to be inadequate, to document the necessity for scientific proof.

METHODS

Clinical trials were systematically collected (Medline, Cochrane and hand searches) and classified into evidence levels (EL 1 to 5 according to the Oxford system).

RESULTS

The necessity for primary or secondary definitive osteosynthesis of femur/tibia shaft fractures is still a matter of discussion. Intramedullary nailing is the preferred operative procedure for definitive treatment of femur shaft fractures. Stabilization of proximal and distal femur and tibia fractures is predominantly based on expert opinion. According to the literature, perioperative antibiotic prophylaxis is essential in fracture treatment.

CONCLUSION

Numerous comparative studies (EL 2) dealing with management strategies in the first operative phase after long-bone injuries of the lower extremity in multiply injured patients are available, but there are only a few randomized studies. Based on the available data, it is possible to develop a rational therapy for this patient population.

[Damage control orthopedics]

BACKGROUND

In the management of patients with multiple injuries, the concept of damage control orthopedics (DCO) is still a matter of controversy. Thus, the clinical value of DCO remains unclear and should be evaluated on an evidence-based level by a review of the current literature.

RESULTS

The work of various authors has demonstrated an association between injury severity and the clinical immuno-inflammatory response and its prognostic relevance regarding organ dysfunction or organ failure and clinical outcome. Research data published by the authors and other investigators have clearly demonstrated an additional inflammatory response caused by surgical trauma which is significantly higher after primary intramedullary fracture treatment than after external fracture stabilization. In contrast, a generally minor inflammatory response seems to be associated with intramedullary nailing for secondary conversion osteosynthesis. Three retrospective cohort studies have shown a reduction of organ dysfunction and an improvement of survival with the DCO approach. Simultaneously, it was demonstrated that primary external fracture fixation and secondary conversion to definite osteosynthesis is not associated with an increased rate of local or systemic complications.

CONCLUSIONS

The advocates of DCO claim that patients with multiple injuries including severe brain and chest injuries as well as those with an unstable cardiopulmonary or circulatory condition are at high risk of developing a severe systemic immuno-inflammatory reaction during early total fracture care. Therefore, they recommend primary minimally invasive external fracture stabilization in these patients to avoid additional surgical trauma and that definitive secondary fracture care should be performed after medical stabilization of the patient in intensive care.

Evaluation of criteria for temporary external fixation in risk-adapted damage control orthopedic surgery of femur shaft fractures in multiple trauma patients: "evidence-based medicine" versus "reality" in the trauma registry of the German Trauma Society

BACKGROUND

Femur-shaft fracture treatment (FSFT) follows controversial management concepts after multiple trauma: primary-definitive osteosynthesis, secondary-definitive osteosynthesis after temporary external fixation (EF) in all patients, or individualized primary- or secondary-definitive osteosynthesis ("risk-adapted damage control orthopedics"). This study compares the concepts by analyzing literature evidence and a prospective multicenter database.

METHODS

A systematic literature analysis was performed. The German Trauma Society trauma registry was used to assess variables predictive of treatment concept.

RESULTS

Contradictory results in 63 controlled trials failed to support a "generalized management strategy." In all, 1,465 FSFTs in 8,057 trauma registry patients (age 39 +/- 19.5 years; Injury Severity Score [ISS] 23.5 +/- 14.9; 17.3% mortality) were treated initially (<24 hour) by EF, nail, or plate in 47.0%, 41.1%, and 11.9%, respectively. Despite large interhospital variability, EF was more likely with increasing severity of ISS, Glasgow Coma Score, thorax trauma, base excess, coagulation abnormalities, and initial probability of death.

CONCLUSIONS

Clinical "reality" reflects the controversies of "scientific evidence" for FSFT after multiple trauma in Germany. Although decision making is currently based on unvalidated criteria, anatomic and physiologic injury severity appears to influence the choice of management concept.

Réunion de neuroanesthésie-réanimation. Prise en charge anesthésique du patient en hypertension intracrânienne aiguë

Transcranial Doppler and, if possible, measurement of intracranial pressure (ICP) allow preoperative diagnosis of acute intracranial hypertension (ICH) after brain trauma. The main goal of the anaesthesiologist is to prevent the occurrence of secondary brain injuries and to avoid cerebral ischaemia. Treatment of high ICP is mainly achieved with osmotherapy. High-dose mannitol administration (1.4 to 2 g/kg given in bolus doses) may be considered a better option than conventional doses, especially before emergency evacuation of a cerebral mass lesion. Hypertonic saline seems as effective as mannitol without rebound effect and without diuresis increase. Haemostasis should be normalized before neurosurgery and invasive blood pressure monitoring is mandatory. For anaesthesia induction, thiopental or etomidate may be used. In case of ICH, halogenated and nitrous oxide should be avoided. Until the dura is open, mean arterial pressure should be maintained around 90 mmHg (or cerebral perfusion pressure around 70 mmHg). If a long-lasting (several hours) extracranial surgery is necessary, ICP should be monitored and treatment of ICH should have been instituted before.

Adjuvant Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy in the Management of Crush Injury and Traumatic Ischemia: An Evidence-Based Approach

Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBO) has been recommended as an adjunct treatment in acute traumatic ischemia and crush injury. Several animal models have shown better outcomes when HBO is used in crush injury and compartment syndrome. Animal and in vitro models have suggested that these beneficial effects may be mediated by attenuation of ischemia-reperfusion injury. We did a systematic review of the literature using the Eastern Association for the Surgery of Trauma (EAST) recommendations for evidence-based reviews. An electronic search using Medline, OVID technologies, and the Cochrane database was performed. Only clinical papers published between 1966 and December 2003 with at least five patients that included enough information to evaluate were selected. A group of trauma experts reviewed the selected articles and scored them applying the instrument developed by the EAST practice management guidelines committee. Nine documents fulfilled the inclusion criteria for a total of approximately 150 patients. Most documents were retrospective, uncontrolled, and case series lacking a standardized methodology (class III). There was one prospective controlled randomized trial with some limitations on its design. We determined that eight of nine studies showed a beneficial effect from HBO with only one major complication. We concluded that adjunctive HBO is not likely to be harmful and could be beneficial if administered early. Well designed clinical studies are warranted.

Traumatic brain injury and stabilisation of long bone fractures: an update

In the era of "damage control orthopaedics", the timing and type of stabilisation of long bone fractures in patients with associated severe traumatic brain injury has been a topic of lively debate. This review summarises the current evidence available regarding the management of these patients. There appear to be no clear treatment guidelines. Irrespective of the treatment protocol followed, if secondary brain damage is to be avoided at all times, ICP monitoring should be used, both in the intensive care unit and in the operating theatre during surgical procedures, since aggressive ICP management appears to be related to improved outcomes. Treatment protocols should be based on the individual clinical assessment, rather than mandatory time policies for fixation of long bone fractures.

[From clinical guidelines to clinical pathways: development of a management-oriented algorithm for the treatment of polytraumatized patients in the acute period]

INTRODUCTION

The treatment of polytraumatized patients in the acute period is an exemplary model of multidisciplinary cooperation in a very critical timeframe. Implementing standards formulated in the clinical guidelines of the German Association of Traumatology requires a detailed description of "how to do it."

METHODS

Based on the guidelines and validated quality indictors, the optimal standard of care as the goal was defined. A clinical algorithm was developed and personal responsibilities and time limits were clearly assigned to each decision step and action. Checklists, documentation charts, and a full text supplement the algorithm. The complete pathway was adopted by representatives of all occupational groups involved in early trauma care in a consensus process.

RESULTS

Improvement potentials were identified in those areas for which the guidelines did not provide explicit recommendations. These represent the key elements of the algorithm. Pathway-specific review criteria (quality indicators) were defined for scheduled reevaluation.

CONCLUSIONS

Implementing clinical guidelines at the local level requires a problem-oriented and management-oriented elaboration towards a clinical pathway as the basis for a quantitative process and cost analysis.

Thoracolumbar fractures in patients with multiple injuries: diagnosis and treatment-a review of 147 cases

BACKGROUND

The initial evaluation and treatment of patients with multiple injuries are challenging. However, little is known about thoracolumbar fractures in patients with multiple injuries. We aimed to determine the incidence of missed injuries of the thoracolumbar spine in patients with multiple injuries, to examine the reasons for the delay in diagnosis, and to study the selection of treatment options in the management and timing of surgical intervention.

METHODS

One hundred forty-seven consecutive patients with acute thoracolumbar fractures and multiple trauma at the authors' hospital between 1988 and 1997 were retrospectively reviewed. The incidence of missed injuries of the thoracolumbar spine and the reasons for the delay in diagnosis were determined. All these patients were observed for a minimum of 3 years after surgery, except four who died during their hospital stay.

RESULTS

Delayed diagnosis of thoracolumbar fractures was made in 28 patients (19%). There was an increased incidence of pulmonary complications (p < 0.01) and increased length of hospital stay (p < 0.05) in patients treated nonoperatively compared with patients treated operatively. Although no significant differences in the recovery rate of neurologic function (p > 0.05) were noted between the groups, the surgical patients had highly significantly less pain compared with the nonoperative patients (p < 0.01). The relationship between the timing of thoracolumbar surgery and complications failed to show statistical significance (p > 0.05). Neither the severity of injury nor the timing of surgery had any significant effect on the recovery rate (p > 0.05).

CONCLUSION

Patients with blunt trauma caused by high-energy impact injuries are much more likely to have thoracolumbar fractures even if injuries elsewhere have been noted. Further radiographic studies of the thoracolumbar spine should be performed if there is any question related to a thorough and systematic examination. Choice of treatment options of thoracolumbar fractures in patients with multiple injuries is not different from that in patients with no associated injuries to other systems. Appropriate timing of thoracolumbar fracture fixation in patients with multiple injuries should not be dependent on a rigid protocol.

Fixation of femoral fractures in multiple-injury patients with combined chest and head injuries

BACKGROUND

The purpose of the present paper was to study the effects of a femoral shaft fracture and its early stabilization on the morbidity, mortality, and outcome of multiple-injury patients with combined blunt head and chest trauma. The clinical course of patients was analysed using a prospectively gathered data base.

METHODS

Out of 352 multitrauma patients, from September 1992 to June 2000, we identified 28 patients with combined blunt chest and head trauma (abbreviated injury scale >/= 2) and a femoral fracture as the study group. A total of 120 patients with combined chest and head trauma but without femoral fracture formed the control group. Parameters examined included injury severity, injury pattern, haemodynamics at admission, mortality, duration of ventilation, length of stay in intensive care unit, and outcome.

RESULTS

There were no significant differences regarding the demographics and injury severity (injury severity score) between the two groups. No significant differences were found in terms of mortality, duration of ventilation\intensive care unit stay and outcome. Injury severity (P < 0.0001), age (P = 0.0153), and haemodynamics at admission (P = 0.0036) were shown to have a significant effect on mortality and outcome. Injury severity (P < 0.0001) and age (P = 0.017) had a significant effect on the duration of ventilation\intensive care unit stay.

CONCLUSIONS

The present study suggests that a femoral shaft fracture and its early stabilization in a multitrauma patient with combined chest and head injury do not adversely affect mortality and outcome and supports aggressive surgical management for these patients.

Timing of femur fracture fixation: effect on outcome in patients with thoracic and head injuries

BACKGROUND

Optimal timing of femur fracture fixation remains controversial. This study examines the association between the timing of femur fracture fixation and outcome in patients with concomitant chest and head injuries.

METHODS

A retrospective review of registry data from a Level I trauma center identified 1362 patients with a femoral shaft fracture over a 12-year period. Patients were categorized into five groups by timing of femur fracture fixation: Group 1, within 24 hours; Group 2, 24 to 48 hours; Group 3, 48 to 120 hours; Group 4, > 120 hours; and Group 5, patients with no operative fixation. Primary outcome measures included morbidity (specifically, pulmonary complications) and mortality. Secondary outcome measures were hospital length of stay, intensive care unit length of stay, and discharge Glasgow Coma Scale score. Subsets of patients were examined including all patients with multiple injuries (Injury Severity Score > 15), chest trauma (Chest Abbreviated Injury Scale score > or = 2), and head trauma (Head Abbreviated Injury Scale score > or = 2).

RESULTS

Acute respiratory distress syndrome, pneumonia, hospital length of stay, and intensive care unit length of stay were lowest in the group fixed within 24 hours, even in patients with concomitant head or chest trauma. Fixation between 2 and 5 days was associated with a significantly increased incidence of acute respiratory distress syndrome, pneumonia, and fat embolization syndrome in patients with concurrent chest trauma (p < 0.0001). In head-injured patients, discharge Glasgow Coma Scale score was highest in the group fixed within 24 hours. Timing of operative fixation did not affect mortality.

CONCLUSION

Our data show that early femur fracture fixation (< 24 hours) is associated with an improved outcome, even in patients with coexistent head and/or chest trauma. Fixation of femur fractures at 2 to 5 days was associated with a significant increase in pulmonary complications, particularly with concomitant head or chest trauma, and length of stay. Chest and head trauma are not contraindications to early fixation with reamed intramedullary nailing.