Quality of life and sexual function after traumatic pelvic fracture

Sexual and Urinary Dysfunction Following Isolated Acetabulum Fractures: A Systematic Review of the Literature

Background/Objectives: Acetabular fractures are rare fractures of the pelvis which usually result from trauma. Whilst data are reported on sexual and genitourinary function in those with pelvic fractures, less is known about those with isolated acetabulum fractures. This systematic review aimed to determine, first, the frequency of sexual and genitourinary dysfunction following isolated acetabulum fractures and, second, the nature of these complications. Methods: A PRISMA strategy was used. Medline, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Scopus, and EMBASE library databases were interrogated using pre-defined MeSH terms and Boolean operators. Quality of evidence was evaluated based on OCEBM and GRADE systems. Results: Seven studies based on 648 individuals were identified with a mean follow-up time of 33.6 ± 22.4 months. Five papers described sexual functional outcomes, and two reported genitourinary function. Acetabulum fractures were noted to have an impact on sexual function ranging from 20.0% to 39.8% within the groups analysed. With respect to genitourinary outcomes, incidence of lower urinary tract injury and spontaneous voiding failure was quite low, but due to the existence of little data, firm conclusions cannot be made. Conclusions: This review has highlighted a paucity of data related to outcomes of sexual and genitourinary function in patients who are post-acetabulum fracture. The limited available data suggests that acetabular fractures have an impact on sexual function, but the impact on genitourinary function is less clear. Further prospective work is required to better understand the relationship between baseline demographics, injury characteristics, injury mechanism and concurrent injuries, and surgical fixation and acetabular-fracture outcomes.

Hip Arthroscopy for Femoroacetabular Impingement Is Associated With Improved Sexual Function And Quality of Life

PURPOSE

To investigate changes in sexual function and activity after arthroscopic hip surgery for femoroacetabular impingement using the United Kingdom Non-Arthroplasty Hip Registry dataset. Subanalyses were performed between males and females, and patients over 40 and under 40 years old.

METHODS

Patients who had arthroscopic hip surgery between January 1, 2012, and October 31, 2020, were aged over 16, and completed the relevant patient-reported outcome measures were included. Question 9 of the International Hip Outcome Tool-12 (sexual activity question [SAQ]) refers to problems with sexual activity, and responses to this were compared before surgery and at 6 and 12 months after surgery. Subanalyses were also performed, including SAQ scores by patients' sex or age. SAQ scores were correlated with Euroqol-5 dimension-5 level self-reporting tool (EQ-5D-5L) scores using Spearman's rank coefficient.

RESULTS

SAQ was answered by 2,547 patients before and at 6 months after surgery (62.3% female, median age = 36.2, interquartile range [IQR] = 29-44 years) and by 2,314 at 12 months (61.9% female, median age = 36.2, IQR = 29-44 years). Scores for sexual activity increased from 35.0 before surgery to 70.0 at 6 months (P < .001) and were maintained at 12 months (P < .001). Female patients demonstrated a significantly greater improvement in their scores for sexual function from before surgery (median = 30.0, IQR = 14-50) to 6 months (median = 60, IQR = 28-86, P < .001) and 12 months (median = 62.0, IQR = 29-90, P < .001), compared to male patients (preoperative median = 50.0, IQR 25-84; 6-month median = 80, IQR = 45-97; 12-month median = 80, IQR = 41-98). The effect of age on improvements in sexual function did not demonstrate a significant difference. A significant positive correlation was found between improvements in sexual function and quality of life, as measured by the EQ-5D-5L, at 6 and 12 months (P < .001).

CONCLUSIONS

Hip arthroscopy for symptomatic femoroacetabular impingement produces an improvement in sexual function and activity. Scores for sexual function improved regardless of patient age or sex; however, female patients experienced a greater improvement in sexual function than males.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level III, Retrospective cohort study.

Functional outcome and analysis of factors affecting health-related quality of life of surgically managed pelvic ring fractures: a cross-sectional study

INTRODUCTION

Pelvic ring fractures, particularly those involving the posterior pelvis, pose significant challenges due to their inherent instability. The posterior pelvic ring is critical in providing structural support and stability to the pelvis. This study evaluates the functional outcomes and health-related Quality of life (HRQOL) of patients who underwent internal fixation for unstable pelvic fractures. Various factors influencing the outcomes are also investigated.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

A single-center cross-sectional study was conducted on patients with unstable sacral fractures treated with posterior tension band plate or sacroiliac plating with or without symphyseal plating between 2016 and 2020. Patient demographics, injury mechanisms, associated injuries, surgical details, complications, and return-to-work data were collected. HRQOL was assessed using specific pelvic fracture instruments and general HRQOL questionnaires. Logistic regression analysis was performed to identify factors associated with lower SF-12 and SF-36 scores RESULTS: The study included 54 patients, predominantly males (55.6%), aged 18-70 years, with high-energy trauma mechanisms, such as road traffic accidents and occupational injuries. The majority of patients had lateral compression pelvic fractures. Overall, the functional outcomes were favorable, with excellent or good outcomes observed in 86.1% of cases. Patients with associated injuries, such as abdominal, chest, or head injuries, were likelier to have lower SF-12 physical component scores. Sexual satisfaction scores remained stable for most patients post-surgery.

DISCUSSION

This study highlights the favorable functional outcomes and HRQOL for patients undergoing fixation for unstable pelvic ring fractures. Younger, working-age males were the most commonly affected demographic. Associated injuries significantly affected physical HRQOL scores. Despite high-energy trauma, patients generally reported satisfactory sexual function post-surgery.

Sleep quality and psychological health in patients with pelvic and acetabulum fractures: a cross-sectional study

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

It is known that difficulty sleeping after a fracture can have negative effects on both mental and physical health and may prolong the recovery process. The objective of this study is to explore how sleep quality and psychological health are linked in patients with pelvic and acetabulum fractures.

METHODS

A study was conducted on 265 patients between 2018 and 2022 who had suffered pelvic and acetabulum fractures. The study examined various factors, including age, gender, cause of injury, post-operative complications, and injury severity. The study employed ordinal logistic regression to examine the relationship between various pelvic fractures and seven subscales of the Majeed Pelvic Score (MPS), as well as the Sleep Disorder Questionnaire (SDQ) and Beck Depression Inventory (BDI). The study focused on the postoperative outcome one year after surgery, and each patient was assessed at the one-year mark after surgical intervention. Additionally, the study evaluated the functional outcome, sleep quality, and psychological disorders of the patients.

RESULTS

From 2018 to 2022, a total of 216 patients suffered from pelvic and acetabulum fractures. Among them, 6.6% experienced borderline clinical depression, and 45.2% reported mild mood disturbances. Anxiety was found to be mild to moderate in 46% of Tile C and posterior acetabulum wall fracture patients. About 24.8% of patients reported insomnia, while 23.1% reported sleep movement disorders. However, no significant correlation was found between fracture types and sleep disorders. The mean Majeed pelvic score (MPS) was 89.68.

CONCLUSIONS

Patients with pelvic and acetabular fractures typically experience functional improvement, but may also be at increased risk for insomnia and sleep movement disorders, particularly for certain types of fractures. Psychological well-being varies between fracture groups, with signs of borderline clinical depression observed in some cases. However, anxiety levels do not appear to be significantly correlated with pelvic and acetabular fractures.

Functional Outcomes and Quality of Life After Sacrum Fractures Managed by Either Operative or Conservative Approaches: A Case Series With One-Year Follow-Up

Background Pelvic fractures caused by high-energy trauma, such as motor vehicle accidents or falls from a considerable height, commonly lead to sacral fractures. Approximately a quarter of sacral fractures are linked to neurological injury, and overlooking these fractures may result in neurological issues such as sexual dysfunction, hindered lower limb functionality, and urinary and rectal difficulties. The main goal of this study is to introduce our patient group who underwent either operative or nonoperative treatment for sacral fractures, with a follow-up period of one year, and assess their functional outcomes. Methodology This is a retrospective review of prospectively collected data from a consecutive series of patients at the Apex Trauma Centre, Sanjay Gandhi Postgraduate Institute of Medical Sciences, Lucknow. A consecutive series of 24 patients (17-55 years old) with sacral fractures treated either operatively or nonoperatively from 2018 to 2023 was studied. A total of 20 patients were available for follow-up questionnaires, and 20 patients participated in a physical examination. Time to final follow-up averaged 27.19 months (range = 12-57 months). The personal data of each patient was collected, including gender, age, comorbidities, concomitant injuries, mechanism of injury, fracture pattern/classification, surgical or nonsurgical treatment, other surgeries, length of surgery, length of hospital stays, adverse events, complications, neurologic and/or motor deficits, bowel and bladder function, and mortality. At a minimum one-year follow-up, the Majeed score, Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) questionnaire, and Gibbon's classification were assessed. Results All fractures were healed. Five patients showed neurological weakness, with three patients having only paresthesia and two patients having lower limb weakness. The mean Majeed score was 75.4, representing a moderate clinical outcome. Final ODI scores averaged 10.6, representing mild disability among patients with sacrum fractures. Overall, 40% of sacrum fractures were associated with sexual dysfunction, with 30% of females and 50% of males reporting this issue. There was no significant difference (p > 0.05) between operated and conservatively managed sacrum fractures concerning ODI scores, neurological deficit, and sexual dysfunction. Conclusions Both male and female patients with traumatic sacrum fractures experienced a significant decrease in their quality of life and sexual function at least 12 months after their surgery. Sacrum fractures are associated with an increased prevalence of sexual dysfunction and bowel/bladder incontinence. Our study findings indicate that patients with sacrum fractures experience similar functional outcomes and incidences of sexual dysfunction irrespective of whether they are managed operatively or conservatively.

Unstable pelvic fractures in women: implications on obstetric outcome

PURPOSE

Obstetric outcomes in women following pelvic injuries requiring surgical fixation is not thoroughly known. We aimed to evaluate if radiographic measurements (RMs) can be used to provide information on delivery methods outcome after these injuries, and to evaluate if metal work removal is required prior to delivery.

METHOD

A retrospective study in a level 1 trauma centre of female patients with pelvic fractures treated operatively, aged 16-45 at the time of injury. Participants completed a questionnaire regarding their obstetric history. RM evaluating pelvic symmetry, displacement, and pelvimetry were conducted on postoperative radiographs and CT scans. Patients who gave birth after the injury were divided to two groups according to the delivery method: vaginal delivery (VD) and caesarean section (CS). These two groups RM were compared.

RESULTS

Forty-four patients were included, comparison of the RM of patients who delivered by CS (9) and patients who had only VD (11) showed no significant difference between the groups. Two patients underwent a trial of VD who subsequently underwent urgent CS due to prolonged labour, their RM were below the average and their pelvimetry measurements were above the cut-off for CS recommendation. Eleven patients had uncomplicated VD, all had retained sacroiliac screws at the time of delivery and one patient had an anterior pubic plate.

CONCLUSION

Postoperative RM did not show an effect on delivery method of women after pelvic fracture fixation. A relatively high number of patients who underwent normal vaginal delivery had retained sacroiliac screws. These findings can form the foundation for larger cohort studies.

Psychological treatments for the management of pain after musculoskeletal injury: a systematic review and meta-analysis

ABSTRACT

Musculoskeletal injury is a leading cause of pain and disability worldwide; 35% to 75% of people experience persistent pain for months and years after injury. Psychological treatments can reduce pain, functional impairment, and psychological distress but are not widely used after injury. This systematic review and meta-analysis (PROSPERO ID: CRD42021236807) aimed to synthesize the literature testing psychological treatments for pain after musculoskeletal injury. We searched EMBASE, MEDLINE, PubMed, PsycINFO, and CENTRAL from inception to May 2022. We extracted participant, treatment, and injury characteristics and primary (eg, pain intensity, functional impairment, depression, anxiety, and PTSD symptoms) and secondary (treatment feasibility and acceptability) outcomes. Twenty-four randomized controlled trials (N = 1966) were included. Immediately posttreatment, people who received psychological treatments (versus any control) reported lower pain intensity (standardized mean differences [SMD] = -0.25, 95% confidence interval [-0.49, -0.02]), functional impairment (SMD = -0.32 [-0.55, -0.09]), and symptoms of depression (SMD = -0.46 [-0.64, -0.29]), anxiety (SMD = -0.34 [-0.65, -0.04]), and PTSD (SMD = -0.43 [-0.70, -0.15]); at 6-month follow-up, only depression symptoms were significantly lower. Included trials varied widely in treatment and injury characteristics. The certainty of evidence was low or very low for most effects and heterogeneity moderate to substantial. Most studies had risk of bias domains judged to be high or unclear. Owing to very low certainty of results, we are unsure whether psychological therapies reduce pain and functional impairment after musculoskeletal injury; they may result in improved depression immediately posttreatment and at follow-up. More research is needed to identify treatments that result in enduring effects.

Retrospective observational study correlating traumatic pelvic fractures and their associated injuries according to the Tile classification

INTRODUCTION

Pelvic fractures due to high energy trauma present a high risk of associated injuries that compromise the functional and vital prognosis of the patients. The objective of this study was to analyze the relationship between traumatic pelvic fractures and their associated injuries according to the Tile classification.

METHODS

Retrospective observational study of patients who suffered traumatic pelvic fractures (Type A, B or C of the Tile classification) with concomitant associated injuries, analyzing hemoglobin levels, between 6/2013 and 1/2016.

RESULTS

A total of 42 patients were included; of those 69% (n = 29) were males, mean age was 48 years. 45% (n = 19) suffered traffic accidents and 26.2% (n = 11) falls. There was a different proportion in pelvic injuries: Tile A (n = 15, 35.7%), B (n = 20, 47.6%), and C (n = 7, 16.6%) of cases. 54.8% (n = 23) underwent surgery, 21.4% (n = 9) needed temporary or definitive external fixation. Significant differences were found between Tile A type and scapula fractures (P = .032), and Tile B with sacral fractures (P = .033) and visceral injuries (P = .049), while there is a tendency without a statistical significal between Tile C and costal fractures. 61.9% (n = 26) needed blood transfusion; 9.5% (n = 4) presented hypovolemic shock.

CONCLUSIONS

Tile A pelvic fractures were associated with scapular fractures, and Tile B with transforaminal fractures of the sacrum and with visceral injuries (lungs, liver and genitourinary). The small number of Tile C prevent us to confirm an association with any pathology, although they are the ones which presnt more hemodynamically instability and thoracic injuries.

Bony Sacral Volume after Sacro-Iliac Screw Fixation of Pelvic Fractures Is Dependent on Reduction of the Anterior Pelvic Ring

Pelvic ring injuries are uncommon but serious injuries. Percutaneous sacro-iliac screw fixation (SSF) is the standard treatment for posterior stabilization of pelvic fractures. Compression forces of the SSF might cause deformity of the sacrum and the pelvic ring. The aim of this radio-volumetric study is to evaluate the morphometry of the sacrum and pelvic ring in SSF for posterior pelvic fractures. (1) Methods: We conducted a radio-volumetric study measuring the bony sacral volume before and after SSF for a pelvic fracture based on a three-dimensional reconstruction of the pre- and postoperative computed tomography scan of 19 patients with a C-type pelvic fracture. In addition to the bony sacral volume, we assessed the pelvic deformity and the load bearing axis. We compared the results of patients without anterior stabilization (Group A) to patients who had additional ORIF of the anterior pelvic ring. (2) Results: Median age of the patients was 41.2 years (±17.8). All patients received percutaneous SSF with partially threaded 7.3 mm screws. The sacral volume decreased from 202.9 to 194.3 cm3 in group A (non-operative treatment anterior, n = 10) and an increase of sacral volume from 229.8 to 250.4 cm3 in group B (anterior ORIF; n = 9). Evaluation of the pelvic deformity also reflected this trend by a decrease of the ipsilateral load-bearing angle in group A (37.0° to 36.4°) and an increase of this angle in group B (36.3 to 39.9°). (3) Conclusions: Bony sacral volume and pelvic deformity after sacro-iliac screw fixation in pelvic fractures depend on treatment of the anterior pelvic ring. Reduction and fixation of the anterior fracture shows an increase of the bony sacral volume and the load bearing angle leading to a closer to normal reconstruction of the pelvic anatomy.

Correlation between traumatic pelvic ring injuries and sexual dysfunctions: a multicentric retrospective study

PURPOSE

Among the functional impairments associated with pelvic ring injuries (PRI), sexual dysfunction (SD) is a common clinical issue. The aim of this study is to investigate correlations between traumatic PRI, genitourinary, and sexual dysfunctions, for a proper multidisciplinary treatment.

METHODS

We performed an observational, multicentric study, from January 2020 to 2022. We conducted a follow-up after surgery at three, six, 12, and 24 months by measuring the Female Sexual Functioning Index (FSFI), the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF), the Arizona Sexual Experience Scale (ASEX), the Majeed Score, and the SF-12. Descriptive statistics was conducted on T-test, Whelc's test, and one-way ANOVA which were performed when appropriate.

RESULTS

A total of 76 patients (mean age 42.17 ± 15 years) were included in the study and allocated into three groups (A, B, and C). Tile A group revealed good sexual outcomes, similar to that of healthy patients. Tile B group demonstrated worsen SD than the previous group. In Tile C group, there was a longer average duration of the orthopaedic surgery when compared to group B. However, in terms of SDs, statistical significance could not be demonstrated between groups C and B.

CONCLUSIONS

We observed a progressive spontaneous recovery of sexual function, corresponding to each PRI group. Moreover, men classified as B2 had milder SDs than B1 male patients.

Erectile dysfunction after acetabular fracture

Objectives

To determine the rate of erectile dysfunction in male patients who have sustained an acetabular fracture with no previously identified urogenital injury.

Design

Cross-sectional survey.

Setting

Level 1 Trauma Center.

Patients/Participants

All male patients treated for acetabular fracture without urogenital injury.

Intervention

The International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF), a validated patient-reported outcome measure for male sexual function, was administered to all patients.

Main Outcome Measurements

Patients were asked to complete the International Index of Erectile Function score for both preinjury and current sexual function, and the erectile function (EF) domain was used to quantify the degree of erectile dysfunction. Fractures were classified according the OTA/AO classification schema, fracture classification, injury severity score, race, and treatment details, including surgical approach were collected from the database.

Results

Ninety-two men with acetabular fractures without previously diagnosed urogenital injury responded to the survey at a minimum of 12 months and an average of 43 ± 21 months postinjury. The mean age was 53 ± 15 years. 39.8% of patients developed moderate-to-severe erectile dysfunction after injury. The mean EF domain score decreased 5.02 ± 1.73 points, which is greater than the minimum clinically important difference of 4. Increased injury severity score and associated fracture pattern were predictive of decreased EF score.

Conclusion

Patients with acetabular fractures have an increased rate of erectile dysfunction at intermediate-term follow-up. The orthopaedic trauma surgeon treating these injuries should be aware of this as a potential associated injury, ask their patients about their function, and make appropriate referrals.

Level of Evidence

III.

Erectile Dysfunction after Conservative Treatment of Sacral Fractures in Males without Injury to the Urinary System

BACKGROUND

This study aimed to determine the incidence of erectile dysfunction (ED) reported by patients, and to define the prognostic relationship between ED and conservatively treated sacral fracture without urethral injury.

METHODS

Patients aged between 20 - 50 years who were sexually active and had no known sexual dysfunction prior to the trauma were included in the study. Seventy-seven patients (47 married, 30 single) treated conservatively for sacral fracture between April 2012 and February 2017 were retrospectively screened. Patients were compared in terms of age, marital status, body mass index (BMI), trauma mechanism, additional system injury, functional outcomes, and complications. Functional outcomes were assessed using the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF-5) and the Majeed pelvic fracture functional assessment scale (MPS).

RESULTS

No statistically significant difference was observed between fracture types with respect to age, BMI, follow-up, marital status, trauma mechanism, and accompanying injury. The incidence of ED was 27.3% for those that received conservative treatment after sacrum fracture. The mean score of IIEF-5 was 18.6 ± 6.6 and MPS was 77.2 ± 13.2. There was no significant relationship between the injury type of the patients and the IIEF-5 and MPS scores (p = 0.593 and p = 0.907, respectively). The lowest IIEF-5 score was found in Denis type 2 fractures (p = 0.020).

CONCLUSION

The frequency of ED was higher in Denis type 2 sacrum fractures. Sexual function should be questioned in the follow-up, especially in those fracture types.

Longitudinal Association Among Illness Perceptions, Coping, and Quality of Life After Extremity Injury

This longitudinal cohort study examined changes in illness perceptions, coping strategies, and quality of life in hospitalized participants who had sustained extremity injuries, and examined the associations among these changes. A sample of 138 patients with extremity injuries was recruited between August 2019 and April 2020 from the trauma units of two similar referral medical centers, each with a capacity of over 200 beds in Surabaya City, Indonesia. Outcome measures were assessed prior to hospital discharge and 3 months post-discharge, including the Brief Illness Perception Questionnaire, the Brief Coping Orientation to Problems Experienced, and the World Health Organization Quality of Life. Hierarchical multiple regression analyses were conducted. We found that lower scores for illness perceptions (i.e., how a participant appraised and understood their medical condition and its possible consequences) and maladaptive coping strategies were significantly associated with lower quality of life scores. In addition, scores for adaptive coping strategies moderated the association between illness perceptions and quality of life. Our findings suggest that clinicians should endeavor to improve patients' illness perceptions and adaptive coping strategies during the first 3 months post-injury to promote improvement in quality of life following extremity injury.

A review of advances in image-guided orthopedic surgery

Orthopedic surgery remains technically demanding due to the complex anatomical structures and cumbersome surgical procedures. The introduction of image-guided orthopedic surgery (IGOS) has significantly decreased the surgical risk and improved the operation results. This review focuses on the application of recent advances in artificial intelligence (AI), deep learning (DL), augmented reality (AR) and robotics in image-guided spine surgery, joint arthroplasty, fracture reduction and bone tumor resection. For the pre-operative stage, key technologies of AI and DL based medical image segmentation, 3D visualization and surgical planning procedures are systematically reviewed. For the intra-operative stage, the development of novel image registration, surgical tool calibration and real-time navigation are reviewed. Furthermore, the combination of the surgical navigation system with AR and robotic technology is also discussed. Finally, the current issues and prospects of the IGOS system are discussed, with the goal of establishing a reference and providing guidance for surgeons, engineers, and researchers involved in the research and development of this area.

Sexual Dysfunction in Women after Traumatic Pelvic Fracture Negatively Affects Quality of Life and Mental Health

BACKGROUND

While the impact of female sexual dysfunction (FSD) on mental health and overall health-related quality of life (HrQOL) has been previously documented, no prior work has evaluated this relationship in women following traumatic pelvic injuries.

AIM

This study aims to understand the relationship of FSD with HrQOL and depression in women with a history of traumatic pelvic fracture.

METHODS

Data were collected with an electronic survey that included queries regarding mental and sexual health. Inverse probability weighting and multivariate regression models were utilized to assess the relationships between sexual dysfunction, depression and HrQOL.

OUTCOMES

Study outcome measures included the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) to evaluate sexual functioning, the 8-item patient health questionnaire (PHQ-8) to assess depression symptoms, and the visual analog scale (VAS) component of the EuroQol 5 Dimensions Questionnaire (EQ-5D) to determine self-reported HrQOL.

RESULTS

Women reporting FSD had significantly higher PHQ-8 scores with a median PHQ-8 score of 6 (IQR 2, 11) relative to those without FSD who had a median score of 2 (IQR 0, 2) (P < .001). On multivariate linear regression, presence of FSD was significantly associated with higher PHQ-8 scores (β = 4.91, 95% CI 2.8-7.0, P < .001). FSFI score, time from injury, and age were all independently associated with improved HrQOL, with FSFI having the largest effect size (β = 0.62, 95% CI 0.30-0.95, P < .001).

CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS

These results underscore importance of addressing not just sexual health, but also mental health in female pelvic fracture survivors in the post-injury setting.

STRENGTHS AND LIMITATIONS

This study is one of the first to examine women with traumatic pelvic fractures who did not sustain concomitant urinary tract injuries. Study limitations include low response rate and the inherent limitations of a cross-sectional study design.

CONCLUSION

Patients with persistent, unaddressed FSD after pelvic fracture are at unique risk for experiencing depression and reporting worse health-related quality of life due to complex biopsychosocial mechanisms. Gambrah HA, Hagedorn JC, Dmochowski RR, et al. Sexual Dysfunction in Women after Traumatic Pelvic Fracture Negatively Affects Quality of Life and Mental Health. J Sex Med 2022;19:1759-1765.

Long-term patient reported sexual and urological dysfunction in males after operatively treated pelvic ring injuries Do generic outcome measures identify genitourinary health problems?

BACKGROUND

A consecutive series of 177 male patients, with high energy pelvic ring injuries, were treated operatively in our institution. The purpose of this study was to evaluate long-term sexual and urological dysfunction in these patients using validated disease specific patient reported outcome measures (PROMs), and identify if sexual and urological dysfunction is detectable from generic outcome scores used in the assessment of pelvic ring injury at a minimum of 10 years follow-up (range 10-22).

METHODS

Surviving patients were contacted to complete validated PROMs to examine genitourinary and global functional outcome. Fifty-two male participants, had a mean age of 44-years-old (range,16-69) and ISS of 17 at time of injury. Mean duration follow-up of 15 years. The primary outcome measures were the Sexual Health Inventory for Men (SHIM) and the Modular Questionnaire for Male Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms (MLUTS). Secondary outcomes were the EQ-5D and Short Form 36. Responses were tested for correlation between generic and disease-specific PROMs and analyzed for association with genitourinary injury and age as risk factors of poor outcome.

RESULTS

Genitourinary injuries occurred in 7 patients (13%), and ten patients (19%) had documented neurological dysfunction following injury. Satisfactory general functional outcome was reported with EQ-5D-3L VAS score of 71. However, 80% report some level of sexual dysfunction with 37% reporting it as severe. MLUTS mean symptom score was 9 (range, 0 - 26) and bothersomeness score was 21 (range, 0-90). There was poor correlation between urological and sexual dysfunction scores and between the disease specific and generic scores.

CONCLUSION

In operatively treated pelvic ring injuries, validated disease specific PROMs, (SHIM and MLUTs) identified a significant impact to both sexual and urological patient health, with 37% reporting severe sexual dysfunction. Longstanding sexual and/or urological dysfunction can be a source of significant psychological impact that this study has shown is not identifiable using generic PROMs; EQ-5D-3L and SF-36. To gain a holistic understanding of the functional outcome of patients following a pelvic injury, urological and sexual dysfunction must not be overlooked.

Measuring functional outcomes in major trauma: can we do better?

PURPOSE

There is relatively limited large scale, long-term unified evidence to describe how quality of life (QoL) and functional outcomes are affected after polytrauma. The aim of this study is to review validated measures available to assess QoL and functional outcomes and make recommendations on how best to assess patents after major trauma.

METHODS

PubMed and EMBASE databases were interrogated to identify suitable patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) for use in major trauma, and current practice in their use globally.

RESULTS

Overall, 81 papers met the criteria for inclusion and evaluation. Data from these were synthesised. A full set of validated PROMs tools were identified for patients with polytrauma, as well as critique of current tools available, allowing us to evaluate practice and recommend specific outcome measures for patients following polytrauma, and system changes needed to embed this in routine practice moving forward.

CONCLUSION

To achieve optimal outcomes for patients with polytrauma, we will need to focus on what matters most to them, including their needs (and unmet needs). The use of appropriate PROMs allows evaluation and improvement in the care we can offer. Transformative effects have been noted in cases where they have been used to guide treatment, and if embedded as part of the wider system, it should lead to better overall outcomes. Accordingly, we have made recommendations to this effect. It is time to seize the day, bring these measures even further into our routine practice, and be part of shaping the future.

Understanding sexual health concerns in women after traumatic pelvic fracture

INTRODUCTION

While there is a well-known association between pelvic fracture and sexual dysfunction, few studies discuss the treatment patterns and utilization of healthcare services following injury. Those that do exist pertain to men. How women experience sexual dysfunction after traumatic injury and how they navigate the healthcare system is currently not well documented in the literature. This study aims to understand the prevalence and spectrum of sexual health issues in women after pelvic fracture, and to highlight barriers associated with accessing care for these concerns.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Women admitted and treated for traumatic pelvic fractures at a single Level 1 trauma center over a 6-year period were invited to participate in an electronic cross-sectional survey. Sexual health issues and care-seeking behaviors around sexual health were assessed. Inverse probability weighting based on available common data points in the registry was utilized to adjust for nonresponse bias. All data presented are of weighted data unless otherwise specified.

RESULTS

Of the 780 potential subjects, 98 women responded to the survey (12.6% crude response rate). With weighting, 71% of responders were white and 42% had private insurance, with a mean age at the time of injury of 42.2 years (SD 22.4) and median time since the injury of 45 months (interquartile range: 30.0, 57.4). 49.5% stated that sexual function was important to very important to their quality of life, with an additional 25.3% reporting it was moderately important. Of responders, 59.0% (95% confidence interval: 47.1%-71.0%) reported de novo postinjury sexual dysfunction. Specific complaints included dyspareunia (37.1%), difficulty with sexual satisfaction (34.4%), difficulty with sexual desire (31.3%), difficulty with orgasm (26.0%), and genital pain (17.8%). Of those with postinjury sexual dysfunction, 30.4% of women reported spontaneous resolution without treatment. An additional 15.4% indicated that they have continued concerns and desire treatment. Only 11.6% of women stated they had received treatment, all patients with access to insurance. Of those with postinjury sexual dysfunction, 60.8% had sexual health discussions with providers, 83.3% of which were patient-initiated. Common reasons why patients with sexual dysfunction did not raise the topic of sexual health with providers included embarrassment/fear (23.6%), assuming the issue would resolve with time (23.5%), sexual health not being a health priority (22.4%), and lack of information about the condition or available treatments (19.9%).

CONCLUSION

Sexual dysfunction is common in women after traumatic pelvic fracture, with patients experiencing dysfunction in multiple domains. Concerns are inadequately addressed in the healthcare setting due to several modifiable barriers at both the patient and provider levels. Standardization in the postinjury recovery period is needed to better address patients' sexual health concerns.

Quantifying Urinary and Sexual Dysfunction After Pelvic Fracture

OBJECTIVES

To quantify the severity of urinary and sexual dysfunction and to evaluate the relationship between urinary and sexual dysfunction, injury, and treatment factors in patients with pelvic fracture.

DESIGN

Prospective cohort study.

SETTING

Level 1 trauma center.

PATIENTS/PARTICIPANTS

One hundred thirteen patients with surgically treated pelvic fracture (65.5% OTA/AO 61B fractures; 7 open fractures; 74 men).

INTERVENTIONS

Surgical pelvic stabilization.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

The 36-Item Short Form Health Survey and International Consultation Incontinence Questionnaire responses were collected at baseline, 6 months, and 1, 2, and 5 years. Patients were scored on symptoms of voiding and incontinence, and filling (for women), to derive urinary function. Sexual function was scored as a single domain. Both genders reported urinary and sexual bothersome symptoms. Regression analysis was used to isolate the importance of predictive factors on urinary and sexual function, urinary and sexual bother, and their impact on quality of life.

RESULTS

Patients with pelvic fracture have significant urinary and sexual dysfunction, which is sustained or worsens over time. Male urinary function was predicted by Injury Severity Score (P = 0.03) and 61C fracture (odds ratio: 3.23, P = 0.04). Female urinary function was predicted by urinary tract injury at admission (odds ratio: 7.57, P = 0.03). Neurologic injury and anterior fixation were identified as significant predictors for male sexual function and sexual bother, whereas urological injuries were important in predicting female urinary and sexual bother (P < 0.01). Sexual function (P = 0.02) and sexual bother (P < 0.001) were important predictors of overall mental well-being in men.

CONCLUSIONS

Urinary and sexual dysfunction are prevalent and sustained in men and women and do not follow the prolonged slow recovery trajectory seen in physical function. Male urinary and sexual dysfunction was closely tied to neurologic injury, whereas female urinary and sexual dysfunction was predicted by the presence of a urinary tract injury. Urinary and sexual dysfunction were important to overall mental well-being in men.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Prognostic Level II. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

The Impact of Surgical Approaches for Isolated Acetabulum Fracture on Sexual Functions: A Prospective Study

OBJECTIVES

To investigate the effects of surgical modalities for isolated acetabular fractures on the sexual functions of patients and their partners.

DESIGN

Prospective.

SETTING

Level I trauma centre.

PATIENTS/PARTICIPANTS

Sixty-five patients who had undergone open reduction and internal fixation because of isolated acetabular fractures who were sexually active before, together with their partners.

INTERVENTION

Patients operated on for isolated acetabular fractures were divided into 3 groups according to surgical approaches: the Kocher-Langenbeck approach (n = 36), ilioinguinal approach (n = 16), and modified Stoppa approach (n = 13).

MAIN OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS

Sexual functions of patients and their partners were evaluated with the 5-item version of the International Index of Erectile Function score and Female Sexual Function Index score preoperatively and at the postoperative first year after the rehabilitation period.

RESULTS

The mean age of the patients was 41.8 ± 13.0 (18-69) years. In male patients, the mean 5-item version of the International Index of Erectile Function score had changed from 24.3 to 20.0 at the postoperative first year and the decrease in sexual function scores was less with the Kocher-Langenbeck approach. In female patients, the Female Sexual Function Index scores had decreased statistically significantly from 24.9 to 18.3 at the postoperative first year, but there was no statistically significant difference between surgical groups. Both male and female patients' partners' sexual function scores were also decreased at the postoperative first year.

CONCLUSIONS

As a result of our study, it was observed that the posterior approach is more advantageous than anterior approaches in preserving the sexual functions of male patients in acetabular fracture surgery. However, the surgical approach did not affect the sexual functions of female patients.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

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

Prevalence of depression and anxiety and associated factors among geriatric orthopedic trauma inpatients: A cross-sectional study

BACKGROUND

Common mental disorders such as anxiety and depression in geriatric orthopedic trauma patients have received little attention in research.

AIM

To investigate the prevalence of emotional disorders among geriatric orthopedic trauma patients and identify demographic, social and clinical risk factors.

METHODS

This cross-sectional study was performed in geriatric patients (aged ≥ 60 years, both sexes) with orthopedic trauma admitted to a level I trauma center between May 2015 and December 2017. Demographic, social, and clinical characteristics were described. Huaxi Emotional-Distress Index (HEI) was used to evaluate the severity of anxiety and depression status. Differences in continuous variables were tested using the t-test, and differences in categorical variables were assessed using the Pearson χ² test. Binary logistic regression analyses were used to identify the factors associated with a HEI score > 8.

RESULTS

Among the 966 patients, 487 were male and 479 were female, with a mean age of 70.2 ± 7.1 years. The age ranged from 60 to 90 years. Seventy-five patients had an HEI score > 8, accounting for about 7.8% of all patients. A higher Injury Severity Score (4.17 ± 3.10 vs 7.96 ± 6.68, P < 0.001), higher Visual Analog Score (5.05 ± 1.09 vs 6.89 ±1.23, P < 0.001), number of chronic diseases (P < 0.001), injury type (P = 0.038), and education level (P = 0.001) were significantly associated with HEI score > 8. On logistic regression, a higher education level was a protective factor for emotional disorders (P = 0.047), whereas Injury Severity Score (P = 0.024), Visual Analog Score (P < 0.001), two or more chronic diseases (P < 0.001) were the related independent risk factors.

CONCLUSION

Emotional disorders are common in geriatric patients with orthopedic trauma. Clinicians should remain vigilant of emotional disorders in geriatric patients and screen for anxiety and depression in higher risk groups.

Postoperative Reduction Quality May Be the Most Important Factor That Causes Worse Functional Outcomes in Open and Closed Pelvic Fractures

Background

Data on the functional outcomes of patients with open pelvic fractures after osteosynthesis are limited, and whether open fracture is a risk factor for worse outcomes, as compared with closed fracture, remains unclear. This study aimed to compare the functional outcomes of patients with open and closed pelvic fractures and evaluate potential factors that might affect outcomes.

Methods

Overall, 19 consecutive patients with open pelvic fractures and 78 patients with closed pelvic fractures between January 2014 and June 2018 were retrospectively reviewed. All fractures were surgically treated, with a minimal follow-up period of three years. Patients’ demographic profile, associated injuries, management protocol, quality of reduction, and outcomes were recorded and analyzed.

Results

Patients with open pelvic fractures had higher new injury severity score, higher incidence of diverting colostomy, and longer length of stay. Both radiological and functional evaluations revealed no significant differences between the two groups at 1-year and 3-year evaluations. Multiple logistic regression analysis identified poor radiological outcomes (using Lefaivre criteria) and longer length of stay as risk factors for worse short-term functional outcomes. At 3-year evaluation, fair-to-poor radiological outcomes (using Matta/Tornetta and Lefaivre criteria) and the presence of diverting colostomy were potential risk factors.

Conclusions

Compared with closed pelvic fracture, open pelvic fracture was not an indicator of worse functional outcomes. Functional outcomes may be comparable between patients with open and closed pelvic fractures at different time points within three years postoperatively. Achieving anatomical reduction in a fracture is crucial, because it might affect patient satisfaction.

Nested Case Control Study on the Risk of Suicide Death in Elderly Patients with Pelvic Fractures Using a Nationwide Cohort

Background

The aim of this study was to investigate the incidence rate of suicide deaths in elderly patients with pelvic fractures using a nationwide database and to analyze change in the risk of suicide death overtime after pelvic fractures compared to controls.

Methods

We used the National Health Insurance Service-Senior cohort (NHIS-Senior) of South Korea. Cases and controls were matched for sex, age, history of hospital admission within 1 year, and presence of depression on the date of suicide death. Controls were collected by random selection at a 1 : 5 ratio from patients at risk of becoming cases when suicide cases were collected. Incident pelvic fractures were identified from the NHIS-Senior as follows: first admission during the observational period (2002–2015) to an acute care hospital with a diagnostic code of International Statistical Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems, 10th revision S321, S322, S323, S324, S325, or S328 and age 65–99 years. Conditional logistic regression analysis was performed to evaluate the association between pelvic fractures and the risk of suicide death.

Results

A total of 2,863 suicide cases and 14,315 controls were identified. Suicide case patients had been more frequently exposed to steroids (odds ratio [OR], 1.32; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.21–1.45), benzodiazepines (OR, 1.76; 95% CI, 1.61–1.93), and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (OR, 1.18; 95% CI, 1.07–1.29). Pelvic fractures within 1 year from the date of suicide death were statistically significantly associated with increased risk of suicide (adjusted OR [AOR], 2.65; 95% CI, 1.29–5.45; p = 0.008) compared to controls. The risk of suicide death declined as the incidence date of pelvic fracture was more remote from the date of suicide death: AORs of 2.59 (95% CI, 1.33–5.04; p = 0.005) within 2 years and 2.13 (95% CI, 1.15–3.95; p = 0.017) within 3 years. However, there was no statistical significance in the increased risk of suicide death for pelvic fractures that had occurred ≥ 4 years ago (p > 0.05).

Conclusions

Pelvic fractures in the elderly population increased the risk of suicide death within 3 years, suggesting the need for psychiatric support among elderly patients with pelvic fractures.

No clinical advantage of locking over nonlocking plate fixation of symphyseal disruptions

PURPOSE

although locking plates have led to important changes in fracture management, becoming important tools in the orthopedic surgeon's arsenal, the benefits of locking plates for traumatic diastasis of the pubic symphysis have not been established. This study was conducted to assess the quality of life in its different domains among patients with traumatic diastasis of the pubic symphysis managed either with locking or nonlocking plate.

METHODS

a prospective cohort study was undertaken at 3 level 1 trauma centres in Brazil. Patients presenting traumatic diastasis of the pubic symphysis treated with plate fixation with a minimum follow-up of 12 months were eligible for inclusion. Through a Pfannenstiel approach, the pubic symphysis was reduced and fixed with a superiorly positioned 4.5mm four to six hole reconstruction locked plate or 3.5mm four to six hole reconstruction nonlocked plate. Posterior injury was managed during the same procedure. Outcome measures were adequate healing of the pelvic injuries, return to pre-injury level on daily activities, and quality of life at the last follow-up visit. Complications and modes of failure were summarized and reviewed. Bivariate linear regression was used to assess individual factors affecting patients' health-related quality of life. A p value of <5% was considered significant.

RESULTS

a total of 31 adult patients (29 males and 2 females) were eligible for the study. Thirteen patients were managed with a reconstruction locked plate and 18 patients with a nonlocked reconstruction plate. Average postoperative follow-up time was 24 months. Adequate healing of the pelvic injuries was achieved in 61.5% of patients treated with locking plates and 94.4% of patients treated with nonlocking plates (p=0.003). Radiographic failure of fixation with minor complications occurred in 46.1% of patients after locked plating versus 11.1% of patients in the nonlocking plate group (p=0.0003). In bivariate analysis, abnormal gait (p=0.007) was associated with a reduced long-term quality of life as measured with the EQ-5D-3L.

CONCLUSION

internal fixation of traumatic diastasis of the pubic symphysis with locking plates has no clinical advantage when compared to nonlocked plating. Mechanical failure and inadequate healing are significantly increased after locked plating of the pubic symphysis. Therefore, we do not recommend routine use of locking plates for managing patients presenting traumatic diastasis of the pubic symphysis.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

II (prospective, cohort study).

Epidemiology and aetiology of male and female sexual dysfunctions related to pelvic ring injuries: a systematic review

INTRODUCTION

Pelvic ring injuries, frequently caused by high energy trauma, are associated with high rates of morbidity and mortality (5-33%), often due to significant blood loss and disruption of the lumbosacral plexus, genitourinary system, and gastrointestinal system. The aim of the present study is to perform a systematic literature review on male and female sexual dysfunctions related to traumatic lesions of the pelvic ring.

METHODS

Scopus, Cochrane Library MEDLINE via PubMed, and Embase were searched using the keywords: "Pelvic fracture," "Pelvic Ring Fracture," "Pelvic Ring Trauma," "Pelvic Ring injury," "Sexual dysfunction," "Erectile dysfunction," "dyspareunia," and their MeSH terms in any possible combination. The following questions were formulated according to the PICO (population (P), intervention (I), comparison (C), and outcome (O)) scheme: Do patients suffering from pelvic fracture (P) report worse clinical outcomes (C), in terms of sexual function (O), when urological injury occurs (I)? Is the sexual function (O) influenced by the type of fracture (I)?

RESULTS

After screening 268 articles by title and abstract, 77 were considered eligible for the full-text analysis. Finally 17 studies that met inclusion criteria were included in the review. Overall, 1364 patients (902 males and 462 females, M/F ratio: 1.9) suffering from pelvic fractures were collected.

DISCUSSION

Pelvic fractures represent challenging entities, often concomitant with systemic injuries and subsequent morbidity. Anatomical consideration, etiology, correlation between sexual dysfunction and genitourinary lesions, or pelvic fracture type were investigated.

CONCLUSION

There are evidences in the literature that the gravity and frequency of SD are related with the pelvic ring fracture type. In fact, patients with APC, VS (according Young-Burgess), or C (according Tile) fracture pattern reported higher incidence and gravity of SD. Only a week association could be found between GUI and incidence and gravity of SD, and relationship between surgical treatment and SD. Electrophysiological tests should be routinely used in patient suffering from SD after pelvic ring injuries.

The effect of sexual dysfunction on health-related quality of life in men following traumatic pelvic fractures

BACKGROUND

Pelvic trauma disproportionately affects a younger population and has the potential to cause long-term sexual dysfunction. We hypothesized that the presence of sexual dysfunction after traumatic pelvic fracture negatively impacts health-related quality of life (HrQOL) in men.

METHODS

A total of 228 patients with traumatic pelvic fractures treated at a level 1 trauma center between 2012 and 2017 completed a survey that evaluated postinjury HrQOL and sexual function. Inverse probability weighting was used to adjust for survey nonresponse. Pelvic fracture characteristics were classified based on the Orthopedic Trauma Association classification system. Sexual function was evaluated using the International Index of Erectile Function, and HrQOL was evaluated using the EuroQol 5 Dimensions Questionnaire (EQ-5D). Quality-adjusted life years were determined based on calculated EQ-5D utility indices. Multiple regression models were created to evaluate the association between sexual health and HrQOL.

RESULTS

After inverse probability weighting and adjustment for potential confounders, a decrease in International Index of Erectile Function was associated with a decline in overall HrQOL as measured by the EQ-5D visual analog scale (β = 0.28, p = 0.02). No association was identified between Orthopedic Trauma Association pelvic fracture configuration and risk of postinjury erectile dysfunction (ED) (p = 0.99). Furthermore, 53.3% of men reported persistent ED at a median of 42.6 months (interquartile range, 28.0-63.3 months) following injury. The presence of ED was independently associated with a decrease in HrQOL (β = 10.92, p < 0.001). This difference equates to a loss of 1.6 quality-adjusted life years per 10 years for men with ED following pelvic fracture relative to those without.

CONCLUSION

Sexual dysfunction is an independent risk factor for decreased HrQOL in pelvic trauma survivors. Further work is needed to create appropriate patient-centered survivorship care pathways that incorporate sexual health evaluation.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Prognostic, level IV.

Risk Factors for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder in Acute Trauma Patients

OBJECTIVE

To identify risk factors for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) after traumatic injury.

SETTING

Single urban Level I trauma center.

DESIGN

Prospective.

PATIENTS/PARTICIPANTS

Three hundred men (66%) and 152 women treated for traumatic injuries were administered the PTSD checklist for a Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders fifth edition (PCL-5) survey during their first post-hospital visit over a 15-month period.

INTERVENTION

Screening for PTSD in trauma patients.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASUREMENT

The prevalence of disease and risk factors for the development of PTSD based on demographic, medical, injury, and treatment variables.

RESULTS

One hundred three patients screened positive for PTSD (26%) after a mean of 86 days after injury. Age less than 45 years was an independent risk factor for the development of PTSD [odds ratio (OR) 2.64, 95% confidence interval (CI) (1.40-4.99)]. Mechanisms of injury associated with the development of PTSD included pedestrians struck by motor vehicles [OR 7.35, 95% CI (1.58-34.19)], motorcycle/all terrain vehicle crash [OR 3.17, 95% CI (1.04-9.65)], and victims of crime [OR 3.49, 95% CI (0.99-9.20)]. Patients sustaining high-energy mechanism injuries and those who were victims of crime scored higher on the PCL-5 [OR 2.39, 95% CI (1.35-4.22); OR 4.50, 95% CI (2.52-8.05), respectively].

CONCLUSIONS

One quarter of trauma patients screened positive for PTSD at 3 months after their injury. A mechanism of injury is a risk factor for PTSD, and younger adults, victims of crime, and pedestrians struck by motor vehicles are at higher risk. These findings offer the potential to more effectively target and refer vulnerable patient populations to appropriate treatment.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Prognostic Level II. See Instructions for Authors for a compete description of levels of evidence.

Erectile dysfunction and penile rehabilitation after pelvic fracture: a systematic review and meta-analysis

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the rate of erectile dysfunction (ED) after pelvic ring fracture (PRF).

DESIGN

Systematic review and meta-analysis.

METHODS

A systematic literature search of the Cochrane, EMBASE, MEDLINE, Scopus and Web of Science Library databases was conducted in January 2020. Included were original studies performed on humans assessing ED after PRF according to the 5-item International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF-5) questionnaire and fracture classification following Young and Burgess, Tile or Arbeitsgemeinschaft für Osteosynthesefragen/Orthopedic Trauma Association. Furthermore, interventional cohort studies assessing the effect of penile rehabilitation therapy with phosphodiesterase-5-inhibitors (PDE-5-I) on IIEF-5 scores compared before and after treatment were included. Results were presented as forest plots of proportions of patients with ED after PRF or mean changes on IIEF-5 questionnaires before and after penile rehabilitation. Studies not included in the quantitative analysis were narratively summarised. Risk of bias assessment was conducted using the revised tool for the Quality Assessment on Diagnostic Accuracy Studies.

RESULTS

The systematic literature search retrieved 617 articles. Seven articles were included in the qualitative analysis and the meta-analysis. Pooled proportions revealed 37% of patients with ED after suffering any form of PRF (result on probability scale pr=0.37, 95% CI: 0.26 to 0.50). Patients after 3 months of penile rehabilitation therapy reported a higher IIEF-5 score than before (change score=6.5 points, 95% CI: 2.54 to 10.46, p value=0.0013).

CONCLUSION

Despite some heterogeneity and limited high-quality research, this study concludes that patients suffering from any type of PRF have an increased risk of developing ED. Oral intake of PDE-5-I for the purpose of penile rehabilitation therapy increases IIEF-5 scores and may relevantly influence quality-of-life in these patients.

PROSPERO REGISTRATION NUMBER

CRD42020169699.

Short-Term Functional Outcomes and Quality of Life after B2.1 Type Pelvic Fractures for Surgically and Non-Surgically Treated Young Patients

Background and Objectives: Lateral compression injuries of the pelvic ring are most common among young and elderly patients. Of all pelvic ring fracture injuries, the B2.1 type—involving lateral compression of the pelvic ring—is the most common. Despite this, we still have no high-level evidence to consult when choosing between the surgical and non-operative approaches. The purpose of this research was to compare the short-term functional and quality of life outcomes between operatively and non-operatively treated young patients after a B2.1 type pelvic fracture. Materials and Methods: Patients aged 18 to 65 years with pelvic B2.1 type fractures—according to AO/Tile classification—that were hospitalized in a single trauma center between 2016 November and 2019 September were included in the research. Patients were retrospectively divided into two groups regarding their treatment: non-operative and operative. Functional outcomes were evaluated using Majeed score, and SF-36 was used for the evaluation of quality of life. Patients completed these questionnaires twice: first during hospitalization, regarding their pre-traumatic condition (timepoint I); and again 10 weeks after the injury, regarding their current condition (timepoint II). Results: A total of 55 patients (70.6% of whom were female) with type B2.1 pelvic fractures were included in the analysis, with an average age of 37.24 ± 13.78 years. There were 21 (38.18%) patients with high injury severity, and 37 (67.3%) patients were treated operatively versus 18 (32.7%) non-operatively. Between the two timepoints, Majeed score reduced by 34.08 ± 18.95 for operatively and 31.44 ± 14.41 for non-operatively treated patients. For operatively and non-operatively treated patients, the physical component summary (PCS) of the SF-36 questionnaire reduced by 19.45 ± 9.95 and 19.36 ± 7.88, respectively, while the mental component summary (MCS) reduced by 6.38 ± 11.04 and 7.23 ± 10.86, respectively. Conclusions: We observed that operative treatment of B2.1 type pelvic fractures for young patients is not superior to non-operative in the short-term, because the functional outcomes and quality of life are similar in both groups.

Cross-Cultural Adaptation and Psychometric Properties of the Lithuanian Version of the Majeed Pelvic Score

Background and Objectives: There are no valid patient-based pelvic ring function assessment tools in Lithuania. The most widely used instrument is the Majeed Pelvic Score (MPS), which is proven to be an effective tool for assessing pelvic function after pelvic injuries. The aims of our study were: (1) the translation and cross-cultural adaptation of the MPS for the Lithuanian-speaking population, (2) to test the psychometric properties of the Lithuanian version of the MPS (MPS-LT) at follow-up two-time points after pelvic fractures. Materials and Methods: The MPS was translated and culturally adapted. Psychometric properties of the MPS-LT were determined in one patient group (n = 40) at two time-points during follow-up examination from 1.5 to 3 months (mean 2 months) and from 11 to 20 months (mean 12 months). Results: At the mean time of 2 months after trauma, Cronbach’s α of the MPS-LT was 0.65. Correlation of the MPS-LT with the Iowa Pelvic Score (IPS) was r = 0.84 (p < 0.001), and with the Lithuanian SF-36, PCS was r = 0.53 (p < 0.001). At the mean time follow-up of 12 months, Cronbach’s α was 0.86, correlation with the IPS was r = 0.92 (p < 0.001), and with the Lithuanian SF-36, PCS – r = 0.82 (p < 0.001). At the 2-month follow-up, neither floor nor ceiling effects were reached, but at 12 months, 27.5% of patients reached the ceiling effect, while none reached the floor effect. The effect size of the MPS-LT was 1.66. Conclusions: The MPS-LT has limited ability to measure functional outcomes at 2 months after pelvic fracture. In contrast, at the 12-month follow-up examination, the MPS-LT had a good ability to assess pelvic function, and it was sensitive to health changes. The MPS-LT can be used as a pelvic function assessment tool after pelvic fractures for the Lithuanian-speaking population.

Deep infection following reconstruction of pelvic fractures: prevalence, characteristics, and predisposing risk factors

Purpose

To identify the incidence, risk factors, and treatment course of patients who developed deep infection following fixation of pelvic fractures.

Methods

Over a period of 8 years patients who underwent pelvic reconstruction in our institution and developed postoperative infection were included. Exclusion criteria were pathological fractures and infections that were not secondary to post-traumatic reconstruction. The mean time of follow-up was 43.6 months (33–144). For comparison purposes, we randomly selected patients that underwent pelvic fracture fixation from our database (control group). A logistic regression was fitted to patient characteristics including age, sex, ISS, and diabetic status.

Results

Out of 858 patients, 18 (2.1%) (12 males), with a mean age of 41 (18–73) met the inclusion criteria. The control group consisted of 82 patients with a mean age of 41 years (18–72). The mean ISS was 27.7 and 17.6 in the infection and control group, respectively. The mean time from pelvic reconstruction to the diagnosis of infection was 20 days (7–80). The median number of trips to theatre was 3 (1–16). Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) was the most frequently isolated organism in the years prior to 2012. Eradication was achieved in 93% of the patients. The most important risk factors for deep infection were ISS (OR 1.08, 1.03–1.13), posterior sacral approach (OR 17.03, 1.49–194.40), and diabetes (OR 36.85, 3.54–383.70).

Conclusion

In this retrospective case–control study, deep infection following pelvic trauma was rare. A number of patient-, injury- and surgery-related factors have shown strong correlation with this serious complication.

Female Sexual Dysfunction After Pelvic Fracture: A Comprehensive Review of the Literature

BACKGROUND

Female sexual dysfunction (FSD) after pelvic fracture (PFx) has garnered little attention in the urology literature.

AIM

To review and summarize the current evidence regarding female PFx-related sexual function.

METHODS

We performed a systematic review in accordance with PRISMA guidelines, including PubMed, EMBASE, and MEDLINE. We included only English-language manuscripts and abstracts with sufficient data for inclusion. We used the search terms "female sexual dysfunction AND pelvic fracture," "sexual dysfunction AND pelvic fracture," and "female pelvic fracture AND sexual dysfunction." A total of 177 articles were identified; 41 abstracts were reviewed; of which, 19 manuscripts were reviewed. Fifteen met inclusion criteria for analysis.

OUTCOMES

The main outcome measures of this study are rates and types of female sexual dysfunction after pelvic fracture.

RESULTS

FSD is prevalent after PFx, with reported rates between 25% and 62%. Three studies used the validated Female Sexual Function Index. The other 12 used non-validated questionnaires or adapted quality-of-life questionnaires with specific questions regarding FSD. The most common complaints include difficulty with intercourse, dyspareunia, orgasmic dysfunction, genitourinary pain, decreased interest in intercourse, decreased satisfaction with intercourse, and pelvic floor dysfunction. Only 1 study addressed resolution of dysfunction (30 of 98 patients [30.4%]).

CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS

FSD is prevalent and an under-recognized sequela of pelvic fracture. This requires future prospective study to better characterize sexual dysfunction and identify effective treatments in trauma survivors.

STRENGTH AND LIMITATIONS

To Increase awareness of FSD after pelvic trauma and the impact on the quality of life in trauma survivors. The current literature is limited by a lack of standardized assessment of FSD, limited follow-up, and minimal discussion of treatment options, in addition to the inherent bias of retrospective studies.

CONCLUSIONS

FSD after traumatic PFx is not uncommon, occurs mostly in young women, and can be morbid. FSD after PFx is underreported in the urology literature. Thus, all female PFx patients should be screened for FSD by validated questionnaires. The published literature offers little knowledge as to the epidemiology, evaluation, definition, and potential treatments of FSD after PFx. Prospective studies are needed to better understand female sexual function in trauma survivors and the potential methods for prevention and rehabilitation, all within the context of a multidisciplinary approach. Walton AB, Leinwand GZ, Raheem O, et al. Female Sexual Dysfunction After Pelvic Fracture: A Comprehensive Review of the Literature. J Sex Med 2021;18:467-473.

Anxiety Symptoms After Orthopedic Injury: A Systematic Review

BACKGROUND

Millions of Americans are injured each year, with 75% suffering orthopedic injuries. Those with orthopedic injury often experience postinjury symptoms, such as anxiety, that negatively influence long-term outcomes. The purpose of this systematic review was to evaluate (1) the prevalence of anxiety symptoms chronologically in relation to time of orthopedic injury, (2) the associations of anxiety symptoms with other symptoms in individuals with orthopedic injury, and (3) the associations between anxiety symptoms and functional performance and mental health outcomes in individuals with orthopedic injury.

METHODS

The databases CINAHL, Ovid MEDLINE, Ovid PsycInfo, Ovid Embase, ProQuest, and ClinicalTrials.gov were searched on June 25, 2020. Studies were selected for review if (1) participants were 16 years or older, (2) the prevalence of anxiety symptoms was listed, (3) anxiety symptoms were assessed using a validated instrument, (4) the study was published in English, and (5) more than 50% of the participants suffered orthopedic injury to the appendicular skeleton or pelvic ring.

RESULTS

Anxiety symptoms were present in 11.5%-55.9% of individuals up to 10 years after orthopedic injury and often co-occurred with those of depression, pain, and posttraumatic stress disorder to negatively influence functional performance and mental health outcomes.

CONCLUSIONS

Anxiety symptoms post-orthopedic injury are highly prevalent and persistent. Anxiety symptoms are associated with other distressing symptoms and influence long-term outcomes. These findings highlight the need to screen for and treat anxiety symptoms following orthopedic injury and may help in designing future self-management interventions.

Nontrauma fracture increases risk for respiratory disease among adults with cerebral palsy

Individuals with cerebral palsy (CP) manifest skeletal fragility problems early in life and are vulnerable to nontrauma fracture (NTFx), which may exacerbate the risk of respiratory disease (RD)- the main cause of premature mortality for this population. The purpose of this study was to determine if adults with CP had a greater 12-month risk of RD post-NTFx compared to adults without CP. Data from 2011 to 2017 were leveraged from Optum Clinformatics Data Mart; a claims database from a single private payer in the United States diagnostic codes were used to identify adults (≥18 years) with and without CP, NTFx, incident RD, and pre-NTFx cardiometabolic diseases. Cox proportional hazards regression models were used to compare 12-month RD incidence following NTFx with adjustment for sociodemographics and cardiometabolic diseases. Mean age (SD) at baseline was 57.5 (18.4) for adults with CP (n = 646) and 61.8 (19.7) for adults without CP (n = 321,482). During the follow-up, 172 adults with CP (26.6%) and 73 937 adults without CP (23.0%) developed RD. Adults with CP had higher 12-month post-NTFx RD incidence compared to adults without CP (hazard ratio [HR] = 1.20; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.03-1.37). When stratified by the RD subtype, adults with CP had a higher incidence of pneumonia (HR = 2.15; 95% CI = 1.56-2.95), interstitial/pleura disease (HR = 2.13; 95% CI = 1.53-2.96), and other RD (eg, respiratory failure; HR = 2.33; 95% CI = 1.82-2.98), but not acute respiratory infection (HR = 0.93; 95% CI = 0.75-1.15) or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (HR = 1.15; 95% CI = 0.86-1.53). Among privately insured adults with CP, NTFx is associated with greater risk of RD among adults with vs without CP.

Factors affecting quality of life after pelvic fracture

INTRODUCTION

Functional outcome and health-related quality of life (HRQOL) after pelvis fracture is suboptimal; majority of the patients do not return to their preinjury activities. Many researchers reported that late morbidity in pelvis fracture is associated with severity of the fracture, associated trauma, pelvic fracture-related complications and methods of treatment.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

One hundred and twelve patients with pelvis fracture who were treated either conservatively (n = 88) or surgically (n = 24) with a minimum of two years follow up were evaluated clinically and radiologically. The clinical outcome was evaluated using Majeed score and self-reported Short Musculoskeletal Function Assessment (SMFA). Their HRQOL was evaluated using the 36-item Short Form Survey (SF-36) and WHOQOL-BREF questionnaires. The fracture-displacement in the anterior or posterior pelvis ring was measured from the anteroposterior radiograph or inlet/outlet view.

RESULTS

The average Majeed score was 76.65 ± 14.73 (range, 36 to 96). There were 81 patients with good to excellent outcomes and 31 patients with poor to fair outcomes. The average SF-36 Physical Component Summary (PCS) score was 47.71 ± 7.88 (range, 27.3 to 61.5) and SF-36 Mental Component Summary (MCS) was 49.20 ± 9.37 (range, 23.1 to 56.8). The functional level of the general population in the physical and mental domain was achieved in 48.23% and 65.3% of pelvic-fractured patients respectively. General population norms were achieved in 56.3%, 63.4%, 65.2% and 84.8% of patients in WHOQOL-BREF domain one, two, three and four respectively. The patients had significantly worse functional outcome and HRQOL if residual displacement was > 1 cm. Age, sex, associated injuries and injury mechanism were not affecting the HRQOL in patients with acceptable residual displacement of ≤ 1 cm.

CONCLUSION

Pelvic fracture with the residual displacement of ≤ 1 cm in the sacroiliac joint/symphysis pubis result in better functional outcome and HRQOL. Injury mechanism and associated injury have no impact on the HRQOL if the residual displacement is within the acceptable limit.

The mortality burden of non-trauma fracture for adults with cerebral palsy

Background

Individuals with cerebral palsy (CP) manifest skeletal fragility problems early in life, are vulnerable to non-trauma fracture (NTFx), and have a high burden of premature mortality. No studies have examined the contribution of NTFx to mortality among adults with CP. The purpose of this study was to determine if NTFx is a risk factor for mortality among adults with CP and if NTFx exacerbates mortality risk compared to adults without CP.

Methods

Data from 2011 to 2016 Optum Clinformatics® Data Mart and a random 20% sample Medicare fee-for-service were used for this retrospective cohort study. Diagnosis codes were used to identify adults (18+ years) with and without CP, NTFx, and pre-NTFx comorbidities. Crude mortality rates per 100 person years were estimated. Cox regression estimated hazard ratios (HR and 95% confidence interval [CI]) for mortality, comparing: (1) CP and NTFx (CP + NTFx; n = 1777); (2) CP without NTFx (CP w/o NTFx; n = 12,933); (3) without CP and with NTFx (w/o CP + NTFx; n = 433,560); and (4) without CP and without NTFx (w/o CP w/o NTFx; n = 6.8 M) after adjusting for demographics and pre-NTFx comorbidities.

Results

The 3-, 6-, and 12-month crude mortality rates were highest among CP + NTFx (12-month mortality rate = 6.80), followed by w/o CP + NTFx (12-month mortality rate = 4.91), CP w/o NTFx (12-month mortality rate = 2.15), and w/o CP w/o NTFx (12-month mortality rate = 0.49). After adjustments, the mortality rate was elevated for CP + NTFx for all time points compared to CP w/o NTFx (e.g., 12-month HR = 1.61; 95%CI = 1.29–2.01), w/o CP + NTFx (e.g., 12-month HR = 1.49; 95%CI = 1.24–1.80), and w/o CP w/o NTFx (e.g., 12-month HR = 5.33; 95%CI = 4.42–6.44). There were site-specific effects (vertebral column, lower extremities) on 12-month mortality.

Conclusions

NTFx is associated with an increase of 12-month mortality risk among adults with CP and compared to adults without CP. Findings suggest that NTFx may be a robust risk factor for mortality among adults with CP.

An overview of the key principles and guidelines in the management of pelvic fractures

Pelvic fractures are complex injuries with a range of different presentations depending on the mechanism of trauma. Due to the morbidity and mortality of pelvic fractures, patients require thorough investigation and timely management with multidisciplinary input. Various surgical and non-surgical techniques can be used to treat pelvic fractures, as well as any associated visceral injuries. Following repair, it is important to remain vigilant for postoperative complications such as infection, sexual and urinary dysfunction, chronic pain and adverse psychological health. This article summarises the relevant UK guidance and literature and presents them in a format that follows the patient’s journey. In doing so, it highlights the key perioperative factors that need to be considered in cases of pelvic fracture.

Placas anteriores são mais efetivas do que parafusos iliossacrais na fixação da articulação sacroilíaca? Estudo Biomecânico

Introduction  Sacroiliac joint dislocations are caused by high energy trauma and commonly treated with the iliosacral screw fixation or the anterior plating of the sacroiliac joint (SIJ). However, there is a lack of consensus regarding which procedure is the most successful in treating sacroiliac joint dislocations. This aims to compare stiffness and maximum load of pelvises with sacroiliac joint dislocations treated with both procedures in a synthetic bone model.

Methods  Synthetic pelvises were mounted and divided into 2 treatment groups ( n  = 5): a model with two orthogonal plates placed anteriorly to the SIJ (PPS group) and another with two iliosacral screws fixating the SIJ (SPS group), both with pubic symphysis fixation. The maximum load supported by each sample was observed and the stiffness was calculated from the curve load vs displacement. The mean values of load to failure and stiffness for each group were compared with the Mann-Whitney U test ( p  < 0.05 was considered significant for all analysis).

Results  The mean load to failure supported by the PPS group was 940 ± 75 N and the SPS was 902 ± 56 N, with no statistical difference. The SPS group showed higher values of stiffness (68.6 ± 11.1 N/mm) with statistical significant difference in comparison to the PPS sample (50 ± 4.0 N/mm). The mode of failure was different in each group tested.

Conclusion  Despite lower stiffness, the anterior plating fixation of the sacroiliac joint can be very useful when the iliosacral screw fixation cannot be performed. Further studies are necessary to observe any differences between these two procedures on the clinical and surgical setting.

Finnish translation and external validation of the Trauma Quality of Life questionnaire

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Major trauma impairs health-related quality of life (HRQoL). The aim of this study was the Finnish translation and external validation of the Trauma Quality of Life (TQoL) questionnaire.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

The Finnish version of the TQoL questionnaire and the 15D, a generic HRQoL questionnaire, were sent by mail to 417 patients identified from the Helsinki Trauma Registry.

RESULTS

Altogether 222 patients (53.2%) returned the questionnaires. Participants' mean age was 49.9 ± 18.1 years and 68.8% were males. The mean 15D score was significantly lower than that of the age- and sex-standardized general Finnish population (0.817 vs. 0.918, p < 0.001). The correlation between the Finnish translation and 15D scores was high (0.805). Factor analysis revealed that the Finnish TQoL questionnaire and the 15D have four common factors. Internal validation identified some differences between the Finnish and the original versions.

CONCLUSIONS

The correlation between the Finnish TQoL questionnaire and the 15D was high. The factor structures of the original and Finnish versions of the TQoL questionnaire were not identical, which may be a consequence of cultural or patient population differences.Implications for rehabilitationTrauma causes a long-term decrease in health-related quality of life (HRQoL), and this impact should be assessed in rehabilitation.The Trauma-Specific Quality of Life (TQoL) questionnaire has many shared features with the generic HRQoL questionnaire, but it also contains features related to post-traumatic disorder syndrome.The TQoL questionnaire is a valid tool for monitoring HRQoL after trauma.

Prognostic factors and quality of life after pelvic fractures. The Brabant Injury Outcome Surveillance (BIOS) study

Introduction

Pelvic fractures can have long-term consequences for health-related quality of life (HRQoL). The main purpose of this study is to provide insight into short-term HRQoL in the first year after pelvic injury and to identify short-term prognostic factors of decreased outcome.

Methods

This is a prospective, observational, multicenter, follow-up cohort study in which HRQoL and functional outcomes were assessed during 12-month follow-up of injured adult patients admitted to 1 of 10 hospitals in the county of Noord-Brabant, the Netherlands. The data were collected by self-reported questionnaires at 1 week (including preinjury assessment) and 1, 3, 6 and 12 months after injury. The EuroQoL-5D (EQ-5D), visual analog scale (VAS), Merle d’Aubigné Hip Score (MAHS) and Majeed Pelvic Score (MPS) were used. Multivariable mixed models were used to examine the course of the HRQoL and the prognostic factors for decreased HRQoL and functional outcomes over time.

Results

A total of 184 patients with pelvic fractures were identified between September 2015–September 2016; the fractures included 71 Tile A, 44 Tile B and 10 Tile C fractures and 59 acetabular fractures. At the pre-injury, 1 week, and 1, 3, 6 and 12 months after injury time points, the mean EQ-5D Index values were 0.90, 0.26, 0.45, 0.66, 0.77 and 0.80, respectively, and the mean EQ-VAS values were 83, 45, 57, 69, 75 and 75, respectively. At 6 and 12 months after injury, 22 and 25% of the MPS < 65 year group, 38 and 47% of the MPS ≥ 65 year group and 34 and 51% of the MAHS group, respectively, reached the maximum score. Pre-injury score, female gender and high Injury Severity Score (ISS) were important prognostic factors for a decreased HRQoL, and the EQ-5D VAS β = 0.43 (95% CI: 0.31 − 0.57), -6.66 (95% CI: -10.90 − -0.43) and -7.09 (95% CI: -6.11 − -5.67), respectively.

Discussion

Patients with pelvic fractures experience a reduction in their HRQoL. Most patients do not achieve the HRQoL of their pre-injury state within 1 year after trauma. Prognostic factors for decreased HRQoL are a low pre-injury score, high ISS and female gender. We do not recommend using the MAHS and MPS in mid- or long-term follow-up of pelvic fractures because of ceiling effects.

Trial registration number NCT02508675.

Psychological morbidity and functional impairment following traumatic pelvic injury

Pelvic injuries often result from high-energy trauma and lead to significant functional impairment. While the physical outcomes of these injuries have been widely studied, the psychological consequences remain largely unexplored. The purpose of this study was to examine psychosocial and functional outcomes of patients with pelvic trauma in the year after injury. The sample (N = 32) consisted of adult patients with traumatic pelvic injures, as defined by ICD-9 codes, who were admitted to a Level I Trauma Center for at least 24 h. Participants were primarily female (53%) with a mean age of 48.7 years (SD = 17.9). Demographic, injury-related, and psychosocial data (e.g., posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, alcohol use, quality of life, pain, return to work) were gathered at the time of hospitalization as well as at 3-, 6-, and 12 month follow-ups. Mixed regression models were used to examine the outcome variables over time. There were significant decreases in pain and alcohol use at each follow-up compared to baseline. However, despite the decrease, the levels of pain and alcohol use remained high. Physical and mental health also decreased significantly, indicating worsened functioning and lowered quality of life. Neither PTSD nor depression changed significantly over time, indicating that participants' symptoms were not likely to improve. These data suggest that sustaining a traumatic pelvic injury increases the risk of diminished quality of life, both mentally and physically. Even one-year post-injury, participants experienced moderate physical pain and higher levels of PTSD, depression, and problematic alcohol use than would be expected in the general population. These findings highlight the need for an interdisciplinary approach to treating patients with pelvic injuries, including psychological screening and intervention in acute care and throughout recovery.

Low-Trauma Fracture Increases 12-Month Incidence of Cardiovascular Disease for Adults With Cerebral Palsy

Individuals with cerebral palsy (CP) have poor skeletal and cardiovascular health. However, no studies have examined if skeletal fragility enhances cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk for this population. The purpose of this study was to determine whether adults with CP have higher 12-month CVD incidence following a low-trauma fracture compared with adults without CP. Data, from the Optum Clinformatics® Data Mart, were extracted from adults (18+ years) that sustained a low-trauma fracture between 01/01/2012 and 12/31/2016. The primary outcome measure was incident CVD within 12 months following a low-trauma fracture. Cox proportional hazards regression models were used to compare 12-month incident CVD with adjustment for sociodemographics and chronic disease comorbidities. Mean age (SD) at baseline was 54.7 (18.9) for adults with CP (n = 1,025, 43.3% men) and 60.4 (19.7) for adults without CP (n = 460,504, 33.7% men). During the follow-up, 121 adults with CP (11.8%, mean age [SD] = 63.9 [16.3]) and 45,330 adults without CP (9.8%, mean age [SD] = 74.5 [11.9]) developed CVD. In the fully adjusted model, adults with CP had higher 12-month post-fracture CVD incidence (hazard ratio [HR] = 1.63; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.37-1.95). When the outcome was stratified by CVD subtype, adults with CP had higher 12-month post-fracture incidence of ischemic heart disease (HR = 1.45; 95% CI = 1.09-1.92), heart failure (HR = 1.68; 95% CI = 1.22-2.31), and cerebrovascular disease (HR = 1.96; 95% CI = 1.54-2.50). Study findings suggest that among adults with CP, low-trauma fracture may enhance 12-month CVD incidence compared with adults without CP. © 2019 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 38:803-810, 2020.

Prevalence of posttraumatic stress disorder in acute trauma patients

Objective

To determine the prevalence of positive screening for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) amongst trauma patients.

Design

Prospective, longitudinal study.

Setting

Single urban US level 1 trauma center.

Patients and methods

Four hundred fifty-two adult trauma patients were administered the PTSD checklist for DSM-V (PCL-5) survey upon posthospital outpatient clinic visit. This included 300 men (66%) and 152 women with mean age 43.8 years and mean Injury Severity Score (ISS) 11.3, with 83% having fractures of the pelvis and/or extremities. Medical and injury related variables were recorded. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed to identify factors predictive of screening positive for PTSD.

Main outcome measurement

Prevalence and risk factors for screening positive for PTSD amongst the trauma patient population.

Results

Twenty-six percent of trauma patients screened positive for PTSD after mean 86 days following injury. These patients were younger (35 vs 46 years old, P < 0.001) and more commonly African American (56% vs 43% Caucasian, P < 0.001). Pedestrians struck by motor vehicles (OR 4.70, P = 0.040) and victims of crime (OR 4.12, P = 0.013) were more likely to screen positive. Psychiatric history, injury severity (ISS), and injury type did not predict positive screening.

Conclusion

One-in-four patients suffering traumatic injuries screened positive for PTSD suggesting the prevalence of PTSD among trauma patients far exceeds that of the general population. Predictive factors included victims of crime and pedestrians struck by motor vehicles. Screening measures are needed in orthopaedic trauma surgery clinics to refer these at-risk patients for proper evaluation and treatment.

Level of evidence

Prognostic; Level II.

The mortality burden attributable to nontrauma fracture for privately insured adults with epilepsy

OBJECTIVE

Individuals with epilepsy have poor bone development and preservation throughout the lifespan and are vulnerable to nontrauma fracture (NTFx) and post-NTFx complications. However, no studies have examined the contribution of NTFx to mortality among adults with epilepsy. The objective was to determine whether NTFx is a risk factor for mortality among adults with epilepsy.

METHODS

Data from 2011 to 2016 were obtained from Optum Clinformatics Data Mart, a nationwide claims database from a single private payer in the United States. Diagnosis codes were used to identify adults (≥18 years old) with epilepsy, NTFx, and covariates (demographics and pre-NTFx cardiovascular disease, respiratory disease, diabetes, chronic kidney disease, cancer). Crude mortality rate per 100 person-years was estimated. Cox regression estimated hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were determined for mortality, comparing epilepsy and NTFx (EP + NTFx; n = 11 471), epilepsy without NTFx (EP without NTFx; n = 50 384), without epilepsy and with NTFx (without EP + NTFx; n = 423 041), and without epilepsy and without NTFx (without EP without NTFx; n = 6.8 million) after adjusting for covariates.

RESULTS

The 3-, 6-, and 12-month crude mortality rates were highest among EP + NTFx (12-month mortality rate = 8.79), followed by without EP + NTFx (12-month mortality rate = 4.80), EP without NTFx (12-month mortality rate = 3.06), and without EP without NTFx (12-month mortality rate = 0.47). After adjustments, the mortality rate was elevated for EP + NTFx for all time points compared to EP without NTFx (eg, 12-month HR = 1.70, 95% CI = 1.58-1.85), without EP + NTFx (eg, 12-month HR = 1.41, 95% CI = 1.32-1.51), and without EP without NTFx (eg, 12-month HR = 5.23, 95% CI = 4.88-5.60). Stratified analyses showed higher adjusted HRs of 12-month mortality for EP + NTFx for all NTFx sites (ie, vertebral column, hip, extremities), all age categories (young, middle-aged, older), and for both women and men.

SIGNIFICANCE

Among adults with epilepsy and compared to adults without epilepsy, NTFx is associated with a higher 12-month mortality rate. Findings suggest that NTFx may be a robust risk factor for mortality among adults with epilepsy.

Elevated fracture risk for adults with neurodevelopmental disabilities

BACKGROUND

Fracture is a high-burden condition that accelerates unhealthful aging and represents a considerable economic burden. Adults with neurodevelopmental disabilities (NDDs) may be susceptible for fracture at younger ages compared to adults without NDDs; and yet, very little is known about the burden of fracture for these underserved populations. The purpose of this study was to determine the sex-stratified prevalence of all-cause fracture among adults with NDDs, as compared to adults without NDDs, and if comorbidity of NDDs is associated with greater risk of fracture.

METHODS

Data from 2016 were extracted from Optum Clinformatics® Data Mart (private insurance) and a random 20% sample from Medicare fee-for-service (public insurance). ICD-10-CM diagnosis codes were used to identify adults with NDDs, including intellectual disabilities, autism spectrum disorders, and cerebral palsy. Age-standardized prevalence of any fracture and fracture by anatomical location was compared between adults with and without NDDs, and then for adults with 1 NDD vs. 2 and 3 NDDs.

RESULTS

Adults with intellectual disabilities (n=69,456), autism spectrum disorders (n=21,844), and cerebral palsy (n=29,255) had a higher prevalence of any fracture compared to adults without NDDs (n=8.7 million). For women, it was 8.3%, 8.1%, and 8.5% vs. 3.5%, respectively. For men, it was 6.6%, 5.9%, and 6.7% vs. 3.0%, respectively. Women with NDDs had a higher prevalence of fracture of the head/neck, thoracic, lumbar/pelvis, upper extremities, and lower extremities compared to women without NDDs. A similar pattern was observed for men, except for no difference for lumbar/pelvis for all NDDs and thoracic for autism spectrum disorders. For women and men, increasing comorbidity of NDDs was associated with a higher prevalence of any fracture: 1 NDD (women, 7.7%; men, 5.7%); 2 NDDs (women, 9.4%; men, 7.2%); all 3 NDDs (women, 11.3%; men, 13.7%).

CONCLUSIONS

Study findings suggest that adults with NDDs have an elevated prevalence of fracture compared to adults without NDDs, with the fracture risk being higher with greater numbers of comorbid NDD conditions for most anatomical locations. Our study findings indicate a need for earlier screening and preventive services for musculoskeletal frailty for adults with NDDs.

The effect of low-trauma fracture on one-year mortality rate among privately insured adults with and without neurodevelopmental disabilities

BACKGROUND

Individuals with neurodevelopmental disabilities (NDDs) have poor development and preservation of skeletal health throughout the lifespan, and are especially vulnerable to low-trauma fracture and post-fracture health complications. However, no studies have examined if adults with NDDs have greater post-fracture mortality risk compared to adults without NDDs. The purpose of this study was to determine whether adults with NDDs have greater 12-month mortality rates following a low-trauma fracture compared to adults without NDDs.

METHODS

Data from 2011 to 2017 was leveraged from Optum Clinformatics® Data Mart; a nationwide claims database from a single private payer in the U.S. Data were extracted from adults (18+ years) with and without NDDs that sustained a low-trauma fracture between 01/01/2012-12/31/2016, as well as pre-fracture chronic diseases (i.e., cardiovascular diseases, cerebrovascular diseases, diabetes, chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases, cancer). Mortality rate was estimated for adults with and without NDDs, and the mortality rate ratio (RR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) was calculated. Cox regression was used to estimate hazard ratio (HR) and 95% CI for 1-, 3-, 6-, and 12-month post-fracture mortality rates between adults with and without NDDs after adjusting for age, sex, race, U.S. region, and pre-fracture chronic diseases.

RESULTS

Mean age (SD) at baseline was 56.7 (20.6) for adults with NDDs (n = 3749; 45.2% men) and 63.9 (19.2) for adults without NDDs (n = 585,910; 34.4% men). During the 12-month follow-up period, 182 adults with NDDs (mean age [SD] = 69.8 [14.7]; 46.2% men) and 25,456 adults without NDDs (mean age [SD] = 78.9 [9.8]; 38.3% men) died. Crude mortality rate was not different between adults with and without NDDs for any time points (e.g., 12-months: 5.40 vs. 4.96 per 100 person years; RR = 1.09; 95% CI = 0.94-1.26); however, it was greater for adults with intellectual disabilities compared to adults without NDDs (RR = 1.46; 95% CI = 1.23-1.79). After adjustments, adults with NDDs had greater post-fracture mortality rates for 3-, 6-, and 12-month time points (e.g., 12-months: HR = 1.46; 95% CI = 1.27-1.69). When stratified by the type of NDD, adults with intellectual disabilities and adults with autism spectrum disorders, but not adults with cerebral palsy, had greater 12-month post-fracture mortality risk. When stratified by fracture location, lower extremities were associated with greater crude mortality rate (RR = 1.69; 95% CI = 1.22-2.35) and adjusted mortality risk (HR = 2.41; 95% CI = 1.73-3.35), while upper extremities were associated with greater adjusted mortality risk (HR = 1.76; 95% CI = 1.23-2.50) for adults with vs. without NDDs.

CONCLUSIONS

Among privately insured adults with NDDs, low-trauma fracture is associated with greater mortality risk within 1 year of the fracture event, even after adjusting for pre-fracture chronic diseases. Study findings suggest the need for earlier fracture prevention strategies and improved post-fracture healthcare management.

Psychometric properties of the psychosocial screening instrument for physical trauma patients (PSIT)

Background

Early detection of psychosocial problems post-injury may prevent them from becoming chronic. Currently, there is no psychosocial screening instrument that can be used in patients surviving a physical trauma or injury. Therefore, we recently developed a psychosocial screening instrument for adult physical trauma patients, the PSIT. The aim of this study was to finalize and psychometrically examine the PSIT.

Methods

All adult (≥ 18 years) trauma patients admitted to a Dutch level I trauma center from October 2016 through September 2017 without severe cognitive disorders (n = 1448) received the PSIT, Impact of Events Scale-Revised (IES-R), Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9), Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale (RSES), State-Trait Anxiety Inventory-State (STAI-S), and the World Health Organization Quality of Life-Abbreviated version (WHOQOL-Bref). After 2 weeks, a subgroup of responding participants received the PSIT a second time. The internal structure (principal components analysis, PCA; and confirmatory factor analysis, CFA), internal consistency (Cronbach’s alpha, α), test-retest reliability (Intraclass Correlation Coefficient, ICC), construct validity (Spearman’s rho correlations), diagnostic accuracy (Area Under the Curve, AUC), and potential cut-off values (sensitivity and specificity) were examined.

Results

A total of 364 (25.1%) patients participated, of whom 128 completed the PSIT again after 19.5 ± 6.8 days. Test-retest reliability was good (ICC = 0.86). Based on PCA, five items were removed because of cross-loadings ≥ 0.3. Three subscales were identified: (1) Negative affect (7 items; α = 0.91; AUC = 0.92); (2) Anxiety and Post-Traumatic Stress Symptoms (4 items; α = 0.77; AUC = 0.88); and (3) Social and self-image (4 items; α = 0.79; AUC = 0.92). CFA supported this structure (comparative fit index = 0.96; root mean square error of approximation = 0.06; standardized rood mean square residual = 0.04). Four of the five a priori formulated hypotheses regarding construct validity were confirmed. The following cut-off values represent maximum sensitivity and specificity: 7 on subscale 1 (89.6% and 83.4%), 3 on subscale 2 (94.4% and 90.3%), and 4 on subscale 3 (85.7% and 90.7%).

Conclusion

The final PSIT has good psychometric properties in adult trauma patients.

Osteoporosis Epidemiology Among Adults With Cerebral Palsy: Findings From Private and Public Administrative Claims Data

Individuals with cerebral palsy (CP) have an increased risk for the early development of osteoporosis; however, little is known about the epidemiology of osteoporosis for adults with CP, which is vital to inform clinical practice for osteoporosis prevention, treatment, and management. The purpose of this cross-sectional study was to determine sex-stratified prevalence of osteoporosis among adults with CP, as compared with adults without CP. Data from 2016 were extracted from Optum Clinformatics Data Mart (private insurance administrative claims data) and a random 20% sample from the fee-for-service Medicare (public insurance administrative claims data). Diagnostic codes were used to identify CP and osteoporosis diagnoses. Sex-stratified prevalence of osteoporosis was compared between adults with and without CP for the following age groups: 18 to 30, 31 to 40, 41 to 50, 51 to 60, 61 to 70, and >70 years of age. The overall prevalence of osteoporosis was 4.8% for adults without CP (n = 8.7 million), 8.4% for privately insured adults with CP (n = 7,348), and 14.3% for publicly insured adults with CP (n = 21,907). Women and men with CP had a higher prevalence of osteoporosis compared with women and men without CP for all age groups. Finally, publicly insured women and men with CP had a higher prevalence of osteoporosis compared with privately insured women and men with CP for all age groups, except for the similar prevalence among the 18- to 30-year age group. These findings suggest that osteoporosis is more prevalent among adults with CP compared with adults without CP. Study findings highlight the need for earlier screening and preventive medical services for osteoporosis management among adults with CP. © 2019 The Authors. JBMR Plus published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. on behalf of American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.