Open fracture is a common occurrence in civilian and military populations. Though great strides have been made in limb salvage efforts, persistent muscle strength deficits can contribute to a diminished limb function after the bone has healed. Over the past decade, a growing effort to establish therapies directed at de novo muscle regeneration has produced several therapeutic approaches. As this effort progresses and as therapies reach clinical testing, many questions remain regarding the pathophysiology of the volumetric loss of skeletal muscle. The current study demonstrates, in a rat "open fracture" model, that the volumetric loss of skeletal muscle results in persistent functional deficits that are dependent on muscle length and joint angle. Moreover, the injured muscle has an increased stiffness during passive stretch and a reduced functional excursion. A case study of a patient with an open type III tibia fracture resulting in volumetric muscle loss in the anterior and posterior compartment is also presented. Eighteen months after injury and tibia healing, persistent functional deficits are apparent with many of the same qualities demonstrated in the animal model. Muscle architectural adaptations likely underlie the altered intrinsic functional characteristics of the remaining musculature. Published 2014. This article is a U.S. Government work and is in the public domain in the USA. J Orthop Res 33: 40-46, 2015.

Summary Background Reoperation rates are high after surgery for hip fractures. We investigated the effect of a sliding hip screw versus cancellous screws on the risk of reoperation and other key outcomes. Methods For this international, multicentre, allocation concealed randomised controlled trial, we enrolled patients aged 50 years or older with a low-energy hip fracture requiring fracture fixation from 81 clinical centres in eight countries. Patients were assigned by minimisation with a centralised computer system to receive a single large-diameter screw with a side-plate (sliding hip screw) or the present standard of care, multiple small-diameter cancellous screws. Surgeons and patients were not blinded but the data analyst, while doing the analyses, remained blinded to treatment groups. The primary outcome was hip reoperation within 24 months after initial surgery to promote fracture healing, relieve pain, treat infection, or improve function. Analyses followed the intention-to-treat principle. This study was registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, number NCT00761813. Findings Between March 3, 2008, and March 31, 2014, we randomly assigned 1108 patients to receive a sliding hip screw (n=557) or cancellous screws (n=551). Reoperations within 24 months did not differ by type of surgical fixation in those included in the primary analysis: 107 (20%) of 542 patients in the sliding hip screw group versus 117 (22%) of 537 patients in the cancellous screws group (hazard ratio [HR] 0.83, 95% CI 0.63–1.09; p=0.18). Avascular necrosis was more common in the sliding hip screw group than in the cancellous screws group (50 patients [9%] vs 28 patients [5%]; HR 1.91, 1.06–3.44; p=0.0319). However, no significant difference was found between the number of medically related adverse events between groups (p=0.82; appendix); these events included pulmonary embolism (two patients [<1%] vs four [1%] patients; p=0.41) and sepsis (seven [1%] vs six [1%]; p=0.79). Interpretation In terms of reoperation rates the sliding hip screw shows no advantage, but some groups of patients (smokers and those with displaced or base of neck fractures) might do better with a sliding hip screw than with cancellous screws. Funding National Institutes of Health, Canadian Institutes of Health Research, Stichting NutsOhra, Netherlands Organisation for Health Research and Development, Physicians’ Services Incorporated.

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The diagnosis of quadriceps and patellar tendon ruptures requires a high index of suspicion and thorough history-taking to assess for medical comorbidities that may predispose patients to tendon degeneration. Radiographic assessment with plain films supplemented by ultrasound and magnetic resonance imaging when the work-up is equivocal further aids diagnosis; however, advanced imaging is often unnecessary in patients with functional extensor mechanism deficits. Acute repair is preferred, and transpatellar bone tunnels serve as the primary form of fixation when the tendon rupture occurs at the patellar insertion, with or without augmentation depending on surgeon preference. Chronic tears and disruptions following total knee arthroplasty are special cases requiring reconstructions with allograft, synthetic mesh, or autograft. Rehabilitation protocols generally allow immediate weight-bearing with the knee locked in extension and crutch support. Limited arc motion is started early with active flexion and passive extension and then advanced progressively, followed by full active range of motion and strengthening. Complications are few but include quadriceps atrophy, knee stiffness, and rerupture. Outcomes are excellent if repair is done acutely, with poorer outcomes associated with delayed repair.

Type III open tibia fractures from combat unite in 80.3% of cases at an average of 9.2 months. We recorded a 27% deep infection rate and a 22% amputation rate. The G/A type is associated with development of deep infection, need for amputation, and time to union. Positive surveillance cultures are associated with development of deep infection, osteomyelitis, and ultimate need for amputation. Surveillance cultures were not predictive of the infecting organism if a deep infection subsequently develops.

FIGURE 5. PPE worn in a COVID unknown patient consisting of a surgical hood in conjunction N95 respirator in addition to standard operating room PPE.

NPWT showed a significant and sustained decrease in the Pseudomonas levels compared with WTD dressings at all time points. This beneficial effect was seen not seen in S. aureus.