Assessment of the proficiency level of novices in distal intramedullary nail interlocking achieved through training with Digitally Enhanced Hands-on Surgical Training (DEHST).

Background: Digitally Enhanced Hands-on Surgical Training (DEHST) platform was introduced to overcome the lack of training capabilities for the challenging task of freehand distal interlocking of intramedullary nails. It demonstrates high perceived realism for surgeons, and novices perform significantly better after DEHST training. However, characterization of how performance improves remained unexplored.

Near-Infrared Spectroscopy Allows for Monitoring of Bone Fracture Healing via Changes in Oxygenation.

Bone fractures are associated with hypoxia, but no longitudinal studies of perfusion measurements in human patients have been reported despite the clinical and research potential. In this longitudinal observational cohort study, the near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) device PortaMon was used to assess oxy-(OHb), deoxy-(HHb) and total (tHb) haemoglobin, as well as the differences between OHb and HHb (Hb) and the tissue saturation index (TSI) at three different depths in the fracture gap. Linear mixed effect models were fitted to analyse time effects.

The walking surface influences vertical ground reaction force and centre of pressure data obtained with pressure-sensing insoles.

Background: Gait can be continuously monitored via vertical ground reaction force (VGRF) and centre of pressure (COP) measurement with pressure-sensing insoles. During daily living, a variety of walking surfaces will be encountered, which could affect the collected data. These effects might need to be taken into account when analysing disease- or injury-related gait characteristics to prevent misinterpretation, especially when drawing conclusions from data obtained in clinical populations.

Longitudinal weight and plantar pressure distribution while standing after tibial or malleolar fractures in patients with or without fracture union.

Fracture healing is usually monitored by clinical impressions and radiographs. Objective and easy methods for assessing fracture healing without radiation would be beneficial. The aim of this study was to analyse whether weight and plantar pressure while standing can be used to monitor healing of tibial or malleolar fractures and whether these parameters can discriminate between patients with and without union.