Perioperative allogenic blood transfusions are associated with increased fracture related infection rates, but not nonunion in operatively treated distal femur fractures.

Introduction: Distal femur fractures are common injuries that remain difficult for orthopedic surgeons to treat. High complication rates, including nonunion rates as high as 24% and infection rates of 8%, can lead to increased morbidity for these patients. Allogenic blood transfusions have previously been identified as risk factors for infection in total joint arthroplasty and spinal fusion surgeries.

Radiographic parameters associated with fracture-related infection in high energy bicondylar tibial plateau fractures managed with two-stage treatment: Identifying the bad actors.

Introduction: High energy tibial plateau fractures are fraught with complications, particularly fracture-related infection (FRI). Previous studies have evaluated patient demographics, fracture classification, and injury characteristics as risk factors for FRI in patients with these injuries. This study evaluated the relationship between radiographic parameters (fracture length relative to femoral condyle width (FLF ratio), initial femoral displacement (FD ratio), and tibial widening (TW ratio)) and fracture-related infection following internal fixation in high energy bicondylar tibial plateau fractures.

External fixator pin placement during initial management of tibial plateau fractures: are there parameters to minimize pin-plate overlap?

Purpose: External fixator pin site overlap with definitive fixation implants (pin-plate overlap) has been identified as a risk factor for surgical site infection in tibial plateau fractures. Despite this, pin-plate overlap occurs in 24-38% of patients. This study sought to identify radiographic characteristics associated with pin-plate overlap to help minimize occurrences.

Are deep infections that present before and after 90 days from orthopaedic trauma different? An analysis of the validity of the recent change in CDC criteria for infections.

Background: In 2016, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) changed the time frame for their definition of deep surgical site infection (SSI) from within 1 year to within 90 days of surgery. We hypothesized that a substantial number of infections in patients who have undergone fracture fixation present beyond 90 days and that there are patient or injury factors that can predict who is more likely to present with SSI after 90 days.

Methods: A retrospective review yielded 452 deep SSI after fracture fixation.

Admission Hyperglycemia Is a Risk Factor for Deep Surgical-Site Infection in Orthopaedic Trauma Patients.

Objectives: To evaluate the association of admission blood glucose ≥200 mg/dL and surgical site infection in orthopaedic trauma surgery.

Design: Retrospective, case control study.

Setting: Academic trauma center.

Surgeons Cannot Predict Pilon Fracture Outcomes Based on Initial Radiographs.

This study sought to determine (1) whether surgeons can accurately predict functional outcomes of operative fixation of pilon fractures based on injury and initial postoperative radiographs, (2) whether the surgeon's level of experience is associated with the ability to successfully predict outcome, and (3) the association between patients' demographic and clinical characteristics and surgeons' prediction scores. A blinded, randomized provider survey was conducted at a level I trauma center. Seven fellowship-trained orthopedic traumatologists and 4 orthopedic trauma fellows who were blinded to outcome reviewed data regarding 95 pilon fractures in random order.

A Predictive Score for Determining Risk of Surgical Site Infection After Orthopaedic Trauma Surgery.

Objectives: To determine factors predictive of postoperative surgical site infection (SSI) after fracture fixation and create a prediction score for risk of infection at time of initial treatment.

Design: Retrospective cohort study.

Setting: Level I trauma center.

Long-term results of extensor mechanism reconstruction using Achilles tendon allograft after total knee arthroplasty.

Purpose: Disruption of the extensor mechanism after total knee arthroplasty (TKA) is an infrequent but devastating complication. Presently, limited data exists regarding the optimal treatment and long-term outcomes.

Methods: Patients who underwent reconstruction of their knee extensor mechanism using Achilles tendon allograft following TKA between January 2003 and January 2012 were identified.

Risk Factors for Failure of Bone Grafting of Tibia Nonunions and Segmental Bone Defects: A New Preoperative Risk Assessment Score.

Objective: To develop a clinically useful prediction model of success at the time of surgery to promote bone healing for established tibial nonunion or traumatic bone defects.

Design: Retrospective case controlled.

Setting: Level 1 trauma center.

Outcomes of ACL Reconstruction With Fixed Versus Variable Loop Button Fixation.

Suspensory femoral fixation of anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) grafts with fixed loop button and variable loop button devices has gained popularity for ACL reconstruction. This study examined these 2 methods of fixation to determine their effect on graft laxity and patient-reported outcome scores. A database search was performed to identify patients who had undergone ACL reconstruction with either a fixed loop or a variable loop button technique performed by the primary surgeon.