Poor Agreement Between Next-Generation DNA Sequencing and Bacterial Cultures in Orthopaedic Trauma Procedures.

Background: Next-generation DNA sequencing (NGS) detects bacteria-specific DNA corresponding to the 16S ribosomal RNA gene and can identify bacterial presence with greater accuracy than traditional culture methods. The clinical relevance of these findings is unknown. The purpose of the present study was to compare the results from bacterial culture and NGS in order to characterize the potential use of NGS in orthopaedic trauma patients.

Effect of Training Modules on Hip Fracture Surgical Skills Simulation Performance: Early Validation of the AAOS/OTA Simulator.

Background: A preliminary validation study on a computer-based force-feedback simulation platform demonstrated the ability of the simulator to distinguish between novice and experienced users during a simulated hip-pinning procedure. The purpose of the present study was to further investigate whether the simulator and associated training modules are effective for improving user performance during simulated percutaneous hip-pinning procedures.

Methods: With institutional review board approval, 24 medical students at our institution were randomized to "Trained" and "Untrained" groups.

Construct Validation of a Novel Hip Fracture Fixation Surgical Simulator.

Introduction: A surgical simulation platform has been developed to simulate fluoroscopically guided surgical procedures by coupling computer modeling with a force-feedback device as a training tool for orthopaedic resident education in an effort to enhance motor skills and potentially minimize radiation exposure. The objective of this study was to determine whether the simulation platform can distinguish between novice and experienced practitioners of percutaneous pinning of hip fractures.

Methods: Medical students, orthopaedic residents, orthopaedic trauma fellows, and attending surgeons completed in situ hip-pinning simulation that recorded performance measures related to surgical accuracy, time, and use of fluoroscopy.

How Should We Secure Our Transplanted Meniscus? A Meta-analysis.

Background: Meniscal allograft transplant (MAT) is a salvage procedure for young patients with symptomatic meniscal deficiency. Although many studies report good outcomes, MAT remains controversial, and an optimal fixation technique for the meniscus roots is debated.

Purpose: To assess the overall outcome of MAT and compare the results of different meniscal root fixation techniques.

Operative management of acetabulum fractures in the obese patient: challenges and solutions.

In this review, we aim to increase our knowledge of the treatment of acetabular fractures in the obese patient population. The extremely high incidence of obesity in the USA is a looming health care concern that impacts aspects of health care in all medical specialties. There are specific concerns to the orthopedic surgeon when treating obese patients for acetabular fracture.

Heterotopic bone formation about the hip undergoes endochondral ossification: a rabbit model.

Background: Heterotopic ossification (HO) occurs most commonly after trauma and surgery about the hip and may compromise subsequent function. Currently available animal models describing the cellular progression of HO are based on exogenous osteogenic induction agents and may not reflect the processes following trauma.

Questions/purposes: We therefore sought to characterize the histologic progression of heterotopic bone formation in an animal model that recapitulates the human condition without the addition of exogenous osteogenic material.

Capacitive coupling reduces instrumentation-related infection in rabbit spines: a pilot study.

Background: Postoperative spine infections cause considerable morbidity. Patients are subjected to long-term antibiotic regimens and may require further surgery. Delivery of electric current through instrumentation can detach biofilm, allowing better antibiotic penetration and assisting in eradicating infection.

Heterotopic ossification after extremity blast amputation in a Sprague-Dawley rat animal model.

Objective: To create an animal survival model for heterotopic ossification (HO) in the residual limb of the rat after extremity blast amputation. The hypothesis was that extremity blast amputation spontaneously stimulates development of HO in the residual limb.

Methods: Twelve Sprague-Dawley rats underwent localized exposure to a controlled, high-energy blast.