Early Mechanical Failures of the Synthes Variable Angle Locking Distal Femur Plate.

Objectives: To document the high failure rate of a specific implant: the Synthes Variable Angle (VA) Locking Distal Femur Plate.

Design: Retrospective.

Setting: Urban University Level I Trauma Center.

Can Thrombelastography Predict Venous Thromboembolic Events in Patients With Severe Extremity Trauma?

Objectives: An elevated maximal amplitude (mA) value with rapid thrombelastography on admission can identify general trauma patients with an increased risk of venous thromboembolic events (VTEs). We hypothesized that (1) the risk of VTE traditionally assigned to injury lies specifically in those who sustain major orthopaedic trauma and (2) an elevated admission mA value could be used to identify patients with major orthopaedic injuries at risk for VTE during initial hospital admission.

Design: Retrospective.

Does Postoperative Radiation Decrease Heterotopic Ossification After the Kocher-Langenbeck Approach for Acetabular Fracture?

Background: Controversy regarding heterotopic ossification (HO) prophylaxis exists after Kocher-Langenbeck for treatment of acetabular fracture. Prophylaxis options include antiinflammatory oral medications, single-dose radiation therapy, and débridement of gluteus minimus muscle. Prior literature has suggested single-dose radiation therapy as the best prophylaxis to prevent HO formation.

Do Transsacral-transiliac Screws Across Uninjured Sacroiliac Joints Affect Pain and Functional Outcomes in Trauma Patients?

Background: Patients with pelvic ring displacement and instability can benefit from surgical reduction and instrumentation to stabilize the pelvis and improve functional outcomes. Current treatments include iliosacral screw or transsacral-transiliac screw, which provides greater biomechanical stability. However, controversy exists regarding the effects of placement of a screw across an uninjured sacroiliac joint for pelvis stabilization after trauma.

Do Safe Radiographic Sacral Screw Pathways Exist in a Pediatric Patient Population and Do They Change With Age?

Objectives: Iliosacral screw pathways in the first (S1) and second (S2) sacral segments are commonly used for adult pelvic ring stabilization. We hypothesize that radiographically "safe" pathways exist in pediatric patients.

Setting: Academic level I Trauma Center.