Citations

Abstract Objective: Determine if automated struts can successfully power a balanced cable transport (BCT) during tibial bone transport and thus benefit from the advantages of automation. Design: Retrospective observational case series. Setting: Level 1 trauma center. Patients/Participants: A retrospective analysis of 7 tibial BCTs using automated struts was performed with an average defect size of 102 mm. Outcomes: Union rate, complications, external fixation index, bone healing index, and mechanical alignment. Results: The average bone healing index was found to be 21.9 days/cm in bifocal BCT and 13.7 days/cm in trifocal BCT. Automated struts successfully powered 7 BCTs but were not without complications. Four patients had strut malfunctions necessitating unscheduled return to clinic. Other complications not secondary to the struts included pin tract infections (n = 4) and unplanned return to the operating room (n = 2, docking site nonunion and revision ankle arthrodesis). Conclusions: Automated struts powering BCT is feasible but not without complications. This treatment strategy combines the advantages of automation with the advantages of BCT. Incorporating automation into these complex constructs will allow for ease of use for patient and caregiver during the long process of bone transport, theoretically decrease noncompliance, which otherwise can cause severe complications, and increased segmentation, which may improve quality of regenerate bone formation. Level of Evidence: Level 4.

Abstract Rehabilitation after musculoskeletal trauma is globally acknowledged as essential for restoring function and improving quality of life; however, significant variation exists in rehabilitation frameworks and services worldwide. Although certain principles—such as early intervention, structured care pathways, and multidisciplinary approaches—are universally recognized as important determinants of outcomes in trauma patients, their implementation and effectiveness vary considerably due to differences in health care infrastructure, economic resources, policy frameworks, and cultural contexts. Drawing on comparative analyses of rehabilitation frameworks across regions, including North America, Latin America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, and Africa, this paper identifies structural variations, systemic challenges, and innovations that can inform global rehabilitation efforts. Strategic international collaboration focusing on shared learning, standardized protocols, technology integration, and targeted investments is key to creating equitable and sustainable rehabilitation models, especially in resource-limited settings and aging populations.

Abstract The Fracture Nonunion Symposium presented at the 2024 Orthopaedic Trauma Association Basic Science Focus Forum featured invited speakers who discussed current perspectives on this topic. Clinical approaches, diagnostic advancements, basic science perspectives, and novel treatment strategies were discussed. This symposium was curated to highlight this common and challenging clinical problem faced by orthopaedic and musculoskeletal practitioners from around the globe.

Background: Patients with acute ischemic stroke secondary to distal and medium vessel occlusion (AIS-DMVO) and minor strokes present a challenge in determining the most appropriate emergent treatment. Factors leading to early neurological deterioration (END) in this patient population are understudied, but END is known to result in poor functional outcomes. Therefore, we aimed to investigate the factors contributing to END in minor AIS-DMVO cases. Methods: We included patients with AIS-DMVO and minor strokes from 37 sites across North America, Asia, and Europe. Minor stroke was defined as a baseline National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) score of ⩽5. The primary outcome measure, END, was defined as a shift of ⩾4 points in the NIHSS score at day one after treatment compared to baseline. Univariable and multivariable logistic regression analyses were performed to identify factors associated with END. Results: Among 559 consecutive patients with DMVO and minor strokes, END was reported in 68 patients. In multivariable analysis, mechanical thrombectomy (MT) was independently associated with higher odds of END (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 2.37, 95% CI 1.12–5.02, p = 0.02), while intravenous thrombolysis (IVT) was associated with lower odds of END (aOR 0.46, 95% CI 0.26–0.81, p = 0.008). However, the association between MT and END was no longer statistically significant in the IPTW-adjusted analysis (OR 1.65, 95% CI 0.69–3.98, p = 0.26). Hypertension and antiplatelet use at baseline were also independently associated with END. Among MT-treated patients, successful and excellent recanalization and first-pass effect were protective against END. Conclusion: MT was associated with END in patients with minor AIS-DMVO, although this association was not significant after IPTW adjustment. IVT was independently associated with reduced risk of END. These findings support careful patient selection and further study in randomized trials.

Abstract OBJECTIVES: · To determine if patients with knee flexion contracture after distal femur fracture have poorer outcomes than patients who regain full knee extension. · To determine if factors such as patient age, gender, open fracture or implant used favors knee flexion contracture. METHODS: Design: Prospective, multicenter trial Setting: Twenty academic level I trauma centers Patient Selection Criteria: Patients with a distal femur fracture. Patients were evaluated for knee flexion contracture at 3, 6 and 12 months post-operatively. Outcome Measures and Comparisons: SMFA, Bother Index and EQ Health Index scores were recorded. Walking and stair climbing ability were assessed. RESULTS: · 126 patients had radiographic follow up for 12 months. There was clinical follow-up for 99 patients at 3 months, 90 patients at 6 months and 74 pts at 12 months. · Patients with full knee extension had better SMFA scores at 12 months than patients with knee flexion contracture (p = 0.308). · Bother Index (p = 0.29) and EQ Health State (p = 0.12) scores did not demonstrate a difference between patients with or without knee flexion contracture at any time point. · Patients with full knee extension had improved walking ability compared to patients with flexion contracture (p = 0.008). Patients with full knee extension had better stair climbing ability than patients with flexion contracture (p = 0.02). · Only older patient age showed a difference in likelihood of flexion contracture (p = 0.01) The rates of flexion contracture in women versus men (p = 0.51), RIMN versus LLP (p = 0.74) and open versus closed fracture (p = 0.24) were not statistically different. CONCLUSIONS: · Patients with knee flexion contractures after distal femur fracture do worse than patients who regain full extension. · Older patients with distal femur fractures are at greater risk for knee flexion contracture. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level I

Objective Mechanical thrombectomy (MT) is well-established for the treatment of acute ischemic stroke (AIS) from large vessel occlusion (LVO), with growing data supporting the expansion to distal and medium vessel occlusions (DMVO). Despite successful recanalization in DMVO, certain patients still experience poor long-term clinical outcomes, prompting our study to comprehensively explore pre-MT factors influencing outcome despite excellent recanalization (final modified Thrombolysis in Cerebral Infarction [mTICI] score ≥2c). Methods We retrospectively examined data from patients who consecutively underwent MT for a primary middle cerebral artery (MCA) DMVO across 37 centers in North America, Asia, and Europe. We identified baseline clinical and imaging factors associated with poor clinical outcome (defined as a modified Rankin Scale [mRS] score of 3–6) at 3 months, despite excellent recanalization using a multivariable model. Results Between September 2017 and July 2021, 623 patients achieved mTICI > 2b and they were included in our study. Among them, 198 (32%) experienced a poor clinical outcome (mRS 3–6). Predictors of poor clinical outcome included higher age (OR 1.05 [1.03–1.07], p < 0.001), higher NIHSS at admission (OR 1.12 [1.08–1.15], p < 0.001), higher baseline mRS (OR 1.77 [0.96–3.26], p = 0.067), and diabetes (OR 1.59 [1.01–2.48], p = 0.044). Higher ASPECTS was associated with a decreased risk of poor clinical outcome (OR 0.82 [0.71–0.94], p = 0.006). Conclusion Older age, diabetes, higher baseline mRS, and NIHSS were associated with poor clinical outcome in MCA DMVO despite excellent recanalization. Conversely, a higher ASPECTS decreased the probability of such an outcome.

OBJECTIVE Mechanical thrombectomy (MT) is well established for large-vessel occlusion (LVO) strokes, but its safety in distal and medium-vessel occlusions (DMVOs) requires further investigation. This study analyzed the relationship between procedural approaches, petechial hemorrhage (PetH), and clinical outcomes in DMVO thrombectomy, with particular attention to technical considerations and the complex interplay between tissue injury and hemorrhagic complications. METHODS A retrospective cohort study was conducted on DMVO stroke patients treated with MT at 37 stroke centers worldwide from 2016 to 2024. Patients were categorized based on follow-up imaging into those with or without PetH. Four logistic regression models analyzed the association of PetH with favorable functional outcomes (modified Rankin Scale score ≤ 2) at 90 days, early neurological improvement (≥ 4-point National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale score decrease at 24 hours), all-cause mortality, and independent determinants of PetH. Adjusted odds ratios (aORs), 95% confidence intervals, and p values were reported. RESULTS Of 1428 patients, 439 (30.7%) developed PetH. Factors independently associated with PetH were multiple thrombectomy passes (aOR 1.58, 95% CI 1.21–2.06; p = 0.001), IV thrombolysis (aOR 1.31, 95% CI 1.01–1.69; p = 0.04), and the combined use of a stent retriever with aspiration as the first-line method compared with aspiration alone (aOR 1.66, 95% CI 1.15–2.38; p = 0.007). Conversely, general anesthesia (aOR 0.55, 95% CI 0.40–0.77; p < 0.001), higher Alberta Stroke Program Early CT Scores (aOR 0.76, 95% CI 0.69–0.83; p < 0.001), and successful recanalization (aOR 0.56, 95% CI 0.39–0.80; p = 0.002) were significantly associated with a lower odds of PetH. PetH was associated with a decreased odds of favorable functional outcomes (aOR 0.51, 95% CI 0.36–0.73; p < 0.001), reduced early neurological improvement (aOR 0.59, 95% CI 0.44–0.79; p < 0.001), and increased all-cause mortality (aOR 1.84, 95% CI 1.23–2.76; p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS PetH is a frequent sequela following MT in DMVO strokes and is associated with poorer outcomes, likely reflecting underlying ischemic injury rather than direct causation. Procedural factors influence PetH risk, suggesting medical treatment as first-line therapy for DMVOs, with MT reserved for refractory cases using less aggressive approaches.

Abstract Case: A 42-year-old African-American woman sustained a type IIIA open pilon fracture requiring open reduction internal fixation complicated by wound dehiscence. Acute shortening for primary wound closure was performed followed by relengthening in a circular frame. Owing to the patient's intolerance to the circular frame, pre-existing osseous deformity, large body habitus, and soft tissue compromise, conversion to intramedullary stabilization with standard nailing was deemed exceedingly difficult. We describe the use of a photodynamic bone stabilization system allowing for percutaneous entry and implant flexibility for the purpose of early circular frame removal. Conclusion: This case demonstrates successful protection of immature regenerate using a photodynamic bone stabilization system, offering another tool to minimize time spent in a circular frame.

Background Endovascular therapy (EVT) for stroke due to distal or medium vessel occlusion (DMVO) is safe. Due to the distinct anatomical characteristics of DMVOs, further evaluation of EVT is crucial to determine which devices may yield better outcomes. Methods A retrospective analysis of adults with DMVO treated in 37 centers (11 countries) was queried. The primary outcome of favorable shift in 90-day modified Rankin Scale (mRS) was compared between patients treated with Trevo versus other devices on first pass using 1:1 propensity score matching (PSM) with multivariable adjustment. Secondary outcomes included the number of pass attempts, final thrombolysis in cerebral infarction (TICI) score 2b-3, symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage (sICH), improvement in National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) at 24h, and 90-day mortality. Results Of the 1115 included patients, 264 (24%) were treated with Trevo (PSM cohort of 261 per group). Trevo use was not associated with a favorable 90-day mRS shift (proportional odds ratio [OR] 1.10, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.80–1.51). Trevo was associated with fewer passes (adjusted β=-0.25, 95% CI −0.48 - −0.03), higher odds of TICI 2b-3 (adjusted OR 1.97, 95% CI 1.11–3.49), and a greater 24h NIHSS improvement (adjusted β= −1.74, 95% CI −3.11 - −0.36), with no difference in sICH or mortality (p>0.05). Results were similar in sensitivity analyses. Conclusions We observed no safety concerns with Trevo as compared to other EVT devices for DMVO recanalization. There was a signal of better technical efficacy and early clinical improvement.

PURPOSE The combination of the Bruton tyrosine kinase inhibitor ibrutinib with bendamustine-rituximab for first-line treatment of mantle cell lymphoma (MCL) prolonged progression-free survival (PFS), but without improvement in overall survival (OS), likely because of toxicity. Acalabrutinib was shown to be efficacious and less toxic than ibrutinib in a head-to-head trial in chronic lymphocytic leukemia and therefore might lead to better outcomes in MCL. METHODS Patients 65 years and older with previously untreated MCL received acalabrutinib (100 mg twice daily) or placebo (until disease progression or unacceptable toxicity), plus six cycles of bendamustine (90 mg/m 2 once daily; days 1 and 2) and rituximab (375 mg/m 2 as a single dose; day 1) followed by rituximab maintenance in responding patients for 2 years. Crossover to acalabrutinib at disease progression was permitted. The primary end point was PFS per the independent review committee; overall response rate and OS were secondary end points. RESULTS In total, 598 patients were randomly assigned, with 299 in each arm. At a median follow-up of 49.8 months using the reverse Kaplan-Meier method, the median PFS was 66.4 months in the acalabrutinib arm and 49.6 months in the placebo arm (hazard ratio [HR], 0.73 [95% CI, 0.57 to 0.94]; P = .0160). Benefit was seen across all subgroups, including those with high-risk features. Overall response/complete response rates were 91.0%/66.6% and 88.0%/53.5% in the acalabrutinib and placebo arms, respectively. OS was not significantly different (HR, 0.86 [95% CI, 0.65 to 1.13]; P = .27). Grade 3 or greater adverse events were reported in 88.9% and 88.2% in the acalabrutinib and placebo arms, respectively. CONCLUSION The combination of acalabrutinib with bendamustine-rituximab significantly improved PFS. Clinical benefit of acalabrutinib with bendamustine-rituximab was achieved with manageable toxicity.