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Biomedical subjects

Peter A Cole

Publications and source records attributed to Peter A Cole.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

Evidence-based resources and search strategies for orthopaedic surgeons.

Identification of information on a specific topic of interest can be a difficult and time-consuming task. The key to successful and time-efficient article identification is to use easily accessible, complete, and most up-to-date information sources and to perform a focused search that minimises hits without missing relevant articles. Pre-appraised articles and databases allowing "pre-filtering" techniques for high level evidence are useful for a quick search for the best available evidence. For a more comprehensive review, a combination of MEDLINE, EMBASE and meeting abstract databases is usually more than sufficient. Full-text publications can be obtained from the Cochrane library and from OVID.

Congresses as Topic↗

Treatment of scapula fractures: systematic review of 520 fractures in 22 case series.

BACKGROUND: Fractures of the scapula account for 3% to 5% of all fractures of the shoulder girdle and make up less than 1% of all broken bones. Scapula fractures typically occur after high-energy trauma, and approximately 90% of the patients have associated injuries. OBJECTIVE: (1) To determine the incidences of nonoperative and operative treatment of different scapula fracture types, (2) to systematically stratify the reported results of nonoperatively and operatively treated scapula fractures on the basis of different fracture types and to summarize functional results, and (3) to quantify infection and secondary surgical procedure rates after operative treatment.

Adult↗

Operative treatment of acute distal femur fractures: systematic review of 2 comparative studies and 45 case series (1989 to 2005).

BACKGROUND: The incidence of distal femur fractures is approximately 37 per 100,000 person-years. Typically, distal femur fractures are caused by a high-energy injury mechanism in young men or a low-energy mechanism in elderly women. Managing these fractures can be a challenging task. Most surgeons agree that distal femur fractures need to be treated operatively to achieve optimal patient outcomes. The articular fracture component is usually treated with open reduction and internal lag screw fixation or external tension wire fixation (Illizarov). However, there is no consensus on the type of implant for the fixation of the metaphyseal-diaphyseal fracture component. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study is to systematically summarize and compare the results of different fixation techniques (traditional compression plating, antegrade nailing, retrograde nailing, submuscular locked internal fixation, and external fixation) in the operative management of acute nonperiprosthetic distal femur fractures (AO/OTA type 33A and C) and the characteristics of the fractures for each treatment (articular/nonarticular and open/closed). Additionally an attempt was made to evaluate the impact of surgical experience on nonunion rate, fixation failure rate, deep infection rate, and secondary surgical procedure rate. In the context of this article compression plating relates to techniques/implants that require compression of the implant to the femoral shaft-it does not relate to interfragmentary compression.

Adult↗

Screening for extermity arterial injury with the arterial pressure index.

Certain extremity injuries presenting to the ED or Trauma Unit warrant increased suspicion for underlying arterial trauma. Such injuries include knee dislocations, displaced medial tibial plateau fractures and other displaced bicondylar fractures around the knee, open or segmental distal femoral shaft fractures, floating joints, gunshot wounds in proximity to neurovascular structures, or mangled extremities. Once the diagnosis of arterial trauma is made, a multi-disciplinary approach is warranted. The diagnostic strategies for vascular injury have undergone an evolution over the past 2 decades. One and a half percent to 4.6% of patients hospitalized with blunt extremity trauma have associated vascular compromise [Bunt TJ, Malone JM, Moody M, et al. Am J Surg 1990;160(2):226-8; Reid JD, Weigelt JA, Thal ER, et al. Arch Surg 1988;123(8):942-6; Applebaum R, Yellin AE, Weaver FA, et al. Am J Surg 1990;160(2):221-4; discussion 224-5; Dennis JW, Frykberg ER, Veldenz HC, et al. J Trauma 1998;44(2):243-52; discussion 242-3]. An efficient and effective evidence-based approach to diagnosing vascular injury is necessary, as the difficulty in diagnosis, the multiplicity of diagnostic strategies, the limited time frame in which to initiate appropriate treatment, the limb threatening complications of a missed diagnosis, and the increased awareness of health care expenditures make this entity an intimidating diagnostic challenge [Johansen K, Lynch K, Paun M, et al. J Trauma 1991;31(4):515-9; discussion 519-22; Lynch K, Johansen K. Ann Surg 1991;214(6):737-41; Walker ML, Poindexter Jr JM, Stovall I. Surg Gynecol Obstet 1990;170(2):97-105; Kendall RW, Taylor DC, Salvian AJ, et al. J Trauma 1993;35(6):875-8]. The purpose of this article is to present an evidence-based algorithm for patients who present with either arterial injury or a high-risk of arterial injury. A diagnostic algorithm will be presented, and the rationale for diagnostic interventions will be discussed in the context of current medical literature.

Angiography↗

The application of dermatotraction for primary skin closure.

Management of an open wound is a problem frequently encountered in the treatment of fractures. Skin grafting, rotational flaps, free flaps, and healing by secondary intention add a considerable amount of morbidity and cost to the patient. Therefore, it is ideal to obtain primary closure when possible. This communication describes a technique that uses spinal needles, using towel clips and the natural stretching ability of the skin to enable primary closure of wounds. The technique described uses dermatotraction to stretch the skin is a cost-effective way to achieve primary closure of large wounds with supplies that are readily available in every operating room.

Adult↗

Management of distal humerus fractures with minifragment fixation.

Minifragment implants provide several advantages for the stabilization of distal humerus fractures. Compared with small fragment implants, minifragment implants may provide enhanced fracture fixation because a greater number of screws can be placed into the distal fragments. In addition, minifragment plates are easier to contour and less prominent. We describe the surgical technique of minifragment fixation.

Adult↗

Treatment of acute midshaft clavicle fractures: systematic review of 2144 fractures: on behalf of the Evidence-Based Orthopaedic Trauma Working Group.

BACKGROUND: Fractures of the clavicle were reported to represent 2.6% of all fractures with an overall incidence of 64 per 100,000 per year (1987, Malmö, Sweden). Midshaft fractures account for approximately 69% to 81% of all clavicle fractures. Treatment options for acute midshaft clavicle fractures include nonoperative treatment (mostly sling or figure-of-eight bandage), open reduction and internal fixation with plates, and closed or open reduction and internal fixation with intramedullary pins, wires, or a nail. Most surgeons prefer nonoperative treatment of nondisplaced midshaft clavicle fractures. However, the optimal treatment option for isolated acute displaced midshaft clavicle fractures remains controversial. OBJECTIVES: This study was designed to systematically summarize and compare results of different treatment options (nonoperative, operative extramedullary fixation, and operative intramedullary fixation) in the management of midshaft clavicle fractures, specifically for displaced fractures.

Clavicle↗

Lower mortality in patients with scapular fractures.

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this research was to compare associated injuries and mortality in multiply injured patients with scapular fractures with those without scapular fractures. METHODS: A prospectively collected database of multiply injured motor vehicle occupants with an Injury Severity Score >12 admitted to a level I regional trauma center during from January 1, 1996, to December 31, 2001, was reviewed to assess skeletal and organ injuries associated with a scapular fracture. RESULTS: Of 2,538 motor vehicle occupants, 94 occupants with concomitant scapular fractures and 2,444 occupants without scapular fractures revealed that 76.6% of motor vehicle occupants who sustained scapular fractures were males with a mean age of 44.3 years (SD=18.9). The presence of a scapular fracture reduced the risk of mortality by 44% (95%CI: 1-75%). Patients with scapular fractures had a greater proportion of flail chest injuries [relative risk (RR), 8.8; p < 0.001], clavicle fractures (RR, 4.5; p < 0.001), rib fractures (RR, 3.1; p < 0.01), spine fractures (RR, 2.7; p < 0.001), and tibia and fibular fractures (RR, 1.7; p < 0.025). The presence of a chest injury, either a pneumothorax (RR, 3.7; p < 0.001) or a pulmonary contusion (RR, 3.5; p < 0.001), was significantly more likely in patients with scapular fractures than control patients. Injuries to the spleen (RR, 2.4; p < 0.01) and liver (RR, 2.2; p < 0.025) were also significantly more common in patients with scapular fractures when compared with those without them. CONCLUSIONS: In an observational study of multiply injured trauma patients from motor vehicle crashes, we report the following: (1) scapular fractures occur 3.7% of the time; (2) the presence of a scapular fracture was associated with a lower mortality; and (3) scapular fractures should alert healthcare personnel to the presence of other injuries, such as chest injuries, clavicle fractures, rib fractures, spine fractures, tibial fractures, and spleen and liver injuries. Our findings should be interpreted cautiously, because the mechanism of the association between scapular fractures and mortality remains unclear.

Accidents, Traffic↗

Biomechanical evaluation of the less invasive stabilization system, angled blade plate, and retrograde intramedullary nail for the internal fixation of distal femur fractures.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the stability of the retrograde intramedullary nail (IMN), angled blade plate (ABP), and a locked internal fixator (Less Invasive Stabilization System [LISS], Synthes, Paoli, PA) for internal fixation of distal femur fractures. DESIGN: Destructive biomechanical testing of matched pairs of fresh-frozen human cadaveric bone-implant constructs. SETTING: Biomechanical laboratory. METHODS: A fracture model was created to simulate an AO/OTA33-A3 fracture. Forty-eight matched pairs of specimens were used. Six groups of 8 pairs each were tested to failure: LISS versus ABP and LISS versus IMN (axial, torsional, and cyclical axial). MAIN OUTCOME MEASUREMENT: Load to failure, mode of failure, energy to failure, displacement at the load to failure, and stiffness. RESULTS: Fixation strength (load/moment to failure) of the LISS constructs was 34% greater in axial loading (P = 0.01) and 32% less in torsional loading (P = 0.05) compared with ABP constructs and 13% greater in axial loading (P = 0.35) and 45% less in torsional loading (P < 0.01) compared with IMN constructs. Loss of distal fixation in axial loading occurred in 1 of 16 cases with the LISS, in 3 of 8 cases with the ABP, and in 8 of 8 cases with the IMN. Cyclical axial loading demonstrated significantly less plastic deformation for the LISS construct compared with ABP constructs (P < 0.01) and similar plastic deformation compared with IMN constructs (P = 0.98). CONCLUSIONS: All 3 fixation devices (LISS, ABP, and IMN) offer sufficient torsional stability and sufficient proximal fixation that withstands axial loading without failing. The LISS provides improved distal fixation, especially in osteoporotic bone, at the expense of more displacement at the fracture site.

Aged↗

Treatment of distal femur fractures using the less invasive stabilization system: surgical experience and early clinical results in 103 fractures.

OBJECTIVE: To summarize the complications and early clinical results of 123 distal femur fractures treated with the Less Invasive Stabilization System (LISS; Synthes, Paoli, PA). DESIGN: Retrospective analysis of prospectively enrolled patients. SETTING: Two academic level I trauma centers. SUBJECTS AND PARTICIPANTS: One hundred nineteen consecutive patients with 123 distal femur fractures (OTA type 33 and distal type 32 fractures) treated by 3 surgeons. One hundred three fractures (68 closed fractures and 35 open fractures) in 99 patients were followed up at least until union (mean follow-up = 14 months, range: 3-50 months). INTERVENTION: Surgical reduction and fixation of distal femur fractures. MAIN OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS: Perioperative complications, radiographic union, infection rate, loss of fixation, alignment, and range of motion. RESULTS: Ninety-six (93%) of 103 fractures healed without bone grafting. All fractures eventually healed with secondary procedures, including bone grafting (1 of 68 closed fractures and 6 of 35 open fractures). There were 5 losses of proximal fixation, 2 nonunions, and 3 acute infections. No cases of varus collapse or screw loosening in the distal femoral fragment were observed. Malreductions of the femoral fracture were seen in 6 fractures (6%). The mean range of knee motion was 1 degrees to 109 degrees . CONCLUSIONS: Treatment of distal femur fractures with the LISS is associated with high union rates without autogenous bone grafting (93%), a low incidence of infection (3%), and maintenance of distal femoral fixation (100%). No loss of fixation in the distal femoral condyles was observed despite the treatment of 30 patients older than 65 years. The LISS is an acceptable surgical option for treatment of distal femoral fractures.

Adult↗

Treatment of proximal tibia fractures using the less invasive stabilization system: surgical experience and early clinical results in 77 fractures.

OBJECTIVE: To summarize the surgical experience and clinical results of the first 89 fractures of the proximal tibia treated with the Less Invasive Stabilization System (LISS; Synthes, Paoli, PA). DESIGN: Retrospective analysis of prospectively enrolled patients into a database. SETTING: Academic level I trauma center. SUBJECTS/PARTICIPANTS: Eighty-seven consecutive patients with 89 proximal tibia fractures (AO/OTA type 41 and proximal type 42 fractures) treated by 2 surgeons. Seventy-five patients with 77 fractures were followed until union. The mean follow-up was 14 months (range: 3-35 months). There were 55 closed fractures and 22 open fractures. INTERVENTION: Surgical reduction and fixation of fractures, followed by rehabilitation. MAIN OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS: Perioperative and postoperative complications, postoperative alignment, loss of fixation, time to full weight bearing, radiographic union, and range of motion. RESULTS: Seventy of 77 fractures healed without major complications (91%). There were 2 early losses of proximal fixation, 2 nonunions, 2 deep delayed infections, and 1 deep peroneal nerve palsy. Other complications included a superficial wound infection and 3 seromas. Postoperative malalignment occurred in 7 patients with 6 degrees to 10 degrees of angular deformity (6 flexion/extension and 1 varus/valgus malalignments), and an eighth patient had a 15 degrees flexion deformity. In 4 patients, the hardware was removed at an average of 13 months because of irritation (5%). The mean time for allowance of full weight bearing was 12.6 weeks (range: 6-21 weeks), and the mean range of final knee motion was 1 degrees to 122 degrees . CONCLUSIONS: The LISS provides stable fixation (97%), a high rate of union (97%), and a low (4%) rate of infection for proximal tibial fractures. The technique requires the successful use of new and unfamiliar surgical principles to effect an accurate reduction and acceptable rate of malalignment.

Adolescent↗

From eminence-based practice to evidence-based practice: a paradigm shift.

Evidence-based medicine differs from the traditional approach to health care in that in addition to relying on clinical experience, expert opinion, and knowledge of pathophysiology for clinical decision-making, clinicians identify important knowledge gaps and information needs, formulate answerable questions, identify potentially relevant research, assess the validity of evidence and results, and apply research evidence to individual patients in a way that takes into account the patients' particular experiences, expectations, and values. It is becoming increasingly important that physicians learn the concepts of EBM because many EBM-related concepts have become a part of daily clinical practice. This article uses examples from orthopedics to outline EBM principles and methods and the advantages of EBM over traditional approaches. It also discusses challenges in implementing EBM and suggests EBM-related resources for physicians.

Clinical Competence↗