Increasing rates of surgical treatment for paediatric diaphyseal forearm fractures: a National Database Study from 2000 to 2012.
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ABSTRACT: Purpose fractures are one of the most commonly sustained injuries in children and are often treated non-operatively. The purpose of this study was to estimate the rate of inpatient surgical treatment of paediatric forearm fractures over time using a large, publicly available, national database.The Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project (HCUP) Kids' Inpatient Database (KID) was evaluated between 2000 and 2012. Forearm fractures and surgeries were identified using International Classification of Diseases, 9th Revision, Clinical Modification (ICD-9 CM) diagnosis and procedure codes. Univariable and multivariable logistic regression were used to determine variables associated with greater proportion of surgical treatment. All statistical analyses were performed using SAS statistical software v.9.4 (SAS Institute Inc., Cary, NC, USA). Statistical significance was set at p < 0.05.The database identified 30 936 forearm fracture admissions. Overall, 19 837 of these patients were treated surgically (64.12%). The percentage of patients treated with surgery increased from 59.3% in 2000 to 70.0% in 2012 (p < 0.001). Multivariable regression analysis found increased age (p < 0.001), more recent year (p < 0.001), male gender (p = 0.003) and admission to a children's hospital (p < 0.001) were associated with an increased proportion of patients receiving surgical treatment. Medicaid payer status was associated with a lower proportion of surgical treatment (p < 0.001).The rate of operative treatment for paediatric forearm fractures admitted to the hospital increased over time. Increased surgical rates were associated with older age, male gender, treatment at a children's hospital and non-Medicaid insurance status.
Project description:BackgroundDynamic compression plate (DCP) osteosynthesis is the gold standard for treating forearm diaphyseal fractures, providing stability and promoting healing. Locking plates (LPs) are increasingly used in modern fracture management but may increase the risk of nonunion if applied with excessive rigidity and without proper fracture site compression. The purpose of this study is to compare the nonunion rate between LPs and DCPs.Materials and methodsWe conducted a retrospective study by reviewing the medical records and radiographs of 515 patients diagnosed with radial and/or ulnar shaft fractures at three trauma centers between 2014 and 2019. Inclusion criteria were patients treated with locking plates (LPs), locking compression plates (LCPs), or dynamic compression plates (DCPs) who had at least 9 months of outpatient follow-up and imaging assessments. Exclusion criteria included treatment with other methods, hospitalization for pathological fractures or implant removal, or incomplete surgical records. Data on patient demographics, injury details, and surgical outcomes were collected to compare nonunion rates, as well as early and late complications, between the LP and DCP groups.ResultsA total of 368 patients were included in the analysis. Among them, 132 (35.9%) had isolated radial shaft fractures, 116 (31.5%) had isolated ulnar shaft fractures, and 120 (32.6%) had both-bone fractures. Of these, 124 patients received LP implants, 98 were treated with LCPs, and 146 were treated with DCPs. Early complications were comparable among the groups; however, the nonunion rate was significantly higher in the LP group (18.5% versus 11.2% versus 6.2%, p < 0.007). Logistic regression identified LP use [odds ratio (OR): 3.05, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.24-7.53] as a significant predictor of nonunion. Notably, LPs lacking dynamic compression functionality were associated with markedly higher odds of nonunion in radial shaft fractures (OR: 26.94, 95% CI 3.52-206.15). These findings collectively indicate that LPs increase the nonunion rate in forearm fractures.ConclusionsUsing LPs without compression functionality to treat forearm diaphyseal fractures increases the nonunion rate, particularly in radial shaft fractures. Therefore, we recommend using LCPs or DCPs for forearm diaphyseal fractures to ensure adequate compression at the fracture site during fixation, thereby promoting optimal bone healing rates.Level of evidenceLevel III: retrospective comparative therapeutic study.
Project description:This paper entails a clinical review of outcomes and complications of 19 consecutive paediatric patients having undergone elastic stable intramedullary nailing for diaphyseal forearm fractures over a one year period. The mean age of patients was 9 years. The majority were male with a ratio of 17:2. In this group there were two patients with grade 1 open fractures. Four of the fractures required open reduction due to difficulty in reduction and soft tissue interposition. All fractures went on to osseous union with minimal deformity and full recovery. There were three complications which included one EPL rupture requiring delayed repair, one EPB partial rupture repaired at time of surgery, and one superficial radial nerve injury. Two patients also presented with nails penetrating the skin prior to removal. Elastic stable intramedullary nails offer good fixation to control deformity in midshaft forearm fractures for paediatric patients. However there is a high rate of possible complications around the radial insertion point.
Project description:BackgroundIt is unclear whether it is safe to convert above-elbow cast (AEC) to below-elbow cast (BEC) in a child who has sustained a displaced diaphyseal both-bone forearm fracture that is stable after reduction. In this multicenter study, we wanted to answer the question: does early conversion to BEC cause similar forearm rotation to that after treatment with AEC alone?Children and methodsChildren were randomly allocated to 6 weeks of AEC, or 3 weeks of AEC followed by 3 weeks of BEC. The primary outcome was limitation of pronation/supination after 6 months. The secondary outcomes were re-displacement of the fracture, limitation of flexion/extension of the wrist and elbow, complication rate, cast comfort, complaints in daily life, and cosmetics of the fractured arm.Results62 children were treated with 6 weeks of AEC, and 65 children were treated with 3 weeks of AEC plus 3 weeks of BEC. The follow-up rate was 60/62 and 64/65, respectively with a mean time of 6.9 (4.7-13) months. The limitation of pronation/supination was similar in both groups (18 degrees for the AEC group and 11 degrees for the AEC/BEC group). The secondary outcomes were similar in both groups, with the exception of cast comfort, which was in favor of the AEC/BEC group.InterpretationEarly conversion to BEC cast is safe and results in greater cast comfort.
Project description:IntroductionDistal forearm fractures (DFF) account for 1.5% of emergency department (ED) visits in the United States. Clinicians frequently obtain imaging above/below the location of injury to rule out additional injuries. We sought to determine the incidence of associated proximal fractures (APF) in the setting of DFF and to evaluate the imaging practices in a nationally representative sample of EDs.MethodsWe queried the 2013 National Emergency Department Sample using International Classification of Diseases, 9th edition, diagnostic codes for DFF and APF. Current Procedural Technology codes identified associated imaging studies. We calculated national estimates using a weighted analysis of patient and hospital-level characteristics associated with APF and imaging practices. An analysis of costs estimated the financial impact of additional imaging in patients with DFF using Medicare reimbursement to approximate costs according to the 2018 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule.ResultsIn 2013, an estimated 297,755 ED visits (weighted) were associated with a DFF, of which 1.6% (4836 cases) had an APF. The incidence of APF was lower among females (odds ratio [OR] (0.76); 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.64-0.91) but higher in metropolitan teaching hospitals compared to metropolitan non-teaching hospitals (OR [2.39]; 95% CI, 1.43-3.99) and Level 1 trauma centers (OR [3.9]; 95%, 1.91-7.96) compared to non-trauma centers. Approximately 40% (n = 117,948) of those with only DFF received non-wrist radiographs and 19% (n = 55,236) underwent non-wrist/non-forearm imaging. Factors independently associated with additional imaging included gender, payer, patient and hospital rurality, hospital region, teaching status, ownership, and trauma center level. Nearly $3.6 million (2018 U.S. dollars) was spent on the aforementioned additional imaging.ConclusionDespite the frequency of proximal imaging in patients with DFF, the incidence of APF was low. Further study to identify risk factors for APF based on mechanism and physical examination factors may result in reduced imaging and decreased avoidable healthcare spending.
Project description:Closed treatment of paediatric diaphyseal forearm fractures carries the risk of re-displacement, which can lead to symptomatic malunions. This is because growth will not correct angulation deformity as it does in metaphyseal fractures. The purpose of this prospective cohort study was to evaluate the outcomes after 3-D-planned corrective osteotomy with patient-specific surgical guides for paediatric malunited forearm fractures causing impaired pro-supination. Our primary outcome measure was the gain in pro-supination at 12 months follow-up. Fifteen patients with a mean age at trauma of 9.6 years and time until osteotomy of 5.9 years were included. Preoperatively, patients displayed a mean pro-supination of 67° corresponding to 44% of the contralateral forearm. At final follow-up, this improved to 128°, achieving 85% of the contralateral side. Multivariate linear regression analysis revealed that predictors of greater functional gain after 3-D corrective osteotomy are severe preoperative impairment in pro-supination, shorter interval until 3-D corrective osteotomy and greater angulation of the radius.Level of evidence: III.
Project description:BackgroundDiaphyseal radius and ulna fractures require surgical fixation in adults. Open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) have been considered the gold standard of treatment. The recent development of an interlocking intramedullary nail (IMN) has provided an alternative treatment method for these fractures. The objective of this meta-analysis is to compare the outcomes and complications of IMN versus ORIF for diaphyseal forearm fractures in adults.MethodsMEDLINE and Embase were searched from January 1, 2000, through January 7, 2024. All English-language studies were included comparing radiographic and functional outcomes for interlocking IMN fixation and ORIF of diaphyseal forearm fractures in adults (age ≥ 18 years). Study demographics, fracture data, functional outcomes, radiographic outcomes, and complications were extracted. Study quality was determined using the ROBINS-I criteria for cohort studies and the Cochrane risk of bias 2.0 (RoB 2) tool for randomized controlled trials. Meta-analysis of included studies used odds ratios and standardized mean difference when appropriate. Data was analyzed using subgroups of all diaphyseal fractures (including isolated radius or ulna fractures) and those with BBFFs.ResultsNine studies were included for analysis. There were 42 isolated radius, 80 isolated ulna, and 116 both-bone fractures (BBFF) treated with IMN and 36 radius, 81 ulna, and 116 both-bone fractures treated with ORIF. Compared to ORIF, IMN of diaphyseal forearm fractures appeared to be associated with shorter operative times and a lower overall complication rate. Time-to-union and the rate of nonunion following IMN were similar to ORIF. According to the Grace-Eversmann score, functional outcomes tended to be better following IMN, but DASH scores were similar between fixation strategies.ConclusionsOur findings suggest that interlocking IMN can be a safe and effective treatment option for simple and complex diaphyseal forearm fractures in adults. Further high-quality studies are needed to define indications for treating diaphyseal fractures with an interlocking IMN.Level of evidenceTherapeutic Level IV.
Project description:Background and purposeprevious RCT compared short-term results of above-elbow cast (AEC) with early conversion to below-elbow cast (BEC) in children with non-reduced diaphyseal both-bone forearm fractures. After 7 months both groups had comparable function. Our primary aim was to investigate whether forearm rotation improves or worsens over time. Secondary aims were loss of flexion and extension of the elbow and wrist, patient-reported outcomes measures, grip strength ratio, and radiographic assessment.Patients and methodsWe performed long-term follow-up (FU) of a previous RCT. All patients were invited again for the long-term FU measurements. Primary outcome was limitation of forearm rotation. Secondary outcomes were loss of flexion and extension of the elbow and wrist compared with the contralateral forearm, the ABILHAND-Kids questionnaire and the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH) questionnaire, grip strength ratio, and radiographic assessment.ResultsThe mean FU was 7.5 (4.4-9.6) years. Of the initial 47 children, 38 (81%) participated. Rotation improved in both groups over time, with no significant difference in the final forearm rotation: 8° (SD 22) for the AEC group and 8° (SD 15) for the BEC group with a mean difference of 0° (95% confidence interval -13 to 12). Secondary outcomes showed no statistically significant differences. Finally, children < 9 years almost all have full recovery of function.ConclusionLong-term follow-up showed that loss of forearm rotation after a non-reduced diaphyseal both-bone forearm fracture improved significantly compared with that at 7 months, independent of the initial treatment and children aged < 9 will have almost full recovery of function. This substantiates that the remaining growth behaves like a "friend" at long-term follow-up.
Project description:The aim of this study was to identify predictors of a superior functional outcome after corrective osteotomy for paediatric malunited radius and both-bone forearm fractures. We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis of individual participant data, searching databases up to 1 October 2016. Our primary outcome was the gain in pronosupination seen after corrective osteotomy. Individual participant data of 11 cohort studies were included, concerning 71 participants with a median age of 11 years at trauma. Corrective osteotomy was performed after a median of 12 months after trauma, leading to a mean gain of 77° in pronosupination after a median follow-up of 29 months. Analysis of variance and multiple regression analysis revealed that predictors of superior functional outcome after corrective osteotomy are: an interval between trauma and corrective osteotomy of less than 1 year, an angular deformity of greater than 20° and the use of three-dimensional computer-assisted techniques.Level of evidenceII.
Project description:BackgroundFor 20 years, authors have predicted an expansion in total knee arthroplasty (TKA) and total hip arthroplasty (THA) utilization. Over this same period, the introduction of biological disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs has dramatically altered the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) with hopes of preventing articular damage and obviating the need for prosthetic replacement. The goal of our investigation was to evaluate TKA and THA utilization in young patients with RA (<65 years) in 2005 vs 2014 compared to patients with osteoarthritis (OA).MethodsUsing relevant International Classification of Disease Ninth Revision (ICD-9) and Current Procedural Terminology codes, the Truven MarketScan Database (over 46 million enrollees) was queried to determine THA and TKA incidence rates for RA and OA patients aged <65 years during the final decade of ICD-9 use. Patients with potentially confounding ICD-9 codes were excluded to limit coding variation. Statistical analysis consisted of student t-tests, Pearson's chi-square tests, and Breslow-Day tests.ResultsFor patients with OA, TKAs increased substantially from 0.07% in 2005 to 0.1% in 2014 (+42.9% change, P < .001). Similarly for patients with OA, THAs increased from 0.04% to 0.06% over the same time period (+66.0% change, P < .001). For young patients with RA, the rate of TKA remained relatively stable-1.06% in 2005 to 1.04% in 2014 (-1.7% change, P = .65)-as did THA-0.44% to 0.48% (+9.0% change, P = .14).ConclusionsDramatic increases in THA and TKA rates for OA patients aged <65 years were indeed observed from 2005 to 2014. This trend, however, was not seen in the RA population where TKA and THA rates remained unchanged.
Project description:BackgroundDiaphyseal femur fractures contribute up to 40% of paediatric orthopaedic admissions with the World Health Organisation data showing youth are particularly vulnerable and road traffic injuries are the leading cause of death for children and young adults. Different mechanisms results to these injuries and they vary with age and geographical location of the patient. Understanding the incidence, mechanism and pattern of these injuries allows planning for preventive measures and treatment to meet modern day patient demands, generation of appropriate and timely protocols with minimum social and economic burden to the patient and family.Objectives and methodsA hospital based cross sectional study was conducted using the orthopaedic department patient registry among children aged under 18 years admitted from 2014-2018. Our research question was to determine the epidemiology of diaphyseal femur fractures and coexisting associated injuries among admitted paediatric orthopaedic patients. Patient files were reviewed from the medical records department and a data collecting sheet was used to record demographics and injury data. Odds ratios with 95% confidence intervals for associated injuries in paediatric diaphyseal femur fractures were estimated using multivariable logistic regression model.ResultsWe found the prevalence of diaphyseal femur fracture among paediatric orthopaedic admissions was 18% with the majority 111 (68.5%) being males. The leading injury mechanism was a fall (57.4%) followed by road traffic injuries (35.8%) out of which 48.3% resulted from pedestrian vs motorcycle accidents. Traumatic brain injury (TBI) was the most common associated injuries accounting for 69% of these injuries with the majority 79% occurring in patients aged 6 years and older. With age specific analysis, children in 6-12 years and 13-18 years age groups, had 8 and 11 times higher odds for associated injuries (OR 8.25, 95% CI, 1.04-65.31) p = 0.046 and (OR 10.54, 95% CI, 1.26-88.31) p = 0.031 respectively compared to those younger ≤ 2 years. Road traffic related injuries had 17 times higher odds of associated injuries when compared to fall (OR 16.73, 95% CI, 6.28-44.57) p < 0.001. 112 (69.1%) of femur fractures were treated by non-operative method out of this 90 (55.6%) by traction with delayed Spica application. The overall mean duration of hospital stay was 18.5 ± 11 days.ConclusionPedestrian vs motorcycle injuries was the leading specific cause of paediatric diaphyseal femur fractures with TBI being the common associated injury. Non-operative management was the most utilized treatment plan and contributed to ten times higher odds for a longer duration of hospital stay. Initiatives to insure children safety on roads should be strengthened in order to reduce/eliminate this burden. Application and practice of current evidence based clinical guidelines and recommendations is paramount for timely and appropriate treatment of these injuries.