Injury
-
The Internet is a resource that patients can use to learn about their injuries, treatment options, and surgeon. Previously, it was demonstrated that orthopaedic trauma patients are unlikely to use a reliable, provided source. It is unknown however, if patients are seeking information from elsewhere. The purpose of this study was to determine if orthopaedic trauma patients utilize the Internet and what websites are utilized. Our hypothesis was that the majority of patients use the Internet and when they do, are unlikely to use a reliable source. ⋯ Prognostic, Level II.
-
Multicenter Study
What is the acceptance of video consultations among orthopedic and trauma outpatients? A multi-center survey in 780 outpatients.
The purpose of the present study was to assess orthopedic and orthopedic trauma patients' willingness to perform hypothetical remote video consultations, possible advantages as well as concerns. ⋯ The majority of orthopedic and orthopedic trauma outpatients would use a video consultation, especially because of commuting and time issues and ideally to communicate medical findings, such as x-ray reports or lab values. Elderly patients appear to be less eager in regard to video consultations. These results may change for even better acceptance in view of a current pandemic situation, as experienced since early 2020. We feel that this assumption may warrant further investigation.
-
Removal of screws from a titanium locking plate is often difficult once the screw has seized and the head is damaged. Such stripped screws are removed with an extraction screw, which can be used manually or on power. We aim to compare the extraction rates using both these methods. ⋯ We recommend manual extraction with a T handle, rather than a power tool when removing the stripped locking screws (p-value <0.001). We feel that the haptic feedback provided when using manual extraction allows the surgeon to engage the extraction screws onto the damaged heads, thereby improving the extraction rates.
-
Although intraoperative imaging is important for assessing the quality of several steps during fracture fixation, most trainees and surgeons have received little formal education on this topic and report they learn "on the job" and "through practice". A planning committee of orthopedic trauma surgeons was established to design a curriculum using "backward planning" to identify patient problems, identify gaps in surgeons' knowledge and skills, and define competencies as a framework for education in order to optimize patient care. ⋯ Case-based, interactive seminars and courses addressing knowledge, skills, and attitudes to optimize the use of intraoperative imaging during the fixation of common fractures help address unmet educational needs for trainees and complements existing formal training.