Clinical orthopaedics and related research
-
Clin. Orthop. Relat. Res. · Dec 2014
An analysis of references used for the Orthopaedic In-Training Examination: what are their levels of evidence and journal impact factors?
Although the references recommended for the Orthopaedic In-Training Examination (OITE) have been evaluated in certain subspecialty domains, suggested reference level of evidence (LOE), impact factor, and citation age have not been evaluated comprehensively to our knowledge. ⋯ Our data show that the majority of the recommended readings for the OITE stem from higher impact general orthopaedic and major subspecialty journals. Furthermore the observed mean LOE of the recommended readings shows a preponderance of Levels IV and V research. These data may suggest that test-takers may find benefit in the review of high-level general orthopaedic journals, and review articles in particular while preparing for the OITE, although further study is necessary to determine optimal test preparation strategies. Finally, our study provides a baseline analysis of the study designs of OITE recommended references, and may provide insight for educators designing resident educational curricula.
-
Clin. Orthop. Relat. Res. · Dec 2014
Comorbidities in patients undergoing total knee arthroplasty: do they influence hospital costs and length of stay?
Increasing national expenditures and use associated with TKA have resulted in pressure to reduce costs through various reimbursement cuts. However, within the arthroplasty literature, few studies have examined the association of medical comorbidities on resource use and length of stay after joint arthroplasty. ⋯ Level IV, economic and decision analysis. See the Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.
-
Clin. Orthop. Relat. Res. · Dec 2014
Revision surgery occurs frequently after percutaneous fixation of stable femoral neck fractures in elderly patients.
Femoral neck fractures are a major public health problem. Multiple-screw fixation is the most commonly used surgical technique for the treatment of stable femoral neck fractures. ⋯ Level IV, therapeutic study.
-
Clin. Orthop. Relat. Res. · Dec 2014
Ilizarov fixator combined with an intramedullary nail for tibial nonunions with bone loss: is it effective?
Treatment of tibial nonunion with bone loss is extremely difficult. A variety of techniques have been described, but each has shortcomings, in particular prolonged external fixation time as well as serious complications such as nonunion and infection. Accordingly, we developed a technique that seeks to reduce these complications by using a circular external fixator in addition to an intramedullary nail to achieve union, limb lengthening, and stability of the regenerated segment. ⋯ Level IV, therapeutic study. See Guidelines for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.
-
Clin. Orthop. Relat. Res. · Dec 2014
External fixation for closed pediatric femoral shaft fractures: where are we now?
Recent advances in external fixation technique and pin design have sought to minimize complications such as pin site infection and premature removal of the external fixator. Although newer forms of internal fixation have gained popularity, external fixation may still have a role in managing pediatric femoral shaft fractures. ⋯ Level IV, therapeutic study. See Guidelines for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.