Study: Plate Fixation for Clavicle Fractures Reduces Risk of Nonunion, Increases Risk of Complications

Maureen Leahy

A study examining clinical and functional outcomes after internal plate fixation of displaced midshaft clavicle fractures found that although the treatment reduces the risk of nonunion, it is associated with a significant risk of a secondary surgery. Results also revealed that, compared to conservative treatment, plate fixation does not improve shoulder function. Clavicle fractures have traditionally been treated nonsurgically with good results.

Patient-reported HRQL Following Surgical Management of Open Fractures

Maureen Leahy

A study presented at the 2016 Orthopaedic Trauma Association (OTA) annual meeting found that patients who had undergone surgical treatment for open fractures had not yet returned to their pre-injury health-related quality of life (HRQL) at 1 year follow-up. Additionally, HRQL scores were similar regardless of the irrigation solution or irrigation pressure used. The study was based on data from the Fluid Lavage in Open Fracture Wounds (FLOW) trial.

International Teams Are Making Advances in Scoliosis Research

Paul D. Sponseller, MD

With more than 1,500 attendees, the 51st annual meeting & course of the Scoliosis Research Society (SRS) was an opportunity to learn about the newest developments in both pediatric and adult deformity. The 3-day meeting, held in the Soviet-era Congress Centre in Prague, Czech Republic, included more than 130 podium presentations by researchers from all parts of the globe.

Keeping the Lifeblood of Orthopaedics Flowing

Sariah Khormaee, MD, PhD

For the past 13 years, the AAOS/Orthopaedic Research and Education Foundation (OREF)/Orthopaedic Research Society (ORS) Clinician Scholar Career Development Program (CSCDP) has brought together promising residents, fellows, and early-career attending surgeons for a 2-day workshop that inspires and prepares them to meet the unique challenges facing clinician scholars. The most recent program (Sept.

Second Look – Clinical News and Views

These items originally appeared in AAOS Headline News Now, a thrice-weekly enewsletter that keeps AAOS members up to date on clinical, socioeconomic, and political issues, with links to more detailed information. Subscribe at www.aaos.org/news/news.asp (member login required) Osteoporosis—According to a report by the International Osteoporosis Foundation (IOF), millions of people with osteoporosis are going undiagnosed and untreated, leaving them at risk for fracture.

Nth Dimensions: Completing the Circle

Terry Stanton

Rishi Balkissoon was introduced to orthopaedic surgery as a 12-year-old with an injured hand. He was treated with pin fixation for a fracture that disrupted the joint surface of a finger, because without the surgery, he was told, "Arthritis of that finger would probably develop and I wouldn't be able to bend it."