4 research outputs found
Biomechanical studies: Science (f)or common sense?
Optimising joint reconstruction management in arthritis and bone tumour patient
Interobserver Variability in the Treatment of Little Finger Metacarpal Neck Fractures
Purpose To address the null hypothesis that surgeons shown radiographs of little finger metacarpal neck fractures with measured fracture angulation would recommend surgery as often as surgeons shown unmarked radiographs. Methods Members of the Science of Variation Group, an international collaboration of fully trained orthopedic and trauma surgeons, were asked to review 20 little finger metacarpal neck fracture cases, which included a vignette and 3 high-quality radiographs. Members were then randomized to review radiographs with or without measured fracture angulation on the lateral view and select operative or nonoperative management. Results Surgeons shown radiographs with measured angulation were more likely to recommend surgery, and there was less variability among these surgeons, particularly for fractures with less angular deformity. Conclusions Measured fracture angulation has a small but significant influence on treatment recommendations for little finger metacarpal neck fractures. Copyright (C) 2014 by the American Society for Surgery of the Hand. All rights reserved
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Trigger Finger: Assessment of Surgeon and Patient Preferences and Priorities for Decision Making
Purpose To test the null hypothesis that there are no differences in the priorities and preferences of patients with idiopathic trigger finger (TF) and hand surgeons.
Methods One hundred five hand surgeons of the Science of Variation Group and 84 patients with TF completed a survey about their priorities and preferences in decision making regarding the management of TF. The questionnaire was structured according the Ottawa Decision Support Framework for the development of a decision aid.
Results Patients desired orthotics more and surgery less than physicians. Patients and physicians disagreed on the main advantage of several treatment options for TFs and on disadvantages of the treatment options. Patients preferred to decide for themselves after receiving advice, whereas physicians preferred a shared decision. Patients preferred booklets, and physicians opted for Internet and video decision aids.
Conclusions Comparing patients and hand surgeons, there were some differences in treatment preferences and perceived advantages and disadvantages regarding idiopathic TF differences that might be addressed by a decision aid. Copyright (C) 2014 by the American Society for Surgery of the Hand. All rights reserved
Factors associated with surgeon recommendation for additional cast immobilization of a CT-verified nondisplaced scaphoid waist fracture
INTRODUCTION
Data from clinical trials suggest that CT-confirmed nondisplaced scaphoid waist fractures heal with less than the conventional 8-12 weeks of immobilization. Barriers to adopting shorter immobilization times in clinical practice may include a strong influence of fracture tenderness and radiographic appearance on decision-making. This study aimed to investigate (1) the degree to which surgeons use fracture tenderness and radiographic appearance of union, among other factors, to decide whether or not to recommend additional cast immobilization after 8 or 12 weeks of immobilization; (2) identify surgeon factors associated with the decision to continue cast immobilization after 8 or 12 weeks.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
In a survey-based study, 218 surgeons reviewed 16 patient scenarios of CT-confirmed nondisplaced waist fractures treated with cast immobilization for 8 or 12 weeks and recommended for or against additional cast immobilization. Clinical variables included patient sex, age, a description of radiographic fracture consolidation, fracture tenderness and duration of cast immobilization completed (8 versus 12 weeks). To assess the impact of clinical factors on recommendation to continue immobilization we calculated posterior probabilities and determined variable importance using a random forest algorithm. Multilevel logistic mixed regression analysis was used to identify surgeon characteristics associated with recommendation for additional cast immobilization.
RESULTS
Unclear fracture healing on radiographs, fracture tenderness and 8 (versus 12) weeks of completed cast immobilization were the most important factors influencing surgeons' decision to recommend continued cast immobilization. Women surgeons (OR 2.96; 95% CI 1.28-6.81, p = 0.011), surgeons not specialized in orthopedic trauma, hand and wrist or shoulder and elbow surgery (categorized as 'other') (OR 2.64; 95% CI 1.31-5.33, p = 0.007) and surgeons practicing in the United States (OR 6.53, 95% CI 2.18-19.52, p = 0.01 versus Europe) were more likely to recommend continued immobilization.
CONCLUSION
Adoption of shorter immobilization times for CT-confirmed nondisplaced scaphoid waist fractures may be hindered by surgeon attention to fracture tenderness and radiographic appearance