Journal of orthopaedic trauma
Audio Summaries

Outcomes after Retrograde Intramedullary Nailing of 33C Femur Fractures

Jul 29, 2026

The authors aimed to evaluate the outcomes of patients with complete articular distal femur fractures treated with open reduction and retrograde intramedullary nailing. Their retrospective cohort study of 127 patients found a high osseous union rate of 99%, a reoperation rate of 15.4%, and maintained anatomical reductions, suggesting that this surgical technique is an effective treatment option for these fractures.

Posterior Tibial Tendon Transfer and Achilles Tendon Lengthening for Foot Drop

Jul 17, 2026

The authors aim to evaluate the effectiveness of posterior tibial tendon transfer combined with percutaneous Achilles tendon lengthening as a treatment for chronic post-traumatic foot drop due to irreversible peroneal nerve injury. They highlight key technical considerations and rehabilitation principles associated with this surgical approach, which offers a durable solution for restoring ankle dorsiflexion and enhancing ambulation in affected patients.

Intraarticular Distal Humerus With Anconeus Pedicle and Olecranon Osteotomy

Jul 17, 2026

The authors aim to describe an effective surgical technique for managing comminuted, intraarticular Y-type bicolumnar distal humerus fractures. They detail the use of an olecranon osteotomy with an anconeus pedicle flap, combined with minifragment plating and dual locking plates, to achieve optimal articular reduction and restore elbow function.

Ankle Syndesmotic Injury With Posterior Tibial Tendon Rupture

Jul 17, 2026

The authors investigate the rare occurrence of concomitant posterior tibial tendon rupture in patients with isolated ankle syndesmotic injuries, which are often overlooked in clinical evaluations. They emphasize the necessity for thorough clinical and imaging assessments to identify associated soft-tissue injuries and advocate for primary tendon repair when such ruptures are detected.

Is the use of retrospectively collected radiographic scores an accurate method to determine time to union? A retrospective clinical cohort

Jul 17, 2026

The authors aimed to evaluate the accuracy of retrospectively collected radiographic scores in determining time to union (TTU) after intramedullary nailing of tibial shaft fractures. They found that the observed TTU significantly overestimated the predicted TTU by 34.2 days, indicating that this method of assessing TTU is inaccurate in clinical settings. This study underscores the limitations of using uncontrolled interval radiographic evaluations for determining TTU in orthopedic patients.

The Modified Hardinge Approach to Hip Hemiarthroplasty: An Alternative in High-Risk Patients

Jul 17, 2026

The authors explore the efficacy of a modified Hardinge approach for hip hemiarthroplasty specifically designed for high-risk patients. They aim to assess whether this direct lateral technique, which involves accessing the anterior one-third of the gluteus medius and vastus lateralis, can provide a viable alternative to traditional methods.

Supination Adduction Ankle Fracture Treated With Fibular Intramedullary Screw Fixation

Jul 17, 2026

The authors investigate an open reduction and internal fixation technique for treating supination adduction ankle fractures, specifically focusing on the management of medial plafond articular disimpaction. They highlight the use of cancellous allograft for bony voids and a retrograde screw for lateral malleolus fixation, emphasizing the importance of addressing anteromedial plafond impaction in these injuries.

Comparison of Early Bracing Versus Splinting for the Initial Treatment of Acute Humeral Shaft Fractures (The COBRAS Trial)

Jul 17, 2026

The COBRAS Trial aimed to compare the effectiveness of two initial immobilization methods for acute humeral shaft fractures: coaptation splinting followed by delayed functional bracing versus immediate functional bracing. Results indicated that immediate Sarmiento bracing led to higher pain scores and increased skin-related complications without providing benefits in function, analgesic use, or patient satisfaction compared to coaptation splinting. These findings suggest that the traditional approach of initial coaptation splinting may be preferable.

Reduction Techniques for Calcaneus Fractures-Using a Femoral Distractor

Jul 17, 2026

The authors investigate the effectiveness of using a laterally applied femoral distractor in the treatment of displaced intra-articular calcaneal fractures, aiming to improve the reduction of malalignment while minimizing soft-tissue disruption. They present a case study of a 29-year-old man to illustrate this technique's potential benefits in restoring hindfoot alignment and reducing long-term morbidity associated with such fractures.

Articular Reduction of a Bicondylar Tibial Plateau Fracture Using a Lateral Tibial Osteotomy

Jul 17, 2026

The authors investigate the effectiveness of using a lateral tibial osteotomy to achieve anatomic reduction in a bicondylar tibial plateau fracture with significant articular depression. They present a case study of a 23-year-old woman, demonstrating that this technique allows for direct visualization and elevation of the depressed articular surface, ultimately facilitating proper alignment and stable fixation during surgical intervention.