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Objective: To determine the prevalence of objectively confirmed deep vein thrombosis of lower extremities in bedridden hospitalised orthopaedic patients who received no thromboprophylaxis., Methods: The prospective cross-sectional study was conducted at Dr Ruth Pfau Civil Hospital, Karachi, from April to June 2021, and included all patients aged ≥40 years admitted for intended major lower limb surgery and expected to be confined to the bed for at least 4 days. Duplex ultrasound scanning of both legs was used to confirm deep vein thrombosis. Data was analysed using SPSS 22., Results: Of the 104 subjects, 60(57.6%) were males and 44(42.3%) were females. The overall mean age was 51.9±7.4 years. The most common type of fracture was the neck of femur 28(26.9%). The mean delay between the fracture and admission was 6.44±4.9 days. The mean length of hospital stay was 12.76±3.8 days. The overall prevalence of deep vein thrombosis was 16(15.3% and none of these patients had any symptom at all., Conclusions: There was 15.3% prevalence of deep vein thrombosis. Considering that the condition is potentially lethal, routine prophylaxis for all at-risk patients should be encouraged.

Background: A giant cell tumour (GCT) is a locally invasive benign tumour of bone in young adults. Treatment includes surgical resection as first-line or denosumab pharmacotherapy in inoperable patients. However, surgical resection of distal radius GCT has produced debatable functional outcomes. Here we study the use of fibular grafts for reconstruction of surgically resected GCT of the distal radius. Methods: A total of 11 patients having Grade III GCT of the distal radius were recruited for a retrospective single-centred study. Five underwent arthrodesis with fibular shaft graft and six received arthroplasty with the proximal fibula. Functional outcomes at 6 weeks, 6 and 12 months were measured by Mayo wrist score (MWS) (>51% = good) and Revised Musculoskeletal tumor society (MSTS) score (>15 = good). Results: At 6 weeks, mean MSTS score and MWS were 23.64 and 58.64% respectively, and the length of the fibular graft was a predictor for both MSTS score ( p = 0.014) and MWS ( p = 0.006). At 6 months, the mean MSTS and MWS were 26.36 and 76.82%, respectively. At 6 months, the surgical procedure was a predictor in MSTS score ( p = 0.02) while MWS was predicted by length of graft ( p = 0.02). At 12 months, MSTS score was 28.73, and MWS remained 91.82%. Length of the fibular graft was an insignificant predictor, but a significant risk factor was surgical procedure for MWS ( p = 0.04) at 12 months. No variable was found significant for MSTS score. Conclusions: Resection along with reconstruction of Grade III GCT of the radius with fibular graft was found an optimal treatment option. Also, use of the fibular head grafts and shorter length grafts are predictors for better outcomes after surgery. Level of Evidence: Level IV (Therapeutic).

Objective  This is the first study to establish the utility of extended curettage with or without bone allograft for Grade II giant cell tumors GCTs around the knee joint with the aim of exploring postoperative functional outcomes. Methods  We retrospectively reviewed 25 cases of Campanacci grade II GCTs undergoing extended curettage between January 2014 and December 2019. The participants were divided into two groups: one group of 12 patients underwent extended curettage with bone allograft and bone cement, while the other group of 13 patients underwent extended curettage with bone cement only. Quality of life was assessed by the Revised Musculoskeletal Tumor Society Score and by the Knee score of the Knee Society; recurrence and complications were assessed for each cohort at the last follow-up. The Fisher test and two-sample t-tests were used to compare the categorical and continuous outcomes, respectively. Results  The mean age was 28.09 (7.44) years old, with 10 (40%) males and 15 females (60%). The distal femur and the proximal tibia were involved in 13 (52%) and in 12 (48%) patients, respectively. There was no significant difference in the musculoskeletal tumor society score (25.75 versus 27.41; p  = 0.178), in the knee society score (78.67 versus 81.46; p  = 0.33), recurrence (0 versus 0%; p  = 1), and complications (25 versus 7.69%; p  = 0.21). Conclusions  Extended curettage with or without bone allograft have similar functional outcomes for the knee without any major difference in the incidence of recurrence and of complications for Grade II GCTs. However, surgical convenience and cost-effectiveness might favor the bone cement only, while long-term osteoarthritis prevention needs to be investigated to favor bone allograft., Competing Interests: Conflito de Interesses Os autores declaram não haver conflito de interesses., (Sociedade Brasileira de Ortopedia e Traumatologia. This is an open access article published by Thieme under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution-NonDerivative-NonCommercial License, permitting copying and reproduction so long as the original work is given appropriate credit. Contents may not be used for commecial purposes, or adapted, remixed, transformed or built upon. ( https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/ ).)

Background: One of the methods of stabilizing the stump of the ulna following resection of the distal ulna is tenodesis of the extensor carpi ulnaris (ECU). Some studies have recommended stabilization, whereas others have not found it useful. Most of these studies have a mix of different pathologies and often do not have a control group. The aim of this study is to compare the outcomes of ECU tenodesis versus no tenodesis after resection of the distal ulna in patients with grade III giant cell tumor (GCT) of the distal ulna. Methods: The retrospective study included 10 patients with Campanacci grade III GCT of the distal ulna treated by resection of the distal ulna between 2014 and 2019. Patients were stratified into two groups based on whether they underwent ECU tenodesis ( n = 5) or no tenodesis ( n = 5). The patients were assessed at 6 weeks, 6 months, and 12 months for complications and outcomes using the Mayo wrist score (MWS) and the revised musculoskeletal tumor society score (MSTS). Results: The MWS and the MSTS were significantly better in the ECU tenodesis group at 6 weeks. At 6 months, MWS was similar in both groups, but MSTS continued to be significantly better in ECU tenodesis group. At 12 months, both groups reported similar MWS and MSTS. There were no recurrences in either groups. One patient in the ECU tenodesis group developed ECU tendonitis that resolved with conservative treatment. Conclusions: The outcomes of ECU tenodesis were better in the short term (6 months), although both groups reported similar outcomes at 12 months. Level of Evidence: Level III (Therapeutic).

Objective: To evaluate the clinical and radiological outcomes of the Ilizarov fixator in the proximal and distal fractures of the tibia., Materials and Methodology: This retrospective study reviewed 59 patients having high-energy intra-articular proximal and distal tibia fractures associated with severe soft-tissue injury, who were managed surgically with an Ilizarov fixator. The functional outcome was evaluated by using the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society scoring system (AOFAS) and the Association for the Study and Application of the Method of Ilizarov (ASAMI) Italy scoring system for tibial plateau and plafond fractures respectively., Results: The most common mode of injury was road traffic accidents. According to the Gustilo open fracture classification, there were 16 patients with grade-I and nine with grade II open fractures. The remaining had closed fractures. According to the Schatzker classification of plateau fractures, 20 were graded as type V and 15 as type VI. According to the AO classification of plafond fractures, 12 fractures were graded as Type-43C1, 5 as Type-43C2, and 7 as Type-43C3. There was delayed union in 11 proximal and four distal fractures, all of which achieved union without additional bone grafting. In proximal fractures, according to AOFAS, out of 35, 26 had an acceptable while nine had a fair result. In distal fractures, according to ASAMI, out of 24, 16 had an acceptable while five had fair results. There were 192/448 wires in 58 patients with pin site infection; all were superficial and settled. Posttraumatic joint arthrosis was noted in nineteen., Conclusions: The postoperative clinical and radiological outcome indicated that primary Ilizarov external fixator is a reliable minimal invasive surgery and definitive fixation method for high-energy intra-articular proximal and distal tibial fractures with compromised soft-tissue. It also offers early stabilisation and painless joint motion without a high rate of complications., (© 2021 John Wiley & Sons Ltd.)

Background The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) since the beginning has been a reason of fear among healthcare workers (HCWs) due to the increased mortality, especially in the HCWs themselves. In this survey study, we aimed to explore the predictive factors associated with fear faced by HCWs during the COVID-19 pandemic and to identify the areas which need to be addressed to reduce it. Methods On May 14, 2020, we conducted an observational, cross-sectional survey using a self-administered questionnaire, consisting of the following two parts: (1) focused on factors associated with HCWs' fear of getting an infection and being a source of carrying the infection to whom they care, and (2) focused on factors associated with HCWs' fear of uncertainty and lack of support from concerned health authorities. Results The mean age of the participants was 40.04 ± 12.92 years with 79.3% being males. More than half (51.1%) of the participants were consultants. The most important factors associated with fear included getting infected (84.8%), quarantined (69.6%), not getting medical treatment (62%), losing a life (56.8%), and infecting family members (94.2%). Another major factor associated with HCWs' fear was lack of support from concerned health authorities, 80.2% thought of solatium, and 71.7% believed that the job should be given to eligible family members of the deceased. More than 82.2% were concerned about health expenses and around 97.6% felt an additional health risk allowance should be given. Conclusion Our results indicate that the risk of getting infection to themselves and their families, along with a lack of support from concerned health authorities, was strongly associated with fear among HCWs. We hope through these findings that the concerned health authorities will take notice and do something in this regard by developing appropriate policies and measures to make sure that HCWs and their families are cared for if they get infected., Competing Interests: The authors have declared that no competing interests exist., (Copyright © 2020, Kumar et al.)

Introduction Many countries including Pakistan are currently using face masks in their pandemic control plans. Being highly prevalent, the correct use of these masks is particularly important, as an incorrect use and disposal may actually increase the rate of transmission. The purpose of this study was to investigate the knowledge, attitude, and practices of healthcare workers (HCWs) in wearing a surgical face mask to limit the spread of the new coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Materials and Methods This survey was conducted by interviewing HCWs using a questionnaire consisting of the basic demographic characteristics, and the knowledge, attitude, and practices regarding the use of surgical face mask to limit the new COVID-19 exposure. Each correct answer was scored 1 and each incorrect answer scored 0. The total number of questions was 16, and the final score was calculated and then labeled according to the percentage (out of 16) of correct responses as good (>80%), moderate (60-80%), and poor (<60%). Results A total of 392 participants with a mean age of 42.37 ± 13.34 years (341 males and 51 females) were included in the study. The overall final results were good in 138 (35.2%), moderate in 178 (45.4%), and poor in 76 (19.3%). Around 43.6% of participants knew about the correct method of wearing the masks, 68.9% knew that there are three layers, 53% stated that the middle layer act as a filter media barrier, and 75.5% knew the recommended maximum duration of wearing it. The majority (88.2%) of participants knew that a cloth face mask is not much effective, around 79.8% knew that used face mask cannot be re-used, and 44.8% knew about the yellow-coded bag for disposal. Conclusions Knowledge, attitude, and practice of HCWs regarding the use of face masks were found to be inadequate. Studied HCWs had a positive attitude but moderate-to-poor level of knowledge and practice regarding the use of face mask. HCWs and general public awareness campaigns regarding the proper use of face mask by utilizing all social media available resources would be helpful during this pandemic., Competing Interests: The authors have declared that no competing interests exist., (Copyright © 2020, Kumar et al.)

Introduction Tibial fractures with nonunion are frequently managed with Ilizarov external fixation. Living with an external frame has some psychological impact which is readily neglected from the literature. We conducted a study to evaluate the status of limb functionality in patients managed with the Ilizarov external ring fixator technique and assess their self-esteem while living with the frame. Materials and methods This is a prospective observational study conducted in the Orthopedic Department of Dr. Ruth KM Phau Civil Hospital, Karachi, Pakistan, from June 2018 to June 2019. A total of 26 patients consecutively managed with Ilizarov external fixation for infected nonunion, with unilateral tibial fractures, were included. To assess the postoperative functionality status, lower extremity functional scale (LEFS) was used. To assess and evaluate the impact of the external frame application on the self-esteem of these patients, Rosenberg's self-esteem (RSE) scale was used. For each patient, LEFS and RSE scales were administered at the time of hospital discharge, after six months of frame application, and at the time of removal of the frame. Results The mean duration of hospital stay was 4.11 ± 1.23 weeks. The mean LEFS scores increased by 47% from hospital discharge until the time of frame removal. The differences were highly significant ( p < 0.001). There was a 12% decline in the mean score of self-esteem from the time of discharge till the time of removal of the Ilizarov frame and these differences were highly significant ( p < 0.001). Conclusion Ilizarov technique improves the limb functionality status significantly in participants with a unilateral tibial fracture. However, it also reduces their self-esteem during the period of frame application. Psychological support is recommended for participants living with an external fixation frame to protect their self-esteem., Competing Interests: The authors have declared that no competing interests exist., (Copyright © 2019, Siddiqui et al.)

Objective Burnout is exceptionally pervasive among medical professionals, especially surgeons, and is considered the main indicator of surgeons' fulfillment with career choice. Our objectives are to discover the extent of orthopedic specialist burnout in Pakistan and to explore the clinical impact of burnout. The efficacy of surgeons may be enhanced by implementing burnout prevention and treatment plans. Data collection This observational study was conducted from April 2018 to May 2018 in various tertiary care hospitals in Pakistan and includes post-graduate trainees and consultants. Those who agreed to be part of this study were asked to complete a self-structured questionnaire about demographics and burnout. The questionnaire had 28 questions based on a standard questionnaire from the American Public Welfare Association. Results In our study, 15% (n=15) of respondents had advance burnout, 22% (n=22) had early burnout, and 43% (n=49) had a fair chance of burnout. All 15 participants suffering from advance burnout were consultants. Of participants suffering from early burnout, 36.3% (n=8) were consultants, and 63.7% (n=14) were post-graduate trainees. Conclusion Compared to other countries, the burnout rate is higher among Pakistani orthopedic surgeons. Special care and attention should be paid towards the stress and workload of surgeons., Competing Interests: The authors have declared that no competing interests exist.