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Background: Both-bone forearm shaft fractures (BBFFs) in adults carry a significant risk of adverse events (AEs). Based on the current literature, there is considerable variance in AE incidence reporting. We aimed to systematically review the literature on BBFFs in adults treated with compression plate fixation, assessing AEs and long-term outcomes.

Methods: We performed a systematic review based on the PubMed database on the current literature on adult BBFFs treated with open reduction and internal fixation with compression plates. Two authors independently collected the data, and a third author resolved disagreements between the 2 reviewers. The primary outcome measure was postoperative AEs, whereas the secondary outcome was to review the long-term outcomes. We evaluated the methodological quality of the studies with a modified version of the Coleman Methodology Score.

Results: Fifteen studies (12 retrospective case series and 3 randomized controlled trials) met the set inclusion criteria. In total, there were 944 patients, of whom 24% (n = 224) experienced some AEs, and 14% had major AEs requiring secondary operations or remaining persistent. The most common AEs were postoperative nerve injuries (incidence 7%, n = 64/944) and fracture nonunion (incidence 5%, n = 45/944). Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand scores were available for 135 patients (5 studies), with a mean score of 12.5 (range 0-61). According to the modified Coleman Methodology Scores, there were 2 good-, 1 fair-, and 12 poor-quality studies among the included studies.

Conclusion: BBFF compression plate fixation in adults poses a relatively high AE risk (24%). According to available patient-reported outcomes and range of motion measurements, the average postoperative outcomes are good, although a minor disability typically persists to some extent. There is a need for high-quality prospective trials assessing the treatment and outcomes of BBFFs in adults to improve forearm fracture treatment.

Level of evidence: Level III. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

Introduction: We assessed ChatGPT-4 vision (GPT-4V)'s performance for image interpretation, diagnosis formulation, and patient management capabilities. We aim to shed light on its potential as an educational tool addressing real-life cases for medical students.

Methods: Ten of the most popular orthopaedic trauma cases from OrthoBullets were selected. GPT-4V interpreted medical imaging and patient information, providing diagnoses, and guiding responses to OrthoBullets questions. Four fellowship-trained orthopaedic trauma surgeons rated GPT-4V responses using a 5-point Likert scale (strongly disagree to strongly agree). Each of GPT-4V's answers was assessed for alignment with current medical knowledge (accuracy), rationale and whether it is logical (rationale), relevancy to the specific case (relevance), and whether surgeons would trust the answers (trustworthiness). Mean scores from surgeon ratings were calculated.

Results: In total, 10 clinical cases, comprising 97 questions, were analyzed (10 imaging, 35 management, and 52 treatment). The surgeons assigned a mean overall rating of 3.46/5.00 to GPT-4V's imaging response (accuracy 3.28, rationale 3.68, relevance 3.75, and trustworthiness 3.15). Management questions received an overall score of 3.76 (accuracy 3.61, rationale 3.84, relevance 4.01, and trustworthiness 3.58), while treatment questions had an average overall score of 4.04 (accuracy 3.99, rationale 4.08, relevance 4.15, and trustworthiness 3.93).

Conclusion: This is the first study evaluating GPT-4V's imaging interpretation, personalized management, and treatment approaches as a medical educational tool. Surgeon ratings indicate overall fair agreement in GPT-4V reasoning behind decision-making. GPT-4V performed less favorably in imaging interpretation compared with its management and treatment approach performance. The performance of GPT-4V falls below our fellowship-trained orthopaedic trauma surgeon's standards as a standalone tool for medical education.

Background: Degenerative cervical myelopathy (DCM) occurs when spondylotic changes compress the spinal cord and cause neurologic dysfunction. Because of a lack of comparative data on nonoperative care versus surgery for DCM, it has been difficult to support patients through the shared decision-making process regarding treatment options. Our objective was to synthesize the best available data in a manner that helps clinicians and patients to weigh the differences between nonoperative care and surgery at different ages and disease severity. The 2 patient-centered questions we sought to answer were (1) "am I more likely to experience worsening myelopathy with nonoperative care, or need more surgery if I have my myelopathy treated operatively?" and (2) "how much better will my quality of life be with nonoperative care versus surgery?"

Methods: We used a health economic technique, microsimulation, to model head-to-head comparisons of nonoperative care versus surgery for DCM. We incorporated the best available data, modeled patients over a lifetime horizon, used direct comparators, and incorporated uncertainty in both natural history and treatment effect.

Results: Patients with mild DCM at baseline who were ≥75 years of age were less likely to neurologically decline under nonoperative care than to undergo a second surgery if the index surgery was an anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF), cervical disc arthroplasty (ADR), or posterior cervical decompression and instrumented fusion (PDIF). Using quality-adjusted life-years (QALYs), our results suggest that surgery for DCM may be superior to nonoperative care. However, for all patients except those with severe DCM who are of middle age or younger (depending on the procedure, ≤50 to ≤60 years of age), the lower bound of the 95% confidence interval for the estimated difference in QALYs was <0.

Conclusions: In most patient groups, neurologic progression with nonoperative management is more likely than the need for additional cervical surgery following operative management, with the exception of patients 75 to 80 years of age and older with mild DCM. Furthermore, on average, surgery for DCM tends to improve quality of life. However, patients with DCM who are older than middle age should be aware that the estimates of the quality-of-life benefit are highly uncertain, with a lower bound of <0.

Level of evidence: Therapeutic Level III. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

Background: Lenke curve types can vary in their response to treatment. We explored potential differences in reoperation rates, causes, and risk factors among patients with different Lenke types who underwent posterior spinal fusion (PSF) for adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS).

Methods: We studied a multicenter database of patients with AIS who underwent index PSF at ≤21 years of age and had a minimum 2-year follow-up. Baseline and surgical characteristics were collected. Reoperation rates, causes, and risk factors were analyzed by Lenke type.

Results: A total of 3,165 patients were included. The mean age was 14.6 years, and most patients were female (81%) and Caucasian (68%). The mean follow-up period was 4.4 years. A total of 138 patients (4.4%) underwent reoperation. The reoperation rate varied by Lenke type (p = 0.02): patients with type-5 curves had the highest reoperation rate (7.2%), and those with type-1 curves had the lowest (3.0%). The most common cause of reoperation was an instrumentation complication. The rate of reoperation due to an instrumentation complication varied by Lenke type (p < 0.01). Compared with patients with type-1 curves, those with type-5 curves had significantly higher rates of reoperation due to implant prominence (odds ratio [OR], 11.7; p = 0.03), loss of fixation (OR, 3.9; p = 0.01), or a broken rod (OR, 7.8; p = 0.02) and those with type-3 curves had a significantly higher rate of reoperation due to loss of fixation (OR, 4.37; p = 0.01). Independent risk factors for reoperation were a major curve magnitude of ≥60° in patients with type-5 curves (adjusted OR [aOR], 4.18; p = 0.04), a major curve correction of ≥40° in patients with type-5 curves (aOR, 3.6; p = 0.04), and a lowest instrumented vertebra (LIV) at or above L1 in patients with type-1 curves (aOR, 2.8; p = 0.02).

Conclusions: The reoperation rate for patients with AIS who underwent PSF varied by Lenke type. Patients with type-5 curves had the highest reoperation rate, whereas patients with type-1 curves had the lowest. Patients with Lenke type-5 curves had a higher rate of reoperation due to instrumentation complications.

Level of evidence: Therapeutic Level III. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

Background: Collagenase Clostridium histolyticum (CCH) and percutaneous needle fasciotomy (PNF) are 2 treatment options for Dupuytren disease. The purpose of this study was to compare these 2 methods in terms of clinical and patient-reported outcomes.

Methods: Eighty patients (median age, 72 years; 83% male) with a single-digit primary metacarpophalangeal (MCP) joint contracture of ≥30° were randomized to either CCH or PNF and followed for 5 years. The primary outcome was the difference in flexion-contracture reduction at the MCP joint from baseline to 2 years, with additional analysis examining the effect of the primary endpoint variable up to 5 years. Secondary outcomes included complications, grip strength, scores on the visual analogue scale (VAS) for pain, the shortened version of the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand, the brief Michigan Hand Questionnaire, Unité Rhumatologique des Affections de la Main, and a VAS for treatment satisfaction as well as recurrence and retreatments.

Results: The mean MCP joint contracture was 48° at baseline and 2° at 5 years in the CCH group, and 50° at baseline and 7° at 5 years in the PNF group. The reduction in MCP contracture at 2 years was larger in the CCH group than in the PNF group, with a mean difference between the groups of 12° (95% confidence interval [CI], 1.5° to 22.3°; p = 0.026). At 5 years, this mean difference was reduced to 6° (-1.5° to 12.8°; p = 0.1). There was no difference between the groups in any patient-reported outcome scores or grip strength beyond 4 weeks, with the exception of the brief Michigan Hand Questionnaire at 5 years. Ten (25%) of the patients in the PNF group compared with no patient in the CCH group had recurrence (contracture of ≥30°) at the MCP joint at 2 years. At 5 years, 17 (42.5%) of 40 patients in the PNF group had been retreated compared with 4 (10%) of 40 in the CCH group (p < 0.001). The CCH group experienced more transient complications (stiffness and hematoma) during the first week and were more satisfied (VAS satisfaction) from 1 year to the 5-year follow-up.

Conclusions: The main finding of this study is that CCH and PNF were equally effective in reducing MCP flexion contracture, but the correction of contracture lasted longer in the CCH group.

Level of evidence: Therapeutic Level I. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

Introduction: Although clinical research has traditionally been a part of orthopaedic residency, there are now certain core requirements created by the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME), which outline the type of research activities to be completed during residency. However, there are no specific details included in the ACGME guidelines regarding how these milestones are to be met. Nor is there specificity regarding expectations of scholarly activity to be completed by the time of graduation. There is a paucity of literature demonstrating the effectiveness of implementing a dedicated research block in an orthopaedic surgical residency, especially in the community setting where limited research-related resources are available.

Methods: We implemented a dedicated research rotation along with a set of research milestones and guidelines at our single orthopaedic surgery community residency program. A search was performed through PubMed using residents' and faculty members' names to find publications included a 7-year period from 2015 to 2022 to determine number of publications by residents and faculty. Scholarly activity of faculty was analyzed and quantified using self-reported annual surveys.

Results: The average annual number of resident publications (by all 25 residents) increased from 2 to 26 after implementation of a dedicated research rotation. Faculty's scholarly activity, as measured by the following criteria, increased as well: number of publications (from 22 to 55), conference presentations (from 51 to 83), and other presentations (from 43 to 72).

Conclusion: Implementation of a dedicated research rotation in a community orthopaedic residency program is associated with an increased publication rate in major academic journals among residents and faculty. There is also an observed association with implementation of a dedicated resident research rotation and an increase in faculty scholarly activity satisfying ACGME faculty requirements.

Background: Osteotomies around the knee are a well-established treatment option for early and moderate unicompartmental osteoarthritis combined with a lower extremity malalignment. Moreover, osteotomies are often combined with cartilage treatment. Current image-based bone union assessments lack an accepted definition despite widespread use in research and clinical settings. The aim of this systematic review was to identify definitions and classification systems for bone union on radiographs after a proximal tibia or distal femur osteotomy.

Methods: Following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines, we systematically searched MEDLINE and Embase database, applying specific inclusion and exclusion criteria. Two independent reviewers screened abstracts and full-texts. The modified Cochrane Risk of Bias Tool and Risk of Bias in Nonrandomized Studies of Interventions tool were used. Data extraction included study characteristics, imaging modality, bone union definition, classification systems, assessment of gap fillers, use of modifiers, and osteotomy type.

Results: Of the 1,180 screened titles and abstracts, 105 studies were included, with the majority (69 studies [65.7%]) using a retrospective design. Fifty-five studies (52.4%) defined bone union based on one or more criteria, while 50 studies (47.6%) used a classification system. There were 13 different criteria for bone union and 9 different classification systems. Interestingly, none of the classification systems incorporated negative criteria, such as hardware failure. Notably, 137 studies (49.1%) described bone union as either a primary or secondary outcome but do not describe a system for assessing bone union.

Conclusion: This systematic review highlights the lack of consensus in the literature in defining bone union after a proximal tibia or distal femur osteotomy, revealing many criteria and different classifications. None of the classification systems were applicable to osteotomies with and without gap filler. This systematic review shows the need for a straightforward, reproducible, and accurate method to assess bone union after a proximal tibia or distal femur osteotomy.

Level of evidence: Level III. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

Introduction: There is little research on the efficacy of flipped classroom (FC) models of learning in formal orthopaedic didactic curricula. The primary aim of this study was to compare resident Orthopaedic In-Training Examination (OITE) scores before and after implementation of an FC curriculum at a single academic institution.

Methods: An FC didactic model consisting of 3 hour-long weekly sessions focusing on highly tested topics was implemented for the start of the 2021 to 2022 academic year. The curriculum was based on the Orthobullets PASS curriculum. The OITE scores were measured 3 years before and 3 years after the implementation of the novel curriculum.

Results: Mean in-training scores as a program against national peers increased from the 29th percentile precurriculum implementation to 75th percentile postcurriculum implementation (p < 0.001).

Conclusion: At a single academic institution, average OITE scores increased significantly after implementation of an FC model. Consideration should be given to changing traditional lecture-based curricula to models that more effectively engage resident learners.

Level of evidence: Level III: Retrospective Cohort Study. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

Background: Age is a preoperative prognostic factor for radial closing wedge osteotomy (RCWO) in Kienbock disease. Specifically, for cases classified as Lichtman stage III, clear criteria for selecting RCWO have not been established. We believe that age can provide vital information for determining the appropriate surgical procedure for Kienbock disease. The aim of this study was to investigate RCWO outcomes for Lichtman stage III by examining different age groups from clinical and radiological perspectives.

Methods: Sixteen patients with Lichtman stage III Kienbock disease underwent RCWO. The median age was 59 years, and the median follow-up period was 2.9 years. We determined the age cutoffs for clinical and radiological outcomes using a receiver operating characteristic curve. Subsequently, we conducted intergroup comparisons of postoperative outcomes between the younger and older age groups.

Results: Age cutoffs were established at 52.5 and 30 years for clinical and radiological outcomes, respectively. In the comparative analysis, the younger age group (≤52 years; n = 7) demonstrated significantly superior clinical results, including improved range of motion and pain relief, higher postoperative Mayo Wrist Score, and lower Disability of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand scores. From a radiological perspective, the younger age group (≤30 years; n = 3) experienced segmented lunate bone fragments healing, indicating an improved disease stage compared with the older group.

Conclusion: Based on previous literature and our research findings, it is reasonable to conclude that RCWO results in improved clinical outcomes for patients up to their mid-50s and enhanced radiological outcomes for those up to approximately at the age of 30 years. Further studies on these age cutoffs will contribute to refining the surgical selection criteria for RCWO.

Level of evidence: Prognostic Level IV. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

Introduction: Unmatched orthopaedic surgery applicants often pursue research fellowships to strengthen their residency applications. The aims of this study were to (1) report the trend of the number of orthopaedic research fellowships offered online between 2019 and 2024, (2) describe the characteristics of research fellowships available to unmatched applicants, and (3) assess the quality of support received by unmatched applicants who complete research fellowships.

Methods: An online orthopaedic forum was retrospectively reviewed to identify job postings for medical student research fellowships in the 2019 to 2020 and 2024 to 2025 academic years. Information regarding expected mentorship and funding described in these postings was collected. Surveys were administered electronically to assess the funding received and perceived levels of mentor advocacy among unmatched orthopaedic applicants who had completed research fellowships between 2022 and 2024.

Results: The number of orthopaedic research fellowships offered online increased by 165% (54-143) between 2019 and 2024, corresponding with a rate of 18 new fellowships offered per year. For the 2024 to 2025 academic year, 80 fellowships (56%) were available to unmatched applicants. The minority of online postings for these positions described support in the match (49%), the specific amount of funding offered (36%), a successful match track record for prior fellows (20%), and contact information of current or prior fellows (11%). The average amount of publicly offered funding was $32,537 (range, $18,000 to $65,000). Among 31 unmatched applicants who responded, the average amount of funding received was $38,180 ± 11,719. Most respondents rated advocacy from research fellowship mentors as high (53%) or moderate (40%), met with their mentors weekly or biweekly (63%), and received feedback on their residency applications (83%).

Conclusion: Over the past 5 years, the number of orthopaedic research fellowships available to unmatched applicants has more than doubled. Although perceived advocacy was rated highly by most unmatched research fellows, fewer than half of the online postings for these positions provided details regarding financial compensation and support during the match cycle. Improvements in transparency related to fellowship characteristics are warranted to assist unmatched orthopaedic applicants in making informed decisions when pursuing research years between match cycles.

Level of evidence: N/A.