This analysis demonstrates that a higher h-index and m-index correlate with a higher academic orthopaedic faculty rank. Although female surgeons had a lower median h-index and a shorter median career duration than male surgeons, their m-index was not significantly different, and thus sex was not an independent predictor for senior academic rank. The identified thresholds (h-index of 12 and m-index of 0.51) between junior and senior academic ranks may be considered as factors in promotion considerations.

Background: The most common method to determine a traumatic knee arthrotomy is the saline load challenge. Recent literature has suggested high false-negative and false-positive rates using this method and also has shown that CT was effective in detecting these arthrotomies. The purpose of this study was to evaluate another method of diagnosing these injuries. We hypothesized that plain radiographs of the knee could be an effective alternative study in diagnosing a traumatic arthrotomy. Methods: After institutional review board approval, this retrospective cohort review identified 32 patients diagnosed with a traumatic arthrotomy by direct visualization in the operating room and another 32 patients with no evidence of traumatic arthopathy, according to the surgeon. The preoperative anteroposterior and lateral radiographs from both cohorts were blinded and randomized and then submitted to a radiologist to review for the presence of air in the joint space. Sensitivity and specificity were calculated based on radiographic review compared with the gold standard of direct visualization. Results: Plain film anteroposterior and lateral knee radiographs had a sensitivity of 78.1% and a specificity of 90.6% with a positive predictive value of 89.3% for diagnosis of traumatic arthrotomy in our cohort. Conclusions: Our study suggests that radiographs, which are obtained as standard of care during work-up of knee injuries, have a relatively high sensitivity and specificity and can be used as an adjunct to help diagnose a traumatic arthrotomy of the knee joint. Level of Evidence: Level III.

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Background: Volar locking plate (VLP) fixation, an accepted treatment for distal radial fractures, has the known complication of flexor tendon rupture, theorized to be caused by implant positioning. Although implant position is a suspected risk factor, incidence of tendon rupture may be less than previously reported. This study investigated implant prominence and its relation to tendon rupture. Methods: Surgical records of 197 patients who underwent repair of distal radial fractures using VLP fixation between July 2014 and December 2017 were retrospectively reviewed. Pre- and postoperative radiographs were used to assign AO Foundation/Orthopaedic Trauma Association (AO/OTA) classification and implant prominence using the Soong classification. Chi square and Fisher’s Exact Tests compared Soong groups to fracture classification, hand function, and reoperation. A phone survey was used to determine finger function. Results: Eleven patients underwent reoperation, six for tendon irritation with no tendon ruptures. Fracture classification (P=0.601) and Soong grade (P=0.687) showed no difference when compared with reoperation. There was a difference (P=0.039) comparing fracture classification to Soong classification, with higher fracture classification associated with higher Soong classification. No difference (P>0.05) for finger function was found between either group. Conclusions: Flexor tendon rupture historically has been linked to VLP fixation in distal radial fractures. This study found tendon rupture was not associated with fracture classification or implant prominence and had a lower incidence than previously reported. Finger function had no relation to fracture classification or implant prominence. This study suggested implant prominence is more likely with increasing fracture complexity with little clinical significance. Level of Evidence: Level IV