Purpose This study examined levels of agreement between paediatric orthopaedic surgeons in the need for operative management of extension-type supracondylar humerus fractures. Methods This was the second phase of a two-part study. De-identified baseline anteroposterior and lateral elbow radiographs from 60 paediatric patients with extension-type supracondylar humerus fractures were compiled. After classifying each fracture according to Gartland classification guidelines, radiographs were randomized, and surgeons indicated whether they would use operative or non-operative management to treat each fracture. Kappa statistics using pairwise comparisons were calculated to determine agreement levels. Results In total, 11 international surgeons participated, and 10/11 completed both survey rounds. The overall weighted interobserver agreement was moderate (0.530, 95%CI [0.215,0.854]) while overall weighted intraobserver agreement was substantial (0.740, 95%CI [0.513,0.963]). The largest variability in preferred treatment methods between surgeons was observed for type IIA fractures, with 6/11 preferring non-operative and 5/11 preferring operative management. The largest individual surgeon variability was observed for type IIA fractures, with 8/11 showing variability (defined by not having made the same decision for at least 90% of the cases) in choosing whether to operate. Conclusions Our findings suggest moderate interobserver, and substantial intraobserver agreement in treatment decision making. The largest disagreements between surgeons were observed for type IIA and IIB fractures and treatment decisions did not follow expected trends based on surgeons’ preferred treatment methods for each fracture type. This suggests differences in treatment approaches between surgeons in the management of type IIA fractures and highlights the role of other variables that underlie differences between surgeons’ treatment preferences. Level of evidence III
Infantile myofibromatosis has a spectrum of severity that demands a careful and complete work-up. In rare cases such as the present one, it can manifest as multiple osseous lesions. The patient in the present case was managed conservatively, with no morbidity demonstrated at 1 year of follow-up.
Background: Musculoskeletal point of care ultrasound (MSK POCUS) has many uses for orthopaedic surgeons, but orthopaedic trainees are rarely exposed to this modality. The purpose of this project was to assess the usefulness in clinical education of a newly implemented MSK POCUS course in an orthopaedic surgery program. Methods: An MSK POCUS course for orthopaedic surgery residents was developed by an interdisciplinary team. Online videos were created to be viewed by residents prior to a half-day long practical course. An online survey covering the level of training of the resident and their previous use of ultrasound (total hours) was completed by the participants prior to the course. Resident's knowledge acquisition was measured with written pre-course, sameday post-course and six-month follow-up tests. Residents were also scored on a practical shoulder examination immediately after the course and at six-month follow-up. Changes in test scores between time points were evaluated using Wilcoxon signed-rank tests. Results: Ten orthopaedic surgery residents underwent the MSK POCUS curriculum. Pre-course interest in MSK-POCUS was moderate (65%) and prior exposure was low (1.5 h mean total experience). Written test scores improved significantly from 50.7 ± 17.0% before to 84.0 ± 10.7% immediately after the course (p < 0.001) and suffered no significant drop at 6 months (score 75.0 ± 8.7%; p = 0.303). Average post-course practical exam score was 78.8 ± 3.1% and decreased to 66.2 ± 11.3% at 6 months (p = 0.012). Residents significantly improved their subjective comfort level with all aspects of ultrasound use at 6 months (p = 0.007-0.018) but did not significantly increase clinical usage frequency. Conclusion: An MSK POCUS curriculum was successfully developed and implemented using an interdisciplinary approach. The course succeeded in improving the residents' knowledge, skills, and comfort with MSK POCUS. This improvement was maintained at 6 months on the written test but did not result in higher frequency of use by the residents.
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