Fall 2011 inSIGHTS publication - UF Orthopaedics and ...

10
reseArCh updAte
level one orthopAediC trAumA serviCes
On average, one in four persons in the United States has a
musculoskeletal condition (1). The majority of musculoskeletal
conditions documented are caused by traumatic
events due to a sudden impact to the body from an external force
(2). The most common traumatic events experienced by Americans
include motor vehicle accidents, falls, knife and gunshot
wounds, and accidents due to sport or recreational activities (3). In
2010, 1,898 cases were treated within the Division of Orthopaedic
Trauma at the University of Florida for orthopaedic injuries caused
by traumatic events. Similarly in 2011, 1,864 cases were treated.
Attending surgeons Drs. Kalia Sadasivan and Richard Vlasak
offer expert knowledge and training to both resident and fellow
physicians to ensure successful administration of surgical procedures
to treat traumatic orthopaedic injuries. They also recognize
the importance of clinical research and have promoted this notion
to their fellows and residents.
Members of the Division of Orthopaedic Trauma have become actively
involved in identifying, recruiting, and enrolling of patients
into new and exciting clinical research studies. Some studies that
have been or are currently being conducted include retrospective
design studies that examine past patient medical record data to answer
specific research questions. Earlier this year a retrospective
design study had been conducted to examine the effect of minimally
invasive surgical procedures on ankle fracture patients who
were 55 years or older. Another study will evaluate obesity in patients
with acetabular (hip ball and socket joint) fractures and its
overall impact on healthcare costs. Yet another study will compare
the effect of standard versus emergent methods of treating syndesmosis
(fibrous joint) injuries.
A sponsor-funded prospective research study is currently being
conducted in the Division of Orthopaedic Trauma at the University
of Florida and at seven additional sites in the United States and
Canada. This study compares radiation exposure levels in both patients
and surgeons during the utilization of either of two surgical
techniques to treat femoral shaft fractures. The results of this study
will be of importance to surgeons as they are repeatedly exposed to
radiation during their careers. Identification of a surgical technique
that reduces or eliminates radiation exposure may contribute to
surgeons’ future health status.
The Division of Orthopaedic Trauma at the University of Florida
plans to conduct more studies in the future months. Recently, Dr.
Sadasivan collaborated with stakeholders at an inaugural meeting
of the Florida Fracture Consortium held during the Annual Meeting
of the Florida Orthopaedic Society. It was discussed that a research
study proposal will be developed and the research will be
implemented at multiple sites throughout Florida. If approved, this
study will research a noninvasive method of identifying patients at
risk for compartment syndromes. A pre-application has been submitted
to receive grant funding for this project.
References
1) American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. Orthopaedic fast
facts. Retrieved August 19, 2011 from http://orthoinfo.aaos.org/
topic.cfm?topic=A00130#A00130_R1_anchor
2) West End Orthopedic Clinic. Orthopedic trauma defined. Retrieved
August 19, 2011 from http://www.virginiahand.com/trauma.html
3) Scottsdale Healthcare. Orthopedic trauma and fracture
care. Retrieved August 19, 2011 from http://www.shc.org/
Medical+Services/Trauma+Center/Orthopedic+Trauma+%26+
Fracture+Care/Orthopedic+Trauma+%26+Fracture+Care/