Journal of Musculoskeletal Trauma

Does the Operator’s Experience Affect the Occurrence of Complications after Distal Radius Fracture Volar Locking Plate Fixation? A Comparative Study of the First Four Years and Thereafter: Kee-Bum Hong, Chi-Hoon Oh, Chae Kwang Lim, Sungwoo Lee, Soo-Hong Han, Jun-Ku Lee; J Musculoskelet Trauma 2024;37(4):175-183. Published online October 25, 2024; DOI: https://doi.org/10.12671/jmt.2024.37.4.175; Correction in: J Musculoskelet Trauma 2025;38(1):40

Purpose
The management of distal radius fractures (DRFs) has evolved with the introduction of volar locking plate (VLP) fixation, offering stable fixation and better outcomes. Nevertheless, the impact of the surgeon’s experience on the complication rates in VLP fixation remains to be determined, particularly for less-experienced surgeons. This study compared the complication rates during the initial four years and subsequent two years of a hand surgeon’s practice of VLP fixation for DRFs.
Materials and Methods
The data between March 2016 and December 2022 were analyzed retrospectively under the Institutional Review Board approval. A single surgeon performed all VLP fixation surgeries after finishing regular hand surgery training, with the first four years representing the less experienced phase (Group 1) and the following two years indicating the experienced phase (Group 2). The patients’ characteristics, operation-related factors, and postoperative complications, including tendon injuries, nerve-related complications, fixation and instrument-related issues, osteosynthesis-related problems, and infections, were compared. In addition, the authors compared the data with a large multicenter study conducted by experienced hand surgeons.
Results
Three hundred and nineteen patients (321 wrists) were included. The mean age was 63.3 years, and 26.3% were male and 73.7% were female. The operation time was 53.7±14.5 minutes and 74.4±26.5 minutes in groups 1 and 2, respectively, which was statistically significantly shorter (p<0.001). The complication rates between the two groups were similar, except for the higher implant removal rates in Group 1. A comparison with a previous multicenter study revealed higher reduction losses and carpal tunnel syndrome in this study, but the overall complication rate was low.
Conclusion
In DRF management, when the operating surgeon has completed an accredited training course, VLP fixation is a good treatment method that can be performed effectively even by less experienced surgeons with low complication rates.

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Author correction: “Does the operator's experience affect the occurrence of complications after distal radius fracture volar locking plate fixation? A comparative study of the first four years and thereafter”
Kee-Bum Hong, Chi-Hoon Oh, Chae Kwang Lim, Sungwoo Lee, Soo-Hong Han, Jun-Ku Lee
Journal of Musculoskeletal Trauma.2025; 38(1): 40. CrossRef

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Biomechanical Investigation to Establish Stable Fixation Strategies for Distal Tibial Fractures in Various Situations: Finite Element Analysis Studies: Sung Hun Yang, Jun Young Lee, Gu-Hee Jung, Hyoung Tae Kim, Ba Woo Ko; J Korean Fract Soc 2024;37(2):71-81. Published online April 30, 2024; DOI: https://doi.org/10.12671/jkfs.2024.37.2.71

Abstract PDF

Purpose
This study examined the structural and mechanical stability as well as the clinical significance of various fixation constructs for distal tibial fractures using finite element analysis.
Materials and Methods
Fracture models with 20 mm and 120 mm defects were produced, and implants of an intramedullary nail and anatomical plate model were applied. An axial load of 800 N with 60% distribution in the medial compartment and 40% in the lateral compartment was applied and analyzed using Ansys^® software.
Results
In the intramedullary nail model, the maximum von Mises stress occurred at the primary lag screw hole and adjacent medial cortex, while in the plate model, it occurred at the locking holes around the fracture. The maximum shear stress on the bone and metal implant in the fracture model with a 20 mm defect was highest in the plate assembly model, and in the fracture model with a 120 mm defect, it was highest in the two-lag screw assembly model.
Conclusion
Based on an analysis of the maximum shear stress distribution, securing the fixation strength of the primary lag screw hole is crucial, and the assembly model of the intramedullary nail with two lag screws and a blocking screw applied was the model that best withstood the optimal load. Securing the locking hole directly above the fracture is believed to provide the maximum fixation strength because the maximum pressure in the plate model is concentrated in the proximal locking hole and the surrounding cortex.

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How to obtain the desired results from distal tibial nailing based on anatomy, biomechanics, and reduction techniques
Jungtae Ahn, Se-Lin Jeong, Gu-Hee Jung
Journal of Musculoskeletal Trauma.2025; 38(2): 74. CrossRef

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Fluid Management of Trauma Patients: Yo Huh, Jaeri Yoo; J Korean Fract Soc 2023;36(2):69-76. Published online April 30, 2023; DOI: https://doi.org/10.12671/jkfs.2023.36.2.69

Abstract PDF

Fluid therapy is one of the fundamental treatments for the management of trauma patients. Apart from supplementary hydration, fluid therapy is also applied for resuscitation. Especially in cases of hypovolemic shock due to bleeding, fluid therapy needs to be carefully adjusted to correct the shock. The importance of fluid therapy is increasing not only in resuscitation and treatment after hospitalization but also in pre-hospital care. Fluid therapy needs to be adjusted based depending each patient’s volume status. The various classifications of fluids include crystalloid solutions, glucose solutions, and colloid solutions. Although not included as a fluid therapy, blood transfusion is increasingly gaining more importance than fluid therapy in unstable trauma patients. Early appropriate fluid therapy is crucial in the treatment of hemodynamically unstable patients such as multiple trauma and massive bleeding, whereas comprehensive fluid therapy should be applied by considering the characteristics of specific injuries such as fractures, vascular damage, and cerebral hemorrhage, as well as the age groups (children, the elderly, and pregnant women).

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Effectiveness of the Eye Care Protocol in the Intensive Care Unit Patients: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Kyu Won Lim, Shin Young Ha, In Soon Kang
Journal of Korean Academy of Nursing.2024; 54(3): 432. CrossRef

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Hip Fractures in the Elderly: Perioperative Management and Prevention of Medical Complications: Keong-Hwan Kim; J Korean Fract Soc 2023;36(1):39-44. Published online January 31, 2023; DOI: https://doi.org/10.12671/jkfs.2023.36.1.39

Abstract PDF

Elderly patients with hip fractures are at an increased risk of developing medical complications with higher mortality rates. Most patients require surgical treatment, and an early surgical intervention can reduce complications and lower mortality risk. A restrictive red blood cell transfusion strategy is usually applied, and the amount of transfusion can be reduced through medications such as tranexamic acid. Delirium can be prevented using non-pharmacological methods. In addition, it is necessary to prevent venous thromboembolism through mechanical or chemical prophylaxis. A multidisciplinary approach using the ERAS (Enhanced Recovery After Surgery) protocol and orthogeriatric care can help to reduce medical complications and mortality.

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Treatment of Incompletely Displaced Femoral Neck Fractures Using Trochanteric Fixation Nail-Advanced in Patients Older Than 50 Years of Age
Jee Young Lee, Gyu Min Kong
Journal of Orthopaedic Trauma.2025; 39(7): 352. CrossRef

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