Orthopaedic trauma research

Three-Dimensional Computed-Tomography (CT) Reconstruction for the Classification of Acetabular Fractures

PI, Michael Suk, MD

Fractures of the acetabulum require careful consideration in order to ensure maintenance of natural motion and prevention of early post-traumatic arthritis. Fractures involving significant portions of the articular surface and/or that render the joint unstable are typically addressed surgically whereas stable fractures with little/no-articular involvement are treated non-operatively. This distinction is made with radiographic studies. This study is being conducted to compare the reliability and accuracy of classifying acetabular fractures by using 3D CT images versus using plain radiographs and 2D CT images.

Braking Force After Orthopaedic Trauma

PI, Daniel Horwitz, MD

The ability to operate a motor vehicle is an essential part of everyday life. Consequently, the return to driving is a genuine concern for patients who are recovering from orthopaedic trauma. Using a driving simulator created at Bucknell University, we are conducting a prospective study to learn more about patients’ abilities to effectively drive following orthopaedic trauma injuries with a focus on braking force.

Outcomes in Orthopaedic Trauma Surgery Patients with a History of Pre-injury Narcotic Use

PI, Daniel Horwitz, MD

The purpose of this study is to review the existing data in the Pennsylvania Department of Health's Prescription Drug Monitoring Program online database to evaluate trends in opioid use in orthopaedic trauma surgery. We hypothesize that outcomes following orthopaedic trauma surgery will be worse in patients who have taken opioid pain medications during the six months preceding the injury necessitating their surgery.  

Safe International Normalized Ratio (INR) for Patients Undergoing a Hemiarthroplasty for Treatment of Intracapsular Hip Fracture

PI, Daniel Horwitz, MD

Approximately 5-10% of hip fracture patients are chronically anticoagulated with warfarin pre-fracture. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the effect of preoperative INR on the incidence of thromboembolic and bleeding complications in patients undergoing a hemiarthroplasty for an intracapsular hip fracture.

Treatment of Ankle Fractures in Patients with Peripheral Neuropathy Using Retrograde Hindfoot Nail

PI, Daniel Horwitz, MD

Among diabetics, patients with peripheral neuropathy have the highest risk of complications following treatment of ankle fractures. We hypothesize that insertion of a retrograde nail for the treatment of an acute ankle fracture is an effective and safe treatment for diabetic patients with peripheral neuropathy.

Thromboprophylaxis in Patients with Acetabular Fractures

PI, Daniel Horwitz, MD

The purpose of this study is to evaluate whether the time from last dose of low molecular weight heparin to surgery affects the incidence of bleeding or thromboembolic complications in patients undergoing surgical treatment for acetabular fractures.

Hematoma Block vs Bier Block: Radiographic Outcomes after Closed Reduction of Distal Radius Fractures Using Different Anaesthesia Techniques

PI, Daniel Horwitz, MD

This study compares the bier block and the hematoma block in terms of quality of reduction, outcomes and complications in acute distal radius fractures.

Assessment of Quality and Adverse Events of Hip Fracture Repair After an Operative Night on Call at the Orthopaedic Attending Level

PI, Daniel Horwitz, MD

The purpose of this study is to assess the quality of hip fracture repair after an operative on call night among attending physicians. We hypothesize there will be no difference in the quality or complication rate of hip fractures performed by an orthopaedic attending after a night during which he/she was on call.

Effect of Obesity on Outcomes After Fracture of the Humerus 

PI, Daniel Horwitz, MD

The purpose of this study is to compare the incidence of perioperative complications in obese and non-obese patients undergoing surgical treatment of humeral shaft fractures.

Analysis of Contralateral Hip Fractures

PI, Daniel Horwitz, MD

The purpose of this study is to compare the complication rate, length of stay, transfusions and mortality among patients’ first hip fracture and subsequent contralateral hip fractures.