Classic Papers in Orthopaedic Trauma

Pool built 2026-10-28 · All specialties

These are the 100 most-cited papers published in the Orthopaedic Trauma journals, ranked by lifetime citations (via OpenAlex; retracted papers excluded). The daily digest draws its classic slot from this pool — subscribe to get one with your new articles, or browse the Orthopaedic Trauma archive.

1. Fracture and Dislocation Classification Compendium—2018

   Eric Meinberg, Julie A. Agel, CS Roberts et al. — J Orthop Trauma · 2017 · cited 2,750 times

2. Fracture and Dislocation Classification Compendium - 2007

   John Lawrence Marsh, Theddy F. Slongo, Julie A. Agel et al. — J Orthop Trauma · 2007 · cited 2,371 times

3. Morbidity at Bone Graft Donor Sites

   Edward W. Younger, Michael W. Chapman — J Orthop Trauma · 1989 · cited 2,013 times

4. Posttraumatic Osteoarthritis: A First Estimate of Incidence, Prevalence, and Burden of Disease

   Thomas D. Brown, Richard C. Johnston, Charles L. Saltzman et al. — J Orthop Trauma · 2006 · cited 957 times

5. Patient Rating of Wrist Pain and Disability: A Reliable and Valid Measurement Tool

   Joy Christine MacDermid, Tom Turgeon, Robert S. Richards et al. — J Orthop Trauma · 1998 · cited 858 times

6. Biomechanics of Locked Plates and Screws

   Kenneth A. Egol, Erik N. Kubiak, Eric Fulkerson et al. — J Orthop Trauma · 2004 · cited 822 times

7. Complications Following Internal Fixation of Unstable Distal Radius Fracture With a Palmar Locking-Plate

   Rohit Romesh Arora, Martin Lutz, Alfred Hennerbichler et al. — J Orthop Trauma · 2007 · cited 661 times

8. Orthogeriatric Care Models and Outcomes in Hip Fracture Patients

   Konstantin V. Grigoryan, Houman Javedan, James L. Rudolph — J Orthop Trauma · 2013 · cited 620 times

9. The Importance of Medial Support in Locked Plating of Proximal Humerus Fractures

   Michael J. Gardner, Yoram A. Weil, Joseph U. Barker et al. — J Orthop Trauma · 2007 · cited 616 times

10. Characterization of Extremity Wounds in Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom

    Brett D. Owens, John Frederick Kragh, Joseph M. Macaitis et al. — J Orthop Trauma · 2007 · cited 537 times

11. Three-Column Fixation for Complex Tibial Plateau Fractures

    Congfeng Luo, Hui Sun, Bo Zhang et al. — J Orthop Trauma · 2010 · cited 536 times

12. Low-Energy Femoral Shaft Fractures Associated With Alendronate Use

    Andrew S. Neviaser, Joseph M. Lane, Brett A. Lenart et al. — J Orthop Trauma · 2008 · cited 525 times

13. A Staged Protocol for Soft Tissue Management in the Treatment of Complex Pilon Fractures

    Michael S. Sirkin, Roy W. Sanders, Thomas G. DiPasquale et al. — J Orthop Trauma · 2004 · cited 508 times

14. Size Matters: Defining Critical in Bone Defect Size!

    Emil H. Schemitsch — J Orthop Trauma · 2017 · cited 505 times

15. Early Results of Percutaneous Iliosacral Screws Placed with the Patient in the Supine Position

    Milton L. Chip Routt, Philip James Kregor, Peter T. Simonian et al. — J Orthop Trauma · 1995 · cited 486 times

16. Operative Management of Displaced Femoral Neck Fractures in Elderly Patients

    Mohit Bhandari, Philip James Devereaux, Paul Tornetta et al. — J Bone Joint Surg Am · 2005 · cited 485 times

17. A Staged Protocol for Soft Tissue Management in the Treatment of Complex Pilon Fractures

    Michael S. Sirkin, Roy W. Sanders, Thomas G. DiPasquale et al. — J Orthop Trauma · 1999 · cited 483 times

18. Predictors of Functional Outcome Following Transsyndesmotic Screw Fixation of Ankle Fractures

    Brad S. Weening, Mohit Bhandari — J Orthop Trauma · 2005 · cited 482 times

19. Open Reduction and Internal Fixation of Proximal Humerus Fractures Using a Proximal Humeral Locked Plate: A Prospective Multicenter Analysis

    Felix Brunner, Christoph Sommer, Christian Bahrs et al. — J Orthop Trauma · 2009 · cited 476 times

20. The Functional Consequence of Syndesmotic Joint Malreduction at a Minimum 2-Year Follow-Up

    H. Claude Sagi, Anjan R. Shah, Roy W. Sanders — J Orthop Trauma · 2012 · cited 473 times

21. The Epidemiology of Upper Extremity Fractures in the United States, 2009

    John W. Karl, Patrick R. Olson, Melvin Paul Rosenwasser — J Orthop Trauma · 2015 · cited 472 times

22. Adult Distal Humeral Metaphyseal Fractures: Epidemiology and Results of Treatment

    C. M. Robinson, Richard M. F. Hill, Neal Jacobs et al. — J Orthop Trauma · 2003 · cited 468 times

23. Iliosacral Screw Fixation: Early Complications of the Percutaneous Technique

    Milton L. Chip Routt, Peter T. Simonian, William J. Mills — J Orthop Trauma · 1997 · cited 456 times

24. Complications Associated With Internal Fixation of High-Energy Bicondylar Tibial Plateau Fractures Utilizing a Two-Incision Technique

    David P. Barei, Sean E. Nork, William J. Mills et al. — J Orthop Trauma · 2004 · cited 455 times

25. Critical-Size Bone Defects: Is There a Consensus for Diagnosis and Treatment?

    Aaron Nauth, Emil H. Schemitsch, Brent L. Norris et al. — J Orthop Trauma · 2018 · cited 424 times

26. Ilizarov Bone Transport Treatment for Tibial Defects

    Dror Paley, Dean C. Maar — J Orthop Trauma · 2000 · cited 409 times

27. Early Wound Complications of Operative Treatment of Calcaneus Fractures: Analysis of 190 Fractures

    Jason W. Folk, Adam J. Starr, John S. Early — J Orthop Trauma · 1999 · cited 405 times

28. Analysis of Efficacy and Failure in Proximal Humerus Fractures Treated With Locking Plates

    Juan Fernando Agudelo, Matthias Schürmann, Philip Frank Stahel et al. — J Orthop Trauma · 2007 · cited 404 times

29. Two-Staged Delayed Open Reduction and Internal Fixation of Severe Pilon Fractures

    Michael J. Patterson, J. Dean Cole — J Orthop Trauma · 1999 · cited 402 times

30. Impact of Smoking on Fracture Healing and Risk of Complications in Limb-Threatening Open Tibia Fractures

    Renan C. Castillo, Michael J. Bosse, Ellen J. MacKenzie et al. — J Orthop Trauma · 2005 · cited 401 times

31. Limb Fracture Pattern in Different Pediatric Age Groups

    Jack C. Y. Cheng, W. Y. Shen — J Orthop Trauma · 1993 · cited 400 times

32. Displaced Fractures of the Radial Head: Internal Fixation or Excision?

    Robert N. Hotchkiss — J Am Acad Orthop Surg · 1997 · cited 399 times

33. Treatment of Proximal Tibia Fractures Using the Less Invasive Stabilization System

    Peter Alexander Cole, Michael P. Zlowodzki, Philip James Kregor — J Orthop Trauma · 2004 · cited 397 times

34. Degenerative Arthritis After Tibial Plateau Fractures

    Seppo E. Honkonen — J Orthop Trauma · 1995 · cited 392 times

35. Complications Encountered in the Treatment of Pilon Fractures

    Mark A. McFerran, Stephen W. Smith, H. Jay Boulas et al. — J Orthop Trauma · 1992 · cited 392 times

36. Knee Dislocation: Initial Assessment and Implications for Treatment

    Daniel C. Wascher, Paul C. Dvirnak, Thomas A. DeCoster — J Orthop Trauma · 1997 · cited 387 times

37. Incisional Negative Pressure Wound Therapy After High-Risk Lower Extremity Fractures

    James P. Stannard, David A. Volgas, Gerald G. McGwin et al. — J Orthop Trauma · 2011 · cited 384 times

38. Randomized Prospective Study of Humeral Shaft Fracture Fixation: Intramedullary Nails Versus Plates

    Jens Robert Chapman, M. Bradford Henley, Julie A. Agel et al. — J Orthop Trauma · 2000 · cited 377 times

39. A Comparison of Open Reduction and Internal Fixation and Primary Total Elbow Arthroplasty in the Treatment of Intraarticular Distal Humerus Fractures in Women Older Than Age 65

    Mark A. Frankle, Dolfi Herscovici, Thomas G. DiPasquale et al. — J Orthop Trauma · 2003 · cited 374 times

40. Diagnosing Fracture-Related Infection: Current Concepts and Recommendations

    Geertje A. M. Govaert, Richard Küehl, Bridget L. Atkins et al. — J Orthop Trauma · 2019 · cited 373 times

41. Prospective Randomized Controlled Trial of an Intramedullary Nail Versus Dynamic Screw and Plate for Intertrochanteric Fractures of the Femur

    Christopher I. Adams, C. M. Robinson, Charles M. Court-Brown et al. — J Orthop Trauma · 2001 · cited 368 times

42. Non-Invasive Low-Intensity Pulsed Ultrasound Accelerates Bone Healing in the Rabbit

    Arthur A. Pilla, Michael A. Mont, Philip R. Nasser et al. — J Orthop Trauma · 1990 · cited 367 times

43. The Clinical Diagnosis of Compartment Syndrome of the Lower Leg: Are Clinical Findings Predictive of the Disorder?

    Todd Ulmer — J Orthop Trauma · 2002 · cited 364 times

44. Risk Factors for Failure of Locked Plate Fixation of Distal Femur Fractures

    William M. Ricci, Philipp N. Streubel, Saam Morshed et al. — J Orthop Trauma · 2013 · cited 360 times

45. Fracture and dislocation compendium

    G. S. Philip — J Orthop Trauma · 1996 · cited 355 times

46. Negative Pressure Wound Therapy After Severe Open Fractures: A Prospective Randomized Study

    James P. Stannard, David A. Volgas, Rena L. Stewart et al. — J Orthop Trauma · 2009 · cited 350 times

47. Complications Following Limb-Threatening Lower Extremity Trauma

    Anthony M. Harris, Peter L. Althausen, James F. Kellam et al. — J Orthop Trauma · 2008 · cited 341 times

48. Staged Management of High-Energy Proximal Tibia Fractures (OTA Types 41)

    Kenneth A. Egol, Nirmal C. Tejwani, Edward L Capla et al. — J Orthop Trauma · 2005 · cited 340 times

49. Operative Treatment of 109 Tibial Plateau Fractures: Five- to 27-Year Follow-up Results

    Maarten V. Rademakers, Gino M. M. J. Kerkhoffs, Inger Nicoline Sierevelt et al. — J Orthop Trauma · 2007 · cited 333 times

50. Surgical Options for the Treatment of Severe Tibial Pilon Fractures: A Study of Three Techniques

    Michael Blauth, Leonard Bastian, Christian Krettek et al. — J Orthop Trauma · 2001 · cited 332 times

51. Biomechanical Evaluation of the Femoral Neck System in Unstable Pauwels III Femoral Neck Fractures: A Comparison with the Dynamic Hip Screw and Cannulated Screws

    Karl Kilian Stoffel, Ivan Zderic, Florian Gras et al. — J Orthop Trauma · 2016 · cited 326 times

52. Minimally Invasive Plate Osteosynthesis: Does Percutaneous Plating Disrupt Femoral Blood Supply Less Than the Traditional Technique?

    Osama Ahmed Farouk, Christian Krettek, Theodore Miclau et al. — J Orthop Trauma · 1999 · cited 326 times

53. Randomized, Prospective Comparison of Plate versus Intramedullary Nail Fixation for Distal Tibia Shaft Fractures

    Heather A. Vallier, Beth Ann Cureton, Brendan M. Patterson — J Orthop Trauma · 2011 · cited 325 times

54. Mortality Risk After Hip Fracture

    Jeffrey Richmond, Gina B. Aharonoff, Joseph D. Zuckerman et al. — J Orthop Trauma · 2003 · cited 322 times

55. A Lack of Consensus in the Assessment of Fracture Healing Among Orthopaedic Surgeons

    Mohit Bhandari, Gordon Henry Guyatt, Marc F. Swiontkowski et al. — J Orthop Trauma · 2002 · cited 322 times

56. Intra-Articular Fractures of the Calcaneus

    Roy W. Sanders — J Orthop Trauma · 1992 · cited 322 times

57. Posttraumatic Ankle Osteoarthritis After Ankle-Related Fractures

    Monika Horisberger, Víctor Valderrábano, Beat Hintermann — J Orthop Trauma · 2008 · cited 321 times

58. A Prospective, Randomized Study of Intramedullary Nails Inserted With and Without Reaming for the Treatment of Open and Closed Fractures of the Tibial Shaft

    Christopher G. Finkemeier, Andrew H. Schmidt, Richard F. Kyle et al. — J Orthop Trauma · 2000 · cited 321 times

59. Radiographic Recognition of the Sacral Alar Slope for Optimal Placement of Iliosacral Screws: A Cadaveric and Clinical Study

    M. L. Chip Chip, Peter T. Simonian, Samuel G. Agnew et al. — J Orthop Trauma · 1996 · cited 320 times

60. Type III Open Tibia Fractures

    William D. Lack, Madhav A. Karunakar, Marc R. Angerame et al. — J Orthop Trauma · 2015 · cited 314 times

61. Metabolic and Endocrine Abnormalities in Patients With Nonunions

    Mark R. Brinker, Daniel P. O’Connor, Yomna T Monla et al. — J Orthop Trauma · 2007 · cited 313 times

62. Pertrochanteric Fractures: Is There an Advantage to an Intramedullary Nail?

    Marc Saudan, Anne Lübbeke, Christophe Raphael Sadowski et al. — J Orthop Trauma · 2002 · cited 313 times

63. Control of Severe Hemorrhage Using C-Clamp and Pelvic Packing in Multiply Injured Patients With Pelvic Ring Disruption

    Wolfgang Ertel, Marius J. B. Keel, Karim Eid et al. — J Orthop Trauma · 2001 · cited 312 times

64. Hip Fractures in the Elderly: Predictors of One Year Mortality

    Gina B. Aharonoff, Kenneth J. Koval, Mary Louise Skovron et al. — J Orthop Trauma · 1997 · cited 312 times

65. Early Complications in the Operative Treatment of Patella Fractures

    Scott T. Smith, Kathryn E. Cramer, David E. Karges et al. — J Orthop Trauma · 1997 · cited 311 times

66. Biomechanical Evaluation of Current Patella Fracture Fixation Techniques

    James E. Carpenter, Roberta A. Kasman, Niraj Patel et al. — J Orthop Trauma · 1997 · cited 307 times

67. Locked Plating of 3- and 4-Part Proximal Humerus Fractures in Older Patients: The Effect of Initial Fracture Pattern on Outcome

    Brian D. Solberg, Charles N. Moon, Dennis P Franco et al. — J Orthop Trauma · 2009 · cited 304 times

68. Double Disruptions of the Superior Shoulder Suspensory Complex

    Thomas P. Goss — J Orthop Trauma · 1993 · cited 304 times

69. Tibial Plateau Fractures

    Tillman M. Moore, Michael J. Patzakis, J. Paul Harvey — J Orthop Trauma · 1987 · cited 300 times

70. Dynamic Hip Screw With Trochanteric Stabilizing Plate in the Treatment of Unstable Proximal Femoral Fractures: A Comparative Study With the Gamma Nail and Compression Hip Screw

    Jan Erik Madsen, Leif Næss, Arne Kristian Aune et al. — J Orthop Trauma · 1998 · cited 299 times

71. The Science of Fracture Healing

    Thomas A. Einhorn — J Orthop Trauma · 2005 · cited 297 times

72. Treatment of Distal Femur Fractures Using the Less Invasive Stabilization System

    Philip James Kregor, James P. Stannard, Michael P. Zlowodzki et al. — J Orthop Trauma · 2004 · cited 297 times

73. Triangular Osteosynthesis and Iliosacral Screw Fixation for Unstable Sacral Fractures: A Cadaveric and Biomechanical Evaluation Under Cyclic Loads

    Thomas A. Schildhauer, William R. Ledoux, Jens Robert Chapman et al. — J Orthop Trauma · 2003 · cited 295 times

74. Locked Plating of Distal Femur Fractures Leads to Inconsistent and Asymmetric Callus Formation

    Trevor J. Lujan, Chris E Henderson, Steven M. Madey et al. — J Orthop Trauma · 2010 · cited 290 times

75. Percutaneous Stabilization of U-Shaped Sacral Fractures Using Iliosacral Screws: Technique and Early Results

    Sean E. Nork, Clifford Barry Jones, Susan P. Harding et al. — J Orthop Trauma · 2001 · cited 290 times

76. Determination of Radiographic Healing

    Jody M. Litrenta, Paul Tornetta, Samir D. Mehta et al. — J Orthop Trauma · 2015 · cited 288 times

77. A Comparative Study of Clinical and Radiologic Outcomes of Unstable Colles Type Distal Radius Fractures in Patients Older Than 70 Years: Nonoperative Treatment Versus Volar Locking Plating

    Rohit Romesh Arora, M. Gabl, Martin Gschwentner et al. — J Orthop Trauma · 2009 · cited 287 times

78. Decompression and Lumbopelvic Fixation for Sacral Fracture-Dislocations With Spino-pelvic Dissociation

    Thomas A. Schildhauer, Carlo Bellabarba, Sean E. Nork et al. — J Orthop Trauma · 2006 · cited 287 times

79. The Use of Endosteal Substitution in the Treatment of Recalcitrant Nonunions of the Femur: Report of Seven Cases

    Thomas M. Matelic, Michael T. Monroe, Jeffrey W. Mast — J Orthop Trauma · 1996 · cited 286 times

80. Outcomes for Older Patients With Hip Fractures: The Impact of Orthopedic and Geriatric Medicine Cocare

    A. A. Fisher, M. W. Davis, S. E. Rubenach et al. — J Orthop Trauma · 2006 · cited 283 times

81. Reamed Versus Nonreamed Intramedullary Nailing of Lower Extremity Long Bone Fractures: A Systematic Overview and Meta-analysis

    Mohit Bhandari, Gordon H Guyatt, Doris W. Tong et al. — J Orthop Trauma · 2000 · cited 282 times

82. The Mechanical Effect of Blocking Screws ("Poller Screws") in Stabilizing Tibia Fractures With Short Proximal or Distal Fragments After Insertion of Small-Diameter Intramedullary Nails

    Christian Krettek, Theodore Miclau, P. Schandelmaier et al. — J Orthop Trauma · 1999 · cited 281 times

83. Knee Pain After Intramedullary Tibial Nailing: Its Incidence, Etiology, and Outcome

    C. M. Court-Brown, Tara Gustilo, A.D. Shaw — J Orthop Trauma · 1997 · cited 281 times

84. Severe Open Fractures of the Lower Extremity

    Michael G. McNamara, James D. Heckman, Fred G. Corley — J Orthop Trauma · 1994 · cited 280 times

85. Retrograde Versus Antegrade Nailing of Femoral Shaft Fractures

    William M. Ricci, Carlo Bellabarba, Bradley Evanoff et al. — J Orthop Trauma · 2001 · cited 278 times

86. Trochanteric Gamma Nail and Compression Hip Screw for Trochanteric Fractures

    Alejandro Lizaur-Utrilla, Javier Sanz-Reig, Francisco Antonio Miralles-Muñoz et al. — J Orthop Trauma · 2005 · cited 277 times

87. The Effect of Perioperative Anemia on Clinical and Functional Outcomes in Patients With Hip Fracture

    Ethan A. Halm, Jason J. Wang, Kenneth S. Boockvar et al. — J Orthop Trauma · 2004 · cited 276 times

88. Mid-clavicle Fractures in Adults: End Result Study After Conservative Treatment

    Anders Nordqvist, Claes J. Petersson, Inga Redlund-Johnell — J Orthop Trauma · 1998 · cited 276 times

89. The Long-Term Functional Outcome of Operatively Treated Tibial Plateau Fractures

    David G. Stevens, Rani Beharry, Michael David McKee et al. — J Orthop Trauma · 2001 · cited 274 times

90. The Posterior Monteggia Lesion

    Jesse Bernard Jupiter, Stephen J. Leibovic, William J. Ribbans et al. — J Orthop Trauma · 1991 · cited 272 times

91. Extraosseous Blood Supply of the Tibia and the Effects of Different Plating Techniques: A Human Cadaveric Study

    Joseph Borrelli, William Prickett, Edward Song et al. — J Orthop Trauma · 2002 · cited 271 times

92. Complications Following Management of Displaced Intra-Articular Calcaneal Fractures: A Prospective Randomized Trial Comparing Open Reduction Internal Fixation With Nonoperative Management

    J L Howard, Richard Buckley, Robert G. McCormack et al. — J Orthop Trauma · 2003 · cited 269 times

93. Biomechanical Evaluation of the Less Invasive Stabilization System, Angled Blade Plate, and Retrograde Intramedullary Nail for the Internal Fixation of Distal Femur Fractures

    Michael P. Zlowodzki, S Williamson, Peter Alexander Cole et al. — J Orthop Trauma · 2004 · cited 267 times

94. Elastic Stable Intramedullary Nailing Versus Nonoperative Treatment of Displaced Midshaft Clavicular Fractures-A Randomized, Controlled, Clinical Trial

    Vinzenz Smekal, Alexander Irenberger, Peter Struve et al. — J Orthop Trauma · 2009 · cited 265 times

95. Gender Differences in Patients With Hip Fracture: A Greater Risk of Morbidity and Mortality in Men

    Yoshimi Endo, Gina B. Aharonoff, Joseph D. Zuckerman et al. — J Orthop Trauma · 2005 · cited 265 times

96. Treatment of Type II, IIIA, and IIIB Open Fractures of the Tibial Shaft: A Prospective Comparison of Unreamed Interlocking Intramedullary Nails and Half-Pin External Fixators

    M. Bradford Henley, Jens Robert Chapman, Julie A. Agel et al. — J Orthop Trauma · 1998 · cited 263 times

97. Radiation Exposure to the Orthopaedic Surgical Team During Fluoroscopy: "How Far Away Is Far Enough?"

    Charles T. Mehlman, Thomas G. DiPasquale — J Orthop Trauma · 1997 · cited 263 times

98. Pilon Fractures: Treatment With Combined Internal and External Fixation

    Paul Tornetta, Lon S. Weiner, Marc Bergman et al. — J Orthop Trauma · 1993 · cited 263 times

99. Vacuum-Assisted Wound Closure (VAC Therapy) for the Management of Patients With High-Energy Soft Tissue Injuries

    Dolfi Herscovici, Roy W. Sanders, Julia M. Scaduto et al. — J Orthop Trauma · 2003 · cited 262 times

100. Early Fixation of the Vertically Unstable Pelvis: The Role of Iliosacral Screw Fixation of the Posterior Lesion

     John F. Keating, Joel A. Werier, Piotr A. Blachut et al. — J Orthop Trauma · 1999 · cited 262 times

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