Classic Papers in Orthopaedic Trauma

Pool built 2026-08-28 · 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

   E.G. Meinberg, Julie Agel, CS Roberts et al. — J Orthop Trauma · 2017 · cited 2,714 times

2. Fracture and Dislocation Classification Compendium - 2007

   J. Lawrence Marsh, Theddy Slongo, Julie Agel et al. — J Orthop Trauma · 2007 · cited 2,369 times

3. Morbidity at Bone Graft Donor Sites

   Edward M. Younger, Michael W. Chapman — J Orthop Trauma · 1989 · cited 2,018 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 961 times

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

   Joy C. MacDermid, Tom Turgeon, Robert S. Richards et al. — J Orthop Trauma · 1998 · cited 864 times

6. Biomechanics of Locked Plates and Screws

   Kenneth A. Egol, Erik N. Kubiak, Eric Fulkerson et al. — J Orthop Trauma · 2004 · cited 826 times

7. Autograft, Allograft, and Bone Graft Substitutes: Clinical Evidence and Indications for Use in the Setting of Orthopaedic Trauma Surgery

   Paul C. Baldwin, Deborah J. Li, Darryl A. Auston et al. — J Orthop Trauma · 2019 · cited 769 times

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

   Rohit Arora, Martin Lutz, Alfred Hennerbichler et al. — J Orthop Trauma · 2007 · cited 663 times

9. Orthogeriatric Care Models and Outcomes in Hip Fracture Patients

   Konstantin V. Grigoryan, Houman Javedan, James L. Rudolph — J Orthop Trauma · 2013 · cited 622 times

10. 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 619 times

11. Three-Column Fixation for Complex Tibial Plateau Fractures

    Congfeng Luo, Hui Sun, Bo Zhang et al. — J Orthop Trauma · 2010 · cited 539 times

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

    Brett D. Owens, John F Kragh, Joseph M. Macaitis et al. — J Orthop Trauma · 2007 · cited 534 times

13. 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 526 times

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

    Michael Sirkin, Roy Sanders, Thomas DiPasquale et al. — J Orthop Trauma · 2004 · cited 507 times

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

    Emil H. Schemitsch — J Orthop Trauma · 2017 · cited 499 times

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

    Milton L. Chip Routt, Philip J. Kregor, Peter T. Simonian et al. — J Orthop Trauma · 1995 · cited 496 times

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

    Brad Weening, Mohit Bhandari — J Orthop Trauma · 2005 · cited 484 times

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

    Michael Sirkin, Roy Sanders, Thomas DiPasquale et al. — J Orthop Trauma · 1999 · cited 481 times

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

    H. Claude Sagi, Anjan R. Shah, Roy Sanders — J Orthop Trauma · 2012 · cited 478 times

20. 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 478 times

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

    John W. Karl, Patrick R. Olson, Melvin P. Rosenwasser — J Orthop Trauma · 2015 · cited 474 times

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

    C. M. Robinson, Richard M. Hill, Neal Jacobs et al. — J Orthop Trauma · 2003 · cited 470 times

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

    Milton L. Chip Routt, Peter T. Simonian, W. J. Mills — J Orthop Trauma · 1997 · cited 464 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, W. J. Mills et al. — J Orthop Trauma · 2004 · cited 457 times

25. Femoral Neck Fractures

    Anthony V. Florschütz, Joshua R. Langford, George J. Haidukewych et al. — J Orthop Trauma · 2015 · cited 430 times

26. Autologous Bone Graft: Properties and Techniques

    Hans‐Christoph Pape, Andrew R. Evans, Philipp Kobbe — J Orthop Trauma · 2010 · cited 424 times

27. 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 418 times

28. Ilizarov Bone Transport Treatment for Tibial Defects

    Dror Paley, D Maár — J Orthop Trauma · 2000 · cited 417 times

29. Limb Fracture Pattern in Different Pediatric Age Groups

    Jack C. Y. Cheng, W. Y. Shen — J Orthop Trauma · 1993 · cited 411 times

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

    Juan Fernando Agudelo, Matthias Schürmann, Philip F. Stahel et al. — J Orthop Trauma · 2007 · cited 407 times

31. 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 405 times

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

    Jason Folk, Adam J. Starr, John S. Early — J Orthop Trauma · 1999 · cited 404 times

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

    Michael Patterson, J. Dean Cole — J Orthop Trauma · 1999 · cited 399 times

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

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

35. Degenerative Arthritis After Tibial Plateau Fractures

    Seppo E. Honkonen — J Orthop Trauma · 1995 · cited 396 times

36. Complications Encountered in the Treatment of Pilon Fractures

    Mark A. McFerran, Stephen W. Smith, H. Jay Boulas et al. — J Orthop Trauma · 1992 · cited 389 times

37. Knee Dislocation: Initial Assessment and Implications for Treatment

    Daniel C. Wascher, Paul C. Dvirnak, Thomas A. DeCoster — J Orthop Trauma · 1997 · cited 386 times

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

    James P. Stannard, David A. Volgas, Gerald McGwin et al. — J Orthop Trauma · 2011 · cited 382 times

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

    Jens R. Chapman, M. Bradford Henley, Julie Agel et al. — J Orthop Trauma · 2000 · cited 381 times

40. 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 DiPasquale et al. — J Orthop Trauma · 2003 · cited 376 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 370 times

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

    Arthur A. Pilla, Michael A. Mont, Philip Nasser et al. — J Orthop Trauma · 1990 · cited 369 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 368 times

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

    Geertje A. M. Govaert, Richard Küehl, Bridget L. Atkins et al. — J Orthop Trauma · 2019 · cited 361 times

45. 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

46. Fracture and dislocation compendium

    G. S. Philip — J Orthop Trauma · 1996 · cited 356 times

47. 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 Stoffel, Ivan Zderic, Florian Gras et al. — J Orthop Trauma · 2016 · cited 349 times

48. 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 349 times

49. Complications Following Limb-Threatening Lower Extremity Trauma

    Anthony M. Harris, Peter L. Althausen, James F. Kellam et al. — J Orthop Trauma · 2008 · cited 342 times

50. 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 339 times

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

    Maarten V. Rademakers, Gino M. M. J. Kerkhoffs, I. N. Sierevelt et al. — J Orthop Trauma · 2007 · cited 338 times

52. Locking Plates for Distal Femur Fractures: Is There a Problem With Fracture Healing?

    Christopher E. Henderson, Lori L. Kuhl, Daniel C. Fitzpatrick et al. — J Orthop Trauma · 2011 · cited 334 times

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

    Osama Farouk, Christian Krettek, Theodore Miclau et al. — J Orthop Trauma · 1999 · cited 334 times

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

    M. Blauth, L. Bastian, Christian Krettek et al. — J Orthop Trauma · 2001 · cited 333 times

55. 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 331 times

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

    Marc Saudan, Anne Lübbeke, Christophe Raphael Sadowski et al. — J Orthop Trauma · 2002 · cited 328 times

57. 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 327 times

58. Intra-Articular Fractures of the Calcaneus

    Roy Sanders — J Orthop Trauma · 1992 · cited 326 times

59. 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 325 times

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

    Mohit Bhandari, Gordon Guyatt, M.F. Swiontkowski et al. — J Orthop Trauma · 2002 · cited 324 times

61. Posttraumatic Ankle Osteoarthritis After Ankle-Related Fractures

    Monika Horisberger, Víctor Valderrábano, Beat Hintermann — J Orthop Trauma · 2008 · cited 318 times

62. 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 318 times

63. Mortality Risk After Hip Fracture

    Jeffrey Richmond, Gina B. Aharonoff, Joseph D. Zuckerman et al. — J Orthop Trauma · 2003 · cited 317 times

64. 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 317 times

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

    Wolfgang Ertel, Marius Keel, Karim Eid et al. — J Orthop Trauma · 2001 · cited 314 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 309 times

67. Type III Open Tibia Fractures

    William D. Lack, Madhav A. Karunakar, Marc R. Angerame et al. — J Orthop Trauma · 2015 · cited 308 times

68. 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 307 times

69. Double Disruptions of the Superior Shoulder Suspensory Complex

    Thomas P. Goss — J Orthop Trauma · 1993 · cited 306 times

70. 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 305 times

71. 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 R. Chapman et al. — J Orthop Trauma · 2003 · cited 305 times

72. Periprosthetic Fractures: Epidemiology and Future Projections

    Gregory J. Della Rocca, Kwok Sui Leung, Hans‐Christoph Pape — J Orthop Trauma · 2011 · cited 303 times

73. 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 Arora, M. Gabl, Martin Gschwentner et al. — J Orthop Trauma · 2009 · cited 303 times

74. The Science of Fracture Healing

    Thomas A. Einhorn — J Orthop Trauma · 2005 · cited 302 times

75. Tibial Plateau Fractures

    Tillman M. Moore, Michael J. Patzakis, J. Paul Harvey — J Orthop Trauma · 1987 · cited 302 times

76. 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 301 times

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

    Philip J. Kregor, James P. Stannard, Michael Zlowodzki et al. — J Orthop Trauma · 2004 · cited 299 times

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

    Sean E. Nork, Clifford B. Jones, Susan P. Harding et al. — J Orthop Trauma · 2001 · cited 297 times

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

    Trevor J. Lujan, Christopher E. Henderson, Steven M. Madey et al. — J Orthop Trauma · 2010 · cited 293 times

80. 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 289 times

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

    Alexander A. Fisher, Michael W. Davis, S. E. Rubenach et al. — J Orthop Trauma · 2006 · cited 288 times

82. 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 287 times

83. Determination of Radiographic Healing

    Jody Litrenta, Paul Tornetta, Samir Mehta et al. — J Orthop Trauma · 2015 · cited 285 times

84. 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 285 times

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

    C. M. Court-Brown, T. Gustilo, A.D. Shaw — J Orthop Trauma · 1997 · cited 285 times

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

    Anders Nordqvist, Claes J. Petersson, Inga Redlund-Johnell — J Orthop Trauma · 1998 · cited 284 times

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

    Mohit Bhandari, Gordon H Guyatt, Doris Tong et al. — J Orthop Trauma · 2000 · cited 283 times

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

    Alejandro Lizaur-Utrilla, J. Sanz-Reig, F Miralles Mu oz et al. — J Orthop Trauma · 2005 · cited 281 times

89. Retrograde Versus Antegrade Nailing of Femoral Shaft Fractures

    William M. Ricci, Carlo Bellabarba, Bradley Evanoff et al. — J Orthop Trauma · 2001 · cited 281 times

90. Severe Open Fractures of the Lower Extremity

    Michael G. McNamara, James D. Heckman, Fred G. Corley — J Orthop Trauma · 1994 · cited 281 times

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

    Ethan A. Halm, Jason Wang, Kenneth S. Boockvar et al. — J Orthop Trauma · 2004 · cited 279 times

92. The Posterior Monteggia Lesion

    Jesse B. Jupiter, Stephen J. Leibovic, William J. Ribbans et al. — J Orthop Trauma · 1991 · cited 278 times

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

    David Stevens, Rani Beharry, Michael D. McKee et al. — J Orthop Trauma · 2001 · cited 277 times

94. Clinical Practice Guidelines for Pain Management in Acute Musculoskeletal Injury

    Joseph R. Hsu, Hassan R. Mir, Meghan K. Wally et al. — J Orthop Trauma · 2019 · cited 276 times

95. Platelet Rich Concentrate: Basic Science and Current Clinical Applications

    Samir Mehta, John T. Watson — J Orthop Trauma · 2008 · cited 275 times

96. 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 275 times

97. 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 270 times

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

    Michael Zlowodzki, S Williamson, Peter A. Cole et al. — J Orthop Trauma · 2004 · cited 269 times

99. 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 R. Chapman, Julie Agel et al. — J Orthop Trauma · 1998 · cited 269 times

100. 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 268 times

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