This week in Orthopaedic Trauma

Aug 17–23, 2026 · 17 new studies, 10 reviews · Orthopaedic Trauma archive · All weeks

The new Orthopaedic Trauma research The Reduction sent the week of Aug 17–23, 2026, with the week’s most recent reviews, each with a one-line summary.

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New research

  1. Extensor pollicis longus rupture after both nonoperatively- and operatively-managed distal radius fractures.

    Journal of Hand and Microsurgery · Sep 2026 · PubMed

    In a large multicenter database, EPL rupture after distal radius fracture was rare overall (0.1% nonoperative vs 0.36% operative), with surgical treatment nearly tripling the risk, informing patient counseling and vigilance.

  2. Subchondral Shelf Support Plating for Impacted Radial Head Fractures: Surgical Technique and Case Series.

    Journal of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons · Sep 01 2026 · PubMed

    A novel subchondral shelf plating technique for impacted radial head fractures achieved excellent radiographic healing and functional outcomes in 13 patients, offering an alternative when impaction lies outside standard plating zones.

  3. Clinical and Radiographic Outcomes of Chronic Anterior Dislocations Treated with Reverse Total Shoulder Arthroplasty.

    Journal of Shoulder and Elbow Surgery · Aug 21 2026 · PubMed

    Reverse shoulder arthroplasty for chronic locked anterior dislocation yielded motion and complication rates similar to proximal humerus fracture rTSA, but worse PROMIS upper extremity function and more pain interference, plus higher heterotopic ossification risk.

  4. Distal Radius Articular Surface Visualization: Comparison of Ligament-Sparing Volar and Dorsal Radiocarpal Arthrotomies for Distal Radius Fracture Reduction.

    Journal of Hand Surgery (American) · Aug 20 2026 · PubMed

    In cadavers, dorsal radiocarpal arthrotomy visualized more distal radius articular surface than volar (77.3% vs 63.7%), though volar approach better exposed the volar rim—useful for planning exposure based on fracture pattern.

  5. AAOS Appropriate Use Criteria Summary: Treatment of Mid-Shaft Clavicle Fractures.

    Journal of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons · Aug 20 2026 · PubMed

    AAOS's Appropriate Use Criteria rates surgical vs nonsurgical treatment of mid-shaft clavicle fractures across 96 patient scenarios to guide decision-making.

  6. Increased Risk of Periprosthetic Femoral Fracture with Cementless Collared Metadiaphyseal-Filling Stems Compared to Cemented Fixation for Femoral Neck Fractures in Patients Aged 65 Years or Older: An American Joint Replacement Registry Analysis.

    Journal of Arthroplasty · Aug 19 2026 · PubMed

    In femoral neck fracture arthroplasty, cementless collared metadiaphyseal-filling stems carried higher periprosthetic fracture revision risk than cemented stems, though with lower aseptic loosening revision rates, supporting cemented fixation.

  7. Outcomes of One-Stage Infected Humerus Nonunion Repair in Patients with Prior Operative Fracture Fixation.

    Journal of Orthopaedic Trauma · Aug 19 2026 · PubMed

    One-stage repair of infected humeral nonunion after failed ORIF achieved union in 87% of patients, though one in three needed unplanned reoperation for infection or nonunion.

  8. Management Preferences of Geriatric Distal Radius Fractures: Insights From an American Society for Surgery of the Hand Surgeon Survey.

    Journal of Hand Surgery (American) · Aug 19 2026 · PubMed

    Survey of ASSH hand surgeons found treatment preferences for geriatric distal radius fractures often favor surgery despite AAOS guidelines recommending nonsurgical care, revealing a practice-guideline gap.

  9. Short-Term Outcomes of Retrograde Intramedullary Screw Fixation of Distal Ulna Fractures.

    HAND · Aug 18 2026 · PubMed

    Retrograde intramedullary screw fixation of distal ulna fractures achieved comparable union and motion to plating, with faster surgery and mobilization and a trend toward fewer complications.

  10. Computed tomography based three-dimensional analysis of side-to-side differences between metacarpals.

    Journal of Hand Surgery (European) · Aug 18 2026 · PubMed

    3D CT analysis of 20 healthy hands found only minor bilateral metacarpal asymmetries (notably in pronation/supination), suggesting contralateral bone is generally a reliable template for surgical planning.

  11. Predictors for Blood Transfusion Risk in Patients Undergoing Total Hip Arthroplasty for Femoral Neck Fracture: A Two-Center Retrospective Cohort Study.

    Journal of Arthroplasty · Aug 18 2026 · PubMed

    In a two-center study of 391 older femoral neck fracture patients undergoing THA, a validated nomogram using anticoagulant use, TXA administration, surgical duration, and preoperative hemoglobin accurately predicted postoperative transfusion risk (AUROC 0.90).

  12. Radiographic Risk Factors for Flexor Tendon Ruptures Following Distal Radius Volar Plating.

    Journal of Hand Surgery (American) · Aug 18 2026 · PubMed

    Excessive lateral carpal alignment (CARD >4.9mm) was the strongest predictor of flexor tendon rupture after volar plating, so correcting carpal alignment intraoperatively may reduce this risk when the plate is prominent.

  13. Radiographic Outcomes of Dorsal Bridge Plating Versus Volar Locking Plate Fixation for Distal Radius Fractures in Elderly Patients: A Single-Center Retrospective Study.

    HAND · Aug 17 2026 · PubMed

    In this retrospective study of elderly distal radius fractures, dorsal bridge plating produced radiographic outcomes comparable to volar locking plating, supporting it as a viable fixation option in select older patients.

  14. Peak stresses within the cement mantle increase above the yield point of bone cement when the subsidence limit is reached in polished taper stems.

    Hip International · Aug 09 2026 · PubMed

    Finite element analysis showed that once subsidence in polished taper-slip stems is restricted, cement mantle stress shifts distally and increases 49-102%, potentially raising periprosthetic fracture risk.

  15. Holding the line: predictors of coronal and sagittal loss of reduction after tibial plateau fracture fixation.

    Archives of Orthopaedic and Trauma Surgery · Jul 28 2026 · PubMed

    In 213 surgically fixed tibial plateau fractures, older age, posterior column involvement, and greater preoperative/postoperative step-off or widening independently predicted loss of reduction, highlighting the need for optimal fixation in these patients.

  16. Fracture orthopedic risk of non-home discharge score II (FORD-II).

    Injury · Jul 23 2026 · PubMed

    The FORD-II admission-time score, derived from ~2 million trauma registry cases, outperformed prior tools in predicting non-home discharge after fracture trauma, potentially enabling earlier discharge planning and cost savings.

  17. External Iliac artery injury in severe pelvic ring trauma: Limb salvage or early hemipelvectomy? A case series.

    Injury · Jul 22 2026 · PubMed

    In this small case series, external iliac artery injury combined with severe pelvic ring trauma nearly always led to limb loss despite revascularization attempts, suggesting earlier consideration of hemipelvectomy in select cases.

Recent reviews

  1. Circular External Fixation in the Treatment of Complex Tibial Plateau Fractures.

    Journal of Orthopaedic Trauma · Dec 01 2025 · PubMed

    Circular external fixation offers a biomechanically adaptable, minimally invasive alternative to internal fixation for complex tibial plateau fractures with compromised soft tissue, achieving excellent results with potentially fewer complications.

  2. Fracture related infection after low-energy gunshot injuries.

    Injury · Nov 2025 · PubMed

    Review of gunshot fracture infections finds short-course (24-72h) antibiotics are as effective as prolonged therapy, narrow-spectrum agents suffice in uncomplicated cases, and retained bullet fragments should be removed to reduce infection risk.

  3. Assessment and Management of the Painful Reverse Total Shoulder Arthroplasty.

    JBJS Reviews · Oct 01 2025 · PubMed

    This review outlines a systematic diagnostic and treatment approach to painful reverse total shoulder arthroplasty, covering infection, instability, loosening, and other causes with tailored nonoperative or revision strategies.

  4. Contemporary Management of Proximal Humeral Fractures.

    Journal of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons · Oct 01 2025 · PubMed

    This review covers current nonsurgical and surgical options—including fixation and reverse shoulder arthroplasty—for managing proximal humerus fractures.

  5. Posttraumatic Pathologies of the First Metatarsophalangeal Joint.

    Foot & Ankle Clinics · Mar 2025 · PubMed

    This review addresses posttraumatic injuries of the first metatarsophalangeal joint—such as turf toe and sesamoid fractures—and outlines conservative versus surgical management approaches.

  6. Refined Techniques in Tibial Nailing.

    Journal of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons · Mar 01 2025 · PubMed

    This review presents an algorithmic approach to tibial intramedullary nailing—covering starting point, reduction aids, and deforming-force control—to reduce malalignment in complex fracture patterns.

  7. The Impact of Early Axial Interfragmentary Motion on the Fracture Healing Environment: A Scoping Review.

    Injury · Dec 2024 · PubMed

    This scoping review of 15 studies finds small-to-moderate axial interfragmentary motion (~0.03-1.0 mm) at the tibia tends to promote favorable callus and biomechanical healing, though evidence remains insufficient to define an optimal threshold.

  8. The role of tranexamic acid for infection prevention after fracture fixation.

    Injury · Nov 2024 · PubMed

    This review discusses emerging evidence that tranexamic acid may reduce infection risk after fracture fixation via antihematoma and possible direct antibacterial/antibiofilm effects.

  9. The management of anticoagulated fragility femoral fracture patients.

    Hip International · Nov 2024 · PubMed

    Review of anticoagulated/antiplatelet fragility femur fracture patients finds expedited surgery (within 36 hours) is safe for proximal fractures, but guidelines are inconsistent and evidence lacking for non-proximal fractures.

  10. Fingertip Injuries: A Review and Update on Management.

    Journal of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons · Nov 21 2024 · PubMed

    This review updates management strategies for fingertip injuries, emphasizing soft-tissue coverage, nail bed repair, and selective operative treatment to optimize function and appearance.

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