DR. THOMAS G. DIPASQUALE, DO

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This study looked at how much blood patients lose before surgery after suffering hip fractures, specifically proximal femur fractures, which are common in older people. Researchers analyzed data from 119 patients and found that, on average, hemoglobin levels (a measure of blood loss) dropped by 1.4 grams per deciliter, with intertrochanteric fractures leading to the most significant drops. Understanding this blood loss is important because it helps healthcare providers identify patients who are at higher risk of complications and improve their care before surgery. Who this helps: Patients, especially older adults with hip fractures.

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This study looked at how different medical professionals describe the movements of a C-arm, an important tool used during surgeries. Researchers surveyed 46 orthopedic surgeons and 70 radiologic technologists and found that there was a lot of confusion, with only 47% agreement on terminology. They developed a standardized way to talk about C-arm movements, which will help improve communication in the operating room and ensure everyone is on the same page during surgeries. Who this helps: This helps orthopedic surgeons and radiologic technologists.

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This study looked at how effective pain-relieving catheters are for older patients with femoral neck fractures who aren’t having surgery. It found that patients using these catheters reported less pain (average score improvement from 4.5 to 1.2) and were able to move around better compared to those who received traditional pain management, even though the overall death rates within 30 days (52% vs. 50%) and one year (87% vs. 80%) were similar between groups. This matters because it highlights a way to improve the quality of life for patients in pain without invasive procedures. Who this helps: Older patients with femoral neck fractures.

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This study looked at how age affects the types and severity of injuries motorcycle riders sustain in accidents. Researchers analyzed data from 567 riders, finding that elderly riders (60 and older) had more fractures than younger ones, with 84% of them experiencing fractures, especially in the lower body. Surprisingly, while older riders seemed to have more fractures, their overall injury severity was similar to younger and middle-aged riders, indicating that factors like the type of accident might play a significant role in the nature of the injuries. Who this helps: This information is useful for doctors and healthcare providers treating motorcycle accident victims, particularly older riders.

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This study looked at how often gas was found in the joints or surrounding tissues of patients with closed fractures in their legs, using CT scans. Out of 153 patients, gas was identified in 27 (about 17.6%) of the cases, and in 20% of the closed fractures involving the joint. This finding is important because it helps doctors understand that gas can appear in these injuries even when there is no break in the skin, affecting how they diagnose and treat such fractures. Who this helps: Patients with lower extremity fractures and their doctors.

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This study looked at a less common method for treating femoral shaft fractures called retrograde reamed femoral nailing, especially when other surgical methods are challenging, like in complex injuries or during pregnancy. The researchers treated 29 fractures in 24 patients and found that it worked well, with 92% of the fractures healing within 12 weeks, and no major complications like infections or nail failures. This alternative method can benefit patients with specific fracture challenges where traditional techniques are not ideal. Who this helps: Patients with difficult femoral fractures or those requiring special consideration, like pregnant individuals.

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This study looked at a technique called temporary partial intrailiac balloon occlusion to reduce blood loss during surgery for pelvic and acetabular fractures in patients who refuse blood transfusions for personal reasons. The results showed that, for surgeries using an anterior approach, patients experienced significantly less blood loss when the balloon was used (exact numbers weren't provided), but there was no significant difference with the posterior approach. This method could be beneficial for certain patients who need surgery but are concerned about blood transfusions, helping reduce the risk of substantial blood loss. Who this helps: This helps patients who refuse blood transfusions due to personal beliefs.

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This study looked at two methods for treating certain types of tibial (shinbone) fractures that don’t involve the knee or ankle: intramedullary nailing (IMN) and percutaneous locked plating (PLP). After reviewing the cases of 22 patients treated with IMN and 34 treated with PLP, researchers found that both methods had similar success rates in healing the fractures, with 96% for IMN and 97% for PLP. However, patients with PLP were three times more likely to have their implants removed, and those with IMN experienced a specific type of malalignment more often. Who this helps: This research helps doctors choose the best treatment option for patients with certain tibial fractures.

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This study looked at how different ways of stitching a wound affect blood flow around the edges of the cut when different tension levels are applied. Researchers tested four stitching methods on pigs and found that the Allgower-Donati pattern caused significantly less impact on blood flow compared to the other three methods when tension was increased, particularly at weights between 0.5 and 2.0 pounds. This is important because better blood flow may help reduce complications in healing wounds. Who this helps: This helps patients with wounds and doctors who treat them.

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This study looked at how well a specific surgical technique—anterior-inferior plating—works for patients with fractures or nonunions of the middle part of the clavicle (collarbone). In 58 patients followed for an average of almost four years, those treated for acute fractures healed in about 9.5 weeks, while nonunions took about 10.5 weeks; most had good shoulder movement and excellent recovery, with few complications like infections. This matters because it shows that this technique can provide a reliable solution for clavicle injuries, leading to fewer problems and better recovery. Who this helps: This helps patients with clavicle injuries or nonunions looking for effective surgical treatment.

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This study looked at how to treat a specific type of hip fracture in a patient who refuses blood transfusions due to their faith. Researchers used a temporary balloon inside a blood vessel to help reduce blood loss during surgery, which worked effectively, letting the patient lose much less blood than usual. This method is important because it provides a safe option for patients who cannot receive blood transfusions, allowing them to get necessary treatments without compromising their beliefs. Who this helps: This helps Jehovah's Witness patients with severe fractures needing surgery.

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This study looked at how different ways of putting in screws to fix pelvic bone injuries affect stability. It found that adding a two-hole plate, called a symphyseal plate, makes the pelvic area much more stable when it's under pressure. Specifically, this method helps control movement in all directions, while using just screws didn't improve stability. Who this helps: This helps patients with pelvic injuries and the doctors treating them.

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This study focused on a new surgical technique called infrapectineal plating for treating acetabular fractures, which are fractures in the hip area where the bone pieces have shifted. Researchers found that using a special plate to support the bone during surgery significantly improves stability, especially when parts of the bone are displaced toward the middle of the body. Specifically, this method helps better fix fractures that are difficult to manage, providing a reliable solution for achieving proper alignment and stability. Who this helps: This benefits patients with complex hip fractures and the surgeons who treat them.

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This study looked at how to manage soft tissue during surgery for complex pilon fractures, which are serious ankle injuries. Researchers treated 226 of these fractures and found that using a two-step approach reduced complications: 100% of the closed fractures healed well, while there were complications in 10.5% of the open fractures. This matters because it shows that separating the immediate and definitive surgical steps can lead to better outcomes and fewer serious wound problems. Who this helps: This helps patients with complex pilon fractures.

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In this study, researchers looked at how effective surgical treatment is for patients with specific types of ankle fractures called displaced talar neck and body fractures. They followed 25 patients for about six years after their surgery, finding that 88% of the fractures healed well, with most patients experiencing posttraumatic arthritis afterward and some developing bone death in the affected area. This matters because it shows that while surgery can help the fractures heal, patients should be prepared for long-term joint issues and pain, especially if their fractures were open. Who this helps: This helps patients with talar fractures and their doctors by setting realistic expectations for recovery.

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This study looked at how a vacuum-assisted closure device helps heal serious open wounds caused by high-energy injuries. Out of 21 patients treated, 57% had their wounds healed with the device or required just a skin graft, while 43% needed more complicated surgical procedures. The findings show that this device can effectively support wound healing, potentially reducing the need for more invasive treatments. Who this helps: This benefits patients with severe injuries, helping them heal more effectively while reducing surgical interventions.

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This study looked at nerve injuries caused during surgery for a specific type of fracture in the hip, called acetabular fractures. Researchers compared surgeries where nerve monitoring was used (112 cases) to those where it wasn't (140 cases), finding that nerve injuries occurred in 11.6% of monitored surgeries and 7.9% of unmonitored ones, but the difference wasn't significant. Overall, 5.6% of patients suffered nerve injuries, and in surgeries that used nerve monitoring, the injury rate was higher (8.9%) compared to those without monitoring (2.9%). These findings suggest that using nerve monitoring doesn't actually lower the risk of nerve injuries in these operations. Who this helps: This information helps surgeons and patients understand the risks associated with acetabular fracture surgeries.

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This study examined whether the air released from compressed-air power tools used in orthopedic surgery contains bacteria that could contaminate sterile surfaces. Researchers found that 73% of the air drills tested released bacteria when directed at sterile agar plates, indicating a potential risk of contamination during surgery. This is important because it suggests that using these tools could increase the chances of infections in surgical patients. Who this helps: Patients undergoing orthopedic surgery.

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This study looked at how well femoral shaft fractures heal after being treated with a method called intramedullary nailing. Researchers found that overall, 9% of patients had misalignment after their treatment, but this increased to 30% for fractures near the top of the thigh bone (the proximal third) and was only 2% for fractures in the middle section. Understanding these risks helps doctors choose better treatment options for patients and improve recovery outcomes. Who this helps: This helps patients with femoral shaft fractures and their treating doctors.

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This study looked at two different ways to fix broken thigh bones using metal rods: retrograde intramedullary nailing and antegrade intramedullary nailing. Both methods healed about 88-89% of fractures, and there were similar rates of complications overall; however, retrograde nailing caused more knee problems (36% of patients) while antegrade nailing led to more hip issues (10% of patients). Understanding these differences helps doctors choose the best method for their patients, aiming to minimize complications and improve recovery. Who this helps: This benefits patients with thigh bone fractures and their doctors.

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This study looked at a new way to treat complicated fractures in the tibia (the shinbone) using less invasive techniques. Researchers treated 17 patients between 1992 and 1998, and found that although 6 needed extra procedures to help the bone heal, there were no severe complications like malunions (bones healing incorrectly). This method is important because it reduces damage to surrounding tissues and allows patients to move around more quickly after surgery. Who this helps: This helps patients with complex fractures and significant soft tissue injuries.

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This study examined the healing rates of thigh bone fractures (femoral shaft fractures) treated with special nails inserted without creating a larger hole (reaming). Out of 125 fractures tracked for an average of 18.3 months, 93% healed successfully, with Type A fractures healing in an average of 3.8 months, Type B in 4.8 months, and Type C in 6.2 months. These findings are important because they show that using unreamed nails can be just as effective as traditional methods without increasing complications. Who this helps: This helps patients with femoral shaft fractures by offering an effective treatment option.

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This study looked at a method for treating certain broken shoulder bones called proximal humeral fractures. Researchers found that using specific types of pins to stabilize these fractures allowed 94% of patients with less severe fractures to heal well within about 2.6 months and regain good shoulder movement. However, this method did not work for patients with the most severe fractures, who faced higher risks of complications. Who this helps: This benefits patients with Type II and Type III shoulder fractures by providing a reliable treatment option that supports quicker recovery.

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This study explored a surgical technique called the Böhler incision, which provides better access to important areas in the foot and ankle for surgery. The findings show that this approach allows easy viewing of critical joints and bones while creating minimal complications and healing with a neat scar that doesn't interfere with wearing shoes. This is significant because it improves surgical outcomes and patient comfort. Who this helps: This helps patients undergoing foot and ankle surgery.

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This study looked at how to best treat complex ankle fractures, specifically pilon fractures, to minimize surgical complications. Researchers treated 226 patients over several years and analyzed 56 cases. They found that using a two-step approach—first fixing the fibula and stabilizing the tissue with an external device, and then doing more extensive surgery after swelling went down—resulted in very low wound problems; 97% of patients with closed fractures healed without serious issues, and all open fractures healed as well, although there were some infections in more severe cases. Who this helps: This benefits patients with complex ankle fractures and their healthcare providers by providing a safer treatment method.

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This study compared the effectiveness of five different types of cloth gloves used in orthopedic surgery, looking at how well they resist cuts and protect the inner latex gloves from tearing. The results showed that the Centurion gloves were the most cut-resistant, needing more than 3,000 cuts to fail, while the Protek gloves were the least, failing after just two cuts. All types of cloth gloves prevented the latex inner gloves from getting holes during surgery, and the main deciding factor for which gloves to use should be comfort for the surgeons. Who this helps: This benefits surgeons who need reliable and comfortable gloves during procedures.

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This study examined how to treat patients who have suffered fractures in both the thigh (femur) and shin (tibia) bones on the same side of the body. Out of 24 patients treated with a specific surgical method, 65% had good or excellent recovery after an average of 20 months. This is important because it shows that this treatment approach can effectively address these complex injuries, helping patients heal effectively. Who this helps: This helps patients with combined femur and tibia fractures.

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This study examined nine patients who had fractures in both their talus and calcaneus bones at a hospital in Florida. The results showed that patients with severe joint damage often needed surgery but still had good outcomes after about 39 months, with all of them scoring well on a foot health assessment. Meanwhile, those with less severe fractures healed well with just immobilization, highlighting that most of these combined injuries can be treated effectively. Who this helps: This information is valuable for doctors treating patients with these specific bone fractures.

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This study looked at how monitoring nerve signals during surgery for major pelvic fractures affects patient outcomes. Out of 30 fractures examined, 50% of patients had pre-existing nerve damage, and significant changes in nerve signals happened during the surgery. However, the surgical team was quick to respond, preventing any further nerve damage. This is important because it shows that monitoring can help avoid complications during surgery. Who this helps: Patients undergoing surgery for unstable pelvic fractures.

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This study focused on shoulder girdle injuries, which are rare but can cause serious health issues if not properly identified or treated. The researchers found that while most injuries can be managed without surgery, doctors need to carefully assess patients who have multiple injuries to ensure they don’t miss anything serious. This is important because better diagnosis and treatment can significantly improve outcomes for affected individuals. Who this helps: This helps doctors and patients who are dealing with complex injuries.

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This study looked at how to classify and treat tibial pilon fractures, which occur at the ankle and usually happen from high-impact injuries. Researchers reviewed 34 fractures from 32 patients over five years and found that 88% of the fractures healed within 16 weeks. Out of those with Type II fractures, 65% had excellent outcomes, while 50% of the Type III fractures were rated excellent, showing that more severe fractures tended to have worse results. Who this helps: This information is useful for patients recovering from ankle injuries and doctors treating these fractures.

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This study looked at how well an unreamed, double-locked tibial nail works for treating severe fractures of the shinbone in 74 patients. Out of 77 fractures treated, all closed fractures healed in about 14 weeks, and 94.6% of the open fractures healed in about 20 weeks, with a low infection rate of 11% for open fractures. These findings show that this method is very effective, providing a high healing rate with few complications, making it a promising option for treating serious shinbone injuries. Who this helps: This benefits patients with severe tibial fractures and the doctors treating them.

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This study looked at a new way to tell if screws placed during hip surgery are accidentally going into the joint. Researchers used a special stethoscope to listen for sounds that indicate if the screw has penetrated the joint and found that it worked very well; 74 out of 77 volunteers correctly identified the screw that went into the joint. This matters because it could help surgeons avoid damaging the joint during surgery, leading to better outcomes for patients. Who this helps: This helps patients undergoing hip surgery.

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This study examined the treatment of 64 patients with open tibial shaft fractures using a specific type of internal nail that doesn't require reaming. The results showed that fractures healed in an average of 4.8 months for type I wounds and up to 9.3 months for the more severe type IIIB wounds; however, 20 fractures experienced delayed healing. This is important because it helps doctors understand the effectiveness and healing times associated with this treatment, allowing for better patient care and expectations. Who this helps: Patients with open tibial shaft fractures.

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This study examined a surgical method called retrograde femoral nailing, which is used to treat fractures in the thigh bone (femur) when traditional methods aren’t suitable, such as in complex injuries or during pregnancy. Researchers performed this procedure on 24 patients, resulting in successful nail insertion in 28 out of 29 cases, with 92% of the fractures healing within 12 weeks. The findings show that retrograde nailing is effective and safe, with no infections or failures reported, making it a good alternative for certain challenging situations. Who this helps: This helps patients with complex femur fractures, especially those with additional injuries or special circumstances like pregnancy.

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This study looked at how much radiation orthopedic surgeons are exposed to during surgeries that use real-time imaging (fluoroscopy). Researchers monitored the radiation exposure of 65 procedures and found that the average fluoroscopy time for surgeons with no exposure readings on their rings was 2.3 minutes, while those with positive readings had an average of 4.7 minutes, indicating a clear link between longer fluoroscopy time and higher radiation exposure. Understanding these risks is important for ensuring surgeons’ health and safety in the operating room. Who this helps: This helps orthopedic surgeons by highlighting the risks of radiation exposure during surgical procedures.

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This study looked at a new method for treating fractures in the upper arm bone (humerus) called modified-tension band wiring, tested on 15 fractures in 14 patients. The results showed that 26.7% of the fractures experienced early problems with the fixations, and when evaluated later, only 30% of patients had excellent outcomes, while 50% were satisfactory and 10% failed. This matters because such a high rate of early complications makes this technique not advisable for treating this type of fracture. Who this helps: This helps doctors in making better treatment choices for patients with humeral fractures.

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This study looked at how patients feel about their hallucinations, focusing on their beliefs about why these experiences happen and their negative effects. Researchers found that most patients noted some positive aspects of their hallucinations and that those who found value in their hallucinations were more likely to continue experiencing them after treatment. Understanding these attitudes can help predict how well patients will respond to treatment and highlight areas for therapy that can improve their situation. Who this helps: This helps patients with hallucinations and their healthcare providers.

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This study looked at how well different types of surgeries worked for patients with complicated heel fractures over a period of four years. They found that for fractures classified as Type II and Type III, about 73% and 70% had good outcomes, respectively, while Type IV fractures showed much poorer results, with only 9% achieving a good outcome. The findings emphasize that while surgical experience improves results for less severe fractures, the most complex fractures remain very challenging to treat successfully. Who this helps: This helps doctors and surgeons treating patients with heel fractures.

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In this study, researchers looked at a treatment method for broken knee bones (tibial plateau fractures) in 20 patients. They found that they could successfully fix 18 of these fractures without needing major surgery, and most patients had good recovery outcomes: 33% had excellent results and 56% had good results, with no infections reported. This matters because it shows that less invasive methods can work well for many patients recovering from these types of fractures. Who this helps: This helps patients with tibial plateau fractures and their doctors.

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This study looked at how to treat severe hip fractures in older patients, specifically those over sixty, using a surgical method called open reduction and internal fixation. The researchers treated eighteen patients, most of whom were in their sixties and seventies, and found that all the fractures healed well, with an average recovery score of 90 out of 100 after two years. This type of surgery can be a more effective option for elderly patients, helping avoid the need for more complicated hip replacement surgeries. Who this helps: This helps elderly patients with hip fractures and their doctors.

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Researchers developed a new method for collecting a large amount of bone graft material needed for surgeries to repair significant bone damage. Using a special tool, they can safely gather this bone from the back of the pelvis with very little pain and bleeding during recovery. This is important because it provides surgeons with a reliable way to get enough bone graft for effective treatments, especially in younger patients with strong bones. Who this helps: This helps surgeons and younger patients needing bone repair.