RANDALL T. LODER, MD

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This study looked at injuries, specifically amputations and avulsions, that happen due to interactions between humans and horses over a 23-year period. Out of over 34,000 reported horse-related injuries, only 120 involved amputations or avulsions, with 53 being amputations and 67 avulsions, mostly affecting people around 37 years old. The findings highlight that many of these serious injuries were caused by riding or rope-related accidents, providing valuable information to improve safety and prevention strategies for horse activities. Who this helps: This helps patients and equine sports participants by informing safety practices and injury prevention.

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This study looked at joint dislocations caused by horse riding using data from U.S. emergency departments between 2000 and 2023. It found that 625 dislocations occurred, with the most common being shoulder dislocations at 46.2%. Most injuries happened when riders fell off the horse (54.1%), and the average age of those injured was 41, with equal numbers of men and women affected, differing from usual trends in equestrian injuries. Who this helps: This information benefits doctors and sports medicine professionals working with horse riders.

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This study examined a feature called the septal aperture (SA) in the arm bones (humeri) of an ancient population from Tombos, Egypt, that lived around 1400-656 BCE. Researchers found that 40.9% of the bones had this feature, with the shape mostly being oval or elliptical. The findings, which show a higher prevalence of SA in this group compared to prehistoric Native Americans, suggest a strong genetic link, especially since 81% of those with SA had it in both arms. Who this helps: This helps researchers studying human evolution and genetics.

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This study looked at spinal injuries related to horseback riding across the United States using a national database from 2000 to 2023. Researchers found about 54,830 patients with these injuries, most of whom were women around 42 years old. A significant number (51.1%) of patients did not leave the emergency department without being admitted, and most injuries were to the lower back (49.1%). Understanding these injuries helps in developing better safety measures and treatments. Who this helps: This helps patients and healthcare providers involved in equestrian activities.

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This study looked at trends in visits to U.S. emergency departments for sexual assault during the COVID-19 pandemic, comparing them to times before the pandemic. While overall assault-related visits dropped by about 5% each year, sexual assault visits stayed about the same. However, they found that cases increased for adults aged 20-34 (from 36% to 40.3%) and 35-64 (from 17.2% to 21%), and more severe injuries, like poisoning and strangulation, became more common. Who this helps: This information helps doctors and health officials respond more effectively to sexual assault cases during crises.

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This study looked at data from emergency departments across the U.S. between 1993 and 2020 to understand the demographics and injury patterns of people involved in drive-by shootings. It found that there were an estimated 63,882 emergency visits due to these incidents, with victims being younger on average (24.5 years) compared to those injured in other shootings (28.7 years). Additionally, Hispanics made up a larger portion of drive-by shooting victims (30.1%) than in other types of shootings, and those injured in drive-bys often suffered more serious injuries to the head, neck, and legs. Who this helps: This information is useful for healthcare providers, policymakers, and community leaders focused on injury prevention and gun violence legislation.

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This study looked at the leg bone of an older woman from ancient Nubia, who lived around 2,700 years ago. Researchers found that her thigh bone (femur) was severely damaged, with about 80% of the bone tissue lost and signs of new bone growth nearby, likely due to a serious cyst or tumor. Understanding these types of bone issues helps improve knowledge about ancient diseases and how they affected people's lives long ago. Who this helps: This information benefits archaeologists and historians studying ancient health, as well as modern doctors working with bone conditions.

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This study looked at whether the Super Bowl leads to more injuries from assaults, especially intimate partner violence. Researchers analyzed injury data from 2005 to 2017 and found that during the Super Bowl weekend, overall assaults did not increase, but some specific assault types decreased, such as altercations and intimate partner violence, indicating a drop from 12.5% to 8.3%. This matters because it challenges the belief that major sporting events like the Super Bowl automatically lead to more violence, highlighting the need for ongoing efforts to prevent violence all year round rather than just during big events. Who this helps: This helps patients and communities by promoting a better understanding of violence trends.

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This study looked at injuries from intimate partner violence (IPV) in the context of strangulation and neck injuries, using data from emergency rooms between 2005 and 2019. It found that IPV was responsible for 11.6% of all assault injuries, and 40.4% of cases of assault-related anoxia (lack of oxygen), with suffocation being the main cause. The findings emphasize the need for better screening of IPV victims for strangulation, especially when they present with neck injuries. Who this helps: This research benefits patients experiencing intimate partner violence and the medical professionals treating them.

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This study looked at an ancient Nubian woman who lived around 3000 years ago and had several healed fractures, including a serious hip fracture. The woman's bone density showed she was at risk for weak bones, but she received strong care that helped her heal. Interestingly, her injuries suggest she had a high social status, which likely provided her with better medical care, reducing her risk of death from these injuries. Who this helps: This information helps doctors and researchers understand historical medical care and its impact on healing in ancient populations.

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This study looked at the injuries older adults (60 and over) face when they come to emergency departments (ED) due to abuse compared to those who fell down. Researchers found that there were about 307,237 visits for abuse and over 39 million for falls from 2005 to 2019. Notably, older adults who experienced abuse were typically younger and had fewer hospital admissions, but their injuries often included serious fractures, which should alert healthcare providers to the possibility of abuse. Who this helps: This research benefits patients by helping doctors better identify and support older adults who may be victims of abuse.

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This study looked at the injuries caused by intimate partner violence (IPV) in three age groups: those under 18, ages 18 to 25, and over 25, using data from U.S. emergency departments between 2005 and 2020. The researchers found that adolescents had a higher number of sexual assault cases and injuries to the lower trunk, while older victims showed more severe injuries and fractures, with the worst injuries appearing as patients got older. Understanding these injury patterns will help healthcare providers and policymakers create better support for young people suffering from IPV. Who this helps: This helps patients, especially adolescents experiencing intimate partner violence.

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This study looked at how often kids under 16 get fractures while riding horses and what types of fractures they experience. Researchers found that over 101,000 children suffered fractures from equestrian activities between 2000 and 2023, with girls making up 72.5% of the cases. Most injuries affected the upper limb, and the most common cause was falling off the horse, occurring in 75.7% of cases. Who this helps: This information benefits doctors, particularly pediatric trauma and orthopedic surgeons, as well as families involved in equestrian activities.

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This study looked at whether playing sports is linked to a condition called slipped capital femoral epiphysis (SCFE) in children. Researchers reviewed 193 cases of SCFE and found that about 33% of these patients had been involved in athletic activities, particularly basketball and football, but participating in sports did not affect the severity of the condition or how long symptoms lasted. The study matters because it highlights the need for doctors to consider SCFE in young athletes experiencing hip or knee pain, regardless of their weight, to ensure proper diagnosis and treatment. Who this helps: Children and young athletes experiencing hip or knee pain.

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This study looked at the occurrence and types of clubfoot (talipes equinovarus) in Indiana from 2010 to 2019, focusing on 568 patients. The findings revealed that 456 of these patients had idiopathic clubfoot, with most being male (69.1%) and typically formed (92.1%). It also found that clubfoot was less common in Hispanic and Asian children compared to White and Black children and that patients with syndromic clubfoot often had more severe cases and other health issues. Who this helps: This research benefits doctors and healthcare providers by giving them a clearer understanding of clubfoot demographics to improve care and treatment strategies.

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This study examined bones from people who lived in ancient Nubia between 1400 and 656 BC to investigate a hip condition called femoroacetabular impingement (FAI). The researchers found that 7% of the thigh bones had cam lesions and 4% had pincer lesions, indicating that this hip problem was present even in ancient populations, which challenges the idea that FAI is only caused by modern activities. Understanding these ancient cases helps us learn more about the disease's origins and its links to lifestyle, diet, and genetics. Who this helps: This research benefits medical professionals studying hip conditions and historians exploring ancient health issues.

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This study looked at injuries from assaults that brought people to emergency departments in the U.S. during holidays compared to non-holidays. Researchers found that 14.9% of over 21 million assault-related injury visits happened during holiday periods, with spikes notably on New Year's Eve, St. Patrick’s Day, and July 4th. Understanding these patterns is important because it helps healthcare providers plan for increased injuries and create strategies to reduce violence during these times. Who this helps: This information benefits patients and healthcare providers preparing for holiday-related incidents.

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This study looked at children diagnosed with a condition called slipped capital femoral epiphysis (SCFE) and how their living situations might affect their risk of developing this condition. Researchers found that 26.5% of SCFE patients lived in food deserts, which is higher than the expected 17.5%, and those in food deserts were more likely to be nonWhite. This matters because living in a food desert might increase the risk of obesity-related health issues like SCFE in children, highlighting the need for better access to healthy food, especially in urban areas. Who this helps: This helps children living in food deserts and their families by highlighting the importance of better nutrition.

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This study examined legal cases in the United States involving patients with a hip disorder called slipped capital femoral epiphysis (SCFE), which is often diagnosed late. Researchers found 135 cases, with 77% related to medical professionals failing to diagnose the condition properly, leading to an average payout of $1.28 million in lawsuits. It highlights the importance for doctors to consider SCFE when treating adolescents with knee or thigh pain to avoid delays in diagnosis and potential legal issues. Who this helps: Patients experiencing hip pain during childhood and adolescence.

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This study examined injuries in children caused by firearms over 27 years, finding that 19,033 children were treated for fractures related to gun activity, with most injuries happening to boys around age 12. Fractures mostly occurred in the fingers and skull, with many cases attributed to self-inflicted injuries or assaults. The findings highlight the importance of securely storing firearms to protect children and address growing public health concerns related to gun injuries. Who this helps: This helps families, doctors, and lawmakers working to prevent firearm injuries in children.

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This study examined the patterns of firearm injuries among pregnant women in the U.S. between 1993 and 2020. Out of over 3.3 million emergency department visits for firearm injuries, 4,410 were pregnant women, who were primarily around 23 years old. Alarmingly, at least 70% of these cases resulted in the death of the fetus, highlighting the urgent need for comprehensive prevention strategies involving various organizations and authorities. Who this helps: This information benefits pregnant women and healthcare providers by raising awareness about the risks and promoting safety measures.

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This study looked at a hip disorder called idiopathic slipped capital femoral epiphysis (SCFE) in children and teenagers, focusing on differences among three types: stable varus, unstable varus, and valgus. Researchers analyzed data from 190 patients and found that those with valgus SCFE were typically younger (around 11 years old), more likely to be female (86%), and often non-White (86%). Understanding these differences helps doctors better identify and treat children with this condition based on their specific type of SCFE. Who this helps: This research benefits doctors and healthcare providers treating children with SCFE.

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This study looked at how the types of broken bones in children changed before, during, and after the COVID-19 pandemic, using data from U.S. emergency departments from 2018 to 2021. It found that visits for fractures dropped in 2020 but returned to normal levels by early 2021, with more injuries happening at home rather than at schools or sports venues during the pandemic. Additionally, the types of fractures changed; for instance, more children had arm fractures while fewer had finger fractures during the pandemic, but these patterns mostly returned to normal by the end of 2021. Who this helps: This information helps doctors and healthcare workers prepare for future situations like a pandemic.

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This study looked at the types of injuries and the backgrounds of older adults (over 60 years old) who went to U.S. emergency departments due to intimate partner violence (IPV) from 2005 to 2015. It found that these older victims made up about 1.8% of all IPV visits, were often male (36.1%), and had specific injury patterns: they had fewer head injuries and more trunk fractures compared to younger victims. Understanding these differences is important for healthcare providers, as it helps them recognize signs of IPV in older adults who may not present obvious injuries. Who this helps: This benefits healthcare providers and older adults experiencing intimate partner violence.

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This study looked at upper arm and hand fractures in women visiting emergency rooms in the U.S. to see how often these injuries were caused by intimate partner violence (IPV) compared to accidents. Among all upper extremity fractures, 1.7% were linked to IPV, and the most common injury site for IPV was the finger, occurring 34.3% of the time. This matters because doctors can better identify potential IPV cases by recognizing that finger fractures are often associated with violence, rather than accidents. Who this helps: This helps doctors identify and support women who may be experiencing intimate partner violence.

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This study looked at injuries related to different types of scooters and hoverboards by analyzing emergency department visits over 20 years. They found that there were over 1 million visits for scooter-related injuries, with 75.8% being from traditional non-powered scooters and 21% of hoverboard injuries happening in December, especially around Christmas. This matters because understanding the patterns of these injuries can help healthcare providers plan better resource allocation and create prevention strategies. Who this helps: This helps patients and healthcare providers by improving injury prevention efforts.

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This study analyzed data on injuries from intimate partner violence (IPV) in men and women visiting U.S. emergency departments from 2005 to 2015. It found that IPV accounted for 0.61% of all emergency visits, with 17.2% of cases involving men. Men were more likely to suffer specific types of injuries, such as cuts and lacerations, and had higher hospitalization rates compared to women (7.9% vs. 3.7%). Understanding these injury patterns is important for improving care for male IPV victims, who often don’t report their injuries. Who this helps: This helps healthcare providers and male victims of intimate partner violence.

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This study examined injuries resulting from assaults in schools using national emergency department data from 2005 to 2015, finding that there were about 852,822 visits related to these assaults. Most victims were around 14 years old, predominantly male (64.4%), and the most common injuries were bruises and scrapes, particularly on the head and neck. Additionally, the overall number of school assault-related visits dropped by 50% during the study period, which contrasts with the heavy media focus on school shootings, as only 0.1% of these assaults involved firearms. Who this helps: This information is valuable for healthcare providers, school administrators, and policymakers looking to improve student safety and health responses.

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This study looked at how factors like socioeconomic status and demographics affect the diagnosis time and severity of a hip problem called stable slipped capital femoral epiphysis (SCFE) in children in Indiana. Researchers examined 142 patients and found that the average time before getting a diagnosis was about 4.5 months, with no clear link between socioeconomic status and either how severe the condition was or the time it took to receive a diagnosis. This matters because it helps confirm that health disparities based on insurance or neighborhood wealth may not significantly impact SCFE outcomes, suggesting that other factors could play a role. Who this helps: This helps patients and their families understand that insurance and socioeconomic status may not be the main barriers to timely diagnosis in SCFE.

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This study looked at the timing of assault-related injuries in US emergency rooms over a 13-year period from 2005 to 2017. Researchers found that more than 21 million people visited emergency departments due to assault injuries, with notable increases in intimate partner violence and robbery incidents by 1.17% and 2.56% per year, respectively. These injuries were most common on weekends and peaked during the summer months, particularly in July and August, which can help health officials plan better responses and prevention strategies. Who this helps: This information benefits emergency room staff and public health officials by improving resource allocation and prevention efforts.

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This study looked at the safety of performing overlapping surgeries for patients with wrist fractures. It compared 62 patients who had overlapping surgeries to 37 patients who had surgery done one after the other. The results showed that both groups had similar rates of needing extra surgery within a year—5% for the overlapping group and 3% for the non-overlapping group—indicating that overlapping surgeries do not increase the risk of complications. Who this helps: This information is useful for doctors and patients considering wrist fracture surgery.

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This study looked at how socioeconomic status affects the chances of children relapsing after treatment for clubfoot using the Ponseti method. They found that nearly half (46%) of the children experienced a relapse, and this rate was strongly linked to how well families followed up with foot abduction bracing, especially after more than four years of follow-up (with a relapse rate of 76% compared to 21% for less than ten months). Importantly, socioeconomic status itself did not appear to affect the likelihood of relapse. Who this helps: This information benefits parents and healthcare providers working with children who have clubfoot.

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This study looked at how the gender and geographic location of authors, reviewers, and editors affected whether research papers were accepted for publication in the Journal of Bone and Mineral Research (JBMR®) from 2017 to 2019. It found that papers were more likely to be accepted when the first and last authors were of different genders and that North American and Australian authors had better chances than those from Europe and Asia. The research shows that while geographic and gender diversity is improving, the peer-review process at JBMR® seems to be largely free from gender bias but still influenced by geography. Who this helps: This helps researchers and authors looking to publish in academic journals.

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This study looked at injuries caused by law enforcement in emergency rooms across the US from 2005 to 2015. Researchers found that there were about 939,405 visits for non-fatal injuries, with most patients being young adult males. The injuries often involved being struck and mainly affected the head and neck, with 95% of patients treated and sent home. Understanding these injury patterns can aid in discussions about police practices and potential reforms. Who this helps: This helps patients, law enforcement agencies, and policymakers.

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Researchers compared two types of anesthesia for a common surgery in infants called a percutaneous Achilles tenotomy: spinal anesthesia and general anesthesia. They found that only 3% of the infants who received spinal anesthesia needed pain medication during surgery, compared to 67% of those who had general anesthesia. Additionally, those with spinal anesthesia started surgery sooner, ate sooner, and recovered faster after the procedure. Who this helps: This benefits infants undergoing surgery, as well as their parents and healthcare providers.

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This study examined spinal injuries caused by firearms across the United States from 1993 to 2015. Out of nearly 2.7 million emergency department visits for firearm injuries, about 10,300 (0.4%) involved spinal injuries, primarily from gunshot wounds, with patients often being young males who were injured in assaults. These findings are important because they highlight a significant health issue and suggest that efforts to reduce these injuries might face challenges due to social and political factors. Who this helps: This study benefits patients who suffer spinal injuries from firearm incidents and informs doctors and policymakers working to reduce such injuries.

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This study looked at changes over the past 30 years in musculoskeletal research, focusing on authorship trends and gender representation in scientific publications. The researchers found that the percentage of female first authors rose from 10.8% in 1985-1987 to 23.7% in 2015-2016, with female authorship being more common in basic science journals compared to clinical ones (33.2% vs. 12.7%). These findings highlight a growing trend towards gender equality in this field, which can lead to better diverse perspectives in research and patient care. Who this helps: This helps patients and healthcare providers by fostering more inclusive research practices.

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This study examined firearm injuries related to law enforcement activities across the U.S. from 1993 to 2015. Out of nearly 2.7 million emergency room visits for gun injuries, about 45,500 (1.7%) involved law enforcement; people injured in these incidents were generally older, predominantly male and White, and had a higher fatality rate of 10% compared to 6.2% for other gunshot victims. This research is important for understanding the patterns of gun-related injuries involving police and can help inform discussions about police reform and training programs. Who this helps: This benefits lawmakers, law enforcement agencies, and community advocates focused on police practices and public safety.

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This study looked at how injuries like fractures and dislocations happen in various sports and recreational activities across the U.S. It found that fractures occurred in 20.6% and dislocations in 3.6% of emergency room visits for sports injuries, with sports like football and basketball showing the highest rates. Notably, inline skating had the highest risk for fractures, while gymnastics had the highest risk for dislocations, which can help sports health providers create better safety measures. Who this helps: This information benefits patients, doctors, and sports health providers.

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This study looked at the characteristics of people who came to U.S. emergency departments after experiencing sexual assault from 2005 to 2013. It found that sexual assaults account for about 657,719 emergency visits, with the majority (90.3%) of victims being female and the average age being 19.6 years. Most assaults happened at home (45.6%), often involved strangers as perpetrators (37.5%), and were more common in the summer months; understanding these patterns can help healthcare providers better respond to and support victims. Who this helps: This helps patients and doctors by providing important information for treating and supporting victims of sexual assault.

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This study looked at publishing trends in two leading sports medicine journals over the last 30 years, examining factors like the number of authors, references, and the gender of authors. It found that the number of articles published in one journal rose significantly from 86 in 1986 to 350 in 2016, while the other journal peaked at 267 in 2006 before dropping to 229. Notably, the representation of female authors has increased, with the percentage of female first authors rising from about 5% to 19% in one journal over the decades, pointing to a gradual improvement in diversity within sports medicine research. Who this helps: This benefits researchers and academic institutions aiming to promote gender equality in sports medicine.

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This study looked at a large number of emergency department visits in the U.S. to understand patterns of injuries related to intimate partner violence (IPV). Over nine years, there were about 1.65 million visits for IPV, mostly by women, with many injuries happening at home. The findings showed that face fractures were the most common (48.3%), and older patients had a higher chance of fractures, especially in their arms and legs. Who this helps: This helps doctors identify and support victims of intimate partner violence.

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This study looked at trends in who is publishing research in the field of hand surgery by comparing articles from European and American journals over the last 30 years. They found that in both places, more women are becoming lead authors, with female first authors increasing from 15% in 1985 to 35% in 2015 in the American journal, and from 20% to 40% in the European journal during the same period. This matters because it shows that more voices are being included in a field that has been mainly male-oriented, which can lead to better and more diverse research outcomes. Who this helps: This benefits patients and doctors by promoting a wider range of perspectives in hand surgery research.

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This study looked at injury patterns in children and teenagers who were victims of assaults in U.S. emergency departments from 2005 to 2015. Researchers found that there were about 4.4 million emergency visits due to assaults in people under 19, with younger children (0-4 years) often injured at home and experiencing the highest hospital admission rates of 8.3%. While the overall number of assaults decreased during this period, young children did not see a decline, which highlights an ongoing concern for their safety. Who this helps: This benefits children, parents, and healthcare providers by identifying trends that can lead to better prevention strategies.

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This study looked at trends in who writes research papers in two medical journals over the last 30 years, focusing on the gender of the authors. It found that while the number of authors and collaborations has grown, so has the number of women in lead author roles, increasing from around 15% in earlier years to nearly 30% in recent publications. This is important because it shows progress toward gender equality in publishing, which is crucial for advancing careers in medicine. Who this helps: This benefits women in academia and the field of medicine, as well as the broader research community striving for gender equality.

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This study looked at emergency room visits in the U.S. related to snowblower accidents from 2003 to 2018. It found around 91,451 cases, primarily involving men, with nearly half of the injuries being amputations, fractures, or cuts. Most injuries happened at home, with the highest number linked to putting hands in the snowblower chute, highlighting a persistent risk of accidents despite no increase in incidents over the years. Who this helps: This information helps patients and safety advocates understand the risks of snowblower use.

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This study examined dog bites in the United States from 2005 to 2013, finding that there were about 337,000 emergency room visits each year due to dog bites, with an average age of victims being 28.9 years. Most bites happened at home, usually affected the arms and hands, and were more common in the summer on weekends. The research highlights that certain age groups, especially very young children and seniors over 85, face higher risks of being hospitalized due to severe dog bites, underscoring the need for educational programs for dog owners and parents to help prevent these incidents. Who this helps: Dog bite prevention programs benefit children, parents, dog owners, and health care providers.

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This study looked at K-9 dog bites that happened during police interventions in the U.S. from 2005 to 2013. It found that nearly 33,000 people went to the emergency room for these bites, with 95% of the patients being male and 42% identifying as Black. These incidents mainly occurred outside of homes, and the bites were more likely to affect the lower body rather than the head or neck. Who this helps: This information is important for patients, police departments, and healthcare providers to better understand the demographics and circumstances surrounding K-9 dog bites.

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This study looked at injuries from railway incidents that didn't involve motor vehicles in the U.S. from 2007 to 2014, analyzing data from over 3,500 patients. The findings showed that 81% of the injured were male, with an average age of about 39 years, and the majority of injuries occurred in the South. Notably, 6.4% of the patients died, which is lower than in previous studies, and alcohol was involved in nearly 41% of cases. Who this helps: This information benefits doctors and emergency response teams by providing insights into railway injury patterns.