Related Experiment Video
Updated: Feb 9, 2026
Transverse Fracture of the Mouse Femur with Stabilizing Pin
Published on: December 29, 2021
Use of the Dedicated Orthopaedic Trauma Room for Open Tibia and Femur Fractures: Does It Make a Difference?
Shaun F Steeby1, William H Harvin2, John R Worley3
1Department Chair and Orthopaedic Trauma Surgeon, Stormont Vail Medical Center, Topeka, KS.
Objective:
To assess the "Dedicated Orthopaedic Trauma Operating Room" (DOTOR) effect on management and outcomes of open tibia and femur fractures.
Design:
Retrospective chart review.
Location:
University Level I Trauma Center.
Methods:
Patients categorized into those managed in the DOTOR versus those managed in a standard on-call operating room (OCOR). Data collected include patient and injury characteristics, time to debridement, and patient outcomes.
Results:
A total of 297 patients with 347 open tibia and femur fractures were included; 154 patients (174 fractures) were managed in the DOTOR group and 143 patients (170 fractures) were managed in the OCOR group. The average time to debridement was significantly longer for DOTOR (12.9 hours) versus OCOR (5.4 hours). The DOTOR group was 9 times less likely to undergo debridement within 6 hours. The number of patients debrided within 24 hours was similar (90% for DOTOR vs. 96% OCOR). The rate of primary fracture union was significantly higher in the DOTOR (73.2% vs. 56.6%). OCOR patients were twice as likely to have an unplanned surgery. Rates of infection, nonunion, and amputation were similar.
Conclusion:
Despite earlier access to the Operating room for debridement in the OCOR group, there was no difference in the infection rate compared with the DOTOR group. However, patients managed in the DOTOR group were more likely to go on to uncomplicated fracture union and less likely to have an unplanned surgery.
Level Of Evidence:
Therapeutic Level III. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.
Related Concept Videos
01:10Bones of the Lower Limb: Tibia and Fibula
01:16Bones of the Lower Limb: Femur and Patella
01:16Electric Potential and Potential Difference
When a test charge moves from the initial to the final position, the electric potential difference between those positions is defined as the ratio of the change in the potential energy to the charge on the...
01:05Difference from Background: Limit of Detection
The LOD indicates the presence or absence...
01:14Identifying Statistically Significant Differences: The F-Test
01:22Sum and Difference OpAmps
A summing amplifier, or an adder, utilizes an op-amp to merge multiple input signals into a single output signal. When audio signals are introduced into its input channels, the input resistors initiate currents that traverse feedback resistors, resulting in an output voltage. Applying Kirchhoff's current...