A core outcome set for adult, open lower limb fracture has been established consisting of ‘Walking, gait and mobility’, ‘Being able to return to life roles’, ‘Pain or discomfort’, and ‘Quality of life’. This study aims to identify which outcome measurement instruments (OMIs) should be recommended to measure each core outcome. A systematic review and quality assessment were conducted to identify existing instruments with evidence of good measurement properties in the open lower limb fracture population for each core outcome. Additionally, shortlisting criteria were developed to identify suitable instruments not validated in the target population. Candidate instruments were presented, discussed, and voted on at a consensus meeting of key stakeholders.Aims
Methods
Open lower limb fracture is life-changing, resulting in substantial morbidity and resource demand, while inconsistent outcome-reporting hampers systematic review and meta-analysis. A core outcome set establishes consensus among key stakeholders for the recommendation of a minimum set of outcomes. This study aims to define a core outcome set for adult open lower limb fracture. Candidate outcomes were identified from a previously published systematic review and a secondary thematic analysis of 25 patient interviews exploring the lived experience of recovery from open lower limb fracture. Outcomes were categorized and sequentially refined using healthcare professional and patient structured discussion groups. Consensus methods included a multi-stakeholder two-round online Delphi survey and a consensus meeting attended by a purposive sample of stakeholders, facilitated discussion, and voting using a nominal group technique.Aims
Methods
Open lower limb fracture is a life-changing injury affecting 11.5 per 100,000 adults each year, and causes significant morbidity and resource demand on trauma infrastructures. This study aims to identify what, and how, outcomes have been reported for people following open lower limb fracture over ten years. Systematic literature searches identified all clinical studies reporting outcomes for adults following open lower limb fracture between January 2009 and July 2019. All outcomes and outcome measurement instruments were extracted verbatim. An iterative process was used to group outcome terms under standardized outcome headings categorized using an outcome taxonomy.Aims
Methods
Physical disruption of the extracellular matrix influences the mechanical and chemical environment of intervertebral disc cells. We hypothesise that this can explain degenerative changes such as focal proteoglycan loss, impaired cell-matrix binding, cell clustering, and increased activity of matrix-degrading enzymes. Disc tissue samples were removed surgically from 11 patients (aged 34–75 yrs) who had a painful but non-herniated disc. Each sample was divided into a pair of specimens (approximately 5mm3), which were cultured at 37°C under 5% CO2. One of each pair was allowed to swell, while the other was restrained by a perspex ring. Live-cell imaging was performed with a wide field microscope for 36 hrs. Specimens were then sectioned at 5 and 30 μm for histology and immunofluorescence using a confocal microscope. Antibodies were used to recognise free integrin receptor α5β1, matrix metalloprotease MMP-1, and denatured collagen types I-III. Proteoglycan content of the medium, analysed using the colorimetric DMMB assay, was used to assess tissue swelling and GAG loss. Constrained/unconstrained results were compared using matched-pair t-tests.Introduction
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