- Podcast
- 05/11/2021
- UK
Functional Outcome of Routine versus On-demand Removal of the Syndesmotic Screw
Description
In this November episode of the BJJ podcast, host Andrew Duckworth welcomes Dr. Tim Schepers, a trauma surgeon from Amsterdam UMC, to discuss a significant study on the functional outcomes of syndesmotic screw removal in surgically managed ankle fractures. They delve into Dr. Schepers' research, which compares routine versus on-demand screw removal in a multicenter randomized clinical trial involving 17 European institutions.
Dr. Schepers provides an overview of the historical context surrounding screw removal practices, noting complications associated with routine removals. He emphasizes that previous studies lacked clear justification for the necessity of routine removal, which prompted his team to investigate a more streamlined approach.
The podcast further explores the study's design, including the rationale behind selecting inclusion and exclusion criteria, the methodology for patient recruitment, and the robust outcome measures used, primarily the Olerud-Molander score assessed at various times post-surgery. They present the findings, revealing no significant differences in functional outcomes between the two groups and highlighting a higher rate of complications associated with routine removal.
The discussion rounds out with considerations of the implications of this study for clinical practice, including potential cost savings and improved patient counseling strategies. The episode concludes with reflections on future research directions and the importance of evolving treatment guidelines based on sound evidence.