Major Extremity Trauma Research Consortium

This study tested whether adding tobramycin powder to the standard vancomycin powder in the wound during surgery reduces infections after high-risk leg fracture repair. About 1,550 adults with tibial plateau or pilon fractures at high infection risk took part. The main goal was t…

This trial investigates whether placing vancomycin antibiotic powder directly into the wound during surgery can reduce deep surgical site infections in people with severe tibial plateau fractures. Participants are adults with high-energy fractures requiring plate and screw fixati…

This study tests whether a custom-designed brace called the IDEO, combined with a physical therapy program called Return to Run, can improve physical function in people with traumatic leg injuries. Participants are adults aged 18 to 60 who are at least two years past a leg injury…

This study looked at 442 people with severe open fractures of the shin bone (tibia). It compared two surgical approaches: using a modern ring external fixator (a frame outside the leg) versus internal fixation (a metal rod or plate placed inside the bone). The main goal was to se…

This study compared two common below-knee amputation procedures: the Ertl (which creates a bone bridge between the shin and calf bones) and the Burgess (which does not). Researchers wanted to see which leads to better function, less pain, and fewer follow-up surgeries. A total of…

This study tested whether giving patients extra oxygen (80% FiO2) during surgery could reduce surgical site infections after severe tibial plateau or pilon fractures. Over 1,100 patients were randomly assigned to receive either supplemental oxygen or standard care. The main goal …

This study tested whether briefly restricting blood flow to the leg during physical therapy could help people regain strength and muscle after a broken femur (thigh bone). 219 adults aged 18-55 with a closed femur fracture took part. The approach uses a special tourniquet system …

This study tested a program called CBPT that combines physical therapy with cognitive-behavioral techniques to help people recover from serious leg injuries. 633 adults with lower extremity injuries participated. The goal was to see if CBPT improves physical function, reduces pai…

This study looked at whether starting to put weight on your leg early after ankle fracture surgery helps you recover better than waiting longer. 435 adults who had surgery for certain types of ankle fractures took part. Researchers tracked complications and how quickly people ret…

This study examined bacteria in severe leg wounds of 646 adults (ages 18-64) with open tibia fractures or traumatic amputations. Researchers took samples at the time of wound closure to see if certain bacteria led to deep infections within 30 days to one year. The goal was to bet…

This study looked for proteins in the blood that could tell doctors early on whether a broken arm bone is healing well or might lead to a nonunion (where the bone doesn't heal). Researchers studied 45 adults with simple humerus fractures treated without surgery. They checked bloo…

This study tested a new 'Mobility Toolkit' to see how well it measures walking recovery in 244 adults aged 18-60 who had surgery for serious leg fractures. Participants used the toolkit during clinic visits over a year. The goal was to see if the toolkit is easy to use and accura…