METRC's Impact on Orthopaedic Trauma Research and Care
Over the past 12 years, the Major Extremity Trauma Research Consortium (METRC) has made significant strides in the field of orthopaedic trauma. With a whopping $150 million in clinical grants from esteemed institutions like the DoD, PCORI, and NIH, METRC has successfully conducted 34 studies, involving over 22,000 patients.
Key Achievements:
- Grant Success: METRC boasts an impressive grant funding success rate of 70.9%, having been awarded 20 out of 28 DoD grant applications, among others.
- Research Progress: Out of the 34 funded studies, 10 are complete, 9 are in the analysis phase post follow-up, and 15 are in the patient enrollment stage.
- Community Engagement: METRC's influence is evident with its collaboration with 70 clinical sites. The platform has trained 170 principal investigators, 441 associate investigators, 636 research coordinators, and 71 coordinating center personnel.
- Publications & Presentations: METRC's research has been showcased in 72 national presentations and has resulted in 57 publications. Notably, seven METRC papers were highlighted at the 2022 Orthopaedic Trauma Association Annual meeting.
Innovation and Continuous Learning:
METRC's approach to orthopaedic trauma is both innovative and iterative. The consortium has fostered teams of collaborators who have continuously worked to address clinical care challenges. They've effectively used insights from completed trials to design new studies, ensuring the field's continuous advancement.
For instance, the "Predicting Acute Compartment Syndrome" Study showcased METRC's capability to conduct intricate monitoring studies post-injury. The insights from this study paved the way for further research on acute compartment syndrome (ACS) and influenced the design of the PRECISE study.
Influencing Clinical Care:
In collaboration with leading orthopaedic associations, METRC has played a pivotal role in integrating research results into Clinical Practice Guidelines (CPGs) and Appropriate Use Criteria (AUCs). Topics covered include the diagnosis and treatment of Acute Compartment Syndrome, Limb Salvage vs. Amputation, and Prevention and Treatment of Surgical Site Infection, among others.
Career Impact on Orthopaedic Surgeons:
METRC has not only influenced clinical care but has also significantly impacted the careers of orthopaedic trauma surgeons. Over 400 orthopaedic trauma fellows have been trained at METRC sites, gaining exposure to top-notch research methods and grant writing. Many of these fellows have transitioned into academic roles, with some even leading METRC studies.
In conclusion, METRC's contributions to orthopaedic trauma research and care are undeniable. Through rigorous research, collaboration, and training, METRC continues to shape the future of orthopaedic trauma care.