Heterotopic Ossification Prophylaxis in Acetabular Fracture Surgery: A Systematic Review.

Heterotopic ossification (HO) following acetabular fracture surgery is relatively common. The purpose of this study was to perform a systematic review of the literature regarding HO rates following acetabular surgery and the effectiveness of the various prophylactic measures taken to prevent its occurrence. A search of PubMed, MEDLINE, and Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews was performed using the search terms ("Acetabular" OR "Acetabulum") AND ("Heterotopic Ossification" OR "HO" OR "Ectopic Ossification"). Inclusion criteria included articles published in English reporting on HO in acetabular fracture surgery. Descriptive statistics were calculated with categorical data presented as frequency with percentages and continuous data as means. Standard weighted means were calculated for all parameters. Sixty-six articles were included in this study with a total of 5,028 patients. HO was identified in 1,511 (30%) of fractures. Indomethacin (27%) and radiation therapy (24%) demonstrated decreased rates of HO formation versus no prophylaxis (36%). In particular, rates of severe HO formation were substantially decreased with radiation therapy (3%) and indomethacin (7%) compared to no prophylaxis (18%). Indomethacin and radiation therapy both appear to decrease HO formation and severity without substantially increasing surgical morbidity. (Journal of Surgical Orthopaedic Advances 32(4):217-224, 2023).

Outcomes following extra-articular fractures of the scapula: A systematic review.

BACKGROUND: Scapular neck and body fractures are typically treated nonoperatively, with operative treatment traditionally focused on intraarticular fractures or double disruptions of the shoulder suspensory complex. The objective of this study was to systematically examine and compile the existing literature in regard to operative and conservative treatment of extraarticular fractures of the scapula. METHODS: A comprehensive search of multiple electronic databases was performed according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) statement to find outcome data on fractures of the scapular neck and body. All studies from 1988 to 2018 that met inclusion criteria were reviewed independently and graded based on the modified Coleman Methodology Score. Outcomes of interest were compiled and analyzed for adjusted means. RESULTS: 42 manuscripts with a total of 669 patients were included for analysis from an initial search of 335 results. There was an average age of 41.2 years, 78.1% were male, 98.8% had a blunt force mechanism, and 66.7% had other injures outside the scapula at time of presentation. In total, there were 120 patients with scapular body fractures, 95 with scapular neck fractures, 130 with floating shoulder injuries including a scapular neck or body fracture, and 324 with an unspecified extraarticular scapular fracture. 464 patients were treated operatively, with a mean union rate of 99.4%, Constant score of 84.4, and end forward elevation of 158°. 205 total patients were treated non-operatively, with a mean union rate of 85.1%, Constant score of 79.0, and end forward elevation of 153°. CONCLUSION: Patients with extraarticular fractures of the scapula have excellent outcomes following either nonoperative or operative management. There is a need for high quality comparative studies to determine the optimal treatment strategy for these injuries.

Preventing Wedge Deformities When Treating Intertrochanteric Femur Fractures With Intramedullary Devices: A Technical Tip.

Intertrochanteric femur fractures are common injuries associated with significant patient morbidity and mortality and high societal costs. Although intramedullary devices have shown promises for treating a wide range of intertrochanteric femur fractures, improper technique can lead to malalignment, fracture displacement, and/or iatrogenic fractures. In particular, a "wedge effect" has been described, in which the passage of conical reamers and the intramedullary nail itself results in the distraction of intertrochanteric fragments with lateralization of the shaft from the femoral neck and varus malalignment. Here, we describe the mechanism by which this deformity is generated and describe techniques for preventing it, including the use of a modified starting point and an alternative to the conical opening reamers.