Surgical time and outcomes of stemmed versus stemless total shoulder arthroplasty.

BACKGROUND: Stemless total shoulder arthroplasty (TSA) was approved for use in the United States in 2015, and there remains a paucity of data on its performance in this market. Decreased operative time without compromise of clinical outcomes is a theoretical advantage of stemless TSA, but no studies have evaluated this in a comparative study to date. Herein, the operative times and clinical outcomes of stemless vs. conventional stemmed TSA are investigated. METHODS: This is a retrospective cohort study, evaluating all consecutive TSAs performed by a single surgeon between 2015 and 2018. Data were collected from 59 patients who underwent TSA with conventional, stemmed humeral implants and 115 patients in whom a stemless humeral implant was used. Operative times and demographic data were collected retrospectively from the anesthesia record, and prospectively collected patient-reported outcome measures were collected from the Surgical Outcomes System database. For patient-reported outcome measure, visual analog scale, American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons, and Single Assessment Numerical Evaluation scores were recorded serially until a minimum 2-year follow-up. RESULTS: The average operative time was 24 minutes less in the stemless cohort compared with the stemmed cohort (104 minutes vs. 128 minutes, P < .001). Cost analysis showed a decreased personnel cost of 15.9% that correlates to a 3.1% overall reduction in operating room-associated cost. Patient-reported outcome scores significantly improved postoperatively in both cohorts across all time points. There was no difference found in visual analog scale, American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons, and Single Assessment Numerical Evaluation scores between the cohorts at the 2-year follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: Stemless TSA significantly reduces operative time with equivalent functional outcomes at a minimum 2-year follow-up.

Outcome of arthroscopic pectoralis minor release and scapulopexy for the management of scapulothoracic abnormal motion.

BACKGROUND: Management of persistent symptomatic scapulothoracic abnormal motion (STAM) in the absence of periscapular muscle paralysis may be challenging. This study reports the outcomes of arthroscopic pectoralis minor release and scapulopexy for the management of symptomatic STAM secondary to pectoralis minor hyperactivity and serratus anterior hypoactivity in the absence of periscapular paralysis. METHODS: This was a retrospective cohort study with prospectively collected data of patients with symptomatic STAM secondary to pectoralis minor hyperactivity and serratus anterior hypoactivity. Surgery was indicated if patients failed 6 months of conservative management. Patient outcomes were assessed with shoulder range of motion (ROM) measurements, numerical pain scale, shoulder subjective value (SSV), and Constant score. Data were analyzed with Fischer's exact test for categorical variables and Student's t-test of unequal variance for continuous and categorical variables. RESULTS: Thirty-one consecutive patients were included in the study period between 2017 and 2020. Average age at the time of surgery was 24 years (range, 14-44 years), 80% of patients were female, and average follow-up after surgery was 23 months (range, 15-39 months). Thirteen patients also had a diagnosis of recurrent posterior instability. At final follow-up, 81% reported significant improvements in their STAM, as demonstrated by improved mean pain scale, ROM, SSV, and Constant scores. Pain improved from 6 (range, 4-10) to 2 (range, 1-4), SSV from 30% (range, 10%-40%) to 75% (range, 60%-100%), and Constant score from 49 (range, 43-61) preoperatively to 79 (range, 51-100) postoperatively (P < .01). All 13 patients with recurrent associated posterior instability had resolution of their instability. Flexion ROM improved from average 100° (range, 60°-150°) to 140° (range, 120°-160°). One patient had traumatic rupture of her scapulopexy 7 weeks postoperatively and underwent revision scapulopexy. Thirteen percent had minimal improvement after surgery and experienced recurrence 3 months postoperatively. CONCLUSION: In patients with symptomatic STAM secondary to pectoralis minor hyperactivity and serratus anterior hypoactivity, arthroscopic pectoralis minor release and scapulopexy is an effective surgical option.

Early outcomes of magnetic intramedullary compression nailing for humeral fractures.

PURPOSE: The optimal treatment protocol for humeral shaft fractures at risk for nonunions is controversial. Here, we aim to describe magnetic intramedullary compression nailing as an option for these challenging scenarios and to evaluate its clinical and radiographic outcomes. METHODS: This retrospective case series was performed at an urban university-based level-1 trauma center. Patients aged 18-65 who underwent fixation of their at-risk humerus shaft fracture using the PRECICE nail were included in this investigation. These fractures are characterized by a persistent distraction gap, minimal callous formation, or malalignment greater than 20 degrees. The study data were collected through a retrospective chart review and review of the radiographic studies. Primary outcome measure was radiographic union. Secondary outcome measures included mechanical failure, nonunion, malunion, medical, and surgical complications. Functional outcome was determined by range of motion and restoration of rotator cuff strength. RESULTS: A total of six patients were included who underwent treatment of their humeral shaft fracture with a NuVasive PRECICE nail after failure of conservative management. After nail placement along with our compression protocol, all patients achieved bony union and experienced favorable outcomes with return to their previous working status. Two complications included a superficial incisional infection treated with antibiotics and a backing out of proximal screw which did not cause discomfort. No other mechanical failures, surgical complications, or medical complications occurred. CONCLUSIONS: Early results of controlled compression nailing for humeral shaft fracture demonstrated favorable clinical outcomes. This technique may be utilized for these challenging situations.

Safety and efficacy of a novel cephalomedullary nail femoral shaft fractures: a retrospective observational cohort in 33 patients.

BACKGROUND: Despite advances in femoral shaft fracture fixation, the nonunion rate remains relatively high; and there is limited data on the efficacy and failure rate of specific implants. A novel cephalomedullary nail provides the ability to treat femur shaft fractures in isolation, with associated ipsilateral femur injuries, and provides various options for proximal and distal fixation exists on the market; but literature remains limited on the safety and efficacy of this implant. The aim of this study is to evaluate the early failure rate of this cephalomedullary nail, while comparing the nonunion rate to what is currently presented in the literature. This study is the first of its kind in evaluation of a specific implant for treatment of femoral shaft fractures and ipsilateral pathology. METHODS: Patients over 18 years of age, with traumatic femur shaft fractures, treated with this particular cephalomedullary nail and available for a minimum of 3-month follow-up were included for analysis. Data was collected by retrospective chart review and review of existing radiographs. Demographic data, injury details, AO/OTA fracture classification, and implant details were recorded for each patient. Primary outcome measured was implant failures (screw or nail breakage). Secondary outcomes measured included malunion, nonunion, deep infection, post-operative complications, and need for reoperation. RESULTS: Of the 33 patients included for analysis, 1 patient went on to non-union. There were no cases of implant failure. The single nonunion was a high-energy mechanism, open fracture, and higher level AO/OTA classification. The remaining 32 reached radiographic union at 3 months. CONCLUSION: The nonunion rate of this novel cephalomedullary nail is comparable to what is reported in the literature. This nail is a safe and effective implant to treat femoral shaft fractures with a variety of ipsilateral femoral shaft injuries and reliably leads fracture union. Further studies are needed analyzing implant failure and comparing specific implants.

Hypoalbuminemia and Obesity in Orthopaedic Trauma Patients: Body Mass Index a Significant Predictor of Surgical Site Complications.

The purpose of this investigation was to identify the prevalence of hypoalbuminemia and obesity in orthopaedic trauma patients with high-energy injuries and to investigate their impact on the incidence of surgical site complications. Patients 18 years of age and older undergoing intramedullary nail fixation of their femoral shaft fractures at a university-based level-1 trauma centre were assessed. Malnutrition was measured using serum markers (albumin <3.5 g/dL) as well as body mass index (BMI) as a marker of obesity (BMI > 30 kg/m2). The primary outcome measure was surgical wound complications. A total of 249 patients were included in this study. Ninety-eight patients (39.4%) presented with hypoalbuminaemia and 80 patients (32.1%) were obese. The overall incidence of wound complications in our study population was 9.65% (n = 25/259). A logistic regression model showed that non-obese patients (BMI < 30 kg/m2) were at significantly reduced risk for perioperative wound complications (Odds Ratio 0.400 [95% confidence interval 0.168, 0.954], p = 0.039). This study demonstrated a substantial prevalence of hypoalbuminemia and obesity among orthopaedic trauma patients with high-energy injuries. Obesity may increase the risk of surgical site complications. Future studies are required to further define malnutrition and its correlation with surgical site complications in orthopaedic trauma patients.

Healthcare disparities among orthopedic trauma patients in the USA: socio-demographic factors influence the management of calcaneus fractures.

BACKGROUND: Socio-demographic factors have been suggested to contribute to differences in healthcare utilization for several elective orthopedic procedures. Reports on disparities in utilization of orthopedic trauma procedures remain limited. The purpose of our study is to assess the roles of clinical and socio-demographic variables in utilization of operative fixation of calcaneus fractures in the USA. METHODS: The National Inpatient Sample (NIS) dataset was used to analyze all patients from 2005 to 2014 with closed calcaneal fractures. Multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed to evaluate the impact of clinical and socio-demographic variables on the utilization of surgical versus non-surgical treatment. RESULTS: A total of 17,156 patients with closed calcaneus fractures were identified. Operative treatment was rendered in 7039 patients (41.03%). A multivariate logistic regression demonstrated multiple clinical and socio-demographic factors to significantly influence the utilization of surgical treatment including age, gender, insurance status, race/ethnicity, income, diabetes, peripheral vascular disease, psychosis, drug abuse, and alcohol abuse (p <  0.05). In addition, hospital size and hospital type (teaching versus non-teaching) showed a statistically significant difference (p <  0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Besides different clinical variables, we identified several socio-demographic factors influencing the utilization of surgical treatment of calcaneus fractures in the US patient population. Further studies need to identify the specific patient-related, provider-related, and system-related factors leading to these disparities.

Free-Floating Scapular Spine: A Rare Shoulder Injury.

A specific treatment protocol for managing scapular spine fractures does not currently exist. The purpose of our report is to describe this type of injury and detail our treatment management in order to better elucidate this rare pathology. We present a case of a 26-year-old female with an acute scapular spine and base fracture after a motor vehicle collision. Successful treatment of an acute free-floating scapular spine fracture was achieved with open reduction and internal fixation utilizing an elbow plate. Since scapular spine fractures are an unfortunate, rare injury, it may impose difficult challenges to the treating surgeon. With our case report, we hope to contribute to the overall knowledge of scapular spine fractures and offer our experience with a successful and appropriate treatment option in our patient.

Fungal Infection following Total Elbow Arthroplasty.

A specific treatment protocol for managing fungal infections after total elbow arthroplasty (TEA) does not currently exist. The purpose of this report is to describe our experience and outline our treatment algorithm for a rare case of prosthetic joint infection (PJI) following a TEA. We present a case of a PJI due to Candida parapsilosis after TEA in a 57 year-old Caucasian woman with a history of hypertension, depression, and three previous surgical procedures to the affected limb. A fungal PJI by the organism C. parapsilosis following TEA has not been previously reported. Successful eradication of the fungal infection was achieved utilizing resection arthroplasty; placement of an amphotericin, vancomycin, and tobramycin-impregnated cement spacer; and 6 months of organism-specific antifungal medication. Although the patient was clinically ready for reimplantation, she passed away due to unrelated issues before reimplantation could be performed. While PJI is a devastating complication following TEA, a fungal infection is a rare complication that imposes difficult challenges to the treating surgeon. With our case report, we hope to contribute to the overall knowledge of fungal infections associated with TEA and describe our successful treatment of this complex case.

Early clinical and radiographic outcomes of a mini-fragment, low profile plating system in tibial plafond fractures.

OBJECTIVE: The Smith and Nephew mini-EVOS plating system is a mini-fragment, low profile, variable-angled plating system designed to obtain anatomic reduction while also minimizing soft tissue handling. However, literature has been limited in reporting the clinical and surgical outcomes of these specific plates. The goal of our study is to evaluate the safety and efficacy of the Smith and Nephew mini-EVOS plate in pilon fracture management, where significant high energy forces can result in severe fracture patterns and soft tissue injury. METHODS: Patients 18-65 years of age who underwent plate fixation of their tibial plafond fractures (OTA/AO) using the Smith and Nephew mini-EVOS plating system at our urban university-based level-1 trauma center were included in this retrospective investigation. A total of 37 patients (37 fractures) from January 2015 to March 2018 were included in this study. Primary outcome measure was mechanical hardware failure. Secondary outcome measures included nonunion, malunion, medical and surgical complications. RESULTS: The fractures were classified according to the OTA/AO classification as 43C1 (n = 15), 42C2 (n = 6), and 43C3 (n = 16). A mechanical failure was observed in three patients (8.1%). Six additional patients needed a re-operation of the surgical site including two nonunion repairs, one malunion repair, one symptomatic hardware removal, and two soft tissue debridements. The mean follow-up was 298.9 days (range: 96-936). CONCLUSIONS: Early results of operative fixation of tibial plafond fractures using the Smith-Nephew mini-EVOS demonstrated low hardware failure and complication rates. This plating system is a safe and effective implant. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic Level IV.

High-energy tibial pilon fractures: an instructional review.

High-energy tibial pilon fractures continue to represent a significant challenge to the treating orthopaedic surgeon. Pre-operative evaluation includes a careful clinical assessment of the associated soft tissue injury, which frequently dictates surgical management. Staged surgical reconstruction remains the standard treatment protocol at most trauma centres. This includes application of a temporary spanning external fixator for approximately one to four weeks, followed by open reduction and internal fixation once the surrounding soft tissues are amendable. Despite careful soft tissue management protocols, the risk of wound complications continues to be relatively high compared to other orthopaedic trauma procedures. The functional long-term outcomes of these injuries remain limited, and recent data has emphasised that the majority of patients do not regain their pre-operative work status. In addition, the health-related quality of life scores fare poorly when compared to other orthopaedic and non-orthopaedic patient populations, and many patients develop post-traumatic arthritis within the tibiotalar joint. It has been shown that the quality of fracture reduction may significantly correlate with the long-term functional outcomes. While the orthopaedic community has come a long way with regard to safe management of high-energy tibial pilon fractures, the clinical outcomes continue to remain limited. In particular, the persistently high rates of wound complications and the limited functional long-term outcomes leave significant room for improvement. Future investigators may focus on further innovations to minimise the risk of wound complications. The surgical team may emphasise the quality of fracture reduction as an important treatment goal.

A new risk to the axillary nerve during percutaneous proximal humeral plate fixation using the Synthes PHILOS aiming system.

BACKGROUND: Percutaneous aiming arms have been developed to minimize injury during placement of submuscular proximal humerus plates. The purpose of this study was to determine the risk of axillary nerve injury during percutaneous proximal humeral plate fixation using the Synthes PHILOS aiming system. METHODS: By use of 10 fresh-frozen cadavers (20 shoulders), a 3.5-mm locking compression proximal humeral plate was fixated percutaneously to the humerus through a lateral deltoid-splitting approach using the PHILOS aiming guide. Dissection of the axillary nerve was then carried out, and measurements of its relation to the screw holes in row A through row G of the plate were taken. The lateral acromion-to-axillary nerve distance was also measured. RESULTS: The axillary nerve traversed row D in every shoulder, whereas it crossed over row C in 11 shoulders and both holes in row E in 16 shoulders. The closest distance to the axillary nerve achieved was 4.5 mm, corresponding to the distal (left) screw in row B. A significant negative correlation was found for the distance from the nerve to the closest proximal and distal screws (row B and row G, respectively) in both right shoulders (ρ = -0.797; 95% confidence interval, -0.916 to -0.548) and left shoulders (ρ = -0.615; 95% confidence interval, -0.831 to -0.237). CONCLUSION: The axillary nerve traverses rows C, D, and E of the proximal humeral plate using the PHILOS aiming system. Importantly, our study is the first to demonstrate that the axillary nerve crosses over row C. Left-sided plate screws also came in closer proximity to the axillary nerve than right-sided plate screws.

Outcomes of distal femur fractures treated with the Synthes 4.5 mm VA-LCP Curved Condylar Plate.

PURPOSE: Given the recent controversy in the literature and the alarming reports of early mechanical failure associated with the use of the Synthes 4.5 mm VA-LCP Curved Condylar Plate in acute distal femur fractures, the goal of our study was to examine the outcomes and mechanical failure rates of this implant in a larger patient population. METHODS: Patients 18 years of age and older who underwent plate fixation of their acute distal femoral fracture using the Synthes 4.5 mm VA-LCP Curved Condylar Plate were included in this retrospective study. The study data was collected through a retrospective chart review and review of the existing radiographic studies. Primary outcome measure was mechanical hardware failure while secondary outcome measures included nonunion, malunion, and medical and surgical complications. RESULTS: A total of 74 patients (77 fractures) were included in this study. The fractures were classified according to the OTA/AO classification as 33-A2 (n = 6), 33-A3 (n = 19), 33-C1 (n = 5), 33-C2 (n = 25), and 33-C3 (n = 22). Thirty-two out of 77 fractures presented as open fractures (41.6%). A mechanical failure was observed in 7 patients (9.1%). Twenty additional patients needed a re-operation of the surgical site including two nonunion repairs, one malunion repair, 15 staged treatments of traumatic segmental bone defects, and two soft tissue debridements. CONCLUSIONS: In our experience, the Synthes 4.5 mm VA-LCP Curved Condylar Plate is a safe and effective implant with a relatively low mechanical failure rate.

Safety and efficacy of a two-screw cephalomedullary nail for intertrochanteric femur fracture fixation: a retrospective case series in 264 patients.

INTRODUCTION: Recent advances have led to the design of a new cephalomedullary nail, which aims to decrease the risk of failures in patients with intertrochanteric hip fractures by allowing for insertion of two interdigitating screws into the head segment. The goal of this study is to evaluate the safety and efficacy of this two-screw cephalomedullary nailing system. PATIENTS/PARTICIPANTS: Patients 18 years of age and older who underwent intramedullary nailing of their intertrochanteric femoral fracture using the InterTAN nailing system (Smith and Nephew, Memphis, TN) from 2012 to 2016 were included in this retrospective study which was performed at two urban certified level-1 trauma centers and one urban certified level-3 trauma center. The study data was collected through a retrospective chart review and review of the existing radiographic studies. Primary outcome measure was mechanical hardware failure and screw cutout. Secondary outcome measures included nonunion, malunion, medical and surgical complications. RESULTS: A total of 264 patients were included in this analysis. Two patients (0.75%) were found to have a screw cut out requiring revision surgery. Two other revision surgeries were performed for malrotation (n = 1) and malunion (n = 1). Other implant-related complications occurred in 19 cases (7.9%), which included broken distal screws (n = 9), distal screw loosening (n = 8), and loose lag screws (n = 2). There was a total of 10 (3.8%) surgical wound complications, including four deep and six superficial infections. DISCUSSION: This modified cephalomedullary nail is a reliable, safe, and effective implant for management of intertrochanteric hip fractures. Surgical treatment of patients with intertrochanteric hip fractures can be performed in a safe fashion using this implant.