Treatment of Distal Radius Fractures in Women Older than 80 Years: A Preliminary Report of Functional and Radiographic Outcomes after Open Reduction and Internal Fixation.

Background Distal radius fractures are one of the most common fractures seen in the elderly. The management of distal radius fractures in the elderly, especially patients older than 80 years, has not been well defined. The purpose of this study was to evaluate operative treatment of distal radius fractures in patients older than 80 years to determine functional outcomes and complication rates. Materials and Methods A retrospective review was performed to identify patients 80 years or older who were treated for a distal radius fracture with open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF). Medical records were reviewed for demographics, medical history, functional outcomes including quick Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand (qDASH), radiographs, and postoperative complications. Results There were 40 patients included for review. Average age was 84 years. The preoperative qDASH score was 69. At 6 months follow-up, the postoperative qDASH score was 13 ( p < 0.001). There were five (12.5%) complications reported postoperatively. All fractures healed with adequate radiographic alignment and there were no hardware failures. Conclusion Distal radius fractures in patients older than 80 years treated with ORIF have good functional outcomes and low complication rates. Increased functionality and independence of the elderly, as well as updated implant design can lead to the effective surgical management of these patients. When indicated from a clinical perspective, operative fixation of distal radius fractures should be considered in patients older than 80 years.

Wound Dehiscence Following Cubital Tunnel Surgery.

PURPOSE: Cubital tunnel syndrome is the second most common upper-extremity compressive neuropathy, and persistent symptoms can necessitate operative treatment. Surgical options include simple decompression and ulnar nerve transposition. The cause of wound dehiscence after surgery is not well known, and the factors leading to the development of these complications have not been previously described. METHODS: Patients undergoing ulnar nerve surgery from January 1, 2016, to December 31, 2019, were retrospectively evaluated for the development of wound dehiscence within 3 months of surgery. There were 295 patients identified who underwent transposition and 1,106 patients who underwent simple decompression. Patient demographics and past medical history were collected to evaluate the risk factors for the development of wound dehiscence. RESULTS: The overall rate of wound dehiscence following surgery was 2.5%. In the simple decompression group, the rate of wound dehiscence was 2.7% (30/1,106), which occurred a mean of 21 days (range, 2-57 days) following surgery. In the transposition group, the rate of wound dehiscence was 1.7% (5/295), which occurred a mean of 20 days (range, 12-32 days) following surgery. The difference in rates of dehiscence between the decompression and transposition groups was not significant. Five patients in the simple decompression group and 1 patient in the transposition group required a secondary surgery for closure of the wound. Age, body mass index, smoking status, and medical comorbidities were not found to contribute to the development of wound dehiscence. CONCLUSIONS: Wound dehiscence can occur following both simple decompression and transposition, even after postoperative evaluation demonstrates a healed wound. Surgeons should be aware of this possibility and specifically counsel patients about remaining cautious with, and protective of, their wound for several weeks after surgery. Dehiscence may be related to suboptimal vascularity in the soft tissue envelope in the posteromedial elbow. When it occurs, dehiscence can generally be treated by allowing healing by secondary intention. TYPE OF STUDY/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic IV.

Risk Factors and Outcomes in Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Following Distal Radius Open Reduction Internal Fixation.

PURPOSE: Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is a common complication following the operative repair of distal radius fractures. It is unclear who is at risk of developing this complication in the postoperative period. This study sought to identify risk factors for developing CTS and to evaluate patient-reported outcomes in patients who develop postoperative CTS. METHODS: A retrospective review of all distal radius fractures treated surgically at a single private academic center was performed from January 2007 to October 2019. Of the 4,487 patients, 68 were identified to have an ipsilateral carpal tunnel release within 6 months of the distal radius injury. Collected data comprised patient demographics, medical history, and functional outcome scores. RESULTS: Carpal tunnel syndrome was more likely to develop in older patients (62.9 years vs 57.4 years). Sex, body mass index, smoking history, and the type of insurance were not found to be significantly different between the groups. Medical history of kidney disease, psychiatric conditions, and peripheral vascular disease were found to be associated with developing CTS. Patients who developed CTS had higher average Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand scores than patients without CTS (28.1 vs 20.0) at the final follow-up. In a multivariable analysis, patients who developed CTS were found to be older (Odds ratio, 1.03) and less likely to be smokers (Odds ratio, 0.46). CONCLUSIONS: In our cohort, we observed that older patients were more likely to require carpal tunnel release following distal radius fracture. In addition, nonsmokers were more likely to require subsequent carpal tunnel release, probably as a result of confounding effects. Special care should be taken to monitor these patients for CTS in the postoperative period following a distal radius open reduction and internal fixation. TYPE OF STUDY/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Prognostic IV.

Does Surgery Improve Healing After Isolated Diaphyseal Ulna Fractures?

PURPOSE: Isolated diaphyseal ulna fractures can be treated nonsurgically or with open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF). It is unclear whether ORIF provides quicker and/or more predictable healing. The purpose of this study was to compare the healing characteristics of isolated diaphyseal ulna fractures after surgical and nonsurgical treatment. METHODS: All patients treated for an isolated diaphyseal (distal- or middle-third) ulna fracture between 2010 and 2018, with a minimum of 3 months of follow-up, were identified. Electronic medical records were reviewed to record patient demographics, assess the treatments used, and compare outcomes. We determined healing and nonunion rates, complications, reoperations, and final radiographic fracture alignment. RESULTS: Ninety-five patients were included with a median follow-up of 20 weeks. Of these, 56 patients were treated nonsurgically and 39 patients were treated with ORIF. At the time of the final follow-up, 51 of the 56 (91.1%) nonsurgically treated fractures had healed and 38 of the 39 (97.4%) surgically managed fractures had healed. There were 5 nonunions after nonsurgical treatment (8.9%) and 1 nonunion after ORIF (2.6%). Eleven patients (19.6%) treated nonsurgically required conversion to ORIF, whereas 4 patients (10.3%) treated with ORIF required reoperation. Middle-third fractures treated nonsurgically had a higher rate of nonunion (30.8%) compared with distal-third fractures treated nonsurgically (2.3%). CONCLUSIONS: The healing characteristics of isolated ulnar shaft fractures do not appear to differ substantially between surgical and nonsurgical treatment. However, nearly 20% of the patients treated nonsurgically may require eventual ORIF. Distal-third fractures may be at a higher risk of conversion to ORIF, and middle-third fractures may be at a higher risk of nonunion. TYPE OF STUDY/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic IV.

Use of Triggers to Detect Adverse Events After Outpatient Orthopedic Surgery at a Single Ambulatory Surgery Center.

Literature on adverse events (AEs) after outpatient orthopedic surgery is relatively sparse, and efforts to detect, measure, and track AEs after outpatient surgery lag behind those for the inpatient setting. Detection of AEs has traditionally relied on patient safety indicators (from billing data) and self-reporting, but these methods have been shown to have low sensitivity, missing up to 90% of AEs. There is growing recognition that the trigger method, which uses "triggers" as red flags to initiate more detailed chart audits, can serve as a more sensitive alternative to detect AEs. Moreover, the recent widespread adoption of electronic health records (EHRs) can provide faster automated methods for identifying triggers and estimating AE rates. This study evaluates the ability of 6 separate EHR-based triggers to predict AEs after outpatient orthopedic surgery and compares this trigger method with AE self-reporting. Triggers have the potential to decrease postoperative morbidity after outpatient orthopedic surgery and may lead to quality improvement. Further research is needed to qualify triggers as screening tools in the outpatient setting. [Orthopedics. 2022;45(2):116-121.].

Outcomes of Type I Open Distal Radius Fractures: A Comparison of Delayed and Urgent Open Reduction Internal Fixation.

BACKGROUND: Type I open distal radius fractures treated with open reduction internal fixation (ORIF) have demonstrated minimal risk of infection. For this reason, they may not require urgent surgical treatment. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the outcomes of patients with type I open distal radius fractures treated with delayed ORIF compared with urgent ORIF. METHODS: We identified all Gustilo-Anderson type I open distal radius fractures that had undergone ORIF using volar plating over a 5-year period. Patients were stratified into those treated urgently within 24 hours and those scheduled for delayed surgery. Outcomes including functional scores, complications, reoperations, and radiographic measures were compared. RESULTS: Twenty-four patients (17 treated urgently and 7 treated delayed) had open type I distal radius fractures. All patients were started on empiric antibiotics at initial presentation-patients in the delayed treatment group were prescribed oral antibiotics, whereas those admitted for urgent treatment received intravenous antibiotics. There were no infections in either group and a single reoperation in each group. The mean postoperative Quick Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand score was 29 (range = 0-77) and did not differ significantly between delayed (mean = 19) and urgent (mean = 38) treatment. Rate of complications and radiographic measures did not differ significantly between the groups. CONCLUSIONS: Type I open distal radius fractures appear amenable to delayed outpatient ORIF provided that the wound is clean at the time of initial presentation and that antibiotics are initiated appropriately. Further prospective studies comparing delayed and urgent treatment strategies are warranted.

Does Undergoing Outpatient Hand Surgery Lead to Prolonged Opioid Use? A Comparison of Surgical and Nonsurgical Patients.

BACKGROUND: Orthopedic surgical patients in general have been found to be at higher risk for developing opioid dependence in the postoperative period. However, there is conflicting evidence in the literature whether opioid exposure after hand surgery leads to prolonged use. In the absence of a nonoperative control group, it is not clear whether prolonged opioid use in hand surgical patients is related to undergoing a surgical intervention. The purpose of our study to compare opioid prescription fulfillment patterns in surgical and nonoperative patients in a hand surgery practice. METHODS: We retrospectively compared 320 patients that underwent elbow, wrist, and hand surgery procedures with 741 nonoperative patients treated by 2 hand surgeons. The Pennsylvania Drug Monitoring Program (PDMP), a mandatory statewide database, was used to evaluate the primary outcomes of filling more than one opioid prescription and filling opioid prescriptions beyond 6 months of the index surgery or clinic visit. Bivariate and multivariable logistic regression analysis was performed using the following variables: surgery, prior benzodiazepine use, and prior opioid use. RESULTS: There was no difference in prior opioid use (15.2% vs 16.9%, P = .51) or prior benzodiazepine (10.4% vs 8.4%, P = .33) use between the nonoperative and operative groups. Patients that underwent surgery had a higher incidence of filling more than one opioid prescription (20.9% vs 8.8%, P < .001). However, continued opioid use was not statistically different between nonoperative and operative patients (2.8% vs 5%, P = .08). Bivariate analysis demonstrated that prior opioids (odds ratio [OR] = 12.94, P < .001) and prior benzodiazepines (OR = 1.95, P < .001) were significant independent risk factors for prolonged opioid use. Multivariable analysis demonstrated prior opioid use to be the only independent risk factor for prolonged opioid use (OR = 12.58, P < .001). CONCLUSION: Undergoing outpatient hand surgery do not appear to be an independent risk factor for filling opioid prescriptions beyond 6 months. Significant risk factors for prolonged opioid use include prior use of controlled substances, particularly prior opioid use.

Evaluation of the Incidence and Etiology of Unplanned Return to Operating Room Following Open Reduction Internal Fixation of Distal Radius Fractures.

BACKGROUND: Distal radius fractures (DRF) are the most common upper extremity fractures in adults. The purpose of this study was to determine the incidence, causes, and independent predictors for unplanned return to the operating room (URTO) in a single institution within 90 days following distal radius open reduction internal fixation (ORIF). METHODS: A retrospective study of 2933 consecutive patients from January 2015 to December 2019 who underwent distal radius ORIF was undertaken. Patients who returned to the operating room within 90 days of the index procedure were identified. Patients with planned return to the operating room for staged procedures were excluded, yielding a patient cohort of those with URTO. Demographic data, causes for reoperation, and final Quick Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand DASH (QuickDASH) scores were collected. RESULTS: Overall, 45 patients had URTO (1.5%) occurring a mean of 44 (6-89) days from the index procedure. Reasons for reoperation included nerve complications (n = 14), loss of fixation (n = 11), hardware complications (n = 9), wound complications (n = 7), and tendon complications (n = 4). Neurologic reasons for return included carpal tunnel release (n = 13) and ulnar nerve decompression (n = 1). QuickDASH scores were higher for URTO compared with control cohort at the final follow-up (33 [range: 0-91] vs 14 [range: 0-100], P < .01). CONCLUSIONS: Mechanical hardware failure and neurologic symptoms were the most common reasons for URTO after distal fracture ORIF.

Time to Improvement After Corticosteroid Injection for Trigger Finger.

Purpose Trigger finger is a commonly occurring hand condition that presents with symptoms of pain, clicking, locking, and catching of the finger. A common non-operative management option is corticosteroid injection. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the short-term patient response to corticosteroid injections for trigger finger.  Methods The patients of six fellowship-trained orthopedic hand surgeons who underwent a corticosteroid injection for trigger finger between June 2019 and October 2019 were invited to participate in this study. Patients were contacted by phone at one week, two weeks, and three weeks after the injection to complete a questionnaire regarding their pain and triggering symptoms. Medical records were also reviewed to collect basic demographic data. Results A total of 452 patients were included in the study. At the final follow-up, 82.4% of patients reported complete pain relief, 16.3% had partial relief, and 1.2% had no relief from their pain. For their triggering symptoms, 65.9% reported complete triggering relief, 30.4% had partial relief, and 3.5% had no triggering relief. It took an average of 6.6 days following injection for patients to experience complete pain relief, and an average of 8.1 days for patients to experience complete triggering relief. Conclusions This analysis found that most patients experience relief of pain and triggering at three weeks following corticosteroid injection. The majority of patients experienced some pain relief within the first week following corticosteroid injection, while improvement in triggering appeared to lag behind pain relief.

Deep Infection after Distal Radius Open-reduction Internal Fixation: A Case Series.

BACKGROUND: Given its low incidence, the management of deep infection following distal radius open-reduction internal fixation (ORIF) has not been well reported. In an effort to expand our current understanding, the purpose of this case series is to present the treatment strategies and functional outcomes associated with deep infection after distal radius ORIF. METHODS: All patients with deep infections after distal radius ORIF over a ten-year period were identified and their treatment courses asessed. RESULTS: The cohort consisted of three women and one man with an average age of 55.5 ± 17.6 years. Mean time from infection presentation to irrigation and debridement (I&D) with removal of hardware (ROH) was 16 days (Range: 3 - 44 days). The identified bacterial species in all cases was Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA = 2, MSSA = 2). Three patients were treated with intravenous antibiotics, while one patient was treated with oral antibiotics. Mean time from infection presentation to final clinical follow-up was 11 months (Range: 3 - 20 months). Two patients required repeat I&D. A clinical determination of successful infection eradication was made in all cases. CONCLUSION: The reported rate of deep infection after distal radius ORIF is less than 1%. There is no well-defined treatment algorithm for patients with deep infection after distal radius ORIF. However, removal of hardware and post-operative oral or intravenous antibiotic therapy appears effective, and is consistent with the standard practices of treating infection after other orthopaedic surgeries.

Single Assessment Numeric Evaluation Correlates with American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons Score for Common Elbow Pathology: A Retrospective Cohort Study.

BACKGROUND: There are currently a variety of patient-reported outcomes (PROs) for elbow pathology, without any established gold standard. The Single Assessment Numeric Evaluation (SANE) is a single question assessment of the patient's perceived overall function compared with normal. The SANE score has been correlated with PROs from the shoulder and knee literature. PURPOSE: To correlate the SANE score for a variety of elbow pathologies with a traditionally reported elbow outcome measure, the American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons-Elbow score (ASES-E). STUDY DESIGN: Cohort study (diagnosis); Level of evidence, 3. METHODS: A retrospective review was performed of all patients identified at a single center between April 2016 and January 2019 who presented as a new patient with elbow pathology. All patients prospectively completed the ASES-E along with the SANE score for elbow (SANE-E) at the time of initial consultation. Spearman correlations (r) were performed to evaluate the correlation between the ASES-E and the SANE-E score for specific elbow pathology, along with descriptive data such as age, sex, and chronicity of the problem. RESULTS: A total of 555 patients (166 women, 29.9%) with a mean ± SD age of 51.0 ± 11.7 years with the diagnoses of medial epicondylitis (n = 72; 13.0%), lateral epicondylitis (n = 224; 40.4%), biceps tendon rupture (n = 139; 25.0%), triceps tendon rupture (n = 21; 3.8%), and elbow arthritis (n = 99; 17.8%) were included in this analysis. There was moderate correlation between the SANE-E and the ASES-E (r = 0.623; P < .001), with strongest correlation with the visual analog scale (VAS) (r = -0.518; P < .001) compared with any individual question and moderate to strong correlations based on specific diagnoses. SANE-E and ASES-E scores for the entire cohort were 42.9 ± 26.7 and 56.9 ± 21.4, respectively (P < .001). Age (r = 0.027; P = .526), sex (r = 0.026; P = .555), VAS (r = -0.106; P = .013), and chronicity of the problem (r = -0.037; P = .384) were not found to be correlated with differences in ASES-E and SANE-E. CONCLUSION: The SANE-E score is a simple way to assess patient-perceived function relative to normal. The findings of this study demonstrated moderate to strong correlation between the ASES-E and the SANE-E score for a variety of commonly encountered elbow conditions.

Early Retrieval of Spanning Plates Used for Fixation of Complex Fractures of the Distal Radius.

Background Spanning plates are being increasingly used for the treatment of complex fractures of the distal radius. The traditional recommendation is to leave the hardware in place for at least 12 weeks. Questions/Purpose This study assesses the comparative outcomes of spanning plates removed at or before 10 weeks. We hypothesized that acceptable healing and functional outcomes can be achieved with earlier hardware removal to allow for earlier range of motion, rehabilitation, and return to function. Patients and Methods All patients treated for a comminuted, intra-articular distal radius fracture with a temporary spanning plate were identified. Outcomes of bridge plates removed before 10 weeks were compared with plates removed after 12 weeks. Twenty patients in the short duration cohort were compared with 40 patients in the long duration cohort. Results All fractures healed and there were 10 complications (4 short duration, 6 long duration) and 2 reoperations (1 short duration, 1 long duration) in the study population. There were no significant differences in final Quick-DASH scores (27.4 short duration, 20.9 long duration) or radiographic alignment. Mean values for wrist extension and ulnar deviation were significantly worse in the long duration cohort, although these differences are of unclear clinical significance. Conclusion It may be safe to remove spanning bridge plates earlier than what is traditionally recommended. Plate removal at or before 10 weeks did not detract from healing or radiographic alignment. Prospective investigations assessing the optimal duration of fixation for this technique are needed. Level of Evidence This is a Level IV study.

How Does the Presence of a Surgical Trainee Impact Patient Outcomes in Lumbar Fusion Surgery?

BACKGROUND: While the impact of trainee involvement in other surgical fields is well established, there is a paucity of literature assessing this relationship in orthopaedic spine surgery. The goal of this study was to further elucidate this relationship. METHODS: A retrospective cohort study was initiated on patients undergoing 1-3 level lumbar spine fusion at a single academic center. Operative reports from cases were examined, and patients were divided into 2 groups depending on whether a fellow or resident (F/R) or a physician's assistant (PA) was used as the primary assist. Patients with less than 1-year follow-up were excluded. Multiple linear regression was used to assess change in each patient-reported outcome, and multiple binary logistic regression was used to determine significant predictors of revision, infection, and 30- or 90-day readmission. RESULTS: One hundred and seventy-two patients were included in the F/R group compared with 178 patients in the PA group. No differences existed between groups for total surgery time, length of stay, 30- or 90-day readmissions, infection, or revision rates. No differences existed between groups in terms of patient-reported outcomes preoperatively or postoperatively. In addition, presence of a surgical trainee was not a significant predictor of patient outcomes or rates of infection, overall revision, or 30- and 90-day readmission rates. CONCLUSIONS: The results of this study indicate the presence of an orthopaedic spine F/R does not increase complication rates and does not affect short-term patient-reported outcomes in lumbar decompression and fusion surgery. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 3.

Disparities and the American Health Care System.

The United States' health care system is often compared with those of other industrialized countries, and consistently ranks poorly in terms of health care delivery, efficiency, and quality. However, there are several considerations unique to the United States that are often distorted in these analyses, and when considered in the context of the convoluted ethnic and social disparities that persist in the United States, the successes of the American health care system become more apparent.

Web-Based, Self-Directed Physical Therapy After Total Hip Arthroplasty Is Safe and Effective for Most, but Not All, Patients.

BACKGROUND: Recent data suggested that unsupervised, self-directed physical therapy (SDPT) is both safe and efficacious for patients undergoing total hip arthroplasty (THA) and that formal outpatient physical therapy (OPPT) may not be routinely required. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the routine use of an SDPT program in a nonselect patient population. METHODS: This is a multi-surgeon, single-institution, retrospective study of 941 consecutive patients discharged home, from January 2016 to December 2016, after primary, unilateral THA and enrolled in a web-based SDPT program. Patients were seen 4 weeks after surgery and OPPT was prescribed for perceived need, patient request, or if unable to use the web-based program. Patient-reported outcomes, medical comorbidities, and assessment of home environment were prospectively recorded. RESULTS: Overall, 646 of 941 patients (68.7%) were not prescribed OPPT (SDPT-only group) while 295 of 941 patients (31.3%) were prescribed OPPT (SDPT + OPPT group). In the SDPT + OPPT group, 88.2% were for perceived need, 10.8% for patient request, and 1.0% due to inability to use the web-based platform. Multivariate analysis identified male sex (odds ratio, 0.64; 0.45-0.90; P = .012) and a higher preoperative Short Form-12 physical component (odds ratio, 0.98; 0.96-0.99; P = .036) as independent variables protective against requiring OPPT. At a minimum 6-month follow-up, the SDPT-only group had statistically higher hip disability and osteoarthritis outcome score junior compared to the SDPT + OPPT cohort (85.0 vs 80.9; P = .012). CONCLUSION: Web-based SDPT is safe and effective for most, but not all, patients eligible for home discharge after THA. It is critical to preserve OPPT services for the one-third of patients who require them. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III.

Web-Based, Self-Directed Physical Therapy After Total Knee Arthroplasty Is Safe and Effective for Most, but Not All, Patients.

BACKGROUND: Recently, self-directed physical therapy (SDPT) programs have gained popularity following total knee arthroplasty (TKA). This study evaluated the safety and efficacy of the routine use of an SDPT program in a nonselect patient population. METHODS: This is a single-surgeon, retrospective study of 296 consecutive patients from August 2016 to October 2017 discharged home after primary, unilateral TKA and enrolled in a web-based SDPT program. Patients were seen 2 weeks after surgery and outpatient physical therapy (OPPT) was prescribed if flexion was less than 90°, upon patient request, or inability to use the web-based platform. RESULTS: Overall, 195 of 296 (65.9%) patients did not require OPPT (SDPT-only) while 101 of 296 were prescribed OPPT (34.1%, SDPT + OPPT). In SDPT + OPPT, 66.3% were for flexion <90°, 27.7% by patient request, 5.0% received a prescription but did not attend OPPT, and 1.0% due to inability to use the web-based platform. The rate of manipulation under anesthesia was 2.36% overall (SDPT + OPPT, 6.93%; SDPT-only, 0.0%). Multivariate analysis identified elevated Charlson comorbidity index, elevated body mass index, higher preoperative SF12 mental score, and loss of flexion at 2 weeks as independent predictors associated with the need for OPPT. CONCLUSION: Web-based SDPT is safe and effective for most patients eligible for home discharge after TKA. It is difficult to preoperatively predict those patients who will require OPPT; therefore, we recommend close follow-up. It is critical to preserve these services for patients who require them after TKA as up to a third of patients required OPPT.