What's New in Geriatric Acetabular Fractures.

The incidence of acetabular fractures in the geriatric population is growing, yet the optimal treatment algorithm remains a controversial topic among orthopaedic surgeons. This review highlights key studies published over the past 5 years on the outcomes of various treatment options for geriatric acetabular fractures. Topics include surgical timing, mortality and risk factors, nonoperative treatment, open reduction internal fixation, and acute total hip arthroplasty.

A Cadaveric Study Measuring Femoral Nerve Tension During Anterior Total Hip Arthroplasty Approach.

Femoral nerve palsy is a rare but devastating complication of anterior total hip arthroplasty. Its etiology is still unknown, but several studies have suggested that anterior acetabular retractors may place the femoral nerve at increased risk. This study hypothesized that hip extension and traction places tension on the femoral nerve, offering an additional explanation for the development of femoral nerve palsy. A spring device was secured across 6 transected femoral nerves from 5 lower extremity cadavers and the hip was extended and pulled into traction with and without retractor placement. The change in spring length was used to determine femoral nerve tension. The average spring length changed +8.83 mm with hip extension, +3.73 mm with traction, -0.7 mm with traction and placement of the anterior acetabular retractor, and -1.15 mm with extension and placement of the femoral retractor. Femoral nerve tension was greatest with hip extension followed by traction. Acetabular and femoral retractor placement decreased average femoral nerve tension in both traction and hip extension. This may be due to medialization of the femoral nerve by the retractors, reducing the overall distance traveled, and thereby reducing tension. Previous studies have found femoral nerve pressure to be greatest during anterior acetabular retractor placement. It is likely that both pressure and tension contribute to femoral nerve palsy. Careful retractor placement, staying safely on anterior acetabular bone, and efficient femoral preparation to decrease time under hip extension and traction may help to minimize the risk of femoral nerve palsy.

Cervical Ossification of the Posterior Longitudinal Ligament (OPLL) in Native Hawaiians and/or Polynesians: A 3-year Retrospective Demographic and Descriptive Pilot Study.

Ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament (OPLL) is a disease characterized by the replacement of the posterior longitudinal ligament with ectopic bone and cartilage. Historically, the disease was described as highly prevalent in Japanese and other Asian populations. However, recent studies suggest OPLL may have a higher prevalence in non-Asian communities than previously believed. To date, there are no demographic or epidemiologic studies examining OPLL in Native Hawaiian or Polynesian communities. The purpose of this study was to review the demographics and comorbidities of a cohort of patients with OPLL from the author's institution, designated as either Native Hawaiian and/or Polynesian (NHP) or Non-Native Hawaiian and/or Polynesian (NNHP). Demographic findings from this study were similar to previous literature demonstrating higher rates of OPLL in men and older patients with an average age of 56 years in the NHP group and 65 years in the NNHP group. There were no statistically significant differences in the rates of type II diabetes mellitus, coronary vascular disease, chronic kidney disease, or hypertension between NHP and NNHP groups. The NHP group exhibited statistically higher rates of obesity when compared to the NNHP group. Obesity's risk in the development or progression of OPLL in the NHP population has not been examined and requires additional investigation. This study serves as a beginning for further demographic and epidemiologic investigations into OPLL in Native Hawaiian and Polynesian communities to facilitate improved identification of those at risk and guide diagnosis and treatment of these patients.

An Online Learning Tool to Obtain, Optimize, and Interpret Radiographs During Total Hip Arthroplasty.

Total hip arthroplasty (THA) is a common orthopedic procedure which has been growing in popularity with the elderly population. With more surgeons completing anterior THAs, intraoperative radiographs have become commonplace. Unfortunately, there is a lack of education in regard to obtaining, optimizing, and interpreting these radiographs. The purpose of this study was to develop and test the efficacy of an online learning tool that medical students, residents, and C-arm technicians could use to improve their understanding of THA radiography. The learning tool taught users how to obtain an optimal AP pelvis radiograph and how to interpret radiographs so THA components could be placed in their optimal position. This learning tool was sent to medical students, orthopedic surgery residents, and C-arm technicians along with a pre-test, post-test, and feedback survey. Twenty users (eleven medical students and nine orthopedic surgery residents) completed the learning tool. Post-test scores (M=96.4%, SD=2.9%) were significantly greater than pre-test scores (M=68.3%, SD=23.9%) for all users (t=5.5069, P<.0001). The user's level of training was positively correlated with pre-test scores. Surveys from the users revealed that the learning tool provided significant learning opportunities, was relatively easy to understand, but was slightly too long. Users felt that this learning tool would be best suited for senior medical students, junior orthopedic surgery residents, and C-arm technicians. With the positive results of this study, the authors hope to further develop this learning tool for widespread adoption and to develop similar learning tools in the future.

Outcomes After Hip Labral Reconstruction Using Peroneus Longus Graft: A Novel Graft Experience.

Currently, there is no consensus on the ideal graft for hip labral reconstruction. The purpose of this study was to describe the surgical technique and report the short-term outcomes after hip labral reconstruction using a peroneal longus allograft. Eleven patients diagnosed with femoracetabular impingement and irreparable damage to the acetabular labrum underwent labral reconstruction with a peroneus longus allograft. The average follow-up time was 227 days (range: 26-457 days). Pre-operative radiographic measurements included an average pre-operative center edge angle of 29.0° (range: 19° to 37°) and an average alpha angle of 62.9° (range: 55° to 71°). All patients underwent femoroplasty, with additional procedures including 7 acetabuloplasties and 6 microfractures. The average visual analogue score for pain improved from 4.91±2.17 preoperatively to 3.85±2.0 postoperatively but this was not significant (P=.26). No patients sustained post-operative complications or allograft failures during follow up. Compared to other acetabular labral reconstruction options, the strength and shape of thedcd peroneus tendon may best replicate the native hip labrum. The current findings of no immediate post-operative complications or early failures suggests the peroneus longus allograft may be a viable option for hip labrum reconstruction.

Measuring In-Vivo Foot Perfusion Distal to a Near-Circumferential Negative Pressure Wound Therapy Dressing via Thermal Imaging.

Background Negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT) has been shown to promote the healing of acute and chronic wounds. In our previous study, we demonstrated that a near-circumferential NPWT dressing provided "lift-off" on an in-vitro extremity model resulting in decreased pressure. We hypothesized that this decrease in pressure may increase perfusion distal to the NPWT dressing by increasing lymphatic drainage and venous flow. Methods In this study, we tested if a near-circumferential NPWT dressing caused any appreciable skin movement around the dressing. We then used a thermal imaging camera to test if there was an increase in perfusion to the foot when a near-circumferential NPWT dressing was placed around the lower leg and tested at various negative pressures. Finally, we wanted to see if an artificial "lift-off" mechanism would lead to an increase in perfusion. Results The skin was noted to stretch between the short ends of the NPWT dressing, consistent with our previously described "lift-off" mechanism. However, there was no correlation between negative pressure and perfusion to the foot in the other experiments. Conclusion This study demonstrated that a near-circumferential NPWT dressing may not have any appreciable effects on perfusion when applied on a healthy patient, however, future studies are needed to determine if similar results would be seen on a traumatized or otherwise compromised extremity.

An In Vitro Study Measuring the Effects of Circumferential and Near-Circumferential Closed Incisional Negative Pressure Wound Therapy Dressings.

Background Negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT) and closed incisional negative pressure wound therapy (ciNPWT) have been shown to promote the healing of acute and chronic wounds. Despite the growth in their usage, the mechanism by which they promote healing is not fully understood. Several studies have shown that NPWT results in a combination of microdeformation and macrodeformation, which may promote wound recovery. The macrodeformation forces have raised concerns about circumferential NPWT compressing the extremity and decreasing perfusion distal to the NPWT. The literature on circumferential NPWT is mixed, with some studies showing increased perfusion, while others have shown decreased perfusion. We hypothesized that a near-circumferential ciNPWT dressing applied over intact skin would provide a "lift-off" force rather than a compressive force. We also theorized that as the sponge contracts under negative pressure while in a near-circumferential setting, the dressing will pull on the surrounding skin and tissue, leading to a decrease in the pressure of the extremity. This could potentially translate to improved venous and lymphatic return, increasing perfusion to the tissue beneath the sponge as well as distal to the sponge. Methods This study consisted of three separate experiments. The first experiment measured the width and length of a ciNPWT dressing at various negative pressures. The second experiment utilized an in vitro model consisting of an elastic ball and tubing to examine the effects that circumferential and near-circumferential ciNPWT dressings may have on extremity pressure. Varying lengths of ciNPWT dressings were applied to the ball, ranging from 25% circumferential to 100% circumferential. The pressure within the ball was monitored as varying lengths of circumferential dressings were applied at various negative pressures. The third experiment utilized the same model as the second experiment but with a 66% circumferential dressing and various baseline ball pressures to see how extremity pressure may impact the ability of the ciNPWT dressing to alter extremity pressure. Results The first experiment demonstrated that a ciNPWT dressing decreased in length and width in a linear fashion as negative pressure was applied. The second experiment revealed that both fully circumferential and near-circumferential dressings resulted in a decrease in the pressure of the elastic ball at lower levels of suction. The greatest decrease in ball pressure was noted with the 66% near-circumferential dressing. With greater suction, however, the pressure within the ball was noted to increase above baseline. The third experiment illustrated that as the baseline pressure of a ball was increased, the dressing had less of an ability to change the pressure of the ball. Conclusions These results suggest that near-circumferential and circumferential ciNPWT systems may decrease the pressure of an extremity at certain negative pressures and that compression may be less likely to occur when used on a higher-pressure extremity.

Management of Slipped Capital Femoral Epiphysis: The Hawai'i Experience.

Slipped capital femoral epiphysis (SCFE) is a growing problem amongst children in Hawai'i as well as throughout the world. With increasing rates of childhood obesity, SCFEs are affecting more patients at younger ages. This makes the treatment of SCFEs critical as many children with SCFEs have significant growth remaining. There are a host of treatment options based on different classification schemes which can make it difficult to determine the appropriate care for a SCFE patient. In our practice, patients are treated based on a combination of angular displacement, stability as defined by Loder, and patient age. The procedures vary from single screw in-situ fixation for a mild deformity to a modified Dunn procedure for a high-grade deformity in the skeletally immature patient. For all our open fixation methods, epiphyseal perfusion is monitored with an 18-gauge needle attached to an arterial monitor and we routinely remove fixation after physeal closure. Excellent outcomes have been noted for the modified Dunn in our practice. This article describes the algorithm used to treat SCFE in Hawai'i at a tertiary children's medical center.

Utilizing Negative Pressure Wound Therapy with Instillation and Dwell Time for Extensive Necrotizing Fasciitis of the Lower Extremity: A Case Report.

Necrotizing fasciitis is a rapidly spreading infection of the soft tissue, which carries significant morbidity and mortality. This condition is treated with broad-spectrum antibiotics, irrigation and surgical debridement of the affected area, and hemodynamic support. Negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT) has been utilized after surgical debridement to promote wound healing, especially when significant debridement has occurred. Newer forms of NPWT such as negative pressure wound therapy with instillation and dwell time (NPWTi-d) have shown even greater promise by reducing the time to clear infections and promoting greater debridement with fewer procedures. This case report demonstrates the successful use of NPWTi-d on a 56-year-old man with a severe case of necrotizing fasciitis of the right lower extremity after extensive debridement. Despite the significant loss of soft tissue and the circumferential devitalization of the lower leg, this patient was able to accept a skin graft in approximately four weeks after admission to the hospital. Three months after initial presentation, his wounds were completely epithelialized and healing well. The advantages of using NPWTi-d include decreased dressing changes, increased wound granulation, and faster infection clearance. The disadvantages of such systems include increased cost, additional technical requirements, and required inpatient monitoring of the system. Despite these disadvantages, the authors believe that NPWTi-d is a reasonable choice for patients similar to the one presented in this case report.

A Novel Method for Fracture Blister Management Using Circumferential Negative Pressure Wound Therapy with Instillation and Dwell.

High- and low-energy fractures can result in nearby skin blistering. These so-called "fracture blisters" can be troublesome in the face of surgery and currently no uniform consensus regarding their management exists. Preoperatively, we used circumferential negative pressure wound therapy with sterile saline instillation (NPWT-id) to treat two patients with closed fractures who had developed significant skin blistering. This technique resulted in near complete re-epithelialization of the decompressed blister beds within one week. Furthermore, no excessive surgical delay or alteration in surgical approach was necessary, and both patients healed successfully without post-operative wound complications. Thus, circumferential NPWT-id may be a worthwhile treatment option for fracture blisters.