Proximal Row Carpectomy With Soft Tissue Interposition: A Systematic Review of Clinical Outcomes.

Proximal row carpectomy (PRC) with soft tissue interposition arthroplasty (STIA) presents an alternative approach to addressing wrist arthritis patterns involving the capitate and/or lunate fossa, in lieu of wrist arthrodesis. This systematic review aimed to evaluate clinical outcomes and techniques associated with PRC-STIA in patients with advanced wrist arthritis. We conducted a systematic review using databases including PubMed, Embase, MEDLINE, and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials. Inclusion criteria involved articles reporting outcomes of patients who underwent PRC-STIA with at least 1 relevant outcome. The analysis encompassed 8 studies involving 106 patients (108 wrists) meeting the inclusion criteria. A majority of patients were men (69%, n = 88), with a mean age of 54.4 ± 12.7 years and an average follow-up of 4.8 ± 6.3 years. Dorsal capsule was the most commonly interposed tissue (63%, 5 out of 8 studies). Patients receiving STIA achieved comparable patient-reported outcome measures scores to those undergoing PRC alone. Postoperative pain, measured by the Visual Analog Scale, averaged 3.7 ± 0.6. The Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand score averaged 27.8 ± 8, while the Patient-Rated Wrist Evaluation score averaged 41.5 ± 25.9. Five complications were reported in three studies. The addition of STIA into PRC for patients with capitate and/or lunate fossa cartilage degeneration yielded outcomes akin to traditional PRC, improving wrist function, pain, and grip strength in a safe and straightforward manner. Future research should prioritize high-quality comparative studies, extended follow-up periods, and standardized core outcome measures for a more comprehensive understanding of its role in wrist arthritis treatment.

Diagnosis and Treatment of Snapping Scapula Syndrome: A Scoping Review.

CONTEXT: Snapping scapula syndrome (SSS) is commonly misdiagnosed and underreported due to lack of awareness. OBJECTIVE: This scoping review aims to summarize the current evidence related to SSS diagnosis and treatment to aid clinicians in managing the condition more effectively. DATA SOURCES: PubMed, Medline, and Embase databases were searched for studies related to the etiology, diagnosis, or treatment of SSS (database inception to March 2020). STUDY SELECTION: Databases were searched for available studies related to the etiology, diagnosis, or treatment of SSS. STUDY DESIGN: A scoping review study design was selected to explore the breadth of knowledge in the literature regarding SSS diagnosis and treatment. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level 4. DATA EXTRACTION: Primary outcomes abstraction included accuracy of diagnostic tests, functional outcomes, and pain relief associated with various nonoperative and operative treatment options for SSS. RESULTS: A total of 1442 references were screened and 40 met the inclusion criteria. Studies commonly reported SSS as a clinical diagnosis and relied heavily on a focused history and physical examination. The most common signs reported were medial scapular border tenderness, crepitus, and audible snapping. Three-dimensional computed tomography had high interrater reliability of 0.972, with a 100% success rate in identifying symptomatic incongruity of the scapular articular surface. Initial nonoperative treatment was reported as successful in most symptomatic patients, with improved visual analogue scale (VAS) scores (7.7 ± 0.5 pretreatment, to 2.4 ± 0.6). Persistently symptomatic patients underwent surgical intervention most commonly involving bursectomy, superomedial angle resection, or partial scapulectomy. High satisfaction rates of surgery were reported in VAS (6.9 ± 0.7 to 1.9 ± 0.9), American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons scores (50.3 ± 12.2 to 80.6 ± 14.9), and mean simple shoulder test scores (5.6 ± 1.0 to 10.2 ± 1.1). CONCLUSION: Focused history and physical examination is the most crucial initial step in the diagnostic process, with supplemental imaging used to assess for structural etiologies when nonoperative management fails. Nonoperative management is as effective as surgical management in pain relief and is advised for 3 to 6 months before operative treatment.

Arthroscopic Versus Mini-open Rotator Cuff Repair: A Randomized Trial and Meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Patients with complete rotator cuff tears who fail a course of nonoperative therapy can benefit from surgical repair. PURPOSE: This randomized trial compared mini-open (MO) versus all-arthroscopic (AA) rotator cuff repair. STUDY DESIGN: Randomized controlled trial; Level of evidence, 1. METHODS: Patients with rotator cuff tears were randomized to undergo MO or AA repair at 9 centers by 23 surgeons. The primary outcome (Western Ontario Rotator Cuff Index [WORC]) and secondary outcomes (American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons [ASES] score, Shoulder Pain and Disability Index [SPADI] pain subscale, 12-Item Short Form Health Survey [SF-12], reported medication use, adverse events), as well as measurements of range of motion and strength, were collected at 1 month before surgery; at 2 and 6 weeks postoperatively; and at 3, 6, 12, 18, and 24 months postoperatively. A blinded radiologist evaluated rotator cuff integrity on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) at baseline and 1 year. Intention-to-treat analysis of covariance with the preoperative WORC score, age, and tear size as covariates assessed continuous outcomes. Sex differences were assessed. A meta-analysis synthesized the primary outcome between MO and AA repair with previous trials. RESULTS: From 954 patients screened, 411 were ineligible (276 because of recovery with physical therapy), 449 were screened at surgery (175 ineligible), and 274 completed follow-up (138 MO and 136 AA). The AA and MO groups were similar before surgery. WORC scores improved from 40 preoperatively to 89 (AA) and 93 (MO) at 2 years, for an adjusted mean difference of 3.4 (95% CI, -0.4 to 7.2). There were no statistically significant differences between the AA and MO groups at any time point. All secondary patient-reported outcomes were not significantly different between the MO and AA groups, except the 2-year SPADI pain score (8 vs 12, respectively; P = .02). A similar recovery in range of motion and strength occurred in both groups over time. MRI indicated minimal improvement in muscle relative to fat (AA: n = 3; MO: n = 2), with most worsening (AA: n = 25; MO: n = 24) or remaining unchanged (AA: n = 70; MO: n = 70). Opioid use was significantly reduced after surgery (from 21% to 5%). The meta-analysis indicated no significant standardized mean difference between groups in the primary outcome across all pooled studies (standardized mean difference, -0.06 [95% CI, -0.34 to 0.22]). CONCLUSION: Both AA and MO rotator cuff repair provide large clinical benefits, with few adverse events. There is strong evidence of equivalent clinical improvements. TRIAL REGISTRATION: NCT00128076.

Randomized control trial of ultrasound-guided erector spinae block versus shoulder periarticular anesthetic infiltration for pain control after arthroscopic shoulder surgery: Study protocol clinical trial (SPIRIT compliant).

INTRODUCTION: Moderate to severe postoperative pain and associated opioid use may interfere with patients' well-being and course of recovery. Regional anesthetic techniques provide an opportunity for opioid sparing and improved patient outcomes. A new regional technique called the erector spinae plane (ESP) block has the potential to provide effective analgesia after shoulder arthroscopy with minimal risks and decreased opioid consumption. Our primary objective is to determine whether, in patients who undergo arthroscopic shoulder surgery, a preoperative ESP block reduces pain scores as compared to periarticular infiltration at the end of surgery. Additionally, we will also examine other factors such as opioid consumption, sensory block, adverse events, patient satisfaction, and persistent pain. METHODS: This is a 2-arm, single-center, parallel-design, double-blind randomized controlled trial of 60 patients undergoing arthroscopic shoulder surgery. Eligible patients will be recruited in the preoperative clinic. Using a computer-generated randomization, with a 1:1 allocation ratio, patients will be randomized to either the ESP or periarticular infiltration group. Patients will be followed in hospital in the postanesthesia care unit, at 24 hours, and at 1 month. The study with be analyzed as intention-to-treat. DISCUSSION: This study will inform an evidence-based choice in recommending ESP block for shoulder arthroscopy, as well as providing safety data. The merits of the study include its double dummy blinding to minimize observer bias, and its assessment of patient important outcomes, including pain scores, opioid consumption, and patient satisfaction. This study will also help provide an estimate of the incidence of side effects and complications of the ESP block. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: NCT03691922; Recruited Date of registration: October 2, 2018.

Radial head arthroplasty: fixed-stem implants are not all equal-a systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Numerous fixed-stem implants exist for radial head arthroplasty; therefore, we conducted a systematic review to compare the safety and efficacy of different types of fixed-stem implants. METHODS: We conducted a literature search, updated from a previous systematic review, to identify studies evaluating a fixed-stem radial head arthroplasty implant for any indication. We extracted data on revision rates, specific complications, and functional scores. We pooled results across studies using a random-effects method, using proportions for dichotomous data and mean values for functional scores. We analyzed outcomes by indication and specific implant. RESULTS: We included 31 studies. Studies included patients with radial head fractures only, terrible-triad injuries, or Essex-Lopresti injuries or included a heterogeneous population. We identified 15 different fixed-stem implants. The results of our analysis revealed that patients with terrible-triad injuries may be at an increased risk of revision and instability and patients with Essex-Lopresti injuries may be at an increased risk of arthritis, capitellar erosion, and osteolysis. After removing these outliers and pooling the results by specific device, we observed variability across devices in the rates of revision, arthritis, capitellar erosion, instability, and osteolysis, as well as in functional scores. CONCLUSION: Differences were seen across different implants in revision rates, certain complications, and functional scores. This study highlighted that these devices should be evaluated within the context of the patient population under examination, as patients with Essex-Lopresti or terrible-triad injuries may demonstrate worse outcomes relative to those with a fracture only.

Subacromial decompression surgery for adults with shoulder pain: a clinical practice guideline.

CLINICAL QUESTION: Do adults with atraumatic shoulder pain for more than 3 months diagnosed as subacromial pain syndrome (SAPS), also labelled as rotator cuff disease, benefit from subacromial decompression surgery? This guideline builds on to two recent high quality trials of shoulder surgery. CURRENT PRACTICE: SAPS is the common diagnosis for shoulder pain with several first line treatment options, including analgesia, exercises, and injections. Surgeons frequently perform arthroscopic subacromial decompression for prolonged symptoms, with guidelines providing conflicting recommendations. RECOMMENDATION: The guideline panel makes a strong recommendation against surgery. HOW THIS GUIDELINE WAS CREATED: A guideline panel including patients, clinicians, and methodologists produced this recommendation in adherence with standards for trustworthy guidelines and the GRADE system. The recommendation is based on two linked systematic reviews on (a) the benefits and harms of subacromial decompression surgery and (b) the minimally important differences for patient reported outcome measures. Recommendations are made actionable for clinicians and their patients through visual overviews. These provide the relative and absolute benefits and harms of surgery in multilayered evidence summaries and decision aids available in MAGIC (www.magicapp.org) to support shared decisions and adaptation. THE EVIDENCE: Surgery did not provide important improvements in pain, function, or quality of life compared with placebo surgery or other options. Frozen shoulder may be more common with surgery. UNDERSTANDING THE RECOMMENDATION: The panel concluded that almost all informed patients would choose to avoid surgery because there is no benefit but there are harms and it is burdensome. Subacromial decompression surgery should not be offered to patients with SAPS. However, there is substantial uncertainty in what alternative treatment is best.

Interventions for displaced radial head fractures: network meta-analysis of randomized trials.

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to conduct a systematic review of studies comparing treatments for displaced radial head fractures (RHFs) and perform a network meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs). METHODS: We searched electronic databases and reviewed the reference lists of included studies and prior systematic reviews. We included RCTs and cohort studies that (1) compared treatments for displaced RHFs in adults and (2) reported a functional outcome or postoperative complications. Data from RCTs were synthesized using a Bayesian network meta-analysis. We compared the proportion of patients categorized as "excellent" or "good" according to the Broberg and Morrey scale and the rate of postoperative complications using odds ratios (OR) with 95% credible intervals (CrI). RESULTS: We included 20 studies (4 RCTs). The evidence from RCTs examined radial head arthroplasty (RHA), open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) with metal implants (ORIF-M), and ORIF with biodegradable implants (ORIF-B). The network meta-analysis demonstrated that patients treated with an RHA had greater odds of achieving an "excellent" or "good" score compared with ORIF-M (OR, 22.5; 95% CrI, 2.73-299.58) and ORIF-B (OR, 11.83; 95% CrI, 0.58-324.57). For postoperative complications, RHA patients had a lower odds of experiencing a complication than ORIF-M (OR, 0.15; 95% CrI, 0.01-1.81) and ORIF-B (OR, 0.16; 95% CrI, 0.01-3.06) patients. CONCLUSION: The network meta-analysis of RCTs indicated that RHA results in better function and reduced postoperative complications than ORIF-M and ORIF-B over 2 years in the treatment of displaced RHFs.

Clinical Assessment of Physical Examination Maneuvers for Superior Labral Anterior to Posterior Lesions.

Purpose Shoulder pain and disability pose a diagnostic challenge owing to the numerous etiologies and the potential for multiple disorders to exist simultaneously. The evidence to support the use of clinical tests for superior labral anterior to posterior complex (SLAP) is weak or absent. The purpose of this study is to determine the diagnostic validity of physical examination maneuvers for SLAP lesions by performing a methodologically rigorous, clinically applicable study. Methods We recruited consecutive new shoulder patients reporting pain and/or disability. The physician took a history and indicated their certainty about each possible diagnosis ("certain the diagnosis is absent/present," or "uncertain requires further testing"). The clinician performed the physical tests for diagnoses where uncertainty remained. Magnetic resonance imaging arthrogram and arthroscopic examination were the gold standards. We calculated sensitivity, specificity, and likelihood ratios (LRs) and investigated whether combinations of the top tests provided stronger predictions. Results Ninety-three patients underwent physical examination for SLAP lesions. When using the presence of a SLAP lesion (Types I-V) as disease positive, none of the tests was sensitive (10.3-33.3) although they were moderately specific (61.3-92.6). When disease positive was defined as repaired SLAP lesion (including biceps tenodesis or tenotomy), the sensitivity (10.5-38.7) and specificity (70.6-93.8) of tests improved although not by a substantial amount. None of the tests was found to be clinically useful for predicting repairable SLAP lesions with all LRs close to one. The compression rotation test had the best LR for both definitions of disease (SLAP tear present = 1.8 and SLAP repaired = 1.67). There was no optimal combination of tests for diagnosing repairable SLAP lesions, with at least two tests positive providing the best combination of measurement properties (sensitivity 46.1% and specificity 64.7%). Conclusion Our study demonstrates that the physical examination tests for SLAP lesions are poor diagnostic indicators of disease. Performing a combination of tests will likely help, although the magnitude of the improvement is minimal. These authors caution clinicians placing confidence in the physical examination tests for SLAP lesions rather we suggest that clinicians rely on diagnostic imaging to confirm this diagnosis.

Diagnostic Validity of Patient-Reported History for Shoulder Pathology.

Objective The purpose of this article is to determine whether patient-reported history items are predictive of shoulder pathology and have the potential for use in triaging patients with shoulder pathology to orthopaedic outpatient clinics. Setting It is set at two tertiary orthopaedic clinics. Patients All new patients reporting pain and/or disability of the shoulder joint were prospectively recruited. A total of 193 patients were enrolled, 15 of whom withdrew, leaving 178 patients composing the study sample. Design Patients completed a questionnaire on the history of their pathology, then the surgeon took a thorough history indicating the most likely diagnosis. The clinician then performed appropriate physical examination. Arthroscopy was the reference standard for those undergoing surgery and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) with arthrogram for all others. We calculated the sensitivity, specificity, and likelihood ratios (LRs) of history items alone and in combination. We used the LRs to generate a clinical decision algorithm. Main Outcome Measures Diagnosis was determined through arthroscopy or MRI arthrogram. Reporting was standardized to ensure review of all structures. Results The physical examination and history agreed in 75% of cases. Of those that did not agree, the physical examination misdirected the diagnosis in 47% of our cases. In particular, history items were strong predictors of anterior and posterior instability and subscapularis tears and were combined in a tool to be utilized for screening patients. Conclusion The patient-reported history items were effective for diagnosing shoulder pathology and should be considered for use in a triaging instrument.

Psychophysical and Patient Factors as Determinants of Pain, Function and Health Status in Shoulder Disorders.

OBJECTIVE: To estimate the extent to which psychophysical quantitative sensory test (QST) and patient factors (gender, age and comorbidity) predict pain, function and health status in people with shoulder disorders. To determine if there are gender differences for QST measures in current perception threshold (CPT), vibration threshold (VT) and pressure pain (PP) threshold and tolerance. DESIGN: A cross-sectional study design. SETTING: MacHAND Clinical Research Lab at McMaster University. SUBJECTS: 34 surgical and 10 nonsurgical participants with shoulder pain were recruited. METHOD: Participants completed the following patient reported outcomes: pain (Numeric Pain Rating, Pain Catastrophizing Scale, Shoulder Pain and Disability Index) and health status (Short Form-12). Participants completed QST at 4 standardized locations and then an upper extremity performance-based endurance test (FIT-HaNSA). Pearson r's were computed to determine the relationships between QST variables and patient factors with either pain, function or health status. Eight regression models were built to analysis QST's and patient factors separately as predictors of either pain, function or health status. An independent sample t-test was done to evaluate the gender effect on QST. RESULTS: Greater PP threshold and PP tolerance was significantly correlated with higher shoulder functional performance on the FIT-HANSA (r =0.31-0.44) and lower self-reported shoulder disability (r = -0.32 to -0.36). Higher comorbidity was consistently correlated (r =0.31-0.46) with more pain, and less function and health status. Older age was correlated to more pain intensity and less function (r =0.31-0.57). In multivariate models, patient factors contributed significantly to pain, function or health status models (r2 =0.19-0.36); whereas QST did not. QST was significantly different between males and females [in PP threshold (3.9 vs. 6.2, p < .001) and PP tolerance (7.6 vs. 2.6, p < .001) and CPT (1.6 vs. 2.3, p =.02)]. CONCLUSION: Psychophysical dimensions and patient factors (gender, age and comorbidity) affect self-reported and performance-based outcome measures in people with shoulder disorders.

A Double-Blinded Placebo Randomized Controlled Trial Evaluating Short-term Efficacy of Platelet-Rich Plasma in Reducing Postoperative Pain After Arthroscopic Rotator Cuff Repair: A Pilot Study.

BACKGROUND: We aimed to determine whether patients with arthroscopically repaired rotator cuff (RC) tears would have reduced pain and improved function after ultrasound-guided platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections compared with placebo injection. HYPOTHESIS: PRP compared with placebo (saline) was more effective in reducing pain at the site of an RC injury that has undergone arthroscopic repair. STUDY DESIGN: Randomized controlled trial. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level 2. METHODS: We conducted a 2-centered, blinded, randomized controlled trial comparing the level of pain in patients undergoing arthroscopic repair. Patients were randomized to either PRP or saline (placebo). They received 2 ultrasound-guided injections of the randomized product: 1 intraoperatively and 1 at 4 weeks postoperatively. The primary outcome measure was shoulder pain demonstrated using a visual analog scale (VAS) at 6 weeks postoperatively. Secondary outcomes included the EuroQol-5 Dimensions (EQ-5D); the Western Ontario Rotator Cuff Index (WORC); and the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand Score (DASH), as well as adverse events and revision surgeries. Patients were assessed clinically preoperatively and at 2, 4, and 6 weeks postsurgery. A prespecified interim analysis was conducted after 50% of patients were recruited and followed. RESULTS: We recruited 25 patients when interim power analysis led to an early trial termination. Follow-up was 96%. The mean difference between groups was not statistically significant (-1.81; 95% CI, -4.3 to 1.2; P = 0.16). The EQ-5D, WORC, and DASH scores also did not show significant differences between groups at week 6 (P = 0.5, 0.99, and 0.9, respectively). There were no revision surgeries, and 4 adverse events (3 PRP, 1 saline). CONCLUSION: There was no statistical difference in outcome measures when augmenting arthroscopically repaired RC tears with PRP. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Identifying therapies that improve outcomes in patients with RC tears remains a challenge and deserves ongoing investigation.

Clinical Assessment of Physical Examination Maneuvers for Rotator Cuff Lesions.

BACKGROUND: Shoulder pain and disability pose a diagnostic challenge for clinicians owing to the numerous causes that exist. Unfortunately, the evidence in support of most clinical tests is weak or absent. PURPOSE: To determine the diagnostic validity of physical examination maneuvers for rotator cuff lesions. STUDY DESIGN: Cohort study (diagnosis); Level of evidence, 1. METHODS: Consecutive shoulder patients recruited for this study were referred to 2 tertiary orthopaedic clinics. A surgeon took a thorough history and indicated his or her certainty about each possible diagnosis. A clinician performed the physical examination for diagnoses where uncertainty remained. Arthroscopy was considered the reference standard for patients who underwent surgery, and MRI with arthrogram was considered the reference for patients who did not. The sensitivity, specificity, and likelihood ratios were calculated to investigate whether combinations of the top tests provided stronger predictions of the presence or absence of disease. RESULTS: There were 139 participants. None of the tests were highly sensitive for diagnosing rotator cuff tears or tendinosis. Tests for subscapularis tears were all highly specific. No optimal combination of tests improved the ability to correctly diagnose rotator cuff tears. Closer analysis revealed the internal rotation and lateral rotation lag sign did not improve the ability to diagnose subscapularis or supraspinatus tears, respectively, although the lateral rotation lag sign demonstrated a discriminatory ability for tear size. CONCLUSION: No test in isolation is sufficient to diagnose a patient with rotator cuff damage. A combination of tests improves the ability to diagnose damage to the rotator cuff. It is recommended that the internal rotation and lateral rotation lag signs be removed from the gamut of physical examination tests for supraspinatus and subscapularis tears.

Sonography of the lateral ulnar collateral ligament of the elbow: study of cadavers and healthy volunteers.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to assess the utility of high-resolution sonography in identification and characterization of the size and echogenicity of the lateral ulnar collateral ligament of the elbow in cadavers and healthy volunteers. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: The lateral ulnar collateral ligaments of four cadaveric elbows were imaged with a high-resolution linear-array ultrasound transducer. On localization, the ligaments were injected with 0.1% methylene blue under sonographic guidance. For confirmation of identification of the ligaments, the elbows were immediately dissected to reveal the exact location of the stain. The ligaments of both elbows of 35 healthy adult volunteers were imaged. RESULTS: Surgical dissection confirmed injection of methylene blue into all four cadaveric ligaments. The lateral ulnar collateral ligament was identified bilaterally over the radial head in all 35 volunteers. The mean thickness of the ligament at this point was 1.2 mm in women and men. The proximal attachment of the ligament to the humerus was well visualized bilaterally in 94.3% of volunteers. The mean thickness at this point was 1.7 mm in women and 1.6 mm in men. The distal attachment on the ulna was well visualized in 90% of elbows. The ligament was hyperechoic in relation to muscle in all volunteers. Differences in ligament measurements with regard to sex and hand dominance were not significant. Ligament thickness correlated weakly with volunteer weight, height, body mass index, and age. CONCLUSION: High-resolution ultrasound imaging is accurate for identification and measurement of normal lateral ulnar collateral ligaments. Therefore, ultrasound may prove valuable in assessment of abnormal lateral ulnar collateral ligaments.

Imaging findings in posterior instability of the shoulder.

Posterior shoulder instability refers to the symptoms and signs resulting from excessive posterior translation of the humerus. Magnetic resonance (MR) imaging is the radiological modality of choice in the diagnostic assessment of posterior instability. Computed tomography (CT) is useful in the evaluation of osseous abnormalities associated with posterior instability. A detailed description of the posterior osseous and labroligamentous abnormalities has evolved recently, and many variant lesions of the posteroinferior labrum and/or capsular structures have been described. As the recommended surgical management of lesions associated with posterior instability is a lesion-specific approach, awareness of the specific lesions that have been described in association with posterior instability helps in pre-surgical planning. The purpose of this article is to review the classification of, and injury mechanisms leading to, posterior shoulder instability and to describe imaging findings associated with posterior instability, with emphasis on MR imaging.

Health-related quality of life following operative treatment of unstable ankle fractures: a prospective observational study.

BACKGROUND: Although Weber type B ankle fractures are often considered benign with a good prognosis, evidence from observational studies suggests that 17% to 24% of such patients may have less satisfactory outcomes. Although the explanation for variability in outcomes remains unclear, previous studies of other surgical procedures have suggested nonsurgery-related causes account for much of the variability in outcomes. METHODS: We conducted a prospective observational cohort study to evaluate health-related quality of life in 30 patients with unstable ankle fractures who were otherwise healthy. Only patients from 2 university-affiliated hospitals sustaining unstable type B Weber injury patterns requiring surgery were eligible. Patients provided detailed baseline information regarding alcohol consumption, smoking habits, and educational level. Patients completed the short form 36 questionnaire and a visual analogue pain scale at regular follow-up intervals. RESULTS: The average patient age was 51.6 years (SD 15.2 years), and 57% (17 out of 30) were male. The majority of fractures were the result of a fall (67%, 20 out of 30), and all were closed injuries. Almost half of all patients were smokers (47%, 14 out of 30), whereas 43% consumed alcohol on a weekly basis (13 out of 30). Forty-three percent of patients (13 out of 30) had obtained an elementary or high school level of education. Patients experienced significant improvements in all domains of the SF-36 questionnaire (P < 0.001), except general health, which remained essentially normal over the 24-month period. Study patients achieved scores similar to age-matched U.S. normative data across 6 of the 8 domains (Role Emotional, Social Function, Mental Health, Bodily Pain, Vitality, and General Health). However, patients' physical function and role physical scores remained significantly lower than US norms at 24 months (21.8 and 20.7 points lower on a 100-point scale, respectively; P < 0.001). Smoking history (P = 0.02), presence of a medial malleolar fracture (P = 0.02), and lower levels of education (P = 0.01) were significant independent predictors of lower physical function up to 3 months postoperation. Lower mental health domain scores were significantly associated with alcohol use (P = 0.02) and increasing age (P = 0.04). CONCLUSIONS: As is the case in many other areas, social factors may be important determinants of outcome in patients with traumatic fractures. Optimal orthopedic care may involve attention to modifiable risk factors, including smoking and alcohol consumption.

A prospective cost analysis following operative treatment of unstable ankle fractures: 30 patients followed for 1 year.

BACKGROUND: Ankle fractures remain one of the commonest injuries requiring operation. Quality of life and the overall costs associated with the treatment of such injuries are rarely reported. We did a pilot study to determine the cost of treating patients operatively with unstable ankle fractures and to measure the patients' quality of life (utility scores) over time. PATIENTS AND METHODS: 30 patients (17 men) were eligible and included in the study. They were on the average 52 (18-81) years old. All patients had type B Weber fractures (OTA 44B). RESULTS: The mean utility score from the Health Utilities Index immediately after surgery was 0.4. At 12 months follow-up, this score had increased to 0.78. The cost was, on average, USD 2,143 per patient. INTERPRETATION: Our findings indicate that patients operated on for ankle fractures had significant gains in health at an acceptable cost. These results provide data for studies of larger sample size.

Predictors of early and late instability following conservative treatment of extra-articular distal radius fractures.

INTRODUCTION: The purpose of this study was to identify radiological predictors of early and late instability following conservative treatment of extra-articular distal radius fractures. MATERIALS AND METHODS: An observational study design was employed using patient records and standardized radiological follow-up examinations as data sources. The database at a single institution was used to identify all patients with extra-articular distal radius fractures over the course of 1 year. A total of 71 patients with extra-articular distal radius fractures (50 dorsally displaced, 21 undisplaced) fulfilled the inclusion criteria. Patients were predominantly female (87%) with a pooled mean age of 64.9 years. All patients with displaced extra-articular distal radius fractures underwent closed reduction with subsequent cast immobilization. Undisplaced fractures were simply treated with cast immobilization. The primary outcomes were early (1 week) and late (6 weeks) instability of the fracture. Instability was defined as: (1) dorsal tilt >15 degrees, (2) volar tilt >20 degrees, (3) ulnar variance >4 mm, (4) radial inclination <10 degrees. RESULTS: Degree of radial shortening and volar tilt were predictive of early instability ( p<0.05), with dorsal comminution also approaching statistical significance ( p=0.06). Radial inclination, age, radial shortening, and volar tilt were predictive of late failure ( p<0.05). An unexpected result showed that one-third of undisplaced fractures went on to fail, most of which occurred in those patients over the age of 65 years. CONCLUSION: An awareness of independent predictors of instability in extra-articular distal radius fractures is helpful in anticipating the final alignment outcome.