Hemiarthroplasty for proximal humerus fractures and for fracture sequelae: did not differ in their outcomes.

Background: The role of hemiarthroplasty (HA) in the management of proximal humerus fractures (PHFs) and their sequalae has evolved with the development of contemporary internal fixation techniques and the widespread use of the reverse total shoulder arthroplasty. However, HA may still have a role in certain acute PHFs as well as select fracture sequalae. The aim of this investigation was to evaluate the outcomes of HA when used in acute fractures and fracture sequelae. Methods: Over a 16-year period (2000 - 2016), 122 primary HA performed for either acute PHFs or fracture sequelae were identified. Of these, 70 (57.4%) HA were performed within 4 weeks of the injury, whereas 52 (42.6%) underwent HA for fracture nonunion, malunion, or avascular necrosis. The minimum follow-up period was 2 years. Outcomes included the visual analog scale for pain, range of motion, American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES) score, complications, and reoperations inclusive of revision surgery. Cumulative incidence analysis was used to report implant survivorship with death as a competing risk. Results: The mean follow-up time after HA was 4.8 years (range, 2-15 years) with no differences between groups (P = .102). Cohort comparisons demonstrated an older age (67.8 vs. 60.1; P = .004), lower rate of previous procedure (4.3% vs. 51.9%; P < .001), lower bone graft use (28.6% vs. 59.6%; P < .001), and a longer length of stay (5.9 vs. 3.0 days; P < .001) in the acute HA group. Additionally, no differences were observed between the acute and sequalae cohort in pain (2.0 vs. 2.5; P = .523), forward elevation (98° vs. 93°; P = .627), external rotation (30° vs. 23°; P = .215), internal rotation score (4.0 vs. 4.5; P = .589), satisfaction (P = .592), ASES scores (64.4 vs. 57.1; P = .168), complications (27.1% vs. 28.8%; P = .836), or reoperations (11.4% vs. 19.2%; P = .229). When comparing acute fractures and sequalae, the 15-year complication rates were 32.4% and 43.3%, respectively (P = .172), with 15-year reoperation rates of 13.7% and 24%, respectively (P = .098). Conclusions: HA, whether performed acutely for a PHF or in a delayed fashion for fracture sequalae, demonstrated no statistically significant differences in outcomes for all examined parameters. HA in this setting may provide reasonable pain relief. However, limited motion, marginal ASES scores, and elevated rates of complications and reoperations can be expected up to 15 years postoperatively.

Comparing Unicompartmental Knee Arthroplasty and High Tibial Osteotomy for Isolated Medial Compartment Knee Osteoarthritis.

¼: Both unicompartmental knee arthroplasty (UKA) and high tibial osteotomy (HTO) allow for compartment-specific intervention on an arthritic knee joint that preserves bone stock and native soft tissue compared to a total knee arthroplasty (TKA). Both operations give a more natural feeling with native proprioception compared with a TKA. ¼: HTO is better suited in patients who are younger (<55 years-of-age), have a body mass index (BMI) <30 kg/m2, high activity requirements, mechanical malalignment, asymmetric varus, isolated anterior cruciate ligament insufficiency, need for multiplanar correction, and a preference for joint preserving interventions. Recent data suggest that age (>55 years-of-age) should not solely contraindicate a HTO. ¼: UKA may be chosen in patients who are older (>55 years-of-age), low activity requirements, have a BMI <40 kg/m2, severe osteoarthritis with significant joint space narrowing, acceptable coronal alignment, symmetric varus, and patient preference for arthroplasty.

Antibiotic Prophylaxis with Cefazolin Is Associated with Lower Shoulder Periprosthetic Joint Infection Rates Than Non-Cefazolin Alternatives.

BACKGROUND: Although prophylactic antibiotics are considered the standard of care, data with regard to the comparative efficacy of specific antibiotics in the prevention of periprosthetic joint infection (PJI) have remained limited. This study evaluated whether perioperative antibiotic choice affects rates of PJI development in shoulder arthroplasty. METHODS: From 2000 to 2019, all primary shoulder arthroplasty types (hemiarthroplasty, anatomic total shoulder arthroplasty, reverse shoulder arthroplasty) performed for elective and trauma indications with perioperative antibiotic data and a minimum follow-up of 2 years were identified from a single institution. Demographic characteristics, PJI risk factors, and PJI-free survivorship data were retrieved. Multivariable analyses were conducted to determine the association between the antibiotic administered and the development of PJI. RESULTS: Of 7,713 shoulder arthroplasties, cefazolin was administered in 6,879 procedures (89.2%) and non-cefazolin antibiotics consisting of vancomycin (465 procedures [6.0%]), clindamycin (345 procedures [4.5%]), and alternative regimens (24 procedures [0.31%]) were administered in 834 procedures (10.8%). PJIs occurred in 101 shoulder arthroplasties (1.3%), with Cutibacterium acnes as the most common pathogen (44 procedures [43.6%]). PJI-free survivorship was greater in shoulder arthroplasties in which cefazolin was administered compared with those in which non-cefazolin antibiotics were administered, with 0.91% greater survival free of PJI at 1 month, 1.4% at 1 year, and 2.7% at 15 years (p < 0.001). Cefazolin administration, compared with non-cefazolin administration, was associated with a 69% reduction in all-cause PJI risk and a 78% reduction in C. acnes PJI risk (p < 0.001). A higher risk of PJI for both groups was observed with vancomycin; the hazard ratio [HR] was 2.32 (95% confidence interval [CI], 1.22 to 4.40; p = 0.010) for all-cause PJI and 2.94 (95% CI, 1.12 to 7.49; p = 0.028) for C. acnes PJI. A higher risk of PJI was also observed for both groups for clindamycin; the HR was 5.07 (95% CI, 2.83 to 9.05; p < 0.001) for all-cause PJI and 8.01 (95% CI, 3.63 to 17.42; p < 0.001) for C. acnes PJI. CONCLUSIONS: In primary shoulder arthroplasty, cefazolin administration was associated with a significantly lower rate of PJI compared with non-cefazolin alternatives, including both vancomycin and clindamycin. These risk discrepancies were observed across all infectious pathogens and may be considered even greater when C. acnes was the infecting bacterium. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic Level III. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

Revision Reverse Shoulder Arthroplasty for Anatomical Glenoid Component Loosening Was Not Universally Successful: A Detailed Analysis of 127 Consecutive Shoulders.

BACKGROUND: Glenoid component loosening is a primary cause of failure of anatomical total shoulder arthroplasty (TSA) and is commonly associated with glenoid bone loss. The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the outcome and survival following revision to a reverse total shoulder arthroplasty (RSA) for the treatment of loosening of a polyethylene cemented glenoid component in the setting of failed TSA. METHODS: Between 2010 and 2017, 151 shoulders underwent revision to RSA for the treatment of loosening of an anatomical polyethylene glenoid component. Shoulders with staged reconstruction for the treatment of infection were excluded. One hundred and twenty-seven patients (67 women and 60 men) had a single-stage reconstruction and were available for follow-up. The mean age at the time of surgery was 70 years (range, 41 to 93 years). In all cases, the humeral component was revised and a standard glenoid baseplate was utilized. Bone graft was used at the discretion of the treating surgeon. Medical records and radiographs were reviewed to collect demographic, intraoperative, and postoperative data; to quantify glenoid bone loss; and to determine the radiographic outcome. The mean duration of follow-up was 35 months (range, 24 to 84 months). RESULTS: Revision to RSA resulted in significant improvements in terms of pain and motion. Sixteen shoulders (13%) underwent revision surgery for the treatment of baseplate loosening. Radiographic baseplate loosening was present in 6 additional shoulders (overall rate of baseplate loosening, 17%). Intraoperative fracture or fragmentation of the greater tuberosity occurred in 30 shoulders (24%). Other reoperations included resection for deep infection (3 shoulders), arthroscopic biopsies for unexplained persistent pain (2 shoulders), humeral tray exchange for dislocation (2 shoulders), revision for humeral loosening (1 shoulder), irrigation and debridement for hematoma (1 shoulder), and internal fixation of periprosthetic fracture (1 shoulder) (overall reoperation rate, 20%). Among shoulders with surviving implants at the time of the most recent follow-up, pain was rated as none or mild in 83 shoulders (65.4%) and the average active elevation and external rotation were 132° and 38°, respectively. With the numbers available, no risk factors for failure could be identified. CONCLUSIONS: Revision RSA for the treatment of loosening of an anatomical polyethylene component was associated with a 17% glenoid mechanical failure rate. Although this procedure resulted in improvements in terms of pain and function, it was not universally successful and thus needs further refinement in order to improve outcomes. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic Level IV. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

Surgical Excision of a Thrombosed Persistent Median Artery Causing Carpal Tunnel-Like Symptoms: A Case Report.

CASE: A 51-year-old man presented with pain and paresthesias in the median nerve distribution and a subjective loss of grip strength. Imaging revealed a thrombosed persistent median artery in the carpal tunnel abutting the median nerve. The thrombosed portion of the artery was surgically excised, and the patient experienced resolution of symptoms. CONCLUSION: Persistent median artery thrombosis is rare and can cause carpal tunnel syndrome. Ultrasound is a useful tool for diagnosis and appropriate surgical planning. Although treatment with systemic anticoagulation is an option, surgical excision resulted in resolution of symptoms and an excellent short-term outcome.

Epidemiology of Hand and Wrist Injuries in NCAA Men's Football: 2009-2010 to 2013-2014.

BACKGROUND: Participation in National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) football is at an all-time high. This population of athletes experiences a substantial injury burden, with many injuries affecting the upper extremities. PURPOSE/HYPOTHESIS: The purpose of this study was to describe the epidemiology of hand and wrist injuries in college football players from the academic years 2009-2010 to 2013-2014. We hypothesized that variables such as event type (practice vs game), mechanism of injury, and player position would have an effect on the injury incidence. STUDY DESIGN: Descriptive epidemiological study. METHODS: An epidemiological study utilizing the NCAA Injury Surveillance Program was performed to investigate rates and patterns of hand and wrist injuries in participating varsity football teams from 2009-2010 to 2013-2014. RESULTS: A total of 725 hand and wrist injuries were captured in 899,225 athlete-exposures. The observed practice injury rate was 0.51 injuries per 1000 athlete-exposures, compared with a game injury rate of 3.60 (P < .01). Player-on-player contact was the most common injury mechanism reported, with blocking being the most common activity at the time of injury. Offensive linemen were most likely to experience an injury. Of all injuries sustained, 71.4% resulted in no time loss from competition, whereas 9.8% of injuries resulted in longer than 7 days of time loss. A fracture resulted in the greatest time loss from competition (mean ± SD, 8.3 ± 24.0 days; median, 0 days [range, 0-148 days] for injuries sustained in a practice setting) (mean ± SD, 7.7 ± 15.8 days; median, 0 days [range, 0-87 days] for injuries sustained in a game setting). CONCLUSION: Hand and wrist injuries were found to be significantly more common in games when compared with practices. This study provides valuable prognostic data regarding expected time loss on a per-injury pattern basis. Further investigation on specific injury subtypes and expected time loss as a result of these injures would provide trainers, players, and coaches with useful information on an expected postinjury recovery and rehabilitation timeline.

Arthroscopy and arthrotomy to address intra-articular pathology during PAO for hip dysplasia demonstrates similar short-term outcomes.

Periacetabular osteotomy (PAO) remains the gold standard procedure for joint preservation in symptomatic developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH). Hip arthroscopy (HA) and open arthrotomy have been used to correct intra-articular pathology at the time of PAO, but there is limited data regarding differences in outcomes between these techniques when performed at the time of PAO. The aim of this study was to determine if short-term clinical outcomes differed between patients managed with HA versus arthrotomy to evaluate and treat intra-articular pathology at the time of PAO to discern if one technique is associated with better pain and functional results. Data were retrospectively reviewed from two surgeons at one institution managing DDH patients from September 2013 to December 2015. One surgeon treated patients with PAO and arthrotomy (N = 32), while the other performed PAO and HA (N = 39). There were 87% women, median age was 28 years and mean BMI was 25. Seventy-five percent of all patients received an intra-articular intervention. Patients completed 13 PROs at the pre-operative and 1-year post-operative clinical visits. Pre-operatively, there were no differences in any of the 13 PROs between patients treated with HA versus arthrotomy (P ≥ 0.076). Patients treated with PAO and arthrotomy experienced greater mean improvement in two out of the 13 PROs; the other 11 showed no differences. No treatment effect was observed for any of the 13 PROs using multivariable modelling that accounted for severity of dysplasia and degree of arthritis. Few differences were shown in short-term clinical outcomes between HA and arthrotomy at the time of PAO. This work highlights the need for a high quality randomized clinical trial to provide definitive guidance on whether hip preservation surgeons should address intra-articular pathology at the time of PAO for DDH and which technique best serves this purpose.