Social Media Use among Orthopedic Trauma Fellowship-trained Surgeons.

Objective: To quantify the use of social media platforms by orthopedic traumatologists with an emphasis on demographic, practice-based, and regional differences. Materials and Methods: Using the Orthopaedic Trauma Association (OTA) membership database, online searches were performed to identify professional profiles on numerous social media platforms. This presence was then quantified by a cumulative social media score which was correlated to the demographic information collected. Results: In total, 1,262 active fellowship-trained orthopedic traumatologists were identified. Surgeons practicing in an academic setting were found to be more likely to use numerous social media platforms and to present an overall greater social media score than those in private practices. No significant differences in use were found based on practice region. Conclusion: Social media platforms are currently underused by orthopedic traumatologists. Level of Evidence: IV.

Step-cut osteotomy of the anterior superior iliac spine for increased visualisation in the Levine approach for Bernese periacetabular osteotomy surgery.

BACKGROUND: Hip dysplasia can lead to pain and dysfunction in the young adult. Acetabular undercoverage leads to abnormal joint loading and results in joint degeneration, accelerating need for arthroplasty in this patient population. Conceptually, treatment focuses on increasing acetabular coverage in the form of periacetabular osteotomy. The procedure can be performed through the iliofemoral approach, and performing an anterior superior iliac spine (ASIS) osteotomy can enhance the visualisation in this approach. Several techniques have been described for ASIS osteotomy. AIM: The purpose this study was to report on step-cut technique for ASIS osteotomy during the Bernese periacetabular osteotomy procedure to enhance visualisation when utilising the iliofemoral approach. SURGICAL TECHNIQUE: This step-cut technique enhances stability at the osteotomy site, and minimises soft tissue dissection to reduce pain and assists with maintaining a stable fixation construct postoperatively. RESULTS: There were no nonunions and minimal morbidity to the lateral femoral cutaneous nerve injury in cohort of 86 patients while utilising this technique. CONCLUSIONS: We recommend using this step-cut ostetomy of the ASIS during Bernese periactetabular osteotomy for benefit of increasing exposure while maintaining a low complication profile.

Risk factors for loss to follow up of pelvis and acetabular fractures.

INTRODUCTION: Pelvic and acetabular fracture incidence is increasing worldwide for more than four decades. There is currently no evidence examining risk factors for loss to follow up in patients with these injuries. METHODS: Patients presenting with pelvic and/or acetabular fractures at our institution between 2015 and 2020 were included. Demographic, injury, treatment, and follow up information was included. Excluded patients were those who sustained a pathologic fracture, has a course of treatment prior to transfer to our centre, or expired prior to discharge. RESULTS: 446 patients, 263 with a pelvic ring injury, 172 with an acetabular fracture, and 11 with combined injuries were identified. 271 (61%) of patients in our cohort followed up in Orthopaedic clinic (p = 0.016). With an odds ratio of 2.134, gunshot wound mechanism of injury was the largest risk factor for loss to follow up (p = 0.031) followed by male sex (OR= 1.859) and surgery with general trauma surgery (OR=1.841). The most protective risk factors for follow up with Orthopaedic surgery were operatively treated pelvic and acetabular fractures (OR=0.239) and Orthopaedic Surgery as the discharging service (OR=0.372). DISCUSSION: Numerous risk factors exist for loss to follow up including male sex, ballistic mechanism, and discharging service. Investigation into interventions to improve follow up in these patients are warranted.

A Novel Fluoroscopic View for Improved Assessment of the Safety of the Posterosuperior Screw in Femoral Neck Fracture Fixation.

BACKGROUND: The purpose of the present study was to determine specific fluoroscopic views of the femoral neck to accurately identify partially extraosseous ("in-out-in"; IOI) placement of the posterosuperior screw for fixation of femoral neck fractures. METHODS: A 3.2-mm guide pin was placed in the posterosuperior aspect of 2 synthetic femur models: 1 entirely intraosseous and 1 IOI. Sequential fluoroscopic images were made at 5° intervals in order to identify which fluoroscopic projections identified IOI guide pin placement. These images were utilized to inform screw placement and assessment in the second phase of the study, which involved the use of cadaveric specimens. In Phase II, the posterosuperior screw of the inverted triangle was placed in 10 cadaveric specimens with use of a standard posteroanterior fluoroscopic view and 1 of 2 lateral views, either (1) neck in line with the shaft, i.e., 0° lateral; or (2) a -15° rollunder view. The final fluoroscopic views (i.e., the posteroanterior and multiple lateral and oblique views) were randomized and blinded for review by 10 orthopaedic residents and 5 attending orthopaedic traumatologists. Specimens were stripped of soft tissue and inspected for screw perforation. RESULTS: Overall accuracy of respondents was 68.8%, with no difference between the attending traumatologists (71.8%) and resident surgeons (67.4%; p = 0.173). Interobserver reliability was moderate (κ = 0.496). Dissection identified that 4 (40%) of 10 screws were extraosseous. All of the extraosseous screws were placed with use of the 0° lateral view. The -15° rollunder lateral view was the most sensitive (81.7%) and specific (92.2%) view for identifying IOI screw placement. CONCLUSIONS: Surgeons often utilize the standard posteroanterior and 0° lateral fluoroscopic views to safely place screws; however, many of these screws are IOI. The addition of a -15° rollunder lateral view significantly improved identification of IOI screws in the posterosuperior femoral neck. Unidentified IOI screw placement may result in damage to the blood supply of the femoral head.

Periprosthetic Tibial Plateau Fractures After Unicompartmental Knee Arthroplasty Are Successfully Treated With Open Reduction and Internal Fixation.

Periprosthetic tibial fractures after unicompartmental knee arthroplasty (UKA) are rare but devastating events. Given the relative infrequency of these injuries, treatment strategies are not well defined. The goal of this retrospective case series is to report the findings for a series of patients who underwent open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) of periprosthetic fracture after UKA, including radiographic alignment, Knee Society Score (KSS), and failure rate. Patients were identified by the International Classification of Diseases code for periprosthetic tibial plateau fractures. Electronic medical records and radiographs were retrospectively reviewed. Fracture patterns and coronal and sagittal alignment of UKA components were measured on radiographs. Clinical outcomes, including range of motion assessment, visual analog scale pain score, and KSS, were collected at final follow-up. Eight patients satisfied the inclusion criteria for this study. Fractures occurred at a median of 14 days (range, 5-52 days) after UKA, and all showed a vertical shear pattern that exited at the meta-diaphyseal junction. Of the 8 fractures, 7 (87.5%) healed to radiographic and clinical union after the initial ORIF. One patient required reoperation for hardware failure. Mean visual analog scale pain score and KSS at final follow-up were 3 and 85±14, respectively. Periprosthetic tibial plateau fractures after UKA commonly occur as a vertical shear fracture exiting at the metadiaphyseal junction. The use of ORIF with a 3.5-mm plate in buttress mode is a reliable method for treatment of these fractures. Restoration of alignment and motion is achievable, but residual pain may affect patient-reported outcome scores. [Orthopedics. 2022;45(5):287-292.].

The economics of patients undergoing periacetabular osteotomy for hip dysplasia: the financial relationship between physicians and hospitals.

Periacetabular osteotomy (PAO) is the gold standard for treating hip dysplasia in patients with preserved articular cartilage. The aim of this study is to evaluate the financial relationship between facility and professional revenue for patients undergoing PAO for hip dysplasia and acetabular version abnormalities. All patients who underwent PAO for hip dysplasia by a single surgeon at a tertiary academic medical center between December 2016 and November 2020 were identified. Financial records for facility and professional services were reviewed and analyzed. The orthopedic charge multiplier, the dollars of facility charge created by a single dollar of orthopedic professional charge, and orthopedic net revenue multiplier, the dollars collected by the hospital for facility services generated for each dollar collected by the orthopedic surgeon, were calculated. A total of 36 patients were included in the study. The mean total charge for all patients was $144 939.35 ± $23 726.48 (range $109 002.71 to $227 290.20), and the average total revenue for all patients was $44 218.79 ± $12 352.97 (range $29 397.39 to $90,830.62). The mean orthopedic charge multiplier was 2.47 ± 1.32 (range 0.78-6.53), and the net revenue collection multiplier was 8.62 ± 10.69 (range, 1.20-57.80). The majority of charges and revenue related to care of patients undergoing PAO return to the hospital. The significant mean orthopedic charge multiplier for this procedure increases the value of the service and the surgeon to hospital profitability. This information can help shape the relationship between the hospital and the surgeon and create a firm platform to advocate for program advancement.

Clinically Significant Outcome Improvement After Hip Arthroscopy in Patients With Femoroacetabular Impingement Syndrome and Severe Femoral Torsion.

BACKGROUND: The influence of femoral torsion on clinically significant outcome improvement after hip arthroscopy for femoroacetabular impingement syndrome (FAIS) has not been well-studied. PURPOSE: To quantify femoral torsion in FAIS patients using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and explore the relationship between femoral torsion and clinically significant outcome improvement after hip arthroscopy. STUDY DESIGN: Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3. METHODS: Included were patients who underwent hip arthroscopy for FAIS between January 2012 and August 2018 and had 2-year follow-up and preoperative MRI scans containing transcondylar slices of the knee. Participants were categorized as having severe retrotorsion (SR; <0°), normal torsion (NT; 0°-25°), and severe antetorsion (SA; >25°) as measured on MRI. Patient-reported outcomes (PROs) included the Hip Outcome Score-Activities of Daily Living, Hip Outcome Score-Sports Subscale, modified Harris Hip Score, 12-item International Hip Outcome Tool (iHOT-12), and visual analog scale (VAS) for pain and satisfaction. Achievement of Patient Acceptable Symptom State (PASS) and substantial clinical benefit (SCB) were analyzed among cohorts. RESULTS: Included were 183 patients (SR, n = 13; NT, n = 154; SA, n = 16) with a mean age, body mass index, and femoral torsion of 30.6 ± 12.1 years, 24.0 ± 4.4 kg/m2, and 12.55° ± 9.58°, respectively. The mean torsion was -4.5° ± 2.6° for the SR, 12.1° ± 6.8° for the NT, and 31.0° ± 3.6° for the SA group. There were between-group differences in the proportion of patients who achieved PASS and SCB on the iHOT-12, pain VAS, and any PRO (P < .05). Post hoc analysis indicated that the SA group achieved lower rates of PASS and SCB on the iHOT-12 and pain VAS, and lower rates of PASS on any PRO versus the SR group (P < .05); the SR group achieved higher rates of PASS and SCB on pain VAS scores versus the NT group (P = .003). CONCLUSION: The orientation and severity of femoral torsion during hip arthroscopy influenced the propensity for clinically significant outcome improvement. Specifically, patients with femoral retrotorsion and femoral antetorsion had higher and lower rates of clinically significant outcome improvement, respectively.

Association Between Orientation and Magnitude of Femoral Torsion and Propensity for Clinically Meaningful Improvement After Hip Arthroscopy for Femoroacetabular Impingement Syndrome: A Computed Tomography Analysis.

BACKGROUND: Femoral torsion imaging measurements and classifications are heterogeneous throughout the literature, and the influence of femoral torsion on clinically meaningful outcome improvement after hip arthroscopy for femoroacetabular impingement syndrome (FAIS) has not been well studied. PURPOSE: To (1) perform a computed tomography (CT)-based analysis to quantify femoral torsion in patients with FAIS and (2) explore the relationship between the orientation and magnitude of femoral torsion and the propensity for clinically meaningful outcome improvement after hip arthroscopy. STUDY DESIGN: Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3. METHODS: Consecutive patients who underwent hip arthroscopy for FAIS between January 2012 and April 2018 were identified. Inclusion criteria were the presence of preoperative CT imaging with transcondylar slices of the knee and minimum 2-year outcome measures. Exclusion criteria were revision hip arthroscopy, Tönnis grade >1, congenital hip condition, hip dysplasia (lateral center-edge angle <20°), and concomitant gluteus medius or minimus repair. Torsion groups were defined as severe retrotorsion (SR; <0°), moderate retrotorsion (MR; 0°-5°), normal torsion (N; 5°-20°), moderate antetorsion (MA; 20°-25°), and severe antetorsion of antetorsion (SA; >25°). Treatment did not differ based on femoral torsion. Patient characteristics and clinical outcomes were analyzed, including the Hip Outcome Score-Activities of Daily Living (HOS-ADL), Hip Outcome Score-Sports Subscale (HOS-SS), modified Harris Hip Score (mHHS), international Hip Outcome Tool (iHOT-12), visual analog scale (VAS) for pain, and VAS for satisfaction. Achievement of the minimal clinically important difference (MCID) and patient acceptable symptom state (PASS) by torsion stratification was analyzed using the chi-square test. Inter- and intrarater reliabilities for CT measurements were 0.980 (P < .001) and 0.974 (P < .001), respectively. RESULTS: The study included 573 patients with a mean ± SD age and body mass index of 32.6 ± 11.8 years and 25.6 ± 10.6, respectively. The mean ± SD femoral torsion for the study population was 12.3°± 9.3°. After stratification, the number of patients within each group and the mean ± SD torsion for each group were as follows: SR (n = 36; -6.5°± 7.1°), MR (n = 80; 2.8°± 1.4°), N (n = 346; 12.3°± 4.1°), MA (n = 64; 22.2°± 1.4°), and SA (n = 47; 30.3°± 3.7°). No significant differences in age, body mass index, sex, tobacco use, workers' compensation status, or participation in physical activity were observed at baseline. No significant differences were seen in pre- and postoperative VAS pain, mHHS, HOS-ADL, HOS-SS, iHOT-12, or postoperative VAS satisfaction among the cohorts. Furthermore, no statistically significant differences were found in the proportion of patients who achieved the MCID or the PASS for any outcome among the groups. CONCLUSION: The orientation and severity of femoral torsion at the time of hip arthroscopy for FAIS did not influence the propensity for clinically significant outcome improvement.

Free Fibular Flap and Fibular Graft Double-Strut Tunneling to Fill a Large Tibial Plateau Defect.

Introduction: Bony defects resulting from trauma, osteomyelitis, and tumor resection pose significant reconstructive challenges. Free fibular flaps (FFFs) are an excellent option, especially for large defects in the tibia. Case presentation: In this article, the authors review a case of a 60-year-old male who underwent FFF and fibular graft double-strut tunneling to fill a large tibial plateau defect. Conclusion: The use of the FFF provides an excellent option for reconstructing long bone large defects (defects > 6 cm). The case presented in this report indicates an expanded application of this technique in treating defects secondary to chronic osteomyelitis in infected tibial plateau nonunion.

No Differences in Hip Joint Space Measurements Between Weightbearing or Supine Anteroposterior Pelvic Radiographs.

PURPOSE: To to assess whether there are any significant differences in hip joint space width (JSW) between weight-bearing versus supine pelvic radiographs. METHODS: Standing and supine anteroposterior pelvic radiographs of 86 patients (146 hips) were included. Sample size was sufficiently powered to assess for equivalence between standing and supine films for JSW measurements made at the medial, lateral, and central aspects of the sourcil line. Measurements were made by 2 independent reviewers blinded to patient positioning. Each reviewer repeated a subset of the measurements to assess intra-rater reproducibility. Mean differences in joint space measurements between standing and supine radiographs were reported for each point of the sourcil. Intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs) for inter and intra-rater reliability were also calculated. RESULTS: There were no significant differences between JSW measurements made on standing and supine pelvic radiographs (P = .468). Furthermore, equivalence testing demonstrated statistical equivalence between standing and supine JSW measurements made based on an equivalence threshold of ±0.5 mm. Inter-rater reliability demonstrated good agreement with an overall ICC of 0.775 (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.734-0.809). Intra-rater reliability also demonstrated good agreement with ICCs of 0.84 (95% CI 0.758-0.889) and 0.798 (95% CI 0.721-0.851) for the 2 reviewers, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: JSW measurements on standing and supine pelvic radiographs were not significantly different, and their inter-rater agreement and intra-rater reproducibility demonstrated good reliability and repeatability. Therefore, either may be used to assess JSW, including measurements that may impact treatment decisions for hip arthroscopy. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III; retrospective comparative study.

Calcium phosphate cement and locked plate augmentation of distal femoral defects: A biomechanical analysis.

PURPOSE: Bone tumors are common in the distal femur and often treated with intralesional curettage. The optimal method of stabilization of large distal femoral defects after curettage remains unclear. The goal of this study is to compare stabilization techniques for large distal femoral defects. METHODS: Large defects (60 cm3) were milled in the distal lateral metaphysis of 45 adult composite sawbone femurs. The defect was either (1) left untreated or reconstructed with (2) locked plate fixation, (3) calcium phosphate cement packing, or (4) locked plate fixation with calcium phosphate cement packing, or (5) polymethylmethacrylate packing. Each specimen then underwent axial and torsional stiffness testing followed by torsional loading to failure. The data were analyzed using ANOVA with Tukey-Kramer post-hoc analysis. RESULTS: The calcium phosphate cement filled defect with a locked plate was the stiffest construct in axial and torsional loading as well as the strongest in torque to failure. However, this difference only reached significance with respect to all other groups in torque to failure testing. The calcium phosphate cement filled defect with a locked plate was significantly stiffer than three of the four other groups in both axial and torsional stiffness testing. CONCLUSIONS: These results indicate that calcium phosphate cement, with or without the addition of locked plate fixation, may provide improved construct stability under time zero testing conditions. This result warrants further testing under cyclic loading condition and consideration for fixation of large femoral metaphyseal defects in future clincal trails.

BMP-7 and Bone Regeneration: Evaluation of Dose-Response in a Rodent Segmental Defect Model.

OBJECTIVES: To develop and validate a translatable and reproducible rodent critical-sized defect (CSD) model and to determine the optimal dose of recombinant human bone morphogenetic protein (BMP)-7 required to consistently heal the CSD in the new model. METHODS: Rats with 6-mm CSDs stabilized with a commercial radiolucent plate and screws with angular stability were randomly assigned to 4 treatment groups with varied doses of recombinant human BMP-7 (25, 50, 75, and 100 µg) on absorbable collagen sponge and a single control group (absorbable collagen sponge alone). Bone formation was evaluated by radiographs, micro-computed tomography, histology, and biomechanics. RESULTS: All the rats treated with 100 µg of BMP-7 with CSDs were united by 4 weeks and all 75- and 50-µg-group rats united by 6 weeks. None of the animals in the 25-µg BMP-7 group or the control group were healed at the time of killing. Bone volume, bone mineral density, the ratio of bone volume to total volume, stiffness, and ultimate load to failure were maximal in the 50-µg group. Total callus volume progressively increased with increasing BMP dose. Histologic analysis demonstrated increased callus width with increasing BMP-7 doses above 50 µg, but the bone seemed structurally abnormal. CONCLUSIONS: There was a 100% union rate in the 50-, 75-, and 100-µg BMP-7-treated groups. None of the control or 25-µg-dose rats united. The biomechanical data demonstrated that 50 µg of BMP-7 produced the highest mechanical strength in the bone regenerate. These data also suggest that administration of BMP-7 above 50 µg does not improve bone regeneration and actually seems to produce lower quality bone with diminished biomechanical properties.

Torsional properties of distal femoral cortical defects.

The optimal management of pathologic long bone lesions remains a challenge in orthopedic surgery. The goal of the current study was to investigate the effect of defect depth on the torsional properties of the distal femur. A laterally placed distal metaphyseal cylindrical defect was milled in the cortex of the distal femur in 20 composite models. The proximal extent of the defects was constant. By decreasing the radius of the cylinder that intersected this predefined cord, 4 different radii defining 4 different depths of resection of the distal femur were created for testing: 17%, 33%, 50%, and 67% cortical defects, when normalized to the width of the femur at the level of resection. Each femur was mounted into a hydraulic axial/torsion materials testing machine and each specimen underwent torsional stiffness testing and torsional failure in external rotation. The specimens with less than a 33% cortical loss consistently demonstrated a superiorly oriented spiral fracture pattern, while the specimens with greater than a 50% cortical loss consistently demonstrated an inferiorly oriented transverse fracture pattern. The cortical defects were all statistically (P<.05) less stiff in torsion as the defect grew larger. There was a strong linear correlation between the mean torsional stiffness and cortical defect size (r(2)=0.977). This observation is supported by finite element analysis. The amount of femur remaining is crucial to stability. This biomechanical analysis predicts a critical loss of torsional integrity when a cortical defect approaches 50% of the width of the femur.

Dorsalis pedis artery pseudoaneurysm after Lisfranc surgery.

We present a 44-year-old man who sustained a Lisfranc dislocation complicated by a dorsalis pedis pseudoaneurysm. This case represents a rare complication of a commonly performed orthopaedic procedure.