Cervical Disc Displacement in Military Pilots.

INTRODUCTION: Cervical disc displacement (CDD) may disqualify pilots from flying and have a profound impact on military unit capability. The objective of this retrospective database review is to characterize the incidence and demographic predictors of symptomatic cervical spine disc displacement in pilots of fixed- and rotary-wing aircraft and ground-based controls. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The Defense Military Epidemiology Database was queried for first-occurrence ICD-9 code 722.0: CDD cases from 2007 to 2015. Injury count rates among aircraft groups and overall incidence per 1,000 person-years were calculated and standardized for age, gender, and military rank, and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were compared to determine significance. RESULTS: There were 934 new cases of CDD among active duty U.S. Military pilots during the study period. The overall incidence of CDD in all pilots during this time frame was 2.715 per 1,000 person-years (95% CI, 2.603-2.830). Helicopter pilots had a significantly higher incidence compared to all other aircraft pilots and crew at 3.79 per 1,000 person-years (95% CI, 3.48-4.13). This finding remained statistically significant after standardizing for age, gender, and rank. Among all military officers, increasing age was a risk factor for CDD. CONCLUSIONS: The U.S. Military helicopter pilots have an increased risk compared to fixed-wing pilots and non-pilot controls. CDD remains a rare, though career-threatening, condition. Increased education and awareness training are warranted for both helicopter pilots and flight physicians to recognize signs and symptoms of cervical pathology. Continued investigations into preventive measures to minimize injury and time unfit for flight are warranted.

Clinical Diagnosis of Common Overlapping Shoulder and Cervical Spine Disorders: A Review of Current Evidence.

¼ Pain in the shoulder is a common orthopaedic complaint that can be caused by shoulder or neck pathologies.¼ Shoulder and neck pathologies often coexist, among which one may be a predisposing factor for the other.¼ History, physical examination, and diagnostic injections can be used to discern the cause of shoulder pain and guide treatment.

Single-level fusion without decompression for high-grade spondylolithesis in adolescents: a novel surgical strategy.

PURPOSE: There is no consensus on the optimal surgical treatment for high-grade spondylolisthesis (HGS) in adolescents. The purpose of this study was to assess the radiographic and clinical outcomes of a novel surgical approach to HGS consisting of a single-level anterior reduction, placement of a lordotic cage, and circumferential fixation without decompression. METHODS: This was a retrospective consecutive case series of 11 adolescents who underwent anterior reduction through placement of a lordotic cage followed by posterior fusion using pedicle screws and rods confined to L5-S1. Radiographic data included slip percentage, slip angle, lumbar lordosis, and pelvic sagittal parameters assessed at clinical visits preoperatively and at 2 years postoperatively. A telephone survey was conducted to obtain current information about function, activity level, work status, and retrograde ejaculation. RESULTS: Patients were followed for an average of 7.8 years (range 2-16). Mean age was 15.5 years (range 12-19). The mean percent slip corrected from 55 to 18%. The average slip angle was + 17.1° preoperatively and - 14.1° at final assessment (average correction of 20.7°). Thirty-six percent (4/11) of patients improved by three Meyerding grades and an additional 55% (6/11) improved by two grades. Complications included one instance each of superficial infection, wound dehiscence, and transient neuralgia. There were no cases of instrumentation failure, cage subsidence, pseudoarthrosis, or retrograde ejaculation. Radiographic evidence of fusion was observed in all cases. CONCLUSION: Single-level anterior reduction and circumferential fusion without decompression appears to be a safe and effective alternative for the surgical treatment of pediatric HGS. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: IV.

Isolated multiple lumbar transverse process fractures with spinal instability: an uncommon yet serious association.

PURPOSE: Isolated vertebral transverse process fractures of thoracolumbar spine without other vertebral injuries and neurological deficit are generally considered as minor injuries with no concern for associated spinal instability. This report describes a case of multiple lumbar transverse fractures associated with an unexpected yet clinically significant spinal instability. METHODS: A young male presented with right flank pain following being pushed and trapped against the ground by a reversing truck. The neurological examination was normal, and computed tomography (CT) imaging revealed multiple fractures at right transverse processes from L1 to L5, a single left-sided transverse process fracture at L2 and subtle facet joint distraction without other spinal lesions or visceral injuries. The injury was initially deemed as stable requiring symptomatic treatment and in-patient observation. However, discharge upright X-rays taken in a brace showed marked subluxation of L2/L3 and L3/L4 levels. RESULTS: Magnetic resonance imaging revealed significant discoligamentous injuries involving anterior and posterior longitudinal ligaments, annulus fibrosus as well as posterior ligamentous complex. The patient underwent posterior spinal instrumentation and fusion of L1 to L5. CONCLUSIONS: This is the first case description of association of multisegmental lumbar transverse process fractures with notoriously unstable injuries of the major soft-tissue stabilizers of the spine presenting subtle changes on CT images. When a seemingly benign spinal injury is caused by high-energy trauma, careful scrutiny for associated instability is needed. In this case, the standing in-brace X-ray was able to avoid a misdiagnosis and potentially unfavourable outcome.

Red Cell Distribution Width: An Unacknowledged Predictor of Mortality and Adverse Outcomes Following Revision Arthroplasty.

BACKGROUND: Revision total joint arthroplasties (TJAs) have been empirically associated with significant postoperative morbidity and mortality. Red blood cell distribution width (RDW), a frequently measured hematological parameter, has been shown to predict mortality in hip fracture patients. However, its utility in risk-stratifying patients before revision TJA remains unknown. The aim of this study was to investigate the possible relationship between preoperative RDW levels and outcome of revision arthroplasty in terms of mortality, adverse outcomes, and length of hospital stay. METHODS: A single-institution retrospective study was conducted on 4633 patients who underwent revision TJA (3289 hips and 1344 knees) between 2000 and September 2016. Of those, 656 (14.1%) surgeries were performed due to periprosthetic joint infection, and 3977 (85.9%) were aseptic revisions. The association between preoperative RDW and various outcomes, including 1-year mortality, in-hospital medical complications, length of hospital stay, and 90-day all-cause readmission, was examined. RESULTS: The average age of patients in the cohort was 65.4 ± 12.9 years. The average Charlson comorbidity index was 0.6 (standard deviation = 1.0), with 691 patients (14.9%) having 2 or more comorbidities. Mean preoperative RDW level was 14.4% (standard deviation = 1.8). After adjusting for covariates, higher RDW levels were statistically significantly associated with mortality (adjusted odds ratio [OR], 1.25; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.13-1.39; P < .001), any in-hospital medical complications (adjusted OR, 1.12; 95% CI, 1.07-1.18; P < .001), and readmission (adjusted OR, 1.07; 95% CI, 1.02-1.13; P < .001). CONCLUSION: Higher levels of preoperative RDW appeared to be associated with less optimal outcomes after revision TJA. Adult reconstruction orthopedic surgeons should be aware of this predictive factor and exercise caution with TJA revision patients with high values of preoperative RDW. RDW could be included in the routine perioperative workup and used to counsel patients on their postoperative risk.

Acute Kidney Injury Following Failed Total Hip and Knee Arthroplasty.

BACKGROUND: Acute kidney injury (AKI) can complicate primary total joint arthroplasty (TJA) of the hip and knee, although the incidence of AKI following revision TJA including prosthetic joint infection (PJI) is poorly defined. We assessed the incidence and risk factors for AKI following revision TJA including surgical treatment of PJI with placement of an antibiotic-loaded cement (ALC) spacer. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed 3218 consecutive failed TJAs. Patients with aseptic failure were compared to those with PJI. AKI was determined by RIFLE creatinine criteria. PJIs treated with placement of ALC were compared to PJIs without. Risk factors for AKI were determined by multivariable analysis within the whole group and within those with PJI. RESULTS: AKI developed in 3.4% of 2147 patients revised for aseptic reasons and in 45% of 281 with PJI, including 29% of 197 receiving an ALC and 82% of 84 patients treated with other procedures. By multivariable analysis, age, surgery for PJI, total number of surgeries, and estimated GFR 60-90 compared to >90 cc/min/1.73 m2 were significantly associated with AKI in the whole cohort. Among PJI patients, age, Charlson comorbidity index, and reimplantation surgery were associated with AKI by multivariable analysis. No differences were found between patients with PJI treated with or without ALC. No modifiable factors were found. CONCLUSION: AKI develops following aseptic revision TJA at a rate similar to primary TJA, but at a significantly higher rate following surgery for PJI with or without placement of ALC.

Increased Risk of Heterotopic Ossification Following Revision Hip Arthroplasty for Periprosthetic Joint Infection.

BACKGROUND: To investigate whether surgery for Periprosthetic Joint Infection (PJI) of the hip, the number of procedures and their duration contribute to risk of Heterotopic Ossification formation. METHODS: 56 patients with hip PJI undergoing one-stage (10) or two-stage (46) exchange arthroplasty were matched to 112 patients undergoing revision arthroplasty for aseptic failure based on age, gender, body mass index (BMI), surgical approach (all direct lateral) and date of surgery (2006-2013). Patients with Paget's disease and ankylosing spondylitis, or preoperative HO were excluded. Perioperative pain management included use of the anti-inflammatory medications in all patients without prophylactic radiotherapy. Six-month postoperative radiographs were reviewed based on Brooker classification. RESULTS: The incidence of overall HO in PJI and aseptic groups was 84% (47/56) and 11% (12/112), respectively. High grade HO (grades 3 and 4) in PJI and aseptic groups were 25% (24/56) and 4% (4/112), respectively. PJI was an independent risk factor for HO in the multivariate analysis (odds ratio of 9.3, 95% CI: 2.9-29.9, P<0.001). CONCLUSION: Patients undergoing surgical treatment of hip PJI seem to be at increased risk of developing HO compared to aseptic failure. HO prophylaxis regimens may be recommendable in eligible patients undergoing surgical intervention for PJI of the hip. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: IV.

Heterotopic Ossification in Primary Total Hip Arthroplasty Using the Direct Anterior vs Direct Lateral Approach.

BACKGROUND: The formation and severity of heterotopic ossification (HO) may be influenced by type of surgical approach. Our hypothesis was that because of differences in soft tissue dissection, differences exist in HO formation in primary total hip arthroplasty using direct anterior (DA) vs direct lateral (DL) approach. METHODS: A total of 1482 consecutive patients with DL (736) or DA (746) approach and similar perioperative care protocol during 2009-2011 were retrospectively studied. No patient received prophylactic radiotherapy. Preoperative and 6-month postoperative radiographs were reviewed based on Brooker classification. RESULTS: The incidence of overall HO was higher in DL (36.1%) vs DA group (19.4%, P < .001) but high-grade HO (Brooker ≥3) was not significantly different among the groups (3.9% for DL and 3.0% for DA groups). No patient required further surgery for HO resection. CONCLUSION: The type of approach (DA vs DL) did not seem to have a major influence on the short-term incidence of high-grade HO based on this radiographic analysis.

Periarticular Injection of Liposomal Bupivacaine Offers No Benefit Over Standard Bupivacaine in Total Knee Arthroplasty: A Prospective, Randomized, Controlled Trial.

BACKGROUND: Periarticular injection of liposomal bupivacaine has been adopted as part of multimodal pain management after total knee arthroplasty (TKA). METHODS: In this prospective, randomized clinical trial, we enrolled 162 patients undergoing primary TKA in a single institution between January 2014 and May 2015. Eighty-seven patients were randomized to liposomal bupivacaine (experimental group), and 75 patients were randomized to free bupivacaine (control group). All patients received spinal anesthesia and otherwise identical surgical approaches, pain management, and rehabilitation protocols. Outcomes evaluated include the patient-reported visual analog pain scores, narcotic consumption, and narcotic-related side effects (Brief Pain Inventory) within 96 hours after surgery as well as functional outcomes using the Knee Society Score and the Short-Form 12 measured preoperatively and at 4-6 weeks after surgery. RESULTS: There were no statistically significant differences between the groups in terms of postoperative daily pain scores, narcotic consumption (by-day and overall), or narcotic-related side effects. There were no statistically significant differences between the groups in terms of surgical (P = .76) and medical complications or length of hospital stay (P = .35). There were no statistically significant differences in satisfaction between the groups (P = .56) or between the groups in postoperative Knee Society Score (P = .53) and the Short-Form 12 at 4-6 weeks (P = .82, P = .66). CONCLUSION: As part of multimodal pain management protocol, periarticular injection of liposomal bupivacaine compared with bupivacaine HCl did not result in any clinically or statistically significant improvement of the measured outcomes following TKA.

The Economic Implications of an Incidental Durotomy.

STUDY DESIGN: Case-control. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to determine the economic impact of an incidental durotomy in spine surgery. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: An incidental durotomy during spine surgery does not affect long-term outcomes, but as reimbursement moves toward bundled payments, it may substantially affect the profitability of spine surgery. METHODS: A retrospective review of a prospectively collected morbidity and mortality database identified all patients with an incidental durotomy between January 1, 2012, and January 11, 2013. Subjects with a dural tear were matched to controls (1 : 2) without a dural tear, and the total charges for one year were collected. Controls were required to meet the following criteria: Age ±5 years; Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI) ±1; Date of surgery ±2 years; Exact region of the spine, but not the exact level (i.e., lumbar → lumbar); Exact type of fusion (i.e., approach, instrumentation); Exact number of levels fused; Use of rhBMP-2; Number of levels decompressed ±1. RESULTS: Two controls without a dural tear could be identified for 57 patients who sustained an incidental durotomy. No difference in demographic data, emergency room visits, hospital readmissions, or revision surgeries between the groups was identified. Patients with an incidental durotomy had a longer operative time by 30.6 ±â€Š8.5 minutes (P < 0.01), longer length of stay by 0.89 ±â€Š0.27 days (P = 0.0001), and an increase in their average initial hospital charge by 18%. No increase in surgeon-based charges or hospital-based charges after the initial visit was identified. CONCLUSION: An incidental durotomy significantly increases the initial hospital charges for patients undergoing spine surgery; however, in this study it has no effect on surgeon-based charges or on hospital-based charges after discharge. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 3.

Advancements in Diagnosing Periprosthetic Joint Infections after Total Hip and Knee Arthroplasty.

Periprosthetic joint infection (PJI) is a complication of total joint arthroplasty that is challenging to diagnose. Currently, there is no "gold standard" for definite diagnosis of PJI. A multi-criteria definition has been described for PJI based on microbiology cultures, serum markers, such as erythrocyte sedimentation rate and C-reactive protein (CRP), synovial fluid biomarkers, such as leukocyte esterase and histopathology assessment of the periprosthetic tissue. The conventional serum markers are generally nonspecific and can be elevated in inflammatory conditions. Therefore, they cannot be relied on for definite diagnosis of PJI. Hence, with the use of proteomics, synovial fluid biomarkers such as α-defensin, IL-6, and CRP have been proposed as more accurate biomarkers for PJI. Current methods to culture micro-organisms have several limitations, and can be false-negative and false-positive in a considerable number of cases. In an attempt to improve culture sensitivity, diagnostic methods to target biofilms have recently been studied. The understanding of the concept of biofilms has also allowed for the development of novel techniques for PJI diagnosis, such as visualizing biofilms with fluorescent in-situ hybridization and detection of bacteria via DNA microarray. Lastly, the use of amplification-based molecular techniques has provided methods to identify specific species of bacteria that cause culture-negative PJI. While diagnosing PJI is difficult, these advances could be valuable tools for clinicians.

Current Concepts in Orthopedic Management of Multiple Trauma.

Multiple trauma patients frequently present challenging clinical scenarios with musculoskeletal injuries being the most common indications for surgical procedures in these patients. Despite our substantial knowledge, a universally approved objective definition for "multiple trauma" is yet to be delineated. Several controversial aspects of economics, pathophysiology, animal models, diagnosis, management and outcome of patients with multiple trauma have recently been explored and although some progress has been made, it seems that the available evidence is still inconclusive in some occasions. This manuscript revisits several current concepts of multiple trauma that have been the focus of recent investigation. We aim to provide the reader with an updated perspective based on the most recently published literature in the field of multiple trauma.

Novel developments in the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of periprosthetic joint infections.

Periprosthetic joint infection (PJI) is one of the most challenging complications compromising the outcome of an otherwise successful operation. Considerable efforts have been invested in the recent years to address paradigm shifts in our understanding of the complex microbiological phenomena that contribute to the pathophysiology of PJI, such as microbial adherence, biofilm formation, and resistance to antibiotics. This article is an introduction to some of the recent advancements in the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of PJI. It describes how industry, academic researchers, and government are increasing collaboration to address PJI through development of novel technologies, therapeutic strategies, and regulatory science that specifically target the unique biofilm-associated aspects of its pathogenesis.

Intraoperative Purulence Is Not Reliable for Diagnosing Periprosthetic Joint Infection.

UNLABELLED: Purulence, defined as presence of pus, is based on subjective interpretation yet has been considered a definite sign of periprosthetic joint infection (PJI). 583 patients undergoing revision arthroplasty due to presumed PJI were retrospectively studied. PJI definition was independent of purulence, based on the definition of Musculoskeletal Infection Society recently modified by International Consensus Group on PJI. 498 patients fulfilled the criteria for definite PJI and 59 patients were deemed as aseptic. Purulence had sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values of 0.82, 0.32, 0.91, and 0.17, respectively. Purulence was not correlated with higher culture positivity yet was associated with higher synovial WBC counts (mean of 34.8 versus 5.2×10(3)/µL in patients without purulence [P<0.001]). In the absence of objective definition for purulence and in light of its inadequate test characteristics compared to a multi-criteria definition, purulence cannot serve as a single absolute diagnostic criterion for PJI. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level I, Diagnostic Studies.

Prevention of periprosthetic joint infection: what are the effective strategies?

Periprosthetic joint infection (PJI) following total knee arthroplasty is a major burden for patients and health systems. Prevention of this challenging complication through implementation of effective strategies should be a priority. These strategies should encompass various levels of patient care. Multiple modifiable risk factors such as uncontrolled hyperglycemia, obesity, smoking, substance abuse, and nasal colonization with Staphylococcus aureus have been described for PJI. Preoperative recognition and mitigation of these risk factors along with optimization of nonmodifiable risk factors such as kidney, liver, or immune system insufficiency can considerably decrease the risk of PJI. A comprehensive perioperative protocol should involve optimization of the operative environment to reduce the number of bacteria and particulates in the air. Several surgical and nonsurgical details of intraoperative care such as maintenance of normothermia, skin preparation, surgical field irrigation, wound closure, and duration of surgical and anesthetic procedure can influence the occurrence of PJI. Prophylactic perioperative antibiotic administration is probably one of the most important strategies in preventing PJI. Implementation of surgical safety checklist can diminish the risk of perioperative complications, particularly surgical site infection. Controversy regarding efficacy, efficiency, and optimization of some preventive measures continues to exist due to inconsistency or inadequacy of available evidence. Novel research has focused on designing PJI-resistant implants and developing vaccines that target molecule components with major role in the process of bacterial adhesion to the implant or periprosthetic tissues.

Infection post-total knee replacement: current concepts.

Periprosthetic joint infection is a hot topic for investigation because it represents a challenging clinical problem with considerable burden for patients, institutions, and health systems. Despite our substantial knowledge, many details in prevention, pathophysiology, diagnosis, and treatment of infectious complications following total knee arthroplasty remain to be controversial with the available evidence being insufficient and at times conflictive. This manuscript is an attempt to approach the most recently published literature regarding the aforementioned details and aims to provide the reader with an updated perspective in the management of periprosthetic joint infection of the knee.

Diagnosis of periprosthetic joint infection: the threshold for serological markers.

BACKGROUND: Erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) and C-reactive protein (CRP) have recently been suggested as diagnostic criteria for periprosthetic joint infection (PJI) diagnosis. Thresholds for these markers should be reexamined since they have been determined arbitrarily. QUESTIONS/PURPOSES: Based on recently defined criteria for PJI, we determined (1) whether there is a difference in the threshold value of ESR and CRP between hips and knees, (2) whether the threshold value for ESR and CRP should be different for early-postoperative and late-chronic PJI, and (3) the optimal thresholds for ESR and CRP in PJI diagnosis. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed 1962 patients with revision arthroplasty for aseptic failure (1095 hips, 594 knees) or first onset of PJI (108 hips, 165 knees) between 2000 and 2009. The PJI diagnosis was made independent of ESR and CRP using criteria recently proposed by the Musculoskeletal Infection Society. Patients with comorbidities that confound ESR and CRP were not included. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis was performed to determine thresholds. RESULTS: ESR and CRP levels in late-chronic PJI were higher in knees than in hips. Optimal thresholds for ESR and CRP were 48.5 mm/hour and 13.5 mg/L in hips and 46.5 mm/hour and 23.5 mg/L in knees, respectively. In early-postoperative PJI, ESR and CRP were similar in both joints with common thresholds of 54.5 mm/hour and 23.5 mg/L, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: The data suggest a similar threshold for ESR but not for CRP should be implemented for late-chronic hips and knees. Optimal magnitudes are higher than conventional thresholds, indicating the need for refinement of thresholds if ESR and CRP are to be criteria for PJI diagnosis. Early-postoperative and late-chronic PJI might require different thresholds. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III, diagnostic study. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.