Skin Antisepsis before Surgical Fixation of Extremity Fractures.

BACKGROUND: Studies evaluating surgical-site infection have had conflicting results with respect to the use of alcohol solutions containing iodine povacrylex or chlorhexidine gluconate as skin antisepsis before surgery to repair a fractured limb (i.e., an extremity fracture). METHODS: In a cluster-randomized, crossover trial at 25 hospitals in the United States and Canada, we randomly assigned hospitals to use a solution of 0.7% iodine povacrylex in 74% isopropyl alcohol (iodine group) or 2% chlorhexidine gluconate in 70% isopropyl alcohol (chlorhexidine group) as preoperative antisepsis for surgical procedures to repair extremity fractures. Every 2 months, the hospitals alternated interventions. Separate populations of patients with either open or closed fractures were enrolled and included in the analysis. The primary outcome was surgical-site infection, which included superficial incisional infection within 30 days or deep incisional or organ-space infection within 90 days. The secondary outcome was unplanned reoperation for fracture-healing complications. RESULTS: A total of 6785 patients with a closed fracture and 1700 patients with an open fracture were included in the trial. In the closed-fracture population, surgical-site infection occurred in 77 patients (2.4%) in the iodine group and in 108 patients (3.3%) in the chlorhexidine group (odds ratio, 0.74; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.55 to 1.00; P = 0.049). In the open-fracture population, surgical-site infection occurred in 54 patients (6.5%) in the iodine group and in 60 patients (7.3%) in the chlorhexidine group (odd ratio, 0.86; 95% CI, 0.58 to 1.27; P = 0.45). The frequencies of unplanned reoperation, 1-year outcomes, and serious adverse events were similar in the two groups. CONCLUSIONS: Among patients with closed extremity fractures, skin antisepsis with iodine povacrylex in alcohol resulted in fewer surgical-site infections than antisepsis with chlorhexidine gluconate in alcohol. In patients with open fractures, the results were similar in the two groups. (Funded by the Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute and the Canadian Institutes of Health Research; PREPARE ClinicalTrials.gov number, NCT03523962.).

Comparison of Lateral versus Medial Entry Femoral Traction Pin Complication Rates.

Distal femoral skeletal traction is a common procedure for the stabilization of fractures of the pelvis, acetabulum, and femur following trauma. Femoral traction pins are traditionally inserted via medial-to-lateral (MTL) entry to accurately direct the pin away from the medial neurovascular bundle. Alternatively, cadaveric studies have demonstrated low risk to the neurovascular bundle using a lateral-to-medial (LTM) approach. The purpose of this study was to compare the incidence of complications of LTM and MTL femoral traction pin placement at a single institution. This was a retrospective review of patients from the orthopaedic consult registry at a academic Level I Trauma Center. We identified 233 LTM femoral traction pin procedures in 231 patients and 29 MTL pin procedures in 29 patients. The two pin placement techniques were compared with respect to complications, specifically the incidence of neurovascular injury, cellulitis, septic arthritis, osteomyelitis, and heterotopic ossification after femoral traction pin placement. Two complications were reported. One patient developed heterotopic ossification along the pin tract after LTM traction pin placement. Another patient developed septic arthritis after LTM pin placement, likely attributable to retrograde intramedullary nailing of his open femur fracture rather than his traction pin. There were no reports of neurovascular injury, cellulitis, or osteomyelitis associated with pin placement. The complication rate was 0.9% for LTM group and 0.0% for MTL group (p = 0.616). LTM femoral traction pin placement is a safe procedure with a similarly low complication rate compared with traditional MTL placement when the limb is positioned in neutral alignment. (Journal of Surgical Orthopaedic Advances 32(4):259-262, 2023).

Thermal Output of Oscillation Versus Forward Drilling of Bone.

This study's objective was to identify a difference in maximum temperature change during forward versus oscillating drilling of cadaveric bone. Paired femurs were dissected from the soft tissue of five cadavers. Each cadaver had one femur assigned to forward and the other to oscillation. The first drill hole was 2.5 cm distal to the lesser trochanter and the remaining 10 holes were evenly spaced 2 cm apart. A System 7 drill and 3.5 mm drill bit were attached to an Instron 5500R to provide a progressive force of 50 Newtons per minute for each drill hole. A thermal camera recorded each drilling. A new drill bit was used for each femur. Fifty bicortical drillings were analyzed in each group. The average time to complete forward drilling (45.0 seconds) was shorter compared to oscillation (55.5 s, p < 0.001). The average force required for forward drilling (27.7 N) was lower than for oscillation (44.3N, p < 0.001). The maximum change in temperature during the drilling process was similar (oscillating 100.2° F vs. forward 100.7° F, p = 0.871). The maximum change in temperature at the near cortex was lower for oscillation (78.1°F) compared to forward drilling (89.1°F, p = 0.011), while the maximum change at the far cortex was lower for forward drilling (89.3°F) compared to oscillation (95.8°F, p = 0.115) but not significantly. Overall, there is no difference in the thermal output between techniques. Oscillation may be beneficial in proximity to vital structures or to navigate narrow bony corridors, but it requires additional time and force. (Journal of Surgical Orthopaedic Advances 31(4):233-236, 2022).

Technical Trick: The Trochanteric Hook Plate in Treatment of B1 Periprosthetic Femur Fractures.

Vancouver B1 periprosthetic fractures undergoing operative fixation remain difficult to treat due to a short proximal segment that offers limited options for fixation. The trochanteric hook plate addresses this issue by maximizing proximal purchase and utilizing the entire lateral surface area of the greater trochanter. A surgical technique that prioritizes proximal fixation and adheres to basic principles resulted in all fractures healing in a small case series. (Journal of Surgical Orthopaedic Advances 29(4):199-201, 2020).

Reconstruction of Distal Humerus Fractures with Severe Bone Loss: A Case Series and Review of the Literature.

The objective of this study was to describe examples and review the literature of distal humerus fracture reconstruction in the setting of severe bone loss. Four individuals (ages 19-59 years) were treated with either fibular strut allograft or fresh frozen osteochondral allograft in the setting of unreconstructable periarticular bone loss. The radiographs were evaluated for evidence of union. Pain and degrees of range of motion were reported when available. The follow-up period ranged from 3 to 42 months. While additional surgery was often needed, union was ultimately obtained in each case. Normal range of motion was not obtained, but two of the four patients were near normal upon union. Two of the four patients were pain free, and the other two had mild pain. All were limited in their activities, even after union. This case series describes satisfactory results with the use of allograft in this difficult clinical problem. (Journal of Surgical Orthopaedic Advances 29(2):65-72, 2020).

Coronal Plane Deformity Correction in Distal Radius Fracture Fixation With the Volar Locking Plate.

The goal of treatment for distal radius fractures is anatomic articular reduction and restoration of coronal and sagittal plane alignment, rotation, and angulation of the metadiaphyseal component of these fractures. This article presents a reproducible technique for restoring coronal plane alignment of the metadiaphyseal component of the fracture using an indirect reduction maneuver leveraging the volar locking plate as an indirect reduction aid. After applying an appropriately sized volar locking plate, the first screw is placed in the center of the shaft of the plate. Next, the distal row of subarticular locking screws is placed to neutralize a reduced articular surface. The shaft screw is subsequently loosened, and two Freer elevators are used to rotate the plate, indirectly translating the distal articular block and achieving improved coronal plane alignment. Last, the remaining diaphyseal screws are applied to appropriately neutralize the fracture. (Journal of Surgical Orthopaedic Advances 27(2):160-163, 2018).

Combined acetabulum and pelvic ring injuries.

Combined fractures of the acetabulum and pelvic ring are more common than previously believed, with an incidence as high as 15.7%. Recent series that include combined injuries indicate that the incidence of lateral compression and anteroposterior compression pelvic ring injuries is similar and that transverse and both-column acetabular fractures are the most common acetabular fracture patterns. Combined injuries most often are the result of high-energy mechanisms, and, compared with patients who present with isolated pelvic or acetabular injury, patients with combined injury typically have higher injury severity scores, higher transfusion requirements, and lower systolic blood pressure, with reported mortality rates of 1.5% to 13%. Treatment requires a multidisciplinary approach. The first priority is resuscitation following the Advanced Trauma Life Support protocols. Once the patient is stable, acetabular fractures and pelvic ring injuries should be assessed individually, and the most appropriate treatment for each should be outlined. These treatments should then be integrated to develop the most appropriate overall treatment strategy. Although outcomes data are available for isolated acetabulum and pelvic ring disruptions, no such data currently exist for combined injuries.

Non-anatomical capsular closure of a standard parapatellar knee arthrotomy leads to patellar maltracking and decreased range of motion: a cadaver study.

PURPOSE: A parapatellar approach disrupts the medial soft tissue stabilizers of the patella. We hypothesized that soft tissue realignment during arthrotomy closure of native cadaveric knees influences patellar kinematics leading to decreased range of motion. METHODS: Parapatellar arthrotomy was performed in seven native human cadaveric knees that did not contain arthroplasty components. Capsular closure was performed with figure-of-eight sutures in five different positions for each specimen. The capsule was closed anatomically, and then shifted 1.5 or 3 cm distal, or 1.5 or 3 cm proximal relative to surgical markings of the patellar poles. In each closure position, real-time patellar kinematics and range of motion were recorded using a navigation system with patellar tracking function. RESULTS: Maximum knee flexion was significantly reduced with closure shifted 3 cm proximal (133° ± 8.2°, p < 0.001) or distal (139° ± 6.4°, p < 0.05) compared to anatomical closure (147° ± 4.1°). All closure positions significantly influenced patellar rotation at 45°, 90°, and 120° of flexion (p < 0.001). Closure 1.5 or 3 cm distal increased lateral patellar shift relative to the mechanical axis (p < 0.01). Patellar tilt was significantly decreased at 90° and 120° by closure 3 cm distal (p < 0.01) and at 120° when closed 1.5 cm distal (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Imprecise arthrotomy closure significantly impacted patellar kinematics and passive range of motion. Therefore, every effort should be made to provide anatomical closure of the extensor mechanism to preserve native patellar movement kinematics. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: V.

Dual Plate Fixation of Periprosthetic Distal Femur Fractures.

OBJECTIVES: Dual implants for distal femur periprosthetic fractures is a growing area of interest for these challenging fractures with dual plating (DP) emerging as a viable construct for these injuries. In the current study, an experience with DP constructs is described. DESIGN: Retrospective case series with comparison group. SETTING: Level 1 academic trauma center. PATIENT SELECTION CRITERIA: Adults >50 years old sustaining comminuted OTA/AO 33-A2 or 33-A3 DFPF treated with either DP or a single distal femur locking plating (DFLP). Patients with simple 33-A1 fractures were excluded. Prior to 2018, patients underwent DFLP after which the treatment of choice became DP. OUTCOME MEASURES AND COMPARISONS: Reoperation rate, alignment, and complications. RESULTS: 34 patients treated with DFLP and 38 with DP met inclusion and follow up criteria. Average follow up was 18.2 ± 13.8 months in the DFLP group and 19.8 ± 16.1 months in the DP group ( P = 0.339). The average patient age in the DFLP group was 74.8 ± 7.3 years compared to 75.9 ± 11.3 years in the DP group. There were no statistical differences in demographics, fracture morphology, loss of reduction, or reoperation for any cause ( P >.05). DP patients were more likely to be weight bearing in the twelve-week postoperative period ( P <0.001) and return to their baseline ambulatory status ( P = 0.004) compared to DFLP patients. CONCLUSIONS: Dual plating of distal femoral periprosthetic fractures maintained coronal alignment with a low reoperation rate even with immediate weight bearing and these patients regained baseline level of ambulation more reliably as compared to patients treated with a single distal femoral locking plate. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic Level III. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

Talar neck fractures: a systematic review of the literature.

Considerable controversy surrounds the management of talar neck fractures regarding the rate of post-traumatic arthrosis, secondary procedures, avascular necrosis, and the effect of the interval to surgery on these variables. A data search using PubMed was performed with the keywords "talus" and "fracture." The search found 1280 studies. Ultimately, 21 reports involving 943 talar neck fractures were analyzed. Data concerning open fractures, the interval to surgery and its relationship to the incidence of avascular necrosis, and the rates of malunion and nonunion, post-traumatic arthrosis, secondary salvage procedures, and functional outcomes were collected and analyzed. The variables examined were not uniformly reported in all studies. The overall rate of avascular necrosis was 33%, with no demonstrated relationship between the interval to surgery and the rate of avascular necrosis. Malunion occurred approximately 17% of the time, with nonunion occurring approximately 5% of the time. Post-traumatic arthrosis occurred in 68% of patients, although secondary salvage procedures were only performed in 19% of patients. Functional outcomes were difficult to assess, given the variability of reported outcomes and unvalidated measures. The optimal management of talar neck fractures has yet to be determined. Although the present review has improved understanding of these difficult fractures, additional studies that use validated outcomes measures are warranted to determine the effect of delayed surgery on final outcomes and optimal treatment methods.

Management of humeral shaft fractures.

Humeral shaft fractures account for approximately 3% of all fractures. Nonsurgical management of humeral shaft fractures with functional bracing gained popularity in the 1970s, and this method is arguably the standard of care for these fractures. Still, surgical management is indicated in certain situations, including polytraumatic injuries, open fractures, vascular injury, ipsilateral articular fractures, floating elbow injuries, and fractures that fail nonsurgical management. Surgical options include external fixation, open reduction and internal fixation, minimally invasive percutaneous osteosynthesis, and antegrade or retrograde intramedullary nailing. Each of these techniques has advantages and disadvantages, and the rate of fracture union may vary based on the technique used. A relatively high incidence of radial nerve injury has been associated with surgical management of humeral shaft fractures. However, good surgical outcomes can be achieved with proper patient selection.

Rethinking the Coronal Anatomic Axis of the Distal Tibia for Intramedullary Nail Placement: A Cadaveric Study.

Background: Recent studies have reported that targeting a center-center position at the distal tibia during intramedullary nailing (IMN) may result in malalignment. Although not fully understood, this observation suggests that the coronal anatomic center of the tibia may not correspond to the center of the distal tibia articular surface. Questions/Purposes: To identify the coronal anatomic axis of the distal tibia that corresponds to an ideal start site for IMN placement utilizing intact cadaveric tibiae. Methods: IMN placement was performed in 9 fresh frozen cadaveric tibiae. A guidewire was used to identify the ideal start site in the proximal tibia and an opening reamer allowed access to the canal. Each nail was then advanced without the use of a reaming rod until exiting the distal tibia plafond. Cadaveric and radiographic measurements were performed to determine the center of the nail exit site in the coronal plane. Results: Cadaveric and radiographic measurements identified the IMN exit site to correspond with the lateral 59.5% and 60.4% of the plafond, respectively. Conclusions: Tibial nails inserted using an ideal start site have an endpoint that corresponds roughly to the junction of the lateral and middle third of the plafond. Further studies are warranted to better understand the impact of IMN endpoint placement on the functional and radiographic outcomes of tibia shaft fractures.

Vascular injury associated with extremity trauma: initial diagnosis and management.

Vascular injury associated with extremity trauma occurs in <1% of patients with long bone fracture, although vascular injury may be seen in up to 16% of patients with knee dislocation. In the absence of obvious signs of vascular compromise, limb-threatening injuries are easily missed, with potentially devastating consequences. A thorough vascular assessment is essential; an arterial pressure index <0.90 is indicative of potential vascular compromise. Advances in CT and duplex ultrasonography are sensitive and specific in screening for vascular injury. Communication between the orthopaedic surgeon and the vascular or general trauma surgeon is essential in determining whether to address the vascular lesion or the orthopaedic injury first. Quality evidence regarding the optimal fixation method is scarce. Open vascular repair, such as direct repair with or without arteriorrhaphy, interposition replacement, and bypass graft with an autologous vein or polytetrafluoroethylene, remains the standard of care in managing vascular injury associated with extremity trauma. Although surgical technique affects outcome, results are primarily dependent on early detection of vascular injury followed by immediate treatment.

Advances in Geriatric Hip Fractures: Pre-Operative Considerations and Tips to Optimize Outcome.

SUMMARY: Geriatric hip fractures are complicated by increased morbidity and mortality, and their incidence continues to rise around the world. Frequent considerations in treating geriatric hip fractures include optimal time to surgery, need for preoperative cardiac clearance, risks of operating through anticoagulation, utilization of regional anesthesia, and collaborative care between treatment teams. This article aims to summarize these factors as well as to provide some tips and tricks that can be helpful in their surgical management.

Technical Trick: Dual Plate Fixation of Periprosthetic Distal Femur Fractures.

SUMMARY: Treatment of periprosthetic distal femur fractures remains challenging due to assuring adequate distal fixation. Traditional treatment options include lateral locked plating and retrograde nailing, although recently dual implant constructs have been explored with promising results. Allowing immediate weight-bearing in this patient population has benefits with regards to rehabilitation and outcome. Recent literature has focused on nail-plate constructs, however plate-plate constructs are preferred at our institution as they do not require arthroplasty component compatibility, facilitate the coronal plane reduction, and allow for immediate weight-bearing.

Economic impact of orthopaedic care for non-fatal gunshot wounds: analysis of a public health crisis.

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to perform an epidemiological evaluation and an economic analysis of 90-day costs associated with non-fatal gunshot wounds (GSWs) to the extremities, spine and pelvis requiring orthopaedic care in the United States. METHODS: A retrospective epidemiological review of the Medicare national patient record database was conducted from 2005 to 2014. Incidence, fracture location and costs associated where evaluated. Those patients identified through International Classification of Disease (ICD)-9 revision codes and Current Procedural Terminology (CPT) Codes who sustained a fracture secondary to a GSW. Any type of surgical intervention including incision and drainage, open reduction with internal fixation, closed reduction and percutaneous fixation, etc. were identified to analyze, and evaluate costs of care as seen by charges and reimbursements to the payer. The 90-day period after initial fracture care was queried. RESULTS: A total of 9,765 patients required surgical orthopaedic care for GSWs. There was a total of 2,183 fractures due to GSW treated operatively in 2,201 patients. Of these, 22% were femur fractures, 18.3% were hand/wrist fractures and 16.7% were ankle/foot fractures. A majority of patients were male (83.3%) and under 65 years of age (56.3%). Total charges for GSW requiring orthopedic care were $513,334,743 during the 10-year study period. Total reimbursement for these patients were $124,723,068. Average charges per patient were highest for fracture management of the spine $431,021.33, followed by the pelvis $392,658.45 and later by tibia/fibula fractures $342,316.92. CONCLUSIONS: The 90-day direct charges and reimbursements of orthopedic care for non-fatal GSWs are of significant amounts per patient. While the number of fatal GSWs has received much attention, non-fatal GSWs have a large economic and societal impact that warrants further research and consideration by the public and policy makers.

Negative-Pressure Wound Therapy in Foot and Ankle Surgery.

Negative Pressure Wound Therapy (NPWT) is frequently utilized to manage complex wounds, however its mechanisms of healing remain poorly understood. Changes in growth factor expression, micro- and macro-deformation, blood flow, exudate removal, and bacterial concentration within the wound bed are thought to play a role. NPWT is gaining widespread usage in foot and ankle surgery, including the management of traumatic wounds; diabetic and neuropathic ulcers; wounds left open after debridement for infection or dehiscence; high-risk, closed incisions; tissue grafts and free flaps. This article reviews the rationale for NPWT, its proposed mechanisms of action, and the evidence regarding its clinical applications within the field of foot and ankle surgery. Level of Evidence: Level V, expert opinion.

Comparing the Efficiency, Radiation Exposure, and Accuracy Using C-Arm versus O-Arm With 3D Navigation in Placement of Transiliac-Transsacral and Iliosacral Screws: A Cadaveric Study Evaluating an Early Career Surgeon.

OBJECTIVES: To compare the efficiency, radiation exposure to surgeon and patient, and accuracy of C-arm versus O-arm with navigation in the placement of transiliac-transsacral and iliosacral screws by an orthopaedic trauma fellow, for a surgeon early in practice. METHODS: Twelve fresh frozen cadavers were obtained. Preoperative computed tomography scans were reviewed to assess for safe corridors in the S1 and S2 segments. Iliosacral screws were assigned to the S1 segment in dysmorphic pelvises. Screws were randomized to modality and laterality. An orthopaedic trauma fellow placed all screws. Time of procedure and radiation exposure to the cadaver and surgeon were recorded. Three fellowship-trained orthopaedic trauma surgeons rated the safety of each screw on postoperative computed tomography scan. RESULTS: Six normal and 6 dysmorphic pelvises were identified. Eighteen transiliac-transsacral screws and 6 iliosacral screws were distributed evenly between C-arm and O-arm. Average operative duration per screw was significantly shorter using C-arm compared with O-arm (15.7 minutes ± 6.1 vs. 23.7 ± 8.5, P = 0.014). Screw placement with C-arm exposed the surgeon to a significantly greater amount of radiation (3.87 × 10 rads vs. 0.32 × 10, P < 0.001) while O-arm exposed the cadaver to a significantly greater amount of radiation (0.03 vs. 2.76 rads, P < 0.001). Two S2 transiliac-transsacral screws (1 C-arm and 1 O-arm) were categorized as unsafe based on scoring. There was no difference in screw accuracy between modalities. CONCLUSIONS: A difference in accuracy between modalities could not be elucidated, whereas efficiency was improved with utilization of C-arm, with statistical significance. A statistically significant increase in radiation exposure to the surgeon using C-arm was found, which may be clinically significant over a career. The results of this study can be extrapolated to a fellow or surgeon early in practice. The decision between use of these modalities will vary depending on surgeon preference and hospital resources.

The efficacy and duration of intra-articular corticosteroid injection for knee osteoarthritis: a systematic review of level I studies.

We performed a systematic review of the current literature to determine the efficacy and duration of intra-articular corticosteroid injection in reducing pain caused by knee osteoarthritis and to determine whether the type of corticosteroid used affected these results. Following an electronic search of multiple databases and a review of reference lists from various articles, we found six trials in five papers that compared corticosteroid versus placebo and four papers that compared different corticosteroids. Results of corticosteroid compared with placebo showed both a statistically and clinically significant reduction in pain at 1 week, with an average difference between groups of 22%. Two of four trials showed triamcinolone to be more effective in pain reduction than other corticosteroids. We concluded that intra-articular corticosteroids reduce knee pain for at least 1 week and that intra-articular corticosteroid injection is a short-term treatment of a chronic problem.

Treatment of Peritrochanteric Femur Fractures With Proximal Femur Locked Plating.

OBJECTIVES: To report on our results using a proximal femoral locking plate for the treatment of peritrochanteric femur fractures. DESIGN: Retrospective study. SETTING: Level I Academic Medical Center. PATIENTS: Sixty-eight patients with 68 fractures. INTERVENTION: Demographics, fracture morphology, preoperative imaging, rationale against nailing, and outcomes were collected. MAIN OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS: Outcomes were grouped into no complication, minor complication, or major complication. Minor complications included healed fractures with implant failure or change in alignment from immediate postoperative radiographs, which did not require intervention or elective implant removal. Major complications included any case that required revision for nonunion or implant failure. RESULTS: Nine patients were lost to follow-up. Of the 59 fractures, 16 had complications (27%): 9 minor and 7 major. Active tobacco use (P = 0.020) and fractures with an associated intracapsular femoral neck component (P = 0.006) correlated with complications. CONCLUSIONS: Proximal femoral locking plates continue to be associated with a high complication rate. However, based on our experience, proximal femoral locking plates may be considered in highly selected cases when absolutely no other implant is deemed appropriate, based on the degree of comminution and the complexity of the fracture pattern. Patients must be informed about the possibility of revision surgery based on the inherent limitations of these devices. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic Level IV. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.