Synthetic cartilage implant hemiarthroplasty versus cheilectomy for the treatment of hallux rigidus.

Degenerative arthritis of the first metatarsophalangeal joint, hallux rigidus, is the most common type of arthritis of the foot, affecting nearly 2.5% of the population over the age of 50. Hallux rigidus can be treated surgically with either Cheilectomy or Synthetic cartilage implant (SCI) hemiarthroplasty. The purpose of this study is to compare outcomes from a single institution on the treatment of hallux rigidus using cheilectomy and SCI hemiarthroplasty. Between 2012 and 2020, 49 patients underwent either a SCI (Polyvinyl alcohol hydrogels) hemiarthroplasty or Cheilectomy for the treatment of hallux rigidus. Functional scores were assessed pre and postoperatively using the American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle scoring System (AOFAS) and the Foot and Ankle Outcome Score survey (FAOS). Plantar and Dorsal range of motion was also assessed pre and postoperatively. Outcomes, complications, and any reoperations were recorded for all patients. Mean pre-op AOFAS for Cheilectomy and SCI were 49.6 and 54.8, respectively, compared to 85.3 and 89.7, respectively, after surgery (p value < 0.05). Mean pre-op Dorsal range of motion (ROM) for Cheilectomy and SCI were 24.0 and 26.0 degrees, respectively, compared to 38.0 and 42.6 degrees, respectively, after surgery (p value < 0.05). SCI hemiarthroplasty patients had higher AOFAS and dorsal ROM at the latest follow up (p value < 0.05). Synthetic cartilage implant (SCI) hemiarthroplasty and cheilectomy both offer promising results and remain viable treatment options to decrease pain, improve function, and maintain motion for hallux rigidus. SCI hemiarthroplasty may offer superior range of motion and functional outcomes than cheilectomy for hallux rigidus. LEVEL OF CLINICAL EVIDENCE: 3.

Early versus Standard Weight Bearing Following Operative Treatment of Tibial Plateau Fractures: Do We Really Have to Wait So Long?

Postoperative management of tibial plateau fractures classically involves a prolonged period between 10 and 12 weeks of nonweight bearing or partial weight bearing. In recent years, there has been some support for earlier weight-bearing protocols although this remains controversial. The goal of this study was to investigate the difference in outcomes between early weight-bearing (EWB) and traditional weight-bearing (TWB) protocols. This investigation is a retrospective review of 92 patients treated with open reduction and internal fixation of tibial plateau fractures at a single institution, from August 2018 to September 2020. Subjects were divided into EWB (< 10 weeks) and traditional nonweight bearing groups (≥ 10 weeks). Key outcome measures collected include injury classification, mechanism of injury, surgical fixation method, bone grafting, time to full weight bearing, radiographic time to union, range-of-motion, all-cause complications, and subsidence at an average follow-up time of 1 year. The EWB group had an earlier average time to weight bearing versus the TWB group (6.5 ± 1.4 vs. 11.8 ± 2.3 weeks, p < 0.0001). There was no difference in the classification of fractures treated between the two groups, with Arbeitsgemeinschaft für Osteosynthesefragen/Orthopaedic Trauma Association B3 fractures the most common in the EWB group, and C3 fractures the most common in the TWB group. Radiographic time to union was no different between the two groups (93.5 ± 53.7 days for EWB vs. 103.7 ± 77.6 days for TWB, p = 0.49). There was no significant difference in complication rates or subsidence. Following operative treatment of tibial plateau fractures, patients who underwent a weight-bearing protocol earlier than 10 weeks were able to recover faster with similar outcomes and complications compared with patients who started weight bearing after 10 weeks or more. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: III.

Postoperative wound complications in extensile lateral approach versus sinus tarsi approach for calcaneal fractures: Are we improving? Updated meta-analysis of recent literature.

INTRODUCTION: To analyze recent literature comparing clinical outcomes of displaced intra-articular calcaneal fractures (DIACF) treated with open reduction and internal fixation using the extensile lateral approach (ELA) vs the minimally invasive sinus tarsi approach (STA), with a focus on wound complications. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A comprehensive literature search was conducted utilizing PubMed, EMBASE, and Cochrane Library databases following Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. Studies published between 2013 and 2022, level of evidence (LOE) I-III, head-to-head comparative studies reporting on clinical outcomes after DIACFs treated with ORIF using ELA versus STA, and literature with full-text written in English were included. Data collection included: publication year, study design, number of surgeons, number of participants, demographic data (mean age at time of surgery, percent male, body mass index, medical co-morbidities), preoperative data (mechanism of injury, Sanders classification, time from injury to surgical fixation), intraoperative data, and postoperative clinical and radiographic outcomes (Böhler angle, angle of Gissane, calcaneal height/length/width). RESULTS: A total of 21 articles (4 randomized control trials, 17 cohort studies) comprising of 2086 patients with calcaneal fractures, treated with either ELA (n = 1129) or STA (n = 957) met inclusion criteria. The risk of postoperative wound-related complications (RR 2.82, 95 % CI: 2.00-3.98, I2=27 %) and the risk of reoperation (RR 1.85, 95 % CI: 0.69-5.00, I2=67 %) was higher in ELA patients comparted to STA patients. However, the increased risk of postoperative wound-related complications with an ELA vs. STA was shown to be trending downward in recent publications. The ELA group also experienced longer time to surgery, extended operative times, and prolonged hospital stays when compared to the STA group. Radiographic measurements at final follow-up, including Böhler angle, angle of Gissane, as well as calcaneal height, length, and width, showed no statistically significant differences between the two groups. CONCLUSION: Surgical treatment of calcaneal fractures utilizing the ELA continues to have an increased rate of complications and reoperation when compared to the less invasive STA, yet recent trends in the literature show that this rate is decreasing. Operative treatment of calcaneal fractures via either an ELA or STA can both achieve comparable postoperative radiographic outcomes. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic Level III.

Maximizing Adherence and Minimizing Time to Antibiotics: A Multidisciplinary Institutional Trauma Bay Protocol for Single Antibiotic Prophylaxis in Open Fractures.

OBJECTIVES: To determine if a multidisciplinary institutional protocol can optimize the time to antibiotic (Abx) administration for open fractures (openFx) and improve compliance with the administration of Abx prophylaxis during trauma activation. DESIGN: Retrospective pre-post study design. SETTING: Single Level II Trauma Center. PATIENT SELECTION CRITERIA: All patients who triggered a trauma activation with suspected openFx and were treated according to the institutional single antibiotic regimen were eligible for inclusion. Patients were excluded if fractures did not involve the appendicular skeleton. Patients treated before implementation of a standardized institutional protocol where premixed IV bags of antibiotics were stocked in automated dispensing systems within ED trauma bays (January 2021-October 2022) were defined as the "pre" group and those treated following implementation the "post" group. OUTCOME MEASURES AND COMPARISONS: The primary outcome was time from trauma bay arrival to antibiotic aministration, measured in minutes, with comparisons made between preprotocol and postprotocol implementation. Secondary outcomes for comparison included rates (%) of time to Abx <60 minutes, allergic reactions, acute kidney injury, ototoxicity, surgical site infection, multi-drug-resistant organisms identified in blood or biopsy cultures in cases requiring reoperation, and Clostridium difficile infection in the gastrointestinal system, confirmed by stool test results, within 30 days. RESULTS: Twenty-four patients (mean age 39.5 ± 16.3 years) met the criteria after protocol implementation compared with 72 patients (mean age 34.3 ± 14.8 years) before implementation. Implementation of the institutional protocol resulted in a significant reduction in the time to Abx administration for openFx from 87.9 ± 104.6 minutes to 22.2 ± 12.8 minutes in the postprotocol group ( P < 0.001). In addition, only 53% in the preprotocol group received Abx within 60 minutes compared with 96% in postprotocol group ( P < 0.001). Post hoc power analysis revealed that the study was powered at 92% (effect size = 0.72) to detect a significant difference between the preprotocol and postprotocol groups. CONCLUSION: This study provides evidence that a multidisciplinary institutional protocol for the administration of Abx prophylaxis can be an effective strategy for optimizing the time to Abx administration in cases of suspected openFx. This protocol may be implemented in other trauma centers to optimize time to Abx administration for openFx. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic Level III. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

Scapulothoracic Dissociation: A Review of an Orthopedic Emergency.

Scapulothoracic dissociation is a rare and devastating injury that is considered an orthopedic emergency. It is critical to recognize this injury early based on mechanism, physical examination, and radiographic parameters. Initial management should be focused on resuscitation and evaluation for potential limb-threatening ischemia.

Fragility Fractures of the Pelvis and Sacrum: Current Trends in Literature.

Fragility fractures of the pelvis (FFP) and fragility fractures of the sacrum (FFS), which are emerging in the geriatric population, exhibit characteristics that differ from those of pelvic ring disruptions occurring in the younger population. Treatment of FFP/FFS by a multidisciplinary team can be helpful in reducing morbidity and mortality with the goal of reducing pain, regaining early mobility, and restoring independence for activities of daily living. Conservative treatment, including bed rest, pain therapy, and mobilization as tolerated, is indicated for treatment of FFP type I and type II as loss of stability is limited with these fractures. Operative treatment is indicated for FFP type II when conservative treatment has failed and for FFP type III and type IV, which are displaced fractures associated with intense pain and increased instability. Minimally invasive stabilization techniques, such as percutaneous fixation, are favored over open reduction internal fixation. There is little evidence regarding outcomes of patients with FFP/FFS and more literature is needed for determination of optimal management. The aim of this article is to provide a concise review of the current literature and a discussion of the latest recommendations for orthopedic treatment and management of FFP/FFS.