Pain Control After Total Hip Arthroplasty: A Randomized Controlled Trial Determining Efficacy of Fascia Iliaca Compartment Blocks in the Immediate Postoperative Period.

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this randomized controlled trial is to identify if a fascia iliaca block reduces postoperative pain and narcotic consumption and improves early functional outcomes in primary total hip arthroplasty (THA) performed through the mini-posterior approach. METHODS: Patients were recruited from September 2017 to September 2019. Eligible patients received a primary THA using a mini-posterior approach with epidural anesthesia. Postoperatively, patients were randomized to receive a fascia iliaca compartment block or a placebo block. Numeric Rating Scale pain scores, narcotic consumption, and functional outcomes were recorded at regular intervals postoperatively. RESULTS: Upon study completion, 122 patients were available for final analysis. There was no difference in the average pain scores at any time interval between the placebo and block groups during the first 24 hours (P = .21-.99). There was no difference in the morphine equivalents consumed between the groups during any time interval postoperatively (P = .06-.95). Functional testing showed no difference in regards to distance walked during the first therapy session (67.1 vs 68.3 ft., P = .92) and timed-up-and-go testing (63.7 vs 66.3 seconds, P = .86). There was an increased incidence of quadriceps weakness in the block group (22% vs 0%, P = .004) requiring alterations in therapy protocols. CONCLUSION: This randomized trial shows that a fascia iliaca compartment block does not improve functional performance and does not decrease pain levels or narcotic usage after mini-posterior THA, but does increase the risk of quadriceps weakness postoperatively. Based on these results we do not recommend routine fascia iliaca compartment blocks after THA performed with the mini-posterior approach.

Short cephalomedullary nail toggle: a closer examination.

OBJECTIVES: In patients with wide femoral canals, an undersized short nail may not provide adequate stability, leading to toggling of the nail around the distal interlocking screw and subsequent loss of reduction. The purpose of this study was to identify risk factors associated with nail toggle and to examine whether increased nail toggle is associated with increased varus collapse. DESIGN: Retrospective cohort study. SETTING: Level 1 and level 3 trauma center. PATIENTS/PARTICIPANTS: Seventy-one patients with intertrochanteric femur fractures treated with short cephalomedullary nails (CMN) from October 2013 to December 2017. INTERVENTION: Short CMN. MAIN OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS: Nail toggle and varus collapse were measured on intraoperative and final follow-up radiographs. Risk factors for nail toggle including demographics, fracture classification, quality of reduction, Dorr type, nail/canal diameter ratio, lag screw engaging the lateral cortex, and tip-apex distance (TAD) were recorded. RESULTS: On multivariate regression analysis, shorter TAD (P = .005) and smaller nail/canal ratio (P < .001) were associated with increased nail toggle. Seven patients (10%) sustained nail toggle >4 degrees. They had a smaller nail/canal ratio (0.54 vs 0.74, P < .001), more commonly Dorr C (57% vs 14%, P = .025), lower incidence of lag screw engaging the lateral cortex (29% vs 73%, P = .026), shorter TAD (13.4 mm vs 18.5 mm, P = .042), and greater varus collapse (6.2 degrees vs 1.3 degrees, P < .001) compared to patients with nail toggle < 4 degrees. CONCLUSIONS: Lower percentage nail fill of the canal and shorter TAD are risk factors for increased nail toggle in short CMNs. Increased nail toggle is associated with increased varus collapse.Level of evidence: Therapeutic Level III.

Circumferential Pelvic Antishock Sheeting.

Pelvic ring fractures range from low-energy falls in the elderly to high-energy mechanisms in young patients. These injuries can be a significant cause of morbidity and mortality and are frequently associated with additional injuries. Hemorrhage and resultant hemodynamic instability are often associated with high-energy injuries and require prompt management. Circumferential pelvic antishock sheeting is an effective and readily available tool for reducing pelvic volume at the accident scene or in the emergency department, while still allowing access to the abdomen and lower extremities for ongoing resuscitation. This article, and the associated instructional video, reviews the indications and proper technique for placing a pelvic sheet.