Ultrasound assessment after a subscapularis-sparing approach to total shoulder arthroplasty.

BACKGROUND: Although anatomic total shoulder arthroplasty (ATSA) has favorable outcomes, nearly all techniques involve subscapularis tendon release for shoulder joint access. Such takedown of the subscapularis may be associated with decreased function, instability, and pain. Subscapularis-sparing approaches have the theoretical benefits of improved function, decreased failure of the tendon reattachment site, and early range of motion and rehabilitation. The primary purpose of this study was to use ultrasound to assess the postoperative integrity of the subscapularis tendon and surrounding soft tissues after ATSA with a subscapularis-sparing technique through an extensile anterosuperior skin incision. Our hypothesis was that this subscapularis-sparing approach would have low rates of subscapularis disruption. METHODS: A consecutive cohort of patients who underwent subscapularis-sparing ATSA between 2014 and 2017 were included. Ultrasound was used to evaluate the rotator cuff tendons and deltoid postoperatively, and these were classified as intact, disrupted, or unable to be adequately visualized. Clinical outcome scores, range of motion, and strength measurements were also collected at 1-3 years postoperatively. RESULTS: Thirty-seven subscapularis tendons and 40 supraspinatus and infraspinatus muscles were adequately visualized and included for analysis. Of the subscapularis muscles, 32 (86%) were intact; 38 of the visualized supraspinatus muscles (95%) and 39 of the infraspinatus muscles (98%) were intact. No dehiscence or loss of integrity of the deltoid was noted. Clinical comparison between patients with disrupted subscapularis muscles and patients without such disruption demonstrated no difference in clinical outcome scores and postoperative range of motion but showed less strength in forward flexion, abduction, and external rotation. CONCLUSIONS: The rate of subscapularis disruption using a subscapularis-sparing approach for ATSA was low (14%), but the potential for tendon disruption was not eradicated. Favorable clinical outcomes support this surgical approach as a potential technique for ATSA.

Prophylactic Radiotherapy for Prevention of Heterotopic Ossification After Periacetabular Fractures: A Review of Efficacy and Associated Conditions.

Prophylactic radiotherapy (XRT) is a commonly used treatment to decrease heterotopic ossification (HO) in patients with traumatic hip injuries. We conducted a retrospective review of patients at risk for HO who underwent XRT. Of the patients reviewed, 27.3% developed radiographic HO, 11.2% developed symptoms, and 2.0% required resection surgery. Patients were divided into primary (n = 71) and secondary prophylaxis (n = 27) cohorts. In the primary group, 25.0% developed radiographic HO, 5.6% developed symptoms, and 0 required surgery. In the secondary cohort, 33.3% of patients developed new radiographic HO, and 25.9% were symptomatic: four had a Brooker score of 3, and three had a score of 4 (p = 0.03), and 7.4% required surgical resection. (Journal of Surgical Orthopaedic Advances 31(2):113-118, 2022).

MRI findings of chronic distal tendon biceps reconstruction and associated post-operative findings.

Rupture of the distal biceps tendon is becoming increasingly diagnosed due to an active aging population and an increase in diagnostic imaging opportunities. While physical exam may help in diagnosis, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is particularly useful in evaluating chronic rupture. Although partial tears can be managed conservatively, the gold standard treatment for a chronic distal biceps tear is anatomic reinsertion with additional use of an allograft or autograft. No study has highlighted the normal appearance and postsurgical complications seen on MRI associated with allograft or autograft usage. Clinicians and radiologists may be unaware of the normal and abnormal post-operative imaging findings and their clinical relevance. The purpose of this manuscript is to discuss the epidemiology, clinical presentation, and preoperative MRI findings of distal biceps ruptures necessitating reconstruction, to explain distal biceps tendon surgical reconstruction technique with allograft or autograft usage, to display the normal and abnormal post-operative MRI findings, and to review the clinical outcomes associated with the procedure.

Attitudes and awareness of suture anchor cost: a survey of shoulder surgeons performing rotator cuff repairs.

BACKGROUND: The cost of health care in the United States accounts for 18% of the nation's gross domestic product and is expected to reach 20% by 2020. Physicians are responsible for 60%-80% of decisions resulting in health care expenditures. Rotator cuff repairs account for $1.2-$1.6 billion in US health care expenditures annually. The purpose of this study is to assess surgeons' cost awareness in the setting of rotator cuff repairs. The hypothesis is that practice environment and training affect cost consciousness and incentivization will lead to more cost-effective choices. METHODS: In this cross-sectional study, a 21-item survey was distributed via the email list services of the American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons and Arthroscopy Association of North America. Data collected included demographics, variables regarding rotator cuff repair (technique, number of companies used, procedures per month), and knowledge of costs. RESULTS: Responses from 345 surgeons in 23 countries were obtained with the majority (89%) being from the United States. Most surgeons were "cost-conscious" (275, 70.7%). Of these surgeons, 62.9% are willing to switch suture anchors brands to reduce overall costs if incentivized. Cost-conscious surgeons were more likely to be fellowship trained in shoulder and elbow (51.81% vs. 38.57%, P = .048), be paid based on productivity (73.53% vs. 61.43%, P = .047), and receive shared profits (85.4% vs. 75%, P = .02). CONCLUSION: The majority of orthopedic surgeons are both cost-conscious and willing to change their practice to reduce costs if incentivized to do so. A better understanding of implant costs combined with incentives may help reduce health care expenditure.

First tarsometatarsal fusion using saw preparation vs. standard preparation of the joint: A cadaver study.

BACKGROUND: First tarsometatarsal (TMT) joint fusion is effective for treatment of arthritis and some first ray deformities. To prepare the articular surfaces, cartilage should be carefully but completely denuded. Inadequate preparation may result in non-union, while excessive preparation may cause ray shortening and consequential transfer metatarsalgia. Preparation can be performed with an osteotome or a saw. The purpose of this study was to investigate whether utilization of an osteotome or saw would minimize shortening of the first ray in TMT arthrodesis. METHODS: Ten fresh-frozen cadaver specimens were randomly assigned to undergo joint preparation using either an osteotome (n=5) or saw (n=5). Sample size was determined by cadaver availability. Fusion was performed using a cross-screw construct through the dorsal aspect of the proximal phalanx and the medial cuneiform. Pre- and post-operative X-rays were taken with a radiopaque ruler in the field, and changes in length in the first metatarsal and first cuneiform were compared between osteotome and sawblade groups. RESULTS: The average change in metatarsal length was significantly smaller in the osteotome group (1.6mm) as compared to the saw group (4.4mm) (p=0.031). The average percent change in metatarsal length was also significantly smaller in the osteotome group (3.0%) compared to the saw group (8.4%) (p=0.025). There was no significant difference between the two groups with respect to change in cuneiform length. The osteotome group demonstrated a significantly smaller average measured change (3.0mm vs. 6.9mm, p=0.001) and percent change (4.1% vs. 9.3%, p<0.001) in total length (cuneiform plus metatarsal) in comparison to the saw group. CONCLUSIONS: In first TMT fusion, joint preparation with an osteotome may prevent over-shortening of the first ray in comparison to preparation with a saw.

Outcomes With Overlapping Surgery at a Large Academic Medical Center.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study was to evaluate the efficiency and safety of overlapping surgery (OS) at a training institution by comparing it with nonoverlapping surgery (NO) with respect to operative time, mortality, readmissions, and complications. BACKGROUND: OS is the practice of an attending physician providing supervision to 2 surgeries that are scheduled at overlapping times. Recent media and government attention have raised concerns about this practice and the need for informed patient consent. METHODS: A population-based, retrospective, cohort study was conducted using data on operative procedures from January 1, 2014 to December 31, 2015 at a large tertiary academic center. Patients who had undergone surgery by attending surgeons who performed ≥10% of their cases overlapping were selected. Thirty-day mortality, readmission within 30 days, and 7 patient safety indicators (PSIs) were recorded. RESULTS: A total of 26,260 cases met our criteria for analysis for surgical time and 15,106 cases for outcomes. OS patients had an average case length of 2.18 hours compared with 1.64 hours among NO patients (P < 0.0001), a decreased risk of mortality [relative risk (RR) 0.42, 95% confidence interval (CI), 0.34-0.52, P < 0.0001), a decreased risk of readmission (RR 0.92, 95% CI, 0.86-0.98, P = 0.0148), and a decreased risk of experiencing any PSI (RR 0.67, 95% CI, 0.55-0.83, P = 0.0002). CONCLUSIONS: The present study confirms prior reports and addresses gaps in the literature regarding OS, such as the effect of resident involvement and the individual effect of OS in 13 different surgical specialties. The findings highlight the need for additional investigation and suggest that the practice of OS does not expose patients to increased risk of negative outcomes.

Does Medicaid expansion improve access to care for the first-time shoulder dislocator?

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to assess the effect of individual state Medicaid expansion status on access to care for shoulder instability. METHODS: Four pairs of Medicaid expanded (Louisiana, Kentucky, Iowa, and Nevada) and unexpanded (Alabama, Virginia, Wisconsin, and Utah) states in similar geographic locations were chosen for the study. Twelve practices from each state were randomly selected from the American Orthopedic Society for Sports Medicine directory, resulting in a sample size of 96 independent sports medicine offices. Each office was called twice to request an appointment for a fictitious 16-year-old first-time shoulder dislocator with either in-state Medicaid insurance or Blue Cross Blue Shield (BCBS) private insurance. RESULTS: A total of 91 physician offices in 8 states were contacted by telephone. An appointment was obtained at 36 (39.6%) offices when calling with Medicaid and at 74 (81.3%) offices when calling with BCBS (P < .001). Thirty-five (38.5%) offices were able to make appointments for both types of insurance, 39 (42.9%) for only BCBS, 1 (1.1%) for only Medicaid, and 16 (17.5%) for neither. For Medicaid patients, an appointment was booked in 13 (27.7%) clinics from Medicaid expanded states and in 23 (52.3%) clinics from unexpanded states (P = .016). CONCLUSION: For a first-time shoulder dislocator, access to care is more difficult with Medicaid insurance compared with private insurance. Within Medicaid insurance, access to care is more difficult in Medicaid expanded states compared with unexpanded states. Medicaid patients in unexpanded states are twice as likely as those in expanded states to obtain an appointment.

Trends and Characteristics of Highly Cited Articles in Proximal Humerus Fracture Research.

As the treatment of proximal humerus fractures remains controversial in the literature, this study aims to identify highly cited articles and examine trends and characteristics. Scopus was used to identify the highest cited articles of proximal humerus fracture research. SPSS 23 was used for descriptive statistics and Pearson correlations for the relationship between citation count and density. Average citation count was 233 ± 164 with an annual citation density of 14 ± 7. Total citation count was associated with total citation density, 5-year citation count, and 5-year citation density. The Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery-American produced the most articles with 15 (30%). Thirty-five articles originated in Europe. The five most represented authors published three articles each. Finally, 13 (26%) papers appear in the American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons Curriculum Guide. This study compiles a collection of articles investigating proximal humerus fractures for future review and demonstrates citation count to be an acceptable measure of an article's contemporary academic influence. (Journal of Surgical Orthopaedic Advances 28(3):180-188, 2019).

Is interposition arthroplasty a viable option for treatment of moderate to severe hallux rigidus? - A systematic review and meta-analysis.

INTRODUCTION: When conservative therapy for hallux rigidus fails, surgical options such as arthrodesis and interposition arthroplasty can be considered. Although arthrodesis of MTP joint is the gold standard treatment. However patients desiring MTP joint movement may opt for either interposition arthroplasty or implant arthroplasty to avoid the movement restrictions of arthrodesis. The purpose of this systematic review was to investigate clinical outcomes and complications following interposition arthroplasty for moderate to severe hallux rigidus, for patietns who would prefer to maintain range of motion in the MTP joint. METHODS: A systematic search on MEDLINE, EMBASE and Cochrane library database was performed during February 2018. Demographics, surgical techniques, clinical outcomes, radiological outcomes and complications were recorded from each included study. Pooled statistics performed for variables with homogenous data across the studies. A linear regression model used to compare the clinical outcomes between autogenous vs allogenous material interposition arthroplasty. RESULTS: Fifteen articles were included in the systematic review. Mean AOFAS scores improved from preoperative 41.35 to postoperative 83.17. Mean pain, function, and alignment score improved from preoperative values of 14.9, 24.9, and 10 to postoperative values of 33.3, 35.8, and 14.5. Mean dorsiflexion increased from 21.27° (5-30) to 42.03° (25-71). Mean ROM improved from 21.06° to 46.43°. Joint space increased from 0.8mm to 2.5mm. The most common postoperative complications included metatarsalgia (13.9%), loss of ground contact (9.7%), osteonecrosis (5.4%), great toe weakness (4.8%), hypoesthesia (4.2%), decreased push off power (4.2%), and callous formation (4.2%). CONCLUSION: Interposition arthroplasty is an effective treatment option with acceptable clinical outcomes in patients with moderate-severe hallux rigidus who prefer to maintain range of motion and accept the risk of future complications. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: IV.

Does an Algorithmic Approach to Using Brachytherapy and External Beam Radiation Result in Good Function, Local Control Rates, and Low Morbidity in Patients With Extremity Soft Tissue Sarcoma?

BACKGROUND: High-dose-rate brachytherapy (HDR-BT) and external-beam radiation therapy (EBRT) are two modalities used in the treatment of soft tissue sarcoma. Previous work at our institution showed early complications and outcomes for patients treated with HDR-BT, EBRT, or a combination of both radiation therapy modalities. As the general indications for each of these approaches to radiation therapy differ, it is important to evaluate the use of each in an algorithmic way, reflecting how they are used in contemporary practice at sites that use these treatments. QUESTION/PURPOSES: (1) To determine the proportions of intermediate- and long-term complications associated with the use of brachytherapy in the treatment of primary high-grade extremity soft tissue sarcomas; (2), to characterize the long-term morbidity of the three radiation treatment groups using the Radiation Therapy Oncology Group/ European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer (RTOG/EORTC) Late Radiation Morbidity Scoring Scheme; (3) to determine whether treatment with HDR-BT, EBRT, and HDR-BT+EBRT therapy, in combination with limb-salvage surgery, results in acceptable local control in this high-risk group of sarcomas. METHODS: We retrospectively studied data from 171 patients with a diagnosis of high-grade extremity soft tissue sarcoma treated with limb-sparing surgery and radiation therapy between 1990 and 2012 at our institution, with a mean followup of 72 months. Of the 171 patients, 33 (20%) were treated with HDR-BT, 128 (75%) with EBRT, and 10 (6%) with HDR-BT+EBRT. We excluded 265 patients with soft tissue sarcomas owing to axial tumor location, previous radiation to the affected extremity, incomplete patient records, patients receiving primary amputation, recurrent tumors, pediatric patients, low- and intermediate-grade tumors, and rhabdoid histology. Fifteen patients (9%) were lost to followup for any reason including died of disease or other causes during the first 12 months postoperatively. This included four patients who received HDR-BT (12%), 11 who received EBRT (9%), and none who received HDR-BT+EBRT (0%) with less than 12 months followup. Determination of radiation therapy technique for each patient was individualized in a multidisciplinary forum of sarcoma specialists. Anticipated close or positive surgical margins and a low likelihood of complex soft tissue procedures were factors that encouraged use of brachytherapy, whereas the anticipated need for secondary procedures and/or soft tissue coverage encouraged use of EBRT alone. Combination therapy was used when the treatment volume exceeded the treatment field of the brachytherapy catheters or when the catheters were used to boost a close or positive surgical margin. Local recurrence, complications, and morbidity outcomes scores (RTOG) were calculated based on chart review. Between-group comparisons pertaining to the proportion of patients experiencing complications, morbidity outcomes scores, and local recurrence rates were not performed because of dissimilarities among the patients in each group at baseline. RESULTS: The HDR-BT treatment group showed a high incidence of intermediate-term complications, with the three most common being: deep infection (33%, 11 of 33); dehiscence and delayed wound healing (24%, eight of 33); and seroma and hematoma (21%, seven of 33). The EBRT group showed a high incidence of intermediate- and long-term complications with the three most common being: chronic radiation dermatitis (35%, 45 of 128); fibrosis (27%, 35 of 128); and chronic pain and neuritis (13%, 16 of 128). The RTOG scores for each treatment group were: HDR-BT 0.8 ± SD 1.2; EBRT 1.9 ± 2.0; and HDR-BT+EBRT 1.7 ± 1.7. Overall, 142 of 169 (84%) patients were free from local recurrence: 27 (82%) in the HDR-BT group, 108 (86%) in the EBRT group, and seven (70%) in the combination therapy group. CONCLUSIONS: In this single-institution study, an algorithmic approach to using HDR-BT and EBRT in the treatment of patients with high-grade soft tissue sarcomas can yield acceptable complication rates, good morbidity outcome scores, and a high degree of local control. Based on these results, we believe HDR-BT is best for patients with an anticipated close margin, a positive surgical margin, and for patients who are unlikely to receive a complex soft tissue procedure. Conversely, if a secondary procedure and/or soft tissue coverage are likely to be used, EBRT alone may be reasonable. Finally, combination therapy might be considered when the treatment volume exceeded the treatment field capacity for HDR-BT or when the catheters were used to boost a close or positive surgical margin. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV, therapeutic study.

Total hip arthroplasty for posttraumatic osteoarthritis following acetabular fracture: A systematic review of characteristics, outcomes, and complications.

PURPOSE: Posttraumatic arthritis (PTA) may develop years after acetabular fracture, hindering joint function and causing significant chronic musculoskeletal pain. Given the delayed onset of PTA, few studies have assessed outcomes of delayed total hip arthroplasty (THA) in acetabular fracture patients. This study systematically reviewed the literature for outcomes of THA in patients with PTA and prior acetabular fracture. METHODS: Pubmed, EMBASE, SCOPUS, and Cochrane library were searched for articles containing the keywords "acetabular", "fracture", "arthroplasty", and "post traumatic arthritis" published between 1995 and August 2017. Studies with less than 10 patients, less than 2 years of follow-up, conference abstracts, and non-English language articles were excluded. Data on patient demographics, surgical characteristics, and outcomes of delayed THA, including implant survival, complications, need for revision, and functional scores, was collected from eligible studies. RESULTS: With 1830 studies were screened and data from 10 studies with 448 patients were included in this review. The median patient age on date of THA was 51.5 years, ranging from 19 to 90 years. The median time from fracture to THA was 37 months, with a range of 27-74 months. Mean follow-up times ranged from 4 to 20 years. The mean Harris hip scores (HHS) improved from 41.5 pre-operatively, to 87.6 post-operatively. The most prevalent postoperative complications were heterotopic ossification (28%-63%), implant loosening (1%-24%), and infection (0%-16%). The minimum 5-year survival of implants ranged from 70% to 100%. Revision rates ranged from 2% to 32%. CONCLUSION: Despite the difficulties associated with performing THA in patients with PTA from previous acetabular fracture (including soft tissue scarring, existing hardware, and acetabular bone loss) and the relatively high complication rates, THA in patients with PTA following prior acetabular fracture leads to significant improvement in pain and function at 10-year follow-up. Further high quality randomized controlled studies are needed to confirm the outcomes after delayed THA in these patients.

Acute joint pain in the emerging green collar workforce: Evidence from the linked National Health Interview Survey and Occupational Information Network (O*NET).

BACKGROUND: Green jobs are a rapidly emerging category of very heterogeneous occupations that typically involve engagement with new technologies and changing job demands predisposing them to physical stressors that may contribute to the development of joint pain. METHODS: We estimated and compared the prevalence of self-reported acute (past 30 days) joint pain between green and non-green collar workers using pooled 2004-2012 National Health Interview Survey (NHIS) data linked to the Occupational Information Network Database (O*NET). RESULTS: Green collar workers have a higher prevalence of acute joint pain as compared to non-green collar workers. Green collar workers with pain in the upper extremity joints were significantly greater than in the non-green collar workforce, for example, right shoulder [23.2% vs 21.1%], right elbow [13.7% vs 12.0%], left shoulder [20.1% vs 18.2%], and left elbow [12.0% vs 10.7%]. CONCLUSIONS: Acute joint pain reported by the emerging green collar workforce can assist in identifying at risk worker subgroups for musculoskeletal pain interventions.

Compartment Syndrome Due to Reperfusion Injury from an Axillary Artery Occlusion: A Case Report and Review of the Literature.

Introduction: While commonly caused by traumatic injury and fracture, compartment syndrome can also result from reperfusion injury. Very few cases of prophylactic fasciotomy are mentioned when considering time to revascularization after prolonged vascular ischemia. We present a case of a patient who underwent multiple compartment prophylactic fasciotomies following reperfusion injury in the upper extremity. Case Report: We report a 72-year-old male that suffered from an anterior shoulder dislocation after a ground-level fall. After reduction, pulses were not measurable, and angiography indicated an axillary artery occlusion. Immediately after operative reperfusion, compartments became tense. Orthopedic surgeons subsequently performed arm anterior, posterior, and forearm volar and mobile wad compartment fasciotomies, after 13 h of ischemia. The patient tolerated the procedure, and at the latest follow-up, was working to improve strength in the extremity. Conclusion: Even when the circumstances of injury seem to be less traumatic as in this case of a ground-level fall, we document the importance of prompt recognition and intervention of suspected compartment syndrome following prolonged ischemia and revascularization of the upper extremity.

The most influential studies concerning revision shoulder arthroplasty research.

Background: Bibliometric analysis is a unique tool that can be used to study the characteristics and trends of a given topic. This study aimed to report on the most influential studies concerning revision shoulder arthroplasty research. Methods: On July 4th, 2022, the Institute of Scientific Information (ISI) Web of Knowledge Database was used to identify articles concerning revision shoulder arthroplasty research. The top 50 most cited articles were selected and analyzed. Results: The mean number of citations was 142 (median: 97; range 599-70). Most articles were published in the 2010s (56%), followed by the 2000s (38%), and 1990s (6%). The most common level of evidence (LOE) was LOE II (42%) followed by LOE IV (38%), LOE I and III each had 10%. The greatest number of papers were published in the Journal of Shoulder and Elbow Surgery (46%), followed by the Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery- American Version (14%). Conclusion: This review can serve as a useful tool to study the most influential articles concerning revision shoulder arthroplasty research. Most of the articles were classified as clinical outcomes (62%), followed by natural history/epidemiology (12%), and surgical technique (10%). Our findings suggest that high-quality studies (LOE I) are lacking and other areas of research besides clinical outcomes are not as well studied.

Post-operative Urinary Dysfunction Following Shoulder Surgery: Rates and Risk Factors.

Background: Post-operative urinary retention (POUR) and dysfunction are recognized complications following orthopaedic surgery. Recent literature has focused on urinary retention and its associated complications following hip and knee reconstruction and lower extremity surgery. There is a paucity of literature focusing on POUR and shoulder surgery. The purpose of this study is to describe the rates of urinary dysfunction in patients undergoing shoulder surgery as well as the associated risk factors. Methods: This was a single institution, prospective cohort study. Eligibility criteria included patients older than 50 years of age undergoing open or arthroscopic shoulder surgery. The primary outcome was the American Urological Association (AUA) symptom score (7 questions total scored 0-5, total 35 points max) administered before and after surgery. Higher scores reflect worse urinary dysfunction. Intra-operative data such as type of surgery, type of anesthesia, use of anticholinergics, peripheral nerve block, length of case, and amount of intravenous fluids were collected. Results: Of 194 patients, the mean age was 61.4 years (Standard Deviation (S.D.) = 13.0)) and the average BMI was 29.2 (S.D. = 5.6). The sample was 35.6% female. Overall, 46.4% reported worse AUA scores post-operatively within the first 3 to 5 days, including 4.1% of which were clinically defined as "moderately worse" (>5 point worse) or "much worse" (>11 points worse). Worse preoperative AUA scores correlated with worse postop AUA score on linear regression analysis (r=0.883, P<0.0001). Males with a history of BPH showed a statistically significant positive association with worsening urinary dysfunction postoperatively (P=0.039). Four patients (2.1%) required postoperative catheterization. A significantly higher percentage of patients with preoperative AUA scores of ≥11 experienced worsening of urinary function post-operatively (P=0.04). Conclusion: Worsening of urinary function following shoulder surgery is common. The AUA score may be used to identify at-risk patients and to track changes in urinary function post-operatively. Men with a diagnosis of BPH are at particularly high risk. Further investigation is needed to elucidate the impact of urinary dysfunction on patient outcomes, satisfaction, and cost as well as the role of prophylactic medications.

Primary Versus Secondary Radiotherapy for Heterotopic Ossification Prevention About the Elbow.

OBJECTIVES: To examine the efficacy and safety of radiotherapy for the prevention of heterotopic ossification (HO) about the elbow. DESIGN: Retrospective chart review. SETTING: Level 1 trauma center. PATIENTS/PARTICIPANTS: Two hundred and twenty-nine patients who received prophylactic radiotherapy (XRT) over a 15-year period were identified. Patients were included if they received XRT to the elbow joint and had at least 12 weeks of follow-up after XRT. Fifty-four patients were ultimately included. INTERVENTION: All patients were treated with a single dose of 7 Gy. Ninety-eight percentage of patients received XRT within 24 hours after surgery, and all patients received XRT within 72 hours after surgery. MAIN OUTCOMES MEASUREMENTS: The primary study measures evaluated were the presence or absence of clinically symptomatic HO and the presence of radiographic HO after XRT to the elbow joint. RESULTS: Eighteen patients were treated with XRT after a traumatic injury requiring surgery (primary prophylaxis), and 36 were treated with XRT after excision surgery to remove HO which had already formed (secondary prophylaxis). In the primary cohort, 16.7% developed symptomatic HO after XRT and 11.1% required surgery to resect the heterotopic bone. In the secondary cohort, 11.1% developed symptomatic HO after surgery and XRT and 5.5% required resection surgery. No secondary malignancies were identified. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings suggest that XRT for elbow HO may be safe and effective for both primary and secondary HO. XRT for HO was not shown to be associated with radiation-induced sarcoma in this series, at least in the short term. Further study in a large patient population with extended follow-up is required to better characterize populations at high risk for development of HO and secondary malignancy. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Prognostic Level III. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

Effect of Achilles Tendon Repair on Performance Outcomes After Return to Play in National Collegiate Athletic Association Division I Basketball Athletes.

BACKGROUND: Achilles tendon (AT) ruptures are devastating injuries that are highly prevalent among athletes. Despite our understanding of the effect of AT rupture and in particular its relationship to basketball, no study has examined the effects of AT rupture and repair on performance metrics in collegiate basketball players. PURPOSE: To evaluate the effect of AT rupture and subsequent surgical repair on performance metrics in National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Division I basketball players who return to play after injury. STUDY DESIGN: Descriptive epidemiology study. METHODS: NCAA Division I basketball players who sustained an AT rupture and underwent subsequent surgical repair between 2000 and 2019 were identified by systematically evaluating individual injury reports from databases comprising NCAA career statistics and individual school statistics; 65 male and 41 female players were identified. Athletes were included if they participated in at least one-half of the games of 1 collegiate season before tearing the AT and at least 1 season after operative repair. A total of 50 male and 30 female athletes were included. Each injured athlete was matched to a healthy control by conference, position, starter status at time of injury, class year, and number of games played. Matched controls were healthy players and experienced no significant injuries during their NCAA careers. RESULTS: After AT repair, male athletes had significantly more minutes per game, points per game, and compared with before injury. Total blocks significantly decreased after injury. Female athletes scored significantly more points per game but demonstrated a significantly lower 3-point shooting percentage after return to play. Despite undergoing AT rupture and repair, 14% of male players played in the National Basketball Association, and 20% of injured female athletes played in the Women's National Basketball Association. CONCLUSION: After returning to play, men demonstrated a significant drop-off in performance only in regard to total blocks. Female athletes after AT repair demonstrated a significant improvement in points per game but had a significant drop-off in 3-point shooting percentage.

Epidemiology of Severe Foot Injuries in US Collegiate Athletes.

BACKGROUND: The effects of foot injuries on collegiate athletes in the United States are of interest because of the short 5-year eligibility period in the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA). PURPOSE: To discuss the epidemiology of severe NCAA foot injuries sustained over 10 years in 25 sports. STUDY DESIGN: Descriptive epidemiology study. METHODS: We utilized the NCAA Injury Surveillance System, which prospectively collects deidentified injury data for collegiate athletes. Severe injuries were classified as season- or career-ending injuries, injuries with >30-day time loss, or injuries requiring operative treatment. Injury rates (IRs) were analyzed per 100,000 athlete-exposures. RESULTS: Of 3607 total foot injuries, 18.71% (n = 675) were classified as severe, with an IR of 5.73 per 100,000 athletic-exposures. For all severe injuries, the operative rate was 24.3%, the season-ending rate 37.0%, and the career-ending rate 4.4%. The proportion of recurrent injuries was 13.9%. Men's sports with the highest severe foot IRs were basketball (IR = 10.71), indoor track (IR = 7.16), and football (IR = 7.08). Women's sports with the highest severe foot IRs were cross-country (IR = 17.15), gymnastics (IR = 14.76), and outdoor track (IR = 14.65). Among all severe foot injuries, the most common was a fifth metatarsal fracture. The highest contact/noncontact injury ratios were phalangeal fracture, turf toe, and Lisfranc injury. The severe injuries with the highest operative rates were Lisfranc injuries, fifth metatarsal fractures, and midfoot fractures. The severe injuries associated with the highest season-ending IRs were Lisfranc injury, midfoot fracture, and general metatarsal fractures. Severe flexor/extensor injuries had the highest career-ending IRs, followed by turf toe. Severe injuries with the highest median time loss were sesamoidal fractures, calcaneal fractures, and plantar fascial injuries. CONCLUSION: Of all collegiate foot injuries sustained over a 10-year period, 18.7% were characterized as severe, and 24.3% of severe injuries required surgery. Basketball was the men's sport with the highest severe IR, and cross-country was the women's sport with the highest severe IR. Overall, female athletes experienced slightly higher severe foot IRs as compared with male athletes.

Tantalum: the next biomaterial in spine surgery?

Tantalum is a porous metal, whose elastic modulus, high frictional properties and biocompatibility make it an ideal construct to facilitate adequate bony fusion in spine surgery. Since 2015, the published literature on clinical outcomes of tantalum in spine surgery has more than doubled. A review of the literature was performed on the PubMed (MEDLINE) database on January 27, 2019, for papers pertinent to the use of tantalum metal in spine surgery. Thirteen studies were included in this review. For cervical spine, we found increased fusion rates in autograft alone compared to tantalum standalone (92.8% vs. 89.0%, P=0.001) and tantalum cages plus autograft (92.8% vs. 64.8%, P<0.0001). Complication rates in cervical fusion were lower in patients treated with tantalum standalone versus those treated with autograft (7.4% vs. 13.7%, P<0.0001), and autograft and anterior plate (7.4% vs. 33%, P=0.001). Autograft patients had higher rates of revision surgery compared to tantalum standalone (12.8% vs. 2.8%, P<0.0001) and tantalum ring with autograft (12.8% vs. 7.7%, P<0.001). For lumbar spine, we found autograft had lower fusion rate compared to tantalum standalone (80.0% vs. 93.4%, P<0.0001). Use of tantalum metal in spine fusion surgery shows promising results in fusion, complication and revision rates, and clinical outcomes compared to autograft. Although, fusion rates in short-term studies evaluating tantalum in the cervical spine are conflicting, long-term series beyond 2 years show excellent results. This early finding may be related difficulties in radiographic evaluation of fusion in the setting of tantalum cage use. Further studies are needed to further delineate the timing of fusion with the implementation of tantalum in the cervical and lumbar spine.

Use of Magnetic Resonance Imaging for Orthopedic Trauma and Infection in the Emergency Department.

Conditions affecting the musculoskeletal system constitute a significant portion of medical emergencies in the United States, with traumatic injury and infection being two of the most common etiologies. Although physical examination and plain radiographs are often sufficient to guide diagnosis and treatment, there are myriad traumatic and infectious pathologies that are commonly missed or simply not detectable on plain radiographs. Advanced imaging is subsequently warranted for additional workup.Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has become an increasingly used imaging modality for musculoskeletal complaints in the emergency department due to its superior visualization of soft tissues, focal edematous changes, and occult osseous insults often not visible on plain radiographs. Although multiple studies have evaluated its utility in the workup of emergency musculoskeletal complaints, there remains a dearth of literature examining the use of MRI for certain occult diagnoses.Radiologists, emergency clinicians, and orthopedic surgeons must be knowledgeable of the indications for MRI in the emergency setting, as delayed diagnosis may contribute to increased morbidity and possibly mortality. This review summarizes the use of MRI in diagnoses relating to trauma or infection among patients presenting to the emergency department with a musculoskeletal complaint.