Sex Differences in Complications Following Total Hip Arthroplasty: A Population-Based Study.

BACKGROUND: The relationship between sex and outcomes, especially complications, after total hip arthroplasty (THA) has not been well established. This study aimed to identify if patient biological sex significantly impacted complications after THA in Ontario, Canada. METHODS: A population-based retrospective cohort study of patients undergoing primary THA in Ontario from April 1, 2015 to March 31, 2020 was conducted. The primary outcome was major surgical complications within a year postsurgery (a composite of revision, deep infection requiring surgery, and dislocation). Secondary outcomes included the individual component of the composite primary outcome and major medical complications within 30 days. Proportional hazards regression calculated the adjusted hazards ratio for major surgical complications in men relative to women, adjusting for age, comorbidities, neighborhood income quintile, surgeon and hospital volume, and year of surgery. RESULTS: A total of 67,077 patients (median age 68 years; 54.1% women) from 61 hospitals were included; women were older with a higher prevalence of frailty. Women had a higher rate of major surgical complications within 1 year of surgery compared to men (2.9 versus 2.5%, adjusted odds ratio 1.19, 95% confidence interval 1.08 to 1.33, P = .0009). Conversely, men had a higher risk for medical complications within 30 days (6.3 versus 2.7%, P < .001). CONCLUSIONS: Observable sex disparities exist in post-THA complications; women face surgical complications predominantly, while medical complications are more prevalent in men. These insights can shape preoperative patient consultations. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III.

Position statement: management of proximal humerus fractures.

We sought to compare outcomes and reoperation rates for the surgical treatment of proximal humerus fractures (excluding head-splitting fractures, fracture-dislocations, and isolated greater-tuberosity fractures) in men and women older than 60 years. We searched MEDLINE, Embase, and Cochrane through to Feb. 1, 2022, and included all English-language randomized trials comparing operative versus nonoperative treatment; open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) with locking plate versus intramedullary nail; arthroplasty versus ORIF; and reverse shoulder arthroplasty versus hemiarthroplasty. Outcomes of interest were functional outcomes (e.g., Constant score), pain outcomes (visual analogue scale scores), and reoperation rates for the interventions of interest when available. We rated the quality of the evidence and strength of recommendations using the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) approach. This guideline will benefit patients considering surgical intervention for fractures of the proximal humerus by improving counselling on surgical treatment options and possible outcomes. It will also benefit surgical providers by improving their knowledge of various surgical approaches. Data presented could be used to develop frameworks and tools for shared decision-making.Nous avons cherché à comparer les résultats et les taux de réintervention à la suite d'un traitement chirurgical pour une fracture de l'humérus proximal (excluant les fractures de la tête humérale, les fractures-luxations et les fractures isolées de la grande tubérosité) chez les hommes et les femmes âgés de plus de 60 ans. Nous avons effectué des recherches dans les bases de données MEDLINE, Embase, et Cochrane jusqu'au 1er février 2022 et avons inclus tous les essais randomisés publiés en anglais comparant différents duos d'interventions : traitements chirurgicaux ou non chirurgicaux; réductions ouvertes avec fixation interne (ROFI) réalisées à l'aide d'une plaque verrouillée ou enclouages centromédullaires; arthroplasties ou ROFI; et arthroplasties inversées de l'épaule ou hémiarthroplasties. Les paramètres d'intérêt étaient la capacité fonctionnelle (p. ex., score de Constant), la douleur (p. ex., échelle analogique visuelle) et le taux de réintervention pour les interventions d'intérêt, selon les données disponibles. Nous avons évalué la qualité des données probantes et la solidité des recommandations à l'aide de l'approche GRADE (Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluation). Cette ligne directrice profitera aux patients qui envisagent une intervention chirurgicale après une fracture de l'humérus proximal en améliorant les consultations sur les options de traitement chirurgical et les résultats escomptés. Elle aidera aussi les chirurgiens en améliorant leurs connaissances sur différentes approches chirurgicales. Les données présentées pourraient servir à mettre au point des cadres et des outils pour une prise de décision partagée.

Editorial Commentary: Management of First-Time Anterior Shoulder Instability Requires Risk Stratification and Surgery for Many, But Not All.

The management of a patient with a first-time anterior shoulder dislocation has been the subject of longstanding debate among shoulder surgeons. A number of prognostic factors for recurrent instability have been proposed, including younger age, male sex, contact sports, and glenoid bone loss. Predictive tools and scores have been developed to assist in risk stratifying this patient population; however, no universally agreed upon, clinically validated algorithm exists. More recently, there has been emerging evidence favoring early surgical stabilization, as it has been shown to result in better overall outcomes compared with patients undergoing surgery following episodes of recurrent instability. With each subsequent dislocation or subluxation event, there is increased glenoid bone loss (and development of inverted-pear glenoid), a greater prevalence of engaging (i.e., off-track) Hill-Sachs lesions, more extensive labral tears, a greater risk of rotator cuff involvement (in the older patient), and increased plastic and/or permanent deformation, elongation, and compromise of the antero-inferior glenohumeral joint capsule and associated inferior glenohumeral ligament complex. Moreover, there is now sufficient evidence to suggest that recurrence comes at a cost, as it is a major risk factor for poor outcomes following arthroscopic stabilization. However, one risk is overtreatment, potentially exposing those individuals who would not have had another instability event due to an unnecessary procedure. We should continue to use the available evidence within the literature to help risk-stratify patients and develop an individualized treatment plan through a shared decision-making process with the patient.

Isolated Acetabuloplasty for Femoroacetabular Impingement: Favorable Patient-Reported Outcomes and Sustained Survivorship at Minimum 5-Year Follow-Up.

PURPOSE: To evaluate minimum 5-year outcomes and conversion rate to total hip arthroplasty (THA) for the treatment of femoroacetabular impingement (FAI) syndrome with an isolated acetabular osteoplasty. METHODS: Patients undergoing hip arthroscopy with an isolated acetabular osteoplasty from March 2009 to June 2014 for FAI syndrome with pincer and/or cam morphology and a labral tear were identified. Those who underwent femoroplasty or prior ipsilateral hip surgery or who had previous hip conditions, ipsilateral hip dysplasia, or a Tönnis grade higher than 2 were excluded. Patient-reported outcomes (PROs) collected included Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS) scores specific to physical functioning and pain interference, modified Harris Hip Score, International Hip Outcome Tool 12, Hip Outcome Score-Activities of Daily Living, Hip Outcome Score-Sport-Specific Subscale, and Numeric Pain Rating Scale. Patients were also queried about secondary surgical procedures and conversion to THA. RESULTS: We identified 86 patients at minimum 5-year follow-up (average, 7.4 years). The average patient age was 39.8 ± 12.3 years, 70.9% of patients were female, and 7% of patients had Tönnis grade 2. The mean PRO scores were 52.0 ± 8.9 for the PROMIS physical functioning score, 39.6 ± 7.5 for the PROMIS pain interference score, 78.7 ± 12.0 for the modified Harris Hip Score, 73.3 ± 23.1 for the International Hip Outcome Tool 12 score, 89.9 ± 12.0 for the Hip Outcome Score-Activities of Daily Living, and 81.4 ± 21.0 for the Hip Outcome Score-Sport-Specific Subscale. Of the patients, 72.1% achieved the patient acceptable symptomatic state (PASS) according to previously established PASS scores for FAI syndrome treated with hip arthroscopy at minimum 5-year follow-up. The overall rate of revision arthroscopy was 3.5%, and the rate of conversion to THA was 5.8%. CONCLUSIONS: An isolated acetabular osteoplasty can provide sustained clinical benefits for the treatment of FAI syndrome with labral tears, with good to excellent PROs and PASS rates and a low rate of conversion to THA at minimum 5-year follow-up. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV, case series.

Does Platelet-Rich Plasma Lead to Earlier Return to Sport When Compared With Conservative Treatment in Acute Muscle Injuries? A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.

PURPOSE: To compare the time to return to sport and reinjury rate after platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injection versus control therapy (i.e., physiotherapy or placebo injection) in patients with acute grade I or II muscle strains. METHODS: All eligible studies comparing PRP against a control in the treatment of acute (≤7 days) grade I or II muscle strains were identified. The primary outcome was time to return to play. The secondary outcome was the rate of reinjury at a minimum of 6 months of follow-up. Subgroup analysis was performed to examine the efficacy of PRP in hamstring muscle strains alone. The checklist to evaluate a report of a nonpharmacologic trial (CLEAR-NPT) was used to assess the quality of studies. RESULTS: Five randomized controlled trials including a total of 268 patients with grade I and II acute muscle injuries were eligible for review. The pooled results revealed a significantly earlier return to sport for the PRP group when compared with the control group (mean difference, -5.57 days [95% confidence interval, -9.57 to -1.58]; P = .006). Subgroup analysis showed no difference in time to return to sport when comparing PRP and control therapy in grade I and II hamstring muscle strains alone (P = .19). No significant difference was noted in the rate of reinjury between the 2 groups (P = .50) at a minimum of 6 months of follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: Evidence from the current literature, although limited, suggests that the use of PRP may result in an earlier return to sport among patients with acute grade I or II muscle strains without significantly increasing the risk of reinjury at 6 months of follow-up. However, no difference in time to return to sport was revealed when specifically evaluating those with a grade I or II hamstring muscle strain. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level II, meta-analysis of level I and II studies.

The effect of patient, provider and surgical factors on survivorship of high tibial osteotomy to total knee arthroplasty: a population-based study.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to identify the survivorship of high tibial osteotomy (HTO) to total knee arthroplasty (TKA) on a population level, and identify the patient, provider and surgical factors that influenced eventual TKA. METHODS: Administrative records from physician billings and hospital admissions were used to identify all adults in Ontario, Canada, who underwent an HTO from 1994 to 2010. The primary outcome was time to TKA, which was estimated using Kaplan-Meier (KM) survival analysis. A Cox proportional hazards model examined the risk associated with patient factors (age, sex, income and co-morbidity score), provider factors (hospital status, surgeon volume and surgeon year in practice) and surgical factors (concurrent ligament reconstruction or bone grafting; and previous chondral or meniscal surgery). RESULTS: A total of 2671 patients who underwent HTO met inclusion. The median age was 46 years (interquartile range 39-53 years), and 62 % were male. The KM survivorship of HTO to TKA at 10 years was 0.67 ± 0.01. Older age [HR 1.05 (95 % CI 1.04, 1.06), p < 0.001; 5 % increased risk for each year over age 46], female sex [HR 1.35 (95 % CI 1.17, 1.55), p < 0.001], higher comorbidity score [HR 1.58 (95 % CI 1.12, 2.22), p = 0.009] and a prior history of arthroscopy/meniscectomy [HR 1.24 (95 % CI 1.08, 1.43), p = 0.002] increased the risk of eventual TKA. However, HTO with concurrent ligament reconstruction was associated with lower [HR 0.62 (95 % CI 0.43, 0.88), p = 0.008] risk of eventual TKA. CONCLUSION: In this population, two-thirds of patients were able to avoid a TKA for 10 years after HTO. Specific factors such as older age, female sex, higher comorbidity and prior meniscectomy lowered survival rates. An understanding of patient risk factors for conversion to TKA may help guide surgeons in their selection of patients who will benefit most from HTO. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Retrospective cohort study, III.

The True Recurrence Rate and Factors Predicting Recurrent Instability After Nonsurgical Management of Traumatic Primary Anterior Shoulder Dislocation: A Systematic Review.

PURPOSE: To (1) define the cumulative recurrence rate after primary anterior shoulder dislocation in Level I and II comparative studies and (2) to pool risk ratios for common risk factors to provide a clinically practical hierarchy of modifiable and nonmodifiable risk factors for recurrence. METHODS: Level I and II prognostic studies were identified using the electronic databases CINAHL, Embase, and MEDLINE from inception to December 2014. Included studies (n = 15) had recurrent dislocation as the main outcome, and a minimum 2-year follow-up. The cumulative odds ratio of prognostic factors was calculated where appropriate. Bias was assessed in each study using the Quality in Prognosis Studies (QUIPS) tool. RESULTS: The reported rate of recurrence ranged from 19% to 88% (pooled overall = 21%; pooled Level I only = 47%). The pooled time to recurrence was 10.8 months (standard deviation 0.42). Male sex (n = 6 studies) conferred a 2.68 (1.66-4.31; P < .001) and patient age <20 years (n = 4 studies) conferred a 12.76 (5.77-28.2; P < .001; vs >20 years) increased odds of recurrence. An associated greater tuberosity fracture (n = 7 studies) decreased the odds of recurrence by 3.8 times (2.94-5.00; P < .001). The quality of evidence was moderate for age, low for sex, and very low for all other prognostic variables. CONCLUSIONS: The pooled rate of recurrence after primary anterior shoulder instability was found to be 21% among moderate- to high-quality prognostic studies. Male sex and younger age predicted a significantly higher risk of recurrent instability (approaching 80%), whereas concurrent fracture of the greater tuberosity significantly decreased the risk of subsequent recurrent dislocation. However, considering the quality of available evidence for these predictors, there remains a clear need for further high-quality prospective studies. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level II, systematic review of Level I and II prognostic studies.

Open reduction and internal fixation of the proximal humerus with femoral head allograft augmentation "the French fry technique".

Fractures of the proximal humerus account for 4%-8% of injuries to the appendicular skeleton. Most are stable, minimally displaced osteoporotic fractures in the elderly, and are the result of low-energy falls. A large majority of these patients regain adequate shoulder function without operative intervention. Surgery is considered in approximately 20% of patients because they require improved shoulder function for their activities of daily living or because of the significant deformity of their fracture and the need to restore functional alignment, length, and rotation in active, higher demand individuals. However, fixation of these fractures can pose a challenge due to poor bone quality and displacing forces of the rotator cuff. This is especially true in 3-part and 4-part fractures. These factors lead to the high failure rates seen with early attempts at osteosynthesis. In the last 2 decades, locking plate technology has been an innovation in treating these complex fractures. Despite the improvements in torsional strength and rigidity, outcome studies on locking plate technology demonstrate equivocal results with complication rates as high as 20%-30% and a revision rate of 10%. Specifically, these complications include avascular necrosis, varus collapse, intra-articular screw penetration, and postoperative stiffness. Varus collapse occurs when the weak osteoporotic bone fails around the implant. In turn, fibular strut endosteal augmentation was introduced to provide additional support and decrease implant failure rates in displaced fractures with varus coronal malalignment and significant metaphyseal bone loss. Although clinically successful and biomechanically superior to plate-only constructs, a few concerns remain. In turn, we introduce a novel technique of creating individual cancellous femoral head allograft struts or "French fries" that provides structural support for the humeral head but does not have the potential problems of a cortical fibular strut.

Single-Row Repair Versus Double-Row Repair in the Surgical Management of Achilles Insertional Tendinopathy: A Systematic Review.

Background: Approximately 6% of people will report Achilles tendon pain during their lifetime, and one-third of these individuals will have Achilles insertional tendinopathy (AIT). For patients who have failed conservative treatment, surgical repair is performed. Achilles tendon repair can occur through various techniques, including a single-row or double-row repair. Purpose: To determine if there are significant advantages to double-row repair over single-row repair with respect to biomechanical and clinical outcomes. Study design: Systematic review; Level of evidence, 3. Methods: A systematic review of the literature was conducted in accordance with the PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) guidelines. An electronic search of the EMBASE and PubMed databases was performed for all studies related to surgical treatment of AIT, which yielded 1431 unique results. These included both biomechanical and clinical studies. Clinical studies in which patients were not diagnosed with AIT, underwent surgery for repair of acute Achilles tendon rupture, or studies that included additional procedures such as a concomitant flexor hallucis longus transfer were excluded. Eligible studies were independently screened by 2 reviewers. A risk-of-bias assessment was conducted using the Cochrane Risk Of Bias In Non-randomized Studies-of Interventions and risk-of-bias tool for randomized trials tools. Results: A total of 23 studies were included, 4 of which were biomechanical studies and 19 were clinical studies. Biomechanical comparison found that there was a significant advantage to using double-row versus single-row fixation with respect to load at yield (354.7 N vs 198.7 N; P = .01) and mean peak load (433.9 N vs 212 N; P = .042). There was no significant difference between double-row and single-row repair with respect to load to failure. Significant heterogeneity of the studies did not allow for a statistical comparison of the clinical outcomes between double-row and single-row repairs. Conclusion: Although biomechanical studies favor double-row repair for AIT, the current data available on the clinical outcomes are not sufficient to determine if there is a clinical advantage of double-row repair. Larger, prospective randomized controlled trials utilizing validated outcome measures are needed to further elucidate whether the biomechanical advantages associated with double-row repair also translate into improved patient-reported outcomes.

The impact of scapular posture and sagittal spine alignment on motion and functional outcomes following reverse total shoulder arthroplasty: a scoping review.

Background: Reverse total shoulder arthroplasty (RTSA) has evolved beyond its initial indication for elderly patients with rotator cuff arthropathy and is now performed in younger patients for various shoulder pathologies. This surgical procedure has recently gained popularity and has been shown to result in similar functional improvements and complication rates compared to anatomical total shoulder arthroplasty. Scapular posture and sagittal spine alignment (SSPA) have recently emerged as factors potentially influencing RTSA outcomes. This scoping review aimed to assess the existing body of evidence on this topic. Methods: A systematic search was conducted on MEDLINE, Embase, and CENTRAL databases to evaluate the impact of scapular posture and SSPA on RTSA outcomes. Results: A total of 6 studies (616 shoulders) were included in this review. Scapular posture was found to influence RTSA outcomes, with studies reporting correlations between scapular posture with postoperative range of motion and functional scores. Suboptimal scapular posture, particularly type C (kyphotic posture with protracted scapulae), appeared to be associated with reduced external rotation. However, findings among the included studies regarding SSPA were varied. Some studies suggested that SSPA, notably thoracic kyphosis, might impact RTSA outcomes by influencing scapular posture, while others did not find a clear relationship. Conclusion: Scapular posture was implicated as a potential factor affecting RTSA outcomes; however, the role of SSPA remains inconclusive. There is currently a lack of high-quality evidence in the literature to draw definitive conclusions regarding the impact of scapular posture and SSPA on RTSA outcomes. More research is warranted to investigate these relationships more comprehensively.

A Systematic Review of Shoulder Arthroplasty in Parkinson's Disease.

Background: Parkinson's disease is a degenerative neurological disorder that can cause both motor and nonmotor symptoms. Motor symptoms are associated with increasing the patient's falls risk. Shoulder arthroplasty surgery in this patient cohort is associated with more complications than non-Parkinsonian patients. We sought to identify any increase in complications associated with this patient cohort and any surgical considerations that ought to be taken in light of their disease process. Methods: We performed a systematic review of articles using PubMed, MEDLINE, Cochrane Central, and Google Scholar. All studies which included any shoulder arthroplasty surgery for patients with Parkinson's disease were included. Results: Complication rates were higher in patients with Parkinson's disease than in the normal arthroplasty cohort in all studies. There was significant heterogeneity between all 8 studies included in the systematic review. Complication rates ranged from 26% to 100%. Complications included subluxation, loosening, malunion, nonunion, scapular notching, stiffness, fracture, baseplate failure, dislocation, and infection. Reoperation rates ranged from 5% to 29%. Conclusion: Compared to patients without Parkinson's disease undergoing shoulder arthroplasty, patients with Parkinson's disease achieved similar reductions in pain but inferior clinical function. The range of movement was less predictable, and complication rates were significantly higher in Parkinson's disease patients. This study will aid the surgeon and patient regarding surgical intervention, informed consent, and allow the surgeon to anticipate potential complications of shoulder arthroplasty in this patient cohort.

Management of Proximal Humeral Fractures in Adults: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

OBJECTIVES: Differences in function, pain, and reoperation rates were compared between the following treatment options: (1) operative vs. nonoperative treatment and (2) various surgical treatments including open reduction internal fixation, intramedullary nail, hemiarthroplasty (HA), and reverse shoulder arthroplasty (RSA). DATA SOURCES: MEDLINE, Embase, and Cochrane were searched through February 1, 2022. All English-language randomized trials comparing operative and nonoperative treatment of proximal humeral fractures with a control group in patients 18 years or older were included. DATA EXTRACTION: Demographic data, functional and pain scores and re-operation rates were extracted. Study quality was determined with the Cochran risk of bias tool and the Grades of Recommendation, Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE). Heterogeneity was determined with the I-squared statistic. DATA SYNTHESIS: Meta-analysis of included studies using mean difference and odds ratios where appropriate. CONCLUSIONS: Surgical treatment with either locked plates or HA results in similar functional scores and pain outcomes as nonoperative treatment, although plates were associated with higher reoperation rates in 3-part and 4-part fractures. In 3-part and 4-part fractures, RSA results in higher function and pain scores compared with HA. Further high-quality trials should focus on RSA, and further study is required to better define the role of open reduction internal fixation in the younger patient population. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic Level I. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

Predicting Pathological Fractures at Metastatic Humeral Lesions.

The humerus is the second most common site of metastatic disease involving long bones, yet it is still unclear which patients are at high risk for a fracture and may require prophylactic surgical fixation. The goal of this study was to assess the validity of the Mirels score to predict fractures of metastatic lesions in the humerus. Methods: We performed a retrospective electronic chart review of patients with humeral metastases at our institution (2005 to 2021), with 188 patients meeting the inclusion criteria. Sixty-one of the patients developed a fracture during follow-up. The metastatic humeral lesions were scored according to the Mirels rating system and additional radiographic criteria (cortical breach, location within the humerus, number of lesions). The predictive value of each Mirels score cutoff for fracture was assessed using sensitivity, specificity, area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC), and multivariate logistic regression. Survivorship until fracture was analyzed for each Mirels score cutoff using Kaplan-Meier curves and the log-rank test. Significance was set at p < 0.01. Results: There were no significant differences in age, sex, side of the lesion, type of malignancy, and radiation dose between the groups with and without fracture (all p > 0.01). A Mirels score of ≥8 points had the best predictive profile, with sensitivity of 83.6%, specificity of 79.5%, and AUC of 0.82 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.75 to 0.88, p < 0.01). A logistic regression model also demonstrated that a Mirels score of ≥8 (odds ratio = 5.8, 95% CI = 1.9 to 18.2, p < 0.01) and a cortical breach (odds ratio = 21.0, 95% CI = 5.7 to 77.2, p < 0.01) were significant predictors of pathological fracture. No other radiographic characteristics were found to be significant predictors of fracture. Conclusions: This study indicated that a Mirels score of ≥8 points had the best predictive profile for anticipating fractures at a metastasis in the humerus. This is in contrast to the traditional Mirels definition of an impending pathological fracture that is used for the lower extremity, a score of ≥9. Additionally, the presence of a cortical breach was a significant predictor of fracture risk. Level of Evidence: Prognostic Level III. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

Inadequate proximal screw fixation increases risk of failure following plate fixation of diaphyseal humerus fractures.

BACKGROUND: Operative treatment of humeral shaft fractures (AO/OTA 12) is being performed more frequently. Accordingly, it is important to understand the complications associated with plate fixation. This study analyzes risk factors associated with mechanical failure following plate fixation of humeral shaft fractures in order to further elucidate the mode and location of failure. METHODS: A retrospective review of 351 humeral shaft fractures was completed at a single level I trauma center. Eleven of eighty-five humeral shaft fractures had aseptic mechanical failure requiring revision (12.9%), following initial plate fixation. Fracture characteristics (AO type, comminution, location) and fracture fixation (plate type, multiplanar, number of screws proximal and distal to the fracture) were compared between aseptic mechanical failure and those without failure. A forward stepwise logistic regression analysis was performed to determine any significant predictors of aseptic mechanical failure. RESULTS: There was significant differences in fixation between the aseptic mechanical failure group and those without failure, specifically in the number of screws for proximal fixation (p = 0.008) and distal fixation (p = 0.040). In the aseptic mechanical failure group, patients tended to have less than < 8 cortices of proximal fixation (82%) and less than < 8 cortices of distal fixation (64%). Conversely, in patients without mechanical failure there was a tendency to have greater than > 8 cortices in both the proximal (62%) and distal fixation (70%). A forward stepwise logistic regression analysis found that less than < 8 cortices of proximal fixation was a significant predictor of aseptic failure, OR 7.96 (p = 0.011). We think this can be accounted for due to the variable bone quality, thinner cortices and multiple torsional forces in the proximal shaft that may warrant special consideration for fixation. CONCLUSION: The current dogma of humeral shaft fracture stabilization is to use a minimum of 3 screws proximal and distal to the fracture, however the current study demonstrates this is associated with higher rates of mechanical failure. In contrast, 4 bicortical screws or more of fixation on either side of the fracture had lower failure rates and may help to reduce the risk of mechanical failure. Level of Evidence Level III.

Assessing Appropriateness for Shoulder Arthroplasty Using a Shared Decision-Making Process.

Purpose: The primary purpose of this study was to validate an appropriateness decision-aid tool as a part of engaging patients with glenohumeral arthritis in their surgical management. The associations between the final decision to have surgery and patient characteristics were examined. Materials and Methods: This was an observational study. The demographics, overall health, patient-specific risk profile, expectations, and health-related quality of life were documented. Visual analog scale and the American Shoulder & Elbow Surgeon (ASES) measured pain and functional disability, respectively. Clinical and imaging examination documented clinical findings and extent of degenerative arthritis and cuff tear arthropathy. Appropriateness for arthroplasty surgery was documented by a 5-item Likert response survey and the final decision was documented as ready, not-ready, and would like to further discuss. Results: Eighty patients, 38 women (47.5%), mean age: 72(8) participated in the study. The appropriateness decision aid showed excellent discriminate validity (area under the receiver operating characteristic curve value of 0.93) in differentiating between patients who were "ready" and those who were "not-ready" to have surgery. Gender (P = 0.037), overall health (P = .024), strength in external rotation (P = .002), pain severity (P = .001), ASES score (P < .0001), and expectations (P = .024) were contributing factors to the decision to have surgery. Imaging findings did not play a significant role in the final decision to have surgery. Conclusions: A 5-item tool showed excellent validity in differentiating patients who were ready to have surgery versus those who were not. Patient's gender, expectations, strength, and self-reported outcomes were important factors in reaching the final decision.

Attitudes and Practices Surrounding Opioid Prescriptions following Open Reduction Internal Fixation of Distal Radius and Ankle Fractures: A Survey of the Canadian Orthopaedic Association Membership.

Background: The past two decades have seen a significant increase in consequences associated with nonmedical misuse of prescription opioids, such as addiction and unintentional overdose deaths. This study aimed to use an electronic survey to assess attitudes and opioid-prescribing practices of Canadian orthopaedic surgeons and trainees following open reduction internal fixation (ORIF) of distal radius and ankle fractures. This study was the first to assess these factors following ORIF of distal radius and ankle fractures using a survey design. Methods: A 40-item survey was developed focusing on four themes: respondent demographics, opioid-prescribing practice, patients with substance use disorders, and drug diversion. The survey was distributed among members of the Canadian Orthopaedic Association. Descriptive statistics were used to summarize respondent demographics and outcomes of interest. A Chi-square test was used to determine if proportion of opioid prescriptions between attending surgeons and surgeons in training was equal. Results: 191 surveys were completed. Most respondents prescribed 10-40 tabs of immediate-release opioids, though this number varied considerably. While most respondents believed patients consumed only 40-80% of the prescribed opioids (73.6%), only 28.7% of respondents counselled patients on safe storage/disposal of leftover opioids. 30.5% of respondents felt confident in their knowledge of opioid use and mechanisms of addiction. Most respondents desired further education on topics such as procedure-based opioid-prescribing protocols (74.2%), alternative pain management strategies (69.7%), and mechanisms of opioid addiction (49.0%). Conclusions: The principle finding of this study is the lack of a standardized approach to postoperative prescribing in distal radius and ankle fractures, illustrated by the wide range in number of opioids prescribed by Canadian orthopaedic surgeons. Our data suggest a trend towards overprescription among respondents following distal radius and ankle ORIF. Future studies should aim to rationalize interventions targeted at reducing postoperative opioid prescribing for common orthopaedic trauma procedures.

Early outcomes of augmented glenoid components in anatomic total shoulder arthroplasty: a systematic review.

Background: The objective was to evaluate the short-term clinical and radiological outcomes following augmented anatomic total shoulder arthroplasty in patients with posterior glenoid deficiency. Methods: An electronic search of EMBASE, MEDLINE, and PubMed identified studies reporting clinical and radiographic outcomes following augmented anatomic total shoulder arthroplasty among patients with posterior glenoid deficiency. Results: Nine studies including 312 shoulders underwent anatomic total shoulder arthroplasty using an augmented glenoid implant between 2015 and 2020. A statistically significant improvement in range of motion (ROM), visual analog scale (VAS), American Shoulder & Elbow Surgeons (ASES), Constant, University of California - Los Angeles and Simple Shoulder Test (SST) scores was demonstrated at mean follow-up of 37.1 months. Glenoid retroversion improved from 21.8° to 9.5°. At final follow-up, radiolucency was reported in 35.1% of shoulders. The 16° full-wedge augment led to higher and more severe radiographic lucency, while high peg perforation rates (44%) were observed among 5-mm augment stepped implants. The overall rate of complication was 2.6%. Rate of revision surgery was 1.9%. Conclusions: Overall, early- to mid-term outcomes following augmented anatomic total shoulder arthroplasty for posterior glenoid deficiency demonstrate good to excellent overall clinical results. More radiographic and clinical failures were reported in larger full wedge (16°) augments and stepped augments (5 mm). Prospective studies examining mid- and long-term outcomes will help further elucidate safety and efficacy of these relatively new implants.

Risk factors for the development of degenerative changes among patients undergoing rotator cuff repair: A systematic review.

Background: Osteoarthritis (OA) of the glenohumeral joint results in significant pain and functional limitations. It is unclear which risk factors increase the risk of developing glenohumeral OA amongst Rotator Cuff Repair (RCR) patients. The purpose of this systematic review was to examine the risk factors which may contribute to the development of osteoarthritic changes post-operatively. Methods: MEDLINE, Embase, and PubMed databases were searched to identify studies reporting on demographics of patients who develop OA following RCR. Results: Seventeen articles were identified investigating a total of 1292 patients. The overall quality of evidence was low. Pooled assessment of OA incidence following RCR at minimum 5 years follow-up found 26% of patients developed OA. Patients requiring revision surgery following retears developed OA at a rate of 29%. Surgical technique and patient demographics may also contribute to degenerative changes. Discussion: This review found correlations between the aforementioned risk factors and glenohumeral joint degeneration at long-term follow-up after RCR. These findings suggest that future long-term studies should aim to identify prognostic factors that may place a patient at increased risk of developing OA. Such data can be used to counsel patients with respect to long-term outcomes following surgical intervention.

Are two plates better than one? A systematic review of dual plating for acute midshaft clavicle fractures.

Background: The rate of operative fixation of acute midshaft clavicle fractures has exponentially increased in recent years; however, the rate of reoperation for symptomatic hardware removal remains high and the optimal fixation strategy unknown. This systematic review aimed to summarize available evidence for dual plating of acute displaced midshaft clavicle fractures. Methods: EMBASE, MEDLINE, and PubMed searches identified clinical studies evaluating dual plate fixation of acute midshaft clavicle fractures. Pooled analysis was performed using a random-effects model in RevMan 5.3. Results: Eleven studies including 672 patients were included. Hardware removal occurred in 4.4% and 12.3% of patients undergoing dual and single plate fixation, respectively. Compared to single plating, dual plating had significantly lower odds of hardware removal (P = 0.001) with no difference in union rates. There were no significant differences in reoperation (excluding hardware removal), complications, and patient-reported outcomes between the two groups (P > 0.05). Conclusions: This study suggests that dual plating of acute displaced midshaft clavicle fractures may lead to lower rates of reoperation for symptomatic hardware removal without compromising fracture healing. Ultimately, well-designed randomized trials are needed to further investigate the findings from this systematic review.

Excellent Functional Outcomes and Low Complication Rates Following Knotless Arthroscopic Bankart Repair: A Systematic Review of Clinical and Biomechanical Studies.

PURPOSE: To provide a comprehensive review of the current clinical and biomechanical evidence for the use of knotless suture anchors during arthroscopic Bankart repair. METHODS: A comprehensive search of 5 electronic databases from inception to July 2020 was performed for clinical and biomechanical studies in English evaluating outcomes following arthroscopic Bankart repair using knotless suture anchors. Two independent reviewers assessed articles for inclusion. Risk of bias was assessed using the Methodological Index for Non-Randomized Studies (MINORs) criteria. Clinical outcomes of interest and key findings from biomechanical studies were summarized. RESULTS: Ten clinical studies (430 knotless repairs), including 4 cohort studies directly comparing knotless (N = 117) to knot-tying repairs (N = 192), were deemed eligible. Four biomechanical studies were also identified. Heterogeneity and the lack of randomized studies precluded data pooling and quantitative meta-analysis. Rates of redislocation ranged from 2.2% to 14.7% and 1.5% to 23.8% for knot-tying and knotless repair, respectively. Both knot-tying and knotless repair demonstrated excellent postoperative functional outcome, as assessed by visual analog scale, Constant-Murley, Rowe, and QuickDASH scores, with 80% to 94% of patients returning to sports participation. Biomechanical studies showed similar stiffness and load to failure between knot-tying and knotless repairs, with the most common mode of failure being retear at the suture-soft tissue interface. CONCLUSIONS: Current level II to IV clinical and biomechanical evidence supports knotless arthroscopic Bankart repair as an effective procedure with excellent functional outcomes and low rates of complication and reoperation. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV, systematic review of level II to IV studies.