Influence of Proximal Humeral Cortical Bone Thickness on the Radiographic Outcome After Osteosynthesis of Proximal Humeral Fractures: Propensity Matching Score Analysis.

Introduction: Osteoporosis can affect the surgical outcomes of proximal humeral fractures in older people. Recently, the cortical bone thickness of the proximal humerus on plain radiograph has been proposed to reflect local osteoporosis of the proximal humerus; however, its effect on the surgical outcome of proximal humeral fractures remains unclear. The purpose of this study is to investigate the influence of cortical bone thickness on postoperative radiographic outcomes after osteosynthesis for proximal humeral fractures. Materials and Methods: We retrospectively identified 190 patients (≥50 years) who underwent osteosynthesis with an intramedullary nail or plate for proximal humeral fractures. The patients were categorized into 2 groups according to the cut-off value of an average proximal humerus cortical bone thickness of 6 mm on plain radiographs: patients with and without local osteoporosis. After propensity score matching, we compared the incidence of postoperative radiographic complications between the 2 groups. We also performed subgroup analyses of outcomes in a subgroup of patients who underwent intramedullary nailing and those who underwent plate fixation. Results: Propensity score matching yielded 60 patients in each group. No significant difference in complication rates was observed between the 2 groups. However, in the intramedullary nailing subgroup, the incidence of reduction loss was significantly higher in patients with local osteoporosis than in those without local osteoporosis (51.7% vs 14.3%, P = .002). Discussion: The proximal humeral cortical bone thickness had no significant effect on the overall radiographic outcome; however, reduction loss after intramedullary nailing was susceptible to local osteoporosis of the proximal humerus. Conclusion: Our study suggests that plate fixation is advantageous in preventing postoperative reduction loss in patients with lower cortical bone thickness.

Inferior subluxation of humeral head after osteosynthesis for greater tuberosity fracture.

BACKGROUND: Inferior subluxation of the humeral head is frequently observed immediately after surgery for proximal humerus fractures; however, the incidence and risk factors of inferior subluxation after osteosynthesis for isolated greater tuberosity fractures remain unsolved. Additionally, the postoperative course of inferior subluxation has not been elucidated. The purpose of the present study is to identify the predictors for the occurrence of postoperative inferior subluxation by multivariate analysis and investigate the postoperative shift of inferior subluxation and its effect on surgical outcomes. METHODS: We retrospectively identified 68 patients who underwent surgery for isolated greater tuberosity fractures. The dependent variable was the inferior subluxation at 1 week postoperatively. The explanatory variables were age, sex, affected side of the shoulder, body mass index, history of smoking, local osteoporosis, time period to surgery, axillary nerve injury, inferior subluxation before surgery, fracture dislocation, surgical approach, surgical method, operative time, amount of blood loss, and postoperative drainage. Baseline variables that were statistically significant in the univariate analyses were included in the logistic regression analysis. The patients were further categorized into two groups according to the presence of inferior shoulder subluxation exhibited 1 week postoperatively: patients with inferior subluxation (+ IS group) and patients without inferior subluxation (- IS group). We compared the incidence of postoperative complications between the two groups. RESULTS: Of 68 patients, 17 (25.0%) had inferior shoulder subluxation observed 1 week postoperatively. Multivariate analysis showed that long operative time was a risk factor for postoperative subluxation (odds ratio = 1.03; P = 0.030). In all cases, inferior subluxation disappeared within 3 months of surgery. No significant difference in complication rate was observed between the + IS and - IS groups. CONCLUSIONS: The present study provides novel information regarding postoperative inferior subluxation of fractures of the greater tuberosity. Inferior subluxation occurred in 25% of patients immediately after surgery. Long operative time contributes to the onset of postoperative inferior subluxation; however, this was temporary in all cases and had no significant effect on the surgical outcomes. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III.

Risk factors and prognosis of humeral head inferior subluxation in proximal humeral fractures after osteosynthesis.

BACKGROUND: Humeral head inferior subluxation often occurs immediately after osteosynthesis for proximal humeral fracture; however, the underlying cause remains largely unknown. In addition, the prognosis of postoperative inferior subluxation has not been fully investigated. This study aimed to clarify the predictive factors that affected the onset of postoperative inferior subluxation using multivariate analysis and examine the postoperative course of inferior subluxation and its influence on postoperative outcomes. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed 212 patients who underwent osteosynthesis for Neer 2- or 3-part proximal humeral fractures. In the multivariate analysis, the dependent variable was set as the inferior subluxation observed 1 week after the surgery. The explanatory variables included age, sex, affected side, body mass index, smoking, local osteoporosis, preoperative axillary nerve injury, time from injury to surgery, fracture dislocation, fracture pattern, preoperative inferior subluxation, surgical procedure, surgical approaches, blood loss, operative time, and postoperative drainage. Baseline variables, which were observed to be significant in the univariate analysis, were included in multivariate models. Furthermore, based on the presence of inferior subluxation at 1 week after the surgery, we divided the patients into two groups: with inferior subluxation (+IS group) and without inferior subluxation (-IS group). We compared the postoperative outcomes (incidence of postoperative complications and range of motion) between these two groups. RESULTS: Of 212 patients, 64 (30.7%) experienced inferior subluxation at 1 week after the surgery. On multivariate analyses, preoperative inferior subluxation (odds ratio = 4.69; 95% confidence interval = 2.45-9.76; P < .001) and longer operative time (odds ratio = 1.01; 95% confidence interval = 1.00-1.02; P = .049) were the risk factors for postoperative inferior subluxation. In the +IS group, inferior subluxation resolved at 1 year after the surgery in 89.5% of patients. There was no significant difference in the postoperative outcome between the +IS and -IS groups. However, four of six patients with persistent inferior subluxation, more than 6 months after the surgery, experienced complications, such as varus angulation of the humeral head or screw joint perforation. CONCLUSIONS: This study provides new information on the risk factors for and prognosis of postosteosynthesis inferior subluxation in patients with proximal humeral fracture. Longer operative time and presence of preoperative inferior subluxation was associated with an increased risk of postoperative inferior subluxation, although it was temporary in most cases, and had no significant influence on the postoperative outcomes. However, in patients with persistent inferior subluxation of more than 6 months duration, inferior subluxation may be related to postoperative complications.

Influence of Timing on Surgical Outcomes for Acute Humeral Shaft Fractures.

Surgical treatment for humeral shaft fractures has been reported to yield satisfactory results; however, there may be complications, such as delayed bone union, nonunion, iatrogenic radial nerve injury, and infection. The risk factors for postoperative complications remain largely unknown. This study aimed to investigate the influence of timing of surgery on the incidence of postoperative complications of acute humeral shaft fractures. We retrospectively reviewed 43 patients who underwent osteosynthesis for acute humeral shaft fractures between 2006 and 2020. The patients were divided into early (21 patients) and delayed (22 patients) treatment groups based on the timing of the surgical intervention (within or after four days). Outcomes were the incidences of complications (delayed union, nonunion, iatrogenic radial nerve injury, and infection) and postoperative fracture gaps. We evaluated the outcomes using plain radiographs and clinical notes. In addition, we performed subgroup analyses on outcomes in a subgroup of patients who underwent intramedullary nailing and one who underwent plate fixation. The frequency of delayed union was significantly higher in the delayed group (P=0.046), and the postoperative fracture gap size was also significantly greater in the delayed group (P=0.007). The subgroup analyses demonstrated a significant association between the increased incidence of delayed union and delayed surgical interventions only in the intramedullary nailing subgroup (P=0.017). This study suggests that performing surgery within four days after acute humeral shaft fracture is recommended to reduce the occurrence of delayed union, particularly in cases requiring intramedullary nailing fixation.

Surgical Repair Using Suture Bridge Technique for Triceps Tendon Avulsion.

Triceps tendon avulsion is a rarely occurring tendinous injury. Various surgical procedures, such as repair using sutures through the transosseous tunnel or suture anchors, have been reported for treating triceps tendon avulsion. However, standard surgical treatment has not yet been established. Here, we present a case of triceps tendon avulsion treated using the suture bridge technique. A 58-year-old man who fell on his left elbow from standing height presented to our hospital. Plain radiography revealed an avulsion fracture of the left olecranon process, suggesting triceps tendon avulsion. We performed surgical repair of the avulsed bone fragments and ruptured triceps tendon. We inserted suture anchors into the ulna, proximal to the fracture site, and passed the sutures through the full thickness of the triceps. Subsequently, fracture fragments were reduced and fixed by pulling them together with the triceps. We inserted knotless anchors into the ulna distal to the fracture site and fixed the avulsed bone fragments and triceps tendon using the suture bridge technique. The patient recovered well in five months and reported no elbow pain or limited range of motion. This suture bridge technique is advantageous as it prevents iatrogenic fracture and knot irritation, and it would be indicated in cases with poor bone quality or thin skin soft tissue of the olecranon.

Irreducible inferior shoulder dislocation requiring open reduction: A case report.

In inferior shoulder dislocation (ISD) cases, closed reduction usually achieves reduction and irreducible ISD is extremely rare. To date, only two cases requiring open reduction have been reported. Herein, we describe a case of an irreducible ISD that required open reduction. A 90-year-old woman fell at home and presented to our hospital. Plain radiography revealed a right ISD and greater tuberosity avulsion fracture. Because reduction under general anesthesia was difficult, we performed open reduction. The humeral head was entrapped by the inferior shoulder capsule. Since inferior instability remained after reduction, we reduced and fixed the greater tuberosity fracture and repaired the rotator cuff tear (RCT). This case suggested that humeral head entrapment by the inferior capsule and decreased force couple toward the humeral head by the greater tuberosity fracture and RCT cause irreducibility. Moreover, since instability can remain after reduction for ISD accompanying greater tuberosity fracture or RCT, preparing for implantations to repair these lesions is recommended.

Risk factors for failure of reduction of anterior glenohumeral dislocation without sedation.

BACKGROUND: Although anterior glenohumeral dislocations are common, the reduction procedure is often difficult, requiring sedation or anesthesia. To date, the risk factors for reduction failure without sedation have not been fully investigated. This study aimed to clarify the predictive factors that render the reduction of anterior glenohumeral dislocation without sedation difficult by use of multivariate analyses. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed 156 patients who underwent attempted reduction of anterior glenohumeral dislocation between 2006 and 2019. Patients were included based on the following criteria: traumatic dislocation, undergoing attempted reduction using the traction-countertraction method, and acute dislocation in which reduction was attempted within 2 days of the injury. The dependent variable was set as an irreducible glenohumeral dislocation without sedation, which was defined as a reduction failure in this study. Explanatory variables included age, sex, side of injury, recurrent dislocation, axillary nerve injury, time from dislocation to attempted reduction, greater tuberosity fracture, humeral neck fracture, glenoid rim fracture, and glenohumeral osteoarthritis. We evaluated these outcomes from radiographs and clinical notes. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed. Baseline variables, which were observed to be significant in the univariate analysis, were included in multivariate models, which used logistic regression to identify independent predictors of reduction failure. RESULTS: Of the 156 patients, 25 (16.0%) experienced reduction failure. Multivariate analyses showed that older age (≥55 years) (odds ratio [OR], 3.4; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.1-10.4; P = .036), greater tuberosity fractures (OR, 3.6; 95% CI, 1.1-12.2; P = .033), and glenoid rim fractures (OR, 11.5; 95% CI, 1.5-87.7; P = .018) were risk factors for reduction failure. CONCLUSIONS: Our results demonstrated that multiple factors were associated with unsuccessful reduction of anterior glenohumeral dislocation without sedation. In elderly patients or patients with concurrent greater tuberosity fractures and glenoid rim fractures, reduction failure could occur in the absence of sedation; thus, the administration of sedatives or anesthesia should be considered.

Seasonal variation in the onset of acute calcific tendinitis of rotator cuff.

BACKGROUND: Calcific tendinitis of the rotator cuff is a disorder that causes acute onset of shoulder pain when spontaneous resorption of the calcification occurs. However, factors that trigger calcium resorption have not been clarified. The present study aimed to investigate the association between the onset of calcium resorption in calcific tendinitis and the season of onset. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed 195 patients (female, 116; male, 79; mean age, 62.6 ± 14.2 years; median age, 62 [52, 73] years) diagnosed with the postcalcification stage of calcific tendinitis, which was defined as acute calcific tendinitis in this study, between 2006 and 2018. The onset date of acute calcific tendinitis for each patient was collected from clinical notes. We evaluated the incidence of acute calcific tendinitis in each season and month. Furthermore, we investigated the correlation between the incidence of acute calcific tendinitis and the mean monthly temperature or humidity levels for each year. RESULTS: The most common season of acute calcific tendinitis onset was summer (35.4%), followed by spring (24.6%), autumn (24.1%), and winter (15.9%) (P = 0.002). Monthly analyses showed the highest peak of onset was in July (15.4%) and the lowest peak was in February (3.1%) (P = 0.022). The incidence of acute calcific tendinitis had a weak association with mean monthly temperature (R2 = 0.066; P = 0.001) but was not associated with mean monthly humidity levels (R2 = 0.018; P = 0.099). CONCLUSIONS: This study provides new information on seasonal variation of acute calcific tendinitis onset. The results of this study indicated that the onset of calcium resorption occurs most frequently in the summer in Japan; however, the reasons for seasonal variation remain unclear, and further studies will be needed. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III.

Treatment of distal clavicle fractures using a Scorpion plate and influence of timing on surgical outcomes: a retrospective cohort study of 105 cases.

BACKGROUND: Plate fixation is an established method for treating unstable distal clavicle fractures. However, the appropriate timing of surgery for acute distal clavicle fractures remains unclear. The present study aimed to evaluate the clinical outcomes of osteosynthesis using a Scorpion plate and to assess the influence of surgery timing on the surgical outcomes for acute unstable distal clavicle fractures. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed 105 patients who underwent fixation for acute unstable distal clavicle fractures (Neer type II and V) using the Scorpion plate between 2008 and 2018. Patients were divided into early (45 patients) and delayed (60 patients) treatment groups based on the timing of the surgical intervention (within or after 7 days). The outcomes were postoperative complications (nonunion, peri-implant fracture, plate loosening, plate-related pain, and stiffness). We evaluated the outcomes from X-ray radiographs and clinical notes. RESULTS: Among the 105 patients, nonunion, plate loosening, plate-related pain, and stiffness were observed in six patients (5.7%), four patients (3.8%), seven patients (6.7%), and one patient (1.0%), respectively. The nonunion rate was significantly higher in the delayed treatment group than that in the early treatment group (P = 0.036). Although the difference was not significant, plate loosening and stiffness were only observed in the delayed treatment group. CONCLUSION: Our results demonstrated that osteosynthesis using Scorpion plates achieved satisfactory surgical outcomes for unstable distal clavicle fractures. In addition, this study suggested that performing surgery within 6 days after injury is recommended to reduce postoperative complications.

Acute progressive bilateral carpal tunnel syndrome associated with remitting seronegative symmetrical synovitis with pitting edema syndrome: A case report.

The association between carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) and remitting seronegative symmetrical synovitis with pitting edema (RS3PE) syndrome, an elderly onset rheumatic disease, is not fully understood. Here, we describe a case of acute CTS caused by RS3PE syndrome. An 84-year-old man visited the hospital with sudden onset of severe neuralgia in the median nerve and pitting edema in both hands. Computed tomography showed low-density areas around the flexor tendons and median nerve compression in the carpal tunnel. Rapidly progressing intolerable neuralgia and paralysis required urgent carpal tunnel release in the left hand. After surgery, we considered the possibility of RS3PE syndrome and started the administration of prednisolone. The pitting edema and neuralgia improved. In this case, imaging and intraoperative findings suggest that the effusion generated from flexor tenosynovitis associated with RS3PE syndrome increased the internal pressure in the carpal tunnel rapidly, which led to acute CTS and urgent surgery.

Pneumorachis from the cervical to the sacral spinal canal with spinal epidural abscess by gas gangrene.

We present a 70-year-old woman with severe diabetes mellitus, who experienced low back pain and left lower leg paralysis. Computed tomography showed air in the spinal canal from C4 to S5, and magnetic resonance imaging revealed an epidural abscess from Th11 to L1. Laboratory findings showed increases in inflammatory indicators and blood culture indicated the presence of Escherichia coli. The patient was treated conservatively with antibiotics. Neurological deficits and inflammatory data improved during the course. Follow-up imaging studies showed the disappearance of gas and epidural abscess. The existence of air in the spinal canal is a rare condition known as pneumorachis. To the best of our knowledge, such a long pneumorachis ranging from the cervical to the sacral spinal canal with epidural abscess caused by gas gangrene has not yet been described. We should therefore realize the possibility of epidural abscess produced by gas gangrene and treat it appropriately.

Association between time to surgery and 90-day mortality after hip fracture: A retrospective cohort study of 1734 cases.

BACKGROUND: It remains unclear whether early surgical intervention can reduce mortality after surgery in hip fracture patients. The aim of this study was to investigate the association between time from injury to surgery and mortality rate within 90 days after hip fracture surgery. METHODS: We retrospectively identified 1827 patients who underwent hip fracture surgery in a tertiary care center in Japan between April 2007 and March 2017. After applying exclusion criteria (patients with spontaneous fracture, multiple fractures, revision surgery, total hip arthroplasty, or a refusal to participate), 1734 patients were included. We extracted data concerning patients' age, race, sex, operative procedure, American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) score, days from injury to surgery (injury-surgery days), and days from admission to surgery (admission-surgery days), which could affect 90-day mortality after surgery. Variables associated with 90-day mortality were determined using multivariate logistic regression analysis. RESULTS: The 90-day postoperative mortality rate was 3.5% (60 of 1734). Multivariable analysis showed that injury-surgery days were not associated with 90-day mortality (odds ratio [OR], 0.91; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.80 to 1.05; P = 0.19), and that older age (OR, 1.06; 95% CI, 1.02 to 1.10; P = 0.005), male sex (OR, 3.62; 95% CI, 1.86 to 7.03; P < 0.001) and high ASA score (OR, 2.10; 95% CI, 1.06 to 4.18; P = 0.034) significantly increased 90-day mortality. In addition, admission-surgery days were not associated with 90-day mortality (OR, 0.95; 95% CI, 0.83 to 1.09; P = 0.45). CONCLUSION: Our results demonstrated that time from injury to surgery was not associated with mortality within 90 days after surgery after adjusting for age, sex, operative procedure, and ASA score.

Pacemaker Lead Dislodgement Due to Left Shoulder Dislocation: A Case Report.

CASE: A 63-year-old man with a cardiac pacemaker presented with a left shoulder dislocation. His heart rate was 46 beats per minute, and pacemaker testing demonstrated an elevated pacing threshold, a decreased sensing threshold, and stable pacemaker lead impedance. Lead dislodgement due to the shoulder dislocation was suspected, and the patient underwent repositioning of the lead. CONCLUSION: When a patient with a pacemaker dislocates a shoulder, it should be confirmed that the heart rate is above the programmed lower rate of the pacemaker; electrocardiography should be performed, and the pacing parameters should be checked to ensure that pacing failure is not overlooked.

Self-flip Technique of the TightRope RT Button for Soft-Tissue Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction.

The TightRope RT (Arthrex, Naples, FL) is a suspensory device for anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction. However, there is a potential risk of the button being pulled too far off the lateral femoral cortex into the soft tissue because the adjustable loop is long. The purpose of this article is to present an easy and safe technique for self-flip. As to the preparation of the graft, we draw the first line in the loop of the TightRope RT at the same length as the femoral tunnel, and we draw the second line 7 mm longer than the length of the femoral tunnel as a self-flip line. Concerning passing of the graft, the side sutures are pulled from the lateral side. We stop pulling the sutures just at the self-flip line by holding the graft at the tibial end. The side suture is inclined to the medial side with strong pulling of the suture at full extension of the knee. Then the surgeon pulls the tibial end of the graft to feel a secure positioning of the button on the lateral femoral cortex. Although it has limitations, the present technique is easy and certainly helps surgeons achieve appropriate positioning of the button.

Natural evolution of desmoplastic fibroblastoma on magnetic resonance imaging: a case report.

INTRODUCTION: Desmoplastic fibroblastoma (collagenous fibroma) is a recently described tumor thought to arise predominantly from subcutaneous tissue or skeletal muscle. The natural evolution of this tumor on magnetic resonance imaging has never been described, to the best of our knowledge. We herein report a case of desmoplastic fibroblastoma arising in the thigh and show the longitudinal magnetic resonance imaging findings. CASE PRESENTATION: A 60-year-old Japanese man presented with swelling of the medial side of his right thigh, and he complained of nighttime pain and slight tenderness. Magnetic resonance imaging demonstrated a 4 × 4 cm mass in the right thigh. Open biopsy was performed. The mass was diagnosed histologically as a benign fibrous tumor, and we maintained follow-up without surgical therapy. After one year, magnetic resonance imaging showed an increase in tumor size to 4 × 5 cm, but the histologic findings were the same as those obtained one year earlier. Resection was performed with narrow surgical margins. Pathologic diagnosis was desmoplastic fibroblastoma. Two years after surgery, the patient is free from pain and shows no signs or symptoms of recurrence. CONCLUSION: The natural evolution of desmoplastic fibroblastoma is characterized by no changes in patterns on magnetic resonance imaging despite increasing size. This finding is clinically helpful for distinguishing desmoplastic fibroblastoma with increasing pain from the desmoid tumor.