Complications of antibiotic cement spacers used for elbow infections.

BACKGROUND: Antibiotic cement spacers have been widely used in the treatment of joint infections. There are no commercially available antibiotic spacers for the elbow. Instead, they are typically fashioned by the surgeon at the time of surgery using cement alone or a combination of cement with sutures, Steinmann pins, external fixator components, or elbow arthroplasty components. There is no consensus regarding the ideal elbow antibiotic spacer and no previous studies have examined the complications associated with these handmade implants in relation to their unique structural design. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed 55 patients who had 78 static antibiotic cement spacers implanted between January 1998 and February 2021 as part of a 2-stage treatment plan for infection of an elbow arthroplasty, other elbow surgery, or primary elbow infection. Several antibiotic spacer structures were used during the study period. For analysis purposes, the spacers were classified into linked and unlinked spacers based on whether there was a linking mechanism between the humerus and the ulna. Complications related to these spacers that occurred either during the implantation, between implantation and removal, or during removal were recorded and analyzed from chart review and follow-up x rays. Reoperations due to spacer-related complications were also recorded. RESULTS: Among the 55 patients (78 spacers), there were 23 complications, including 17 minor and 6 major complications. The most common complication of unlinked spacers (intramedullary [IM] dowels, beads and cap spacer) was spacer displacement. Other complications included IM dowel fracture and difficulty locating beads during spacer removal. The major complications of linked cement spacers included two periprosthetic humerus fractures after internal external fixator cement spacers and re-operation due to breakage and displacement of one bushing cement spacer. The major complications of unlinked cement spacers included two reoperations due to IM dowel displacement and one reoperation due to displacement of beads. Among patients who had removal of all components and those with native joints, there was no statistically significant difference between internal external fixator cement spacers and unlinked cement spacers in minor complication rates (30% vs. 16%, P = .16), major complication rates (7% vs. 8%, P = .85) and reoperation rates (0% vs. 8%, P = .12). CONCLUSIONS: Static handmade antibiotic elbow spacers have unique complications related to their structural designs. The most common complication of linked and nonlinked cement spacers were failure of the linking mechanism and displacement, respectively. Surgeons should keep in mind the possible complications of different structures of cement spacers when choosing 1 antibiotic spacer structure over another.

Geriatric distal femoral fractures: post-operative complications and nine-year mortality-a retrospective analysis of two tertiary trauma centres.

PURPOSE: This study aimed to estimate the mortality at various post-operative intervals and explore influential variables for these outcomes in elderly patients with distal femur fractures (DFF). METHODS: A retrospective observational study was conducted across two tertiary care institutions, between 2014 and 2020. The primary outcomes were mortality rates at 30-day, six month, and one year post-surgery. Secondary outcomes included 1-year readmission and reintervention rates along with their correlated complications. RESULTS: A total of 37 DFF in 35 patients was analyzed; average age was 83.6 years (range, 65-98 years). The overall mortality rate at a maximum follow-up of 8.8 years was 74% (26/35 patients). The median survival time was 3.2 years and the survival probability at five years was 27% (95% confidence interval [CI], 13 to 43%). Mortality rates at 30 days, six months, and one year after surgery were 8.6% (3 patients), 23% (8 patients), and 34% (12 patients), respectively. Overall mortality rate was 64% (15/24 patients) for native distal femur fractures, and 92% (13/14 patients) for periprosthetic fractures (p = 0.109). Patients older than 85 years and male gender were identified as risk factors for mortality within the first year post-operatively. CONCLUSION: Elderly fractures have a high mortality at eight years of follow-up. Mortality at one year was much higher than in other studies of the same nature. We did not find statistically significant differences when comparing native bone fractures with periprosthetic fractures. Factors that impact mortality were being a man, advanced age, elevated index comorbidity, and dementia. There is no relationship between the time to be taken to the surgical procedure and mortality results.

Unusual Combination of Lateral Condyle Mass Fracture and Olecranon Fracture in a Child: A Case Report.

Fractures of the lateral condyle and olecranon are two of the most common elbow injuries in the pediatric age group. However, their simultaneous occurrence is rare. Proper understanding and management of these injuries are essential to prevent long-term complications. This case report presents a patient who suffered both fractures, with surgical intervention for the condyle and non-surgical management for the olecranon. A two-year-old female child was brought to the emergency department following a fall from monkey bars, landing on her outstretched left arm. Clinical examination showed a markedly swollen and tender elbow with a restricted range of motion. No neurovascular deficit was noted. Plain radiographs revealed a displaced fracture of the lateral condyle and an associated non-displaced olecranon fracture. Given the displacement of the lateral condyle fracture, surgical intervention was deemed necessary. The patient underwent open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) of the lateral condyle using Kirschner wires. The olecranon fracture, being non-displaced, was managed conservatively with a posterior splint. The patient's postoperative recovery was uneventful. The Kirschner wires were removed at six weeks of follow-up, and active mobilization was started. The patient achieved full range of motion at three months post-injury. At a one-year follow-up, she had no pain, restriction, or any deformity, and radiographs confirmed the complete union of both fractures. Simultaneous fractures of the lateral condyle and olecranon in children are rare. The mechanism of injury is complex and warrants a high index of suspicion for associated injuries. Surgical fixation of the lateral condyle and conservative management of the olecranon fracture can yield excellent outcomes.

Long-Term Patient-Reported Outcomes After Arthroscopic Debridement of Grade 3 or 4 Capitellar Osteochondritis Dissecans Lesions.

BACKGROUND: Arthroscopic debridement for osteochondritis dissecans (OCD) lesions of the capitellum is a relatively common and straightforward surgical option for failure of nonoperative management. However, the long-term outcomes of this procedure remain unknown. HYPOTHESIS: Arthroscopic debridement of capitellar OCD would provide satisfactory long-term improvement in patient-reported outcomes. STUDY DESIGN: Case series; Level of evidence, 4. METHODS: Patients aged ≤18 years who underwent arthroscopic debridement procedures for OCD lesions (International Cartilage Repair Society grades 3 and 4) were identified. Procedures included loose body removal when needed and direct debridement of the lesion; marrow stimulation with drilling or microfracture was added at the discretion of each surgeon. The cohort consisted of 53 elbows. Patient evaluation included visual analog scale for pain; motion; subjective satisfaction; Quick Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (QuickDASH) scores; reoperation; and rate of return to sports. RESULTS: At a mean 11 years of follow-up (range, 5-23 years), the median visual analog scale score for pain was 0, and 96% of patients reported being improved as compared with how they were before surgery. The mean ± SD QuickDASH score was 4 ± 9 points (range, 0-52 points), and 80% of patients returned to their sports of interest. The arc of motion significantly improved from 115°± 28° preoperatively to 130°± 17° at latest follow-up (P = .026). Seven elbows (13%) required revision surgery for OCD lesions, resulting in high rates of overall survivorship free of revision surgery: 90% (95% CI, 80%-96%) at 5 years and 88% (95% CI, 76%-94%) at 10 years. At final follow-up, 7 all-cause reoperations were performed without revision surgery on the OCD lesion. CONCLUSION: Arthroscopic debridement of grade 3 or 4 OCD lesions of the capitellum produced satisfactory patient-reported outcomes in a majority of elbows, although a subset of patients experienced residual symptoms. The inherent selection bias of our cohort should be considered when applying these results to the overall population with OCD lesions, as we do not recommend this procedure for all patients.

Bloqueos supraescapular e interescalénico como analgesia después de la reparación artroscópica del manguito rotador: estudio de cohorte comparativo retrospectivo / Suprascapular and interscalene nerve block as analgesia after arthroscopic rotator cuff repair: a retrospective comparative cohort study

Introducción: El objetivo de este estudio fue comparar la eficacia de los bloqueos interescalénico y supraescapular, solos y combinados, como analgesia posoperatoria en las primeras 3 horas tras la reparación artroscópica del manguito rotador. Materiales y métodos: Estudio de cohorte comparativo retrospectivo, realizado entre 2019 y 2021. El criterio de valoración principal fue el puntaje del dolor de hombro en la sala de recuperación evaluado con una escala analógica visual por el paciente. Los criterios de valoración secundarios fueron el consumo de opioides en la sala de recuperación y las complicaciones de la anestesia locorregional. Resultados: Se incluyó a 175 pacientes, 13 en el grupo de bloqueo interescalénico, 61 en el grupo de bloqueos interescalénico más supraescapular y 101 en el grupo de bloqueo supraescapular. Los grupos de bloqueo interescalénico y de bloqueo interescalénico más supraescapular tuvieron significativamente menos dolor en la sala de recuperación y una tasa total menor de opioides consumidos en miligramos equivalentes de morfina que el grupo de bloqueo supraescapular (p = 0,001 y p <0,01, respectivamente). No hubo diferencias significativas en el dolor ni el consumo de opioides entre el bloqueo interescalénico solo o combinado con bloqueo supraescapular. Conclusiones: El bloqueo interescalénico fue más eficaz que el bloqueo supraescapular para aliviar el dolor y disminuir el consumo de opioides en la sala de recuperación tras la reparación artroscópica del manguito rotador. La combinación de bloqueo interescalénico más bloqueo supraescapular no resultó en un incremento de la eficacia, y se sugiere no combinar estas dos técnicas. Nivel de evidencia: III

Introduction: This study aimed to compare the efficacy of interscalene block (ISB) and suprascapular nerve block (SSNB), individually and in combination (ISB+SSNB), used as postoperative analgesia within the first 3 hours after arthroscopic rotator cuff repair. Materials and methods: Retrospective comparative cohort study, conducted between 2019 and 2021. The primary endpoint was shoulder pain score in the immediate postoperative period as reported on a visual analog scale (VAS) by the patient. Secondary endpoints were opioid use in the recovery room (first 3 hours) and locoregional anesthesia complications. Results:175 patients were included; 13 in the ISB group, 61 in the ISB+SSNB group, and 101 in the SSNB group. The ISB group and the ISB+SSNB group had significantly less pain in the recovery room than the SSNB group (p = 0.001 and p < 0.001, respectively). The percentage of patients who required at least one dose of opioid and the total number of opioids consumed in milligrams of morphine equivalent were significantly lower for the ISB and ISB+SSNB groups than for the SSNB group (p < 0.001). There were no significant differences in pain or opioid use between ISB alone or combined with SSNB (ISB+SSNB). Conclusions: In this retrospective comparative study, ISB was more effective in relieving pain and reducing opioid use in the recovery room after ar-throscopic rotator cuff repair than SSNB. The ISB+SSNB combination did not increase effectiveness, and therefore it is suggested not to combine these two techniques. .Level of Evidence: III

Radial Head Prosthetic Replacement in Adolescents: A Report of 5 Cases.

BACKGROUND: The management of severe radiocapitellar joint pathologies in young patients is challenging. Radial head arthroplasty (RHA) is a treatment option in the adult population, but most surgeons avoid implementing it in younger patients, and there are no published results for patients younger than 16 years. METHODS: Our retrospective cohort describes 5 patients (4 male 1 female) who underwent cementless modular RHA at an average age of 14 years (range: 13 to 15). The preoperative diagnoses were post-traumatic radiocapitellar incongruity and arthrosis because of previous Salter-Harris type 3 or 4 fractures of the radial head in 3 cases; and axial instability of the forearm following failed radial head excision in 2 cases. Because of the complexity of the elbow pathology in these cases, all underwent concomitant procedures including: contracture release (5 cases), corrective ulnar osteotomy (2 cases), distal ulnar shortening osteotomy, excision of radioulnar synostosis, microfracture of the capitellum, and partial excision of the medial triceps (1 case each). Collected data included patient-reported outcomes, visual analog scale pain score at rest and during physical activity and radiographic assessment of arthritis and prosthesis loosening. RESULTS: Average clinical follow-up was 8 years (range: 3 to 13). All 5 patients were pain-free at rest, and 3 reported moderate elbow pain (visual analog scale: 5 to 6) with physical activity. At an average radiographic follow-up of 3 years (range: 0.5 to 5), 3 patients showed mild progression of elbow arthrosis, but there were no signs of progressive capitellar erosion or implant loosening. Only 1 complication was noted-development of heterotopic ossification in 1 patient, which required open heterotopic ossification excision and contracture release 2 years following the RHA. None of the patients required prosthesis revision or removal. CONCLUSION: RHA was successful in improving pain and axial forearm stability in this very small series of adolescent patients. Concerns regarding long-term longevity and complications still exist. Considering the lack of other reliable treatment options, RHA may be indicated in this challenging patient population. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV: therapeutic study-case series.

Atraumatic osteonecrosis of the humeral head: pathophysiology and current concepts of evaluation and treatment.

The humeral head is considered the second most common site for osteonecrosis to occur after the femoral head. As seen in the femoral head, the circulatory implications characteristic of this condition are attributable to the interaction between a genetic predisposition and the exposure to certain risk factors. There is no consensus regarding the pathogenesis of osteonecrosis, yet the final common pathway results in disrupted blood supply, increased intraosseous pressure, and bone death. Disease staging using radiography and magnetic resonance imaging is predictive of disease progression and can help the orthopedic surgeon to guide treatment. Although there is a myriad of treatment modalities, there is a lack of high-quality evidence to conclude what is the most appropriate treatment option for each stage of humeral head osteonecrosis. Nonoperative treatment is the preferred option in early-stage disease, and it may prevent disease progression. Nonetheless, in some cases, disease progression occurs despite nonoperative measures, and surgical treatment is required. The purpose of this article is to provide an updated review of the available evidence on risk factors, diagnosis, and treatment of atraumatic humeral head osteonecrosis.

Controversy on the Association of the Critical Shoulder Angle and the Development of Degenerative Rotator Cuff Tears: Is There a True Association? A Meta-analytical Approach.

BACKGROUND: The role of the critical shoulder angle (CSA) as a risk factor for rotator cuff tear (RCT) remains controversial. Studies on the association between the CSA and RCT show considerable differences in design, and this could be responsible for the variation in study results. PURPOSE: To (1) describe the reliability of CSA measurement and (2) evaluate the results of the studies reporting the association between the CSA and RCT using meta-analytical techniques to explore potential sources of variation of study results. STUDY DESIGN: Systematic review and meta-analysis; Level of evidence, 4. METHODS: MEDLINE, EMBASE, and CINAHL electronic databases were searched through June 30, 2019. Case-control and cross-sectional studies reporting the association of the CSA and RCT were selected. The weighted mean difference in the CSA was estimated using a random-effects model. Prediction interval was computed to better express uncertainties in the effect estimate. Metaregression and subgroup analyses were performed to explore potential sources of heterogeneity. RESULTS: A total of 14 studies, including 1154 cases and 1271 controls, were identified. Of these studies, 79% (11/14) assessed the reliability of the CSA measurement, demonstrating an excellent intraobserver (range, 0.91-0.99) and interobserver (range, 0.87-0.99) reliability. Compared with controls, cases with RCT showed larger measurements of the CSA (3.3° [95% CI, 2.3°- 4.4°]). However, there was a high heterogeneity (I2 = 93%), and the 95% prediction interval (-0.4° to 7.1°) included no difference in the CSA. Results of the metaregression analysis showed a significant association of several methodological aspects with the heterogeneity. The difference in the CSA tended to be larger when only full-thickness tears were included, when no specific defined criterion for assessing radiographic viewing perspective was used, in studies with smaller sample sizes, and in studies at higher risk of bias. CONCLUSION: While the CSA can be reliably measured, the difference in the CSA between cases and controls varied from very large to modest or almost no difference. Several determinants of heterogeneity were determined. Owing to this heterogeneity, it is difficult to gain an insight into the strength and exact nature of the association between the CSA and RCT with the current evidence.

Assessing hip fracture risk in type-2 diabetic patients using CT-based autonomous finite element methods : a feasibility study.

AIMS: Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) impairs bone strength and is a significant risk factor for hip fracture, yet currently there is no reliable tool to assess this risk. Most risk stratification methods rely on bone mineral density, which is not impaired by diabetes, rendering current tests ineffective. CT-based finite element analysis (CTFEA) calculates the mechanical response of bone to load and uses the yield strain, which is reduced in T2DM patients, to measure bone strength. The purpose of this feasibility study was to examine whether CTFEA could be used to assess the hip fracture risk for T2DM patients. METHODS: A retrospective cohort study was undertaken using autonomous CTFEA performed on existing abdominal or pelvic CT data comparing two groups of T2DM patients: a study group of 27 patients who had sustained a hip fracture within the year following the CT scan and a control group of 24 patients who did not have a hip fracture within one year. The main outcome of the CTFEA is a novel measure of hip bone strength termed the Hip Strength Score (HSS). RESULTS: The HSS was significantly lower in the study group (1.76 (SD 0.46)) than in the control group (2.31 (SD 0.74); p = 0.002). A multivariate model showed the odds of having a hip fracture were 17 times greater in patients who had an HSS ≤ 2.2. The CTFEA has a sensitivity of 89%, a specificity of 76%, and an area under the curve of 0.90. CONCLUSION: This preliminary study demonstrates the feasibility of using a CTFEA-based bone strength parameter to assess hip fracture risk in a population of T2DM patients. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2021;103-B(9):1497-1504.

Radial Head Lag: A Possible Biomechanical Mechanism for Osteochondritis Dissecans of the Capitellum in Baseball Pitchers.

BACKGROUND: Osteochondritis dissecans (OCD) of the capitellum is common in throwing athletes and is believed to result from repetitive overloading on the radiocapitellar (RC) joint, although the cause and mechanism remain unclear. The torsional forces (moments) generated by the triceps during elbow extension pull only on the ulna; therefore, the radial head moves passively across the capitellum and is effectively "dragged along" by the ulna. Any laxity in the proximal radioulnar joint could lead to asynchronous motion between the radius and ulna, resulting in the radial head lagging behind the coronoid and possibly malarticulating with the capitellum during such motion. HYPOTHESIS: Radial head motion on the capitellum lags behind ulnohumeral joint motion during simulated throwing. STUDY DESIGN: Controlled laboratory study. METHODS: A total of 8 cadaveric elbows were tested under simulated throwing, including active extension of the elbow generated by pulling of the triceps under valgus stress, as well as during passive extension under valgus stress to serve as a reference. Ulnohumeral motion was tracked using a video camera. Radial head motion was tracked using an intra-articular, thin-film pressure sensor mounted on the capitellum, and the longitudinal movement of the center of force (COF) of the radial head was measured. Radial head motion was compared between passive and active motion for each 10° of elbow extension from 90° to 20°. RESULTS: Elbow motion during simulated active extension reached an angular velocity of 366 deg/s. Radial head motion during simulated active extension significantly lagged compared with its motion during passive extension at every elbow extension angle examined between 70° and 20° (P < .001). The maximal lag reached a mean of 4 mm (range, 2-7 mm). In other words, RC and ulnohumeral motion were asynchronous during simulated throwing. CONCLUSION: This study describes a novel phenomenon: motion of the radial head across the capitellum during rapid extension, such as in baseball pitching, lags behind that seen during passive elbow motion. According to a new proposed theory of OCD lesion development, this lag should result in RC incongruency and elevated shear forces on the capitellum due to edge loading. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: We propose a new biomechanical explanation for OCD of the capitellum in baseball pitchers: radial head lag. Understanding this process is the first step in efforts to prevent this common injury.

Patients Use Fewer Opioids Than Prescribed After Arthroscopic Release of Elbow Contracture: An Evidence-Based Opioid Prescribing Guideline to Reduce Excess.

PURPOSE: To generate an evidence-based opioid-prescribing guideline by assessing the pattern of total opioid consumption and the factors that may predict opioid consumption following arthroscopic release of elbow contracture and to investigate whether the use of continuous passive motion (CPM), as compared to physical therapy (PT), was associated with a decrease in pain and opioid consumption after arthroscopic release of elbow contracture. METHODS: Data collected from a randomized controlled trial that compared continuous passive motion (CPM) (n = 24) to physical therapy (PT) (n = 27) following arthroscopic release of elbow contracture was analyzed for opioid use. Fifty-one participants recorded their daily opioid consumption in a postoperative diary for 90 days. Multivariate analysis was performed to identify factors associated with opioid use. Recommended quantities for postoperative prescription were generated using the 50th percentile for patients without and the 75th percentile for patients with factors associated with higher opioid use. RESULTS: The median total opioid prescription was 437.5-mg morphine milligram equivalents (MMEs) (58 pills of 5 mg oxycodone) and the median total opioid consumption was 75 MMEs (10 pills of 5-mg oxycodone). Twenty-two percent of patients took no opioid medication, 53% took ≤10 pills, 69% took ≤20 pills and 75% took ≤30 pills. Predictors of higher opioid use were preoperative opioid use, age <60 years and inflammatory arthritis. The total opioid consumption appeared similar between the CPM and the PT group. Seventy-five percent of patient's home opioid requirements would be satisfied using the following guideline: Patients undergoing contracture release for osteoarthritis or post-traumatic contracture should be given a prescription for 10 pills of 5 mg oxycodone or its equivalent at discharge. Patients with inflammatory conditions or those taking preoperative opioids should be prescribed 30 pills of 5 mg oxycodone or its equivalent. CONCLUSION: This study suggests that most patients undergoing arthroscopic release of elbow contracture use relatively few opioid pills after surgery. Use of an evidence-based guideline could decrease opioid prescriptions substantially, while still effectively treating patients' pain.