Clinical and radiographic outcomes of shoulder hemiarthroplasty for patients with glenoid medialization.

BACKGROUND: Glenoid bone loss in shoulder arthroplasty is a difficult problem that is prone to complications because of challenges with achieving glenoid component fixation and stability. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the outcomes of primary shoulder hemiarthroplasty for patients with severe glenoid medialization precluding placement of a glenoid component. METHODS: This was a retrospective case series evaluating patients who underwent shoulder hemiarthroplasty for severe glenoid erosion and medialization between 2010 and 2020. Patients were evaluated via chart review and phone survey to determine if there were any reoperations at final follow-up and to obtain Single Assessment Numeric Evaluation (SANE), American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons Standardized Shoulder Assessment Form (ASES), and Simple Shoulder Test (SST) scores. Preoperative and postoperative radiographs were evaluated and compared to determine glenoid morphology, version, medialization, acromiohumeral distance, and humeral offset. Final postoperative films were also evaluated for anterosuperior migration and signs of mechanical failure, including loosening or periprosthetic fracture. RESULTS: Overall, there were 28 patients during this period who underwent shoulder hemiarthroplasty for severe glenoid medialization. Eight patients were deceased at the time of the study, 2 were unable to complete surveys because of dementia, and 7 were lost to follow-up. The final cohort included 11 shoulders and 11 patients with a mean age of 71 ± 7.1 years and mean follow-up of 6.7 years (range 1.6-13.0 years). Mean postoperative SANE, ASES, and SST scores were 80.6 ± 17.6, 71.5 ± 29.3, and 7.6 ± 2.0, respectively. There were no reoperations or revision surgeries at final follow-up. Radiographic evaluation demonstrated severe glenoid medialization and decreased lateral humeral offset, which was unchanged postoperatively. There were 2 patients with signs of anterosuperior migration at final radiographic follow-up but no signs of implant failure. CONCLUSION: Shoulder hemiarthroplasty for severe medial glenoid bone loss provides modest clinical outcomes and low rates of reoperation at mid- to long-term follow-up and is an option worth considering in cases where placement of a glenoid component is challenging because of deficient bone stock and high risk for complications.

Is nonoperative management of partial distal biceps tears really successful?

BACKGROUND: The current treatment of partial distal biceps tears is a period of nonoperative management, followed by surgery, if symptoms persist. Little is known about the success rate and outcomes of nonoperative management of this illness. METHODS: We identified 132 patients with partial distal biceps tears through an International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision code query of our institution's database. Patient records were reviewed to abstract demographic information and confirm partial tears of the distal biceps tendon based on clinical examination findings and confirmatory magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Seventy-four patients completed an outcome survey. RESULTS: In our study, 55.7% of the contacted patients who tried a nonoperative course (34 of 61 patients) ultimately underwent surgery, and 13 patients underwent immediate surgery. High-need patients, as defined by occupation, were more likely to report that they recovered ideally if they underwent surgery, as compared with those who did not undergo surgery (odds ratio, 11.58; P = .0138). For low-need patients, the same analysis was not statistically significant (P = .139). There was no difference in satisfaction scores between patients who tried a nonoperative course before surgery and those who underwent immediate surgery (P = .854). An MRI-diagnosed tear of greater than 50% was a predictor of needing surgery (odds ratio, 3.0; P = .006). CONCLUSIONS: This study has identified clinically relevant information for the treatment of partial distal biceps tears, including the following: the failure rate of nonoperative treatment, the establishment of MRI percent tear as a predictor of failing nonoperative management, the benefit of surgery for the high-need occupational group, and the finding that nonoperative management does not negatively affect outcome if subsequent surgery is necessary.

The effectiveness of cerebral oxygenation monitoring during arthroscopic shoulder surgery in the beach chair position: a randomized blinded study.

BACKGROUND: Beach chair positioning for shoulder surgery is associated with measurable cerebral desaturation events (CDEs) in up to 80% of patients. Near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) technology allows real-time measurement of cerebral oxygenation and may minimize the frequency of CDEs. The purpose of this study was to investigate the incidence of CDEs when anesthetists were aware of and blinded to NIRS monitoring and to determine the short-term cognitive effects of surgery in the beach chair position. METHODS: NIRS was used to monitor cerebral oxygenation saturation in 41 consecutive patients undergoing arthroscopic shoulder surgery in the beach chair position. Patients were randomized to 2 groups, anesthetists aware of or blinded to NIRS data. The Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) was used to assess cognitive function preoperatively, immediately postoperatively, and at 2 and 6 weeks postoperatively. RESULTS: Overall, 7 (17.5%) patients experienced a CDE, 5 (25%) in the aware group and 2 (10%) in the blinded group. There was no significant difference in MoCA scores between the aware and blinded groups preoperatively (27.9.1 vs. 28.2; P = .436), immediately postoperatively (26.1 vs. 26.2; P = .778), 2 weeks postoperatively (28.0 vs. 28.1; P = .737), or 6 weeks postoperatively (28.5 vs. 28.4; P = .779). There was a correlation of NIRS with systolic blood pressure (r = 0.448), diastolic blood pressure (r = 0.708), and mean arterial pressure (r = 0.608). CONCLUSION: In our series, the incidence of CDEs was much lower than previously reported and was not lowered by use of NIRS. Patients did not have significant cognitive deficits after arthroscopic surgery in the beach chair position, and there was a correlation between NIRS and intraoperative brachial blood pressure.

Culture positivity in primary total shoulder arthroplasty.

BACKGROUND: The clinical significance of positive cultures in shoulder surgery remains unclear. This study determined the rate and characteristics of positive intraoperative cultures in a cohort of patients undergoing primary shoulder arthroplasty. METHODS: From February 2015 to March 2016, 94 patients, without prior surgery, underwent primary shoulder arthroplasty. Before surgery, all shoulders were prospectively enrolled and consented to obtain standardized intraoperative cultures. All patients received standard preoperative antibiotic prophylaxis. Standardized fluid and tissue locations were sampled and sent for aerobic and anaerobic cultures and held for 13 days. Patients and surgeon were blinded to the culture results. RESULTS: Average age at surgery was 70.5 years (range, 50-91 years), and 41 patients (47%) were male. At least 1 positive culture was found in 33 shoulders (38%), with 17 patients (19%) having ≥2 positive cultures. Cutibacterium (formerly Propionibacterium) acnes was the most common organism (67%), followed by coagulase-negative Staphylococcus (21%), Staphylococcus aureus (3%), and other organisms (18%). The rate of positive culture was higher in men (51%) than in women (26%, P = .016). Cutibacterium acnes was more common in men with positive cultures (95% vs. 17%, P < .001) and coagulase-negative Staphylococcus and Staphylococcus epidermidis were more common in women with positive cultures (42% vs. 10%, P = .071). CONCLUSION: Positive deep tissue cultures develop in a high percentage of patients undergoing primary shoulder arthroplasty despite antibiotic prophylaxis. The long-term clinical implication of this finding requires further study, especially with regard to the risk of late failures of shoulder arthroplasty.

Profile of Current Opinion on Arthroscopic Acromioplasty: A Video Survey Study.

PURPOSE: To provide a baseline profile of current opinion on use of arthroscopic acromioplasty and evaluate the consistency of surgical decision making on whether or not to perform acromioplasty across different surgeon practices. METHODS: Twenty-two fellowship-trained orthopaedic shoulder surgeons from the Association of Clinical Elbow and Shoulder Surgeons completed an Internet-based survey on practices associated with acromioplasty, including questions related to 15 arthroscopic videos. Based on video cases, interobserver and intraobserver agreement regarding clinically based decisions related to acromioplasty were assessed. RESULTS: Acromioplasty was uncommonly performed in isolation among this group and was most commonly performed in conjunction with repair of full-thickness rotator cuff tears. Nineteen of 22 (86%) surgeons favored an arthroscopic approach for acromioplasty. Depth of bony resection was determined most commonly based on clinical judgment and experience (68%). The video portion of the survey revealed slight interobserver agreement for classification of acromion morphology (κ = 0.099), need for acromioplasty (κ = 0.020), and adequacy of decompression (κ = 0.1). In contrast, there was fair intraobserver reliability regarding acromion morphology (κ = 0.370) and decision whether to perform acromioplasty in a given case (κ = 0.348) whereas there was moderate intraobserver reliability in the presence of a reparable rotator cuff tear (κ = 0.507) and assessment of the adequacy of decompression (κ = 0.453). CONCLUSIONS: Although surgeons had similarities regarding principles of acromioplasty, including indications, surgical approach, and technique, there was lack of consensus when surgeons reviewed the video of clinical cases. Although surgeons may have similar goals in terms of treatment of pathology related to subacromial impingement, individual surgeon thresholds for the need and adequacy of decompression are varied and are not standardized. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level V, expert opinion.

Accuracy of measurement of hand compartment pressures: a cadaveric study.

PURPOSE: To determine the accuracy of digital palpation for clinical assessment of elevated intracompartmental pressure compared with needle manometry in a simulated compartment syndrome of the hand. METHODS: Three cadaveric hands were configured with interstitial fluid infusion and an arterial line pressure monitor to create and continuously measure intracompartmental pressure in the thenar and hypothenar compartments. Seventeen assessors clinically judged the presence or absence of compartment syndrome based on digital palpation for firmness and then measured pressures with a handheld manometer. An intracompartmental pressure threshold of 30 mm Hg or greater was used to diagnose compartment syndrome. RESULTS: The sensitivity and specificity of digital palpation of the thenar eminence were 49% and 79%, respectively, with a positive predictive value (PPV) of 86% and negative predictive value (NPV) of 37%. Using the handheld manometer, the sensitivity and specificity increased to 97% and 86% with a PPV of 95% and NPV of 92%. The sensitivity and specificity of digital palpation of the hypothenar eminence were 62% and 83%, respectively, with improvement of 100% and 100%, respectively, with a handheld manometer. For the hypothenar compartment, use of a handheld manometer improved the PPV from 92% to 100% and the NPV from 40% to 100% compared with digital palpation. CONCLUSIONS: Digital palpation alone was insufficient to detect elevated compartment pressures in hands at risk for compartment syndrome. Handheld invasive pressure measurement was a useful adjunct for detecting elevated interstitial tissue pressures and may aid in diagnosing compartment syndrome. TYPE OF STUDY/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Diagnostic II.

Head computed tomography is not useful for evaluating patients change in mental status following total joint arthroplasty.

We retrospectively reviewed 187 patients who presented with neurologic abnormality after total joint arthroplasty to establish the incidence of diagnosed organic brain disorders in these patients and determine the utility of advanced head imaging studies. 139 of 187 (74.3%) patients underwent imaging for altered mental status (AMS) and 48 patients for a focal neurologic deficit (FND). Acute findings on head imaging were more common in the FND group. The incidence of stroke and transient ischemic attack was significantly lower in the AMS group compared to FND group (Stroke: 0% vs 12.5%, p < 0.001; TIA: 0% vs. 16.7%, P < .001). Advanced head imaging for evaluation of TJA patients with a change in mental status is of low yield. An algorithm for evaluation of these patients is proposed.

Performance of the IMPACT and CRASH prognostic models for traumatic brain injury in a contemporary multicenter cohort: a TRACK-TBI study.

OBJECTIVE: The International Mission on Prognosis and Analysis of Clinical Trials in Traumatic Brain Injury (IMPACT) and Corticosteroid Randomization After Significant Head Injury (CRASH) prognostic models for mortality and outcome after traumatic brain injury (TBI) were developed using data from 1984 to 2004. This study examined IMPACT and CRASH model performances in a contemporary cohort of US patients. METHODS: The prospective 18-center Transforming Research and Clinical Knowledge in Traumatic Brain Injury (TRACK-TBI) study (enrollment years 2014-2018) enrolled subjects aged ≥ 17 years who presented to level I trauma centers and received head CT within 24 hours of TBI. Data were extracted from the subjects who met the model criteria (for IMPACT, Glasgow Coma Scale [GCS] score 3-12 with 6-month Glasgow Outcome Scale-Extended [GOSE] data [n = 441]; for CRASH, GCS score 3-14 with 2-week mortality data and 6-month GOSE data [n = 831]). Analyses were conducted in the overall cohort and stratified on the basis of TBI severity (severe/moderate/mild TBI defined as GCS score 3-8/9-12/13-14), age (17-64 years or ≥ 65 years), and the 5 top enrolling sites. Unfavorable outcome was defined as GOSE score 1-4. Original IMPACT and CRASH model coefficients were applied, and model performances were assessed by calibration (intercept [< 0 indicated overprediction; > 0 indicated underprediction] and slope) and discrimination (c-statistic). RESULTS: Overall, the IMPACT models overpredicted mortality (intercept -0.79 [95% CI -1.05 to -0.53], slope 1.37 [1.05-1.69]) and acceptably predicted unfavorable outcome (intercept 0.07 [-0.14 to 0.29], slope 1.19 [0.96-1.42]), with good discrimination (c-statistics 0.84 and 0.83, respectively). The CRASH models overpredicted mortality (intercept -1.06 [-1.36 to -0.75], slope 0.96 [0.79-1.14]) and unfavorable outcome (intercept -0.60 [-0.78 to -0.41], slope 1.20 [1.03-1.37]), with good discrimination (c-statistics 0.92 and 0.88, respectively). IMPACT overpredicted mortality and acceptably predicted unfavorable outcome in the severe and moderate TBI subgroups, with good discrimination (c-statistic ≥ 0.81). CRASH overpredicted mortality in the severe and moderate TBI subgroups and acceptably predicted mortality in the mild TBI subgroup, with good discrimination (c-statistic ≥ 0.86); unfavorable outcome was overpredicted in the severe and mild TBI subgroups with adequate discrimination (c-statistic ≥ 0.78), whereas calibration was nonlinear in the moderate TBI subgroup. In subjects ≥ 65 years of age, the models performed variably (IMPACT-mortality, intercept 0.28, slope 0.68, and c-statistic 0.68; CRASH-unfavorable outcome, intercept -0.97, slope 1.32, and c-statistic 0.88; nonlinear calibration for IMPACT-unfavorable outcome and CRASH-mortality). Model performance differences were observed across the top enrolling sites for mortality and unfavorable outcome. CONCLUSIONS: The IMPACT and CRASH models adequately discriminated mortality and unfavorable outcome. Observed overestimations of mortality and unfavorable outcome underscore the need to update prognostic models to incorporate contemporary changes in TBI management and case-mix. Investigations to elucidate the relationships between increased survival, outcome, treatment intensity, and site-specific practices will be relevant to improve models in specific TBI subpopulations (e.g., older adults), which may benefit from the inclusion of blood-based biomarkers, neuroimaging features, and treatment data.

Isolated Traumatic Subarachnoid Hemorrhage on Head Computed Tomography Scan May Not Be Isolated: A Transforming Research and Clinical Knowledge in Traumatic Brain Injury Study (TRACK-TBI) Study.

Isolated traumatic subarachnoid hemorrhage (tSAH) after traumatic brain injury (TBI) on head computed tomography (CT) scan is often regarded as a "mild" injury, with reduced need for additional workup. However, tSAH is also a predictor of incomplete recovery and unfavorable outcome. This study aimed to evaluate the characteristics of CT-occult intracranial injuries on brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan in TBI patients with emergency department (ED) arrival Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) score 13-15 and isolated tSAH on CT. The prospective, 18-center Transforming Research and Clinical Knowledge in Traumatic Brain Injury Study (TRACK-TBI; enrollment years 2014-2019) enrolled participants who presented to the ED and received a clinically-indicated head CT within 24 h of TBI. A subset of TRACK-TBI participants underwent venipuncture within 24 h for plasma glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) analysis, and research MRI at 2-weeks post-injury. In the current study, TRACK-TBI participants age ≥17 years with ED arrival GCS 13-15, isolated tSAH on initial head CT, plasma GFAP level, and 2-week MRI data were analyzed. In 57 participants, median age was 46.0 years [quartile 1 to 3 (Q1-Q3): 34-57] and 52.6% were male. At ED disposition, 12.3% were discharged home, 61.4% were admitted to hospital ward, and 26.3% to intensive care unit. MRI identified CT-occult traumatic intracranial lesions in 45.6% (26 of 57 participants; one additional lesion type: 31.6%; 2 additional lesion types: 14.0%); of these 26 participants with CT-occult intracranial lesions, 65.4% had axonal injury, 42.3% had subdural hematoma, and 23.1% had intracerebral contusion. GFAP levels were higher in participants with CT-occult MRI lesions compared with without (median: 630.6 pg/mL, Q1-Q3: [172.4-941.2] vs. 226.4 [105.8-436.1], p = 0.049), and were associated with axonal injury (no: median 226.7 pg/mL [109.6-435.1], yes: 828.6 pg/mL [204.0-1194.3], p = 0.009). Our results indicate that isolated tSAH on head CT is often not the sole intracranial traumatic injury in GCS 13-15 TBI. Forty-six percent of patients in our cohort (26 of 57 participants) had additional CT-occult traumatic lesions on MRI. Plasma GFAP may be an important biomarker for the identification of additional CT-occult injuries, including axonal injury. These findings should be interpreted cautiously given our small sample size and await validation from larger studies.

Longitudinal Recovery Following Repetitive Traumatic Brain Injury.

Importance: One traumatic brain injury (TBI) increases the risk of subsequent TBIs. Research on longitudinal outcomes of civilian repetitive TBIs is limited. Objective: To investigate associations between sustaining 1 or more TBIs (ie, postindex TBIs) after study enrollment (ie, index TBIs) and multidimensional outcomes at 1 year and 3 to 7 years. Design, Setting, and Participants: This cohort study included participants presenting to emergency departments enrolled within 24 hours of TBI in the prospective, 18-center Transforming Research and Clinical Knowledge in Traumatic Brain Injury (TRACK-TBI) study (enrollment years, February 2014 to July 2020). Participants who completed outcome assessments at 1 year and 3 to 7 years were included. Data were analyzed from September 2022 to August 2023. Exposures: Postindex TBI(s). Main Outcomes and Measures: Demographic and clinical factors, prior TBI (ie, preindex TBI), and functional (Glasgow Outcome Scale-Extended [GOSE]), postconcussive (Rivermead Post-Concussion Symptoms Questionnaire [RPQ]), psychological distress (Brief Symptom Inventory-18 [BSI-18]), depressive (Patient Health Questionnaire-9 [PHQ-9]), posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD; PTSD Checklist for DSM-5 [PCL-5]), and health-related quality-of-life (Quality of Life After Brain Injury-Overall Scale [QOLIBRI-OS]) outcomes were assessed. Adjusted mean differences (aMDs) and adjusted relative risks are reported with 95% CIs. Results: Of 2417 TRACK-TBI participants, 1572 completed the outcomes assessment at 1 year (1049 [66.7%] male; mean [SD] age, 41.6 [17.5] years) and 1084 completed the outcomes assessment at 3 to 7 years (714 [65.9%] male; mean [SD] age, 40.6 [17.0] years). At 1 year, a total of 60 participants (4%) were Asian, 255 (16%) were Black, 1213 (77%) were White, 39 (2%) were another race, and 5 (0.3%) had unknown race. At 3 to 7 years, 39 (4%) were Asian, 149 (14%) were Black, 868 (80%) were White, 26 (2%) had another race, and 2 (0.2%) had unknown race. A total of 50 (3.2%) and 132 (12.2%) reported 1 or more postindex TBIs at 1 year and 3 to 7 years, respectively. Risk factors for postindex TBI were psychiatric history, preindex TBI, and extracranial injury severity. At 1 year, compared with those without postindex TBI, participants with postindex TBI had worse functional recovery (GOSE score of 8: adjusted relative risk, 0.57; 95% CI, 0.34-0.96) and health-related quality of life (QOLIBRI-OS: aMD, -15.9; 95% CI, -22.6 to -9.1), and greater postconcussive symptoms (RPQ: aMD, 8.1; 95% CI, 4.2-11.9), psychological distress symptoms (BSI-18: aMD, 5.3; 95% CI, 2.1-8.6), depression symptoms (PHQ-9: aMD, 3.0; 95% CI, 1.5-4.4), and PTSD symptoms (PCL-5: aMD, 7.8; 95% CI, 3.2-12.4). At 3 to 7 years, these associations remained statistically significant. Multiple (2 or more) postindex TBIs were associated with poorer outcomes across all domains. Conclusions and Relevance: In this cohort study of patients with acute TBI, postindex TBI was associated with worse symptomatology across outcome domains at 1 year and 3 to 7 years postinjury, and there was a dose-dependent response with multiple postindex TBIs. These results underscore the critical need to provide TBI prevention, education, counseling, and follow-up care to at-risk patients.

A squeaky reputation: the problem may be design-dependent.

BACKGROUND: Squeaking is reportedly a complication in patients having ceramic-on-ceramic total hip implants. The etiology remains unknown and multifactorial with recent studies suggesting a relationship between the audible squeak and implant design. When we evaluated our ceramic-on-ceramic cohort, we noticed squeaking primarily in patients receiving an acetabular system designed with an elevated titanium rim. OBJECTIVES/PURPOSES: We therefore (1) determined the incidence of squeaking among four different ceramic-on-ceramic bearing surfaces used for THA at our institution; (2) evaluated the association between different acetabular designs and the incidence of squeaking; and (3) assessed other potential variables associated with squeaking. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed 1507 patients having a ceramic-on-ceramic THA between 2002 and 2009; we separately analyzed those receiving an acetabular system with and without an elevated titanium rim. Data were collected through phone-administered questionnaires and retrospective reviews of patient charts for intraoperative findings, followup reports, demographic information, and radiographic findings. RESULTS: Squeaking occurred in 92 of the 1507 patients (6%). All 92 patients with squeaking received an elevated rim design (1291 patients) or an incidence of 7% with that design. We found no association between squeaking and any other examined factors. CONCLUSION: Our findings complement the theory from in vitro studies suggesting that neck impingement on the elevated titanium rim is the probable cause of the increased frequency of squeaking with this design.

Adult Monteggia and Olecranon Fracture Dislocations of the Elbow.

Monteggia fractures and olecranon fracture dislocations represent complex injuries with distinct patterns of bony and soft tissue involvement. Fractures of the proximal ulna and olecranon process may lead to disruption of the proximal radioulnar joint and/or ulnohumeral joint. The keys to treatment are recognition of the pattern of injury and formation of an algorithmic surgical plan to address all components of the injury process. Complications are common and may be related to the injury spectrum itself and/or inadequate fracture alignment or fixation.

Upper extremity considerations for oncologic surgery.

It was estimated that more than 3000 people would be diagnosed with a primary bone or joint malignancy and more than 11,000 people would be diagnosed with a soft tissue sarcoma in 2013. Although primary bone and soft tissue tumors of the upper extremity are infrequent, it is imperative that the clinician be familiar with a systematic approach to the diagnosis and treatment of these conditions to prevent inadvertently compromising patient outcome. With advances in chemotherapy, radiotherapy, tumor imaging, and surgical reconstructive options, limb salvage surgery is estimated to be feasible in 95% of extremity bone or soft tissue sarcomas.

Repair of acute extensor hallucis longus tendon injuries: a retrospective review.

BACKGROUND: Extensor hallucis longus (EHL) tendon injuries may occur with lacerations sustained over the dorsum of the foot and lead to hallux dysfunction. Primary repair is performed when tendon edges are opposable; however, if a gap exists between tendon edges, then reconstruction with tendon graft or tendon transfer may be necessary to restore hallux alignment and dorsiflexion. We describe the surgical technique and report the results on a large series of patients having undergone primary repair or reconstruction of EHL tendon lacerations. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed all patients undergoing EHL tendon repair or reconstruction between January 2005 and May 2012. Information on patient demographics, mechanism of injury, time to surgery, intraoperative findings, surgical repair or reconstruction technique, and postoperative function were collected. Patients were contacted by telephone for administration of the Foot and Ankle Ability Measure (FAAM) and American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society Hallux questionnaires. RESULTS: Twenty of 23 patients undergoing EHL tendon repair or reconstruction were available for review at an average clinical follow-up of 12 months (range 3-89 months) and an average telephone follow-up of 5.1 years (range 1-10.4 years). Primary EHL repair was performed in 80% of cases, with the remaining patients undergoing reconstruction with deep tendon transfer of the extensor digitorum longus tendon from the second toe. At final follow-up, 19 of 20 patients had active hallux dorsiflexion. The average FAAM Activities of Daily Living score was 94.2% (range 58.3% to 100%) and the average FAAM Sports score was 94.2% (range 65.6% to 100%). CONCLUSION: Primary repair or reconstruction of EHL tendon lacerations is a reliable procedure that restores hallux alignment and function in most patients as measured by the validated FAAM questionnaire. Deep tendon transfer from the extensor digitorum longus may be performed if EHL tendon edges are not opposable thus eliminating the need for allograft reconstruction.

Outcomes after repair of subacute-to-chronic grade III metacarpophalangeal joint collateral ligament injuries in fingers are suboptimal.

PURPOSE: Although injury to the collateral ligaments of the metacarpophalangeal joint (MPJ) of the fingers is less common than corresponding injuries in the thumb, similar disability may result from chronic untreated injuries. We evaluated injury characteristics and the outcome after primary repair of subacute to chronic grade III collateral ligament injuries of the MPJs of the fingers. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed all patients who underwent primary repair of a finger MPJ collateral ligament over a 3-year period. Twenty-five digits in 23 patients with subacute to chronic injuries were identified, all of which had complete MPJ collateral ligament tear. Postoperatively, we assessed disability using DASH scores and evaluated joint stability, range of motion, and grip strength. These measures were compared to preoperative data to assess results. Post hoc analysis was used to compare the level of disability between index and small radial collateral ligaments and other finger CL injuries. RESULTS: Intraoperative findings revealed complete tears in all cases and all ligaments were of sufficient quality to permit primary repair using a suture anchor. The average preoperative DASH score was 40 (range 17-77) in 7 patients (nine fingers) where this was available. Postoperative DASH scores were available in 19 patients (21 fingers). The average postoperative DASH score was 19 (range 0-65). In the subgroup of patients with preoperative and postoperative DASH scores, there was no statistically significant difference after surgery (preop DASH 39.1 vs. postop DASH 23.8, p = 0.17). The average grip strength as a percentage of the contralateral hand was 68 % (range 32-100 %). The average postoperative MPJ arc of motion was 75° (range 50-90°). Post hoc analysis showed statistically significant higher postoperative DASH scores among small finger RCL repairs compared to other finger CL repairs (p = 0.007). DISCUSSION: Primary repair of complete MPJ collateral ligament injuries of the fingers may be performed in the subacute to chronic setting. Although joint stability was restored, patients continued to have decreased grip strength and residual disability.

Olecranon osteotomy fixation using a novel device: the olecranon sled.

A posterior approach to the elbow utilizing an olecranon osteotomy has been shown to provide excellent visualization of the distal humerus articular surface. However, many bony stabilization and fixation methods for the olecranon osteotomy are usually prominent, frequently symptomatic, and often require a second operation for removal. This paper evaluates the use of an innovative device, the olecranon sled, in fixation of olecranon osteotomies for exposure of intra-articular distal humerus fractures and provides follow-up results. A retrospective review of all patients with intra-articular distal humerus fracture treated through an olecranon osteotomy approach and fixed with an olecranon sled, between September 2008 and December 2011 was conducted. Charts and radiographs were reviewed to determine olecranon union or nonunion, presence of symptomatic hardware, and need for secondary surgery to remove symptomatic olecranon fixation. Fourteen patients were included in the study. Average clinical follow-up was 33.5 weeks (range, 6 to 118 wk). There were no olecranon nonunions. One patient underwent additional surgery for symptomatic hardware removal (7.1%). Two additional procedures were performed; 1 for revision open reduction and internal fixation of distal humerus fracture nonunion (7.1%) and 1 for release of elbow contracture (7.1%). Although follow-up is limited, the use of this device has been associated with excellent rates of olecranon union with a low rate of symptomatic hardware requiring removal.