Management of Grade 1 Open Distal Radius Fractures: A Survey of Practicing Surgeons.

Introduction Standard of care management for open fractures historically mandates emergent systemic antibiotic administration, followed by urgent irrigation and debridement in the operating room, regardless of injury severity. However, significant controversy exists regarding the specific implementation and importance of these commonly accepted guidelines. We aimed to define differences in the management of grade 1 open distal radius fractures. Methods An anonymous online survey was distributed to attending surgeon members of either the Orthopaedic Trauma Association (OTA) between January 2019 and April 2019 or the New York Society for Surgery of the Hand (NYSSH) in January 2019. Results A total of 68 attending surgeons responded to the survey. A total of 24 OTA members and 40 NYSSH members replied and were included in the study. Several factors influenced management in addition to the level of contamination. Of the surgeons, 68% stated that litigation was not a major factor of concern. When compared to surgeons who trained in trauma fellowships, more surgeons who trained in hand/upper extremity fellowships considered closed reduction alone as reasonable definitive treatment (when excluding antibiotic administration and debridement considerations, p = 0.024) and oral antibiotics as a supplement to IV antibiotics (p < 0.001). Of the surgeons, 90% would nonoperatively treat a patient who presented with a grade 1 open distal radius fracture greater than 72 hours after injury with stable and acceptable alignment on X-rays. Conclusion Some surgeons are willing to deviate from standard-of-care management protocols.

Excessively long interfragmentary screws for posterior wall acetabular fractures can predict intra-articular penetration.

BACKGROUND: The fixation of posterior wall acetabular fractures often utilizes interfragmentary screws with varying length. Intricate pelvic anatomy and overhanging greater trochanter make obtaining proper screw trajectory difficult. A large measurement may represent aberrant trajectory and breach of the articular surface. This study aims to identify a preferred maximum screw length that avoids intra-articular penetration. HYPOTHESIS: We hypothesized that a screw measured 40 millimeters or longer has a high likelihood of being intra-articular. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A retrospective review included CT scans of 151 consecutive patients collected at a level-1 trauma center was analyzed by two observers. On axial imaging, a straight line was measured at the largest extraarticular portion of the posterior wall simulating ideal screw placement. Another line was measured tangent to the articular surface simulating longest possible extraarticular screw. Measurements were taken at 2-millimeter increments. RESULTS: The intra-class correlation coefficient between both observers was excellent (0.75-1.00) for most recorded values. The maximum mean length for straight line measured (m=32.18mm, SD=3.74) which was smaller than the mean length for tangent line (m=38.44, SD=4.29). Exploratory multivariate logistic regression analyses demonstrated increased height, age, and acetabular version were associated with larger measurements greater than 40mm (p<0.05). DISCUSSION: This study demonstrates that most acetabular posterior walls cannot accommodate a 40 millimeter lag screw. If the measured drill hole is greater than this length, then careful reconsideration of the screw trajectory is warranted to ensure the screw is not intra-articular. Older and taller patients may be able to accommodate longer screws. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: III.

Unnecessary Preoperative Cardiology Evaluation and Transthoracic Echocardiogram Delays Time to Surgery for Geriatric Hip Fractures.

OBJECTIVE: Delays to surgery for patients with geriatric hip fracture are associated with increased morbidity and mortality. The American Heart Association (AHA) and American College of Cardiology (ACC) Clinical Practice Guidelines (CPG) were created to standardize preoperative cardiology consultation and transthoracic echocardiogram (TTE). This study's purpose is to determine if these practices are over used and delay time to surgery at a safety net hospital. DESIGN: Retrospective review. SETTING: Level 1 trauma center and safety net hospital. PATIENTS: Charts were reviewed for indications of preoperative cardiology consultation or TTE per AHA and ACC CPG in 412 patients admitted with geriatric hip fracture. INTERVENTION: Criteria meeting the AHA/ACC guidelines for preoperative TTE and cardiac consultations. MAIN OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS: Time to surgical intervention. RESULTS: Despite 17.7% of patients meeting criteria, 44.4% of patients received cardiology consultation. Of those patients, 33.8% met criteria for receiving preoperative TTE but 89.4% received one. Time to surgery was greater for patients receiving cardiology consultation (25.42 ± 14.54 hours, P-value <0.001) versus those who did not (19.27 ± 13.76, P-value <0.001) and for those receiving preoperative TTE (26.00 ± 15.33 hours, P-value <0.001) versus those who did not (18.94 ± 12.92, P-value <0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Cardiology consultation and TTE are frequently used against AHA/ACC CPG. These measures are expensive and delay surgery, which can increase morbidity and mortality. These findings persisted despite limited resources available in a safety net hospital. Hospitals should improve adherence to CPG, or modify protocols. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Prognostic Level II. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

Fascia Iliaca Block Decreases Hip Fracture Postoperative Opioid Consumption: A Prospective Randomized Controlled Trial.

OBJECTIVES: To determine the efficacy of a preoperative fascia iliaca compartment block in decreasing postoperative pain and improving functional recovery after hip fracture surgery. DESIGN: Randomized prospective Level 1 therapeutic. SETTING: Academic Level 1 trauma center. PATIENTS: Geriatric patients with fractures of the proximal femur (neck, intertrochanteric, or subtrochanteric regions) were prospectively randomized into an experimental (A) or control (B) groups. Forty-seven patients met inclusion criteria, 23 randomized to the experimental group and 24 to the control group. INTERVENTION: Patients randomized to the experimental group received an ultrasound-guided fascia iliaca compartment block administered by a board-certified anesthesiologist immediately before the initiation of anesthesia. MAIN OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS: Primary outcome measure was postoperative pain medication consumption until postoperative day 3. Secondary outcomes included functional recovery and a study-specific patient-reported satisfaction survey assessed on postoperative day 3. RESULTS: There was no significant difference in consumption of acetaminophen for mild pain, tramadol for moderate pain, or functional recovery between the 2 groups. There was a statistically significant decrease in morphine consumption (0.4 mg vs. 19.4 mg, P = 0.05) and increase in patient-reported satisfaction (31%, P = 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: Preoperative fascia iliaca compartment block significantly decreases postoperative opioid consumption while improving patient satisfaction. We recommend the integration of this safe and efficacious modality into institutional geriatric hip fracture protocols as an adjunctive pain control strategy. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic Level II See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

Difficulty of Total Hip Arthroplasty Following Open Reduction and Internal Fixation of Acetabular Fractures.

BACKGROUND: The incidence of posttraumatic arthrosis after acetabular fractures is significant, and patients frequently require secondary total hip arthroplasty. Conversion arthroplasty is more technically difficult, and there is higher risk than with routine primary total hip arthroplasty. The goal of this study was to identify the challenges and risks of secondary total hip arthroplasty compared to primary total hip arthroplasty. METHODS: We retrospectively identified 30 patients who underwent secondary total hip arthroplasty after open reduction and internal fixation of an acetabulum fracture and compared them with 20 patients who had undergone primary total hip arthroplasty for degenerative joint disease. RESULTS: Demographic data were similar between groups. Hardware removal was deemed necessary in 21 patients (70%). Allograft was needed for bone defects in 33% of secondary total hip arthroplasty cases, while no primary cases required grafting. Operative time (217.4 vs. 113.7 min, P < 0.01) and estimated blood loss (875.8 vs. 365 mL, P < 0.01) were significantly greater in the secondary arthroplasty group. Early postoperative complications were also higher in the secondary arthroplasty group. CONCLUSIONS: Total hip arthroplasty after acetabular fracture open reduction and internal fixation is a more complex procedure due to exposure difficulty, possible implant removal, management of bony deficits, and the potential use of cages and revision components. Experienced surgeons managing these complicated cases must take great care not only in ensuring appropriate technique but also in appropriate patient education regarding increased risk of major and minor complications. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III.

Can Tibial Shaft Fractures Bear Weight After Intramedullary Nailing? A Randomized Controlled Trial.

OBJECTIVE: To examine the potential benefits and risks associated with weight-bearing after intramedullary (IM) nailing of unstable tibial shaft fractures. DESIGN: Randomized controlled trial. SETTING: Two New York State level 1 trauma centers, one level 2 trauma center, and 1 tertiary care orthopaedic hospital in a large urban center in New York City. PATIENTS/PARTICIPANTS: Eighty-eight patients with 90 tibial shaft fractures were enrolled. The following were used as inclusion criteria: (1) skeletally mature adult patients 18 years of age or older, (2) displaced fractures of tibial diaphysis (OTA type 42) treated with operative intervention, and (3) radiographs, including injury, operative, and completion of follow-up. Sixty-eight patients with 70 tibial shaft fractures completed follow-up. INTERVENTION: All patients were treated with locked IM nailing. Patients were randomized to 1 of 2 groups: immediate weight-bearing-as-tolerated (WBAT) or non-weight-bearing for the first 6 postoperative weeks (NWB). MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Fracture union or treatment failure/revision surgery. RESULTS: There was no statistical difference in the observed time to union between groups (WBAT = 22.1 ± 11.7 weeks vs. NWB = 21.3 ± 9.9 weeks; P = 0.76). Rates of complications did not statistically differ between groups. No fracture loss of reduction leading to malunion was encountered. Short Musculoskeletal Function Assessment scores for all domains did not statistically differ between groups. CONCLUSIONS: Immediate weight-bearing after IM nailing of tibial shaft fractures is safe and is not associated with an increase in adverse events or complications. Patients should be allowed to bear weight as tolerated after IM nailing of OTA subtype 42-A and 42-B tibial shaft fractures. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic Level I. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

Does Brachial Plexus Blockade Result in Improved Pain Scores After Distal Radius Fracture Fixation? A Randomized Trial.

BACKGROUND: Distal radius fractures are very common injuries and surgical treatment for them can be painful. Achieving early pain control may help improve patient satisfaction and improve functional outcomes. Little is known about which anesthesia technique (general anesthesia versus brachial plexus blockade) is most beneficial for pain control after distal radius fixation which could significantly affect patients' postoperative course and experience. QUESTIONS/PURPOSES: We asked: (1) Did patients receiving general anesthesia or brachial plexus blockade have worse pain scores at 2, 12, and 24 hours after surgery? (2) Was there a difference in operative suite time between patients who had general anesthesia or brachial plexus blockade, and was there a difference in recovery room time? (3) Did patients receiving general anesthesia or brachial plexus blockade have higher narcotic use after surgery? (4) Do patients receiving general anesthesia or brachial plexus blockade have higher functional assessment scores after distal radius fracture repair at 6 weeks and 12 weeks after surgery? METHODS: A randomized controlled study was performed between February, 2013 and April, 2014 at a multicenter metropolitan tertiary-care referral center. Patients who presented with acute closed distal radius fractures (Orthopaedic Trauma Association 23A-C) were potentially eligible for inclusion. During the study period, 40 patients with closed, displaced, and unstable distal radius fractures were identified as meeting inclusion criteria and offered enrollment and randomization. Three patients (7.5%), all with concomitant injuries, declined to participate at the time of randomization as did one additional patient (2.5%) who chose not to participate, leaving a final sample of 36 participants. There were no dropouts after randomization, and analyses were performed according to an intention-to-treat model. Patients were randomly assigned to one of two groups, general anesthesia or brachial plexus blockade, and among the 36 patients included, 18 were randomized to each group. Medications administered in the postanesthesia care unit were recorded. Patients were discharged receiving oxycodone and acetaminophen 5/325 mg for pain control, and VAS forms were provided. Patients were called at predetermined intervals postoperatively (2 hours, 4 hours, 6 hours, 12 hours, 24 hours, 48 hours, and 72 hours) to gather pain scores, using the VAS, and to document the doses of analgesics consumed. In addition, patients had regular followups at 2 weeks, 6 weeks, and 12 weeks. Pain scores were again recorded using the VAS at these visits. RESULTS: Patients who received general anesthesia had worse pain scores at 2 hours postoperatively (general anesthesia 6.7 ± 2.3 vs brachial plexus blockade 1.4 ± 2.3; mean difference, 5.381; 95% CI, 3.850-6.913; p < 0.001); whereas reported pain was worse for patients who received a brachial plexus blockade at 12 hours (general anesthesia 3.8 ± 1.9 vs brachial plexus blockade 6.3 ± 2.4; mean difference, -2.535; 95% CI, -4.028 to -1.040; p = 0.002) and 24 hours (general anesthesia 3.8 ± 2.2 vs brachial plexus blockade 5.3 ± 2.5; mean difference, -1.492; 95% CI, -3.105 to 0.120; p = 0.031).There was no difference in operative suite time (general anesthesia 119 ± 16 minutes vs brachial plexus blockade 125 ± 23 minutes; p = 0.432), but time in the recovery room was greater for patients who received general anesthesia (284 ± 137 minutes vs 197 ± 90; p = 0.0398). Patients who received general anesthesia consumed more fentanyl (64 µg ± 93 µg vs 6.9 µg ± 14 µg; p < 0.001) and morphine (2.9 µg ± 3.6 µg vs 0.0 µg; p < 0.001) than patients who received brachial plexus blockade. Functional outcome scores did not differ at 6 weeks (data, with mean and SD for both groups, and p value) or 12 weeks postoperatively (data, with mean and SD for both groups, and p value). CONCLUSIONS: Brachial plexus blockade pain control during the immediate perioperative period was not significantly different from that of general anesthesia in patients undergoing operative fixation of distal radius fractures. However, patients who received a brachial plexus blockade experienced an increase in pain between 12 to 24 hours after surgery. Acknowledging "rebound pain" after the use of regional anesthesia coupled with patient counseling regarding early narcotic administration may allow patients to have more effective postoperative pain control. It is important to have a conversation with patients preoperatively about what to expect regarding rebound pain, postoperative pain control, and to advise them about being aggressive with taking pain medication before the waning of regional anesthesia to keep one step ahead in their pain control management. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level 1, therapeutic study.

Preoperative Planning in Orthopaedic Surgery. Current Practice and Evolving Applications.

Preoperative planning is an essential prerequisite for the success of orthopaedic procedures. Traditionally, the exercise has involved the written down, step by step "blueprint" of the surgical procedure. Preoperative planning of the technical aspects of the orthopaedic procedure has been performed on hardcopy radiographs using various methods such as copying the radiographic image on tracing papers to practice the planned interventions. This method has become less practical due to variability in radiographic magnification and increasing implementation of digital imaging systems. Advances in technology along with recognition of the importance of surgical safety protocols resulted in widespread changes in orthopaedic preoperative planning approaches. Nowadays, perioperative "briefings" have gained particular importance and novel planning methods have started to integrate into orthopaedic practice. These methods include using software that enables surgeons to perform preoperative planning on digital radiographs and to construct 3D digital models or prototypes of various orthopaedic pathologies from a patient's CT scans to practice preoperatively. Evidence-to-date suggests that preoperative planning and briefings are effective means of favorably influencing the outcomes of orthopaedic procedures.

Continuous Popliteal Sciatic Nerve Block Versus Single Injection Nerve Block for Ankle Fracture Surgery: A Prospective Randomized Comparative Trial.

OBJECTIVES: To compare rebound pain and the need for narcotic analgesia after ankle fracture surgery for patients receiving perioperative analgesia through either a continuous infusion or a single injection nerve block. DESIGN: Prospective randomized controlled trial. SETTINGS: Surgeries were performed at 2 hospitals affiliated with a large urban academic medical center. PATIENTS/PARTICIPANTS: Fifty patients undergoing operative fixation of an ankle fracture (AO/OTA type 44). INTERVENTION: Participants were randomized to receive either a popliteal sciatic nerve block as a single shot (SSB group) or a continuous infusion through an On Q continuous infusion pump (On Q group). MAIN OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS: Visual analog scale and numeric rating scale (0-10) pain levels and amount of pain medication taken. RESULTS: For all time points after discharge, mean postoperative pain scores and number of pain pills taken were lower in the On Q group versus the SSB group. Pain scores were significantly lower in the On Q group at the 12 hours postoperative time point (P = 0.002) and at 2 weeks postoperatively. The number of pain pills taken in the first 72 hours was lower in the On Q group (14.9 vs. 20.0; P = 0.036). Overall, 7/23 patients in the On Q group had their pump malfunction and 1 patient accidently removed the catheter. CONCLUSIONS: Use of continuously infused regional anesthetic for pain control in ankle fracture surgery significantly reduces "rebound pain" and the need for oral opioid analgesia compared with single-shot regional anesthetic. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic Level I. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.