Immediate Fixation of Acetabular Fractures Through an Anterior Approach Does Not Increase Morbidity or Mortality.

INTRODUCTION: Acetabular fractures requiring an anterior approach have historically been delayed, allowing a stable clot to form before creating large surgical exposures. The purpose of this study was to determine whether immediate fixation of acetabular fractures within 24 hours using an anterior approach demonstrates notable difference in blood loss, length of stay (LOS), complications, or mortality compared with acetabular fractures treated after 24 hours. METHODS: Ninety-three patients were optimized for surgery within 24 hours of injury. Thirty-two patients underwent fixation within 24 hours using an anterior approach to the acetabulum. Demographics, hours from injury to operating room, fracture classification, embolization, surgical approach, intraoperative cell salvage use, Charlson Comorbidity Index, American Society of Anesthesiologists class, Injury Severity Score, and Abbreviated Chest Injury Score were recorded. Estimated blood loss, transfusions, intensive care unit stay, total hospital LOS, complications, and mortality rates were compared. RESULTS: No statistically significant differences were observed in fracture classification, blood loss, or intraoperative transfusions between the immediate and delayed fixation groups. Six patients in the delayed group (9.8%) returned to the operating room for a complication compared with one patient (3.1%) in the immediate group ( P = 0.42). Three patients in the delayed group (4.9%) developed a surgical site infection compared with none (0%) in the immediate group ( P = 0.55). The immediate group had an average LOS of 7 days compared with 11 days in the delayed fixation group ( P = 0.01). No notable differences were observed in 30- or 90-day mortality rates. DISCUSSION: Medically optimized patients with acetabular fractures who undergo immediate fixation through an anterior approach do not seem to have an associated increase in blood loss, transfusions, or mortality. Prompt surgical management may also be associated with a shorter preoperative and postoperative LOS. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic level III.

Reduction and fixation of high-energy proximal tibiofibular joint dislocations: a technical trick.

We present our technique for screw stabilization and our clinical experience treating a series of patients presenting with proximal tibiofibular joint fracture-dislocations.

Does a Medial Malleolar Osteotomy or Posteromedial Approach Provide Greater Surgical Visualization for the Treatment of Talar Body Fractures?

BACKGROUND: Surgical management of talar body fractures is influenced by soft-tissue condition and fracture pattern. Two common surgical approaches for the treatment of talar body fractures are the medial malleolar osteotomy (MMO) and the posteromedial approach (PMA). The purpose of this study was to compare the observable talar body surface area with the MMO and the PMA. We hypothesized that visualization following a PMA improves with distraction and distraction with a gastrocnemius recession. METHODS: Five pairs of cadaver limbs were used. Each pair of specimens underwent both approaches to act as an internal control. The laterality of the PMA was determined by randomization, and the MMO was performed on the contralateral ankle. The PMA was performed to visualize the talus, and the talar surface area was recorded using a handheld 3D surface scanner. A distractor was then placed across the joint, and the surface area was remeasured. Finally, a gastrocnemius recession was performed, and the measured surface area under the distraction was recorded. The MMO was performed in standard fashion using fluoroscopy, and the observable talar surface area was recorded. Scans were performed twice for each approach, and the surface areas were averaged. The talus was excised and scanned after each approach in order to compare the visualized surface area with the total surface area of the native talus. RESULTS: The MMO and the PMA exposed a mean of 11.2 and 6.7 cm2, respectively, of the talar surface. Visualization with the PMA was improved with distraction, revealing 8.3 cm2 of the talus (p = 0.01 when compared with an isolated PMA). A PMA with distraction and gastrocnemius recession exposed 9.9 cm2 of the talar dome and body. There was no significant difference in exposure between the MMO and the PMA with distraction and gastrocnemius recession (p = 0.32). CONCLUSIONS: The MMO and the PMA both afford excellent visualization for reduction and fixation of talar body fractures. Visualization using the PMA is improved with distraction and distraction with a gastrocnemius recession. The results of this study may assist surgeons in selecting the optimal approach for surgical repair of talar body fractures.

Anterior Hip Dislocation: Characterization of a Rare Injury and Predictors of Functional Outcome.

BACKGROUND: Anterior native hip dislocation remains poorly studied due to the rarity of the injury. The aim of this study was to describe injury characteristics of anterior hip dislocation, detail its initial treatment, and determine the intermediate term outcomes including the rate of conversion to total hip arthroplasty (THA). METHODS: A cross-sectional study was performed at a single urban academic Level 1 trauma center for patients who sustained traumatic anterior hip dislocations from 2010-2017. Baseline demographic, injury, and treatment data were recorded. Patients were contacted to inquire about subsequent surgery and complete functional outcome questionnaires. Available post-operative radiographs were also reviewed. RESULTS: Thirty-two anterior hip dislocations met inclusion criteria and were included in the study. 69% of dislocations were obturator dislocations and 31% iliac dislocations. Only 22% were simple dislocations with the remainder having an associated femoral head fracture and/or acetabular fracture. Iliac dislocations were more likely to be associated with acetabular fractures and require surgical treatment while obturator dislocations were more likely to be simple dislocations or have femoral head fractures. Excluding two patients treated with acute THA at the time of injury, follow-up information was available for 16 patients at a minimum of eighteen months from the time of injury. Only one required subsequent conversion to THA. For the remaining fifteen patients, modified Harris hip scores (mHHS) averaged 82.6, PROMIS global physical health averaged 51.9, and PROMIS global mental health averaged 48.3 with mean follow-up of 4.2 years. mHHS was significantly higher for obturator dislocations and a negative association was seen with age. CONCLUSIONS: Obturator dislocations occurred twice as frequently as iliac dislocations. Associated acetabular or femoral head fractures are common. Conversion to THA was low, occurring in only 1 of 16 patients not treated with acute arthroplasty. Obturator dislocations and age less than 45 years old at the time of injury were associated with better functional outcome at intermediate term follow-up.

Distal Femur Replacement Versus Surgical Fixation for the Treatment of Geriatric Distal Femur Fractures: A Systematic Review.

OBJECTIVES: The management of geriatric distal femur fractures is controversial, and both primary distal femur replacement (DFR) and surgical fixation (SF) are viable treatment options. The purpose of this study was to compare patient outcomes after these treatment strategies. DATA SOURCES: PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane databases were searched for English language articles up to April 24, 2020, identifying 2129 papers. STUDY SELECTION: Studies evaluating complications in elderly patients treated for distal femur fractures with either immediate DFR or SF were included. Studies with mean patient age <55 years, nontraumatic indications for DFR, or SF with nonlocking plates were excluded. DATA EXTRACTION: Two studies provided Level II or III evidence, whereas the remaining 28 studies provided Level IV evidence. Studies were formally evaluated for methodological quality using established criteria. Treatment failure between groups was compared using an incidence rate ratio. DATA SYNTHESIS: Treatment failure was defined for both SF and arthroplasty as complications requiring a major reoperation for reasons such as mechanical failure, nonunion, deep infection, aseptic loosening, or extensor mechanism disruption. There were no significant differences in complication rates or knee range of motion between SF and DFR. CONCLUSIONS: SF and DFR for the treatment of geriatric distal femur fractures demonstrate similar overall complication rates. Given the available evidence, no strong conclusions on the comparative effectiveness between the 2 treatments can be definitively made. More rigorous prospective research comparing SF vs. DFR to treat acute geriatric distal femur fractures is warranted. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic Level IV. See instructions for authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

Safe Distraction Technique for Hip Arthroscopy in a Polytraumatized Patient with Pelvic, Acetabular, and Ankle Fractures: A Case Report.

CASE: A healthy 41-year-old man presented after a motorcycle collision resulting in polytrauma and underwent hip arthroscopy for removal of loose bodies after initial stabilization of pelvic, acetabular, and ipsilateral ankle fractures. Given these injuries, a novel hip distraction technique with a combination of postless traction and skeletal traction was used. CONCLUSION: Specific considerations for hip arthroscopy with concomitant acetabular fracture include alternate techniques for joint distraction, maintenance of low pump pressures, and technical pearls for clearing hemarthrosis. Orthopaedic surgeons familiar with hip arthroscopy can use these methods.

The Not-So-Simple Ankle Fracture: Avoiding Problems and Pitfalls to Improve Patient Outcome.

Ankle fractures are among the most common fractures encountered by orthopaedic surgeons and, in the setting of tibiotalar instability, are usually treated surgically. Although orthopaedic surgeons from diverse educational backgrounds often feel comfortable treating such fractures, many controversies and clinical challenges remain. A detailed understanding of the unique issues presented by each patient as well as the best available treatments are required to optimize outcome. Given the unforgiving soft-tissue envelope and the particular importance of both precise reduction and absolute stability, poorly conceived and executed surgery will predictably end in compromised patient outcomes. The purpose of this manuscript is to update practicing surgeons on the best strategies for improving patient outcome after ankle fracture. The focus will be on some of the more nuanced, controversial, and complex ankle fracture-related topics, both in terms of decision making and technical execution. These will include the optimal management of posterior malleolus fractures and syndesmosis injuries as well as the best strategies to minimizing risks in poor hosts such as diabetics, obese patients, and the frail elderly. We will also provide a framework with which surgeons can approach the salvage of patients in whom the initial management has failed.