Risk of reverse golf club deformity with medial plating of distal femur fracture.

INTRODUCTION: This study described a deformity induced by medial plating of supracondylar distal femur fractures using plates that are precontoured for other anatomic locations. MATERIALS AND METHODS: OTA/AO 33A fractures were created in 12 sawbone femurs and fixed with either a proximal humerus locking plate (PH), an ipsilateral lateral tibial plateau plate (LTP), or an ipsilateral medial distal tibial plate (MDT). A motion capture system measured changes in length and rotation of the distal femur as the plate was applied. Each plate underwent four trials and the mean and standard deviation (SD) for each measurement was reported. An analysis of variance with post hoc Tukey test compared malreduction measures between plate types. RESULTS: All plates consistently created a varus deformity. There was lateral lengthening with a compensatory medial shortening and an increase in the lateral distal femoral angle. The distal fracture fragment was laterally translated, and internally rotated. The PH plate had significantly greater lateral length (27.39 mm SD 4.78, p = 0.007), shorter medial length (13.57 mm SD 4.99, p = 0.028), greater lateral translation (28.82 mm SD 5.70, p = 0.010) and greater widening of the lateral distal femoral angle (28.54° SD 4.98, p < 0.001) than the LTP and MDT plates. The MDT plate had significantly greater angulation anteriorly (8.40° SD 1.07, p < 0.001) and laterally (7.63° SD 3.10, p = 0.002) than the PH and LTP plates. There was no significant difference between plates in internal rotation (PH: 3.07° SD 2.79; LTP: 2.05° SD 1.05; MDT 3.81° SD 3.56; p = 0.659). CONCLUSION: When dual plating supracondylar distal femur fractures, poor plate positioning and a mismatch between plate contour and the slope of the medial distal femur can lead to varus angulation, internal rotation, and lateral translation or a "reverse golf club deformity". After comparing three types of precontoured plates, the authors recommend initial evaluation of the ipsilateral proximal tibial plate when placing a plate along the medial distal femur. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: IV.

Meniscus Tear Requiring Intraoperative Repair Does Not Influence Midterm Patient-Reported Outcomes in Operatively Treated Tibial Plateau Fractures.

OBJECTIVES: Evaluate whether intraoperatively repaired lateral meniscus injuries impact midterm patient-reported outcomes in those undergoing operative fixation of tibial plateau fracture. DESIGN: Retrospective cohort study. SETTING: Level I trauma center. PATIENT SELECTION CRITERIA: All patients (n = 207) who underwent operative fixation of a tibial plateau fracture from 2016 to 2021 with a minimum of 10-month follow-up. OUTCOME MEASURES AND COMPARISONS: The Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System Physical Function, Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score, and the PROMIS-Preference health utility score. RESULTS: Overall, 207 patients were included with average follow-up of 2.9 years. Seventy-three patients (35%) underwent intraoperative lateral meniscus repair. Gender, age, body mass index, Charlson comorbidity index, days to surgery, ligamentous knee injury, open fracture, vascular injury, polytraumatic injuries, Schatzker classification, and Orthopaedic Trauma Association classification were not associated with meniscal repair ( P > 0.05). Rates of reoperation (42% vs. 31%, P = 0.11), infection (8% vs. 10%, P = 0.60), return to work (78% vs. 75%, P = 0.73), and subsequent total knee arthroplasty (8% vs. 5%, P = 0.39) were also similar between those who had a meniscal repair and those without a meniscal injury, respectively. There was no difference in Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System Physical Function (46.3 vs. 45.8, P = 0.707), PROMIS-Preference (0.51 vs. 0.50, P = 0.729), and all Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score domain scores at the final follow-up between those who had a meniscal repair and those without a meniscal injury, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: In patients with an operatively treated tibial plateau fracture, the presence of a concomitant intraoperatively identified and repaired lateral meniscal tear results in similar midterm PROMs and complication rates when compared with patients without meniscal injury. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Prognostic Level III. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

Analysis of acute extremity compartment syndrome using a genealogic population database.

INTRODUCTION: Acute extremity compartment syndrome ("CS") is an under-researched, highly morbid condition affecting trauma populations. The purpose of this study was to analyze incidence rates and risk factors for extremity compartment syndrome using a high-quality population database. Additionally, we evaluated heritable risk for CS using available genealogic data. We hypothesized that diagnosis of extremity compartment syndrome would demonstrate heritability. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Adult patients with fractures of the tibia, femur, and upper extremity were retrospectively identified by ICD-9, ICD-10, and CPT codes from 1996 to 2020 in a statewide hospital database. Exposed and unexposed cohorts were created based on a diagnosis of CS. Available demographic data were analyzed to determine risk factors for compartment syndrome using logistic regression. Mortality risk at the final follow-up was evaluated using Cox proportional hazard modeling. Patients with a diagnosis of CS were matched with those without a diagnosis for heritability analysis. RESULTS: Of 158,624 fractures, 931 patients were diagnosed with CS. Incidence of CS was 0.59% (tibia 0.83%, femur 0.31%, upper extremity 0.27%). Male sex (78.1% vs. 46.4%; p < 0.001; RR = 3.24), younger age at fracture (38.8 vs. 48.0 years; p < 0.001; RR = 0.74), Medicaid enrollment (13.2% vs. 9.3%; p < 0.001; RR = 1.58), and smoking (41.1% vs. 31.1%; p < 0.001; RR 1.67) were significant risk factors for CS. CS was associated with mortality (RR 1.61, p < 0.001) at mean follow-up 8.9 years in the CS cohort. No significant heritable risk was found for diagnosis of CS. CONCLUSIONS: Without isolating high-risk fractures, rates of CS are lower than previously reported in the literature. Male sex, younger age, smoking, and Medicaid enrollment were independent risk factors for CS. CS increased mortality risk at long-term follow-up. No heritable risk was found for CS. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: III.

Postfasciotomy Classification System for Acute Compartment Syndrome of the Leg.

OBJECTIVE: Acute compartment syndrome (ACS) is a true emergency. Even with urgent fasciotomy, there is often muscle damage and need for further surgery. Although ACS is not uncommon, no validated classification system exists to aid in efficient and clear communication. The aim of this study was to establish and validate a classification system for the consequences of ACS treated with fasciotomy. METHODS: Using a modified Delphi method, an international panel of ACS experts was assembled to establish a grading scheme for the disease and then validate the classification system. The goal was to articulate discrete grades of ACS related to fasciotomy findings and associated costs. A pilot analysis was used to determine questions that were clear to the respondents. Discussion of this analysis resulted in another round of cases used for 24 other raters. The 24 individuals implemented the classification system 2 separate times to compare outcomes for 32 clinical cases. The accuracy and reproducibility of the classification system were subsequently calculated based on the providers' responses. RESULTS: The Fleiss Kappa of all raters was at 0.711, showing a strong agreement between the 24 raters. Secondary validation was performed for paired 276 raters and correlation was tested using the Kendall coefficient. The median correlation coefficient was 0.855. All 276 pairs had statistically significant correlation. Correlation coefficient between the first and second rating sessions was strong with the median pair scoring at 0.867. All surgeons had statistically significant internal consistency. CONCLUSION: This new ACS classification system may be applied to better understand the impact of ACS on patient outcomes and economic costs for leg ACS.

The trajectory of patient-reported outcomes and minimal clinically important differences in isolated and polytraumatic pelvis and acetabular fractures.

PURPOSE: Patient-reported minimal clinically important differences (MCID) provide a standard to compare clinical outcomes. The purpose of this study was to calculate the MCID of PROMIS Physical Function (PF), Pain Interference (PI), Anxiety (AX), and Depression (DEP) scores in patients with pelvis and/or acetabular fractures. METHODS: All patients with operatively treated pelvic and/or acetabular fractures were identified. Patients were categorized as either only pelvis and/or acetabular fractures (PA) or polytrauma (PT). PROMIS PF, PI, AX, and DEP scores were evaluated at 3-month, 6-month, and 12-month intervals. Distribution-based MCID and anchor-based MCID were calculated for the overall cohort, PA, and PT groups. RESULTS: The overall distribution-based MCIDs were PF (5.19), PI (3.97), AX (4.33), and DEP (4.41). The overall anchor-based MCIDs were PF (7.18), PI (8.03), AX (5.85), DEP (5.00). The percentage of patients achieving MCID for AX was 39.8-54% at 3 months and 32.7-56% at 12 months. The percentage of patients achieving MCID for DEP was 35.7-39.3% at 3 months and 32.1-35.7% at 12 months. The PT group had worse PROMIS PF scores than the PA group at all time points [post-operative, 3-month, 6-month, and 12-month scores, (28.3 (6.3) vs. 26.8 (6.8) P = 0.016), (38.1 (9.2) vs. 35.0 (8.7) P = 0.037), (42.8 (8.2) vs. 39 (9.6) P = 0.015), (46.2 (9.7) vs. 41.2 (9.7) P = 0.011)]. CONCLUSION: An overall MCID for PROMIS PF was 5.19-7.18, PROMIS PI 3.97-8.03, PROMIS AX of 4.33-5.85, and PROMIS DEP of 4.41-5.00. The PT group had worse PROMIS PF at all time points. The percentage of patients achieving MCID for AX and DEP plateaued at 3 months post-operatively. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV.

Geriatric Distal Femur Fractures Treated With Distal Femoral Replacement Are Associated With Higher Rates of Readmissions and Complications.

OBJECTIVE: Compare mortality and complications of distal femur fracture repair among elderly patients who receive operative fixation versus distal femur replacement (DFR). DESIGN: Retrospective comparison. SETTING: Medicare beneficiaries. PATIENTS/PARTICIPANTS: Patients 65 years of age and older with distal femur fracture identified using Center for Medicare & Medicaid Services data from 2016 to 2019. INTERVENTION: Operative fixation (open reduction with plating or intramedullary nail) or DFR. MAIN OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS: Mortality, readmissions, perioperative complications, and 90-day cost were compared between groups using Mahalanobis nearest-neighbor matching to account for differences in age, sex, race, and the Charlson Comorbidity Index. RESULTS: Most patients (90%, 28,251/31,380) received operative fixation. Patients in the fixation group were significantly older (81.1 vs. 80.4 years, P < 0.001), and there were more an open fractures (1.6% vs. 0.5%, P < 0.001). There were no differences in 90-day (difference: 1.2% [-0.5% to 3%], P = 0.16), 6-month (difference: 0.6% [-1.5% to 2.7%], P = 0.59), and 1-year mortality (difference: -3.3% [-2.9 to 2.3], P = 0.80). DFR had greater 90-day (difference: 5.4% [2.8%-8.1%], P < 0.001), 6-month (difference: 6.5% [3.1%-9.9%], P < 0.001), and 1-year readmission (difference: 5.5% [2.2-8.7], P = 0.001). DFR had significantly greater rates of infection, pulmonary embolism, deep vein thrombosis, and device-related complication within 1 year from surgery. DFR ($57,894) was significantly more expensive than operative fixation ($46,016; P < 0.001) during the total 90-day episode. CONCLUSIONS: Elderly patients with distal femur fracture have a 22.5% 1-year mortality rate. DFR was associated with significantly greater infection, device-related complication, pulmonary embolism, deep vein thrombosis, cost, and readmission within 90 days, 6 months, and 1 year of surgery. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic Level III. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

Recovery Curve for Patients With Pilon Fractures Using Patient-Reported Outcome Measurement Information System.

BACKGROUND: The time frame in which patients can expect functional improvement after open reduction internal fixation (ORIF) of pilon fractures is unclear. The purpose of this study was to determine the trajectory and rate at which patients' physical function improves up to 2 years postinjury. METHODS: The patients studied sustained a unilateral, isolated pilon fractures (AO/OTA 43B/C) and followed at a level 1 trauma center over a 5-year period (2015-2020). Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information Systems (PROMIS) Physical Function (PF) scores from these patients at defined follow-up times of immediately, 6 weeks, 3 months, 6 months, 1 year, and 2 years after surgery defined the cohorts and were retrospectively studied. RESULTS: There were 160 patients with PROMIS scores immediately postoperatively, 143 patients at 6 weeks, 146 patients at 12 weeks, 97 at 24 weeks, 84 at 1 year, and 45 at 2 years postoperatively. The average PROMIS PF score was 28 immediately postoperatively, 30 at 6 weeks, 36 at 3 months, 40 at 6 months, 41 at 1 year, and 39 at 2 years. There was a significant difference between PROMIS PF scores between 6 weeks and 3 months (P < .001), and between 3 and 6 months (P < .001). Otherwise, no significant differences were detected between consecutive time points. CONCLUSION: Patients with isolated pilon fractures demonstrate the majority of their improvement in terms of physical function between 6 weeks and 6 months postoperatively. No significant difference was detected in PF scores after 6 months postoperatively up to 2 years. Furthermore, the mean PROMIS PF score of patients 2 years after recovery was approximately 1 SD below the population average. This information is helpful in counseling patients and setting expectations for recovery after pilon fractures. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III, prognostic.

No Increased Risk of Nonunion with Bisphosphonate Use in a Medicare Claims Cohort Following Operatively Treated Long-Bone Fractures.

BACKGROUND: The diagnosis of a fragility fracture represents an important intervention event for the initiation of medical osteoporosis treatments. However, it is unclear if osteoporosis medications increase the risk of nonunion if administered in the setting of acute fracture. The purpose of the present study was to investigate whether bisphosphonates or selective estrogen receptor modulators/hormone replacement therapy (SERM/HRT) are associated with nonunion following fracture in a Medicare population. METHODS: A retrospective analysis of Medicare claims from 2016 to 2019 was performed to identify patients ≥65 years of age who had a surgically treated long-bone fracture as identified with Current Procedural Terminology (CPT) codes and International Classification of Diseases, 10th Revision (ICD-10) codes. Successive claims were linked for each beneficiary through 1 year following the fracture to determine fracture union status. Multivariable logistic regression models were specified to identify the association between medications and fracture union status while controlling for age, sex, race, Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI), and fracture type. RESULTS: Of the 111,343 included fractures, 10,452 (9.4%) were associated with a diagnosis of nonunion within 1 year. The nonunion group was younger (79.8 ± 8.3 versus 80.6 ± 8.4 years; p < 0.001), more likely to be White (92.4% versus 90.9%; p < 0.001), and more likely to have a CCI of ≥2 (50.9% versus 49.4%; p < 0.001). Bisphosphonate use was more common in the nonunion group (12.2% versus 11.4%; p = 0.017). When controlling for race, age, sex, and CCI, neither bisphosphonates (OR, 1.06 [95% CI, 0.99 to 1.12]; p = 0.101) nor SERM/HRT (OR, 1.13 [0.93 to 1.36]; p = 0.218) were associated with nonunion. Bisphosphonate use within 90 days post-fracture was not significantly associated with nonunion (OR, 0.94 [95% CI, 0.86 to 1.03]; p = 0.175), and the timing of medication administration did not influence fracture union status. CONCLUSIONS: The rate of nonunion after operatively treated long-bone fractures was 9.4%. In this cohort, use of a bisphosphonate or SERM/HRT was not associated with fracture union status at 1 year. Orthopaedic surgeons should not withhold or delay initiating medical therapies for osteoporosis in the setting of acute fracture out of concern for nonunion. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Prognostic Level III . See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

Butterfly fragments in diaphyseal tibial fractures heal unpredictably: Should we be adopting other strategies for these high risk fractures?

INTRODUCTION: The natural history of diaphyseal tibial butterfly fragments is poorly documented. Numerous studies have analyzed risk factors for nonunions in the tibial shaft with known factors including Gustilo classification, ASA class, and cortical contact. However, the healing potential and ideal management of nonsegmental butterfly fragments in this setting remains unknown. The aim of this study was to determine the nonunion rate of diaphyseal tibial fractures with a butterfly fragment. METHODS: A performed a retrospective review of patients at a single academic Level 1 Trauma Center from 2000-2020 who underwent intramedullary nailing of tibial shaft fractures. Those with non-segmental butterfly fragments (OTA/AO: 42-B) and minimum 12 month follow up were included. Morphologic measurements of butterfly fragments were performed to measure location, size, and displacement, and mRust scores at final follow up were calculated. Outcome measures were surgery to promote union, and mRust scores. RESULTS: A total of 99 patients were included with 21 patients requiring revision surgery to promote union. Thirty six patients had open fractures and 77% of patients were male with a mean age of 34 (range: 12-80). Average follow up was 19 months (3 months - 12 years). The most common location of the butterfly fragment was the anterior cortex (42%), with a mean length of 7.8cm (SD: 3.3) and width of 1.8cm (SD: 0.5cm). At final follow-up 37% of fractures had persistent lucency without callus at the site of the butterfly while only 31% of fractures had remodeled cortex. Average time to complete healing was 13.3 months. Open fractures with butterfly fragments were more likely to go on to nonunion than closed (44% vs 9.2%, p=<0.001). The length of the butterfly fragment was not different between the union and nonunion groups (7.7 vs 7.5, P=0.42). CONCLUSIONS: Open tibial shaft fractures with a butterfly fragment have a high risk of nonunion. Further research may seek to determine if adjunct treatment of butterfly fragments (ie inter-fragmentary compression) in the acute setting could improve healing rates.

Venous thromboembolism in patients with surgically treated ankle fractures.

OBJECTIVES: In patients with rotational ankle fracture, we compare the rate of venous thromboembolism development between patients who received chemoprophylaxis vs those patients that received none. DESIGN: Retrospective cohort study. SETTING: Level I trauma center. PATIENTS/PARTICIPANTS: Between 2014 and 2018, we identified 483 patients with rotational ankle fracture that had no VTE risk factors, were under 70 years of age, and had an isolated injury. INTERVENTION: Chemoprophylaxis vs no chemoprophylaxis after open reduction internal fixation of a rotational ankle fracture. MAIN OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS: Development of VTE was the primary outcome. Secondary outcomes included wound problems, infection, hematoma, or non-union. RESULTS: There were 313 patients that received no prophylaxis and 170 patients that received chemoprophylaxis after operative fixation of an isolated ankle fracture. Demographics including age, gender, body mass index, and ASA class were similar between groups. The rate of DVT/PE was 3.5% in those without DVT prophylaxis, and 4.1% in those on DVT prophylaxis with no significant differences found (p = 0.8). There was no significant difference in wound complication (no VTE prophylaxis-3.7% vs VTE prophylaxis-2.5%, p = 0.7) or infection rates (no VTE prophylaxis-3.8% vs VTE prophylaxis 4.1%, p = 1.0) between groups. CONCLUSIONS: No difference was detected in the rate of symptomatic DVT or PE in patients based on chemoprophylaxis. Our results support the conclusion that the use of chemoprophylaxis may remain surgeon preference and based on patient risk factors for VTE development. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III-retrospective cohort study.

Articular fragment restoration is critical to mitigate post-traumatic osteoarthritis in a porcine pilon fracture model.

Objective: During articular fracture reconstruction, orthopedic surgeons are frequently faced with the dilemma of retaining small articular fragments versus discarding these fragments. The purpose of this study was to compare post-traumatic osteoarthritis (PTOA) development between tibial plafond fractures and plafond fractures with a missing articular fragment (MF) in a porcine model. Design: High-energy tibial plafond fractures in skeletally mature Yucatan mini pigs (n â€‹= â€‹12) were created. During surgery, a 3 â€‹× â€‹3 mm section of the articular surface was removed in six animals (MF group). Ankle synovial fluid was analyzed for IL-1ß, IL-1Ra, IL-6, IL-8, and IL-10 concentrations obtained at initial surgery and 12 weeks post-surgery. Plafond and talus sections were evaluated for subchondral bone porosity and stained with Sanderson's Rapid Bone Stain and blindly evaluated to determine the Osteoarthritis Research Society International (OARSI) grade and vascular invasion. Results: Fractured ankles had greater concentrations of IL-1ß, IL-1Ra, IL-6, IL-8, and IL-10 compared to control ankles. There was no difference in cytokine concentrations between fractured and fractured â€‹+ â€‹MF ankles. Fractured ankles had significantly greater bone porosity, vascular invasion, and OARSI grade as compared to the control group. In comparing tibial plafonds, the MF group had significantly more bone porosity, more vascular invasion, and a higher average OARSI grade than the anatomically reconstructed group. In comparing the talus, the MF group had higher average OARSI grade and similar bone porosity. Conclusions: Articular fractures with a MF had worse PTOA development as measured by bone porosity, vascular invasion, and OARSI grade than the anatomically reconstructed fractures.

Greater Acute Articular Inflammatory Response in Tibial Plafond Fractures as Compared to Ankle Fractures.

BACKGROUND: Several factors are thought to contribute to posttraumatic osteoarthritis (PTOA) development, including the posttraumatic inflammatory response. The purpose of this study was to compare 2 injuries at the same joint with a different severity and prognosis. This study compared the intra-articular inflammatory response after rotational ankle fracture (lower energy and less PTOA) with tibial plafond fracture (higher energy and more PTOA). METHODS: This prospective comparative study was conducted at a level 1 trauma center between 2014-2019. Patients between 18 and 60 years of age with acute ankle or tibial plafond fractures were enrolled. Patients with preexisting ankle OA, autoimmune disease, additional injury, or open fractures were excluded. Synovial fluid aspirations were obtained within 24 hours of injury. The concentrations of interleukin (IL)-1ß, IL-1 receptor antagonist (IL-1RA), IL-6, IL-8, and IL-10 and matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-1, MMP-3, and MMP-13 were quantified. RESULTS: Aspiration were obtained from 29 plafond fractures and 36 ankle fractures. Mean age was 43 years, and patients were predominately female (64%). Age, gender, and comorbidities did not vary between cohorts. Of the plafond fractures, 13 were 43-B and 16 were 43-C injuries. Ankle fractures were predominately 44-B injuries, and 15 ankle fracture had articular impaction. IL-10, IL-1ß, IL-6, IL-8, MMP-1, MMP-3, and MMP-13 were all significantly higher in acute plafond fractures as compared to acute ankle fractures. CONCLUSION: This study compared articular inflammatory marker profiles after fractures of different severities. Several cytokines were elevated in plafond fractures as compared to ankle fractures, suggesting a greater inflammatory response with plafond fractures. Given the difference in prognosis for and higher rate of PTOA after plafond fractures, these data strengthen the case that postinjury inflammatory response plays a role in PTOA development. Given that the postinjury inflammatory response is one of the few modifiable variables of these injuries, future research in this area remains important. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level II, prospective.

Significant Factors of High Performance Outcomes for Tibial Plafond Fractures.

BACKGROUND: Limited research exists about high performance postsurgical tibial plafond fractures. This study aimed to identify aspects of the plafond fracture injury and care associated with "high performance" based on Patient Reported Outcome Measurement Information System (PROMIS) Physical Function (PF) scores. METHODS: Tibial plafond fracture patients with minimum 12-month follow-up treated at a level 1 trauma center from 2006 to 2019 were categorized into high (top 25%) vs average-low (AL) (bottom 75%) performers based on PROMIS PF scores. Demographics and fracture characteristics of high and AL performers were compared. Variables with a P value less than .1 were used in stepwise logistic regressions. RESULTS: The final cohort of 198 patients was divided into high (n=51) and AL (n=147) performers based on PF scores. The mean PF scores for the high and AL groups were 58 (SD=5.3) and 41.9 (SD=6.5), respectively. The mean PROMIS Pain Interference scores for the high performers and AL were 43.3 (SD=4.9) and 56.8 (SD=8.6) (P < .001), respectively. FAAM activities of daily living (high 95.4 [SD=5.5] vs AL 70.4 [SD=19.8], P < .001) and FAAM sports (high 76.8 [SD=21.3] vs AL 27.3 [SD=28.9], P < .001) subscale scores were significantly greater in the high-performing group. Sex, age, marital status, and diabetes were nonsignificant factors in univariate analysis. Significant demographic factors associated with high performance from univariate analysis were Caucasian race, private insurance, no tobacco use, lower body mass index (BMI), and mechanism of injury. Patients with fracture characteristics of OTA 43C (complete articular) fractures, bone loss, open fractures, or nonexcellent reduction were significantly less likely to be high performers. Additionally, less than excellent reductions were more common in more complex fracture patterns. Multivariable regression modeling showed that higher BMI, OTA/AO 43-C (complete articular) fracture classification, and open fracture were significant independent risk factors for reducing likelihood of high performance. CONCLUSION: Significant independent factors associated with high performance after tibial plafond fracture are lower BMI, closed fracture, and OTA/AO 43-B (partial articular) fracture.

Reformatting of Computed Tomography Scans Parallel to the S1 End Plate Increases Visualization of Trans Sacral Pathway in the First Sacral Segment, Especially With Dysmorphism.

OBJECTIVE: To determine whether reformatted computed tomography (CT) scans would increase surgeons' confidence in placing a trans sacral (TS) screw in the first sacral segment. SETTING: Level 1 trauma center. DESIGN: A retrospective cohort study. PATIENTS/PARTICIPANTS: There were 50 patients with uninjured pelvises who were reviewed by 9 orthopaedic trauma fellowship-trained surgeons and 5 orthopaedic residents. MAIN OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS: The overall percentage of surgeons who believe it was safe to place a TS screw in the first sacral segment with standard (axial cuts perpendicular to the scanner gantry) versus reformatted (parallel to the S1 end plate) CT scans. RESULTS: Overall, 58% of patients were believed to have a safe corridor in traditional cut axial CT scans, whereas 68% were believed to have a safe corridor on reformatted CT scans ( P < 0.001). When grouped by dysplasia, those without sacral dysplasia (n = 28) had a safe corridor 93% of the time on traditional scans and 93% of the time with reformatted CT scans ( P = 0.87). However, of those who had dysplasia (n = 22), only 12% were believed to have a safe corridor on original scans compared with 35% on reformatted scans ( P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: CT scan reformatting parallel to the S1 superior end plate increases the likelihood of identifying a safe corridor for a TS screw, especially in patients with evidence of sacral dysplasia. The authors would recommend the routine use of reformatting CT scans in this manner to provide a better understanding of the upper sacral segment osseous fixation pathways.

What Happens on the Back Table? Viability and Osteogenic Potential of Reamed Autogenous Bone Graft as a Function of Time and Temperature-A Pilot Study.

OBJECTIVES: To provide guidelines for reamed autogenous bone graft (R-ABG) in nonunion surgery to best manage modifiable intraoperative factors, like storage temperature and time, for optimal graft viability. Our hypothesis was that R-ABG graft will show decreased cell viability as a function of increased time and storage temperature. METHODS: R-ABG samples were obtained using an RIA system from 10 patients undergoing harvest for the treatment of a nonunion. A 10 cm3 sample of cancellous bone graft was divided into 10 samples. A control sample was processed immediately and analyzed using fluorescence activated cell sorting to determine its cell viability. The remaining samples were stored at 0, 15, and 37°C and processed similarly after 60 and 120 minutes. A paired t test was used to compare the mean change in percent viability. RESULTS: The mean percent cell viability for the experimental conditions was not significantly different from the initial percent cell viability (P ≥ 0.08). There were no significant differences in the change in mean percentage of viable cells (P ≥ 0.07). After 60 and 120 minutes of storage, there were no significant differences in mean cell viability based on storage temperature (P ≥ 0.53 and P ≥ 0.68, respectively). A power analysis estimated that a sample size of 52 patients would be needed to detect a difference. CONCLUSIONS: The results of our pilot study indicate that storage conditions may have less effect on cell viability than previously hypothesized. Further research with more patients is needed to confirm these preliminary results. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level II.

Biomechanical and anatomical considerations for dual plating of distal femur fractures: a systematic literature review.

INTRODUCTION: Distal femur fractures are challenging injuries historically associated with high rates of nonunion and varus collapse with operative management. As a result, clinical and research interest in dual plating (DP) of distal femur fractures has seen a dramatic increase in recent years. The purpose of this study was to systematically review the literature regarding vascular anatomy and biomechanics of distal femur fractures treated with DP constructs. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A systematic literature review of two medical databases (PubMed & Scopus) was performed to identify peer-reviewed studies on the anatomy and biomechanics regarding DP of distal femur fractures. A total of 1,001 papers were evaluated and 14 papers met inclusion criteria (6 anatomy and 8 biomechanics). Methodological quality scores were used to assess quality and potential bias in the included studies. RESULTS: In the biomechanical studies, DP constructs demonstrated greater axial and rotational stiffness, as well as less displacement and fewer incidences of failure compared to all other constructs. Vascular studies showed that the femoral artery crosses the mid-shaft femur approximately 16.0-18.8 cm proximal to the adductor tubercle and it is located on average 16.6-31.1 mm from the femoral shaft at this location, suggesting that medial plate application can be achieved safely in the distal femur. The methodological quality of the included studies was good for biomechanical studies (Traa score 79.1; range 53-92.5) and excellent for anatomical studies (QUACs score 81.9; range 69.0-88.5). CONCLUSIONS: Existing biomechanics literature suggests that DP constructs are mechanically stronger than other constructs commonly used in the treatment of distal femur fractures. Furthermore, medial distal femoral anatomy allows for safe application of DP constructs, even in a minimally invasive fashion. Dual plating should be considered for patients with distal femur fractures that have risk factors for instability, varus collapse, or nonunion.

Emergency Department Stress Radiographs of Lateral Compression Type-1 Pelvic Ring Injuries Are Safe, Effective, and Reliable.

BACKGROUND: Occult instability of lateral compression type-1 (LC1) pelvic ring injuries may be determined with a fluoroscopic stress examination under anesthesia (EUA) performed in the operating room. We hypothesized that LC1 injuries, similar to some fractures of the extremities, could be radiographically stressed for stability in the emergency department (ED). Our primary objective was to determine if stress examination of LC1 fractures could be safely and accurately performed in the ED and could be tolerated by patients. METHODS: A prospective, consecutive series of 70 patients with minimally displaced LC1 pelvic injuries (<10-mm displacement on presentation) underwent stress examinations performed by the on-call orthopaedic resident in the ED radiology suite. The stress examination series included static 40° inlet, internal rotation stress inlet, and external rotation stress inlet views. Pelvic fractures that had positive stress results (≥10 mm of overlap of the rami) were indicated for a surgical procedure. These fractures also underwent EUA in order for the 2 techniques to be compared. RESULTS: All patients tolerated the ED stress examination without general anesthetic or hemodynamic instability. Fifty-seven patients (81%) had negative stress results and were allowed to bear weight. All patients with negative stress results who had 3-month follow-up went on to radiographic union without substantial displacement. For the patients with a positive stress result in the ED, the mean displacement was 15.15 mm (95% confidence interval [CI], 10.8 to 19.4 mm) for the ED stress test and 15.60 mm (95% CI, 11.7 to 19.4 mm) for the EUA (p = 0.86). Two patients with a negative ED stress test did not mobilize during their hospitalization and underwent EUA and conversion to a surgical procedure. Thus, a total of 11 patients underwent both stress testing in the ED and EUA; no patient had a positive result on one test but a negative result on the other. CONCLUSIONS: ED stress examination of LC1 injuries is a safe and reliable method to determine pelvic ring stability. The displacement measured in the ED stress examination is similar to the displacement measured under general anesthesia. Furthermore, a negative ED stress examination predicts successful nonoperative treatment. Given the results of this study, we encourage the use of stress examination in the ED for LC1-type injuries involving complete sacral fractures only. Widescale adoption of this streamlined protocol may substantially diminish cost, anesthetic risk, and potential operations for patients. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Diagnostic Level II. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

Patient-Reported Outcomes After Lateral Process Talus Fracture.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate functional outcome after lateral process talus fracture using patient-reported instruments and identify injury characteristics that portend a worse prognosis. DESIGN: Retrospective case series. SETTING: Level 1 academic trauma center. PATIENTS/PARTICIPANTS: Fifty-three patients with isolated lateral process talus fracture and 12 months of minimum follow-up. MAIN OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS: Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS) physical function (PF) and Foot and Ankle Ability Measure (FAAM). RESULTS: Mean patient age was 33 years (range, 17-62 years), and mean follow-up was 6.5 years (range, 1-12 years). Twenty-one patients were initially treated nonoperatively and 14 of these patients (67%) failed nonoperative management. Patients who failed nonoperative treatment more commonly had a displaced fracture (12 patients) (P = 0.009). Thirty-two patients had displaced fracture and were treated with early operative fixation. For the entire cohort, final PROMIS PF was 55 (SD -8.3), FAAM Activities of Daily Living (ADL) was 89 (SD -14), and FAAM sport was 77 (SD -20). The patients treated with operative fixation had significantly larger fracture fragments (2050 vs. 1066 mm3, P = 0.017). There was no difference in final outcome between operative and nonoperative patients for PROMIS PF (P = 0.84), FAAM ADL (P = 0.95), or FAAM sport (P = 0.94). There were significantly more subtalar fusions in the nonoperative group (4 patients) as compared to the operative group (one patient) (P = 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Most patients with lateral process talus fracture achieve excellent outcome as measured by the PROMIS PF and FAAM at medium-term follow-up. Displaced fractures are likely best managed with early surgical treatment. Patients treated with early surgery have significantly fewer subtalar fusions as compared to patients with nonoperative treatment. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic Level IV. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

Fewer Hip Dislocations With Anterior Total Hip Arthroplasty for Displaced Femoral Neck Fracture.

The primary goal of this study was to compare dislocation rates with an anterior approach vs a posterior approach for patients who underwent total hip arthroplasty (THA) for displaced femoral neck fracture. A retrospective review was conducted of patients who underwent THA for acute femoral neck fracture at the authors' level I trauma center. All patients had at least 1 year of follow-up. Modified Harris Hip Score (mHHS) and EuroQol 5D-5L score were obtained to assess hip function and overall quality of life at a minimum of 12 months postoperatively. The study population included 76 patients (posterior, 22; anterior, 54), with mean follow-up of 39 months (range, 12-125 months). Significantly more postoperative complications occurred in the posterior group compared with the anterior group (7 vs 4, respectively; P=.006). In addition, significantly more hip dislocations occurred in the posterior group compared with the anterior group (3 vs 1, respectively; P=.037). The study did not show a difference in mHHS (anterior, 82; posterior, 77; P=.411). The findings suggest that an anterior-based approach to THA may result in fewer complications than a posterior-based approach for patients who have displaced femoral neck fracture. Patients should be counseled on the higher perioperative risk after surgery compared with patients undergoing elective THA. Patients undergoing THA with an anterior approach for femoral neck fracture can expect to achieve good hip functional outcome and good quality of life 12 months after surgery. [Orthopedics. 2021;44(2):e248-e252.].

Young Intertrochanteric Femur Fractures Are Associated With Fewer Complications than Young Femoral Neck Fractures.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the complication profile of femoral neck (FN) and intertrochanteric (IT) femur fractures in young patients. DESIGN: A retrospective database review. SETTING: Large, national private insurer claims database with longitudinal follow-up. PATIENTS: Individuals undergoing surgical fixation of IT or FN fractures from 2010 to 2017 were identified. Patients were included if they were 18-50 years of age and had 1-year postoperative follow-up. Those with comorbid conditions of chronic kidney disease, congestive heart failure, diabetes, or coronary artery disease were excluded from the primary analysis. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Complication data, including a diagnosis of nonunion, malunion, avascular necrosis (AVN), or need for revision surgery at 1-year follow-up, were compared. In addition, medical complication data at 90 days postoperatively were evaluated. RESULTS: In total, 808 patients were identified: 392 (48.5%) patients with IT femur fractures and 416 (51.5%) patients with FN fractures. On multivariate analysis, FN fractures had nearly twice the risk of nonunion compared with IT femur fractures (odds ratio = 1.89; confidence interval, 1.09-3.30). IT femur fractures had a 5.4% rate of nonunion, a 3.6% rate of revision surgery, a 1% rate of AVN, and a 0.8% rate of conversion into total hip arthroplasty. By contrast, FN fractures had significantly higher rates of nonunion (10.3%; P = 0.009), revision surgery (9.4%; P = 0.001), AVN (5.8%; P < 0.001), and conversion to total hip arthroplasty (6%; P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: The results of this study demonstrate that IT fractures in young patients have superior outcomes when compared with their intracapsular counterparts. This is the only series of its kind to evaluate the complication profile of young IT femur fractures on a large scale. This information will be helpful in counseling patients in the perioperative setting. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Prognostic Level III. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.