Comparison of the AO/OTA 1996/2007 and 2018 pelvic ring fracture classifications.

Pelvic ring fractures may present with relevant mechanical and haemodynamic instability. Classifications of the bony or ligamentous injuries of the pelvic ring are well established. The most common classifications used analyse the injury mechanisms and the resulting instability of the pelvic ring structure. Fracture classifications should be simple and easy to use, comprehensive, and radiographically and anatomically based, resulting in a hierarchical alphanumeric order of types and subtypes and thereby allow adequate treatment decisions based on a high degree of inter- and intraobserver reliability. In 2018 a new AO/OTA pelvic ring fracture and dislocation classification was published that combined the most commonly used "historical" classification schemes, e.g. the Tile/AO classification and the classification according to Young and Burgess. Compared with these older classifications, several relevant changes were integrated in the 2018 edition. The changes between the AO/OTA 1996/2007 and 2018 classifications were analysed in detail. Overall, several problems were identified regarding the type-B pelvic ring injury classification. These changes may result in difficulties in classifying pelvic ring injuries and thereby prevent relevant comparisons between former and future clinical studies on pelvic injuries.Level of Evidence: V.

Reverse Shoulder Arthroplasty Is Superior to Plate Fixation for Displaced Proximal Humeral Fractures in the Elderly: Five-Year Follow-up of the DelPhi Randomized Controlled Trial.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic Level I. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

Emergency treatment of pelvic ring injuries: state of the art.

High energy pelvic injuries sustain significant mortality rates, due to acute exsanguination and severe associated injuries. Managing the hemodynamically unstable trauma patient with a bleeding pelvic fracture still forms a major challenge in acute trauma care. Various approaches have been applied through the last decades. At present the concept of Damage Control Resuscitation (DCR) is universally accepted and applied in major trauma centers internationally. DCR combines hemostatic blood transfusions to restore blood volume and physiologic stability, reduced crystalloid fluid administration, permissive hypotension, and immediate hemorrhage control by operative or angiographic means. Different detailed algorithms and orders of hemostatic procedures exist, without clear consensus or guidelines, depending on local traditions and institutional setups. Fracture reduction and immediate stabilization with a binder constitute the basis for angiography and embolization (AE) or pelvic packing (PP) in the hemodynamically unstable patient. AE is time consuming and may not be available 24/7, whereas PP offers a quick and technically easy procedure well suited for the patient in extremis. Resuscitative endovascular balloon occlusion of the aorta (REBOA) has also been described as a valuable adjunct in hemostatic non-responders, but merely constitute a bridge to surgical or angiographic hemostasis and its definitive role in DCR is not yet clearly established. A swift algorithmic approach to the hemodynamically unstable pelvic injury patient is required to achieve optimum results. The present paper summarizes the available literature on the acute management of the bleeding pelvic trauma patient, with emphasis on initial assessment and damage control resuscitation including surgical and angiographic hemostatic procedures. Furthermore, initial treatment of open fractures and associated injuries to the nervous and genitourinary system is outlined.

Impact of Pronator Quadratus Muscle Tear in Distal Radius Fractures on Patient Outcomes: Analyses of 55 Patients in a Volar Locking Plate Arm of a Randomized Clinical Trial.

Background The advantage of pronator quadratus (PQ) repair following internal fixation via the volar approach in distal radius fracture (DRF) surgery remains unconfirmed in the literature. The aim of this study was to compare grip strength, patient-reported outcomes, and functional results between patients with an intact PQ and those with a ruptured PQ before undergoing surgery with a volar locking plate for dorsally displaced unstable extra-articular DRFs. Methods A total of 120 patients aged 55 years and older were included in a randomized controlled trial comparing a volar locking plate with a dorsal nail plate. Of the 60 patients randomized to the volar plate group, the integrity of the PQ muscle was recorded during surgery for 55 patients, who were included in this study. The outcomes measured were the Quick Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand Outcome Measure (QuickDASH) score, the Patient-Rated Wrist Evaluation (PRWE) score, the EQ-5D index, the visual analog scale (VAS) score, grip strength, and range of motion (ROM). Results The median age was 67 years (range 55 to 88), and the one-year follow-up rate was 98%. Patients with an identified intact PQ (28/55) before surgical release had better QuickDASH scores after one year (2.5 vs 8.0, mean difference 5.5, 95% CI: 1.3 to 9.8, p=0.028). Patients in the intact group also had better EQ-5D Index scores after one year (0.94 vs 0.85, mean difference 0.089, 95% CI: 0.004 to 0.174, p=0.031), and demonstrated better grip strength throughout the trial; after one year: 24 kg vs 20 kg (mean difference 3.9; 95% CI: 0.3 to 7.6, p=0.016). After one year, the intact group had regained 96% of their grip strength and the nonintact group had regained 93% of their grip strength compared to the uninjured side. The observed differences may be of questionable clinical importance, as they were lower than those of previously proposed minimal clinically important differences (MCIDs). Conclusions Patients with a DRF and a ruptured PQ prior to surgery exhibited higher QuickDASH scores and lower EQ-5D index scores after one year. The integrity of the PQ should be reported in future studies.

Non-operative versus operative treatment of suprasyndesmotic ankle fractures: protocol for a prospective, multicentre, randomised controlled trial.

INTRODUCTION: Surgery is widely recognised as the treatment of choice for suprasyndesmotic ankle fractures, because of the assumption that these injuries yield instability of the ankle joint. Stability assessment of ankle fractures using weightbearing radiographs is now used regularly to guide the treatment of transsyndesmotic and infrasyndesmotic ankle fractures. Patients with a congruent ankle joint on weightbearing radiographs can be treated non-operatively with excellent results. Weightbearing radiographs are, however, rarely performed on suprasyndesmotic fractures due to the assumed unstable nature of these fractures. If weightbearing radiographs can be used to identify suprasyndesmotic fractures suitable for non-operative treatment, we may save patients from the potential burdens of surgery.Our aim is to compare the efficacy of operative and non-operative treatment of patients with suprasyndesmotic ankle fractures that reduce on weightbearing radiographs. METHODS AND ANALYSIS: A non-inferiority randomised controlled trial involving 120 patients will be conducted. A total of 120 patients with suprasyndesmotic ankle fractures with an initial radiographic medial clear space of <7 mm will be subjected to weightbearing radiographs. If the tibio-talar joint is completely reduced, we will randomise in a 1:1 ratio to either operative treatment including reduction and fixation of the syndesmosis or non-operative treatment with an orthosis. The primary study outcome is patient-reported ankle function and symptoms as measured by the Olerud-Molander Ankle Score at 2-year follow-up. Secondary outcomes include the Manchester-Oxford Foot Questionnaire, range of motion, radiographic results and rates of adverse events. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION: The Regional Committee for Medical and Health Research South East, group A (permission number: 169307), has granted ethics approval. The results of this study will provide valuable insights for developing future diagnostic and treatment strategies for a common fracture type. The findings will be shared through publication in peer-reviewed journals and presentations at conferences. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: NCT04615650.

Long-term follow-up and survival of delayed total hip arthroplasty following acetabular fracture: a matched cohort study of 552 cases from the Norwegian Arthroplasty Register.

BACKGROUND: Operative treatment of acetabular fractures generally yields good results, but several authors report up to 15-20% of patients developing post-traumatic osteoarthritis (OA). Previous studies have shown that total hip arthroplasty (THA) following post-traumatic OA have inferior results compared to THA for primary OA. The aim of this study was to report on long-term outcome of THA following acetabular fracture, compared to primary OA. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We performed a matched cohort study with data from the Norwegian Arthroplasty Register (NAR). All patients receiving THA following an acetabular fracture between 1987 and 2018 were identified. A 3:1 matched cohort consisting of patients treated for primary OA with THA was selected using propensity scores and matched for age, gender and year of surgery. Survival analysis was performed with revision of any cause as endpoint. Cox regression was used to identify factors associated with risk of revision surgery. RESULTS: 552 cases were identified, 397 men and 155 women. Mean age was 58.8 (11-91) years. 224 had previously been operated for the acetabular fracture, 328 had been treated non-operatively. Mean follow up time was 8.7 (1-29) years. Implant survival at 10 years was 79.7% (75.6-83.3) and at 20 years 62.4% (55.5-69.3). The hazard ratio for revision was 1.38 (1.07-1.77, p < 0.001) compared to the OA cohort, regardless of operative or non-operative treatment of the index acetabular fracture. Uncemented acetabular components had an increased risk of revision with hazard ratio for revision 1.61 (p = 0.012). CONCLUSIONS: THA following an acetabular fracture can be performed with acceptable results regarding implant survival, however, we report an increased risk for revision when compared to primary OA. Our results indicate that previous operative fracture treatment does not increase the risk for THA revision compared to cases treated non-operatively.

Closed reduction of dorsally displaced distal radius fractures in the elderly provided improved final radiographic results.

BACKGROUND: Recent guidelines recommend non-operative treatment as primary treatment in elderly patients with displaced distal radius fractures. Most of these fractures are closely reduced. We aimed to evaluate the radiological results of closed reduction and casting of dorsally displaced distal radius fractures in patients 65 years or older. METHODS: A total of 290 patients treated during the years 2015, 2018 and 2019 in an urban outpatient fracture clinic with complete follow-up at least 5 weeks post-reduction were available for analysis. Closed fracture reduction was performed by manual traction under hematoma block. A circular plaster of Paris cast was used. Radiographs pre- and post-reduction and at final follow-up were analyzed. RESULTS: Mean age was 77 years (SD 8) and 258 (89%) were women. Dorsal tilt improved from mean 111° (range 83-139) to 89° (71-116) post-reduction and fell back to mean 98° (range 64-131) at final follow-up. Ulnar variance was 2 mm ((-1)-12) pre-reduction, 0 mm ((-3)-5) post-reduction and ended at mean 2 mm (0-8). Radial inclination went from 17° ((-6)-30) to 23° (SD 7-33), and then back to 18° (0-32) at final follow-up. 41 (14%) patients had worse alignment at final follow-up compared to pre-reduction. 48 (17%) obtained a position similar to the starting point, while 201 (69%) improved. Fractures with the volar cortex aligned after reduction retained 0.4 mm (95% Confidence Interval (CI) 0.1 to 0.7; p = 0,022) more radius length during immobilization. In a regression analysis, less ulnar variance in initial radiographs (OR 1.8 (95% CI 1.4 to 2.3) per mm, p < 0.001) and lower age (OR 1.06 (95% CI 1.02 to 1.09) per year, p < 0.003) protected against loss of reduction. CONCLUSION: Subsequent loss of reduction after initial closed reduction was seen in most distal radius fractures. Reduction improved overall alignment in 2/3 of the patients at final follow-up. An aligned volar cortex seemed to protect partially against loss of radial length.

Functional outcomes and health-related quality of life after reconstruction of segmental bone loss in femur and tibia using the induced membrane technique.

INTRODUCTION: The induced membrane technique (IMT), frequently called Masquelet technique, is an operative, two-staged technique for treatment of segmental bone loss. Previous studies mainly focused on radiological outcome parameters and complication rates, while functional outcomes and health-related quality of life after the IMT were sparsely reported. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Retrospective study containing of a chart review as well as a clinical and radiological follow-up examination of all patients treated with the IMT at a single institution. The clinical outcomes were evaluated using the Lower Extremity Functional Scale (LEFS), the Short-Form-36 (SF-36) and the visual analog scale (VAS) for pain. The radiographic evaluation contained of standard anteroposterior and lateral, as well as hip-knee-ankle (HKA) radiographs. RESULTS: Seventeen patients were included in the study. All had suffered high-energy trauma and sustained additional injuries. Ten bone defects were localized in the femur and seven in the tibia. Ten patients underwent additional operative procedures after IMT stage 2, among them three patients who contracted a postoperative deep infection. The median LEFS was 59 (15-80), and the SF-36 physical component summary (PCS) and mental component summary (MCS) were 41.3 (24.0-56.1) and 56.3 (13.5-66.2), respectively. The median length of the bone defect was 9 (3-15) cm. In 11 patients, union was obtained directly after IMT stage 2. Bone resorption was observed in two patients. At follow-up, 16 of the 17 bone defects had healed. The median follow-up was 59 months (13-177). CONCLUSION: Our results show a high occurrence of complications after IMT stage 2 in segmental bone defects of femur and tibia requiring additional operative procedures. However, fair functional outcomes as well as a good union rate were observed at follow-up.

A cost-effectiveness analysis of reverse total shoulder arthroplasty compared with locking plates in the management of displaced proximal humerus fractures in the elderly: the DelPhi trial.

AIM: To evaluate the cost-effectiveness of surgical treatment with reverse total shoulder arthroplasty (RTSA) compared with open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) with a locking plate for patients 65-85 years old with a displaced proximal humerus fracture. METHODS: A cost-utility analysis was conducted alongside a multicenter randomized controlled trial, taking a health care perspective. A total of 124 patients with displaced proximal humerus fractures were randomized to treatment with RTSA (n = 64) or ORIF (n = 60) during a 2-year period. The outcome measure was quality-adjusted life years derived from the generic questionnaire 15D in an intention to treat population. The results were expressed as incremental cost-effectiveness ratios, and a probabilistic sensitivity analysis was performed to account for uncertainty in the analysis. RESULTS: At 2 years, 104 patients were eligible for analyses. The mean quality-adjusted life year was 1.24 (95% confidence interval: 1.21-1.28) in the RTSA group and 1.26 (95% confidence interval: 1.22-1.30) in the ORIF group. The mean cost in the RTSA group (€36.755 [€17,654-€55,855]) was higher than that in the ORIF group (€31.953 [€16,226-€47,279]). Using incremental cost-effectiveness ratio, ORIF was the dominant treatment. When using a probabilistic sensitivity analysis with 1000 replications, the plots were centered around origo. This indicates that there is no significant difference in cost or effect. CONCLUSION: In the cost-utility analysis of treatment of displaced proximal humeral fractures, there were no differences between RTSA and ORIF.

Pegs not superior to screws for fixation of fractures of the proximal humerus.

BACKGROUND: Angular stable plates were introduced two decades ago as a promising treatment for fixation of displaced fractures of the proximal humerus (PHF). However, high rates of adverse events and reoperations have been reported. One frequent reason is secondary penetration of screws into the glenohumeral joint, due to sinking of the fracture or avascular head necrosis. To prevent joint penetrations angular stable plates with smooth locking pegs instead of locking screws have been developed. The aim of the present study was to investigate whether blunt pegs instead of pointed screws reduced the risk of secondary penetration into the glenohumeral joint during fracture healing after operatively treated PHFs. METHODS: From two different patient cohorts with displaced PHFs (60 treated with PHILOS plate with screws and 50 with ALPS-PHP plate with pegs), two groups were matched according to fracture type AO/OTA 11-B2 and 11-C2 and age (55-85 years). They were followed up at 3, 6 and 12 months. Primary outcome was radiographic signs of peg or screw penetrations into the glenohumeral joint at 12 months. Secondary outcomes were Oxford shoulder score (OSS) and Constant Score (CS) and radiographic signs of avascular humeral head necrosis (AVN). RESULTS: Eighteen PHILOS patients with B2 and C2 fractures could be matched with a corresponding group of 18 operated with ALPS-PHP with pegs. The number of penetrations of pegs and screws were equal between the two groups and the development of avascular head necrosis did not differ either. The functional outcomes for both OSS and CS at 12 months was clearly in favor of patients without joint penetrations in both groups. CONCLUSION: We found no differences in the number of screw or peg penetrations in the PHILOS and ALPS-PHP group and the occurrence of AVN was equal. Joint penetrations led to inferior functional outcomes at 1 year. The ClinicalTrials.gov identifier 20/11/12 prospectively for the Philos Group is NCT01737060, and for the ALPS group 11/03/20 retrospectively is NCT04622852.

External validity in a multicenter randomized clinical trial of proximal humeral fractures: the DelPhi trial.

BACKGROUND: Randomized controlled trials (RCT) are regarded as the gold standard for effect evaluation in clinical interventions. However, RCTs may not produce relevant results to all patient groups. We aimed to assess the external validity of a multicenter RCT (DelPhi trial). METHODS: The DelPhi RCT investigated whether elderly patients with displaced proximal humeral fractures (PHFs) receiving reversed total shoulder prosthetic replacement (RTSA) gained better functional outcomes compared to open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) using an proximal humerus locking plate (PHILOS). Eligible patients were between 65 and 85 years old with severely displaced 11-B2 or 11-C2 fractures (AO/OTA-classification, 2007). We compared baseline and follow-up data of patients for two of the seven hospitals that were included in the DelPhi trial (n = 54) with non-included patients (n = 69). Comparisons were made based on reviewing medical records regarding demographic, health and fracture parameters. RESULTS: Forty-four percent of the eligible patients were included in the DelPhi trial. Comparing included and non-included patients indicated higher incidences of serious heart disease (P = 0.044) and a tendency toward higher tobacco intake (P = 0.067) in non-included patients. Furthermore, non-included patients were older (P = 0.040) and had higher ASA classification (P < 0.001) and were in more need for resident aid (in-home assistance) (P = 0.022) than included patients. The cause of PHF was more frequently related to fall indoors in non-included vs. included patients (P = 0.018) and non-included patients were more prone to other concomitant fractures (P = 0.004). Having concomitant fractures was associated with osteoporosis (P = 0.014). We observed no significant differences in rates of complications or deaths between included and non-included patients within 3 months after treatment. In descending order, non-included patients were treated conservatively, with PHILOS, RTSA, anatomic hemi-prothesis or an alternative type of ORIF. RTSA was the preferred treatment choice for C2-type fractures (P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Results from the DelPhi RCT may not directly apply to older PHFs patients with lower health status or concomitant fractures. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level 4.

Outcome after nonoperative treatment of stable Lisfranc injuries. A prospective cohort study.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to evaluate the outcome after nondisplaced and stable Lisfranc injuries. METHODS: 26 patients with injuries to the Lisfranc joint complex detected on CT scans, but without displacement were tested to be stable using a fluoroscopic stress test. The patients were immobilized in a non-weightbearing short leg cast for 6 weeks. The final follow-up was 55 (IQR 53-60) months after injury. RESULTS: All the Lisfranc injuries were confirmed to be stable on follow-up weightbearing radiographs at a minimum of 3 months after injury. Median American Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) midfoot score at 1-year follow-up was 89 (IQR 84-97) and at final follow-up 100 (IQR 90-100); The AOFAS score continued to improve after 1-year (P=.005). The median visual analog scale (VAS) for pain was 0 (IQR 0-0) at the final follow-up. One patient had radiological signs of osteoarthritis at 1-year follow-up. CONCLUSION: Stable Lisfranc injuries treated nonoperatively had an excellent outcome in this study with a median follow-up of 55 months. The AOFAS score continued to improve after 1 year.

Surgical treatment is not cost-effective compared to nonoperative treatment for displaced distal radius fractures in patients 65 years and over.

AIMS: The purpose was to compare operative treatment with a volar plate and nonoperative treatment of displaced distal radius fractures in patients aged 65 years and over in a cost-effectiveness analysis. METHODS: A cost-utility analysis was performed alongside a randomized controlled trial. A total of 50 patients were randomized to each group. We prospectively collected data on resource use during the first year post-fracture, and estimated costs of initial treatment, further operations, physiotherapy, home nursing, and production loss. Health-related quality of life was based on the Euro-QoL five-dimension, five-level (EQ-5D-5L) utility index, and quality-adjusted life-years (QALYs) were calculated. RESULTS: The mean QALYs were 0.05 higher in the operative group during the first 12 months (p = 0.260). The healthcare provider costs were €1,533 higher per patient in the operative group: €3,589 in the operative group and 2,056 in the nonoperative group. With a suggested willingness to pay of €27,500 per QALY there was a 45% chance for operative treatment to be cost-effective. For both groups, the main costs were related to the primary treatment. The primary surgery was the main driver of the difference between the groups. The costs related to loss of production were high in both groups, despite high rates of retirement. Retirement rate was unevenly distributed between the groups and was not included in the analysis. CONCLUSION: Surgical treatment was not cost-effective in patients aged 65 years and older compared to nonoperative treatment of displaced distal radius fractures in a healthcare perspective. Costs related to loss of production might change this in the future if the retirement age increases. Level of evidence: II Cite this article: Bone Jt Open 2021;2(12):1027-1034.

Volar Locking Plate Versus Dorsal Locking Nail-Plate Fixation for Dorsally Displaced Unstable Extra-Articular Distal Radial Fractures: Functional and Radiographic Results from a Randomized Controlled Trial.

The use of low-profile dorsal and volar locking plates for distal radial fracture surgery has improved results and lowered the complication rate compared with older plate designs. The purpose of the present randomized controlled trial was to compare patient-reported outcomes as well as radiographic and functional results between patients who underwent stabilization with a volar locking plate or a dorsal locking nail-plate for the treatment of dorsally displaced unstable extra-articular distal radial fractures. METHODS: One hundred and twenty patients ≥55 years of age were randomized to surgery with either a volar locking plate or a dorsal locking nail-plate and were assessed at 2 weeks, 6 weeks, 3 months, 6 months, and 1 year. The primary outcome was the abbreviated version of the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (QuickDASH) score. Secondary outcomes were the Patient-Rated Wrist Evaluation (PRWE), EuroQol 5 Dimensions (EQ-5D) index and visual analog scale (VAS), range of motion, grip strength, radiographic measurements, and complication rate. RESULTS: The median age was 66 years (range, 55 to 88 years). The rate of follow-up was 97%. There was no clinically important difference between the groups at any point during follow-up. Patients in the volar locking plate group had better mean QuickDASH scores at 6 weeks, 6 months, and 1 year. However, the differences were small (5.8 vs. 11.3 points at 1 year; mean difference, -5.5 points [95% confidence interval (CI), -9.9 to 1.2]; p = 0.014), which is lower than any proposed minimum clinically important difference (MCID). The difference in PRWE scores was also lower than the MCID (1.0 vs. 3.5 at 1 year; mean difference, -2.5 [95% CI, -4.4 to 0.6]; p = 0.012). The dorsal locking nail-plate group had slightly better restoration of volar tilt (p = 0.011). EQ-5D index, EQ-5D VAS, range of motion, grip strength, and complication rates were similar. CONCLUSIONS: We found no clinically relevant difference between the volar locking plate and dorsal locking nail-plate groups after 1 year or in the time period up to 1 year. A dorsal locking nail-plate can therefore be an alternative method for the treatment of these unstable fractures or in cases in which a dorsal approach is preferable over a volar approach. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic Level I. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

Predicting secondary surgery after operative fixation of olecranon fractures: a model using data from 800 patients.

BACKGROUND: High rates of secondary surgery after fixation of olecranon fractures have been reported. Identification of risk factors can aid surgeons to reduce complications leading to additional surgical procedures. METHODS: Olecranon fractures treated at seven hospitals from 2007 to 2017 were identified, and the radiographs were classified. Isolated, displaced olecranon fractures treated operatively with tension band wiring (TBW) or precontoured plate fixation (PF) were reviewed. Adjusted risk factors for secondary surgery were analyzed, and a multivariable predictive model for secondary surgery was built. RESULTS: After the initial review of 1259 olecranon fractures, 800 isolated, displaced olecranon fractures met the inclusion and exclusion criteria. The distribution of two-part and multifragmented fractures was equal. TBW was used in 636 patients and PF in 164 patients. Multifragmentation was a significant variable influencing preference for PF. Secondary surgery was performed in 41% patients and symptomatic hardware removal was the most frequent primary indication. In both the TBW and PF group, the rates of major complications leading to secondary surgery were 13% (P = .96). The adjusted risk of secondary surgery was lower with increasing age (odds ratio by 10 years increments, 0.74; 95% confidence interval, 0.68-0.80, P < .01). Compared with PF, TBW with transcortical K-wires (odds ratio, 2.06; 95% confidence interval, 1.36-3.14; P < .01) and TBW with intramedullary K-wires (odds ratio, 4.32; 95% confidence interval, 2.16-8.86, P < .01) had significantly higher adjusted risk of secondary surgery. CONCLUSION: Surgeons preferred to use PF in younger patients and multifragmented fractures. Patients should be counseled that secondary surgery is common after surgical fixation of olecranon fractures. Symptomatic hardware removal was the most frequently reported reason for secondary surgery and more frequent after TBW. When using TBW, intramedullary K-wire positioning should be avoided. The rate of major complications leading to secondary surgery was similar in the TBW and PF groups. Overall, the risk of subsequent secondary surgery was higher in younger patients and patients treated with TBW.

Stable glenoid component of reverse total shoulder arthroplasty at 2 years as measured with model-based radiostereometric analysis (RSA).

Background and purpose - Reverse total shoulder arthroplasty (TSA) is used for treating cuff arthropathy, displaced proximal humeral fractures (PHF), and in revision shoulder surgery, despite sparse evidence on long-term results. We assessed stability of the glenoid component in reverse TSA, using model-based RSA.Patients and methods - 20 patients (mean age 76 years, 17 female), operated on with reverse TSA at Oslo University Hospital, in 2015-2017 were included. Indications for surgeries were PHFs, malunion, cuff arthropathy, and chronic shoulder dislocation. RSA markers were placed in the scapular neck, the coracoid, and the acromion. RSA radiographs were conducted postoperatively, at 3 months, 1 year, and 2 years. RSA analysis was performed using RSAcore with Reversed Engineering (RE) modality, with clinical precision < 0.25 mm for all translations (x, y, z) and < 0.7° for rotations (x, z). Scapular "notching" was assessed in conventional radiographs.Results - 1 patient was excluded due to revision surgery. More than half of the patients displayed measurable migration at 2 years: 6 patients with linear translations below 1 mm and 8 patients who showed rotational migration. Except for one outlier, the measured rotations were below 2°. The migration pattern suggested implant stability at 2 years. 10 patients showed radiolographic signs of "notching", and the mean Oxford Shoulder Score (OSS) at 2 years was 29 points (15-36 points).Interpretation - Stability analysis of the glenoid component of reversed total shoulder arthroplasty using reversed engineering (RE) model-based RSA indicated component stability at 2 years.

Implants for trochanteric fractures in Norway: the role of the trochanteric stabilizing plate-a study on 20,902 fractures from the Norwegian hip fracture register 2011-2017.

BACKGROUND: The trochanteric stabilizing plate (TSP) is used as an adjunct to the sliding hip screw (SHS) in unstable trochanteric and subtrochanteric fractures. We wanted to describe the choice of implant for trochanteric fractures with a focus on the TSP in Norway. METHODS: A total of 20,902 fractures from the Norwegian Hip Fracture Register treated surgically in 43 hospitals from 2011 to 2017 were included. Logistic regression analyses were performed to detect factors potentially influencing implant choice. RESULTS: The mean age was 83 years, and 15,137 (72%) were women. An SHS was used in 13,273 (63%) fractures, of them 4407 (33%) with a TSP. Fracture classification was the most important determinant of TSP. In cases where an SHS was used, the odds ratio (OR) for using a TSP was 14 for AO/OTA 31A2 fractures and 71 for AO/OTA 31A3 and subtrochanteric fractures, compared to AO/OTA 31A1 fractures. The probability of receiving a TSP was higher in urban, academic, and high-volume hospitals (OR 1.2 to 1.3) and lower in Central and Northern Norway (OR 0.3 to 0.7). The use of an intramedullary nail (IMN) (n = 7629 (36%)) was also to a degree decided by fracture classification (OR 1.8 to 5.3). However, hospital factors, with OR 0.1 to 0.4 for IMN in academic, urban, and high-volume hospitals and OR 1.5 to 2.6 outside South-Eastern Norway (all p < 0.001), were also important. CONCLUSIONS: Fracture classification was the main determinant for TSP use. Any additional benefit from a TSP on postoperative fracture stability or clinical outcome needs to be clarified.

Randomized trial comparing suture button with single 3.5 mm syndesmotic screw for ankle syndesmosis injury: similar results at 2 years.

Background and purpose - Better outcomes are reported for suture button (SB) compared with syndesmotic screws (SS) in patients treated for an acute ankle syndesmotic injury. One reason could be that screws are more rigid than an SB. A single tricortical 3.5 mm syndesmotic screw (TS) is the most dynamic screw option. Our hypothesis is that 1 SB and 1 TS provide similar results. Therefore, in randomized controlled trial, we compared the results between SB and TS for syndesmotic stabilization in patients with acute syndesmosis injury. Patients and methods - 113 patients with acute syndesmotic injury were randomized to SB (n = 55) or TS (n = 58). The American Orthopedic Foot & Ankle Society (AOFAS) Ankle-Hindfoot Score was the primary outcome measure. Secondary outcome measures included Manchester Oxford Foot Questionnaire (MOXFQ), Olerud-Molander Ankle score (OMA), visual analogue scale (VAS), EuroQol- 5D (EQ-5D), radiologic results, range of motion, complications, and reoperations (no implants were routinely removed). CT scans of both ankles were obtained after surgery, and after 1 and 2 years. Results - The 2-year follow-up rate was 84%. At 2 years, median AOFAS score was 97 in both groups (IQR SB 87-100, IQR TS 90-100, p = 0.7), median MOXFQ index was 5 in the SB group and 3 in the TS group (IQR 0-18 vs. 0-8, p = 0.2), and median OMA score was 90 in the SB group and 100 in the TS group (IQR 75-100 vs. 83-100, p = 0.2). The syndesmotic reduction was similar 2 years after surgery; 19/55 patients in the SB group and 13/58 in the TS group had a difference in anterior syndesmotic width ≥ 2 mm (p = 0.3). 0 patients in the SB group and 5 patients in the TS group had complete tibiofibular synostosis (p = 0.03). At 2 years, 10 TS were broken. Complications and reoperations were similar between the groups. Interpretation - We found no clinically relevant differences regarding outcome scores between the groups. TS is an inexpensive alternative to SB.

Biomechanical comparison of tension band wiring and plate fixation with locking screws in transverse olecranon fractures.

BACKGROUND: Tension band wiring (TBW) is the standard method for treating transverse olecranon fractures, but high rates of complications and reoperations have been reported. Plate fixation (PF) with locking screws has been introduced as an alternative method that may retain the fracture reduction better with a higher load to failure. METHODS: Twenty paired cadaveric elbows were used. All soft tissues except for the triceps tendon were removed. A standardized transverse fracture was created, and each pair was allocated randomly to TBW or PF with locking screws. The triceps tendon was mounted to the materials testing machine with the elbow in 90° of flexion. Construct stiffness was compared 3 times. Then, the elbows underwent a chair lift-off test by loading the triceps tendon to 300 N for 500 cycles. Finally, a load-to-failure test was performed, and failure mechanism was recorded. RESULTS: The construct stiffness of PF was higher in the first of 3 measurements. No difference was observed in the cyclic test or in load to failure. Hardware failure was the failure mechanism in 8 of 10 TBW constructs, and all failures occurred directly under the twists of the metal wire. Hardware failure was the cause of failure in only 1 elbow in the PF group (P < .01). CONCLUSION: There was no difference in fracture displacement following fixation with TBW and PF with locking screws in transverse olecranon fractures. However, assessment of the mode of hardware failure identified the metal cerclage twist as the weakest link in the TBW construct.

Reverse Shoulder Arthroplasty Is Superior to Plate Fixation at 2 Years for Displaced Proximal Humeral Fractures in the Elderly: A Multicenter Randomized Controlled Trial.

BACKGROUND: Almost one-third of patients with proximal humeral fractures are treated surgically, and the number is increasing. When surgical treatment is chosen, there is sparse evidence on the optimum method. The DelPhi (Delta prosthesis-PHILOS plate) trial is a clinical trial comparing 2 surgical treatments. Our hypothesis was that reverse total shoulder arthroplasty (TSA) yields better clinical results compared with open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) using an angular stable plate. METHODS: The DelPhi trial is a randomized controlled trial comparing reverse TSA with ORIF for displaced proximal humeral fractures (OTA/AO types 11-B2 and 11-C2) in elderly patients (65 to 85 years of age). The primary outcome measure was the Constant score at a 2-year follow-up. The secondary outcome measures included the Oxford Shoulder Score and radiographic evaluation. Results were reported as the mean difference with 95% confidence interval (CI). The intention-to-treat principle was applied for crossover patients. RESULTS: There were 124 patients included in the study. At 2 years, the mean Constant score was 68.0 points (95% CI, 63.7 to 72.4 points) for the reverse TSA group compared with 54.6 points (95% CI, 48.5 to 60.7 points) for the ORIF group, resulting in a significant mean difference of 13.4 points (95% CI, 6.2 to 20.6 points; p < 0.001) in favor of reverse TSA. When stratified for fracture classification, the mean score was 69.3 points (95% CI, 63.9 to 74.7 points) for the reverse TSA group and 50.6 points (95% CI, 41.9 to 59.2 points) for the ORIF group for type-C2 fractures, which yielded a significant mean difference of 18.7 points (95% CI, 9.3 to 28.2 points; p < 0.001). In the type-B2 fracture group, the mean score was 66.2 points (95% CI, 58.6 to 73.8 points) for the reverse TSA group and 58.5 points (95% CI, 49.6 to 67.4 points) for the ORIF group, resulting in a nonsignificant mean difference of 7.6 points (95% CI, -3.8 to 19.1 points; p = 0.19). CONCLUSIONS: At a 2-year follow-up, the data suggested an advantage of reverse TSA over ORIF in the treatment of displaced OTA/AO type-B2 and C2 proximal humeral fractures in elderly patients. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic Level I. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.