Functional Postoperative Outcome for 92 Cases of Radial Head Fractures: A PROM-Based Retrospective Study.

Background: Fractures of the radial head are common injuries, whereas, in the case of displaced fractures, surgical treatment using screw or plate osteosynthesis, excision, or replacement of the radial head is required. However, data about patient-related outcomes (PROM) for different types of radial head fractures is limited in the current literature. Therefore, this study was conducted to evaluate the functional outcome after operatively treated radial head fractures and to further correlate these results with the initial modified Mason classification. Methods: In this retrospective study, all suitable patients with surgical treatment of a radial head fracture were identified. Only patients with Mason II-IV fractures were included. All patients completed the Elbow Self-Assessment Score (ESAS) questionnaire. Data on fracture classification, type of surgery, and revision operations (if needed) were assessed. Results: A total of 92 patients suffering from fractures of the radial head (57 Mason II, 35 Mason III-fractures) who were operatively treated at our institution were enrolled. There were 42 (47.7%) female and 50 (54.3%) male patients with an average age of 47.5 ± 14.1 years. Screw osteosynthesis was performed in 67 patients, plate osteosynthesis in 20 patients, and five patients received radial head arthroplasty. The average ESAS score accounted for 89.7 ± 16.7. Mason II fractures showed significantly better functional results with higher ESAS scores (92.3 ± 13.9 vs. 85.4 ± 20.1) as well as significantly lower rates of necessary implant removal (0 vs. 5 (14.3%) than Mason III fractures. Screw osteosynthesis showed significantly better functional ESAS scores, 91.0 ± 16.5, than plate osteosynthesis, with 85.3 ± 17.6 (p = 0.041), but was predominantly used in Mason II fractures. Conclusions: Surgical treatment using screw- and plate osteosynthesis of radial head fractures provides a good overall outcome. The postoperative function is associated with the initial Mason classification as the patients' reported outcome was worse in Mason III fractures compared to Mason type II fractures. In this context, the ESAS score can be considered a useful tool for the assessment of the patient-based functional outcome.

A Prospective Randomized Study Comparing Functional Outcome in Distal Fibula Fractures between Conventional AO Semitubular Plating and Minimal Invasive Intramedullary "Photodynamic Bone Stabilisation".

(1) Background: As age in western populations is rising, so too are fractures, e.g., of the distal fibula. The aim of this study was to find out whether a novel, minimally invasive intramedullary osteosynthesis technique for the treatment of distal fibula fractures in elderly patients results in not only a reduction of postoperative complications, but also a shorter hospitalization time, an improved clinical outcome, and preserved autonomy in geriatric trauma patients. (2) Methods: In this prospective study, the results following surgical treatment for distal fibula fractures in geriatric patients after using DePuy Synthes® one-third semitubular plate (Group I) or a minimally invasive intramedullary photodynamic Bone StabilizationSystem (IlluminOss®) (Group II) were compared at 6 weeks, 12 weeks, 6 months, and 1 year after initial treatment. (3) Results: Significant improvement regarding clinical outcome was shown in Group II 6 and 12 weeks after surgery. (4) Conclusions: Our study results demonstrate that the use of this new intramedullary stabilization system in combination with an immediate postoperative weight bearing seems to be a safe and stable treatment option for ankle fractures in geriatric patients, especially in the early stages of recovery.

Standalone Axial Malrotation after Pediatric Supracondylar Fracture Does Not Seem to Be an Indication for Immediate Postoperative Revision Surgery.

Rotational spurs as evidence for post-surgical malrotation are frequently observed when treating pediatric supracondylar humeral fractures (SCHFs). This study aimed to investigate the long-term outcome of a pediatric cohort with unrevised axial malrotation and to discuss the indication for revision surgery. Postoperative radiographs of children treated for SCHFs over eight years were retrospectively analyzed. Children with radiological signs of malrotation (von Laer malrotation quotient) were invited for a follow-up clinical and radiological examination. Among 338 treated children, 39 (11.5%) with a mean age of 5.3 years (range 1.8-11.7 years) showed radiological signs for postoperative malrotation and were not revised and therefore invited to participate in the study. Twelve patients (31%) with a mean age of 11.3 years (range 8.8-13.8 years) took part in the follow-up examination after a mean of 7.1 years (range 5.4 to 11.3 years). The mean postoperative van Laer malrotation quotient was 0.15 (range 0.11-0.2). At follow-up, the range of motion of the elbow joint was not significantly different compared to the contralateral side. Apart from the humeral ulnar angle (p = 0.023), there were no significant differences in the radiological axes. The Flynn criteria were excellent and good in 90% of the cases. The mean was 1.7 points indicating excellent subjective results. Standalone postoperative malrotation did not lead to an adverse long-term outcome in a small cohort of pediatric patients with SCHFs and did not indicate immediate postoperative revision surgery. However, further investigations with larger cohorts should verify whether additional criteria such as stability of the osteosynthesis and signs for increasing valgus or varus displacement in the follow-up radiographs should get more importance in decision making.

Clinical and Radiological Outcome of Vancouver B2 Fracture Treated With Open Reduction and Internal Fixation. A Multicenter Cohort Analysis.

OBJECTIVES: To determine whether open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) of periprosthetic Vancouver B2 fractures can lead to successful fracture healing in selected patients, when attention is given to the surgical exposure and the creation of a balanced extramedullary construct. DESIGN: Retrospective. SETTING: Two Level-1 trauma centers in Germany and United Kingdom. METHODS: Patients with a B2 fracture receiving solely ORIF using a polyaxial locking plate were included for analysis. Patients with other fracture types, or treated with other methods, or with follow-up less than 12 months were excluded. Clinical characteristics, including the Charlson index, the American Society for Anesthesiologists score, and their preinjury functional levels, were recorded. Main outcome measures were 1-year mortality, revision rate, and radiological healing according to the Beals-Tower criteria. RESULTS: A total of 32 patients (mean age ,79 ± 12 years) were enrolled. Six patients died within the first year (1-year mortality: 19%), and 5 were unavailable for follow-up studies. The remaining 21 patients had a mean follow-up of 30 months. Of 21, 20 had an excellent/good result using the criteria of Beals-Tower. One patient required revision surgery due to loosening and secondary subsidence of the stem. CONCLUSION: ORIF can be offered to selected patients suffering from B2 fractures, especially if their functional demand is limited, and perioperative risk high for revision arthroplasty. In this challenging cohort of patients, ORIF was a safe and effective therapeutic option. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic Level IV. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

Evaluation of MR-derived simulated CT-like images and simulated radiographs compared to conventional radiography in patients with shoulder pain: a proof-of-concept study.

BACKGROUND: To evaluate the diagnostic value of MR-derived CT-like images and simulated radiographs compared with conventional radiographs in patients with suspected shoulder pathology. METHODS: 3 T MRI of the shoulder including a 3D T1-weighted gradient echo sequence was performed in 25 patients (mean age 52.4 ± 18 years, 13 women) with suspected shoulder pathology. Subsequently a cone-beam forward projection algorithm was used to obtain intensity-inverted CT-like images and simulated radiographs. Two radiologists evaluated the simulated images separately and independently using the conventional radiographs as the standard of reference, including measurements of the image quality, acromiohumeral distance, critical shoulder angle, degenerative joint changes and the acromial type. Additionally, the CT-like MR images were evaluated for glenoid defects, subcortical cysts and calcifications. Agreement between the MR-derived simulated radiographs and conventional radiographs was calculated using Cohen's Kappa. RESULTS: Measurements on simulated radiographs and conventional radiographs overall showed a substantial to almost perfect inter- and intra-rater agreement (κ = 0.69-1.00 and κ = 0.65-0.85, respectively). Image quality of the simulated radiographs was rated good to excellent (1.6 ± 0.7 and 1.8 ± 0.6, respectively) by the radiologists. A substantial agreement was found regarding diagnostically relevant features, assessed on Y- and anteroposterior projections (κ = 0.84 and κ = 0.69 for the measurement of the CSA; κ = 0.95 and κ = 0.60 for the measurement of the AHD; κ = 0.77 and κ = 0.77 for grading of the Samilson-Prieto classification; κ = 0.83 and κ = 0.67 for the grading of the Bigliani classification, respectively). CONCLUSION: In this proof-of-concept study, clinically relevant features of the shoulder joint were assessed reliably using MR-derived CT-like images and simulated radiographs with an image quality equivalent to conventional radiographs. MR-derived CT-like images and simulated radiographs may provide useful diagnostic information while reducing the amount of radiation exposure.

[Analysis of 6851 foot and ankle injuries from 2010-2017 in an emergency department]. / Analyse von 6581 Fuß- und Sprunggelenkverletzungen einer Notaufnahme im Zeitraum von 2010­2017.

BACKGROUND: Foot and ankle injuries are among the most common lesions in traumatology, accounting for more than one in ten human fractures. The aim of this study was to investigate the demographic changes of patients with foot and ankle injuries, the temporal occurrence and the development over the years in an emergency department. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Retrospective study of patients treated for foot and ankle injuries in the emergency department from 2010-2017. Patients were identified by ICD codes and demographic changes, temporal occurrence and the development over the years were analyzed. Using quantile-quantile plots, continuous variables were tested for normal distribution and, if applicable, tested for significance using t­tests or non-parametric Mann-Whitney U­tests. RESULTS: A total of 6581 foot and ankle injuries were included in the analysis. The mean age of patients with a foot fracture was 39 ± 17.4 years and with an ankle fracture 47 ± 19.2 years (p < 0.001). Ligamentous ankle injuries occurred particularly in younger patients during the summer months. The age distribution of ankle fractures showed a peak incidence between 30-39 years of age for men and an increased occurrence in women over 50 years. In the age group between 65 and 75 years trimalleolar ankle fractures represented the second most common ankle fracture. Fractures of the foot most commonly affected patients aged 20-29 years, with a second peak incidence in women between the ages of 50 and 59 years. CONCLUSION: Ligamentous injuries of the ankle joint are common injuries in the emergency department and affect mainly younger patients. Ankle fractures showed a bimodal age distribution for women and especially bimalleolar and trimalleolar fractures were more common in women aged 65 years and older. Because of the increased prevalence of foot and ankle fractures in older women, further osteoporosis evaluation should be initiated in this patient population.

Revision rate is higher in patients with periprosthetic femur fractures following revision arthroplasty in comparison with ORIF following our algorithm: a two-center 1 analysis of 129 patients.

PURPOSE: Effective therapy of periprosthetic femur fractures of the hip (PPF) are challenging due to patients' frailty and complexity of fracture patterns. The aim of this cohort study was to analyze the radiological and functional outcome following PPF. METHODS: A retrospective, multicenter study in the period 2009-2019 of patients with PPF at two level I trauma centers in Germany was performed. PPF were classified according to the Vancouver classification system. Demographic data, American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) classification, type of surgery, complications, and reoperation rate were obtained from patient records. The functional outcome was assessed by the modified Harris-Hip Score (mHHS), general health using the EQ-5D, and radiological outcome by Beals & Tower (B&T) criteria. RESULTS: A total of 129 patients with a mean age of 79 years (range 43-102) were included. 70% of all patients were female and 68% of the patients had an ASA score ≥ 3. 20 patients suffered from a Vancouver A, 90 from a Vancouver B and 19 from a Vancouver C fracture. 14% of the patients died within the first 2 years after surgery. The reoperation rate after open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) (n = 60) was 8% and after revision arthroplasty (RA) (n = 47) 30% (OR 3.4, 95% CI [1.21-10.2]). Mean mHHS (n = 32) was 53 ± 19.4 and EQ-VAS was 50 ± 24.6. According to B&T criteria, 82% of patients treated with ORIF (n = 17) and 62% after RA (n = 13) showed an excellent outcome. CONCLUSION: Patients with a PPF of the hip are elderly and at increased operative risk. In cases with a stable prosthesis, ORIF provides good radiological outcome with low reoperation rates. In case of RA, the risk for revision surgery is higher.

Does implant removal of superior clavicle plate osteosynthesis affect the functional outcome: a prospective trial.

BACKGROUND: Elective implant removal (IR) accounts for up to 30% of all orthopaedic surgeries. While there is general acceptance about the need of implant removal for obvious reasons, such as infections or implant failure, little is known about the beneficial aspects in cases of minor reasons such as patients' wish for IR. Therefore, we initiated this study to define patients' benefit of elective implant removal following plate osteosynthesis of displaced clavicle fractures. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Prospective evaluation of patients was conducted before implant removal and 6 weeks postoperative. Subjective and objective criteria included pain rating on a visual analogue scale (VAS) and active range of motion (ROM) pre- and 6 weeks postoperative. Functional scoring included Constant-Murley Score, DASH (Disabilities of Arm, Shoulder and Hand Score), MSQ (Munich Shoulder Questionnaire) and SPADI (Shoulder Pain and Disability Index). RESULTS: 37 patients were prospectively enrolled in this study and implant removal was performed after 16 ± 6.1 months. No re-fractures nor other complications were detected during routine follow up. Functional outcome increased through all scores (Constant score 73.3 ± 14.6 preoperative to 87.4 ± 12.0 postoperative (p = 0.000), MSQ 85.0 ± 7.3 preoperative to 91.8 ± 9.0 postoperative (p = 0.005), DASH Score 7.4 ± 8.2 preoperative to 5.7 ± 9.5 postoperative (p = 0.414), SPADI 93.4 ± 6.6 preoperative to 94.0 ± 10.1 postoperative (p = 0.734). CONCLUSIONS: Discomfort during daily activities or performing sports as well as limited range of motion were the main reasons for patients' wish for implant removal. We found increased functional outcome parameters and decreased irritation after implant removal. Therefore we suggest implant removal in case of patients' wish and completed fracture consolidation. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Trial registration no: NCT04343118, Retrospective registered: www.clinicaltrials.gov .

Is early full weight bearing safe following locking plate ORIF of distal fibula fractures?

BACKGROUND: In the modern western world appraisal of economical points such as treatment and disability after trauma present a financial burden. In this context open reduction internal fixation techniques allowing for early full weight bearing might not only improve the clinical outcome but also shorten the period of disability in working life. The aim of the study was to analyze whether ORIF of ankle fractures using either a standard semitubular plate or a new polyaxial locking plate system result in a better clinical outcome. METHODS: In this prospective study, all patients with distal fibula fractures (AO 44 B1.1, B1.2, B1.3), with indication for surgery were included. Patients were randomized to either the DePuy Synthes® one-third semitubular plate (Group I) or NEWCLIP TECHNICS, Active Ankle® polyaxial locking plate (Group II). Primary outcome parameter was function of the ankle joint, assessed by the Olerud and Molander ankle score, Foot and Ankle outcome score and Karlsson and Peterson Scoring System for Ankle function. Secondary outcome parameter were postoperative complications. Superficial wound infection, delayed wound healing, mechanically prominent implant, skin irritations were considered as minor and deep wound infection, material loosening, loss of reduction were regarded as major complications requiring revision surgery. Clinical and radiological follow-up were performed 6 and 12 weeks, 6 months and 1 year postoperatively. RESULTS: Fifty-two patients (31 W/21 M) with a mean age of 43 yrs. (range 22-64 yrs.) were enrolled. Seven patients (13.5%) were excluded, so that 45 patients were available for follow up. Twenty-five patients were treated with DePuy Synthes® one-third semitubular plate (55.6%; group I) while 20 patients received an anatomically preformed polyaxial locking plate (44.4%, group II). Four minor complications occurred in Group I (16%) compared to two minor complications in group II (10%). Significant better clinical results regarding OMAS (p < 0.02, < 0.04), KPSS (p < 0.04) and FAOS (p < 0.02, < 0.03) were observed 6 and 12 weeks after surgery in group II. CONCLUSIONS: The results of the presented study demonstrate a significant better clinical functional outcome in the early postoperative follow-up in patients treated with a polyaxial locking plate. Furthermore, our data show that ORIF using polyaxial locking plates in combination with an early postoperative weight bearing presents a safe, stable treatment option for ankle fractures so that patients benefit especially in the early stages of recovery. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Registered 20 April 2020, retrospectively on ClinicalTrails.gov ( NCT04370561 ).

Excellent clinical outcome and low complication rate after proximal hamstring tendon repair at mid-term follow up.

PURPOSE: Proximal hamstring tendon avulsions lead to a significant loss of strength and a functional deficit of the respective lower limb and surgery is the recommended treatment. Only little is known about the clinical outcomes and complications when comparing acute and chronic management as well as partial and complete tears. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to investigate the clinical results and the complication rate of patients after surgical treatment of proximal hamstring tendon injuries. It was hypothesized that surgical treatment of an acute proximal hamstring avulsion would lead to a superior clinical outcome with a low complication rate and high return to sports rate compared to chronic cases and partial avulsions. METHODS: Patients who underwent proximal hamstring tendon repair between 2008 and 2015 were retrospectively evaluated with a minimum follow up of 2 years. Outcome measurements were obtained by means of Lysholm score, Harris Hip Score, Visual Analog Scale, and Tegner Activity Scale. Return to sports (RTS) rate was determined. Postoperative adverse events were recorded and complications reported. Patients' outcomes were compared between acute/chronic repair and partial/complete injury patterns. RESULTS: Ninety-four of 120 (78.3%) were available for final assessment at a mean follow-up of 56.2 ± 27.2 months. Clinical outcome measures were excellent and did not differ between the treatment groups or between the different injury patterns. RTS was achieved by 86.2% of the patients and was significantly superior after acute treatment (p < 0.05). The overall complication rate was 8.5% and significantly higher in complete tears compared to partial tears and in delay compared to acute surgery (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Surgical treatment of proximal hamstring tendon avulsions results in excellent clinical outcome scores and a high RTS rate. Open surgical treatment has shown to be a safe procedure with a low complication rate. Surgical timing is important, as early surgical intervention provides a higher RTS rate and a lower complication rate than delayed surgery and should therefore be preferred in clinical practice. Repair of partial and complete tears lead to similar clinical outcome, but a higher complication rate in complete avulsions. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV.

Correction to: No added value using SPECT/CT to analyze persistent symptoms after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction.

The shared first authorship of Christian Egloff, MD and Lukas Huber was always planned and correctly acknowledged.

No added value using SPECT/CT to analyze persistent symptoms after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the diagnostic and clinical value of SPECT/CT compared to the standard algorithm for patients with persistent symptoms after anterior cruciate ligament reconstructions. The standard algorithm uses clinical information, conventional radiographs, MRI and CT scan, while the trial algorithm uses the same information but SPECT/CT in addition. METHODS: In a diagnostic comparative trial three experienced surgeons evaluated 23 consecutive patients with persistent symptoms after ACL reconstruction using first standard and second the trial algorithm with a time interval. Each rater had to establish a diagnosis and therapeutic decision with each algorithm. On MRI, graft continuity, bone marrow edema, chondral and meniscal lesions, femoral notch osteophytes were evaluated. Bone tracer uptake in SPECT/CT was anatomically analyzed and compared with MRI findings. MRI findings and SPECT/CT tracer uptake were correlated using Spearman's rho test. RESULTS: Additional SPECT/CT analysis did not change diagnosis in any case and did not correlate with clinical graft integrity. Treatment decisions remained unchanged as well. Chondral lesions, arthritic changes, meniscal lesions, graft impingement are best visualized in MRI and showed correspondent tracer uptake in SPECT/CT. Tunnel position was well classified with standard CT scan and showed no correlation with SPECT/CT tracer uptake. CONCLUSION: Information derived by SPECT/CT in addition to the standard algorithm using clinical information, X-rays, MRI, and CT scan did not change the diagnosis or treatment plan. There is currently no justification to implement SPECT/CT for patients with persistent symptoms after anterior cruciate ligament reconstructions. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level II: diagnostic comparative study.

Reduction Osteotomy of the Prominent Tibial Tubercle After Osgood-Schlatter Disease.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the functional and clinical outcome of a new closing-wedge osteotomy for the prominent tibial tubercle after Osgood-Schlatter disease. METHODS: Between 2010 and 2014, 7 consecutive adults (mean age, 28.6 years; range, 26-35 years) were treated by closing-wedge reduction osteotomy of a painful tibial tubercle. All patients had prior nonsurgical and surgical treatment. Preoperative and postoperative tubercular prominence, Caton-Deschamps index for patellar height, the Kujala Anterior Knee Pain Scale, Lysholm Knee Score as well as visual analog scale score and Tegner activity scores were recorded. RESULTS: Mean follow-up after reduction osteotomy was 31.3 months (27-41 months). The bony prominence of the tibial tubercle was significantly reduced (mean 8 mm, P < .001) and the Caton-Deschamps index was lowered from 1.29 to 1.09 (P < .001). From preoperative to last follow-up, the Kujala Anterior Knee Pain Scale increased from 54.71 preoperative to 84.71 (P < .001); the Lysholm Knee Score improved from 72.42 to 94.14 (P < .001); the Tegner activity score increased from 3.1 to 5.7 (P < .001), whereas the visual analog scale significantly decreased from 5.8 to 1.2 (P < .001). No complications were recorded, and all patients were satisfied with clinical outcome. CONCLUSIONS: Closing-wedge osteotomy of the tibial tubercle effectively reduced the bony prominence after Osgood-Schlatter disease and consecutively improved the outcome in terms of knee pain and function. Thus, we can recommend this procedure in selected patients. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV, therapeutic case series.

Systematic Quantification of Stabilizing Effects of Subtalar Joint Soft-Tissue Constraints in a Novel Cadaveric Model.

BACKGROUND: Distinguishing between ankle instability and subtalar joint instability is challenging because the contributions of the subtalar joint's soft-tissue constraints are poorly understood. This study quantified the effects on joint stability of systematic sectioning of these constraints followed by application of torsional and drawer loads simulating a manual clinical examination. METHODS: Subtalar joint motion in response to carefully controlled inversion, eversion, internal rotation, and external rotation moments and multidirectional drawer forces was quantified in fresh-frozen cadaver limbs. Sequential measurements were obtained under axial load approximating a non-weight-bearing clinical setting with the foot in neutral, 10° of dorsiflexion, and 10° and 20° of plantar flexion. The contributions of the components of the inferior extensor retinaculum were documented after incremental sectioning. The calcaneofibular, cervical, and interosseous talocalcaneal ligaments were then sectioned sequentially, in two different orders, to produce five different ligament-insufficiency scenarios. RESULTS: Incremental detachment of the components of the inferior extensor retinaculum had no effect on subtalar motion independent of foot position. Regardless of the subsequent ligament-sectioning order, significant motion increases relative to the intact condition occurred only after transection of the calcaneofibular ligament. Sectioning of this ligament produced increased inversion and external rotation, which was most evident with the foot dorsiflexed. CONCLUSIONS: Calcaneofibular ligament disruption results in increases in subtalar inversion and external rotation that might be detectable during a manual examination. Insufficiency of other subtalar joint constraints may result in motion increases that are too subtle to be perceptible. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: If calcaneofibular ligament insufficiency is established, its reconstruction or repair should receive priority over that of other ankle or subtalar periarticular soft-tissue structures.