Platelet-Rich Product Supplementation in Rotator Cuff Repair Reduces Retear Rates and Improves Clinical Outcomes: A Meta-analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to conduct a comprehensive systematic review and meta-analysis to investigate the clinical and imaging outcomes of all 4 types of platelet-rich therapies (pure platelet-rich plasma [P-PRP], leukocyte and platelet-rich plasma, pure platelet-rich fibrin, and leukocyte and platelet-rich fibrin) in rotator cuff repairs. METHODS: A systematic literature search was performed to identify rotator cuff tears comparing any of the 4 types of platelet-rich products (PRP) to a control in rotator cuff repair. Data extracted from the studies included retear rates diagnosed with imaging studies, as well as outcome scores such as Constant, American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES), University of California Los Angeles (UCLA), Simple Shoulder Test (SST), and visual analog scale (VAS). Meta-analyses compared postoperative outcome scores and retear rates between the control and study groups. RESULTS: Seventeen studies were included in the meta-analysis. When pooling data from all studies, retear rate for the treatment group was 19.3%, compared to 25.4% for the control group (odds ratio [OR] 0.59, P = .0037). When stratified based on PRP type, only P-PRP resulted in a significant reduction in retear rate (OR 0.26, P = .0005). Overall, treatment with PRP significantly improved Constant scores when compared to controls (mean difference [MD] 2.41, P =.0027), as well as VAS scores (MD -0.12, P = .0014), and SST scores (MD 0.41, P = .0126). There was no significant difference in ASES scores (MD 0.37, P = .7762) or UCLA scores (MD 0.76, P =0.2447) between treatment and controls when pooling data from all studies. CONCLUSIONS: This analysis demonstrates significant reductions in retear rates when rotator cuff repair is augmented with PRP. P-PRP appears to be the most effective formulation, resulting in significantly improved retear rates and clinical outcome scores when compared with controls.

Acute Shoulder Injuries in Adults.

Acute shoulder injuries in adults are often initially managed by family physicians. Common acute shoulder injuries include acromioclavicular joint injuries, clavicle fractures, glenohumeral dislocations, proximal humerus fractures, and rotator cuff tears. Acromioclavicular joint injuries and clavicle fractures mostly occur in young adults as the result of a sports injury or direct trauma. Most nondisplaced or minimally displaced injuries can be treated conservatively. Treatment includes pain management, short-term use of a sling for comfort, and physical therapy as needed. Glenohumeral dislocations can result from contact sports, falls, bicycle accidents, and similar high-impact trauma. Patients will usually hold the affected arm in their contralateral hand and have pain with motion and decreased motion at the shoulder. Physical findings may include a palpable humeral head in the axilla or a dimple inferior to the acromion laterally. Reduction maneuvers usually require intra-articular lidocaine or intravenous analgesia. Proximal humerus fractures often occur in older patients after a low-energy fall. Radiography of the shoulder should include a true anteroposterior view of the glenoid, scapular Y view, and axillary view. Most of these fractures can be managed nonoperatively, using a sling, early range-of-motion exercises, and strength training. Rotator cuff tears can cause difficulty with overhead activities or pain that awakens the patient from sleep. On physical examination, patients may be unable to hold the affected arm in an elevated position. It is important to recognize the sometimes subtle signs and symptoms of acute shoulder injuries to ensure proper management and timely referral if necessary.

The "Bag of Bones" Treatment of Comminuted Intra-articular Distal Humerus Fractures in the Elderly.

BACKGROUND: Extensively comminuted intra-articular distal humerus fractures in the elderly present a challenging therapeutic dilemma. The purpose of this study was to investigate the results of nonoperative treatment of these fractures in a select subset of patients. METHODS: Patients treated with nonoperative management for a comminuted intra-articular distal humerus fracture between 2007 and 2018 were reviewed. Patients were administered 3 elbow-specific functional outcomes instruments. RESULTS: A total of 8 patients (2 men, 6 women) were treated with brief immobilization followed by early range of motion. All had fractures with extensive comminution of the articular surface such that open reduction and internal fixation was not feasible. Average age was 70 years. At an average of 33 months postinjury, average flexion was 124°, and extension was -27°, with full forearm rotation. No patients required pain medications at the latest follow-up. At 33 months of follow-up, the average Mayo Elbow Performance Score was 92/100 (100 optimal), Oxford Elbow Score was 43/48 (48 optimal), and Quick Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand Score was 10/100 (0 optimal). All patients were satisfied with the nonsurgical treatment that they received. CONCLUSIONS: Nonoperative treatment for comminuted intra-articular distal humerus fractures results in acceptable functional outcome in elderly patients and should be considered when the fracture is not amenable to internal fixation and in lower-demand patients with higher surgical risk.

Understanding Variations in the Management of Displaced Distal Radius Fractures With Satisfactory Reduction.

BACKGROUND: The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons has set forth Clinical Practice Guidelines (CPGs) to help guide management of closed, displaced distal radius fractures (DRFs). There still exists variation in practice regarding operative vs nonoperative decision-making. This study aims to identify which factors influence the decision to treat DRFs not indicated for surgery by the CPGs after initial closed reduction. METHODS: Fifteen sets of DRFs and clinical vignettes were distributed via email to over 75 orthopedic residency programs, Orthopaedic Trauma Association, and New York Society for Surgery of the Hand membership. A Qualtrics survey collected respondent demographics, choice of treatment, and rationale. RESULTS: Responses were received from 106 surgeons and resident trainees. The odds of selecting operative management for fractures with 5 or more radiographic instability signs versus 3 or 4 was 3.11 (P < .05). Age over 65, higher patient activity level, and dominant-hand injury were associated with greater odds of operative management (3.4, 30.28, and 2.54, respectively). In addition, surgeons with more years in practice and high-volume surgeons had greater odds of selecting operative management (2.43 and 2.11, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: Assessment of instability at the time of injury, patient age and activity level, as well as surgeon volume and time in practice independently affect the decision to manage well-reduced DRF with surgical or nonsurgical treatment. The source of heterogeneity in the treatment of these fractures is borne at least in part from a lack of formal direction on the importance of prereduction instability from the CPGs.

Evaluation of Patient Expectations and Outcomes after Distal Radius Fractures.

BACKGROUND: Patient expectations influence patient-reported outcomes after musculoskeletal injuries. The goal of this study is to determine how pretreatment expectations correlate with outcomes in patients with distal radius fractures. METHODS: Seventy-five patients with an isolated distal radius fracture were prospectively enrolled into nonoperative and operative cohorts. The Trauma Expectation Factor-Trauma Outcome Measure (TEF-TOM) score was the primary outcome measure. Trauma Expectation Factor scores were recorded at the time of enrollment, and TOM scores were recorded at 3, 6, and 12 months. Quick Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand (qDASH) and Patient-Rated Wrist Evaluation (PRWE) scores were also recorded. RESULTS: Trauma Outcome Measure scores at all time points were worse than expected (P < .01). Expectations were higher for patients younger than 65 years than for the 65+ group (P = .02). In patients aged 65+ years, mean TOM at 3 months was not significantly different than expected (P = .11) but decreased by 6 (P = .04) and 12 months (P < .01). Baseline TEF and TEF-TOM scores were not significantly different between operative and nonoperative groups (P = .37). Quick Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand and PRWE scores were not significantly different between age or treatment groups at the final follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: The overall treatment of distal radial injuries in our study did not meet patient expectations. Patients aged 65 years or older had lower expectations but were not able to predict their outcomes better than patients aged <65 years. There were no differences in TEF or TOM by treatment method. Patients demonstrated improved functional outcomes (qDASH/PRWE) at all time points regardless of age and treatment method.

Management of Isolated Ulnar Shaft Fractures.

¼ Most isolated ulnar shaft fractures are stable and heal without complication regardless of treatment protocol.¼ Casting above the elbow may create unwanted stiffness without enhancing union rates.¼ Defining unstable fractures and determining which injuries would benefit from operative management remain a challenge.¼ Recent development of intramedullary devices has shown promise in preliminary studies, but more vigorous investigation is needed to determine their role.

Revisiting the Importance of the Pre-Operative Assessment - A Case Report.

Introduction: The available literature underscores the importance of optimizing surgical outcomes through a pre-operative checklist, which includes a review of the medical records and recent test results, changes in medical history, and a physical examination of the cardiovascular system, pulmonary system, and airway. Case Report: We report a case of a 47-year-old man who decompensated during an outpatient wrist procedure and needed to remain intubated requiring transfer to a hospital. On follow-up with the patient, laboratory work revealed a positive HIV test and CD4 count of 11 cells/mm3, along with a pneumonia consistent with pneumocystis pneumonia, which was unbeknownst to the surgical team before the procedure. Conclusion: This case emphasizes the importance of a thorough history and physical update and pre-operative assessment before operating.

Distal Intersection Syndrome Between Second and Third Dorsal Compartments of the Wrist.

Distal intersection syndrome (DIS) is a rare form of tenosynovitis affecting the second and third dorsal extensor compartments of the wrist, which is rarer and more distal than the classically described intersection syndrome between the first and second compartments. In this report, we present three cases of DIS, their inciting activities, and ensuing treatment courses. Diagnosis of DIS was confirmed via MRI in all cases. Treatment modalities consisted of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications and varying durations of immobilization in all three patients, initially. One patient ultimately underwent surgical debridement and partial tenosynovectomy. At the end of follow-up, all patients saw a reduction in symptomatology with a return to baseline activity levels. This case report provides an overview of the possible clinical courses of DIS, as well as treatment strategies that can be implemented. Providers must maintain a high index of suspicion for this condition and treat patients with a great deal of caution, as extensor tendon rupture is possible.

Reduction Techniques in Volar Locking Plate Fixation of Distal Radius Fractures.

Distal radius fractures are the most common upper extremity fracture and volar locking plate fixation has become a common modality for operative management of these injuries over the last 2 decades. However, despite the widespread use of volar locking plates, there remains no comprehensive guide detailing the available reduction techniques using these systems. This review aims to consolidate the reduction techniques from the literature along with the authors' experiences into a blueprint for distal radius fracture reduction when using a volar plate. Techniques described include those with and without use of the plate and with supplementary means of fixation for both extra-articular and intra-articular fracture patterns.

Novel Method for Reduction of Distal Radius Fractures.

SUMMARY: Distal radius fractures are one of the most common fractures seen in orthopaedics. These fractures may be treated surgically or conservatively depending on patient-related and radiographic factors. Displaced fractures should be reduced in the acute setting to better align the fracture fragments and a splint applied to hold the fracture in this position. Fractures that are acceptably reduced may be treated conservatively with casting and close radiographic follow-up to ensure maintained alignment. In this video, we describe our technique for closed reduction of distal radius fractures and review important factors that guide treatment.

Postoperative Rhabdomyolysis in the Bilateral Shoulder Areas After Cardiac Surgery.

Rhabdomyolysis (RML) is a disease that results from the death of muscle fibers and the release of intracellular contents into the bloodstream as a result of traumatic or non-traumatic muscle injury. Postoperative RML is a rare complication that may result from improper patient positioning, extended surgery time, or unique patient risk factors. We describe a case of a 43-year-old obese male who presented with postoperative bilateral shoulder RML after undergoing cardiothoracic surgery for aortic valve disease. To our knowledge, after a thorough review of the literature using PubMed, Medline, and Google Scholar, no previous studies have reported positioning injuries specific to obese cardiac surgical patients and their relation to RML.

Volar Cortical Integrity in Non-Operatively Treated Adult Distal Radius Fractures.

Background: We sought to independently validate published data that volar cortical integrity (VCI) is an independent predictor of maintenance of closed reduction in a series of non-surgically treated distal radius fractures, while simultaneously investigating previously reported predictors of instability. Our null hypothesis was that volar cortical integrity would not affect maintenance of reduction. Methods: Four hundred thirty-three adult distal radius fractures were screened from our Orthopedic database with 112 meeting inclusion criteria. Two groups were determined on the basis of maintenance of reduction (MOR) or loss of reduction (LOR) at 5-6 weeks post-reduction. Bivariate analysis was applied to previously published instability factors along with VCI. A forward stepwise logistic regression was then used to identify instability factors that, as a group, are most predictive of outcome. Results: Results of 112 patients were collected. Reduction was maintained in 62 patients (55.35%) at 5-6 weeks Biivariate analysis showed a statistically significant difference in volar cortical integrity between the 2 groups (80.6% MOR vs 59.2% LOR). Forward stepwise logistic regression analysis of subgroups revealed that post-reduction radial height and VCI were together statistically significant in the model. The presence of VCI, post-reduction radial height greater than or equal to ulnar neutral at the time of initial reduction resulted in a 67.8% successful MOR. Conclusions: We were able to confirm the importance of volar cortical integrity as a predictor of successful maintenance of reduction in non-surgically managed distal radius fractures. When combined with post-reduction radial height greater than or equal to ulnar neutral at the time of initial reduction, it showed a 67.8% MOR with non-operative management in our data-set.

Long-term follow-up of basal joint resection arthroplasty of the thumb with transfer of the abductor pollicis brevis origin to the flexor carpi radialis tendon.

PURPOSE: To investigate the long-term functional and clinical outcomes of a tendon transfer during basal joint interposition arthroplasty for osteoarthritis of the basal joint of the thumb, in which the origin of the abductor pollicis brevis (APB) and opponens pollicis is transferred to the flexor carpi radialis tendon, in order to increase the abduction moment arm of the thumb and provide dynamic stabilization of the base of the first metacarpal. METHODS: We observed 22 patients, who received basal joint interposition arthroplasty with APB and opponens pollicis tendon transfer, over an average of 9 years (range, 3-20 years). Subjective outcome measures included patient satisfaction scores, visual analog scale scores for pain, and Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH) scores. Clinical evaluations included thumb range of motion, grip strength, and pinch strength. RESULTS: At an average follow-up of 9 years, 95% of patients (21 out of 22) subjectively scored the procedure as good or excellent and reported improvement in activities of daily living. Mean visual analog scale pain score was 4.4 at rest and 7.8 with activity (out of 100), and mean DASH score was 13.3 (out of 100). Average grip strength of the operated hand was equal to that of the contralateral hand, and lateral and tip pinch strengths were 79% and 93%, respectively, of the contralateral hand. No intraoperative or early postoperative complications were reported, although 1 patient whose procedure was performed as treatment for failed silastic arthroplasty reported metacarpal instability at 9-year follow-up (DASH score of 22). CONCLUSIONS: Basal joint arthroplasty with APB and opponens pollicis tendon transfers provides excellent long-term results for carpometacarpal thumb osteoarthritis. The procedure is safe, with a low complication rate. Its success has long-term durability as measured by patient satisfaction, functional outcome measures, range of motion, and strength. TYPE OF STUDY/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic IV.

A Novel Method of Patient Positioning Using Shoulder Arthroscopy Equipment for Elbow Arthroscopy.

Indications for elbow arthroscopy are expanding; however, it is uncommon compared with shoulder arthroscopy. Elbow arthroscopy can be complicated by positioning, including the need to obtain specific arm holders required by most operating rooms. Surgery can be performed in the supine, prone, or lateral position. Arm traction allows for distraction of the joint space, full insufflation, and therefore visualization of intra-articular anatomy. This article outlines a new technique using previously available shoulder arthroscopy equipment to avoid increased cost incurred by procuring new, elbow-specific equipment. This technique is performed in the supine position using a hydraulic system and a shoulder 3-point distractor. [Orthopedics. 2018; 41(1):e158-e160.].

Biomechanical Comparison of a First- and a Second-Generation All-Soft Suture Glenoid Anchor.

BACKGROUND: All-soft tissue suture anchors provide advantages of decreased removal of bone and decreased glenoid volume occupied compared with traditional tap or screw-in suture anchors. Previous published data have led to biomechanical concerns with the use of first-generation all-soft suture anchors. PURPOSE/HYPOTHESIS: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the load to 2-mm displacement and ultimate load to failure of a second-generation all-soft suture anchor, compared with a first-generation anchor and a traditional PEEK (polyether ether ketone) anchor. The null hypothesis was that the newer second-generation anchor will demonstrate no difference in loads to 2-mm displacement after cycling compared with first-generation all-soft suture anchors. STUDY DESIGN: Controlled laboratory study. METHODS: Twenty human cadaveric glenoids were utilized to create 97 total suture anchor sites, and 1 of 3 anchors were randomized and placed into each site: (1) first-generation all-soft suture anchor (Juggerknot; Biomet), (2) second-generation all-soft suture anchor (Suturefix; Smith & Nephew), and (3) a control PEEK anchor (Bioraptor; Smith & Nephew). After initial cyclic loading, load to 2 mm of displacement and ultimate load to failure were measured for each anchor. RESULTS: After cyclic loading, the load to 2-mm displacement was significantly less in first-generation anchors compared with controls (P < .01). However, the load to 2-mm displacement was significantly greater in second-generation anchors compared with controls (P < .01). There was no difference in ultimate load to failure between the first- and second-generation all-soft suture anchors (P > .05). CONCLUSION: The newer generation all-soft suture anchors with a theoretically more rigid construct and deployment configuration demonstrate biomechanical characteristics (specifically, with load to 2-mm displacement after cyclic loading) that are improved over first-generation all-soft suture anchors and similar to a traditional solid tap-in anchor. The configuration of these newer generation all-soft suture anchors appears to mitigate the biomechanical concerns of decreased load to failure with first-generation all-soft tissue suture anchors. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: The theoretical advantages of all-soft anchors may be particularly valuable in revision surgery or in cases where multiple anchors are being placed into a small anatomic area.

Complications Associated with Intra-Articular and Extra-Articular Corticosteroid Injections.

Side effects of corticosteroids can occur in association with both intra-articular and extra-articular injections. Less-severe reactions include skin reactions and flare responses. Although rare, worrisome complications such as infections, tendon ruptures, and osteonecrosis can occur. It is important to note the effect of corticosteroids on blood glucose levels, particularly for patients with diabetes. Corticosteroid injections have visual side effects with a known relation to central serous chorioretinopathy.

Acute multiple flexor tendon injury and carpal tunnel syndrome after open distal radius fracture.

Although the rupture of extensor tendons after distal radius fractures is well described, acute flexor tendon ruptures are much less common. We report a case of acute rupture of the flexor pollicis longus and flexor carpi radialis tendons with acute carpal tunnel syndrome after a Gustilo-Anderson type II open distal radius fracture. We reviewed the literature to identify risk factors for tendon rupture and the development of carpal tunnel syndrome.

Surgical treatment of symptomatic superior labrum anterior-posterior tears in patients older than 40 years: a systematic review.

BACKGROUND: Successful arthroscopic repair of symptomatic superior labral tears in young athletes has been well documented. Superior labral repair in patients older than 40 years is controversial, with concerns for residual postoperative pain, stiffness, and higher rates of revision surgery. PURPOSE: To analyze the published data on the surgical treatment of superior labral injuries in patients aged ≥40 years, including those with concomitant injuries to the rotator cuff. STUDY DESIGN: Systematic review. METHODS: A systematic review of the literature was performed using the Preferred Reporting Items of Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) guidelines. The MEDLINE database via PubMed and the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews were searched for articles related to superior labrum anterior-posterior (SLAP) tears. Studies were included if they met the following criteria: the study contained at least 1 group of patients who had undergone arthroscopic repair of a type II or IV SLAP lesion with a minimum 2-year follow-up, objective and/or functional scoring systems were used to evaluate postoperative outcomes, and the mean patient age was ≥40 years for at least 1 treatment arm or subgroup analysis. Studies were excluded if the article was a review or if the article included data for SLAP type I, III, or V to X tears or Bankart lesions. RESULTS: While several authors reported equivalent outcomes of SLAP repair in patients both older than 40 years and younger than 40 years, others demonstrated significantly higher failure rates in the older cohort. Decreased patient satisfaction and increasing complications, including postoperative stiffness and reoperations, occur at higher rates as the patient age increases. The literature demonstrates that biceps tenotomy and tenodesis are reliable alternatives to SLAP repair and that biceps tenotomy is a viable revision procedure for failed SLAP repair. With concomitant rotator cuff tears, the evidence favors debridement or biceps tenotomy over SLAP repair. CONCLUSION: While studies show that good outcomes can be obtained with SLAP repair in an older cohort of patients, age older than 40 years and workers' compensation status are independent risk factors for increased surgical complications. The cumulative evidence supports labral debridement or biceps tenotomy over labral repair when an associated rotator cuff injury is present.

Radial head arthroplasty.

Radial head arthroplasty remains an encouraging treatment option for comminuted radial head fractures in an unstable elbow or forearm. This article discusses the surgical considerations related to radial head arthroplasty, including anatomy, indications, and surgical technique. Radial head arthroplasty outcomes literature and a review of current implant options are also discussed.