A reliable radiographic measurement technique for extra-articular scapular fractures.

BACKGROUND: Currently, neither well-defined nor standardized measurement techniques exist for assessing deformity of extra-articular scapular fractures. To properly evaluate these injuries, compare observations across studies, and make clinical decisions, a validated measurement protocol for evaluating scapular fractures is needed. QUESTIONS/PURPOSES: We describe techniques to quantitatively characterize extra-articular scapular fracture deformity; evaluate the reliability of these characterizations in plain film radiographs and CT scans; and determine potential differences in the characterization of the deformity between the two imaging modalities. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We evaluated injury radiographs and three-dimensional CT images of 45 patients with extra-articular scapular fracture. Techniques for measuring medial/lateral displacement, angulation, translation, glenopolar angle, and glenoid version were established and utilized in two trials, performed 6 weeks apart, by three observers. We determined descriptive statistics for each measurement parameter. RESULTS: Interobserver reliability based upon interclass correlation coefficients ranged from 0.36 to 0.76 for radiographs and from 0.48 to 0.87 for three-dimensional CT. Intraobserver reliability using Pearson r coefficient ranged from 0.60 to 0.75 for radiographs and 0.64 to 0.89 for three-dimensional CT. Both individual and pooled measurements for angulation and glenopolar angle were higher on three-dimensional CT versus radiographs. CONCLUSIONS: Our data suggest three-dimensional CT is more reliable than plain radiography in the assessment of scapula fracture displacement. Therefore, we believe this modality should be utilized if fracture deformity warrants surgical consideration and to adequately compare data across studies. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV, diagnostic study. See Guidelines for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

Operative outcome of partial plantar fasciectomy and neurolysis to the nerve of the abductor digiti minimi muscle for recalcitrant plantar fasciitis.

A retrospective review was conducted of 23 patients (26 feet) to assess operative outcome of partial plantar fasciectomy and neurolysis to the nerve of the abductor digiti minimi muscle for recalcitrant plantar fasciitis. Nonsurgical treatment was implemented in all patients with no relief of symptoms (average 20.8 months) prior to surgery. Using a visual analog pain scale (0-10), the average preoperative pain was 9.2 (range, 8-10). Prior to surgery, 65.2% of patients had severe limitations of activity, and 34.8% of patients had moderate limitations of activity. An average 25.3-month follow-up (range, 8-51) was performed by telephone interview. Average postoperative pain decreased to 1.7 using the same visual analog scale. Thirteen patients (57%) had no functional limitations postoperatively and nine patients (39%) had minimal functional limitations postoperatively. One patient (4%) had moderate functional limitations postoperatively. Twenty patients (87%) were completely satisfied with the surgery, two patients (9%) were satisfied with reservations, and one patient (4%) was unsatisfied with the surgery. The average period before return to work or daily activities was 1.5 months. Two patients had minor complications of partial wound dehiscence that healed uneventfully and mild dorsal midfoot pain which required temporary use of a boot walker. While the majority of patients with plantar fasciitis can be managed with nonoperative treatment, those patients with recalcitrant plantar fasciitis can be effectively treated with partial plantar fasciectomy and neurolysis to the nerve of the abductor digiti minimi muscle.

Scapula fractures: interobserver reliability of classification and treatment.

OBJECTIVES: There is substantial variation in the classification and management of scapula fractures. The first purpose of this study was to analyze the interobserver reliability of the OTA/AO classification and the New International Classification for Scapula Fractures. The second purpose was to assess the proportion of agreement among orthopaedic surgeons on operative or nonoperative treatment. DESIGN: Web-based reliability study. SETTING: Independent orthopaedic surgeons from several countries were invited to classify scapular fractures in an online survey. PARTICIPANTS: One hundred three orthopaedic surgeons evaluated 35 movies of three-dimensional computerized tomography reconstruction of selected scapular fractures, representing a full spectrum of fracture patterns. MAIN OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS: Fleiss kappa (κ) was used to assess the reliability of agreement between the surgeons. RESULTS: The overall agreement on the OTA/AO classification was moderate for the types (A, B, and C, κ = 0.54) with a 71% proportion of rater agreement (PA) and for the 9 groups (A1 to C3, κ = 0.47) with a 57% PA. For the New International Classification, the agreement about the intraarticular extension of the fracture (Fossa (F), κ = 0.79) was substantial and the agreement about a fractured body (Body (B), κ = 0.57) or process was moderate (Process (P), κ = 0.53); however, PAs were more than 81%. The agreement on the treatment recommendation was moderate (κ = 0.57) with a 73% PA. CONCLUSIONS: The New International Classification was more reliable. Body and process fractures generated more disagreement than intraarticular fractures and need further clear definitions.

Radiographic quantification and analysis of dysmorphic upper sacral osseous anatomy and associated iliosacral screw insertions.

OBJECTIVE: To quantify upper sacral dysmorphic osseous anatomy and assess its impact on second sacral segment iliosacral screw insertion. DESIGN: Retrospective evaluation of a prospective trauma database. SETTING: Regional Level I trauma center. PATIENTS: Twenty-four patients with unstable posterior pelvic ring disruptions and sacral dysmorphism were evaluated radiographically and second segment (S2) screws were placed using a standard technique. MAIN OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS: The sacral osseous pathway limits were measured using preoperative pelvic computed tomography at the upper and second sacral segments. The S2 screw location relative to the sacral nerve root tunnels and the maximum possible screw lengths for both S1 and S2 screws were evaluated with postoperative pelvic computed tomography. The S2 screw positions were graded as intraosseous, juxtaforaminal, or extruded. Preoperative and postoperative peripheral neurologic examinations were documented. RESULTS: The dysmorphic S1 width available for screw insertion averaged 13.2 mm. The S2 pathway width averaged 15.2 mm. The maximum potential screw length for the dysmorphic S1 averaged 100.8 mm and for S2 measured 151.9 mm. Twenty of 24 patients with S2 screws were intraosseous and in four patients were juxtaforaminal. There were no extruded screws. There were no neurologic injuries. CONCLUSIONS: Dysmorphic S1 segments are anatomically competent for routine screw fixation. The S2 segment provides a larger osseous site for screw insertion than S1 in dysmorphic sacrums. Significantly longer screws are possible in S2 compared with the dysmorphic S1 segment. S2 iliosacral screws can be safely and accurately accomplished using a standard technique in patients with unstable posterior pelvic ring disruptions and sacral dysmorphism. Safe screw insertions avoid iatrogenic nerve root injuries.