Meta-Analysis: Functional Outcome of ORIF Versus Primary Subtalar Arthrodesis of Sanders Type II and Type III Calcaneal Fractures.

The choice of treatment for Sanders Type II and Type III calcaneal fractures remains controversial with unclear patient functional outcomes. A meta-analysis was done to compare the functional outcome of ORIF vs primary subtalar arthrodesis (PSA) according to American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Score (AOFAS) hindfoot-ankle scores. The PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Library Databases were searched by two independent evaluators. Fourteen studies met the eligible criteria. ORIF of 501 Type II and Type III fractures was compared to primary subtalar arthrodesis treatment of 57 Type II and Type III fractures. AOFAS for a mixed ORIF group of "Type II and III" fractures was 82.16 ± 1.58 at average follow-up of 25.3 months. For a mixed PSA group of "Type II and III" fractures, the AOFAS was 74.22 ± 2.45 at average follow-up of 28.0 months. This showed a difference between ORIF and primary subtalar arthrodesis of 7.94 points (95% confidence interval [CI] = 7.75-7.98; p value .004) favoring ORIF when adjusting for minimally invasive and percutaneous methods. Without adjustment, there was a difference of 6.54 points favoring ORIF (95% CI = 6.22-6.46; p value .017). In conclusion, while high-quality randomized controlled trials comparing ORIF to primary subtalar arthrodesis for Type II and Type III fractures would further elucidate superior treatment outcomes, this meta-analysis of available data shows a tendency for ORIF of Type II and Type III Sanders calcaneal fractures to have a better functional outcome at approximately 2 years postoperatively compared to primary subtalar arthrodesis.

The Effect of Working Time and Application Technique on Cement Penetration into a Tibial Model.

Background: Aseptic loosening of the cemented tibial component is a source of failure in total knee arthroplasty. This study examined common techniques for cement application by quantifying depth and volume of penetration into tibia models. Material and methods: Thirty-six composite tibia models were cemented with a tibial component using 3 application techniques (gun, osteotome, and layered) with either early or late cement working time. Computed tomography and 3D-modeling were used to quantify volume and depth of penetration. Statistical analysis was conducted with analysis of variance with Bonferroni correction and Student's t-test. Results: No difference was found in overall volume of penetration between early and late cement application (P = .16). Beneath the baseplate, the layered technique had significantly less penetration and averaged less than 3 mm with early and late cement. The gun technique had the greatest depth of penetration with early cement and averaged greater than 3 mm in all zones regardless of cement working time. The osteotome technique achieved significantly greater depth of penetration around the keel with early and late cement, P < .01. Conclusions: Using a cement gun ensures adequate penetration beneath the baseplate regardless of cement working time while the osteotome technique is effective to increase penetration around the implant keel. According to our study, applying cement early in its working time may not increase volume of penetration. This study raises concern regarding adequate cement penetration using the layered technique for cementing the tibial component in total knee arthroplasty, and future research is warranted.

Conversion of Hip Arthrodesis Using Robotic Arm Technology.

Recent advancements in computer-assisted surgery have led to a renewed interest in robotic-assisted hip arthroplasty. This technology assists with component position which is especially useful in prior trauma or dysplasia cases. We present a case of a surgical hip fusion conversion to total hip arthroplasty with the use of robotic-assisted technology. Enhanced preoperative planning with the ability to manipulate implant position before execution can be invaluable during complex procedures. Further research is warranted before revision cases using computerized navigation systems becomes more prevalent.

Single-Incision Rotator Cuff Repair With a Needle Arthroscope.

Arthroscopy frequently has been used to treat a variety of shoulder conditions, including rotator cuff tears. Arthroscopic techniques, when compared with open techniques, are associated with less morbidity, leading to lower complication rates, easier recovery, and improved outcomes. As technology improves, we continue to develop less-invasive surgical techniques to treat rotator cuff pathology. With the development of the NanoScope (Arthrex, Naples, FL), we have the opportunity to view through a small cannula without making a standard viewing portal. This technique combines this small viewing portal with standard repair techniques through only a single lateral incision to provide a less-invasive rotator cuff repair technique.

Autograft Cartilage Transfer Augmented With Bone Marrow Concentrate and Allograft Cartilage Extracellular Matrix.

The use of biologics in sports medicine is increasing rapidly. An osteochondral defect in a young active patient remains a difficult issue to treat. Autograft cartilage has tremendous advantages for the treatment of full-thickness defects, but harvesting and preparation have been difficult in the past. Disadvantages have included donor-site morbidity and the need for further surgery. With the recent development of the GraftNet device (Arthrex, Naples, FL), harvesting and delivery of autograft have become easier and can be performed arthroscopically in a single surgical procedure. Bone marrow concentrate has recently increased in popularity owing to the presence of mesenchymal stem cells. These stem cells combined with autograft cartilage and BioCartilage (Arthrex) could lead to better incorporation and healing. In this article, we show how this unique biological composite is obtained and then added in the cartilage defect during a single-stage arthroscopic procedure.

Incisionless Partial Medial Meniscectomy.

Knee arthroscopy has evolved greatly from its inception in the twentieth century. Of the many arthroscopic knee surgeries, meniscectomy is the most commonly performed. Arthroscopic meniscectomy is the most common orthopaedic surgical procedure performed in the United States. We continue to develop more minimally invasive procedures, and the NanoScope has provided a new generation of possibilities. The system does not require the use of a standard incision or portal, and with the use of nanoinstruments, we can perform treatments as well as diagnostic arthroscopy without incisions. This technique provides an updated incisionless option to perform a partial medial meniscectomy.