Pediatric Acute Compartment Syndrome in Long Bone Fractures: Who is at Risk?

INTRODUCTION: There is a paucity of large-scale data on the factors that suggest an impending or underlying extremity pediatric acute compartment syndrome (ACS). In addition, literature regarding the timing of operative fixation and the risk of ACS is mixed. We aimed to describe the factors associated with pediatric ACS. METHODS: Analysis of 2017-2019 Trauma Quality Improvement Program. We included patients aged <18 y diagnosed with upper extremity (UE) and lower extremity (LE) fractures. Burns and insect bites/stings were excluded. Multivariable regression analyses were performed to identify the predictors of ACS. RESULTS: 61,537 had LE fractures, of which 0.5% developed ACS. 76,216 had UE fractures, of which 0.16% developed ACS. Multivariable regression analyses identified increasing age, male gender, motorcycle collision, and pedestrian struck mechanisms of injury, comminuted and open fractures, tibial and concurrent tibial and fibular fractures, forearm fractures, and operative fixation as predictors of ACS (P value <0.05). Among LE fractures, 34% underwent open reduction internal fixation (time to operation = 14 [8-20] hours), and 2.1% underwent ExFix (time to operation = 9 [4-17] hours). Among UE fractures, 54% underwent open reduction internal fixation (time to operation = 11 [6-16] hours), and 1.9% underwent ExFix (time to operation = 9 [4-14] hours). Every hour delay in operative fixation of UE and LE fractures was associated with a 0.4% increase in the adjusted odds of ACS (P value <0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Our results may aid clinicians in recognizing children who are "at risk" for ACS. Future studies are warranted to explore the optimal timing for the operative fixation of long bone fractures to minimize the risk of pediatric ACS.

Lower Insertional Torque of Fixation Screws for Mandibular Angle Fractures Is Associated With Complications.

BACKGROUND: Open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) is a common treatment for mandibular angle fractures. It is unknown, however, whether the insertional torque of the fixation screws is a risk factor for postoperative complications. PURPOSE: The purpose of the study was to determine the association between fixation screw insertional torque and postoperative inflammatory complications (POICs). STUDY DESIGN, SETTING, SAMPLE: The authors conducted a prospective cohort study consisting of all adult patients treated with ORIF of mandibular angle fractures using a single six-hole lateral border plate secured with monocortical screws from January 1, 2020, to October 31, 2022, at a large, urban academic hospital. Patients with gunshot wounds, prolonged maxillomandibular fixation, and bilateral angle fractures were excluded. PREDICTOR VARIABLE: The predictor variables were the average and lowest insertional torque of the six screws placed for fixation during ORIF. MAIN OUTCOME VARIABLE: The outcome variable was the presence of POICs, defined as the occurrence of exposed or infected hardware, abscess formation, recurrent swelling/pain, nonunion, osteomyelitis, or fistula formation. COVARIATES: Demographics, medical history, mechanism, diagnosis, and treatment-related variables were also analyzed. ANALYSES: Descriptive and bivariate analyses were performed. A P value of ≤ .05 was considered significant. RESULTS: There were 51 patients included in the study, 37 (72.5%) men, with a mean age of 31.2 ± 10.1 years. POICs occurred in 15.7% of patients. The average insertional screw torque was 46.9 ± 7.8 Ncm, and the mean lowest insertional screw torque per plate was 34.3 ± 10.2 Ncm. The average torque values were not lower in patients who had POICs versus those who did not (45.0 ± 8.6 Ncm vs 48.4 ± 7.6 Ncm, respectively, P = .16). However, the lowest torque value was less in patients who had POICs compared to those who did not (27.5 ± 11.0 Ncm vs 35.6 ± 9.7 Ncm, respectively, P = .04). CONCLUSION AND RELEVANCE: Among patients with mandibular angle fractures treated with ORIF, decreased insertional torque for the lowest of the six screws placed for fixation was associated with complications. While previous studies have shown certain plating schemes have been associated with complications, the quality of fixation also plays a role.

Construction and validation of a nomogram for blood transfusion after open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) of proximal humeral fractures in the elderly: a cross-sectional study.

PURPOSE: Few studies have focused on the risk factors leading to postoperative blood transfusion after open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) of proximal humeral fractures (PHFs) in the elderly. Therefore, we designed this study to explore potential risk factors of blood transfusion after ORIF for PHFs. We have also established a nomogram model to integrate and quantify our research results and give feedback. METHODS: In this study, we retrospectively analyzed the clinical data of elderly PHF patients undergoing ORIF from January 2020 to December 2021. We have established a multivariate regression model and nomograph. The prediction performance and consistency of the model were evaluated by the consistency coefficient and calibration curve, respectively. RESULTS: 162 patients met our inclusion criteria and were included in the final study. The following factors are related to the increased risk of transfusion after ORIF: time to surgery, fibrinogen levels, intraoperative blood loss, and surgical duration. CONCLUSIONS: Our patient-specific transfusion risk calculator uses a robust multivariable model to predict transfusion risk.The resulting nomogram can be used as a screening tool to identify patients with high transfusion risk and provide necessary interventions for these patients (such as preoperative red blood cell mobilization, intraoperative autologous blood transfusion, etc.).

Iatrogenic open humeral shaft fractures following functional bracing.

INTRODUCTION: The treatment of closed humeral shaft fractures tends to be successful with functional bracing. Treatment failure due to iatrogenic conversion to an open fracture has not been described in the literature. We present a case series of patients that experienced open humeral shaft fractures after initially being treated with functional bracing for closed humeral shaft fractures and describe what factors are associated with this complication. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This was a retrospective case series performed at three level 1 trauma centers across North America. All nonoperatively treated humeral shaft fractures were reviewed from 2001 to 2023. Patients were included if they sustained a humeral shaft fracture, > 18 years old, were initially treated non-operatively with functional bracing which subsequently converted to an open fracture. Eight patients met inclusion criteria. All included patients were eventually treated with irrigation, debridement, and open reduction and internal fixation. Outcomes assessed included mortality rate, time until the fracture converted from closed to open, need for further surgery, and bony union. Descriptive statistics were used in analysis. RESULTS: The eight included patients on average were 65 ± 21.4 years old and had a body mass index (BMI) of 25.6 ± 5.2. Six patients were initially injured due to a fall. Time until the fractures became open on average was 5.2 ± 3.6 weeks. Three patients (37.5%) died within 1.8 ± 0.6 years after initial injury. The average Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI) score was 4.5 ± 3.4. Three patients (37.5%) had dementia. Common characteristics among this cohort included a history of visual disturbances (50.0%), cerebrovascular accident (50.0%), smoking (50.0%), and alcohol abuse (50.0%). CONCLUSION: Conversion from a closed to open humeral shaft fracture after functional bracing is a potentially devastating complication. Physicians should be especially cognizant of patients with a low BMI, history of falling or visual disturbance, dementia, age ≥ 65, decreased sensorimotor protection, and significant smoking or alcohol history when choosing to use functional bracing as the final treatment modality. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: IV.

Mid-term Incidence of Tarsometatarsal Joint Arthrodesis Following Open Reduction With Internal Fixation (ORIF) of Lisfranc Injuries.

Open reduction with internal fixation (ORIF) of Lisfranc injuries are associated with an increased risk for secondary surgery including hardware removal and salvage arthrodesis. In the current literature, rates of salvage arthrodesis vary due to small sample sizes and a low incidence of Lisfranc injuries. There is little evidence to identify specific surgical and patient-related variables that may result in later arthrodesis. The purpose of this study is to determine the rate of tarsometatarsal joint arthrodesis following Lisfranc ORIF in a relatively large sample size. This retrospective review included patients who underwent ORIF for a Lisfranc injury between January 2007 and December 2012. A total of 146 patients met our criteria. Trans-articular fixation was used in 109 (74.6%) patients, 33 (22.6%) received percutaneous fixation and 4 (2.7%) extraarticular fixation. Five out of 120 (4.2%) patients required a salvage arthrodesis for post-traumatic arthritis that had a follow-up greater than 5 y but up to 10 y. The mean age of patients who underwent arthrodesis after ORIF was 24.5 ± 11.95 (16-48) y compared to 40.9 ± 15.8 (16-85) y. Patients who required an arthrodesis also had earlier hardware removal than patients who did not have an arthrodesis, 71.2 ± 28.3 (38-100) days and 131.4 ±101.2 (37-606) days, respectively. Patients who required salvage arthrodesis tended to be younger and hardware was removed earlier compared to those patients who did not require an arthrodesis. Four of the 5 patients who underwent a secondary arthrodesis had a loss of correction after hardware removal.

Postoperative complications after displaced intra-articular calcaneal fracture operations.

BACKGROUND: The objective was to compare postoperative complications in the management of displaced intra articular calcaneal fractures (DIACF) between two groups; the open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) group versus the percutaneous fixation (PF) group. METHODS: A total of 243 DIACFs were diagnosed and 127 of them received operations either with ORIF 75 (59.1 %) or PF 52 (40.9 %) between 2004 and 2018. Postoperative complications, radiological Sanders's classification and improvement of Böhler's angle were analyzed. RESULTS: Early complication rate (<6 weeks), rate of deep wound infections and wound edge necrosis were significantly better in PF than in ORIF patient group. There were no significant differences in late complications (>6 weeks from operation) nor in improvement of Böhler's angle. CONCLUSION: Complication rate is lower when using PF technique while fracture reduction remains the same compared to the ORIF. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: IV retrospective cohort study at a single institution.

Time to surgery and outcomes following open reduction and internal fixation of both-bone forearm fractures.

PURPOSE: To determine the effect of time to surgery on outcomes following open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) of both-bone forearm fractures (BBFFs). METHODS: Ninety-nine patients who underwent ORIF of BBFFs in a single academic medical center over a 16-year time period were retrospectively reviewed. Demographic and clinical data including age, sex, current smoking status, time from injury to surgery (tsurg), presence of open injury, polytrauma status, and complications were obtained. Radiographs of the affected extremity were reviewed for fracture morphology, reduction quality, and time to union (or presence of nonunion). In addition to descriptive statistics, Chi-square and Wilcoxon-Mann-Whitney tests were used to compare categorical and interval, respectively, with a significance level of 0.05. RESULTS: A tsurg > 48 h was associated with increased rate of delayed unions (tsurg < 48 h: 25% vs tsurg > 48 h: 59%, p = 0.03), but not complications (tsurg < 48 h: 44% vs tsurg > 48 h: 47%, p = 0.79). Open BBFFs were not associated with increased rates of delayed unions (closed: 16% vs open: 19%, p = 0.77) or complications (closed: 42% vs open: 53%, p = 0.29). A trend toward increased time to union with tsurg > 48 h was also seen, but did not reach significance (tsurg < 48 h: 13.5 weeks vs tsurg > 48 h: 15.7 weeks, p = 0.11). CONCLUSION: A tsurg > 48 h is associated with an increased rate of delayed union, but not complications, after ORIF of BBFFs. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic Level III (Retrospective Cohort).

Utility of prophylactic closed suction drainage in open reduction and internal fixation for tibial plateau fracture.

PURPOSE: The usefulness of closed suction drains (CSD) after open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) of tibial plateau fractures is a contested topic. The purpose of this study was to examine the impact of CSD in postoperative outcomes after tibial plateau fracture. METHODS: Data were retrospectively collected from patients who underwent primary repair of closed tibial plateau fractures via an anterolateral approach between June 2021 to May 2022 at a single academic center. Fifty-six patients were included and 28 received CSDs at time of surgery. P values less than 0.05 were considered significant. RESULTS: Fifty-six patients were included. There was no significant difference in demographics, pre- and post-op hemoglobin, estimated blood loss during surgery, length of stay, postoperative MMEs and pain at 3 month follow-up, deep vein thrombosis (DVT), compartment syndrome, flexion contracture, use of incisional vac, infection rate, wound drainage, hematoma, neurologic pain, dehiscence, additional surgery, or range of motion at 3 months follow-up. We noted a significant difference in Defense and Veterans Pain Rating Scale (DVPRS) on POD1, demonstrating greater pain in those in the CSD group. CONCLUSION: Our findings suggest that the use of CSD in ORIF of tibial plateau fractures may not be of significant prophylactic benefit. CSDs in ORIF patients were associated with increased early postoperative pain and had no identifiable benefits. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: III.

Nonmetallic tension band fixation is a viable and low-complication surgical technique in patellar fractures: a five-year retrospective study.

BACKGROUND: Traditionally, patellar fractures (PFs) have been managed using metallic tension band fixation, a method often associated with a notable rate of complications. Considering these challenges, this study explores the potential of nonmetallic fixation as a treatment option for PFs. This research aims to provide robust evidence supporting the use of the nonmetallic tension band fixation technique as an effective alternative to conventional metallic tension band fixation, thereby advancing the standard of care in treating these fractures. METHODS: This retrospective study analyzed a consecutive patient series presenting with PFs from 2008 to 2021, treated with a nonmetallic tension band fixation technique. Inclusion criteria were strictly defined to include individuals over 18 years of age with isolated PFs requiring surgical intervention. The study focused on evaluating postoperative complications and clinical outcomes, as measured by standardized scoring systems, at the final follow-up point to assess the efficacy and safety of the employed surgical technique. RESULTS: In this study, with a mean follow-up of 64 ± 7 months, a total of 64 patients who received open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) for PFs were enrolled. Among these, five cases required additional surgical interventions. Specifically, two cases were due to knee stiffness, while the remaining three involved complications such as superficial infection, skin irritation, or delayed wound healing. The mean postoperative values recorded for the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) score, Oxford knee score (OKS), and visual analog scale (VAS) were 20.4 ± 2.3, 35.5 ± 5.3, and 1.6 ± 0.4, respectively. There were no complications related to the nonmetallic fixation technique or instances of loss of reduction. CONCLUSION: This study substantiates that nonmetallic tension band fixation is a safe and effective alternative to traditional metallic tension band fixation for patellar fractures. The study's low-complication rate and reoperation frequency underscore the value of nonmetallic implants in mitigating adverse effects and enhancing clinical outcomes. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: IV.

Use of light activated intramedullary device for revision of a proximal humerus fracture: a case study.

BACKGROUND: Post-operative non-compliance is a risk factor for fracture fixation failure and presents a challenge for revision surgery planning. We present a patient who underwent revision surgery for a proximal humerus fracture with lateral locked plating augmented with a UV light activated intramedullary implant. CASE: A 45-year-old woman with a history of alcoholism presented with a proximal humerus fracture. After undergoing open reduction internal fixation with a lateral locking plate, the patient suffered a fall secondary to delirium tremens. New radiographs demonstrated displacement of the fracture with failure of screws. Revision surgery consisting of removal of the initial construct as well as open reduction internal fixation via lateral locking plate, augmented with a UV-activated intramedullary cement implant, was performed. CONCLUSION: This is the first case report describing the use of a UV-activated intramedullary cement implant to augment the use of lateral locked plating for proximal humerus fractures. This case illustrates the successful management using UV-activated intramedullary cement to augment fixation, specifically in a patient with risk factors and post-operative non-compliance that predispose to fixation failure.

Preoperative chronic steroid use as a risk factor for complications following open reduction internal fixation for proximal humerus fracture.

PURPOSE: The primary objective of this study was to investigate the association between preoperative chronic steroid use and postoperative complications following open reduction internal fixation (ORIF) for proximal humerus fractures (PHF). METHODS: The American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement (ACS-NSQIP) database was queried for all patients who underwent PHF ORIF between 2015 and 2021. A total of 6,273 patients were included in this study, of which 3.4% (n = 212) were in the chronic steroid use cohort. Patient characteristics including demographics, comorbidities, and 30-day postoperative complications after PHF ORIF were collected. Bivariate logistic regression and multivariate logistic regression analysis, adjusted for all significantly associated variables, was conducted to investigate the relationship between preoperative chronic steroid use and postoperative complications. RESULTS: Chronic steroid use was significantly associated with age ≥ 75 (p < 0.001), male gender (p =0.006), dependent functional status (p = 0.008), American Society of Anesthesiologist (ASA) ≥ 3 (p < 0.001), CHF (p = 0.007), hypertension (p < 0.001), COPD (p < 0.001), bleeding disorder (p = 0.007), ascites (p = 0.040), disseminated cancer (p< 0.001), and systemic sepsis (p < 0.001). After adjusting for all significantly associated variables, chronic steroid use was independently associated with major complication (OR 1.60, 95% CI 1.06-2.43; p = 0.026), and non-home discharge (OR 1.05, 95% CI 1.01-1.08; p = 0.014). CONCLUSION: Preoperative chronic steroid use is associated with increasing rate of postoperative complications following PHF ORIF. Better understanding and characterizing chronic steroid use as a preoperative risk factor can aid physicians in risk stratification to reduce rates of postoperative complications following PHF ORIF. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: III. Retrospective Cohort Comparison; Prognosis Study.

Indications, complications, and clinical outcomes of fixation and acute total hip arthroplasty for the treatment of acetabular fractures: A systematic review.

PURPOSE: Acetabular fracture fixation can be challenging, especially in the elderly. Open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) alone may not allow for early weight bearing and is associated with a high rate of secondary osteoarthritis; therefore, a combined hip procedure (CHP) or ORIF with acute total hip arthroplasty, may be beneficial in this population. The objective of this study was to perform a systematic review of all reported cases of CHP. METHODS: PubMed, Embase, Scopus, and Cochrane databases were searched for studies analyzing acetabular fractures in the elderly managed with a combined hip procedure (CHP). The research was performed following the PRISMA guidelines. The included studies' methodological quality was evaluated using the MINORS score. The present study was registered on PROSPERO. RESULTS: Eleven clinical studies were included in the final analysis. The mean age was 74.4 (63.2-78) years. Low-energy trauma was the most common mechanism of injury (64%). The most prevalent fracture pattern was the anterior column and posterior hemitransverse (ACPHT) (30.6%). The Kocher-Langenbeck approach was preferred for ORIF of posterior fractures and hip arthroplasty. The ilioinguinal approach and modified Stoppa were generally used for anterior fractures. The overall complication rate was 12.2%, and hip dislocation was the most frequent cause of reoperation (4.4%). The average Harris Hip Score reported postoperatively was 81.6 points, which was considered "good." CONCLUSIONS: CHP is a safe treatment for elderly acetabular fractures with an acceptable complication and reoperation rate that results in good clinical outcomes. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level of evidence IV.

Intramedullary versus plate fixation of both bone forearm fractures in skeletally immature patients: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Both bone forearm fractures (BBFFs) are a common injury amongst the pediatric population. The main indications of surgical fixation are open, irreducible, or unstable fractures. The two most commonly used surgical techniques are closed or open reduction with intramedullary fixation (IMF) and open reduction with plate fixation (PF). The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to determine which fixation method is superior for BBFFs. METHODS: PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and CENTRAL were searched to identify studies comparing IMF and PF. We extracted data on union rates, complications, early hardware removal rates, reoperation rates, and radiographic, clinical, and perioperative outcomes. RESULTS: Sixteen studies were included in the analysis, with a total of 922 patients (539 IMF and 383 PF). Similar union rates were achieved by both fixation technique. IMF was associated with a higher incidence of symptomatic hardware, and early hardware removal. Better restoration of the radial bow was observed with the PF group, especially in older children and adolescents. The rate of excellent function was comparable between groups, whereas better cosmesis was reported with the IMF group. Despite shorter fluoroscopy time and immobilization time, PF demonstrated longer tourniquet time, operating time, and hospital stay compared to IMF. CONCLUSIONS: We found no significant difference between IMF and PF in terms of union rates and functional outcomes taking in consideration the merits and demerits of each technique. High-quality randomized controlled trials are, therefore, necessary to determine the superiority of one fixation technique over the other. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: III.

Comparison of patient demographics and patient-specific risk factors for readmissions following open reduction and internal fixation for acetabular fractures.

PURPOSE: Acetabular fractures are highly complex injuries often resulting from high-energy trauma. The gold standard treatment for these injuries has become open reduction internal fixation (ORIF). The purpose of this study is to further this understanding and investigate how (1) patient demographics and (2) patient-specific risk factors affect 90-day readmission rates. METHODS: A retrospective, nationwide query of private insurance database from January 1st, 2010 to October 31st, 2020 was performed using ICD-9, ICD-10, and CPT codes. Patients who underwent acetabular ORIF and were readmitted within 90 days following index procedure were included, patients who were not readmitted served as controls. Patients were divided by demographics and specific risk factors associated with readmission. RESULTS: The query yielded a total of 3942 patients. Age and sex were found to be non-significant contributing risk factors to 90-day readmissions. Data also showed that statistically significant comorbidities included arrhythmia, cerebrovascular disease, coagulopathy, fluid and electrolyte abnormalities, and pathologic weight loss. CONCLUSION: This study illustrated how several patient-specific risk factors may contribute to increased 90-day readmission risk following acetabular ORIF. A heightened awareness of these comorbidities in patients requiring acetabular ORIF is required to improve patient outcomes and minimize rates of readmission. Further investigation is needed to improve patient outcomes, and increase awareness of potential post-operative complications in these higher-risk patient populations.

Vancouver B2 periprosthetic hip fractures treatment: fix or replace? A retrospective study comparing both techniques.

INTRODUCTION: Vancouver B2 periprosthetic hip fractures involve stem stability and they have been classically treated with revision surgery. Crucial factors such as age, clinical comorbidities and functional status are often neglected. The current study aims to compare clinical outcomes between patients treated with open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) or femoral stem exchange. METHODS: This is a retrospective study that includes all Vancouver B2 periprosthetic hip fractures in a tertiary referral hospital from 2016 to 2020. Patients were divided into two groups: Group 1. Patients treated with an ORIF and Group 2. Patients treated with stem replacement. The outcomes that were compared between groups included demographic data, functional capacity, complications and mortality. RESULTS: 29 periprosthetic Vancouver B2 fractures were finally analyzed. 11 (37.9%) were treated with ORIF (Group 1) and 18 (62.1%) by stem replacement (Group 2). Surgery time (143 vs. 160 min), hemoglobin drop (1.8 vs. 2.5 g/dL) and hospital stance (25.5 vs. 29.6 days) were shorter in Group 1. According to complications, 18.2% of patients in the ORIF group had orthopedic complications compared with 44.4% in the revision group. In the revision group, 3 cases needed a two-stage revision and one of these revisions ended up with a resection arthroplasty (Girdlestone). The first-year mortality rate was 27% in Group 1 and 11% in Group 2. DISCUSSION: ORIF treatment seems to be a less aggressive and complex procedure which can lead to a faster general recovery. Revision surgery can imply a higher risk of orthopedic complications which can be severe and may require further aggressive solutions. The ORIF group mortality was similar to the proximal femur fracture rate (20-30%). In conclusion, ORIF treatment seems to be a good option especially in fragile patients with low functional demand when anatomical reduction is possible.

Salvage of failed subtrochanteric fracture fixation in the elderly: revision internal fixation or hip arthroplasty?

PURPOSE: This study aimed to compare reoperation rate and clinical outcomes between revision open reduction and internal fixation and hip arthroplasty following failed subtrochanteric fracture fixation. METHODS: A retrospective review was conducted of patients > 50 years old treated for failed fixation of subtrochanteric fractures with revision ORIF or hip arthroplasty from 2003 to 2023. Primary outcomes included rate of fracture union and reoperations after initial salvage therapy. Secondary outcomes included complications (infection, dislocation, bursitis, implant prominence, implant failure, nonunion), pain, and gait-aid requirements by final follow-up. RESULTS: Forty-four patients were identified: 34 treated with revision ORIF and 10 with hip arthroplasty. The arthroplasty cohort was older (75.4 vs. 66.0 years, p = 0.016) but did not differ from the ORIF cohort in sex, type of initial fixation, or reason for fixation failure. Patients treated with revision ORIF and patients treated with arthroplasty had similar rates of fracture union (85.3% vs. 80.0%, p = 0.772) and reoperation (35.3% vs. 30.0%, p = 0.710). There was no significant difference in rate of additional complications not requiring reoperation (0.0% vs. 40.0%, p = 0.071). The arthroplasty cohort achieved full weightbearing in significantly shorter time than the revision ORIF cohort (3.8 vs. 6.8 weeks, p = 0.005). CONCLUSION: Both revision ORIF and hip arthroplasty are acceptable options for salvage of failed subtrochanteric fracture fixation in patients greater than 50 years old, but patients should be counseled that although the rate of fracture union is high whether revision ORIF or hip arthroplasty is selected, the rate of reoperation can exceed 1-in-4 patients. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE:  : Level III, Retrospective Comparative Study.

Modified frailty index can help predict complications following tibial plateau fracture fixation: a NSQIP study involving 2213 patients.

PURPOSE: The 5-item modified frailty index (mFI-5) has been established as a reliable indicator of poor postoperative outcomes following a variety of orthopaedic procedures. This study aims to determine whether the mFI-5 can be used by surgeons to predict the likelihood of postoperative complications in patients undergoing open reduction internal fixation (ORIF) for tibial plateau fractures. METHODS: From 2006 to 2019, patients aged 50 years or older undergoing ORIF for tibial plateau fracture were identified in the National Surgical Quality Improvement Program database. The mFI-5 was calculated based on the sum of the presence of 5 conditions: diabetes, congestive heart failure, hypertension, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and dependent functional status. Chi-squared tests and multivariable regression analysis were used to evaluate the association of different mFI-5 scores with postoperative complications. RESULTS: The study analyzed 2213 patients with an average age of 63 years. Multivariable regression analysis demonstrated that in comparison to patients with a mFI-5 score of 0, those with a score of 1 had an increased risk of prolonged hospital stay (OR 1.31) and discharge to a non-home location (OR 1.50) while those with a score of 2 or greater were at an increased risk of readmission (OR 2.30), wound complication (OR 5.37), pulmonary complication (OR 4.56), urinary tract infection (OR 4.79), prolonged hospital stay (OR 1.89), and discharge to a non-home location (OR 3.01). CONCLUSION: The mFI-5 is a reliable instrument for determining the likelihood of postoperative complications following ORIF for tibial plateau fracture repair. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: III.

Outpatient surgery for tibial plateau fractures.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to determine the rates of compartment syndrome and other early complications following outpatient open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) of tibial plateau fractures. METHODS: This was a retrospective cohort at a single US level I academic trauma centre of patients with tibial plateau fractures managed operatively. Inpatients received their definitive ORIF during their index hospital stay and were admitted post-operatively following ORIF. Outpatients were scheduled for ambulatory surgery during definitive ORIF. Exclusion criteria for outpatient surgery included compartment syndrome, polytrauma, open types IIIb/IIIc, and patients who received any internal fixation during index presentation. The primary outcome measure was post-operative compartment syndrome. Secondary outcomes were return to the 90-day return to the ED, 90-day readmission, surgical wound infection, thromboembolism, and 90-day mortality. An intention-to-treat (ITT) and as-treated (AT) analyses were performed. RESULTS: Totally, 71 inpatients and 47 outpatients were included. There were no cases of post-operative compartment syndrome. In the ITT analysis, there were no differences for inpatients vs outpatients for 90-day re-admission (22.5% vs 12.8%, p = 0.275), 90-day return to the ED (35.2% vs 17.0%, p = 0.052), infection (12.7% vs 2.1%, p = 0.094), DVT (7% vs 4.3%, p = 0.819), or PE 1.4% vs 0.0%, p = 1.000). The AT analysis showed a significantly higher 90-day re-admission (26.9% vs 2.5%, p = 0.003) and 90-day ED visit (38.5% vs 7.5%, p = 0.001) rate in the inpatient group. CONCLUSIONS: Appropriately selected patients with isolated tibial plateau fractures can have non-inferior rates of compartment syndrome and post-operative complications when compared to inpatients.

Does local fat thickness correlate with post-operative infection in open reduction and internal fixation of acetabulum fractures?

PURPOSE: Obesity is an epidemic which increases risk of many surgical procedures. Previous studies in spine and hip arthroplasty have shown that fat thickness measured on preoperative imaging may be as or more reliable in assessment of risk of post-operative infection and/or wound complications than body mass index (BMI). We hypothesized that, similarly, increased local fat thickness at the surgical site is a predictor of wound complication in acetabulum fracture surgery. METHODS: Patients who underwent open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) of an acetabulum fracture through a Kocher-Langenbeck (K-L) approach at a single institution from 2013 to 2020 were identified. Pre-operative CT scans were used to measure fat thickness from the skin to the greater trochanter in line with the surgical approach. Post-operative infections and wound complications were recorded and associated with fat thickness and BMI. RESULTS: 238 patients met inclusion criteria. 12 patients had either infection or a wound complication (5.0%). There was no significant association with BMI or preoperative fat thickness on post-operative infection or wound complication (p-value 0.73 and 0.86). CONCLUSIONS: There is no statistically significant association of post-operative infection or wound complications in patients with increased soft tissue thickness or increased BMI. ORIF of acetabulum fractures through a K-L approach can be performed safely in patients with large subcutaneous fat thickness and high BMI with low risk of infection or wound complications.

Risk factors and incidence of short-term complications following open reduction and internal fixation of scapula fractures.

PURPOSE: To determine the short-term complication rates following open reduction and internal fixation of scapula fractures, factors affecting the development of adverse events, and complication rates based on the anatomic location of the fracture. METHODS: Thirty-day complication rates for patients who underwent open reduction and internal fixation of the scapula were compared between glenoid, body, coracoid, and acromion fracture locations, as identified by International Classification of Disease codes. Possible adverse events included postoperative surgical site infection, renal insufficiency, intubation, pneumonia, deep vein thrombosis, pulmonary embolism, urinary tract infection, wound dehiscence, stroke, and blood transfusion. RESULTS: A total of 251 scapula fractures were identified, with 161 having known fracture locations: 105 glenoid, 20 body, 9 coracoid, and 27 acromial fractures. The rate of any adverse event for all scapular fractures was 2.0%, with no significant difference between anatomic locations (p = 0.79). The overall rates of transfusion, surgical site infection, and return to OR were 0.4%, 0.8%, and 3.98%. Steroid use associated with a significantly increased risk of any adverse event (OR: 55.57, p = 0.038) and outpatient status demonstrated a protective effect on reoperation (OR: 0.11, p = 0.014). There were no significant differences in the rates between groups [transfusion (p = 0.91); surgical site infection (p = 0.17); reoperation (p = 0.85)]. CONCLUSION: Complication rates within thirty days of ORIF for scapula fracture were low. Reoperation was the most common complication, followed by surgical site infection, wound dehiscence, stroke, transfusion, and pneumonia. Steroid use was a risk factor for developing any adverse event, and outpatient status was protective against reoperation. The 30-day complication profile of glenoid, body, coracoid, and acromial fractures was not significantly different. The low complication rates support the relative short-term safety of operative intervention with internal fixation. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III.