Proceedings of the 2023 Santa Fe Bone Symposium: Progress and Controversies in the Management of Patients with Skeletal Diseases.

The Santa Fe Bone Symposium (SFBS) held its 23rd annual event on August 5-6, 2023, in Santa Fe, New Mexico, USA. Attendees participated in-person and remotely, representing many states and countries. The program included plenary presentations, panel discussions, satellite symposia, a Project ECHO workshop, and a session on healthcare policy and reimbursement for fracture liaison programs. A broad range of topics were addressed, including transitions of osteoporosis treatments over a lifetime; controversies in vitamin D; update on Official Positions of the International Society for Clinical Densitometry; spine surgery and bone health; clinical applications of bone turnover markers; basic bone biology for clinicians; premenopausal-, pregnancy-, and lactation-associated osteoporosis; cancer treatment induced bone loss in patients with breast cancer and prostate cancer; genetic testing for skeletal diseases; and an update on nutrition and bone health. There were also sessions on rare bone diseases, including managing patients with hypophosphatasia; treatment of X-linked hypophosphatemia; and assessment and treatment of patients with hypoparathyroidism. There were oral presentations of abstracts by endocrinology fellows selected from those who participated in the Santa Fe Fellows Workshop on Metabolic Bone Diseases, held the 2 days prior to the SFBS. These proceedings of the 2023 SFBS present the clinical highlights and insights generated from many formal and informal discussions in Santa Fe.

Is elevated body mass index protective against cervical spine injury in adults?

PURPOSE: Correlate body mass index (BMI) with incidence and type of cervical spine injury seen on CT in adult patients presenting with blunt trauma. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Retrospective chart review of all adult blunt trauma patients who had a cervical spine CT performed at our level 1 trauma center during an approximately 3-year period. RESULTS: A statistically significant (p = 0.01) difference in cervical spine injury incidence was present between different BMI groups. Cervical spine injury incidence was 7.7% for underweight (BMI ≤ 18) patients, 7.1% for normal weight (BMI 18-25) patients, 6.2% for overweight/obese (BMI 25-35) patients, and 4.7% for morbidly obese (BMI > 35) patients. Using BMI > 18-25 as a reference group, females with BMI > 25-35 had an adjusted odds ratio (aOR) of 0.56 (CI 0.41-0.75) and females with BMI > 35 had an aOR of 0.42 (CI 0.26-0.70). Males with a BMI ≤ 18 had an aOR of 2.20 (CI 1.12-4.32) and males with BMI > 35 had an aOR of 0.66 (CI 0.46-0.95). A particularly low incidence of cervical spine injury was observed in patients older than 65 in the obese group with a cervical spine injury rate of only 1.4% in this patient population. No statistical significant difference was seen in injury morphology across the BMI groups. CONCLUSION: An inverse relationship exists between BMI and the overall incidence of cervical spine injury. This protective effect appears to be influenced by gender with elevated BMI having lower relative odds of cervical spine injury in women than in men. A particularly low rate of cervical spine injury was identified in obese patients over the age of 65. Routine imaging of all elderly, obese trauma patients with low energy mechanism of injury may not be warranted.

The Effect of Cricoid Pressure on the Unstable Cervical Spine.

BACKGROUND: It has been proposed that cricoid pressure can exacerbate an unstable cervical injury and lead to neurologic deterioration. OBJECTIVE: We sought to examine the amount of motion cricoid pressure could cause at an unstable subaxial cervical spine injury, and whether posterior manual support is of any benefit. METHODS: Five fresh, whole cadavers had complete segmental instability at C5-C6 surgically created by a fellowship-trained spine surgeon. Cricoid pressure was applied to the anterior cricoid by an attending anesthesiologist. In addition, the effect of posterior cervical support was tested during the trials. The amount of angular and linear motion between C5 and C6 was measured using a Fastrak, three-dimensional, electromagnetic motion analysis device (Polhemus Inc., Colchester, VT). RESULTS: When cricoid pressure is applied, the largest angular motion was 3 degrees and occurred in flexion-extension at C5-C6. The largest linear displacement was 1.36 mm and was in anterior-posterior displacement of C5-C6. When manual posterior cervical support was applied, the flexion-extension was improved to less than half this value (1.43 degrees), and this reached statistical significance (p = 0.001). No other differences were observed to be significant in the other planes of motion with the applications of support. CONCLUSIONS: Based on the evidence presented, we believe that the application of cricoid pressure to a patient with a globally unstable subaxial cervical spine injury causes small displacements. There may be some benefit to the use of manual posterior cervical spine support for reducing motion at such an injured segment.

Horizontal Slide Creates Less Cervical Motion When Centering an Injured Patient on a Spine Board.

BACKGROUND: A patient with a suspected cervical spine injury may be at risk for secondary neurologic injury when initially placed and repositioned to the center of the spine board. OBJECTIVES: We sought to determine which centering adjustment best limits cervical spine movement and minimizes the chance for secondary injury. METHODS: Using five lightly embalmed cadaveric specimens with a created global instability at C5-C6, motion sensors were anchored to the anterior surface of the vertebral bodies. Three repositioning methods were used to center the cadavers on the spine board: horizontal slide, diagonal slide, and V-adjustment. An electromagnetic tracking device measured angular (degrees) and translation (millimeters) motions at the C5-C6 level during each of the three centering adjustments. The dependent variables were angular motion (flexion-extension, axial rotation, lateral flexion) and translational displacement (anteroposterior, axial, and medial-lateral). RESULTS: The nonuniform condition produced significantly less flexion-extension than the uniform condition (p = 0.048). The horizontal slide adjustment produced less cervical flexion-extension (p = 0.015), lateral bending (p = 0.003), and axial rotation (p = 0.034) than the V-adjustment. Similarly, translation was significantly less with the horizontal adjustment than with the V-adjustment; medial-lateral (p = 0.017), axial (p < 0.001), and anteroposterior (p = 0.006). CONCLUSIONS: Of the three adjustments, our team found that horizontal slide was also easier to complete than the other methods. The horizontal slide best limited cervical spine motion and may be the most helpful for minimizing secondary injury based on the study findings.

Dual mini-fragment plating for midshaft clavicle fractures: a clinical and biomechanical investigation.

BACKGROUND: We sought to evaluate clinical and biomechanical outcomes of dual mini-fragment plate fixation for clavicle fractures. We hypothesized that this technique would produce an anatomical reduction with good clinical outcomes, be well tolerated by patients, and demonstrate equivalent biomechanics to single plating. METHODS: Dual mini-fragment plating was performed for 17 isolated, displaced midshaft clavicle fractures. Functional outcomes and complications were retrospectively reviewed. A sawbones model compared dual plating biomechanics to a (1) superior 3.5-mm locking reconstruction plate, or (2) antero-inferior 3.5-mm locking reconstruction plate. RESULTS: On biomechanical testing, with anterior loading, dual plating was significantly more rigid than single locked anterior-plating (p = 0.02) but less rigid than single locked superior-plating (p = 0.001). With superior loading, dual plating trended toward higher rigidity versus single locked superior-plating (p = 0.07) but was less rigid than single locked anterior-plating (p = 0.03). No statistically significant differences in axial loading (p = 0.27) or torsion (p = 0.23) were detected. Average patient follow-up was 16.1 months (12-38). Anatomic reduction was achieved and maintained through final healing (average 14.7 weeks). No patient underwent hardware removal. Average 1-year DASH score was 4.0 (completed in 88 %). CONCLUSIONS: Displaced midshaft clavicle fractures can be effectively managed with dual mini-fragment plating. This technique results in high union rates and excellent clinical outcomes. Compared to single plating, dual plating is biomechanically equivalent in axial loading and torsion, yet offers better multi-planar bending stiffness despite the use of smaller plates. This technique may decrease the need for secondary surgery due to implant prominence and may aid in fracture reduction by buttressing butterfly fragments in two planes.

Is Routine Use of External Spinal Orthoses Necessary After Operative Stabilization of Cervical Spine Injuries?

STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective Review. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study is to evaluate the efficacy of postoperative cervical orthoses to prevent fixation failure and loss of reduction after operative treatment of cervical spine fractures. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: While cervical orthoses are most times tolerated in trauma patients, it is not clear that postoperative bracing is effective at reducing the rate of fixation failure or nonunion in this patient population. Cervical collars may delay rehabilitation, increase the risk of dysphagia and aspiration, and can contribute to skin breakdown. METHODS: All patients who underwent operative stabilization for cervical spine injuries at a single institution between January 2015 and August 2019 were identified through the institutional Research Electronic Data Capture (REDcap) database. Patient data, including cervical spine injury, surgery, post-operative orthosis use, and secondary surgeries for loss of reduction or infection, were recorded for all patients meeting the inclusion criteria. The primary outcome was the loss of reduction or failure of fixation, requiring revision surgery. Statistical analysis was performed using Jamovi (Version 1.1) statistical software. RESULTS: In all, 201 patients meeting inclusion and exclusion criteria were identified within the study period. Overall, 133 (66.2%) patients were treated with a cervical orthosis postoperatively and 68 (33.8%) patients were allowed to mobilize as tolerated without a cervical orthosis. Fixation failure and loss of reduction occurred in 4 (1.99%) patients. Of these 4, three patients were treated with a cervical orthosis postoperatively. There was no significant difference in the risk of instrumentation failure between patients in the postoperative orthosis and no orthosis groups ( P =0.706). CONCLUSION: The use of cervical orthoses after operative stabilization of cervical spine injuries remains controversial. There was no statistically significant difference in hardware failure or loss of fixation between patients treated in cervical orthoses postoperatively and those who were not.

Bisphosphonate-associated femur fractures have high complication rates with operative fixation.

BACKGROUND: Bisphosphonate-associated femur fractures have been well described but the preoperative patient factors, treatment modalities, and complications of treatment are unclear. QUESTIONS/PURPOSES: We asked whether a diagnosis of osteoporosis, the characteristic radiographic features of bisphosphonate-related femur fractures, and complication rates differed in patients with operatively treated femoral shaft fractures receiving bisphosphonates and in patients not receiving bisphosphonates. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed 43 patients with bisphosphonate-associated femoral shaft fractures (including subtrochanteric) from 2002 to 2008 and 20 patients with similar fractures but not treated with bisphosphonates. Similar implants were used in both groups, but a greater number of adjuvants were used in the bisphosphonate cohort. We recorded preoperative osteoporosis and radiographic findings of the characteristic bisphosphonate femur fracture and early complications. The minimum followup was 5 months (mean, 29 months; range 5-60 months). RESULTS: Preoperatively a greater percentage of patients treated with bisphosphonates had confirmed osteoporosis than those not treated with bisphosphonates (24% versus 5%, respectively), a greater percentage had a proximal fracture location (48% versus 40%, respectively), and their mean cortex to shaft diameter ratio was greater (24% versus 15%, respectively). The bisphosphonate cohort had a higher rate of intraoperative fractures (21% versus 0%) and postoperative plate failures (30% versus 0%). CONCLUSIONS: Despite low rates of other risk factors and ample use of biologic adjuvants, patients treated with bisphosphonates having femur fractures have more complications. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III, therapeutic study. See Guidelines for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

Is retrograde nailing superior to lateral locked plating for complete articular distal femur fractures?

INTRODUCTION: Nonunion rates for distal femur fractures treated with lateral locked plating (LLP) remains as high as 18-22% despite significant advances with implant design and construct modulation. However, whether treatment of distal femur fractures with rIMN has improved outcomes compared to LLP has not been well characterized. The purpose of this study was to compare outcomes of complete articular distal femur fractures (AO/OTA 33-C) treated with either LLP or rIMN. METHODS: 106 distal femur fractures in 106 patients between January 2014 and January 2018 were identified. Medical records were reviewed to collect patient age, gender, body mass index, sagittal and coronal plane alignment on immediate postoperative radiographs, time to union, incidence of nonunion, and incidence of secondary operative procedures for repair of a nonunion. RESULTS: Of 106 patients, 50 underwent rIMN and 56 underwent LLP. The mean age at the time of injury was 51 years (21 to 86 years) and there were 55 males. Average coronal alignment of 83.7° of anatomic lateral distal femoral angle (aLDFA) and sagittal alignment of <1° of apex anterior angulation in the rIMN group. In the LLP group there was an average of 87.9° of aLDFA and 1.9° of apex anterior angulation (p = .005 and p = .36). Average time to union in the rIMN group was 6 months and 6.6 months in the LLP group (p = .52). Incidence of nonunion in the rIMN group was 11.8% and 27.5% in the LLP group (p = .008). There were 8 secondary procedures for nonunion in the rIMN group and 18 in the LLP group (p = .43). CONCLUSIONS: Our results demonstrated a higher nonunion rate and coronal plane malalignment with LLP compared to rIMN. While prospective data is required, rIMN does appear to be an appropriate treatment for complete articular distal femur fractures with a potentially decreased rate of nonunion .

Acute compartment syndrome of the upper extremity.

Acute compartment syndrome occurs when pressure within a fibro-osseous space increases to a level that results in a decreased perfusion gradient across tissue capillary beds. Compartment syndromes of the hand, forearm, and upper arm can result in tissue necrosis, which can lead to devastating loss of function. The etiology of acute compartment syndrome in the upper extremity is diverse, and a high index of suspicion must be maintained. Pain out of proportion to injury is the most reliable early symptom of impending compartment syndrome. Diagnosis is particularly difficult in obtunded patients and in young children. Early recognition and expeditious surgical treatment are essential to obtain a good clinical outcome and prevent permanent disability.

The effects of locking inserts and overtorque on the mechanical properties of a large fragment locking compression plate.

PURPOSE: The study was to determine the effect of locking hole inserts and their insertion torque on the fatigue life of a large fragment Locking Compression Plate (LCP) under bending forces. METHODS: Fatigue strength of the LCP was examined using cyclic three-point bend testing at 80% yield strength of the construct. Locking hole inserts were used in 2, 4, and 6-hole of a 12-hole plate to simulate three different working lengths. Within each working length, plates were tested without locking inserts serving as the control group. In the experimental groups, inserts were tightened to manufacturer recommendations (4 Nm) and using overtorque (8 Nm). RESULTS: Significantly fewer cycles to failure were observed in control groups versus the locking hole insert groups for all working lengths (2-hole: 4 Nm p = 0.003, 8 Nm p = 0.003; 4-hole: 4 Nm p = 0.02, 8 Nm p < 0.001; 6-hole: 4 Nm p = 0.004, 8 Nm p < 0.001). There was a statistically significant increase in fatigue strength when using overtorque in the 4-hole (p = 0.04) and 6-hole (p = 0.01) defect groups. This was not shown in the 2-hole defect group (p = 0.99). CONCLUSIONS: By placing locking inserts in the empty locking regions of Combi holes along the working length, the number of cycles to failure was increased. Tightening inserts to twice the recommended insertion torque further increased cycles to failure in longer working length models. A longer fatigue life has the potential to decease the incidence of plate failure especially in the setting of delayed union due to poor intrinsic healing capacity, fractures in the geriatric population, osteoporosis and periprosthetic fractures.

Arterial anatomy of the talus: a cadaver and gadolinium-enhanced MRI study.

BACKGROUND: Avascular necrosis following a fracture of the talar neck may be secondary to the injury itself, or may result from the surgical approach and exposure during treatment. We sought to define the arterial anatomy of the talus using gadolinium-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and through gross dissection following latex injection of cadaver limbs. The use of gadolinium-enhanced MRI for the evaluation of the arterial supply of the talus has not been previously reported. METHODS AND MATERIALS: We utilized 12 fresh frozen cadaver limbs to study the arterial anatomy of the talus. The anterior tibial, posterior tibial, and peroneal arteries were isolated and cannulated with polyethylene catheters. Gadolinium was injected into the cannulas, and conventional MRI sequences including suppressed and unsuppressed 3D gradient echo sequences obtained. Following MRI, latex was injected into the cannulas and gross dissection performed. In addition, the vascular constraints to anteromedial and anterolateral approaches to the talus were defined. RESULTS: MRI proved useful in the present study to confirm the presence of specific arterial branches in situ, as well as to demonstrate the rich anastomotic network in and around the talus. A branch to the medial talar neck that has not been previously identified is described which was found in nine of the specimens. This newly described branch to the medial talar neck was consistently noted to be lacerated following a standard anteromedial approach to the talus. CONCLUSION: The use of gadolinium-enhanced MRI provided very detailed images demonstrating a rich and complex anastomotic arterial network that surrounds and perforates the talus. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: A thorough understanding of the anatomy and meticulous dissection are essential to prevent unnecessary further injury to the vasculature when treating fractures of the talus.

Infected nonunions of diaphyseal fractures of the forearm.

BACKGROUND: There are no reported series that specifically deal with repair of infected nonunions of the diaphysis of the forearm bones. We sought to determine whether a standardized treatment protocol we have utilized for 15 patients from 1989 to 2005 results in a high union rate, resolution of infection, and a good functional outcome. METHODS: The study cohort included nine male and six female patients who presented to a University hospital setting with an infected nonunion of the diaphysis of the radius or ulna. Every patient had a minimum of 2-year follow-up. The average patient age was 45 years (range 17-79). Eight of the patients had fractures involving their dominant arm. Thirteen patients had initially fractured both the radius and ulna, but two of these patients had subsequently healed one of the bones. One patient had an isolated radius fractures, and one patient fractured the ulna alone. All patients underwent a protocol that combines aggressive surgical debridements as necessary, definitive fixation after 7-14 days, tricortical iliac crest bone grafting for segmental defects, leaving wounds open to heal by secondary intention, 6 weeks of culture-specific intravenous antibiotics, and early active range of motion (ROM) exercises. We sought to report our success rate of nonunion repair, number of re-interventions, complication rate, final ROM, and the ability to eradicate the infection using this treatment regimen. RESULTS: At most recent follow-up (average 5 years, range 2-15 years), all patients had united and resolved their infections. One case was considered a failure, although he did go on to unite a one-bone forearm and was free of infection at most recent follow-up. All but three patients, including the one failure, had at least 50 degrees of supination/pronation and 30-130 degrees of flexion/extension arc. Excluding the one failure that united his one-bone forearm at 46 months, the average time to union was 13.2 weeks (range 10-15 weeks). CONCLUSIONS: The results of this study indicate that our standard protocol for treatment of infected nonunion of the shafts of the radius and ulna is reliable at obtaining fracture union with a good functional result, while also resolving the infection.

Acute pediatric upper extremity compartment syndrome in the absence of fracture.

BACKGROUND: To determine the etiologies and outcomes associated with acute pediatric upper extremity compartment syndrome in the absence of fracture. METHODS: A retrospective review was performed looking at children treated for acute upper extremity compartment syndrome in the absence of fracture at a major teaching hospital. Reason for admission, age, etiology, sensorium, time to fasciotomy, involved compartments, secondary procedures, and functional outcome were recorded. RESULTS: A total of 14 extremities in 13 children with acute compartment syndrome in the absence of fracture were identified over a 22-year period at this single institution. There were 8 boys and 5 girls, with an average age of 7.2 years. Average follow-up was 22 months. Ten patients were being managed in the intensive care unit and had an obtunded sensorium. The cause was iatrogenic in 8 patients, and 2 of these resulted in loss of the involved limb. Six patients required 9 secondary procedures, including 4 amputations, 3 contracture releases, and 2 skin grafts. Of the 3 patients who required a total of 4 amputations, 2 of the patients were in the intensive care unit, and all were younger than 3 years. Only 7 patients had normal hand function. Upon comparing patients with a normal outcome versus those with an abnormal outcome, there was a statistically significant difference if surgery was performed in shorter than 6 hours (P = 0.033). CONCLUSIONS: This problem is often iatrogenic in etiology and can be diagnosed late in this population. An increased level of vigilance should be adopted for this entity because the final outcome can be catastrophic for both the patient and the hospital and early fasciotomy is associated with improved results. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV Case Series.

Comparison of the Vacuum Mattress versus the Spine Board Alone for Immobilization of the Cervical Spine Injured Patient: A Biomechanical Cadaveric Study.

STUDY DESIGN: A biomechanical cadaveric study. OBJECTIVE: We sought to determine the amount of motion generated in an unstable cervical spine fracture with use of the vacuum mattress versus the spine board alone. Our hypothesis is that the vacuum mattress will better immobilize an unstable cervical fracture. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: Trauma patients in the United States are immobilized on a rigid spine board, whereas in many other places, vacuum mattresses are used with the proposed advantages of improved comfort and better immobilization of the spine. METHODS: Unstable subaxial cervical injuries were surgically created in five fresh whole human cadavers. The amount of motion at the injured motion segment during testing was measured using a Fastrak, three-dimensional, electromagnetic motion analysis device (Polhemus Inc.). The measurements recorded in this investigation included maximum displacements during application and removal of the device, while tilting to 90°, during a bed transfer, and a lift onto a gurney. Linear and angular displacements were compared using the Generalized Linear Model analysis of variance for repeated measures for each of the six dependent variables (three planes of angulations and three axes of displacement). RESULTS: There was more motion in all six planes of motion during the application process with use of the spine board alone, and this was statistically significant for axial rotation (P = 0.011), axial distraction (P = 0.035), medial-lateral translation (P = 0.027), and anteroposterior translation (P = 0.026). During tilting, there was more motion with just the spine board, but this was only statistically significant for anteroposterior translation (P = 0.033). With lifting onto the gurney, there was more motion with the spine board in all planes with statistical significance, except lateral bending. During the removal process, there was more motion with the spine board alone, and this was statistically significant for axial rotation (P = 0.035), lateral bending (P = 0.044), and axial distraction (P = 0.023). CONCLUSION: There was more motion when using a spine board alone during typical maneuvers performed during early management of the spine injured patient than the vacuum mattress. There may be benefit of use of the vacuum mattress versus the spine board alone in preventing motion at an unstable, subaxial cervical spine injury. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 2.

Maximum pain on visual analog scales in spinal disorders.

BACKGROUND CONTEXT: Determining pain intensity is largely dependent on the patient's report. PURPOSE: The objective of this study was to test the hypothesis that patients initially reporting a pain score of 10 out of 10 on the visual analog scale (VAS) would experience symptom improvement to a degree similar to patients reporting milder pain. STUDY DESIGN: This study is a retrospective chart review. PATIENT SAMPLE: A total of 6,779 patients seeking care for spinal disorders were included in the study. OUTCOME MEASURES: The outcome measures used in the study were pain scores on the VAS pain scale, smoking status, morbid depression, gender, and the presence of known secondary gain. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Patients with lumbar degenerative disk disease with or without spinal stenosis who reported a VAS pain score of 10 out of 10 were identified. Changes in reported VAS pain, patient age, smoking status, morbid depression, gender, and the presence of known secondary gain were examined. RESULTS: A total of 160 individuals (2.9%) reported a maximum pain score of 10 out of 10 on a VAS at their initial presentation. The patients had a median improvement of 3 points in reported VAS pain between the first visit and the last follow-up appointment. The odds to improve by at least 40% on the VAS were 1.500 (95% confidence interval 1.090-2.065) compared with patients reporting submaximal pain. The proportion of patients with identifiable secondary gain was higher (p=.001) than that of patients with submaximal pain. Patients whose pain scores improved dramatically (ie, at least 4 points on the VAS) tended to be older (p=.001), to less often have secondary gain from their disease (p=.007), and to have a negative current smoking status (p=.002). Patients whose pain remained 10 out of 10 during the course of treatment smoked more frequently (p=.016). CONCLUSIONS: Our analysis supports the need to consider the influence of secondary gain on the patients' reported VAS pain scores. Maximum pain seems to be a more acute phenomenon with some likelihood to significantly improve.

Symptomatic Implant Removal Following Dual Mini-Fragment Plating for Clavicular Shaft Fractures.

OBJECTIVES: To determine the proportion of patients requiring secondary surgery for symptomatic implant removal after open reduction, internal fixation using dual mini-fragment plating technique for clavicular shaft fractures. DESIGN: Retrospective observational study. SETTING: Single university Level 1 trauma center. PATIENTS: Eighty-one patients treated with open reduction, internal fixation using dual mini-fragment plating technique for clavicular shaft fractures (OTA/AO 15-B1, B2, and B3) with minimum 12-month follow-up (median 477 days; range 371-1549 days). INTERVENTION: Open reduction, internal fixation using dual mini-fragment plating technique for clavicular shaft fractures. MAIN OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS: Incidence of secondary surgery, QuickDASH (Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand) scores. RESULTS: Six of 81 patients (7.4%) underwent secondary surgery for implant removal for any reason. Of these, 3 (3.7%) underwent symptomatic implant (soft-tissue irritation) removal, 2 (2.5%) required implant removal in the setting of infection, and 1 patient (1.2%) required revision open reduction internal fixation for early implant failure. The mean QuickDASH score in this series was 8.44 (±6.94, range 0-77.27). The associated implant cost of the typical construct utilized in this series was $1511.38. The mean surgical time was 97 minutes (range 71-143 minutes). CONCLUSIONS: The utilization of a dual mini-fragment plating technique in the treatment of clavicular shaft fractures results in a low rates of secondary surgery for symptomatic implant removal (3.7%) and similar QuickDASH scores when compared with historical controls treated with 3.5-mm plates placed on the superior clavicle. Potential disadvantages in using this technique include a higher surgical implant cost and length of surgery. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic Level IV. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

Comparison of skin pressure measurements with the use of pelvic circumferential compression devices on pelvic ring injuries.

OBJECTIVES: Pelvic circumferential compression devices are commonly used in the acute treatment of pelvic fractures for reduction of pelvic volume and initial stabilisation of the pelvic ring. There have been reports of catastrophic soft-tissue breakdown with their use. The aim of the current investigation was to determine whether various pelvic circumferential compression devices exert different amounts of pressure on the skin when applied with the force necessary to reduce the injury. The study hypothesis was that the device with the greatest surface area would have the lowest pressures on the soft-tissue. METHODS: Rotationally unstable pelvic injuries (OTA type 61-B) were surgically created in five fresh, whole human cadavers. The amount of displacement at the pubic symphysis was measured using a Fastrak, three-dimensional, electromagnetic motion analysis device (Polhemus Inc., Colchester, VT). The T-POD, Pelvic Binder, Sam Sling, and circumferential sheet were applied in random order for testing. The devices were applied with enough force to obtain a reduction of less than 10mm of diastasis at the pubic symphysis. Pressure measurements, force required, and contact surface area were recorded with a Tekscan pressure mapping system. RESULTS: The mean skin pressures observed ranged from 23 to 31kPa (173 to 233mm of Hg). The highest pressures were observed with the Sam Sling, but no statistically significant skin pressure differences were observed with any of the four devices (p>0.05). The Sam Sling also had the least mean contact area (590cm(2)). In greater than 70% of the trials, including all four devices tested, skin pressures exceeded what has been shown to be pressure high enough to cause skin breakdown (9.3kPa or 70mm of Hg). CONCLUSIONS: Application of commercially available pelvic binders as well as circumferential sheeting commonly results in mean skin pressures that are considered to be above the threshold for skin breakdown. We therefore recommend that these devices only be used acutely, and definitive fixation or external fixation should be performed early as patient physiology allows. There may be some advantage of use of a simple sheet given its low cost, versatility, and ability to alter contact surface area.

Comparison of tissue-interface pressure in healthy subjects lying on two trauma splinting devices: The vacuum mattress splint and long spine board.

BACKGROUND: Most emergency transport protocols in the United States currently call for the use of a spine board (SB) to help immobilize the trauma patient. However, there are concerns that their use is associated with a risk of pressure ulcer development. An alternative device, the vacuum mattress splint (VMS) has been shown by previous investigations to be a viable alternative to the SB, but no single study has explicated the tissue-interface pressure in depth. METHODS: To determine if the VMS will exert less pressure on areas of the body susceptible to pressure ulcers than a SB we enrolled healthy subjects to lie on the devices in random order while pressure measurements were recorded. Sensors were placed underneath the occiput, scapulae, sacrum, and heels of each subject lying on each device. Three parameters were used to analyze differences between the two devices: 1) mean pressure of all active cells, 2) number of cells exceeding 9.3kPa, and 3) maximal pressure (Pmax). RESULTS: In all regions, there was significant reduction in the mean pressure of all active cells in the VMS. In the number of cells exceeding 9.3kPa, we saw a significant reduction in the sacrum and scapulae in the VMS, no difference in the occiput, and significantly more cells above this value in the heels of subjects on the VMS. Pmax was significantly reduced in all regions, and was less than half when examining the sacrum (104.3 vs. 41.8kPa, p<0.001). CONCLUSION: This study does not exclude the possibility of pressure ulcer development in the VMS although there was a significant reduction in pressure in the parameters we measured in most areas. These results indicate that the VMS may reduce the incidence and severity of pressure ulcer development compared to the SB. Further prospective trials are needed to determine if these results will translate into better clinical outcomes.

Posterior Cervical Foraminotomy: Indications, Technique, and Outcomes.

Cervical radiculopathy presents with upper extremity pain, decreased sensation, and decreased strength caused by irritation of specific nerve root(s). After failure of conservative management, surgical options include anterior cervical decompression and fusion, disk arthroplasty, and posterior cervical foraminotomy. In this review, we discuss indications, techniques, and outcomes of posterior cervical laminoforaminotomy.

Can Thrombelastography Predict Venous Thromboembolic Events in Patients With Severe Extremity Trauma?

OBJECTIVES: An elevated maximal amplitude (mA) value with rapid thrombelastography on admission can identify general trauma patients with an increased risk of venous thromboembolic events (VTEs). We hypothesized that (1) the risk of VTE traditionally assigned to injury lies specifically in those who sustain major orthopaedic trauma and (2) an elevated admission mA value could be used to identify patients with major orthopaedic injuries at risk for VTE during initial hospital admission. DESIGN: Retrospective. SETTING: University level 1 trauma center. PATIENTS/PARTICIPANTS: Consecutive trauma patients admitted to an urban level 1 trauma center between September 2009 and February 2011 who met the criteria for level 1 trauma activation and who were between 18 and 85 years of age were included in our study group. Two groups were created, one whose extremity abbreviated injury severity score was 2 or greater (ORTHO) and the other whose extremity abbreviated injury severity score was <2 (non-ORTHO). MAIN OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS: Pulmonary emboli were confirmed by computed tomography angiography, and deep vein thromboses were confirmed by venous duplex. Univariate analyses were conducted and followed by purposeful regression analysis. RESULTS: Of note, 1818 patients met the inclusion criteria (310 ORTHO and 1508 non-ORTHO). Despite more hypocoagulable r-TEG values on arrival (alpha angle 71 vs. 73 and mA 62 vs. 64, both P < 0.05), ORTHO patients had higher rates of VTE (6.5% vs. 2.7%, P < 0.001). Stepwise regression generated 4 values to predict development of VTE (age, male gender, white race, and ORTHO). After controlling for these variables, admission mA values ≥65 (odds ratio 3.66) and ≥72 (odds ratio 6.70) were independent predictors of VTEs during hospitalization. CONCLUSIONS: Admission rapid thrombelastography mA values can identify patients with major orthopaedic trauma injuries who present with an increased risk of in-hospital deep vein thromboses and pulmonary embolism with a 3.6-fold and 6.7-fold increased risk for mA values ≥65 and ≥72, respectively. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Prognostic Level III. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.