Comparison of outcomes and operative course between septic and aseptic nonunion in long bones.

PURPOSE: The treatment of nonunion of long bones is difficult particularly in the presence of infection, which often involves staged surgical management. There is limited literature to compare the post operative course and outcomes of patients treated for septic versus aseptic nonunion. Thus, the purpose of this study was to determine if a difference exists between the number of surgical procedures, time to union, and rate of successful union for these two groups. METHODS: A retrospective cohort study was performed at a single tertiary care center. Patients suffering nonunion of the humerus, tibia and femur were included. Patient demographic data and characteristics of the post operative course were collected to include number and reason for repeat operations, antibiotic course, time to union, and development of a successful union. RESULTS: About 28 of 122 patients had septic nonunion. After diagnosis of nonunion, the septic group averaged 3.9 surgeries compared to 1.5 in the aseptic group (p < 0.001). There was no difference in the rate of successful union (79.8% versus 85.7%; p = 0.220), though the septic group took 129 days longer on average for successful union. (376 versus 247; p = 0.018). CONCLUSION: Septic nonunion of long bones is associated with the need for significantly more operations as well as time to union, though union rates remain similar. The identification of infection is critical for both the appropriate treatment as well as counseling patients on the expected post operative course.

Comparison of modern locked plating and antiglide plating for fixation of osteoporotic distal fibular fractures.

BACKGROUND: Fractures in osteoporotic patients can be difficult to treat because of poor bone quality and inability to gain screw purchase. The purpose of this study is to compare modern lateral periarticular distal fibula locked plating to antiglide plating in the setting of an osteoporotic, unstable distal fibula fracture. METHODS: AO/OTA 44-B2 distal fibula fractures were created in sixteen paired fresh frozen cadaveric ankles and fixed with a lateral locking plate and an independent lag screw or an antiglide plate with a lag screw through the plate. The specimens underwent stiffness, cyclic loading, and load to failure testing. The energy absorbed until failure, torque to failure, construct stiffness, angle at failure, and energy at failure was recorded. RESULTS: The lateral locking construct had a higher torque to failure (p=0.02) and construct stiffness (p=0.04). The locking construct showed a trend toward increased angle at failure, but did not reach statistical significance (p=0.07). Seven of the eight lateral locking plate specimens failed through the distal locking screws, while the antiglide plating construct failed with pullout of the distal screws and displacement of the fracture in six of the eight specimens. CONCLUSION: In our study, the newly designed distal fibula periarticular locking plate with increased distal fixation is biomechanically stronger than a non-locking one third tubular plate applied in antiglide fashion for the treatment of AO/OTA 44-B2 osteoporotic distal fibula fractures. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: V: This is an ex-vivo study performed on cadavers and is not a study performed on live patients. Therefore, this is considered Level V evidence.

Current Practice in the Management of Type I Open Fractures in Children: A Survey of POSNA Membership.

BACKGROUND: Treatment of pediatric type I open fractures is controversial. Centers have reported good success with emergency room (ER) treatment of low-energy (type I) open pediatric fractures. The purpose of this study was to ascertain the treatment preferences of pediatric orthopaedic surgeons for type I open fractures. We hypothesize that surgeons will have different treatment protocols and preferred location for these injuries. METHODS: A questionnaire was given to Pediatric Orthopaedic Society of North America (POSNA) members at the 2012 annual meeting. Demographic questions inquired about surgeon's practice environment and experience, whereas clinical questions queried opinions regarding the typical treatments and past experiences with open fractures. Clinical scenarios questioned preferred management of open fractures. RESULTS: A total of 181 surveys were collected from the 503 POSNA members in attendance (36%). Years in practice were well represented with 34%: <10 years, 37%: 10 to 19 years, and 29%: >20 years. Most respondents' practices comprised over 80% pediatric patients (86%), were academic (68%), and worked with residents (77%). After initial treatment of an open fracture, 86% of respondents admitted patients for intravenous antibiotics and 57% gave oral antibiotics. There was no consensus regarding the amount or type of irrigation preferred, use of antibiotics in the irrigation, or whether the bone ends are delivered during irrigation and débridement. Soft-tissue infections and delayed union were noted by 13% and 8%, respectively, of respondents in type I open fractures treated in the ER and in 16% and 30% treated in the operating room (OR). ER treatment was preferred in 19% to 31% of respondents for type I open fractures. When queried if level 1 evidence existed that demonstrated equivalent results between ER and OR management, 92% of respondents would change their practice. CONCLUSIONS: Treatment methods of type I open fractures are variable. Many surgeons prefer to treat type I open fractures in the ER as opposed to the traditional OR irrigation and débridement. On the basis of this survey, either children are going to the OR when ER treatment would be adequate or they may be receiving inadequate care when they avoid OR management. This survey establishes the equipoise necessary for a randomized, prospective trial comparing ER and OR management in the treatment of pediatric type I open fractures.

Demonstration of saw blade accuracy and excursion: a cadaveric comparison study of blade types used in total knee arthroplasty.

In total knee arthroplasty, outcomes partly depend on accurate osteotomies and integrity of stabilizing structures. We compared accuracy and excursion between a conventional and an oscillating tip saw blade. Two sets of osteotomies were made on cadaveric knees. Bi-planar accuracy was compared using computer navigation, and excursion was compared using methylene blue. Wilcoxon-Mann-Whitney testing demonstrated no significant difference in blade accuracy (p=0.35). Blades were within 0.5 degrees of neutral coronally and 2.0 degrees sagittally. The oscillating tip blade demonstrated less dye markings on the surrounding tissues. Accurate osteotomies and soft tissue protection are critical to successful arthroplasties. Although comparative accuracy was equal, the oscillating tip blade exhibited less excursion displaying potential for less iatrogenic soft tissue injuries leading to catastrophic failure.

Assessment of Intraoperative Rotational Alignment of Closed Locked Intramedullary Nailing for Humerus Fractures.

Intramedullary nailing of humerus fractures has evolved over the past half century and has grown in popularity especially for the polytraumatized patient. The importance of restoring appropriate rotational alignment is equivalent to that of restoring sagittal and coronal alignment to decrease the risk of shoulder degenerative changes and limit range of motion discrepancy from the contralateral limb. This technique is designed to introduce an intraoperative fluoroscopic method to obtain adequate rotational alignment of humeral shaft fractures treated with closed antegrade humeral locked nailing.

Total Knee Arthroplasty Complicated by Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma.

A 74-year-old male with a prior left total knee arthroplasty presented with deformity, loosening, pain, and stiffness associated with multiple raised, erythematous, cutaneous nodules about the anterior knee. Workup was concerning for infection, but the skin nodules were atypical. The patient was sent for biopsy which revealed cutaneous diffuse large B-cell lymphoma. The revision surgery was delayed, and the patient underwent chemotherapy/radiation with complete resolution of his lymphoma. He then underwent a successful aseptic revision total knee arthroplasty. Proper identification and treatment of rare cutaneous skin lesions about a prior surgical site can limit morbidity and result in more desirable outcomes.

Trends in Orthopedic Device Innovation: An Analysis of 510(k) Clearances and Premarket Approvals From 2000 to 2019.

The objective of this study was to characterize recent trends in orthopedic device development across different subspecialty areas. Orthopedic 510(k) clearances, premarket approvals (PMAs; together, "authorizations"), and new market entrants from 2000 to 2019 were analyzed as markers of research and development activity. Data were extracted from the US Food and Drug Administration website and stratified into one of 9 "subspecialty" groups: spine, trauma, hip arthroplasty, knee arthroplasty, shoulder, hand/elbow, foot/ankle, cement/filler/graft, and other. Descriptive statistics were used to analyze the data. Growth rates were calculated from trailing 3-year averages. During the study period, there were 9906 orthopedic 510(k) clearances and 1409 PMAs, of which 61 were for original PMA submissions. The preponderance of 510(k) clearances were for devices used in spine (36%) and trauma (30%) surgery, followed by hip (11%) and knee (8%) arthroplasty. Annual 510(k) clearances for spine and trauma devices grew by 232% and 44%, respectively, whereas annual hip and knee arthroplasty clearances declined. Paralleling these findings, the influx of new manufacturers of orthopedic devices was greatest for the trauma surgery (438), spine surgery (383), and cement/filler/graft (181) markets. Spinal surgery and orthopedic trauma have become leading priorities in orthopedic product development during the past two decades. Meanwhile, hip and knee arthroplasty products have proportionally become a smaller category of new devices over time. These findings demonstrate changing priorities within orthopedic innovation. [Orthopedics. 2023;46(2):e98-e104.].

Operative Traction Technique for an Intertrochanteric Femur Fracture in a Patient with Transfemoral Amputation: A Case Report.

CASE: A 53-year-old woman with a history of transfemoral amputation presented to the emergency department with an ipsilateral intertrochanteric femur fracture. Standard fracture tables that use a boot to pull traction are not helpful in these cases, which makes achieving adequate traction for reduction difficult. CONCLUSION: We describe a unique technique to manipulate an amputated extremity using 2 Schanz pins attached to a weight through a traction rope. This practical technique provided adequate skeletal traction for reduction and internal fixation in our case and can be performed on a standard radiolucent table without the need for special table attachments.

Clinical parameters and radiographic resorption of a novel magnesium based bone void filler.

BACKGROUND: Bone voids can present challenging problems for the Orthopaedic surgeon, and are often treated with backfilling followed by structural stabilization. Recently, a magnesium based, and presumably resorbable, bone void filler (BVF) has been developed, but has limited longitudinal clinical data. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to investigate clinically relevant parameters and radiographic resorption characteristics of this novel magnesium based BVF (MgBVF) with long-term clinical data. METHODS: All patients who underwent surgery by a single surgeon in which MgBVF was utilized from 2019 to 2020 were retrospectively reviewed. Clinical parameters including evidence of infection, wound breakdown, and wound drainage were reviewed. Radiographic resorption, evidence of joint extrusion of BVF, heterotopic ossification, and subsidence was assessed at each post-operative visit. Those with less than 6 month follow up were excluded from radiographic analysis of resorption. Postoperative images at two weeks were compared to each subsequent radiograph during follow up, and reviewed by each of the three authors in blinded fashion. Interval radiographs were assigned a grade of radiographic resorption which corresponded to estimated percent resorption: grade 1 (0-25%), grade 2 (25-50%), grade 3 (50-75%), or grade 4 (75-100%). After 2 weeks, this process was repeated, and both inter and intraobserver reliability scores were calculated. RESULTS: Forty-two patients were identified for clinical review, and 18 for radiographic review. Average length of follow up was 209±113 days. Five patients experienced a postoperative complication: two wound infections, one delayed wound healing, one sterile serous drainage, and one catastrophic failure of the fixation construct. Four patients were noted to have postoperative joint subsidence of 2 mm or less. Average grade of resorption was found to be 1.5 ± 0.8, 1.7 ± 0.9, 2.9 ± 0.9, and 3.6 ± 0.6 at 6 weeks, 3 months, 6 months, and 1 year, respectively (p<0.001). Average kappa (intrarater reliability) was found to be 0.61, 0.41, 0.55, and 0.63 for each time interval, respectively. Interrater reliability increased form 0.19 at 6 weeks to 0.42 at 1 year. CONCLUSION: This novel MgBVF demonstrates clinically relevant resorption, provides structural support in challenging bone voids, and does not appear to significantly increase risk of complications, setting it apart from previously described BVF's.

Treatment of Concomitant Intra-articular Pathology and Hip Dysplasia With Combined Hip Arthroscopy and Periacetabular Osteotomy Using a Single Radiolucent Traction Table Attachment Without a Perineal Post.

Combined hip arthroscopy and periacetabular osteotomy are used for the treatment of concomitant intra-articular hip pathology and acetabular dysplasia or instability. Traditionally, the procedure has been achieved with the use of a traction table or table attachment for the arthroscopic portion and then subsequent transfer of the patient to a fully radiolucent flat bed. In this article, we highlight the technique of a combined hip arthroscopy and periacetabular osteotomy procedure using a single bed attachment system.

Use of Anatomic Radiographic Horizons for the Lateral Center-Edge Angle in the Classification of Hip Dysplasia.

BACKGROUND: The lateral center-edge angle of Wiberg (LCEA) and Tönnis angle (TA) rely on a "horizon" that functions as a reference point for measurements of hip dysplasia on weightbearing anteroposterior pelvis radiographs. There are 3 different horizons that are currently utilized depending on surgeon preference: (1) a line parallel to the radiographic floor (F), (2) a line that connects the inferior portions of the acetabular teardrops (ATs), or (3) a line that connects the ischial tuberosities (ITs). It is imperative to accurately assess the degree of hip dysplasia on initial workup to select the appropriate surgical intervention. PURPOSE: To assess how the choice of a radiographic horizon affects the measurements of the LCEA and TA. The secondary purpose was to assess how the horizon affected the classification of hips as either normal, borderline dysplastic, or dysplastic. STUDY DESIGN: Cohort study (diagnosis); Level of evidence, 3. METHODS: The LCEA and TA were measured on all preoperative weightbearing anteroposterior pelvis radiographs for 186 consecutive patients who underwent hip preservation surgery between February 2016 and November 2020 (140 hip arthroscopic procedures, 46 combined hip arthroscopic procedures with periacetabular osteotomy), 3 times per hip, each time using an F, AT, and IT horizon. The Student t test was used to analyze the differences in the measurements of the LCEA and TA, and discordance rates in the dysplasia classification between horizons were quantified. RESULTS: For the entire study population, the mean LCEAF (23.4°± 7.4°) was significantly greater than the mean LCEAIT (23.1°± 7.2°) (95% CI, -0.634 to -0.003; P = .047) and mean LCEAAT (23.0°± 7.1°) (95% CI, -0.723 to -0.139; P = .004). There was no difference between the LCEAIT and LCEAAT (95% CI, -0.305 to 0.080; P = .251). When stratified by hip arthroscopic surgery, the mean LCEAF (26.3°± 5.6°) was significantly greater than the mean LCEAAT (25.8°± 5.3°) (95% CI, -0.845 to -0.162; P = .004). Overall, there was a 17.7% and 18.3% discordance rate in the dysplasia classification using the LCEAIT and LCEAAT compared with the LCEAF, respectively. There were no statistically significant differences between the mean TAIT, TAAT, and TAF for the entire study population, the arthroscopic surgery group, and the combined arthroscopic surgery and periacetabular osteotomy group. CONCLUSION: There was no statistical difference between the AT and IT horizons for LCEA measurements. The dysplasia classification was in better agreement between the 2 anatomic horizons compared with the F horizon. The TA was not affected by changes in the horizon.

Acute Fixation of Displaced Intra-articular Calcaneus Fractures Is Safe Using the Sinus Tarsi Approach.

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the correlation between surgical timing and outcomes for calcaneus fractures treated using a sinus tarsi approach (STA). SETTING: Single Level-1 trauma center. DESIGN: Retrospective. PATIENTS/PARTICIPANTS: Seventy consecutive intra-articular calcaneus fractures (OTA/AO 82C; Sanders II-IV) treated operatively using STA with a minimum of 1-year follow-up. INTERVENTION: Open management using STA. MAIN OUTCOME MEASUREMENT: Surgery timing, wound complications, American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society ankle and hindfoot and Patient-reported Outcomes Measurement System scores. RESULTS: Patients were primarily men (68.6%) averaging 46 years (range, 18-77 years). Nineteen (27%) were obese, 27 (38.6%) were smokers, and 3 (4.3%) were diabetic, and 10 (14.3%) had open fractures. Sanders III fracture patterns were most common (45.7%). Mean time to surgery was 4.9 days (range, 0-23 days). Three patients (4.2%) developed postoperative infections requiring surgical debridement and antibiotics. Forty patients (57%) underwent operative repair within 72 hours of injury, 9 (22.5%) of which had open fractures. Of this group, only one patient developed wound necrosis. Restoration of Bohler angle and angle of Gissane and reductions in calcaneal varus angle and heel width were achieved (all P < 0.001). No differences in Ankle Society ankle and hindfoot or Patient-reported Outcomes Measurement System scores were noted between patients treated within or beyond 72 hours from injury. CONCLUSION: Intra-articular calcaneus fractures can be treated acutely within 72 hours of injury using STA with minimal wound complications and without compromising short-term functional outcome. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic Level IV. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

Comparison of time to healing and major complications after surgical fixation of nondisplaced femoral neck stress fractures: A systematic review.

INTRODUCTION: There is no recent literature review comparing outcomes of fixation methods for nondisplaced stress fractures of the femoral neck. METHODS: A systematic review of the literature on operative fixation of femoral neck stress fractures was performed. Inclusion criteria consisted of diagnosis of nondisplaced femoral neck stress fractures, implants used for fixation, articles in English language or available English translation, all ages, and Level 1-5 evidence, documented time to healing, and incidence of complications. Statistical analysis was performed to compare outcomes. RESULTS: Eight studies with 13 subjects and 15 fractures undergoing operative fixation were included. Six fracture were compression sided, five were tension sided, and four were complete. Radiographic healing occurred on average at 32.7 ± 36.3 weeks (range 8-121 weeks). Four subjects were noted to have a metabolic disturbance. Six subjects did not participate in vigorous exercise. There were no complications. There was no significant difference in radiographic healing time between: cannulated screws or SHS ± osteotomy (p = 0.21); compression sided, tension sided, or complete fractures (p = 0.41); ages (p = 0.09); sex (p = 0.09) or individuals with or without metabolic disturbances (p = 0.92). There was no difference between use of cannulated screw fixation, SHS + osteotomy, and SHS alone based on the subject's age (p = 0.27) or cannulated screw vs SHS ± osteotomy given subject's age (p = 0.19) or sex (p = 1.0). Time to full weight bearing (FWB) did not significantly differ between implants (p = 0.22). However, >8 weeks restricted weight bearing had increased healing times (p = 0.002). DISCUSSION: Time to healing was not dependent on subjects' sex or age, fracture location, implant choice, or presence of metabolic abnormality. No complications were reported. Time to full weight bearing was not dependent on implant choice. However, restricted weight bearing beyond 8 weeks can lead to prolonged healing times. Fixation should be safe, effective and promote early weight bearing and mobilization.

Epidemiology of Tibial Fractures in Professional American Football Athletes From 2013 to 2019.

BACKGROUND: Lower extremity injuries occur with high frequency in National Football League (NFL) athletes and cause high burden to players and teams. Tibial fractures are among the most severe lower extremity injuries sustained in athletes and are associated with prolonged time loss from sport. PURPOSE: To determine the number of tibial fractures in NFL athletes from the 2013 to 2019 NFL seasons and describe athlete demographics, fracture characteristics, and details of injury onset. STUDY DESIGN: Case series; Level of evidence, 4. METHODS: A retrospective review of the NFL injury database was performed to identify all NFL athletes sustaining tibial fractures over the 2013 to 2019 NFL seasons. Athlete characteristics, injury characteristics, days missed, and treatment (operative vs nonoperative) were examined. Descriptive statistics were used to calculate means, standard deviations, ranges, and percentages. RESULTS: A total of 64 tibial fractures were identified in 60 athletes, resulting in a median loss of 74 days. Defensive secondary athletes had the highest number of injuries (n = 10; 16%), followed by running backs (n = 9; 14%), while 61% of these injuries occurred during NFL regular-season games, primarily between weeks 13 and 17. The most commonly reported activity during injury was athletes being tackled, with a direct impact to the tibia being the most common mechanism of injury. Lateral tibial plateau fractures were the most frequently reported, while distal tibial fractures resulted in the greatest number of days lost. The median time lost for injuries requiring surgery was 232 days compared with 56 days for injuries treated using conservative management. CONCLUSION: The highest proportion of tibial fractures were injuries to defensive secondary athletes and athletes being tackled while sustaining a direct impact to the leg, primarily to the lateral tibial plateau. Tibial fracture injuries were commonly sustained during NFL regular-season games, primarily during the final 4 weeks of the NFL regular season. Further investigations examining performance and career longevity in athletes sustaining tibial fractures are warranted to help improve the health and safety of NFL athletes.

Increase in gunshot wounds at a level 1 trauma center following the COVID19 pandemic.

OBJECTIVES: To compare the number of patients with gunshot wounds presenting to our level 1 trauma center before and during the COVID-19 pandemic with a focus on volume trends after the lifting of stay-at-home directives through August 2020. DESIGN: Retrospective. SETTING: Level 1 trauma center. PATIENTS/PARTICIPANTS: Seven hundred six gunshot wound patients between 2016 and 2020 (months March to September only). INTERVENTION: COVID-19 pandemic and resultant stay at home directives. MAIN OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS: Number of patients presenting with gunshot wounds per time period. RESULTS: The number of patients with gunshot wounds presenting to our institution increased by 11.7% in March-April 2020 and by 67% in May-August 2020 when compared to previous years. Length of stay significantly decreased in 2020 compared to 2018 and 2019. In 2020, significantly fewer patients had orthopaedic procedures than in 2018. CONCLUSIONS: Patients presenting with gunshot wounds increased during the initial "stay-at-home" portion of the pandemic in March to April and increased significantly more after the restrictions were relaxed during May to August.Level of Evidence: Therapeutic Level III.

Comparison of Infrapatellar and Suprapatellar Approaches for Intramedullary Nail Fixation of Tibia Fractures.

OBJECTIVE: To assess clinical, radiographic, and functional outcomes after intramedullary nail (IMN) fixation of tibia fractures with an infrapatellar approach compared to a suprapatellar approach. DESIGN: Retrospective chart review. SETTING: Level 1 trauma center. PATIENTS/PARTICIPANTS: Two hundred four patients with 208 tibia fractures treated with intramedullary nailing between 2008 and 2018. METHODS: A retrospective chart review of tibia fractures was conducted. The clinical and functional outcomes of tibia fractures treated with IMN were compared between groups treated with an infrapatellar approach versus a suprapatellar approach. Multivariate models were created to control for confounding demographic, comorbidity, and injury-related confounders. MAIN OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS: Outcome measures included nonunion, malunion, and infection. Subjective functional patient outcomes were assessed using pain interference and physical function Patient-Reported Outcome Measurements Systems scores. RESULTS: There were 101 patients treated with infrapatellar nailing (49%) and 107 patients treated with suprapatellar nailing (51%). On multivariate analysis, suprapatellar nailing was independently associated with decreased risk of malunion (adjusted odds ratio, 0.165; 95% confidence interval, 0.054-0.501; P = 0.001) and decreased risk of postoperative knee pain (adjusted odds ratio, 0.272; 95% confidence interval, 0.083-0.891; P = 0.032). There was no difference in the rate of nonunion (P = 0.44), infection (P = 0.45), or Patient-Reported Outcome Measurements Systems pain interference or physical function scores. CONCLUSIONS: Suprapatellar IMN fixation of tibial shaft fractures is independently associated with lower risk of malunion and postoperative knee pain compared to the infrapatellar approach. However, there are no functional differences between approaches. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic Level III. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

Combined Surgical Approach to Young Adults with Hip Dysplasia and Concomitant Intra-Articular Pathology Using Intra-Abdominal Monitoring.

Background: Combined hip arthroscopy and periacetabular osteotomy (PAO) allows for treatment of intra-articular hip pathology with simultaneous correction of acetabular version and femoral head coverage in patients with symptomatic hip dysplasia. Currently, scant data is available to surgeons regarding optimal technique, sequence of repair, perioperative management, and the use of intra-abdominal monitoring in patients undergoing these combined procedures. The purpose of this study is to describe a two-surgeon, muscle-sparing, approach for sequential hip arthroscopy and PAO for the treatment of adults with acetabular dysplasia and concomitant intra-articular hip pathology. Methods: In this article, we present the indications for combined hip arthroscopy and PAO, in addition to patient set-up and positioning. A detailed discussion of hip arthroscopy and a muscle sparing PAO techniques are then presented, with overview of a novel intra-abdominal pressure monitoring technique and post-operative rehabilitation protocol. Results: Through technical refinement and experience, our indications and protocol for the treatment of patients with symptomatic acetabular dysplasia with concomitant intra-articular hip pathology involves a refined and reproducible, two surgeon procedure utilizing hip arthroscopy followed by PAO. The use of intra-abdominal monitoring allows for assessment of intra-peritoneal pressures to monitor for the development of abdominal compartment syndrome secondary to fluid extravasation. Conclusion: The performance of concomitant hip arthroscopy and PAO for concurrent hip dysplasia and intra-articular hip pathology represents an increasingly common approach in hip preservation surgery. The hip arthroscopy and muscle-sparing PAO protocol using intra-abdominal monitoring described here serves to further refine and advance the indications and technical aspects of this challenging procedure.Level of Evidence: V.

Comparison of Clinical Outcomes After Intramedullary Fixation of Tibia Fractures Caused by Blunt Trauma and Civilian Gunshot Wounds: A Retrospective Review.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the outcomes of patients who sustained blunt trauma tibia fractures compared with tibia fractures from civilian gunshot injuries when treated with intramedullary fixation. DESIGN: Retrospective chart review. SETTING: Level I trauma center. PATIENTS/PARTICIPANTS: Two hundred and seven patients underwent intramedullary nailing for 211 tibia fractures. METHODS: A retrospective review of tibia fracture(s) treated with intramedullary fixation with comparison of closed, open, and gunshot wound (GSW) fracture outcomes. MAIN OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS: Outcomes included infection and nonunion. RESULTS: The infection rate in closed and GSW tibia fractures was significantly lower compared with the infection rate of open fractures (1% vs. 9% vs. 20%; P = 0.00005). Significantly lower rates of nonunion in closed fractures compared with open fractures and GSW fractures were appreciated (8% vs. 20% vs. 30%; P = 0.003). There was no difference in infection or nonunion between GSW fractures with small wounds, no exposed bone, and minimal comminution and closed injuries (P = 0.24, P = 0.60). Conversely, there was a significantly higher nonunion rate in GSW fractures with large wounds, exposed tibia, and comminution compared with blunt injuries (P = 0.0014). CONCLUSIONS: This study suggests that tibia fractures from civilian GSWs are heterogeneous injuries, and outcomes are dependent on the extent of soft-tissue injury, bone exposure, and bone loss. There are comparable infection rates in all fractures due to civilian GSWs and closed fractures, which are lower than high-grade open fractures. Tibia GSW fractures with exposed bone and comminution have higher complication rates and should be treated accordingly. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Prognostic Level III. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

Clinical Outcomes After Intramedullary Nailing of Intraarticular Distal Tibial Fractures: A Retrospective Review.

The objective of this study was to evaluate the clinical and functional outcomes of intra-articular distal tibial fractures after intramedullary nail (IMN) and independent fixation compared with extra-articular fracture controls. Methods: A retrospective chart review of distal tibial fractures treated with IMN was performed. Clinical outcomes were compared between fractures with and without intra-articular involvement. Outcomes included nonunion, malunion, ankle arthrosis, and infection. Patient-Reported Outcome Measurement System (PROMIS) scores were used to assess subjective outcomes. Results: Of the 135 distal tibial fractures, 87 extra-articular and 48 intra-articular, no significant difference was observed in the rate of ankle arthrosis between intra-articular and extra-articular fractures (2% versus 0%; P = 0.35). Similarly, no difference was observed in the postoperative rates of infection (8% versus 3%; P = 0.25), the rate of nonunion (17% versus 10%; P = 0.29), or the rate of malunion (10% versus 21%; P = 0.17). No notable difference was observed in PROMIS scores between groups. Conclusion: This study suggests that IMN is an acceptable method of fixation in select intra-articular distal tibial fractures. In the intra-articular group, low rates of ankle arthrosis were noted at intermediate follow-up, with no increase in nonunion, malunion, or infection compared with extra-articular fractures. Furthermore, PROMIS scores indicate similar functional outcomes in patients, regardless of intra-articular involvement.

Identifying a clinical decision tool to predict discharge disposition following operative treatment of hip fractures in the United States.

BACKGROUND: Post-discharge management following operative treatment of hip fractures continues to be performed on a case-by-case basis, with no uniform guidelines dictating management. Predicting discharge to post-acute care (PAC) facilities (i.e. skilled nursing facilities and inpatient rehabilitation facilities) can assist preoperative planning and potentially decrease length of stay secondary to disposition issues. The goal of this study was to develop a nomogram using easily identified variables to preoperatively predict discharge disposition following operative treatment of hip fractures. METHODS: Using the National Surgical Quality Improvement Program database, patients who underwent surgical intervention for hip fractures between 2012 and 2015 were identified. A multivariable logistic regression model was used to identify risk factors for discharge to a PAC facility, and a predictive nomogram was created based on these results. RESULTS: From 2012 to 2015, 33,371 hip fractures were identified: 13,336 (40%) femoral neck fractures, and 20,035 (60%) intertrochanteric femur fractures. Of the patients identified, 26,082 (78.2%) were discharged to a PAC while the remainder were discharged home with or without home health. 70% of patients were female and 92.4% were Caucasian. When accounting for comorbidities, using the American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) classification system, 6,122 patients (18.4%) had 'Mild Systemic Disease' (ASA 2), 20,872 (62.6%) patients had 'Severe Systemic Disease' (ASA 3), and 6,006 (18.1%) had 'Life Threatening Disease' (ASA 4/5). The majority of patients were brought in from a 'Home' setting, while 10.4% of patients were admitted from a 'Long-Term Care' setting. After controlling for confounding variables, older age and increasing ASA class were predictive of an increased risk of discharge to a PAC. Diabetes, dyspnea, congestive heart failure, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease were not associated with an increased risk of discharge to a PAC. DISCUSSION: Discharge disposition following operative treatment of hip fractures can be reliably predicted using a nomogram with commonly identified preoperative variables. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III, Retrospective Cohort Design, Observational Study.