A Modification to Simplify the Harvest of a Hemi-hamate Autograft.

Hemi-hamate arthroplasty is a valuable option for subacute dorsal fracture-dislocations of the proximal interphalangeal joint. Various harvesting techniques have been recommended via both anterograde and retrograde directions, both posing some technical challenges. We propose a technique for simplifying the hemi-hamate graft harvest by creating a window of visualization onto the dorsal hamate articular surface. This is achieved by resection of the dorsal-ulnar base of fourth metacarpal and the dorsal-radial base of the fifth metacarpal. This makes it easier to measure and cut the hamate articular surface. It also provides a properly shaped graft that can be inset in the middle phalangeal defect without using backgrafting, and allowing screws to be placed perpendicular to the graft defect to obtain direct compression.

Malpractice in distal radius fracture management: an analysis of closed claims.

PURPOSE: Distal radius fractures comprise the majority of hand- and wrist-related malpractice claims. We hypothesized that a majority of lawsuits would be for malunions resulting from nonsurgical treatment. Additional goals of this study were to quantify costs associated with claims, determine independent risk factors for making an indemnity payment, and illustrate trends over time. METHODS: Seventy closed malpractice claims filed for alleged negligent treatment of distal radius fractures by orthopedic surgeons insured by the largest medical professional liability insurer in New York State (NYS) from 1981 to 2005 were reviewed. We separately reviewed defendants' personal closed malpractice claim histories from 1975 to 2011. Overall incidence of malpractice claims among distal radius fractures treated in NYS was calculated using the NYS Statewide Planning and Research Cooperative System database and the 2008 American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons census data. RESULTS: The overall incidence of malpractice claims for distal radius fracture management was low. Malunion was the most common complaint across claims regardless of treatment type. Claims for surgically treated fractures increased over time. A majority of claims documented poor doctor-patient relationships. Male plaintiffs in this group were significantly older than males treated for distal radius fractures in NYS. Most defendants had a history of multiple malpractice suits, all were male, and only a small percentage were fellowship-trained in hand surgery. Defendants lacking American Board of Orthopedic Surgery certification were significantly more likely to make indemnity payments. Thirty-eight of 70 cases resulted in an indemnity payment. CONCLUSIONS: Malunion and poor doctor-patient relationships are the major features of malpractice litigation involving distal radius fracture management. Older defendant age and lack of American Board of Orthopedic Surgery certification increase the likelihood of making an indemnity payment. TYPE OF STUDY/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Economic and decision analyses II.

Scapula fractures: interobserver reliability of classification and treatment.

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