Does Marijuana Smoking Increase the Odds of Surgical Site Infection After Orthopaedic Surgery? A Retrospective Cohort Study.

OBJECTIVES: Does marijuana smoking increase the risk of surgical site infection (SSI) after open reduction and internal fixation of fractures? DESIGN: Retrospective. SETTING: Single academic level 1 trauma center in Southern California. PATIENT SELECTION CRITERIA: Adult patients who underwent open treatment for closed fractures between January 2009 and December 2021, had hardware placed, and had at least 6 months of postoperative follow-up. OUTCOME MEASURES AND COMPARISONS: Risk factors associated with the development of SSI were compared between current inhalational marijuana users and nonmarijuana users. RESULTS: Complete data were available on 4802 patients after exclusion of 82 who did not have a complete variable set. At the time of surgery, 24% (1133 patients) were current users of marijuana. At the final follow-up (minimum 6 months), there was a 1.6% infection rate (75 patients). The average age of the infection-free group was 46.1 ± 23.1 years, and the average age of the SSI group was 47.0 ± 20.3 (P = 0.73) years. In total, 2703 patients (57%) in the infection-free group were male compared with 48 (64%) in the SSI group (P = 0.49). On multivariate analysis, longer operative times (OR 1.002 [95% CI, 1.001-1.004]), diabetic status (OR 2.084 [95% CI, 1.225-3.547]), and current tobacco use (OR 2.493 [95% CI, 1.514-4.106]) (P < 0.01 for all) were associated with an increased risk of SSI; however, current marijuana use was not (OR 0.678 [95% CI, 0.228-2.013], P = 0.48). CONCLUSIONS: Tobacco use, diabetes, and longer operative times were associated with the development of SSI after open reduction and internal fixation of fractures; however, marijuana smoking was not shown to be associated with the development of SSI. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Prognostic Level III. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

Random forest identifies predictors of discharge destination following total shoulder arthroplasty.

Background: Machine learning algorithms are finding increasing use in prediction of surgical outcomes in orthopedics. Random forest is one of such algorithms popular for its relative ease of application and high predictability. In the process of sample classification, algorithms also generate a list of variables most crucial in the sorting process. Total shoulder arthroplasty (TSA) is a common orthopedic procedure after which most patients are discharged home. The authors hypothesized that random forest algorithm would be able to determine most important variables in prediction of nonhome discharge. Methods: Authors filtered the National Surgical Quality iImprovement Program database for patients undergoing elective TSA (Current Procedural Terminology 23472) between 2008 and 2018. Applied exclusion criteria included avascular necrosis, trauma, rheumatoid arthritis, and other inflammatory arthropathies to only include surgeries performed for primary osteoarthritis. Using Python and the scikit-learn package, various machine learning algorithms including random forest were trained based on the sample patients to predict patients who had nonhome discharge (to facility, nursing home, etc.). List of applied variables were then organized in order of feature importance. The algorithms were evaluated based on area under the curve of the receiver operating characteristic, accuracy, recall, and the F-1 score. Results: Application of inclusion and exclusion criteria yielded 18,883 patients undergoing elective TSA, of whom 1813 patients had nonhome discharge. Random forest outperformed other machine learning algorithms and logistic regression based on American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) classification. Random forest ranked age, sex, ASA classification, and functional status as the most important variables with feature importance of 0.340, 0.130, 0.126, and 0.120, respectively. Average age of patients going to facility was 76 years, while average age of patients going home was 68 years. 78.1% of patients going to facility were women, while 52.7% of patients going home were. Among patients with nonhome discharge, 80.3% had ASA scores of 3 or 4, while patients going home had 54% of patients with ASA scores 3 or 4. 10.5% of patients going to facility were considered of partially/totally dependent functional status, whereas 1.3% of patients going home were considered partially or totally dependent (P value < .05 for all). Conclusion: Of various algorithms, random forest best predicted discharge destination following TSA. When using random forest to predict nonhome discharge after TSA, age, gender, ASA scores, and functional status were the most important variables. Two patient groups (home discharge, nonhome discharge) were significantly different when it came to age, gender distribution, ASA scores, and functional status.

Patients With Intact Shoulder Superior Capsular Reconstruction Grafts on Ultrasound Show Significant Improvement in Functional Outcomes at Minimum 2-Year Follow-up.

Purpose: To assess the utility of using dynamic ultrasound for postoperative evaluation after superior capsular reconstruction (SCR) by evaluating graft integrity and its correlation with clinical outcomes at a minimum 2-year follow-up. Methods: A retrospective chart review was conducted to identify patients who underwent SCR between July 2015 and July 2020 with a minimum 2-year clinical and ultrasound follow-up. Clinical outcome measures included Simple Shoulder (SS) and American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeon (ASES) scores. Integrity of the SCR graft was evaluated by dynamic ultrasound. Results: We evaluated 22 shoulders in 21 patients with a mean follow-up of 44.8 months (range, 24-71 months). The graft was found to be intact by ultrasound evaluation in 82% (18/22). Patients with intact grafts had higher mean SS (11.6 vs 7.8, P = .00079) and ASES (91.2 vs 64.1, P = .0296) scores at latest follow-up compared to those with failed grafts. Those with intact grafts also had significant improvement in SS (3.7 vs 11.6, P < .00001) and ASES (23.2 vs 91.2, P < .00001) scores at latest follow-up compared to their preoperative scores. In contrast, patients with graft failure had no significant improvement in SS (6.3 vs 9.0, P = .123) and ASES (40.4 vs 58.3, P = .05469) scores at latest follow-up compared to their preoperative scores. There was no difference between clinical outcomes at 6 to 12 months vs latest follow-up for both SS (P = .11, P = .5) and ASES (P = .27, P = .21) scores. Conclusions: SCR grafts were found by ultrasound to be intact in 82% of cases. Patients with intact grafts on ultrasound had significant improvement in functional outcome scores while those with graft failure did not. Functional outcome scores suggest that maximal recovery from this procedure occurs by 6 to 12 months. Level of Evidence: Level IV, therapeutic case series.

Health literacy in rotator cuff repair: a quantitative assessment of the understandability of online patient education material.

Background: The American Medical Association and National Institutes of Health recommend online health information be written at a 6th grade or lower reading level for clear understanding. While syntax reading grade level has previously been utilized, those analyses do not determine whether readers are processing key information (understandability) or identifying available actions to take (actionability). The Patient Education Materials Assessment Tool (PEMAT-P) is a method to measure the understandability and actionability of online patient education materials. The purpose of this study was to evaluate online resources regarding rotator cuff repair utilizing measures of readability, understandability, and actionability. Methods: The search term "rotator cuff surgery" was used in two independent online searches to obtain the top 50 search results. The readability of included resources was quantified using valid objective algorithms: Flesch-Kincaid Grade-Level, Simple Measure of Gobbledygook grade, Coleman-Liau Index, and Gunning Fog Index. The PEMAT-P form was used to assess actionability and understandability. Results: A total of 49 unique websites were identified to meet our inclusion criteria and were included in our analysis. The mean Flesch-Kincaid Grade Level graded materials at a 10.6 (approximately a 10th grade reading level), with only two websites offering materials at a 6th grade reading level or below. The remaining readability studies graded the mean reading level at high school or greater, with the Gunning Fog Index scoring at a collegiate reading level. Mean understandability and actionability scores were 64.6% and 29.5%, respectively, falling below the 70% PEMAT score threshold for both scales. Fourteen (28.6%) websites were above the threshold for understandability, while no website (0%) scored above the 70% threshold for actionability. When comparing source categories, commercial health publishers provided websites that scored higher in understandability (P < .05), while private practice materials scored higher in actionability (P < .05). Resources published by academic institutions or organizations scored lower in both understandability and actionability than private practice and commercial health publishers (P < .05). No readability, understandability, or actionability score was significantly associated with search result rank. Conclusion: Overall, online patient education materials related to rotator cuff surgery scored poorly with respect to readability, understandability, and actionability. Only two (4.1%) of the patient education websites scored at the American Medical Association and National Institutes of Health recommended reading level. Fourteen (28.6%) scored above the 70% PEMAT score for understandability; however, no website met the threshold for actionability.

Increased Risk of Surgical Field Contamination from Acute Pre-operative Treatment of Pediculosis Capitis (Lice) Infestation - A Case Report of Two Twin Pediatric Patients.

Introduction: Little is known about the perioperative management of Pediculus capitis (lice) infestations, including risk of contamination to the sterile field, whether to delay surgery, and optimal time to treat and/or operate. Case Report: Two identical twin patients presented for elective in situ percutaneous pinning of chronic slipped capital femoral epiphyses. Active pediculosis capitis was noted intraoperatively by the anesthesia team during the first patient's surgery. Meticulous examination of the sterile field at that time demonstrated no organisms or other sources of contamination. The second patient's surgery was delayed to discuss her case with the infectious disease team. Scant literature exists to guide recommendations. Ultimately, a single permethrin treatment immediately before surgery was recommended and followed by our team. After careful prepping and draping, a louse was observed on the sterile field near the planned pin insertion site. The case was immediately canceled and delayed indefinitely. After two additional treatments over the next 4 days, only eggs (but no active insects) were observed in the patient's hair. We elected to proceed to surgery at that time, which concluded without issue. Conclusion: The surgical implications of an active lice infestation are numerous. Administration of antiparasitic medication in the immediate pre-operative period causes increased movement in pediculosis capitis, which may increase risk of sterile field contamination. Elective procedures should be postponed to complete multiple rounds of permethrin. In cases of urgent/emergent surgery, or in which treatment delay is unfeasible, foregoing delousing treatment in the immediate pre-operative period may be recommended.

Well-Leg Compartment Syndrome Due to Hemilithotomy Positioning after Arthroscopic Reconstruction of the PCL.

Introduction: Acute compartment syndrome (ACS) occurs due to decreased perfusion of an osseofascial space due to increased compartmental pressure. Due to its potentially devastating sequelae, emphasis is placed on its prompt diagnosis. While fractures continue to be the most common cause of ACS, mechanisms such as crush injuries and even surgical positioning are described etiologies of compartment syndrome. ACS of the well-leg from hemilithotomy positioning has been previously depicted in medical literature; however, there have been no illustrations of this complication after elective arthroscopic-assisted posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) reconstruction. Case Report: This report discusses a patient undergoing PCL reconstruction who developed an ACS in the non-operative extremity that was positioned in hemilithotomy in a leg positioner. Conclusion: ACS is an uncommon but serious complication that can occur from hemilithotomy positioning. Surgeons should be mindful of risk factors that can place a patient at higher risk, including length of the case, body habitus, height of elevation of the leg, and method of leg support. The prompt recognition and surgical management of ACS can prevent the devastating long-term complications.

Spin in the Abstracts of Meta-analyses and Systematic Reviews: Quadriceps Tendon Graft for Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction.

BACKGROUND: Spin is a reporting bias that misrepresents research. Ultimately it can affect surgeon decision making and patient care. Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction is common, but debate continues over optimal treatment modalities. PURPOSE: To identify the prevalence of spin in meta-analysis and systematic review abstracts regarding the treatment of ACL injuries with quadriceps tendon graft. STUDY DESIGN: Cross-sectional study. METHODS: Electronic libraries (MEDLINE, Embase, Web of Science, Google Scholar) were searched for meta-analyses and systematic reviews regarding the treatment of ACL tears with quadriceps tendon graft. The 9 most severe types of spin commonly found in abstracts were used as an evaluation tool to assess the articles. Two reviewers each performed a blinded assessment of each article for spin. A third reviewer helped after review was done to address any discrepancies between the original reviewers. Further evaluation included year of publication, number of citations, journal impact factor, and A Measurement Tool to Assess Systematic Reviews 2 (AMSTAR-2) score. RESULTS: The electronic database search resulted in 986 articles, of which 13 met our inclusion criteria. After review, we found that 53.8% (7/13) of the included articles contained 1 of the 9 most severe forms of spin. Of the 13 articles, 15.4% (n = 2) contained 2 types of spin, and 38.5% (n = 5) contained 1 type of spin. No studies contained ≥3 types of spin. Of the types of spin evaluated, the most prevalent (n = 4; 30.8%) was type 3 ("selective reporting of or overemphasis on efficacy outcomes or analysis favoring the beneficial effect of the experimental intervention"). All studies, regardless of the presence of spin, were found to be low or critically low quality according to the AMSTAR-2 assessment. CONCLUSION: This study demonstrated the presence of spin in 53.8% of meta-analysis and systematic review abstracts pertaining to quadriceps tendon graft for ACL reconstruction. Orthopaedic surgeons should learn to recognize spin as they review articles when deciding the treatment course for ACL injuries. Additionally, strict criteria should be considered to reduce the prevalence of spin in orthopaedic literature.

Do All-terrain or Recreational Off-highway Vehicle Crashes Have a Higher Odds of Amputation?

BACKGROUND: Riding off-road vehicles is associated with the risk of injury to the extremities. There are two main types of four-wheel recreational off-road vehicles: quads or all-terrain vehicles (ATVs), which are essentially four-wheel off-road motorcycles, and recreational off-highway vehicles (ROVs), also colloquially referred to as utility terrain vehicles, which have side-by-side seating, higher maximum speeds, and a roll cage. There are multiple orthopaedic society position statements on ATVs, but none on ROVs. Perhaps this is because the injury patterns and differences between the two vehicles have not been elucidated. QUESTIONS/PURPOSES: (1) What patient, vehicle (ROVs versus ATVs), and injury factors are associated with amputation? (2) What are the anatomic location distributions of fractures and amputations by vehicle type? METHODS: Records of all patients in our hospital's billing system who had both a diagnostic code indicating an accident related to an off-road vehicle and one indicating an extremity or pelvic fracture between February 2014 and January 2020 were screened; this resulted in the identification of 328 patients with fractures resulting from off-road vehicle collisions. A total of 16% (51 of 328) of patients were excluded from the analysis because their injury did not involve either an ATV or an ROV; 277 patients were included in the final analysis. The following variables were collected: age at time of the injury, gender, BMI, vehicle type, Gustilo-Anderson type if applicable, amputation level if applicable, anatomic locations of injuries, ethanol level, and drug screen. ATV crashes accounted for 52% (145 of 277) of patients, and ROV crashes accounted for 48% (132 of 277). Patients from ATV crashes did not differ from those in ROV crashes in terms of mean age (24 ± 16 years versus 24 ± 13 years; p = 0.82), BMI (25 ± 7 kg/m 2 versus 26 ± 6 kg/m 2 ; p = 0.18), or gender (79% [114 of 145] men/boys versus 77% [102 of 132]; p = 0.79). Among patients who had a drug or ethanol screen, there was a higher percent of ATV riders who used marijuana (39% [19 of 49] versus 17% [7 of 42]; p = 0.04), but there were no differences in abnormal blood alcohol screen or abnormal nonmarijuana drug screen; however, these results were available in only about one-third of patients (99 of 277 for ethanol and 91 of 277 for drug screen). Statistical analysis was performed using logistic regression analysis for factors associated with amputation, with p values < 0.05 considered significant. RESULTS: After controlling for differences in demographic factors, the stepwise increase in Gustilo-Anderson grade of open fracture (OR 9.8 [95% CI 3.6 to 27.0]; p < 0.001) and ROV vehicle type (OR 15.7 [95% CI 3.6 to 68.5]; p < 0.001) were both associated with amputation. There was no increase in the odds of amputation associated with age (OR 1.0 [95% CI 0.9 to 1.1]; p = 0.81), gender (OR 1.4 [95% CI 0.3 to 5.8]; p = 0.68), or BMI (OR 1.1 [95% CI 0.9 to 1.2]; p = 0.37). The most frequent ATV fractures occurred in the forearm and wrist (22% [45 of 203]), whereas most ROV injuries occurred through the metacarpals (41% [107 of 262] of fractures and 58% [18 of 31] of amputations). CONCLUSION: ROV crashes are associated with a higher odds of amputation when compared with ATV crashes. Because most ROV injuries were in the forearm and below, this likely occurs when upper extremities are crushed and mangled under the roll cage in rollover ROV crashes. Because of this danger, we urge our orthopaedic societies to either update current ATV position statements to include ROVs or release separate statements on ROVs. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III, prognostic study.

Does Laterality Matter? The Effect of Unilateral v. Bilateral Sacroiliac Screw Fixation on Personal Hygiene.

STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective comparative analysis of prospective cohort. OBJECTIVE: To determine whether sacroiliac (SI) screw fixation ipsilateral to hand dominance compared to bilateral fixation impacts personal hygiene (wiping) after toileting. METHODS: Inclusion criteria were adult spinal deformity (ASD) patients with long arthrodesis (≥T12-pelvis) who had undergone primary unilateral or bilateral SI fixation with a minimum of 2-years-follow-up. RESULTS: 117 consecutive patients were included and separated into 2 groups: bilateral SI fixation (BL, n = 61) and unilateral SI fixation (UNI, n = 56), with no difference in age. Of UNI patients, 10.7% (6) performed personal hygiene with a different hand after surgery, compared to 6.6% (4) of patients who received BL fixation (P = 0.422). All UNI patients who switched hands were right-hand dominant, and 5/6 received right-sided fixation. There was no statistical difference found between number of levels fused (<8, 9-11, or >11 levels) and changes in personal hygiene habits. Over a third of patients from both groups had difficulty performing personal hygiene after fusion (UNI = 39.3% BL = 36.1%, P = 0.719). CONCLUSION: SI screws increase the difficulty of performing personal hygiene; yet, the side of unilateral screws does not significantly change personal hygiene habits when compared to bilateral screw placement. Moreover, the length of the construct does not have a significant impact on ability to perform personal hygiene, cause changes in habits, or require the assistance of another individual. However, among our sample of individuals, bilateral fixation did result in a higher rate of revision instrumentation.

Spin in the Abstracts of Meta-analyses and Systematic Reviews: Midshaft Clavicle Fracture.

OBJECTIVES: Spin is a reporting bias that presents the beneficial effect of an experimental treatment as greater than what is found in the results of the study. This bias can result in patient care recommendations that are more subjective than objective. The purpose of this study is to identify the prevalence of spin in meta-analysis and systematic review abstracts regarding treatment of midshaft clavicle fractures. METHODS: Electronic libraries (MEDLINE, Embase, Web of Science, Google Scholar) were systematically searched. Meta-analyses and systematic reviews regarding treatment of midshaft clavicular fractures were analyzed. The nine most severe types of spin commonly found in abstracts were used as an evaluation tool to assess the articles. Other variables analyzed include year of publication, journal impact factor, number of citations, and methodologic quality according to A Measurement Tool to Assess Systematic Reviews (AMSTAR-2). RESULTS: The database search resulted in 401 articles, of which 53 met inclusion criteria. After review, it was found that 52.8% (28/53) of the included articles contained spin within the abstract. Of the nine most severe types of spin found in abstracts, type 3 spin ("selective reporting of or overemphasis on efficacy outcomes or analysis favoring the beneficial effect of the experimental intervention") was found to be the most prevalent 28.3% (15/53). CONCLUSION: This study demonstrated the presence of spin in the majority of meta-analyses and systematic review abstracts pertaining to midshaft clavicular fractures. Orthopedic surgeons should be aware and recognize spin as they review articles when deciding the treatment course for such injuries. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level 3. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

Do Current Stability Scores After MPFL Reconstruction Correlate With Patient Satisfaction Postoperatively?

Background: Patellar dislocation can lead to instability, pain, limited function, and recurrent dislocations. Medial patellofemoral ligament (MPFL) reconstruction leads to favorable patient reported outcomes, but many patients fail to return to previous activity levels. The purpose of this study is to determine how well patients do after MPFL reconstruction and to determine the most important factors for evaluation of patellar instability following MPFL reconstruction. Methods: After IRB approval, a retrospective chart review was performed on all patients who underwent MPFL reconstruction from January 2006 to January 2014 by two board-certified sports orthopaedic surgeons. Patients were then contacted to complete a follow-up questionnaire about satisfaction, functional status, pain, and patellar stability. Patients with at least one-year of follow-up data, a complete data set, and a completed questionnaire were included in the final analysis. Charts of 100 patients were reviewed and 54 patients met all criteria for inclusion in the study. Chi-square analysis, t-tests, and multivariate and univariate logistic regression models were used to estimate the effects of multiple variables on return to activity, satisfaction, and function while controlling for covariates with p<0.05 considered significant. Results: When asked about subluxation, 20% (11/54) reported recurrent patellar subluxation (without re-dislocation). Of the 11 patients who reported re-subluxation, 54% (6/11) reported being highly satisfied (rating of 9-10/10) with the outcome of their knee. Of the 54 patients, 54% (29/54) did not return to previous levels of activity, nevertheless, 31% (9/29) of these 29 patients reported being highly satisfied with the outcome of their knee. Conclusion: Patients report high levels of satisfaction even if they have recurrent instability or are unable to return to prior activity levels. Current scoring systems do not accurately depict patients' post-operative outcomes after MPFL Reconstruction. Level of Evidence: III.

Resident Participation During Revision Total Knee Arthroplasty Is Not Associated With Increased Risk of 30-Day Postoperative Complication.

Background: Academic teaching institutions perform approximately one third of all orthopedic procedures in the United States. Revision total knee arthroplasty (rTKA) is a complex and challenging procedure that requires expertise and extensive planning, however the impact of resident involvement on outcomes is poorly understood. The aim of the study was to investigate whether resident involvement in rTKA impacts postoperative complication rates, operative time, and length of hospital stay (LOS). Methods: The American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program registry was queried to identify patients who underwent rTKA procedures from 2006-2012 using CPT codes 27486 and 27487. Cases were classified as resident involved or attending only. Demographics, comorbidities, and 30-day postoperative complications were analyzed. Multiple logistic regression analysis was performed to identify independent risk factors for increased 30-day postoperative complications. Wilcoxon rank sum tests were performed to determine the impact of resident involvement on operative time and LOS with significance defined as p<0.05. Results: In total, 2,396 cases of rTKA were identified, of which 972 (40.6%) involved residents. The two study groups were similar, however the resident involved cohort had more patients with hypertension and ASA class 3 (p=0.02, p=0.04). There was no difference in complications between the cohorts (No Resident vs Resident-involved: 7.0% vs 6.7%, p=0.80). Multivariate analysis identified obesity (OR: 1.81, 95% CI: 1.18-2.79, p=0.01), morbid obesity (OR: 1.66, 95% CI: 1.09-2.57, p=0.02), congestive heart failure (OR: 5.97, 95% CI: 1.19-24.7, p=0.02), and chronic prosthetic joint infection (OR: 3.16, 95% CI: 2.184.56, p<0.01), as independent risk factors for 30-day complications after rTKA. However, resident involvement was not associated with complications within 30-days following rTKA (OR: 0.91, 95% CI: 0.65-1.26, p=0.57). Resident involvement was associated with increased operative time (p<0.001) and LOS (P<0.001). Conclusion: Resident involvement in rTKA cases is not associated with an increased risk of 30-day postoperative complications. However, resident operative involvement was associated with longer operative time and length of hospital stay. Level of Evidence: III.

Percutaneous Intramedullary Nailing of Complex Humeral Shaft Fractures: A Retrospective Case Series.

BACKGROUND: Humeral diaphyseal fractures have been traditionally stabilized with plates and screws. However, surgical morbidity can be quite extensive, particularly in more complex segmental and comminuted fracture patterns. An intramedullary nail (IMN) has the biomechanical advantage of being a load-sharing device and can be placed with a more minimally invasive technique. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the clinical and radiographic outcomes of complex humeral shaft fractures treated with an IMN utilizing a percutaneous surgical technique. METHODS: A retrospective review was performed on a consecutive series of patients who underwent treatment of a complex humeral shaft fracture with an IMN placed with a percutaneous technique. Clinical outcome scores and radiographic analysis were performed at a minimum one-year follow-up. RESULTS: Of the 14 patients included, 12 had clinical and radiographic follow-ups at one year. The majority (64%) were obese and involved polytrauma (50%), and 79% were AO Foundation/Orthopaedic Trauma Association (AO/OTA) type C fractures. Union after the index procedure was 93%, with one nonunion requiring a secondary operation. The average operative time was 103 minutes. There were no other complications or additional procedures. The mean clinical outcome scores included American Shoulder and Elbow Society (ASES): 78.2, Constant Score: 72.1, Single Assessment Numerical Evaluation (SANE): 81.9, and Penn Shoulder Score: 82.7. CONCLUSION: This study demonstrates complex comminuted and segmental humeral shaft fractures in a higher-risk patient population can be effectively managed with IMN. Percutaneous placement of an IMN should be considered as a treatment option in complex humeral shaft fractures, particularly in patients with secondary comorbidities such as obesity and polytrauma.

Early Gender Differences in Pain and Functional Recovery Following Thoracolumbar Spinal Arthrodesis.

BACKGROUND: To analyze gender differences regarding the recovery experience (pain, function, complications) after spinal arthrodesis surgery. METHODS: Pre-operative and post-operative gender-based differences in patient-reported outcomes for open posterior spinal arthrodesis at 6 weeks, 3 months, 6 months, and 1 year were studied, including age, comorbidities, body mass index (BMI), diagnosis, number of vertebrae fused, type of surgery, primary vs. revision surgery, and complications. Statistical analysis included the use of Student's t-test, Chi square, linear regression, Mann-Whitney U test, and Spearman's rho. RESULTS: Primary or revision posterior arthrodesis was performed on 1931 consecutive adults (1219 females, 712 males) for deformity and degenerative pathologies. At surgery, females were older than males (61.7 years vs. 59.7 years, p < 0.01), had slightly more comorbidities (1.75 vs. 1.5, p < 0.01), and were more likely to undergo deformity correction (38% vs. 22%, p < 0.01). Females described more pre-op pain (female VAS = 6.54 vs. male VAS = 6.41, p < 0.01) and lower pre-op function (female ODI = 49.73 vs. male ODI = 46.52, p < 0.01). By 3 months post-op, there was no significant gender difference in VAS or ODI scores. Similar pain and function scores between males and females continued through 6 months and 12 months. CONCLUSION: Although females have more pain and dysfunction before undergoing spinal surgery, the differences in these values do not reach the Minimum Clinically Important Difference (MCID). Post-operatively, there is no difference in pain and function scores among males and females at 3, 6, and 12 months.

Prevalence of Cannabinoid Use in Patients With Hip and Knee Osteoarthritis.

INTRODUCTION: State legalization and widespread marketing efforts have increased the accessibility and consumption of off-label, non-FDA-approved, cannabinoid (CBD) products. Although clinical evidence is largely absent for the treatment of musculoskeletal pain, patients are experimenting with these products in efforts to relieve joint pain. Assessment of the prevalence, perceived efficacy compared with other nonsurgical modalities, and usage patterns is warranted. The purpose of this study was to report the prevalence and perceived self-efficacy of CBD products in patients with symptomatic hip and/or knee osteoarthritis (OA). METHODS: Two-hundred consecutive patients presenting with painful hip or knee OA were surveyed at their initial evaluation at a large academic center. Using Single Assessment Numeric Evaluation (SANE) scores, survey questions assessed perceived pain and effectiveness of CBD products, in addition to other nonsurgical treatment modalities. Chart review provided demographic factors. Descriptive statistics were used to characterize the data. RESULTS: Of the 200 patients (80 hip OA, 108 knee OA, and 12 both), 66% were female, and average age was 67 years (range 36 to 89 years). Twenty-four percent (48/200) of patients endorsed use of CBD products before their presentation. The average presenting SANE score (range 0 to 100) for non-CBD users was 50.8 compared with 41.3 among CBD users (P = 0.012). Sixty percent of patients learned about CBD through friends, and 67% purchased CBD directly from a dispensary. Oral tinctures (43%) and topical applications (36%) were the most commonly used forms. In addition, 8% of participants in this study had tried marijuana for their pain. CONCLUSION: A 24% incidence of CBD usage was found among patients presenting with hip or knee OA. No significant perceived benefit of CBD use seems to exist compared with its nonuse, as patients who used CBD reported significantly worse SANE and visual analogue scale scores than nonusers at baseline. Follow-up studies are warranted to assess these findings.

Hospital outcomes of scoliosis surgery in children with Prader-Willi Syndrome: comparison with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the peri-operative outcomes of patients with Prader-Willi Syndrome (PWS) undergoing spinal deformity correction and compare the outcomes to patients with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS). METHODS: A retrospective review of the Kid's Inpatient Database was performed from 2000 to 2012 to identify all pediatric patients with scoliosis undergoing spinal fusion. Cohorts were created on the basis of PWS diagnosis and adolescent idiopathic scoliosis. Statistical analysis was performed for differences in post-operative outcomes between these two patient cohorts. RESULTS: Between 2000 and 2012, the number of spinal fusions performed increased by 24.6 and 32.2% in the PWS and adolescent idiopathic scoliosis populations, respectively. There was no difference between the incidence of major complications in PWS patients when compared to AIS (1.7% vs. 1.0% in idiopathic scoliosis; p = 0.362). Although there was no significant difference in the rate of overall minor complications, PWS patients were demonstrated to be more likely to experience post-operative pneumonia (p < 0.0001) and implant complications (p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Patients with scoliosis associated with PWS do not have any increased risk of major complications following spinal deformity correction when compared to patients with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis. Two important minor complications to keep in mind when surgically treating scoliosis in PWS patients include pulmonary and implant-related complications. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Retrospective comparative study, Level III.

Knee Ligament Anatomy and Biomechanics.

An understanding of knee ligament anatomy and biomechanics is foundational for physicians treating knee injuries, especially the more rare and morbid multiligamentous knee injuries. This chapter examines the roles that the cruciate and collateral anatomy and morphology play in their kinematics. Additionally, the biomechanics of the ACL, PCL, MCL, and LCL are discussed as they have surgical and reconstructive implications.

Irreducible Volar DRUJ Dislocation with Distal Radius Fracture Dislocation.

Background Volar dislocations of the distal radioulnar joint (DRUJ) are rare and often missed during initial evaluation. Chronic dislocations and disability can occur when DRUJ dislocations are unrecognized and not reduced. DRUJ dislocations often occur with other wrist injuries, which may complicate reduction. Closed reduction can fail to reduce DRUJ dislocations, in which case open reduction is necessary. Case Description This case describes a patient who had a volar dislocation of the DRUJ with an associated dorsal distal radius fracture dislocation. Initial attempts at closed reduction were unsuccessful which prompted surgical intervention. After open reduction and internal fixation of the distal radius fracture dislocation, closed reduction of the DRUJ remained unsuccessful. This prompted an open reduction of the DRUJ. Surgical exposure demonstrated that the extensor carpi ulnaris and the distal radius had prevented closed reduction of the DRUJ. Postoperatively, a splint was placed with the wrist in supination. The patient followed-up at the 2- and 4-month intervals with persistent subluxation. However, the patient also reported minimal pain and the ability to return to work and previous level of activity. Literature Review Current literature regarding irreducible volar DRUJ dislocations with distal radius fracture dislocations includes sparse case reports, which are reviewed in this report. Clinical Relevance This case illustrates successful treatment for an uncommon volar DRUJ dislocation associated with a dorsal distal radius fracture dislocation and can be utilized to help guide future treatment of similar complex cases.