Differences Between Patients With Diabetes Mellitus and Those Without in Cases of Necrotizing Fasciitis.

Purposes This study aims to evaluate further differences between patients with diabetes and those without who have been diagnosed with necrotizing fasciitis (NF) to assist clinicians in improving morbidity and mortality. Methods All patients diagnosed with NF of an extremity were retrospectively reviewed and divided into two groups based on a diagnosis of diabetes. Patient charts were reviewed to obtain multiple variables, which were compared between groups. Results From 2015 to 2021, 115 patients underwent surgical intervention due to concern for NF of an extremity with 92 patients included for data computation. Patients with diabetes had an average Laboratory Risk Indicator for Necrotizing Fasciitis (LRINEC) score of 9.02 compared to 7.24 (p=0.02). Patients with diabetes had a significantly higher rate of undergoing amputation when diagnosed with NF (p<0.0001). The mortality rate for diabetes and non-diabetes cohorts were 30.9% and 18.9%, respectively (p=0.2). Conclusion This study demonstrated that patients with diabetes with confirmed NF of an extremity had a significantly higher LRINEC score were more likely to undergo an amputation primarily, and were more likely to have a polymicrobial infection compared to those without. The overall mortality rate of NF was 26.1%.

Accuracy of CT-Derived Patient-Specific Instrumentation for Total Ankle Arthroplasty: The Impact of the Severity of Preoperative Varus Ankle Deformity.

BACKGROUND: Significant preoperative varus tibiotalar deformity was once believed to be a contraindication for total ankle arthroplasty (TAA). Our primary goal was to evaluate the influence of increasing preoperative varus tibiotalar deformity on the accuracy of final implant positioning using computed tomography (CT)-derived patient-specific guides for TAA. METHODS: Thirty-two patients with varus ankle arthritis underwent TAA using CT-derived patient-specific guides. Patients were subcategorized into varying degrees of deformity based on preoperative tibiotalar angles (0°-5° neutral, 6°-10° mild, 11°-15° moderate, and >15° severe). Postoperative weightbearing radiographs were used to measure coronal plane alignment of the tibial implant relative to the target axis determined by the preoperative CT template. Average follow-up at the time of data collection was 36.8 months. RESULTS: Average preoperative varus deformity was 6.06° (range: 0.66°-16.3°). Postoperatively, 96.9% (30/31) of patients demonstrated neutral implant alignment. Average postoperative tibial implant deviation was 1.54° (range: 0.17°-5.7°). Average coronal deviation relative to the target axis was 1.61° for the neutral group, 1.78° for the mild group, 0.94° for the moderate group, and 1.41° for the severe group (P = .256). Preoperative plans predicted 100% of tibial and talar implant sizes correctly within 1 size of actual implant size. Conclusion. Our study supports the claim that neutral postoperative TAA alignment can be obtained using CT-derived patient-specific instrumentation (PSI). Furthermore, final implant alignment accuracy with PSI does not appear to be impacted by worsening preoperative varus deformity. All but one patient (96.9%) achieved neutral postoperative alignment relative to the predicted target axis. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV, Clinical Case Series.

Contrast Enhanced Computed Tomography in the Diagnosis of Acute Pyogenic Flexor Tenosynovitis.

BACKGROUND: The diagnosis of infectious flexor tenosynovitis (FTS) has historically been made based on physical exam using Kanavel's signs. The specificity of these findings has come into question. We looked to evaluate the use of contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CT) in increasing the successful diagnosis of FTS. METHODS: Two adult cohorts were formed, one of patients with FTS confirmed in the operating room and the second of patients with ICD.10 identified finger cellulitis (FC), without concomitant FTS. Demographics, laboratory values, CT scans, and examination findings were evaluated. Axial CTs were evaluated in the coronal and sagittal planes and tendon sheath/tendon width were measured. The tendon sheath/tendon was recorded as a ratio in the coronal (CR) and sagittal (SR) planes. Continuous and dichotomous variables were analyzed and measures of sensitivity, specificity, and predictivity were calculated. Seventy patients were included, 35 in the FTS cohort and 35 with FC. RESULT: A higher number of Kanavel signs were present in the FTS group (2.9 vs. 0.5, P < .05), with CR and SR both being significantly larger in the FTS group (P < .05). CR and SR cutoffs ≥ 1.3 provided high sensitivity, specificity, and positive predictive value (PPV) for FTS. Likelihood of FTS increased 5.9% and 5.5% for every 0.1 increase in CR and SR, respectively, with a 14% increase for every additional Kanavel sign. CONCLUSION: In conclusion, CT ratios are useful in identifying FTS; and when used on their own or in combination with Kanavel's signs, CR and SR objectively improve the diagnosis of FTS.

Intramedullary Screw Fixation Versus Traditional Plating for Distal Fibula Fractures.

The traditional method of treating fibular fractures in unstable ankle injuries involves open reduction and internal fixation with a plate and screw construct. Less invasive percutaneous fixation techniques with intramedullary fibular screws have been utilized for many years to reduce wound and implant complications while maintaining a stable ankle mortise. However, there have been no direct case-control studies comparing percutaneous intramedullary fibular screw fixation to the traditional open reduction and internal fixation with plates and screws. In our study, we compared radiographic and clinical outcomes for unstable ankle fractures in which the fibula fracture was treated with either a percutaneous intramedullary screw or by open reduction and internal fixation with a plate and screw construct. We retrospectively reviewed 69 consecutive patients from 2011 to 2019 with unstable ankle fractures treated with intramedullary fibular screws and compared them to 216 case-control patients treated with traditional plate and screw construct over the same time period. The average follow-up for the intramedullary screw group was 11.5 months and 15.2 months for the plate and screw group. We collected general demographic data, measured intraoperative and final follow-up talocrural angles, Kellgren-Lawrence osteoarthritis grade, union rates, implant removal rates, infection rates, and American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Society ankle-hindfoot scores. The intramedullary screw group had a statistically significant lower rate of delayed implant removal (8.7% vs 23.6%) and there was no detectable difference in other measures.

Patients of Obese Representation Require Longer Operative Times: An Evaluation of Acetabular and Pelvic Ring Operative Duration.

Recent literature has determined that operative times for the obese population are greater for both elective and nonelective orthopedic procedures. If time allotted for a given surgical procedure is used as a measure of procedural difficulty, then consideration can be given for using an additional coding modifier (i.e., Modifier 22) for the increased skill and effort associated with longer procedures. A retrospective chart review was conducted on all patients who underwent surgical treatment for an acute fracture about the pelvis at an urban level-1 trauma center from October 1, 2010 through October 31, 2018. After allowing for both inclusion and exclusion criteria, 102 patients with acetabular fractures and 55 patients with pelvic ring injuries were included in this investigation. The obese population within the acetabular fracture cohort demonstrated significantly longer mean times for the duration of surgery, total time in spent in the operating room, and duration under anesthesia (P values of 0.038, 0.05 and 0.035, respectively). Similar results were observed with the pelvic ring injury cohort, with significantly longer procedural times (P = 0.019), total time in the operating room (P = 0.034), and total duration under anesthesia (P = 0.0395). A trend towards a greater risk of infection was found in obese patients (7%) when compared with nonobese patients (1.6%) within the acetabular fracture subset (P = 0.093). Operative duration for acetabular fractures and pelvic ring injuries is significantly longer in the obese population. Furthermore, this indicates that a Modifier 22 may be justified for the surgical treatment of these injuries in the obese and morbidly obese patient populations.

The Intercalary Fragment in Posterior Malleolus Fractures: Characterization and Significance.

Methods of fixation in ankle fractures involving the posterior malleolus have become increasingly scrutinized. With the increase in computed tomography (CT), an intercalary fracture fragment (ICF) adjacent to the posterior malleolus has been oft described. Treatment of the ICF remains controversial and the purpose of this study was to evaluate radiographic and clinical outcomes in patients who had direct reduction and fixation of this fragment compared to those where the ICF was not fixed. This retrospective study included 249 trimalleolar and posterior pilon ankle fractures grouped into those who had the ICF reduced and fixed (n = 74) and those where the ICF was not directly addressed (n = 175). CT scans were evaluated for size and location of the ICF. Demographic, radiographic and intraoperative variables were collected and analyzed. The group which had the ICF reduced and fixed had decreased Kellgren-Lawrence scores (p = .001). There was also a higher rate of repeat surgery in the group who had the ICF fixed, although not meeting statistical significance. There were no differences in size or location of the ICF fragment between groups. We did identify similarities with other studies in regard to size and posterolateral location of the ICF between groups. However, based on worsening radiographic outcomes of the group where the ICF was reduced and fixed, we do not necessarily recommend universal treatment of this fragment. The surgeon's goal should always be a concentric articular reduction and treatment of the ICF should be considered on a case-by-case basis.

Weight Bearing as Tolerated After Intramedullary Nailing of the Femur: A Retrospective Analysis of Clinical and Radiographic Outcomes.

Intramedullary nailing of femur fractures has become the standard of care, with high union rates. Few high-level studies have discussed the effect that early weight bearing has on the healing of these fractures, regardless of nail size or fracture pattern. The goal of this study was to determine the clinical and radiographic outcomes of femoral shaft fractures for patients allowed immediate weight bearing after intramedullary nailing. We performed a retrospective review of 341 femoral shaft fractures, with 131 allowed immediate weight bearing, 99 allowed partial weight bearing, and 111 kept non-weight bearing. Demographic, intraoperative, and postoperative variables were collected and analyzed. Increased fracture complexity was associated with higher likelihood of delayed weight bearing. No significant difference was found for nail size or rate of failure with different nail sizes. A total of 50 nonunions were noted (14.7%), with no difference in nonunion rates between weight bearing cohorts. The only significant predictor of nonunion was Orthopaedic Trauma Association (OTA) classification of OTA32B fractures (P=.02), which were 2 times and 4 times as likely to occur compared with OTA32A and OTA32C fractures, respectively. Failure of interlocking screws occurred among 15 patients (4.4%) and was more common with older patients, osteoporotic bone, and larger diameter nails. In summary, unilateral intramedullary nailing of adult femoral shaft fractures does not show a difference in fracture union rates or implant failure with unrestricted, immediate weight bearing, regardless of nail characteristics. [Orthopedics. 2022;45(3):e148-e153.].

Treatment of Distal Femur Fractures with a Combined Nail-Plate Construct: Techniques and Outcomes.

A combination treatment using a retrograde intramedullary (IM) nail and a lateral locking plate has scarcely been described in distal femur fracture treatment. In this retrospective inquiry, we review 97 patients who were treated for distal femur fracture by one of five fellowship-trained orthopedic trauma surgeons at an urban level-1 trauma center. Of the 97 patients enrolled in this investigation, eight were treated with a combined nail-plate hybrid construct. The remaining 89 patients were treated with either traditional IM nailing (22 patients) or locking plate fixation (67 patients) alone. Patient demographics, fracture and injury characteristics, operative variables, radiographic information, and postoperative outcome measurements were recorded for each patient in the study. All eight patients who were treated with the combined nail-plate construct proceeded to fracture union (100% vs. 69% in the control group; p = 0.33). Both procedure duration (p = 0.006) and total fluoroscopy time (p = 0.004) were significantly higher in the nail-plate construct group. No statistically significant difference was found between the two groups regarding complication rate. A combined nail-plate construct is a successful treatment alternative for acute management of distal femur fractures. This technique may be most beneficial for patients at higher risk for nonunion (i.e., those with open, comminuted metaphysis fractures) or those with a need for an additional load-sharing construct (i.e, osteopenic or noncompliant patients).

A Modern "Nightstick Fracture" Induced by Contemporary Ballistics During the George Floyd Protests.

A 28-year-old male presented to the emergency department with an isolated ulnar shaft fracture secondary to a ballistic injury with a wooden pellet gun. This injury is also known as a "nightstick fracture," which is a common eponym in orthopedic surgery used to describe a fracture of the ulnar shaft. The eponym gained its title for the injury commonly seen when in a defensive position while being attacked with a wooden club. It is widely accepted that this infamous injury was popularized in the 1960s as a sequela of the many race-related riots across the United States. This case details how the nightstick fracture is still prevalent as a result of political protesting today, despite modern-day methods of non-lethal riot control.

Testicular Dislocation After Unstable Pelvic Ring Injury.

Reproductive and genitourinary complications following pelvic ring injuries have been described; however, testicular dislocation is rare and can cause significant morbidity if not managed appropriately. We describe a case of testicular dislocation after pelvic ring injury and outline the subsequent management and outcome, and seek to identify areas of improvement to ensure expedient and appropriate care in the setting of these injuries. Our case describes a 29-year-old male who presented to a level-one trauma center following a motorcycle collision. An anteroposterior compression type II rotationally unstable pelvic ring was identified on imaging. He was hemodynamically unstable and computed tomography (CT) with angiography was ordered. Arterial extravasation was noted from the bilateral anterior internal iliac arteries, which were subsequently embolized by interventional radiology. However, no concomitant genitourinary injury was identified at the time of CT. After resuscitation, the pelvis was stabilized with an anterior symphyseal plate and bilateral sacroiliac screws. During the anterior pelvic approach, the patient's dislocated testicle was surprisingly discovered inferior to the pubis. Urology was consulted intra-operatively, and the testicle was successfully relocated. At the final follow-up, the pelvic ring was healed without any noticeable urogenital complication. While testicular dislocation has been reported in the setting of pelvic ring injury, a paucity of information exists regarding management, implications, and areas for improvement in the identification of these injuries. Therefore, in cases of pelvic ring injury with significant trauma, radiologists, traumatologists, and orthopedic surgeons should adopt a multi-disciplinary approach in diligently attempting to rule out testicular dislocation pre-operatively. Intra-operatively, examination under anesthesia and careful operative technique are important in preventing iatrogenic injury.

Effect of Early Weight Bearing on Outcomes After Open Reduction and Internal Fixation of Trimalleolar Ankle Fractures.

Current practice allows early weight bearing of unstable ankle fractures after fixation. This study offers a unique comparison of early weight bearing (EWB) vs late weight bearing (LWB) in operatively stabilized trimalleolar ankle fractures. The goal of this study was to evaluate union rates, clinical outcomes, and complications for patients who were managed with EWB vs LWB. The authors performed a retrospective review of 185 patients who underwent surgical stabilization for trimalleolar ankle fracture. Fixation of the posterior malleolus and weight bearing status were determined by surgeon preference. For this study, EWB was defined as 3 weeks or less and LWB was defined as greater than 3 weeks. Patients were evaluated for fracture union and implant failure. Complications and clinical outcomes included ambulatory status, infection rate, and return to surgery. The EWB group included 47 (25.4%) patients, and the LWB group included 138 (74.6%) patients. Of the 7 nonunions, 1 (14.3%) occurred in the EWB group and 6 (85.7%) in the LWB group. A total of 72 (38.9%) posterior malleolar fractures were operatively stabilized, and stabilization did not affect union rates. Syndesmotic fixation was required for 12.5% of patients, despite posterior malleolar stabilization. Syndesmotic fixation increased the union rate 2.5 times. Deep infection and open fracture decreased union. No difference was seen between groups in implant failure, union rate, infection, or return to the operating room. No deleterious effect of EWB in operatively treated trimalleolar ankle fractures was found for union, implant failure, infection, or reoperation. Syndesmotic fixation may offer an advantage over posterior malleolar fixation, with improved union rates. [Orthopedics. 2021;44(3):160-165.].

A model for evaluating the biomechanics of rib fracture fixation.

INTRODUCTION: High rates of morbidity and mortality following flail chest rib fractures are well publicized. Standard of care has been supportive mechanical ventilation, but serious complications have been reported. Internal rib fixation has shown improvements in pulmonary function, clinical outcomes, and decreased mortality. The goal of this study was to provide a model defining the biomechanical benefits of internal rib fixation. METHODS: One human cadaver was prepared with an actuator providing anteroposterior forces to the thorax and rib motion sensors to define interfragmentary motion. Cadaveric model was validated using a prior study which defined costovertebral motion to create a protocol using similar technology and procedure. Ribs 4-6 were fixed with motion sensors anteriorly, laterally and posteriorly. Motion was recorded with ribs intact before osteotomizing each rib anteriorly and laterally. Flail chest motion was record with fractures subsequently plated and analyzed. Motion was recorded in the sagittal, coronal and transverse axes. FINDINGS: Compared to the intact rib model, the flail chest model demonstrated an 11.3 times increase in sagittal plane motion, which was reduced to 2.1 times the intact model with rib plating. Coronal and sagittal plane models also saw increases of 9.7 and 5.1 times, respectively, with regards to flail chest motion. Both were reduced to 1.2 times the intact model after rib plating. INTERPRETATION: This study allows quantification of altered ribcage biomechanics after flail chest injuries and suggests rib plating is useful in restoring biomechanics as well as contributing to improving pulmonary function and clinical outcomes.

Improved Outcomes Using a Fibular Strut in Proximal Humerus Fracture Fixation.

Proximal humerus fractures, although common, have high rates of failure after open reduction and internal fixation. The use of a fibular allograft has been explored as a means to decrease complications, particularly varus collapse and the need for revision surgery. The authors performed a retrospective review of 133 proximal humerus fractures managed surgically with locking plates (n=72) or locking plates with fibular allograft intramedullary struts (n=61). Demographic, intraoperative, and postoperative variables were collected and analyzed. The fibular allograft group was more likely to be older (P<.01), be female (P=.04), and have a history of osteoporosis (P=.01). No differences were noted in the proportions of 2-, 3-, or 4-part fractures between groups. Average follow-up was 28 weeks. Medial calcar length was longer in the locking plate only group (P=.04); however, this group demonstrated a decreased head shaft angle (P=.01) and a trend toward increased rates of varus collapse (P=.06). No significant differences were found regarding other radiographic complications, irrespective of fracture complexity. A notable decrease in fluoroscopy time was seen with strut use (P=.04), but operative time and blood loss were similar between groups. A significant decrease in revision surgery rate was found with use of an allograft strut (P=.05). Using a strut appears to preserve the radiographic head shaft angle and decrease the risk of fracture collapse in 2-, 3-, and 4-part fractures, without increasing surgical time or morbidity. Use of an intramedullary strut appears to reduce the need for revision surgery, particularly in 3- and 4-part fractures. [Orthopedics. 2020;43(5):262-268.].

Safety of Early Weight Bearing Following Fixation of Bimalleolar Ankle Fractures.

Ankle fractures are common orthopedic injuries. Although operative indications and subsequent stabilization of these fractures have not significantly changed, postoperative protocols remain highly variable. Effects of early weight bearing (EWB) on fracture characteristics in operatively stabilized bimalleolar and bimalleolar equivalent ankle fractures remain poorly publicized. This study seeks to clarify postoperative fracture union rates, rates of hardware loosening or failure, and radiographic medial clear space changes when comparing EWB to late weight bearing (LWB) following open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF). A total of 95 patients with either bimalleolar (66%) or bimalleolar equivalent (34%) fractures who underwent ORIF were retrospectively reviewed. Weight bearing was allowed at three weeks in the EWB group and when signs of radiographic union were noted in the LWB group. Postoperatively, patients were evaluated at regular intervals for fracture union, signs of implant failure, and evidence of medial clear space widening radiographically. There were 38 patients (40%) in the EWB group and 57 patients (60%) comprising the LWB cohort. There were no significant demographic differences between groups. The EWB group on average began to weight bear at 3.1 + 1.4 weeks postoperatively, whereas the LWB group began at 7.2 + 2.1 weeks postoperatively (p<0.01). Union rate (p=0.51), time to union (p=0.23), and implant failure (p>0.1 at all time intervals) were not notably different between groups. No differences in medial clear space were detected at any postoperative interval between groups (p>0.1 at all time intervals). This study suggests that EWB at three weeks postoperatively does not increase markers of radiographic failure compared to six weeks of non-weight bearing (NWB), which has been regarded as the gold standard of treatment to allow for healing; this may represent an improvement to rehabilitation protocols after bimalleolar ankle ORIF of unstable ankle fractures.

Anterior Capsular Reconstruction Using a Dermal Allograft for an Irreparable Subscapularis Tear After Shoulder Arthroplasty: A Case Report.

CASE: A 51-year-old man was noted to have an irreparable subscapularis tear after total shoulder arthroplasty (TSA). Owing to positive reported results with superior capsular reconstruction, his insufficiency was addressed with anterior capsular reconstruction with use of a dermal allograft. Two-year follow-up results demonstrate good functional outcomes, no recurrent instability, and excellent patient satisfaction. CONCLUSIONS: Anterior shoulder insufficiency after TSA can significantly alter glenohumeral function and is an important cause of patient morbidity. This novel technique exhibits a good outcome and provides an alternative to previous methods of repair.

Suture Anchor Repair of Quadriceps and Patellar Tendon Injuries.

Operative treatment of quadriceps and patellar tendon ruptures with transosseous bone tunnels remains the gold standard, but potential benefits exist with the use of suture anchor fixation for these injuries. Such benefits include stronger biomechanical fixation, reduced soft-tissue disruption, smaller incision, reduced postoperative pain, shorter operative time, lower knot burden, lack of prepatellar bursa scarring, and avoidance of some transosseous repair risks. In this investigation, we present the reproducible technique and outcomes of using suture anchors for repair of quadriceps and patellar tendon ruptures.

Difficulty of Total Hip Arthroplasty Following Open Reduction and Internal Fixation of Acetabular Fractures.

BACKGROUND: The incidence of posttraumatic arthrosis after acetabular fractures is significant, and patients frequently require secondary total hip arthroplasty. Conversion arthroplasty is more technically difficult, and there is higher risk than with routine primary total hip arthroplasty. The goal of this study was to identify the challenges and risks of secondary total hip arthroplasty compared to primary total hip arthroplasty. METHODS: We retrospectively identified 30 patients who underwent secondary total hip arthroplasty after open reduction and internal fixation of an acetabulum fracture and compared them with 20 patients who had undergone primary total hip arthroplasty for degenerative joint disease. RESULTS: Demographic data were similar between groups. Hardware removal was deemed necessary in 21 patients (70%). Allograft was needed for bone defects in 33% of secondary total hip arthroplasty cases, while no primary cases required grafting. Operative time (217.4 vs. 113.7 min, P < 0.01) and estimated blood loss (875.8 vs. 365 mL, P < 0.01) were significantly greater in the secondary arthroplasty group. Early postoperative complications were also higher in the secondary arthroplasty group. CONCLUSIONS: Total hip arthroplasty after acetabular fracture open reduction and internal fixation is a more complex procedure due to exposure difficulty, possible implant removal, management of bony deficits, and the potential use of cages and revision components. Experienced surgeons managing these complicated cases must take great care not only in ensuring appropriate technique but also in appropriate patient education regarding increased risk of major and minor complications. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III.