Characteristics of Femoral Shaft Fractures That Predict Ipsilateral Femoral Neck Fractures.

INTRODUCTION: This study aims to characterize radiographic features and fracture characteristics in femoral shaft fractures with associated femoral neck fractures, with the goal of establishing predictive indicators for the presence of ipsilateral femoral neck fractures (IFNFs). METHODS: A retrospective cohort was collected from the electronic medical record of three level I trauma centers over a 5-year period (2017 to 2022) by current procedural terminology (CPT) codes. Current CPT codes for combined femoral shaft and IFNFs were identified to generate our study group. CPT codes for isolated femur fractures were identified to generate a control group. RESULTS: One hundred forty patients comprised our IFNF cohort, and 280 comprised the control cohort. On univariate, there were significant differences in mechanism of injury (P < 0.001), Orthopedic Trauma Association (OTA)/Arbeitsgemeinshaft fur Osteosynthesefragen (AO) classification (P = 0.002), and fracture location (P < 0.001) between cohorts. On multivariate, motor vehicle crashes were more commonly associated with IFNFs compared with other mechanism of injuries. OTA/AO 32A fractures were more commonly associated with IFNFs when compared with OTA/AO 32B fractures (adjusted odds ratio = 0.36, P < 0.001). Fractures through the isthmus were significantly more commonly associated with IFNFs than fractures more proximal (adjusted odds ratio = 2.52, P = 0.011). DISCUSSION: Detecting IFNFs in femoral shaft fractures is challenging. Motor vehicle crashes and motorcycle collisions, OTA/AO type 32A fractures, and isthmus fractures are predictive of IFNFs.

Outcomes of SARS-CoV-2 infection among patients with orthopaedic fracture surgery in the National COVID Cohort Collaborative (N3C).

BACKGROUND: The objective of this study was to investigate the outcomes of COVID-19-positive patients undergoing orthopaedic fracture surgery using data from a national database of U.S. adults with a COVID-19 test for SARS-CoV-2. METHODS: This is a retrospective cohort study using data from a national database to compare orthopaedic fracture surgery outcomes between COVID-19-positive and COVID-19-negative patients in the United States. Participants aged 18-99 with orthopaedic fracture surgery between March and December 2020 were included. The main exposure was COVID-19 status. Outcomes included perioperative complications, 30-day all-cause mortality, and overall all-cause mortality. Multivariable adjusted models were fitted to determine the association of COVID-positivity with all-cause mortality. RESULTS: The total population of 6.5 million patient records was queried, identifying 76,697 participants with a fracture. There were 7,628 participants in the National COVID Cohort who had a fracture and operative management. The Charlson Comorbidity Index was higher in the COVID-19-positive group (n = 476, 6.2 %) than the COVID-19-negative group (n = 7,152, 93.8 %) (2.2 vs 1.4, p<0.001). The COVID-19-positive group had higher mortality (13.2 % vs 5.2 %, p<0.001) than the COVID-19-negative group with higher odds of death in the fully adjusted model (Odds Ratio=1.59; 95 % Confidence Interval: 1.16-2.18). CONCLUSION: COVID-19-positive participants with a fracture requiring surgery had higher mortality and perioperative complications than COVID-19-negative patients in this national cohort of U.S. adults tested for COVID-19. The risks associated with COVID-19 can guide potential treatment options and counseling of patients and their families. Future studies can be conducted as data accumulates. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III.

Achilles tendon disorders: An overview of diagnosis and conservative treatment.

ABSTRACT: Achilles tendon-related pain affects up to 6% of the US population during their lifetime and is commonly encountered by primary care providers. An accurate diagnosis and early conservative management can improve patient quality of life and reduce unnecessary surgical consultations, saving healthcare dollars. Achilles tendon pathologies can be categorized into acute (pain lasting less than 6 weeks), chronic (pain lasting more than 6 weeks), and acute on chronic (worsening of pain with preexisting chronic Achilles tendon pathology). This article describes the diagnosis, conservative management, indications for imaging, and indications for surgical referral for acute and chronic Achilles tendon rupture, Achilles tendinitis, gastrocnemius strain, plantaris rupture, insertional Achilles tendinopathy, Haglund deformity, and noninsertional Achilles tendinopathy.

How do surgeons decide when to treat proximal humerus fractures with operative versus nonoperative management?

PURPOSE: The objective of this study was to determine the underlying factors that drive the decision for surgeons to pursue operative versus nonoperative management for proximal humerus fractures (PHF) and if fellowship training had an impact on these decisions. METHODS: An electronic survey was distributed to members of the Orthopaedic Trauma Association and the American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons Society to assess differences in patient selection for operative versus nonoperative management of PHF. Descriptive statistics were reported for all respondents. RESULTS: A total of 250 fellowship trained Orthopaedic Surgeons responded to the online survey. A greater proportion of trauma surgeons preferred nonoperative management for displaced PHF fractures in patients over the age of 70. Operative management was preferred for older patients with fracture dislocations (98%), limited humeral head bone subchondral bone (78%), and intraarticular head split (79%). Similar proportions of trauma surgeons and shoulder surgeons cited that acquiring a CT was crucial to distinguish between operative and nonoperative management. CONCLUSION: We found that surgeons base their decisions on when to operate primarily on patient's comorbidities, age, and the amount of fracture displacement when treating younger patients. Further, we found a greater proportion of trauma surgeons elected to proceed with nonoperative management in patients older than the age of 70 years old as compared to shoulder surgeons.

Comparison of Total Ankle Replacement and Ankle Arthrodesis for Ankle Arthropathy in Patients With Bleeding Disorders: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

BACKGROUND: There is limited literature comparing the publications on ankle arthrodesis (AA) and total ankle arthroplasty (TAA) in the setting of hemophilic arthropathy. Our objective is to systematically review the existing literature and to assess ankle arthroplasty as an alternative to ankle arthrodesis in this patient population. METHODS: This systematic review was conducted and presented according to the PRISMA statement standards. A search was conducted on March 7-10, 2023, using MEDLINE (via PubMed), Embase, Scopus, ClinicalTrials.gov, CINAHL Plus with Full Text, and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Studies. This search was restricted to full-text human studies published in English, and articles were screened by 2 masked reviewers. Systematic reviews, case reports with less than 3 subjects, letters to the editor, and conference abstracts were excluded. Two independent reviewers rated study quality using the MINORS tool. RESULTS: Twenty-one of 1226 studies were included in this review. Thirteen articles reviewed the outcomes associated with AA in hemophilic arthropathy whereas 10 reviewed the outcomes associated with TAA. Two of our studies were comparative and reviewed the outcomes of both AA and TAA. Additionally, 3 included studies were prospective. Studies showed that the degree of improvement in American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society hindfoot-ankle score, visual analog scale pain scores, and the mental and physical component summary scores of the 36-Item Short Form Health Survey were similar for both surgeries. Complication rates were also similar between the 2 surgeries. Additionally, studies showed a significant improvement in ROM after TAA. CONCLUSION: Although the level of evidence in this review varies and results should be interpreted with caution, the current literature suggests similar clinical outcomes and complication rates between TAA and AA in this patient population.

Risk Factors for Prolonged Hospital Stay After Femoral Neck Fracture.

The purpose of this study was to investigate the association between pre-operative anemia and prolonged hospital stay among geriatric patients with operative femoral neck fractures. This retrospective cohort study was performed at a level I trauma center and included geriatric patients with femoral neck fractures (OTA/AO 31) and operative treatment with Current Procedural Terminology code 27236. Exclusion criteria were admission to the intensive care unit, evacuation of subdural hematoma, and conditions requiring exploratory laparotomy. A total of 207 individuals, with data collected between January 2015 and August 2019 and age 65 years and older, were included in the analysis. Linear regression was used to evaluate the association between anemia and length of stay adjusting for potential confounders. Anemia was defined using preoperative hematocrit. The primary outcome was prolonged length of stay, defined as 5 or more days. The group was 65% women. The mean age was 80.2 years (range, 64-98 years). The majority (61%) of patients had anemia. American Society of Anesthesiologists classification was associated with preoperative anemia (P=.02). Patients with anemia had a 16% higher risk of prolonged length of stay compared with patients without anemia (81% vs 65%, P=.009). In the linear regression model, preoperative hematocrit was associated with length of stay (P=.032) when adjusted for sex, age, preoperative tranexamic acid, preoperative hemoglobin, postoperative hemoglobin, and postoperative hematocrit. Length of stay was approximately 1 week in this study, with anemia being a statistically significant risk factor for prolonged length of stay. Health care providers and administrators can consider anemia on admission when predicting length of stay. [Orthopedics. 2023;46(4):211-217.].

Management of open pelvic ring injuries.

Open pelvic ring injuries are rare clinical entities that require multidisciplinary care. Due to the scarcity of this injury, there is no well-defined treatment algorithm. As a result, conflicting evidence surrounding various aspects of care including wound management and fecal diversion remain. Previous studies have shown mortality reaching 50% in open pelvic ring injuries, nearly five times higher than closed pelvic ring injuries. Early mortality is due to exsanguinating hemorrhage, while late mortality is due to wound sepsis and multiorgan system failure. With advancements in trauma care and ATLS protocols, there has been an improved survival rate reported in published case series. Major considerations when treating these injuries include aggressive resuscitation with hemorrhage control, diagnosis of associated injuries, prevention of wound sepsis with early surgical management, and definitive skeletal fixation. Classification systems for categorization and management of bony and soft tissue injury related to pelvic ring injuries have been established. Fecal diversion has been proposed to decrease rates of sepsis and late mortality. While clear indications are lacking due to limited studies, previous studies have reported benefits. Further large-scale studies are necessary for adequate evaluation of treatment protocols of open pelvic ring injuries. Understanding the role of fecal diversion, avoidance of primary closure in open pelvic ring injuries, and importance of well-coordinated care amongst surgical teams can optimize patient outcomes.

Risk of Acute Kidney Injury and Fracture-Related Infection After Antibiotic Prophylaxis With Piperacillin-Tazobactam in Open Fractures.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the effects of prophylactic piperacillin-tazobactam (PT) on inpatient acute kidney injury (AKI) and fracture-related infection (FRI) in patients with open fractures. SETTING: The study was conducted at a Level 1 trauma center. PATIENTS: We reviewed 358 Gustilo-Anderson type II and III open fractures at our institution from January 2013 to December 2017. INTERVENTION: Administration of PT (the PT group) or antibiotics other than PT (the historical control group) during the first 48 hours of arrival for open fracture antibiotic prophylaxis. MAIN OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS: The main outcome measurements were rates of inpatient AKI and FRI within six months after definitive fixation. RESULTS: There were 176 patients in the PT group and 182 patients in the historical control group. The PT group had worse American Society of Anesthesiologists class ( P = 0.004) and injury severity scores ( P < 0.001), a higher average number of debridements before closure/coverage ( P = 0.043), and higher rates of gross soil contamination ( P = 0.049) and staged procedures ( P = 0.008) compared with the historical control group.There was no difference in the rate of AKI between the PT and historical control groups (5.7% vs. 2.7%, P = 0.166) nor when stratified by Gustilo-Anderson fracture classification (type II: 5.8% vs. 3.6%, P = 0.702; type III: 5.6% vs. 2.0%, P = 0.283). There was no significant difference in the rate of FRI between the PT and historical control groups (23.6% vs. 19.6%, P = 0.469). CONCLUSION: The use of PT in prophylactic antimicrobial treatment in patients with Gustilo-Anderson type II and III open fractures does not increase the rate of AKI or FRI. We believe PT can be used as an effective monotherapy in these patients without an increased risk of renal injury, but future investigations are necessary. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic Level III. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

Diagnosis and Management of Traumatic Hemipelvectomy.

Traumatic hemipelvectomy (THP) is a catastrophic injury associated with high-energy trauma and high mortality. THP has been defined as a complete dislocation of the hemipelvis, often with disruption through the symphysis pubis and sacroiliac joint with concurrent traumatic rupture of the iliac vessels. Despite recent advances in prehospital resuscitative techniques, the true incidence of THP is difficult to ascertain because many patients die before hospital arrival. The leading causes of death associated with THP include blood loss, infection, and multiple system organ failure. Recognition and immediate intervention for these injuries is imperative for survival. The initial assessment includes a thorough physical examination assessing for signs of arterial damage and other associated injuries. Hemorrhage control and vigorous resuscitation should be prioritized to combat impending exsanguination. Emergent amputation has been found to be a lifesaving operation in these patients. The basis of this approach is rooted in achieving complete hemostasis while reducing complication rates. Understanding the nature of these massive pelvic injuries, the role of early amputation, and the importance of subspecialty communication can improve survivability and optimize patient outcomes.

Civilian Ballistic Femoral Shaft Fractures Compared With Blunt Femur Shaft Fractures.

OBJECTIVE: To assess ballistic femoral shaft fracture outcomes in comparison with closed and open femoral shaft fractures sustained by blunt mechanisms. We hypothesized that ballistic femoral shaft fractures would have similar outcomes to blunt open fractures. DESIGN: Retrospective cohort study. SETTING: Academic Level I trauma center. PARTICIPANTS: Patients 16 years and older presenting with ballistic (140), blunt closed (317), or blunt open (71) femoral shaft fractures. MAIN OUTCOMES: Unplanned return to operating room, fracture-related infection, soft tissue reconstruction, nonunion, implant failure, length of stay, Injury Severity Scores, hospital charges, and compartment syndrome. RESULTS: A total of 528 femoral shaft fractures were identified. A group of 140 ballistic fractures and comparison groups of all femoral shaft fractures sustained by blunt mechanisms and treated with intramedullary nailing were included in the analysis. Among the 2 subgroups of nonballistic injuries, 317 were blunt closed fractures and 71 were blunt open fractures. The ballistic group was associated with a 3-fold increase in overall complications (30%) compared with the blunt closed group (10%, P < 0.001), had a higher occurrence of thigh compartment syndrome (P < 0.001), and required more soft tissue reconstruction (P < 0.001) than either of the blunt fracture groups. CONCLUSIONS: Ballistic femoral shaft fractures do not perfectly fit with blunt closed or open femoral fractures. A high index of suspicion for the development of thigh compartment syndrome should be maintained in ballistic femoral shaft fractures. The overall rates of nonunion and infection were comparable between all groups, but the all-cause complication rate was significantly higher in the ballistic group compared with the blunt closed group. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Prognostic Level III. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

Risk Factors for Deep Infection and Conversion Total Hip Arthroplasty After Operative Combined Pelvic Ring and Acetabular Fractures.

OBJECTIVES: To determine risk factors for deep infection and conversion total hip arthroplasty (THA) after operative management of combined pelvic ring and acetabular injuries. DESIGN: Retrospective case control study. SETTING: Level 1 trauma center. PATIENTS AND INTERVENTION: We reviewed 150 operative combined pelvic ring and acetabular injuries at our institution from 2010 to 2019, with an average follow-up of 690 (90-3282) days. MAIN OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS: Deep infection and conversion THA. RESULTS: Patients who developed deep infection (N = 17, 11.3%) had higher rates of hip dislocation ( P = 0.030), intraoperative transfusion ( P = 0.030), higher body mass index (BMI) ( P = 0.046), increased estimated blood loss ( P < 0.001), more intraoperative units transfused ( P = 0.004), and longer operative times ( P = 0.035). Of the 84 patients with 1-year follow-up, 24 (28.6%) required conversion to THA. Patients requiring conversion THA were older ( P = 0.022) and had higher rates of transverse posterior wall fracture pattern ( P = 0.034), posterior wall involvement ( P < 0.001), hip dislocation ( P = 0.031), wall comminution ( P = 0.002), and increased estimated blood loss ( P = 0.024). The order of the pelvic ring versus acetabular fixation did not affect rates of conversion to THA ( P = 0.109). Multiple logistic regression showed that an increased number of intraoperative units transfused [adjusted odds ratio (aOR) = 1.56, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.16-2.09, P = 0.003] and higher BMI (aOR = 1.10, 95% CI = 1.01-1.16, P = 0.024) were independently associated with an increased odds of deep infection. Posterior wall involvement was independently associated with an increased odds of conversion THA (aOR = 5.73, 95% CI = 1.17-27.04, P = 0.031). CONCLUSIONS: Rates of deep infection and conversion THA after operative fixation of combined injuries were 11.3% and 28.6%, respectively. Higher average BMI and number of intraoperative units of blood transfused were independently associated with deep infection, whereas posterior wall involvement was independently associated with conversion to THA in these patients. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Prognostic Level III. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

Pediatric hallux valgus: An overview of history, examination, conservative, and surgical management.

Pediatric hallux valgus (PHV), while relatively rare, is still often encountered by general pediatricians. Herein, we concisely summarize the existing literature regarding the pathogenesis, associated conditions, clinical diagnosis, radiographic characteristics, conservative management, and surgical management of PVH. Though PHV is generally considered benign, the progression of hallux valgus can result in complications. The presence of an open physis in the pediatric age group delineates first line treatment choices, whenever possible, as nonoperative. The general exception to this recommendation is for children with neuromuscular and connective tissues disease who may benefit from earlier surgical management. If conservative approaches fail prior to skeletal maturity, the risk of recurrence and need for revision surgery should be discussed with patients and their families before surgical referral is made. The current review was conducted to aid primary care providers in better understanding the pathogenesis, associated conditions, and intervention options available to manage PHV.

Ankle Fracture and Length of Stay in US Adult Population Using Data From the National COVID Cohort Collaborative.

BACKGROUND: The National COVID Cohort Collaborative (N3C) is an innovative approach to integrate real-world clinical observations into a harmonized database during the time of the COVID-19 pandemic when clinical research on ankle fracture surgery is otherwise mostly limited to expert opinion and research letters. The purpose of this manuscript is to introduce the largest cohort of US ankle fracture surgery patients to date with a comparison between lab-confirmed COVID-19-positive and COVID-19-negative. METHODS: A retrospective cohort of adults with ankle fracture surgery using data from the N3C database with patients undergoing surgery between March 2020 and June 2021. The database is an NIH-funded platform through which the harmonized clinical data from 46 sites is stored. Patient characteristics included body mass index, Charlson Comorbidity Index, and smoking status. Outcomes included 30-day mortality, overall mortality, surgical site infection (SSI), deep SSI, acute kidney injury, pulmonary embolism, deep vein thrombosis, sepsis, time to surgery, and length of stay. COVID-19-positive patients were compared to COVID-19-negative controls to investigate perioperative outcomes during the pandemic. RESULTS: A total population of 8.4 million patient records was queried, identifying 4735 adults with ankle fracture surgery. The COVID-19-positive group (n=158, 3.3%) had significantly longer times to surgery (6.5 ± 6.6 vs 5.1 ± 5.5 days, P = .001) and longer lengths of stay (8.3 ± 23.5 vs 4.3 ± 7.4 days, P < .001), compared to the COVID-19-negative group. The COVID-19-positive group also had a higher rate of 30-day mortality. CONCLUSION: Patients with ankle fracture surgery had longer time to surgery and prolonged hospitalizations in COVID-19-positive patients compared to those who tested negative (average delay was about 1 day and increased length of hospitalization was about 4 days). Few perioperative events were observed in either group. Overall, the risks associated with COVID-19 were measurable but not substantial.Level of Evidence: Level III, retrospective cohort study.

Understanding postoperative rehabilitation preferences in operatively managed proximal humerus fractures: do trauma and shoulder surgeons differ?

BACKGROUND: Proximal humerus fractures (PHFs) are common, and their incidence is increasing as the population ages. Despite this, postoperative rehabilitation remains unstandardized and little is known about surgeon preferences. The aim of this study was to assess differences in postoperative rehabilitation preferences and patient education between orthopedic trauma and shoulder surgeons. METHODS: An electronic survey was distributed to members of the Orthopaedic Trauma Association and the American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons to assess differences in postoperative rehabilitation preferences and patient counseling. Descriptive statistics were reported for all respondents, trauma surgeons, and shoulder surgeons. Chi-square and unpaired 2-sample t tests were used to compare responses. Multinomial regression was used to further elucidate the influence of fellowship training independent of confounding characteristics. RESULTS: A total of 293 surgeons completed the survey, including 172 shoulder and 78 trauma surgeons. A greater proportion of trauma surgeons preferred an immediate weightbearing status after arthroplasty compared to shoulder surgeons (45% vs. 19%, P = .003), but not after open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) (62% vs. 75%, P = .412). A greater proportion of shoulder surgeons preferred home exercise therapy taught by the physician or using a handout following reverse shoulder arthroplasty (RSA) (21% vs. 2%, P = .009). A greater proportion of trauma surgeons began passive range of motion (ROM) <2 weeks after 2-part fractures (70% vs. 41%, P < .001). Conversely, a greater proportion of shoulder surgeons began passive ROM between 2 and 6 weeks for 2-part (57% vs. 24%, P < .001) and 4-part fractures (65% vs. 43%, P = .020). On multinomial regression analysis, fellowship training in shoulder surgery was associated with preference for a nonweightbearing duration of >12 weeks vs. 6-12 weeks after ORIF. Similarly, fellowship training in shoulder surgery was associated with increased odds of preferring a nonweightbearing duration of <6 weeks vs. no restrictions and >12 weeks vs. 6-12 weeks after arthroplasty. Training in shoulder surgery was associated with greater odds of preferring a nonweightbearing duration prior to beginning passive ROM of 2-6 weeks vs. <2 weeks or >6 weeks for 2-part fractures, but not 4-part fractures. CONCLUSION: Trauma surgeons have a more aggressive approach to rehabilitation following operative PHF repair compared to shoulder surgeons regarding time to weightbearing status and passive ROM. Given the increasing incidence of PHFs and substantial variations in reported treatment outcomes, differences in rehabilitation after PHF treatment should be further evaluated to determine the role it may play in the outcomes of treatment studies.

Assessment and Interventions for Vascular Injuries Associated With Fractures.

Vascular injuries associated with fractures are limb-threatening injuries with notable morbidity. The prompt and thorough evaluation of these patients is imperative to diagnose vascular injuries, and coordinated multidisciplinary care is needed to provide optimal outcomes. The initial assessment includes a detailed physical examination assessing for hard and soft signs of arterial injury, and the arterial pressure index can be used to reliably identify vascular compromise and the need for additional assessment or intervention. Advanced imaging in the form of CT angiography is highly sensitive in additional characterization of the potential injury and can be obtained in an expedient manner. The optimal treatment of fractures with vascular injuries includes providing skeletal stability and confirming or reestablishing adequate distal perfusion as soon as possible. Options for vascular intervention include observation, ligation, direct arterial repair, vascular bypass grafting, endovascular intervention, and staged temporary shunting, followed by bypass grafting. Although the optimal sequence of surgical intervention remains an incompletely answered question, the orthopaedic role in the care of patients with these injuries is to provide mechanical stability to the injured limb to protect the vascular repair and surrounding soft-tissue envelope.

Association Between COVID-19 and Mortality in Hip Fracture Surgery in the National COVID Cohort Collaborative (N3C): A Retrospective Cohort Study.

BACKGROUND: This study investigated the outcomes of coronavirus disease (COVID-19)-positive patients undergoing hip fracture surgery using a national database. METHODS: This is a retrospective cohort study comparing hip fracture surgery outcomes between COVID-19 positive and negative matched cohorts from 46 sites in the United States. Patients aged 65 and older with hip fracture surgery between March 15 and December 31, 2020, were included. The main outcomes were 30-day all-cause mortality and all-cause mortality. RESULTS: In this national study that included 3303 adults with hip fracture surgery, the 30-day mortality was 14.6% with COVID-19-positive versus 3.8% in COVID-19-negative, a notable difference. The all-cause mortality for hip fracture surgery was 27.0% in the COVID-19-positive group during the study period. DICUSSION: We found higher incidence of all-cause mortality in patients with versus without diagnosis of COVID-19 after undergoing hip fracture surgery. The mortality in hip fracture surgery in this national analysis was lower than other local and regional reports. The medical community can use this information to guide the management of hip fracture patients with a diagnosis of COVID-19.

Factors influencing surgical management of proximal humerus fractures: do shoulder and trauma surgeons differ?

BACKGROUND: Proximal humerus fractures (PHFs) are managed with open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF), hemiarthroplasty (HA), reverse shoulder arthroplasty (RSA), or nonoperatively. Given the mixed results in the literature, the optimal treatment is unclear to surgeons. The purpose of this study was to survey orthopedic shoulder and trauma surgeons to identify the patient- and fracture-related characteristics that influence surgical decision-making. METHODS: We distributed a 23-question closed-response email survey to members of the American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons and Orthopaedic Trauma Association. Questions posed to respondents included demographics, surgical planning, indications for ORIF and arthroplasty, and the use of surgical augmentation with ORIF. Numerical and multiple-choice responses were compared between shoulder and trauma surgeons using unpaired t-tests and χ2 tests, respectively. RESULTS: Respondents included 172 shoulder and 78 trauma surgeons. When surgery is indicated, most shoulder and trauma surgeons treat 2-part (69%) and 3-part (53%) PHFs with ORIF. Indications for managing PHFs with arthroplasty instead of ORIF include an intra-articular fracture (82%), bone quality (76%), age (72%), and previous rotator cuff dysfunction (70%). In patients older than 50 years, 90% of respondents cited a head-split fracture as an indication for arthroplasty. Both shoulder and trauma surgeons preferred RSA for treating PHFs presenting with a head-split fracture in an elderly patient (94%), pre-existing rotator cuff tear (84%), and pre-existing glenohumeral arthritis with an intact cuff (75%). Similarly, both groups preferred ORIF for PHFs in young patients with a fracture dislocation (94%). In contrast, although most trauma surgeons preferred to manage PHFs in low functioning patients with a significantly displaced fracture or nonreconstructable injury nonoperatively (84% and 86%, respectively), shoulder surgeons preferred either RSA (44% and 46%, respectively) or nonoperative treatment (54% and 49%, respectively) (P < .001). Similarly, although trauma surgeons preferred to manage PHFs in young patients with a head-split fracture or limited humeral head subchondral bone with ORIF (98% and 87%, respectively), shoulder surgeons preferred either ORIF (54% and 62%, respectively) or HA (43% and 34%, respectively) (P < .001). CONCLUSIONS: ORIF and HA are preferred for treating simple PHFs in young patients with good bone quality or fracture dislocations, whereas RSA and nonoperative management are preferred for complex fractures in elderly patients with poor bone quality, rotator cuff dysfunction, or osteoarthritis. The preferred management differed between shoulder and trauma surgeons for half of the common PHF presentations, highlighting the need for future research.

Union Rates of Talar Neck Fractures With Substantial Bone Defects Treated With Autograft.

BACKGROUND: This study evaluated the union rate of talar neck fractures with substantial bone defects treated acutely with autologous tibial bone graft during primary osteosynthesis. METHODS: A case series at a level 1 trauma center was performed to identify consecutive patients who underwent operative fixation of talar neck fracture with autograft (Current Procedural Terminology codes 28445 and 20902) between 2015 and 2018. "Substantial bone defect" was defined as a gap greater than 5 mm in the sagittal plane and greater than one-third of width of the talar neck in the coronal plane. Postoperative foot computed tomographic (CT) scans were obtained for all patients. Primary outcome was union, and secondary outcomes were malunion, avascular necrosis (AVN), post-traumatic arthritis (PTA), and patient-reported outcomes (PROs). RESULTS: Twelve patients with 12 fractures were included in the series, with an average length of follow-up of 26 months (range: 7-55) The average age was 34 years (17-59), and the most common mechanism of injury was motor vehicle crash. The Hawkins classification of the fractures was 4 type II (2 type IIA and 2 type IIB) (33%) and 8 type III (67%). Four fractures (33%) were open fractures. Union was achieved in 11 patients (92%). There was 1 malunion (8%). AVN was identified on postoperative CT scans in 11 patients (92%). Three of these 11 eventually showed collapse. Ten patients (83%) had radiographic evidence of some degree of ankle PTA, and 12 patients (100%) had radiographic evidence of some degree of subtalar PTA. Average Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System-Short Form score was 37 (32-45) and average Foot and Ankle Ability Measure activities of daily living and sports subscale scores were, respectively, 61 (31-87) and 31 (0-71), respectively. Average visual analog scale score was 5 (0-10), and average Foot Function Index was 49 (7-89). SF-36 scores showed fair to poor outcomes in the majority of patients. CONCLUSION: In this relatively small series, tibial autograft in primary osteosynthesis of comminuted talar neck fractures with substantial bone defects is associated with excellent union rates and low malunion rates. Despite high union rates, secondary outcomes of AVN with or without collapse, ankle and subtalar PTA, and relatively low PROs were common. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV, case series.

What Are the Risk Factors for Infection After Operative Treatment of Peritalar Fracture Dislocations?

OBJECTIVE: To assess the risk factors associated with deep infection after operative treatment of peritalar fracture dislocations. DESIGN: A retrospective study was performed to identify patients who had operative treatment of a peritalar fracture dislocation over an 11-year period (2008-2019). SETTING: Level 1 trauma center. PARTICIPANTS: Patients were identified by review of all surgical billing that included open reduction of peritalar dislocation. Minimum follow-up for inclusion was 3 months or the outcome of interest. A total of 178 patients were identified, and 154 patients met inclusion criteria. MAIN OUTCOME: The primary outcome was deep infection, defined as return to the operating room for debridement with positive cultures. RESULTS: A total of 19 (12.3%) patients developed a postoperative deep infection. The most common associated fractures were talus (47%), calcaneus (33%), and fibula (9%) fractures. The infected group was significantly older (47.2 vs. 39.5 years, P = 0.03). Patients undergoing operative management for peritalar fracture dislocations with current smoking were found to have significantly higher odds of postoperative deep infection (74 vs. 34%, adjusted odds ratio = 7.4, 95% confidence interval, 2.3-24.1, P = 0.001). There was a significantly higher risk of infection in patients with a Gustilo-Anderson type 3 open fracture (32 vs. 12%, adjusted odds ratio = 5.7, 95% confidence interval, 1.6-20.3, P = 0.007). The infected group had high rates of below knee amputation when compared with the group without infection (47 vs. 1%, P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: In our retrospective study, risk factors for infection after peritalar fracture dislocation included older age, smoking, and Gustilo-Anderson type 3 open fracture. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Prognostic Level III. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

Which surgical approach is optimal for joint preparation in talonavicular fusion - A cadaver study.

BACKGROUND: Fusion of the talonavicular joint has proven challenging in literature. The optimal surgical approach for talonavicular arthrodesis is still uncertain. This study compares the amount of physical joint preparation between dorsal and medial approaches to the talonavicular joint. METHODS: Twenty fresh frozen cadaver specimens were randomly assigned to receive either a dorsal or medial operative approach to the talonavicular joint. The joint surface was prepared, and the joint was disarticulated. Image analysis, using ImageJ, was performed by two blinded reviewers to assess the joint surface preparation and this was compared by surgical approach. RESULTS: The dorsal approach had a higher median percentage of talar and total talonavicular joint surface area prepared (75% vs. 59% (p = .007) and 82% vs. 70% (p = .005)). Irrespective of approach, the talus was significantly more difficult to prepare than the navicular (62% vs 88% (p = .001)). CONCLUSION: The dorsal approach provides superior talonavicular joint preparation. The lateral »th of the talar head was the most difficult surface to prepare, and surgeons performing double or triple arthrodesis may prepare the lateral talar head from the lateral approach. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level V.