Investigation of preoperative asymptomatic bacteriuria as a risk factor for postvertebroplasty infection.

BACKGROUND: Postvertebroplasty infection (PVI) is a catastrophic complication after vertebroplasty (VP). Although the urinary tract has been considered as a source of infectious pathogens, whether asymptomatic bacteriuria (ASB) is a risk factors for PVI remains unknown. METHODS: This retrospective study included 716 patients (207 males; 509 females) treated with VP for osteoporotic vertebral fractures in a single medical center between May 2015 and December 2019. Clinical symptoms, urinalysis results, and culture data were collected preoperatively to identify patients with ASB. The primary outcome was PVI at the index level during follow-up. Demographic data and laboratory test results were compared between the PVI and non-PVI groups. RESULTS: The mean age of the cohort was 78.6 ± 9.6 (range, 63-106). The prevalence of ASB was 14.1%, with female predominance (63.4%). The overall PVI rate was 1.26% (9/716). The PVI group had more patients with ASB (4/9, 44.4%) than did the non-PVI group (97/707, 13.7%) (p = 0.027). The rate of ASB treatment was similar between the PVI and non-PVI groups (25% vs. 23.7%, respectively). No case of PVI was caused by the urine culture pathogen. Multivariate analysis identified the following risk factors for PVI: ASB (odds ratio [OR], 5.61; 95% CI, 1.14-27.66; p = 0.034), smoking (OR, 16.26; 95% CI, 2.58-102.65; p = 0.003), and malignancy (OR 7.27; 95% CI, 1.31-40.31; p = 0.023). CONCLUSION: ASB was not uncommon among patients admitted for VP and should be considered a marker of relatively poor host immunity. Preoperative ASB, a history of malignancy, and smoking were identified as significant risk factors for PVI.

Arthroscopic Quantitative Measurement of Medial Clear Space for Deltoid Injury of the Ankle: A Cadaveric Comparative Study With Stress Radiography.

BACKGROUND: The deltoid ligament (DL) is an important stabilizer of the ankle. DL injury of varying severity can occur alone or with syndesmotic injury and fibular fracture. Limited diagnostic tools are available to assess DL injury quantitatively. PURPOSE: To establish an arthroscopic quantitative assessment of DL injury and to compare its performance with that of external rotation stress (ERS) and gravity stress (GS) radiography. STUDY DESIGN: Controlled laboratory study. METHODS: In total, 24 cadaveric lower extremities were divided into 4 groups: group 1 consisted of intact DL, group 2 of superficial DL disruption, group 3 of deep DL disruption, and group 4 of complete DL (superficial and deep) disruption. All specimens underwent sequential sectioning of syndesmotic ligaments, and medial clear space (MCS) was measured with ankle arthroscopy, ERS radiography, and GS radiography at different stages of syndesmotic sectioning. RESULTS: For noninjured deltoid (group 1) and injured deltoid (groups 2-4), area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) of measurement of MCS was 0.939 for arthroscopy, 0.932 for ERS radiography, and 0.874 for GS radiography, with a significant difference between arthroscopy and GS radiography (P = .014). For incomplete deltoid injury (groups 1-3) and complete deltoid injury (group 4), the AUC of MCS was 0.811 for arthroscopy, 0.656 for ERS radiography, and 0.721 for GS radiography, with a significant difference between arthroscopy and ERS radiography (P < .001) and between arthroscopy and GS radiography (P = .035). For all stages of syndesmotic sectioning, cutoff values of arthroscopic MCS with intact fibula were ≤2.5 mm for intact DL, between 2.5 and 3.5 mm for partial DL injury (superficial or deep), and ≥3.5 mm for complete DL injury. Arthroscopy was unable to detect a difference between superficial deltoid injury (group 2) and deep deltoid injury (group 3) in partial DL injury, with a measured MCS between 2.5 and 3.5 mm. The intraclass correlation coefficient of interrater reliability was 0.975 for arthroscopy, 0.917 for ERS radiography, and 0.811 for GS radiography. CONCLUSION: Arthroscopic MCS measurement can differentiate intact DL, partial DL injury, and complete DL injury. Compared with ERS and GS radiography, arthroscopic MCS measurement has greater accuracy with excellent interrater reliability. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: For patients with suspected DL injury, arthroscopic MCS is useful for determining deltoid lesion severity based on defined cutoff values for consideration in preoperative planning to improve surgical outcomes.

First-Ray Radiographic Changes After Flexible Adult Acquired Flatfoot Deformity Correction.

BACKGROUND: Adult acquired flatfoot deformity (AAFD) and hallux valgus (HV) are common foot and ankle deformities. Few studies have reported the changes in radiographic parameters of HV after reconstructive surgery for AAFD. This study aimed to evaluate the changes in radiographic parameters of HV and analyze the risk factors for increased HV after correction of AAFD. METHODS: Adult patients with flexible AAFD who underwent similar bony procedures including medializing calcaneal osteotomy and Cotton osteotomy were included. Radiographic parameters were measured on weightbearing radiographs preoperatively, postoperatively, and at the final follow-up. Patients were divided into hallux valgus angle (HVA) increased and HVA nonincreased groups; logistic regression analysis was performed to identify risk factors affecting increased HV. RESULTS: Forty-six feet of 43 patients were included. After AAFD reconstructive surgery, the tibial sesamoid position improved by 1 grade, but the HVA increased 4 degrees in average. Further, 21 of 46 feet (46%) showed an HVA increase ≥5 degrees immediately after AAFD correction surgery. Preoperative talonavicular coverage angle <21.6 degrees was a risk factor associated with HV increase immediately after the surgery. CONCLUSION: In this case series, using plain radiographs to measure standard parameters of foot alignment, we found the association between AAFD correction and HV deformity measures somewhat paradoxical. Correction of overpronation of the hindfoot and midfoot appears to improve the first metatarsal rotational deformity but may also increase HVA. A lower preoperative talonavicular coverage angle was associated with an increase of the HVA after surgery. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV, case series study.

Radiographic and clinical results of modified 2-incision sinus tarsi approach for treatment of calcaneus fracture.

BACKGROUND: Sinus tarsi approach (STA) is the most commonly used minimally invasive surgery (MIS) in the treatment of displaced intra-articular calcaneal fracture (DIACF). However, there are some limitations related to its limited access. The goal of the present study is to describe a modified 2-incision STA and to evaluate the radiographic and clinical outcomes in the treatment of DIACF. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Patients had a Arbeitsgemeinschaft fur Osteosynthesefragen/Orthopaedic Trauma Association (AO/OTA) classification 82-C, Sanders type II, III calcaneal fracture, and underwent modified 2-incision STA and internal fixation were included in this retrospective study. Serial radiographic measurements and clinical assessment were taken to evaluate the effectiveness of this technique. RESULTS: Thirty-four feet of 33 patients treated between 2014 and 2019 were included with an average follow-up of 28.5 (range, 12-65) months. Mean preoperative Böhler's angle was 1.5 ± 10.0 (range, -26.0-16.9) degrees and mean final Böhler's angle was 29.8 ± 4.9 (range, 19.3-39.3) degrees with significant difference (P < .001). The average American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) score and visual analogue scale (VAS) pain score at last follow-up were 86.2 ± 5.0 (range, 76-97) and 1.6 ± 1.1 (range, 0-4), respectively. Major complications included 2 (5.9%) wound infections and 1 (2.9%) incomplete separation of the lateral wall prior to plate insertion. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS: This modified 2-incision STA is a safe and effective procedure. It allows access to the posterior facet and posterior calcaneal tuberosity, appropriate restoration of blowout lateral wall, and easy placement of a standard calcaneal plate.

Initial femoral stem position in cementless bipolar hemiarthroplasty for femoral neck fracture in elderly patients is associated with early implant subsidence: A radiographic analysis.

BACKGROUND: Bipolar hemiarthroplasty is a well-established treatment for displaced femoral neck fracture in elderly patients. Implant subsidence is a potential complication with cementless femoral stems, and smaller canal fill ratio has been reported as a radiographic risk factor. We aimed to determine the risk factors for subsidence, particularly the initial implant position relative to the resected medial calcar of proximal femur. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed all cementless bipolar hemiarthroplasties performed using a single proximally hydroxyapatite-coated femoral stem in patients with a minimum radiographic follow-up of 12 weeks between January 2017 and December 2018. The amount of subsidence (significant subsidence defined as ≥ 5 mm), canal fill ratio, and implant position relative to the point of resected medial calcar (position A: medial and superior to calcar; position B: lateral and superior to calcar; position C: lateral and inferior to calcar) were measured and analyzed. RESULTS: One-hundred eighty patients were identified (mean age: 80.9 years). Significant subsidence was observed in 52 patients (28.9%). On multivariate analysis, older age, lower canal fill ratio, implant position B, C, and less medial overhang of stem were independent risk factors for early implant subsidence. The risk ratio of position B and C to position A was 5.13 (95% confidence interval, 2.23-11.80). CONCLUSION: In our analysis, older age and lower canal fill ratio were associated with increased risk of subsidence, whereas implant with position A and more medial overhang were less prone to subsidence with the tapered proximally hydroxyapatite-coated implant.

"Ratio of fracture site diameter to isthmus femoral canal diameter" as a predictor of complication following treatment of infra-isthmal femoral shaft fracture with antegrade intramedullary nailing.

INTRODUCTION: Fixation of infra-isthmus femoral shaft fracture using antegrade intramedullary (IM) nailing is difficult and is associated with a high complication rate. This study aimed to identify risk factors for complications following this procedure. The ratio of the fracture site diameter to the diameter of the femoral intramedullary canal of the isthmus (FI ratio) was evaluated as a novel parameter to predict complication. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Patients who underwent antegrade IM nailing for infra-isthmus femoral shaft fracture between January 2008 and December 2018 and had a minimum of 12 months of follow-up were retrospectively reviewed. The primary outcome was occurrence of complication, including non-union, mal-alignment, fixation failure, or progressive loss of reduction. Logistic regression analysis was performed to identify risk factors of complication. The sensitivity and specificity of FI ratio as a predictor of complication was calculated. A receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was generated to establish an FI ratio threshold to predict occurrence of complication following antegrade IM nailing. RESULTS: Sixty-five patients with a mean age of 47.1 years were included. Using univariate logistic regression analysis, comminuted fracture pattern (p=0.026), distance from screws to fracture site (< 3cm) (p=0.002), and higher FI ratio (p=0.001) were associated with complication. Using multivariate logistic regression analysis, FI ratio was identified as an independent risk factor for complication following antegrade IM nailing (p=0.038). ROC curve indicated that FI ratio ≥ 2 had sensitivity and specificity of 0.72 and 0.72, respectively, in predicting complication. CONCLUSIONS: Our study indicates that wider intramedullary diameter at the fracture site was associated with higher complication rate following antegrade IM nailing in distal infra-isthmal femoral fractures. The FI ratio could be a reliable predictor of complication after antegrade IM nailing for such fracture, and alternative strategies should be considered for patients with higher FI ratio (≥ 2).

The Hill-Sachs interval to glenoid track width ratio is comparable to the instability severity index score for predicting risk of recurrent instability after arthroscopic Bankart repair.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to clinically validate the Hill-Sachs interval to glenoid track width ratio (H/G ratio) compared with the instability severity index (ISI) score for predicting an increased risk of recurrent instability after arthroscopic Bankart repair. METHODS: A retrospective evaluation was performed using data from patients with anteroinferior shoulder instability who underwent arthroscopic Bankart repair with a follow-up period of at least 24 months. A receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was used to determine the optimal cut-off values for the H/G ratio and the ISI score to predict an increased risk of recurrent instability. The area under the ROC curve (AUC) of the two methods and the sensitivity and specificity of their optimal cut-off values were compared. RESULTS: A total of 222 patients were included, among whom 31 (14.0%) experienced recurrent instability during the follow-up period. The optimal cut-off values for predicting an increased risk of recurrent instability were an H/G ratio of ≥ 0.7 and ISI score of ≥ 4. There were no significant differences between the AUC of the two methods (H/G ratio AUC = 0.821, standard error = 0.035 and ISI score AUC = 0.792, standard error = 0.04; n.s.) nor between the sensitivity and specificity of the optimal cut-off values (n.s. and n.s., respectively). CONCLUSIONS: The H/G ratio is comparable to the ISI score for predicting an increased risk of recurrent instability after arthroscopic Bankart repair. Surgeons are recommended to consider other strategies to treat anterior shoulder instability if H/G ratio is ≥ 0.7. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: III.

Distal Metatarsal Segmental Shortening for the Treatment of Chronic Metatarsophalangeal Dislocation of Lesser Toes.

BACKGROUND: This retrospective study aimed to describe the techniques and results of distal metatarsal segmental shortening (DMSS) for the treatment of chronic irreducible metatarsophalangeal (MTP) dislocation of lesser toes. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed patients who underwent DMSS for chronic dislocation of MTP joints of lesser toes between January 2010 and December 2017 with follow-up of at least 24 months. Demographic data, radiographic measurements, functional outcomes, and complications were analyzed. Furthermore, the results of patients with short segment of shortening (group I, <10 mm) were compared to those with long segment of shortening (group II, ≥10 mm). A total of 43 MTP joints of 30 patients with an average age of 70.4 years were included. RESULTS: Union was observed in 42 metatarsals (97.7%). Mean American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society scale scores improved significantly from 42.2 (range, 15-65) preoperatively to 79.1 (range, 52-90) (P < .001). Mean visual analog scale pain score improved significantly from 5.0 (range, 1-9) preoperatively to 1.8 (range, 0-6) (P < .001). Complications included 1 nonunion, 1 osteonecrosis, 3 metatarsal angulation, 4 recurrent instability, 4 symptomatic osteoarthritis, 3 transfer metatarsalgia, and 1 floating toe. Group I included 23 MTP joints and group II included 20 MTP joints. There was no significant difference in clinical outcomes and complications between the 2 groups. CONCLUSION: DMSS was a reliable procedure for the treatment of chronic irreducible dislocated MTP joint of lesser toes. It provided satisfactory surgical outcomes and a low rate of postoperative complications, regardless of length of metatarsal shortening. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III, retrospective comparative study.

Untreated small posterior fragment of ankle fracture with early removal of syndesmotic screw is associated with recurrent syndesmotic instability.

INTRODUCTION: This retrospective study aimed to report outcomes of fixation of bi-malleolar or tri-malleolar fractures combined with syndesmotic injury with or without posterior malleolar fracture (PMF), and to ascertain whether syndesmotic screw removal at 6 to 8 weeks or 3 months postoperatively is more beneficial. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed patients who received open reduction and internal fixation for bi-malleolar (without PMF) or tri-malleolar ankle fracture (with PMF) with syndesmotic injury between January 2013 and December 2017 with at least 24 months of postoperative follow-up. All patients suffered syndesmotic instabilities and were treated using a syndesmotic screw without PMF fixation. Patients with bi-malleolar fracture with syndesmotic screw removal at 6 to 8 weeks postoperatively were included in Group I, tri-malleolar fracture with syndesmotic screw removal at 6 to 8 weeks in Group II, and tri-malleolar fracture with syndesmotic screw removal at 3 months in Group III. Demographic data, clinical and radiographic outcomes were analyzed. RESULTS: A total of 113 patients were included (Group I, n=47; Group II, n=43; Group III, n=23). Average size of PMF was 14% in patients with tri-malleolar fractures (Groups II and III). No significant difference in ankle functional outcome among groups was observed. The recurrence rate of syndesmotic instability was 10.6% in Group I, 20.9% in Group II, and 8.7% in Group III. Although the difference in recurrence rates of syndesmotic instability among three groups was not statistically significant (P=0.264), Group II showed more interval change in tibiofibular clear space between initial postoperative radiographs and last follow-up radiographs (P=0.028) compared to the other two groups. Fracture union was achieved in all patients without screw breakage. CONCLUSION: We suggest that the better timing for syndesmotic screw removal is 3 months, instead of 6 to 8 weeks postoperatively, to reduce the risk of recurrence of syndesmotic instability for tri-malleolar fracture without posterior fragment fixation. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III- Case-control study.

Arthroscopic Ankle Arthrodesis Provides Similarly Satisfactory Surgical Outcomes in Ankles With Severe Deformity Compared With Mild Deformity in Elderly Patients.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the surgical outcome in terms of radiographic measurements, functional outcomes, and complications following arthroscopic ankle arthrodesis (AAA) in patients 60 years of age or older, and to compare the results of patients with mildly deformed ankle with those of patients with severely deformed ankle. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed patients who underwent AAA with 3 cannulated screws between January 2008 and December 2017 and followed postoperatively for at least 24 months. All included patients were 60 years of age or older. Demographic data and radiographic and functional outcomes were compared between patients with coronal deformity of less than 15° (group I) and those with a deformity equal to or greater than 15 degrees (group II). RESULTS: A total of 41 patients with a mean age of 70.6 years were included (group I, n = 26; group II, n = 15) and mean follow-up was 51.4 months. Group II had significantly more severe preoperative coronal deformity of tibiotalar angle than group I (20.1 ± 2.9 vs 6.6 ± 4.1°, P < .01). Near-normal tibiotalar alignment was achieved postoperatively in both groups (group I, 3.4 ± 3.3 vs group II, 4.7 ± 3.1°, P = .227). Union was achieved in 39 (95.1%) patients with 2 cases in group I experiencing non-union. Union rate, mean American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society ankle-hindfoot scale, and visual analog scale pain scores were not significantly different between the 2 groups at final follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: AAA is a reliable procedure for end-stage ankle arthritis in patients 60 years of age or older resulting in a high union rate, encouraging radiographic and functional outcomes, and a low complication rate, even in cases with severe preoperative deformity. In addition, arthroscopic intra-articular malleolar osteotomy was a useful technique for correcting severe coronal deformity in our series. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III, retrospective comparative study.

Percutaneous A1 Pulley Release Combined with Finger Splint for Trigger Finger with Proximal Interphalangeal Joint Flexion Contracture.

Background: Long-standing trigger finger can lead to proximal interphalangeal (PIP) joint flexion contracture. In the present study, we present the clinical outcome of percutaneous release with finger splinting for trigger finger with PIP joint flexion contracture prospectively. Methods: We compared outcomes in patients with trigger fingers combined with proximal interphalangeal joint flexion contracture treated by percutaneous release therapy regimen alone (group I) or percutaneous trigger finger release combined with finger splint (group II) during January 2011 and May 2016 with 6 months follow up. Results: Sixty-five patients were randomly allocated to group I (35 patients) or group II (30 patients). Symptoms of locking sensation and pain over the A1 pulley were improved in all patients. The patients in group II showed significantly greater improvements in the flexion contracture angles of proximal interphalangeal joint at post-operative 3 months later (group I, 9.4° ± 4.1°; group II, 27.8° ± 4.6°) and at 6 months later (group I, 15.1° ± 5.2°; group II, 35.7° ± 5.3°) relative to group I. In group II, 25 fingers achieved near full extension (< 10° contracture) after 6 months. Conclusions: Percutaneous release combined with finger splint is regarded as a useful therapy to speed recovery of trigger finger with proximal interphalangeal joint flexion contracture.

Are proximal screws necessary for osteosynthesis of stable-stem periprosthetic femoral fractures fixed with non-locking plate and cable?

INTRODUCTION: The purpose of this study was to assess the effectiveness of the cable-plate-cable technique which comprises fixation of the proximal fragment using cable loops without additional proximal screws on the plate for the treatment of stable-stem periprosthetic femoral fractures around hip prostheses. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed Vancouver types B1 and C periprosthetic femoral fractures treated with a dynamic compression plate combined with Dall-Miles cable between 2010 and 2016 at a single institution and followed for at least 12 months. Patients were treated with proximal fragment fixation using cable combined with screws (Group I) or with proximal fragment fixation using cable alone (Group II). Demographic data, fracture types, and clinical and radiological outcomes were analyzed. RESULTS: A total of 50 patients were included (Group I, n = 23 patients; Group II, n = 27). Fracture union was achieved in 49 patients with one case of non-union in Group I and no cases of non-union in Group II. Mean time to union was 5.4 months in Group I and 5.1 months in Group II (P = 0.624). Mean Harris hip score at latest assessment was 69.5 in Group I and 69.4 in Group II (P = 0.919). Regarding complications, there was one deep wound infection, one stem subsidence, and one loss of reduction in Group I, and one stem subsidence in Group II. No significant difference in clinical and radiological outcomes between groups was observed. CONCLUSIONS: The cable-plate-cable technique sufficiently treats Vancouver types B1 and C periprosthetic femoral fractures without use of additional screws in the proximal fragment.

The elderly have similar outcomes compared to younger patients after ORIF with locking plate for comminuted proximal humerus fracture.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to compare clinical and radiological outcomes of elder and younger patients with comminuted proximal humerus fracture treated with osteosynthesis with locking plate. METHODS: A total of 70 patients (30 males and 40 females; mean age 65.4 years) operated on for Neer 3- or 4-part proximal humeral fractures between 2010 and 2016 and followed for at least one-year were included in the study. The reduction was achieved through intraosseous window to minimize soft tissue stripping in all patients and structural allograft at metaphyseal diaphyseal junction was used aggressively to resist varus force. Group 1 consisted of 32 patients aged 70 or older (14 males and 18 females; mean age: 77.8 ± 5.1), while Group 2 consisted of 38 patients younger than 70 (16 males and 22 females; mean age: 58.2 ± 9.3). The groups were compared for their clinical and radiological outcomes. RESULTS: There was no significant difference in clinical outcomes by Oxford score (54.8 ± 2.7 vs 56.6 ± 3.4, p = 0.13) and ASES score (89.7 ± 5.7 vs 90.8 ± 8.2, p = 0.68). Two groups had similar radiological outcomes regarding neck shaft angle, greater tip height and offset. However, group 2 had better final shoulder forward elevation (162.6 ± 8.7 vs 135.4 ± 14.7ß, p < 0.05) and shorter duration to achieve maximal range of motion (4.37 ± 2.37 vs 8.14 ± 3.25 months, p < 0.05) than group 1. Two groups had similar complication rates (9.4% vs 7.9%). All the complications were related to greater tuberosity including mal-reduction and avulsion. CONCLUSION: With the prerequisite of good alignment with robust medial cortical support and untouched soft tissue over medial metaphysis area via intra-osseous reduction, comminution of proximal humeral fracture can achieve satisfactory result and low complication rate by osteosynthesis with locking plate system, regardless of age. In addition, we suggested to use structural bone graft for comminuted medial cortex fracture with multiple fragments or bony defect more than 2 cm. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III Therapeutic study.

Does restoration of hip center with subtrochanteric osteotomy provide preferable outcome for Crowe type III-IV irreducible development dysplasia of the hip??

BACKGROUND: Subtrochanteric osteotomy and proximal placement of acetabular components are two common procedures used to manage irreducible, high riding developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH). Some common and specific complications are observed in both procedures. We aimed to compare both the outcomes and complications between these two procedures. METHODS: Twenty-one patients with unilateral, Crowe type III-IV DDH who were seen between 2002 and 2014 were included in this study. Subtrochanteric osteotomy with restoration of the hip center and proximal placement of the acetabular component were performed on 10 and 11 patients, respectively. Harris hip score (HHS) and radiographic images were used for outcome assessment. All patients completed a minimum of 2-year follow-up. RESULTS: The HHS in patients who had undergone subtrochanteric osteotomy and proximal placement of the acetabular component were 89.4 and 91.9 points, respectively. However, this difference was not significant. There were six complications, including transient sciatic nerve palsy in two patients, nonunion at the junction in two, an intra-operative fracture in one and cup loosening in another. The complication rates in the subtrochanteric osteotomy and proximal placement of the acetabular component group were 30% and 27.5%, respectively. CONCLUSION: With regard to both clinical outcomes and complication rates, restoration of the hip center using subtrochanteric osteotomy may provide similar benefits to those patients with proximal placement of the acetabular component in treating Crowe type III-IV DDH.