How Feasible Are Digital Intraoperative Plain Radiographs in Orthopaedic Trauma Surgery?

The purpose of this study is to evaluate the feasibility and outcomes of obtaining routine intraoperative plain radiographs during orthopaedic trauma surgery. Seventy consecutive orthopaedic trauma patients in which intraoperative plain films were obtained in addition to fluoroscopy were reviewed. For each patient the time it took to obtain intraoperative plain radiographs was prospectively measured, in addition to the number of images taken, and quality of image. Then relative imaging times based on fracture locations were compared and the need for revision surgery based on mal-reduction or implant mal-positioning assessed. The average time required for intraoperative plain films to be obtained and reviewed by the surgeon was 3 minutes and 45 seconds. On average, 2.8 images were taken during each surgery. Proximal images took on average 44 seconds longer than distal images to obtain (p = 0.047). There was no significant difference in imaging times for upper versus lower extremities (p = 0.448). High quality images were obtained on all patients. There were no re-operations required in this series for mal-reduction of fracture, mal-positioning of implants or infection. In this study, there were no re-operations or perioperative complications when intraoperative plain films were obtained. Intraoperative plain films are a valuable tool for complex periarticular surgery or other cases where fracture reduction or implant location may be in question. (Journal of Surgical Orthopaedic Advances 32(3):160-163, 2023).

Dual Versus Single-Plate Fixation of Midshaft Clavicular Fractures: A Retrospective Comparative Study.

BACKGROUND: Implant-related symptoms are the most common reason for reoperation after open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) of midshaft clavicular fractures. Dual mini-fragment plate fixation is a relatively new solution that may decrease implant prominence while maintaining fixation strength and function. There are minimal published data comparing reoperation rates and clinical outcomes between single, superior-plate constructs and dual mini-fragment plate constructs in the fixation of midshaft clavicular fractures. We hypothesized that reducing plate size with the use of dual mini-fragment plating compared with standard, 3.5-mm, superior plating would minimize implant symptoms and the corresponding need for reoperation while still providing sufficient fixation to allow fracture-healing and return to function. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed the cases of 44 consecutive patients who underwent ORIF of displaced midshaft clavicular fractures utilizing either a single, 3.5-mm, superior plate construct (21 patients) or a dual, 2.7-mm and 2.4-mm, plate construct (23 patients). Outcomes at a minimum of 2 years were assessed. Primary outcome measures included reoperation for any reason and the American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES) Standardized Shoulder Assessment Form, patient self-report section. RESULTS: There was a 100% union rate in both groups. None (0%) of the 23 patients who received the dual (2.7-mm and 2.4-mm) plate construct and 6 (29%) of the 21 patients who received the single (3.5-mm) plate construct underwent reoperation for implant-related symptoms. Using a Fisher exact test, the rate of reoperation was compared between the groups, and the difference was found to be significant (p = 0.008). Using an unpaired t test, the difference in mean ASES scores was not significant (p = 0.138) between the dual-plate group (98 of 100) and the single superior plate group (96 of 100) with retained implants. CONCLUSIONS: In our comparative retrospective series, dual fixation utilizing a 2.7-mm superior plate and a 2.4-mm anterior plate for the treatment of displaced midshaft clavicular fractures was associated with a significantly lower rate of reoperation when compared with single, 3.5-mm, superior plate fixation. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic Level III. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.