Dexamethasone Is Associated With a Statistically Significant Increase in Postoperative Blood Glucose Levels Following Primary Total Knee Arthroplasty.

Background: Dexamethasone has the potential to cause a transient increase in blood glucose levels. Recent evidence has suggested the potential for a linearly increased risk of periprosthetic joint infection beginning at blood glucose levels of ≥115 mg/dL and an optimal cutoff of 137 mg/dL. We designed the following study to determine (1) what percentage of our patients had postoperative day 1 (POD1) glucose levels above 137 mg/dL and (2) if the administration of dexamethasone further increased this risk. Methods: All primary total knee arthroplasties performed from 1998 to 2021 at our institution were identified and retrospectively reviewed. Patient demographics, dexamethasone administration, and perioperative glucose levels were recorded. Outcomes included POD1 glucose levels, infection rate, and all-cause reoperations and revisions. Results: The average POD1 glucose level for the entire cohort (n = 5353) was 138.7 mg/dL. The percentage of patients with a glucose level of 137 mg/dL or higher was significantly greater in patients that received dexamethasone (55.2% vs 37.7%; P < .0001). Significantly higher glucose levels were seen with dexamethasone administration in both diabetic (187.7 vs 173.4 mg/dL; P < .0001) and nondiabetic patients (137.7 vs 128.0 mg/dL; P < .0001). Dexamethasone use was associated with a nonstatistically significant increase in infection rates (1.7% vs 1.0%; P = .177). Conclusions: Administration of dexamethasone is associated with a statistically significant increase in POD1 glucose levels, regardless of diabetic status. Dexamethasone use should continue to be closely monitored given the potential risks of elevated postoperative glucose levels and the potential for periprosthetic infection.

Comparing Calcaneus Fracture Radiographic Outcomes and Complications after Percutaneous Pin versus Screw Fixation.

Calcaneus fracture fixation is associated with high rates of morbidity and disability from wound complications, infection, subtalar arthritis, and malunion. Percutaneous fixation with Kirshner wires (K-wires) or screws may be implemented when soft tissue injury precludes an open approach. Although screws are thought to provide greater stability, limited data exists directly comparing fixation success of these implants. Medical record data from 53 patients (62 total fractures) surgically treated with percutaneous screws (28 fractures) or K-wires (34 fractures) for joint-depression calcaneus fractures at a large tertiary hospital were retrospectively reviewed. Bohler's angle and calcaneal varus were assessed from available radiographs at time of injury, postoperatively, and at final follow-up, and joint congruity was assessed postoperatively and at final follow-up. Complications were also extracted. There were no statistical differences in patient characteristics between surgical groups although a higher proportion of patients treated with K-wires compared to screws had other associated injuries (79% vs 42%, p = .01). A higher proportion of fractures treated with screws compared to K-wires maintained joint congruity at the final follow-up (69% vs 32%, p = .005). However, there were no statistically detectable differences in other postoperative radiographic metrics (p > .05). In conclusion, joint congruity was more often maintained with screw fixation although there was no statistical difference in restoration and maintenance of Bohler's angle or varus alignment. The difference in radiographic metrics was not correlated with secondary procedures, namely subtalar arthrodesis, and may not be clinically significant. Neither group was completely effective in attaining and maintaining reduction, and additional fixation strategies should be considered if feasible based on patient, injury, and soft tissue characteristics.

Sacral Insufficiency Fractures.

¼: Primary osteoporosis is the most common cause of sacral insufficiency fractures (SIFs). Therefore, a multidisciplinary team approach is necessary for treatment of the fracture and the underlying biologic pathology, as well as prevention of future fragility fractures. ¼: The presentation of SIFs typically includes lower back or buttock pain after a ground-level fall or without an identified trauma. Symptoms often have an insidious onset and are nonspecific; consequently, a delay in diagnosis and treatment is common. Clinicians need to have a high index of suspicion, particularly in high-risk patients. ¼: Postmenopausal women who are >55 years of age are the most common demographic affected by SIFs. Other risk factors include osteoporosis, history of a prior fragility fracture, local irradiation, long-term corticosteroid use, rheumatoid arthritis, metabolic bone disorders, vitamin D deficiency, pregnancy, history of prior multilevel spinal fusion, and malignancy. ¼: Typical imaging on computed tomography (CT) shows sclerosis of cancellous bone in the sacral ala, with or without a discrete fracture line or displacement. Magnetic resonance imaging is more sensitive than CT and shows hypointense signal on T1-weighted sequences and hyperintensity on T2-weighted or short tau inversion recovery sequences. ¼: The treatment of SIFs is dependent on the severity of symptoms, fracture displacement, and instability of the pelvis. Accepted treatments include nonoperative rehabilitation, sacroplasty, iliosacral screw fixation, transsacral bar or screw fixation, transiliac internal fixation, and lumbopelvic fixation.

Augmentation of Fracture Repair: Is Anything Ready for Prime Time?

There continues to be a significant burden of disease associated with the delayed healing of common fractures. Despite a number of trials focused on the augmentation of fracture repair, management remains controversial and evidence regarding cost-effectiveness is lacking. The recent evidence that has challenged traditional thinking regarding management of fracture healing problems will be evaluated.

Neuropathic Arthropathy of the Shoulder: A Systematic Review of Classifications and Treatments.

BACKGROUND: Neuropathic arthropathy of the shoulder is a chronic progressive process characterized by joint destruction in the presence of a neurosensory deficit. Causes include syringomyelia, syphilis, diabetes, chronic alcoholism, and leprosy, with syringomyelia accounting for the vast majority of upper-extremity Charcot joints. Early presentation of this rare condition includes nonspecific symptoms such as swelling, erythema, sensory symptoms, and decreased functionality, making diagnosis challenging. METHODS: We systematically reviewed 32 case reports published between 1924 and 2016. A total of 59 shoulders from 56 patients are included in this analysis. Variables include patient demographic characteristics, presentation, etiology, diagnostic techniques, treatment, outcome, and follow-up of Charcot shoulder. RESULTS: We compiled a total of 25 right shoulders (42%), 24 left shoulders (41%), and 10 shoulders (17%) with unspecified laterality. The mean patient age (and standard deviation) was 49 ± 11 years, and the median age was 47 years. There was a higher prevalence in men (37 shoulders [63%]) compared with women (22 shoulders [37%]). Presenting symptoms included reduced range of motion (53 shoulders [90%]), paresthesia or hypoesthesia (45 [76%]), swelling (44 [75%]), weakness (40 [68%]), pain (31 [53%]), and reduction in deep tendon reflexes (22 [37%]). Shoulder radiographs were made in all cases. The presence of a syrinx was detected in 45 shoulders (76%) with magnetic resonance imaging, myelography, or clinical diagnosis. Sixteen shoulders (27%) reported exposure to trauma, with a 69% decrease in time from presentation to diagnosis compared with non-traumatic cases. Treatment was categorized as solely nonoperative management (14 [24%]), operative management (13 [22%]), combined therapy (20 [34%]), and no treatment listed (10 [17%]). Two surgical cases (3%) were excluded from our treatment group analysis as they were treated for unrelated or misdiagnosed conditions. CONCLUSIONS: Our study increases awareness and understanding of this complex, progressive disease to reduce delay and misdiagnosis and to contribute to the standard-of-care recommendations. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic Level IV. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.