Temporary Stabilization of Tibia Fractures: Does External Fixation or Temporary Plate Fixation Result in Better Outcomes?

Background: Provisional stabilization of high-energy tibia fractures using temporary plate fixation (TPF) or external fixation (ex-fix) prior to definitive medullary nailing (MN) is a strategy common in damage control orthopaedics. There is a lack of comprehensive data evaluating outcomes between these methods. This study compares outcomes of patients stabilized with either TPF or ex-fix, and with early definitive MN only, assessing complications including nonunion and deep infection. Methods: A retrospective review was performed on adult patients with tibia fractures treated with MN followed until fracture union (≥3 months) at a single level-1 trauma center from 2014 to 2022. Medical records were evaluated for nonunion and deep infection. Demographics, injury characteristics, and fixation methods were recorded. Significance between patients who underwent TPF and ex-fix was compared with a matched cohort of early MN using Pearson's exact tests, independent t-tests, and one-way ANOVA, depending on the appropriate variable. Results: 81 patients were included; 27 were temporized with TPF (n = 12) or ex-fix (n = 15). 54 early MN cases defined the matched cohort. All groups had similar patient and fracture characteristics. The difference in rates of nonunion between groups was significant, with TPF, ex-fix, and early MN groups at 17, 40, and 11% respectively (p = 0.027). Early MN had lower rates of nonunion (11% vs. 40%, p = 0.017) and deep infection (13% vs. 40%, p = 0.028) compared to ex-fix. Conclusion: Temporary ex-fix followed by staged MN was associated with higher rates of nonunion and deep infection. There was no difference in complication rates between TPF and early definitive MN. These data suggest that ex-fix followed by MN of tibia fractures should be avoided in favor of early definitive MN when possible. If temporization is needed, TPF may be a better option than ex-fix. Level of Evidence: IV.

Rates of interlock screw back-out are high with the retrograde femoral nailing advanced system for distal femur fractures.

PURPOSE: The retrograde femoral nailing advanced (RFNA) system (DePuy synthes) is a commonly used implant for the fixation of low distal femur and periprosthetic fractures. There is concern that the rate of distal interlock screw back-out may be higher for the RFNA compared to other nails (ON). The purpose of this study was to evaluate the incidence of interlock screw back-out and associated screw removal for RFNA versus ON, along with associated risk factors. METHODS: A retrospective comparative study of patients who underwent retrograde nailing for a distal femur fracture at an academic level one trauma center was performed. The incidence of distal interlock screw back-out and need for screw removal were compared for RFNA versus a propensity score matched cohort who received other nails. RESULTS: One hundred and ten patients underwent retrograde nailing with the RFNA for a distal femur fracture from 2015 to 2022 (average age: 66, BMI: 32, 52.7% smokers, 54.5% female, 61.8%). There was a significantly higher rate of interlock back-out in the RFNA group compared to the ON (27 patients, 24.5% vs 12 patients, 10.9%, p = 0.01), which occurred 6.3 weeks postoperatively. Screw removal rates for back-out were not significantly different for the RFNA group versus ON (8 patients, 7.3% vs 3 patients, 2.7%, p = 0.12). CONCLUSION: In this retrospective comparative study of distal femur fractures treated with retrograde nailing, the RFNA implant was associated with an increased risk of distal interlock screw back-out compared to other nails.

Trifocal femur fracture with intracapsular femoral neck, open diaphyseal, and distal complete articular fractures.

We describe a trifocal femur injury with intracapsular femoral neck fracture, diaphyseal fracture with bone loss, and distal complete articular (AO/OTA C type) fracture, an injury rarely described in the literature. Surgical management utilized a not-yet-reported implant combination: screw-side plate device for the intracapsular femoral neck, retrograde nail for the diaphysis, and lag screws plus mini fragment buttress plating for the distal fracture. The patient had uneventful fracture union with no changes in alignment. Given the rarity and complexity of this injury, there is little consensus on surgical technique and implant choice. This case demonstrates a modernized approach that may be useful for surgeons who encounter similar fracture patterns in their practice.

Irreducible posterior hip dislocation in the setting of a multifocal displaced pelvic ring injury: A case report.

Case report: Traumatic hip dislocations require prompt diagnosis and reduction to preserve the native joint. The classic irreducible posterior hip fracture-dislocation has been described as an immobile, slightly flexed, and internally rotated hip on physical exam. Classically, this irreducible pattern is associated with an ipsilateral femoral head fracture. The purpose of our report is to present an irreducible posterior hip dislocation with preserved motion in the setting of an unstable pelvic ring injury without associated femoral head pathology. Despite lacking clinical features of an irreducible hip, closed reduction in the emergency and operating rooms was unsuccessful, even after frame application for pelvis stability. Persistent irreducibility necessitated open reduction, where the femoral head was found to be buttonholed through the posterior hip capsule and blocking reduction. Conclusion: A posteriorly dislocated hip with preserved motion in the setting of a concomitant unstable pelvic ring injury may belie the true locked nature of the femoroacetabular dislocation and high suspicion for femoral head incarceration is required. The description of this unique irreducible fracture pattern and the stepwise approach used for reduction may be useful for other surgeons who may encounter similar patterns of injury.

Not All Proximal Humerus Fractures Do Well Without Surgery: Anterior Translation Predicts the Need for Surgery.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the effect of translation on a large series of low-energy proximal humerus fractures initially treated nonoperatively. DESIGN: Retrospective multicenter analysis. SETTING: Five level-one trauma centers. PATIENTS/PARTICIPANTS: Two hundred ten patients (152 F; 58 M), average age 64, with 112 left- and 98 right-sided low-energy proximal humerus fractures (OTA/AO 11-A-C). INTERVENTION: All patients were initially treated nonoperatively and were followed for an average of 231 days. Radiographic translation in the sagittal and coronal planes was measured. Patients with anterior translation were compared with those with posterior or no translation. Patients with ≥80% anterior humeral translation were compared with those with <80% anterior translation, including those with no or posterior translation. MAIN OUTCOMES: The primary outcome was failure of nonoperative treatment resulting in surgery and the secondary outcome was symptomatic malunion. RESULTS: Nine patients (4%) had surgery, 8 for nonunion and 1 for malunion. All 9 patients (100%) had anterior translation. Anterior translation compared with posterior or no sagittal plane translation was associated with failure of nonoperative management requiring surgery ( P = 0.012). In addition, of those with anterior translation, having ≥80% anterior translation compared with <80% was also associated with surgery ( P = 0.001). Finally, 26 patients were diagnosed with symptomatic malunion, of whom translation was anterior in 24 and posterior in 2 ( P = 0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: In a multicenter series of proximal humerus fractures, anterior translation of >80% was associated with failure of nonoperative care resulting in nonunion, symptomatic malunion, and potential surgery. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Prognostic Level III. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

Early Outcomes of Proximal Humerus Fractures in Adults Treated With Locked Plate Fixation Compared with Nonoperative Treatment: An Age-, Comorbidity-, and Fracture Morphology-Matched Analysis.

OBJECTIVES: To compare patient-reported outcomes (PROs), range of motion (ROM), and complication rates for proximal humerus fractures managed nonoperatively or with open reduction internal fixation (ORIF). DESIGN: Retrospective cohort. SETTING: Academic level 1 trauma center. PATIENTS/PARTICIPANTS: Four hundred thirty-one patients older than 55 years were identified retrospectively. 122 patients were excluded. 309 patients with proximal humerus fractures met inclusion criteria (234 nonoperative and 75 ORIF). After matching, 192 patients (121 nonoperative and 71 ORIF) were included in the analysis. INTERVENTION: Nonoperative versus ORIF (locked plate) treatment of proximal humerus fracture. MAIN OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS: Early Visual Analog Score (VAS), ROM, PROs, complications, and reoperation rates between groups. RESULTS: At 2 weeks, ORIF showed lower VAS scores, better passive ROM, and patient-reported outcomes measurement information system (PROMIS) scores ( P < 0.05) compared with nonoperative treatment. At 6 weeks, open reduction internal fixation (ORIF) had lower VAS scores, better passive ROM, and PROMIS scores ( P < 0.05) compared with nonoperative treatment. At 3 months, ORIF showed similar PROMIS scores ( P > 0.05) but lower VAS scores and better passive ROM ( P < 0.05) compared with nonoperative treatment. At 6 months, ORIF showed similar VAS scores, ROM, and PROMIS scores ( P > 0.05) compared with nonoperative treatment. There was no difference in secondary operation rates between groups ( P > 0.05). ORIF patients trended toward a higher secondary reoperation rate (15.5% vs. 5.0%) than nonoperative patients ( P = 0.053). CONCLUSIONS: In an age-, comorbidity-, and fracture morphology-matched analysis of proximal humerus fractures, ORIF led to decreased pain and improved passive ROM early in recovery curve compared with nonoperative treatment that normalized after 6 months between groups. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic Level III. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

Superior Outcomes With Reverse Shoulder Arthroplasty versus Nonoperative Management for Proximal Humerus Fractures: A Matched Cohort Analysis.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate early outcomes (within 1 year) for geriatric proximal humerus fractures managed nonoperatively or with reverse shoulder arthroplasty (RSA). DESIGN: Retrospective cohort. SETTING: Academic level 1 trauma center, level 2 trauma/geriatric fracture center. PATIENTS/INTERVENTION: Seventy-one patients with proximal humerus fractures that underwent nonoperative management or RSA, matched by age, comorbidity burden, and fracture morphology. MAIN OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS: Patient-reported outcomes, range of motion, and complications rates within 1 year of treatment. RESULTS: RSA patients demonstrated greater active forward flexion (aFF) and external rotation compared with nonoperative patients throughout the first 6 months after treatment ( P < 0.05 for all). RSA patients achieved satisfactory ROM (>90 degrees aFF) at higher rates than nonoperative patients (96.2% vs. 62.2%, P < 0.01). RSA led to significantly lower shoulder pain and PROMIS pain interference scores throughout the first year post-treatment ( P < 0.05). PROMIS physical function scores were also higher in the RSA group at 3 months, 6 months, and 1 year compared with the nonoperative group ( P < 0.05 for all). Similar complication rates were experienced in both groups (nonoperative = 8.9%, RSA = 7.7%; P = 0.36). CONCLUSIONS: In an age, comorbidity and fracture morphology matched analysis, treatment of proximal humerus fractures with RSA is associated with greater shoulder ROM throughout the first 6 months of treatment, decreased pain, and improved physical function compared with nonoperative management, without significant differences in short-term complications. These results suggest that RSA may be superior to nonoperative management during the early recovery period for proximal humerus fractures. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic Level III. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

Whole-genome RNA sequencing identifies distinct transcriptomic profiles in impingement cartilage between patients with femoroacetabular impingement and hip osteoarthritis.

Femoroacetabular impingement (FAI) has a strong clinical association with the development of hip osteoarthritis (OA); however, the pathobiological mechanisms underlying the transition from focal impingement to global joint degeneration remain poorly understood. The purpose of this study is to use whole-genome RNA sequencing to identify and subsequently validate differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in femoral head articular cartilage samples from patients with FAI and hip OA secondary to FAI. Thirty-seven patients were included in the study with whole-genome RNA sequencing performed on 10 gender-matched patients in the FAI and OA cohorts and the remaining specimens were used for validation analyses. We identified a total of 3531 DEGs between the FAI and OA cohorts with multiple targets for genes implicated in canonical OA pathways. Quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction validation confirmed increased expression of FGF18 and WNT16 in the FAI samples, while there was increased expression of MMP13 and ADAMTS4 in the OA samples. Expression levels of FGF18 and WNT16 were also higher in FAI samples with mild cartilage damage compared to FAI samples with severe cartilage damage or OA cartilage. Our study further expands the knowledge regarding distinct genetic reprogramming in the cartilage between FAI and hip OA patients. We independently validated the results of the sequencing analysis and found increased expression of anabolic markers in patients with FAI and minimal histologic cartilage damage, suggesting that anabolic signaling may be increased in early FAI with a transition to catabolic and inflammatory gene expression as FAI progresses towards more severe hip OA. Clinical significance:Cam-type FAI has a strong clinical association with hip OA; however, the cellular pathophysiology of disease progression remains poorly understood. Several previous studies have demonstrated increased expression of inflammatory markers in FAI cartilage samples, suggesting the involvement of these inflammatory pathways in the disease progression. Our study further expands the knowledge regarding distinct genetic reprogramming in the cartilage between FAI and hip OA patients. In addition to differences in inflammatory gene expression, we also identified differential expression in multiple pathways involved in hip OA progression.

Risk factors for loss of reduction following locked plate fixation of proximal humerus fractures in older adults.

PURPOSE: To identify characteristics associated with loss of reduction following open reduction and locked plate fixation (ORIF) of proximal humerus fractures in older adults and determine if loss of reduction affects patient reported outcomes (PROs), range of motion (ROM), and complication rates during the first postoperative year. METHODS: Patients >55 years old who underwent proximal humerus ORIF were reviewed. Patient and fracture characteristics were recorded. Fixation characteristics were measured on the initial postoperative AP radiograph including humeral head height (HHH) relative to the greater tuberosity (GT), head shaft angle (HSA), screw-calcar distance, and screw tip-joint surface distance. Loss of reduction was defined as GT displacement >5 mm or HSA displacement >10° on final follow up radiographs. Patient, fracture, and fixation characteristics were tested for association with loss of reduction. Outcomes including ROM, visual analog scale pain and PROMIS scores, and complication/reoperation rates during the first postoperative year were compared between those with or without loss of reduction. RESULTS: A total of 79 patients were identified, 23 (29.1%) of which had a loss of reduction. Calcar comminution (relative risk [RR]=2.5, 95% Confidence Interval [CI]=1.3-5.0, p<0.01), HHH <5 mm above GT (RR=2.0, CI=1.0-3.9, p = 0.048), and screw-calcar distance ≥12 mm (RR=2.1, CI=1.1-4.1, p = 0.03) were risk factors for loss of reduction. Upon multivariate analysis, calcar comminution was determined to be an independent risk factor for loss of reduction (RR=2.4, CI=1.2-4.7, p = 0.01). Loss of reduction led to higher complication (44% vs 13%, p<0.01) and reoperation rates (30% vs 7%, p<0.01), and decreased achievement of satisfactory ROM (>90° active forward flexion, 57% vs 82%, p = 0.02) compared to maintained reduction, but similar PROs. CONCLUSIONS: Calcar comminution, decreased HHH, and increased screw-calcar distance are risk factors for loss of reduction following ORIF of proximal humerus fractures. These morphologic and technical factors are important considerations for prolonged reduction maintenance.

Traumatic Proximal Femoral Fractures during COVID-19 Pandemic in the US: An ACS NSQIP® Analysis.

In order to determine the impact of COVID-19 on the treatment and outcomes in patients with proximal femoral fracture's (PFF), we analyzed a national US sample. This is a retrospective review of American College of Surgery's (ACS) National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (NSQIP) for patients with proximal femoral fractures. A total of 26,830 and 26,300 patients sustaining PFF and undergoing surgical treatment were sampled during 2019 and 2020, respectively. On multivariable logistic regression, patients were less likely to have 'presence of non-healing wound' (p < 0.001), functional status 'independent' (p = 0.012), undergo surgical procedures of 'hemiarthroplasty'(p = 0.002) and 'ORIF IT, Peritroch, Subtroch with plates and screws' (p < 0.001) and to be 'alive at 30-days post-op' (p = 0.001) in 2020 as compared to 2019. Patients were more likely to have a case status 'emergent', 'loss of ≥10% body weight', discharge destination of 'home' (p < 0.001 for each) or 'leaving against medical advice' (p = 0.026), postoperative 'acute renal failure (ARF)' (p = 0.011), 'myocardial infarction (MI)' (p = 0.006), 'pulmonary embolism (PE)' (p = 0.047), and 'deep venous thrombosis (DVT)' (p = 0.049) in 2020 as compared to 2019. Patients sustaining PFF and undergoing surgical treatment during pandemic year 2020 differed significantly in preoperative characteristics and 30-day postoperative complications when compared to patients from the previous year.

Comparison of the Neer classification to the 2018 update of the Orthopedic Trauma Association/AO fracture classification for classifying proximal humerus fractures.

Background: The classification of fractures is necessary to ensure a reliable means of communication for clinical interaction, education and research. The Neer classification is the most commonly used classification for proximal humerus fractures. In 2018 the Orthopedic Trauma Association (OTA) and the AO Foundation provided an update to the OTA/AO Fracture Classification Scheme addressing many of the concerns about the previous versions of the classification. The objective of the present study was to evaluate the rater reliability of the 2 classifications and if the classifications subjectively better characterized the fracture patterns. Methods: X-rays and CT scans of 24 proximal humerus fractures were given to 7 independent raters for classification according to the Neer and 2018 OTA/AO classification. Both full-forms and short-forms of the classifications were tested. The Fleiss Kappa statistic was used to assess inter-rater agreement and intra-rater consistency for the 2 classifications. For each case the raters subjectively commented on how well each classification was able to characterize the fracture pattern. Results: All raters graded the 2018 OTA/AO classification as good as or better than the Neer classification for an adequate description of the fracture patterns. The short-form 2018 OTA/AO classification had the most 4 rater and 5 rater agreement cases and the second most 6 rater agreement cases. The short-form Neer classification had the second most 4 rater and 5 rater agreement cases and the most 6 rater agreement cases. The full 2018 OTA/AO had the least 4, 5, or 6 rater agreement cases of all the classification systems. Inter-rater agreement was fair for the full and short form of both the Neer and 2018 OTA/AO classification. The full and short Neer classifications together with the short 2018 OTA/AO classification had moderate intra-rater consistency, while the full 2018 OTA/AO classification only had slight intra-rater consistency. Conclusions: The 2018 OTA/AO classification is equivalent in its short-form to the Neer classification in inter-rater reliability and intra-rater consistency; and is superior in its full form for characterizing specific fracture types. The low inter-rater reliability of the full 2018 OTA/AO classification is a concern that may need to be addressed in the future.

Outcomes for type C proximal humerus fractures in the adult population: comparison of nonoperative treatment, locked plate fixation, and reverse shoulder arthroplasty.

Background: This study compares patient-reported outcomes and range of motion (ROM) between adults with an AO Foundation/Orthopaedic Trauma Association type C proximal humerus fracture managed nonoperatively, with open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF), and with reverse shoulder arthroplasty (RSA). Methods: This is a retrospective cohort study of patients >60 years of age treated with nonoperative management, ORIF, or RSA for AO Foundation/Orthopaedic Trauma Association type 11C proximal humerus fractures from 2015 to 2018. Visual analog scale pain scores, Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS) scores, ROM values, and complication and reoperation rates were compared using analysis of variance for continuous variables and chi square analysis for categorical variables. Results: A total of 88 patients were included: 41 nonoperative, 23 ORIF, and 24 RSA. At the 2-week follow-up, ORIF and RSA had lower visual analog scale scores and lower PROMIS pain interference scores (P < .05) than nonoperative treatment. At the 6-week follow-up, ORIF and RSA had lower visual analog scale, PROMIS pain interference, and PF scores and better ROM (P < .05) than nonoperative treatment. At the 3-month follow-up, ORIF and RSA had better ROM and PROMIS pain interference and PF scores (P < .05) than nonoperative treatment. At the 6-month follow-up, ORIF and RSA had better ROM and PROMIS PF scores (P < .05) than nonoperative treatment. There was a significantly higher complication rate in the ORIF group than in the non-operative and RSA groups (P < .05). Conclusion: The management of AO Foundation/Orthopaedic Trauma Association type 11C proximal humerus fractures in older adults with RSA or ORIF led to early decreased pain and improved physical function and ROM compared to nonoperative management at the expense of a higher complication rate in the ORIF group.

Adaptation of the Centers for Disease Control Surgical Wound Classification System for Orthopaedic Trauma Surgery.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate a proposed orthopaedic-specific surgical wound classification system (SWCS) and the current Centers for Disease Control (CDC) system in a series of detailed clinical vignettes and to identify the degree of satisfaction with CDC SWCS and desire for institution of an orthopaedic-specific SWCS. METHODS: Forty-five clinical vignettes and a 5-question survey were distributed to current and past members of the Orthopaedic Trauma Association's Classification Committee. Respondents were asked to provide wound class for each vignette using the CDC system and orthopaedic-specific SWCS. RESULTS: The orthopaedic-specific and CDC SWCS had interclass correlations of 0.95 and 0.91, respectively. When the systems were compared, in 34% of cases, there was no grade change; in 63% of cases, the wound was graded higher using the orthopaedic-specific SWCS. When only the procedure was changed between vignettes, wound classification was infrequently affected. There was near universal dissatisfaction with the CDC SWCS and desire for an orthopaedic-specific system. CONCLUSIONS: Both the CDC SWCS and orthopaedic-specific SWCS have excellent interobserver reliability. Incorporation of orthopaedic-specific language affects wound classification. There is low satisfaction with the current CDC SWCS and a desire exists for further development and validation of an orthopaedic-specific SWCS.

Timing of Flap Coverage With Respect to Definitive Fixation in Open Tibia Fractures.

OBJECTIVES: We conducted a large, U.S wide, observational study of type III tibial fractures, with the hypothesis that delays between definitive fixation and flap coverage might be a substantial modifiable risk factor associated with nosocomial wound infection. DESIGN: A retrospective analysis of a multicenter database of open tibial fractures requiring flap coverage. SETTING: Fourteen level-1 trauma centers across the United States. PATIENTS: Two hundred ninety-six (n = 296) consecutive patients with Gustilo III open tibial fractures requiring flap coverage at 14 trauma centers were retrospectively analyzed from a large orthopaedic trauma registry. We collected demographics and the details of surgical care. We investigated the patient, and treatment factors leading to infection, including the time from various points in care to the time of soft-tissue coverage. INTERVENTION: Delay definitive fixation and flap coverage in tibial type III fractures. MAIN OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS: (1) Results of multivariate regression with time from injury to coverage, debridement to coverage, and definitive fixation to coverage in the model, to determine which delay measurement was most associated with infection. (2) A second multivariate model, including other factors in addition to measures of flap delay, to provide the estimate between delay and infection after adjustment for confounding. RESULTS: Of 296 adults (227 M: 69 F) with open Gustilo type III tibial fractures requiring flap coverage, 96 (32.4%) became infected. In the multivariate regression, the time from definitive fixation to flap coverage was most predictive of subsequent wound infection (odds ratio 1.04, 95% confidence interval 1.01 to 1.08, n = 260, P = 0.02) among the time measurements. Temporary internal fixation was not associated with an increased risk of infection in both univariate (P = 0.59) or multivariate analyses (P = 0.60). Flap failure was associated with the highest odds of infection (odds ratio 6.83, 95% confidence interval 3.26 to 14.27, P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Orthoplastic teams that are dedicated to severe musculoskeletal trauma, that facilitate coordination of definitive fixation and flap coverage, will reduce the infection rates in Gustilo type III tibial fractures. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic Level III. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

Direct Anterior Approach to Total Hip Arthroplasty for Femoral Neck Fractures.

Femoral neck fractures are a common injury pattern, especially within the elderly. Replacement with either hemiarthroplasty or total hip arthroplasty allows for immediate weight-bearing. This video demonstrates the direct anterior approach to total hip arthroplasty for management of displaced femoral neck fractures.

Immediate Improvement in Physical Function After Symptomatic Syndesmotic Screw Removal.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the immediate impact of removing symptomatic syndesmotic screws on PROMIS outcomes and ankle range of motion (ROM) in patients who had previously undergone ankle fracture open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) and syndesmotic fixation and later experienced functional limitations. DESIGN: Prospective cohort study. SETTING: Level 1-trauma center. PATIENTS/PARTICIPANTS: Fifty-eight patients with ankle fractures with syndesmotic instability that required ORIF with syndesmotic fixation who underwent syndesmotic screw removal (SSR) and 71 patients who underwent ankle ORIF with syndesmotic fixation, but without screw removal during the same study period. INTERVENTION: Symptomatic SSR for patients with functional limitations and decreased ankle ROM. MAIN OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS: PROMIS physical function (PF) and pain interference T-scores and ankle ROM before and after screw removal. RESULTS: Patients who underwent SSR had a statistically significant improvement in the PF T-score to 44.5 (P < 0.01) in the early postoperative period (mean 48 days) after screw removal. The screw removal occurred an average of 184 days after initial ORIF. This PF T-score change also met the minimally clinically important difference. There was a trend toward a significant improvement in PF T-scores for the SSR group as compared to the cohort group (44.5 vs. 41.6; P = 0.06) after screw removal. Removal of symptomatic implants resulted in an early mean improvement of total arc ankle ROM by 17 degrees (P < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: Patients experienced an immediate and significant improvement in PF outcomes and ankle ROM after symptomatic SSR for ankle fracture ORIF with syndesmotic fixation. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic Level III. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

Rethinking strategies for blood transfusion in hip fracture patients.

OBJECTIVES: Most patients can tolerate a hemoglobin (Hgb) > 8 g per deciliter. In some cases, however, transfusion will delay physical therapy and hospital discharge. This study aims to review Hgb and transfusion data for a large volume of recent hip fracture patients in order to identify new opportunities for decreasing the length of hospital stay. Our hypotheses are that in some cases, earlier transfusion of more blood will be associated with shorter hospital stays, and that Hgb levels consistently decrease for more than 3 days postoperatively. DESIGN: Retrospective chart review. SETTING: Two academic medical centers with Geriatric Fracture Programs. PATIENTS: Data was collected from patients 50 years and older with hip fractures April 2015 and October 2017. INTERVENTION: Operative stabilization of the hip fractures according to standard of care for the fracture type and patient characteristics. Transfusion according to established standards. MAIN OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS: Electronic records were retrospectively reviewed for demographic information, Hgb levels, and transfusion events. RESULTS: One thousand fifteen patients with femoral neck or intertrochanteric hip fractures were identified. Eight hundred sixty met the inclusion criteria. The average length of hospital stay was 6.7 days. The mean patient age was 82 years. The average American Society of Anesthesiologists score was 2.9. The average Hgb level consistently decreased for 5 days postoperatively before beginning to increase on day 6. There was poor consistency between intraoperative Hgb levels and preoperative or postoperative Hgb levels. Three hundred sixty-eight (42.8%) patients were transfused an average of 1.9 (range 1-6) units. One hundred five patients required a transfusion on postoperative day (POD) 1: 72 received only 1 unit of blood: 36 (50%) of the 72 required a second transfusion in the following days, compared to 9 of 33 (27%) who received 2 units on POD 1 (χ2 = 3.8898; P < .05). Patients who received transfusions on POD 3 or later had an average length of stay >2.5 days longer than those who received a transfusion earlier (P = 0.005). CONCLUSIONS: Our findings do not support earlier transfusion of more blood. Although in some cases, there is an association between earlier transfusion of more blood and shorter hospital stay, routine transfusion of more blood would incur higher transfusion risks in some patients who would not otherwise meet criteria for transfusion. After hip fracture surgery, the Hgb usually decreases for 5 days and does not begin to increase until POD 6. This information will provide utility in the population health management of hip fracture patients. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III, Retrospective Cohort Study.

Outcomes after surgical treatment of acetabular fractures: a review.

Acetabular fractures are fractures that extend into the hip joint and pose a challenge for orthopaedic trauma surgeons. The first known descriptions of surgical fixation of acetabular fractures were case reports in 1943. In 1964, Robert Judet, Jean Judet, and Émile Letournel published a landmark article describing a classification system and surgical approaches to treat acetabular fractures. These teachings had a significant effect on clinical outcomes after surgical fixation of acetabular fractures. In 1980, Letournel demonstrated 80% good-to-excellent results in 492 hips, and in 2012, Joel Matta demonstrated 79% survivorship in 816 patients follow surgical acetabular fixation. Both Letournel and Matta have definitively shown that anatomic reduction of the fracture is the most influential factor predictive of clinical outcome. The intent of this review is to summarize the salient factors affecting clinical outcomes after surgical treatment of acetabular fractures.

Radiographic Review of Helical Blade Versus Lag Screw Fixation for Cephalomedullary Nailing of Low-Energy Peritrochanteric Femur Fractures: There is a Difference in Cutout.

OBJECTIVES: To compare the rate of cutout of helical blades and lag screws in low-energy peritrochanteric femur fractures treated with a cephalomedullary nail (CMN). DESIGN: Retrospective review. SETTING: Academic medical center. PATIENTS: Overall, this study included 362 patients with an average age of 83 year old, a majority of whom were women, and had sustained a low-energy peritrochanteric femur fracture treated with a CMN. All patients had at least 3 months of clinical and radiographic follow, with an average follow-up of 11 months and a range of 3-88 months follow-up. INTERVENTION: Cephalomedullary nailing with the use of a helical blade or single lag screw for proximal fixation. MAIN OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS: Cutout of the helical blade or lag screw. RESULTS: Twenty-two cutouts occurred, 14 (15.1%) of 93 patients with helical blades and 8 (3.0%) of 269 patients with lag screws. Cutout with the helical blade was significantly more frequent than with the lag screw (P = 0.0001). The average tip-apex distance (TAD) was significantly greater for those patients who experienced cutout both for the helical blades (23.5 vs. 19.7 mm; P = 0.0194) and lag screws (24.5 vs. 20.0 mm; P = 0.0197). An absolute TAD predictive of cutout could not be determined. CONCLUSIONS: When the helical blade was used, implant cutout occurred at a significantly higher rate compared with lag screw fixation. There was not a threshold TAD that was predictive of cutout for either implant. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic Level III. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

The impact of residual angulation on patient reported functional outcome scores after non-operative treatment for humeral shaft fractures.

PURPOSE: To determine if residual angular deformity following non-operative treatment of humeral diaphyseal fractures correlates with patient reported outcomes. METHODS: Skeletally mature patients treated by one of three orthopaedic trauma surgeons at a level 1 trauma centre with humeral shaft fractures treated without surgery were retrospectively identified over a 7 year period. After inclusion and exclusion criteria, 42 patients were eligible for the study. Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand (DASH); Simple Shoulder Test (SST); General health questionnaire SF-12 physical component summary (SF-12 PCS) and mental component summary (SF-12 MCS) were obtained from study participants. Healed angular deformity was obtained from patient charts. RESULTS: Thirty two subjects were successfully recruited (32/42 or 76%). Average age was 45 ± 22 with average study follow up being 47 ± 29 months. Average outcome scores were DASH 12 ± 16, SST 10 ± 2.7, SF-12 PCS 50 ± 7.9, and SF-12 MCS 54 ± 8.8. Healed sagittal plane deformity averaged 8 ± 5.7° [range 0-18], and 15 ± 7.9° [range 2-27] in the coronal plane. There was no correlation between residual sagittal or coronal plane deformity and outcome scores (DASH and SST for both p>0.05). Patients with at least 20° (n=7; 22%) of healed coronal deformity had similar outcomes to those with <20° ([DASH (13.2 ± 18.7 vs 11.7 ± 16.1; p=0.83]; [SST (10.3 ± 2 vs 10.0 ± 2.9; p=0.81]). Higher SF-12 PCS and MCS scores correlated with better DASH and SST scores (p<0.05 for all). CONCLUSION: Residual angular deformity ranging from 0 to 18° in the sagittal plane and from 2 to 27° in the coronal plane after non-operative treatment for humeral shaft fractures had no correlation with patient reported DASH scores, SST scores, or patient satisfaction. Instead, overall physical and mental health status as measured by the SF-12 significantly correlated with patient reported outcomes.