A retrospective analysis of functional and radiographic outcomes of humeral shaft fractures treated operatively versus nonoperatively.

Background: To determine differences in functional outcomes, return to work, and complications, in operatively vs. nonoperatively treated diaphyseal humeral shaft fractures. Methods: 150 patients who presented to our center with a diaphyseal humeral shaft fracture (Orthopedic Trauma Association type 12) treated by open reduction internal fixation or closed reduction with bracing were retrospectively reviewed. Data collected included patient demographics, injury information, surgical details, and employment data. Clinical, radiographic, and patient-reported functional outcomes were recorded at routine standard-of-care follow-ups. Complications were recorded. Outcomes were analyzed using standard statistical methods and compared. Results: 150 patients with a mean 24.4 months of follow-up (12 to 60 months) were included for analysis. 83 (55.3%) patients were treated with nonoperative care in a functional brace. The rest were treated surgically. The mean time to healing did not differ between the cohorts (P > .05). Patients treated operatively recovered faster with regards to functional elbow range of motion by 6 weeks (P = .039), were more likely to be back at work by 8 weeks after injury (P = .001), and demonstrated earlier mean time to return-to-daily activities (P = .005). Incidence of nonunion was higher in the nonoperative cohort (10.84% vs. 0%, P = .031). Three (4.5%) patients in the operative group developed iatrogenic, postoperative nerve palsy. Two patients in the operative group (4%) had a superficial surgical site infection. Conclusion: More patients treated surgically had functional range of motion by 6 weeks. Functional gains should be weighed by the patient and surgeon against risk of surgery, nonunion, nerve injury, and infection when considering various treatment options to better accommodate patients' needs.

The nonsalvageable tibia: amputation and prosthetics.

Mangled extremities are a challenging problem for the orthopaedic surgeon. The decision for salvage versus amputation is multifactorial. Several work groups have attempted to create scoring systems to guide treatment, but each case must be regarded individually. As surgical technique and prosthetics continue to improve, amputations should be seen as a viable reconstructive option, rather than failure. This article reviews scoring systems for the mangled extremity, outcomes on salvage versus amputation, amputation surgical technique, and prosthetic options.

Damage-control orthopedics or early total care: What you need to know.

ABSTRACT: Patients with multisystem injuries are defined as multiply injured patients and may need multiple surgical procedures from more than one specialty. The importance of evaluating and understanding the resuscitation status of a multiple-injury patient is critical. Orthopedic strategies when caring for these patients include temporary stabilization or definitive early fixation of fractures while preventing further insult to other organ systems. This article will define multiple injuries and discuss specific markers used in assessing patients' hemodynamic and resuscitation status. The decision to use damage-control orthopedics or early total care for treatment of the patient are based on these factors, and an algorithm is presented to guide treatment. We will also discuss principles of external fixation and the management of pelvic trauma in a multiple-injury patient.

Hands-free Femoral Traction Using the Bookwalter Retractor System During Anterior Approaches to the Acetabulum.

SUMMARY: Displaced acetabular fractures with medial and cranial displacement of the femoral head commonly require an anterior approach for reduction and stabilization. Restoration of the femoral head to its native position under the reduced acetabular dome is a primary goal of surgery. We present a surgical technique for applying traction to the proximal femur using the Bookwalter retractor system during the repair of acetabular fractures when using an anterior approach. By placing traction in line with the femoral neck, the femoral head is moved to a more anatomical position allowing acetabular fracture fragments to be reduced unimpeded and the femoral head may be used as a reconstructive template. We review a case series of 116 patients treated using this technique and report the short- and long-term radiographic and clinical results of treatment.

Clinical and Radiographic Comparison of Splinting Constructs for Distal Radius Fractures: An Effort to Free the Elbow.

OBJECTIVES: To compare short-term functional outcomes, reduction loss, and rates of surgery for distal radius fractures initially immobilized with a traditional sugar-tong splint versus clamshell splint freeing the elbow. DESIGN: Prospective randomized trial. SETTING: Level 1 trauma center. PATIENTS: Eighty-nine consecutive patients sustaining distal radius fractures were enrolled between 2018 and 2020. Short-term first follow-up (1-2 weeks) radiographic parameters and 6 weeks for functional questionnaires were established to assess initial outcomes. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The main outcome measures were reduction loss based on radiographic criteria, rate of surgery, and short-term patient functional outcome using the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand (DASH) score. RESULTS: There were no differences noted in DASH scores ( P -value = 0.8) or loss of reduction ( P -value = 0.69), and splint type was not correlated with likelihood to have surgery ( P = 0.22). A binomial regression model demonstrated splint type was not a significant predictor variable of loss of fracture reduction in the regression model. CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest both sugar-tong splint and clamshell splint construct are acceptable options in the acute management of distal radius fractures. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic Level I. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

Preoperative and Intraoperative Considerations Using Intramedullary Nails for the Treatment of Tibial Shaft Fractures Below Total Knee Arthroplasty.

SUMMARY: Periprosthetic tibial shaft fractures below total knee arthroplasty (TKA) are relatively rare, with an incidence of approximately 1%. However, as the rates of arthroplasty increase, orthopaedic surgeons are likely to see a corresponding increase in these types of fractures. Native tibial shaft fractures are routinely treated with either nails or plates, and the success of intramedullary nailing of tibial shaft fractures has been well described in the literature. In this article, we seek to describe a case series of tibial shaft fractures in patients with ipsilateral TKA treated with infrapatellar intramedullary nailing. We will focus on preoperative considerations including templating and measurement of the anterior cortical implant distance on the lateral radiograph to ensure space for safe nail passage. We will also discuss intraoperative technical tricks, including Kirschner wire insertion for sounding the start point, utilization of the curved awl, use of hand reamers, and rotation of the nail to bypass the implant. Using meticulous preoperative planning and technical intraoperative tricks, patients with tibial shaft fractures below TKA may be successfully treated with intramedullary nailing.

Extra-articular Unstable Iliac Fractures: Associated Injuries, Fixation Strategies, and Outcomes.

OBJECTIVE: To characterize the associated injuries, fixation constructs, and outcomes of extra-articular unstable iliac fractures. DESIGN: Retrospective cohort study. SETTING: Level I trauma center. PATIENTS: Thirty-three extra-articular unstable iliac fractures treated over a 20-year period. INTERVENTION: Percutaneous or open fixation of iliac fractures at the pelvic brim AND/OR iliac crest. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Incidence of union, fixation failure, and angiography at the time of injury. RESULTS: Twenty-five patients were treated operatively with appropriate follow-up. Four patients had fixation failure with displacement, all in the group with only brim OR crest fixation (4/8 patients, 50% rate). In patients with both crest AND brim fixation (n = 17), there were no cases of implant failure or late displacement. In displaced fractures (n = 22), 4 patients (18%) required embolization by interventional radiology. In all 4 cases, the superior gluteal artery was embolized. In patients with both crest AND brim fixation, all went on to uneventful union with an average Visual Analog Scale (VAS) pain score of 0.9 (range, 0-5) at final follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: Extra-articular unstable iliac fractures are high-energy injuries that demonstrate a high rate of union when both pelvic brim AND iliac crest fixation is used. Approximately 1 in 5 patients with a displaced iliac fracture presented with a superior gluteal artery disruption requiring embolization. Pelvic brim OR iliac crest fixation used in isolation was associated with a fixation failure rate of 50%, supporting previous biomechanical work. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic Level III. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

Repair of Humeral Shaft Nonunion With Plate and Screw Fixation and Iliac Crest Bone Graft.

SUMMARY: A 58-year-old woman with a proximal 1/3 humeral shaft nonunion presented 2 years after initial injury. We present a technique for nonunion repair, including nonunion site preparation, direct compression of the fracture site using plate osteosynthesis, and iliac crest bone graft harvest and utilization. The purpose of this video is to review humeral shaft nonunion literature and describe our management technique.

Sternoclavicular Joint Reconstruction for Medial Clavicle Fracture Nonunion.

SUMMARY: Operative management of sternoclavicular fracture-dislocations is recommended in the setting of symptomatic nonunion. Treatment options include open reduction internal fixation, fragment excision, and ligamentous reconstruction. We present a 29-year-old man with a medial clavicle fracture nonunion that previously failed open reduction internal fixation and was treated with sternoclavicular joint reconstruction using tendon allograft.

Distal Humerus Fractures Evolution of Management.

Distal humerus fractures are a challenging problem that has vexed many orthopedic surgeons through the years. This article reviews the historical management of distal humerus fractures from nonoperative treatment to prolonged traction with ice tongs to the advent of AO technique and beyond. Current controversies, including plate orientation, ulnar nerve management, and the role of arthroplasty, are reviewed. Based on the best available evidence, parallel plating has been shown to be biomechanically superior, but no differences have been found in clinical outcomes, and the surgeon should let the fracture pattern dictate plate placement. The evidence surrounding ulnar nerve management is controversial, but a systematic review has shown no benefits to routine transposition. Finally, total elbow arthroplasty is an excellent option in geriatric fractures with osteoporotic bone and should be considered in these cases. Ultimately, distal humerus fractures, especially in the geriatric population, remain a difficult problem, but with meticulous technique and stable restitution of the bony columns and tie arch, good outcomes can be obtained.

Are Arthroplasty Procedures Really Better in the Treatment of Complex Proximal Humerus Fractures? A Comprehensive Meta-Analysis and Systematic Review.

OBJECTIVE: A meta-analysis and systematic review was performed to compare outcomes of open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF), hemiarthroplasty (HA), and reverse total shoulder arthroplasty (rTSA) for complex proximal humerus fractures. Data sources: MEDLINE, Embase, and Cochrane Library databases were screened. Search terms included reverse total shoulder arthroplasty, open reduction internal fixation, hemiarthroplasty, and proximal humerus fracture. STUDY SELECTION: English-language studies published within the past 15 years evaluating outcomes of ORIF, rTSA, or HA for complex proximal humerus fractures with minimum of 1-year follow-up were included, resulting in 51 studies with 3064 total patients. Review articles, basic science studies, biomechanical studies, and cadaveric studies were excluded. DATA EXTRACTION: The methodological quality of evidence was assessed using the Jadad scale and methodological index for nonrandomized studies. DATA SYNTHESIS: Demographic data were compared using the χ2 test. Mean data were weighted by study size and used to calculate composite mean values and confidence intervals. Continuous data were compared using the Metan module with fixed effects. Count data were compared using the Kruskal-Wallis test. Alpha was set at 0.05 for all tests. CONCLUSIONS: Patients undergoing rTSA had lower risks of complication (relative risk 0.41) and reoperation (relative risk 0.28) than HA patients. rTSA resulted in higher Constant scores (standard mean difference 0.63) and improved active forward flexion when compared with HA (standard mean difference 0.76). Pooled mean data demonstrated better outcome scores and active forward flexion of ORIF versus HA and rTSA, although the patients were younger and had more simple fracture patterns. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic Level IV. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

Incidence of Osteomyelitis in Sacral Decubitus Ulcers and Recommendations for Management.

Stage-4 pressure ulcers are defined as ulcerations that violate the fascia and expose underlying bone, muscle, and tendon. Exposed bone is always colonized by bacteria, but this does not necessarily lead to osteomyelitis. The rates of osteomyelitis in exposed bone in stage-4 pressure ulcers range from 14% to 86%.There has been no evidence that the presence of osteomyelitis leads to higher complication rates following flap coverage. There has been no evidence that bone biopsy and preoperative treatment of osteomyelitis have any benefit before flap coverage.

High-energy Lateral Compression Type 1 Injuries of the Pelvis: A Spectrum of Injury.

Lateral compression type 1 pelvic fractures comprise a spectrum of injuries of varying stability. The clinician should be cognizant of signs and symptoms of instability including complete sacral fractures, bilateral ramus fractures, displacement greater than 1 cm, high-energy mechanism, and inability to bear weight. Management of these injuries is controversial, but the clinician should consider examination under anesthesia and potentially surgical stabilization.

Case Report: Irreducible Ankle Fracture With Posterior Tibialis Tendon and Retinaculum, Deltoid Ligament, and Anteromedial Joint Capsule Entrapment.

Irreducible ankle fractures are a relatively rare phenomenon. We present a case of a pronation abduction-type ankle fracture that was irreducible in the emergency room despite sedation. The patient was taken to the operating room, where the posterior tibialis tendon and retinaculum, deltoid ligament, and anteromedial capsule were found to be trapped within the joint. After removal of the tissue, alignment was restored. The patient did well clinically and was advanced to full weightbearing at 6 weeks. This is, to the best of our knowledge, the first report of entrapment of all 4 anatomic structures, preventing closed reduction.

Testing of a novel pin array guide for accurate three-dimensional glenoid component positioning.

BACKGROUND: A substantial challenge in total shoulder replacement is accurate positioning and alignment of the glenoid component. This challenge arises from limited intraoperative exposure and complex arthritic-driven deformity. We describe a novel pin array guide and method for patient-specific guiding of the glenoid central drill hole. We also experimentally tested the hypothesis that this method would reduce errors in version and inclination compared with 2 traditional methods. METHODS: Polymer models of glenoids were created from computed tomography scans from 9 arthritic patients. Each 3-dimensional (3D) printed scapula was shrouded to simulate the operative situation. Three different methods for central drill alignment were tested, all with the target orientation of 5° retroversion and 0° inclination: no assistance, assistance by preoperative 3D imaging, and assistance by the pin array guide. Version and inclination errors of the drill line were compared. RESULTS: Version errors using the pin array guide (3° ± 2°) were significantly lower than version errors associated with no assistance (9° ± 7°) and preoperative 3D imaging (8° ± 6°). Inclination errors were also significantly lower using the pin array guide compared with no assistance. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: The new pin array guide substantially reduced errors in orientation of the central drill line. The guide method is patient specific but does not require rapid prototyping and instead uses adjustments to an array of pins based on automated software calculations. This method may ultimately provide a cost-effective solution enabling surgeons to obtain accurate orientation of the glenoid.

Functional outcomes after shoulder resection: the patient's perspective.

BACKGROUND: Resection arthroplasty is a salvage procedure used for the treatment of deep-seated infections after total shoulder arthroplasty, hemiarthroplasty, and reverse total shoulder arthroplasty. Previous studies have reported a 50% to 66% rate of pain relief after resection arthroplasty but with significant functional limitations. Our study aimed to qualify the perspective of the patients on their limitations and satisfaction with resection arthroplasty. METHODS: A retrospective record review of resection arthroplasties performed between September 2003 and December 2012 yielded 14 patients, and 7 completed the survey. The patients completed surveys with the focus on the "patient perspective." Functional scores, including American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons, Simple Shoulder Test, Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand (DASH), DASH work, and DASH sports, were determined. RESULTS: Pain reduction and functional outcomes were similar to past reports of resection arthroplasty. Five of the 7 patients (71%) reported satisfaction with their resection arthroplasty, and 6 of the 7 patients (86%) would undergo the procedure again if given the choice. Five of the 7 patients (71%) were able to most of activities of daily living. CONCLUSIONS: Patients in our study were generally satisfied with their resection arthroplasty. Resection arthroplasty is a reasonable option for treatment of deep-seated periprosthetic infections or for patients with multiple previous failed procedures for total shoulder arthroplasty, hemiarthroplasty. and reverse shoulder arthroplasty.

Treatment in an outpatient setting for a patient with an infected, surgical wound with hypergranulation tissue.

The purpose of this article is to describe a multifaceted approach to wound care in an outpatient setting for a patient with an infected, nonhealing surgical wound with hypergranulation tissue following fasciotomy for acute compartment syndrome. A 44-year-old male underwent an anterior and lateral lower extremity compartment fasciotomy and developed a persistent right anterolateral lower leg wound. Thirty-six days after fasciotomy he came to the authors' clinic after 2 failed skin grafts with an infected wound covered in hypergranulation tissue. Treatment included sharp debridement, saline irrigation, patient education, and dressing changes during 9 treatment sessions. The patient's total wound surface area decreased from 5.2 cm x 17.3 cm to 4 cm x 15 cm with increased epithelialization from approximately 40% to 85% after 29 days of treatment. This article demonstrates the positive effect of a multifaceted approach for facilitation of wound healing in a lower extremity wound following fasciotomy.