Influence of radiographic projection and patient positioning on shortening of the fractured clavicle.

BACKGROUND: Radiographic measurements of shortening and vertical displacement in the fractured clavicle are subject to a variety of factors such as patient positioning and projection. The aims of this study were (1) to quantify differences in shortening and vertical displacement in varying patient positions and X-ray projections, (2) to identify the view and patient positioning indicating the largest amount of shortening and vertical displacement, and (3) to identify and quantify the inter- and intraobserver agreement. METHODS: A prospective clinical measurement study of 22 acute Robinson type 2B1 clavicle fractures was performed. Each patient underwent 8 consecutive standardized and calibrated X-rays in 1 setting. RESULTS: In the upright patient position, the difference of absolute shortening was 4.5 mm (95% confidence interval [CI]: 3.0-5.9, P < .0001) larger than in the supine patient position. For vertical displacement, the odds of being scored a category higher in the upright patient position were 4.7 (95% CI: 2.2-9.8) times as large as the odds of being scored a category higher in supine position. The odds of being scored a category higher on the caudocranial projection were 5.9 (95% CI: 2.8-12.6) times as large as the odds of being scored a category higher on the craniocaudal projection. CONCLUSION: Absolute shortening, relative shortening, and vertical displacement were found to be the greatest in the upright patient positioning with the arm protracted orientation on a 15° caudocranial projection. No statistically significant differences were found for a change in position of the arm between neutral and protracted.

Influence of x-ray direction on measuring shortening of the fractured clavicle.

BACKGROUND: Midshaft clavicle fractures are often associated with a certain degree of shortening. There is great variety in the imaging techniques and methods to quantify this shortening. This study aims to quantify the difference in measurements of shortening and length of fracture elements between 5 views of the fractured clavicle. Furthermore, the interobserver and intraobserver agreement between these views using a standardized method is evaluated. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Digitally reconstructed radiographs were created for 40 computed tomography datasets in the anteroposterior (AP), 15° and 30° craniocaudal, and 15° and 30° caudocranial views. A standardized method for measuring the length of fracture elements and the amount of shortening was used. Interobserver and intraobserver agreement for each of the 5 views was calculated. RESULTS: The interobserver and intraobserver agreement was excellent for all 5 views, with all intraclass correlation coefficient values greater than 0.75. The measured differences in relative and absolute shortening between views were statistically significant between the 30° caudocranial view and all other views. The increase in median shortening measured between the commonly used 30° caudocranial view (2.7 mm) and the AP view (8.5 mm) was 5.8 mm (P < .001). The relative median shortening between these views increased by 3.5% (P < .001). CONCLUSION: The length of fracture elements and the amount of shortening in the fractured clavicle can be reliably measured using a standardized method. The increase in absolute and relative shortening when comparing the caudocranial measurements with the AP and craniocaudal measurements may indicate that the AP and craniocaudal views provide a more accurate representation of the degree of shortening.

Reliability of measurements of the fractured clavicle: a systematic review.

BACKGROUND: The objective of this systematic review was to evaluate the reliability and reproducibility of measurements of shortening in midshaft clavicle fractures (MSCF) using any available imaging technique. METHODS: Electronic databases (PubMed, EMBASE, and Cochrane) were searched. The 4-point-scale COSMIN checklist was used to evaluate the methodological quality of studies. RESULTS: Four studies on reliability of measurement of MSCF were identified. These studies were of fair and poor quality. The reported intrarater reliability varied between none to fair, and intrarater reliability was minimal. CONCLUSION: No definite conclusions could be drawn. In order to optimize future studies and the realization of comparable results, more research is necessary to identify a standardized method of imaging and measuring. Level of Evidence III.

[Pain following primary total knee replacement: causes, diagnosis and treatment]. / Pijn na primaire totale knieprothese: oorzaken, diagnostiek en behandelopties.

Total knee prosthesis (TKP) placement is a successful treatment for patients with disabling osteoarthritis of the knee. Despite good results, there is a large group of patients who are not satisfied following the procedure. Men, young patients and patients with chronic pain are more often satisfied after TKP placement, as are patients with a higher social status, better mental-health status and lower preoperative pain scores. The diagnostic workup for patients suffering pain after TKP placement is labour intensive, and should be carried out in a systematic manner. Treatment of pain varies per individual, ranging from medication and physiotherapy to revision surgery. There is limited data on how many patients do actually experience pain reduction following treatment.

Total hip arthroplasty versus hemiarthroplasty for displaced femoral neck fractures in the healthy elderly: a meta-analysis and systematic review of randomized trials.

PURPOSE: Displaced femoral neck fractures in healthy elderly patients have traditionally been managed with hemiarthroplasty (HA). Recent data suggest that total hip arthroplasty (THA) may be a better alternative. METHODS: A systematic review of the English literature was conducted. Randomized controlled trials comparing all forms of THA with HA were included. Three authors independently extracted articles and predefined data. Results were pooled using a random effects model. RESULTS: Eight trials totalling 986 patients were retrieved. After THA 4 % underwent revision surgery versus 7 % after HA. The one-year mortality was equal in both groups: 13 % (THA) versus 15 % (HA). Dislocation rates were 9 % after THA versus 3 % after HA. Equal rates were found for major (25 % in THA versus 24 % in HA) and minor complications (13 % THA versus 14 % HA). The weighted mean of the Harris hip score was 81 points after THA versus 77 after HA. The subdomain pain of the HHS (weighted mean score after THA was 42 versus 39 points for HA), the rate of patients reporting mild to no pain (75 % after THA versus 56 % after HA) and the score of WOMAC (94 points for THA versus 78 for HA) all favored THA. Quality of life measured with the EQ-5D favored THA (0.69 versus 0.57). CONCLUSIONS: Total hip arthroplasty for displaced femoral neck fractures in the fit elderly may lead to higher patient-based outcomes but has higher dislocation rates compared with hemiarthroplasty. Further high-quality randomized clinical trails are needed to provide robust evidence and to definitively answer this clinical question.

Infraglenoid tubercle avulsion and greater tuberosity fracture resulting from traumatic glenohumeral anterior dislocation: a case report.

Traumatic anterior shoulder dislocation can be associated with anteroinferior glenoid bone loss causing potential recurrent instability. We report on a 62-year-old man with a first-time traumatic anterior dislocation of the right shoulder, resulting in both an infraglenoid tubercle triceps avulsion fracture and a greater tuberosity fracture. After reduction, nonsurgical management was chosen. No inferior-oriented apprehension was noticed during follow-up, which might necessitate surgical treatment of the inferior glenoid rim. At latest follow-up, the patient had recovered his shoulder function. Avulsion fractures of the infraglenoid tubercle are uncommon lesions after an anterior shoulder dislocation and, without signs of instability, can be treated conservatively.