A Radiographic Abdominal Pannus Sign is Associated With Postoperative Complications in Anterior THA.

BACKGROUND: Numerous studies have shown that elevated BMI is associated with adverse outcomes in THA; however, BMI alone does not adequately represent a patient's adipose and soft tissue distribution, especially when the direct-anterior approach is evaluated. Local soft tissue and adipose, especially in the peri-incisional region, has an unknown impact on patient outcomes after direct-anterior THA. Moreover, there is currently no known evaluation method to estimate the quantity of local soft tissue and adipose tissue. The current study introduced a new radiographic parameter that is measurable on supine AP radiographs: the abdominal pannus sign. QUESTION/PURPOSE: Are patients who have an abdominal pannus extending below the upper (cephalad) border of the symphysis pubis more likely to experience problems after anterior-approach THA that are plausibly associated with that finding, including infections resulting in readmission, wound complications resulting in readmission, fractures, or longer surgical time, than patients who do not demonstrate this radiographic sign? METHODS: Between 2015 and 2020, five surgeons performed 727 primary direct-anterior THAs. After exclusion criteria were applied, 596 procedures were included. Of those, we obtained postoperative radiographs in the postanesthesia care unit in 100% of procedures (596 of 596), and 100% of radiographs (596) were adequate for review in this retrospective study. The level of the pannus in relation to the pubic symphysis was assessed on immediate supine postoperative AP radiographs of the pelvis: above (pannus sign 1), between the upper and lower borders (pannus sign 2), or below the level of the pubic symphysis (pannus sign 3). In this study, we combined pannus signs 2 and 3 into a single group for analysis not only because there was a limited number of patients in each group, but also because there was no statistically significant difference between the two groups. Pannus sign 1 was identified in 82% of procedures (486 of 596), and pannus sign ≥ 2 was identified in 18% (110). We compared the groups (pannus sign 1 versus pannus sign ≥ 2) in terms of the percentage of patients who experienced problems within 90 days of THA that might be associated with that physical finding, including infections resulting in readmission including subcutaneous, subfascial, and prosthetic joint infections; wound complications resulting in readmission, defined as dehiscence or delayed healing; and all fractures, and we compared the groups in terms of surgical time-that is, the cut-to-close time. RESULTS: Patients with a pannus sign of ≥ 2 were more likely than those with a pannus sign of 1 to have a postoperative infection (6.4% [seven of 110 procedures] versus 0.6% [three of 486], odds ratio 10.96 [95% confidence interval (CI) 2.83 to 42.38]; p < 0.01), wound complications (0.9% [one of 110] versus 0% [0 of 486] with an infinite odds ratio [95% CI indeterminate]; p = 0.18), and fractures (4.5% [five of 110] versus 0% [0 of 486], with an infinite odds ratio [95% CI indeterminate]; p < 0.01). The mean surgical time was longer in patients with a pannus sign of ≥ 2 than it was in those with a pannus sign of 1 (128 ± 25.3 minutes versus 118 ± 27.5 minutes, mean difference 10 minutes; p < 0.01). CONCLUSION: Based on these findings, patients who have an abdominal pannus that extends below the upper (cephalad) edge of the pubic symphysis are at an increased risk of experiencing serious surgical complications. If THA is planned in these patients, an approach other than the direct-anterior approach should be considered. Surgeons performing THA who do not obtain supine radiographs preoperatively should use a physical examination to evaluate for this finding, and if it is present, they should use an approach other than the direct-anterior approach to minimize the risk of these complications. Future studies might compare the abdominal pannus sign using standing radiographs, which are used more often, with other well-documented associated risk factors such as elevated BMI or higher American Society of Anesthesiologists classification. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III, retrospective cohort study.

Virtual Reality Training in Unicompartmental Knee Arthroplasty: A Randomized, Blinded Trial.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of immersive virtual reality training in orthopedic surgery education in comparison to the standard technique guide for fixed-bearing medial unicompartmental knee arthroplasty DESIGN: Participants included 22 orthopedic surgery residents who were randomized to undergo fixed-bearing medial unicompartmental knee arthroplasty (UKA) surgical training with either an immersive virtual reality technology or by studying the traditional technique guide. Participants were randomized within their training year via block randomization. Participants then performed a medial UKA on a SawBone model using standard industry system surgical trays and equipment. Proficiency, timing, number of errors made, and subjective data were obtained during and after the SawBone procedure. A blinded observer was utilized to obtain objective data. SETTING: Community Memorial Health System, a primary clinical care institution in Ventura, California. PARTICIPANTS: Twenty-two orthopedic surgery residents were randomly selected. There were 7 PGY-1 residents (3 TG, 4 VR), 7 PGY-2s (4 TG, 3 VR), 3 PGY-3s (1 TG, 2 VR), 3 PGY-4s (2 TG, 1 VR), and 2 PGY-5s (1 TG, 1 VR) in total. Eligibility criteria were 1) an active orthopedic surgery resident, 2) no prior immersive VR surgical training, and 3) no prior experience with the Zimmer PPK implants or its technique guide. All participants completed the study. RESULTS: Residents were randomized evenly in the virtual reality (n = 11) and technique guide groups (n = 11). Analysis showed that residents who trained with the immersive VR executed significantly more steps correctly (33 vs. 27, p < 0.01) and completed their procedure in significantly faster time (26.7 vs. 35.4 minutes, p < 0.01). They also scored higher in all global assessment categories reaching significance in 4 of 5 categories. Subjective questionnaire responses demonstrated positive feedback within both groups with a trend toward virtual reality. No adverse events were recorded. CONCLUSIONS: Immersive virtual reality was more effective than traditional training for the participants of this study. There are numerous potential applications of this technology and it provides an alternative learning modality to accommodate different learning styles.

Short-term Disability Insurance, Return to Work, and the Responsibility of the Orthopaedic Surgeon.

Millions of Americans are unable to work every day because of illness or injury. Many of these individuals have musculoskeletal issues and are under the care of an orthopaedic surgeon. Short-term disability insurance programs have been developed to address the financial burden experienced by workers who are temporarily without income. Private insurance companies and state-sponsored programs are the two most common forms. Most disability plans require verification from a physician that the worker is unable to work or is able to work in a limited capacity. Quite often, this responsibility falls on the orthopaedic surgeon. Our participation is important and substantial, yet we receive little instruction on the role that we play in this process. This article explains the history and development of short-term disability programs, describes the way they currently function in our country, and clarifies the role of the orthopaedic surgeon in the process.

Revision Shoulder Instability Surgery After Failed Latarjet: Glenoid Reconstruction Using Distal Tibial Allograft and Humeral Head Reconstruction Using Osteochondral Allograft.

Revision surgery for a failed Latarjet procedure is rare and technically demanding with few viable options. Similarly, massive defects to the articular humeral head require thoughtful techniques to recreate a congruent joint. Revision options for failed Latarjet have been studied, but there is yet to be a consensus on graft options. Distal tibial allograft has shown favorable outcomes in midterm data. Humeral head osteochondral allograft has also shown favorable outcomes for very large humeral head defects. However, there is a paucity of literature to demonstrate efficacy of combining the 2 aforementioned techniques. Revision shoulder instability surgery with glenoid reconstruction using distal tibial allograft and humeral head reconstruction using osteochondral allograft restores the glenohumeral articulation while preserving the remaining native bone stock.

Trigger thumb preceding flexor pollicis longus tendon rupture after distal radius volar plate fixation: A case report.

INTRODUCTION: Flexor pollicis longus (FPL) tendon rupture is a known complication after a distal radius (DR) fracture and subsequent fixation with a volar plate. A commonly accepted theory is the attrition of the flexor tendon by the prominent volar plate or theoretical injury to the tendon during the initial injury. An increasingly rare complication of distal radius open reduction internal fixation (ORIF) with volar plate fixation is stenosing tenosynovitis, more commonly known as trigger finger. PRESENTATION OF CASE: We present a case of FPL rupture 7 years after volar plate fixation for DR fracture with thumb triggering in an elderly patient. To treat her trigger thumb, a corticosteroid injection was administered for symptomatic relief. Without resolution of her symptoms, she was scheduled for hardware removal and A1 pulley release. At her preoperative visit, she was found to have a rupture of her FPL tendon. DISCUSSION/CONCLUSION: This case report provides insight into an atypical presentation of delayed-onset FPL rupture and preceding trigger thumb. Especially in individuals with no inciting events, the patient's trigger thumb after volar plate distal radius ORIF may have been a warning sign for impending FPL rupture. This underscores the importance in considering potential tendon attrition as part of a differential diagnosis in a patient presenting with trigger thumb after distal radius ORIF with a volar plate. In assessing for FPL tendon rupture, diagnostic imaging modalities such as ultrasound may be utilized in evaluating this condition to prevent potential loss of function.

Bilateral shoulder septic arthritis due to suspected bacterial endocarditis: A case report.

INTRODUCTION: Septic arthritis is an orthopedic emergency that requires rapid diagnosis and treatment. It is typically caused by occult bacteremia which allows bacteria to seed the joint or local invasion of a soft tissue infection. Most cases of septic arthritis are caused by gram-positive bacteria, with the most common culprit being Staphylococcus Aureus. The reason septic arthritis is an orthopedic emergency is because of rapid destruction to cartilage. The mechanism of injury to cartilage is two-fold: bacterial enzymes are directly toxic to joint cartilage, and buildup of exudate can tamponade blood flow and cause anoxic injury. Typically, the knee is the most commonly involved joint. This is followed by the hip, ankle, elbow, wrist, and shoulder in descending order of occurrence. Polyarticular disease makes up a small percentage of these cases and if present, it is usually asymmetric and will involve at least one knee joint. PRESENTATION OF CASE: Bilateral joint septic arthritis is relatively rare. We present an uncommon case of atraumatic bilateral septic shoulders in an elderly man with a history of heart disease and insidious bilateral shoulder pain after golfing 18 holes. This presentation is unique not only in its rarity but also in its impact on our understanding of septic arthritis in the setting of medical comorbidities and a relatively unimpressive presentation. With a recent golfing day just prior to presentation, differential diagnoses other than septic arthritis included deltoid/rotator cuff muscle strain, acute on chronic rotator cuff tendinosis, acute on chronic rotator cuff tearing, acute flare up of osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, or crystalline arthropathy. With elevated inflammatory markers and an equivocal physical examination, our patient underwent advanced imaging via MRI and subsequent bilateral glenohumeral joint diagnostic aspirations that were consistent with septic arthritis due to his complaining of contralateral shoulder pain shortly after his admission. Immediately after said diagnosis was made, the patient was taken back for emergent bilateral open irrigation and debridement, as septic arthritis is an orthopedic emergency, and went on to recover appropriately on culture-directed intravenous antibiotic therapy. DISCUSSION/CONCLUSION: This case report is impactful with regard to clinical practice for multiple reasons. First and foremost it is a cautionary tale for all clinicians with regard to the level of suspicion one must have for polyarticular septic arthritis in the setting of the multiply painful patient. Second, it demonstrates the utility of advanced imaging in the equivocal patient. Lastly, it underscores the importance of prompt diagnosis and treatment, validating the existing algorithm for septic arthritis.

Consuming Genistein Improves Survival Rates in the Absence of Laxative in ΔF508-CF Female Mice.

Genistein is a naturally occurring isoflavone found in soy. Genistein has been shown to increase the open probability of the most common cystic fibrosis (CF) disease-associated mutation, ∆F508-CFTR. Mice homozygous for the ∆F508 mutation are characterized with severe intestinal disease and require constant laxative treatment for survival. This pathology mimics the intestinal obstruction (meconium ileus) seen in some cystic fibrosis patients. This study tested whether dietary supplementation with genistein would reduce the dependence of the ∆F508 CF mouse model on laxatives for survival, thereby improving mortality rates. At weaning (21 days), homozygous ∆F508 mice were maintained on one of three diet regimens for a period of up to 65 days: normal diet, normal diet plus colyte, or genistein diet. Survival rates for males were as follows: standard diet (38%, n = 21), standard diet plus colyte (83%, n = 42) and genistein diet (60%, n = 15). Survival rates for females were as follows: standard diet (47%, n = 19), standard diet plus colyte (71%, n = 38), and genistein diet (87%, n = 15). Average weight of male mice fed genistein diet increased by ~2.5 g more (p = 0.006) compared to those with colyte treatment. Genistein diet did not change final body weight of females. Expression of intestinal SGLT-1 increased 2-fold (p = 0.0005) with genistein diet in females (no change in males, p = 0.722). Expression of GLUT2 and GLUT5 was comparable between all diet groups. Genistein diet reduced the number of goblet cells per micrometer of crypt depth in female (p = 0.0483), yet was without effect in males (p = 0.7267). The results from this study demonstrate that supplementation of diet with genistein for ~45 days increases the survival rate of female ∆F508-CF mice (precluding the requirement for laxatives), and genistein only improves weight gain in males.