Analysis of the Effect of Tibial Stem Length on Coronal Plane Deformity of the Tibial Component in Total Ankle Arthroplasty.

BACKGROUND: Coronal plane deformity is common in patients who undergo total ankle arthroplasty. The correction of this deformity is paramount to the long-term survival of the implant. Coronal plane correction is achieved with soft tissue balancing and, in some part, is maintained through articular geometry constraint. The purpose of this study was to assess the influence of tibial component stem length on the coronal plane stability. METHODS: A consecutive case series of stemmed implants that met inclusion criteria were reviewed to determine the correction and maintenance of the correction of coronal plane deformity with special emphasis on the effect of modular tibial stem lengths of 2 and >2 segments. Twenty patients received a tibial component with 2 stem segments, and 23 patients received a tibial component with >2 stem segments. At an average patient age of 62.1 years at implantation, there was no significant difference between the 2 cohorts with respect to preoperative deformity or demographics. RESULTS: Our case series had a mean coronal deformity of 5.7 degrees, with valgus being more common than varus. At a mean final radiographic follow-up of 266.3 days after the first postoperative weightbearing radiography, coronal deformity increased by 0.4 degrees (P = .031). From the first postoperative measurement to the last postoperative measurement, there was no difference in mean coronal plane ankle deformity change between patients who received 2 stem segments and patients who received >2 stem segments (t = -1.14, df = 41, P = .259). CONCLUSION: Coronal plane deformity had a tendency to recur, albeit at a much smaller angle than preoperatively. This recurrence of deformity did not occur because of tibial component movement. Tibial stem lengths of >2 segments did not influence the maintenance of correction of coronal plane deformity or the stability of the tibial component in the coronal plane. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III, retrospective comparative series.

Factors Associated with the Transfer of Pediatric Patients with Supracondylar Humerus Fractures to a Level I Pediatric Trauma Center.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the characteristics of pediatric patients with supracondylar humerus fractures transferred to a level I pediatric trauma center to those who presented directly to our institution. METHODS: Retrospective chart review of patients with a supracondylar humerus fracture during a 42-month period (2008-2011) at a major level I pediatric trauma center were reviewed. Of 195 patients, 37 were transferred from outside hospitals. RESULTS: After multivariable analysis, it was determined that transferred patients were significantly more likely to present on the weekends (p = 0.003) and require operative treatment (p < 0.001) as compared to nontransferred patients. CONCLUSIONS: Injuries requiring operative treatment and presentation on a weekend were independent predictors of the transfer of pediatric patients with supracondylar humerus fractures.

Quantifying and comparing torsional strains after olecranon plating.

PURPOSE: Any torsion experienced at a fracture site will directly translate into shearing forces and has been regarded as detrimental to healing. The purpose of this study was to determine which plating system currently on the market controls torsional forces about comminuted olecranon fractures most effectively. METHODS: Five olecranon plates (Acumed, Synthes-SS, Synthes-Ti, ITS/US Implants and Zimmer) were implanted to stabilise a simulated comminuted fracture pattern in 50 fresh-frozen, cadaveric elbows. All specimens were evaluated by dual energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) scan to determine bone density. Three-dimensional displacement analysis was conducted to assess fragment motion through physiologic cyclic arcs of motion. The specimens were cycled through progressive physiologic loads (0.18-5.6 kg). Movements of the fragments were statistically compared amongst the different implants using one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Tukey Honestly Significant Difference (HSD) post hoc comparisons with a critical significance level of α=0.05. RESULTS: DXA bone mineral densities (BMDs) ranged from 0.465 to 0.927, with an average of 0.714. The Acumed, Synthes-SS, Synthes-Ti and Zimmer plates allowed <1° of torsion up to 1.6 kg of load. The differences between these plates at this load were not statistically significant. The ITS/US Implants plate, however, allowed significantly more torsion above loads of 2.6 kg (p=0.045) compared with all other plates. The ITS/US Implants plate allowed over 2° of torsion at 2.6 kg (p=0.012), and nearly 3° at 3.6 kg (p=0.045). The Zimmer plate consistently allowed more torsion than the Acumed plate or either of the Synthes plates, but the differences were not statistically significant. CONCLUSION: Regardless of which olecranon plate is used, the authors recommend limiting postoperative rehabilitation loads to below 1.6 kg in an effort to minimise the detrimental effects of torsion on healing. If loads over 1.6 kg are anticipated, the authors recommend the use of the Acumed plate or either of the Synthes plates.

Comparison of olecranon plate fixation in osteoporotic bone: do current technologies and designs make a difference?

OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study is to determine if recent innovations in olecranon plates have any advantages in stabilizing osteoporotic olecranon fractures. METHODS: Five olecranon plates (Acumed, Synthes-SS, Synthes-Ti, US Implants/ITS, and Zimmer) were implanted to stabilize a simulated comminuted fracture pattern in 30 osteoporotic cadaveric elbows. Specimens were randomized by bone mineral density per dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry scan. Three-dimensional displacement analysis was conducted to assess fragment motion through physiological cyclic arcs of motion and failure loading, which was statistically compared using one-way analysis of variance and Tukey honestly significant difference post hoc comparisons with a critical significance level of α = 0.05. RESULTS: Bone mineral density ranged from 0.546 g/cm to 0.878 g/cm with an average of 0.666 g/cm. All implants limited displacement of the fragments to less than 3 mm until sudden, catastrophic failure as the bone of the proximal fragment pulled away from the implant. The maximum load sustained by all osteoporotic specimens ranged from 1.6 kg to 6.6 kg with an average of 4.4 kg. There was no statistical difference between the groups in terms of cycles survived and maximum loads sustained. CONCLUSIONS: Cyclic physiological loading of osteoporotic olecranon fracture fixation resulted in sudden, catastrophic failure of the bone-implant interface rather than in gradual implant loosening. Recent plate innovations such as locking plates and different screw designs and positions appear to offer no advantages in stabilizing osteoporotic olecranon fractures. Surgeons may be reassured that the current olecranon plates will probably adequately stabilize osteoporotic fractures for early motion in the early postoperative period, but not for heavy activities such as those that involve over 4 kg of resistance.