When can anterior dislocations of the shoulder with an isolated fracture of the greater tuberosity be safely reduced in the emergency department?

Following dislocation of the glenohumeral joint with an isolated greater tuberosity fracture, closed reduction in the emergency department can lead to fracture propagation or iatrogenic fractures. This article assesses the evidence regarding when anterior dislocations of the shoulder with an isolated fracture of the greater tuberosity can be safely reduced in the emergency department, as there is currently no clear guidance on this. A total of eight articles described 172 cases which underwent closed reduction, which resulted in 22 cases of iatrogenic fractures. Female sex, increased patient age and fragments of the greater tuberosity were associated with an increased risk of iatrogenic fractures. Closed reduction in the emergency department appears to be a safe option in younger patients and those with greater tuberosity fractures less than 40% of the width of the humeral head.

Distal humerus hemiarthroplasty for trauma: a systematic review of the outcomes and complications.

BACKGROUND: In patients with distal humerus fractures that are unreconstructible, total elbow arthroplasty is an established alternative to open reduction-internal fixation. Distal humerus hemiarthroplasty is a further alternative to avoid the significant lifestyle limitations associated with total elbow arthroplasty. Distal humerus hemiarthroplasty is an increasingly popular treatment option for unreconstructible distal humeral fractures not amenable to reconstruction. The aim of this systematic review was to assess the literature regarding the functional outcomes and complications of the use of distal humerus hemiarthroplasty for acute trauma. METHODS: A systematic review of the PubMed, Embase, and Scopus databases was performed. The search terms included "distal humerus fracture" OR "elbow fracture" AND "hemiarthroplasty" OR "arthroplasty" OR "replacement." Studies were limited to those published in the English language with reported functional outcome measures and complications. Patient demographic characteristics, implant systems, clinical outcomes (range of motion and functional outcome scores), and complications were extracted. RESULTS: Thirteen studies with a total of 207 patients met the inclusion criteria. The average age ranged from 44 to 79 years, with the mean length of follow-up ranging from 11 to 82 months postoperatively. A mean range-of-motion arc ≥ 93° was achieved in all studies, with 11 of 13 studies achieving mean functional range of motion ≥ 100°. All studies reported good to excellent mean outcome scores. Heterotopic ossification, ulnar cartilage wear, stiffness, and ulnar neuropathy were the most commonly encountered complications. The reoperation rate and revision rate were 17% and 3%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Distal humerus hemiarthroplasty is a viable option in the treatment of unreconstructible distal humerus fractures, with good to excellent outcomes expected. Long-term outcome data and the use of distal humerus hemiarthroplasty in younger patients are yet to be fully defined.

Customizable pre-printed consent forms: a solution in light of the Montgomery ruling.

INTRODUCTION: This article presents an audit cycle supported quality improvement project addressing best practice in the consent process for lower limb arthroplasty which takes into account the new standard in surgical consent and the importance of material risks. METHODS: 50 consecutive total hip and total knee replacement consent forms over a 3-month period were reviewed for legibility and completeness. Following the introduction of a new, pre-printed but customizable consent form the review process was repeated. RESULTS: The introduction of a customizable, pre-printed consent form that can be adjusted to reflect the individualized material risks of each patient increased legibility, reduced inappropriate human error variation and abolished the use of abbreviations and medical jargon. CONCLUSIONS: When used as part of an extended consent process, the authors feel that the use of pre-printed but customizable consent forms improves legibility, completeness and consistency and also provides the ability to highlight those complications that are of particular importance for that patient to satisfy the new accepted standard in surgical consent.

Are standard antero-posterior and 20° caudal radiographs a true assessment of mid-shaft clavicular fracture displacement?

AIMS: Decision-making in management of clavicle fractures is often based on the degree of displacement and shortening present on plain radiographs. We aimed to evaluate whether plain radiographs provide an accurate representation of the true displacement present, which can be difficult to image in orthogonal planes. METHODS: Consecutive high-energy trauma patients with midshaft clavicular fractures requiring further CT imaging of the thorax/abdomen for other associated injuries between 2009 and 2012 were evaluated. The plain radiographs and CT scan were both performed at initial presentation. Displacement and shortening of the clavicle fracture were assessed on the standard clavicle views and then compared with the axial images obtained from CT scans. RESULTS: 26 patients admitted following a high-energy trauma that necessitated CT scan of chest/abdomen/pelvis were included. All patients also underwent standard clavicle view radiographs at the same initial assessment. Displacement varied from 0 to 233%. Shortening was measured as between 0 and 29 mm. The displacement measured on the CT scan was a mean of 19% greater than the AP view and 11% greater than the 20° caudal. This difference was found to be statistically significant (p = 0.019) between the AP view and the axial view on CT. The difference between 20° caudal views did not extend to statistical significance (p = 0.211). There were no significant differences found between the two modalities on assessment of shortening. CONCLUSIONS: Plain radiographs give an accurate representation of the shortening present in midshaft clavicle fractures. Displacement may be underestimated if the standard AP and 20° caudal views alone are relied upon.

Complications Encountered with Total Hip Arthroplasty in Rheumatoid Patients.

Rheumatoid arthritis affects around 1% of the global population with a predilection for Western societies. The treatment of the rheumatoid hip has gone through significant changes in recent years. Although osteotomies and synovectomies were previously commonplace, advances in arthroplasty technique and technology has seen these former procedures being performed less commonly. This article tackles some of the key issues with regard to the rheumatoid hip, namely the increased risk and methods of dealing with protrusio acetabuli, the risk of dislocation, infection and rates of aseptic loosening.

The Peri-operative Management of the Rheumatoid Patient Undergoing Total Knee Arthroplasty: A Review of Literature.

Rheumatoid arthritis is the commonest inflammatory arthropathy, and affects synovium, cartilage and bone. Despite recent improvements with disease modifying biological agents, progressive joint destruction may continue eventually leading to the need for joint arthroplasty. The knee joint is involved in 90% of patients with rheumatoid arthritis, and total knee arthroplasty is being performed in many patients to alleviate pain and recover function. However, complications are not uncommon. In this review of the literature we look at pre-operative, intra-operative and post-operative factor that need to be taken into account to reduce the risk of complications in these patients. Due to the systemic nature of rheumatoid arthritis, a multi-disciplinary approach is crucial. This includes addressing medical and pharmacological issues, and anesthetic concerns pre-operatively, and anticipating and preventing relevant complications postoperatively.

V-Y vertebral body osteotomy for the treatment of fixed sagittal plane spinal deformity.

BACKGROUND CONTEXT: Fixed sagittal plane imbalance (FSI) has traditionally been corrected by either opening or closing wedge osteotomies or vertebral column resections. These methods involve multiple vertebrae and have been associated with limited degrees of correction and/or neurovascular compromise. PURPOSE: We describe a new V-Y vertebral osteotomy (VYO) that involves a single vertebra, allowing for correction of all three columns in a safer fashion. STUDY DESIGN: A prospective assessment of the degree of correction pre- and post-VYO in a tertiary spinal center. PATIENT SAMPLE: Ten consecutive patients presenting with sagittal plane imbalance were enrolled in this study. OUTCOME MEASURES: Outcomes were assessed with pre- (preop) and postoperative (postop) outcome questionnaires (Oswestry Disability Index [ODI] and Scoliosis Research Society-24) and radiography. METHODS: Ten patients underwent VYO at L3 with varying levels of instrumentation. The procedure involves a V-shaped osteotomy in the sagittal plane, sparing the anterior 50% of the body, the apex of which is then converted to a Y shape, and the osteotomy closed. RESULTS: Patients were followed for a mean of 36 months (24-48 months). The procedure led to significant improvements in sagittal balance, lumbar lordosis, thoracic kyphosis, coronal balance, sacral inclination, and pelvic incidence. The average degree of correction achieved was 44.58°±6.19° (mean±standard deviation). The mean blood loss was 1,287±350 mL and the operative time was 220±24 minutes. The mean preop ODI was 72% (range 58%-85%) and postop ODI averaged 22% (range 10%-30%). The mean preop SRS-24 score was 30.1 and postop was 101. CONCLUSIONS: The VYO provides a safe correction of up to 45° at a single osteotomy site in FSI patients. It involves an isolated posterior approach and is recommended for corrections below the region of the conus.

Developing an electronic teaching and training portfolio.

Technological advances, in particular the rise of the internet, have led to dramatic changes in medical education. The recent global financial crisis and issues with medical staffing have meant that training programs and universities are increasingly exploring electronic means to provide efficient and cost effective education techniques. In this article, we explore methods by which orthopedic trainees can develop their educational portfolio through electronic resources and similarly, how training or residency programs can utilize these advances in technology to both increase efficiency and enhance their teaching reputation. Finally, we explore the merits of trainees keeping track of their careers through electronic portfolios.

Intraoperative nerve monitoring during total shoulder arthroplasty surgery.

BACKGROUND: Nerve injury is an acknowledged complication of total shoulder arthroplasty (TSA). Although the incidence of postoperative neurological deficit has been reported to be between 1% and 16%, the true incidence of nerve damage is considered to be higher. The present study aimed to identify the rate of intraoperative nerve injury during total shoulder arthroplasty and to determine potential risk factors. METHODS: A prospective study of nerve conduction in 21 patients who underwent primary or revision TSA was carried out over a 12-month period. Nerve conduction was monitored by measuring intraoperative sensory evoked potentials (SEP). A significant neurophysiological signal change was defined as either a unilateral or bilateral decrease in SEP signal of ≥50%, a latency increase of ≥10% or a change in waveform morphology, not caused by operative or anaesthetic technique. RESULTS: Seven (33%) patients had a SEP signal change. The only significant risk factor identified for signal change was male sex (odds ratio 15.00, 95% confidence interval). The median nerve was the most affected nerve in the operated arm. All but one signal change returned to normal before completion of the operation and no patient had a persisting postoperative clinical neurological deficit. CONCLUSIONS: The incidence of intraoperative nerve damage may be more common than previously reported. However, the loss of SEP signal is reversible and does not correlate with persisting clinical neurological deficits. The median nerve appears to be most at risk. Monitoring SEPs in the operated limb during TSA may be a valuable tool during TSA.

Cauda equina syndrome following sacral fractures: a report of three cases.

We report 3 patients with cauda equina syndrome (CES) secondary to a sacral fracture. The difficulty in early diagnosis of CES and the lack of evidence and guidance on treatment are highlighted. When there is a sacral fracture, CES should be suspected. Thorough clinical examination including digital rectal examinations and bladder function quantification is advised. The threshold for performing computed tomography and/or magnetic resonance imaging of the pelvis should be low. Patients should be treated by a multi-disciplinary team with both orthopaedic and neurosurgical input. Further studies are needed to identify the timing and to which patients surgical decompression should be performed.

Nonoriginal Malappropriate Eponymous Nomenclature: examples relevant to paediatric orthopaedics.

Eponyms are widely used in medicine and their use has been the subject of much debate recently. Advocates stress their historical significance, their ability to simplify complex terminology and their addition of character to science. Opponents cite the controversy among those eponyms and highlight the lack of both scientific and historical accuracy. The law of Nonoriginal Malappropriate Eponymous Nomenclature (NOMEN) suggests that no phenomenon is named after the individual(s) who originally described it. We aimed to determine whether this law is applicable to various clinical conditions and signs relevant to paediatric orthopaedics. We selected a series of 10 eponyms and performed a thorough literature review. In all cases, a description was identified preceding that from whom the disease received its eponymous name. We were also able to identify what we believe to be the earliest recorded description of each disease and sign. Our examples confirm the law of NOMEN in the field of paediatric orthopaedics. We suggest that irregularities in the descriptions and meanings of eponyms are identified and updated.

The perioperative management of skeletal metastases.

Bone metastasis is a common problem affecting a significant proportion of patients with metastatic cancer. Bone metastasis can present in a number of ways and the patients may need surgical stabilisation of their lesions. There are many important considerations in the care of these patients that need to be borne in mind including their increased anesthetic risks and potential risk of complications. There are continuous developments in the prevention, diagnosis and treatment with advances in imaging, orthopaedic technique and medication, particularly radiopharmaceuticals and cytotoxic, endocrine treatments with newer treatments based around the tumour cell-osteoclast interaction. Having a better understanding of these considerations and developments is important in allowing the optimisation of the care of the patient with bone metastasis.