Vacuum-Assisted Therapy for Combined Volar-Dorsal Soft-Tissue Defects of the Hand: A Case Report.

ABSTRACT: Application of negative-pressure wound therapy dressings to the web spaces and small, often moist, areas of the hand can be technically demanding and time consuming. The researchers present a case report and technique for managing a devastating hand infection and soft-tissue defects by creating a self-fabricated sponge glove that is easily reproducible. Vacuum-assisted therapy for combined volar dorsal soft-tissue defects of the hand, or "Hand Vac," is a novel approach for treating extensive hand wounds. This technique was used in a patient with diabetes with a deep space infection of the hand following serial debridements and antibiotic bead therapy. A single, medium-size sponge was cut using a knife and scissors to create an easily applied glove that was then sealed with adhesive dressing and a single suction port. The patient avoided complete amputation of the hand and deep infection was eradicated. The wounds had progressive granulation and healing and were eventually covered with split-thickness skin grafts. The authors conclude that severe soft-tissue defects involving both the volar and dorsal aspects of the hand can be effectively managed with a single glove-like sponge and suction port.

Distance of the Posterior Interosseous Nerve From the Bicipital (Radial) Tuberosity at Varying Positions of Forearm Rotation: A Magnetic Resonance Imaging Study With Clinical Implications.

BACKGROUND: The proximity of the posterior interosseous nerve (PIN) to the bicipital tuberosity is clinically important in the increasingly popular anterior single-incision technique for distal biceps tendon repair. Maximal forearm supination is recommended during tendon reinsertion from the anterior approach to ensure the maximum protective distance of the PIN from the bicipital tuberosity. PURPOSE: To compare the location of the PIN on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) relative to bicortical drill pin instrumentation for suspensory button fixation via the anterior single-incision approach in varying positions of forearm rotation. STUDY DESIGN: Descriptive laboratory study. METHODS: Axial, non-fat suppressed, T1-weighted MRI scans of the elbow were obtained in positions of maximal supination, neutral, and maximal pronation in 13 skeletally mature individuals. Distances were measured from the PIN to (1) the simulated path of an entering guidewire (GWE-PIN) and (2) the cortical starting point of the guidewire on the bicipital tuberosity (CSP-PIN) achievable from the single-incision approach. To radiographically define the location of the nerve relative to constant landmarks, measurements were also made from the PIN to (3) the prominent-most point on the bicipital tuberosity (BTP-PIN) and (4) a perpendicular plane trajectory from the bicipital tuberosity exiting the opposing radial cortex (PPT-PIN). All measurements were subsequently compared between positions of pronation, neutral, and supination. In supination only, BTP-PIN and PPT-PIN measurements were made and compared at 3 sequential axial levels to evaluate the longitudinal course of the nerve relative to the bicipital tuberosity. RESULTS: Of the 13 study participants, mean age was 38.77 years, and mean body mass index was 25.58. Five participants were female, and 5 left and 8 right elbow MRI scans were reviewed. The GWE-PIN was significantly greater in supination (mean ± SD, 16.01 ± 2.9 mm) compared with pronation (13.66 ± 2.5 mm) (P < .005). The mean CSP-PIN was significantly greater in supination (16.20 ± 2.8 mm) compared with pronation (14.18 ± 2.4 mm) (P < .013).The mean PPT-PIN was significantly greater in supination (9.00 ± 3.0 mm) compared with both pronation (1.96 ± 1.2 mm; P < .001) and neutral (4.73 ± 2.6 mm; P < .001). The mean BTP-PIN was 20.54 ± 3.0, 20.81 ± 2.7, and 20.35 ± 2.9 mm in pronation, neutral, and supination, respectively, which did not significantly differ between positions. In supination, the proximal, midportion, and distal measurements of BTP-PIN did not significantly differ. The proximal PPT-PIN distance (9.08 ± 2.9 mm) was significantly greater than midportion PPT-PIN (5.85 ± 2.4 mm; P < .001) and distal BTP-PIN (2.27 ± 1.8 mm; P < .001). CONCLUSION: This MRI study supports existing evidence that supination protects the PIN from the entering guidewire instrumentation during anterior, single-incision biceps tendon repair using cortical button fixation. The distances between the entering guidewire trajectory and PIN show that guidewire-inflicted injury to the nerve is unlikely during the anterior single-incision approach. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: When a safe technique is used, PIN injuries during anterior repair are likely the result of aberrant retractor placement, and we recommend against the use of retractors deep to the radial neck. Guidewire placement as close as possible to the anatomic footprint of the biceps tendon is safe from the anterior approach. MRI evaluation confirms that ulnar and proximal guidewire trajectory is the safest technique when using single-incision bicortical suspensory button fixation.

Incorporating Biologics Into Your Practice: The New Horizon in Sports Medicine.

Orthobiologics continue to be one of the most discussed and trending topics in orthopaedic surgery today. Pathology of tendons, ligaments, bone, cartilage, and meniscal tissue are all theoretically treatable with biologics. Ultimately, the hope for biologics is to provide symptom relief and improve tissue healing with the potential to treat some conditions without the need for surgery. It is important to review the current state of biologic therapies available for musculoskeletal disease, discuss government regulations and barriers to use, and, finally, examine current research in biologics and what the future may hold.

Outcomes in Multidisciplinary Team-based Approach in Geriatric Hip Fracture Care: A Systematic Review.

INTRODUCTION: This systematic review analyzes the literature on the treatment of geriatric hip fractures by a multidisciplinary hip fracture service including geriatricians/internists and orthopaedic surgeons and what impact this has on patient outcomes. METHODS: A systematic review of several databases was conducted according to PRISMA guidelines. Studies comparing an orthopaedic-led care model versus a coordinated orthogeriatrics care model or a geriatrics-led care model to treat hip fractures with reported outcomes for time to surgery, length of stay, readmission rates, and postoperative mortality were included. RESULTS: Seventeen articles fitting the inclusion criteria were included. Differences between the results of an orthopaedic-led care model versus a coordinated orthogeriatrics care model or a geriatrics-led care model were assessed using chi-squared tests. With patients admitted under a coordinated orthogeriatrics care model or a geriatrics-led care model, there is a statistically significant decrease in time to surgery (P = 0.045), length of stay (P = 0.0036), and postoperative mortality rates (P = 0.0034). CONCLUSIONS: Although a heterogeneous group of studies, the aggregate data from several studies using an orthogeriatrics care model or a geriatrics-led care model trend toward improvements across several clinical and cost-related outcome measures: decreased time to surgery, shorter length of stay, improved postoperative clinical outcomes, decreased mortality, and lower cost.

Intrapelvic component retrieval via anterior inferior iliac spine osteotomy in revision total hip arthroplasty.

INTRODUCTION:: In the revision setting, intrapelvic acetabular components provide a unique set of challenges for the treating surgeon. Retrieval is complicated by complex anatomical relationships within the pelvis and historically, surgeons have used multiple approaches to safely retrieve the cup. CASE PRESENTATION:: We present the case of a 53-year-old female with intrapelvic migration of the acetabular components of her total hip arthroplasty. Patient was treated through a novel, single incision approach with utilisation of an anterior inferior iliac spine (AIIS) osteotomy. RESULTS:: An AIIS osteotomy allows for improved visualisation within the pelvis and safe retrieval through a single exposure without compromising the ability to perform definitive, revision reconstruction. At 1-year follow-up, the patient has had no complications related to infection or failure of the implants. Ambulation is performed with the aid of a cane in the community with mild, occasional pain.