The posterior tibial slope affects the measurement reliability regarding the radiographic parameter of the knee.

BACKGROUND: Posterior tibial slope (PTS) exhibits considerable variability among individuals and is anticipated to influence the accuracy of radiographic measurements related to the knee. Despite this potential impact, there is a lack of prior research investigating how PTS affects the accuracy of these measurements. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the effect of PTS on the measurement reliability regarding the radiographic parameter of the knee. METHODS: The medical records of patients who took full-length anteroposterior radiographs of the lower limb between January 2020 and June 2022 were evaluated retrospectively. Radiographic parameters related to the knee joint characteristics such as osteoarthritis grade, hip-knee-ankle angle, weight-bearing line ratio, medial proximal tibial angle (MPTA), lateral distal femoral angle, joint-line convergence angle (JLCA), and PTS were measured. Subjects were classified into 3 groups according to PTS (group A, PTS < 4°; group B, PTS ≥ 4° and < 8°; group C, PTS ≥ 8°), and the measurement reliability for the radiographic variables was compared between groups. The intra- and inter-observer agreements were assessed using the kappa coefficients, intra-class correlation coefficients (ICC), and Bland-Altman plots. RESULTS: A total of 175 limbs (86 patients) were included in this study. As the intra- and inter-observer reliability for PTS ranged over 0.9, grouping was performed based on the average of the measured PTSs. The inter-observer reliability of the MPTA and JLCA decreased as the PTS increased (ICCs for MPTA in Groups A, B, and C: 0.889, 0.796, and 0.790, respectively; ICCs for JLCA in Groups A, B and C: 0.916, 0.859, and 0.843, respectively), whereas there were no remarkable differences in other variables. Similar trends were observed in the comparisons of intra-observer reliability and Bland-Altman plots also showed consistent results. CONCLUSION: The larger the PTS, the lower the measurement reliability regarding the radiographic parameters of the knee that includes the joint line, such as MPTA and JLCA. Given the occasional challenge in accurately identifying the knee joint line in patients with a relatively large PTS, careful measurement of radiographic parameters is crucial and utilizing repetitive measurements for verification may contribute to minimizing measurement errors.

Surgical drain has no benefits in hemiarthroplasty for femoral neck fractures in elderly patients.

Femoral neck fracture is a common osteoporotic fracture in elderly patients and is effectively managed with arthroplasty. However, the benefits and risks of a surgical drain after arthroplasty in these patients are still debatable. Hence, we conducted this study to investigate the necessity of a surgical drain after hemiarthroplasty in elderly patients with femoral neck fracture. This study enrolled elderly patients (aged ≥ 70 years) who underwent cementless bipolar hemiarthroplasty for femoral neck fracture between April 2016 and December 2021. The patients were divided into two groups; the control group (199 patients) with a surgical drain after surgery performed between April 2016 and June 2020 and the study group (134 patients) with no surgical drain between July 2020 and December 2021. The demographics, perioperative data, and postoperative complications were compared between the two groups. Estimated blood loss, perioperative transfusion volume and rate, and length of hospital stay were significantly lower in the study group than in the control group (p < 0.001, p < 0.001, p = 0.008, and p < 0.001, respectively). Although there were no significant intergroup differences in the length of intensive care unit stay and in-hospital, 1-month, and 1-year mortalities, the incidence of postoperative medical complications was significantly lower in the study group than the control group (p = 0.001). A surgical drain may be unnecessary after hemiarthroplasty in elderly patients with femoral neck fracture considering less blood loss and transfusion, lower incidence of postoperative medical complications, and shorter hospital stay in the study group with no surgical drain.

Is an Anatomical Suprapectineal Quadrilateral Surface Plate Superior to Previous Fixation Methods for Anterior Column-Posterior Hemitransverse Acetabular Fractures Typical in the Elderly?: A Biomechanical Study.

Background: This study aimed to compare the mechanical characteristics of four fixation methods including an anatomical suprapectineal quadrilateral surface (QLS) plate in hemipelvic models of anterior column-posterior hemitransverse acetabular fractures typical in elderly patients. Methods: In total, 24 composite hemipelvic models were used and allocated to four groups: group 1, pre-contoured anatomical suprapectineal QLS plate; group 2, suprapectineal reconstruction plate with two periarticular long screws; group 3, suprapectineal reconstruction plate with a buttress reconstruction plate; group 4, suprapectineal reconstruction plate with a buttress T-plate. Axial structural stiffness and displacement of each column fragment in four different fixation constructs were compared. Results: Multiple group comparisons of axial structural stiffness demonstrated significant difference (p = 0.001). Although there was no significant difference between groups 1 and 2 (p = 0.699), group 1 showed greater stiffness than groups 3 and 4 (p = 0.002 and 0.002, respectively). Group 1 showed less displacement in the anterior region of the anterior fragment than group 4 (p = 0.009) and in the posterior region than groups 3 and 4 (p = 0.015 and p = 0.015, respectively). However, group 1 demonstrated greater displacement than group 2 in the posterior region of the posterior fragment (p = 0.004), while showing similar displacement to groups 3 and 4. Conclusions: The anatomical suprapectineal QLS plate provided the mechanical stability comparable or superior to other existing fixations in osteoporotic models of anterior column-posterior hemitransverse acetabular fractures typical in the elderly. However, additional plate modification would be needed for better stability and outcomes.

Factor affecting the discrepancy in the coronal alignment of the lower limb between the standing and supine radiographs.

BACKGROUND: Conflicting results have been reported regarding the factors that can predict the discrepancy in the coronal alignment of the lower limb between radiographs taken in the standing and supine positions. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate factors that can predict discrepancies in the coronal alignment of the lower limb between radiographs taken in the standing and supine positions. METHODS: We retrospectively evaluated the medical records of patients who underwent full-length anteroposterior radiographs of the lower limb in both standing and supine positions between January 2019 and September 2021. The discrepancy in the coronal alignment of the lower limb between the standing and supine radiographs was defined as the absolute value of the difference in the hip-knee-ankle (HKA) angle between the two radiographs, which is presented as the ΔHKA angle. Correlation and regression analyses were performed to analyse the relationship among ΔHKA angle, demographic data, and several radiographic parameters. RESULTS: In total, 147 limbs (94 patients) were included in this study. The mean ΔHKA angle was 1.3 ± 1.1° (range, 0-6.5°). The ΔHKA angle was significantly correlated with body mass index and several radiographic parameters, including the HKA angle, joint line convergence angle, and osteoarthritis grade. Subsequent multiple linear regression analysis was performed using the radiographic parameters measured on the supine radiographs with the two separate models from the two observers, which revealed that body mass index and advanced osteoarthritis (Kellgren-Lawrence grades 3 and 4) had a positive correlation with the ΔHKA angle. CONCLUSIONS: Body mass index and advanced osteoarthritis affected the discrepancy in the coronal alignment of the lower limb between standing and supine radiographs. A discrepancy in the coronal alignment of the lower limb could be more prominent in patients with an increased body mass index and advanced osteoarthritis, corresponding to Kellgren-Lawrence grades 3 and 4.

Simultaneous reduction and fixation using an anatomical suprapectineal quadrilateral surface plate through modified Stoppa approach in superomedially displaced acetabular fractures.

Treatment of superomedially displaced acetabular fractures including a quadrilateral surface (QLS) is challenging. We present a surgical technique using an anatomical suprapectineal QLS plate through the modified Stoppa approach and report the availability of this plate to treat this fracture type along with the surgical outcomes. Sixteen consecutive patients (14 men and 2 women) who underwent surgical treatment using an anatomical suprapectineal QLS plate through a modified Stoppa approach for superomedially displaced acetabular fractures between June 2018 and June 2020, were enrolled retrospectively. These fractures included 11 both-column fractures and 5 anterior-column and posterior hemitransverse fractures, which were confirmed on preoperative 3-dimensional computed tomography. Surgical outcomes were clinically assessed using the Postel Merle d'Aubigné (PMA) score and visual analog scale (VAS) score at the final follow-up, and radiological evaluations were performed immediately after the operation and at the final follow-up. For comparative analysis, 23 patients who underwent internal fixation with the conventional reconstruction plate through modified ilioinguinal approach between February 2010 and May 2018, were selected. This control group was composed of 18 both-column fractures and 5 anterior-column and posterior hemitransverse fractures. The follow-up period was at least 1 year in all patients. The mean operation time and blood loss was 109 min, and 853 ml, respectively, whereas 236 min, and 1843 ml in control group. Anatomical reduction was achieved in 14 (87.5%) patients, while imperfect reduction was achieved in the remaining 2 patients. At the final follow-up, radiographic grades were excellent, fair, and poor in 14 patients (87.5%), one, and one, respectively. The mean PMA score was 16.1 (range 13-18) and the mean VAS score was 1.0 (range 0-3). No secondary reduction loss or implant loosening was observed. However, 2 patients underwent conversion to total hip arthroplasty (THA) due to post-traumatic arthritis and subsequent joint pain. No other complications were observed. In the comparative analysis, radiological outcome showed a significant relationship with the conversion to THA (p = 0.013). Shorter operation time and less blood loss were significantly observed in the QLS plate fixation group through the modified Stoppa approach compared with the conventional reconstruction plate fixation group through modified ilioinguinal approach (p < 0.001, respectively). Simultaneous reduction and fixation using an anatomical suprapectineal QLS plate through the modified Stoppa approach may be a viable technique in superomedially displaced acetabular fractures along with shorter operation time and less blood loss.

Effect of the additional anteroposterior blocking screw on nail/medullary canal mismatch after cephalomedullary nailing in unstable pertrochanteric fracture : a finite element analysis.

AIMS: There are concerns regarding nail/medullary canal mismatch and initial stability after cephalomedullary nailing in unstable pertrochanteric fractures. This study aimed to investigate the effect of an additional anteroposterior blocking screw on fixation stability in unstable pertrochanteric fracture models with a nail/medullary canal mismatch after short cephalomedullary nail (CMN) fixation. METHODS: Eight finite element models (FEMs), comprising four different femoral diameters, with and without blocking screws, were constructed, and unstable intertrochanteric fractures fixed with short CMNs were reproduced in all FEMs. Micromotions of distal shaft fragment related to proximal fragment, and stress concentrations at the nail construct were measured. RESULTS: Micromotions in FEMs without a blocking screw significantly increased as nail/medullary canal mismatch increased, but were similar between FEMs with a blocking screw regardless of mismatch. Stress concentration at the nail construct was observed at the junction of the nail body and lag screw in all FEMs, and increased as nail/medullary canal mismatch increased, regardless of blocking screws. Mean stresses over regions of interest in FEMs with a blocking screw were much lower than regions of interest in those without. Mean stresses in FEMs with a blocking screw were lower than the yield strength, yet mean stresses in FEMs without blocking screws having 8 mm and 10 mm mismatch exceeded the yield strength. All mean stresses at distal locking screws were less than the yield strength. CONCLUSION: Using an additional anteroposterior blocking screw may be a simple and effective method to enhance fixation stability in unstable pertrochanteric fractures with a large nail/medullary canal mismatch due to osteoporosis.

Biomechanics of subtrochanteric fracture fixation using short cephalomedullary nails: A finite element analysis.

A finite element analysis was performed to evaluate the stresses around nails and cortical bones in subtrochanteric (ST) fracture models fixed using short cephalomedullary nails (CMNs). A total 96 finite element models (FEMs) were simulated on a transverse ST fracture at eight levels with three different fracture gaps and two different distal locking screw configurations in both normal and osteoporotic bone. All FEMs were fixed using CMNs 200 mm in length. Two distal locking screws showed a wider safe range than 1 distal screw in both normal and osteoporotic bone at fracture gaps ≤ 3 mm. In normal bone FEMs fixed even with two distal locking screws, peak von Mises stresses (PVMSs) in cortical bone and nail constructs reached or exceeded 90% of the yield strength at fracture levels 50 mm and 0 and 50 mm, respectively, at all fracture gaps. In osteoporotic bone FEMs, PVMSs in cortical bone and nail constructs reached or exceeded 90% of the yield strength at fracture levels 50 mm and 0 and 50 mm, respectively, at a 1-mm fracture gap. However, at fracture gaps ≥ 2 mm, PVMSs in cortical bone reached or exceeded 90% of the yield strength at fracture levels ≥ 35 mm. PVMSs in nail showed the same results as 1-mm fracture gaps. PVMSs increased and safe range reduced, as the fracture gap increased. Short CMNs (200 mm in length) with two distal screws may be considered suitable for the fixation of ST transverse fractures at fracture levels 10 to 40 mm below the lesser trochanter in normal bone and 10 to 30 mm in osteoporotic bone, respectively, under the assumptions of anatomical reduction at fracture gap ≤ 3 mm. However, the fracture gap should be shortened to the minimum to reduce the risk of refracture and fixation failure, especially in osteoporotic fractures.

Effect of stem position and length on bone-stem constructs after cementless hip arthroplasty.

AIMS: There are concerns regarding initial stability and early periprosthetic fractures in cementless hip arthroplasty using short stems. This study aimed to investigate stress on the cortical bone around the stem and micromotions between the stem and cortical bone according to femoral stem length and positioning. METHODS: In total, 12 femoral finite element models (FEMs) were constructed and tested in walking and stair-climbing. Femoral stems of three different lengths and two different positions were simulated, assuming press-fit fixation within each FEM. Stress on the cortical bone and micromotions between the stem and bone were measured in each condition. RESULTS: Stress concentration was observed on the medial and lateral interfaces between the cortical bone and stem. With neutral stem insertion, mean stress over a region of interest was greater at the medial than lateral interface regardless of stem length, which increased as the stem shortened. Mean stress increased in the varus-inserted stems compared to the stems inserted neutrally, especially at the lateral interface in contact with the stem tip. The maximum stress was observed at the lateral interface in a varus-inserted short stem. All mean stresses were greater in stair-climbing condition than walking. Each micromotion was also greater in shorter stems and varus-inserted stems, and in stair-climbing condition. CONCLUSION: The stem should be inserted neutrally and stair-climbing movement should be avoided in the early postoperative period, in order to preserve early stability and reduce the possibility of thigh pain, especially when using a shorter stem. Cite this article: Bone Joint Res 2021;10(4):250-258.

Significant Changes in Serum MicroRNAs after High Tibial Osteotomy in Medial Compartmental Knee Osteoarthritis: Potential Prognostic Biomarkers.

High tibial osteotomy (HTO) is an effective alternative for medial compartmental knee osteoarthritis (OA). Circulating microRNAs (miRNAs) are known to serve as OA-related biomarkers. The present study investigated the differential expression of serum miRNAs before and after HTO to identify potential miRNAs as prognostic biomarkers. miRNA-polymerase chain reaction (PCR) arrays were used to screen for miRNAs in the serum at preoperative and 6-month postoperative time points from six patients, and the differentially expressed miRNAs identified in the profiling stage were validated using real-time PCR at post-operative months 6 and 18 in 27 other HTO-treated patients. Among 84 miRNAs involved in the inflammatory process, three (miR-19b-3p, miR-29c-3p, and miR-424-5p) showed differential expression patterns in the profiling stage (p = 0.011, 0.015, and 0.021, respectively). Levels of these three and four other miRNAs (miR-140-3p, miR-454-3p, miR-let-7e-5p, and miR-885-5p) known to be related to OA progression were evaluated in the serum of 27 patients. Only four miRNAs (miR-19b-3p, miR-140-3p, miR-454-3p, and miR-let-7e-5p) were significantly upregulated at postoperative month 6 (p = 0.003, 0.005, 0.004, and 0.004, respectively), and only miR-140-3p was significantly upregulated up to 18 months after operation (p = 0.003). Together, this study reveals the significantly upregulated serum miRNAs after HTO as potential prognostic biomarkers; however, further studies are warranted to elucidate their clinical implications.

Gamma3 nail with U-Blade (RC) lag screw is effective with better surgical outcomes in trochanteric hip fractures.

The objective of this retrospective study was to investigate the surgical outcomes of AO/OTA 31 A1-3 trochanteric fractures treated with the new-generation Gamma3 nail with U-Blade (RC) lag screw and to analyze the risk factors related to fixation failure. A total of 318 consecutive patients who underwent cephalomedullary nailing using Gamma3 nail with U-Blade lag screw for trochanteric hip fractures between September 2015 and June 2018 were enrolled. The average age was 80 years and most patients (69%) were women. The mean follow-up was 12.2 months with a minimum of 6 months. 309 (97.2%) showed bony union with a mean time to union of 13.5 ± 8.7 weeks. Cut-out occurred in 2 patients (0.6%) and 7 patients showed excessive collapse (≥15 mm) of the proximal fragment. These 9 patients were assigned to the failure group. The presence of a basicervical fracture component and comminution of the anterior cortex on preoperative 3-D CT showed a significant association with fixation failure, including cut-out, although comminution of the anterior cortex was the only independent risk factor for fixation failure on multivariate logistic regression analysis. Gamma3 nail with U-Blade lag screw showed favorable results for trochanteric hip fractures, with low cut-out rate (0.6%). However, more caution is required in treating trochanteric fractures with a basicervical fracture component and anterior cortex comminution even with this nail.

Significant changes in synovial fluid microRNAs after high tibial osteotomy in medial compartmental knee osteoarthritis: Identification of potential prognostic biomarkers.

High tibial osteotomy (HTO) is a well-established treatment for medial compartmental knee osteoarthritis. Several microRNAs (miRNAs) are involved in osteoarthritis progression and are useful as osteoarthritis-related biomarkers. In this prospective study, we investigated differentially expressed microRNAs in the synovial fluid (SF) before and after HTO in patients with medial compartmental knee osteoarthritis to identify microRNAs that can be used as prognostic biomarkers. We used miRNA-PCR arrays to screen for miRNAs in SF samples obtained preoperatively and 6 months postoperatively from 6 patients with medial compartmental knee osteoarthritis who were treated with medial open wedge HTO. Differentially expressed miRNAs identified in the profiling stage were validated by real-time quantitative PCR in 22 other patients who had also been treated with HTO. All patients radiographically corresponded to Kellgren-Lawrence grade II or III with medial compartmental osteoarthritis. These patients were clinically assessed using a visual analogue scale and Western Ontario McMaster Universities scores. Mechanical axis changes were measured on standing anteroposterior radiographs of the lower limbs assessed preoperatively and at 6 months postoperatively. Among 84 miRNAs known to be involved in the inflammatory process, 14 were expressed in all SF specimens and 3 (miR-30a-5p, miR-29a-3p, and miR-30c-5p) were differentially expressed in the profiling stage. These 3 miRNAs, as well as 4 other miRNAs (miR-378a-5p, miR-140-3p, miR-23a-3p, miR-27b-3p), are related to osteoarthritis progression. These results were validated in the SF from 22 patients. Clinical and radiological outcomes improved after HTO in all patients, and only 2 miRNAs (miR-30c-5p and miR-23a-3p) were significantly differentially expressed between preoperative and postoperative 6-month SF samples (p = 0.006 and 0.007, respectively). Of these two miRNAs, miR-30c-5p correlated with postoperative pain relief. This study provides potential prognostic miRNAs after HTO and further investigations should be considered to determine clinical implications of these miRNAs.

Would early removal of indwelling catheter effectively prevent urinary retention after hip fracture surgery in elderly patients?

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to investigate the incidence and risk factors of postoperative urinary retention (POUR) among elderly patients who underwent hip fracture surgery and to evaluate the effect of indwelling catheterization on the occurrence of POUR. MATERIALS AND METHODS: From January 2012 to January 2015, consecutive patients aged over 70 years who underwent hip fracture surgery were enrolled in this study. All patients underwent indwelling catheterization due to voiding difficulty upon admission. Demographic data, perioperative variables, and postoperative duration of patient-controlled analgesia and indwelling catheterization, postoperative complications, and mortality were collected. The incidence of POUR was investigated, and the risk factors related to POUR were analyzed using a logistic regression analysis. The cutoff value for the timing of catheter removal was determined using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis. RESULTS: POUR developed in 68 patients (31.8%) of the 214 patients. Of these, 24 (35.3%) were male. The indwelling catheter was left in place for an average of 3.4 days (range, 0-7 days) postoperatively. A significant difference was noted in gender and duration of indwelling catheterization between patients with POUR and without. The cutoff value for the timing of catheter removal as determined by ROC curve analysis was 3.5 postoperative day with 51.4% sensitivity and 71.5% specificity. Multiple logistic regression revealed that the duration of the indwelling catheter [odds ratios (OR), 0.31; p = 0.016)] and male gender (OR, 2.22; p = 0.014) were independent risk factors related to the occurrence of POUR. CONCLUSIONS: The significant risk factors of POUR among elderly patients undergoing hip fracture surgery were early indwelling catheter removal and male gender. Therefore, early removal of indwelling catheter in elderly patients following hip fracture surgery may increase the risk of POUR, especially in male patients.

Effect of fracture levels on the strength of bone-implant constructs in subtrochanteric fracture models fixed using short cephalomedullary nails: A finite element analysis.

OBJECTIVES: This study was conducted to investigate the stress around nails and cortical bones in subtrochanteric (ST) fractures fixed using short cephalomedullary nails (CMNs) in finite element models (FEMs) and to determine the appropriate short CMN type for different fracture levels. METHODS: The following three types of short CMNs were used: type A, which is 170 mm in length and has 1 distal locking screw; type B, 200 mm in length and 1 distal screw; and type C, 200 mm in length and 2 distal screws. A total of 24 FEMs were tested on a transverse ST fracture at 8 levels [0, 10, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40 and 50 mm below the lower margin of lesser trochanter (LT)], and were fixed using 3 different CMN types. Finite element analysis was then performed to evaluate the stress around the cortical bones and the CMNs under the assumption of anatomical reduction and fracture gap of 1 mm. RESULTS: Peak von Mises stress (PVMS) was greatest on the cortical bone around the distal screw hole and was greater than the yield strength at fracture levels ≥ 35 mm below the LT in FEMs fixed with type A and B. In contrast, FEMs fixed with type C showed PVMS less than the yield strength at all fracture levels. The PVMS within the implant was greater than the yield strength at the junction of the nail with the distal screw and distal screw itself at fracture levels ≥ 35 mm below the LT in FEMs fixed using type A. Conversely, in FEMs fixed using type B and C, all PVMSs within the implant were less than the yield strength, regardless of the fracture level. CONCLUSION: Short CMNs 170 or 200 mm in length with 1 distal screw may be used in a limited manner in high ST transverse fractures under the assumptions of anatomical reduction and fracture gap ≤ 1 mm. Meanwhile, short CMN 200 mm in length with 2 distal screws may be an available treatment option in most of ST transverse fractures regardless of the fracture level under the same set of assumptions.

Topical tranexamic acid in elderly patients with femoral neck fractures treated with hemiarthroplasty: efficacy and safety? - a case-control study.

BACKGROUND: Perioperative blood management is an important issue in the treatment of elderly patients at an increased risk of postoperative complications. Accordingly, tranexamic acid (TXA) is widely administered to reduce blood loss and transfusion requirements. In this case-control study, the effect of topical TXA on the outcomes of elderly patients with femoral neck fractures after hemiarthroplasty was evaluated. METHODS: This study enrolled elderly patients (age ≥ 70 years) who underwent cementless bipolar hemiarthroplasty for femoral neck fractures between January 2015 and January 2017. The study group comprised 72 patients who received TXA via topical administration during surgery. After propensity matching, the control group comprised 72 patients who did not receive topical TXA. The perioperative and postoperative parameters of the two groups were compared. RESULTS: The estimated blood loss, vacuum tube drainage, and total transfusion volume were significantly lower in the study group than the control (p = 0.024, 0.003, and 0.019, respectively). Despite a lack of significant intergroup differences in the lengths of ICU and hospital stays; rates of ICU admission, venous thromboembolism, delirium, and readmission; and rates of in-hospital and 1-year mortality, the incidence of postoperative medical complications was significantly lower in the study group (p = 0.003). CONCLUSION: Topical TXA administration appears to be a simple and effective option for reducing blood loss, transfusion requirements, and medical complications after hemiarthroplasty in elderly patients with femoral neck fractures.

Perioperative antiplatelet in elderly patients aged over 70 years treated with proximal femur fracture: continue or discontinue?

BACKGROUND: Antiplatelet medication has been frequently performed in elderly patients with hip fracture, because of comorbidities. This observational cohort study was to evaluate the effect of continuous perioperative antiplatelet medication on the outcomes after cephalomedullary nailing (CMN) in elderly patients with a proximal femur fracture. METHODS: One hundred and sixty-two consecutive patients aged ≥70 years undergoing CMN for proximal femur fracture between January 2015 and January 2017 were recruited. Of the 162 patients, 47 (study group) taking antiplatelets preoperatively due to comorbidities were compared with 107 (control group) who were not on antiplatelets. 8 patients taking anticoagulant medication were excluded. Postoperative hemoglobin (Hb) and hematocrit (Hct) levels, transfusion amount and estimated blood loss (EBL), occurrence of venous thromboembolism (VTE) and delirium, intensive care unit (ICU) admission, complications, length of hospital stay, readmission, and in-hospital and 1-year mortalities were measured and compared between the two groups. RESULTS: A higher number of patients in the study group had concomitant cardiovascular (p = 0.006) and endocrinologic (p = 0.004) diseases, received perioperative transfusion (p = 0.003), and were admitted to ICU postoperatively (p = 0.014). However, there were no significant differences in postoperative Hb and Hct levels, EBL, length of hospital stay, and the incidences of VTE and delirium between the two groups. In addition, in-hospital and 1-year mortalities as well as postoperative complications showed no significant differences between both groups. CONCLUSIONS: CMN can be performed without delay in elderly patients with proximal femoral fracture receiving antiplatelet therapy prior to admission without discontinuing antiplatelets, and is as safe as in patients who are not on antiplatelet medication. However, more caution is required with respect to transfusions and ICU care after surgery in these patients.

Management of anteromedially displaced acetabular fractures using a collinear reduction clamp through modified ilioinguinal approach.

The authors present a surgical technique using a collinear reduction clamp through the modified ilioinguinal approach (MIA) for anteromedially displaced acetabular fractures along with the surgical outcomes. Between October 2010 and June 2015, 15 patients underwent surgical treatment for anteromedially displaced acetabular fractures; 10 both-column fractures and 5 anterior column and posterior hemitransverse fractures. Anteriorly displaced anterior column fragment and medially displaced quadrilateral plate fragment were simultaneously reduced using a collinear clamp and fixed with a 3.5mm-reconstruction plate through MIA. Postoperatively, anatomical reduction was achieved in 12 patients, while imperfect reduction was achieved in 3. At a mean follow-up of 49.0 months (range, 24-93 months), the mean Postel Merle d'Aubigné score were 16.3 and the mean VAS score was 0.9. Final radiographic grades according to Matta system were excellent in 13 patients and good in 2. Surgical technique using a collinear reduction clamp through the MIA can provide satisfactory outcomes in anteromedially displaced acetabular fractures.

Utility of False Profile View for Screening of Ischiofemoral Impingement.

PURPOSE: Ischiofemoral impingement (IFI)-primarily diagnosed by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)-is an easily overlooked disease due to its low incidence. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the usefulness of false profile view as a screening test for IFI. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Fifty-eight patients diagnosed with IFI between June 2013 and July 2017 were enrolled in this retrospective study. A control group (n=58) with matching propensity scores (age, gender, and body mass index) were also included. Ischiofemoral space (IFS) was measured as the shortest distance between the lateral cortex of the ischium and the medial cortex of lesser trochanter in weight bearing hip anteroposterior (AP) view and false profile view. MRI was used to measure IFS and quadratus femoris space (QFS). The receiver operating characteristics (ROC), area under the ROC curve (AUC) and cutoff point of the IFS were measured by false profile images, and the correlation between the IFS and QFS was analyzed using the MRI scans. RESULTS: In the false profile view and hip AP view, patients with IFI had significantly decreased IFS (P<0.01). In the false profile view, ROC AUC (0.967) was higher than in the hip AP view (0.841). Cutoff value for differential diagnosis of IFI in the false profile view was 10.3 mm (sensitivity, 88.2%; specificity, 88.4%). IFS correlated with IFS (r=0.744) QFS (0.740) in MRI and IFS (0.621) in hip AP view (P<0.01). CONCLUSION: IFS on false profile view can be used as a screening tool for potential IFI.

Biomechanical Comparison of Three Different Intramedullary Nails for Fixation of Unstable Basicervical Intertrochanteric Fractures of the Proximal Femur: Experimental Studies.

OBJECTIVES: This biomechanical study was conducted to compare fixation stability of the proximal fragments and their mechanical characteristics in proximal femur models of unstable basicervical IT fractures fixed by cephalomedullary nailing using 3 different types of the femoral head fixation. METHODS: A total of 36 composite femurs corresponding to osteoporotic human bone were used. These specimens were fixed with Gamma 3 (hip screw type; group 1) in 12, Gamma 3 U-blade (screw-blade hybrid type; group 2) in 12, and proximal femoral nail antirotation-II (helical blade type; group 3) in 12, respectively, and an unstable basicervical IT fracture was created by an engraving machine. After preloading and cyclic loading, the migration of the proximal fragment according to 3 axes was assessed by the stereophotogrammetric method and the migration of screw or blade tip within the femoral head was measured radiographically. Next, the vertical load was continued at a speed of 10 mm/min until the construct failure occurred. Finite element analysis was additionally performed to measure the stress and compressive strain just above the tip of screw or blade within the femoral head. RESULTS: The rotational change of the proximal fragment according to the axis of screw or blade was much greater in group 1 than in groups 2 and 3 (p=0.016 and p=0.007, respectively). Varus collapse was greater in group 3 than in group 2 (p=0.045). Cranial and axial migration of screw or blade within the femoral head were significantly greater in group 3 than in both group 1 (p=0.001 and p=0.002, respectively) and group 2 (p=0.002 and p=0.016, respectively). On finite element analysis, group 3 showed the highest peak von-Mises stress value (13.3 MPa) and compressive strain (3.2%) just above the tip of the blade within the femoral head. Meanwhile, groups 1 and 2 showed similar results on two values. CONCLUSIONS: Screw-blade hybrid type and blade type would be more effective in minimizing rotation instability of the proximal fragment in unstable basicervical IT fractures. However, varus collapse of the proximal fragment and cranial and axial migration within the femoral head were greater with blade type than screw-blade hybrid type.

Joint laxity negatively correlates with lumbar disc degeneration in young adults.

STUDY DESIGN: Cross-sectional study of preselected cohort of patients with neck pain. OBJECTIVE: To determine the association between joint laxity and lumbar disc degeneration in young adults. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: Joint laxity is known to be closely related with orthopedic injuries and disease; however, studies about the relationship between spinal disorder and joint laxity are lacking. METHODS: Patients aged 30 to 40 years, seen at the outpatient clinic of our hospital for the evaluation of neck pain, who had magnetic resonance imaging of the cervical spine with routine inclusion of T2-weighted sagittal plane of the whole spine were included in the study. The Beighton and Horan criteria was used for the assessment of joint laxity. Logistic regression analysis was performed to estimate the odds ratio for lumbar disc degeneration in patients with joint laxity, and other variables including age, sex, body mass index, physical workload, neck pain (visual analogue scale score), and related disability (neck disability index score), and sagittal alignment. RESULTS: A total of 101 patients were enrolled in the study: 34 patients with joint laxity and 67 patients without joint laxity. There were no differences in age, body mass index, physical workload, neck pain (visual analogue scale score), and neck disability index score between the 2 groups, but there was a significant difference in sex ratio (P < 0.001). Patients with joint laxity showed increased lumbar lordosis (P = 0.004) and increased sacral slope (P = 0.003) but without significant difference in pelvic incidence (P = 0.084). In univariate analysis, presence of joint laxity (Beighton score ≥4) as well as positive results of thumb (P = 0.016) and elbow (P = 0.047) tests were significantly associated with decreased risk for lumbar disc degeneration. Presence of joint laxity remained significant after multivariate adjustment for sex and lumbar lordosis (odds ratio = 0.373, P = 0.040). CONCLUSION: Increased joint laxity was closely associated with lower prevalence of lumbar disc degeneration in young adults, and the increased lumbar lordosis associated with joint laxity might explain the decreased risk of lumbar disc degeneration. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 2.