Innovations in Small Joint Arthroscopy.

With advancements in surgical instrumentation and techniques, the role of arthroscopic and arthroscopic-assisted surgical procedures is ever-growing. Arthroscopy offers direct, magnified visualization of pathology and reductions and is more accurate than relying on intraoperative fluoroscopy alone. It also minimizes soft tissue stripping, which is of particular importance to smaller fracture fragments whose vascularity is precarious and can be injured through open approaches.

Utility of preoperative MRI for assessing proximal fragment vascularity in scaphoid nonunion.

Aims: The benefit of MRI in the preoperative assessment of scaphoid proximal fragment vascularity remains controversial. The purpose of this study is to compare preoperative MRI findings to intraoperative bleeding of the proximal scaphoid. Methods: A retrospective review of 102 patients who underwent surgery for scaphoid nonunion between January 2000 and December 2020 at a single institution were identified. Inclusion criteria were: isolated scaphoid nonunion; preoperative MRI assessing the proximal fragment vascularity; and operative details of the vascularity of the proximal fragment with the tourniquet deflated. MRI results and intraoperative findings were dichotomized as either 'yes' or 'no' for the presence of vascularity. A four-fold contingency table was used to analyze the utility of preoperative MRI with 95% confidence intervals. Relative risk was calculated for subgroups to analyze the association between variables and MRI accuracy. Results: Preoperative MRI identified 55 proximal scaphoid fragments with ischaemia and 47 with vascularized proximal fragments. After the proximal fragment was prepared, the tourniquet was deflated and assessed for bleeding; 63 proximal fragments had no bleeding and 39 demonstrated bleeding. MRI was not reliable or accurate in the assessment of proximal fragment vascularity when compared with intraoperative assessment of bleeding. No patient or MRI factors were identified to have a statistical impact on MRI accuracy. Conclusion: Current preoperative MRI protocols and diagnostic criteria do not provide a high degree of correlation with observed intraoperative assessment of proximal fragment bleeding. While preoperative MRI may assist in surgical planning, intraoperative assessment remains the best means for assessing proximal fragment vascularity in scaphoid nonunion. Future efforts should focus on the development of objective measures of osseous blood flow that may be performed intraoperatively.

Validating Clinical Distal Radioulnar Joint Examination With Radiographic Parameters.

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to quantify the in vivo displacement of bilateral distal radioulnar joints (DRUJs) in resisted pronosupination. We hypothesize that this will demonstrate no appreciable difference between the left and right DRUJ, thus validating the concept of using the uninjured wrist as a control for physical examination as well as dynamic imaging studies. METHODS: Thirty-two participants without a history of wrist pathology underwent a dynamic computed tomography (CT) protocol evaluating bilateral forearm rotation in neutral forearm rotation, 60° pronation, and 60° supination, including maximal isometric muscle loading. The DRUJ alignment, specifically the absolute degree and direction of subluxation of the ulna relative to the sigmoid notch, was then assessed using a modification of the radioulnar line method. RESULTS: There was no significant difference in the mean displacement when comparing the right and left sides in neutral, pronation, or supination. The mean displacement was also compared between male and female patients, and there was no statistically significant difference in absolute displacement in neutral (male 0.99 mm vs female 1.38 mm) or supination (male -0.57 mm vs female -0.23 mm). However, the difference in pronation was statistically significant (male 2.69 mm vs female 3.26 mm). Of the 192 sequences, the measurements of displacement of the authors were within 1 mm 86% of the time (166 of 192). CONCLUSIONS: Dynamic CT of bilateral DRUJs in resisted pronation, supination, and neutral demonstrated symmetry between the right and left DRUJ, supporting the concept of using the contralateral side as a control to identify instability in an injured wrist.

Wound Complications with Multiple Wrist Incisions in Distal Radius Reconstruction.

Background Placement and spacing of skin incisions are important for maintaining soft tissue perfusion and viability, particularly in the setting of local trauma. Question/Purpose The aim of this article is to determine if multiple skin incisions in the surgical management of distal radius fractures result in an increased risk of postoperative wound complications, particularly in the setting of high-energy mechanisms of injury with substantial initial displacement and associated soft-tissue insult that require multiple incisions for distal radius reconstruction. Patients and Methods A multicenter, retrospective chart review was performed for all adult patients who underwent open reduction, internal fixation of a closed distal radius fracture with multiple (≥2) hand, and wrist incisions with minimum follow-up of 6 weeks. Primary outcome measures included wound healing complications such as partial or complete skin necrosis, dehiscence, delayed healing, and superficial or deep infections. Results For 118 wrists, a total of 305 incisions were utilized, averaging 2.6 incisions per patient (range: 2-6) with the flexor carpi radialis and dorsal distal radius approaches occurring in 86 and 78% of cases, respectively. One patient was identified as having a pyogenic granuloma along an incision. However, two patients were identified as having wound concerns, including fracture blisters ( n = 1) and wound margin epidermolysis ( n = 1) along the incision. There were no cases of skin bridge necrosis, delayed healing, wound dehiscence, or infection. Conclusions There is no increased risk of wound healing complications with the use of multiple skin incisions (≥2) in the surgical management of distal radius fractures, afforded by the abundant and robust angiosomes around the wrist. Surgeons should have the confidence to utilize the necessary number of skin incisions to effectively reconstruct distal radius fractures.

Management of Comminuted Distal Radius Fractures: A Critical Analysis Review.

Distal radius fractures occur in a bimodal age and sex distribution. Their incidence continues to rise with an increasingly active aging population. The current American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons guidelines for operative intervention are radial shortening of >3 mm, dorsal tilt of >10[degrees], or intra-articular displacement or step-off of >2 mm. The method of reduction and fixation should be selected on a case-by-case basis with a focus on patient factors, fracture behavior, surgical proficiency, and functional outcomes.

Soft tissue resurfacing for glenohumeral arthritis: a systematic review.

BACKGROUND: Severe glenohumeral arthritis in the young/active patient remains challenging. Historically, glenohumeral arthrodesis was recommended with limited return of function. Total shoulder arthroplasty has shown increasing survivorship at 15 years; however it is still not ideal for young patients. Biologic resurfacing of the glenoid with humeral head replacement has shown promising results. METHODS: The PubMed and Embase databases were queried for studies evaluating outcomes of glenoid biologic resurfacing with autograft or allograft. Two independent reviewers performed a systematic review according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis guidelines. RESULTS: Eleven studies (268 shoulders, 264 patients) were included. Minimum follow-up was 24 months in all but one study; patient age ranged from 14 to 75 years. Glenoid grafts used included 44.3% lateral meniscus allografts, 25.4% human acellular dermal matrix, 14.2% Achilles tendon allografts, 11.6% shoulder joint capsules, and 4.5% fascia lata autografts. Studies reported significantly improved American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons, Visual Analog Scale, and Simple Shoulder Test scores postoperatively; 43.3% were failures (Neer's evaluation of unsatisfactory or requiring revision). Infection occurred in 12/235. CONCLUSIONS: Biologic resurfacing of the glenoid with a metallic humeral component can provide a significant improvement in pain, motion, and standardized outcomes scores in the well-indicated situation. Appropriate counseling is required with an appreciated complication rate of over 36% and a revision rate of 34%.

Radiation Exposure in Minimally Invasive Transforaminal Lumbar Interbody Fusion: The Effect of the Learning Curve.

BACKGROUND: Minimally invasive transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (MI-TLIF) has comparable fusion rates and outcomes to the open approach, though many surgeons avoid the technique due to an initial learning curve. No current studies have examined the learning curve of MI-TLIF with respect to fluoroscopy time and exposure. Our objective with this retrospective review was to therefore use a repeatable mathematical model to evaluate the learning curve of MI-TLIF with a focus on fluoroscopy time and exposure. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective review of single level, primary fusions performed by a single surgeon during his initial experience with minimally invasive spine surgery. Chronologic case number was plotted against variables of interest, and learning was identified as the point at which the instantaneous rate of change of a curve fit to the data set equaled the average rate of change of the data set. RESULTS: One hundred nine cases were reviewed. Proficiency in operative time was achieved at 38 cases with the first 38 requiring a median of 137 minutes compared to 104 minutes for the latter 71 cases (P < .0001). Mastery of fluoroscopy use occurred at case 51. The median fluoroscopy time for the first 51 cases was 2.8 minutes, which dropped to 2.1 minutes for cases 52 to 109 (P < .0001). The complication rate plateaued after 43 cases, with 3 of 11 total complications occurring in the latter 76 cases. CONCLUSIONS: Our results demonstrate the most gradual learning occurred with respect to fluoroscopy time and exposure, and operative time improved the quickest. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: IV. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: These findings may guide spine surgeon education and training in minimally invasive techniques, and help determine safe case loads for radiation exposure during the initial learning phase of the technique. The model used to identify the learning curve can also be applied to several fields and surgical techniques.

Is Cervical Bracing Necessary After One- and Two-Level Instrumented Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion? A Prospective Randomized Study.

STUDY DESIGN: Prospective randomized control trial. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the role of cervical collars in postoperative care following 1- and 2-level instrumented anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF). METHODS: The Cervical Spine Research Society Resident Fellow Grant funded this project. Fifty consecutive patients undergoing 1- or 2-level ACDF surgery were randomized into groups receiving either no brace or a cervical brace for 6 weeks postoperatively. Neck Disability Index scores were recorded preoperatively and at regular follow-up visits up to 1 year. Computed tomography scans were read 1 year postoperatively to determine fusion rates, and subsidence was measured as change in middle vertebral distance between initial postoperative and 6-month follow-up lateral cervical radiographs. RESULTS: Twenty-two patients were in the no-brace group, and 22 patients were in the brace group at final follow-up, with an average age of 50 and 55 years, respectively. The no-brace group had a total of 32 operative levels, whereas the brace group had 38 operative levels. There was no statistically significant difference in 1-year postoperative Neck Disability Index scores between the brace (9.30) and no-brace (6.95) groups (P = .28), in 6-month subsidence of all operative levels between the brace (0.85 mm) and no-brace (0.79 mm) groups (P = .72), or in the proportion of fused levels between the brace (89%) and no-brace (97%) groups (P = .37). CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggest no advantage in wearing a cervical brace following 1- or 2-level ACDF surgery with respect to 1-year outcome scores, 1-year fusion rates, and 6-month subsidence.

Differences in Fundamental Sagittal Pelvic Parameters Based on Age, Sex, and Race.

STUDY DESIGN: This is a retrospective cohort study. OBJECTIVE: To determine whether age, sex, and race have independent effects on sagittal pelvic parameters. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: Pelvic parameters and sagittal balance correlate with health-related quality of life and are important for patient assessment and surgical planning. Age, sex, and race are 3 unalterable patient factors that may influence pelvic morphology. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective review of consecutive adult patients who presented to our radiology practice between 2010 and 2015 and had a standing, lateral lumbosacral radiograph. Any patients without both femoral heads and L1-S1 visible on the radiograph, and any patients presenting with traumatic injury, coronal deformity, prior instrumentation, spondylolisthesis, or neoplasm of the spine were excluded. Univariate analysis determined differences in measurements among African American, white, and Hispanic races, as well as between male and female sexes. Correlation analysis between age and different measurements was also conducted. Multivariable regression was then used to determine the independent effect of age, sex, and race on pelvic parameters. RESULTS: We investigated 1801 adults (older than 18 y) and 1246 had a recorded race. There were 1165 women, 636 men, 525 whites, 404 African Americans, and 317 Hispanics. Multivariable regression demonstrated a statistically significant increase in pelvic tilt (PT), pelvic incidence (PI), and pelvic incidence-lumbar lordosis (PI-LL) with aging, and statistically significant decrease in sacral slope (SS) and LL with aging. Women had a statistically greater LL than men. African Americans had a statistically smaller PT and greater SS and PI-LL relative to whites, while Hispanics had a statistically smaller PT and PI-LL, and a statistically greater SS and LL relative to whites. CONCLUSIONS: Pelvic parameters were different between sexes, among races, and changed with age. These findings are important for patient assessment and preoperative planning to obtain optimal sagittal balance. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level 3.

A Preliminary Algorithm Using Spine Measurement Software to Predict Sagittal Alignment Following Pedicle Subtraction Osteotomy.

STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective case series. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate if spine measurement software can simulate sagittal alignment following pedicle subtraction osteotomy (PSO). METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed consecutive adult spinal deformity patients who underwent lumbar PSO. Sagittal measurements were performed on preoperative lateral, standing radiographs. Sagittal measurements after simulated PSO were compared to actual postoperative measurements. A regression equation was developed using cases 1-7 to determine the amount of manual rotation required of each film to match the simulated sagittal vertical axis (SVA) to the actual postoperative SVA. The equation was then applied to cases 8-13. RESULTS: For all 13 cases, the spine software accurately simulated lumbar lordosis, pelvic incidence lumbar lordosis mismatch, and T1 pelvic angle, with no significant differences between actual and simulated measurements. The pelvic tilt (PT), sacral slope (SS), thoracolumbar alignment (TL), thoracic kyphosis (TK), T9 spino-pelvic inclination (T9SPi), T1 spino-pelvic inclination (T1SPi), and SVA were inaccurately simulated. The PT, SS, T9SPi, T1SPi, and SVA all change with manual rotation of the film, and by using the regression equation developed with cases 1-7, we were able to improve the accuracy and decrease the variability of the simulated PT, SS, T9SPi, T1SPi, and SVA for cases 8-13. CONCLUSIONS: Dedicated spine measurement software can accurately simulate certain sagittal measurements, such as LL, PI-LL, and TPA, following PSO. A number of measurements, including PT, SS, TL, TK, T9SPi, T1SPi, and SVA were inaccurately simulated. Our preliminary algorithm improved the accuracy and decreased the variability of certain measurements, but requires future prospective studies for further validation.

A Matched Cohort Analysis Comparing Stand-Alone Cages and Anterior Cervical Plates Used for Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion.

STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective cohort study. OBJECTIVE: To compare perioperative characteristics of stand-alone cages and anterior cervical plates used for anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF). METHODS: We reviewed 40 adult patients who received a stand-alone cage for elective ACDF and matched them with 40 patients who received an anterior cervical plate. We statistically compared operative time, length of stay, proportion of ambulatory cases, overall complications necessitating a trip to the ED, readmission, or reoperation related to index procedure. RESULTS: There were 21 women and 19 men in the plate cohort with average ages of 53 years ± 12 and 20 women and 20 men in the stand-alone group with an average age of 52 years ± 11. With no statistical difference in total number, the plate group experienced 4 short-term (within 90 days of discharge) complications, including 3 patients who visited the emergency department for dysphagia and 1 who visited the emergency department for severe back pain, while the stand-alone group experienced 0 complications. There was no significant difference in operative time between the stand-alone group (75.35 min) and the plate group (81.35 min; P = .37). There was a significant difference between the proportion of ambulatory cases in the stand-alone group (25) and the plate group (6; P < .0001). CONCLUSION: Our results demonstrate that stand-alone cages have fewer complications compared to anterior plating, with a lower trend of incidence of postoperative dysphagia. Stand-alone cages may offer the advantage of sending patients home ambulatory after ACDF surgery.