The use of hinged elbow orthosis following surgical management of terrible triad injuries of the elbow.

PURPOSE: To determine outcomes following surgical management of terrible triad injuries in patients treated with and without a hinged elbow orthosis (HEO) in the post-operative setting. METHODS: This study was a retrospective review of 41 patients who underwent surgical treatment of terrible triad injuries including radial head fracture, coronoid fracture, and ulnohumeral dislocation between 2008 and 2023 with at least 10-week follow-up. RESULTS: Nineteen patients were treated post-operatively without HEO, and 22 patients were treated with HEO. There were no differences in range of motion (ROM) between patients treated with and without HEO in final flexion-extension arc (118.4° no HEO, 114.6° HEO, p = 0.59) or pronation-supination arc (147.8° no HEO, 141.4° HEO, p = 0.27). Five patients treated without HEO and one patient treated with HEO returned to the operating room for stiffness (26%, 5%, p = 0.08). QuickDASH scores were similar between groups (p = 0.69). CONCLUSIONS: This study found no difference in post-operative ROM, complications, or QuickDASH scores in patients treated post-operatively with or without HEO. Based on these results, we cannot determine whether the use of HEO adds additional stability to the elbow while initiating ROM exercises post-operatively.

A Biomechanical Comparison of All-Inside Versus Transtibial Meniscus Root Repair Techniques.

BACKGROUND: Meniscus root tears are associated with chondral injury, early degenerative change, and a high conversion rate to total knee arthroplasty. It is well-established that meniscus root tears lead to decreased femorotibial contact area, increased peak contact pressures, and increased stress on the articular cartilage. PURPOSE: To evaluate the biomechanical characteristics of the all-inside meniscus root repair procedure and compare it with the previously described transtibial technique. STUDY DESIGN: Controlled laboratory study. METHODS: Nine paired cadaveric knees were prepared by removing skin, subcutaneous tissues, quadriceps muscles, patella, and patellar tendon, while leaving the capsule in place. Pressure-mapping sensors were inserted, and specimens underwent compressive loading to obtain peak pressures, mean pressures, and femorotibial contact area in the medial and lateral compartments. Tests were performed as static compression tests with the knee locked at 0° of flexion. Compression testing was performed in 3 states: meniscus intact, meniscus root cut, and after meniscus root repair with an all-inside repair technique. Additionally, testing was completed on 9 pairs of cadaveric knees to compare stiffness and maximal load to failure between the all-inside and transtibial meniscus root repair techniques. RESULTS: In the medial compartment, there were significant increases in median peak pressures and median mean pressures in the root cut state as compared with the intact state (+636 kPA [95% CI, 246 to 1026] and +190 kPA [95% CI, 49 to 330], respectively). All-inside meniscus root repair restored median peak pressures and median mean pressures to approach those of the intact meniscus (+311 kPA [95% CI, -79 to 701] and +137 kPA [95% CI, -3 to 277]). In the lateral compartment, there were also significant increases in median peak pressures and median mean pressures in the root cut state as compared with the intact state (+718 kPA [95% CI, 246 to 1191] and +203 kPA [95% CI, 51 to 355]). All-inside meniscus root repair restored median peak pressures and median mean pressures such that they were not significantly different from the intact state (+322 kPA [95% CI, -150 to 795] and +18 kPA [95% CI, -134 to 171]). There was no difference between repair techniques regarding load to failure (P = .896). Transtibial meniscus root repair had significantly more stiffness (mean ± SD, 24.8 ± 9.3 N/mm) as compared with the all-inside meniscus root repair technique (13.6 ± 3.8 N/mm, P = .015). CONCLUSION: All-inside meniscus root repair reduced median peak and mean pressures to those of the native intact meniscus with the knee in extension in the cadaveric model. When compared with a transtibial meniscus root repair technique, all-inside repair demonstrated decreased stiffness and a similar load to failure. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: All-inside meniscus root repair restored mean and peak femorotibial pressures to those of the intact meniscus. Additionally, it offers a technically easier technique for management of meniscus root tears.

"My Surgical Success": Feasibility and Impact of a Single-Session Digital Behavioral Pain Medicine Intervention on Pain Intensity, Pain Catastrophizing, and Time to Opioid Cessation After Orthopedic Trauma Surgery-A Randomized Trial.

BACKGROUND: Behavioral pain treatments may improve postsurgical analgesia and recovery; however, effective and scalable options are not widely available. This study tested a digital perioperative behavioral medicine intervention in orthopedic trauma surgery patients for feasibility and efficacy for reducing pain intensity, pain catastrophizing, and opioid cessation up to 3 months after surgery. METHODS: A randomized controlled clinical trial was conducted at an orthopedic trauma surgery unit at a major academic hospital to compare a digital behavioral pain management intervention ("My Surgical Success" [MSS]) to a digital general health education (HE) intervention (HE; no pain management skills). The enrolled sample included 133 patients; 84 patients were randomized (MSS, n = 37; HE, n = 47) and completed study procedures. Most patients received their assigned intervention within 3 days of surgery (85%). The sample was predominantly male (61.5%), White (61.9%), and partnered (65.5%), with at least a bachelor's degree (69.0%). Outcomes were collected at 1-3 months after intervention through self-report e-surveys and electronic medical record review; an intention-to-treat analytic framework was applied. Feasibility was dually determined by the proportion of patients engaging in their assigned treatment and an application of an 80% threshold for patient-reported acceptability. We hypothesized that MSS would result in greater reductions in pain intensity and pain catastrophizing after surgery and earlier opioid cessation compared to the digital HE control group. RESULTS: The engagement rate with assigned interventions was 63% and exceeded commonly reported rates for fully automated Internet-based e-health interventions. Feasibility was demonstrated for the MSS engagers, with >80% reporting treatment acceptability. Overall, both groups improved in the postsurgical months across all study variables. A significant interaction effect was found for treatment group over time on pain intensity, such that the MSS group evidenced greater absolute reductions in pain intensity after surgery and up to 3 months later (treatment × time fixed effects; F [215] = 5.23; P = .024). No statistically significant between-group differences were observed for time to opioid cessation or for reductions in pain catastrophizing ( F [215] = 0.20; P = .653), although the study sample notably had subclinical baseline pain catastrophizing scores (M = 14.10; 95% confidence interval, 11.70-16.49). CONCLUSIONS: Study findings revealed that a fully automated behavioral pain management skills intervention (MSS) may be useful for motivated orthopedic trauma surgery patients and reduce postsurgical pain up to 3 months. MSS was not associated with reduced time to opioid cessation compared to the HE control intervention.

ALDH2 Expression, Alcohol Intake and Semen Parameters among East Asian Men.

PURPOSE: Inactivating mutations in mitochondrial aldehyde dehydrogenase 2 (ALDH2) are highly prevalent. The most common variant allele, ALDH2*2, is present in 40%-50% of East Asians, and causes acetaldehyde accumulation, flushing and tachycardia after alcohol intake. The relationship between alcohol intake and ALDH2 genotype on semen parameters remains unknown. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We conducted a cross-sectional study to determine the association between ALDH2 genotype, alcohol consumption and semen parameters among East Asian men. Volunteers completed a survey and submitted a semen sample for analysis. Participants were genotyped to determine ALDH2 status (ALDH2*1/*1, ALDH2*1/*2, ALDH2*2/*2), and immunohistochemical staining was used to determine protein expression of ALDH2 in spermatozoa. RESULTS: Of 112 men 45 (40.2%) were ALDH2*2 carriers. Among ALDH2*2 carriers, alcohol consumption was associated with significantly lower total sperm motility (median 20% [interquartile range 11%-42%] vs 43% [IQR 31%-57%], p=0.005) and progressive sperm motility (19% [IQR 11%-37%] vs 36% [IQR 25%-53%], p=0.008). Among alcohol consumers, ALDH2*2 carriers had significantly lower total sperm motility (20% [IQR 11%--42%] vs 41% [IQR 19%-57%], p=0.02), progressive sperm motility (19% [IQR 11%-37%] vs 37% [IQR 17%-50%], p=0.02) and total motile sperm count (28 million [M; IQR 9-79M] vs 71M [IQR 23-150M], p=0.05) compared to ALDH2*1/*1 individuals. Secondly, ALDH2 expression in human spermatozoa was significantly lower in ALDH2*2 carriers (ALDH2*1/*1 vs ALDH2*1/*2, p=0.01; ALDH2*1/*1 vs ALDH2*2/*2, p <0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Our findings suggest genotyping ALDH2, coupled with alcohol cessation counseling, may improve semen parameters among men.

A bioactive synthetic membrane improves bone healing in a preclinical nonunion model.

OBJECTIVES: High energy long bone fractures with critical bone loss are at risk for nonunion without strategic intervention. We hypothesize that a synthetic membrane implanted at a single stage improves bone healing in a preclinical nonunion model. METHODS: Using standard laboratory techniques, microspheres encapsulating bone morphogenic protein-2 (BMP2) or platelet derived growth factor (PDGF) were designed and coupled to a type 1 collagen sheet. Critical femoral defects were created in rats and stabilized by locked retrograde intramedullary nailing. The negative control group had an empty defect. The induced membrane group (positive control) had a polymethylmethacrylate spacer inserted into the defect for four weeks and replaced with a bare polycaprolactone/beta-tricalcium phosphate (PCL/ß-TCP) scaffold at a second stage. For the experimental groups, a bioactive synthetic membrane embedded with BMP2, PDGF or both enveloped a PCL/ß-TCP scaffold was implanted in a single stage. Serial radiographs were taken at 1, 4, 8, and 12 weeks postoperatively from the definitive procedure and evaluated by two blinded observers using a previously described scoring system to judge union as primary outcome. RESULTS: All experimental groups demonstrated better union than the negative control (p = 0.01). The groups with BMP2 incorporated into the membrane demonstrated higher average union scores than the other groups (p = 0.01). The induced membrane group performed similarly to the PDGF group. Complete union was only demonstrated in groups with BMP2-eluting membranes. CONCLUSIONS: A synthetic membrane comprised of type 1 collagen embedded with controlled release BMP2 improved union of critical bone defects in a preclinical nonunion model.

Distal Femur Replacement Versus Open Reduction and Internal Fixation for Treatment of Periprosthetic Distal Femur Fractures: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

OBJECTIVE: To compare complications and functional outcomes of treatment with primary distal femoral replacement (DFR) versus open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF). DATA SOURCES: PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane databases were searched for English language studies up to May 19, 2020, identifying 913 studies. STUDY SELECTION: Studies that assessed complications of periprosthetic distal femur fractures with primary DFR or ORIF were included. Studies with sample size ≤5, mean age <55, nontraumatic indications for DFR, ORIF with nonlocking plates, native distal femoral fractures, or revision surgeries were excluded. Selection adhered to the PRISMA criteria. DATA EXTRACTION: Study quality was assessed using previously reported criteria. There were 40 Level IV studies, 17 Level III studies, and 1 Level II study. DATA SYNTHESIS: Fifty-eight studies with 1484 patients were included in the meta-analysis. Complications assessed {incidence rate ratio [IRR] [95% confidence interval (CI)]: 0.78 [0.59-1.03]} and reoperation or revision [IRR (95% CI): 0.71 (0.49-1.04)] were similar between the DFR and ORIF cohorts. The mean knee range of motion was greater in the ORIF cohort (DFR: 90.47 vs. ORIF: 100.36, P < 0.05). The mean Knee Society Score (KSS) (DFR: 79.41 vs. ORIF: 82.07, P = 0.35) and return to preoperative ambulatory status were similar [IRR (95% CI): 0.82 (0.48-1.41)]. CONCLUSIONS: In comparing complications among patients treated for periprosthetic distal femur fracture with DFR or ORIF, there was no difference between the groups. There were also no differences in functional outcomes, although knee range of motion was greater in the ORIF group. This systematic review and meta-analysis highlights the need for future prospective trials evaluating the outcomes of these divergent treatment strategies. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic Level III. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

Impact on periosteal vasculature after dual plating of the distal femur: a cadaveric study.

Although dual plating of distal femur fractures has been described for injuries at risk of varus displacement, the vascular insult to the medial distal femur utilizing this technique is unknown. The aim of this study was to evaluate the perfusion of the medial distal femoral periosteal arteries after supplemental medial plating of the distal femur. METHODS: Fifteen human fresh-frozen cadaveric femora were thawed and randomized to lateral locked plating alone or with supplemental medial plate fixation. Conventional submuscular medial plating was performed using a 12-hole small fragment plate and multiple cortical screws. The superficial femoral artery was injected with latex dye. Specimens were dissected. The patency of the medial distal femoral periosteal vessels was evaluated. RESULTS: Four vessels were consistently observed traversing the distal medial femur: the transverse and descending (d-MMPA) branches of the medial metaphyseal periosteal artery, and the transverse and longitudinal branches of the descending geniculate artery. The anterior longitudinal arch (ALA) was present in 13 of 15 specimens and was fed by the d-MMPA. The median number of periosteal arteries occluded by the medial plate was 2 (6 out of 8 specimens). The d-MMPA was occluded in 6 of 8 medially plated femurs, resulting in a complete lack of perfusion of the ALA. CONCLUSIONS: Submuscular medial plating of the distal femur compressed the d-MMPA in the majority of specimens. This vessel gives rise to the ALA, which lacked perfusion in these specimens. This vascular insult could affect the healing of metaphyseal distal femur fractures treated with dual plating.

Supplemental medial small fragment fixation adds stability to distal femur fixation: A biomechanical study.

INTRODUCTION: Bridge plating of distal femur fractures with lateral locking plates is susceptible to varus collapse, fixation failure, and nonunion. While medial and lateral dual plating has been described in clinical series, the biomechanical effects of dual plating of distal femur fractures have yet to be clearly defined. The purpose of this study was to compare dual plating to lateral locked bridge plating alone in a cadaveric distal femur gap osteotomy model. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Gap osteotomies were created in eight matched pairs of cadaveric female distal femurs (average age: 64 yrs (standard deviation ± 4.4 yrs); age range: 57-68 yrs;) to simulate comminuted extraarticular distal femur fractures (AO/OTA 33A). Eight femurs underwent fixation with lateral locked plates alone and were matched with eight femurs treated with dual plating: lateral locked plates with supplemental medial small fragment non-locking fixation. Mechanical testing was performed on an ElectroPuls E10000 materials testing system using a 10 kN/100 Nm biaxial load cell. Specimens were subject to 25,000 cycles of cyclic loading from 100-1000 N at 2 Hz. RESULTS: Two (2/8) specimens in the lateral only group failed catastrophically prior to completion of testing. All dual plated specimens survived the testing regimen. Dual plated specimens demonstrated significantly less coronal plane displacement (median 0.2 degrees, interquartile range [IQR], 0.0-0.5 degrees) compared to 2.0 degrees (IQR 1.9-3.3, p = 0.02) in the lateral plate only group. Dual plated specimens demonstrated greater bending stiffness compared to the lateral plated group (median 29.0 kN/degree, IQR 1.5-68.2 kN/degree vs median 0.50 kN/degree, IQR 0.23-2.28 kN/degree, p = 0.03). CONCLUSION: Contemporary fixation methods with a distal femur fractures are susceptible to mechanical failure and nonunion with lateral plates alone. Dual plate fixation in a cadaveric model of distal femur fractures underwent significantly less displacement under simulated weight bearing conditions and demonstrated greater stiffness than lateral plating alone. Given the significant clinical failure rates of lateral bridge plating in distal femur fractures, supplemental fixation should be considered, and dual plating of distal femurs augments mechanical stability in a clinically relevant magnitude.

Low profile fragment specific plate fixation of lateral tibial plateau fractures - A technical note.

PURPOSE: Precontoured plates used to stabilize lateral tibial plateau (LTP) fractures are limited in their ability to raft particular areas of the reconstructed articular surface. These implants also do not fit every individual's bony anatomy and can lead to soft tissue irritation. The purpose of this study was to evaluate fragment specific plate fixation of LTP fractures using generic small and mini fragment constructs. METHODS: This was a retrospective case series of LTP fractures treated with small fragment tubular and/or mini fragment plate constructs at a single Level I trauma center. Postoperative complications were recorded. Final radiographs were analyzed to determine union and interval subsidence of the articular surface and/or loss of reduction. RESULTS: All 19 LTP fractures healed without loss of reduction or implant failure. There was minimal interval subsidence of the LTP in all patients. There were no complications or reoperations for symptomatic implant removal within the given follow-up period. CONCLUSION: Fragment specific fixation of LTP fractures using small and mini fragment plates creates a lower profile construct that reliably maintains fracture reduction to union.

How are peri-implant fractures below short versus long cephalomedullary nails different?

BACKGROUND: Cephalomedullary nails are a commonly used implant for the treatment of many pertrochanteric femur fractures and are available in short and long configurations. There is no consensus on ideal nail length. Relative advantages can be ascribed to short and long intramedullary nails, yet both implant styles share the potentially devastating complication of peri-implant fracture. Determining the clinical sequelae after fractures below nails of different lengths would provide valuable information for surgeons choosing between short or long nails. Thus, the purpose of the study was to compare injury patterns and treatment outcomes following peri-implant fractures below short or long cephalomedullary nails. METHODS: This was a multicenter retrospective cohort study that identified 33 patients referred for treatment of peri-implant fractures below short and long cephalomedullary nails (n = 19 short, n = 14 long). We compared fracture pattern, treatment strategy, complications, and outcomes between these two groups. RESULTS: Short nails were associated with more diaphyseal fractures (odds ratio [OR] 13.75, CI 2.2-57.9, p 0.002), which were treated more commonly with revision intramedullary nailing (OR, infinity; p 0.01), while long nails were associated with distal metaphyseal fractures (OR 13.75, CI 2.2-57.9, p 0.002), which were treated with plate and screw fixation (p 0.002). After peri-implant fracture, there were no differences in blood loss, operative time, weight bearing status, or complication rates based on the length of the initial nail. In patients treated with revision nailing, there was greater estimated blood loss (EBL, median 300 cc, interquartile range [IQR] 250-1200 vs median 200 cc, IQR 100-300, p 0.03), blood product utilization and complication rates (OR 11.1, CI 1.1-135.7, p 0.03), but a trend toward unrestricted post-operative weight-bearing compared to patients treated with plate and screw constructs. CONCLUSION: Understanding fracture patterns and patient outcomes after fractures below nails of different lengths will help surgeons make more informed implant choices when treating intertrochanteric hip fractures. Revision to a long nail for the treatment of fractures at the tip of a short nail may be associated with increased patient morbidity.

Distal Femur Replacement Versus Surgical Fixation for the Treatment of Geriatric Distal Femur Fractures: A Systematic Review.

OBJECTIVES: The management of geriatric distal femur fractures is controversial, and both primary distal femur replacement (DFR) and surgical fixation (SF) are viable treatment options. The purpose of this study was to compare patient outcomes after these treatment strategies. DATA SOURCES: PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane databases were searched for English language articles up to April 24, 2020, identifying 2129 papers. STUDY SELECTION: Studies evaluating complications in elderly patients treated for distal femur fractures with either immediate DFR or SF were included. Studies with mean patient age <55 years, nontraumatic indications for DFR, or SF with nonlocking plates were excluded. DATA EXTRACTION: Two studies provided Level II or III evidence, whereas the remaining 28 studies provided Level IV evidence. Studies were formally evaluated for methodological quality using established criteria. Treatment failure between groups was compared using an incidence rate ratio. DATA SYNTHESIS: Treatment failure was defined for both SF and arthroplasty as complications requiring a major reoperation for reasons such as mechanical failure, nonunion, deep infection, aseptic loosening, or extensor mechanism disruption. There were no significant differences in complication rates or knee range of motion between SF and DFR. CONCLUSIONS: SF and DFR for the treatment of geriatric distal femur fractures demonstrate similar overall complication rates. Given the available evidence, no strong conclusions on the comparative effectiveness between the 2 treatments can be definitively made. More rigorous prospective research comparing SF vs. DFR to treat acute geriatric distal femur fractures is warranted. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic Level IV. See instructions for authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

Metaphyseal callus formation in pilon fractures is associated with loss of alignment: Is stiffer better?

OBJECTIVE: To assess the relationship between metaphyseal callus formation and preservation of distal tibial alignment in pilon fractures treated with internal plate fixation. DESIGN: Retrospective Review SETTING: Academic Level I Trauma Center PATIENTS: Forty-two patients with AO/OTA type C2 or C3 pilon fractures treated with plate fixation. INTERVENTION: Internal fixation with anterolateral plating, medial plating, or both. Modified Radiographic Union Score in Tibial fracture (mRUST) scores were determined from six-month radiographs. MAIN OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS: Change in lateral and anterior distal tibial angles (LDTA and ADTA) at six months post-operatively. RESULTS: High callus formation (mRUST ≥ 11 at six months) was associated with a greater loss of coronal reduction as measured by LDTA compared to low callus formation (mRUST < 11): 3.8 vs 2.1° (p = .019), with no difference in ADTA change between groups. In a multivariable logistic regression controlling for age, smoking, obesity, and open fracture, higher mRUST scores were a predictor of coronal reduction loss of five or more degrees (OR 1.71, p=.039). Dual column plating did not independently predict maintenance of alignment. CONCLUSIONS: Recent literature has popularized dual column fixation for pilon fractures, but it remains unknown whether increased metaphyseal stiffness enhances or impairs healing. In this series, decreased metaphyseal callus formation was associated with maintained coronal alignment, suggesting that a stiffer mechanical environment may be preferable to prevent short term reduction loss in these complex injuries. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: III.

Lateral Distractor Use During Internal Fixation of Tibial Plateau Fractures Has a Minimal Risk of Iatrogenic Peroneal Nerve Palsy.

OBJECTIVES: To determine the incidence of iatrogenic peroneal nerve palsy after application of an intraoperative lateral distractor during open reduction and internal fixation of tibial plateau fractures. DESIGN: Retrospective review. SETTING: Single academic Level I trauma center. PATIENTS: One hundred forty-seven patients met criteria and were included in the study. INTERVENTION: Patients with unicondylar and bicondylar tibial plateau fractures underwent open reduction and internal fixation and received application of an intraoperative lateral distractor to aid in visualization and reduction of the impacted lateral plateau. MAIN OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS: Incidence of iatrogenic peroneal nerve palsy. RESULTS: There was a 2.0% incidence of iatrogenic peroneal nerve symptoms (3 of 147 patients), most of which were incomplete sensory deficits. There was no association with staged external fixation, regional anesthesia, or tourniquet use. CONCLUSION: Use of an intraoperative lateral distractor is safe and has a low incidence of iatrogenic peroneal nerve palsy if applied carefully. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic Level IV. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

Outcomes after locking plate fixation of distal clavicle fractures with and without coracoclavicular ligament augmentation.

BACKGROUND: The need for coracoclavicular (CC) ligament augmentation when performing locking plate fixation of unstable distal clavicle fractures is controversial. The purpose of this study was to compare the results after locking plate fixation for treatment of Neer type-II and type-V distal clavicle fractures with and without suture suspensory augmentation of the CC ligaments. METHODS: This was a retrospective case series of all Neer type-II and type-V distal clavicle fractures treated with locking plates at a single Level I trauma center. Patients were separated into locking plate-only and locking plate with CC ligament augmentation groups. Postoperative complications and fracture healing rates were recorded. Quick Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand (QuickDASH) scores were recorded as functional outcomes during follow-up phone interviews. Standard descriptive statistics were performed. RESULTS: Sixteen patients were treated with locking plate fixation-only, and seven patients were treated with additional CC ligament augmentation. There was a similar distribution of Neer fracture types with each group. All fractures in both groups went onto union without loss of reduction or implant failure. There were no cases of infection or wound complications in either group. QuickDASH scores were comparable between locking plate-only fixation (mean 4.1 ± 3.9) and additional suspensory suture fixation (mean 4.5 ± 3.6). CONCLUSION: This comparative study of Neer type-II and type-V distal clavicle fractures demonstrated comparable outcomes after locking plate fixation with and without CC ligament augmentation. CC ligament augmentation may not be necessary when treating unstable distal clavicle fractures if locking plate fixation is used.

How do pilon fractures heal? An analysis of dual plating and bridging callus formation.

OBJECTIVES: 1) To determine the effect of single versus dual plate metaphyseal fixation for pilon fractures on callus formation and reoperation rates, 2) to determine the effect of biomechanically matched versus unmatched fixation, and 3) to determine whether patient or surgical factors were independent predictors of bridging callus formation or need for reoperation. DESIGN: Retrospective comparative study. SETTING: Single level one trauma center. PATIENTS: Fifty patients with AO/OTA type C2 or C3 pilon fractures treated with plate fixation. INTERVENTION: Internal fixation with a plate and screw construct, with comparisons made between patients with single versus dual plate fixation, and patients treated with biomechanically matched or unmatched fixation. MAIN OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS: Modified RUST (mRUST) scores at three and six months and reoperation rate. RESULTS: At six months, mean mRUST scores were significantly lower in patients treated with dual metaphyseal plates compared to a single plate (8.7 vs 10.4, p=0.046) There were 15 open fractures; eight were treated with supplemental fixation, while seven were treated with single-column fixation. Open fracture (OR 51.05, p=0.008) was a risk factor for reoperation. Screw density between 0.4 and 0.5 was a protective factor against reoperation (OR 0.03, p=0.026). Biomechanically unmatched fixation did not affect mRUST scores or reoperation rates. CONCLUSIONS: Pilon fractures treated with a single plate had more callus formation six months after surgery compared to those treated with dual plate fixation, and there was no difference in reoperation rates. Screw density between 0.4-0.5 was protective against reoperation. These data may serve as the basis of future work to determine the ideal fixation construct for the frequently comminuted metaphysis in pilon fractures. Further work is necessary to determine whether callus formation in these injuries is desirable. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Three.

Hook versus locking plate fixation for Neer type-II and type-V distal clavicle fractures: a retrospective cohort study.

PURPOSE: This study examined the outcomes and complications after treatment of unstable distal clavicle fractures with hook or locking plate fixation. METHODS: A retrospective search was performed of all acute distal clavicle fractures treated with open reduction and internal fixation from 2009 to 2019 at a Level I trauma center. Patients were separated into hook and locking plate fixation groups. Rates of union, complications, and reoperation, were extracted. QuickDASH (Disabilities of Arm, Shoulder, and Hand) scores were determined. RESULTS: Thirty-one patients met the inclusion criteria and were included in the study. Of these, 12 patients were treated with hook plates and 19 were treated with locking plates. All fractures healed without loss of reduction, regardless of implant selection. There were no immediate or long-term complications in either group. 83% of hook plate patients underwent planned implant removal, while 37% of locking plate patients requested implant removal secondary to irritation. QuickDASH scores were comparable and excellent in both groups. CONCLUSIONS: Hook and locking plate fixation for Neer type-II and type-V distal clavicle fractures have comparably high rates of union. Hook plates were removed routinely per protocol, while locking plates were removed only if symptomatic and occurred significantly less often.

Safety and efficacy of using 2.4/2.4 mm and 2.0/2.4 mm dual mini-fragment plate combinations for fixation of displaced diaphyseal clavicle fractures.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the safety and efficacy of using lower profile 2.4/2.4 mm and 2.0/2.4 mm dual mini-fragment plate constructs for fixation of diaphyseal clavicle fractures. METHODS: This was a retrospective case series of all displaced diaphyseal clavicle fractures treated with 2.4/2.4 and 2.0/2.4 dual mini-fragment plate constructs at a single level-one trauma center. Postoperative complications and fracture healing rates were recorded. A subset of patients with long-term follow up was used to determine the rate of reoperation for symptomatic implant removal. RESULTS: All 36 identified fractures healed without loss of reduction or implant failure. There was one superficial infection and no deep infections or cases of wound dehiscence. Twenty patients from the entire cohort had longer-term follow up available to assess the reoperation rate for symptomatic implant removal. Two patients (10%) underwent symptomatic implant removal, and one patient with retained implants was planning on future removal due to soft-tissue irritation; this combined to a projected reoperation rate of 15% for symptomatic implant removal. CONCLUSION: Dual mini-fragment plating of diaphyseal clavicle fractures, using 2.4/2.4 mm and 2.0/2.4 mm plate combinations, creates a lower profile construct that reliably maintains fracture reduction to healing, and has a low rate of reoperation for symptomatic implant removal.

Dual mini-fragment plate fixation for Neer type-II and -V distal clavicle fractures.

Contemporary methods for open reduction and internal fixation of displaced distal clavicle fractures have excellent rates of union and high rates of reoperation for symptomatic implant removal. The authors describe their preferred surgical technique and case series of patients with Neer Type-II and -V distal clavicle fractures treated with lower profile dual mini-fragment plates using interdigitating screws placed into the distal segment to enhance fixation.

Understanding the Radiographic Anatomy of the Proximal Ulna and Avoiding Inadvertent Intraarticular Screw Placement.

OBJECTIVES: To map the proximal ulnar articular margins and ensure safe extraarticular placement of implants. METHODS: Ten fresh frozen adult elbow cadaver specimens were obtained. Radiopaque wire was applied to the articular margin of the articular facets and the central trochlear ridge of the proximal ulna. Fluoroscopic images were obtained demonstrating the articular facet margins. Radiographic measurements were performed and used to identify relative safe screw zones. RESULTS: All specimens demonstrated marked extension of the ulnar and radial facets dorsal to the central trochlear ridge. The dorsal extent of the ulnar facets from the central trochlear ridge averaged 9.7 mm (range, 7.9-13 mm; SD, 1.5 mm) and 6.2 mm (range, 3.4-9.4 mm; SD, 1.9 mm), respectively. The average footprint of the posterior ulnar facet occupied 44% (±4.9%) of the total ulnar height from the dorsal cortex to the trochlear ridge. CONCLUSIONS: The articular margins of the anterior and posterior facets of the proximal ulna are challenging to identify radiographically. A surgical "at-risk zone" exists within 9.7 mm from the radiographic margin of the central trochlear ridge. Implants placed within this zone have the potential to violate the articular surface.

Dual Mini-Fragment Plating Is Comparable With Precontoured Small Fragment Plating for Operative Diaphyseal Clavicle Fractures: A Retrospective Cohort Study.

OBJECTIVES: To compare precontoured (Pc) small fragment plating to dual mini-fragment plating (DmF) for open reduction and internal fixation of diaphyseal clavicle fractures. DESIGN: Retrospective cohort. SETTING: Level 1 trauma center. PATIENTS/PARTICIPANTS: A total of 133 patients with displaced fractures of the diaphyseal clavicle (OTA/AO 15-B1, -2, and -3) treated with open reduction and internal fixation with a minimum of 1 year follow-up or until radiographic and clinical union. INTERVENTION: Two patient cohorts were identified: (1) patients treated with orthogonal DmF plate constructs and (2) patients treated with Pc clavicle-specific plates. OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS: Union rate and implant removal were assessed using standard descriptive statistics. Odds ratios, 95% confidence intervals, and P values (P) were calculated. RESULTS: There were 60 DmF and 74 Pc patients. There were no significant differences between groups with respect to age, sex, surgeon, body mass index, or mode of fixation. There was no significant difference in union (98.3% DmF; 100% Pc, P = 0.45) or maintenance of reduction (98.3% DmF; 100% Pc, P = 0.45). A total of 8% of DmF patients had symptomatic implant removal compared with 20% of Pc patients (odds ratio 0.36, confidence interval 0.12-1.05, P = 0.061). CONCLUSIONS: This retrospective comparative study found no difference in union or maintenance of reduction for diaphyseal clavicle fractures fixed with DmF compared with Pc plating. Patients treated with DmF plates may have lower rates of symptomatic implant removal. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic Level III. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.