Are extra locking bolts or fibular plating more important in extreme nailing of distal tibia fractures? A cadaveric biomechanical analysis.

OBJECTIVES: In far-distal extra-articular tibia fracture "extreme" nailing, debate surrounds the relative biomechanical performance of plating the fibula compared with extra distal interlocks. This study aimed to evaluate several constructs for extreme nailing including one interlock (one medial-lateral interlock), one interlock + plate (one medial-lateral interlock with lateral fibula compression plating), and two interlocks (one medial-lateral interlock and one anterior-posterior interlock). METHODS: Fifteen pairs of fresh cadaver legs were instrumented with a tibial nail to the physeal scar. A 1 cm segment of bone was resected from the distal tibia 3.5 cm from the joint and an oblique osteotomy was made in the distal fibula. We loaded specimens with three different distal fixation constructs (one interlock, one interlock + plate, and two interlocks) through 10,000 cycles form 100N-700 N of axial loading. Load to failure (Newtons), angulation and displacement were also measured. RESULTS: Mean load to failure was 2092 N (one interlock), 1917 N (one interlock + plate), and 2545 N (two interlocks). Linear mixed effects modeling demonstrated that two interlocks had a load to failure 578 N higher than one interlock alone (95 % CI, 74N-1082 N; P = 0.02), but demonstrated no significant difference between one interlock and one interlock + plate. No statistically significant difference in rates or timing of displacement >2 mm or angulation >10° were demonstrated. CONCLUSIONS: When nailing far-distal extra-articular tibia and fibula fractures, adding a second interlock provides more stability than adding a fibular plate. Distal fibula plating may have minimal biomechanical effect in extreme nailing.

Effect of humeral rotation on the reliability of radiographic measurements for proximal humerus fractures.

BACKGROUND: There are concerns as to the reliability of proximal humerus radiographic measurements, particularly regarding the rotational position of the humerus when obtaining radiographs. METHODS: Twenty-four patients with proximal humerus fractures fixed surgically with locked plates received postoperative anteroposterior radiographs with the humerus in neutral rotation and in 30° of internal and external rotation. Radiographic measurements for head shaft angle, humeral offset and humeral head height were performed in each humeral rotation position. Intra-class correlation coefficient was used to assess inter-rater and intra-rater reliability. Mean differences (md) in measurements between humeral positions was evaluated using one-way ANOVA. RESULTS: Head shaft angle demonstrated good-to-excellent reliability; the highest estimates for inter-rater reliability (ICC: 0.85; 95% CI: 0.76, 0.94) and intra-rater reliability (ICC: 0.96; 95% CI: 0.93, 0.98) were achieved in neutral rotation. There were significant differences in measurement values between each rotational position, with mean head shaft angle of 133.1° in external rotation, and increasingly valgus measurements in neutral (md: 7.6°; 95% CI: 5.0, 10.3°; p < 0.001) and internal rotation (md: 26.4°; 95% CI: 21.8, 30.9°; p < 0.001). Humeral head height and humeral offset showed good-to-excellent reliability in neutral and external rotation, but poor inter-rater reliability in internal rotation. Humeral head height was significantly greater using internal compared to external rotation (md: 4.5 mm; 95% CI: 1.7, 7.3 mm; p = 0.002). Humeral offset was significantly greater in external compared to internal rotation (md: 4.6 mm; 95% CI: 2.6, 6.6 mm; p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Views of the humerus in neutral rotation and 30° of external rotation displayed superior reliability. Differences in radiographic measurement values, depending on humeral rotation views, can make for problematic correlations with patient outcome measures. Studies assessing radiographic outcomes following proximal humerus fractures should ensure standardized humeral rotation for obtaining anteroposterior shoulder radiographs, with neutral rotation and external rotation views likely yielding the most reliable results. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV.

Assessing the Change in Operative Treatment Rates for Acute Midshaft Clavicle Fractures: Incorporation of Evidence-Based Surgery Results in Orthopaedic Practice.

In 2007, a randomized controlled trial (RCT) by the Canadian Orthopaedic Trauma Society (COTS) demonstrated better functional outcomes and a lower proportion of patients who developed malunion or nonunion following operative, compared with nonoperative, treatment of midshaft clavicle fractures. The primary aim of the present study was to compare the proportion of midshaft clavicle fractures treated operatively prior to and following the publication of the COTS RCT. An additional exploratory aim was to assess whether the proportion of midshaft clavicle fractures that were treated with surgery for malunion or nonunion decreased. Methods: This retrospective cohort analysis used population-level administrative health data on the residents of British Columbia, Canada. Cases were identified by International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision (ICD-9) diagnostic codes and procedure fee codes. Adult patients (≥18 years) with closed middle-third clavicle fractures between 1997 and 2018 were included. Multivariable logistic regression modeling compared the proportion of clavicle fractures treated operatively before and after January 1, 2007, controlling for patient factors. The Pearson chi-square test compared the proportion of fractures treated operatively for malunion or nonunion in the cohorts. Results: A total of 52,916 patients were included (mean age, 47.5 years; 65.6% male). More clavicle fractures were treated operatively from 2007 onward: 6.9% compared with 2.2% prior to 2007 (odds ratio [OR] = 3.35, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 3.03 to 3.70, p < 0.001). Male sex, moderate-to-high income, and younger age were associated with a greater proportion of operative fixation. The rate of surgery for clavicle malunion or nonunion also increased over this time period (to 4.1% from 3.4%, OR = 1.26, 95% CI = 1.15 to 1.38, p < 0.001). Conclusions: We found a significant change in surgeon practice regarding operative management of clavicle fractures following the publication of a Level-I RCT. With limited high-quality trials comparing operative and nonoperative management, it is important that clinicians, health-care institutions, and health-authority administrations determine what steps can be taken to increase responsiveness to new clinical studies and evidence-based guidelines. Level of Evidence: Prognostic Level III. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

Distal femoral replacement or internal fixation for management of periprosthetic distal femur fractures: A systematic review.

BACKGROUND: The number of periprosthetic fractures above a total knee arthroplasty continues to increase. These fractures are associated with a high risk of morbidity and mortality. Techniques for addressing these fractures include open reduction internal fixation (ORIF) and revision arthroplasty, including distal femoral replacement (DFR). The primary aim of this review is to compare mortality and reoperation rates between ORIF and DFR when used to treat periprosthetic distal femur fractures. METHODS: A systematic review including MEDLINE, Embase and Cochrane Library databases was completed from inception to April 10, 2021. Studies including a comparator cohort were meta-analyzed. RESULTS: Fourteen studies were identified for inclusion, of which, five had sufficient homogeneity for inclusion in a meta-analysis. 30-day and 2-year mortality was 4.1% and 14.6% in the DFR group. There was no statistically significant difference between ORIF and DFR (log Odds-Ratio (OR) = -0.14, 95 %CI: -0.77 to 0.50). The reoperation rate in the DFR group was 9.3% versus 14.8% for ORIF, with no difference between groups (log OR = 0.10, 95 %CI: -0.59 to 0.79). There was no difference in rates of deep infection (log OR = 0.22, 95 %CI: -0.83 to 1.28). Direct comparison of functional outcomes was not possible, though did not appear significant. CONCLUSION: DFR in the setting of periprosthetic distal femur fractures is equivalent to ORIF with respect to mortality and reoperation rate and thus a safe and reliable treatment strategy. DFR may be more reliable in complex fracture patterns where the ability to obtain adequate fixation is difficult.

Responsiveness of the PROMIS physical function measure in orthopaedic trauma patients.

OBJECTIVES: To compare the responsiveness of the Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System Physical Function (PROMIS-PF) to the 36-Item Short Form Survey Physical Component Score (SF36-PCS) in orthopaedic trauma patients from pre-injury to one year recovery. DESIGN AND SETTING: Prospective cohort study at a Level 1 trauma centre. PARTICIPANTS: Patients over the age of 18 with orthopaedic trauma injuries to the pelvis, lower extremity or upper extremity between 2017 and 2018. MAIN OUTCOMES MEASUREMENTS: The PROMIS-PF and SF36-PCS assessments were conducted at baseline, 3 months, 6 months and 12 months. Responsiveness of each measure was assessed between time points by calculating the standardized response mean (SRM), the proportions of patients exceeding minimal clinically important difference (MCID), and the floor and ceiling effects. RESULTS: Sixty-eight patients with completed assessments at every timepoint were included: mean age 44.7 years, 39 were male and mean Injury Severity Score (ISS) was 7.4 (range: 4-16). Mean time of completion for the SF-36 at all the time points was 5.6 min vs 1.7 min for the PROMIS-PF (p<0.01). The SRM was comparable between measures at all the time points. Although a greater proportion of patients achieved MCID for SF36-PCS between all the time points, this only approached statistical significance between the 6- and 12-month assessments (47.1% vs 33.8%; p = 0.15). There was a significant ceiling effect demonstrated with the PROMIS-PF at baseline and 12-month assessments, with 34 (50.0%) patients and 7 (10.3%) patients achieving the maximum scores at each time point, respectively. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS: PROMIS-PF has a more favourable responder burden based on lower time to completion and comparable responsiveness to the SF-36 PCS. However, there are limitations in responsiveness with the PROMIS-PF in patients who are higher functioning as demonstrated by the ceiling effects in patients at baseline pre-injury and at 12 months post-injury timepoints.

Resuscitative Endovascular Balloon Occlusion of the Aorta in Hemodynamically Unstable Patients With Pelvic Ring Injuries.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the outcomes of patients with pelvic ring injuries managed with resuscitative endovascular balloon occlusion of the aorta (REBOA). DESIGN: Retrospective case series. SETTING: Academic, Level 1 trauma center in North America. PATIENTS: Twenty-five patients with disruption of the pelvic ring and hemodynamic instability. INTERVENTION: Placement of a REBOA device as an adjuvant treatment to trauma resuscitation. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE: Death and ischemic-related complications. RESULTS: The average age of patients was 43 years (range: 17-85). Patients presented with a median lactate of 6.3 mmol/L, systolic blood pressure of 116 mm Hg, heart rate of 121 beats/minute, and injury severity score of 34. The median unit of packed red blood cells received through transfusion in the first 24 hours of hospital admission was 13 (interquartile range: 8-28). Young-Burgess injury patterns included fractures of the following types: 5 lateral compression (LC)-1, 1 LC-2, 8 LC-3, 4 anteroposterior compression-2, and 7 anteroposterior compression-3. Angiography and embolization were performed in 24 (96%) patients. Selective embolization occurred in 18 (72%) patients, with nonselective angiography of the iliac system occurring in 7 (24%) patients. There were 12 (48%) deaths, 7 (28%) patients requiring lower extremity fasciotomy, and 5 (20%) patients requiring lower extremity amputations, and there was 1 (4%) patient requiring thrombectomy. CONCLUSIONS: REBOA use in pelvic ring injuries is rare and most frequently used in critically ill patients with polytrauma. Successful pelvic embolization can occur in concert with REBOA use; however, the severity of injury is associated with a high complication profile. In this series of 25 patients, in-hospital mortality was 48%. For those patients who survived, 54% experienced a major complication (fasciotomy, amputation, and deep infection). Further investigation is required to evaluate the role REBOA may play in managing these patients. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic Level IV. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

Pelvic Ring Injury Mortality: Are We Getting Better?

OBJECTIVES: To determine if changes in pelvic trauma care and treatment protocols have affected overall mortality rates after pelvic ring injury. DESIGN: Retrospective cohort study. SETTING: Level I trauma center. PATIENTS/PARTICIPANTS: A total of 3314 patients with pelvic ring injuries who presented to a single referral center from 1999 to 2018 were included in the study. INTERVENTION: Pelvic ring management, years 1999-2006 versus years 2007-2018. MAIN OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS: In hospital mortality. Other examined variables included change in patient demographics, fracture characteristics, date of injury, associated injuries, length of hospital stay, Abbreviated Injury Severity Score. RESULTS: The composite mortality rate was 6.5% (214/3314). The earliest cohort presented a mortality rate of 9.1% [111/1224; 95% confidence interval (CI), 7.6%-10.8%] compared with the more recent cohort mortality rate of 4.9% (103/2090; 95% CI, 4.1%-5.9%). Overall mortality was significantly lower in the more recent period, a risk difference of 4.1% (95% CI, 2.3%-6.1%; P < 0.01). After adjusting for age and Abbreviated Injury Severity Score of the brain, chest, and abdomen, the mortality reduction was more pronounced with an adjusted risk difference of 6.4% (95% CI, 4.7%-8.1%; P < 0.01). CONCLUSION: Significant improvement in the mortality rate of pelvic ring injuries has been demonstrated in recent years (4.9% vs. 9.1%) and the difference is even large when accounting for known confounders. Improvement appears to coincide chronologically with changes in trauma resuscitation and implementation of adjuvant treatments for managing patients with severe hemorrhagic shock. Although the exact benefit of each treatment awaits further research, these data might indicate improved care over time for these difficult patients. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic Level III. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

Compartment Syndrome After Hip and Knee Arthroplasty.

Early diagnosis and prompt definitive management of acute compartment syndrome (ACS) are paramount in preventing the significant morbidity associated with compartment syndrome. The diagnosis of compartment syndrome can be difficult, given the pain associated with the procedure in the immediate postoperative period. Obesity, anticoagulation, postoperative epidural infusion, and prolonged operative time have been reported as risk factors for ACS. In addition to maintaining high clinical suspicion in patient with risk factors for ACS after joint replacement, emphasis on limiting modifiable risk factors should be practiced, including meticulous hemostasis, careful patient positioning, and limiting prolonged postoperative regional anesthesia when not required.

Comparison of Patient-Reported Outcomes After Suprapatellar Versus Infrapatellar Nailing Techniques for Tibial Shaft Fractures: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVES: To compare patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) between patients who underwent intramedullary nail (IMN) fixation for tibial shaft fractures using an infrapatellar (IP) or the newer suprapatellar (SP) approach. Secondary outcomes included fluoroscopic radiation exposure, operative time, and radiographic outcomes. DATA SOURCES: A systematic literature search of the databases Ovid MEDLINE, EMBASE, and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials Study Selection. STUDY SELECTION: Level I to III studies in which patients over the age of 18 years with acute tibial shaft fractures who underwent tibial IMN fixation using an IP or SP approach for fracture fixation were assessed for inclusion. Studies with a minimum of 10 patients in each cohort that reported on postoperative patient-reported outcomes with at least 6 months of follow-up were included for analysis. DATA EXTRACTION AND SYNTHESIS: Twelve studies that reported PROMs and compared IP and SP intramedullary nailing of tibial shaft fractures were analyzed. This included 654 patients who underwent IP IMN fixation and 542 patients who underwent SP IMN fixation. A random-effects model for unadjusted/crude study estimates were pooled using inverse variance (IV) weighting for continuous variable analysis. CONCLUSIONS: This review found a significant improvement in PROM for patients with tibial shaft fractures when the SP IMN technique was used. In addition, there was a significant decrease in intraoperative fluoroscopy time consistent with other radiographic findings demonstrating improved start point accuracy and reduction with SP IMN fixation of tibial shaft fractures. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic Level III. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

Comparing the responsiveness of a generic and a musculoskeletal specific functional outcome measure in orthopaedic patients with operative fixation of pelvic ring, acetabulum, or tibia fractures: a comparison between single injury and multiply injured patients.

OBJECTIVES: This study compares the responsiveness, or the ability to detect clinical change in a disease, between the generic Short Form-36 (SF-36) and musculoskeletal specific Short Musculoskeletal Functional Assessment (SMFA) patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) in the orthopaedic trauma population. Stratified analysis was performed to compare whether responsiveness differs between patients with single or multiple orthopaedic injuries. DESIGN: Prospective case series. SETTING: Level 1 Trauma Center. PATIENTS: A total of 659 patients with orthopaedic trauma injuries to the pelvis, acetabulum, or tibia were included for analysis. There were 485 patients with a single isolated injury and 174 patients with multiple orthopaedic injuries. INTERVENTION: None. MAIN OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS: Responsiveness was calculated through the standard response mean (SRM), the proportion meeting a minimal clinically important difference, and floor and ceiling effects. RESULTS: Between baseline and 6 months the magnitude of the SRM for SF-36 was consistently greater than that of SMFA in patients with single (P < .01) and multiple injuries (P < .01). Between 6 and 12 months, there were no differences in SRM across all cohorts. The proportion of patients who achieved minimal clinically important difference was consistently higher when assessed with SF-36 compared with SMFA between baseline and 6 months (81.8% vs 68.1%, P < .0001) and between 6 and 12 months (63.3% vs 55.4%, P = .01).A ceiling effect was only observed at baseline for the SMFA with 16.6% of patients achieving the maximal level of functioning detectable. No floor effects were seen in either PROM. CONCLUSION: This study demonstrates that SF-36 has superior responsiveness versus SMFA in both polytrauma and isolated injury patients and supports the collection of SF-36 as the primary PROM in prospective orthopaedic trauma studies irrespective of whether the patient has an isolated injury or multiple injuries.

Assessing Soft Tissue Perfusion Using Laser-Assisted Angiography in Tibial Plateau and Pilon Fractures: A Pilot Study.

OBJECTIVES: To determine whether skin perfusion surrounding tibial plateau and pilon fractures is associated with the Tscherne classification for severity of soft tissue injury. The secondary aim was to determine if soft tissue perfusion improves from the time of injury to the time of definitive fracture fixation in fractures treated using a staged protocol. DESIGN: Prospective cohort study. SETTING: Academic trauma center. PATIENTS: Eight pilon fracture patients and 19 tibial plateau fracture patients who underwent open reduction internal fixation. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Skin perfusion (fluorescence units) as measured by LA-ICGA. RESULTS: Six patients were classified as Tscherne grade 0, 9 as grade 1, 10 as grade 2, and 2 as grade 3. Perfusion decreased by 14 fluorescence units (95% confidence interval, -21 to -6; P < 0.01) with each increase in Tscherne grade. Sixteen patients underwent staged fixation with an external fixator (mean time to definitive fixation 14.1 days). The mean perfusion increased significantly at the time of definitive fixation by a mean of 13.9 fluorescence units (95% confidence interval 4.8-22.9; P = 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: LA-ICGA perfusion measures are associated with severity of soft tissue injury surrounding orthopaedic trauma fractures and appear to improve over time when fractures are stabilized in an external fixator. Further research is warranted to investigate whether objective perfusion measures are predictive of postoperative wound healing complications and whether this tool can be used to effectively guide timing of safe surgical fixation. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Prognostic Level II. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

Treatment of B1 Distal Periprosthetic Femur Fractures.

The burden of periprosthetic distal femoral fractures is projected to increase accordingly with the increase in total knee arthroplasties (TKAs) performed globally in the future. Less invasive plating and intramedullary (IM) nailing techniques still seem to provide similar outcomes based on current literature. Double-plating and combination techniques may prove to be beneficial in the future pending further large-scale studies but currently have not demonstrated superiority over single plating and IM nailing based on current evidence. Distal femoral replacement may provide a useful option for future treatment, provided it is performed by a trained knee arthroplasty surgeon.

Total Hip Replacements in Patients with Rare Pathologic Conditions Affecting Bone.

➤: As a result of the advances in surgical technique and implant design, total hip arthroplasty (THA) is increasingly offered for the management of osteoarthritis of the hip in patients with fragile or pathologic bone. ➤: Posttraumatic or congenital deformities associated with fragile or pathologic bone are frequently encountered and necessitate diligent preoperative planning. ➤: Surgeons should be prepared to evaluate and manage intraoperative iatrogenic fracture. ➤: While there is limited evidence to date, components made with computer-assisted design can be considered, given the unique and highly variable patient population.

Surgical Skills Training Using Simulation for Basic and Complex Hip and Knee Arthroplasty.

Skills training is important in an arthroplasty curriculum and can focus either on "part tasks" or on full procedures. The most commonly used simulations in orthopedics including arthroplasty are anatomic specimens, dry bone models, and virtual or other technology-enhanced systems. A course curriculum planning committee must identify the gaps to address, define what learners need to be able to do, and select the most appropriate simulation modality and assessment for delivery. Each simulation must have a clear structure with learning objectives, steps, and take-home messages. Feedback from learners and faculty must be integrated to improve processes and models for future learning.

Development and Implementation of International Curricula for Joint Replacement and Preservation.

The number of patients undergoing joint replacement and preservation procedures continues to increase worldwide. Globally, there is no standardized educational pathway, training program, or recognized certification program for surgeons in these procedures. Development and implementation of new competency-based curricula to deliver specific educational events and resources may help trainees and practicing surgeons be able to perform these procedures more effectively and therefore improve patient outcomes in their respective countries. Ideally, a curriculum would be globally standardized and professionally designed to interactively meet the needs of surgeons. A competency-based approach with built-in assessment and evaluation processes is today's educational standard.

Quantitative Evaluation of Embolic Load in Femoral and Tibial Shaft Fractures Treated With Reamed Intramedullary Fixation.

OBJECTIVES: To compare the volume of embolic load during intramedullary fixation of femoral and tibial shaft fractures. Our hypothesis was that tibial intramedullary nails (IMNs) would be associated with less volume of intravasation of marrow than IM nailing of femur fractures. DESIGN: Prospective observational study. SETTING: Urban Level I trauma center. PATIENTS/PARTICIPANTS: Twenty-three patients consented for the study: 14 with femoral shaft fractures and 9 with tibial shaft fractures. INTERVENTION: All patients underwent continuous transesophageal echocardiography, and volume of embolic load was evaluated during 5 distinct stages: postinduction, initial guide wire, reaming (REAM), nail insertion, and postoperative. MAIN OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS: Volume of embolic load was measured based on previously described luminosity scores. The embolic load based on fracture location and procedure stage was evaluated using a mixed effects model. RESULTS: The IMN procedure increased the embolic load by 215% (-12% to 442%, P = 0.07) in femur patients relative to tibia patients after adjusting for baseline levels. Of the 5 steps measured, REAM was associated with the greatest increase in embolic load relative to the guide wire placement and controlling for fracture location (421%, 95% confidence interval: 169%-673%, P < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: Femoral shaft IMN fixation was associated with a 215% increase in embolic load in comparison with tibial shaft IMN fixation, with the greatest quantitative load during the REAM stage; however, both procedures produce embolic load. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Prognostic Level II. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

Do standardized hip fracture care programs decrease mortality in geriatric hip fracture patients?

There is mounting support for the implementation of a standardized hip fracture program (SHFP) for geriatric patients. However, the current evidence to assess geriatric hip fracture outcomes following treatment in a SHFP is limited to small, single-center, observational studies. Using a large, multinational dataset, this study aims to assess whether enrollment in a SHFP was associated with improved 30-day patient-important outcomes in geriatric hip fracture patients. The secondary aim was to evaluate if the SHFP treatment effect varies by baseline mortality risk. An observational cohort study was conducted using data from the National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (NSQIP) for the years of 2016 and 2017. The study included 17,395 geriatric hip fracture patients over the age of 65. Over half (54%) of patients were enrolled in a SHFP on admission to hospital. The primary outcome was 30-day mortality. Secondary outcomes included 30-day reoperation and readmission. Multivariable logistic regression was used to estimate treatment effects, adjusting for race, anesthesia technique, and baseline mortality risk. The heterogeneity of treatment effect was determined by stratifying patients into quartiles based on their baseline mortality risk. The overall 30-day mortality risk was 6.6%. Enrollment in a SHFP did not reduce the 30-day risk of mortality (risk difference (RD): -0.2; 95% CI: -0.7, 0.3; p = 0.48), reoperation (RD: -0.2%; 95% CI: -0.6, 0.3; p = 0.36) or readmission (RD: -0.4%; 95% CI: -0.1, 0.4%; p = 0.20) when analyzed as a single sample. However, there were greater differences in the SHFP treatment effects when stratified by their preoperative mortality risk. Specifically, a 2.0% (95% CI: 4.2, 0.0%; p = 0.06) reduction in mortality was observed in the patients in the highest risk quartile for mortality and a 1.7% (95% CI: -3.2, -0.2%; p = 0.02) reduction in the medium-high risk quartile. The NSQIP data suggest that SHFPs do not significantly improve the short-term outcomes for the average geriatric hip fracture patient. However, a SHFP may significantly reduce the risk of 30-day mortality in higher risk patients. Therefore, the efficiency of SHFPs could potentially be improved with targeted deployment to high risk geriatric hip fracture patients.

Measuring Lateral Screw Protuberance Is a Clinically Accurate Method for Quantifying Femoral Neck Shortening.

OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study is to compare the reliability and accuracy of the screw protuberance method (SPM) and overlay method (OM) for measuring femoral neck shortening on anterior-posterior (AP) radiographs. The secondary aim is to investigate the changes in reliability and accuracy with varying femoral rotation. METHODS: Radio-opaque femur sawbone models were fitted with either 3 cancellous screws or a sliding hip screw implant. Anterior-posterior radiographs were obtained using C-arm fluoroscopy with femoral neck shortening up to 15 mm and with the femoral shaft in 30 degrees of internal rotation to 30 degrees of external rotation (ER). Four observers measured femoral neck shortening at 2 time points. Intraobserver and interobserver reliability were calculated using the intraclass coefficient. Accuracy was analyzed through a Bland-Altman agreement statistic stratified by femoral rotation. RESULTS: Both measurement techniques displayed excellent reliability, regardless of femoral rotation or implant. There was a significant difference in femoral neck shortening measurements with rotation for both the OM (P < 0.001) and SPM (P < 0.001). Both methods are accurate within 1 mm of the actual magnitude of shortening from 30-degree internal rotation to 15-degree ER. At 30-degree ER, shortening was underestimated by -2.10 mm using the OM (95% confidence interval, -2.43 to -1.76; P < 0.01) and by -1.64 mm using the SPM (95% confidence interval, -1.83 to -1.45; P < 0.01). CONCLUSION: This study demonstrates that both the OM and SPM are accurate and reliable assessments for femoral neck shortening; however, both methods are sensitive to extreme ER. Given the simplicity of the SPM technique, it may have increased utility for pragmatic research studies.

Short-Term Tibial Baseplate Fracture After Total Knee Arthroplasty in the Absence of Osteolysis and Implant Loosening: A Case Report.

CASE: The patient is a 62-year-old man with early tibial baseplate failure involving fracture and subsidence of the posteromedial metal implant, only 3 years after primary total knee replacement. Although this mode of failure is frequently observed secondary to polyethylene wear and osteolysis, this case was likely because of suboptimal tibial baseplate size and positioning with lack of cortical support that underwent accelerated fatigue, given the high activity level of the patient. CONCLUSION: This case demonstrates rare sequelae of inadequate tibial coverage and cortical structural support of the baseplate. Tibial coverage is influenced by implant sizing, implant positioning, and variations in patient anthropometrics.