Does a Reduced Secondary Operation Rate Offset Higher Implant Charges when Utilizing Suture Button Fixation for Syndesmotic Injuries?

OBJECTIVE: To determine whether a reduced secondary operation rate offsets higher implant charges when using suture button fixation for syndesmotic injuries. DESIGN: Retrospective cohort study. SETTING: Single, urban, Level 1 trauma center. PARTICIPANTS: Three-hundred twenty-seven (N = 327) skeletally mature patients with rotational ankle fractures (OTA/AO type 44) necessitating concurrent syndesmotic fixation. INTERVENTION: Suture button or solid 3.5-mm screw syndesmotic fixation. MAIN OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS: To compare implant charges with secondary operation charges based on differential implant removal rates between screws and suture buttons. RESULTS: Patients undergoing screw fixation were older (48.8 vs. 39.6 years, P < 0.01), had more ground-level fall mechanisms (59.3% vs. 51.1%, P = 0.026), and sustained fewer 44C type injuries (34.7% vs. 56.8%, P = 0.01). Implant removal occurred at a higher rate in the screw fixation group (17.6% vs. 5.7%, P = 0.005). Binomial logistic regression identified nonsmoker status (B = 1.03, P = 0.04) and implant type (B = 1.41, P = 0.008) as factors associated with implant removal. Adjusting for age, the NNT with a suture button construct to prevent one implant removal operation was 9, with mean resulting additional implant charges of $9747 ($1083/case). Backward calculations using data from previous large studies estimated secondary operation charges at approximately $14220, suggesting a potential 31.5% cost savings for suture buttons when considering reduced secondary operation rates. CONCLUSIONS: A reduced secondary operation rate may offset increased implant charges for suture button syndesmotic fixation when considering institutional implant removal rates for operations occurring in tertiary care settings. Given these offsetting charges, surgeons should use the syndesmotic fixation strategy they deem most appropriate in their practice setting. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Economic Level IV. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

Calcific Tendinitis of the Gluteus Maximus in a Golfer.

Calcific tendinitis is a relatively rare condition in which calcium is inappropriately deposited in tendons, resulting in a local inflammatory reaction that can cause severe symptoms in certain cases. The cause of this disease process is not completely understood, although repetitive microtrauma likely plays a role in its development. Although the disorder most often involves the rotator cuff, it can affect other structures throughout the body, such as the tendons about the ankle and hip-including the rectus femoris and gluteus maximus. Nonoperative management typically involves using an anti-inflammatory medication and activity modification and can be augmented with formal physical therapy and modalities. Although nonoperative management provides adequate relief for many patients, sometimes operative debridement of the calcific deposit with or without repair of the involved tendon is required. The authors report an unusual case of calcific tendinitis of the gluteus maximus insertion in a golfer. The patient had tried nonoperative treatment for approximately 2 years with no real relief, and a recent exacerbation of the pain was significantly delaying his return to sport. Although plain radiographs did not show abnormalities, magnetic resonance imaging showed a calcific deposit in the insertion of the gluteus maximus tendon. After discussing further treatment options with the patient, the decision was made to remove the deposit and repair the insertion. He recovered completely and was able to return to play. The frequency, pathogenesis, and treatment of this condition are discussed in this case report, as well as the possible link to golf in this patient. [Orthopedics.2016; 39(5):e997-e1000.].