Partial Flexor Tendon Injury Causing Locking: Illustration of the Utility of Dynamic Ultrasound.

Clinical diagnosis of partial flexor tendon lacerations is challenging because tendon function may be preserved. Although some partial flexor tendon tears can be managed conservatively, pain, stiffness, and triggering/locking may result, requiring surgical management. The mechanism by which this occurs has been investigated in animal and cadaver studies but has not been demonstrated in patients with real-time, in vivo imaging. Here, we present a case of partial tendon tear presenting with severe pain and locking that was diagnosed before surgery and characterized with dynamic ultrasound.

Early Results of 3-Dimensional Planning and Customized Cutting Guides for the Treatment of Severe Madelung Defofrmity.

PURPOSE: Surgical treatment of Madelung deformity can present challenges due to a need for multiplanar correction. Developing customized cutting guides for osteotomies may improve surgical outcomes by enhancing the surgeon's understanding and surgical correction. METHODS: All patients who underwent forearm osteotomies for Madelung deformity using computed tomography planning with 3-dimensional-printed customized cutting guides were retrospectively reviewed (n = 8). Seven patients underwent a double osteotomy of the radius, and 1 underwent a single osteotomy. RESULTS: Ulnar tilt was improved in all cases. Correction of deformity was significant on anteroposterior but not on lateral views. The mean preoperative and postoperative radial bow was measured in 2 planes, with an average preoperative bow of 32° (± 21°) on anteroposterior radiographs and 36° (± 17°) on lateral radiographs, and an average bow of 10° (± 6°) on anteroposterior radiographs and 7° (± 6°) on lateral films after surgery. The predicted radial bow was calculated to be 9.1° (± 8°). CONCLUSIONS: Three-dimensional planning allows predictable deformity correction across multiple but not all parameters. Future studies comparing clinical and radiographic outcomes of guided versus nonguided osteotomies are required to justify the additional expense and preoperative planning efforts. TYPE OF STUDY/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic V.

Polydactyly a review and update of a common congenital hand difference.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: The purpose of this review is to describe various forms of hand polydactyly and their different treatment approaches. Hand polydactyly is commonly classified as ulnar (small finger) or radial (thumb). Polydactyly can be sporadic, genetic, and/or associated with syndromic conditions. RECENT FINDINGS: Both ulnar and radial polydactyly can be surgically treated to optimize hand aesthetics and function. Timing of surgery is based on multiple factors, most notably including safety of anesthesia and socialization of the affected child. The pediatrician should be aware of potential associated conditions, such as chondroectodermal dysplasia or Ellis-van Creveld syndrome for ulnar polydactyly. SUMMARY: Polydactyly is a common congenital hand difference and can be broadly be classified by radial or ulnar involvement. Polydactyly warrants hand surgical referral, as surgical treatment is often indicated. Pediatricians should be aware of treatment options, as well as of commonly associated anomalies and syndromes.

Incidence of Nerve Repair Following Endoscopic Carpal Tunnel Release Is Higher Compared to Open Release in New York State.

BACKGROUND: Carpal tunnel release (CTR) has traditionally been performed through an open approach, although in recent years endoscopic CTR has gained in popularity. QUESTIONS/PURPOSES: We sought to assess whether a difference exists between the rates of nerve repair surgery following open versus endoscopic CTR in New York State (NYS). METHODS: Patients undergoing endoscopic and open CTR from 1997 to 2013 were identified from the Statewide Planning and Research Cooperative System (SPARCS) database from the NYS Department of Health using Current Procedural Terminology, 4th Revision (CPT-4) codes 29848 and 64721, respectively. The primary outcome measure was subsequent nerve repair surgery (as identified using CPT-4 codes 64831-64837, 64856, 64857, 64859, 64872, 64874, and 64876). Other variables analyzed included patient age, sex, payer, and surgery year. RESULTS: There were 294,616 CTRs performed in NYS from 1997 to 2013. While the incidence of open CTR remained higher than endoscopic CTR, the proportion of endoscopic CTR steadily increased, from 16% (2984/19,089) in 2007 to 25% (5594/22,271) in 2013. For the 134,143 patients having a single CTR, the rate of subsequent nerve repair was significantly higher following endoscopic CTR (0.09%) compared to open CTR (0.04%). The Cox model showed that factors significantly associated with a higher risk of subsequent nerve repair surgery were endoscopic CTR and younger age. CONCLUSIONS: Endoscopic CTR has been increasingly performed in NYS and associated with a higher rate of subsequent nerve repair. This rate likely underestimates the incidence of nerve injuries because it only captures those patients who had subsequent surgery. While this catastrophic complication remains rare, further investigation is warranted, given the rise of endoscopic CTR in the setting of equivalent outcomes, but favorable reimbursement, versus open CTR.

The Effect of Distal Radius Fracture Location on Distal Radioulnar Joint Stability: A Cadaveric Study.

PURPOSE: To investigate whether the location of distal radius osteotomy/shortening relative to the radial insertion of the distal interosseous membrane (DIOM) is correlated with distal radioulnar joint (DRUJ) instability. We hypothesized that distal radius osteotomy and shortening proximal to the DIOM insertion would result in increased DRUJ instability because of induced laxity in the DIOM. METHODS: Osteotomies of the distal radius were performed proximal and distal to the DIOM insertion in 14 fresh-frozen cadaveric specimens. Using a volar plate, 5 conditions were tested: anatomical radius alignment; 2- and 4-mm shortening at the proximal osteotomy site; and 2- and 4-mm shortening at the distal osteotomy site. Basilar ulnar styloid osteotomy was performed to simulate triangular fibrocartilage complex (TFCC) detachment-specimens were tested with the ulnar styloid detached and the ulnar styloid fixed (to restore normal anatomy). The DRUJ stability was quantified using dorsal-volar displacement of the radius in response to 20 N of force using a force-displacement probe in neutral, pronation, and supination. Posttesting specimen dissections assessed DIOM and distal oblique bundle (DOB) anatomy. The DRUJ stability in each experimental condition was compared with a multifactor repeated measures analysis of variance with the specimen treated as the repeated factor. RESULTS: There were no significant differences in dorsal-volar translation of the radius (ie, DRUJ stability) between radial osteotomy/shortening proximal and distal to the DIOM insertion, regardless of forearm rotational position or magnitude of shortening. Five (36%) of the 14 specimens had a DOB present. There was a significant increase in DRUJ instability in the setting of TFCC detachment (via basilar ulnar styloid osteotomy). CONCLUSIONS: No difference in DRUJ stability was observed between distal radius osteotomy/shortening proximal and distal to the DIOM radial insertion, regardless of forearm rotation, magnitude of shortening, and/or TFCC detachment. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Distal radius osteotomy and shortening did not affect DRUJ stability regardless of location relative to the DIOM insertion.

Arthroscopic treatment of triangular fibrocartilage complex injuries in paediatric and adolescent patients.

We assessed outcomes of 43 paediatric and adolescent patients (44 wrists) undergoing arthroscopic triangular fibrocartilage complex surgery by a single surgeon between 2003 and 2016. Medical records were reviewed for clinical, imaging, and operative data. Preoperatively, 49% of patients had additional diagnoses and mean QuickDASH was 47. Patients were telephoned to assess current wrist pain, subsequent treatment(s), satisfaction, and to complete QuickDASH and Patient-Rated Wrist Evaluation questionnaires. Twenty-five patients responded with mean follow-up of 70 months (minimum 13 months). In those patients not reached by telephone, mean clinical follow-up was 21 months. Seven patients had subsequent surgery (most commonly ulnar shortening osteotomy); this was associated with lower satisfaction scores. At final follow-up, mean QuickDASH was 4, Patient-Rated Wrist Evaluation 8 and patient and parent satisfaction scores were 9 and 9 out of 10, respectively. In conclusion, arthroscopic triangular fibrocartilage complex treatment in paediatric patients yielded favourable outcomes and patient/parent satisfaction. Level of evidence: IV.

Technical Pearls of Tendon Transfers for Upper Extremity Spasticity.

Tendon transfers are an important surgical option when treating patients with muscular imbalance due to upper extremity spasticity. A successful surgical outcome requires a thorough preoperative clinical evaluation, an understanding of tendon transfer biomechanics, appropriate donor and recipient muscle selection, technical execution, and postoperative rehabilitation. This article reviews the principles, biomechanics, and techniques for commonly performed tendon transfers in patients with upper extremity spasticity.

An Alternative Macrophage Activation Pathway Regulator, CHIT1, May Provide a Serum and Synovial Fluid Biomarker of Periprosthetic Osteolysis.

BACKGROUND: Periprosthetic osteolysis (PPO) is a frequent indication for total hip replacement (THR) failure. Currently, PPO diagnosis occurs in advanced stages that often necessitate complex revisions due to bone loss. PPO biomarkers could facilitate earlier diagnosis. Alternative macrophage activation pathway regulators, chitotriosidase (CHIT1) and CC chemokine ligand 18 (CCL18), have increased periprosthetic expression in patients undergoing revision THR for osteolysis. We hypothesized that synovial fluid and serum levels of CHIT1 and CCL18 would be increased in patients undergoing revision THR for PPO versus controls without osteolysis. METHODS: In this prospective case-control study, 60 patients undergoing revision metal-on-polyethylene THR at Hospital for Special Surgery were screened preoperatively from January 2013 to December 2014. Twenty "osteolysis" patients who underwent revision for PPO (based on imaging and operative reports) and 10 "control" patients (with stable implants) who underwent revision for recurrent dislocation or a mechanical etiology were included. Among osteolysis and control patients, 11/20 and 4/10 were male; average age was 68 and 63 years, respectively; 9/20 and 3/10 had cemented femoral components; and average implant longevity was 15 and 5 years, respectively. Preoperative serum and intraoperative synovial fluid samples were collected. CHIT1 and CCL18 were quantified via enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Significance was assessed via nonparametric Mann-Whiney U test. RESULTS: CHIT1 was significantly increased in both synovial fluid (3727 versus 731 nanomoles [nM]) and serum (98 versus 39 nM) in the osteolysis versus control patients. CCL18 levels were also significantly increased in osteolysis versus control patients' synovial fluid (425 versus 180 nM) but not their serum. CONCLUSIONS: In this prospective case-control study, CHIT1 was identified as a novel synovial fluid and serum biomarker of PPO. CHIT1 expression is induced during macrophage activation in response to wear debris. CHIT1 monitoring may facilitate early diagnosis of THR PPO. Furthermore, CHIT1 may represent a novel therapeutic target for PPO.

Online Patient Ratings Are Not Correlated with Total Knee Replacement Surgeon-Specific Outcomes.

BACKGROUND: Despite potential concerns regarding their validity, physician-rating websites continue to grow in number and utilization and feature prominently on major search engines, potentially affecting patient decision-making regarding physician selection. QUESTIONS/PURPOSES: We sought to determine whether patient ratings on public physician-rating websites correlate with surgeon-specific outcomes for high-volume total knee replacement (TKR) surgeons in New York State (NYS) from 2010 to 2012. METHODS: Online patient ratings were compared to surgeon-specific outcomes from the Statewide Planning and Research Cooperative System (SPARCS) database from the NYS Department of Health. For each surgeon, we determined the infection rate, re-admission rate, and revision surgery rate within the study period, as well as the mean inpatient length of stay, for TKR from the SPARCS database. Online ratings were collected from two physician-rating websites (Vitals.com and HealthGrades.com). RESULTS: One hundred seventy-four high-volume TKR surgeons were identified in NYS from 2010 to 2012. The mean rates of in-hospital infection, 90-day infection, 30-day re-admission, 90-day re-admission, and revision surgery were 0.25, 1.00, 4.89, 8.43, and 1.31%, respectively. The mean number of ratings for individual surgeons on HealthGrades.com and Vitals.com were 24.0 (range: 0 to 109) and 19.3 (range: 0 to 114), respectively, and mean overall ratings were 4.2 and 4.1 (out of 5) stars, respectively. As with online patient ratings of individual surgeons, variability was observed in the total adverse event rate distribution for individual surgeons. Despite sufficient variability in both online patient rating and surgeon-specific outcomes for high-volume TKR surgeons in NYS, no correlation was observed. CONCLUSION: There was no correlation between surgeon-specific TKR outcome measures and online patient ratings. We therefore advise that patients exert caution when interpreting ratings on these websites.

Arthroscopic Diagnosis of the Triangular Fibrocartilage Complex Foveal Tear: A Cadaver Assessment.

PURPOSE: To determine whether the arthroscopic hook and trampoline tests are accurate and reliable diagnostic tests for foveal triangular fibrocartilage complex (TFCC) detachment. METHODS: Wrist arthroscopy was performed on 10 cadaveric upper extremities. Arthroscopic hook and trampoline tests were performed and videos recorded (baseline). The deep foveal TFCC insertion was then sharply detached. Arthroscopic hook and trampoline tests were repeated. Subsequently, the foveal detachment was repaired via an ulnar tunnel technique and the hook test was repeated for a third time. Videos were independently reviewed at 2 time points by 2 fellowship-trained hand surgeons and 1 hand surgery fellow in a randomized and blinded fashion. Hook and trampoline tests were graded as positive or negative. Proportions of categorical variables were compared via 2-tailed Fisher exact test. Inter- and intraobserver reliabilities were assessed via Cohen kappa coefficient. RESULTS: The sensitivity and specificity of the hook test for foveal detachment diagnosis were 90% and 90%, respectively. There was 90% agreement among all 3 observers for the baseline and foveal detachment hook tests. Cohen kappa coefficients for the inter- and intraobserver reliabilities of the hook test were 0.87 and 0.81, respectively. Seventeen percent of trampoline tests were positive at baseline versus 43% after foveal detachment. The trampoline test had 45% agreement between the 3 observers. Cohen kappa coefficients for the inter- and intraobserver reliabilities of the trampoline test were 0.16 and 0.63, respectively. Following ulnar tunnel repair, 20% of hook tests were positive. CONCLUSIONS: The hook test is highly sensitive, specific, and reliable for the diagnosis of isolated TFCC foveal detachment. The trampoline test has insufficient reliability to assess foveal detachment. A TFCC foveal repair using an ulnar tunnel technique returns the hook test to baseline. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: The hook test is a sensitive, specific, and reliable test for the diagnosis of isolated TFCC foveal detachment.

Radiographic Results and Complications of 3 Guided Growth Implants.

BACKGROUND: Temporary, implant-mediated hemiepiphysiodesis (ie, guided growth) is an effective and popular treatment method for lower extremity angular deformities. The purpose of this study was to retrospectively evaluate the safety profile of 3 different implants used to correct lower extremity angular deformities in pediatric patients. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed a consecutive series of pediatric patients with lower extremity angular deformities who underwent implant-mediated guided growth by 2 surgeons at our institution between 2004 and 2014. Implants were selected according to surgeon preference and included the Biomet peanut plate, Orthofix eight-plate, and Pega Medical hinge plate. Medical records and radiographs were reviewed to assess deformity correction, implant integrity, and complications. RESULTS: During the study period, 115 plates (63 Biomet peanut plates, 30 Orthofix eight-plates, and 22 Pega Medical hinge plates) were implanted in 52 patients (24 males, 28 females). Average age at implantation was 11.7 years (12.3 y in males, 11.1 y in females). Average length of follow-up was 18.4 months. There was no significant difference in rate of deformity correction between the implant types (P=0.08).Three broken screws (2.6%) were observed, all of which involved cannulated screws in peanut plates. Four peanut plates (6.3%) had an implant-related complication: 3 broken screws and 1 screw pullout. Three eight-plates (10.0%) had screw pullout. No complications were observed within either the hinge plate or solid screw groups. Implant-related complications were significantly associated with increased body weight and cannulated screw use (P=0.02 and 0.03, respectively), but not bone age, sex, plate type, or rate of deformity correction. No deep infections, premature growth arrests, or plate breakages were observed. CONCLUSIONS: Implant-mediated guided growth is a safe technique for pediatric lower extremity angular deformity correction with a low complication rate. This study demonstrated that overweight patients had a significantly higher rate of implant-related complications. Screw breakages were only observed with cannulated screws in peanut plates. Thus, we recommend using solid, noncannulated screws in overweight children who are at an increased risk of implant failure. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV-retrospective case series.

At Home Photography-Based Method for Measuring Wrist Range of Motion.

Purpose To determine the reliability of wrist range of motion (WROM) measurements based on digital photographs taken by patients at home compared with traditional measurements done in the office with a goniometer. Methods Sixty-nine postoperative patients were enrolled in this study at least 3 months postoperatively. Active and passive wrist flexion/extension and radial/ulnar deviation were recorded by one of the two attending surgeons with a 1-degree resolution goniometer at the last postoperative office visit. Patients were provided an illustrated instruction sheet detailing how to take digital photographic images at home in six wrist positions (active and passive flexion/extension, and radial/ulnar deviation). Wrist position was measured from digital images by both the attending surgeons in a randomized, blinded fashion on two separate occasions greater than 2 weeks apart using the same goniometer. Reliability analysis was performed using the intraclass correlation coefficient to assess agreement between clinical and photography-based goniometry, as well as intra- and interobserver agreement. Results Out of 69 enrolled patients, 30 (43%) patients sent digital images. Of the 180 digital photographs, only 9 (5%) were missing or deemed inadequate for WROM measurements. Agreement between clinical and photography-based measurements was "almost perfect" for passive wrist flexion/extension and "substantial" for active wrist flexion/extension and radial/ulnar deviation. Inter- and intraobserver agreement for the attending surgeons was "almost perfect" for all measurements. Discussion This study validates a photography-based goniometry protocol allowing accurate and reliable WROM measurements without direct physician contact. Passive WROM was more accurately measured from photographs than active WROM. This study builds on previous photography-based goniometry literature by validating a protocol in which patients or their families take and submit their own photographs. Clinical Relevance Patient-performed photography-based goniometry represents an alternative to traditional clinical goniometry that could enable longer-term follow-up, overcome travel-related impediments to office visits, improve convenience, and reduce costs for patients.

Functional Outcomes of Modular Conversion of Hemiarthroplasty or Total to Reverse Total Shoulder Arthroplasty.

BACKGROUND: The advent of modular shoulder arthroplasty systems has allowed the conversion of hemiarthroplasty or total shoulder arthroplasty to reverse total shoulder arthroplasty (RTSA) without removing a well-fixed stem. QUESTIONS/PURPOSES: To determine the feasibility, functional outcome, and complication profile of RTSA modular conversion. METHODS: A prospective shoulder arthroplasty registry was queried for consecutive patients scheduled for a modular conversion from January 1, 2007, to April 1, 2015. Eligible patients had medical charts and operative records reviewed for preoperative diagnosis, age, medical comorbidities, preoperative American Shoulder and Elbow Society (ASES) score, preoperative Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) pain and instability scores, and intraoperative findings. Each patient was then contacted by telephone or mail to complete up-to-date ASES and VAS questionnaires. RESULTS: Seventeen patients underwent a modular conversion. Nine patients were scheduled for modular conversion but underwent humeral revision due to excessive soft tissue tension (65.3% modular conversion rate). Average follow-up was 37.4 months (range 10.0-67.6 months). Pain scores improved from 5.3 (range 0.4 to 8.0) to 2.4 (range 0 to 9.3) (p < 0.01), instability VAS from 5.2 (range 0 to 10) to 1.1 (range 0 to 6.8) (p < 0.01), and ASES scores improved from 35.2 (range 20.7 to 61.3) to 65.6 (range 11.8 to 92) (p < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: Modular conversion of an anatomic to a RTSA is feasible in a majority of patients. Despite the complexity of the procedure, modular conversion of hemiarthroplasty or TSA to RTSA can significantly improve functional outcomes with a low rate of complications.

Rating a Sports Medicine Surgeon's "Quality" in the Modern Era: an Analysis of Popular Physician Online Rating Websites.

BACKGROUND: Consumer-driven healthcare and an increasing emphasis on quality metrics have encouraged patient engagement in the rating of healthcare. As such, online physician rating websites have become mainstream and may play a potential role in future healthcare policy. QUESTIONS/PURPOSES: The purpose of this study was to evaluate online patient ratings for US sports medicine surgeons, determine predictors of positive ratings and analyze for inter-website scoring correlation. METHODS: The American Orthopedic Society for Sports Medicine (AOSSM) member directory was sampled. Surgeon demographic and rating data were searched on three online physicians rating websites: HealthGrades.com (HG), RateMDs.com (RM) and Vitals.com (V). Written rating comments were categorized as relating to the following: surgeon competence, surgeon affability and process of care. Bivariate linear regression, Pearson correlation and multivariable analyses were used to determine factors associated with positive ratings. RESULTS: Two hundred seventy-five sports medicine surgeons were included. Two hundred seventy-one (99%) had ratings on at least one of the three websites. Sports surgeons were rated highly across all three websites (mean >4.0/5); however, there was only a low to moderate degree of correlation among websites. On HG, female surgeons and surgeons in academia were more likely to receive higher overall ratings. Across all three websites, increased number of years in practice inversely correlated with ratings; this relationship neared significance for HG and was significant for RM. A surgeon's online presence or geographic location was not associated with higher ratings. In multivariable regression analysis for ratings on HG, female sex was the only significant predictor of higher ratings. Two thousand three hundred forty-one written comments were analyzed: perceived surgeon competence and communication influenced the direction of ratings for the top and bottom tier surgeons. CONCLUSION: There was a low degree of correlation among online websites for surgeon ratings. Female surgeons and those with fewer years in practice appear to have higher ratings on these websites; comment content analysis suggests that high and low ratings are influenced by perceived surgeon competence and affability.

The Prevalence of Pisotriquetral Arthritis in the Setting of Scapholunate Advanced Collapse.

Background Previous authors have reported pisotriquetral pain and subsequent pisiform excision following partial or total wrist fusion in patients with scapholunate advanced collapse (SLAC). Prior studies have not considered the potential role of SLAC biomechanics on pisotriquetral osteoarthritis (PT OA) development preoperatively. Purpose To determine the prevalence and severity of PT OA in patients with SLAC as compared with a control population. Patients and Methods Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) studies of 24 patients with SLAC wrist and 24 sex- and age-matched control patients were analyzed. Patients with SLAC wrist were selected from a database of all wrist MRI studies performed at our institution from 2006 to 2015, excluding those with inflammatory arthritis, chondrocalcinosis, and incomplete or atraumatic scapholunate interosseous ligament rupture. Control patients underwent MRI for nonarthritic clinical indications and were chosen in an age- and sex-matched fashion. Patients undergoing MRI for triangular fibrocartilage complex injury, extensor carpi ulnaris tendinopathy, or ulnar-sided wrist pain were excluded from the control cohort. MRI grading of arthritic change at the pisotriquetral joint was assessed by a blinded musculoskeletal radiologist according to a four-category scale, with grade 4 indicating the greatest arthritic severity. Results The prevalence of PT OA in the control cohort was found to be 37.5% compared with 41.7% in the SLAC cohort. The prevalence of greatest arthritic severity (grade 4) at the pisotriquetral joint was found to be 4.2% in the control cohort, compared with 16.7% in the SLAC cohort. Conclusion We conclude that the overall prevalence of chondral wear at the pisotriquetral joint in SLAC wrist does not differ significantly from that found in control populations. We did identify a fourfold (but not statistically significant) increased prevalence of end-stage arthritis in patients with SLAC. Given reports of symptomatic PT OA developed following four-corner arthrodesis, we recommend preoperative vigilance for pisotriquetral pain in patients with SLAC arthritis. Level of Evidence Prognostic level III.

Risk Factors for 30-Day Postoperative Complications Following Open Reduction Internal Fixation of Proximal Ulna Fractures.

PURPOSE: Fractures of the proximal ulna are common injuries in the elderly population. These fractures can be managed nonsurgically or with open reduction internal fixation (ORIF). Whereas nonsurgical management may lead to a relative loss of elbow extension and to nonunion, ORIF carries a risk of complications. Although complications specific to the orthopedic intervention have been reported, few studies have identified postoperative systemic complications in this higher-risk group. The purposes of this study were to determine the rate of systemic complications in patients undergoing surgical fixation of proximal ulna fractures and to determine risk factors for complications. METHODS: We queried the American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program database for all cases of proximal ulna fracture ORIF between 2005 and 2013. Demographic, historical, and preoperative laboratory data and 30-day postoperative complications were recorded. Univariate and multivariable analyses were performed to identify independent risk factors for complications. RESULTS: A total of 650 patients met inclusion criteria. Within the 30-day postoperative period, 61 complications occurred in 45 patients (6.9%). Return to the operating room, which occurred in 19 patients (2.9%), was the most common major morbidity. American Society of Anesthesiologists class III or IV and dialysis dependence were independent risk factors for any complication. CONCLUSIONS: Proximal ulna fracture ORIF has a low rate of systemic complications. The most common morbidities are return to the operating room, blood transfusion, and urinary tract infections. Dialysis and American Society of Anesthesiologists class III or IV are independent risk factors for complications. These complications may be nonspecific and related more to the patient population than procedure. We believe that the relatively low risk of short-term complications makes operative treatment a suitable option even in elderly patients with multiple morbidities. TYPE OF STUDY/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Prognostic II.

Interventional radiology fellowship website content: what is the relevance to potential applicants?

PURPOSE: To assess the accessibility and content of query Interventional Radiology (IR) fellowship program websites and determine the impact of these websites on applicants. MATERIALS AND METHODS: All IR fellowship programs were individually evaluated, and all IR fellowship applicants to our institution were surveyed. RESULTS: In 2015, 44.3% of programs had an appropriate functional link to the fellowship website. Most provided a program description and application information. In our survey, applicants reported that website quality was moderately important to their overall impression of a fellowship. The most important aspects were didactics and facilities information. CONCLUSION: Fellowship website content and quality are important to applicants.

New Joints, Same Old Weight: Weight Changes After Total Hip and Knee Arthroplasty.

Obesity is a well-known risk factor for postoperative complications following total joint arthroplasty. However, because the operation is often successful, orthopedic surgeons continue to operate on obese individuals, and many surgeons do so under the assumption that patients will lose weight after they are able to walk and exercise without pain. In this article, we review a recent study by Ast et al., who performed a retrospective review, using a single-center institutional registry, to determine (1) whether patients do actually lose weight after total hip and/or total knee arthroplasty, (2) whether there are predictors of postoperative weight change, and (3) whether postoperative weight changes affect patient-reported clinical outcomes. The principle conclusion was that most patients maintained their body mass index (BMI) after total hip and total knee arthroplasty (73 and 69%, respectively). However, patients undergoing total knee arthroplasty, patients who had a higher preoperative BMI, and female patients were more likely to lose weight postoperatively. When examined in the context of the current literature, this study provides valuable information for the preoperative counseling of total joint arthroplasty candidates, especially in the setting of obesity.

Nerve Repair and Nerve Grafting.

Direct repair and nerve autografting are primary options in the treatment of upper extremity peripheral nerve injuries. Deciding between these surgical options depends on the mechanism of injury, time since injury, and length of repair defect. Principles of direct repair and nerve autografting are reviewed. Finally, a literature-based review of the outcomes of upper extremity peripheral nerve repair and autografting is provided. Taken together, this article provides relevant and recent data for surgeons regarding patient selection, technique selection, surgical technique, surgical outcomes, and prognostic factors that will aid surgeons treating patients with upper extremity peripheral nerve injuries.

Online Patient Ratings: Why They Matter and What They Mean.

The increasing focus on patient satisfaction and consumer-driven health care, combined with the recent rise in online social media, have resulted in the growing trend of patients rating physicians on publicly accessible Web sites. The number and use of such Web sites continue to grow despite potential concerns about the validity of these ratings and negative physician perception. These Web sites can influence patient decision making regarding physician selection. In this article, we review the literature regarding the use of such Web sites by patients, the validity of these ratings, potential implications for hand surgical practice, and methods to minimize or challenge inaccurate reviews.