Routine Postoperative Computed Tomography Scans Following Posterior Pelvic Fixation of Pelvic Ring Fractures: A Survey of (OTA) Orthopaedic Traumatologists.

OBJECTIVE: To assess practices related to ordering computed tomography (CT) scans routinely after posterior pelvic ring fixation and revision surgery rates. DESIGN: A 20-question cross-sectional survey. PARTICIPANTS: Fellowship-trained orthopaedic traumatologists. MAIN OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS: (1) Percentage of surgeons ordering a routing postoperative CT after posterior pelvic ring fixation, (2) Revision surgery rates based on routine CT scan results. RESULTS: Responses were received from 57 surgeons. Practices varied regarding postoperative CT scans, with 20 surgeons (35%, group A) routinely ordering them and 37 surgeons (65%, group B) not ordering them on all patients. Group A were younger and with less years of experience than those in Group B. Most group A surgeons report a revision surgery rate of <1% based on results of the postoperative CT. Group A report routine postoperative scans were obtained to assess reduction, instrumentation placement, and for educational purposes. Group B did not obtain routine postoperative CTs because of the following: unlikely to change postoperative treatment course, adequate reduction and instrumentation placement assessed intraoperatively and by postoperative radiographs, and increased radiation exposure and cost to patients. Group B did report obtaining postop CT scans on select patients, with postoperative neurological deficit being the most common indication. CONCLUSIONS: The routine use of postoperative CTs following posterior fixation of pelvic ring fractures is a controversial topic. Although we recognize the role for postoperative CT scans in select patients, our study questions the clinical utility of these scans in all patients and in conclusion do not recommend this protocol.

Proposal of a new shared payment model for healthcare financing in the United States: a hypothesis.

The healthcare repayment system in America is highly flawed due to several factors such as uncontrolled costs, unequal access, varied reimbursement systems, and complex patient interfaces. In fact, it is rated the worst among the eleven developed nations analyzed in the Commonwealth Fund's evaluation conducted every three years. We propose a novel three-tiered model for healthcare repayment designed to fulfill the needs of the patients, the providers, the payers and the nation as a whole. We hypothesized that our new plan may spread cost between multiple entities and offer better coverage and access to care. Our model uses a shared-cost approach wherein the total risk expenditure becomes the responsibility of various stakeholders including the government, insurance industry, hospitals, patients, providers as well as the nation's economy. While there is no perfect solution to healthcare in America, we believe our three-tiered model can create an economically balanced solution to break deadlock between party lines and result in better outcomes and patient care.

Carbon Fiber-Reinforced PEEK Versus Titanium Tibial Intramedullary Nailing: A Preliminary Analysis and Results.

OBJECTIVES: Standard titanium nails (TN) or carbon fiber-reinforced PEEK nails (CFN) were compared to evaluate impact of material on fracture union, healing time, knee/ankle, and barometric pain. DESIGN: Longitudinal cohort evaluated retrospectively comparing 2 periods using 2 implant types. SETTING: Single surgeon series at one Level II Trauma Center. PATIENTS: Standardized treatment protocol. Fifty-six tibial fracture patients suitable for intramedullary nailing over 5-year period. INTERVENTION: First period-TN; second period-CFN. MAIN OUTCOME: Measurements: standard demographic data: OTA/AO fracture classification, fracture location, and nail type. OUTCOME PARAMETERS: cumulative healing at standard time intervals, infection/nonunion, associated injuries, knee/ankle, barometric pain, and implant removal. Statistical analysis comparing incident healing. RESULTS: Patient populations were not statistically different regarding demographics and fracture type/location, although there was a trend toward greater fracture severity/more associated injuries in CFN group. In 56 patients, 26 received CFN and 30 received TN. Healing rates were reported at each time interval. 8 weeks: TN-0%, CFN-19%; 12 weeks: TN-17%, CFN-69%; 16 weeks: TN-57%, CFN-92%; 20 weeks: TN-87%, CFN-96%; and 24 weeks: TN-97%, CFN-96% (P < 0.0001 every interval except 24 weeks). Each group had one infected nonunion in an open fracture that healed with subsequent treatment. There was a trend toward less barometric pain with CFN that did not reach statistical significance (P = 0.065). No statistical differences with knee/ankle pain (P = 0.109)/removal of implant (P = 0.269) potentially due to low power of pilot study. CONCLUSIONS: In this pilot study evaluating CFR-PEEK intramedullary nail for tibial shaft fractures, there was a demonstrated accelerated healing times compared to titanium with a potential for less barometric pain. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic Level III. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

Early Comparative Outcomes of Carbon Fiber-Reinforced Polymer Plate in the Fixation of Distal Femur Fractures.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the early clinical results of distal femur fractures treated with carbon fiber-reinforced polyetheretherketone (CFR-PEEK) plates compared with stainless steel (SS) lateral locking plates. DESIGN: Retrospective comparative cohort study. SETTING: ACS Level I trauma center. PATIENTS/PARTICIPANTS: Twenty-two patients (11 SS, 11 CFR-PEEK) with closed distal femur fractures treated by a single surgeon over a 6-year period. MAIN OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS: Nonunion, hardware failure, reoperation, time to full weight-bearing, and time union were assessed. RESULTS: The CFR-PEEK cohort was on average older (71 vs. 57 years, P = 0.03) and more likely to have diabetes (P = 0.02). Nonunion was diagnosed in 4/11 (36%) patients in the SS group and 1/11 (9%) patients in the CFR-PEEK group (P = 0.12). Hardware failure occurred in 2 SS patients (18%) compared with none in the CFR-PEEK group (P = 0.14). Time to full weight-bearing was similar between groups, occurring at 9.9 and 12.4 weeks in the CFR-PEEK and SS groups, respectively (P = 0.23). Time to radiographic union averaged 12.4 weeks in the SS group and 18.7 weeks in the CFR-PEEK group (P = 0.26). There were 4 reoperations in the SS group and 1 in the CFR-PEEK group (P = 0.12). CONCLUSIONS: CFR-PEEK plates show encouraging short-term results in the treatment of distal femur fractures with a comparable nonunion, reoperation, and hardware failure rates to those treated with SS plates. This data suggest that CFR-PEEK plates may be a viable alternative to SS plates in fixation of these fractures. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic Level III. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

Radiographic Evaluation of Acetabular Fractures: Review and Update on Methodology.

Despite increased availability of modern imaging techniques, plain radiographs remain the initial step in the classification of acetabular fractures. The ability to interpret the injury configuration allows the surgeon to develop a thorough preoperative plan and to evaluate the quality of reduction and fixation intraoperatively. Proficiency in the mental conversion of a two-dimensional radiograph into a three-dimensional conceptual image is imperative. The widely used radiographic classification scheme developed by Judet and Letournel in the 1960s is both practical and simple. However, understanding the subtleties of the fracture pattern can be a challenge even for experienced surgeons. Current evaluation methods include CT and three-dimensional reconstructions in addition to plain radiographs. Our diagnostic algorithm uses three plain radiographs to classify the fracture into one of the 10 fracture patterns described by Judet and Letournel.

An unusual course of the vertebral artery posterior to the nerve root in the inter-transverse space: a cadaveric study.

BACKGROUND: The V2 segment of the vertebral artery is very vulnerable to injury during cervical spine surgery. The incidence of vertebral artery injury during anterior cervical spine procedures is reported to be 0.22-2.77 %. This is partially due to its variable course while running in the transverse foramens of the cervical vertebrae. CASE PRESENTATION: The course of the vertebral artery in the dissected cadaver of a 79 year old female is presented. Dissection of the left vertebral artery showed that the 5(th) nerve root passes in front of the vertebral artery in the 4(th) intertransverse space. Further exploration showed that although vertebral artery at first passed at the back of the nerve root it curved downwards again and after passing underneath the 5(th) nerve root entered the 4(th) vertebral body. After making a loop in the left half of the vertebrae, vertebral artery ran anterior to the nerve root and after entering the 4(th) transverse foramen showed up in the 3(rd) intertransverse space. The shortest distance of the vertebral artery to the midline at the 4(th) vertebrae level was 4.78 mm. CONCLUSIONS: To our knowledge this case is the first report of a nerve root lying anterior to the vertebral artery in the intertransverse space of the cervical spine. Additionally vertebral artery has never been reported to be so close to the midline. This report signifies the importance of obtaining MRI or contrast enhanced CT scan prior to any cervical spine surgery in the vicinity of the vertebral artery including corpectomies and also careful approach to the intertransverse space during the operation.

Proximal humerus derotational osteotomy for internal rotation instability after locked posterior shoulder dislocation: early experience in four patients.

BACKGROUND: We performed a retrospective and descriptive study to determine the feasibility of proximal humerus derotational osteotomy in younger patients with significant humeral head depression, who may not be good candidates for shoulder arthroplasty. METHODS: Rotational osteotomy was done on four patients with a mean age of 40 for locked posterior dislocation associated with a reverse Hill-Sachs lesion from 2000-2011. The average age was 40 +/- 11 years old and the average follow up was 22 +/- 8 months. Shoulder stability, range of motion, radiographic outcome and postoperative complications were assessed. Average follow-up was 22 months (range, 12-30 months) postoperatively. RESULTS: The average range of motion of the shoulders at the final follow-up were as follows (Mean +/- Standard deviation): Abduction: 125 +/- 29°, Forward flexion: 135 +/- 17°, Internal rotation: 65 +/- 17°, External rotation: 62 +/- 10°. There were no wound or neurological complications and no dislocations. Patients were satisfied with their functional status and did not have any further symptoms of instability or rotator cuff dysfunction. CONCLUSIONS: Proximal humerus derotational osteotomy for acute locked posterior dislocation of the shoulder can be a viable option for younger age group, which can facilitate rehabilitation for these patients by providing immediate stability.

Acetabular fractures in elderly patients: a comparative study of low-energy versus high-energy injuries.

PURPOSE: The goal of this study is to compare the characteristics, clinical course, and mortality rates of acetabular fractures in the elderly population with respect to two types of injury. METHODS: We reviewed 183 consecutive patients with acetabular fractures aged 60 years old and older. One hundred eighty-three patients (129 men and 54 women) were included in the study with an average age of 70.2 years. There were 186 fractures, which included three cases of bilateral fractures. Patients were divided into two groups: low-energy injuries (group I), 56, and high-energy injuries (group II), 130. Patient characteristics and fracture pattern, as well as in-hospital mortality rates were compared between the low-energy and high-energy groups. RESULTS: Patient demographics and comorbidities were significantly different between the groups. In group I, the average age was 74.9 years, versus 68.2 years in group II (p < 0.001). The percent of females in each group was 39.3 % and 24.6 %, respectively (p = 0.043), and the average body mass index (BMI) was 25.6 and 28.4, respectively (p = 0.001). The Charlson comorbidity index was higher in group I (1.98 vs 0.95 in group II, p < 0.001). However, the American Society of Anesthesiologists physical status (ASA) was similar between groups (2.56 vs 2.53, respectively, p = 0.808). The proportion of surgical treatment was 44.6 % in group I and 61.6 % in group II (p = 0.019). Group II had a longer hospital stay (10.4 days vs 14.5 days, p = 0.025), but in-hospital death was not significantly different (5.3 % vs 7.9 %, respectively, p = 0.567). CONCLUSION: Patients with acetabular fractures resulting from low-energy injuries were older and had lower BMI with more comorbidities. This study may highlight characteristics of fragility fractures of the acetabulum.

Interlocking screws placed with freehand technique and uni-planar image intensification: the "dip-stick" technique.

OBJECTIVE: To report our experience with a novel alternative method of freehand interlocking of intramedullary nails. This method requires the use of only anterior-posterior image intensification and an intramedullary guide wire to verify screw placement. Our results are compared with historical results in the literature. METHODS: A total of 815 patients were treated using this technique from January 2008 to December 2012; 603 patients had fractures of the tibia and 212 had fractures of the femur. RESULTS: The mean duration of surgery for tibial shaft fractures was 55.6 minutes (range 42-60 minutes) and that for fractures of the femur was 78 minutes (range 50-90 minutes). The mean time for each distal locking was 3.8 minutes (2.5-5.1 minutes), with 7.65 seconds of exposure to radiation during each block. CONCLUSIONS: The surgical technique is simple, easy and reproducible. Mean time of surgery and radiation exposure was less than that in the literature. A comparative study should be performed.

En bloc joystick reduction of a comminuted intra-articular distal radius fracture: a technical trick.

A patient with a 1-month-old intra-articular distal radius fracture (treated closed in a splint) presented with an unacceptable degree of pain and stiffness caused by shortening and dorsal angulation of the distal radius. The fracture was comminuted with 4 or 5 distinct fragments, several involving the articular surface. Surgical correction was attempted. During the procedure, it was noted that, though the distal radius was shortened and angulated, there was actually acceptable congruity of the articular surface itself, despite the intra-articular nature of the fracture. Bone quality was poor and healing incomplete. Thus, we were concerned the currently congruous articular surface would fall apart with manipulation. Given this situation, we used a unique scaffolding technique with Kirschner wires placed in perpendicular fashion to both hold the articular surface intact and manipulate it en bloc. This technique is a simple way to turn a complex fracture into an easily reduced 2-part fracture.

Subcutaneous depth in a traumatized lower extremity.

BACKGROUND: Acute compartment syndrome is a rare but serious consequence of traumatic leg injury. Near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) is able to measure oxygenation to a depth of 2 cm to 3 cm below the skin, raising concerns over the ability of NIRS to accurately determine oxygenation of injured leg compartments in the presence of swelling and in the obese. The purpose of this study was to measure the thickness of the subcutaneous tissue overlying the posterior muscle compartment in subjects with tibia fractures to determine if it might compromise rSO2 measurement in the muscle. METHODS: Data were analyzed on 50 patients with severe leg injuries. Distance from the skin to the fascia in the superficial posterior compartment of both legs was measured on each patient using a portable ultrasound device. RESULTS: Subject age ranged from 18 years to 65 years (mean, 39 years), with 43 male and 7 female patients. The mean (SD) subcutaneous adipose tissue thickness (ATT) was 6.98 (3.17) mm for the injured leg and 7.06 (3.37) mm for the uninjured leg, and the mean body mass index for the group was 27.08 kg/m. No significant correlation was found between the ATT of the injured or uninjured legs and body mass index. Mean comparison testing revealed no difference in ATT between the injured and uninjured legs (null hypothesis: equal means, p > 0.05). Of the 50 subjects analyzed, no subject had a subcutaneous depth of more than 2 cm on the injured or uninjured leg. CONCLUSION: These data suggest that, within this traumatically injured population, symptoms associated with leg injury (such as swelling and edema) do not significantly affect the distance from the skin to the fascia. It is also notable that subcutaneous depth beyond the 2-cm mark (validated in previous studies) is a rare occurrence in this population. These results further support the use of continuous NIRS monitoring for diagnosis of acute compartment syndrome. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic study, level IV.

Orthopaedic trauma patients and depression: a prospective cohort.

OBJECTIVES: This study prospectively followed a cohort of orthopaedic trauma patients to identify risk factors that contribute to depression in patients with skeletal injuries. DESIGN: Prospective cohort study. SETTING: Level I trauma center. PATIENTS: One hundred ten orthopaedic trauma patients admitted as inpatients. INTERVENTION: None. MAIN OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS: Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9) scores. RESULTS: One hundred ten patients were enrolled at the time of injury in which 22 patients had moderate-to-major depression and 36 patients had mild depression. Forty-eight patients completed the follow-up surveys that were taken, on average, 9 months after the date of injury. Factors that were significant for mild depression (PHQ-9 >4) at the time of injury included a history of illegal drug use (P = 0.037) and a lower Duke Social Support and Stress Scale (DUSOCS) support score (P = 0.002). The duke social support and stress scale score had a negative Pearson correlation coefficient with PHQ-9 (n = -0.18, P = 0.03). Factors that were significant for moderate-to-major depression (PHQ-9 >9) at the time of injury were a history of a psychiatric diagnosis (P = 0.0009) and unemployment at injury (P = 0.039). Both a history of psychiatric diagnosis and an elevated PHQ-9 score at the time of injury were predictors of having depression at 9 months (P = 0.02 and P = 0.001, respectively). Also, patients with Medicaid insurance had a significant increase in their depression scores at 9 months (P = 0.02). CONCLUSION: Depression was quite prevalent in our patient sample. A previous psychiatric diagnosis predisposed patients to depression. The socioeconomic status was also a predictive factor for increased depression scores at 9 months. Patients with a higher feeling of support from friends and family had an inverse correlation for depression. Employment also seems to have a protective effect against depression. Surprisingly, the severity of injury did not affect the depression score. Targeted consultation with a mental health care provider may obviate any morbidity that is associated with depression in an injured patient. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Prognostic Level II. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

Preventing eccentric reaming of the trochanter during trochanteric nailing.

The lateralizing vector of a flexible guide wire can result in eccentric lateral reaming of the proximal femur during intramedullary nailing procedures. This effect is especially true with peritrochanteric fractures that have a fracture line exit near the entry point, and in obese patients. We present one method of maintaining a co-axial position of the guide wire and reamer assembly to help direct the portal of reaming in a more anatomic position. Use of a concave shaped retractor such as an Appendiceal or Richardson helps to "capture" the reamer shaft and control where proximal reaming occurs. We have found this method to be easy to use and effective when indicated.

Radiographic predictors of compartment syndrome in tibial plateau fractures.

OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this article was to evaluate the relationship of radiographic features of tibial plateau fractures to the development of compartment syndrome. We hypothesized that the direction and degree of initial displacement of the femur on the tibia, and the amount of tibial widening (TW), were correlated with the development of compartment syndrome. DESIGN: Retrospective case-control study. SETTING: Single level 1 trauma center. PATIENTS: Retrospective evaluation of 158 patients with 162 plateau fractures. INTERVENTION: Grouping with and without compartment syndrome. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The following data were obtained: age, sex, Schatzker and OTA/AO classification, open/closed status, TW, and femoral displacement (FD). A univariate statistical and a logistical regression analysis were performed to determine significance. RESULTS: The overall rate of compartment syndrome was 11%. Univariate analysis found both the TW and FD to be significant with respect to development of compartment syndrome (P < 0.05). Higher Schatzker (IV-VI) and OTA/AO grades were also correlated (P < 0.05) with increased incidence of compartment syndrome. Logistic regression found FD and Schatzker grade to be significant. CONCLUSIONS: Our study is the first to identify easily obtained radiographic parameters that correlate to the occurrence compartment syndrome. There may also be a relationship between TW and FD, as noted by regression result. This study helps to assess which patients with a fracture are at higher risk for developing a compartment syndrome. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Prognostic Level II. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

A new ankle spanning fixator construct for distal tibia fractures: optimizing visualization, minimizing pin problems, and protecting the heel.

Pilon and ankle fractures and ligamentous injuries about the ankle often require external fixation to allow for soft tissue stabilization before definitive surgery. Often used external fixator constructs can cause obscuring of the site of injury on radiographs, pin tract infections, loosening of calcaenal pin fixation, and heel ulcerations. A novel and simple technique of placing the calcaneal pins posteriorly and using a U-shaped bar allows for a construct that reduces or eliminates many of these drawbacks during the time it takes for soft tissue swelling to permit definitive fixation.

How to negotiate with your hospital.

The orthopaedic trauma market place and career track have changed considerably over the last 10 years. There is an increasing demand from community hospitals for orthopaedic trauma. Understanding how to assess the practice opportunity and engage prospective employers is key to developing a successful and sustainable program and career. The article reviews the market place changes and how to approach negotiations. Lessons from other aspects of life and business are highlighted.

Retrograde intramedullary nailing of open femoral shaft fractures: a retrospective case series.

BACKGROUND: Nailing of open femur fractures has been described, but the literature on this subject often used antegrade nailing techniques. A retrograde nailing technique carries the risk of contamination and infection of the knee, infection, and nonunion. The purpose of this study was to have a case series examining the intermediate term outcome of retrograde nailing of open femur fractures. METHODS: A retrospective review of all open femur fractures treated between 2008 and 2010 at a Level II trauma center was performed. Demographic and injury patterns were reviewed for the 35 patients who were treated with retrograde nailing. The main outcome measures evaluated were infection (knee or femur) and nonunion. RESULTS: There were 11 grade I, 18 grade II, and 6 grade IIIA fractures (no IIIB or IIIC injuries). Healing occurred in 34 of 35 fractures with 1 (3%) nonunion and 2 (6%) deep infections, both occurring in IIIA fractures. There were no cases of knee joint infections, but two patients (6%) developed arthrofibrosis requiring manipulation. Implant removal of a prominent screw was required in one patient. CONCLUSION: Early retrograde nailing of open femur fractures has infection and healing rates consistent with existing literature. There seems to be little risk for knee infection, but the increased incidence of arthrofibrosis requiring manipulation is higher than previously published. These findings suggest that early retrograde nailing may be considered an acceptable treatment option for open femur fractures. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: IV, case series.

An alternative technique for transosseous calcaneal pinning in external fixation.

The authors describe a technique in which two 5.5-mm pins are inserted from the posterior aspect of the calcaneus and advanced anteriorly on a slightly convergent vector. The 2 points of fixation, with a 5/8 ring, provide a "steering wheel" effect allowing for leverage and control of the hindfoot and ankle. The construct also allows for offloading of the posterior calcaneus.

The use of a T-plate as "spring plates" for small comminuted posterior wall fragments.

In the treatment of posterior wall fractures of the acetabulum, a modified distal radius T-plate can be substituted for one third tubular spring plates for fixation of thin, small, or comminuted posterior wall fragments. This technique is described as well as a case series of 33 patients with various posterior wall acetabular fractures.

Treating osteomyelitis: antibiotics and surgery.

BACKGROUND: Osteomyelitis is an inflammatory disorder of bone caused by infection leading to necrosis and destruction. It can affect all ages and involve any bone. Osteomyelitis may become chronic and cause persistent morbidity. Despite new imaging techniques, diagnosis can be difficult and often delayed. Because infection can recur years after apparent "cure," "remission" is a more appropriate term. METHODS: The study is a nonsystematic review of literature. RESULTS: Osteomyelitis usually requires some antibiotic treatment, usually administered systemically but sometimes supplemented by antibiotic-containing beads or cement. Acute hematogenous osteomyelitis can be treated with antibiotics alone. Chronic osteomyelitis, often accompanied by necrotic bone, usually requires surgical therapy. Unfortunately, evidence for optimal treatment regimens or therapy durations largely based upon expert opinion, case series, and animal models. Antimicrobial therapy is now complicated by the increasing prevalence of antibiotic-resistant organisms, especially methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus. Without surgical resection of infected bone, antibiotic treatment must be prolonged (≥4 to 6 weeks). Advances in surgical technique have increased the potential for bone (and often limb) salvage and infection remission. CONCLUSIONS: Osteomyelitis is best managed by a multidisciplinary team. It requires accurate diagnosis and optimization of host defenses, appropriate anti-infective therapy, and often bone débridement and reconstructive surgery. The antibiotic regimen must target the likely (or optimally proven) causative pathogen, with few adverse effects and reasonable costs. The authors offer practical guidance to the medical and surgical aspects of treating osteomyelitis.