Inflammatory cytokines and matrix metalloproteinases in the synovial fluid after intra-articular elbow fracture.

BACKGROUND AND HYPOTHESIS: Post-traumatic elbow contracture remains a common and challenging complication with often unsatisfactory outcomes. Although the etiology is unknown, elevated or abnormal post-fracture synovial fluid cytokine levels may result in the migration of fibroblasts to the capsule and contribute to capsular pathology. Thus, the purpose of this study was to characterize the cytokine composition in the synovial fluid fracture hematoma of patients with intra-articular elbow fractures. METHODS: The elbow synovial fluid fracture hematoma of 11 patients with intra-articular elbow fractures was analyzed for CTXII (C-terminal telopeptides of type II collagen [a cartilage breakdown product]) as well as 15 cytokines and matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) including interferon γ, interleukin (IL) 1ß, IL-2, IL-4, IL-6, IL-8, IL-10, IL-12p70, IL-13, tumor necrosis factor α, MMP-1, MMP-2, MMP-3, MMP-9, and MMP-10. The uninjured, contralateral elbow served as a matched control. Mean concentrations of each factor were compared between the fluid from fractured elbows and the fluid from control elbows. RESULTS: The levels of 14 of 15 measured cytokines and MMPs-interferon γ, IL-1ß, IL-2, IL-4, IL-6, IL-8, IL-10, IL-12p70, IL-13, tumor necrosis factor α, MMP-1, MMP-3, MMP-9, and MMP-10-were significantly higher in the fractured elbows. In addition, post hoc power analysis revealed that 10 of 14 significant differences were detected with greater than 90% power. The mean concentration of CTXII was not significantly different between groups. CONCLUSIONS: These results demonstrate a proinflammatory environment after fracture that may be the catalyst to the development of post-traumatic elbow joint contracture. The cytokines with elevated levels were similar, although not identical, to the cytokines with elevated levels in studies of other weight-bearing joints, indicating the elbow responds uniquely to trauma.

The radiocapitellar synovial fold: a lateral anatomic landmark for sizing radial head arthroplasty.

BACKGROUND: Successful radial head arthroplasty relies on reproduction of anatomy. We hypothesized that the radiocapitellar synovial fold could serve as a reference point in radial head prosthesis sizing. Our study aimed to define the relationship between the synovial fold and the radial head in elbows with and without lateral ulnar collateral ligament (LUCL) injury. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We performed magnetic resonance imaging evaluation of 34 elbows to determine the normal relationship between the radiocapitellar synovial fold and the radial head. Next, we used cadaveric dissections to evaluate the anatomic relationships with the LUCL intact and disrupted, as well as in the setting of sizing with a radial head prosthesis. The fold-to-radial head distance (FRHD) was measured on all images and analyzed to determine the relationship of the synovial fold and radial head. RESULTS: The FRHD in cadavers with an intact LUCL and native radial head measured an average of 1.5 mm proximal to the radial head. With the LUCL disrupted and a native radial head, the FRHD measured an average of 1.2 mm proximal to the radial head. The mean difference between the groups was 0.5 mm (P = .031), suggesting that the fold migrated distally in the cadavers with a disrupted LUCL. CONCLUSION: The radiocapitellar synovial fold may be a helpful landmark for radial head sizing. The synovial fold is always just proximal to the articular surface of the radial head. Using this information, the surgeon can prevent overlengthening as the implant should not be placed proximal to the fold.

Diagnosis and Arthroscopic Management of Dorsal Wrist Capsular Impingement.

PURPOSE: Dorsal wrist capsular impingement (DWCI) is characterized by pain attributable to impingement of dorsal capsular tissue during wrist extension. The diagnostic criteria and management algorithm for this condition have not been well established. The aims of our study were (1) to retrospectively review the clinical presentation and arthroscopic findings of patients treated surgically for DWCI and (2) to evaluate the outcomes of arthroscopic debridement for this condition. METHODS: A total of 19 patients were treated with arthroscopic debridement for isolated DWCI from 2006 to 2015 by two surgeons (M.J.R. and D.S.R.) at a single institution. A chart review was performed to gather information on clinical presentation, radiological findings, operative details, and outcomes including numeric pain scale rating, range of motion, Mayo wrist score, and Quick Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand score. Patients were contacted at the time of the study for final telephone follow-up. RESULTS: Symptoms were present for a median of 12.5 months (range, 3.5-124.4 mo) prior to surgical intervention, and all patients had pain localized to the dorsal and central wrist with passive terminal wrist extension (100%; 19 of 19). We obtained magnetic resonance imaging in 66% of patients (12 of 19). Diagnostic arthroscopy yielded evidence of infolded, redundant dorsal capsular tissue in all cases (19 of 19), and there was no evidence of concomitant wrist pathology. Compared with preoperative values, postoperative improvements were seen in average numeric pain scale rating (6.0-1.9), Quick Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand score (45.8-4.8), and Mayo wrist score (50.0-87.8). These improvements were sustained at 41.6 months after surgery (range, 11.9-73.8 months). One complication of superficial cellulitis occurred. CONCLUSIONS: Dorsal wrist capsular impingement is a clinical diagnosis; magnetic resonance imaging may be helpful in evaluating for other pathologies. Diagnostic arthroscopy yields evidence of redundant dorsal capsular tissue, and arthroscopic debridement of this tissue offers a safe and effective treatment to improve pain and functional scores. TYPE OF STUDY/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic IV.

Continuous adductor canal blockade facilitates increased home discharge and decreased opioid consumption after total knee arthroplasty.

BACKGROUND: There is a growing interest in avoiding discharging patients to rehab to maximize outcome and minimize complications after total knee arthroplasty (TKA). In addition, use of postoperative pain pathways that minimize opioid use is critical amidst the current opioid epidemic. However, the ideal pain regimen after TKA has yet to be determined. METHODS: From July 1, 2013 to October 1, 2014 two perioperative pathways were used to address surgical pain. These included either a single shot femoral nerve block plus liposomal bupivacaine pericapsular injection (FNB + LB-PAI) or adductor canal catheter plus posterior capsule single shot block (ACC + iPACK), each with an oral analgesic protocol. Little modification occurred with regard to surgical technique, postoperative medications, or postoperative physical therapy (PT). RESULTS: Overall, 264 unilateral, primary TKA patients (146 FNB + LB-PAI, 118 ACC + iPACK) were included. ACC + iPACK patients had a shorter median length of stay (LOS, 2.0 vs 3.0, p < 0.001), more discharges home (79.7% vs 67.8%, p = 0.002), and less median opioid consumption (IV morphine equivalents, IVME, 20.0 vs 44.1, p < 0.001) than the FNB + LB-PAI group. In multivariable analysis, use of ACC + iPACK remained independently associated with shorter LOS, increased discharge home, and less IVME consumed when controlling for confounding variables. ACC + iPACK patients also had fewer opioid related adverse events (0.8 vs 5.5, p = 0.045) and a lower rate of MUA (0.8% vs 6.2%, p = 0.026). CONCLUSIONS: We recommend ACC + iPACK with a multimodal oral analgesic protocol as the primary postoperative analgesia in enhanced recovery TKA protocols. This resulted in an easier recovery with fewer complications. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III.

Intrawound Vancomycin Powder in Primary Total Hip Arthroplasty Increases Rate of Sterile Wound Complications.

PURPOSE: Total hip arthroplasty (THA) is a successful surgery for the treatment of hip osteoarthritis; however, the risk of a post-operative prosthetic joint infection (PJI) remains at 1% to 2%. The purpose of this study was to investigate the safety profile of using vancomycin powder (VP) to reduce infection rates by reviewing acute postoperative complications. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective review of 265 consecutive patients undergoing THA was performed. The first 128 patients, the control group, did not receive VP, and the subsequent 137 patients, the VP group, received VP at the time of wound closure. Patient demographic data, medical comorbidities, and perioperative information were compared. RESULTS: The primary outcome was a post-operative surgical complication within 90 days from surgery. The control and VP group's demographic, medical comorbidities and perioperative information data were statistically similar. Deep infection rate in the control group was 5.5%, whereas the deep infection rate in the VP group was 0.7% (P=0.031). Sterile wound complication rate was 4.4% in the VP group, and 0% in the control group (P=0.030). Remaining complications were not statistically different between the groups. CONCLUSION: VP was associated with an increase rate of sterile wound complications compared to the control group. The rate of PJI was decreased with the use of VP. We do not recommend for or against the use of VP at time of wound closure to prevent PJI, and higher powered studies will need to be performed to demonstrate the efficacy of VP.

Single-Stage Bipedicle Local Tissue Transfer and Skin Graft for Achilles Tendon Surgery Wound Complications.

INTRODUCTION: Achilles tendon and posterior heel wound complications are difficult to treat. These typically require soft tissue coverage via microvascular free tissue transfer at a tertiary referral center. Here, we describe coverage of a series of posterior heel and Achilles wounds via simple, local tissue transfer, called a bipedicle fasciocutaneous flap. This flap can be performed by an orthopaedic foot and ankle surgeon, without resources of tertiary/specialized care or microvascular support. METHODS: Three patients with separate pathologies were treated with a single-stage bipedicle fasciocutaneous local tissue transfer. Case 1 was a patient with insertional wound breakdown after Achilles debridement and repair to the calcaneus. Case 2 was a heel venous stasis ulcer with calcaneal exposure in a diabetic patient with vasculopathy. Case 3 was a patient with wound breakdown following midsubstance Achilles tendon repair. All three cases were treated with a single-stage bipedicle local tissue transfer for posterior ankle and heel wound complications. RESULTS: All 3 patients demonstrated complete healing of the posterior defect, lateral ankle skin graft recipient site, and the skin graft donor site after surgery. Case 3 had a subsequent recurrent ulceration after initial healing. This was superficial and healed with local wound care. All patients regained full preoperative range of motion and were able to ambulate independently without modified footwear. CONCLUSIONS: The bipedicled fasciocutaneous flap described here offers a predictable single stage procedure that can be accomplished by an orthopaedic foot and ankle surgeon without resources of a tertiary care center for posterior foot and ankle defects. This flap can be performed with short operative times and can be customized to facilitate defect coverage. The flap is durable to withstand local tissue stresses required for early ambulation. Despite its reliability, patients require careful follow-up to manage underlying comorbid conditions that may complicate wound healing. LEVELS OF EVIDENCE: Level IV: Case series.