Mixed-reality improves execution of templated glenoid component positioning in shoulder arthroplasty: a CT imaging analysis.

INTRODUCTION: Glenoid placement is critical for successful outcomes in total shoulder arthroplasty (TSA). Preoperative templating with three-dimensional imaging has improved implant positioning, but deviations from the planned inclination and version still occur. Mixed-Reality (MR) is a novel technology that allows surgeons intra-operative access to three-dimensional imaging and templates, capable of overlaying the surgical field to help guide component positioning. The purpose of this study was to compare the execution of preoperative templates using MR vs.standard instruments (SIs). METHODS: Retrospective review of 97 total shoulder arthroplasties (18 anatomic, 79 reverse) from a single high-volume shoulder surgeon between January 2021 and February 2023, including only primary diagnoses of osteoarthritis, rotator cuff arthropathy, or a massive irreparable rotator cuff tear. To be included, patients needed a templated preoperative plan and then a postoperative computed tomography scan. Allocation to MR vs. SI was based on availability of the MR headset, industry technical personnel, and the templated preoperative plan loaded into the software, but preoperative or intraoperative patient factors did not contribute to the allocation decision. Postoperative inclination and version were measured by two independent, blinded physicians and compared to the preoperative template. From these measurements, we calculated the mean difference, standard deviation (SD), and variance to compare MR and SI. RESULTS: Comparing 25 MR to 72 SI cases, MR significantly improved both inclination (P < .001) and version (P < .001). Specifically, MR improved the mean difference from preoperative templates (by 1.9° inclination, 2.4° version), narrowed the SD (by 1.7° inclination, 1.8° version), and decreased the variance (11.7-3.0 inclination, 14.9-4.3 version). A scatterplot of the data demonstrates a concentration of MR cases within 5° of plan relative to SI cases typically within 10° of plan. There was no difference in operative time. CONCLUSION: MR improved the accuracy and precision of glenoid positioning. Although it is unlikely that 2° makes a detectable clinical difference, our results demonstrate the potential ability for technology like MR to narrow the bell curve and decrease the outliers in glenoid placement. This will be particularly relevant as MR and other similar technologies continue to evolve into more effective methods in guiding surgical execution.

Structural Bone Grafting with Reverse Shoulder Arthroplasty for Osteoarthritis with Severe Glenoid Bone Loss: outcomes using a long post.

INTRODUCTION: Severe posterior glenoid bone loss with glenohumeral osteoarthritis with an intact rotator cuff can be managed with reverse shoulder arthroplasty but requires lateralization and version correction to avoid potential complications, such as instability, notching and implant failure. Angled bone grafting with humeral head autograft can provide durable glenoid bone stock, but results have been mixed. The purpose of this study was to evaluate patient-reported and objective outcomes as well as complication and failure rates for patients who underwent angled humeral head autografting for severe retroversion. METHODS: All patients who underwent a primary RSA with angled humeral head autograft and Stryker Tornier long central post baseplate for severe glenoid bone loss in the setting of glenohumeral osteoarthritis with an intact rotator cuff at our institution between November 2018 and February of 2022 were identified. Individuals with a primary diagnosis of osteoarthritis and preoperative glenoid retroversion of ≥30° were included. Patients undergoing revision procedures, planned two-stage arthroplasty were excluded. Differences in pre- and postoperative range of motion, as well as patient-reported outcomes were assessed. Intraoperative complications, postoperative complications, and re-operation rates were analyzed. RESULTS: A total of 24 shoulders in 23 patients (61% male), with a mean age of 65.6 years were included. Average preoperative retroversion was 37.4° (range: 30° - 51°). Mean follow-up was 2.9 years (range: 2 - 4.3 years). Significant improvements were found in flexion, abduction, and external rotation. Patient-reported subjective outcomes were excellent, with average ASES score of 93.6 and average SSV 93.8%. Sixteen (67%) shoulders received postoperative CT scans and all were found to have incorporated. Complications included one shoulder hematoma requiring incision and drainage without revision, and a post-traumatic fracture of the inferior glenoid screw at 11 months, requiring revision RSA with bone grafting. No atraumatic catastrophic failures occurred due to component loosening. CONCLUSION: This study suggests that using angled humeral head bone grafting is a good solution for version correction in extreme posterior glenoid bone loss. Significant improvements are reported in ROM, pain, and subjective functional scores, with excellent graft incorporation rates and a low complication profile at early follow-up. Further work should focus on gathering higher levels of evidence, detailed radiographic analyses and exploring humeral head bone grafting for other indications.

Does Insurance Status Affect Access to Care Among Ankle Fracture Patients? An Institutional Retrospective Study.

Delayed access to care for patients with ankle fractures may increase risk of complications, particularly if surgical management is warranted. Medicaid is a state and federal insurance program in place for those with low income, which has previously been associated with delayed access to care among patients with ACL tears and total hip arthroplasties. The purpose of this study is to assess whether patient insurance status affects access to care for ankle fracture patients, using data from a single institution. A retrospective cohort study (N = 311 patients)was performed on individuals that underwent open reduction and internal fixation for an ankle fracture between years 01/2008 and 12/2018. Patients with polytraumatic injuries, open injuries, Medicare, no insurance, indigent/charity insurance, self-pay, or whose insurance information was not available were excluded. Time from date of injury to date of surgery, injury to first visit, and first visit to surgery was compared between patients with private insurance and Medicaid. Average time from injury to first appointment was 1.2 days and 6.2 days for privately insured and Medicaid patients, respectively (p < .001). Average time from injury to surgery was 8.3 days and 16.1 days for privately insured and Medicaid patients, respectively (p < .001). Patients enrolled in Medicaid have significantly delayed access to care compared to those with private insurance. For ankle fracture patients this is a critical healing time, and delayed care may result in increased costs, increased utilization of healthcare resources, higher complication rates, and poorer patient outcomes.

Applications of the transfibular approach to the hindfoot: A systematic review and description of a preferred technique.

BACKGROUND: The indications and technique for the transfibular approach to the tibiotalar joint have evolved since its initial popularization in 1942. The purpose of this systematic review is to assess the indications, techniques, and postoperative outcomes among procedures performed with the transfibular approach. METHODS: A comprehensive search of PubMed, Medline, and Embase databases from 1942 to 2018 was performed in accordance with PRISMA guidelines. After an initial broad search of transfibular approach indications, articles were stratified into 4 major surgical categories for assessment: (1) tibiotalar arthrodesis (2) tibiotalocalcaneal arthrodesis (3) total ankle replacement and (4) distal tibial tumor excision. Data was analyzed according to these 4 categories. RESULTS: A total of 32 studies (874 ankles) were included. Fibular non-union rates were 0.7 % (5 of 672) across all studies, 0.6% (2 of 329) for tibiotalar arthrodesis, 0.0% (0 of 12) for tibiotalocalcaneal arthrodesis, 1.0 % (3 of 296) for total ankle arthroplasty and 0.0% (0 of 15) for other procedures. Rates of deep infection were 2.5% (23 of 903) across all studies, 3.2% (15 of 466) for tibiotalar arthrodesis, 3.7% (4 of 106) for tibiotalocalcaneal arthrodesis, 1.3% (4 of 296) for total ankle arthroplasty, and 0.0% (0 of 15) for other procedures. CONCLUSIONS: The transfibular approach is useful for cases requiring extensile exposure of the tibiotalar joint. This study provides evidence that the transfibular approach yields satisfactory results, with low complication and infection rates. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: IV.

Anatomical structures at risk in the arthroscopic Broström-Gould procedure: A cadaver study.

BACKGROUND: The Broström Gould procedure is the gold standard for repair of lateral ankle ligament injury and ankle instability. This procedure has demonstrated excellent short- and long-term outcomes in the orthopedic literature. Arthroscopic Broström Gould techniques have become increasingly popular among some foot and ankle orthopedic surgeons. Typically, this technique requires standard anteromedial and anterolateral portals along with an accessory lateral working portal. The exact location of this portal is variable within the available described surgical techniques. The objective of this cadaveric study is to establish a standard entry point for and to assess the safety of the accessory lateral portal with respect to nearby anatomical structures. METHODS: Ten fresh-frozen below-knee cadaver specimens were used. The location of the accessory lateral portal was created 1.5 cm anterior to the distal tip of the fibula. A small vertical incision was made at this point, followed by insertion of a Kirschner wire into the joint. The wire was then gently impacted into the fibula. Superficial dissection was subsequently carried out around the entry point to identify the peroneal tendons, superficial peroneal nerve branches, and sural nerve branches. Structures were marked with colored push pins, and distance was measured between the nearest edge of the Kirschner wire and each of the three anatomic structures listed. Any instances of structural contact or damage were documented. RESULTS: The average distance from the Kirschner wire to the peroneal tendon was 16.1 (±4.41) mm. The average distance from the wire to the superficial peroneal nerve and sural nerve was 13.11 (±6.79) mm and 12.33 (±4.08) mm, respectively. There were no instances of injury to any of the studied structures. However, there was a notable amount of variability in the proximity of structures in question for each cadaver. A branch of the superficial peroneal nerve was measured as close as 2 mm and as far as 24 mm in separate cadaver specimens. CONCLUSION: Arthroscopic Broström Gould procedures are a safe and effective method for lateral ankle ligamentous repair but are not without risk. Accessory lateral portal placement is relatively safe but should be meticulously executed to avoid damage to nearby anatomical structures.

Do Geographic Region, Medicaid Status, and Academic Affiliation Affect Access to Care Among Medicaid and Privately Insured Total Hip Arthroplasty Patients?

BACKGROUND: Medicaid provides health coverage to those beneath the federal poverty line. The literature shows that patients with Medicaid experience barriers to scheduling initial and follow-up visits, although this has not been studied in patients undergoing total hip arthroplasty (THA). The purpose of this study is to assess whether insurance type, geographic location, Medicaid expansion, or academic affiliation affect access to evaluation for THA. METHODS: The American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons directory was used to call a total of 100 practices. Five random private and 5 random academic medical facilities were called from each of 5 Medicaid-expanded and 5 non-expanded states representing different US geographic regions. Calls were made by an investigator requesting the earliest available appointment for their fictitious parent to be evaluated for a THA. Half of the calls were made with the investigator reporting private insurance of Blue Cross Blue Shield (BCBS), and half reporting Medicaid. Appointment success rate and average time to appointment were compared. Further comparisons were drawn among Medicaid-expanded vs non-expanded states, geographic regions, and private vs academic affiliation. RESULTS: Appointments were successful for 99 of 100 (99%) calls made with BCBS, and 72 of 100 (72%) with Medicaid (P < .001). Success rates were significantly higher for BCBS, regardless of academic vs private affiliation. In all geographic regions, appointment success rate was significantly lower with Medicaid than with BCBS (P ≤ .01). Average time to appointment was also significantly longer for Medicaid (26 days) than private (13 days) insurance (P = .020). In the Medicaid group, appointment success rate was significantly greater for academically affiliated practices compared to private practices (84.0% vs 60.0%, respectively; P = .008). CONCLUSION: Patients with Medicaid seeking consultation for THA experience limits in access to evaluation for THA when compared to patients with private insurance, regardless of geographic region or affiliation of the practice.

Anomalous Flexor Carpi Radialis Tendons Giving Rise to a Novel Surgical Technique in the Treatment of Thumb Carpometacarpal Joint Arthritis: A Case Report.

Introduction: Incidental discovery of anomalous muscles and anatomical variants within the forearm and wrist through surgical exposure and advanced imaging techniques is relatively common. Case Report: The patient presented with pain and swelling in her hand that was refractory to rest and anti-inflammatory medications. Here, we describe the intraoperative discovery of an anatomical variant of the flexor carpi radialis (FCR), as well as an anomalous flexor carpi radialis brevis (FCRB) in a 58-year-old patient being treated for thumb carpometacarpal joint (CMCJ) arthritis. Conclusion: To the best of our knowledge, this is the first description of both anomalies within a single patient and the first use of the surgical technique, described here, in treating the patient's thumb CMCJ arthritis. This report reinforces the importance of meticulous dissection and identification of individual anatomy to optimize patient outcomes.

Mini-open vs. Transfibular Approach for Ankle Arthrodesis, Which Approach is Superior in Joint Preparation: A Cadaver Study.

BACKGROUND: Arthrodesis is considered the gold standard for end-stage ankle arthritis in patients who fail conservative management. Achieving union is paramount while minimizing complications. An essential item for successful union is preparation of the articular surface. Our study aims to evaluate the difference in joint preparation between direct lateral and dual mini-open approaches. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Ten below knee fresh-frozen specimens were used for this study. Five were prepared through lateral approach, and five using dual mini-incisions. After preparation, all ankles were dissected and images of tibial plafond and talar articular surfaces were taken. Surface areas of articulating facets and unprepared cartilage of talus, distal tibia, and distal fibula were measured and analyzed. RESULTS: A greater amount of total surface area was prepared with the mini-open approach in comparison to the transfibular approach. Percentage of prepared surface area of total articulating surface (including talus and tibia/fibula), talus, tibia, and fibula with the transfibular approach were 76.9%, 77.7%, and 75%, respectively. Percentages were 90.9%, 92.9%, and 88.6% with the mini-open approach. When excluding medial gutter, there was no significant difference between techniques (83.94% vs. 90.85%, p = 0.1412). CONCLUSION: Joint preparation with the mini-open approach is equally efficacious as the transfibular approach for the tibiotalar joint. The mini-open approach does provide superior preparation of the medial gutter and inferior tibial surface which may help to increase union rates and decreased complications. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: V.

Subtalar Fusion Preparation: What Are We Really Doing? A Cadaver Study.

Introduction. The open, lateral sinus tarsi approach is the most commonly used technique for subtalar arthrodesis. In this cadaver study, we measured the maximum joint surface area that could be denuded of cartilage and subchondral bone through this approach. Methods. Nine fresh frozen above-knee specimens were used. The subtalar joint was accessed through a lateral incision from the fibular malleolus distally over the sinus tarsi area to the level of the calcaneocuboid joint. Cartilage was removed from the anterior, middle, and posterior facets of the calcaneus and talus using an osteotome and/or curette. ImageJ was used to calculate the surface areas of undenuded cartilage. Results. No specimens were 100% denuded of cartilage on all 6 measured surfaces. The greatest percentages of unprepared surface area remained on the middle facet of the talus (18.66%) and the middle facet of the calcaneus (14.51%). The anterior facet of the talus was 100% denuded in 6 specimens, while the middle and posterior facets were 100% denuded in 3 specimens. The anterior facet of the calcaneus was also 100% denuded in 6 specimens, while the middle and posterior facets were 100% denuded in 3 and 4 specimens, respectively. The average total unprepared surface area per specimen was 8.67%. Conclusion. The lateral sinus tarsi approach provides adequate denudation of cartilage of the subtalar joint in most cases. Total percentage of unprepared joint surface may range from approximately 2% to 18%. Future clinical studies are warranted to assess whether this technique results in optimal union rates. Levels of Evidence:V, Cadaveric Study.