Bone and joint infections caused by Clostridium perfringens: a case series.

The objective of this study was to evaluate antimicrobial therapy outcomes of bone and joint infections (BJI) caused by Clostridium perfringens. We investigated remission of symptoms and the absence of relapse or reinfection during follow-up. Among the 8 patients with C. perfringens BJI, the type of infection was early prosthesis infection (n = 2), osteosynthetic device infection (n = 4), and chronic osteomyeletis (n = 2). Clindamycin-rifampicin combination was given in 4 cases and metronidazole in 4 cases. The overall success rate was 87.5%. Among the 7 patients who completed antibiotic treatment, the success rate was 100%. The clindamycin-rifampicin combination appeared to be effective in patients with C. perfringens BJI.

The precision of patient-specific instrumentation guides for the positioning of the glenoid component in total reverse shoulder arthroplasty: an in vivo scanographic study.

OBJECTIVE: Optimal position and fixation of the baseplate is essential for the longevity of the reverse shoulder arthroplasty (RSA) and the patient-specific instrumentation (PSI) can help the surgeon to achieve that purpose. The aim of this study was to assess the reliability of the PSI guides for the positioning of the baseplate and the fixation's screws. METHOD: Prospective study involving 35 patients operated for RSA. The PSI guides were planned and used by the senior surgeon in all cases. We compared the planned orientation (frontal and axial) of the baseplate and the screws with the post-operative CT scan. RESULTS: The mean difference between the planned measures and the post-op measures was inferior to 2.5°. The screw's length corresponded with the pre-op plan in 70% of the cases. CONCLUSION: The use of a PSI guide to position the glenoid implant in total reverse shoulder arthroplasty is reliable, reduces the risk of positioning errors and improves the quality of fixation with the screws.

Should the supraspinatus tendon be excised in the case of reverse shoulder arthroplasty for fracture?

PURPOSE: In the case of reverse shoulder arthroplasty (RSA) for proximal humeral fractures (PHFs) with tuberosity reconstruction, it is unclear whether the supraspinatus tendon continues to play a role. The aim of this study was to evaluate the clinical and radiological outcomes of RSA for PHFs in a large cohort of elderly patients and compare the results in the case of supraspinatus excision or preservation. METHODS: In this retrospective multicentre study, 150 patients (mean age 77 years, 93% female) were reviewed and radiographed with a minimum follow-up of 24 months. The same Grammont prosthetic design was used in all cases (inclination angle 155°, non-lateralised glenosphere). Patients were divided into two groups: Group A (n = 117) underwent supraspinatus excision and Group B supraspinatus preservation (n = 33). Complications were recorded, and shoulder function, active mobility and subjective results were assessed. RESULTS: At a mean follow-up of 59 months, there was no statistical difference in the complication rate (6% vs. 6.8%, p = 1), mean Constant score (61 points vs. 59 points, p = 0.52), simple shoulder value (74% vs. 73.9%, p = 0.9), active anterior elevation (125° vs. 128°, p = 0.45) and internal rotation (4.9 points vs. 4.1 points, p = 0.2). However, mean active external rotation was better in Group A (22° vs. 13°, p = 0.01). The greater tuberosity healing rate in satisfactory position did not differ statistically between the groups (68% vs. 55%, p = 0.14). CONCLUSION: In the case of RSA with tuberosity reconstruction for acute PHFs, there is no clear evidence that supraspinatus preservation is advantageous.

Ultrasound-Guided Versus Landmark-Based Approach to the Distal Suprascapular Nerve Block: A Comparative Cadaveric Study.

PURPOSE: To compare the accuracy of distal suprascapular nerve (dSSN) blockade performed with the use of ultrasound-guided regional anesthesia (USRA) versus with a landmark-based approach (LBA). A secondary aim was to describe the anatomic features of the sensory branches of the dSSN. METHODS: USRA and LBA were performed in 15 shoulders each from 15 cadavers (total of 30 shoulders). Then, 10 mL of methylene blue‒infused ropivacaine 0.75% was injected into the dSSN. Simultaneously, 2.5 mL of red latex solution was injected to identify the position of the needle tip. The division and distribution of the sensory branches originating from the SSN were described. RESULTS: The tip of the needle was identified at 1.3 cm (range, 0-5.2 cm) and 1.5 cm (range, 0-4.5 cm) with USRA and the LBA, respectively (P = .90). Staining diffused past the origin of the most proximal sensory branch in 27 cases. The most proximal sensory branch arose 2.5 cm from the suprascapular notch. Among the 3 failures that occurred in the USRA group, the sensory branches also failed to be marked. All 30 dSSNs gave off 3 sensory branches, which innervated the posterior glenohumeral capsule, the subacromial bursa, and the coracoclavicular and acromioclavicular ligaments. CONCLUSIONS: An LBA is as reliable and accurate as US guidance for anesthetic blockade of the dSSN. Marking of the suprascapular nerve must be proximal to the suprascapular notch to involve the 3 sensory branches in the anesthetic blockade. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: The present study demonstrates that a landmark-based approach to anesthetic blockade of the distal suprascapular nerve is accurate and can be performed by orthopaedic surgeons lacking experience in ultrasound-guided anesthetic techniques.

How the greater tuberosity affects clinical outcomes after reverse shoulder arthroplasty for proximal humeral fractures.

BACKGROUND: Our purpose was to evaluate the clinical and radiologic outcomes of reverse shoulder arthroplasty for proximal humeral fractures in a large cohort of elderly patients and compare the results in the case of tuberosity excision, failed fixation, or anatomic healing. METHODS: In this retrospective multicenter study, 420 patients underwent review and radiography with a minimum follow-up period of 12 months. The patients were divided into 3 groups according to the status of the greater tuberosity (GT) on the last anteroposterior radiographs: anatomic GT healing (group A, n = 169); GT resorption, malunion, or nonunion (group B, n = 131); and GT excision (group C, n = 120). Complications were recorded; shoulder function, active mobility, and subjective results were assessed. RESULTS: At a mean follow-up of 28 months, the mean Simple Shoulder Value in group A (75%) outperformed the results found in groups B (69%, P < .001) and C (56%, P < .001). Overall, the mean adjusted Constant-Murley score was significantly higher in group A (93% ± 22%) than in group B (82% ± 22%) and group C (80% ± 24%) (P < .001), but there was no difference between groups B and C (P = .88). Anterior active elevation and external rotation were significantly better in group A than in groups B and C (P < .001). The instability rate was significantly higher in group C (n = 15 [12.5%], P < .001) than in group A (n = 2) or group B (n = 3). CONCLUSION: In elderly patients who have undergone a reverse shoulder arthroplasty for acute proximal humeral fractures, anatomic tuberosity healing improves objective and subjective outcomes. GT excision is associated with the worst functional results and increases the risk of postoperative shoulder instability.

Geometric modification of the humeral position after total reverse shoulder arthroplasty: what is the optimal lowering of the humerus?

BACKGROUND: The main mechanical effect after reverse shoulder arthroplasty (RSA) is the lowering of the glenohumeral rotation center. The optimal value of the humeral lowering after RSA is still debated. The main objective of our study was to determine the lowering and medialization of the humerus and to correlate these parameters with short-term functional results. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study included 70 patients with complete radiographic and clinical data. A multivariate analysis was used to compare the clinical and radiographic outcomes with the humeral lowering. RESULTS: The mean humeral lowering was 25.4 mm (range, 6-38 mm), and the mean medialization was 9.2 mm (range, 0-20 mm). Humeral lowering significantly influenced active forward elevation and the rate of scapular notching. DISCUSSION: The best clinical results and the lowest incidence of scapular notching were found after a lowering of more than 24 mm in our series. We recommend humeral lengthening of at least 24 mm after implanting a total reverse shoulder prosthesis.

Reproducibility of a new method for measuring lowering and medialisation of the humerus after reverse shoulder arthroplasty.

BACKGROUND: Reverse shoulder arthroplasty (RSA) requires lowering the humerus and medialisation of the centre of rotation. Several techniques based on standard X-rays are available in the literature. The aim of this study was to expose and validate a new technique for measuring these parameters. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Radiographic data of 20 patients were included. Three observers examined each X-rays three times to establish the inter- and intra-reproducibility of each technique (Jobin, Renaud and our method). RESULTS: Intra-observer reproducibility was between 0.10 and 0.94. The best intra-observer intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) was obtained using Renaud's and our techniques. The inter-observer reproducibility was between 0.37 and 0.74. The best inter-observer ICC was obtained with our technique. DISCUSSION: We describe a reliable and reproducible method to evaluate lowering and medialisation of the humerus after RSA. This technique may allow determine the optimal threshold of lengthening after RSA.

3D scapular orientation on healthy and pathologic subjects using stereoradiographs during arm elevation.

BACKGROUND: Alterations of the scapular kinematics in different pathologic conditions have been widely studied. However, results have shown considerable discrepancies concerning the direction and the amplitude of scapular movement. The lack of consistency in the literature probably has several explanations. The purpose of this study was to analyze scapular orientation with the arm at rest and with 90° lateral elevation in healthy and pathologic subjects by use of stereoradiographs. MATERIALS AND METHODS: All participants (n = 65) underwent a clinical examination and magnetic resonance imaging of the shoulder to assess rotator cuff status. Participants were separated into 3 groups: healthy, rotator cuff tear (RCT), and RCT and subacromial impingement syndrome (RCT+ SIS). A 3-dimensional model of the scapula was fitted to each low-dose stereoradiograph acquired with the arm at rest and 90° arm elevation. RESULTS: Orientation of the scapula with the arm at rest was not significantly different between groups. During lateral elevation, scapular orientation was not significantly different between the healthy group and the RCT group. However, upward rotation was significantly reduced in the RCT + SIS group. CONCLUSION: Alterations of scapular kinematics in symptomatic subjects are multifactorial. We observed a link between clinically assessed subacromial impingement and scapular orientation during lateral elevation of the arm.

Robustness and reproducibility of a glenoid-centered scapular coordinate system derived from low-dose stereoradiography analysis.

A robust and reproducible scapular coordinate system is necessary to study scapulothoracic kinematics. The coordinate system recommended by the ISB (International Society of Biomechanics) is difficult to apply in studies using medical imaging, which mostly use a glenoid-centered coordinate system. The aim of this study was to assess the robustness of a glenoid-centered coordinate system compared with the ISB coordinate system, and to study the reproducibility of this coordinate system measure during abduction. A Monte-Carlo analysis was performed to test the robustness of the two coordinate systems. This method enabled the variability of the orientation of the coordinate system to be assessed in a laboratory setting. A reproducibility study of the glenoid-centered coordinate system in the thorax reference frame was performed during abduction in the scapular plane using a low-dose stereoradiography system. We showed that the glenoid-centered coordinate system was slightly more robust than the ISB-recommended coordinate system. Most reproducible rotation was upward/downward rotation (x axis) and most reproducible translation was along the Y axis (superior-inferior translation). In conclusion, the glenoid-centered coordinate system can be used with confidence for scapular kinematics analysis. The uncertainty of the measures derived from our technique is acceptable compared with that reported in the literature. Functional quantitative analysis of the scapulothoracic joint is possible with this method.

Three-Dimensional Rotations of the Scapula During Arm Abduction: Evaluation of the Acromion Marker Cluster Method in Comparison With a Model-Based Approach Using Biplanar Radiograph Images.

Noninvasive methods enabling measurement of shoulder bone positions are paramount in clinical and ergonomics applications. In this study, the acromion marker cluster (AMC) method is assessed in comparison with a model-based approach allowing scapula tracking from low-dose biplanar radiograph images. Six healthy male subjects participated in this study. Data acquisition was performed for 6 arm abduction positions (0°, 45°, 90°, 120°, 150°, 180°). Scapula rotations were calculated using the coordinate systems and angle sequence was defined by the ISB. The comparison analysis was based on root mean square error (RMSE) calculation and nonparametric statistical tests. RMSE remained under 8° for 0° to 90° arm abduction and under 13.5° for 0° to 180° abduction; no significant differences were found between the 2 methods. Compared with previous works, an improved accuracy of the AMC approach at high arm abduction positions was obtained. This could be explained by the different sources of data used as the "gold standard."

Arthroscopic Bristow-Latarjet combined with bankart repair restores shoulder stability in patients with glenoid bone loss.

BACKGROUND: Arthroscopic Bankart repair alone cannot restore shoulder stability in patients with glenoid bone loss involving more than 20% of the glenoid surface. Coracoid transposition to prevent recurrent shoulder dislocation according to Bristow-Latarjet is an efficient but controversial procedure. QUESTIONS/PURPOSES: We determined whether an arthroscopic Bristow-Latarjet procedure with concomitant Bankart repair (1) restored shoulder stability in this selected subgroup of patients, (2) without decreasing mobility, and (3) allowed patients to return to sports at preinjury level. We also evaluated (4) bone block positioning, healing, and arthritis and (5) risk factors for nonunion and coracoid screw pullout. METHODS: Between July 2007 and August 2010, 79 patients with recurrent anterior instability and bone loss of more than 20% of the glenoid underwent arthroscopic Bristow-Latarjet-Bankart repair; nine patients (11%) were either lost before 2-year followup or had incomplete data, leaving 70 patients available at a mean of 35 months. Postoperative radiographs and CT scans were evaluated for bone block positioning, healing, and arthritis. Any postoperative dislocation or any subjective complaint of occasional to frequent subluxation was considered a failure. Physical examination included ROM in both shoulders to enable comparison and instability signs (apprehension and relocation tests). Rowe and Walch-Duplay scores were obtained at each review. Patients were asked whether they were able to return to sports at the same level and practice forced overhead sports. Potential risk factors for nonhealing were assessed. RESULTS: At latest followup, 69 of 70 (98%) patients had a stable shoulder, external rotation with arm at the side was 9° less than the nonoperated side, and 58 (83%) returned to sports at preinjury level. On latest radiographs, 64 (91%) had no osteoarthritis, and bone block positioning was accurate, with 63 (90%) being below the equator and 65 (93%) flush to the glenoid surface. The coracoid graft healed in 51 (73%), it failed to unite in 14 (20%), and graft osteolysis was seen in five (7%). Bone block nonunion/migration did not compromise shoulder stability but was associated with persistent apprehension and less return to sports. Use of screws that were too short or overangulated, smoking, and age higher than 35 years were risk factors for nonunion. CONCLUSIONS: The arthroscopic Bristow-Latarjet procedure combined with Bankart repair for anterior instability with severe glenoid bone loss restored shoulder stability, maintained ROM, allowed return to sports at preinjury level, and had a low likelihood of arthritis. Adequate healing of the transferred coracoid process to the glenoid neck is an important factor for avoiding persistent anterior apprehension. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV, therapeutic study. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

Early switching from intravenous to oral antibiotic therapy in bone and joint infections associated with methicillin-susceptible Staphylococcus aureus bacteremia.

OBJECTIVES: We aimed to evaluate the clinical outcomes of patients with bone and joint infection (BJI) associated with methicillin-susceptible Staphylococcus aureus bacteremia (MSSAB) treated with early oral switch to oral antibiotics (before day 14) versus later or no switch. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We included all cases reported between January 2016 and December 2021 in the University Hospital of Reims. RESULTS: Among 79 patients with BJI associated with MSSAB, 50.6% had an early switch to oral antibiotics, with median duration of intravenous antibiotics of 9 (IQR 6-11) days. The overall cure rate was 81% with follow-up of 6 months, and was 85.7% after excluding the 9 patients whose death was not related to BJI infection. Failure to control BJI did not differ between the two groups. CONCLUSION: An early (before day 14) switch to oral antibiotics may be a safe therapeutic option in BJI associated with MSSAB.

3D morphometric analysis of 43 scapulae.

BACKGROUND: Accurate knowledge of the scapular anatomy is fundamental for the preoperative evaluation but some bony landmarks are difficult to identify. Statistical approaches based on subject-specific parametric models could be used to overcome this difficulty. The aim of this study was to propose a quantitative parametric model of the scapula and to analyze correlations between descriptive morphologic parameters. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Forty-three scapulae were scanned and reconstructed. Each 3D scapula was regionalized and a simple geometric element was best fitted on each region using least square method. Descriptive parameters of each region were obtained. Correlation and linear regression analyses were performed between all measurements in order to assess parameters that can be used as predictors of the other descriptive parameters. RESULTS: Morphometric scapular measurements from 3D reconstructions were obtained. Correlation and linear regression analyses assessed correlations between the glenoid width and both the glenoid height and the acromial width. Also, we obtained correlation between the orientation of the inferior part of the acromion on the A-P view and on the axillary view. DISCUSSION: Parametric models are widely used in biomechanics for identifying anatomical landmarks or rotations centers of these structures. For the scapula, no such model is available. We elaborated a first parametric model of scapula based on a large database of 43 scapulae. Our morphometric measurements are very close to others founded in literature. Correlations obtained should help to progress toward relevant subject-specific models of the scapula based on reduced information.

Heterotopic ossification after total hip arthroplasty: radiological comparison between a direct anterior approach without an orthopaedic table and a posterior approach.

INTRODUCTION: Heterotopic ossification (HO) occurs in almost ⅓ of total hip arthroplasties (THAs). A direct anterior approach (DAA) with an orthopaedic table is less likely to cause HO than a posterior approach. Without an orthopaedic table, the exposure of the femur requires additional soft tissue release. Soft tissue trauma leads to the production of HO inductors. Our study evaluated the incidence of HO 6 months after THA and compared the results between DAAs without an orthopaedic table and posterior approaches. METHODS: Retrospectively, 164 consecutive, primary THAs were included: 76 through a posterior approach and 88 through a DAA. The main objective was to measure the presence of HO on pelvis radiography 6 months after surgery. RESULTS: The incidence of HO was significantly higher in the DAA group than in the posterior approach group (47.7% vs. 27.6%, respectively; p < 0.01). The overall incidence of HO was 38.4%. No significant difference was found between the 2 approaches regarding the severity of HO. No significant risk factor for HO was identified other than the surgical approach. DISCUSSION: In our study, the incidence of HO after THA in patients undergoing DAA without an orthopaedic table was higher than in patients undergoing a posterior approach after 6 months of follow-up. This result is closely related to the surgical trauma. It suggests that the minimally invasive feature of a surgical approach cannot be dissociated from the overall conditions in which it is performed.

Comparison of the functional outcomes after treatment of periprosthetic hip fractures with femoral stem loosening: Locking plate fixation with or without femoral stem revision.

INTRODUCTION: Periprosthetic fractures have become one of the main reasons for revision of total hip arthroplasty, with the treatment strategy guided by the Vancouver and SOFCOT classification systems. The main objective of this work was to compare the functional outcomes and mortality rate in patients who suffered a periprosthetic hip fracture with femoral stem loosening and who were treated either by internal fixation with locking plate only, or in combination with revision of the existing femoral stem with a cemented stem. The secondary objective was to compare the blood loss, procedure duration, length of hospital stay, living arrangements, time to weight bearing and major complications between these two treatment strategies. The starting hypothesis was that there is no difference in the functional outcomes between these two groups. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This was a single center, retrospective study of patients treated between 2013 and 2019. Thirty-six patients (54%) underwent femoral stem revision (FSR group) and 31 patients (46%) were treated by locking plate fixation only (ORIF group). In this population, 19 of the patients had been residing at a nursing home before the surgical treatment: 12 (33%) in the FSR group and 7 (23%) in the ORIF group (p=0.33). The mean preoperative Parker score was 7.03 (± 1.48) in the FSR group versus 5.19 (± 1.92) in the ORIF group. The functional outcomes at the final review were evaluated using the Parker score, HHS (Harris Hip score), WOMAC (Western Ontario and McMaster Arthritis Index) and Oxford score. Fracture healing was determined on radiographs centered over the hip joint with the entire femur visible on AP and lateral views. All patients were reviewed at a minimum of 1 year for clinical and radiological assessments. RESULTS: At a mean follow-up of 28 months [12-85], the Oxford score was 40.4 (± 10.6) in the FSR group versus 37.1 (± 13.5) in the ORIF group (p=0.34), WOMAC of 45.5 (± 26.9) versus 50.5 (± 32.4) (p=0.56), and HHS of 62.7 (± 25.5) versus 60.3 (± 28.6) (p=0.79). The Parker score at the final assessment was 5.14 (± 1.96) in the FSR group versus 4.64 (± 2.17) in the ORIF group (p=0.33). In the FSR group, 10 patients were at a nursing home (34%), 6 of whom were not there initially, versus 6 in the ORIF group (43%), 5 of whom were not there initially (p=0.59). The mean operating time was 152±41.4 minutes (minimum: 85; maximum: 254) in the FSR group versus 89.2 (± 44.1) minutes (minimum: 39; maximum: 280) in the ORIF group (p<0.001). Resumption of full weight bearing occurred at 6 weeks in 21 patients (58%) in the FSR group versus 14 patients (47%) in the ORIF group (p=0.023). There were 5 major complications (14%) in the FSR group versus 7 (23%) in the ORIF group (p=0.35). Among the reviewed patients, the union rate was 86% on the latest radiographs in the FSR group versus 78% in the ORIF group. DISCUSSION: There was no statistically significant difference between groups in the various functional scores, confirming our study hypothesis. Internal fixation with a locking plate appears to be an acceptable solution for treating periprosthetic hip fractures in which the femoral stem has loosened. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: III, comparative retrospective study.

Development and validation of a ready-to-use score to prioritise medication reconciliation at patient admission in an orthopaedic and trauma department.

OBJECTIVE: Medication reconciliation (MR) is recognised as an important tool in preventing medication errors such as unintentional discrepancies (UDs). The aim of this study was to identify independent predictive factors of UDs during MR at patient admission to an orthopaedic and trauma department. The secondary objective was to build and validate a ready-to-use score to prioritise patients. METHOD: A retrospective study was performed on 3.5 years of pharmacist-led MR in the orthopaedic and trauma department of a large university teaching hospital. Independent predictors of UD were identified by multivariable logistic regression. A priority score to identify patients at risk of at least one UD was constructed from the odds ratios of the risk factors, and validated in a separate cohort. Performance was assessed with sensitivity, specificity, C-statistic and Hosmer-Lemeshow goodness-of-fit. RESULTS: In total, 888 patients were included and 387 UDs were identified, mainly drug omissions (65.1%). Five independent predictors of UD were identified: age >75 years (OR 2.05, 95% CI 1.41 to 3.00; p<0.001), admission during school holidays (OR 1.69, 95% CI 1.17 to 2.44; p=0.005), female gender (OR 2.20, 95% CI 1.53 to 3.16; p<0.001), emergency hospitalisation (OR 2.05, 95% CI 1.45 to 2.92; p<0.001), and ≥5 medications on the best possible medication history (BPMH) (OR 3.29, 95% CI 2.20 to 4.94; p<0.001). Based on these predictors, a priority score ranging from 0 to 10 was built and internally and externally validated (C statistic 0.72, 95% CI 0.67 to 0.76). CONCLUSIONS: This study confirms the high prevalence of UD in patients admitted to orthopaedic and trauma surgery departments. Five independent predictive factors of UD during MR were identified (female gender, emergency hospitalisation, hospitalisation during school holidays, age ≥75 years, and ≥5 medicines on the BPMH). The developed risk score will help to prioritise MR among patients at risk of medication error and is ready-to-use in other orthopaedic and trauma departments.

Long-term follow-up after surgical treatment of talar fractures: Twenty cases with an average follow-up of 7.5 years.

Displaced talar neck and body fractures are rare and serious injuries with important outcomes. The aim of our study was to evaluate the long-term outcomes of these fractures after operative treatment in our centre between 1993 and 2005. Displaced talar fractures have a high rate of long-term complications. This was a retrospective study concerning 20 patients with an average follow-up of 7.5 years. The final follow-up examination included determination of the AHS score (ankle-hindfoot scale) from the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS), range of motion evaluation and radiological analysis. Mean age at the time of trauma was 38.8 years. This study comprised ten talar neck fractures and ten talar body fractures. We always used a single surgical approach and obtained anatomical reduction in 30% of the whole series of both groups. Four early complications were noted in four patients (20%). We noted no skin complications and the rate of consolidation was 100%. Four patients (20%) developed avascular necrosis of the talus, and at final follow-up seven patients (35%) had undergone secondary surgery. Radiographic analysis showed an osteoarthritis rate of 94% and a malunion rate of 59%. The mean AOFAS score was 66.9/100 and range of motion was systematically decreased. Contrary to undisplaced talar fractures, displaced talar fractures are a therapeutic challenge with many early or late complications. The outcome often revealed stiffness and osteoarthritis.

Surgical treatment of terrible triad of the elbow.

Terrible triad of the elbow associates posterior dislocation, radial head fracture and coronoid process fracture. It is a complex trauma, associating severe bone and ligament lesions, with high more-or-less long-term risk of residual instability, stiffness, pain and osteoarthritis. During the last 20 years, pathologic, biomechanical and clinical knowledge has greatly progressed. Prevention of these severe complications requires initial understanding of the lesion mechanism and precise analysis of all lesions. Surgery aims to restore perfect stability by sequential anatomic repair, enabling early mobilization to prevent onset of stiffness. The aims of the present paper were to summarize the anatomic and pathophysiological bases, highlight the crucial importance of the humeroradial column and lateral collateral ligament, and to determine the importance of the coronoid process. Some aspects of treatment are controversial: systematic medial collateral ligament repair, or use of an articulated external fixator. Finally, we propose a simple algorithm to guide repair.

Enhanced recovery after lumbar fusion surgery: Benefits of using Game Ready©.

INTRODUCTION: The primary aim of this study was to evaluate how the Game Ready© cryotherapy system impacts postoperative analgesia following lumbar fusion. The secondary aim was to study the effect of cryotherapy on blood loss, transfusion rate and recovery after surgery. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This was a retrospective study of 60 patients divided into two consecutive sets. The first set of 30 patients underwent the current anesthesia protocol at our facility (control group) while the second set of 30 underwent the same protocol but the patient wore the Game Ready© cryotherapy belt immediately postoperative (GR group). RESULTS: VAS for pain at H6 did not differ between groups [5.2±1.7 vs. 5.2±1.8 (p=0.94)]; however, there was a significant decrease in pain at H24 and H48 in the GR group relative to the control group (p=0.04; p=0.01; p=0.01). Consumption of morphine over the first 24 and 48hours was 50% less in the GR group than in the control group (p=0.01 and p<0.0001). Discharge occurred significantly earlier in the GR group (3.9±1.0 days) than the control group (5.1±0.9 days) (p<0.001). The estimated blood loss was greater in the control group than the GR group (574.7ml±339.2 vs. 305.9ml±229.6; p=0.0003). CONCLUSION: Use of a cryotherapy device in the context of spine surgery is effective at controlling postoperative pain. It also decreases the consumption of analgesics, limits blood loss, reduces the need for transfusions, and contributes to enhanced recovery after surgery. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: IV.

Clindamycin combination treatment for the treatment of bone and joint infections caused by clindamycin-susceptible, erythromycin-resistant Staphylococcus spp.

The objective of this study was to evaluate the clinical outcomes and safety of clindamycin combination antibiotherapy for the treatment of erythromycin-resistant, lincosamide-susceptible bone and joint infections caused by Staphylococcus spp. Between January 2010 and September 2018, 46 patients with Staphylococcus spp. erythromycin-resistant, lincosamide-susceptible bone and joint infections were treated with clindamycin combination antibiotherapy for 6 to 12 weeks. The type of infection was prosthetic in 20 cases (43.5%), osteosynthetic device in 15 cases (32.6%), chronic osteomyelitis in 7 cases (15.2%), and arthritis in 4 cases (8.7%). The cure rate was 67.4% by intention to treat and 84.6% per protocol, with a median follow-up of 398 days (range 86-843). Only 2 relapses (5.1%) were observed in patients with chronic osteomyelitis; an acquired resistance to lincosamides developed in 1 case. Clindamycin combination therapy appears to be effective for the treatment of bone and joint infection caused by erythromycin-resistant, lincosamide-susceptible Staphylococcus spp.