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Copyright © 2018 by the American Society of Plastic Surgeons. Background: Soft-tissue complications often dictate the success of limb salvage and the overall outcome of open fractures. Based on prior work at the R Adams Cowley Shock Trauma Center, the authors hypothesize that wounds larger than 200 cm2 are associated with a greater likelihood of both flap-related reoperation and wound complications among patients requiring soft-tissue reconstruction with a rotational flap or free tissue transfer. Methods: This study was a secondary analysis of Fluid Lavage in Open Wounds trial data that included all patients who received a rotational or free tissue flap transfer for an open fracture. The primary outcome was flap-related reoperation within 12 months of injury. The secondary outcome was wound complication, which included events treated operatively or nonoperatively. Multivariable logistic regression was used to assess the association between wound size and outcomes, adjusting for confounders. Results: Seventeen percent of the 112 patients required a flap-related reoperation. A wound size greater than 200 cm2 was not associated with reoperation in an unadjusted model (p = 0.64) or adjusting for Gustilo type (p = 0.70). The sample had an overall wound complication rate of 47.3 percent. Patients with a wound size of greater than 200 cm2 were three times more likely to experience wound complications (OR, 3.05; 95 percent CI, 1.08 to 8.62; p = 0.04) when adjusting for moderate to severe wound contamination and wound closure in the operating room. Conclusion: The findings of this study demonstrate that wound surface area is an integral determinant for wound complication following soft-tissue flap treatment, but found no association between wound surface area and flap-related reoperation rates.

Multiple factors are associated with mortality in necrotizing soft tissue infection, such as organ dysfunction and underlying medical comorbidities, but are not often modifiable. Operative interventions are an attractive modifiable variable in modern management of extremity necrotizing soft tissue infection, but the influence of amputation and advanced wound management techniques on mortality is unknown.A single-institution review was performed of extremity necrotizing soft tissue infection . Admission demographics, organ dysfunction, and operative interventions were investigated. The primary outcome was mortality. Advanced wound management techniques were considered flap creation or use of a dermal matrix substitute for coverage of neurovascular structures, tendon, or bone.Overall, 124 patients with extremity necrotizing soft tissue infection were included, with 112 of 124 (90.3%) patients living and 12 of 124 (9.7%) patients dying. Patients who lived had a lower Sequential Organ Failure Assessment score (1.00 [interquartile range, 5] vs 10.50 [interquartile range, 11], P.001), but no difference in use of amputation (11.6% vs 25.0%, P = .19) or advanced wound management techniques (12.5% vs 0%, P = 0.36), respectively. Indications for amputation in the 16 patients who underwent amputation included nonsalvageable limb in 13 of 16 (81.3%), medical comorbidity in 2 of 16 (12.5%), and a nonsalvageable limb and medical comorbidity in 1 of 16 (6.3%) patients. In multivariate analysis, only the Sequential Organ Failure Assessment score remained associated with mortality (odds ratio 1.315, 95% confidence interval 1.146-1.509, P.001) CONCLUSION: Use of amputation or advanced wound management techniques was not associated with mortality in patients with extremity necrotizing soft tissue infection. At centers able to provide the critical care support, aggressive use of limb salvage may not affect mortality.

BACKGROUND: Motorcycle crashes (MCCs) constitute a disproportionately high number of road accidents that result in mortality and injury, compared with other motor vehicle collisions. Distribution and characteristics of upper extremity injuries sustained by motorcyclists and their implications are not well established. We sought to determine the epidemiology of upper extremity injuries in motorcyclists and the independent effects of the injuries on mortality and need for rehabilitative services. METHODS: All motorcyclist admissions at our Level I trauma center from 2006 through 2010 were retrospectively reviewed. We identified and categorized all upper extremity injuries. Demographic data, in-hospital mortality, disposition to a rehabilitation facility, and other potential confounding covariates were recorded. Propensity score-adjusted logistic regression models quantified the effects of upper limb injuries on mortality and transfer to rehabilitation facilities. RESULTS: Thirty-five percent (759 of 2,151 patients) involved in MCCs sustained upper extremity injury. Shoulder girdle injuries were most common (n = 433), followed by forearm fractures (n = 272). Mortality rate was 4% (87 of 2,151 patients) for all MCC admissions. Propensity score-adjusted logistic regression models showed that injuries distal to the humerus had an independent odds ratio for mortality of 0.41 (95% confidence interval, 0.21-0.8). Odds of requiring rehabilitation after discharge were 1.82 times (95% confidence interval, 1.47-2.26) higher when any upper extremity injury was sustained. CONCLUSION: Upper extremity injuries are common in MCCs. Distal injuries are associated with lower mortality rates possibly because of a "crumple zone effect" of distal upper extremities sparing the head and neck region from direct impact in head-first injuries. MCC patients with upper extremity injuries are more likely to require rehabilitation services. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Epidemiologic study, level III. Language: en

Background Humeral fractures with brachial artery injury present a challenge for treating surgeons. Treatment practices vary, including use of vascular shunts, multispecialty teams versus an upper-extremity surgeon, and temporizing external fixation. Our objectives were to describe our treatment approach, to define “absolute ischaemia,” to determine whether to use a vascular shunt, and to identify variables that could improve limb salvage rate. Methods We conducted a retrospective study of 38 patients with humeral fracture and brachial artery injury from 1999 through 2012 at a level I trauma centre. Demographic and treatment characteristics were compared between blunt and penetrating injuries and between treatment by multispecialty teams and treatment by an upper-extremity surgeon. We investigated other variables of interest, including immediate internal fixation, shunt use, time to brachial artery repair, and flap coverage. This study focused on immediate limb salvage and not on eventual functional outcomes of the limb or patient satisfaction regarding the extremity. The main outcome measure was salvage versus amputation. Results Thirty-six upper extremities were successfully salvaged, and two underwent eventual amputation. Immediate internal fixation (33 of 38 patients) did not have an adverse effect on the rate of successful limb salvage ( p > .05). Shunt use and treatment by an upper-extremity surgeon were not associated with improved salvage rate ( p > .05). The need for flap coverage was significantly associated with failed salvage of the extremity ( p = .02). Conclusions Salvage of the upper extremity with humeral fracture and associated brachial artery injury is not dependent on time to brachial artery repair, shunt use, or specialty of treating surgeon. Immediate internal fixation can be performed without adversely affecting the potential for successful salvage. Flap coverage, which is an indicator of severity of soft-tissue injury, correlates with amputation in these severe injuries. Type of study/level of evidence Therapeutic III.

Introduction and aim There is a paucity of literature regarding outcomes of open fractures of the distal radius. No study has detailed this injury or treatment strategy in the geriatric population. The purpose of this study was to determine the safety of immediate open reduction and internal fixation of geriatric open fractures of the distal radius. Methods A total of 21 geriatric patients with open fractures of the distal radius treated with a single definitive procedure were identified from a prospectively collected database. We reviewed patient demographics, injury characteristics and treatment specifics. Our primary outcome was surgical-site infection defined by need for antibiotics or repeat surgery. Our secondary outcome was need for other re-operation. Patients were contacted and functional scores obtained. Results Patients were followed up for an average of 26 months. One deep infection and one nonunion occurred, and they required repeat surgery. Four minor operative complications occurred, including stiffness requiring manipulation and prominent fixation devices requiring removal. Patients maintained an average wrist flexion–extension arc of 89° and pronation–supination arc of 137°. The average QuickDASH (shortened disabilities of the arm, shoulder and hand questionnaire) score was 17.4, indicating minimal disability of the upper extremity. Conclusions Immediate open reduction and internal fixation of geriatric open fractures of the distal radius yields adequate functional results with low risk of major complications.

F ractures of the clavicle and acromioclavicular (AC) separations are common injuries in adults and have fairly good individual prognoses. Isolated clavicular fractures account for 2.6--4% of all adult fractures and 35% of shoulder girdle injuries. Treatment options vary depending on the type and location of the fracture and the patient characteristics. The widely accepted dogma has been that most clavicular fractures can be treated nonoperatively, are associated with low nonunion rates, and achieve excellent functional recovery. Recent studies suggest that widely displaced or comminuted fractures resulting from high-energy trauma have a propensity for adverse outcomes with nonoperative treatment and that early operative fixation might lead to improved function and patient satisfaction. AC joint injuries also are common, often resulting from a direct superior blow to the shoulder. These injuries are most commonly classified according to the Rockwood system, with Types I through III usually being the result of lower energy, sports, or fall-related mechanisms. Higher grade Types IV and V AC dislocations cause complete disruption of the stabilizing AC and coracoclavicular (CC) ligaments and displacement of the distal clavicle through the deltotrapezius fascia. Operative fixation of these injuries currently is standard practice. Combined AC separation and clavicular fracture in the same shoulder is rare and has been reported in only a few patients. It is thought that this entity is the result of high-energy trauma to the shoulder with poor outcomes if treated nonoperatively. Various surgical techniques to treat this type of floating clavicle injury have been described in the literature, with no consensus on the best approach to stabilize this injury. We herein present a patient with combined AC separation and clavicular fracture treated with dual plating of the clavicle and AC joint, using a clavicular hook plate in addition to a conventional limited contact dynamic compression plate. Informed consent was obtained from the patient for publication.

Background: Our center evaluates all distal radial fractures with traction radiographs before splinting. Although investigations of various imaging modalities to evaluate distal radial fractures have been presented in the literature, to our knowledge the use of traction radiographs has not been well described. We hypothesized that the addition of traction radiographs to standard radiographs increases interobserver and intraobserver reliability for injury descriptions, affects the choice of treatment plan, and decreases the perceived need for computed tomography. Methods: Radiographs for fifty consecutive eligible patients with distal radial fractures that were treated at a level-1 trauma center were used to create two image sets for each patient. Set 1 included injury and splint radiographs, and Set 2 included the images from Set 1 plus traction radiographs. The image sets were stripped of all demographic data and were presented in random order to seven fellowship-trained orthopaedic surgeons. The surgeons independently reviewed each of the 100 image sets and answered ten questions regarding the description and treatment of the injury. Analyses were conducted with kappa statistics to evaluate interobserver reliability. Intraobserver variability was assessed with the McNemar test after adjusting for clustering. Results: Traction radiographs improved interobserver reliability for four of ten questions. With regard to intraobserver variability, responses to two questions were significantly changed. With the addition of traction radiographs, the observation of intra-articular fragments requiring reduction increased from 38.3% to 53.1% (p < 0.05) and the perceived need to order computed tomography for further evaluation decreased from 21.7% to 5.1% (p < 0.001). No other changes reached significance. Conclusion: The addition of traction radiographs appeared to affect surgeons’ interobserver reliability in the evaluation of distal radial fractures. In addition, traction radiographs changed the rate of detection of intra-articular fragments requiring reduction and the perceived need for computed tomography. These data indicate that traction radiographs may provide some of the same information as computed tomographic scans at a lower cost and argue for additional research comparing computed tomographic scans and traction radiographs of the distal part of the radius.

To determine whether a single-incision extensile approach to the distal radius used for open reduction internal fixation and a concomitant radial sided carpal tunnel (CT) release safely and effectively decompresses the carpal tunnel.Five pairs of cadaveric forearms were mounted to a tabletop with a cable pulley system attached to the long finger. Each paired specimen was randomized to volar plating via either the flexor carpi radialis approach (control group) or the extensile volar exposure (combined flexor carpi radialis and radial-sided carpal tunnel release). Before and after the respective exposure and plating, increased CT pressures were created with 2.27, 4.54, and 6.81 kg of distraction. We used a paired t-test to compare the change in CT pressure at each level of distraction before and after intervention for the 2 groups, with significance set at p/= .05. A dissection of each exposure was performed with attention given to the radial aspect of the transverse carpal ligament (TCL) and any possible iatrogenic injuries.Carpal tunnel pressure increased with increasing distraction. We noted a statistically significant reduction in CT pressure after the extensile exposure and plating with 4.54 (p = .023) and 6.81 (p.001) kg of distraction, respectively. No significant reduction in mean CT pressure for the control group specimens occurred at any level of distraction force. The average length of the radial TCL was 22 mm (range, 18-31 mm); the average distance between the recurrent motor branch and distal TCL was 11 mm (range, 8-15 mm). No iatrogenic tendon or nerve injury occurred with the extensile volar exposure.Carpal tunnel pressure is safely reduced and the distal radius is adequately exposed for fixation with the extensile volar approach.

Background The goal of the current cadaver study was to compare two low-profile constructs for olecranon osteotomy repair: an intramedullary screw and tension band and a new olecranon nail. Methods Ten cadaveric elbow pairs were harvested. One of each pair was then randomly assigned to be tested either with a 6.5-mm intramedullary screw and tension band or with the olecranon nail. Using a testing apparatus to simulate an early postoperative motion protocol, the repairs were cyclically loaded. The maximal osteotomy gap observed during loading was recorded. A paired t-test was used for statistical anaylsis. Results The mean peak gap for the osteotomies repaired with the nail was 0.31 mm versus 0.75 mm for the screw. This difference was not statistically significant ( p = 0.158). Conclusion The data obtained demonstrate the olecranon nail performs favourably when compared with an intramedullary screw, with the added benefit of offering a low profile, intramedullary construct.

Purpose To evaluate the safety and efficacy of a hybrid flexor carpi radialis (FCR) approach for volar plate osteosynthesis of displaced distal radius fractures with concurrent prophylactic carpal tunnel release (CTR) in patients without preoperative signs or symptoms of acute carpal tunnel syndrome secondary to the fracture. Methods A total of 68 displaced distal radius fractures in 65 eligible adult patients (35 men, 30 women; mean age, 48.6 ± 15.4 y) who had volar plate osteosynthesis and concomitant prophylactic CTR through a hybrid FCR approach by a single surgeon were included in this study. A systematic chart review and subsequent telephone questionnaire were performed to identify any postoperative median nerve dysfunction, recurrent motor or palmar cutaneous branch injury, tendon injury, or other complications directly related to the approach. Results Reported symptoms consistent with late median nerve dysfunction were identified in 2 cases; however, no patients in this series required additional surgery for early or late median neuropathy. Furthermore, no cases of median nerve sensory or motor branch injury or tendon injury were identified. No other unforeseen complications specifically related to the approach were observed. Conclusions Volar plate osteosynthesis of distal radius fractures with a concurrent prophylactic CTR can be safely performed through the described hybrid FCR approach in patients without signs or symptoms of acute CTS. Routine release of the transverse carpal ligament with the hybrid FCR approach at the time of fracture fixation might reduce the incidence of postoperative median nerve dysfunction. Type of study/level of evidence Therapeutic IV.