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To evaluate the most common femoral shaft fracture morphology associated with an ipsilateral femoral neck fracture in high-energy blunt trauma using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).Retrospective review.Level 1 trauma center.219 consecutive patients sustaining 228 femoral shaft fractures from high-energy blunt trauma.Fracture patterns were analyzed using the OTA/AO classification system. In addition, location of the fracture was measured as the distance from the distal aspect of the lesser trochanter to the center of the femoral shaft fracture.An OTA/AO 31 type fracture was seen in 16.5% (20/121) of patients presenting with OTA/AO 32-A type fractures, 12% (6/50) of patients with OTA/AO 32-B type fractures, and 26.3% (15/57) of patients with OTA/AO 32-C type fractures. The fractures that occurred in the middle or distal third of the femur shaft constituted 95.1% (39/41).In this cohort, patients with middle and distal third OTA/AO 32-C type fractures had the highest association with an ipsilateral OTA/AO 31 type fracture. OTA/AO 32-A2 and 32-A3 type fractures had the highest association with femoral neck fractures seen only on MRI. The data presented suggest continued usage of the rapid sequence pelvic MRI for all patients with high-energy femoral shaft fractures in whom a femoral neck fracture was not seen on an x-ray or a computed tomography scan.Diagnostic Level IV. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

Chlorhexidine skin antisepsis is frequently recommended for most surgical procedures; however, it is unclear if these recommendations should apply to surgery involving traumatic contaminated wounds where povidone-iodine has previously been preferred. We aimed to compare the effect of aqueous 10% povidone-iodine versus aqueous 4% chlorhexidine gluconate on the risk of surgical site infection in patients who required surgery for an open fracture.We conducted a multiple-period, cluster-randomised, crossover trial (Aqueous-PREP) at 14 hospitals in Canada, Spain, and the USA. Eligible patients were adults aged 18 years or older with an open extremity fracture treated with a surgical fixation implant. For inclusion, the open fracture required formal surgical debridement within 72 h of the injury. Participating sites were randomly assigned (1:1) to use either aqueous 10% povidone-iodine or aqueous 4% chlorhexidine gluconate immediately before surgical incision; sites then alternated between the study interventions every 2 months. Participants, health-care providers, and study personnel were aware of the treatment assignment due to the colour of the solutions. The outcome adjudicators and data analysts were masked to treatment allocation. The primary outcome was surgical site infection, guided by the 2017 US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention National Healthcare Safety Network reporting criteria, which included superficial incisional infection within 30 days or deep incisional or organ space infection within 90 days of surgery. The primary analyses followed the intention-to-treat principle and included all participants in the groups to which they were randomly assigned. This study is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT03385304.Between April 8, 2018, and June 8, 2021, 3619 patients were assessed for eligibility and 1683 were enrolled and randomly assigned to povidone-iodine (n=847) or chlorhexidine gluconate (n=836). The trial's adjudication committee determined that 45 participants were ineligible, leaving 1638 participants in the primary analysis, with 828 in the povidone-iodine group and 810 in the chlorhexidine gluconate group (mean age 44·9 years [SD 18·0]; 629 [38%] were female and 1009 [62%] were male). Among 1571 participants in whom the primary outcome was known, a surgical site infection occurred in 59 (7%) of 787 participants in the povidone-iodine group and 58 (7%) of 784 in the chlorhexidine gluconate group (odds ratio 1·11, 95% CI 0·74 to 1·65; p=0·61; risk difference 0·6%, 95% CI -1·4 to 3·4).For patients who require surgical fixation of an open fracture, either aqueous 10% povidone-iodine or aqueous 4% chlorhexidine gluconate can be selected for skin antisepsis on the basis of solution availability, patient contraindications, or product cost. These findings might also have implications for antisepsis of other traumatic wounds.US Department of Defense, Canadian Institutes of Health Research, McMaster University Surgical Associates, PSI Foundation.

» Multiple studies comparing nonoperative and operative treatment for displaced proximal humeral fractures in the geriatric population have demonstrated minimal differences in functional outcomes. Factors such as surgeon experience as well as the quality and maintenance of the reduction may influence operative outcomes, and their impact on these findings merits further investigation. » In the treatment of 2 and 3-part fractures involving the surgical neck, intramedullary nailing has demonstrated functional outcomes that are comparable with those of open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF). » In the geriatric population, reverse total shoulder arthroplasty has demonstrated improved functional outcomes, with a decreased rate of reoperation, compared with hemiarthroplasty. Tuberosity repair has been shown to improve functional outcomes and range of motion after both procedures and should be performed at the time of arthroplasty. » Several authors have demonstrated the negative effect of osteopenia on outcomes after ORIF of proximal humeral fractures. Augmentative procedures, including cortical strut augmentation, are being investigated to address this issue; their role in the treatment of these fractures is unclear at this time.

Two pediatric patients with displaced, extra-articular scapula fractures who underwent surgery because of concerns for persistent deformity and decreased function with continued nonoperative management.We advocate careful consideration of all patient factors and treatment options when addressing pediatric scapula fractures. Specific fracture patterns with altered shoulder girdle mechanics may warrant surgical intervention to restore anatomic alignment and stability.

Nonunion rates for distal femur fractures treated with lateral locked plating (LLP) remains as high as 18-22% despite significant advances with implant design and construct modulation. However, whether treatment of distal femur fractures with rIMN has improved outcomes compared to LLP has not been well characterized. The purpose of this study was to compare outcomes of complete articular distal femur fractures (AO/OTA 33-C) treated with either LLP or rIMN.106 distal femur fractures in 106 patients between January 2014 and January 2018 were identified. Medical records were reviewed to collect patient age, gender, body mass index, sagittal and coronal plane alignment on immediate postoperative radiographs, time to union, incidence of nonunion, and incidence of secondary operative procedures for repair of a nonunion.Of 106 patients, 50 underwent rIMN and 56 underwent LLP. The mean age at the time of injury was 51 years (21 to 86 years) and there were 55 males. Average coronal alignment of 83.7° of anatomic lateral distal femoral angle (aLDFA) and sagittal alignment of1° of apex anterior angulation in the rIMN group. In the LLP group there was an average of 87.9° of aLDFA and 1.9° of apex anterior angulation (p = .005 and p = .36). Average time to union in the rIMN group was 6 months and 6.6 months in the LLP group (p = .52). Incidence of nonunion in the rIMN group was 11.8% and 27.5% in the LLP group (p = .008). There were 8 secondary procedures for nonunion in the rIMN group and 18 in the LLP group (p = .43).Our results demonstrated a higher nonunion rate and coronal plane malalignment with LLP compared to rIMN. While prospective data is required, rIMN does appear to be an appropriate treatment for complete articular distal femur fractures with a potentially decreased rate of nonunion .

Determine predictive injury factors for wound complications in open pilon fractures (OTA/AO 43B and 43C).Retrospective Case Series.Level I Trauma Center.A total of 61 open pilon fractures in 60 patients were evaluated after meeting inclusion and exclusion criteria.The majority of injuries underwent a staged protocol with immediate antibiotics, debridement, irrigation and external fixation. Following soft tissue stabilization, internal fixation was performed and wound closure achieved in a coordinated fashion depending on the type of closure required.Early amputation rate, 90-day major (wound dehiscence or deep infection requiring operative intervention) and minor (superficial infection) wound complications.Four patients incurred early amputations, 11 had major wound complications and 5 had minor wound complications. An early amputation was more likely if they presented with an OTA Open Fracture Classification (OTA-OFC) Bone Loss Grade 3. A major wound complication was more likely if they presented with a fall from3 m, a multifragmentary articular surface, a segmental fibula fracture, or an OTA-OFC Contamination Grade 3. A multifragmentary articular surface was also predictive of developing any wound complication.Open pilon fractures are severe, limb-threatening injuries and are at risk for wound complications. Patients presenting with these injuries and a predictive factor should be counseled regarding the possibility of early limb loss or experiencing a wound complication that will require additional treatment.Level III.

SUMMARY Distal humerus fractures in the elderly population can be difficult to manage because of substantial articular comminution, poor bone quality, and soft tissue compromise. Important patient considerations for treatment include physiologic age, mental status, activity level, and independence with activities of daily living. Elderly patients may be reliant on their upper extremity as a weight-bearing limb when using a walker or rising to stand which creates additional demand. The goal of surgical treatment is to recreate a stable, painless elbow with a functional range of motion to preserve independence for daily activities and mobilization. The main surgical treatment options are open reduction and internal fixation and arthroplasty. Here, we discuss indications and operative goals in each clinical scenario.

Background Despite increased awareness of ipsilateral femoral neck fractures in patients with high-energy femoral shaft fractures and advanced imaging with thin-cut high-resolution computed tomography (CT), failure of diagnosis remains problematic. The purpose of the present study was to determine if the preoperative diagnosis of ipsilateral femoral neck fractures in patients with high-energy femoral shaft fractures can be improved with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) compared with radiographic and CT imaging. Methods In response to delayed diagnoses of femoral neck fractures despite thin-cut high-resolution CT, our institutional imaging protocol for acute, high-energy femoral shaft fractures was altered to include rapid limited-sequence MRI to evaluate for occult femoral neck fractures. All patients received standard radiographic imaging as well as thin-cut high-resolution pelvic CT imaging upon presentation. Rapid limited-sequence MRI of the pelvis was obtained to evaluate for an occult femoral neck fracture. Results Thirty-seven consecutive patients with 39 acute, high-energy femoral shaft fractures resulting from blunt trauma were included. The average age of the patients was 29.1 years (range, 14 to 82 years). Ten (25.6%) of the 39 femoral shaft fractures were open. Two femoral shaft fractures (5.1%) were associated with ipsilateral femoral neck fractures that were detected on radiographs, and no MRI was performed. None of the remaining 37 femoral shaft fractures were associated with a femoral neck fracture that was identified on CT imaging. Thirty-three (89.2%) of 37 patients underwent pelvic MRI to evaluate the ipsilateral femoral neck. Four (12.1%) of those 33 patients were diagnosed with a femoral neck fracture (2 complete, 2 incomplete) that was not identified on thin-cut high-resolution CT or radiographic imaging. Conclusions Rapid limited-sequence MRI of the pelvis for patients with femoral shaft fractures identified femoral neck fractures that were not diagnosed on thin-cut high-resolution CT in 12% of our patients. Our results suggest that the frequency of femoral neck fractures may be underrepresented on CT imaging; rapid limited-sequence MRI was feasible without delaying definitive treatment even in polytraumatized patients. Level of evidence Diagnostic Level III. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

Proximal humerus fractures involving an articular head split are rare and complex injuries. In the elderly population, arthroplasty is the optimal treatment, whereas in younger patients, the utility of arthroplasty procedures is limited by concerns of long-term implant survival. As a result, open reduction and internal fixation is still often the first-line treatment option for head-splitting injuries. The traditionally described deltopectoral or anterolateral surgical approaches to the proximal humerus rely on indirect reduction and limited visualization of the articular fragments. We present a case series of younger patients with head-split proximal humerus fractures treated with open reduction and internal fixation through a deltopectoral approach with a subscapularis peel to improve humeral head visualization, reduction, and fixation. The improved reduction may lead to better long-term outcomes and reduce the need for additional surgical procedures. In addition, there were no cases of avascular necrosis in this series.

Importance Despite the widespread use of systemic antibiotics to prevent infections in surgically treated patients with fracture, high rates of surgical site infection persist. Objective To examine the effect of intrawound vancomycin powder in reducing deep surgical site infections. Design, Setting, and Participants This open-label randomized clinical trial enrolled adult patients with an operatively treated tibial plateau or pilon fracture who met the criteria for a high risk of infection from January 1, 2015, through June 30, 2017, with 12 months of follow-up (final follow-up assessments completed in April 2018) at 36 US trauma centers. Interventions A standard infection prevention protocol with (n = 481) or without (n = 499) 1000 mg of intrawound vancomycin powder. Main Outcomes and Measures The primary outcome was a deep surgical site infection within 182 days of definitive fracture fixation. A post hoc comparison assessed the treatment effect on gram-positive and gram-negative-only infections. Other secondary outcomes included superficial surgical site infection, nonunion, and wound dehiscence. Results The analysis included 980 patients (mean [SD] age, 45.7 [13.7] years; 617 [63.0%] male) with 91% of the expected person-time of follow-up for the primary outcome. Within 182 days, deep surgical site infection was observed in 29 of 481 patients in the treatment group and 46 of 499 patients in the control group. The time-to-event estimated probability of deep infection by 182 days was 6.4% in the treatment group and 9.8% in the control group (risk difference, –3.4%; 95% CI, –6.9% to 0.1%;P = .06). A post hoc analysis of the effect of treatment on gram-positive (risk difference, –3.7%; 95% CI, –6.7% to –0.8%;P = .02) and gram-negative-only (risk difference, 0.3%; 95% CI, –1.6% to 2.1%;P = .78) infections found that the effect of vancomycin powder was a result of its reduction in gram-positive infections. Conclusions and Relevance Among patients with operatively treated tibial articular fractures at a high risk of infection, intrawound vancomycin powder at the time of definitive fracture fixation reduced the risk of a gram-positive deep surgical site infection, consistent with the activity of vancomycin. Trial Registration ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier:NCT02227446

Introduction : Preliminary results using a novel rapid-sequence MRI to diagnose ipsilateral femoral neck fractures in patients sustaining high-energy femoral shaft fractures have been favorable compared to radiographic and CT imaging alone. To evaluate and optimize this new institutional imaging protocol further, we reviewed our results one year after implementation. Methods : Rapid-sequence MRI was added to the imaging evaluation of patients with high-energy femoral shaft fractures without femoral neck fractures identified on radiographs or CT imaging. Data was retrospectively reviewed from a consecutive series of patients who met inclusion criteria. Results : From September 2018 through September 2019, 114 patients sustained 121 high-energy femoral shaft fractures. The average patient age was 29.9 years, 73.7% (84/114) of patients were male, and 16.5% (20/121) were open fractures. Of patients indicated for a rapid-sequence MRI, 86% (92/107) underwent MR imaging. 5% (6/121) of patients had an ipsilateral femoral neck fracture identified on radiographs alone. Three additional femoral neck fractures were identified with CT imaging for an initial incidence of 7.4% (9/121). MRI identified 10 additional non-displaced femoral neck fractures, three complete and seven incomplete fractures, for an incidence of 15.7% (19/121). All identified femoral neck fractures were stabilized. Discussion/Conclusion : The addition of rapid-sequence MRI of the pelvis in patients with high-energy femoral shaft fractures reliably increases the diagnosis of ipsilateral femoral neck fractures not identified with standard imaging. There were no cases of missed/delayed femoral neck fractures in patients with a negative MRI. This new imaging protocol effectively and safely improves the diagnosis of this injury pattern.

Background: Despite multiple techniques to improve syndesmotic reduction accuracy, syndesmotic malreduction in unstable ankle fractures remains prevalent. We performed a prospective, observational study to assess the ability of intraoperative multidimensional fluoroscopy to lead a surgeon to change the syndesmotic reduction obtained by conventional fluoroscopic techniques with the goal of achieving an accurate reduction. Methods: Thirty patients with unilateral malleolar ankle fractures and syndesmotic instability were enrolled. Following fixation of the malleollar fractures, the syndesmosis was provisionally reduced. Once the surgeon believed acceptable reduction was obtained by comparison with the contralateral, uninjured ankle mortise and lateral fluoroscopic images, provisional fixation was used to maintain reduction. Intraoperative, multidimensional fluoroscopy was used to generate cross-sectional images to assess the reduction. The surgeon then decided if a change in the reduction was needed, and fixation proceeded per surgeon preference. Postoperative bilateral computed tomography (CT) scans of the ankles were used to assess the reduction. Results: The main outcome recorded was syndesmotic reduction change by the attending surgeon following 3-dimensional (3D) fluoroscopic imaging. The secondary outcome was syndesmotic reduction accuracy on postoperative CT scan. Fourteen of 30 patients had intraoperative reduction change following 3D fluoroscopic imaging. Three of 30 patients had residual malreduction compared with the contralateral ankle on bilateral postoperative CT scan. Conclusion: Intraoperative 3D fluoroscopy frequently led the surgeon to change the syndesmotic reduction obtained by conventional techniques and provided additional information not available with 2-dimensional fluoroscopy. A 10% syndesmotic malreduction rate was obtained with this technique. Level of Evidence: Diagnostic level II, prospective comparative study.

Author(s): Pogorzelski, David; Nguyen, Uyen; McKay, Paula; Thabane, Lehana; Camara, Megan; Ramsey, Lolita; Seymour, Rachel; Goodman, J Brett; McGee, Sheketha; Fraifogl, Joanne; Hudgins, Andrea; Tanner, Stephanie L; Bhandari, Mohit; Slobogean, Gerard P; Sprague, Sheila; PREP-IT Investigators Executive Committee:; Steering Committee; Adjudication Committee; Data and Safety Monitoring Committee; Research Methodology Core; Patient Centred Outcomes Core; Orthopaedic Surgery Core; Operating Room Core; Infectious Disease Core; Military Core; McMaster University Methods Center; University of Maryland School of Medicine Administrative Center; University of Maryland School of Pharmacy, The PATIENTS Program; PREP-IT Clinical Sites: Lead Clinical Site (Aqueous-PREP and PREPARE); Aqueous-PREP and PREPARE; Aqueous-PREP; PREPARE; PREP-IT Investigators Executive Committee | Abstract: IntroductionPragmatic trials in comparative effectiveness research assess the effects of different treatment, therapeutic, or healthcare options in clinical practice. They are characterized by broad eligibility criteria and large sample sizes, which can lead to an unmanageable number of participants, increasing the risk of bias and affecting the integrity of the trial. We describe the development of a sampling strategy tool and its use in the PREPARE trial to circumvent the challenge of unmanageable work flow.MethodsGiven the broad eligibility criteria and high fracture volume at participating clinical sites in the PREPARE trial, a pragmatic sampling strategy was needed. Using data from PREPARE, descriptive statistics were used to describe the use of the sampling strategy across clinical sites. A Chi-square test was performed to explore whether use of the sampling strategy was associated with a reduction in the number of missed eligible patients.Results7 of 20 clinical sites (35%) elected to adopt a sampling strategy. There were 1539 patients excluded due to the use of the sampling strategy, which represents 30% of all excluded patients and 20% of all patients screened for participation. Use of the sampling strategy was associated with lower odds of missed eligible patients (297/4545 (6.5%) versus 341/3200 (10.7%) p l 0.001).ConclusionsImplementing a sampling strategy in the PREPARE trial has helped to limit the number of missed eligible patients. This sampling strategy represents a simple, easy to use tool for managing work flow at clinical sites and maintaining the integrity of a large trial.

OBJECTIVES To determine the proportion of patients requiring secondary surgery for symptomatic implant removal after open reduction, internal fixation using dual mini-fragment plating technique for clavicular shaft fractures. DESIGN Retrospective observational study. SETTING Single university Level 1 trauma center. PATIENTS Eighty-one patients treated with open reduction, internal fixation using dual mini-fragment plating technique for clavicular shaft fractures (OTA/AO 15-B1, B2, and B3) with minimum 12-month follow-up (median 477 days; range 371-1549 days). INTERVENTION Open reduction, internal fixation using dual mini-fragment plating technique for clavicular shaft fractures. MAIN OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS Incidence of secondary surgery, QuickDASH (Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand) scores. RESULTS Six of 81 patients (7.4%) underwent secondary surgery for implant removal for any reason. Of these, 3 (3.7%) underwent symptomatic implant (soft-tissue irritation) removal, 2 (2.5%) required implant removal in the setting of infection, and 1 patient (1.2%) required revision open reduction internal fixation for early implant failure. The mean QuickDASH score in this series was 8.44 (±6.94, range 0-77.27). The associated implant cost of the typical construct utilized in this series was $1511.38. The mean surgical time was 97 minutes (range 71-143 minutes). CONCLUSIONS The utilization of a dual mini-fragment plating technique in the treatment of clavicular shaft fractures results in a low rates of secondary surgery for symptomatic implant removal (3.7%) and similar QuickDASH scores when compared with historical controls treated with 3.5-mm plates placed on the superior clavicle. Potential disadvantages in using this technique include a higher surgical implant cost and length of surgery. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE Therapeutic Level IV. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

Importance Numerous studies have demonstrated that long-term outcomes after orthopedic trauma are associated with psychosocial and behavioral health factors evident early in the patient’s recovery. Little is known about how to identify clinically actionable subgroups within this population. Objectives To examine whether risk and protective factors measured at 6 weeks after injury could classify individuals into risk clusters and evaluate whether these clusters explain variations in 12-month outcomes. Design, Setting, and Participants A prospective observational study was conducted between July 16, 2013, and January 15, 2016, among 352 patients with severe orthopedic injuries at 6 US level I trauma centers. Statistical analysis was conducted from October 9, 2017, to July 13, 2018. Main Outcomes and Measures At 6 weeks after discharge, patients completed standardized measures for 5 risk factors (pain intensity, depression, posttraumatic stress disorder, alcohol abuse, and tobacco use) and 4 protective factors (resilience, social support, self-efficacy for return to usual activity, and self-efficacy for managing the financial demands of recovery). Latent class analysis was used to classify participants into clusters, which were evaluated against measures of function, depression, posttraumatic stress disorder, and self-rated health collected at 12 months. Results Among the 352 patients (121 women and 231 men; mean [SD] age, 37.6 [12.5] years), latent class analysis identified 6 distinct patient clusters as the optimal solution. For clinical use, these clusters can be collapsed into 4 groups, sorted from low risk and high protection (best) to high risk and low protection (worst). All outcomes worsened across the 4 clinical groupings. Bayesian analysis shows that the mean Short Musculoskeletal Function Assessment dysfunction scores at 12 months differed by 7.8 points (95% CI, 3.0-12.6) between the best and second groups, by 10.3 points (95% CI, 1.6-20.2) between the second and third groups, and by 18.4 points (95% CI, 7.7-28.0) between the third and worst groups. Conclusions and Relevance This study demonstrates that during early recovery, patients with orthopedic trauma can be classified into risk and protective clusters that account for a substantial amount of the variance in 12-month functional and health outcomes. Early screening and classification may allow a personalized approach to postsurgical care that conserves resources and targets appropriate levels of care to more patients.

Controversy regarding heterotopic ossification (HO) prophylaxis exists after Kocher-Langenbeck for treatment of acetabular fracture. Prophylaxis options include antiinflammatory oral medications, single-dose radiation therapy, and débridement of gluteus minimus muscle. Prior literature has suggested single-dose radiation therapy as the best prophylaxis to prevent HO formation. However, recent reports have emerged of radiation-induced sarcoma after radiotherapy for HO prophylaxis, which has led many surgeons to reconsider the risks and benefits of single-dose radiation therapy. We set out to determine if radiotherapy, in addition to standard débridement of gluteus minimus muscle, affected postoperative HO formation after a Kocher-Langenbeck approach for acetabular fracture.(1) After the Kocher-Langenbeck approach and gluteus minimus débridement, is single-dose radiotherapy associated with a decreased risk of HO? (2) Does addition of single-dose radiotherapy prolong length of stay after a Kocher-Langenbeck approach and gluteus minimus débridement as compared with patients without radiotherapy?After institutional review board approval, all adult patients treated for acetabular fracture by a single surgeon with a Kocher-Langenbeck approach between August 2011 and October 2014 were identified (n = 60). Débridement of gluteus minimus muscle caudal to the superior gluteal bundle was standard in all patients. Radiotherapy was given with a single dose of 700 cGy within 72 hours of surgery from August 2011 until April 2013. Patients treated subsequently did not receive radiotherapy. Patients treated with indomethacin (n = 1) and with fewer than 10 weeks followup were excluded (n = 12) because several studies suggest that most HO that develops is visible by that point in time. Our study group totaled 46 patients with 24 in the radiotherapy and débridement group and 22 in the débridement group. Charts were reviewed to determine length of stay. Attending orthopaedic trauma surgeons who were blinded to the patient's treatment group graded all followup radiographs according to the Brooker system, and Classes III and IV HO were considered clinically important Fisher's exact test was used to analyze clinically significant differences HO between the two groups. Length of stay was compared using a t-test.Single-dose radiotherapy is associated with a decreased risk of clinically important (Brooker III-IV) HO after a Kocher-Langenbeck approach and gluteus minimus débridement (radiotherapy: one of 24 [4%], no radiotherapy: seven of 22 [32%], relative risk: 0.131 [95% confidence interval {CI}, 0.018-0.981], p = 0.020). Addition of single-dose radiotherapy did not result in increased length of stay (radiotherapy: 12 ± 7.0 days; no radiotherapy: 11 ± 7.2 days; mean difference: 1.0 [95% CI, -3.2 to 5.2] days, p = 0.635).Single-dose radiation in combination with gluteus minimus débridement decreases the risk of clinically important HO compared with gluteus minimus débridement alone after a Kocher-Langenbeck approach for acetabular fracture. No differences in length of stay were seen. Surgeons who chose not to use radiotherapy as a result of concern for future sarcoma may see higher rates of clinically significant HO after a Kocher-Langenbeck approach for acetabular fracture fixation.Level III, therapeutic study.

Objectives:To document the high failure rate of a specific implant: the Synthes Variable Angle (VA) Locking Distal Femur Plate.Design:Retrospective.Setting:Urban University Level I Trauma Center.Patient/Participants:All distal femur fractures (OTA/AO 33-A, B, C) treated from March 2011 through Augus

Scapulothoracic dissociation is a rare, potentially limb- and life-threatening injury of the shoulder girdle. The injury is characterized by lateral displacement of the scapula resulting from traumatic disruption of the scapulothoracic articulation. The typical physical examination findings consist of substantial swelling of the shoulder girdle, along with weakness, numbness, and pulselessness in the ipsilateral upper extremity. Radiographic evaluation includes measurement of the scapular index on a nonrotated chest radiograph and assessment for either a distracted clavicle fracture or a disrupted acromioclavicular or sternoclavicular joint. Although vascular injury occurs in most patients, emergent surgery is performed only in patients with either limb-threatening ischemia or active arterial hemorrhage. Management of neurologic injury can be delayed if necessary. The location and severity of neurologic injury determine whether observation, nerve grafting, nerve transfer, or above-elbow amputation is performed. Skeletal stabilization procedures include plate fixation of clavicle fractures and reduction of distracted acromioclavicular or sternoclavicular joints. The extent of neurologic injury determines clinical outcomes. Medical Outcomes Study 36-Item Short Form scores are significantly lower in patients with complete brachial plexus avulsion injury than in patients with postganglionic injury.

Purpose The purpose of this study is to report the results of a series of infected forearm nonunions treated from 1998 to 2012 using a staged reconstruction technique. Methods At a median of 42 months follow-up, 7 patients who had an average segmental defect of 4.9 cm (range, 2.3–10.4 cm) were available for clinical and radiographic evaluation. Treatment consisted of serial debridement, implantation of an antibiotic cement spacer, and staged reconstruction using a bulk radius or ulna allograft with intramedullary fixation. Results All 7 patients ultimately achieved solid bone union, although 4 patients (57%) required additional surgery, consisting of autologous bone grafting and plating, to achieve healing at 1 of the allograft-host junction sites. No patient had recurrence of infection, and all reported substantial improvement with increased function and decreased pain. Conclusions Our approach ultimately resulted in a 100% union rate without recurrence of infection, although many patients may require additional surgery to attain healing at both allograft-junction sites. Using bulk allograft provides the ability to span a large defect while reconstituting the forearm anatomy. Type of study/level of evidence Therapeutic V.

Outcomes following revision surgery for failed rotator cuff repairs are far less predictable than and are associated with decreased patient satisfaction compared with primary repairs. Extracellular matrix augmentation (ECM) may improve the biologic potential for healing during revision repair. The authors examined clinical outcomes and healing rates based on postoperative imaging of patients who underwent revision open rotator cuff repair with an ECM patch for symptomatic recurrent rotator cuff tear. Twenty-four (77%) of 31 patients with a mean follow-up of 50 months (range, 30–112 months) completed post-revision surgery outcome questionnaires at a mean of 5.3 years after revision surgery, and 16 patients (67%) underwent a physical examination and repeat imaging (ultrasound or magnetic resonance imaging) at a mean of 4.2 years after revision surgery. Ten (63%) of those 16 patients were found to have failed revision rotator cuff repair on imaging, with American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES) outcome measures that were significantly ( P =.04) better in patients with confirmed intact repairs than those with confirmed failed revision repair. Outcome measures for all patients (n=24) included a mean ASES score of 67.2 (SD, 27.9) and a mean Single Assessment Numeric Evaluation (SANE) score of 66.9 (SD, 26.0). Based on these scores, excellent results were achieved in 24% of patients, good in 13%, fair in 21%, and poor in 42%. Results of this investigation demonstrated that augmentation of revision rotator cuff repair with an ECM patch through an open approach showed no significant improvement in outcomes when compared to historical reports without augmentation. [ Orthopedics . 2015; 38(4):e292–e296.]

Proximal humerus fractures and rotator cuff tears have been shown to have increasing rates with advancing age, theoretically leading to significant overlap in the 2 pathologies. The goal of this study was to examine the prevalence, associated factors, and effect on treatment of rotator cuff tears in surgically treated proximal humerus fractures. A retrospective review was performed of all patients who had surgery for a proximal humerus fracture from January 2007 to June 2012 in the shoulder department of a large academic institution. Patient demographics, the presence and management of rotator cuff tears, and surgical factors were recorded. Regression analysis was performed to determine which factors were associated with rotator cuff tears. This study reviewed 349 fractures in 345 patients. Of these, 30 (8.6%) had concomitant rotator cuff tears. Those with a rotator cuff tear were older (average age, 68.7 vs 63.1 years), were more likely to have had a dislocation (40% vs 12.5%), and were more likely to have undergone subsequent arthroscopic repair or reverse total shoulder arthroplasty than those without a rotator cuff tear. Most (22 of 30) were treated with suture repair at the time of surgery, but 5 patients underwent reverse total shoulder arthroplasty based primarily on the intraoperative finding of a significant rotator cuff tear. A concomitant rotator cuff tear in association with a proximal humerus fracture is relatively common. Rotator cuff tears are associated with older patients and those with a fracture-dislocation. In rare cases, these cases may require the availability of a reverse shoulder prosthesis.

Total elbow arthroplasty (TEA) has changed considerably in the past three decades. Based on the good long-term results with TEA in patients with rheumatoid arthritis, the indications expanded to include management of acute traumatic and posttraumatic conditions in young, higher-demand patients. Today, unlinked, linked semiconstrained, and convertible devices are available. The high complication rate with earlier surgeries led to surgical advances such as new cementing technique and a focus on managing the triceps. Complications such as infection, aseptic loosening, polyethylene wear, periprosthetic fracture, triceps insufficiency, wound breakdown, and ulnar nerve injury will continue to spur the evolution of surgical technique and implant design. Refinement of surgical indications and improvement in implant fixation, polyethylene design, component implantation, and pathology-specific implants will determine the future success of TEA.

The term “snapping bottom” was initially used by Rask1 to describe subluxation of the long head of the biceps femoris tendon at the ischial tuberosity, in what we believe to be the only reported case of this phenomenon in the literature. This entity was discovered by reproduction of the snapping during active hip flexion and with direct palpation of the snapping long head of the biceps femoris tendon over the ischial tuberosity. After unsuccessful nonoperative treatment, a tenotomy was performed; all symptoms were alleviated. There are several etiologies of the snapping hip, “coxa saltans,” which include snapping of the iliotibial band or gluteus maximus over the greater trochanter, snapping of the the iliopsoas over the iliopectineal eminence, and intra-articular lesions2. However, subluxation of the proximal hamstring origin is rarely considered in the differential diagnosis. We present the case of a woman with coxa saltans caused by subluxation of the proximal hamstring origin over the ischial tuberosity. Institutional review board approval and the patient's informed consent for publication of this information were obtained. A fifty-five-year-old female recreational tennis player presented to us with a one-year history of left buttock pain as well as audible snapping of the buttock when she bent at the hips. The symptoms began approximately one month after she sustained a hamstring strain while playing tennis. Because of the pain, she had been unable to return to athletic activities. Physical examination revealed tenderness at the hamstring origin. Full motion of the hips, knees, and back was present with no contractures. The patient reproduced the snapping with hip flexion of approximately 90° while she was in the standing position. The snapping was palpable at the ischial tuberosity and was audible. Pelvic radiographs showed no abnormalities. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) demonstrated a partial tear of the proximal …