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We present 20 patients, who had a four corner arthrodesis, from July 2006 to March 2008, using a dorsal circular plate, to treat scaphoid nonunion and scapholunate dissociation with advanced collapse (SNAC, SLAC). The surgical technique was a fusion restricted to the central area filled with one piece of cancellous bone graft taken from the excised scaphoid. Wrist motion, grip strength, and Disabilities of Arm Shoulder and Hand (DASH) score improved after surgery at a mean follow-up of 20.2 months. Fusion occurred in 19/20 patients. Two patients (10%) had persistent pain. The rest had a good clinical result. We found that four-corner fusion using a dorsal circular plate using the specific technical modifications was successful. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Background: Unicompartmental arthritic degeneration is treated by unicompartmental knee arthroplasties (UKA). The two current standards are mechanical alignment, where knee placement is perpendicular to the leg's mechanical axis and kinematic alignment, that consists of aligning the knee with the angles specific to the patient's innate bone structure. The purpose of this study was to compare knee alignment between mechanical and kinematic UKA., Methods: A retrospective study at Medstar Washington Hospital Center from 2015 to 2022 identified 156 cases of knee arthroplasties. Of these, 95 had mechanical alignments and 61 had kinematic alignments. Patients were evaluated post-surgically for Coronal Plane Alignment of the Knee (CPAK). Analysis of post-operative joint x-ray imaging was performed, and the mechanical medial proximal tibial angle (MPTA) and lateral distal femoral angle (LDFA) were measured. The arithmetic hip knee ankle angle (aHKA) and joint line obliquity (JLO) were calculated., Results: The CPAK results for mechanically aligned group demonstrated an average MPTA of 87.12 (±3), LDFA average of 86.04 (±3), aHKA average of 0.62 (±4) and JLO average of 172.57 (±4). The CPAK results for the kinematically aligned group demonstrated an average MPTA of 86.96 (±3), LDFA average of 84.67 (±3), aHKA average of 2.09 (±4), and JLO average of 171.1 (±4). A two-sample t -test on this data demonstrates statistically significant p-values of 0.004 for LDFA, 0.03 for aHKA, and 0.02 for JLO all below the 0.05 significance level. Both cohorts only contained CPAKs alignment types I and III., Conclusion: This study demonstrated that there is a statistically significant difference in knee alignment when comparing mechanically versus kinematically aligned knees which suggests that there is an advantage for patients that undergo kinematically aligned knee replacements., Competing Interests: The authors of this paper have no conflict of interest related to this manuscript content. This research did not receive any specific grant from funding agencies in the public, commercial, or not-for-profit sectors., (© 2024 Professor P K Surendran Memorial Education Foundation. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights are reserved, including those for text and data mining, AI training, and similar technologies.)

Introduction Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tears occur frequently in young athletes, and ligament repair and reconstruction are surgical treatments. Although there are suggested benefits for both approaches, there is a lack of direct comparisons between ACL repair and reconstruction.This study aims to compare the mid-term functional outcomes and quality of life measures between patients that have undergone ACL repair versus reconstruction. Methods A retrospective review was conducted for demographic and operative report data of patients who underwent an ACL repair or reconstruction between 2012 and 2018. Patients were contacted over the phone and underwent a Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS) survey evaluating pain interference, mobility, and function. Patients were excluded from the study if there was an incomplete operative note, missing contact information, or failure to answer phone calls. Results A total of 74 eligible patients were included, with n = 54 in the ACL reconstruction group (73.0%) and n = 20 in the ACL repair group (27.0%). Reconstruction patients had a PROMIS (median (IQR)) physical function score of 22.50 (16.00-59.00), as compared to repair patients' physical function score of 60.00 (21.50-60.00). There was a significant difference favoring repair (p = 0.040). In addition, ACL reconstruction patients had a significantly higher rate of additional procedures, with 63.0% of reconstruction patients receiving an additional operation as compared to 30.0% of repair patients (p = 0.017). The surgery type did not show a significant effect on physical function scores, while additional procedures remained significant in the linear regression analysis. Conclusion Although ACL repair is associated with improved physical function scores as compared to reconstruction in the univariate analysis, surgery type did not show significance when controlling for other variables. Further studies are necessary to compare patients with similar injuries to account for differences in additional procedures, but the results remain promising in assisting with patient-driven treatment decisions., Competing Interests: The authors have declared that no competing interests exist., (Copyright © 2024, Karlin et al.)

Purpose This retrospective cohort explores the efficacy of regional shoulder blocks using Exparel™ in patients undergoing total shoulder arthroplasty (TSA)/reverse total shoulder arthroplasty (RSA) to reduce total opioid prescription, refills, and length of stay in the acute care setting. Methods Patients who underwent TSA/RSA by a single surgeon in a three-year period were evaluated. Patients in the case group received liposomal bupivacaine 1.3% brachial plexus block while the control group received ropivacaine 0.5% interscalene brachial plexus block. Outcomes of the study included the number of opioids taken, opioids prescribed, and length of hospital stay. Results Thirty-six patients underwent TSA/RSA between January 2017 and March 2020. Patients who received an Exparel brachial plexus block had decreased opioid use within the first 24 hours after surgery compared to the ropivacaine group, 9.00 ± 14.10 and 26.20 ± 24.8 morphine milligram equivalent (MME), respectively (p=0.0213). Patients who received an Exparel brachial plexus block had decreased opioid prescriptions over the entire postoperative follow-up, 411.00 ± 200.74 MME in the case group and 593.07 ± 297.57 MME in the control group (p=0.0314). Lastly, patients who received an Exparel brachial plexus block had a shorter length of hospital stay, 1.28 ± 0.91 days as compared to the control group's 2.15 ± 1.49 days (p=0.0451). Conclusion This study demonstrates a significant reduction in opioid prescribing and use in patients who receive Exparel brachial plexus nerve blocks compared to non-liposomal local anesthetics, as well as a significant reduction in the length of hospital stay. The data suggest that Exparel use may decrease the risks associated with opioid use while providing adequate analgesia in patients undergoing shoulder arthroplasty., Competing Interests: The authors have declared financial relationships, which are detailed in the next section., (Copyright © 2024, Szakiel et al.)

Introduction The goal of total knee arthroplasty is to replace diseased cartilage and bone with an artificial implant to improve the patient's quality of life. The knee has historically been reconstructed to the patient's mechanical axis (MA). However, kinematically aligned techniques have been increasingly used. Kinematic alignment requires less soft-tissue resection and aligns the knee with what is anatomically natural to the patient, while there is concern that kinematically aligned knees will lead to earlier failure due to potential unequal weight distribution on the implant. The purpose of this study is to compare the parallelism from the floor of the joint-line cuts using kinematic and mechanical alignment and understand if the MA is a proper estimation of the tibial-ankle axis (TA). Methods A retrospective study was conducted by recruiting all high tibial osteotomy and distal femoral osteotomy recipients operated on by two surgeons in two MedStar Health hospitals from 01/2013 to 07/2020 with full-length films in preparation for restorative procedures. Baseline osteoarthritis was graded using the Kellgren-Lawrence classification system with all patients presenting as Grade 0. The TA and the joint-line orientations of the MA and kinematic axis (KA) were measured on 66 legs. The average distance from parallelism to the ground was compared between the MA and the KA and between the MA and the TA using a paired t-test. Results KA joint-line orientation (1.705° deviation) was more parallel to the floor in the bipedal stance phase than the MA (2.316° deviation, p=0.0156). The MA (2.316° deviation) was not a proper estimation of the TA (4.278° deviation, p=0.0001). Conclusion By utilizing the KA technique, the restoration of the natural joint line, as well as a joint that is more parallel to the floor in the stance phase compared to the MA, is achieved. The parallelism to the ground of the KA during the bipedal stance phase suggests an even load distribution across the knee. In addition, due to its similarity to the KA and anatomical significance in weight-bearing distribution, further investigation into the hip-to-calcaneal axis as an approximation of the joint line is warranted., Competing Interests: The authors have declared that no competing interests exist., (Copyright © 2024, Hamzeh et al.)

Background: Unicompartmental Knee Arthroplasties (UKAs) treat unicompartmental arthritic degeneration. Traditionally, they are placed in a mechanical alignment with bone cuts perpendicular to the leg's mechanical axis. Kinematic alignment, an alternative, considers the patient's pre-arthritic alignment., Methods: A retrospective study at Medstar Washington Hospital Center from 2015 to 2022 identified 72 UKA patients. Among them, 53 had mechanical alignments, and 20 had kinematic alignments. Using the Forgotten Joint Score (FJS) and Oxford Knee Score (OKS), Patient Reported Outcome Measures for these surgeries were recorded. Individuals were additionally analyzed post-surgically for Coronal Plane Alignment of the Knee (CPAK). Analysis was performed within the post-operative joint imaging, where mechanical medial proximal tibial angle (MPTA) and lateral distal femoral angle (LDFA) were measured. The arithmetic hip knee ankle angle (aHKA) and joint line obliquity (JLO) were calculated according to the results of MPTA-LDFA and MPTA + LDFA respectively and grouped in accordance with the CPAK classification., Results: Overall, there was a statistically significant response rate of 51% (>50%). According to the FJS, the mechanical cohort averaged a score of 39.1 (±33.8), while the kinematical cohort averaged 56.5 (±35.2). A two-sample t -test of this data demonstrated a statistically insignificant p-value of 0.1537. According to the OKS, the mechanical cohort averaged a score of 29.1 (±10) and the kinematical cohort averaged 38.4 (±8). A two-sample t -test of this data demonstrated a statistically significant p-value of <0.001. Of note, 7 patients had to undergo revisions in the mechanical alignment cohort compared to 0 in the kinematic alignment cohort due to aseptic loosening., Conclusion: This study demonstrates the potential benefit in patient outcomes for individuals who undergo a kinematic rather than mechanical alignment of their UKAs. The results of the CPAK data with the significance of LDFA are consistent with the goals of the mechanical and kinematic alignment respectively., (© 2024 Professor P K Surendran Memorial Education Foundation. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Introduction When performing total knee arthroplasty (TKA), surgeons may use either the mechanical alignment (MA) or the kinematic alignment (KA) to guide implant placement and joint balancing. By measuring preoperative and postoperative patellar height (PH), surgeons can predict knee stability after TKA. Improper PH is associated with knee instability which may complicate the postoperative course and lead to patient dissatisfaction or need for revision. The purpose of this study is to measure patellar height using the Insall-Salvati Index (ISI), Caton-Deschamps Index (CDI), and Blackburne-Peel Index (BPI) preoperatively and postoperatively in patients who underwent TKA with either MA or KA to assess for changes in patellar height. Methods We performed a retrospective eight-year review of 256 patients who underwent TKA with either MA or KA by a single surgeon at a single hospital site. We obtained demographic data, including gender, age, and BMI, via the electronic health record. Furthermore, we calculated the ISI, CDI, and BPI using necessary parameters from preoperative and postoperative radiographs. We used these measurements to assess any statistically significant difference in postoperative PH. Results The MA cohort consisted of 104 patients with an average age of 63 years and an average BMI of 34.1 kg/m 2 . The KA cohort included 152 patients with an average age of 64 years and an average BMI of 34.9 kg/m 2 .  For the MA population, the average postoperative score with ISI was 1.10 [1.05 to 1.16] (p < 0.001), with CDI was 1.05 [0.98 to 1.11] (p < 0.001), and with BPI was was 0.94 [0.89 to 0.99] (p < 0.001). While for the KA population, the average postoperative score with ISI was 1.03 [0.99 to 1.06] (p = 0.17), with CDI was 0.87 [0.82 to 0.91] (p = 0.15), and with BPI was 0.82 [0.78 to 0.86] (p = 0.34). Conclusion TKA with a KA has a statistically significant improvement in postoperative PH and better postoperative maintenance of preoperative PH. Improved PH may lead to increased patellofemoral stability and superior postoperative outcomes in patients undergoing TKA. Future studies should focus on whether differences in preoperative and postoperative PH measurements result in changes in clinical outcomes in patients with MA versus KA TKA., Competing Interests: The authors have declared financial relationships, which are detailed in the next section., (Copyright © 2022, Elkadi et al.)

Arthrofibrosis is a condition that can cause excessive scar tissue formation, leading to painful restriction of joint motion. Following total knee arthroplasty (TKA), significant arthrofibrosis can result in permanent deficits in range of motion (ROM) if not treated. Although arthroscopic lysis of adhesions (ALOA) reliably improves post-TKA ROM if performed in a timely fashion, it exposes patients to additional anesthesia, heightens the risk of infection, and increases overall medical expenses. Kinematically aligned TKA has emerged as an alternative method to mechanically aligned, basing bony cuts off of the patient's pre-arthritic anatomy while limiting need for soft tissue and ligamentous releases. This study aimed to determine whether there is a difference in the frequency of post-TKA arthrofibrosis requiring ALOA between kinematic and mechanically aligned TKA. Between 2012 and 2019, a retrospective analysis was conducted based on a single surgeon's experience. Two cohorts were made based on alignment technique. Postoperatively, patients were diagnosed with arthrofibrosis and indicated for ALOA if they had functional pain with < 90 degrees of terminal flexion at 6 weeks postoperatively despite aggressive physical therapy. Frequency of ALOA was recorded for each cohort and was regressed using independent samples t-test. The results showed no significant difference between the mechanical and kinematic cohorts for frequency of ALOA following TKA (13.2% vs. 7.3%; p = 0.2659). However, the kinematic cohort demonstrated significantly greater post-ALOA ROM compared to the mechanical group (129° vs. 113°; p = 0.0097). Future higher-powered, prospective studies are needed to clarify whether a significant difference in rates of MUA/ALOA exists between the two alignment techniques.

We present two cases of posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) repair with suture augmentation (SA) in the setting of multiligamentous knee injury (MLKI). Excellent clinical outcomes were obtained at two-year follow-up with both patients returning to sport following injury. Both patients demonstrated improvements in Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS) that exceeded the minimal clinically important difference (MCID) as reported in the literature for ligamentous knee injuries. One patient developed arthrofibrosis, which was successfully treated with manipulation under anesthesia and arthroscopic lysis of adhesions two months postoperatively. Both patients had full knee range of motion (ROM) by a one-year follow-up. One patient returned to full preinjury level of sport at six months postoperatively while the other patient returned to 50% of preinjury intensity at two-year follow-up. This series of two cases of PCL repair with SA in MLKIs demonstrates that PCL repair with SA is a viable procedure that can result in excellent short-term outcomes and restore knee stability., Competing Interests: The authors have declared financial relationships, which are detailed in the next section., (Copyright © 2021, Shu et al.)

Preoperative skin preparation with antimicrobial agents decreases the risk of surgical site infection, but concerns have been raised about the visibility of a common surgical preparatory agent (ChloraPrep; Becton, Dickinson & Co, Franklin Lakes, New Jersey), depending on skin pigmentation. Poor visibility may lead to failure to identify inadequately prepared skin, increasing the risk of surgical site infection. This study was conducted to determine whether different tints of ChloraPrep and different skin pigmentations affect the ability of orthopedic surgeons to identify the adequacy of skin preparation. The forearms of volunteers in 4 skin pigmentation categories (fair, medium-fair, medium-dark, and dark) were prepared with Hi-Lite Orange and Scrub Teal ChloraPrep, with 1 forearm prepared adequately and 1 prepared inadequately. Videos showing the forearms were obtained and compiled into a survey that was sent to orthopedic surgeons, who were asked to assess the adequacy of skin preparation. When the 4 pigmentation categories were aggregated, no difference was noted between Hi-Lite Orange and Scrub Teal tints in rates of correct identification of adequate skin preparation by respondents. When the preparation tint was not controlled for, respondents correctly identified the adequacy of skin preparation for fair and medium-fair pigmentations, but not for medium-dark and dark skin pigmentations. The Hi-Lite Orange tint was significantly easier to identify on fair and medium-fair skin pigmentations, and the Scrub Teal tint was easier to identify on medium-dark and dark skin pigmentations. To reduce the risk of surgical site infection, surgeons should use Hi-Lite Orange on patients whose skin is fair or medium-fair and Scrub Teal on patients whose skin is medium-dark or dark. [Orthopedics. 2017; 40(1):e44-e48.]., (Copyright 2016, SLACK Incorporated.)

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to determine the biomechanical effects of the remplissage repair combined with Bankart repair for engaging Hill-Sachs lesions on range of motion (ROM), translation, and glenohumeral kinematics., Methods: Six cadaveric shoulders were tested using a custom shoulder testing system. ROM, kinematics, and anterior-posterior (AP) and superior-inferior glenohumeral translations were quantified at 0° and 60° glenohumeral abduction. Six conditions were tested: intact, Bankart lesion, Bankart with 40 % Hill-Sachs lesion, Bankart repair, Bankart repair with remplissage, and remplissage repair alone., Results: Humeral external rotation (ER) and total range of motion increased significantly after the creation of the Bankart lesion at both 0° and 60° abduction. The Bankart repair restored ER to intact values at 0° and 60° abduction, and the addition of the remplissage repair did not significantly alter range of motion from the Bankart repair alone. AP translation increased following the creation of the Bankart and Hill-Sachs lesions and was restored with the Bankart repair; the remplissage did not alter translation from the Bankart repair alone. At maximum ER at 60° abduction, the apex of the humeral head shifted posteriorly and inferiorly with remplissage repair., Conclusions: The addition of the remplissage procedure combined with Bankart repair for treatment of large Hill-Sachs lesions had no statistically significant effect on ROM or translation, but altered the kinematics of the glenohumeral joint. Thus, by addressing the humeral bone defect following an anterior shoulder dislocation, the remplissage technique with concurrent Bankart repair may be a relatively minimally invasive option for converting engaging Hill-Sachs lesions to non-engaging and promoting shoulder stability, though further biomechanical and clinical studies are warranted.

Background: Therapeutic musculoskeletal injections require a clean or sterile skin preparation to minimize the risk of infections. Ultrasound guidance for this procedure requires the use of transmission gel in proximity to the injection site, and its effect on maintaining sterility is unknown., Questions/purposes: We asked: (1) Does sterile ultrasound transmission gel increase skin contamination during therapeutic orthopaedic injections? (2) Does nonsterile gel application result in increased contamination? (3) Does a manufacturer-approved ultrasound probe disinfecting agent in the form of 17.2% isopropanol and 0.28% diisobutylphenoxyethoxyethyl dimethyl benzyl ammonium chloride wipes adequately decontaminate the ultrasound transducer? (4) Does 70% isopropyl alcohol effectively decontaminate skin for administration of musculoskeletal injections?, Methods: Twenty-six healthy volunteers in an outpatient orthopaedic clinical setting were recruited. The subjects' skin was prepared to simulate a therapeutic intraarticular shoulder injection under ultrasound guidance. Four skin swabs for culture from each subject were taken: one sample before preparation with isopropyl alcohol, one sample after skin preparation, one after simulated injection procedure with sterile ultrasound transmission gel using the transducer, and one after mock procedure with nonsterile ultrasound transmission gel. In addition, samples were taken from the nonsterile ultrasound transmission gel and the transducer for culture analysis. Aerobic and anaerobic cultures were incubated during a 5-day period for bacterial species identification., Results: Sterile ultrasound gel use results in an increase in skin contamination (odds ratio [OR], 9; 95% CI, 1.4-57.1; p=0.005). Compared with sterile gel use, application of nonsterile gel did not increase contamination proportion (OR, 1.1; 95% CI, 0.8-1.7; p=0.56). All cultures from nonsterile gel were negative. None of the samples cultured directly from the ultrasound probe were positive for bacteria (0%). Skin preparation with 70% alcohol decreased the proportion of contamination when compared with unprepared skin (OR, 21.0; 95% CI, 3.1-142.2; p=0.001)., Conclusions: Use of ultrasound probes and transmission gel results in greater contamination in simulated intraarticular injections of the shoulder. As such, sterile preparation of the entire injection field, including the adjacent skin where the gel and probe are applied, may be prudent. Future studies are needed to determine if such a preparation decreases contamination and thereby infection rates related to musculoskeletal injections., Level of Evidence: Level II, therapeutic study. See the Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

Background: Although operative treatment may offer an appropriate management option for displaced glenoid fractures, there is sparse research assessing post-operative functional outcomes. This study assessed functional outcomes of patients after undergoing open reduction and internal fixation of displaced glenoid fractures., Methods: Fifteen patients were treated with open reduction and internal fixation for displaced intra-articular fractures between 2005 and 2010. The indication for operative fixation was intra-articular displacement >4 mm. Post-operative functional outcomes were assessed via retrospective chart review. Evaluation included review of pre-operative imaging for fracture type, review of post-operative plain radiographs for fracture healing, Disabilities of the Arm Shoulder and Hand (DASH) and American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeon Assessment (ASES) scores at last follow-up., Results: At a mean follow-up of 49 months (24-87 months) all patients had radiographic healing. The mean DASH score was 10 (range 0.83-29.17). Mean ASES score was 90 (range 41.7-100). No patients had evidence of hardware failure or infection., Conclusions: Open reduction and internal fixation of displaced intra-articular glenoid fractures results in stable fixation and is associated with good functional outcome., Level of Evidence: Level IV. Case series.

Educational Objectives: As a result of reading this article, physicians should be able to: (1) Identify preoperative factors that may contribute to a patient's ability to return to driving after orthopedic surgery. (2) Understand the role of upper-extremity immobilization and how it may impair a patient's ability to operate a motor vehicle. (3) Recognize how various forms of lower-extremity immobilization (e.g., controlled ankle-motion boot, cast, and Aircast Walker) affect braking reaction times and total braking times. (4) Be aware of current guidelines about when it is appropriate to return to driving following arthroscopy, lower-extremity fracture, and hip and knee arthroplasty. Few guidelines are available to assist orthopedic surgeons in advising patients about when to return to driving after orthopedic surgery. A patient's surgical procedure, postoperative weight-bearing restrictions, immobilization, and other factors influence a patient's ability to drive after orthopedic surgery. Multiple studies have used driving simulators to predict when it may be safe to return to driving after orthopedic surgery. However, study conclusions and recommendations vary significantly. This article reviews the factors contributing to a patient's ability to return to driving after orthopedic surgery and reviews recommendations based on the available literature following fracture, arthroscopy, and arthroplasty., (Copyright 2013, SLACK Incorporated.)

No established guidelines currently exist to assist orthopedic surgeons in determining when a patient may safely control a motor vehicle after undergoing simple right knee arthroscopy. Despite this lack of concrete evidence, premature postoperative driving could expose orthopedic surgeons to legal liability and, more importantly, patients to danger and further injury. Through questionnaires directed at physicians, patients, and insurance companies, the authors attempted to identify common postoperative management trends among orthopedic surgeons in an effort to better identify patterns that could help direct practice for the optimized treatment of patients after right knee arthroscopy.Although 29.7% of physicians always incorporated postoperative driving instructions during routine preoperative consultation, 57% of physicians brought up these conversations half of the time or less. In addition, when the preoperative discussions were conducted, approximately 23.6% of physicians never initiated the conversation. The majority of physicians recommended driving after narcotics were discontinued (70%), when the patient felt they could subjectively control their vehicle (57.1%), and when postoperative symptoms would allow safe driving (38.8%); these achievements were most commonly reached at 1 week postoperatively. After simple right knee arthroscopy, the common consensus indicates that patients may safely return to driving 1 week postoperatively when they are narcotic-free and feel safe to control their vehicle., (Copyright 2013, SLACK Incorporated.)

Surgical treatment for traumatic shoulder instability has progressed in tandem with the evolution of the current understanding of the anatomy and biomechanics of the shoulder. Proponents of incorporating the middle glenohumeral ligament (MGHL) in Bankart repair believe this technique could increase repair strength. The purpose of this biomechanical study was to compare the range of motion and humeral head kinematic changes that result from including the MGHL in a Bankart repair in an effort to identify possible changes in shoulder biomechanics as a result of this addition in surgical repair.Six cadaveric shoulders were tested in 4 conditions: intact, Bankart lesion, repair excluding the MGHL, and repair including the MGHL. Each condition was tested for range of motion, glenohumeral translation, and humeral head apex position. Standard Bankart repair and repair with MGHL inclusion resulted in decreased range of motion, but no statistically significant difference was found between the 2 repair types (P=.846). Anterior translation was significantly reduced with both the Bankart repair (4.8 ± .9; P=.049) and included MGHL repair (4.6 ± 0.9; P=.029). No statistically significant difference was found between both repairs (P=.993). Although both repairs showed posterior displacement of the humeral head apex when in external rotation, this trend only reached statistical significance when compared with the Bankart lesion in 90° of external rotation (P=.0456); however, no significant difference was found between the 2 repairs (P=.999). Inclusion or exclusion of the MGHL in a Bankart repair does not significantly affect the range of motion, translation, or kinematics of the glenohumeral joint., (Copyright 2013, SLACK Incorporated.)

Background: Proximal ulnar fractures have traditionally been fixed with either tension band wiring or plate and screw fixation. These traditional techniques often irritate the surrounding soft tissues, potentially leading to subsequent secondary hardware removal surgeries. Intramedullary proximal ulnar fixation provides similar rigid fixation, however, no review yet exists to support the clinical use of currently available implants., Objectives: To investigate the clinical and radiographic short-term outcomes for multiplanar locked intramedullary nails used to treat proximal ulnar fractures., Methods: A retrospective multicenter review was conducted in 28 patients with unstable olecranon fractures treated with a new multiplanar locked intramedullary nailing system (OlecraNail, Mylad Orthopedic Solutions, McLean, VA). Radiographic union was estimated, and serial clinical outcome up to one year was assessed by strength, motion, pain (visual analog scale), and a subcutaneous ulna border palpation (SCUBP) test to assess hardware prominence., Results: All fractures achieved union by 8 weeks. At 12 weeks postoperatively, all motion was within 10 degrees of the contralateral side in all directions. Of the 18 patients who underwent SCUBP testing, all 18 patients reported to have no pain at 12 weeks. At one-year follow-up, all patients had resumed normal activities, including work and athletics. All of the patients who underwent the SCUBP testing continued to have no pain., Conclusions: Multiplanar locked intramedullary nails offer effective management for proximal ulna fractures similar to those reported with plating techniques., Level of Evidence: Therapeutic Level IV. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

Soft tissue mesenchymoma is an exceptionally rare and benign neoplasm. Since its initial description in 1962, only 7 cases of cartilage predominant appendicular mesenchymoma have been reported. Of these, only 2 patients were skeletally immature. We report the clinical, pathologic, and radiologic features of a 13-year-old adolescent boy with a benign mesenchymoma in the distal leg.

Total elbow arthroplasty is the current gold standard of treatment for unreconstructable distal humerus fractures; however, longevity of the implant remains a concern in younger, more active patients. Distal humerus hemiarthroplasty offers an alternative and may allow for more durable results. The authors retrospectively evaluated the short-term clinical outcomes of 10 patients who underwent elbow hemiarthroplasty for distal humerus fractures. This short-term review suggests that distal humerus hemiarthroplasty may be an effective treatment for certain distal humerus fractures. Additional studies must be conducted to further define the role of elbow hemiarthroplasty for the treatment of complex fractures of the distal humerus., (Copyright 2012, SLACK Incorporated.)

Background: The main theoretic advantage of proximal olecranon fracture intramedullary fixation is decreased soft-tissue irritation and, potentially, less subsequent hardware removal. Despite this possible benefit, questions remain as to whether intramedullary devices are capable of controlling olecranon fractures to the same extent as locking plates. This study evaluates the ability of a novel multidirectional locking nail to stabilize comminuted fractures and directly compares its biomechanical performance with that of locking olecranon plates., Materials and Methods: We implanted 8 stainless steel locking plates and stainless steel intramedullary nails to stabilize a simulated comminuted fracture in 16 fresh-frozen cadaveric elbows. Flexion-extension, varus-valgus, gap distance, and rotational 3-dimensional angular displacement analysis was conducted over a 60° motion arc (30° to 90°) to assess fragment motion through physiologic cyclic arcs of motion and failure loading. Displacements in all planes were compared., Results: Both implants showed less than 1° of motion in all measured planes and allowed less than 1 mm of gapping through all loads tested until ultimate failure. All failures occurred by sudden, catastrophic means. The mean failure weight for the nail was 14.4 kg compared with 8.7 kg for the plate (P = .02). The nail survived 1102 cycles, whereas the plate survived 831 cycles (P = .06)., Conclusion: In simulated comminuted olecranon fractures, the multidirectional locking intramedullary nails sustained significantly higher maximum loads than the locking plates. The two implants showed no significant differences in fragment control or number of cycles survived. Surgeons can expect the multidirectional locking nails to stabilize comminuted fractures at least as well as locking plates., (Copyright © 2012 Journal of Shoulder and Elbow Surgery Board of Trustees. Published by Mosby, Inc. All rights reserved.)

Although the carcinogenic consequences of smoking are well known, further research is needed on the effects of smoking on musculoskeletal health and surgical outcomes. Orthopaedic perioperative complications of smoking include impaired healing, increased infection, delayed and/or impaired fracture union and arthrodesis, and inferior arthroplasty outcomes. The incorporation of smoking cessation protocols such as transdermal patches, chewing gum, lozenges, inhalers, sprays, bupropion, and varenicline in the perioperative period may result in substantial benefits for patients' musculoskeletal and general health.

Wear debris-induced osteolysis is a major cause of orthopedic implant aseptic loosening, and various cell types, including macrophages, monocytes, osteoblasts, and osteoclasts, are involved. We recently showed that mesenchymal stem/osteoprogenitor cells (MSCs) are another target, and that endocytosis of titanium (Ti) particles causes reduced MSC proliferation and osteogenic differentiation. Here we investigated the mechanistic aspects of the endocytosis-mediated responses of MSCs to Ti particulates. Dose-dependent effects were observed on cell viability, with doses >300 Ti particles/cell resulting in drastic cell death. To maintain cell viability and analyze particle-induced effects, doses <300 particles/cell were used. Increased production of interleukin-8 (IL-8), but not IL-6, was observed in treated MSCs, while levels of TGF-β, IL-1β, and TNF-α were undetectable in treated or control cells, suggesting MSCs as a likely major producer of IL-8 in the periprosthetic zone. Disruptions in cytoskeletal and adherens junction organization were also observed in Ti particles-treated MSCs. However, neither IL-8 and IL-6 treatment nor conditioned medium from Ti particle-treated MSCs failed to affect MSC osteogenic differentiation. Among other Ti particle-induced cytokines, only GM-CSF appeared to mimic the effects of reduced cell viability and osteogenesis. Taken together, these results strongly suggest that MSCs play both responder and initiator roles in mediating the osteolytic effects of the presence of wear debris particles in periprosthetic zones., (Copyright © 2011 Orthopaedic Research Society.)

Traumatic obturator hip dislocations are rare injuries that are typically diagnosed and managed acutely. We encountered a patient who presented with a painful hip 2 months after sustaining an undiagnosed traumatic obturator hip dislocation. After failed closed treatment, the hip was reduced with open reduction, utilizing a Kocher approach and a trochanteric osteotomy. At 15 months postoperatively, the patient maintained a functional range of motion without clinical or radiographic signs of posttraumatic arthritis or avascular necrosis.

Fracture healing describes the normal post-traumatic physiologic process of bone regeneration. Commonly, this complicated process occurs without interruption, however, certain clinical situations exist that may benefit from the usage of bone healing enhancement agents. Bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs) assist in the process of bone healing by recruiting bone-forming cells to the area of trauma. The usage of BMP currently has two FDA-approved indications: (1) treatment of acute tibial fractures treated with intramedullary fixation and (2) treatment of long bone non-union. Despite this limited scope, off-label BMP usage continues to push the envelope for new applications. Although proven to be clinically successful, BMP use must be balanced with the large costs associated with their application. Regardless, more prospective randomised clinical trials must be conducted to validate and expand the role of BMP in the setting of trauma., (Copyright © 2010 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Bipolar clavicular dislocation rarely occurs. Although referred to by several different names (panclavicular dislocation, bifocal clavicle dislocation, traumatic floating clavicle, and periarticular clavicle dislocation), knowledge regarding appropriate treatment of this condition is limited. Conservative therapy remains the gold standard in asymptomatic individuals. In younger individuals with higher functional demands, or individuals with persistent pain or instability, open reduction with internal fixation of the acromioclavicular joint has also proven successful. In situations with continued medial instability, internal fixation can be used at both the acromioclavicular joint and sternoclavicular joint.Chronic bipolar dislocation may require total claviculectomy, especially when chronic dislocation has led to nonviable acromioclavicular and sternoclavicular joint viability. This article presents a chronic case of bipolar dislocation treated by complete claviculectomy., (Copyright 2011, SLACK Incorporated.)

We prospectively monitored pain scores on 24 patients who underwent bilateral total knee arthroplasty (TKA). Patients were blinded to receiving either a functional or placebo pain control infusion pumps. After 3 days, pump volume was recorded, and patients were asked to identify which knee they believed received the functional pain control infusion pump. Fourteen patients (58%) correctly identified their knee with the functional pain control infusion pump. Pump volumes ranged from 70 to 310 mL, with an average flow rate of 4.3 mL/hour. Positive identification rates were similar to rates routinely generated from standard placebo symptom treatment pain trials (0%-60%). Our data suggest that the placebo effect plays at least a partial role in pain control infusion pump effectiveness, and that pain control infusion pump use for TKA unpredictably contributes to postoperative pain management. [corrected]

Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tear is a commonly occurring injury that often demands surgical reconstruction. Although the utility of this operation is widely accepted, many specific components, including graft fixation technique, remain controversial. Many clinicians favor transverse femoral implant fixation for soft tissue ACL grafts. This technique can be accomplished successfully; however, in a minority of the cases, the femoral implant can be excessively prominent, leading to iatrogenic postoperative iliotibial band syndrome. This article presents 4 patients that developed postoperative iliotibial band syndrome resulting from transverse femoral implant prominence. Despite achievement of knee ligamentous stability, implant prominence compromised final clinical results following ACL reconstruction. Through change in Lysholm value, we reviewed the clinical outcomes of these patients following femoral implant hardware removal for treatment of iliotibial band syndrome. On hardware removal, all patients demonstrated complete symptomatic improvement, mirroring an average Lysholm value increase of 38. We believe transverse femoral implant prominence is avoidable, and subsequent iliotibial band syndrome is a preventable postoperative complication., (Copyright 2010, SLACK Incorporated.)

Fractures of the distal radius occur commonly, and volar plating has emerged as a current, successful, and popular treatment for this injury. When this technology fails, salvage procedures must be selected that aim to maximize wrist motion and minimize pain. We present a case of volar radioscapholunate wrist arthrodesis in the setting of unfeasible intraoperative volar osteotomy to treat a malunited distal radius fracture., (Copyright 2010. Published by Elsevier Inc.)

We present 20 patients, who had a four corner arthrodesis, from July 2006 to March 2008, using a dorsal circular plate, to treat scaphoid nonunion and scapholunate dissociation with advanced collapse (SNAC, SLAC). The surgical technique was a fusion restricted to the central area filled with one piece of cancellous bone graft taken from the excised scaphoid. Wrist motion, grip strength, and Disabilities of Arm Shoulder and Hand (DASH) score improved after surgery at a mean follow-up of 20.2 months. Fusion occurred in 19/20 patients. Two patients (10%) had persistent pain. The rest had a good clinical result. We found that four-corner fusion using a dorsal circular plate using the specific technical modifications was successful.