Search

Background: Radiographic fracture classification helps with research on prognosis and treatment. AO/OTA classification into fracture type has shown to be reliable, but further classification of fractures into subgroups reduces the interobserver agreement and takes a considerable amount of practice and experience in order to master. Questions/purposes: We assessed: (1) differences between more and less experienced trauma surgeons based on hip fractures treated per year, years of experience, and the percentage of their time dedicated to trauma, (2) differences in the interobserver agreement between classification into fracture type, group, and subgroup, and (3) differences in the interobserver agreement when assessing fracture stability compared to classifying fractures into type, group and subgroup. Methods: This study used the Science of Variation Group to measure factors associated with variation in interobserver agreement on classification of proximal femur fractures according to the AO/OTA classification on radiographs. We selected 30 anteroposterior radiographs from 1061 patients aged 55 years or older with an isolated fracture of the proximal femur, with a spectrum of fracture types proportional to the full database. To measure the interobserver agreement the Fleiss’ kappa was determined and bootstrapping (resamples = 1000) was used to calculate the standard error, z statistic, and 95% confidence intervals. We compared the Kappa values of surgeons with more experience to less experienced surgeons. Results: There were no statistically significant differences in the Kappa values on each classification level (type, group, subgroup) between more and less experienced surgeons. When all surgeons were combined into one group, the interobserver reliability was the greatest for classifying the fractures into type (kappa, 0.90; 95% CI, 0.83 to 0.97; p < 0.001), reflecting almost perfect agreement. When comparing the kappa values between classes (type, group, subgroup), we found statistically significant differences between each class. Substantial agreement was found in the clinically relevant groups stable/unstable trochanteric, displaced/non-displaced femoral neck, and femoral head fractures (kappa, 0.60; 95% CI, 0.53 to 0.67, p < 0.001). Conclusions: This study adds to a growing body of evidence that relatively simple distinctions are more reliable and that this is independent of surgeon experience.

Introduction Dislocation/subluxation of the Extensor Carpi Ulnaris (ECU) tendon is a rare condition in the general population, but is a common problem among athletes that subject their wrists to forceful rotational movements. Pain and snapping sensation at the dorsoulnar aspect of the wrist especially during supination are the predominant symptoms that often necessitate surgical intervention. Case presentation We present a case of a professional water-polo athlete with recurrent ECU tendon dislocation, in whom a combination of direct repair of the tendon's subsheath and reinforcement with an extensor retinaculum graft led to definitive resolution of her symptoms and resulted in her uneventful return to high-level sport activities 4 months postoperatively. Conclusions The treatment of symptomatic ECU instability is still controversial, especially for acute dislocations. Depending on the type of injury many surgical techniques have been proposed. Combination of direct repair of the tendon's subsheath and reinforcement with an extensor retinaculum graft is a reliable option.

However, a great proportion of men with osteoporosis are not diagnosed and do not receive any treatment. This phenomenon is observed even in men who have sus-tained an osteoporotic fracture, with only about 10% under anti-osteoporotic treatment. It is also worrisome that studies that have highlighted the underdiagnosis/undertreatment problem come from countries with advanced health utilities.

In children with brachial plexus birth palsy, the unopposed contraction of the shoulder internal rotators and adductors, secondary to weakness of the external rotators and abductors, leads to internal rotation contracture of the shoulder joint. Latissimus dorsi and/or teres major tendon transfers combined with open musculotendinous lengthening can improve shoulder function. Arthroscopic release of the anterior glenohumeral ligaments, capsule and upper intra-articular subscapularis tendon, with or without tendon transfer(s), can also be performed in young children to restore external rotation and abduction of the shoulder. Joint alignment, thus obtained, may provide improvement of glenohumeral joint morphology in the long term, although the extent of glenoid remodeling has not been well defined. The authors review and discuss the recent literature on arthroscopic release, with or without tendon transfers, for reduction of the glenohumeral joint subluxation and for restoration of external rotation. Both pathologies respond well to these procedures. According to the literature, arthroscopic release "alone" may be sufficient in children up to 3 years. This minimally invasive procedure restores function successfully, and leads to a centered glenohumeral joint and to glenoid remodeling. A successful arthroscopic release of the shoulder in a 2.5-year-old child is described.

Nerve wrapping materials have been manufactured to inhibit nerve tissue adhesions and diminish inflammatory and immunologic reactions in nerve surgery. Collagen nerve wrap is a biodegradable type I collagen material that acts as an interface between the nerve and the surrounding tissues. Its main advantage is that it stays in place during the period of tissue healing and is then gradually absorbed once tissue healing is completed. This article presents a surgical technique that used a collagen nerve wrap for the management of median nerve tissue adhesions in 2 patients with advanced carpal tunnel syndrome due to median nerve scarring and adhesions. At last follow-up, both patients had complete resolution with no recurrence of their symptoms. Complications related to the biodegradable material were not observed. [ Orthopedics . 2015; 38(2):117–121.]

Several surgical techniques have been described for the treatment of posterior shoulder dislocation depending on the time elapsed between injury and surgery and the size of the humeral head impression fracture. When the bone defect is between 25% and 50% of the articular surface of the head, the procedures of choice are autologous bone graft or allograft or subscapularis tendon or lesser tuberosity transfer. In neglected cases in which patients undergo surgery more than 3 weeks after injury, no standard accepted treatment for this injury exists. This article presents a modification of the McLaughlin technique for patients with neglected locked posterior dislocation of the shoulder. Using this technique, the shape of the humeral head was nearly restored with impaction of morselized bone allograft; two suture anchors were inserted into the defect, and the lesser tuberosity with the attached sub-scapularis tendon was transferred into the defect and secured with sutures. Postoperative rehabilitation included immobilization of the shoulder with an external rotation brace for 6 weeks followed by progressive passive, active-assisted, and active range of motion and rotator cuff strengthening exercises for another 6 weeks. This technique resulted in pain-free range of motion, a stable shoulder, and good joint congruency.

Spinal instrumentation constructs are frequently necessary for the surgical management of patients with variable spinal pathology. However, surgical complications may appear. These should be detected early and managed to achieve recovery and good functional outcome for the patient. This article provides an in-depth analysis of the most common instrumentation-related complications of spine surgery as well as a diagnostic plan and treatment options for the management of these challenging entities once they occur.

Biceps and triceps tendon ruptures are rather uncommon injuries and are most commonly diagnosed clinically. Magnetic resonance imaging can help the clinician to differentiate an incomplete tear and define any degeneration of the tendon. Surgical anatomical repair is typically performed in acute complete ruptures whereas nonoperative treatment can be used for partial ruptures, as well as for patients unfit for surgery. Single incision techniques are associated with a higher rate of nerve injuries, while double incision repairs have a higher prevalence of heterotopic ossification. Although various fixation methods have been applied including bone tunnels, interference screws, suture anchors, cortical button fixation, the current evidence does not support the superiority of one method over the other. A well-planned postoperative rehabilitation programme is essential for a good final outcome. As better fixation devices are being used, more aggressive rehabilitation programmes have been applied. Epidemiology, clinical evaluation, diagnosis, surgical and conservative management of these injuries are presented in this review along with the authors' preferred technique for the anatomical repair of acute complete ruptures.

Full article available online at Healio.com/Orthopedics. Search: 20120919-26 Posterior dislocation of the shoulder is an uncommon injury. Diagnosis is difficult and often missed. Once diagnosed, management must be individualized depending on the amount of the defect of the humeral head and the time from injury. This article pres-ents a case of a 40-year-old man with a 4-month history of bilateral locked posterior fracture–dislocation of the shoulders after a grand mal seizure. Imaging showed loss of the glenohumeral joint lines congruency, reverse Hill-Sachs lesions, and articular defects of 35% and 40% of the humeral heads. A modified McLaughlin technique was performed in both shoulders in a single stage. Through the standard deltopec-toral approach, the lesser tuberosity was osteotomized with the subscapularis and capsule attached and elevated to expose the humeral head and glenoid. The shape of the humeral head was restored by packing the defect with morselized bone allograft. Before packing the allograft into the defect, 2 absorbable suture anchors were inserted at the bottom of the defect; the lesser tuberosity was transferred into the defect, and fixed with 2 transosseous horizontal mattress sutures. Stable fixation was evaluated intraoperatively, and the wound was closed in layers. Postoperatively, both shoulders were immobilized with external rotation braces for 6 weeks, followed by passive, active-assisted, and progressively active range of shoulder motion and rotator cuff strengthening exercises for the next 6 weeks. At 12 weeks postoperatively, full range of motion was accomplished, and full activity was allowed. At 22-month follow-up, the patient was satisfied with his level of function; both shoulder joints were painless and stable without apprehension or recurrence of instability. Radiographs showed congru -ent joints and complete incorporation of the allograft into the defect with restoration of the shape of the humeral head.