Fracture line and comminution zone characteristics, and rotator cuff footprint involvement in OTA/AO 11C3-type proximal humeral fractures: complex proximal humerus fracture map

PURPOSE

To identify fracture characteristics and zones of comminution as well as the relationship with anatomic landmarks and rotator cuff footprint involvement in OTA/AO 11C3-type proximal humerus fractures.

METHODS

Computed tomography images of 201 OTA/AO 11C3 fractures were included. Fracture lines were superimposed to a 3D proximal humerus template, created from a healthy right humerus, after fracture fragment reduction on 3D reconstruction images. Rotator cuff tendon footprints were marked on the template. Lateral, anterior, posterior, medial, and superior views were captured for the interpretation of fracture line and comminution zone distribution as well as to define the relationship with anatomic landmarks and rotator cuff tendon footprints.

RESULTS

A total of 106 females and 95 males (mean age = 57.5 ± 17.7 [range 18-101] years) with 103 C3.1-, 45 C3.2-, and 53 C3.3-type fractures were included. On the lateral, medial, and superior humeral surfaces, fracture lines and comminution zones were distributed differently in 3 groups. Tuberculum minus and medial calcar region were significantly less severely affected in C3.1 and C3.2 fractures than C3.3 fractures. The supraspinatus footprint was the most severely affected rotator cuff footprint area.

CONCLUSIONS

Specifically defining the certain differences for repeatable fracture patterns and comminution zones in OTA/AO 11C3-type fractures and the relationship between the rotator cuff footprint and the joint capsule may contribute to the decision-making process of surgeons.

The effect of postoperative sling immobilization and early mobilization on clinical and functional outcomes after arthroscopic rotator cuff repair: A propensity score-matched analysis

BACKROUND

Optimal postoperative management is controversial after arthroscopic rotator cuff repair (ARCR).

OBJECTIVE

The aim of the study was to evaluate outcomes of patients with and without postoperative sling immobilization after undergoing arthroscopic RCR rotator cuff repair.

METHOD

369 arthroscopic full thickness superior rotator cuff tears (RCT) with a minimum follow-up of 6 months were included in this study. Propensity score matching was performed for age, sex, BMI, and tear size. Pain (VAS score), shoulder range of motion (ROM), functional outcome (ASES, Constant-Murley [CM] and Oxford shoulder score [OSS]), and health related quality of life (SF-36) scores were compared between patients with and without sling immobilization.

RESULTS

According to the propensity match score, 92 patients (50 sling immobilization and 42 no sling immobilization) were matched to be almost identical in age (62.5 ± 8.0 vs. 61.8 ± 5.9), sex (female 78% vs. 76.2%), BMI (28.1 ± 2.8 vs. 27.8 ± 2.6), and tear size (2.7 ± 1.1 vs. 2.9 ± 0.8). The postoperative physical functioning domain of SF-36 scores was found to be significantly higher in the no sling group (p= 0.034).

CONCLUSION

Early mobilization after arthroscopic small and medium sized full thickness superior rotator cuff repair is associated with improved ROM and quality of life scores.

Fracture lines and comminution zones in acetabular fractures based on three dimensional computed tomography

PURPOSE

To characterize the fracture patterns of acetabular fractures and create fracture maps and comminution zones based on three-dimensional (3D) computed tomography (CT) images.

METHODS

Sixty-eight computed tomography images of 67 patients (47 male [70.1%] and 20 female [29.9%], mean age: 45.2 ± 17.2 [range, 18-85 years] with the diagnosis of intra-articular acetabulum fracture were analyzed. Individual fracture lines were drawn and superimposed to a healthy acetabular template according to Judet-Letournel and simplified fracture classification systems. Fracture line, comminution zone, and heat maps were created using the computed tomography mapping technique.

RESULTS

Fracture lines were distributed mainly in a horizontal and oblique orientation, which concentrated in the anteroinferior part of the joint in anterior fractures. Posterior fractures mostly had an oblique orientation, which lied between the acetabular dome and middle part of the posterior wall. In complex fractures, fracture lines were concentrated just above the cotyloid fossa, acetabular dome, and posterosuperior part of the acetabulum. The most common comminuted zones were around the central area of the articular surface and the anterior wall in anterior fractures, between the cotyloid fossa and dome in complex fractures, and the upper half posterior wall.

CONCLUSION

Fracture patterns and comminution zones of acetabular fractures displayed certain characteristics. Some areas had higher comminution zones, and some areas remained intact in repeatable fracture patterns. These results may help surgeons in fixing acetabular fractures, designing new implants, and placement of acetabular component while performing THA after acetabular fractures.

The impact of the level of anxiety and temperament in asymptomatic or mildly symptomatic patients requesting implant removal surgery after tibia intramedullary nailing

BACKROUND

Implant removal (IR) surgery is one of the most frequent procedures in orthopedic practice. Many of the IR surgeries result from patient request rather than a medical necessity. The purpose of the study was to investigate the association between the level of anxiety, type of temperament and psychopathological status, and the willingness to receive IR surgery in asymptomatic or mildly symptomatic patients. We also aimed to compare pre- and postoperative pain scores and document the complication rates after IR surgery.

METHODS

The patients who received tibia intramedullary nailing after tibia diaphyseal fracture with a minimum of 18 months follow-up were included in the study. A total of 246 asymptomatic or mildly symptomatic patients were evaluated, and all patients received detailed oral and written information about the risks of IR surgery. The patients who wished to receive IR surgery were called Group 1 (N = 104), and the patients who did not wish to have surgery were called Group 2 (N = 146). All patients were referred to a psychologist to complete the Beck anxiety inventory (BAI), Symptom checklist-90-R (SCL-R-90), and the Temperament Evaluation of Memphis, Pisa, and San Diego Autoquestionnaire (TEMPS-A).

RESULTS

The mean age of the patients was 32.31 ± 9.56. One hundred thirteen (45.9%) of the patients were male, and 133 were female (54%). Mean BAI and SCL-90-R were higher in Group 1 than Group 2 (P = 0.001). Anxious and irritable temperament was higher in Group 1 (P = 0.045 and P = 0.035 respectively), and non-dominant and hyperthymic temperament was higher in Group 2 (P = 0.02 and P = 0.04 respectively).

CONCLUSIONS

The level of anxiety and type of temperament is associated with the willingness to receive implant removal surgery in asymptomatic or mildly symptomatic patients. Measures to reduce anxiety levels may reduce the rate of unnecessary implant removal surgeries, associated patient care costs, and potential complications.

The effect of watching shoulder ROM changes on functional outcome and quality of life following arthroscopic rotator cuff repair

PurposeThis study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of watching video records of their shoulder motion changes on functional outcomes and quality of life after arthroscopic rotator cuff repair (ARCR). Methods The patients were divided into two groups. In Group 1, video records of pre- and postoperative shoulder motions were recorded and showed. In Group 2, no video was showed to the patients. In Group 1, the first postoperative evaluation was done before video watching, and the second evaluation was done just after watching video records. In Group 2, the first and second postoperative measurements were performed with 10-20 days interval. The Constant Murley score (CS), the American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons score (ASES), the Short-Form 36 (SF-36) score, and active shoulder range of motion (ROM) values were used as an outcome tool. Results A total of 196 patients (Group 1; 76 patients and Group 2; 120 patients) with a mean age of 62.06 ± 7.17 years were included. There was a significant improvement in postoperative scores of SF-36 subscales (except emotional well-being and energy/fatigue), ASES, CM scores, and joint ROM values when compared to preoperative values for both groups (p < .001). The first postoperative outcomes were similar between groups (p > .05). In the second postoperative evaluation, emotional role functioning, energy/fatigue, emotional well-being, health change subscales of SF-36, and ASES scores were significantly higher in Group 1 compared with Group 2 (p < .05). Conclusion When patients watch the pre- and postoperative video records of their shoulder ROM after ARCR, patients' satisfaction and well-being perception increase in the short-term despite unchanged shoulder ROM.

Correlation between Harris, modified Harris hip, and Oxford hip scores of patients who underwent hip arthroplasty and hemiarthroplasty following hip fracture

BACKGROUND

Harris hip score (HHS), modified HHS (MHHS), and Oxford hip score (OHS) were designed to determine the functional outcomes after primary total hip arthroplasty (THA). The aim of this study was to evaluate the correlation between MHHS, HHS, and OHS in different populations of arthroplasty such as primary THA, revision THA, THA for Crowe Type IV developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH), and hip hemiarthroplasty (HA).

METHODS

A total of 399 patients (254 females and 145 males) that included 128 cases of primary THA, 36 of revision THA, 200 of HA, and 35 of THA with femoral shortening osteotomy with a minimum of 24 months of follow-up were included. HHS, MHHS, and OHS were calculated for each patient and the correlation between theses scores was evaluated for each subgroup.

RESULTS

The overall mean age was 67.5±14.3 years. The mean HHS, MHHS, and OHS were 74.9±17.9, 75.7±18.7, and 38.7±12.5, respectively. A very strong correlation was observed between HHS and MHHS (r=0.995, p=0.000) as well as between HHS and OHS (r=0.845, p=0.003) in the general study population. In subgroup analysis, there was a very strong correlation between HHS and MHHS in primary THA, revision THA, THA in hip HA, and Crowe Type IV DDH groups (r=0.984, p=0.000; r=0.977, p=0.000; r=0.984, p=0.000; and r=0.995, p=0.000; respectively). However, there was a significant correlation between HHS and OHS in these groups except revision THA group (r=0.851, p=0.023; r=0.587, p=0.069; r=0.989, p=0.002; and r=0.965, p=0.000; respectively).

CONCLUSION

This is the first study to investigate the usefulness of MHHS and OHS in hip HA and THA in patients with Crowe Type IV DDH. Our findings suggest that MHHS and OHS are useful for evaluating functional outcomes with HA, primary and revision THA, and THA with femoral shortening osteotomy for Crowe type IV DDH.

A novel plating technique for Ideberg type 1 A glenoid fractures: a report of five patients

BACKGROUND

Glenoid rim fractures are uncommon and generally associated with high complication rates. The most common treatment techniques include screw or anchor fixation. Here, we introduce a new fixation method to treat Ideberg type 1 A fractures.

METHODS

A retrospective analysis was performed on patients treated with open reduction and plate fixation for Ideberg type 1 A fractures. The active range of motion capacity of both shoulders was recorded postoperatively. Constant-Murley score and Oxford disability index scores were used as outcome tools.

RESULTS

Five patients (three men and two women) were evaluated; their mean age was 56 years (standard deviation (SD), 10 years). The mean follow-up period was 25 months (range, 6-69 months); all fractures healed radiologically during the follow-up period. The mean Constant-Murley score was 80.36 (SD 11.01); the mean Oxford disability index was 37 (SD 9). The subsequent flexion and external rotation of the injured shoulders were similar to those of the uninjured side (injured vs. uninjured side: flexion, 176 ± 5.4 vs. 178 ± 4.4; external rotation, 48 ± 10.9 vs. 60 ± 0). No patient showed signs of osteoarthritis, stiffness, instability, or chronic pain at the last follow-up.

DISCUSSION

Open reduction and internal fixation with a plate is suitable for Ideberg type 1A glenoid fractures.

A Comprehensive Coronal and Axial Bone Dimension and Cartilage Thickness Evaluation of the Distal Humerus: Age and Sex Differences

OBJECTIVE

There are limited data on bone dimension and cartilage thickness of the distal humeral articular surface. This study aimed to evaluate sex- and age-related bone dimension and cartilage thickness differences and assess the effect of cartilage thickness on distal humeral shape.

DESIGN

Elbow magnetic resonance images of 180 healthy participants were evaluated. Cartilage thicknesses of the trochlea and capitellum were measured at 19 points using coronal and axial images. In addition, bone diameters were measured from the flexion-extension axis to the 19 points on the coronal and axial magnetic resonance images. Sex differences were evaluated, and the correlation between age and measurement parameters was assessed.

RESULTS

Significant sex differences regarding the diameters of the axial trochlear bone, coronal lateral trochlear bone, and medial capitellar bone, cartilage thickness at the apex of the lateral trochlear ridge in the axial and coronal plane and at the most lateral point of the capitellar articular surface in the axial plane were observed. A negative correlation was observed between age and axial plane trochlear bone dimensions and between age and coronal plane lateral trochlear and medial capitellar bone dimensions. No significant correlation was found between cartilage thickness and bone dimensions.

CONCLUSIONS

Bone dimension and cartilage thickness at the distal humerus vary according to sex and age. The data could be used in the donor site selection and graft preparation while osteochondral autograft transfer and allograft transplantation, and in the development of gender-compatible hemiarthroplasty implants.

A comparison of clinical, radiological, and quality-of-life outcomes of double-plate internal and Ilizarov external fixations for Schatzker type 5 and 6 tibia plateau fractures

PURPOSE

To compare clinical, functional, and radiological outcomes in patients with bicondylar tibial fractures treated with either double-plate or Ilizarov external fixation.

METHODS

Patients with Schatzker type 5 and 6 tibial plateau fractures who were treated with double-plate (Group O) and Ilizarov external fixations (Group E) between March 2012 and April 2018 were selected. Demographic data and preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative variables were analyzed and compared. In the last follow-up, the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC), Oxford Knee Score (OKS), Knee Society Score-Knee (KSS-Knee), KSS-Function (KSS-F), and Short-Form Health Survey (SF-36) were used to measure clinical and functional outcomes. Treatment costs and complication rates were also recorded and compared.

RESULTS

A total of 64 patients (43 men and 21 women) were included in the study (group O: 36, group E: 28). WOMAC, KSS-F, KSS-Knee, and OKS scores were similar between the two groups (P > 0.05). The role limitations due to emotional problems, emotional well-being, and social functioning domains of SF-36 were higher in group O (P < 0.001). Three (8.3%) deep infections occurred in group O, whereas no deep infection was observed in group E (P = 0.035). The treatment cost was higher in group O (P < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

In bicondylar tibial plateau fractures, functional outcomes of ORIF and Ilizarov method milar were sibut, role limitations due to emotional problems, emotional well-being and social functioning domains of SF-36 score were higher in ORIF group. However, Ilizarov method is more cost-effective and related with lesser complications.

Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on orthopedic fracture characteristics in three hospitals in Turkey: A multi-center epidemiological study

Objectives

In this study, we present the use of case specific three- dimensional (3D) printed plastic models and custom-made acetabular implants in orthopedic surgery.

Materials and methods

Between March 2018 and September 2020, surgeries were simulated using plastic models manufactured by 3D printers on the two patients with pilon fractures. Also, custom-made acetabular implants were used on two patients with an acetabular bone defect for the revision of total hip arthroplasty (THA).

Results

More comfortable surgeries were experienced in pilon fractures using preoperative plastic models. Similarly, during the follow-up period, the patients that applied custom-made acetabular implants showed a fixed and well-positioning in radiographic examination. These patients did not experience any surgical complications and achieved an excellent recovery.

Conclusion

Preoperative surgical simulation with 3D printed models can increase the comfort of fracture surgeries. Also, custom-made 3D printed acetabular implants can perform an important task in patients treated with revision THA surgery due to severe acetabular defects.

Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on orthopedic fracture characteristics in three hospitals in Turkey: A multi-center epidemiological study

Objectives

The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of novel coronavirus-2019 (COVID-19) on the epidemiological characteristics of orthopedic fractures.

Patients and methods

A total of 2,960 patients (1,755 males, 1,205 females; mean age: 39.6 years; range, 1 to 98 years) with orthopedic fractures were included in the study: 552 patients during the pandemic period (March 10th and July 1st, 2020) and 1,158 control patients in the same period 2019 and 1,250 control patients in 2018. Epidemiological characteristics, injury mechanisms, fracture locations and treatment details of the patients were analyzed and compared between 2018, 2019 and 2020 for adult and pediatric populations.

Results

Of a total of 552 patients, 485 were adults and 67 were pediatric patients. In the control groups, of 1,158 patients (2019), 770 were adults and 378 were pediatric patients and, of 1,250 patients (2018), 857 were adults and 393 were pediatric patients. The proportion of proximal femur and hand fractures significantly increased during the pandemic period (p=0.025 and p=0.038, respectively). The most frequent surgical indication in the pandemic period was proximal femoral fracture. The proportion of home accidents as an injury mechanism significantly increased in the pandemic period compared to 2018 and 2019 (48.5% vs. 18.6% and 20.6%, respectively; p=0.000). The proportion of female pediatric patients significantly increased during the pandemic period compared to 2018 and 2019 (44.8% vs. 25.4% and 27.2%, respectively, p=0.004). The proportion of forearm fractures (p=0.001) also increased, and the proportion of tibia-fibula fractures (p=0.03) decreased. The most frequent surgical indication in pediatric patients was distal humeral fracture in both groups.

Conclusion

During the pandemic period, proximal femoral fractures in the elderly remained a concern. In-home preventative strategies may be beneficial to reduce the incidence of hip fractures in the elderly.

The effect of lumbar facet joint injection levels on spinopelvic parameters and functional outcome

BACKGROUND

Low back pain is a very common musculoskeletal complaint that impacts patients' quality of life in numerous ways. Facet joint injection is a widely used spinal intervention to relieve back pain. Effects of facet joint injection on spinopelvic parameters and the relationship between injection levels and spinopelvic parameter changes have not been evaluated before.

OBJECTIVE

To compare spinopelvic parameters before and after injections at different levels, and to evaluate the correlation between these changes and functional outcome.

METHODS

144 patients were included in the study and retrospectively grouped by injection level: Group 1 (n= 72), L4-L5 and L5-S1, and group 2 (n= 72), L1-L2, L2-L3, L3-L4, L4-L5 and L5-S1. Pre- and post-injection Oswestry Disability Index (ODI), sacral slope, pelvic tilt, pelvic incidence, and intervertebral angles between T12 and S1 were compared. The correlation between ODI and radiographic parameter changes was evaluated.

RESULTS

The pre- to post-injection ODI change was significantly lower in group 2 (p= 0.010). There was no significant difference between the groups in terms of pre- and post-injection spinopelvic parameters before and after injection (p> 0.05) except pelvic tilt (p= 0.001 and p= 0.007, respectively). There was a significant moderate positive correlation between the change in the ODI value and the change in pelvic tilt (P= 0.012, r= 0.581).

CONCLUSIONS

Multilevel lumbar facet injections are clinically more effective than only two-level lower level lumbar injections. Pelvic tilt changes positively correlate with the ODI score changes.

Effect of Smoking on Postoperative Function and Quality of Life After Full Thickness Arthroscopic Rotator Cuff Repair: A Retrospective Analysis

PURPOSE

The effect of smoking on preoperative and postoperative outcome scores as well as quality of life measurements after arthroscopic rotator cuff repair (ARCR) has not been fully understood, and studies regarding this are lacking in the literature. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of smoking on function and quality of life after ARCR.

METHODS

Two-hundred patients who underwent full-thickness ARCR with a minimum 1-year follow-up period were included and evaluated retrospectively. The patients were divided into two groups: smokers (Group 1, 59 patients) and nonsmokers (Group 2, 141 patients). Pre- and postoperative Constant Murley (CM) scores, American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES) scores, visual analogue scale scores (VASs), and Short-Form 36 health survey (SF-36) scores were used to evaluate functional and quality of life outcomes. The correlation between the smoking amount (pack-years) and outcomes was evaluated.

RESULTS

A total of 200 patients included into study (90 male and 110 female) with mean age of 62.68 ± 3.98. There was no statistically significant difference between the two groups regarding preoperative scores, except in the ASES score (P = 0.021 ) Additionally, there was a statistically significant difference between the groups regarding postoperative CM score, ASES score, and VAS, and in physical functioning and role limitations due to physical health domains of the SF-36 (P = 0.029, P = 0.038, P = 0.021 and P = 0.020, respectively). There were small to moderate negative correlations between amount of smoking and preoperative physical functioning, role limitations from emotional problems, energy/fatigue, emotional well-being, and pain domains of the SF-36. However, there were moderate to strong negative correlations between amount of smoking and postoperative SF-36 domains.

CONCLUSION

Preoperative and postoperative functional outcome scores, and quality of life measurements are negatively affected from smoking. As the amount of smoking increases, postoperative results are negatively affected.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

3.

Factors affecting dislocation after bipolar hemiarthroplasty in patients with femoral neck fracture

PURPOSE

This study aimed to investigate the anatomic risk factors associated with dislocation following bipolar hemiarthroplasty for the treatment of femoral neck fracture.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We retrospectively reviewed 208 consecutive patients (133 women, 75 men) with femoral neck fractures who were treated with bipolar hemiarthroplasty between 2015 and 2018. A comparative analysis was performed between dislocation (n = 18) and non-dislocation (n = 190) groups in terms of patient demographics, surgical and pelvic morphologic factors, and clinical outcomes, including postoperative Harris and modified Harris hip scores. Independent risk factors affecting dislocation were also evaluated.

RESULTS

The mean follow-up period was 30.8 ± 2.0 (range, 12-48) months. The mean age was 79.2 ± 7.4 (range, 71-94) years. The dislocation rate was 8.6% (18/208), and the mean dislocation time after operation was 2.0 ± 1.1 (range, 1-4) months. Patient-related factors did not differ between the dislocated and non-dislocated groups. As regards dislocation, statistically significant difference was observed in surgical and pelvic morphologic factors, including femoral offset, residual femoral neck length, trochanter upper end and femoral head center distance, and height of the hip center of the operated side (p = 0.025, p = 0.013, p = 0.002, p = 0.008, respectively). Moreover, the femoral offset, height of the hip center, and femoral neck-shaft angle of the non-operated side are significantly different between the groups (p = 0.007, p = 0.001, p = 0.027, respectively). Decrease in the center edge (CE) angle, offset of prosthesis, and increase in femoral head extrusion index (FHEI) of the operated side and decrease in the height of the hip center of the non-operated side increased the risk of dislocation (p = 0.030, OR: 1,306; p = 0.041, OR: 8.15; p = 0.020, OR: 1.038; p = 0.010, OR: 2.02, respectively).

CONCLUSIONS

Pelvic morphologic features and surgical factors were found to affect dislocation. Patients with smaller OP, CE angle of the operated side, and higher FHEI and smaller height of the hip center of the non-operated side should be carefully monitored to decrease postoperative dislocation.

Pediatric Radioulnar Synostosis after Olecranon Fracture: A Case Report

Radioulnar synostosis which develops after treatment of isolated olecranon fracture is a rare complication. The aim of this study was to determine the clinical findings and postoperative outcomes of radioulnar synostosis after isolated olecranon fracture in a child patient. A 14-year-old girl was evaluated after falling on her left elbow. She had pain, edema, and motion limitation in her left elbow. After radiologic examinations, diagnosis of olecranon fracture was made. Olecranon fracture was fixated by open reduction and internal fixation with tension band wiring method via the posterior approach. When the patient came to the control to remove the implants 9 months after the first operation, there was a limitation in the supination and pronation movements. In the radiographs, synostosis was observed in the proximal region between the radius and ulna. The patient was reoperated to remove the implants. In the same session, synostosis was excised by using the posterior approach, and a barrier between the bones was constituted with bone wax and early elbow range of motion exercises started. In the postoperative first month, the patient had full flexion and extension but with 30 degrees of supination deficit. Radioulnar synostosis is rare but can be seen after isolated olecranon fractures. Early elbow motion after radioulnar synostosis surgery helps the patient to increase joint movement.