Outcomes of isolated medial tibial plateau fractures by fracture morphology.

PURPOSE: To identify a cohort of isolated medial tibial plateau fractures treated with surgical fixation and to categorize them by Moore and Wahlquist classifications in order to determine the rate of complications with each fracture morphology and the predictive value of each classification system. We hypothesized there would be high rates of neurovascular injury, compartment syndrome, and complications overall with a higher incidence of neurovascular injury in Moore type III rim avulsion fractures and Wahlquist type C fractures that enter the plateau lateral to the tibial spines. METHODS: Patients who presented to six Level I trauma centers between 2010 and 2021 who underwent surgical fixation for isolated medial tibial plateau fractures were retrospectively reviewed. Data including demographics, radiographs, complications, and functional outcomes were collected. RESULTS: One hundred and fifty isolated medial tibial plateau fractures were included. All patients were classified by the Wahlquist classification of medial tibial plateau fractures, and 139 patients were classifiable by the Moore classification of tibial plateau fracture-dislocations. Nine percent of fractures presented with neurovascular injury: 5 % with isolated vascular injury and 6 % with isolated nerve injury. There were no significant differences in neurovascular injury by fracture type (Wahlquist p = 0.16, Moore p = 0.33). Compartment syndrome developed in two patients (1.3 %). The average final range of motion was 0.8-122° with no difference by Wahlquist or Moore classifications (p = 0.11, p = 0.52). The overall complication rate was 32 % without differences by fracture morphology. The overall rate of return to the operating room (OR) was 25 %. CONCLUSIONS: Isolated medial tibial plateau fractures often represent fracture-dislocations of the knee and should receive a meticulous neurovascular exam on presentation with a high suspicion for neurovascular injury. No specific fracture pattern was found to be predictive of neurovascular injuries, complications, or final knee range of motion. Patients should be counseled pre-operatively regarding high rates of return to the OR after the index surgery.

Historic indications for fixation of posterior malleolus fractures- where did they come from and where are we now?

INTRODUCTION: The indications for reduction and fixation of the posterior malleolus component of rotational ankle fractures have been controversial for nearly a century. This study aims to identify the historical basis for surgical intervention and trace trends in management strategies over time. METHODS: In March 2023, a systematic review of full-text, English-language articles providing indications for surgical fixation of the posterior malleolus component of rotational ankle fractures was performed. Articles underwent title and abstract screening before undergoing full-text review. RESULTS: Historical indications for surgical fixation were size-dependent, with fractures comprising 25 % to 33 % of the plafond recommended for internal fixation. Modern studies suggest that nonoperative management of posterior malleolus fractures below this threshold results in residual malreduction of the articular surface, syndesmotic instability, and an increased need for independent fixation of the syndesmosis. CONCLUSIONS: Size-based indications for posterior malleolus fracture fixation are based on Level V evidence from small retrospective case series published nearly one century ago and should be retired. While the size of the posterior malleolus component cannot be ignored, additional factors like fracture morphology and location within the plafond should guide modern surgical indications. Contemporary studies indicate that reduction and fixation of small posterior malleolus fractures (comprising less than 25 % of the articular surface) are associated with improved articular reductions, tibiotalar contact pressures, syndesmotic stability with decreased need for independent fixation of the syndesmosis, and superior postoperative outcomes.

3D Topographical Scanning for the Detection of Osteoporosis.

Objectives: Osteoporosis is associated with greater risk of fracture, which can lead to increased morbidity and mortality. DEXA scans are often inaccessible for patients, leaving many cases of osteoporosis undetected. A portable 3D topographical scan offers an easily accessible and inexpensive potential adjunct screening tool. We hypothesized that 3D scanning of arm and calf circumference and volume would correlate with DEXA T-scores. Methods: 96 female patients were enrolled. Patients were consented and completed a topographical scan of bilateral arms and lower legs with a mobile 3D scanner for arm and calf circumference and volume in clinic. Patient charts were then retrospectively reviewed for DEXA T-scores. Results: Forearm DEXA T-score was positively correlated with arm circumference (r = 0.49, p<0.01), arm volume (r=0.62, p<0.01), and calf volume (r=0.47, p<0.01). Femoral neck DEXA T-score was positively correlated with calf circumference (r=0.36, p<0.01) and calf volume (r=0.36, p<0.01). Conclusions: Our results showed significant correlations between DEXA T-scores and topographical measurements from mobile device acquired 3D scans, although these were in the "moderate" range. Mobile device-based 3D scanning may hold promise as an adjunct screening tool for osteoporosis when DEXA scanning is not available or feasible for patients, although further studies are needed to elucidate the full potential of its clinical utility. At a minimum, identifying a patient as high risk may promote earlier diagnostic DEXA scanning.

The use of hinged elbow orthosis following surgical management of terrible triad injuries of the elbow.

PURPOSE: To determine outcomes following surgical management of terrible triad injuries in patients treated with and without a hinged elbow orthosis (HEO) in the post-operative setting. METHODS: This study was a retrospective review of 41 patients who underwent surgical treatment of terrible triad injuries including radial head fracture, coronoid fracture, and ulnohumeral dislocation between 2008 and 2023 with at least 10-week follow-up. RESULTS: Nineteen patients were treated post-operatively without HEO, and 22 patients were treated with HEO. There were no differences in range of motion (ROM) between patients treated with and without HEO in final flexion-extension arc (118.4° no HEO, 114.6° HEO, p = 0.59) or pronation-supination arc (147.8° no HEO, 141.4° HEO, p = 0.27). Five patients treated without HEO and one patient treated with HEO returned to the operating room for stiffness (26%, 5%, p = 0.08). QuickDASH scores were similar between groups (p = 0.69). CONCLUSIONS: This study found no difference in post-operative ROM, complications, or QuickDASH scores in patients treated post-operatively with or without HEO. Based on these results, we cannot determine whether the use of HEO adds additional stability to the elbow while initiating ROM exercises post-operatively.

Factors affecting residency selection for underrepresented minorities pursuing orthopaedic surgery.

BACKGROUND: The United States is increasingly diverse and there are many benefits to an equally diverse physician workforce. Despite this, the percentage of under-represented minorities in orthopaedic surgery has remained stagnant. The purpose of this study was to describe the characteristics underrepresented minorities pursuing orthopaedic surgery value most when evaluating residency programs. METHODS: The contact information of current underrepresented minority orthopaedic surgery residents were obtained through professional society databases, residency program coordinators and residency program websites. Individuals were sent a survey through which they evaluated the importance of a variety of program characteristics. RESULTS: The most influential program characteristics were resident happiness and camaraderie, program reputation, geographic location, and relationships between residents and attendings. The least influential characteristics were sub-internship scholarship opportunities for minorities, program affiliation with diversity organizations, word of mouth from others, number of fellows, and centralized training sites. CONCLUSIONS: There is a need to diversify the field of orthopaedic surgery, which begins by selecting more diverse trainees. This study demonstrates that underrepresented applicants are most influenced by many of the same characteristics as their well-represented peers. However, diversity-related factors still play an important role in the decision-making process. Many residents highlighted the impact microaggressions and mistreatment played in their residency experience, emphasizing the need for residency programs to focus not only on recruitment, but also on the successes and retention of their residents. Only once this is done will the field of orthopaedic surgery find sustained improvement in its diversification efforts.

Arthroplasty for femoral neck fractures is at risk for under restoration of lateral femoral offset.

PURPOSE: The aim of the study was to determine the restoration of hip biomechanics through lateral offset, leg length, and acetabular component position when comparing non-arthroplasty surgeons (NAS) to elective arthroplasty surgeons (EAS). METHODS: 131 patients, with a femoral neck fracture treated with a THA by 7 EAS and 20 NAS, were retrospectively reviewed. 2 blinded observers measured leg-length discrepancy, femoral offset, and acetabular component position. Multivariate logistic regression models examined the association between the surgeon groups and restoration of lateral femoral, acetabular offset, leg length discrepancy, acetabular anteversion, acetabular position, and component size, while adjusting for surgical approach and spinal pathology. RESULTS: NAS under-restored 4.8 mm of lateral femoral offset (43.9 ± 8.7 mm) after THA when compared to the uninjured side (48.7 ± 7.1 mm, p = 0.044). NAS were at risk for under-restoring lateral femoral offset when compared to EAS (p = 0.040). There was no association between lateral acetabular offset, leg length, acetabular position, or component size and surgeon type. CONCLUSIONS: Lateral femoral offset is at risk for under-restoration after THA for femoral neck fractures, when performed by surgeons that do not regularly perform elective THA. This indicates that lateral femoral offset is an under-appreciated contributor to hip instability when performing THA for a femoral neck fracture. Lateral femoral offset deserves as much attention and awareness as acetabular component position since a secondary analysis of our data reveal that preoperative templating and intraoperative imaging did not prevent under-restoration.

Retrograde Intramedullary Nailing Versus Locked Plating for Extreme Distal Periprosthetic Femur Fractures: A Multicenter Retrospective Cohort Study.

OBJECTIVES: To compare clinical and radiographic outcomes after retrograde intramedullary nailing (rIMN) versus locked plating (LP) of "extreme distal" periprosthetic femur fractures, defined as those that contact or extend distal to the anterior flange. DESIGN: Retrospective review. SETTING: Eight academic level I trauma centers. PATIENT SELECTION CRITERIA: Adult patients with periprosthetic distal femur fractures at or distal to the anterior flange (OTA/AO 33B-C[VB1]) treated with rIMN or LP. OUTCOME MEASURES AND COMPARISONS: The primary outcome was reoperation to promote healing or to treat infection (reoperation for elective removal of symptomatic hardware was excluded from this analysis). Secondary outcomes included nonunion, delayed union, fixation failure, infection, overall reoperation rate, distal femoral alignment, and ambulatory status at final follow-up. Outcomes were compared between patients treated with rIMN or LP. RESULTS: Seventy-one patients treated with rIMN and 224 patients treated with LP were included. The rIMN group had fewer points of fixation in the distal segment (rIMN: 3.5 ± 1.1 vs. LP: 6.0 ± 1.1, P < 0.001) and more patients who were allowed to weight-bear as tolerated immediately postoperatively (rIMN: 45%; LP: 9%, P < 0.01). Reoperation to promote union and/or treat infection was 8% in the rIMN group and 16% in the LP group ( P = 0.122). There were no significant differences in nonunion ( P > 0.999), delayed union ( P = 0.079), fixation failure ( P > 0.999), infection ( P = 0.084), or overall reoperation rate ( P > 0.999). Significantly more patients in the rIMN group were ambulatory without assistive devices at final follow-up (rIMN: 35%, LP: 18%, P = 0.008). CONCLUSIONS: rIMN of extreme distal periprosthetic femur fractures has similar complication rates compared with LP, with a possible advantage of earlier return to weight-bearing. Surgeons can consider this treatment strategy in all fractures with stable implants and amenable prosthesis geometry, even extreme distal fractures. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic Level III. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

Incisional negative pressure wound therapy may not protect against post-operative surgical site complications in bicondylar tibial plateau fractures.

PURPOSE: To determine if incisional negative pressure wound therapy is protective against post-operative surgical site complications following definitive fixation of bicondylar tibial plateau fractures. METHODS: A retrospective analysis of patients diagnosed with an acute bicondylar tibial plateau fracture (AO/OTA 41-C) undergoing ORIF from 2010 to 2020 was performed. Patients received either a standard sterile dressing (SD) or incisional negative pressure wound therapy (iNPWT). Primary outcomes included surgical site infection, osteomyelitis, and wound dehiscence. Secondary outcomes included non-union and return to the operating room. Multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed. RESULTS: 180 patients were included and 22% received iNPWT (n = 40) and 78% received standard dressings (n = 140). iNPWT was more common in active smokers (24.7% vs. 19.3%, p = 0.002) and the SD group was more likely to be lost to follow up (3.6% vs. 0%, p = 0.025). iNPWT was not protective against infection or surgical site complications, and in fact, was associated with higher odds of post-operative infection (OR: 8.96, p = 0.005) and surgical site complications (OR:4.874, p = 0.009) overall. Alcohol abuse (OR: 19, p = 0.005), tobacco use (OR: 4.67, p = 0.009), and time to definitive surgery (OR = 1.21, p = 0.033) were all independent risk factors for post-operative infection. CONCLUSION: In this series of operatively treated bicondylar tibial plateau fractures, iNPWT did not protect against post-operative surgical site complications compared to conventional dressings. Tobacco use, alcohol abuse, and time to definitive surgery, were independent risk factors for post-operative infection. Further studies are needed to determine if iNPWT offers a protective benefit in exclusively high-risk patients with relevant medical and social history.

External Fixator Usage and Delayed MRI Scans: A National Survey Study.

OBJECTIVE: To report the current state of institutional protocols regarding the use of MRI in patients with external fixation devices (EFDs) in the United States. DESIGN: National Survey Study. PARTICIPANTS: Practicing orthopaedic surgeons frequenting the Orthopaedic Trauma Association website were invited to participate in this study. RESULTS: Sixty-two eligible orthopaedic surgeons completed the survey. No respondents reported any known harmful complications of MRI use with an EFD. Eight respondents (13%) reported at least one early scan termination because of mild warmth or vibration without any lasting complications. Fifty-six respondents (90%) reported delays to care related to MRI-EFD compatibility labeling, and 27 respondents (48%) reported delayed MRI scans in every patient with an EFD who needed one. Twenty-six surgeons (42%) had modified their practice in some way in response to these barriers. Examples include delaying EFD placement until after MRI, relying on CT arthrograms over MRI for surgical planning, and taking patients to the operating room to remove EFDs temporarily and then replace them. Nineteen respondents (31%) had developed formal protocols to address this issue, but having a written protocol was not associated with any decrease in delays ( P = 0.119). Eighty-nine percent of respondents thought there was a need for a national consensus guideline on this issue. CONCLUSION: Despite no previous reports of harmful complications, MRI utilization is frequently delayed or prevented in patients with EFDs in place. This is a pervasive problem nationally, which persists despite the implementation of written institutional protocols. Additional research is needed, potentially at the national level, to address this common issue. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: V.

Drilling the cement mantle in well-fixed periprosthetic femur fractures is not associated with arthroplasty-related complications.

OBJECTIVE: To determine if screw fixation across a cement mantle is safe and effective during plate fixation of well-fixed periprosthetic femur fractures. DESIGN: Retrospective cohort study. SETTING: Academic Level I Trauma Center. PATIENTS: Twenty-eight patients with AO/OTA 32A[B1] or 32A[C] periprosthetic femur fractures treated with open reduction and internal plate and screw fixation after cemented or uncemented hip arthroplasty. INTERVENTION: Screw placement into the cement mantle during internal fixation. OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS: Primary outcome was revision arthroplasty for aseptic loosening. Secondary outcomes included radiographic evidence of aseptic loosening, infection, nonunion, implant failure, and overall reoperation rate. RESULTS: There were 28 patients who met inclusion criteria. A total of 9 patients had screws placed in the cement mantle while the remaining 19 patients had screws placed around an uncemented stem. At a mean of 3.7-year follow-up, there were no cases of revision arthroplasty or aseptic loosening in either group. There were no significant differences in rates of infection, nonunion, implant failure, or reoperation rate between patients who had screw placement into a cement mantle vs around an uncemented stem. CONCLUSION: Drilling into the cement mantle during fixation of a periprosthetic femur fracture around a well-fixed cemented hip stem appears safe and effective. When possible, surgeons can consider bicortical screws around a cemented stem, given the biomechanical advantages over unicortical screw or cerclage fixation. Larger prospective trials confirming the safety of this technique are warranted prior to routine implementation. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: III.

Cross-species comparisons reveal resistance of human skeletal stem cells to inhibition by non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.

Fracture healing is highly dependent on an early inflammatory response in which prostaglandin production by cyclo-oxygenases (COX) plays a crucial role. Current patient analgesia regimens favor opioids over Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs) since the latter have been implicated in delayed fracture healing. While animal studies broadly support a deleterious role of NSAID treatment to bone-regenerative processes, data for human fracture healing remains contradictory. In this study, we prospectively isolated mouse and human skeletal stem cells (SSCs) from fractures and compared the effect of various NSAIDs on their function. We found that osteochondrogenic differentiation of COX2-expressing mouse SSCs was impaired by NSAID treatment. In contrast, human SSCs (hSSC) downregulated COX2 expression during differentiation and showed impaired osteogenic capacity if COX2 was lentivirally overexpressed. Accordingly, short- and long-term treatment of hSSCs with non-selective and selective COX2 inhibitors did not affect colony forming ability, chondrogenic, and osteogenic differentiation potential in vitro. When hSSCs were transplanted ectopically into NSG mice treated with Indomethacin, graft mineralization was unaltered compared to vehicle injected mice. Thus, our results might contribute to understanding species-specific differences in NSAID sensitivity during fracture healing and support emerging clinical data which conflicts with other earlier observations that NSAID administration for post-operative analgesia for treatment of bone fractures are unsafe for patients.

Musculoskeletal Educational Resources for the Aspiring Orthopaedic Surgeon.

Musculoskeletal (MSK) education is underemphasized in medical school curricula, which can lead to decreased confidence in treating MSK conditions and suboptimal performance on orthopaedic surgery elective rotations or subinternships. Given the low amount of formalized education in MSK medicine, students aiming to learn about orthopaedic surgery must gain much of their foundational knowledge from other resources. However, there are currently no centralized introductory educational resources to fill this need. We provide a framework for navigating the different types of resources available for trainees and highlight the unaddressed needs in this area.

Mini-fragment plating of olecranon fractures is comparable to precontoured small-fragment plating.

INTRODUCTION: Though long-term functional outcomes of olecranon fracture plate fixation are favorable, postoperative implant irritation commonly leads to elective removal. We hypothesized that mini-fragment plates will decrease implant removal compared to precontoured plates. METHODS: Patients with isolated olecranon fracture (AO/OTA 2U1-B1) treated with plate fixation were retrospectively reviewed. Patients were stratified into groups based on whether they underwent open reduction and internal fixation with a (1) surgeon contoured mini-fragment or (2) precontoured olecranon-specific plate. Rates of symptomatic implants and implant removal were compared. RESULTS: 98 and 32 patients were treated with precontoured and mini-fragment plates, respectively. Baseline demographics and comorbidities were similar. Mean follow-up was 20.6 months. There were no differences in rates of postoperative complication (22/98, 22.4% vs. 5/32, 15.6%; p = 0.41) or reoperation (37/98, 37.8% vs. 8/32, 25%; p = 0.19). Symptomatic implants were common in the precontoured cohort (44/98, 44.9% vs. 7/32, 21.9%; p < 0.05). Implant removal rates were 36.7% and 18.8%, respectively (p = 0.06). DISCUSSION/CONCLUSION: Olecranon fracture stabilization with mini-fragment plate is associated with lower rates of symptomatic implants, with no difference in postoperative complications or reoperations. Mini-fragment plating is a safe and promising alternative to precontoured plating.

Short versus long cephalomedullary nailing of intertrochanteric fractures: a meta-analysis of 3208 patients.

OBJECTIVES: The purpose of the study was to compare treatment outcomes after short or long cephalomedullary nailing for intertrochanteric femur fractures. DATA SOURCES: A systematic review of perioperative outcomes after short or long cephalomedullary nailing for intertrochanteric femur fractures was performed. The following databases were used: using the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, PubMed (1980-2019), and MEDLINE (1980-2019). The queries were performed in June 2019. STUDY SELECTION: The following search term query was used: "Intramedullary Nail AND Intertrochanteric Fracture OR "Long OR Short Nail AND intertrochanteric Fracture." Studies were excluded if they were "single-arm" studies (i.e., reporting on either long or short CMN but not both), or did not report at least one of the outcomes being meta-analyzed. Furthermore, cadaveric studies, animal studies, basic science articles, editorial articles, surveys and studies were excluded. DATA EXTRACTION: Two investigators independently reviewed abstracts from all identified articles. Full-text articles were obtained for review if necessary, to allow further assessment of inclusion and exclusion criteria. Additionally, all references from the included studies were reviewed and reconciled to verify that no relevant articles were missing from the systematic review. DATA SYNTHESIS: Short nails were associated with statistically significantly less estimated blood loss and operative time compared to long nails. There were no significant differences in transfusion rates, implant failures or overall re-operation rates between implant lengths. Similarly, there was no significant difference in peri-implant fracture between implant lengths. CONCLUSIONS: Overall, the available clinical evidence supports the use of short cephalomedullary nails for the majority of intertrochanteric femur fractures. STUDY DESIGN/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Meta-analysis; Level III, therapeutic.

Distal Femur Replacement Versus Open Reduction and Internal Fixation for Treatment of Periprosthetic Distal Femur Fractures: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

OBJECTIVE: To compare complications and functional outcomes of treatment with primary distal femoral replacement (DFR) versus open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF). DATA SOURCES: PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane databases were searched for English language studies up to May 19, 2020, identifying 913 studies. STUDY SELECTION: Studies that assessed complications of periprosthetic distal femur fractures with primary DFR or ORIF were included. Studies with sample size ≤5, mean age <55, nontraumatic indications for DFR, ORIF with nonlocking plates, native distal femoral fractures, or revision surgeries were excluded. Selection adhered to the PRISMA criteria. DATA EXTRACTION: Study quality was assessed using previously reported criteria. There were 40 Level IV studies, 17 Level III studies, and 1 Level II study. DATA SYNTHESIS: Fifty-eight studies with 1484 patients were included in the meta-analysis. Complications assessed {incidence rate ratio [IRR] [95% confidence interval (CI)]: 0.78 [0.59-1.03]} and reoperation or revision [IRR (95% CI): 0.71 (0.49-1.04)] were similar between the DFR and ORIF cohorts. The mean knee range of motion was greater in the ORIF cohort (DFR: 90.47 vs. ORIF: 100.36, P < 0.05). The mean Knee Society Score (KSS) (DFR: 79.41 vs. ORIF: 82.07, P = 0.35) and return to preoperative ambulatory status were similar [IRR (95% CI): 0.82 (0.48-1.41)]. CONCLUSIONS: In comparing complications among patients treated for periprosthetic distal femur fracture with DFR or ORIF, there was no difference between the groups. There were also no differences in functional outcomes, although knee range of motion was greater in the ORIF group. This systematic review and meta-analysis highlights the need for future prospective trials evaluating the outcomes of these divergent treatment strategies. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic Level III. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

Tranexamic acid does not affect intraoperative blood loss or in-hospital outcomes after acetabular fracture surgery.

PURPOSE: Tranexamic acid (TXA) reduces need for transfusion in total joint arthroplasty, though findings in acetabular surgery are conflicting. We compared outcomes after acetabular fracture surgery with or without perioperative intravenous (IV) TXA administration. METHODS: We performed a retrospective review of 305 patients with acetabular fractures that underwent open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF). Eighty-nine patients received TXA, and 216 did not. The primary outcome was rates of intraoperative and postoperative allogeneic blood transfusion. RESULTS: Baseline demographics and characteristics were similar. Time from injury to surgery and estimated blood loss were comparable. Operative time (p < 0.01) and intraoperative IV fluids (p < 0.01) were greater in the non-TXA group. The proportion of patients who received blood transfusion and mean units transfused intraoperatively and postoperatively did not differ. Mean differences in preoperative and postoperative hemoglobin and hematocrit, hospital length of stay, and perioperative complications also did not differ. In a multivariable regression model, age 60-70 years, Charlson Comorbidity Index, Injury Severity Score, and fracture patterns likely to bleed were independently associated with intraoperative transfusion. Anterior surgical approaches and intraoperative transfusion requirement were independently associated with postoperative transfusion. CONCLUSION: In this study, perioperative IV TXA did not decrease blood loss, need for transfusion, or improve in-hospital outcomes of acetabular fracture surgery. Age 60-70, CCI, ISS, and fracture patterns likely to bleed were independently associated with intraoperative transfusion. Anterior surgical approach and need for intraoperative transfusion were independently associated with postoperative transfusion. Further prospective trials are warranted to confirm these findings.

ICD-10 codes do not accurately reflect ankle fracture injury patterns.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the accuracy of International Classification of Disease Version 10 (ICD-10) coding for ankle fracture injury patterns. DESIGN: Retrospective cohort study PATIENTS: 97 adult patients with fractures about the ankle (rotational ankle fracture or distal tibia fracture) from 2016 to 2020, selected by stratified random sampling. INTERVENTION: Assignment of an ICD-10 code representative of a rotational ankle fracture, pilon fracture, or unspecified fracture of the lower leg. OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS: Injury radiographs were reviewed by three authors to determine the correct code. Agreement between the correct code and the electronic medical record (EMR) assigned code was determined using kappa's statistic in the aggregate as well as percent agreement, sensitivity, specificity, and positive predictive value (PPV) between individual codes. RESULTS: 59 of 97 cases (60.8%) demonstrated discordance between the existing EMR and surgeon-assigned codes. Aggregate agreement between all codes was fair (K = 0.26). Lateral malleolus fracture codes demonstrated the highest PPV (0.91, 95% CI 0.72-0.99), while the lowest PPV was found for "other fractures of the lower leg" (0.05, 95% CI 0.0-0.24) and "other fracture of the fibula" (0.0, 95% CI 0.0-0.15). Generalized "other fracture" codes comprised 45% of EMR codes compared to only 6% of assigned codes (p < 0.001). EMR codes were specific but not sensitive. CONCLUSION: There is substantial discordance between existing EMR and surgeon-assigned ICD-10 codes for ankle fractures. Database research that relies on ICD-10 coding as a surrogate for primary clinical data should be interpreted with caution and institutions should make efforts to increase the accuracy of their coding.

Biomechanically superior treatments do not translate into improved outcomes in randomized controlled trials.

PURPOSE: Significant time and resources are devoted to conducting orthopaedic biomechanics research; however, it is not known how these studies relate to their subsequent clinical studies. The purpose of the present study was to determine whether biomechanically superior treatments were associated with improved clinical outcomes as determined by analogous randomized controlled trials (RCTs). METHODS: A systematic review was conducted to find RCTs that tested a research question based on a prior biomechanical study. PubMed and SCOPUS databases were queried for orthopaedic randomized controlled trials, and full text articles were reviewed to find RCTs which cited biomechanical studies with analogous comparison groups. A random-effects multi-level logistic regression model was conducted examining the association between RCT outcome and biomechanics outcome, adjusting for multiple outcomes nested within study. RESULTS: In total, 20,261 articles were reviewed yielding 21 RCTs citing a total of 43 analogous biomechanical studies. In 7 instances (16.2%), the RCT and a cited biomechanical study showed concordant results (i.e. the superior treatment in the RCT was also the superior construct in the biomechanical study). RCT outcome was not associated with biomechanical outcome (ß = -1.50, standard error = 0.78, p = .05). CONCLUSION: This study assessed 21 orthopaedic RCTs with 43 corresponding biomechanical studies and found no association between superior biomechanical properties of a given orthopaedic treatment and improved clinical outcomes. Favourable biomechanical properties alone should not be the primary reason for selecting one treatment over another. Furthermore, RCTs based on biomechanical studies should be carefully designed to maximize the chance of providing clinically relevant insights.

To Fix or Revise: Differences in Periprosthetic Distal Femur Fracture Management Between Trauma and Arthroplasty Surgeons.

INTRODUCTION: This study sought to determine the effect of trauma fellowship training on the surgical decision to fix or revise to distal femoral replacement in periprosthetic distal femur fractures. METHODS: An anonymous online survey including nine cases of geriatric periprosthetic distal femur fractures was distributed through the Orthopaedic Trauma Association website. Respondents were asked whether they would recommend fixation or revision to distal femoral replacement. Fractures were classified by the location relative to the anterior flange (proximal or distal) and the presence or absence of comminution. Recommendations were compared between type of fellowship completed (trauma, arthroplasty, or both), practice setting, and number of periprosthetic distal femur fractures treated monthly. RESULTS: One hundred fifty-one surgeon survey responses were included. Completion of a trauma fellowship was associated with a higher likelihood of recommending fixation for any periprosthetic distal femur fracture compared with arthroplasty training (odds ratio [OR] 2.55, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.97 to 3.29; P < 0.0001). Disagreement was significant for comminuted proximal (OR 6.90, 95% CI 3.24 to 14.68; P < 0.0001), simple distal (OR 20.90, 95% CI 6.41 to 67.71; P < 0.001), and comminuted distal fractures (OR 2.47, 95% CI 1.66 to 3.68; P < 0.0001). Dual fellowship-trained surgeons were less likely to recommend fixation than surgeons who completed a trauma fellowship alone (OR 0.60, 95% CI 0.39 to 0.93; P = 0.027) and more likely to recommend fixation than surgeons who completed an arthroplasty fellowship alone (OR 1.70, 95% CI 1.13 to 2.63; P = 0.012). Surgeons who treat three or more periprosthetic distal femur fractures monthly showed a significant preference for fracture fixation compared with lower volume surgeons (OR 2.45, 95% CI 1.62 to 3.68; P < 0.0001). DISCUSSION: Fellowship-trained trauma surgeons show a notable preference for fracture fixation over distal femoral replacement for periprosthetic distal femur fractures, as compared with arthroplasty-trained surgeons. Additional research is needed to clarify surgical indications that maximize outcomes for these injuries.

Countersinking the Lag Screw or Blade During Cephalomedullary Nailing of Geriatric Intertrochanteric Femur Fractures: Less Collapse and Implant Prominence Without Increased Cutout Rates.

INTRODUCTION: The lag screw or helical blade of a cephalomedullary nail facilitates controlled collapse of intertrochanteric proximal femur fractures. However, excessive collapse results in decreased hip offset and symptomatic lateral implants. Countersinking the screw or helical blade past the lateral cortex may minimize subsequent prominence, but some surgeons are concerned that this will prevent collapse and result in failure through cutout. We hypothesized that patients with countersunk lag screws or helical blades do not experience higher rates of screw or blade cutout and have less implant prominence after fracture healing. METHODS: A retrospective review of 175 consecutive patients treated with cephalomedullary nails for AO/OTA 31A1-3 proximal femur fractures and a minimum 3-month follow-up and 254 patients with a 6-week follow-up at a single US level I trauma center. Patients were stratified based on countersunk versus noncountersunk lag screw or helical blade in a cephalomedullary nail. The primary outcome was the cutout rate at minimum 3 months, and the secondary outcome was radiographic collapse at minimum 6 weeks. RESULTS: Cutout rates were no different in patients with countersunk and noncountersunk screws and blades, and countersinking was associated with less collapse and less implant prominence at 6 weeks. DISCUSSION: Surgeons can countersink the lag screw or blade when treating intertrochanteric proximal femur fractures with a cephalomedullary nail without increasing failure rates and with the potential benefits of less prominent lateral implants and decreased collapse.