Pain and Complications Following Bone Marrow Aspirate Concentrate Harvested From the Iliac Crest in Foot and Ankle Surgery.

BACKGROUND: Autologous bone graft is the gold standard in orthopedics, with the iliac crest the most common harvest site. In an attempt to minimize morbidity with open bone graft harvest from the iliac crest and still maintain the benefit of collecting and transplanting live cells and growth factors, bone marrow aspirate concentrate (BMAC) from the iliac crest has become increasingly popular. However, any harvest procedure can potentially cause pain and complications. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the safety and complications of BMAC from the iliac crest for use in foot and ankle fusion procedures. METHODS: A retrospective chart review was performed on all patients who underwent BMAC harvest from the iliac crest with their foot or ankle procedure by 1 of 4 fellowship-trained surgeons (2014-2017) with a minimum of 6-month follow-up. Patients were evaluated for complications, pain, and functional limitation secondary to the harvest. The final outcome follow-up was conducted using a specifically designed telephone questionnaire to assess patient satisfaction. A total of 55 patients were included, with a median age of 58 years (range 31-81 years) and 69% were women. RESULTS: Out of 55 patients, 52 (94.5%) reported good to excellent results, and satisfaction with the procedure at the time of the questionnaire. Three patients reported persistent complications and some element of dissatisfaction after 6 months. Some patients reported transient complications (hematomas and numbness) that eventually resolved. Fifty percent of patients reported some element of immediate post-operative pain. However, at the time of final follow-up, only 2 reported persistent pain at the harvest site lasting up to 6 months, but it was not activity limiting. CONCLUSION: BMAC harvest is a safe procedure with a high rate of patient satisfaction and minimal morbidity. LEVELS OF EVIDENCE: Level IV: Case series.

Motocross Injuries in Pediatric and Adolescent Patients.

Motocross is a popular sport in which participants ride a two-wheeled, motorized vehicle on an uneven 2-km track with natural or human-made obstacles. Participants compete at high rates of speed, and children as young as age 4 years compete in age-appropriate groups. Motocross is recognized as a strenuous sport with a high accident rate. Most injuries are musculoskeletal in nature. The most commonly injured areas are the forearm, clavicle, femur, and tibia. Many injuries require surgical treatment. Some patients sustain head trauma with loss of consciousness. Children should have age-appropriate training before participation is allowed. Adult supervision should occur at all times. Appropriate helmet fitting with assistance from an expert is associated with a decreased risk of concussion symptoms. Parents and coaches need to weigh the benefits of participation with the frequency of injuries, missed academic time, and the cost of medical treatment.

Pilot report: non-operative treatment of Mayo Type II olecranon fractures in any-age adult patient.

BACKGROUND: We report on the non-operative treatment of Mayo Type II olecranon fractures. METHODS: Fourteen isolated Mayo Type II olecranon fractures were treated non-operatively, followed to discharge, and retrospectively reviewed. Treatment was splinting in extension followed by protected active motion beginning 3 weeks to 4 weeks post-injury. Mayo Elbow Performance Index (MEPI) and Shortened Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (QuickDASH) scores were available in 86% and 64% of cases, respectively. Follow-up radiographs were obtained. RESULTS: At discharge, the mean (SD) MEPI score was 95 (5). The mean (SD) elbow motion arc was 121° (21°). One patient re-fractured his elbow after discharge by falling on the ice. He recovered after open reduction and internal fixation. One patient (documented Marfan syndrome) developed an asymptomatic non-union. Excepting the patient who fell, no patient received additional care. CONCLUSIONS: In this pilot report, Mayo Type II olecranon fractures were treated non-operatively to discharge. Good to excellent results were obtained in all patients according to the MEPI. Supportive care of these fractures should be comparatively studied. A downside risk to providing supportive care for these fractures was not identified.