Effects of Removal and Reinsertion of Headless Compression Screws.

PURPOSE: This study investigates the loss of compression when 3 commonly used headless compression screws are backed out (reversed), and assesses the ability to re-establish compression with screws of greater diameter. METHODS: Two investigators tested 3 screw designs (Acutrak 2, Synthes HCS, Medartis SpeedTip CCS) in 2 diameters and lengths. Each design had 10 test cycles in a polyurethane foam bone model with compression recorded using a washer load cell. A 28-mm screw of the narrower diameter was inserted until 2 mm recessed and then reversed 30°, 60°, 90°, 180°, 270°, 360°, and 720°. After this the screw was removed completely and a 24-mm screw of greater diameter inserted until recessed 2 mm with the compressive force again recorded. RESULTS: All screws showed an immediate, statistically significant loss of compression at 30° of reversing. The Acutrak 2 Micro screw demonstrated not only the greatest mean compressive force, but also the fastest compressive loss. Insertion of the shorter screw of greater diameter was associated with re-establishment of compression to levels comparable with the original screw. CONCLUSIONS: This study reaffirms the importance of establishing the correct screw length before insertion due to the immediate loss of compression with reversal of these devices. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: If a headless compression screw penetrates the far joint surface, the screw should be completely removed and replaced with a shorter screw of greater diameter.

Patella osteotomy: a new approach for complex trauma around the knee.

Complex floating knee injuries, comprising complete articular distal femur and proximal tibia fractures, are a significant challenge in Orthopedic Traumatology. Traditional surgical approaches can result in a limited exposure, compromising osteosynthesis, with an extensive soft tissue dissection predisposing to adhesion of the quadriceps and arthrofibrosis. The Patella Osteotomy technique provides unrivaled visualization of the articular surfaces of the knee, with a limited soft tissue dissection to permit the anatomical reconstruction of the articular injury, while minimizing the risk of postsurgical complications and reducing intraoperative fluoroscopy time.

Reconstruction of massive uncontained glenoid defects using a combined autograft-allograft construct with reverse shoulder arthroplasty: preliminary results.

BACKGROUND: This report documents our experiences with a new technique for reconstructing massive uncontained defects of the glenoid with reverse total shoulder arthroplasty. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We use a modified deltopectoral approach to perform the combined allograft-autograft construct glenoid reconstruction. We make use of a peripherally seated cortical allograft acting as a sleeve bushing to provide a stable ring under compression in which to house impacted cancellous autograft centrally for early incorporation and in-growth with the long-peg Aequalis (Tornier, Saint-Ismier Cedex, France) reverse total shoulder arthroplasty baseplate. RESULTS: Our case series now comprises 10 patients with postoperative follow-up of up to 36 months. We report the first 5 patients here, all of whom have more than 12 months of follow-up. Computed tomography scanning demonstrates incorporation of the graft as early as 6 months. None of these patients have had loosening, implant failures, dislocations, periprosthetic fractures, or infections. One patient sustained an acromial stress fracture that was successfully treated nonoperatively, and 1 patient has nonprogressive grade I notching. CONCLUSION: The hybrid graft glenoid reconstruction is a useful and versatile technique in the setting of massive uncontained defects of the glenoid and permits the implantation of a reverse total shoulder arthroplasty. We believe this technique is reproducible and uses materials that are both readily available and familiar.