What's New in Periprosthetic Femur Fractures?

BACKGROUND: Periprosthetic femur fracture (PFF) is one of the most common indications for reoperation following total hip arthroplasty. METHODS/RESULTS: This article provides a review of a symposium on PFF that was presented at the American Association of Hip and Knee Surgeons 2023 annual meeting, including an overview of the Vancouver classification and its implications on treatment and subsequent complications, an updated approach to the management of intraoperative fractures, and finally, contemporary strategies for both osteosynthesis as well as revision arthroplasty for PFFs. CONCLUSION: As the incidence of PPF continues to increase, arthroplasty and trauma surgeons must be prepared to address this challenging complication with a contemporary understanding of the treatment options and their outcomes.

Opportunistic Use of Computed Tomography to Determine Muscle-Adipose Ratio Reliably Predicts Wound Complications After Kocher-Langenbeck Surgical Exposure of the Acetabulum.

OBJECTIVES: To determine whether muscle-to-adipose ratio (MAR) along the course of a Kocher-Langenbeck incision is more accurate at predicting postoperative wound complications after acetabular fixation than waist-to-hip ratio or body mass index (BMI). DESIGN: Retrospective case series. SETTING: Level 1 Trauma Center. PATIENT SELECTION CRITERIA: Patients who sustained an acetabular fracture and had fixation through a Kocher-Langenbeck approach from January 1 st , 2008 to December 31 st , 2018. For inclusion, patients had to have a pre-operative and a post-operative CT of the pelvis and a minimum follow up of 12 months. Patients were excluded if an antibiotic other than cefazolin was administered for prophylaxis, if they had a femur fracture treated with an antegrade intramedullary nail, if there was any associated pelvic ring injury requiring surgical treatment of any type, if there were any abdominal or pelvic procedures completed by another surgical service, if the patient underwent pelvic embolization of a vessel, if there was presence of a genitourinary injury or Morel-Lavallée lesion, or if there was a subsequent surgical procedure unrelated to the primary endpoint (e.g., revision fixation). OUTCOME MEASURES AND COMPARISONS: Presence of a surgical site infection or a wound healing complication. BMI, WHR and MAR were evaluated and compared for their ability to predict a surgical site infection or a wound healing complication. RESULTS: One-hundred ninety-three patients were included in this study, and the mean follow-up was 17.4 months. Thirty patients (15.5%) developed a wound complication. Seventeen patients (8.8%) developed a superficial infection and 13 (6.7%) developed a deep infection. The mean BMI for those who developed a wound complication was 35.9. The mean MAR was 0.67 for patients who developed a wound complication versus 0.75 for those who did not. Receiver operator characteristic analysis showed an area under curve for BMI to be 0.717 (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.577-0.857, P = 0.006) and for MAR to be 0.680 (inverted, 95% CI, 0.507-0.854, P = 0.022). The area under curve for waist-to-hip ratio was not statistically significant. CONCLUSIONS: MAR is a significant predictor of postoperative wound complication in patients undergoing treatment of posterior wall acetabular fractures. The higher rate of wound complications in patients with a low MAR should be considered in the treatment of these patients and may be used to guide discussion regarding the risks of surgery and the potential use of adjuncts to reduce wound healing complications. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Prognostic Level III. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

The direct anterior approach for conversion to total hip arthroplasty after acetabular fixation is safe and effective.

INTRODUCTION: Total Hip Arthroplasty (THA) after prior acetabular fracture repair is known to be demanding as studies have shown inferior implant survival rates and higher infection rates for these procedures. The direct anterior (DA) approach might help mitigate some of these risks by utilizing a new surgical tissue plane. However, potential criticisms of the DA approach for these surgeries include the inability to access previous acetabular implants or heterotopic ossification (HO) if they were to inhibit implant placement. The goals of this study are to analyze the efficacy of the DA approach for conversion to hip arthroplasty surgery after previous acetabular fixation. METHODS: After reviewing all records at our institution using current procedural terminology codes, we isolated patients with previous acetabular repair who underwent conversion to THA through the DA approach. Patient records were reviewed, and patients were contacted to obtain Harris Hip Scores. RESULTS: 23 patients (16 males and 7 females) were found with a mean follow-up time of 46 months (range 16-156 months). The mean age was 50 (range 28 - 83) and mean BMI was 28.5 (range 15.2 - 39.2). The average blood loss was 400 ml (range 200 - 900). The average operative time was 140 min (range 85-200 min). In 7 cases (32%) implants were encountered during acetabular reaming but the implants were either removed entirely or removed partially with a burr so that the acetabular cup could be positioned within acceptable parameters. In 2 cases pre-operative HO was encountered and was resected. The average Harris Hip Score at final follow-up was 92 (range 75 - 100). There were no deep infections and no neurovascular injuries encountered. 2 patients (9%) underwent revision surgery for aseptic femoral stem loosening. There was 1 anterior dislocation (4.5%) at 3 days post-operatively that was successfully treated with closed reduction and maintenance of hip precautions. Otherwise, the remaining 19 (86%) patients went on to uncomplicated recovery. CONCLUSION: This is the largest known cohort analyzing the DA approach for conversion to hip arthroplasty after previous acetabular fixation. Overall, we demonstrate that the DAA is safe for conversion THA after acetabular fixation.

Positive Correlation Between Social Media Utilization by Orthopaedic Journals and Impact Factor.

INTRODUCTION: Social media use has exploded in popularity over the past decade with over 1.5 billion users on Facebook and 320 million users on Twitter. The aim of this study was to analyze the use of social media by orthopaedic journals and determine whether a relationship exists between social media followers and journal impact factor. METHODS: The Clarivate Analytics Impact Factor tool was used to identify all orthopaedic journals with a 2022 impact factor of greater than 1.5. We then conducted a query on Instagram, Twitter, LinkedIn, and Facebook to determine which programs had pages on each platform. RESULTS: Seventeen journals were included across all orthopaedic subspecialties. Of the 17 journals, 14 (82.4%) had a Facebook page, eight (47%) had an Instagram page, 15 (88.2%) had a Twitter account, and 8 (47%) had a LinkedIn profile. When compiling the number of followers by social media platform, Twitter had the most (177,543), followed by Facebook (149,388), Instagram (81,739), and LinkedIn (77,459). We found a significant correlation between the number of social media followers and journal impact factor (Pearson correlation coefficient [PCC] = 0.67; P = 0.003). When analyzing each social media platform independently, we found a significant correlation between the number of Facebook and Twitter followers and journal impact factor (PCC = 0.54; P = 0.02 and PCC = 0.80; P < 0.001, respectively). DISCUSSION: We have shown a notable association between the number of social media followers and a journal's impact factor. With the increasing shift toward online distribution, orthopaedic journals may use our data when evaluating their social media strategy to maintain and potentially increase their exposure and potentially their impact factor.

Fellowship-Trained Orthopaedic Trauma Surgeons Achieve Better Postoperative Radiographic Parameters After Intramedullary Nailing of Intertrochanteric Femur Fractures when Compared With Non-trauma-Trained Surgeons.

INTRODUCTION: Intertrochanteric femoral fractures are common orthopaedic injuries accounting for nearly 30% of all fracture-related hospitalizations. Because many factors predictive of failure are related to technical aspects of the surgery, the purpose of this study was to compare radiographic parameters after fixation, comparing fellowship-trained orthopaedic trauma surgeons with surgeons who did not complete an orthopaedic trauma fellowship. METHODS: We initiated a search for CPT code 27245 across our hospital network to identify 100 consecutive patients treated by five fellowship-trained orthopaedic traumatologists and 100 consecutive patients treated by community surgeons. Patients were then stratified based on their surgeon's subspecialty training (trauma vs community). Primary outcome variables were neck-shaft angle (NSA), a comparison of the repaired NSA with the uninjured side, tip-apex distance, and reduction quality. RESULTS: One hundred patients were included in each group. The mean age in the community group was 77 years compared with 79 years in the trauma group. The mean tip-apex distance for the trauma group was 10 mm compared with 21 mm for the community group ( P < 0.001). The mean postoperative NSA for the trauma group was 133° compared with 127° for the community group ( P < 0.001). The mean difference of the NSA of the repaired side compared with the uninjured side was 2.5° of valgus in the trauma group compared with 5° of varus for the community group ( P < 0.001). There were 93 good reductions in the trauma group compared with 19 in the community group ( P < 0.001). There were 0 poor reductions in the trauma group and 49 in the community group ( P < 0.001). DISCUSSION: Overall, we have shown that fellowship-trained orthopaedic trauma surgeons achieve better reductions when treating intertrochanteric femur fractures with intramedullary nails. Orthopaedic residency training should emphasize teaching proper techniques and acceptable parameters for reduction and implant placement when treating geriatric intertrochanteric femur fractures.

Risk Factors for Revision Surgery Following Revision Total Knee Arthroplasty Using a Hinged Knee Prosthesis for Septic and Aseptic Indications.

INTRODUCTION: The use of hinged knee replacements (HKRs) for limb salvage is a popular option for revision total knee arthroplasty (RTKA). Although recent literature focuses on the outcomes of HKR for septic and aseptic RTKAs, little is reported on the risk factors of returning to the operating room. The purpose of this study was to evaluate risk factors of revision surgery and revision after receiving HKR for septic versus aseptic etiology. METHODS: A multicenter, retrospective review was conducted on consecutive patients who received HKR from January 2010 to February 2020 with a minimum follow-up of 2 years. Patients were separated into two groups: septic and aseptic RTKAs. Demographic, comorbidity, perioperative, postoperative, and survivorship data were collected and compared between groups. Cox hazard regression was used to identify risk factors associated with revision surgery and revision. RESULTS: One-hundred fifty patients were included. Eighty-five patients received HKR because of prior infection, and 65 received HKR for aseptic revision. A larger proportion of septic RTKA returned to the OR versus aseptic RTKA (46% vs 25%, P = 0.01). Survival curves revealed superior revision surgery-free survival favoring the aseptic group ( P = 0.002). Regression analysis revealed that HKR with concomitant flap reconstruction was associated with a three-fold increased risk of revision surgery ( P < 0.0001). DISCUSSION: HKR implantation for aseptic revision is more reliable with a lower revision surgery rate. Concomitant flap reconstruction increased the risk of revision surgery, regardless of indication for RTKA using HKR. Although surgeons must educate patients about these risk factors, HKR remains a successful treatment option for RTKA when indicated. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: prognostic, level III evidence.

The Evolution of the Musculoskeletal Trauma Section of the Orthopaedic In-Training Examination.

INTRODUCTION: In 1963, the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons administered the Orthopaedic In-Training Examination (OITE), the first and longest running yearly medical specialty examination. There have been no recent studies to evaluate the content of the musculoskeletal trauma section of the OITE. METHODS: We analyzed all questions that were classified by the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons as musculoskeletal trauma from 2012 to 2019. We recorded the number of musculoskeletal trauma questions in each examination, the topics and imaging modalities tested, the references cited, and the taxonomy classification of each question. We extrapolated from a similar musculoskeletal trauma study published in 2011 to create the previous examination cohort for comparison. RESULTS: For the current cohort, the average number of musculoskeletal trauma questions was 43.5 questions per examination (18.4%). The most frequently tested topics were proximal tibia fractures, pediatric trauma, hip fractures, and diaphyseal femur fractures, respectively. In previous examinations, questions from T1 and 2 were tested significantly more frequently compared with the current examinations (P < 0.001 and P = 0.02, respectively). In the current cohort, T3 questions were tested significantly more frequently than previous examinations (P = 0.001). Previous examinations had significantly more questions without an image (36 questions per year versus 25 questions per year, P < 0.001). In current versions of the examination, radiographs are tested significantly more frequently than other imaging modalities (P < 0.001). DISCUSSION: The musculoskeletal trauma section of the OITE has evolved. To improve and focus study efforts, residents may use this study as a guide when preparing for the examination.

Extensor Mechanism Reconstruction After Total Knee Arthroplasty with Allograft Versus Synthetic Mesh: A Multicenter Retrospective Cohort.

INTRODUCTION: Patellar and quadriceps tendon ruptures after total knee arthroplasty (TKA) have historically poor outcomes. To date, there is no consensus for optimal treatment. The purpose of this study is to directly compare clinical outcomes and survivorship between allograft versus synthetic mesh for reconstruction of native extensor mechanism (EM) rupture after TKA. METHODS: A multicenter, retrospective review identifying consecutive TKA patients operated between December 2009 to November 2019 was conducted. Patients aged ≥ 45 years old with native EM disruption treated with either allograft or synthetic mesh with minimum 2 year follow-up were included. Demographic information, injury mechanism, range of motion, surgical time, revision surgeries, and postoperative Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Scores (KOOS Jr.) were collected. Student t-tests and Fisher exact tests were used to compare the demographic data between groups. The Kaplan-Meier survival curve method was used to determine the survivorship as treatment failure was defined as postoperative EM lag >30° or revision surgery. Survival curves were compared using the log-rank test. Univariate Cox proportional hazard regression identified risk factors associated with treatment failure. RESULTS: Twenty patients underwent EM reconstruction using allograft versus 35 with synthetic mesh. Both groups had similar demographics and an average follow-up time of 3.5 years (P = 0.98). Patients treated with allograft had significantly greater postoperative flexion than patients treated with mesh (99.4 ± 9.5 allograft versus 92.6 ± 13.6 synthetic mesh, P = 0.04). Otherwise, there was no difference in postoperative outcomes between the two groups in average KOOS Jr. (P = 0.29), extensor lag (P = 0.15), graft failure (P = 0.71), revision surgery rates (P = 0.81), surgical time (P = 0.42), or ambulatory status (P = 0.34) at the most recent follow-up. Survival curve comparison also yielded no difference at up to 5-year follow-up (P = 0.48). DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: Our findings suggest that reconstruction with allograft or synthetic mesh leads to similar clinical outcomes with good survivorship. Future studies, including larger randomized control trials, are required to determine the superior reconstruction method for this injury. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: III.

Periprosthetic distal femur fractures treated by retrograde intramedullary nails with a 10-degree distal bend achieve significantly better post-operative radiographic alignment when compared to conventional retrograde nails.

INTRODUCTION: Periprosthetic distal femur fractures (PPDFFs) are a common complication after total knee arthroplasty (TKA). In the setting of well-fixed TKA components, treatment options include retrograde intramedullary nailing (rIMN) or lateral locked plating. Treatment with rIMN has historically been associated with potential for extension deformity when using conventional nails. We hypothesized that the PPDFFs treated with an intramedullary nail with a specifically designed 10-degree distal bend for periprosthetic fractures would result in improved post-operative sagittal alignment compared to conventional intramedullary nails. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study was conducted at a level-1 trauma center over a 12-year period (2010 - 2022). Patients over the age of 18 who sustained a PPDFF treated with rIMN were identified. The primary outcomes of the study were post-operative coronal and sagittal alignment determined by reviewing post-operative radiographs. RESULTS: A total of 50 patients were included. Twenty-three patients were treated with a rIMN with a 10° distal bend. Twenty-seven patients were treated with a rIMN with distal bend of 5° The mean aPDFA for the 10° distal bend group was 81.7° compared to 92.8° in the 5° distal bend group (p<0.001). There were 3/23 (13%) significant sagittal plane deformities the 10° distal bend group compared to 11/27 (41%) in the 5° distal bend group (p = 0.03). There was one patient with a post-operative extension deformity in the 10° distal bend group compared to 11 patients in the 5° distal bend group (p = 0.02). CONCLUSION: Retrograde intramedullary nailing of PPDFF with a 10° distal bend results in significantly better alignment in the sagittal plane when compared to a conventional 5° nail. The use of a 5° nail resulted in an extension deformity significantly more frequently. We therefore recommend the utilization of a rIMN with a 10° distal bend when treating PPDFFs. SUMMARY: Periprosthetic distal femur fractures are a common complication following total knee arthroplasty. While several studies report on the use of retrograde intramedullary nails in the treatment of periprosthetic distal femur fractures, there are limited reports of the use of a novel retrograde intramedullary nail with a 10° distal bend in the treatment of these injuries. Herein we present a radiographic study comparing coronal and sagittal postoperative alignment following treatment with retrograde intramedullary nails with a 10° distal bend versus conventional retrograde nails with a 5° distal bend.

Treatment of Diaphyseal Tibial Fractures Distal to a Total Knee Arthroplasty by Intramedullary Nailing Is Safe and Effective.

OBJECTIVES: To report the clinical result of a series of patients who underwent intramedullary nailing (IMN) of tibial shaft fractures distal to a total knee arthroplasty (TKA). DESIGN: Retrospective case series. SETTING: Level-1 trauma center. PATIENTS/PARTICIPANTS: Patients who sustained a tibial shaft fracture distal to a TKA treated with an IMN. INTERVENTION: IMN of tibial shaft fractures distal to a TKA. MAIN OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS: Postoperative weight-bearing status, readmissions, and complications or failure of treatment within 90 days; Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Scores at the final follow-up; failure of treatment; and revision surgery. RESULTS: Nine patients were included. The average age was 71.4 years (range 55-87 years). All TKAs were cemented. The average distance between the tibial keel and the cortical density of the tibial tubercle was 24.1 mm (range 19.5-26.7 mm). Six nails were inserted using an infrapatellar portal, 2 were inserted using a suprapatellar portal, and 1 was inserted using a lateral parapatellar approach. The median nail diameter was 10 mm (range 9-12 mm). All fractures were healed at the final follow-up. There were no infections or arthroplasty-related complications. Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Scores ranged from 100% to 74% (median 82%). CONCLUSION: Overall, we report on the largest cohort in the literature undergoing IMN of a tibial shaft fracture distal to a TKA. We demonstrate that IMN of diaphyseal tibial fractures distal to a TKA can be performed safely. We additionally demonstrate that this treatment is highly effective in achieving fracture union with no arthroplasty-related complications. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic Level IV. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

Retrograde intramedullary nailing of comminuted intra-articular distal femur fractures results in high union rate.

PURPOSE: Retrograde intramedullary nailing of intra-articular distal femur fractures with metaphyseal and/or epiphyseal comminution is controversial and considered a contraindication to nailing. The purpose of this study was to report union rate, complications, and secondary procedures after open reduction and retrograde intramedullary nailing of comminuted, intra-articular, distal femur fractures. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective review performed at an urban level one trauma center identified 16 patients AO/Orthopedic Trauma Association (OTA) 33-C2 and 33-C3 femur fractures treated with open reduction, lag screws, and retrograde intramedullary nail fixation. Radiographic union, complications, secondary operations were reviewed. RESULTS: At the 3-month follow-up 12 (86%) of the 14 patients with radiographs had healed. At last follow-up, all 16 femur fractures achieved radiographic union after the index procedure. No patient required a revision procedure for delayed union or nonunion. Complications occurred in 6 (38%) patients, including failed distal interlocking screws (n = 2), knee arthrofibrosis (n = 3), superficial wound infection (n = 1), and wound dehiscence (n = 1). Three (19%) patients required secondary procedures, which included knee manipulation under anesthesia (n = 3), distal interlocking screw removal (n = 2), and closure of a wound dehiscence (n = 1). CONCLUSIONS: Comminuted intra-articular distal femur fractures that can be successfully treated with retrograde IMN fixation will reliably go on to union with a complication rate that is favorable to that reported for plate fixation. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV, retrospective case-series.

Total Hip Arthroplasty for Acute Femoral Neck Fractures: Who Should Perform the Operation-Adult Reconstructive or Trauma Surgeons?

OBJECTIVE: To compare the results and complications of a large consecutive series of total hip arthroplasty (THA) performed for acute femoral neck (FN) fracture by adult reconstructive (AR) and trauma (T) surgeons to determine if there is a difference in outcomes. DESIGN: Retrospective chart review. SETTING: Level 1 trauma center. PATIENTS: One hundred forty-nine consecutive patients who presented to our institution with displaced FN fractures treated by THA were included in this study. INTERVENTION: All patients were treated with THA. MAIN OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS: Implant survival, 90-day complications, 90-day readmission, 1-year complications. RESULTS: For the group as a whole, the major surgical complication rate (defined as dislocation, deep infection, loosening, fracture) was significantly higher for T surgeons (20%) than for AR surgeons (7%) (P = 0.021). AR surgeons had significantly less radiographic component malpositioning 12% versus 3% (P = 0.024). Mortality and readmission rates were similar between the 2 cohorts at all time points. Implant survivorship was significantly higher at 1 year for AR surgeons (P = 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: THA for acute FN fracture performed by AR surgeons demonstrated higher rates of accurate radiographic component positioning, significantly lower major complication rates at 90 days and 1 year, and greater implant survival at 1 year. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic Level III. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

Long-Term Patient-Reported Knee Outcomes After Suprapatellar Intramedullary Tibial Nailing.

BACKGROUND: Suprapatellar nailing of tibial fractures has not been shown to affect short-term knee outcomes, however long-term outcomes are unknown. The purpose of this study was to report long-term patient-reported knee outcomes after suprapatellar nailing. METHODS: Thirty-five adult patients with 37 tibial shaft fractures treated with suprapatellar nailing completed the Tegner-Lysholm Knee Score (TLKS) at an average of 5 years (range, 4-9 years) follow-up. RESULTS: The median TLKS was 98 (interquartile range, 85-100): Scores were considered excellent in 24 (68%), good in 3 (9%), fair in 3 (9%), and poor in 5 (14%). Based on patient responses, 28 (80%) patients did not have a limp, 32 (91%) ambulated without assistance, 22 (63%) were pain free, 29 (83%) had no knee instability, 30 (86%) endorsed no catching or locking, 27 (77%) could climb stairs with no issue, and 24 (69%) had no problems with squatting. Patients with poor/fair outcomes on the TLKS were more likely to have had a complication [3 (38%) vs. 1 (4%), difference 34%, 95% confidence interval 1-65%] and had no detectable difference in age, gender, open fracture, fracture classification, or worker's compensation. CONCLUSION: At long-term follow-up a majority of patients undergoing suprapatellar nailing had good/excellent knee outcomes. Poor/fair knee outcomes were associated with the development of complications. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: III, Retrospective cohort study.

Medically Necessary Orthopaedic Surgery During the COVID-19 Pandemic: Safe Surgical Practices and a Classification to Guide Treatment.

BACKGROUND: Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has rapidly evolved as a viral pandemic. Countries worldwide have been affected by the recent outbreak caused by the SARS (severe acute respiratory syndrome)-CoV-2 virus. As with prior viral pandemics, health-care workers are at increased risk. Orthopaedic surgical procedures are common in health-care systems, ranging from emergency to elective procedures. Many orthopaedic surgical procedures are life or limb-saving and cannot be postponed during the COVID-19 pandemic because of potential patient harm. Our goal is to analyze how orthopaedic surgeons can perform medically necessary procedures during the pandemic and to help guide decision-making perioperatively. METHODS: We performed a review of the existing literature regarding COVID-19 and prior viral outbreaks to help guide clinical practice in terms of how to safely perform medically necessary orthopaedic procedures during the pandemic for both asymptomatic patients and high-risk (e.g., COVID-19-positive) patients. We created a classification system based on COVID-19 positivity, patient health status, and COVID-19 prevalence to help guide perioperative decision-making. RESULTS: We advocate that only urgent and emergency surgical procedures be performed. By following recommendations from the American College of Surgeons, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and the recent literature, safe orthopaedic surgery and perioperative care can be performed. Screening measures are needed for patients and perioperative teams. Surgeons and perioperative teams at risk for contracting COVID-19 should use appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE), including N95 respirators or powered air-purifying respirators (PAPRs), when risk of viral spread is high. When preparing for medically necessary orthopaedic procedures during the pandemic, our classification system will help to guide decision-making. A multidisciplinary care plan is needed to ensure patient safety with medically necessary orthopaedic procedures during the COVID-19 pandemic. CONCLUSIONS: Orthopaedic surgery during the COVID-19 pandemic can be performed safely when medically necessary but should be rare for COVID-19-positive or high-risk patients. Appropriate screening, PPE use, and multidisciplinary care will allow for safe medically necessary orthopaedic surgery to continue during the COVID-19 pandemic. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Prognostic Level V. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

Tips and Tricks for Common, Yet Difficult Osteopenic Fractures in the Community.

Owing to advances in medicine, the number of elderly patients is growing, concurrently leading to an increasing incidence in osteopenic fractures that often require surgical management. Some of the most common anatomic areas include the proximal humerus, the distal humerus, femoral neck fractures, and periprosthetic fractures around a total knee arthroplasty (TKA). Here, surgical strategies for these challenging clinical scenarios are reviewed, offering poignant tips and tricks to avoid pitfalls and complications.

Isolated Polyethylene Insert Exchange for Flexion Instability After Primary Total Knee Arthroplasty Demonstrated Excellent Results in Properly Selected Patients.

BACKGROUND: Historically, isolated polyethylene exchange (IPE) for flexion instability after total knee arthroplasty (TKA) has demonstrated generally poor and unpredictable results. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the results of a single surgeon's strict indications and protocol for IPE for flexion instability after primary TKA. METHODS: Between 2009 and 2016, 418 revision TKAs were performed by the senior author. Patients were considered for IPE if they demonstrated excellent radiographic alignment and component positioning preoperatively. Intraoperatively, if component rotation, sizing, and fixation were all excellent and the flexion and extension gaps could be balanced, then IPE was performed. We retrospectively reviewed 31 knees in 30 patients who were treated with IPE specifically for flexion instability after primary TKA. The mean follow-up was 41 months (range, 24-85 months). Nineteen knees were cruciate-retaining TKAs revised to a more constrained "deep-dish" ultracongruent insert, and 12 posterior-stabilized TKAs were revised to thicker posterior-stabilized insert. RESULTS: At a mean follow-up of 41 months, only 2 of 31 knees (6.5%) required subsequent component revision surgery for recurrent instability. Knee Society pain scores improved from 70 preoperatively to 86 postoperatively (P < .0001), and function scores improved from 39 points preoperatively to 44 points postoperatively (P = .015). CONCLUSION: IPE for flexion instability in carefully selected patients was successful in over 90% of patients for a mean follow-up of 41 months. Pain and function scores significantly improved. Longer-term follow-up is necessary to determine whether these results are durable over time.

Variables Associated With Lag Screw Sliding After Single-Screw Cephalomedullary Nail Fixation of Intertrochanteric Fractures.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate variables associated with lag screw sliding after single-screw cephalomedullary nail (CMN) fixation of intertrochanteric femur fractures. DESIGN: Retrospective cohort study. SETTING: Level-one trauma center. PATIENTS/PARTICIPANTS: One hundred fifty-eight intertrochanteric fractures in patients older than 65 years with an average follow-up of 22 months. INTERVENTION: Single-screw CMN fixation. MAIN OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS: Lag screw sliding and revision surgeries. RESULTS: The average amount of lag screw sliding was 5 ± 5 mm (range, 0-21 mm). Lag screw sliding was greater with unstable fracture patterns (mean difference 2 mm, 95% confidence interval 0.4-3.5 mm, P = 0.01) and calcar gapping >4 mm (mean difference 3.7 mm, 95% confidence interval 2-5 mm, P < 0.01). No association was found between lag screw sliding and age, female gender, implants, long versus short nails, distal interlock screw use, postoperative neck-shaft angle, or tip-apex distance (P > 0.05). Revision surgeries were performed in 6 (4%) patients. Indications included symptomatic lag screw removal (n = 2), avascular necrosis (n = 1), cutout (n = 1), loss of reduction (n = 1), and perimplant fracture (n = 1). CONCLUSIONS: Unstable fracture patterns are unavoidable; however, careful attention to calcar reduction and selection of dual-screw CMN implants may minimize lag screw sliding and its detrimental effects on outcomes. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Prognostic Level III. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

Early Operative Treatment of Acetabular Fractures Does Not Increase Blood Loss: A Retrospective Review.

OBJECTIVES: To compare cell salvage (CS) volume, intraoperative blood loss, intraoperative blood transfusions, and operative time for acetabular fractures undergoing early (≤48 hours from admission) versus delayed fixation (>48 hours from admission). DESIGN: Retrospective. SETTING: Level one trauma center. PATIENTS: One hundred thirty-one patients with unilateral acetabular fractures involving at least one column. INTERVENTION: Open reduction and internal fixation performed through the anterior intrapelvic approach or posterior approach. MAIN OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS: CS volume, estimated blood loss (EBL), intravenous fluids (IVFs), intraoperative packed red blood cells (PRBCs), and operative time. RESULTS: Early versus delayed fixation through the posterior approach was associated with shorter operative times and less intraoperative PRBCs (140 vs. 301 mL, MD -161 mL, 95% confidence interval -25 to -296 mL) with no differences in CS, EBL, or IVF. Early versus delayed fixation through an anterior intrapelvic approach was more common in less severe fracture patterns with no differences in PRBCs, CS, EBL, or IVF. CS, through either approach, was successful in returning blood to 77% of patients for an average of 267 ± 168 mL (range, 105-900 mL). CONCLUSIONS: Fixation of acetabular fractures within 48 hours of admission did not increase blood loss or intraoperative transfusions. CS was successful in returning an average of one unit of blood to a majority of patients. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic Level III. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

Role of Distal Femoral Replacement for Periprosthetic Fractures Above a Total Knee Arthroplasty: When and How?

With increasing incidence of total knee arthroplasty (TKA), a concurrent rise in periprosthetic fractures is also expected. Although many periprosthetic fractures about a TKA can be fixed through locked plating, retrograde intramedullary nailing, or both, some fracture patterns combined with poor bone stock and/or osteolysis can offer a loose femoral component requiring TKA revision. TKA revision in the setting of periprosthetic fracture can be challenging and, often, nearly impossible as fractures that extend proximally may not be amenable to standard revision components. Distal femoral replacement may offer a more efficient, facile approach to treating periprosthetic fractures about a loose TKA component. Here, the role of distal femoral replacement is reviewed, offering indications, salient technical points, and tips to avoid pitfalls while allowing for immediate, reliable weight bearing in this challenging patient population.

Practical Surgical Techniques for Revision Total Hip Arthroplasty.

Although total hip arthroplasty is an extremely successful procedure, the continual increase in the number of total hip arthroplasties that are performed is associated with the substantial burden of revision total hip arthroplasty. Modes of total hip arthroplasty failure include instability, aseptic loosening, infection, periprosthetic fracture, hardware failure, and component wear, all of which are indications for revision total hip arthroplasty. Surgeons must have a sound preoperative revision total hip arthroplasty plan and must be familiar with a variety of component removal and exposure techniques, such as the extended trochanteric osteotomy. Alternative surgical plan(s) and extra implants for reconstruction on both the acetabular and femoral sides should be available in anticipation of unexpected findings. Component removal and exposure techniques can be refined to avoid complications and achieve a successful outcome in patients who undergo revision total hip arthroplasty.