Medial Scapular Body (MSB) Goutallier Classification - MRI based reliability and validity of evaluation of the Goutallier classification for grading fatty infiltration of the rotator cuff.

INTRODUCTION: The degree of atrophy and fatty infiltration of rotator cuff muscle belly is a key predictor for cuff repairability. Traditionally, Goutallier grading of fatty infiltration is assessed at sagittal scapular Y-view. Massive rotator cuff tears are associated with tendon retraction and medial retraction of cuff musculature, resulting in medialization of the muscle bulk. Thus, standard Y-view can misrepresent the region of interest and may misguide clinicians when assessing repairability. It is hypothesized that by assessing the muscle belly with multiple medial sagittal MRI sections at medial scapular body, the Medial Scapular Body - Goutallier Classification (MSB-GC) will improve reliability and repeatability giving a more representative approximation to the degree of fatty infiltration, as compared with original Y-view. METHODS: Fatty infiltration of the rotator cuff muscles were classified based on the Goutallier grade (0 to 4) at three defined sections section 1: original Y-view; section 2: level of suprascapular notch; section 3: three cm medial to suprascapular notch on MRI scans. Six sub-specialist fellowship trained shoulder surgeons, and three musculoskeletal radiologists independently evaluated deidentified MRI scans of included patients. RESULTS: Out of 80 scans, 78% (n=62) were massive cuff tears involving supraspinatus, infraspinatus and subscapularis tendon. Inter-observer reliability (consistency between observers) for Goutallier grade was excellent for all three predefined sections (range:0.87-0.95). Intra-observer reliability (repeatability) for Goutallier grade was excellent for all three sections and four rotator cuff muscles (range:0.83-0.97). There was a moderate to strong positive correlation of Goutallier grades between sections 1 and 3 and between sections 2 and 3 and these were statistically significant (p<0.001). There was a reduction in the severity of fatty infiltration on the Goutallier classification from sections 1 to 3 across all muscles. 42.5% of both supraspinatus and infraspinatus were downgraded by one, 20% of supraspinatus and 3.8% of infraspinatus were downgraded by 2 and 2.5% of supraspinatus were downgraded by 3. CONCLUSION: This study found that applying the Goutallier classification to more medial MRI sections (MSB-GC) resulted in assignment of lower grades for all rotator cuff muscles. Additionally, this method demonstrated excellent test-retest reliability and repeatability. Inclusion of a more medial view or whole scapula on MRI, especially in advanced levels of tear retraction, could be more reliable and representative for assessment of the degree of fatty infiltration within the muscle bulk that could help predict tear repairability and therefore improve clinical decision-making which should be studied further in clinical studies.

The Use of Glenoid Structural Allografts for Glenoid Bone Defects in Reverse Shoulder Arthroplasty.

Background: The use of reverse shoulder arthroplasty as a primary and revision implant is increasing. Advances in implant design and preoperative surgical planning allow the management of complex glenoid defects. As the demand for treating severe bone loss increases, custom allograft composites are needed to match the premorbid anatomy. Baseplate composite structural allografts are used in patients with eccentric and centric defects to restore the glenoid joint line. Preserving bone stock is important in younger patients where a revision surgery is expected. The aim of this article is to present the assessment, planning, and indications of femoral head allografting for bony defects of the glenoid. Methods: The preoperative surgical planning and the surgical technique to execute the plan with a baseplate composite graft are detailed. The preliminary clinical and radiological results of 29 shoulders which have undergone this graft planning and surgical technique are discussed. Clinical outcomes included visual analogue score of pain (VAS), American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons score (ASES), Constant-Murley score (CS), satisfaction before and after operation, and active range of motion. Radiological outcomes included graft healing and presence of osteolysis or loosening. Results: The use of composite grafts in this series has shown excellent clinical outcomes, with an overall graft complication rate in complex bone loss cases of 8%. Conclusion: Femoral head structural allografting is a valid and viable surgical option for glenoid bone defects in reverse shoulder arthroplasty.

Does forearm referencing using a retroversion guide achieve the targeted retroversion of the humeral component in reverse shoulder arthroplasty?

BACKGROUND: Component positioning affects clinical outcomes of reverse shoulder arthroplasty, which necessitates an implantation technique that is reproducible, consistent, and reliable. This study aims to assess the accuracy and precision of positioning the humeral component in planned retroversion using a forearm referencing guide. METHODS: Computed tomography scans of 54 patients (27 males and 27 females) who underwent primary reverse shoulder arthroplasty for osteoarthritis or cuff tear arthropathy were evaluated. A standardized surgical technique was used to place the humeral stem in 15° of retroversion. Version was assessed intraoperatively visualizing the retroversion guide from above and referencing the forearm axis. Metal subtraction techniques from postoperative computed tomography images allowed for the generation of 3D models of the humerus and for evaluation of the humeral component position. Anatomical humeral plane and implant planes were defined and the retroversion 3D angle between identified planes was recorded for each patient. Accuracy and precision were assessed. A subgroup analysis evaluated differences between male and female patients. RESULTS: The humeral retroversion angle ranged from 0.9° to 22.8°. The majority (81%) of the measurements were less than 15°. Mean retroversion angle (±SD) was 9.9° ± 5.8° (95% CI 8.4°-11.5°) with a mean percent error with respect to 15° of -34% ± 38 (95% CI -23 to -44). In the male subgroup (n = 27, range 3.8°-22.5°), the mean retroversion angle was 11.9° ± 5.4° (95% CI 9.8°-14.1°) with a mean percent error with respect to 15° of -21% ± 36 (95% CI -6 to -35). In the female subgroup (n = 27, range 0.9°-22.8°), mean retroversion angle was 8.0° ± 5.5° (95% CI 5.8°-10.1°) and the mean percent error with respect to 15° was -47% ± 36 (95% CI -32 to -61). The differences between the 2 gender groups were statistically significant (P = .006). CONCLUSION: Referencing the forearm using an extramedullary forearm referencing system to position the humeral stem in a desired retroversion is neither accurate nor precise. There is a nonnegligible tendency to achieve a lower retroversion than planned, and the error is more marked in females.

Traumatic posterior sternoclavicular joint dislocation - Current aspects of management.

The posterior sternoclavicular joint dislocation is a rare and potentially life-threatening injury, as massive haemorrhage can occur at the time of trauma, during reduction manoeuvres and drilling. These injuries are rare and a collective experience of managing them is of paramount importance. We present our multidisciplinary experience of managing several of these injuries in our centre, with learning points we have identified. Assessment should include Computerised Tomography Angiography (CTA) to assess the anatomy of the joint including the proximity to the underlying innominate vein and to identify any bleeding. Both closed reduction and open reconstruction have the potential for massive haemorrhage which can be controlled successfully with direct access to the underlying vessel. We recommend that all reductions should be performed in the presence of a cardiothoracic surgeon who can gain vascular control in the head, neck, and thorax. In specific high-risk cases, pre-emptive venous catheterisation can also be considered. We recommend that a discussion and rehearsal for intra-operative bleeding should be undertaken with the whole theatre team, with roles assigned pre-emptively and to allow identification of any deficiencies in staff expertise or equipment. Of the five recent cases managed in our centre one patient had a closed reduction and four had open reductions. Success of closed reductions within 48 h is high and these can be attempted up to 10 days after injury. Our patient undergoing closed reduction had a favourable outcome and returned to professional rugby at five months. Open reduction was performed in a physeal fracture as there was a delay to surgery and callus had begun to form and had the potential to adhere to the underlying vessel. In this case we performed open reduction and stabilised with tunnelled suture fixation. Our preferred method of reconstruction uses a palmaris graft with internal figure of eight bracing. One patient had a subsequent fracture of the medial clavicle around the drill holes that healed without further intervention. Despite good reduction and stability achieved following palmaris reconstructions, two patients are experiencing ongoing symptoms of globus and one with voice change without any objective underlying cause.

An international multi-stakeholder delphi consensus exercise to develop a core outcomes set (COS) for surgical fixation of rib fractures.

INTRODUCTION: A patient-relevant, focused Core Outcome Set (COS) is essential to the design of clinical trials dealing with chest wall trauma, in order to maximise quality of evidence regarding impact of interventions and to reduce research waste. METHODS: Outcome measures were collated by way of systematic review and entered into a three round Delphi consensus completed anonymously online. Participants were international clinicians and allied health professionals (AHP) involved in the treatment of rib fractures as well as patients who had experienced severe chest trauma. Consensus thresholds for statements were defined a priori as a group rating of more than 70% or less than 15% for 'important' or 'not important'. RESULTS: Sixty-five participants responded to the first round and the final round Final round consisted of five AHP, two patients and 16 clinicians from eight different countries. Twenty-three outcomes were regarded as important for the COS; eight adverse events, three mortality, five clinical or physiological outcomes, six life impact and one resource-related. Health related quality of life was rated highest of the life impact outcomes but participants thought it was also important to assess disability, physical function, quality of life, return to activities and return to work. CONCLUSION: Collecting serious adverse outcomes was important to all stakeholders as were life impact outcomes such as quality of life, physical function and return to activities. Resource use outcomes were considered less important. We recommend this Core Outcome Set, developed with multiple relevant stakeholders, for use in future clinical trials, following further work on the most appropriate methods and instruments for measurement.

Epidemiology of adult rib fracture and factors associated with surgical fixation: Analysis of a chest wall injury dataset from England and Wales.

INTRODUCTION: Chest wall trauma is commonly seen in patients admitted with both high and low-energy transfer injury. Whilst often associated with other injuries, it is also seen in isolation following simple falls in the older patient. Fixation of the chest wall grows in popularity as part of optimising patient care, particularly in terms of critical care stay. There is currently no description of the epidemiology of these injuries at a national level; nor has there been identification of factors that predict which of these patients undergoes surgery. METHODS: The United Kingdom Trauma Audit & Research Network (TARN) database was analysed for the period April 2016 to 30th May 2017 for all adult patients presenting with a rib or sternal fracture. Characteristics of the population were described and a binary logistic regression model constructed to explore the influences of several explanatory variables on whether fixation was performed. RESULTS: Of 16,638 patients with chest wall trauma, 402 underwent fixation. Most chest wall injury patients were admitted under three specialties (orthopaedics (19.1%), emergency medicine (16.6%) and general surgery (17.7%)). The odds of fixation in unilateral flail chest was 107.51 (p <0.0001), in bilateral flail or combined complexsternal fracture 47.63 (p = 0.007) and in 3 or more non-flail ribs 15.62 (p<0.0001) when compared to less than three non-flail rib fractures. The odds of fixation was higher in an MTC (p<0.0001) compared to a non-specialist hospital. The odds of fixation was higher in older patients (1.02, p<0.0001) and the more severely injured (1.02, p<0.0001). CONCLUSION: There is considerable variation nationally in the management of chest wall trauma. Injury type, patient age and care setting contribute to decision making in fracture fixation. This unique national dataset characterises for the first time the nature of contemporary chest wall trauma management and should help inform the design of future research on this topic.

Scoping review: Diagnosis and management of periprosthetic joint infection in shoulder arthroplasty.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this scoping review is to assess the current evidence regarding periprosthetic shoulder infection to inform development of evidence and consensus-based guidelines. METHODS: A search of Medline, Embase and PubMed was performed; two authors screened the results independently for inclusion. RESULTS: Totally 88 studies were included. Incidence of periprosthetic shoulder infection ranged from 0.7% to 7%. The most common organisms to cause periprosthetic shoulder infection were Propionibacterium acnes, Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus epidermidis and coagulase-negative Staphylococcus. Male gender and younger age are the most reported risk factors. Erythrocyte sedimentation rate, C-reactive protein and serum/synovial biomarkers had limited diagnostic accuracy. Thirty-nine studies reported the outcome of surgical management of periprosthetic shoulder infection. Eradication rates vary from 54% to 100% for debridement procedures; 66-100% for permanent spacers; 50-100% following single-stage revision; 60-100% following two-stage revision; and 66-100% following resection arthroplasty. CONCLUSION: There is wide heterogeneity in study designs and outcomes of studies are often contradictory and due to issues with methodology and small sample sizes the optimal pathways for diagnosis and management cannot be determined from this review. Future research should be based on larger cohorts and randomised trials where feasible to provide more valid research for guiding future treatment of periprosthetic shoulder infection.

Effectiveness of surgical fixation for lateral compression type one (LC-1) fragility fractures of the pelvis: a systematic review.

OBJECTIVES: To undertake a systematic review of the evidence base for the effectiveness of surgical fixation of lateral compression (LC-1) fragility fractures of the pelvis compared with non-surgical approaches. SEARCHES: MEDLINE, EMBASE, the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials and two international trials registers were searched up to January 2017 (MEDLINE to February 2019) for studies of internal or external fixation of fragility fractures of the pelvis. PARTICIPANTS: Patients with lateral compression pelvic fractures, sustained as the result of a low-energy mechanism, defined as a fall from standing height or less. INTERVENTIONS: Surgery using either external or internal fixation devices. Conservative non-surgical treatment was the defined comparator. OUTCOME MEASURES: Outcomes of interest were patient mobility and function, pain, quality of life, fracture union, mortality, hospital length of stay and complications (additional operative procedures, number and type of adverse events and serious adverse events). QUALITY ASSESSMENT AND SYNTHESIS: The Joanna Briggs Institute Checklist for Case Series was used to assess the included studies. Results were presented in a narrative synthesis. RESULTS: Of 3421 records identified, four retrospective case series met the inclusion criteria. Fixation types were not consistent between studies or within studies and most patients had more than one type of pelvic fixation. Where reported, mobility and function improved post-surgery, and a reduction in pain was recorded. Length of hospital stay ranged from 4 days to 54 days for surgical fixation of any type. Reported complications and adverse outcomes included: infections, implant loosening, pneumonia and thrombosis. Use of analgesia was not reported. CONCLUSIONS: There is insufficient evidence to support guidance on the most effective treatment for patients who fail to mobilise after sustaining an LC-1 fragility fracture. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: CRD42017055872.

Systematic review of systematic reviews for effectiveness of internal fixation for flail chest and rib fractures in adults.

OBJECTIVES: Multiple systematic reviews have reported on the impact of rib fracture fixation in the presence of flail chest and multiple rib fractures, however this practice remains controversial. Our aim is to synthesise the effectiveness of surgical rib fracture fixation as evidenced by systematic reviews. DESIGN: A systematic search identified systematic reviews comparing effectiveness of rib fracture fixation with non-operative management of adults with flail chest or unifocal non-flail rib fractures. MEDLINE, EMBASE, Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews and Science Citation Index were last searched 17 March 2017. Risk of bias was assessed using the Risk Of Bias In Systematic reviews (ROBIS) tool. The primary outcome was duration of mechanical ventilation. RESULTS: Twelve systematic reviews were included, consisting of 3 unique randomised controlled trials and 19 non-randomised studies. Length of mechanical ventilation was shorter in the fixation group compared with the non-operative group in flail chest; pooled estimates ranged from -4.52 days, 95% CI (-5.54 to -3.5) to -7.5 days, 95% CI (-9.9 to -5.5). Pneumonia, length of hospital and intensive care unit stay all showed a statistically significant improvement in favour of fixation for flail chest; however, all outcomes in favour of fixation had substantial heterogeneity. There was no statistically significant difference between groups in mortality. Two systematic reviews included one non-randomised studies of unifocal non-flail rib fracture population; due to limited evidence the benefits with surgery are uncertain. CONCLUSIONS: Synthesis of the reviews has shown some potential improvement in patient outcomes with flail chest after fixation. For future review updates, meta-analysis for effectiveness may need to take into account indications and timing of surgery as a subgroup analysis to address clinical heterogeneity between primary studies. Further robust evidence is required before conclusions can be drawn of the effectiveness of surgical fixation for flail chest and in particular, unifocal non-flail rib fractures. PROSPERO REGISTRATION NUMBER: CRD42016053494.

A Functional Angle of Up to 35° at the Distal Interphalangeal Joint Can Be Achieved with Headless Compression Screw Fusion.

BACKGROUND: Arthrodesis of the distal interphalangeal (DIP) joint reliably improves symptomatic arthritis. A range of successful surgical techniques including tension band wiring, plate fixation and headless compression screws have been described and produce stable painless unions. For best functional outcome, the fusion angle should be between 10 and 61 degrees. In the past, it has been difficult to achieve more than 10 degrees of flexion with a headless compression screw. Higher fusion angles have been reported using tension band wiring techniques. However, metalwork prominence is a common problem and may require revision surgery to rectify this. Headless compression screws are reported to cause iatrogenic fractures due to the size of the screw relative to the small diameter of the phalanx. This case series achieves an angle of up to 35 degrees with a good functional outcome. METHODS: Open fusion of the DIP joint with a headless cannulated compression screw, of 2.2 mm in diameter, was undertaken in fifteen digits. Patients received standard departmental follow up to radiographic union. Patients self-reported function using the Michigan Hand Questionnaire post operatively. The fusion angles achieved were assessed on postoperative radiographs. RESULTS: All patients went on to a stable union without any patients requiring revision surgery as a result of fracture or protrusion of metalwork. Complications were observed in two patients which included one superficial infection (n = 1) and a discomfort requiring removal of metalwork (n = 1). Functional scores measured post operatively showed favourable outcomes. CONCLUSIONS: In this series, successful fusions of the DIP joints, at an angle up to 35 degrees were achieved using small diameter headless compression screws, which provided benefits including early mobilization and favourable functional outcome scores.

Seven-year survival analysis of the Global® CAP® (Conservative Anatomic Prosthesis) shoulder resurfacing.

BACKGROUND: Shoulder resurfacings represent approximately one-third of shoulder arthroplasties and have the highest revision rates of any shoulder arthroplasty. We present a survival analysis of the Global CAP hemi-resurfacing implanted by multiple surgeons with up to 10 years of follow-up. METHODS: A life-table survival analysis of the Global CAP hemi-resurfacing was undertaken in a single site with multiple surgeons. Two survival analyses were performed; first, where failure was defined as component exchange and, second, where failure was defined as re-operation for any reason. Postoperative functional outcome was quantified using the Quick Disability Arm Hand and Shoulder Score (Quick DASH) and Oxford Shoulder Score (OSS). RESULTS: Eighty-seven Global CAPs were implanted in 75 patients. At a mean (SD) follow-up of 5.4 years (2.5 years) (range 0.9 years to 10 years), five patients had revision surgery and three patients underwent a reoperation for any reason. Survival at year 7 with component exchange as the endpoint was 80% (95% confidence interval = 93 to 65) and survival with re-operation for any reason as the end point was 62% (95% confidence interval = 82 to 50). The mean OSS and Quick DASH were 35 and 27.6, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: The Global CAP has similar survivorship in the short to medium term and produces similar clinical outcomes compared to other shoulder resurfacings.

Intraoperative complications during revision shoulder arthroplasty: a study using the National Joint Registry dataset.

BACKGROUND: The surgical options for revision shoulder arthroplasty and the number of procedures performed are increasing. However, little is known about the risk factors for intraoperative complications associated with this complex surgery. METHODS: The National Joint Registry (NJR) is a surgeon reported database recording information on major joint replacements including revision shoulder arthroplasty. Using multivariable binary logistic regression modelling, we analyzed 1445 revision shoulder arthroplasties reported to the NJR between April 2012 and 2015. RESULTS: The risk of developing a complication during revision surgery was greater than primary arthroplasty (5% versus 2.5%). An intraoperative fracture was the most common complication occurring in 50 (3.5%) cases. Nerve injuries were recorded for two (0.1%) patients and vascular injuries for one (0.1%) patient. The incidence of intraoperative fractures was higher in females than males (relative risk = 3.25; p = 0.005). Periprosthetic fracture as an indication for revision carried the highest risk for any complication (relative risk = 3.00, p = 0.06). CONCLUSIONS: This is the largest registry study to date investigating the incidence and risk factors for intraoperative complications during revision shoulder arthroplasty. Females have over three times the risk of intraoperative fractures compared to males. This study will help inform surgeons to accurately counsel patients.

Removal of a below knee plaster cast worn for 28 months: a case report.

INTRODUCTION: An unusual situation in which a below knee cast was removed after 28 months is reported. To the best of our knowledge no similar cases have been reported in the literature. CASE PRESENTATION: The cast was removed from the leg of a 45-year-old Caucasian woman. Significant muscle atrophy and dense skin scales were present but the underlying skin surface was relatively healthy with only small pitted 1-2 mm ulcers. No pathogenic organisms were cultured from this environment. CONCLUSION: It seems likely that skin can tolerate cast immobilization for prolonged duration.