Humeral Component Version Has No Effect on Outcomes Following Reverse Total Shoulder Arthroplasty: A Prospective, Double-Blinded, Randomized Controlled Trial.

BACKGROUND: Controversy exists regarding the ideal humeral component version to optimize humeral rotation and patient outcomes in reverse total shoulder arthroplasty (rTSA). METHODS: Patients undergoing primary rTSA for rotator cuff tear arthropathy, a massive rotator cuff tear, or primary osteoarthritis with a rotator cuff tear were randomized to placement of the humeral component in neutral version or 30° of retroversion. Shoulder active range of motion and strength and visual analog scale (VAS) pain, American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES), and Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System Global 10 (PROMIS-10) scores were collected up to 2 years postoperatively. The goal of the study was to determine whether humeral external rotation and internal rotation are affected by humeral component version following rTSA at 2 years postoperatively. RESULTS: Sixty-six patients were included in the analysis. The median follow-up was 26 months for the neutral and 27 months for the 30° retroversion group. No differences between the groups were observed with respect to the primary diagnosis, sex, age, body mass index, or American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) class. The 2 groups did not differ significantly in terms of improvement at 2 years in active shoulder abduction (p = 0.969), forward elevation (p = 1.000), internal rotation measured as the highest spinal level reached (p = 1.000), internal rotation with the arm abducted 90° (p = 0.451), external rotation (p = 0.362), or muscle strength in forward elevation (p = 1.000), abduction (p = 1.000), external rotation (p = 0.617), or internal rotation (p = 1.000). The 2 groups did not differ significantly in terms of improvement in postoperative ASES (p = 1.000), PROMIS-10 physical (p = 1.000), or VAS pain scores (p = 0.718) at the time of final follow-up. In the neutral version group, 1 patient underwent revision for instability and 1 for stiffness. One acromial stress fracture occurred in the 30° humeral retroversion group. Scapular notching was observed in 7 (21.2%) of the patients in neutral version group and 5 (15.2%) of the patients in the 30° retroversion group (p = 0.750). CONCLUSIONS: Securing the humeral component at neutral version or 30° of retroversion in rTSA resulted in similar active shoulder external rotation, internal rotation, forward elevation, abduction, and strength measurements, complication rates, and VAS pain, PROMIS-10 physical, and ASES scores at 2 years postoperatively. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic Level I . See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

Complication rates and efficacy of single-injection vs. continuous interscalene nerve block: a prospective evaluation following arthroscopic primary rotator cuff repair without a concomitant open procedure.

Background: To compare the complications and efficacy of pain relief of the interscalene anesthetic block using either a single-injection (SI) vs. a continuous, indwelling catheter (CIC) for arthroscopic rotator cuff repair surgery. Methods: Patients undergoing primary, arthroscopic rotator cuff repair without concomitant open procedure or biceps tenodesis were prospectively enrolled by 4 fellowship-trained sports medicine and shoulder surgeons. Patients received either a SI or CIC preoperatively based on surgeon preference. Patients were contacted by phone to complete a standard questionnaire on postoperative days (PODs) 1, 3, 7, 14, and 28. Patients were asked to rate the efficacy of their subjective pain relief (scale of 0-10), document issues with the catheter, describe analgesic usage, and report pharmacological and medical complications. The primary outcome was measured as complication rate. Postoperative narcotic use, patient satisfaction, and visual analog scale pain scores were measured as secondary outcomes. Results: Seventy patients were enrolled, 33 CIC patients (13 male, 20 female, mean age 61 ± 8 years) and 37 SI patients (20 male, 17 female, mean age 59 ± 10 years). There were significantly more injection/insertion site complications in the CIC group (48%) vs. the SI group (11%, P = .001). The incidence of motor weakness was higher in the CIC group on POD 1 (P = .034), but not at any subsequent time points. On POD 1, CIC patients had a clinically significantly lower pain score compared to SI (3.2 vs. 5.4; P = .020). Similar scores were observed at subsequent time points until POD 28, when CIC again had a lower pain score (0.8 vs. 2.7; P = .005). However, this did not reach clinical significance. All patients in both groups rated a satisfaction of 9 or 10 (scale 0-10) with the anesthesia provided by their nerve block. Conclusion: CIC interscalene nerve blocks had an increased risk for injection site complications and minor complications in the immediate postoperative period when using the CIC for arthroscopic rotator cuff repair without any concomitant open procedures. CIC blocks demonstrated clinically significant superior pain relief on POD 1 but were equal to SI blocks at every time point thereafter. Superior pain relief of CIC at POD 28 was not clinically significant. CIC catheters do not appear to markedly decrease the use of postoperative narcotics. Despite this trend in complication rates and pain scores, all patients in both groups were satisfied with their nerve block.

Evaluating trunnionosis in modular anatomic shoulder arthroplasties: a retrieval study.

BACKGROUND: Shoulder arthroplasty procedures are widely indicated, and the number of shoulder arthroplasty procedures has drastically increased over the years. Rapid expansion of the utilization of reverse total shoulder arthroplasty has outpaced the more modest growth of anatomic total shoulder arthroplasty (aTSA) while shoulder hemiarthroplasty (HA) has trended down. Recently, shoulder prostheses have transitioned to increasingly modular systems offering more individualized options with the potential for decreased pain and increased range of motion. However, increased primary procedures has resulted in increased revision surgeries, with one potential cause being fretting and corrosion damage within these modular systems. METHODS: Following institutional review board approval, 130 retrieved aTSA and 135 HA explants were identified through database query. Humeral stem and head components were included in all 265 explants, whereas 108 included polyethylene glenoid liner components. All explanted components were macroscopically evaluated for standard damage modes, and taper junctions were microscopically examined for fretting/corrosion using a modified Goldberg-Cusick classification system that was 4-quadrant graded for both the male and female component. Medical records were reviewed for patient demographics and surgical information. RESULTS: In this series, 158 of explants were from female patients (male = 107), and 162 explants were from the right shoulder. Average age at implantation was 61 years (range: 24-83), average age at explanation was 66 years (range, 32-90), and average duration of implantation was 61.4 months (range, 0.5-240). Scratching, edge deformation, and burnishing were the most commonly observed standard damage modes. Of the 265 explants, 146 had a male stem component vs. 118 with a female stem component. Average summed fretting grades on male and female stem components were 8.3 and 5.9, respectively (P < .001). Average summed corrosion grades for male and female stem components were 8.2 and 6.2, respectively (P < .001). Wider male tapers (>11 mm) showed significantly less fretting and corrosion (P < .001). Lastly, mismatched metal compositions between the head and stem components showed greater fretting and corrosion damage (P = .002). CONCLUSION: In this series of 265 aTSA and HA explants, there was substantial damage present on the explanted components. All components demonstrated macroscopic damage. In this retrieval study, small-tapered male stems with small, thin female heads and mismatched metal composition between components were risk factors for increased implant wear. As shoulder arthroplasty volume increases, optimizing design is paramount for long-term success. Additional work could determine the clinical significance of these findings.

Concomitant latissimus dorsi tendon transfer during reverse total shoulder arthroplasty does not improve active external rotation or clinical outcomes in patients with external rotation deficit.

BACKGROUND: To assess the role of latissimus dorsi tendon transfer (LDT) concomitant with reverse total shoulder arthroplasty in patients with external rotation (ER) deficit secondary to severe rotator cuff deficiency with and without glenohumeral arthritis. METHODS: Patients with a positive external lag sign and <10° of active external rotation (aER) treated with reverse shoulder arthroplasty at a single institution with a minimum 12-month follow-up were retrospectively identified from a prospective database. Basic demographic information along with preoperative and postoperative range of motion (ROM) measures, American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons score (ASES), Visual Analog Scale (VAS) pain, and Subjective Shoulder Value scores were obtained. Statistical analysis was performed to compare ROM and functional outcomes between patients who underwent concomitant LDT and those with no transfer (NT). RESULTS: The LDT (n = 31) and NT (n = 33) groups had similar age, sex distributions, and follow-up length average (24 vs. 30 months). No differences were found between groups at baseline, final follow-up, or magnitude of change for ASES, VAS pain, and Subjective Shoulder Value scores. Baseline ROM measures were similar, except for the LDT group having slightly less aER (-8° vs. 0°; P = .004). In addition, all postoperative ROM measures including aER were similar, except for a slight improvement in active internal rotation in the NT group. The majority of patients were satisfied with their outcome (LDT 84% (n = 26); NT 87% (n = 27); P = .72). CONCLUSION: Patients with ER deficit secondary to severe rotator cuff deficiency with and without glenohumeral arthritis undergoing reverse total shoulder arthroplasty do not have significantly improved ER or patient-reported outcome measures with LDT.

Are Suture Tape Knots as Secure as Standard Suture? A Biomechanical Study.

BACKGROUND: Few studies have investigated the biomechanical performance of flat-braided suture tapes versus round-braided sutures after being knotted. PURPOSE: To compare the loop security and knot strength of a standard round-braided suture with 3 commercially available flat-braided suture tapes using 2 types of arthroscopic knots. STUDY DESIGN: Controlled laboratory study. METHODS: One standard suture (SS) and 3 suture tapes (T1, T2, and T3) were tied with the surgeon's knot (SK) and the Tennessee slider (TS), 25 times each, by a single surgeon. Each combination of knots and sutures underwent a preload, cyclic loading, and load to failure. Outcomes were loop security (defined by loop stretch after a 5-N preload), load at clinical failure (3 mm of displacement), and load at ultimate failure (suture rupture or knot slippage). Two-way analysis of variance was used for analysis. RESULTS: Overall, the SK group had greater overall loop security than that of the TS group (0.4 ± 0.3 vs 0.5 ± 0.3 mm of stretch, respectively; P = .020). The clinical failure load varied by suture type (P < .001) but not knot type (P = .106). For both knot types, the SS had the lowest mean ± SD clinical failure load (SK, 171 ± 49 N; TS, 176 ± 37 N), which was significantly less than that of T2 (247 ± 85 N; P < .001) and T3 (251 ± 96 N; P < .001) for the SK type and T2 (231 ± 67 N; P = .023) for the TS type. T2 sutures had the greatest ultimate failure load for both knot types (SK, 418 ± 45 N; TS, 461 ± 57 N), which was significantly greater than SS, T1, and T3 (P < .001 for all). The TS knot had greater overall ultimate failure load than the SK (375 ± 64 vs 350 ± 66 N; P < .001). CONCLUSION: Not all suture tape knots had the same biomechanical properties, although knot security and strength appeared to be adequate for all suture tapes as well as for SS. There was no evidence that suture tape knots are lower profile than SS knots. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Surgeons should not use suture tape based only on the assumption that it has superior biomechanical properties to a standard round-braided suture.

Radiographic evaluation of humeral head reconstruction with stemmed and stemless spherical implants compared with stemless elliptical head implants.

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to compare the accuracy of anatomic reconstruction of three different humeral head designs after anatomic total shoulder arthroplasty. METHODS: Postoperative radiographs of 117 patients who underwent anatomic total shoulder arthroplasty with three different implant designs (stemmed spherical, stemless spherical, and stemless elliptical) were analyzed for landmarks that represented the prearthritic state and final implant position. We assessed the change in center of rotati7on and humeral head height on the anteroposterior view and the percentage of prosthesis overhang on the axillary lateral view. A modified anatomic reconstruction index, a compound score that rated each of the 3 parameters from 0 to 2, was created to determine the overall accuracy of the reconstruction. RESULTS: Excellent modified anatomic reconstruction index scores (5 or 6 points) were achieved by 68.1% of the cases in the stemless elliptical group compared with 33.3% of the cases in the stemless spherical group and by 28.3% of the cases in the stemmed spherical group (P = .001).The mean difference in restoration of humeral head height (P < .001) and percentage of prosthesis overhang (P < .001) was superior for the stemless elliptical group compared with the two other spherical head groups. There was no difference between groups for the shift in center of rotation (P = .060). CONCLUSIONS: In this radiographic investigation comparing three different humeral head designs with respect to anatomic restoration parameters, the stemless elliptical implant more closely restored the geometry of the prearthritic humeral head as assessed by humeral head height, prosthesis overhang, and a compound reconstruction score.

Can the Femoro-Epiphyseal Acetabular Roof (FEAR) Index Be Used to Distinguish Dysplasia from Impingement?

BACKGROUND: Classifying hips with structural deformity on the spectrum from impingement to dysplasia is often subjective and frequently inexact. Currently used radiographic measures may inaccurately predict a hip's morphological stability in borderline hips. A recently described radiographic measure, the Femoro-Epiphyseal Acetabular Roof (FEAR) index, has demonstrated an ability to predict stability in the borderline hip. This measure is attractive to clinicians because procedures can be used on the basis of a hip's pathomechanics. This study was designed to further validate and characterize the FEAR index in a skeletally immature population, in hips with dysplasia/femoroacetabular impingement (FAI), and in asymptomatic hips. QUESTIONS/PURPOSES: (1) What are the characteristics of the FEAR index in children and how does the index change with skeletal maturation? (2) How does the FEAR index correlate with clinical diagnosis and surgical treatment in a large cohort of symptomatic hips and asymptomatic controls? (3) How does the FEAR index correlate with clinical diagnosis in the borderline hip (lateral center-edge angle [LCEA] 20°-25°) group? METHODS: A total of 220 participants with symptomatic investigational hips with a clinical diagnosis of dysplasia or FAI between January 2008 and January 2018 were retrospectively collected from the senior author's practice. Investigational hips were excluded if they had any femoral head abnormalities preventing LCEA measurement (for example, Perthes disease), Tönnis osteoarthritis grade greater than 1, prior hip surgery, or prior femoral osteotomy. In the 220 participants, 395 hips met inclusion criteria. Once exclusion criteria were applied, 15 hips were excluded due to prior hip surgery or prior femoral osteotomy, and 12 hips were excluded due to femoral head deformity. A single hip was then randomly selected from each participant, resulting in 206 investigational hips with a mean age of 13 ± 3 years. Between January 2017 and December 2017, 70 asymptomatic control participants were retrospectively collected from the senior author's institutional trauma database. Control hips were included if the AP pelvis film had the coccyx centered over the pubic symphysis and within 1 to 3 cm of the superior aspect of the symphysis. Control hips were excluded if there was any fracture to the pelvis or ipsilateral femur or the participant had prior hip/pelvis surgery. After exclusion criteria were applied, 16 hips were excluded due to fracture. One hip was then randomly selected from each participant, resulting in 65 control hips with a mean age of 16 ± 8 years. Standardized standing AP pelvis radiographs were used to measure the FEAR index, LCEA, and Tönnis angle in the investigational cohort. Standardized false-profile radiographs were used to measure the anterior center-edge angle (ACEA) in the investigational cohort. Two blinded investigators measured the FEAR index with an intraclass correlation coefficient of 0.92 [95% CI 0.84 to 0.96]. Question 1 was answered by comparing the above radiographic measures in age subgroups (childhood: younger than 10 years; adolescence: 10 to 14 years old; maturity: older than 14 years) of dysplastic, FAI, and control hips. Question 2 was answered by comparing the radiographic measures in all dysplastic, FAI, control hips, and a subgroup of operatively or nonoperatively managed dysplasia and FAI hips. Question 3 was answered by comparing the radiographic measures in borderline (LCEA 20°-25°) dysplastic, FAI, and control hips. RESULTS: The FEAR index was lower in older dysplastic of hips (younger than 10 years, 6° ± 9°; 10 to 14 years, 4° ± 10°; older than 14 years, 5° ± 9°; p < 0.001) and control hips (younger than 10 years, -6° ± 5°; 10 to 14 years, -15° ± 4°; older than 14 years, -16° ± 7°; p < 0.001). The diagnosis and age groups were independently correlated with the FEAR index (p < 0.001). The relationship between the FEAR index and diagnosis remained consistent in each age group (p = 0.11). The FEAR index was higher in all dysplastic hips (mean 5° ± 10°) than in asymptomatic controls (mean -13° ± 7°; p < 0.001) and FAI hips (mean -10° ± 11°; p < 0.001). Using -1.3° as a cutoff for FAI/control hips and dysplastic hips, 81% (112 of 139) of hips with values below this threshold were FAI/control, and 89% (117 of 132) of hips with values above -1.3° were dysplastic. The receiver operator characteristics area under the curve (ROC-AUC) was 0.91. Similarly, the FEAR index was higher in borderline dysplastic hips than in both asymptomatic borderline controls (p < 0.001) and borderline FAI hips (p < 0.001). Eighty-nine percent (33 of 37) of hips with values below this threshold were FAI/control, and 90% (37 of 41) of hips with values above -1.3° were dysplastic. The ROC-AUC for borderline hips was 0.86. CONCLUSION: The FEAR index was associated with the diagnosis of hip dysplasia and FAI in a patient cohort with a wide age range and with varying degrees of acetabular deformity. Specifically, a FEAR index greater than -1.3° is associated with a dysplastic hip and a FEAR index less than -1.3° is associated with a hip displaying FAI. Using this reliable, developmentally based radiographic measure may help hip preservation surgeons establish a correct diagnosis and more appropriately guide treatment. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE LEVEL: III, diagnostic study.

Length of Stay, Discharge Disposition, and 90-Day Complications and Revisions Following Primary Total Hip Arthroplasty: A Comparison of the Direct Anterior, Posterolateral, and Direct Superior Approaches.

BACKGROUND: The direct anterior (DA) approach is becoming increasingly popular for primary total hip arthroplasty (THA). The aim of this study is to evaluate early postoperative complication and revision rates based on surgical approach, comparing DA, posterolateral (PL), and direct superior (DS) approaches. METHODS: After institutional review board approval, a total joint arthroplasty database from a single institution was used to identify all patients who underwent elective primary THA between July 2013 and November 2017 with a DA, PL, or DS hip approach. Patients were followed for complications out to 90 days postsurgery. Patients were divided into groups based on surgical approach and compared on length of stay, discharge disposition, and 90-day complication and revision rates. RESULTS: There were 5341 THA procedures performed, with 3162 PL, 1846 DA, and 333 DS approaches. Length of stay was shorter for DS (1.7 ± 0.9 days) and DA (1.8 ± 0.9 days) than for PL approaches (2.3 ± 1.4 days, P < .001) The DS approach had the highest rate of home discharges (93.1%), but the highest short-term revision rate (1.5%, P = .011). The DA approach had the lowest intraoperative fracture rate (0.1%, P = .019) but the highest incidence of postoperative fractures (1.3%, P = .021). There were no differences in readmission (P = .056), 90-day events (P = .062), emergency department visits (P = .210), dislocations (P = .090), combined perioperative fractures (P = .289), venous thromboembolic events (P = .059), or acute infection rates (P = .287). CONCLUSION: In the era of bundled payments, the DA, PL, and DS approaches can all be effectively used. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III; retrospective comparative study.

Operating Room Intervention Rates After Orthopaedic Resident-reduced Pediatric Both-Bone Forearm Fractures Relative to the Academic Calendar.

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the operating room (OR) intervention rates and quality of fracture reductions for pediatric diaphyseal both-bone forearm fractures performed by orthopaedic residents relative to the academic year. OR intervention was defined as any procedure performed in the OR, including closed reduction and casting, and was used to identify fractures that required secondary intervention after initial closed reduction performed by an orthopaedic resident in the emergency department. METHODS: A retrospective analysis identified pediatric patients presenting at our institution with both-bone forearm fractures from July 2010 to June 2016. Emergency-room sedation time, highest experience of orthopaedic resident documented to be present at the time of sedation (in postgraduate months), and frequencies of OR intervention were obtained by chart review. Fracture characteristics were determined by radiographic review. Immediate postreduction radiographs were used to measure cast indices, and adequacy of reduction was determined by postreduction angulation and translation. RESULTS: During the time period studied, 470 both-bone forearm reductions under sedation were performed by an orthopaedic resident at our institution. Of these, 41 fractures (41 patients) required 42 OR interventions (40 involved surgical fixation and 2 were repeat closed reductions). The academic year was divided into quartiles. The April to June quartile had the highest overall percentage of OR intervention (10.6%), followed by July to September (8.6%); however, there was no significant difference between quartiles in the percentages of reductions that needed OR intervention (P=0.553). There was also no correlation between the experience level of the resident performing the reduction (based on postgraduate months) and the frequency of OR intervention (P=0.244). The anteroposterior (AP) and lateral reduction grades did not vary based on quarters (P=0.584; 0.353). The ability to obtain adequate reduction and the rate of unacceptable cast index were also not significantly different between quarters (P=0.347 and 0.465). CONCLUSIONS: We found no significant difference in rates of OR intervention or the quality of reduction for pediatric both-bone diaphyseal forearm fractures treated by orthopaedic residents relative to the academic year. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III-comparative cohort study.

Order of Total Hip or Total Knee Arthroplasty Does Not Affect Length of Stay or Discharge Disposition in Patients With Coexisting Hip and Knee Arthritis.

Primary total joint arthroplasty (TJA) of the hip and knee are effective procedures for improving pain and function in patients with arthritis. This study examined whether order of surgery (TKA or THA first) affects length of stay (LOS) and discharge disposition among patients with coexisting knee and hip arthritis. A total joint arthroplasty database review was performed to collect all available data for arthroplasties performed at 2 campuses of a single institution between July 2013 and April 2017. Inclusion criteria were patients who underwent both primary THA and TKA within 18 months and were age 18 years or older. Patients were divided into 2 groups based on whether THA or TKA was performed first. For all procedures, the following data were collected: age, body mass index (BMI), time between cases, LOS, discharge disposition, and the number of 90-day adverse postoperative events. Adverse 90-day events included deep infection, fracture, hardware failure, urinary tract infection, other return to the operating room, emergency department visit, readmission, or death. A total of 211 patients underwent both THA and TKA within 18 months; 124 patients underwent THA first and 87 underwent TKA first. There was no difference in age or BMI between the 2 groups. There was a significantly longer time between the first and second arthroplasty in patients with TKA first by a mean of 2 months (P=.001). There was no difference in 90-day adverse postoperative events following THA whether done first or second (P=.371), and no difference in 90-day events following TKA whether done first or second (P=.524). There was no difference in discharge disposition (P=.833 and P=.395) or LOS (P=.695 and P=.473) between groups for the first or second procedure, respectively. In a patient with coexisting hip and knee arthritis, the current results do not support recommending THA or TKA first based on cost related to LOS and discharge disposition. [Orthopedics. 2019; 42(6):e528-e531.].

Does Compensatory Anterior Pelvic Tilt Decrease After Bilateral Periacetabular Osteotomy?

BACKGROUND: The kinetic link among the lumbar spine, pelvic tilt, and the hip has been hypothesized, but this relationship requires further study in acetabular dysplasia. Anecdotal reports suggest that patients may compensate for acetabular dysplasia with an involuntary increase in anterior pelvic tilt; it is not known if this relationship is affected by acetabular reorientation. QUESTIONS/PURPOSES: (1) Does compensatory pelvic tilt decrease on preoperatively obtained standing AP pelvis radiographs compared with those obtained at a minimum of 6 months after bilateral periacetabular osteotomy (PAO)? (2) Does a modified surrogate measurement of pelvic tilt, the pubic symphysis to sacroiliac (PS-SI) index, correlate with a physical synthetic bones model in which pelvic tilt can be directly measured? (3) Can the PS-SI index demonstrate high interrater reliability? METHODS: We assessed the surgical records of one surgeon, who participates in the longitudinally maintained Academic Network of Conservational Hip Outcomes Research (ANCHOR) registry, for patients who had undergone the second side of a staged bilateral PAO between 2007 and 2016; there were 113 such patients. Of those, 70 (62%) were lost to followup within 6 months of the second PAO or did not have adequate imaging studies, and another three (3%) were excluded for prespecified reasons, leaving 40 (35%) for evaluation in this retrospective study. Standing preoperative and most recent postoperative AP pelvis radiographs were used to measure the Tönnis angle, anterior wall index, posterior wall index, lateral center-edge angle, pubis symphysis-to-sacrococcygeal junction distance, and the PS-SI index. The most recent radiographs were obtained at a mean of 16 ± 6 months after the second PAO. We chose 6 months as the minimum because at this time point, the majority of patients have reached their maximum clinical improvement and are no longer limited by postoperative muscle dysfunction. Statistical analysis was performed using the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) for interrater reliability and paired t-tests for assessing change in measurements from pre- to postoperative. Additionally, a model was created using a physical synthetic bones model in which pelvic tilt could be directly measured. This model was secured through bilateral acetabuli on a mount and rotated through 5° increases in pelvic tilt. AP pelvis radiographs were obtained at each point, the PS-SI index was measured, and a regression analysis performed to evaluate for trend. RESULTS: Overall, 37 of 40 patients (93%) had a decrease in pelvic tilt, as measured by the PS-SI index. The mean amount of pelvic tilt as measured by the PS-SI index decreased after surgery when comparing the preoperative with latest radiographs on this parameter (97 ± 14 mm versus 89 ± 13 mm, mean difference 8 ± 9 mm; 95% confidence interval, -11 to -5; range 17 increase to 24 decrease, p < 0.001). A linear relationship between pelvic tilt and PS-SI index (PS-SI index = 5.0° + 3.6° tilt, R = 0.99) was identified in the synthetic bones validation model. Finally, the interrater reliability was found to be excellent for the PS-SI index preoperatively (ICC = 0.986) and postoperatively (ICC = 0.988). CONCLUSIONS: We found a modest reduction in anterior pelvic tilt after bilateral PAO. This finding suggests that acetabular reorientation affects pelvic position. In clinical practice, patients with acetabular dysplasia may compensate with dynamic and reversible changes in pelvic tilt. The PS-SI index is a reproducible tool to measure the height of the pelvic inlet as an assessment of pelvic tilt. In the future, clinical studies should evaluate the clinical implications of these radiographic findings, including the assessment of back pain, which although multifactorial may be influenced by pelvic tilt. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III, therapeutic study.

Uncemented Reverse Total Shoulder Arthroplasty as Initial Treatment for Comminuted Proximal Humerus Fractures.

OBJECTIVES: To determine whether uncemented implants would provide similar outcomes while avoiding the complications associated with cement in the treatment of elderly patients with proximal humerus fractures (PHFs) with primary reverse total shoulder arthroplasty (RTSA). DESIGN: Case series. SETTING: A single Level I trauma center. PATIENTS/PARTICIPANTS: A prospectively obtained cohort of 30 patients who underwent uncemented RTSA as initial treatment for a comminuted PHF: 4 male, 26 female; average age 71 ± 11 years. INTERVENTION: Uncemented RTSA. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: (1) Radiographic analysis, (2) postoperative clinical range of motion, and (3) functional outcome scores: the American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons Shoulder score and the Simple Shoulder Test score. RESULTS: Radiographic analysis showed 97% achieved stable humeral stem fixation and 70% had healing of the tuberosities in anatomical position. Average range of motion was 130 ± 31 degrees of forward flexion, 32 ± 18 degrees of external rotation, and internal rotation to the midlumbar spine. Average American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons Shoulder score was 82.0 ± 13.5 (with an average pain rating of 0.8 ± 1.3), and average Simple Shoulder Test score was 69.4% ± 19.1%. CONCLUSIONS: Our data show that treatment of comminuted PHFs in elderly patients with uncemented RTSA can consistently produce good clinical outcomes with a low rate of complications and suggest that cement may not be necessary for RTSA in the trauma setting. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic Level IV. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

Characterization of doxycycline-loaded calcium phosphate cement: implications for treatment of aneurysmal bone cysts.

Percutaneous doxycycline for treatment for aneurysmal bone cysts (ABCs) has been shown to decrease recurrence rates, however, this requires multiple procedures, includes the risks soft tissue necrosis, and does not provide structural support. We propose utilizing curettage with doxycycline-loaded calcium phosphate cement. This study aimed to evaluate the elution profile of doxycycline from calcium phosphate cement. Calcium phosphate cement underwent an in vitro elution protocol evaluating doxycycline concentrations of 0, 5, 10, and 15 mg/mL. Eluted concentrations were quantified utilizing high performance liquid chromatography at predetermined time points over 96 h. Compressive strength was evaluated both pre- and post-elution and micro-computed tomography was utilized to assess changes in cement porosity. Cement with 15 mg/mL of doxycycline maintained a higher average concentration (mean, 95% confidence intervals) (14.5 µg/mL [9.2-19.9 µg/mL]) compared to both 5 mg/mL (5.8 µg/mL [3.1-8.6 µg/mL]; P < 0.001) and 10 mg/mL (8.4 ± µg/mL [6.0-10.9 µg/mL]; P < 0.001). Ultimate stress significantly decreased between pre- and post-elution samples for 10 mg/mL (P= 0.001) and 15 mg/mL (P = 0.004) groups. This study demonstrated a dose-dependent response in ultimate strength and compressive modulus with addition of doxycycline to calcium phosphate cement.

Analysis of Femoral Version in Patients Undergoing Periacetabular Osteotomy for Symptomatic Acetabular Dysplasia.

INTRODUCTION: A paucity of information exists on the range of femoral version, its effect on hip stability, clinical examination, and presentation in patients with symptomatic acetabular dysplasia. The purpose of this study was to describe the range of version in symptomatic acetabular dysplasia, the association between femoral version and proximal femoral morphology and degree of dysplasia, and the effect of version on clinically measured hip range of motion and on preoperatively measured hip outcome scores. METHODS: We reviewed 314 patients prospectively enrolled in a longitudinal clinical study on periacetabular osteotomy between January 2014 and August 2015 and measured femoral version, morphologic characteristics of the upper femur and acetabulum, and preoperative clinical outcome scores. RESULTS: The average femoral version was 19.7° ± 11.2° (range, -20° to 50°). Femoral version correlated strongly with clinically measured hip range of motion but did not correlate linearly with either radiographic severity of acetabular dysplasia or preoperative symptomatology. DISCUSSION: Despite concerns that transverse plane femoral anatomy influences the stability of the hip joint after skeletal maturity, we did not find a statistical association between femoral version and severity of dysplasia or presenting symptomatology. This finding suggests that femoral version is not a major influence on the clinical presentation of acetabular dysplasia. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IIIb.

Intraoperative Psoas Compartment Block vs Preoperative Fascia Iliaca Block for Pain Control After Direct Anterior Total Hip Arthroplasty: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

BACKGROUND: Modern joint arthroplasty protocols place an emphasis on minimizing patient-reported postoperative pain while minimizing opioid consumption. The use of multimodal pain management protocols has been reported to improve patient outcomes and satisfaction after total hip arthroplasty. METHODS: In a prospective, single-surgeon trial, 50 patients undergoing primary direct anterior approach total hip arthroplasty were randomized to receive a preoperative fascia iliaca compartment block (FICB) or an intraoperative surgeon-delivered psoas compartment block (PCB). Patient-reported pain was recorded in the postanesthesia care unit, recovery floor and 3 weeks postoperatively. Opioid use was recorded during the hospital stay. RESULTS: Average visual analog scale pain scores in the postanesthesia care unit were 38.7 ± 8.7 vs 35.6 ± 8.3 (P = .502) for the preoperative FICB and intraoperative PCB groups, respectively. No significant difference was found between groups at the 3-week visit for postoperative pain (FICB: 2.9 ± 1.4; PCB: 3.2 ± 2.0; P = .970) and patient-reported pain satisfaction (FICB: 8.8 ± 2.2; PCB: 9.7 ± 0.6; P = .110). CONCLUSION: During the direct anterior approach for total hip arthroplasty, PCB is an effective and efficient regional anesthesia technique. It may be used to obtain satisfactory postoperative pain control and patient satisfaction while decreasing hospital resources.

Psoas Compartment Block vs Periarticular Local Anesthetic Infiltration for Pain Management After Anterior Total Hip Arthroplasty: A Prospective, Randomized Study.

BACKGROUND: The psoas compartment block (PCB) or periarticular soft-tissue local anesthetic injection are forms of regional anesthesia often used as one of the components in multimodal anesthesia applied during total hip arthroplasty (THA). The most efficacious form of regional anesthesia for THA has yet to be determined. METHODS: In a single-surgeon, prospective, clinical trial, patients undergoing THA via direct anterior approach were randomized to receive an intraoperative periarticular local anesthetic infiltration (periarticular injection) or a PCB. Postoperative pain scores, narcotic consumption, and complications were recorded. RESULTS: Forty-nine patients were randomized to the PCB and 50 were randomized to the periarticular injection. The resting pain score 3 hours postoperatively was statistically significantly lower in the periarticular injection group by 1.1 point (2.9 ± 2.2 vs 4.0 ± 2.2, P = .036). No difference was found in resting pain scores or ambulatory pain scores in the morning or evening of postoperative day 1, 2, or at the 3-week follow-up visit. There was no difference in in-hospital narcotic consumption between groups (P = 1.0). There were no major complications directly related to the block in either group. A total of 6 patients reported complaints of transient numbness, 5 in the PCB group (5/49, 10.2%), and one in the periarticular injection group (1/50, 2%, P = .087). CONCLUSION: These results demonstrate similarity between the 2 methods. We prefer periarticular anesthetic infiltration over PCB due to improved immediate postoperative pain scores and avoidance of potential symptoms associated with nerve blockade.

The Role of Aspirin and Unfractionated Heparin Combination Therapy Immediately After Total Hip and Knee Arthroplasty.

Aspirin and unfractionated heparin (UH) are accepted options for venous thromboembolism (VTE) prophylaxis after total joint arthroplasty (TJA). The use of aspirin in addition to UH in preventing VTE after TJA has yet to be studied. The primary objective of this study was to determine VTE rates in patients receiving aspirin monotherapy and those receiving aspirin and UH combination therapy immediately following TJA. A TJA database from a single hospital system was retrospectively reviewed to identify all patients who underwent primary hip or knee arthroplasty from 2013 to 2016. Patients were divided into 3 groups based on postoperative VTE chemoprophylaxis: aspirin only, aspirin with 1 dose of UH, and aspirin with multiple doses of UH. There were 5350 patients included: 1024 aspirin only, 1695 aspirin plus 1 dose of UH, and 2631 aspirin plus multiple doses of UH. Deep venous thrombosis and pulmonary embolus rates did not vary significantly between groups (deep venous thrombosis: 1.1%, 0.9%, and 1.2%, respectively, P=.701; pulmonary embolus: 0.3%, 0.3%, and 0.2%, respectively, P=.894). Transfusion rates were significantly greater with 1 dose of UH (1.8%) and multiple doses of UH (4.3%) compared with aspirin only (0.9%) (P<.001). Additionally, the postoperative hemoglobin decreased significantly more postoperatively with the use of UH (P<.001). Aspirin and UH combination therapy did not decrease VTE incidence compared with aspirin monotherapy. Additionally, there was greater perioperative blood loss and an increased rate of blood transfusion in patients receiving UH. On the basis of these findings, the authors do not recommend UH as an additional mode of VTE prophylaxis when prescribing aspirin after elective TJA. [Orthopedics. 2018; 41(3):171-176.].

Day of Surgery Affects Length of Hospitalization for Patients Undergoing Total Joint Arthroplasty Discharged to Extended Care Facilities.

Although the average hospital length of stay (LOS) after total joint arthroplasty (TJA) has decreased during the past 10 years, it continues to play a significant role in postoperative costs. The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of surgical day of the week on hospital LOS among TJA patients discharged to an extended care facility (ECF). A TJA database from a single hospital was used to identify all patients who underwent primary total knee arthroplasty (TKA) and total hip arthroplasty (THA) between January 2013 and December 2016. Inclusion criteria were age older than 50 years, surgery Monday through Friday, and discharge to an ECF. A total of 2184 patients met inclusion criteria. Patients were divided into groups based on surgical day of the week. There was no statistically significant difference in age (P=.120), sex (P=.959), or procedure (TKA vs THA, P=.395) between groups based on surgery day. The LOS varied significantly by the day of the week (P<.001). Thursday varied significantly from every other day of the week (P<.001), with the greatest LOS (mean, 3.56±0.84 days) and the highest percentage of patients discharged (27.8%) compared with all other days. Tuesday had the shortest LOS (mean, 3.25±0.70 days) and differed significantly from Thursday and Friday (P<.05). Patients discharged to an ECF after primary TKA and THA have an increased mean hospital LOS when their surgery falls on a Thursday. The authors recommend preferentially scheduling patients with planned postoperative discharge to an ECF for surgery on Tuesday and avoiding surgery on Thursday. [Orthopedics. 2018; 41(2):82-86.].

Outcomes Following Low-Profile Mesh Plate Osteosynthesis of Patella Fractures.

Treatment of patella fractures is fraught with complications and historically poor functional outcomes. A fixation method that allows for early mobilization and decreases symptomatic hardware rates will improve knee range of motion, postoperative functional status, and reoperation rates. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the functional outcomes after locked plate osteosynthesis of patella fractures at a Level 1 trauma center. A retrospective case series was conducted of patients who underwent open reduction internal fixation (ORIF) of a patella fracture using a locked mesh plating technique coupled with neutralization of forces on the distal pole of the patella. Twelve patients were evaluated at a mean follow-up of 19 months (range, 6-30) with physical exam, functional outcomes, and radiographs. There were 9 women and 3 men with an average age of 66.1 years (range, 53-75). Radiographic bony union was achieved in all patients by 3-month follow-up. Visual Analog Pain Score averaged 1.7 (median, 1.0; range, 0-8), the mean Knee Outcome Score - Activities of Daily Living Scale was 83.9 (median, 92.1; range, 45.7-100.0), the mean Short Form Musculoskeletal Function Assessment (SMFA) Function Index was 9.9 (median, 3.7; range, 0.7-41.2), and the mean SMFA Bother Index was 11.1 (median, 3.1; range, 0-62.5). The SF-36 Physical Component Score mean was 48.4 ± 8.5 and the SF-36 Mental Component Score mean was 54.1 ± 9.6. No complications developed and there were no reoperations for nonunion, infection, or symptomatic hardware. This study demonstrates that locked plate osteosynthesis for operative patella fractures can reliably achieve bony union with potentially superior functional outcomes as compared with traditional methods. Further studies are needed to evaluate plate fixation for patella fractures, but early results are promising.

Three-dimensional computed tomography measurement accuracy of varying Hill-Sachs lesion size.

BACKGROUND: The glenoid track concept has been proposed to correlate shoulder stability with bone loss. Accurate assessment of Hill-Sachs lesion size preoperatively may affect surgical planning and postoperative outcomes; however, no measurement method has been universally accepted. This study aimed to assess the accuracy and reliability of measuring Hill-Sachs lesion sizes using 3-dimensional (3D) computed tomography (CT). METHODS: Nine polyurethane humerus bone substitutes were used to create Hill-Sachs lesions of varying sizes with a combination of lesion depth (shallow, intermediate, and deep) and width (small, medium, and large). Specimens were scanned with a clinical CT scanner for size measurements and a micro-CT scanner for measurement of true lesion size. Six evaluators repeated measurements twice in a 2-week interval. Scans were measured by use of 3D CT reconstructions for length, width, and Hill-Sachs interval and with use of 2D CT for depth. The interclass correlation coefficient evaluated interobserver and intraobserver variability and percentage error, and Student t-tests assessed measurement accuracy. RESULTS: Interclass correlation coefficient reliability demonstrated strong agreement for all variables measured (0.856-0.975). Percentage error between measured length and measured depth and the true measurement significantly varied with respect to both lesion depth (P = .003 and P = .005, respectively) and lesion size (P = .049 and P = .004, respectively). DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS: The 3D CT imaging is effective and reproducible in determining lesion size. Determination of Hill-Sachs interval width is also reliable when it is applied to the glenoid track concept. Measured values on 3D and 2-dimensional imaging using a conventional CT scanner may slightly underestimate true measurements.