Traumatic Degloving Wounds Treated With Low Continuous Wall Suction Drainage: A Novel and Effective Technique to Prevent Recurrence.

Soft tissue degloving wounds overlying fractures present a technical surgical challenge and have a high rate of recurrence. Despite several current treatment methods, there remains a need for improved therapies to address this complex issue. The purpose of this study was to introduce a novel technique for managing soft tissue degloving wounds in the setting of fractures requiring operative fixation. Eleven consecutive patients with soft tissue degloving wounds overlying operatively managed fractures were treated with our novel technique for "dead space" elimination in the peri-operative period. The technique entails placing Jackson Pratt drain(s) within the degloving wound during operative debridement and placing them to low continuous wall suction postoperatively. This patient series shows that the application of 40 to 60 mm Hg of negative pressure allows for thorough drainage of the hemolymphatic fluid collection and elimination of dead space, allowing the delaminated tissue layers to heal together and preventing recurrence. [Orthopedics. 2023;46(4):e257-e263.].

Critical Risk Factors for Opioid Demand after Pelvic and Acetabular Fracture Surgery.

The characteristics that contribute to opioid demand in pelvic and acetabular fracture surgery are not well understood. We hypothesize that fracture pattern and psychiatric comorbidities will be associated with increased opioid demand. This study evaluated perioperative opioid prescription filling in 743 patients undergoing operative fixation of pelvic and acetabular injuries. Multivariable linear and logistic regression models were used to evaluate associations between baseline factors and opioid outcomes. Patients filled prescriptions for 111.2, 89.3, and 200.3 oxycodone 5-mg pills at the 1-month preop to 90-days postop, 3-months postop to 1-year postop, and 1-month preop to 1-year postop timeframes. Operatively treated wall, transverse and two-column acetabular fractures were associated with the highest opioid demand. Drug abuse and pre-injury opioid use were the primary non-surgical drivers of opioid demand. Acetabular fractures, pre-injury opioid filling, and drug abuse were the main risk factors for increased perioperative opioid prescription filling. Level of Evidence: Level III, retrospective, prognostic cohort study. (Journal of Surgical Orthopaedic Advances 32(1):041-046, 2023).

The Impact of Increased Time to Surgery in Geriatric Patients With Acetabular Fractures.

OBJECTIVES: To explore the association between time to surgery (TTS) and postoperative complications in geriatric patients with acetabular fractures. DESIGN: Retrospective cohort study. SETTING: Level I trauma center. PATIENTS/PARTICIPANTS: 51 consecutive geriatric patients (60 years of age or older) who presented to a Level 1 trauma center for surgical fixation of an acetabular fracture between 2013 and 2020. MAIN OUTCOME MEASUREMENT: The primary and secondary outcomes were 30-day postoperative complications and length of hospital stay (LOS), respectively. TTS was determined by time between arrival to ED and time of surgery, with a threshold of 48 hours (early vs. delayed TTS group). RESULTS: Nineteen patients (37.3%) had ≥1 postoperative complications. Patients in the delayed TTS group had 5× higher odds of developing ≥1 complications (odds ratio: 4.86, confidence interval: 1.48-15.96). There were no 30-day mortalities in either group. Patients in the delayed TTS group had an average LOS of 19 days compared with early TTS patients who had an average LOS of 12 days ( P = 0.040). CONCLUSION: Geriatric patients with acetabular fractures with delayed TTS had increased postoperative complications and LOS. These data suggest that expedited care may have a similar protective effect in geriatric patients with acetabular fractures, as it does in the acute hip fracture population. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic Level III. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

Comparative effectiveness of pelvic arterial embolization versus laparotomy in adults with pelvic injuries: A National Trauma Data Bank analysis.

PURPOSE: To compare the clinical outcomes and trends of arterial embolization (AE) versus laparotomy which are used in the management of pelvic trauma. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Adult patients with pelvic injuries were identified using the National Trauma Data Bank (NTDB) from 2007 to 2015. Patients with non-pelvic life-threatening injuries were excluded. Patients were grouped in operatively managed pelvic ring injuries, laparotomy ± fixation, AE ± fixation, and laparotomy and AE ± fixation. Using a linear mixed regression and logistic regression models, hospital length of stay (LOS), ICU days, ventilator days, and mortality for different therapies were compared. A propensity score weighting method was used to further eliminate treatment selection bias in the study sample and compare the outcomes between AE and laparotomy. RESULTS: Of 7473 pelvic trauma patients, 1226 (16.4%) patients were only operatively managed. 3730 patients (49.9%) underwent laparotomy, 2136 underwent AE (28.6%), and 381 (5.1%) patients underwent both laparotomy and AE. The year of injury, patient age, gender, race, severity of injury and presence of shock were found to be predictors of receipt of different therapies (P < 0.001 for all). When correcting for these confounding factors, the mortality rate was lower in the AE group compared to the laparotomy group 6.6% vs. 20.6% (P < 0.001). Additionally, LOS and ICU days were shorter for the AE group than the laparotomy group (P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: AE in patients with pelvic injuries is associated with lower mortality, as well as shorter LOS and ICU stays compared to laparotomy.

Are deep infections that present before and after 90 days from orthopaedic trauma different? An analysis of the validity of the recent change in CDC criteria for infections.

BACKGROUND: In 2016, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) changed the time frame for their definition of deep surgical site infection (SSI) from within 1 year to within 90 days of surgery. We hypothesized that a substantial number of infections in patients who have undergone fracture fixation present beyond 90 days and that there are patient or injury factors that can predict who is more likely to present with SSI after 90 days. METHODS: A retrospective review yielded 452 deep SSI after fracture fixation. These patients were divided into two groups-those infected within 90 days of surgery and those infected beyond 90 days . Data were collected on risk factors for infection. Univariate and multiple logistic regression analyses were performed to compare the two groups. A randomly selected control group was used to build infection prediction models for both outcomes. The two outcomes were then modelled against each other to determine whether differences in predictors for early versus late infection exist. RESULTS: Of the 452 infections, 144 occurred beyond 90 days (32% [95% CI, 28%-36%]). No statistically significant patient factors were found in multivariable analysis between the early and late infection groups. The need for flap coverage was the only injury characteristic that differed significantly between groups, with patients in the late infection group more likely to have needed a flap. When modelled against the control group and directly comparing the two models, predictors for early infection include male sex and fractures of the pelvis, acetabulum, or hip, whereas predictors of late infection include hepatitis C and/or human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and admission to the intensive care unit (ICU). CONCLUSION: Use of the recent CDC definition will underestimate the rate of actual postoperative infections when applied to orthopaedic trauma patients. Hepatitis C and/or HIV and ICU admission are predictors of late infection, whereas male sex and pelvis, acetabulum, or hip fractures are predictors of early infection. Patients who receive flap coverage may be more likely to present with late infection.

Surgeons Cannot Predict Pilon Fracture Outcomes Based on Initial Radiographs.

This study sought to determine (1) whether surgeons can accurately predict functional outcomes of operative fixation of pilon fractures based on injury and initial postoperative radiographs, (2) whether the surgeon's level of experience is associated with the ability to successfully predict outcome, and (3) the association between patients' demographic and clinical characteristics and surgeons' prediction scores. A blinded, randomized provider survey was conducted at a level I trauma center. Seven fellowship-trained orthopedic traumatologists and 4 orthopedic trauma fellows who were blinded to outcome reviewed data regarding 95 pilon fractures in random order. Injury ankle radiographs, initial postoperative fixation radiographs, and brief patient histories were assessed. Midterm follow-up functional outcome scores obtained a mean 4.9 years after surgery were available for all patients. Main outcome measures were Pearson correlation coefficient-assessed functional outcomes and surgeon-predicted outcomes. A mixed-effect model determined the association between patients' characteristics and surgeons' prediction scores. Minimal positive correlation was observed between functional outcomes and prediction scores. No difference was noted between the attending and fellow groups in prediction ability. When surgeons' prediction confidence level was greater than 1 SD above the mean confidence level, correlation between functional outcome and prediction improved, although poor correlation was still observed. AO/OTA type 43C fractures, high-energy mechanisms, and older patient age were characteristics associated with lower prediction scores. Surgeons had poor ability to predict functional outcomes of patients with pilon fractures based on injury and initial postoperative radiographs, and level of experience was not associated with ability to predict outcome. [Orthopedics. 2020; 43(1): e43-e46.].

Use of Antibiotic Plates and Spacers for Fracture in the Setting of Periprosthetic Infection.

Prosthetic joint infection is a common cause of hip revision surgery, typically managed with a staged protocol and an antibiotic cement spacer. Patients being treated for prosthetic joint infection are at risk of fracture below the level of the spacer. Fracture in the setting of periprosthetic infection is a complex problem that requires the treating surgeon to use multiple techniques to achieve a successful outcome. The purpose of this case report is to highlight surgical strategies to successfully manage periprosthetic fractures complicated by infection.

Mortality Rates of Humerus Fractures in the Elderly: Does Surgical Treatment Matter?

INTRODUCTION: Multiple studies have shown the impact of hip fractures on geriatric mortality. Few evaluate mortality after proximal humerus (PH) or distal humerus (DH) fractures, and fewer determine differences in mortality based on management. We aim to evaluate a statewide cohort of elderly patients with PH or DH fractures to evaluate mortality, length of stay, discharge data, readmission, and differences based on management. METHODS: The New York Statewide Planning and Research Cooperative System database was used to identify patients 60 years and older admitted with a PH or DH fracture. Patient demographics, including age, gender, sex, race, weight, and insurance status, along with comorbid conditions using the Charlson Comorbidity Index, were determined. Seven-day, 30-day, and 1-year mortality was determined for operative and nonoperative cohorts. Logistic regression determined the competing risk of mortality when controlling for patient demographics, comorbid conditions, and treatment. RESULTS: Forty-two thousand five hundred eleven PH and 7654 DH fractures were evaluated. PH fractures had higher mortality than DH. Nonoperative treatment occurred in 76.2% of PH fractures and 53% of DH fractures. There were more comorbid conditions, longer length of stay, and higher mortality at 7 days, 30 days, and 1 year in patients treated nonoperatively. After controlling for patient demographics and comorbid conditions, there was no difference in mortality between PH and DH fractures, but operative treatment for either PH or DH was associated with lower mortality at all time points. DISCUSSION: Fewer PH than DH fractures were treated operatively. Operative treatment was associated with improved survival in patients hospitalized with PH or DH fracture even after controlling for patient demographic and comorbid factors. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Prognostic Level III. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

A Predictive Score for Determining Risk of Surgical Site Infection After Orthopaedic Trauma Surgery.

OBJECTIVES: To determine factors predictive of postoperative surgical site infection (SSI) after fracture fixation and create a prediction score for risk of infection at time of initial treatment. DESIGN: Retrospective cohort study. SETTING: Level I trauma center. PATIENTS/PARTICIPANTS: Study group, 311 patients with deep SSI; control group, 608 patients. INTERVENTION: We evaluated 27 factors theorized to be associated with postoperative infection. Bivariate and multiple logistic regression analyses were used to build a prediction model. A composite score reflecting risk of SSI was then created. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Risk of postoperative infection. RESULTS: The final model consisted of 8 independent predictors: (1) male sex, (2) obesity (body mass index ≥ 30) (3) diabetes, (4) alcohol abuse, (5) fracture region, (6) Gustilo-Anderson type III open fracture, (7) methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus nasal swab testing (not tested or positive result), and (8) American Society of Anesthesiologists classification. Risk strata were well correlated with observed proportion of SSI and resulted in a percent risk of infection of 1% for ≤3 points, 6% for 4-5 points, 11% for 6 to 8-9 points, and 41% for ≥10 points. CONCLUSION: The proposed postoperative infection prediction model might be able to determine which patients have fractures at higher risk of infection and provides an estimate of the percent risk of infection before fixation. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Prognostic Level III. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

Risk Factors for Failure of Bone Grafting of Tibia Nonunions and Segmental Bone Defects: A New Preoperative Risk Assessment Score.

OBJECTIVE: To develop a clinically useful prediction model of success at the time of surgery to promote bone healing for established tibial nonunion or traumatic bone defects. DESIGN: Retrospective case controlled. SETTING: Level 1 trauma center. PATIENTS: Adult patients treated with surgery for established tibia fracture nonunion or traumatic bone defects from 2007 to 2016. Two hundred three patients met the inclusion criteria and were available for final analysis. INTERVENTION: Surgery to promote bone healing of established tibia fracture nonunion or segmental defect with plate and screw construct, intramedullary nail fixation, or multiplanar external fixation. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Failure of the surgery to promote bone healing that was defined as unplanned revision surgery for lack of bone healing or deep infection. No patients were excluded who had a primary outcome event. RESULTS: Multivariate logistic modeling identified 5 significant (P < 0.05) risk factors for failure of the surgery to promote bone healing: (1) mechanism of injury, (2) Increasing body mass index, (3) cortical defect size (mm), (4) flap size (cm), and (5) insurance status. A prediction model was created based on these factors and awarded 0 points for fall, 17 points for high energy blunt trauma (OR = 17; 95% CI, 1-286, P = 0.05), 22 points for industrial/other (OR = 22; 95% CI, 1-4, P = 0.04), and 28 points for ballistic injuries (OR = 28; 95% CI, 1-605, P = 0.04). One point is given for every 10 cm of flap size (OR = 1; 95% CI, 1-1.1, P < 0.001), 10 mm of mean cortical gap distance (OR = 1; 95% CI, 1-2, P = 0.004), and 10 units BMI, respectively (OR = 1.5; 95% CI, 1-3, P = 0.16). Two points are awarded for Medicaid or no insurance (OR = 2; 95% CI, 1-5, P = 0.035) and 3 points for Medicare (3; 95% CI, 1-9, P = 0.033). Each 1-point increase in risk score was associated with a 6% increased chance of requiring at least 1 revision surgery (P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: This study presents a clinical score that predicts the likelihood of success after surgery for tibia fracture nonunions or traumatic bone defects and may help clinicians better determine which patients are likely to fail these procedures and require further surgery.

Treatment of Comminuted Talar Neck Fractures With Use of Minifragment Plating.

OBJECTIVES: To assess the healing and radiographic outcomes of displaced and comminuted talar neck fractures treated with medial position screws augmented with lateral minifragment plate fixation. DESIGN: Retrospective case series. SETTING: Two level I trauma centers. PATIENTS: The records of 26 patients with displaced and comminuted talar neck fractures who underwent open reduction and internal fixation with medial-sided position screws augmented with lateral minifragment plates. INTERVENTION: Surgery consisted of medial and lateral approaches to the talus, fixation with a laterally placed minifragment plate, and screw construct augmenting sagittal-plane-oriented, medial-sided position screws. MAIN OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS: The incidences of nonunion, malunion, avascular necrosis, post-traumatic arthritis, and symptomatic implants. RESULTS: Nonunion occurred in 3/26 (11.5%) displaced and comminuted talar neck fractures. There were no instances of malunion. Avascular necrosis developed in 7/26 (27%) cases. Post-traumatic arthritis was the most common complication affecting 10/26 (38%) tali. The subtalar joint was most commonly affected. There were no instances of hardware removal due to symptomatic medial impingement. CONCLUSIONS: Lateral minifragment plate fixation augmenting medially placed sagittal plane position screws provides a length stable construct that prevents talar neck shortening and malunion. Medial position screws can help avoid secondary surgeries for removal of symptomatic implants due to medial impingement as is common with medially based minifragment plates. This fixation strategy should be considered in the setting of displaced and comminuted talar neck fractures. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic Level IV. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

Operative Mortality After Arthroplasty for Femoral Neck Fracture and Hospital Volume.

BACKGROUND: The purpose of the present study is to use a statewide, population-based data set to identify mortality rates at 30-day and 1-year postoperatively following total hip arthroplasty (THA) and hemiarthroplasty (HA) for displaced femoral neck fractures. The secondary aim of the study is to determine whether arthroplasty volume confers a protective effect on the mortality rate following femoral neck fracture treatment. METHODS: New York's Statewide Planning and Research Cooperative System was used to identify 45 749 patients older than 60 years of age with a discharge diagnosis of femoral neck fracture undergoing THA or HA from 2000 through 2010. Comorbidities were identified using the Charlson comorbidity index. Mortality risk was modeled using Cox proportional hazards models while controlling for demographic and comorbid characteristics. High-volume THA centers were defined as those in the top quartile of arthroplasty volume, while low-volume centers were defined as the bottom quartile. RESULTS: Patients undergoing THA for femoral neck fracture rather than HA were younger (79 vs 83 years, P < .001), more likely to have rheumatoid disease, and less likely to have heart disease, dementia, cancer, or diabetes (all P < .05). Thirty-day mortality after HA was higher (8.4% vs 5.7%; P < .001) as was 1-year mortality (25.9% vs 17.8%; P < .001). After controlling for age, gender, ethnicity, and comorbidities, risk of mortality following THA was 21% lower (hazard ratio [HR] 0.79; P = .003) at 30 days and 22% lower (HR 0.78; P < .001) at 1 year than HA. Patients undergoing THA at high-volume arthroplasty centers had improved 1-year mortality when compared to those undergoing THA at low-volume hospitals (HR 0.55; P = .008). CONCLUSIONS: Based on this large, population-based study, there is no basis to assume THA carries a greater mortality risk after hip fracture than does standard HA, even when accounting for institutional volume of hip arthroplasty.

Incidence of Intracapsular Placement When Inserting Medial Talar Body Schanz Pins: An Anatomic Study.

OBJECTIVES: Medial talar body pins may be inserted to provide points of fixation in the hindfoot when applying external fixators. Because of the proximity to the ankle joint, there is a risk of intracapsular pin placement. We hypothesized that intracapsular placement is common when inserting medial talar body pins. METHODS: Medial talar body pins were inserted in 12 fresh frozen cadaver ankles. Arthrography of each ankle was then performed to determine whether the pin was intracapsular. Each pin was then removed, and fluoroscopy was repeated to evaluate for contrast extravasation from the pin insertion site. The distance from the apex of the talar head to the anterior extent of the ankle capsule was measured to determine a safe area for extracapsular pin placement. RESULTS: Arthrograms of all 12 ankles demonstrated that the pins were intracapsular. After pin removal, there was contrast extravasation from the pin insertion site in all specimens. Contrast was present in the pin tract in all specimens. Mean distance from the talar head to the anterior ankle capsule was 20.95 ± 4.8 mm (range, 12.2-27.3 mm) on the lateral view and 15.5 ± 1.8 mm (range, 12.4-20.0 mm) on the anteroposterior view of the foot. CONCLUSIONS: There is a high rate of intracapsular pin placement when inserting medial talar body pins. Pin placement within the joint capsule risks seeding a sterile joint with bacteria and fistula formation when the pin remains in place for prolonged periods. For this reason, talar body pins should be avoided in temporizing external fixation frames.

Fragility fractures requiring special consideration: pelvic insufficiency fractures.

Fractures of the pelvis and acetabulum in osteoporotic bone represent an important subset of fragility fractures. Pelvic fractures in the elderly patient carry a significant 1-year mortality risk, comparable to that of hip fractures. Patients often lose their ability to function independently in the community. In this group, treatment of their bone density is essential to reducing their risk of further fractures. A thorough discussion of the likely course of recovery, the prolonged need for pain medications, and the risks and benefits of intervention can help patients and their families cope with the disability.