Position statement: management of proximal humerus fractures.

We sought to compare outcomes and reoperation rates for the surgical treatment of proximal humerus fractures (excluding head-splitting fractures, fracture-dislocations, and isolated greater-tuberosity fractures) in men and women older than 60 years. We searched MEDLINE, Embase, and Cochrane through to Feb. 1, 2022, and included all English-language randomized trials comparing operative versus nonoperative treatment; open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) with locking plate versus intramedullary nail; arthroplasty versus ORIF; and reverse shoulder arthroplasty versus hemiarthroplasty. Outcomes of interest were functional outcomes (e.g., Constant score), pain outcomes (visual analogue scale scores), and reoperation rates for the interventions of interest when available. We rated the quality of the evidence and strength of recommendations using the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) approach. This guideline will benefit patients considering surgical intervention for fractures of the proximal humerus by improving counselling on surgical treatment options and possible outcomes. It will also benefit surgical providers by improving their knowledge of various surgical approaches. Data presented could be used to develop frameworks and tools for shared decision-making.Nous avons cherché à comparer les résultats et les taux de réintervention à la suite d'un traitement chirurgical pour une fracture de l'humérus proximal (excluant les fractures de la tête humérale, les fractures-luxations et les fractures isolées de la grande tubérosité) chez les hommes et les femmes âgés de plus de 60 ans. Nous avons effectué des recherches dans les bases de données MEDLINE, Embase, et Cochrane jusqu'au 1er février 2022 et avons inclus tous les essais randomisés publiés en anglais comparant différents duos d'interventions : traitements chirurgicaux ou non chirurgicaux; réductions ouvertes avec fixation interne (ROFI) réalisées à l'aide d'une plaque verrouillée ou enclouages centromédullaires; arthroplasties ou ROFI; et arthroplasties inversées de l'épaule ou hémiarthroplasties. Les paramètres d'intérêt étaient la capacité fonctionnelle (p. ex., score de Constant), la douleur (p. ex., échelle analogique visuelle) et le taux de réintervention pour les interventions d'intérêt, selon les données disponibles. Nous avons évalué la qualité des données probantes et la solidité des recommandations à l'aide de l'approche GRADE (Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluation). Cette ligne directrice profitera aux patients qui envisagent une intervention chirurgicale après une fracture de l'humérus proximal en améliorant les consultations sur les options de traitement chirurgical et les résultats escomptés. Elle aidera aussi les chirurgiens en améliorant leurs connaissances sur différentes approches chirurgicales. Les données présentées pourraient servir à mettre au point des cadres et des outils pour une prise de décision partagée.

Probiotics: Can it modulate fracture healing?

OBJECTIVE: Fractures remain a huge burden and their management adversely affects individuals' function and productivity during the lengthy healing period. Gut microbiota exerts a systemic influence on diverse aspects of host physiology, including bone. The primary objective of this study was to evaluate if oral probiotic treatment before or after a fracture in a mouse model could increase cytokines and biomarkers essential for bone healing with subsequent improvement in the biomechanical properties of the healed callus. METHODS: Femoral osteotomy and intramedullary pinning were performed on C57BL/6 mice. Group 1 received either control PBS or probiotic via oral gavage for 5 weeks before fracture (pre-fracture). Group 2 received equivalent treatments for 4 weeks only after fracture (post-fracture). Fracture calluses were harvested on day 3 and 7 for RT-qPCR to quantify osteogenic-related inflammatory cytokines and bone biomarkers. Fractured femurs were evaluated day 28 post-osteotomy via microstructural analysis (µCT) and biomechanical testing (torsion). RESULTS: Mice treated with probiotics pre-fracture (group 1) showed significantly increased gene expression on day 3 of cytokines TGF-ß, IL-6 and IL-17F and a corresponding increase in gene expression on day 7 for Col1 and Runx2. Significant improvement was also seen in bone volume fraction, bone mineral density, tissue mineral density, maximum yield torque, stiffness and strain energy. Mice treated with probiotics post-fracture (group 2), demonstrated no changes in cytokine or bone marker gene expression with no significant changes on microstructural analysis. However, significant increases were seen in twist angle at failure and strain energy, with a corresponding reduction in torsional stiffness. CONCLUSION: Our results suggest that oral probiotic administration, before or after a fracture, may sufficiently alter the gut flora microenvironment leading to improved bone healing biomechanical properties. The use of probiotics may provide a cost-effective and low-risk adjunctive therapy to improve fracture healing.

Predicting Pathological Fractures at Metastatic Humeral Lesions.

The humerus is the second most common site of metastatic disease involving long bones, yet it is still unclear which patients are at high risk for a fracture and may require prophylactic surgical fixation. The goal of this study was to assess the validity of the Mirels score to predict fractures of metastatic lesions in the humerus. Methods: We performed a retrospective electronic chart review of patients with humeral metastases at our institution (2005 to 2021), with 188 patients meeting the inclusion criteria. Sixty-one of the patients developed a fracture during follow-up. The metastatic humeral lesions were scored according to the Mirels rating system and additional radiographic criteria (cortical breach, location within the humerus, number of lesions). The predictive value of each Mirels score cutoff for fracture was assessed using sensitivity, specificity, area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC), and multivariate logistic regression. Survivorship until fracture was analyzed for each Mirels score cutoff using Kaplan-Meier curves and the log-rank test. Significance was set at p < 0.01. Results: There were no significant differences in age, sex, side of the lesion, type of malignancy, and radiation dose between the groups with and without fracture (all p > 0.01). A Mirels score of ≥8 points had the best predictive profile, with sensitivity of 83.6%, specificity of 79.5%, and AUC of 0.82 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.75 to 0.88, p < 0.01). A logistic regression model also demonstrated that a Mirels score of ≥8 (odds ratio = 5.8, 95% CI = 1.9 to 18.2, p < 0.01) and a cortical breach (odds ratio = 21.0, 95% CI = 5.7 to 77.2, p < 0.01) were significant predictors of pathological fracture. No other radiographic characteristics were found to be significant predictors of fracture. Conclusions: This study indicated that a Mirels score of ≥8 points had the best predictive profile for anticipating fractures at a metastasis in the humerus. This is in contrast to the traditional Mirels definition of an impending pathological fracture that is used for the lower extremity, a score of ≥9. Additionally, the presence of a cortical breach was a significant predictor of fracture risk. Level of Evidence: Prognostic Level III. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

Assessing Appropriateness for Shoulder Arthroplasty Using a Shared Decision-Making Process.

Purpose: The primary purpose of this study was to validate an appropriateness decision-aid tool as a part of engaging patients with glenohumeral arthritis in their surgical management. The associations between the final decision to have surgery and patient characteristics were examined. Materials and Methods: This was an observational study. The demographics, overall health, patient-specific risk profile, expectations, and health-related quality of life were documented. Visual analog scale and the American Shoulder & Elbow Surgeon (ASES) measured pain and functional disability, respectively. Clinical and imaging examination documented clinical findings and extent of degenerative arthritis and cuff tear arthropathy. Appropriateness for arthroplasty surgery was documented by a 5-item Likert response survey and the final decision was documented as ready, not-ready, and would like to further discuss. Results: Eighty patients, 38 women (47.5%), mean age: 72(8) participated in the study. The appropriateness decision aid showed excellent discriminate validity (area under the receiver operating characteristic curve value of 0.93) in differentiating between patients who were "ready" and those who were "not-ready" to have surgery. Gender (P = 0.037), overall health (P = .024), strength in external rotation (P = .002), pain severity (P = .001), ASES score (P < .0001), and expectations (P = .024) were contributing factors to the decision to have surgery. Imaging findings did not play a significant role in the final decision to have surgery. Conclusions: A 5-item tool showed excellent validity in differentiating patients who were ready to have surgery versus those who were not. Patient's gender, expectations, strength, and self-reported outcomes were important factors in reaching the final decision.

Inadequate proximal screw fixation increases risk of failure following plate fixation of diaphyseal humerus fractures.

BACKGROUND: Operative treatment of humeral shaft fractures (AO/OTA 12) is being performed more frequently. Accordingly, it is important to understand the complications associated with plate fixation. This study analyzes risk factors associated with mechanical failure following plate fixation of humeral shaft fractures in order to further elucidate the mode and location of failure. METHODS: A retrospective review of 351 humeral shaft fractures was completed at a single level I trauma center. Eleven of eighty-five humeral shaft fractures had aseptic mechanical failure requiring revision (12.9%), following initial plate fixation. Fracture characteristics (AO type, comminution, location) and fracture fixation (plate type, multiplanar, number of screws proximal and distal to the fracture) were compared between aseptic mechanical failure and those without failure. A forward stepwise logistic regression analysis was performed to determine any significant predictors of aseptic mechanical failure. RESULTS: There was significant differences in fixation between the aseptic mechanical failure group and those without failure, specifically in the number of screws for proximal fixation (p = 0.008) and distal fixation (p = 0.040). In the aseptic mechanical failure group, patients tended to have less than < 8 cortices of proximal fixation (82%) and less than < 8 cortices of distal fixation (64%). Conversely, in patients without mechanical failure there was a tendency to have greater than > 8 cortices in both the proximal (62%) and distal fixation (70%). A forward stepwise logistic regression analysis found that less than < 8 cortices of proximal fixation was a significant predictor of aseptic failure, OR 7.96 (p = 0.011). We think this can be accounted for due to the variable bone quality, thinner cortices and multiple torsional forces in the proximal shaft that may warrant special consideration for fixation. CONCLUSION: The current dogma of humeral shaft fracture stabilization is to use a minimum of 3 screws proximal and distal to the fracture, however the current study demonstrates this is associated with higher rates of mechanical failure. In contrast, 4 bicortical screws or more of fixation on either side of the fracture had lower failure rates and may help to reduce the risk of mechanical failure. Level of Evidence Level III.

Open-source pipeline for automatic segmentation and microstructural analysis of murine knee subchondral bone.

µCT images are commonly analysed to assess changes in bone density and microstructure in preclinical murine models. Several platforms provide automated analysis of bone microstructural parameters from volumetric regions of interest (ROI). However, segmentation of the regions of subchondral bone to create the volumetric ROIs remains a manual and time-consuming task. This study aimed to develop an automated end-to-end pipeline, combining segmentation and microstructural analysis, to evaluate subchondral bone in the mouse proximal knee. METHODS: A segmented dataset of µCT scans from 62 knees (healthy and arthritic) from 10-week male C57BL/6 mice was used to train a U-Net type architecture to automate segmentation of the subchondral trabecular bone. These segmentations were used in tandem with the original scans as input for microstructural analysis along with thresholded trabecular bone. Manually and U-Net segmented ROIs were fed into two available pipelines for microstructural analysis: the ITKBoneMorphometry library and CTan (SKYSCAN). Outcome parameters were compared between pipelines, including: bone volume (BV), total volume (TV), BV/TV, trabecular number (TbN), trabecular thickness (TbTh), trabecular separation (TbSp), and bone surface density (BSBV). RESULTS: There was good agreement for all bone measures comparing the manual and U-Net pipelines utilizing ITK (R = 0.88-0.98) and CTAn (R = 0.91-0.98). ITK and CTAn showed good agreement for BV, TV, BV/TV, TbTh and BSBV (R = 0.9-0.98). However, limited agreement was seen between TbN (R = 0.73) and TbSb (R = 0.59) due to methodological differences in how spacing is evaluated. Microstructural parameters generated from manual and automatic segmentations showed high correlation across all measures. Using the CTAn pipeline yielded strong R2 values (0.83-0.96) and very strong agreement based on ICC (0.90-0.98). The ITK pipeline yielded similarly high R2 values (0.91-0.96, except for TbN (0.77)), and ICC values (0.88-0.98). The automated segmentations yield lower average values for BV, TV and BV/TV (ranging from 14 % to 6.3 %), but differences were not found to be influenced by the mean ROI values. CONCLUSIONS: This integrated pipeline seamlessly automated both segmentation and quantification of the proximal tibia subchondral bone microstructure. This automated pipeline allows the analysis of large volumes of data, and its open-source nature may enable the standardization of microstructural analysis of trabecular bone across different research groups.

Management of Proximal Humeral Fractures in Adults: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

OBJECTIVES: Differences in function, pain, and reoperation rates were compared between the following treatment options: (1) operative vs. nonoperative treatment and (2) various surgical treatments including open reduction internal fixation, intramedullary nail, hemiarthroplasty (HA), and reverse shoulder arthroplasty (RSA). DATA SOURCES: MEDLINE, Embase, and Cochrane were searched through February 1, 2022. All English-language randomized trials comparing operative and nonoperative treatment of proximal humeral fractures with a control group in patients 18 years or older were included. DATA EXTRACTION: Demographic data, functional and pain scores and re-operation rates were extracted. Study quality was determined with the Cochran risk of bias tool and the Grades of Recommendation, Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE). Heterogeneity was determined with the I-squared statistic. DATA SYNTHESIS: Meta-analysis of included studies using mean difference and odds ratios where appropriate. CONCLUSIONS: Surgical treatment with either locked plates or HA results in similar functional scores and pain outcomes as nonoperative treatment, although plates were associated with higher reoperation rates in 3-part and 4-part fractures. In 3-part and 4-part fractures, RSA results in higher function and pain scores compared with HA. Further high-quality trials should focus on RSA, and further study is required to better define the role of open reduction internal fixation in the younger patient population. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic Level I. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

Are two plates better than one? A systematic review of dual plating for acute midshaft clavicle fractures.

Background: The rate of operative fixation of acute midshaft clavicle fractures has exponentially increased in recent years; however, the rate of reoperation for symptomatic hardware removal remains high and the optimal fixation strategy unknown. This systematic review aimed to summarize available evidence for dual plating of acute displaced midshaft clavicle fractures. Methods: EMBASE, MEDLINE, and PubMed searches identified clinical studies evaluating dual plate fixation of acute midshaft clavicle fractures. Pooled analysis was performed using a random-effects model in RevMan 5.3. Results: Eleven studies including 672 patients were included. Hardware removal occurred in 4.4% and 12.3% of patients undergoing dual and single plate fixation, respectively. Compared to single plating, dual plating had significantly lower odds of hardware removal (P = 0.001) with no difference in union rates. There were no significant differences in reoperation (excluding hardware removal), complications, and patient-reported outcomes between the two groups (P > 0.05). Conclusions: This study suggests that dual plating of acute displaced midshaft clavicle fractures may lead to lower rates of reoperation for symptomatic hardware removal without compromising fracture healing. Ultimately, well-designed randomized trials are needed to further investigate the findings from this systematic review.

Early outcomes of augmented glenoid components in anatomic total shoulder arthroplasty: a systematic review.

Background: The objective was to evaluate the short-term clinical and radiological outcomes following augmented anatomic total shoulder arthroplasty in patients with posterior glenoid deficiency. Methods: An electronic search of EMBASE, MEDLINE, and PubMed identified studies reporting clinical and radiographic outcomes following augmented anatomic total shoulder arthroplasty among patients with posterior glenoid deficiency. Results: Nine studies including 312 shoulders underwent anatomic total shoulder arthroplasty using an augmented glenoid implant between 2015 and 2020. A statistically significant improvement in range of motion (ROM), visual analog scale (VAS), American Shoulder & Elbow Surgeons (ASES), Constant, University of California - Los Angeles and Simple Shoulder Test (SST) scores was demonstrated at mean follow-up of 37.1 months. Glenoid retroversion improved from 21.8° to 9.5°. At final follow-up, radiolucency was reported in 35.1% of shoulders. The 16° full-wedge augment led to higher and more severe radiographic lucency, while high peg perforation rates (44%) were observed among 5-mm augment stepped implants. The overall rate of complication was 2.6%. Rate of revision surgery was 1.9%. Conclusions: Overall, early- to mid-term outcomes following augmented anatomic total shoulder arthroplasty for posterior glenoid deficiency demonstrate good to excellent overall clinical results. More radiographic and clinical failures were reported in larger full wedge (16°) augments and stepped augments (5 mm). Prospective studies examining mid- and long-term outcomes will help further elucidate safety and efficacy of these relatively new implants.

Can CD200R1 Agonists Slow the Progression of Osteoarthritis Secondary to Injury?

Post-traumatic knee osteoarthritis is characterized by cartilage degeneration, subchondral bone remodeling, osteophyte formation, and synovial changes. Therapeutic targeting of inflammatory activity in the knee immediately post injury may alter the course of osteoarthritis development. This study aimed to determine whether CD200R1 agonists, namely the protein therapeutic CD200Fc or the synthetic DNA aptamer CCS13, both known to act as anti-inflammatory agents, are able to delay the pathogenesis of injury-associated knee osteoarthritis in a murine model. Ten week old male C57BL/6 mice were randomized and surgical destabilization of the medial meniscus (DMM) to induce knee arthritis or sham surgery as a control were performed. CCS13 was evaluated as a therapeutic treatment along with CD200Fc and a phosphate-buffered saline vehicle control. Oligonucleotides were injected intra-articularly beginning one week after surgery, with a total of six injections administered prior to sacrifice at 12 weeks post-surgery. Histopathological assessment was used as the primary outcome measure to assess cartilage and synovial changes, while µCT imaging was used to compare the changes to the subchondral bone between untreated and treated arthritic groups. We did not find any attenuation of cartilage degeneration or synovitis in DMM mice with CD200Fc or CCS13 at 12 weeks post-surgery, nor stereological differences in the properties of subchondral bone. The use of CD200R1 agonists to blunt the inflammatory response in the knee are insufficient to prevent disease progression in the mouse DMM model of OA without anatomical restoration of the normal joint biomechanics.

Gender disparity in academic orthopedic programs in Canada: a cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: The majority of the literature on gender disparity in orthopedic surgery is from the United States; the Canadian perspective is lacking. The objective of this study was to determine the representation of women faculty members and the proportion of women faculty in published leadership positions in academic orthopedic divisions and departments across Canada. METHODS: In this cross-sectional study, we used a Web-based search strategy to identify faculty listings for all 17 academic orthopedic programs affiliated with the Association of Faculties of Medicine of Canada for the 2018/19 academic year. For each faculty member identified, we determined gender (man or woman), professorial rank and leadership positions. We compared regional gender differences among 3 groups: schools in eastern Canada and Quebec (6), Ontario (6) and western Canada (5). Gender comparisons were made for all variables of interest. RESULTS: We identified 809 orthopedic surgeons at the 17 Canadian academic institutions, of whom 96 (11.9%) were women. In eastern Canada and Quebec, 16.2% of the faculty were women, significantly above the national average (p = 0.03). The corresponding values for Ontario and western Canada were 8.9% (p = 0.1) and 11.4% (p = 0.7). There were no significant differences in the proportions of women and men at lower levels of promotion, but significantly more men than women had attained full professorship (65 [9%] v. 1 [1%], p = 0.002). Women surgeons were not represented in leadership roles or within faculty roles of distinction. CONCLUSION: In 2018/19, women orthopedic surgeons were underrepresented in faculty positions across academic orthopedic training programs in Canada, and were disproportionately underrepresented in promoted academic faculty roles and leadership positions. These data can be used to review and educate on equity in hiring and promotion, as well as to foster mentorship and transition planning.

Incisional paresthesia following clavicle plate fixation: does it matter to patients?

BACKGROUND: Operative management of clavicle fractures is increasingly common. In the context of explaining the risks and benefits of surgery, understanding the impact of incisional numbness as it relates to the patient experience is key to shared decision making. This study aims to determine the prevalence, extent, and recovery of sensory changes associated with supraclavicular nerve injury after open reduction and plate internal fixation of middle or lateral clavicle shaft fractures. METHODS: Eighty-six patients were identified retrospectively and completed a patient experience survey assessing sensory symptoms, perceived post-operative function, and satisfaction. Correlations between demographic factors and outcomes, as well as subgroup analyses were completed to identify factors impacting patient satisfaction. RESULTS: Ninety percent of patients experienced sensory changes post-operatively. Numbness was the most common symptom (64%) and complete resolution occurred in 32% of patients over an average of 19 months. Patients who experienced burning were less satisfied overall with the outcome of their surgery whereas those who were informed of the risk of sensory changes pre-operatively were more satisfied overall. CONCLUSIONS: Post-operative sensory disturbance is common. While most patients improve, some symptoms persist in the majority of patients without significant negative effects on satisfaction. Patients should always be advised of the risk of persistent sensory alterations around the surgical site to increase the likelihood of their satisfaction post-operatively.

Scapular Notching Following Ipsilateral Traumatic Clavicle Fracture in Reverse Total Shoulder Arthroplasty: A Case Report.

INTRODUCTION: Reverse total shoulder arthroplasty (RTSA) procedures are becoming increasingly more common. While the main complications are known, the management of clavicle fractures in patients with an ipsilateral RTSA is not well described. There are three case studies that document clavicular stress fractures following RTSA with an atraumatic etiology, and to our knowledge, no studies have described a traumatic clavicular fracture following RTSA. CASE: We describe the case of a 75-year-old woman with a traumatic clavicle fracture five years after RTSA for rotator cuff tear arthropathy. With minimal pain and subjective symptoms initially, the patient wished to pursue non-operative treatment. However, she eventually developed a painful non-union and pseudoparalysis of the shoulder with serial radiographs demonstrating progressive superior scapular tilting and scapular notching. Subsequent open reduction internal fixation of her clavicle fracture significantly improved her pain and function. CONCLUSION: We report a traumatic clavicle fracture in the setting of RTSA that not only failed to heal but also resulted in scapular notching and shoulder pseudoparalysis that was improved with surgical stabilization of the fracture. It is possible that the setting of a semi-constrained RTSA, the resulting biomechanical imbalance may predispose to impaired fracture healing and non-union of the clavicle fracture.

Maximizing Muscle Function in Cuff-Deficient Shoulders: A Rehabilitation Proposal for Reverse Arthroplasty.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this review is to describe the role of altered joint biomechanics in reverse shoulder arthroplasty and to propose a rehabilitation protocol for a cuff-deficient glenohumeral joint based on the current evidence.Methods and Materials: The proposed rehabilitation incorporates the principles of pertinent muscle loading while considering risk factors and surgical complications. RESULTS: In light of altered function of shoulder muscles in reverse arthroplasty, scapular plane abduction should be more often utilized as it better activates deltoid, teres minor, upper trapezius, and serratus anterior. Given the absence of supraspinatus and infraspinatus and reduction of external rotation moment arm of the deltoid in reverse arthroplasty, significant recovery of external rotation may not occur, although an intact teres minor may assist external rotation in the elevated position. CONCLUSION: Improving the efficiency of deltoid function before and after reverse shoulder arthroplasty is a key factor in the rehabilitation of the cuff deficient shoulders. Performing exercises in scapular plane and higher abduction angles activates deltoid and other important muscles more efficiently and optimizes surgical outcomes.

Lithium for Fracture Treatment (LiFT): a double-blind randomised control trial protocol.

INTRODUCTION: Fracture healing can fail in up to 10% of cases despite appropriate treatment. While lithium has been the standard treatment for bipolar disorder, it may also have a significant impact to increase bone healing in patients with long bone fractures. To translate this knowledge into clinical practice, a randomised clinical trial (RCT) is proposed. METHODS AND ANALYSIS: A multicentre double blind, placebo-controlled RCT is proposed to evaluate the efficacy of lithium to increase the rate and predictability of long bone fracture healing in healthy adults compared to lactose placebo treatment. 160 healthy individuals from 18 to 55 years of age presenting with shaft fractures of the femur, tibia/fibula, humerus or clavicle will be eligible. Fractures will be randomised to placebo (lactose) or treatment (300 mg lithium carbonate) group within 2 weeks of the injury. The primary outcome measure will be radiographic union defined as visible callus bridging on three of the four cortices at the fracture site using a validated radiographic union score. Secondary outcome measures will include functional assessment and pain scoring. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION: Participant confidentiality will be maintained with publication of results. Research Ethics Board Approval: Sunnybrook Research Institute (REB # 356-2016). Health Canada Approval (HC6-24-C201560). Results of the main trial and secondary endpoints will be submitted for publication in a peer-reviewed journal and presented at conferences. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: NCT02999022.

Perceptions of using lithium in fracture management: a survey of orthopaedic surgeons, fracture patients and the general public.

BACKGROUND: Lithium, an established psychiatric medication, has recently been shown to enhance new bone formation in preclinical fracture models. Current research is focused on evaluating the efficacy of low-dose, short-term lithium treatment to improve long bone fracture healing through a Phase II randomized clinical trial (LiFT NCT02999022). In working towards future applications of lithium for fracture management, this study aimed to understand the current perceptions of lithium as a psychiatric drug and the potential barriers to its orthopaedic adoption. METHODS: Three questionnaires, evaluating knowledge about lithium and willingness to embrace its use in fracture healing were disseminated among the general population, fracture patients eligible for the LiFT (Lithium for Fracture Treatment) trial and orthopaedic surgeons across Canada. RESULTS: Of the 768 public respondents, 84% were willing to take a medication that would aid fracture healing but only 62.6% if the medication was lithium. Willingness dropped to 44.6% among the 168 respondents who knew about the psychiatric use of lithium. Lack of sufficient knowledge (n = 50) and concerns about side effects including effects on the brain (n = 74) were the main reasons cited by those who were unwilling to use lithium. Of the 29 fracture patients, only 20 patients had previously heard of lithium. Of these, 40% were willing to take lithium for fracture healing with an additional 10% if the dose was low or if the intake duration was short. Only 50% knew that lithium has side effects. Of the 43 orthopaedic surgeons, 38 surgeons knew about clinical use of lithium. Of these, 68% knew that lithium has side effects and 29% knew that it interacts with other drugs. While most agreed that new strategies are needed to improve fracture management, only 68% were willing to prescribe lithium for fractures with an additional 16% if there is scientific evidence and/or a standard dosing protocol. CONCLUSIONS: This study identified a lack of knowledge about uses and side effects of lithium among all three cohorts. A robust educational framework for orthopaedic surgeons, their patients and the members of their clinical care teams will be essential to widespread repurposing of lithium for fracture care.

The fulcrum axis: an accurate measure of glenoid version on radiographs and computed tomography.

BACKGROUND: Proper glenoid position in total shoulder arthroplasty (TSA) is important. However, traditional glenoid version (GV) measurements overestimate retroversion on radiographs (XR) and computed tomography (CT).The fulcrum axis (FA) uses palpable surface landmarks and may be useful as an intra-operative guide. Also, the FA has not yet been validated on XR or CT in an arthritic population. METHODS: Four observers measured FA and GV on the XR, CT and three-dimensional CT (3DCT) of 40 patients who underwent TSA at a single institution from 2009 to 2015. Reliability and accuracy of FA and GV were calculated for XR and CT, using 3DCT as the gold standard. RESULTS: The mean FA and GV were 7.768° and 18.910° on XR; 6.23° and 12.920° on CT; and 8.100° and 7.740° on 3DCT, respectively. FA and GV were significantly different for XR and CT (p < 0.001) but not for 3DCT (p = 0.725). The inter-rater reliability, intra-rater reliability and accuracy of FA were not significantly different from GV and were 0.929 to 0.948, 0.779 to 0.974 and 0.674 to 0.705, respectively. However, the absolute difference of FA was closer to the gold standard (3DCT) than GV for XR (0.330° versus 11.172°) and CT (1.871° versus 5.178°) (p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: FA showed comparable reliability and accuracy to GV. However, FA more accurately reflected the gold standard.

Augmented latissimus dorsi transfer: initial results in patients with massive irreparable posterosuperior rotator cuff tears.

BACKGROUND: The surgical treatment of irreparable massive rotator cuff tears is challenging. The purpose of the present study was to report the initial outcomes after a modified latissimus dorsi transfer (LDT) augmented by acellular dermal allograft (ADA). METHODS: This retrospective study includes 24 patients managed with LDT using ADA augmentation as a bursal-sided onlay between March 2009 and December 2015. RESULTS: All patients were men with a mean age of 57 years (range 48 years to 70 years). Seven patients had a previously failed rotator cuff repair and ten patients presented with a deficient subscapularis tendon. At last follow-up (mean 27 months), there was a significant improvement in active forward flexion (mean increase 31°; p = 0.016), and abduction by 25° (p = 0.059). The acromiohumeral distance remained stable and the failure rate was low (4%). Neither a history of previous rotator cuff surgery, nor the presence of a subscapularis tear had a negative impact on functional outcome. CONCLUSIONS: In our cohort of patients, LDT augmented with ADA was a reasonable option for patients with previously failed rotator cuff repair, as well as in the subgroup of patients with a deficient subscapularis tendon. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV: Therapeutic study (case series).

Healing, Pain and Function after Midshaft Clavicular Fractures: A Systematic Review of Treatment with Immobilization and Rehabilitation.

OBJECTIVE: To systematically evaluate the scientific literature examining the efficacy of nonoperative management for midshaft clavicular fractures, specifically looking at the effect of immobilization and/or functional rehabilitation. TYPE: Systematic review. LITERATURE SURVEY: MEDLINE (PubMed), EMBASE, CINAHL databases were searched. METHODOLOGY: Inclusion criteria included adult patients enrolled in a controlled study evaluating bony healing, pain and/or function-related improvements after a strict nonoperative treatment plan for management of midshaft clavicle fractures. SYNTHESIS: A total of 10 articles were included in the study. Only four studies contained level I evidence; four studies were prospective case series without a control, and one was a retrospective case series without a control. Half of studies used a strict immobilization period, and most utilized a period of functional rehabilitation. There were no direct comparisons between rehabilitation protocols. Studies without a strict immobilization period had a nonunion rate of 5% to 24% and residual pain in 35% to 83% of patients compared to studies with a strict immobilization period with a nonunion rate of 3% to 29% and residual pain in 14% to 49% of patients. Studies including functional rehabilitation protocol reported functional as measured by the Constant Shoulder Score of 87.8 to 96, out of a maximum of 100 representing no functional limitations, and nonunion rates of 12% to 25% compared to 81 to 85 and 3% to 29% in those without a rehabilitation protocol. CONCLUSIONS: No studies directly examine the effect of immobilization and functional rehabilitation on clinical outcomes for midshaft clavicular fractures. Future studies are needed to better elucidate the most effective treatment. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: I.

A two phase regulation of bone regeneration: IL-17F mediates osteoblastogenesis via C/EBP-ß in vitro.

T lymphocytes and pro-inflammatory cytokines, specifically interleukin-17F (IL-17F) have been identified as important regulators in bone regeneration during fracture repair. To better understand the molecular mechanisms of IL-17F-mediated osteoblastogenesis, a mouse pre-osteoblast cell line (MC3T3-E1) was utilized to characterize the intracellular signal transduction of IL-17F. Comparisons to the established canonical Wnt signaling pathway were made using Wnt3a ligand. Our results demonstrated greater bone marker gene expression in IL-17F-treated cells, compared to cells treated with Wnt3a. Western blot analysis confirmed degradation of ß-catenin and up-regulation of two key proteins in osteoblast differentiation, Runx2 and C/EBP-ß, in response to IL-17F treatment. RNA silencing of IL-17F receptors, IL-17Ra and IL-17Rc via siRNA transfection resulted in decreased expression of Act2, Runx2, and C/EBP-ß, demonstrating the direct ligand-receptor interaction between IL-17F and IL-17Ra/c as an activator of osteoblastogenesis. Our findings suggest that IL-17F promotes osteoblast differentiation independent of the canonical Wnt pathway and ß-catenin signaling, presenting new insights on modulating the adaptive immune response in the inflammatory phase, temporally distinct from the reparative and remodeling phases of fracture healing.