Cemented Total Hip Arthroplasty With Retrograde Ischioacetabular Steinmann Pin Reconstruction for Periacetabular Metastatic Carcinoma.

BACKGROUND: Surgical management of advanced periacetabular lesions is challenging because of extensive bone loss, particularly for Modified American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons Classification defects type IV (pelvic discontinuity with posterior column involvement). Multiple methods for rebuilding the acetabulum have been described; all involve passing Steinmann pins in a retrograde or an antegrade fashion from the anterior iliac wing or iliac crest around the acetabulum in an attempt to recreate the normal bony anatomy. However, these techniques fail to engage the ischium in its entirety. The ischial contribution to the posterior column is a critical element in a stable acetabular construct. METHODS: After curettage of the acetabular lesion, Steinmann pins are passed through the ischial tuberosity and posterior column into the sciatic buttress in a retrograde manner. The number of pins depends on the size of the defect and involvement of the posterior column. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Medical records of 11 patients with a Modified American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons Classification defect type IV treated with retrograde ischioacetabular Steinmann pin reconstruction at our institution between 2007 and 2012 were reviewed. European Quality of Life-5 dimensions and Lower Extremity Functional Scale questionnaires were used to assess patient functional outcomes. RESULTS: The 6 patients (4 females and 2 males; age range, 56-81 years) surviving 12 months postoperatively reported improved mobility and good quality-of-life scores. CONCLUSION: We described a new method for posterior acetabular column reconstruction that uses the ischial tuberosity and body as additional points of stabilization during the reconstruction of the posterior column.

Comparison of Intrawound Vancomycin Utility in Posterior Instrumented Spine Surgeries Between Patients With Tumor and Nontumor Patients.

STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective cohort study of consecutive patients. OBJECTIVE: To compare the efficacy of intrawound vancomycin to prevent postoperative surgical site infection (SSI) between patients with spinal tumor and nontumor spine patients. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: Recent studies have suggested that intrawound vancomycin is a promising method for reducing the SSI rate in spine surgery. However, the patient population in which it is most effective remains unknown. METHODS: Medical records of a consecutive series of patients with tumor and nontumor spine patients who underwent open posterior instrumented surgeries at our institution between October 2011 and June 2014 were reviewed. 1 gram of vancomycin powder was evenly sprayed into the surgical site before drain placement. The SSI rates before and after vancomycin use were compared. Changes in SSI rates, which reflected the utility of vancomycin, were compared between patients with tumor and nontumor patients. RESULTS: A total of 334 patients were enrolled including 25 patients with tumor and 129 nontumor patients in the "before" period, and 27 patients with tumor and 153 nontumor patients in the "after" period. Baseline characteristics in both patients with tumor and nontumor patients did not differ between periods. The SSI rate of nontumor patients was significantly reduced with intrawound vancomycin application (7.0% [9/129] vs. 0.7% [1/153], P = 0.011). However, the SSI rate in patients with tumor was not reduced (8.0% [2/25] vs. 14.8% [4/27], P = 0.442). 3 of the 4 patients with tumor who developed SSI after vancomycin use had previous radiotherapy, whereas only 1 SSI occurred in 14 patients with tumor without radiotherapy in the same period. CONCLUSION: Intrawound vancomycin may be beneficial for nontumor spine patients who undergo open posterior instrumented surgeries, but may not for those with spinal tumors. The poor physical health status, major surgical trauma, and tumor-related adjuvant treatments of patients with spinal tumor may contribute to this disparity.