Femoral neck system as a safe alternative to cannulated compression screw and dynamic hip screw in femoral neck fractures: an early comparative study.

INTRODUCTION: The femoral neck system (FNS) is a safe alternative to cannulated compression screw (CCS) and dynamic hip screw (DHS) in femoral neck fractures. METHODS: A dual-centre retrospective cohort study was performed on femoral neck fractures (AO type 31-B) treated with closed reduction and internal fixation using FNS, DHS or CCS between April 2016 and April 2020. Exclusion criteria were as follows: patients aged below 16 years; chronic fractures beyond 7 days; pathological fractures; fracture extension to the intertrochanteric region or ipsilateral neck and shaft fractures; and open fractures. A total of 85 patients were identified: FNS (n = 28), DHS (n = 29) and CCS (n = 28). RESULTS: The FNS and CCS groups had a lower Garden and Pauwels classification compared to the DHS group (both P < 0.001). Both FNS and CCS groups were comparable in postoperative orthopaedic complications (10.7% [n = 3] vs. 3.6% [n = 1], adjusted P = 0.321). The DHS group had more postoperative orthopaedic complications than the FNS group, but this was not statistically significant (27.6% [n = 8] vs. 10.7% [n = 3], adjusted P = 0.321). There were no significant differences in median time to radiological union or median femoral neck shortening at union (both P > 0.05) among the three groups. CONCLUSION: The new DePuy Synthes FNS is a safe alternative to CCS with comparable complication rates for femoral neck fractures that are less displaced and more stable. The FNS also appears to be a safe alternative to DHS in the fixation of femoral neck fractures for the few cases of high-energy femoral neck fractures.

When is it safe to return to driving after distal radius fracture fixation? A prospective study.

INTRODUCTION: After surgical fixation of distal radius fractures, many patients are keen to return to driving. There are however limited guidelines assisting surgeons. The aims of this study were to determine when patients could return to driving safely after distal radius fracture fixation and determine the clinical parameters (range of motion and grip strength) that patients needed to achieve before return to safe driving could be advised. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A prospective grant-funded clinical study was conducted. Patients above the age of 21 years who underwent surgical fixation with a volar plate, possessed a class 3 standard motorcar license, and were regular drivers were recruited in a single institution from 2017 to 2019. A hand surgeon and an occupational therapist who sees routine hand therapy cases, assessed the patients at regular intervals from 2 to 12-weeks post-surgery. Clinical parameters of pain, wrist range of motion and grip strength were measured. Patients underwent off and on-road driving assessments. RESULTS: A total of 26 patients were recruited, with 21 successfully completing the driving assessment. Median time post-surgery to passing the driving test was 6 and 8-weeks for off and on-road assessments respectively. Pain score was observed to decrease over time, with a significant decrease from week 2 to week 4. Range of motion improved over time, with maximal improvement between 2 to 4-weeks post-surgery. When compared with the unaffected wrist, the difference in pronation, supination and radial deviation in the affected hand was consistently no longer statistically significant 4 to 6-weeks post-surgery. CONCLUSION: Patients with isolated surgically treated distal radius fractures can be recommended for a driving assessment as early as 4-6 weeks post-surgery if pain control is adequate, and clinical parameters for pronation and supination are met.

Return to work following knee arthroplasty: a retrospective review in urban Asian population.

BACKGROUND: An increasing number of working adults undergo knee arthroplasty in Singapore. There is limited data concerning Southeast Asian patients returning to work (RTW) following knee replacement surgery. Our aim was to identify and study factors influencing patients RTW following total knee arthroplasty (TKA) or unicompartmental knee arthroplasty (UKA). METHODS: Patients who underwent TKA or UKA between August 2017 and March 2020 in our center were included in this study. Outcomes include RTW and duration prior to RTW. RESULTS: 441 patients underwent TKA (295 women, 146 men, mean age 67.3 years) and 69 underwent UKA (48 women, 21 men, mean age 61.1 years). Patients who underwent TKA returned to work earlier (mean 83.7 ± 27.1 days) compared to UKA (mean 94.4 ± 42.3 days). 90.0% of TKA patients RTW compared to 95.5% who underwent UKA. Of patients who RTW, 94.3% of the TKA group returned to employment of the same nature compared to 92.9% of UKA patients. Patients who RTW were of a younger age (p = 0.03), white collared workers (p = 0.04), and had independent preoperative ambulatory status (p < 0.01). CONCLUSION: Younger and independently ambulating patients may have better capacity for rehabilitation and RTW post arthroplasty surgery.

An anterolateral approach for the flexion-valgus type unicondylar tibial plateau depression fracture pattern a technical note.

OBJECTIVE: The approach to pure depression fractures (PDF) of the posterolateral tibial plateau (PTP) is classically a posterior approach via a metaphyseal osteotomy window with elevation of the depressed articular fragment. Other posterolateral approaches have been described but have been criticized for affecting reduction quality, and risks to the common peroneal nerve. METHODS: In this case series, we describe a standard anterolateral approach with a window osteotomy through the metaphysis. Elevation of the PTP fracture is done through the osteotomy site. RESULTS: The standard anterolateral approach avoids limitations of posterior or posterolateral approaches. Adequate reduction and good fixation of PDF of the PTP is attained. CONCLUSION: The anterolateral approach with osteotomy of the lateral condyle is reproducible and familiar. This avoids the need for a fibula osteotomy and the risks of neurovascular injury, while allowing adequate visualisation and fracture reduction. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: IV.

Mortality rates for hip fracture patients managed surgically and conservatively in a dedicated unit in Singapore.

INTRODUCTION: At our hospital, an unusually high proportion of patients and families opted for conservative management of hip fractures. This study aimed to compare the mortality rates of patients with hip fractures treated conservatively to that of operatively managed patients in a dedicated hip fracture unit. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Retrospective analysis was done for patients who were treated for hip fractures between January 2015 and October 2017 in a Hip Fracture Unit at a tertiary hospital. Patients were managed non-operatively or surgically after discussion with the multi-disciplinary team. RESULTS: 233 patients were treated conservatively and 781 underwent operative management for hip fractures. Patients managed non-operatively had a higher inpatient, 30-day and 1-year mortality rates. Inpatient mortality was 6.01% for conservatively managed compared to 0% for operative management. 30-day mortality for conservatively managed patients was 8.58% as compared to 0% for operatively managed patients, and 1-year mortality was 33.05% as opposed to 8.96%. There was an association seen with the type of management of hip fractures and that of inpatient death (p = 0.000), death in 30 days (p = 0.000) and death in 1 year (p = 0.000). The type of management was a predictive factor in 1-year mortality (p = 0.000). The average number of co-morbidities in conservatively managed patients was 5.2 compared to surgically managed patients of 4.0. Conservatively managed hip patients had a higher prevalence of stroke, chronic kidney disease and ischemic heart disease. Complications during hospital stay were comparable for both groups. The mean length of hospital stay was similar for both groups. CONCLUSION: Surgical intervention for hip fractures is associated with lower inpatient, 30-day and 1-year mortality rates. However, patient co-morbidities and pre-morbid conditions should also be considered. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: IV.

Medial patellofemoral ligament reconstruction with and without trochleoplasty for patients with patella instability-correlation of trochlear dysplasia and patient outcome, classification and outcome measure in the past decade-a systematic review.

PURPOSE: The primary aim of the study is to compare the patient outcome in medial patellofemoral ligament reconstruction (MPFLR) or MPFLR concurrent with trochleoplasty (MPFLR + TP) and correlate it with the degree of trochlear dysplasia (TD). The secondary aim is to review TD classification, outcome measure, chronological and geographical trend of such studies in the past decade. METHODS: A systemic review of the literature in the past decade on studies of patients with patella instability and underwent either a MPFLR or MPFLR + TP. The degree of TD with the patient outcome was correlated and compared between the 2 groups. The TD classification, outcome measures, chronological and geographical trends of these studies were documented. RESULTS: There is no statistical difference in the overall improvement in the compared outcome scores between the 2 groups. However, the MPFLR studies reported a total of 16 re-dislocation in contrast to none in the MPFLR + TP studies. The 24 selected studies in the current review utilized different TD classification as well as outcome measures. A more homogeneous subgroup of 12 studies utilized Dejour classification as well as Kujala score that enabled comparison and showed no significant difference in outcome. The highest number of MPFLR publications was in 2019 and was from North and South Americas, Asia and Europe. The MPFLR + TP studies were from Europe during 2013 to 2017. CONCLUSION: Though there is an overall improvement in post-operative outcomes scores with no statistical significance between MPFLR and MPFLR + TP, the documented re-dislocations in the MPFLR studies suggested an undetermined zone where the choice of procedure could result in a different outcome. The current review did not show correlation between the degree of TD with the patient outcome to provide a clear indication for either procedure according to the degree of TD. The diverse TD classifications and varied outcome measures indicated the need for standardization and consistency in documentation to guide the treating clinician in the choice of procedure. MPFLR was more commonly performed and studied than MPFLR + TP in the past decade.

Postoperative Urinary Retention Following Thoracolumbosacral Spinal Fusion: Prevalence, Risk Factors, and Outcomes.

Objective Postoperative urinary retention (POUR) is an often-underestimated common complication following spine surgery, and it is essential to avoid its untoward long-term consequences. Besides, a dilemma exists regarding the appropriate timing for the postoperative removal of indwelling catheter (IDC). Hence, we aim to describe the prevalence, risk factors, and outcomes of POUR and also come up with recommendations for the removal of IDC. Methods Electronic records of patients who underwent elective thoracolumbosacral spinal fusion surgery from January 2017 to December 2019 were retrospectively reviewed. Excluded were those who underwent fusion for indications such as trauma, cauda equina syndrome, infection, and malignancy. Both surgery-related and patient-related risk factors were tabulated, and their association with the likely development of POUR was assessed by univariate and multivariate analysis. Results One hundred sixty-eight patients (median age=64.1 years; 58.9% female) were included, with the incidence of POUR being 7.8%. Our findings suggest surgery-related factors, both intra- and postoperative, including operating time (p=0.008), anesthetic time (p=0.005), number of fusion levels (p<0.001), mobilization status prior to trial off catheter (TOC; p=0.021), and TOC timing (p=0.029) may have an association with POUR. In addition, patient-related factors, including the use of beta-blockers (p=0.020) and pre-operative mobility status (p<0.001), may also be associated with the likely development of POUR. Conclusion POUR seems to be a frequent complication following thoracolumbosacral spinal fusion surgery, which was found to have an association with some surgery-related and patient-related factors. While most of these factors are non-modifiable, certain modifiable risk factors provide the surgeon an opportunity to prevent POUR. Considering these factors, we recommend appropriate and timely mobilization of the patient prior to removal of IDC, which is to be performed preferably in the daytime.

Local infiltration of analgesia and tranexamic acid is safe and efficacious in reducing blood loss and comparable to intra-articular tranexamic acid in total knee replacements.

INTRODUCTION: The use of peri-articular (PA) tranexamic acid (TXA) and its efficacy in comparison with intra-articular (IA) tranexamic acid has not been well explored in literature. This retrospective cohort study aims to compare the effects of IA and PA TXA with analgesic components in reducing blood loss and improving immediate post-operative pain relief and functional outcomes in unilateral primary total knee replacement (TKA) patients. METHODS: 63 patients who underwent a unilateral primary total knee replacement procedure were divided into 2 groups: 42 patients in the IA TXA delivery group, 21 patients in the PA TXA group. 1g of TXA was utilized for all patients. All patients had pericapsular infiltration consisting of 0.5ml of Adrenaline, 0.4ml of Morphine, 1g of Vancomycin, 1ml of Ketorolac and 15ml of Ropivacaine. Outcomes for blood loss, and surrogate markers for immediate functional recovery were measured. RESULTS: 54.0% of the patients were female, 46.0% male. The mean drop in post-operative Hb levels in the PA and IA group was 2.0g/dL and 1.6 g/dL respectively, and statistically insignificant (p=0.10). The mean HCT drop in the PA and IA group was 6.1% and 5.3% respectively and statistically insignificant (p=0.58). The POD 1 and discharge day flexion angles, POD 1 and POD 2 VAS scores, gait distance on discharge, and length of hospitalization stay were largely similar in both groups. CONCLUSION: Our study shows that both IA and PA TXA with analgesic components are equally efficient in reducing blood loss and improving immediate postoperative pain relief and functional outcomes.

A proposed safety angle for dual bundle MPFL reconstruction: an observational magnetic resonance imaging study.

INTRODUCTION: The anatomical dual bundle medial patellofemoral ligament (MPFL) reconstruction technique is one of the surgical techniques used to treat lateral patellar instability. This commonly involves the creation of two patella bone tunnels through which the limbs of the grafts are inserted. The surgical risks include patellar fracture and penetration of patellofemoral articular surface. Thus, an easily reproducible intra-operative guiding parameter is useful to reduce such complications. PURPOSE: The aim of this study is to demarcate a safe working zone in the axial plane for the patella tunnels. METHODS: In this pilot study, we projected patella bone tunnels on the MRI knee images of 201 male patients with intact MPFLs. Two tunnel projections, superior and inferior, are made from the medial to the lateral sides of the patella. The projection of each superior and inferior tunnel is subdivided into three different angles in the axial plane. The tunnel length, thickness of the bone anterior to each tunnel and safety angle are measured. The safety angle refers to the angle between the longitudinal axis of each tunnel and the horizontal plane of the patella. RESULTS: Our current study population consisted of 201 male patients (104 Wiberg type 1, 97 Wiberg type 2, no type 3 or 4). For the superior tunnels, the tunnel lengths are 14.8 mm, 24.3 mm and 27.2 mm. The respective safety angles are 24.9 degrees, 24.5 degrees and 8.8 degrees. The thickness of the bone anterior to the tunnels are 5.9 mm, 2.5 mm and 6.2 mm. For the inferior tunnels, the tunnel lengths are 18.4 mm, 21.9 mm and 34.9 mm. The respective safety angles are 23.5 degrees, 22.5 degrees and 8.5 degrees. The thickness of the bone anterior to the respective tunnels are 5.9 mm, 3.1 mm and 6.0 mm. CONCLUSION: The proposed safety angle of 8.8 degree for the superior tunnel, and 8.5 degrees for the inferior tunnel is a potentially useful intra-operative guide for the surgeon and can potentially reduce the risks of fracture and articular cartilage injury in patellae with Wiberg 1 and 2 morphologies. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level II, retrospective study.