Plunging Dangerously: A Quantitative Assessment of Drilling the Clavicle.

Bicortical drilling of the clavicle is associated with risk of iatrogenic damage from plunging given the close proximity of neurovascular structures. This study determined plunge depth during superior-to-inferior clavicle drilling using a standard drill vs drill-sensing technology. Two orthopedic surgeons drilled 10 holes in a fresh cadaveric clavicle with drill-sensing technology in freehand mode (functions as standard orthopedic drill) and another 10 holes with drill-sensing technology in bicortical mode (drill motor stops when the second cortex is breached and depth is measured in real time). The drill-measured depths were compared with computed tomography-measured depths. Distances to the neurovascular structures were also measured. The surgeons' plunge depths were compared using an independent t test. With freehand (standard) drilling, the mean plunge depth was 8.8 mm. For surgeon 1, the range was 5.6 to 15.8 mm (mean, 10.9 mm). For surgeon 2, the range was 3.3 to 11.0 mm (mean, 6.4 mm). The surgeons' plunge depths were significantly different. In bicortical mode, the drill motor stopped when the second cortex was penetrated. Drill-measured depths were verified by computed tomography scan, with a mean difference of 0.8 mm. Mean distances from the clavicle to the neurovascular structures were 15.5 mm for the subclavian vein, 18.0 mm for the subclavian artery, and 8.0 mm for the brachial plexus. Plunge depths differed between surgeons. However, both surgeons' plunge depths were greater than distances to the neurovascular structures, indicating a risk of injury due to plunging. Although a nonspinning drill bit may still cause soft tissue damage, drill-sensing technology may decrease the risk of penetrating soft tissue structures due to plunging. [Orthopedics. 2021;44(1):e36-e42.].

Necrotizing soft tissue infections of the upper extremity: a case series.

Four cases of necrotizing soft tissue infections of the upper extremity are presented. Each involved minor wounds to the hand that gradually progressed to fulminant infection. Two of the patients reported a history of alcohol abuse. One patient had psychiatric illness that led to delay in recognizing the infection and seeking intervention. The causative organism in all cases was group A beta hemolytic streptococcus. Fortunately, none of the patients suffered loss of the affected extremity, although long-term function is limited. The necrotizing soft tissue infection encountered in these cases represents a less severe presentation than classic necrotizing fasciitis. Necrotizing soft tissue infections are properly recognized as a spectrum of disease and can, as in these cases, follow a prolonged progression with limited systemic involvement. The current literature regarding diagnosis and treatment of necrotizing soft tissue infections is reviewed.

Femoral remodeling may influence patient outcomes in slipped capital femoral epiphysis.

Clinical studies of patients treated for slipped capital femoral epiphysis have found limited functional impairment and femoral neck deformity causing eventual coxarthrosis. Since patient-focused assessments minimize bias and reflect health-related quality of life status, we coupled their use to a clinical examination to obtain a more patient-centered picture of slipped capital femoral epiphyseal outcomes. The impact of residual deformity on outcomes also was examined. Of 78 patients treated for slipped capital femoral epiphyses between 1972 and 1998, 29 (38 hips) were evaluated at a mean followup of 7.6 years (range, 1.4-26 years). The average patient age was 21.8 years (range, 14.6-39 years), 55% were female, and the average body mass index was 28.7 (range, 16.1-50.2). Most slips were stable (92%, 35 of 38) and mild or moderate in severity (98%, 36 of 37). Followup examinations revealed slight deficits in range of motion, strength, and limb length. Radiographs showed slight improvements in head-shaft angle and reduced but persistent femoral neck deformity. Osteoarthritic changes were absent or negligible in 84% (32 of 38) of the hips. The average Iowa hip score was 90.5 (range, 51-100). Patient outcome scores for the AAOS Hip/Knee Questionnaire fell slightly below 50th percentile norms. Neither slip stability, severity, nor body mass index impacted outcome. Femoral neck deformity correlated with function, pain, and Boyer grade. Overall, patients had minor functional deficits and pain that may have been related to femoral neck deformity, but longer followup is warranted.