A Retrospective Cohort Study on Chronic Opioid Use After Geriatric Hip Fracture Surgery-Risk Factors, Trends, and Outcomes.

INTRODUCTION: The purpose of this study is to identify the risk factors for prolonged opioid use after surgery in geriatric hip fracture patients and the effects of prolonged use on mortality and readmission rates. METHODS: An institutional registry was queried for all patients older than 65 years who underwent surgical treatment of a hip fracture between January 2016 and June 2017. Using the Controlled Substance Utilization Review and Evaluation System (CURES), we identified patients who had filled an opioid prescription within 3 months of hospital admission as opioid exposed and patients without a history of opioid use as opioid naïve (ON). RESULTS: Of 500 patients who underwent hip-fracture surgery during the study period, a total of 322 had complete Controlled Substance Utilization Review and Evaluation System data. 36.0% (116) were OE, and 64.0% (206) were ON. 23.0% (74) patients filled an opioid prescription 6 months after surgery, 59.5% (44) were OE, and 40.5% (30) were ON. OE and patients on antidepressants were more likely to continue opioids at 6 months. Age, sex, fracture pattern, implant, benzodiazepine use, smoking, and alcohol status were not notable risk factors for prolonged opioid use. Antidepressant use was a risk factor for readmission within 90 days. Previous opioid exposure predicted mortality within 6 months. DISCUSSION: Opioid use in geriatric hip fracture patients is high both preoperatively and postoperatively. Opioid exposed patients and patients on antidepressants are more likely to continue opioids at 6 months. A substantial proportion of ON patients became prolonged opioid users. Although prolonged opioid use postoperatively did not increase the risk of readmission or death, antidepressant use predicted readmission and previous opioid exposure predicted mortality. By identifying predictors of prolonged postoperative opioid use in geriatric hip fracture patients, we can better prepare physicians and their patients on what to expect in the postoperative period. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III.

Chronic Warfarin Anticoagulation in Hip Fracture Patients Delays Surgery and Is Associated With Increased Risk of Postoperative Complications: A Multicenter Propensity-Score-Matched Analysis.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effect of warfarin on blood transfusion and postoperative complications in a low-energy hip fracture population compared with a non-anticoagulated comparison group. DESIGN: Multicenter Retrospective Cohort. SETTING: Three Urban Level I Academic Trauma Centers. PATIENTS: Acute, low-energy, native hip fractures in patients 55 years of age or older on chronic warfarin anticoagulation, propensity score matched 1:2 to non-anticoagulated hip fracture patients meeting all other inclusion criteria. MAIN OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS: Transfusion and postoperative complication rates. RESULTS: Two hundred ten anticoagulated hip fracture patients were matched to 420 nonanticoagulated patients. A higher proportion of patients required blood transfusion in the warfarin cohort (52.4% vs. 43.3%, P < 0.001), attributable mostly to the subgroup of patients undergoing arthroplasty. Warfarin patients had higher incidence of overall 90-day complications (47% vs. 38%, P = 0.039) and readmissions (31.4% vs. 8.9%, P < 0.001). Day of surgery international normalized ratio (INR) did not influence transfusions or complications among warfarin patients. Warfarin patients undergoing surgery within 24 hours had no difference in transfusions and had fewer complications compared with those undergoing surgery after 24 hours. On multivariable logistic regression analysis, warfarin use and day of surgery INR were not predictors of transfusion or complications. CONCLUSIONS: Patients on warfarin experienced longer time to surgery and higher incidence of overall transfusion and postoperative complications within 90 days of surgery. However, warfarin use and day of surgery INR was not independently associated with transfusions or complications. The reason for poorer outcomes in warfarin patients remains a topic of further investigation. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic Level III. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

Trust but Verify: Discordance in Opioid Reporting Between the Electronic Medical Record and a Statewide Database.

INTRODUCTION: The electronic medical record (EMR) is often used as the primary source for patient medication lists and history. We sought to determine the accuracy of the EMR in documenting opioid prescriptions in patients undergoing fracture repair compared to a statewide database. METHODS: This retrospective study was conducted at an urban level 1 trauma center. Patients > 18 years old were included if they were admitted directly through the emergency room with isolated single orthopedic injuries. Opioid use and prescription data prior to admission and three months following surgery were collected through the EMR and a California statewide database of controlled substance prescriptions. A 2 x 2 McNemar's test was used to identify discordance between the EMR and Controlled Substance Utilization Review and Evaluation System (CURES). RESULTS: A total of 369 patients were included. The EMR reported that 143 patients had an opioid prescription within 30 days prior to admission compared to 75 patients reported by CURES (discordance rate [DR]: 34.7%) (p < 0.001). Between postoperative days (POD) 0-30, the EMR reported that 367 patients had an opioid prescription compared to 285 reported by CURES (DR: 22.8%) (p < 0.001). Between POD 30-60, the EMR reported that 142 patients had an opioid prescription compared to 84 reported by CURES (DR: 34.7%) (p < 0.001). Between POD 60-90, the EMR reported that 83 patients had an active opioid prescription compared to 60 patients reported by CURES (DR: 41.0%) (p = 0.10). CONCLUSION: There is a significant discordance between the databases in documenting opioid use. Physicians should check multiple sources to best assess active opioid prescriptions.

Delayed Surgery Does Not Reduce Transfusion Rates in Low-Energy Hip Fractures on Direct Oral Anticoagulants.

OBJECTIVES: To compare transfusion rates in patients on direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) with nonanticoagulated patients undergoing hip fracture surgery and, secondarily, to determine whether time to surgery or complications differ between these groups. DESIGN: Multicenter retrospective cohort. SETTING: Three tertiary care, academic, Level I trauma centers. PATIENTS: Acute, operatively treated, low-energy hip fracture patients 55 years of age and older were included. Anticoagulated patients were matched in a 1:2 ratio to "control" nonanticoagulated hip fracture patients using propensity score matching. MAIN OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS: The primary outcome was incidence of perioperative transfusion. The secondary outcomes included time to surgery, length of stay, and 90-day complications, readmissions, reoperations, and mortality. RESULTS: One hundred thirty-two patients with hip fracture admitted on DOACs were identified (107 factor Xa inhibitors, 25 dabigatran) and were matched to 262 "control" nonanticoagulated patients. There was no difference in overall transfusion rates between anticoagulation and control groups (43.2%; n = 57 DOAC vs. 39.7%; n = 104 control; P = 0.517). The median time from admission to surgery was 41.7 hours in the DOAC group and 26.0 hours in the control group (P < 0.001). There were no differences in 90-day complication, readmission, reoperation, or mortality rates between DOAC and control groups. Comparing DOAC patients undergoing surgery within 24 hours and after 24 hours, there were no differences in transfusion rates (P = 0.558) or overall complication rates (P = 0.179). CONCLUSIONS: This study supports growing evidence that DOAC use should not be a determining factor in delaying surgery for patients with hip fracture who are otherwise medically optimized. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic Level III. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

Risk Factors for Development of a Recalcitrant Femoral Nonunion: A Single Surgeon Experience in 122 Patients.

OBJECTIVES: The goals of the study were (1) to document the healing rates of femoral nonunions stratified by those that healed as intended, healed after a subsequent intervention, and those that did not heal; (2) to report the prevalence of recalcitrant femoral nonunions and (3) to identify specific demographic, injury, and treatment-related risk factors for the development of a recalcitrant nonunion. DESIGN: Longitudinal observational cohort study. SETTING: Academic Level 1 trauma center. PATIENTS/PARTICIPANTS: One hundred twenty-two femoral nonunions treated with either a plate or intramedullary nail by a single surgeon between 1991 and 2018. INTERVENTION: Bivariate and multivariate regression analysis were performed to identify specific demographic, injury, and treatment factors in patients who developed a recalcitrant nonunion. RESULTS: Although 83.6% of the femoral nonunions eventually healed, only 66% "healed as intended" with 17.2% requiring 1 or more additional procedures to consolidate and 16.4% of nonunions failing to unite. There were no statistically significant differences in the recalcitrance rate when we compared treatment with conventional versus locked plates or primary versus exchange nailing. Risk factors for developing a recalcitrant nonunion were deep infection, current smokers, metabolic bone disease, and patients who had undergone 3 or more prior surgical procedures. CONCLUSIONS: The use of both intramedullary nails and modern plates were associated with a high rate of recalcitrance. Infection, current smokers, metabolic bone disease, and 3 or more prior surgical procedures were predictors for the development of a recalcitrant nonunion. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic Leve IV. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

Characterization of Infraspinatus Tendon Anatomy: The Soft-Tissue Portion of Remplissage.

PURPOSE: To characterize the morphology of the infraspinatus (IS) tendon and evaluate the bony anatomy of the humeral head (HH) to determine if there is a correlation between HH measurements and the amount of available IS tendon. METHODS: The superior-inferior width as well as the medial-lateral (M-L) length of the inferior and superior portions of the IS tendon were measured in 15 human cadaveric shoulders. Three measurements were then obtained for each corresponding humeral head: (1) anterior to posterior (A-P) distance, (2) midcoronal humeral head distance (MCHH), and (3) M-L distance. Pearson correlation coefficients (R) of tendon measurements relative to HH measurements were determined. RESULTS: The mean ± SD HH measurements were 44.3 ± 3.3 mm for A-P, 49.3 ± 3.4 mm at the MCHH, and 52.2 ± 3.4 mm in the M-L plane. The mean M-L length of the superior portion of the IS tendon was significantly different from the inferior portion (42.4 vs 31.0 mm, P < .0001). The mean ± SD width of the IS tendon was 19.4 ± 3.0mm. There was a statistically significant correlation (R = 0.58) between the M-L length of the superior IS tendon relative to the M-L HH distance (P < .05) and the A-P HH distance (P < .05). CONCLUSIONS: The superior M-L IS tendon length was significantly greater than the inferior M-L length. The M-L HH and the AP HH distances were significantly correlated to the M-L length of the superior portion of the IS tendon. These relationships may provide an estimation of the length of available IS tendon to help guide the management of Hill-Sachs lesions (HSLs). CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Knowledge of the available IS length can help optimize the management of HSLs following anterior shoulder dislocation. If IS tendon M-L length is less than HSL M-L length, then remplissage may result in capsulomyodesis rather than tenodesis. Placement of the superior anchor in a position that is as superior as possible within the HSL defect will maximize the opportunity for IS tenodesis.

Healing the Index Tibial Nonunion: Risk Factors for Development of a Recalcitrant Nonunion in 222 Patients.

OBJECTIVES: To compare and stratify the healing rates after our index nonunion surgery using contemporary methods of fixation, report the prevalence of recalcitrant non-union, and identify specific demographic, injury, and treatment-related risk factors for the development of a recalcitrant nonunion. DESIGN: Retrospective analysis of a prospectively collected database. SETTING: Academic Level 1 Trauma Center. PATIENTS/PARTICIPANTS: Two hundred twenty-two tibial nonunions treated with internal fixation by a single surgeon. INTERVENTION: Bivariate and multivariate regression analysis were performed to compare healing rates by the type of fixation and graft augmentation and to identify specific demographic, injury, and treatment-related risk factors for the development of a recalcitrant nonunion. RESULTS: Of the 222 patients, 162 (73%) healed as intended and 51 (23%) required 1 or more subsequent interventions to achieve union (96%). Nine fractures (4%) failed to unite. The 60 fractures (27%) that required a subsequent intervention(s) or failed to consolidate were defined as recalcitrant nonunions. There were no statistically significant differences in the recalcitrant rate when we compared plates versus nails or types of bone graft. Risk factors for developing a recalcitrant nonunion were multifactorial and included grade III open fractures, compartment syndrome, deep infection, and 2 or more prior surgical procedures. CONCLUSIONS: Internal fixation remains a successful method of treatment for most tibial nonunions. However, 27% of patients required a subsequent intervention because of failure to heal our index nonunion procedure. Factors that are associated with recalcitrant nonunions were a grade III open fracture, compartment syndrome, deep infection, and 2 or more or more prior surgical procedures. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic Level IV. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

Clavicle nonunion: plate and graft type do not affect healing rates-a single surgeon experience with 71 cases.

BACKGROUND: Clavicle nonunions often result after nonoperative treatment for the acute fracture. Those that require >1 surgical procedure in order for a nonunion to heal are termed recalcitrant. The aims of the present study were to (1) determine healing rates of clavicle nonunions after plate osteosynthesis using either a conventional or locked plate, (2) compare iliac crest bone graft vs. bone morphogenetic protein on nonunion healing, and (3) identify risk factors for the development of a recalcitrant nonunion. METHODS: We performed a retrospective analysis of a prospectively collected database of 78 clavicle nonunions treated with open reduction and plate fixation with or without graft augmentation by a single surgeon over 25 years. Seventy-one patients over the age of 18 with at least 12 months of follow-up comprised the study group. We analyzed healing rates after the index clavicle nonunion surgery comparing plate type and graft technique as well as identifying risk factors for developing a recalcitrant nonunion. RESULTS: A total of 62 patients (87.3%) healed after their index nonunion surgery at our institution. Three patients (4.2%) required additional surgery but healed, and 6 patients (8.5%) remain un-united; these 9 patients (12.7%) were defined as recalcitrant. There was no statistically significant difference in healing rates between plate type (P = .633) or type of bone graft (P = .157). There were no identifiable risk factors for the development of a recalcitrant nonunion. CONCLUSIONS: Plate fixation of clavicle nonunions remains a successful method of treatment. The type of plate or the method of bone graft did not produce different results. There were no demographic, patient, or injury characteristics associated with the development of a recalcitrant nonunion.

Fascia Iliaca Regional Anesthesia in Hip Fracture Patients Revisited: Which Fractures and Surgical Procedures Benefit Most?

OBJECTIVES: Perioperative fascia iliaca regional anesthesia (FIRA) decreases pain in hip fracture patients. The purpose of this study is to determine which hip fracture types and surgical procedures benefit most. DESIGN: Prospective observational study compared with a retrospective historical control. PATIENTS/PARTICIPANTS: Patients older than 60 years who received perioperative FIRA were compared with a historical cohort not receiving FIRA. SETTING: This study was conducted at a Level 1 trauma center. MAIN OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS: The primary outcome was morphine milliequivalents (MME) consumed during the index hospitalization. Fracture pattern-specific preoperative and postoperative MME consumption and surgical procedure-specific postoperative MME consumption was compared between the FIRA and non-FIRA groups. RESULTS: A total of 949 patients were included in this study, with 194 (20.4%) patients in the prospective protocol group. There were no baseline differences between cohorts. Preoperatively, only femoral neck fracture patients receiving FIRA used fewer MME (P < 0.001). Postoperatively, femoral neck fracture patients receiving FIRA used fewer MME on postoperative day (POD) 1 (P = 0.027) and intertrochanteric fracture patients used fewer MME on POD1 and POD2 (P = 0.013; P = 0.002). Cephalomedullary nail patients receiving FIRA used fewer MME on POD1 and POD2 (P = 0.004; P = 0.003). Hip arthroplasty patients receiving FIRA used fewer MME on POD1 (P = 0.037). Percutaneous pinning and sliding hip screw patients had no significant MME reduction from FIRA. CONCLUSIONS: Preoperatively, patients with femoral neck fractures benefit most from FIRA. Postoperatively, both patients with femoral neck fractures and intertrochanteric fractures benefit from FIRA. Patients undergoing cephalomedullary nail fixation or hip arthroplasty benefit most from FIRA postoperatively. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic Level III. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

Pain Management with Early Regional Anesthesia in Geriatric Hip Fracture Patients.

BACKGROUND: Geriatric hip fracture patients are susceptible to the adverse effects of opioid-induced analgesia. Fascia iliaca blocks (FIBs) have emerged as an analgesic technique for this population. There are limited data on a preoperative FIB's effect on perioperative opioid intake. We hypothesized that preoperative FIB would reduce perioperative opioid consumption, measured in morphine milliequivalents (MMEs). DESIGN: This is a prospective observational study. SETTING: A level 1 trauma center in California. PARTICIPANTS: From March 2017 to December 2017, patients 65 years and older presenting with a hip fracture received a preoperative FIB and were prospectively observed. This cohort was compared with a historical control. INTERVENTION: All prospectively enrolled patients were given FIBs. For a single-shot FIB, a 30- to 40-mL bolus of 0.25% bupivacaine with 1:200,000 epinephrine was injected. For a continuous FIB, a bolus of 10 to 20 mL of 0.2% bupivacaine was injected, followed by a continuous infusion of 0.2% bupivacaine at 6 mL/h ending on the morning of postoperative Day 1. RESULTS: A total of 725 patients were included in this study, with 92 in the prospectively collected cohort. The mean age of this cohort was 84.2 (standard deviation = 8.4) years, and 69.2% were female. Patients who received a preoperative FIB consumed less MME preoperatively, 18.0 (interquartile range = 6.0-44.5) versus 29.5 (interquartile range = 6.0-56.5) (P = .007), with no change in pain scores. No differences were found in postoperative opioid consumption between groups. There was no difference in MME or pain score in patients with dementia. Subgroup analysis based on fracture pattern (femoral neck and intertrochanteric) demonstrated a significant decrease in preoperative MME consumption in femoral neck fractures only, 12.0 (interquartile range = 5.0-24.0) versus 29.0 (interquartile range = 12.0-59.0) (P < .001). CONCLUSION: FIBs reduce preoperative opioid intake and have low rates of opioid-related adverse events in geriatric hip fracture patients. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: The level of evidence was II.

A Comparison in Outcomes of Preoperative Single-shot versus Continuous Catheter Fascia Iliaca Regional Anesthesia in Geriatric Hip Fracture Patients.

BACKGROUND: Fascia iliaca nerve blocks relieve pain in geriatric hip fracture patients and can be administered via a single-shot or continuous catheter. We compared perioperative opioid consumption and pain scores between these two blocks. METHODS: We performed a prospective, observational cohort study, including geriatric hip fracture patients who received a preoperative block. We compared morphine milligram equivalent (MME) consumption and visual analog scale (VAS) pain scores between single-shot and continuous fascia iliaca blocks at multiple time points: preoperative and on postoperative (POD) day 0, 1, and 2. We compared the change in preoperative total and hourly opioid consumption before and after block placement within and between groups. Secondary outcomes included opioid related adverse events, length of stay, and readmission rates. RESULTS: 107 patients were analyzed, 66 received a single-shot and 41 a continuous block. No significant differences were found between both blocks at any time point for median MME consumption or pain scores. MME [IQR]: preoperative 20.5 [6.0,48.8] vs. 24.0 [8.8,48.0], p=0.95; POD0 6.0 [0.0,18.6] vs. 10.0 [0.0,14.0], p=0.52; POD1 12.0 [0.0,30.0] vs. 18.0 [5.0,24.0], p=0.69; POD2 6.0 [0.0,21.2] vs. 12.0 [0.0,24.0], p=0.54. VAS [IQR]: preoperative 4.0 [2.2,5.3] vs. 4.6 [3.2,5.3], p=0.34; POD0 1.3 [0.0,3.7] vs. 2.5 [0.0,3.6], p=0.73; POD1 2.9 [1.7,4.4] vs. 3.7 [1.5,4.7], p=0.59; POD2 2.4 [1.0,4.4] vs. 3.3 [1.9,4.2], p=0.18. Preoperative MME/hr significantly decreased after the block for both groups: 1.05 [0.0,2.2] to 0.0 [0.0,0.0], p < 0.001; 1.4 [0.6,3.1] to 0.0 [0.0,0.1], p < 0.001. The reduction in MME/hr between groups was not significantly different: 0.9 [0.0,1.9] vs. 1.4 [0.6,3.1], p = 0.067. We found no significant differences in secondary outcomes between groups. CONCLUSIONS: We report no differences in opioid use and pain scores between single-shot and continuous catheter fascia iliaca nerve blocks. Both blocks similarly reduce preoperative opioid consumption.

A Comparison of 3 Fixation Strategies in the Treatment of Neer Type IIB Distal Clavicle Fractures.

OBJECTIVES: To compare the stability of NT2B clavicle fractures fixed with either a hook plating (HP), Superior Plating with Suture Augmentation (SPSA), or dual orthogonal plating (DP) with the hypothesis that DP would provide increased multiplanar stability across NT2B fractures. METHODS: NT2B distal clavicle fractures were created in cadaveric specimens and fixed using (1) HP, (2) SPSA, or (3) DP. Specimens were cyclically loaded in 3 different planes of motion: (1) anteroposterior (AP), (2) superior-inferior, and (3) axial rotation while displacement was continually recorded. Afterward, a superiorly directed load was applied to the clavicle. Load to failure, stiffness, and mode of failure were recorded. RESULTS: During AP loading, clavicles fixed with a DP had significantly lower mean posterior displacement compared to those fixed with SPSA at every 100-cycle interval of testing, P < 0.01. During inferior-superior loading, specimens fixed with a DP had less superior displacement than specimens fixed with an HP and SPSA, reaching significance at the 500-700 cycles of testing. There was no significant difference in axial rotation stability or load to failure between the 3 fixation techniques. CONCLUSIONS: Orthogonally placed minifragment plates provide improved stability against anterior displacement with no significant difference in superior stability, axial rotational stability, stiffness, or load to failure. Further clinical studies are needed to confirm the long-term stability of dual plating and determine the risks and benefits of this novel method of distal clavicle fixation.

Time to Block: Early Regional Anesthesia Improves Pain Control in Geriatric Hip Fractures.

BACKGROUND: Fascia iliaca nerve blocks (FIBs) anesthetize the thigh and provide opioid-sparing analgesia for geriatric patients with hip fracture awaiting a surgical procedure. FIBs are recommended for preoperative pain management; yet, block administration is often delayed for hours after admission, and delays in pain management lead to worse outcomes. Our objective was to determine whether opioid consumption and pain following a hip fracture are affected by the time to block (TTB). We also examined length of stay and opioid-related adverse events. METHODS: This prospective cohort study included patients who were ≥60 years of age, presented with a hip fracture, and received a preoperative FIB from March 2017 to December 2017. Individualized care timelines, including the date and time of admission, block placement, and surgical procedure, were created to evaluate the effect that TTB and time to surgery (TTS) had on outcomes. Patterns among TTB, TTS, and morphine milligram equivalents (MME) were investigated using the Spearman rho correlation. For descriptive purposes, we divided patients into 2 groups based on the median TTB. Multivariable regression for preoperative MME and length of stay was performed to assess the effect of TTB. RESULTS: There were 107 patients, with a mean age of 83.3 years, who received a preoperative FIB. The median TTB was 8.5 hours. Seventy-two percent of preoperative MME consumption occurred before block placement (pre-block MME). A longer TTB was most strongly correlated with pre-block MME (rho = 0.54; p < 0.001), and TTS was not correlated. Patients with a faster TTB consumed fewer opioids preoperatively (12.0 compared with 33.1 MME; p = 0.015), had lower visual analog scale scores for pain on postoperative day 1 (2.8 compared with 3.5 points; p = 0.046), and were discharged earlier (4.0 compared with 5.5 days; p = 0.039). There were no differences in preoperative pain scores, postoperative opioid consumption, delirium, or opioid-related adverse events. Multivariate regression showed that every hour of delay in TTB was associated with a 2.8% increase in preoperative MME and a 1.0% increase in the length of stay. CONCLUSIONS: Faster TTB in geriatric patients with hip fracture may reduce opioid use, pain, and length of stay. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic Level IV. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

Healing the Index Humeral Shaft Nonunion: Risk Factors for Development of a Recalcitrant Nonunion in 125 Patients.

BACKGROUND: Humeral shaft nonunions are challenging to treat, and those that require >1 surgical procedure in order for a nonunion to heal are termed recalcitrant. Most studies on nonunion have evaluated the union rate independent of the number of procedures required to achieve union. The aims of the present study were (1) to compare the healing rates after the index operation for the treatment of a nonunion with conventional versus locked plating with or without graft augmentation, (2) to report the prevalence of recalcitrant nonunion, and (3) to identify risk factors that predict a recalcitrant nonunion. METHODS: We performed a retrospective analysis of a prospectively collected database of 125 humeral shaft nonunions treated with open reduction and plate fixation by a single surgeon over 25 years. Univariate and multivariate regression analyses were performed to compare healing rates by type of plate fixation and biological augmentation and to identify demographic, injury, and treatment-related risk factors for the development of a recalcitrant nonunion. RESULTS: One hundred and five patients (84%) had healing after the index procedure for the treatment of nonunion. Twenty patients (16.0%) required secondary procedures and were defined as having a recalcitrant nonunion. Eight of these patients (6.4% of the overall group) healed after the secondary interventions, and 12 (9.6% of the overall group) had a failure to unite. There were no significant differences in healing rates between conventional and locked plates or between the types of bone graft (autogenous or recombinant human bone morphogenetic protein). Risk factors for the development of a recalcitrant nonunion were plate fixation of the acute humeral fracture, a history of deep infection, and ≥2 prior procedures. CONCLUSIONS: Plate fixation with bone graft augmentation remains a successful method for the treatment of humeral shaft nonunions. Neither plate type nor graft type reduced the risk of a recalcitrant nonunion. Factors that predicted a recalcitrant nonunion were operative fixation of the acute fracture with a plate, a history of deep infection, and ≥2 surgical procedures. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic Level IV. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

Infraspinatus Tenotomy Improves Glenoid Visualization With the Modified Judet Approach.

OBJECTIVES: To determine if the addition of an infraspinatus tenotomy to the modified Judet approach (MJA) improves glenoid visualization. METHODS: We performed an MJA on 14 human cadaveric shoulders. After exposing the glenoid, the boundary of the visualized glenoid surface was marked with a 1.8- and 2.0-mm drill bit before and after performing an infraspinatus tenotomy, respectively. The humerus was disarticulated, and the pre- and post-tenotomy drill marks were verified. The area of the entire glenoid, and each of the 4 quadrants [anterior-superior (AS), anterior-inferior (AI), posterior-superior (PS), and posterior-inferior (PI)] were analyzed using a custom image-processing program. The amount of glenoid exposure and percentage of area visualized before and after the tenotomy were compared. RESULTS: Adding an infraspinatus tenotomy to the MJA significantly increased total glenoid area (cm) exposure by 33%, P < 0.0001. Three of 4 glenoid quadrants (PS, AS, and AI) had a significant increase in glenoid visualization, with the AS quadrant having the most substantial improvement after the tenotomy (+67%), P < 0.0001. CONCLUSIONS: The results provide the percentage of glenoid fossa that can be seen using an MJA and demonstrate that visualization significantly improves after adding an infraspinatus tenotomy.

Virtual reality for management of pain in hospitalized patients: A randomized comparative effectiveness trial.

OBJECTIVES: Therapeutic virtual reality (VR) has emerged as an effective, drug-free tool for pain management, but there is a lack of randomized, controlled data evaluating its effectiveness in hospitalized patients. We sought to measure the impact of on-demand VR versus "health and wellness" television programming for pain in hospitalized patients. METHODS: We performed a prospective, randomized, comparative effectiveness trial in hospitalized patients with an average pain score of ≥3 out of 10 points. Patients in the experimental group received a library of 21 VR experiences administered using the Samsung Gear Oculus headset; control patients viewed specialized television programming to promote health and wellness. Clinical staff followed usual care; study interventions were not protocolized. The primary outcome was patient-reported pain using a numeric rating scale, as recorded by nursing staff during usual care. Pre- and post-intervention pain scores were compared immediately after initial treatment and after 48- and 72-hours. RESULTS: There were 120 subjects (61 VR; 59 control). The mean within-subject difference in immediate pre- and post-intervention pain scores was larger in the VR group (-1.72 points; SD 3.56) than in the control group (-0.46 points; SD 3.01); this difference was significant in favor of VR (P < .04). When limited to the subgroup of patients with severe baseline pain (≥7 points), the effect of VR was more pronounced vs. control (-3.04, SD 3.75 vs. -0.93, SD 2.16 points; P = .02). In regression analyses adjusting for pre-intervention pain, time, age, gender, and type of pain, VR yielded a .59 (P = .03) and .56 (P = .04) point incremental reduction in pain versus control during the 48- and 72-hour post-intervention periods, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: VR significantly reduces pain versus an active control condition in hospitalized patients. VR is most effective for severe pain. Future trials should evaluate standardized order sets that interpose VR as an early non-drug option for analgesia.

Yoga-Induced Myositis Ossificans Traumatica of the Scapholunate Ligament.

Background Myositis ossificans traumatica (MOT) involves the heterotopic development of lamellar bone after a traumatic injury. Despite being termed "myositis," MOT is not limited to muscle but rather can involve tendons, fat, and fascia. "Traumatica" reflects that lesions are usually associated with a history of significant trauma, that is, fractures or surgery; however, many reports suggest they can also be linked to repetitive low-energy insults. In both cases, the inflammatory response secondary to tissue injury generates a proliferative osteoblastic cascade. Case Description We present a case of persistent wrist pain in a 43-year-old woman associated with yoga activities. Her radiographic studies demonstrated partial scapholunate (SL) ligament tear and an associated mass lesion. Surgical pathology revealed MOT involving the SL ligament. Literature Review MOT lesions in the upper extremity are usually localized around the elbow, and cases in the hand are relatively rare. There are no prior reports of occurrences within the wrist joint or in association with the SL ligament. However, biomechanical studies have quantified significant mechanical strains across the SL interval during various yoga poses. This pattern of microtrauma is capable of generating MOT. Clinical Relevance Upper extremity weight-bearing positions are common in yoga and subject the wrist, especially the SL interval, to high mechanical strains. This pattern of microtrauma should lead the clinician to suspect MOT when encountering a mass in the wrist, but malignancy and infection must be ruled out.

Postoperative complications with cryotherapy in bone tumors.

The technique of cryosurgery has been used to control local recurrence in a variety of benign and malignant bone tumors. Early studies revealed significant complication rates (25%) that included fracture, infection, and soft tissue injury. Our method of cryosurgery has yielded excellent tumor control with improved complication rates. The objective of this study is to determine the characteristics of postoperative complications after pouring liquid nitrogen into curettaged bone defects, and to review our current indications and surgical technique in bone tumor management. We reviewed charts in over 200 patients who received cryoablation for bone tumors from 1994 to 2015. Imaging studies were evaluated in all patients diagnosed with a complication. All patients receiving cryotherapy had soft tissue management intraoperatively that included warm saline directed to the structures. Liquid nitrogen was poured into the bone defect and in some cases, additional spraying with a cryogun into the defect was performed. The majority of cryotherapy was used in cases of active or aggressive benign tumors. Our low complication rate of 2.34% included 1 post-operative fracture, 3 infection, and 1 paraesthesia. Bone graft or cementation was used in the majority of patients, all of which fully incorporated. Cryoablation is an excellent from of adjuvant therapy for active and aggressive benign tumors and may be used in malignant tumors as well. Soft tissue protection is critical to avoid skin necrosis and wound breakdown. We recommend the use of cryotherapy in active and aggressive bone tumors as an adjuvant treatment prior to bone grafting or cementation.