Acute versus staged fixation of bicondylar tibial plateau fractures: a dual centre international study.

BACKGROUND: Bicondylar tibial plateau fractures pose many treatment challenges due to their complex fracture patterns and associated soft tissue compromise. We aim to evaluate outcomes of acute ORIF (aORIF) versus staged ORIF (sORIF) of high energy bicondylar tibial plateau fractures. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed 186 patients at two high-volume Level I trauma centers. One hundred one patients underwent aORIF and 85 underwent sORIF between 2011 and 2019. Clinical outcomes of interest included operative time, wound dehiscence, superficial and deep infection, nonunion, flap coverage, arthrodesis, and early conversion to arthroplasty. RESULTS: Patients had a median follow up of 12 months (6-98 months). The sORIF group had a higher ISS (p = 0.02) and a higher rate of open fractures (24.7% vs 11.9%, p = 0.03). The groups were statistically similar in other demographics and co-morbidities. Operative time was significantly shorter in the aORIF group (157 vs 213 min., p < 0.001). There was no statistical difference in wound dehiscence, deep infection, flap coverage, nonunion, unplanned reoperation, or post-traumatic arthritis between groups. However, aORIF was associated with a significantly lower rate of superficial infection (p = 0.01), arthroplasty (p = 0.003) and unplanned reoperation (p = 0.005). Subgroup analysis of only the 41C3 fractures showed a lower rate of superficial infections in the aORIF group (p = 0.04). No difference in complications was found between the fracture subgroups. CONCLUSION: We found no increased risk of complications with aORIF compared to sORIF for bicondylar tibial plateau fractures. While not all injuries may be appropriate for aORIF, our results demonstrate the safety of aORIF when patients are properly selected by experienced fracture surgeons. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III.

Parkland Trauma Index of Mortality in Orthopaedic Trauma Patients: An Initial Report.

OBJECTIVES: The extent and timing of surgery in severely injured patients remains an unsolved problem in orthopaedic trauma. Different laboratory values or scores have been used to try to predict mortality and estimate physiological reserve. The Parkland Trauma Index of Mortality (PTIM) has been validated as an electronic medical record-integrated algorithm to help with operative timing in trauma patients. The aim of this study was to report our initial experience with PTIM and how it relates to other scores. METHODS: A retrospective chart review of level 1 and level 2 trauma patients admitted to our institution between December 2020 and November 2022 was conducted. Patients scored with PTIM with orthopaedic injuries were included in this study. Exclusion criteria were patients younger than 18 years. RESULTS: Seven hundred seventy-four patients (246 female patients) with a median age of 40.5 (18-101) were included. Mortality was 3.1%. Patients in the PTIM high-risk category (≥0.5) had a 20% mortality rate. The median PTIM was 0.075 (0-0.89) and the median Injury Severity Score (ISS) was 9.0 (1-59). PTIM (P < 0.001) and ISS (P < 0.001) were significantly lower in surviving patients. PTIM was mentioned in 7.6% of cases, and in 1.7% of cases, providers indicated an action in response to the PTIM. PTIM and ISS were significantly higher in patients with documented PTIM. CONCLUSION: PTIM is better at predicting mortality compared with ISS. Our low rate of PTIM documentation in provider notes highlights the challenges of implementing a new algorithm. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III, retrospective cohort study.

Subsidence in Centraliser Sign: A Novel Tool to Help Predict Early Subsidence in Periprosthetic Femoral Fractures Around Polished Tapered Stems Treated With Internal Fixation.

Background When treating periprosthetic femoral fractures (PPF) around polished taper slip stems (PTS), determining which patients can be successfully treated with internal fixation can be challenging. We have described the subsidence-in-centraliser (SINC) sign as a radiographic feature of PPF around PTS stems. We hypothesise that a positive SINC sign can help predict a poorer outcome for the fixation of these fractures. Patients and methods Retrospective identification of PPFs around cemented PTS with an appreciable centraliser on radiographs was conducted at a single centre. A positive SINC sign was defined as a post-injury radiograph demonstrating >50% reduction in the radiographic lucency representing the stem centraliser when compared to pre-injury films or complete obliteration of distal lucency when no pre-injury film was available. The primary outcome was the rate of subsequent stem subsidence on follow-up radiographs comparing SINC-positive and SINC-negative fractures, which were managed with open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF). Results Fifty-four patients were included in the analysis. The mean age was 76.8 years, and the mean follow-up for all patients was 12.7 months. Thirty-five fractures were deemed SINC-positive, and 19 were SINC-negative. 17/17 (100%) SINC-positive fractures managed with fixation underwent further subsidence (mean 5.4 mm, SD 2.8). A positive SINC sign demonstrated a sensitivity of 90.5% and specificity of 100% for subsequent stem subsidence in fractures treated without revision. SINC positive fractures underwent significantly more subsidence compared with SINC negative fractures when fixed (5.4 mm vs. 0.28 mm, U = 6.50, p<0.001) at a mean follow-up of 12.7 months. The SINC sign demonstrated strong inter- (k=0.96) and intra-rater (k=0.86) reliability. Conclusion The SINC sign can serve as a useful adjunct in the decision to fix or revise PPF around PTS. A positive SINC sign may represent a cement mantle that cannot be reconstituted anatomically, leading to subsidence after treatment with ORIF.

Percutaneous screw fixation of the pubic symphysis versus plate osteosynthesis: a biomechanical study.

Objectives: To compare the stability of screw fixation with that of plate fixation for symphyseal injuries in a vertically unstable pelvic injury (AO/Tile 61-C1) associated with complete disruption of the sacroiliac joint and the pubic symphysis. Methods: Eight fourth-generation composite pelvis models with sacroiliac and pubic symphyseal disruption (Sawbones, Vashon Island, WA) underwent biomechanical testing simulating static single-leg stance. Four were fixed anteriorly with a symphyseal screw, and 4 with a symphyseal plate. All had single transsacral screw fixation posteriorly. Displacement and rotation were monitored at both sacroiliac joint and pubic symphysis. Results: There was no significant difference between the 2 groups for mean maximum force generated. There was no significant difference in net displacement at both sacroiliac joint and pubic symphysis. There was significantly less rotation but more displacement in the screw group in the Z-axis. The screw group showed increased stiffness compared with the plate group. Conclusions: This is the first biomechanical study to compare screw versus plate symphyseal fixation in a Tile C model. Our biomechanical model using anterior and posterior fixation demonstrates that symphyseal screws may be a viable alternative to classically described symphyseal plating.

Percutaneous screw fixation of pubic symphysis disruption: A preliminary report.

BACKGROUND: Percutaneous techniques are commonly used to treat pelvic ring disruptions but are not mainstream for fixation of pubic symphysis disruption worldwide. Potential advantages include less blood loss and lower risk of surgical site infection, especially in the morbidly obese or multiply injured patient. This study was performed to describe the clinical and radiographic outcomes of patients after percutaneous reduction and screw fixation of pubic symphysis disruption and to evaluate the preliminary safety and efficacy of this technique and its appropriateness for further study as an alternative method of fixation. METHODS: A retrospective review was performed to identify all patients who underwent percutaneous fixation of pubic symphysis disruption by two surgeons at an academic Level I trauma center over a 3-year period. Patients underwent percutaneous reduction and fixation of the pubic symphysis using 1 or 2 fully or partially threaded 5.5, 6.5, or 7.3 mm cannulated screws in a transverse or oblique configuration. Associated posterior ring injuries were fixed with trans-sacral and/or iliosacral screws. The primary outcome of interest was loss of reduction, defined as symphysis distance greater than 15 mm measured on final AP pelvis radiograph. Secondary outcomes collected by chart review were operative time, blood loss, vascular or urologic injury, sexual dysfunction, infection, implant loosening or breakage, and revision surgery. RESULTS: Twelve patients met criteria and primary and secondary outcomes were collected. Mean clinical and radiographic follow-up were 15 months each. One patient lost reduction. Mean operative time and blood loss were 124 min and 29 cc, respectively. No vascular or urologic injuries occurred. Two patients reported sexual dysfunction. No patients became infected or required revision surgery. Four patients underwent implant removal. Seventeen additional patients were excluded due to short follow-up and limited outcomes were collected. Two of these patients lost reduction. Three underwent implant removal. CONCLUSION: These data support percutaneous reduction and screw fixation of pubic symphysis disruption as a potentially safe and effective method of treatment that warrants further investigation.

Internal Joint Stabilizer: A Safe Treatment for Traumatic Elbow Instability.

OBJECTIVES: To report early results of the "Internal Joint Stabilizer of the Elbow" (IJS-E) in the treatment of terrible triad injuries and other unstable traumatic elbow dislocations. DESIGN: Retrospective cohort study. SETTING: Level 1 trauma center. PATIENTS/PARTICIPANTS: Seventeen patients with traumatic elbow instability treated with IJS-E over a 2-year period; 7 of whom sustained terrible triad-type injuries. INTERVENTIONS: Open reduction internal fixation with the "IJS-E". MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Elbow stability and arc of motion were assessed radiographically and clinically. Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand scores were collected by telephone. RESULTS: All elbows were radiographically stable at the time of IJS-E removal. Mean time of follow-up was 9 months from index operation (range, 2.5-24 months). Mean elbow arc of motion was restored to flexion-extension 92 degrees (range, 5-125; SD, 31 degrees) and forearm pronation-supination 139 degrees (range, 0-180; SD, 48 degrees). Mean Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand score was 22.2 (range, 7.5-45.7; SD, 13.3) for patients at least 1 month from surgery on the ipsilateral extremity. Five patients (30%) developed complications, and -2 (12%) required revision for implant failure. CONCLUSIONS: The IJS-E offered reliable treatment of traumatic elbow instability, particularly terrible triad-type injuries. It permited early range of motion and was effective in restoring elbow stability. We believe that the use of this relatively novel system should be further explored. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic Level IV. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

What's New in Percutaneous Pelvis Fracture Surgery?

Percutaneous reduction and fixation of pelvic ring fractures is now widely accepted as a safe and effective treatment method. The only exception remains reduction and fixation of pubic symphyseal injuries. Several units from China and one from Spain have published clinical and biomechanical studies supporting percutaneous reduction and fixation of the pubic symphysis with various screw configurations. The initial clinical results are promising. Biomechanical data show there is little difference between plate and screw fixation. We review the current literature and also present a case performed by ourselves using this novel technique.

Bifocal treatment for peri-articular femoral nonunions: A retrospective case series review.

AIM: This is a retrospective review of complex periarticular femoral nonunions where bone loss from comminution at original fracture, subsequent infection or lysis was identified and treated by radical excision, internal fixation, and concurrent femoral lengthening from a different level. MATERIAL AND METHOD: Sixteen patients with a mean age of 41 years were treated. There were 6 infected nonunions. Ten nonunions were located in the distal femur and the remaining proximal. Case notes and radiograph review were used to determine fracture union, lengthening achieved, and complications. Patient outcome was assessed using the SF-12, Tegner-Lysholm Knee Score, and Oxford Hip Score. RESULTS: Fracture union was achieved in all patients. The mean lengthening performed was 51 mm (range 30-80) with a fixator time averaging 39 weeks (range 17-80). The bone healing index was 1.9 months/cm. All but 2 patients were restored to within 5 mm of opposite leg length; 1 patient subsequently underwent contralateral limb shortening. The SF-12 had a mean Physical Health Composite Score of 40.0 (22.4-52.9) and a mean Mental Health Composite Score of 49 (30.7-62.0). The Oxford Hip Score was scored at a mean of 39 (21-47) and the Tegner-Lysholm score had a mean of 71 (36-94). There were 3 cases of fracture/deformity from the lengthened bone column (regenerate) and 2 patients required a quadricepsplasty for knee stiffness that was present prior to the treatment for the nonunion. CONCLUSION: Bifocal treatment of complex periarticular femoral nonunions offers a single solution for dealing with bone loss, nonunion, and instability. The method is safe and reliable but has, as with all methods involving distraction osteogenesis, a significant complication rate. Despite this caution, the patients' outcomes were satisfactory.

Posterior spinal cord herniation: a novel occurrence following surgery for an intramedullary cyst at the thoracolumbar junction.

BACKGROUND: Dorsal herniation of the spinal cord through the dura is an uncommon phenomenon and this is only the fifth reported case in the thoracolumbar spine, the first following surgery at the thoracolumbar junction. CASE: A 57-year-old male underwent marsupialisation of a benign intramedullary cyst at the T12-L1 level and subsequently returned with symptoms of dorsal column compromise. He was found to have a posterior herniation of the cord into a pseudomeningocele at the level of the previous surgery. CONCLUSION: The hernia was reduced surgically and the defect closed directly without the need for a dural patch leading to a full recovery. Posterior cord herniation, its possible aetiologies and management strategies are discussed.