Nanoscopy and an extended lateral approach can improve the management of latero-central segments in tibial plateau fractures: a cadaveric study.

INTRODUCTION: The objective of this investigation was to compare different techniques to improve visualization and reduction in tibial plateau fractures involving the central lateral segments. METHODS: Matched pairs of pre-fractured cadaveric tibial plateau fractures that include the central lateral segments were treated by either an anterolateral approach (supine) or PL approach (prone). Reduction was stepwise extended by additional fracturoscopy (FS), nanoscopy (NS) and lastly by epicondyle osteotomy (ECO). Reduction was analyzed by 3D scan and visualization of the lateral plateau was quantified. RESULTS: Ten specimens (3 pairs 41B3.1, 2 pairs 41C3.3) were analyzed. Fracture steps involving the antero-latero-central (ALC) segment were insufficiently reduced after fluoroscopy using both approaches (AL 2.2 ± 1.2 mm vs PL 2.2 ± 1.0 mm, p 0.95). Additional NS and ECO achieved optimized fracture reduction in the ALC segment (NS AL 1.6 ± 1.3 mm vs PL 0.8 ± 0.9 mm, p 0.32). NS provided visualization of the entire lateral plateau (PL 102.9% ± 7.4, AL 108.8 ± 19.2%), while fracturoscopy only allowed visualization of the ALL segment and partially of PLL and ALC segments (PL 22.0 ± 23.4%, AL 29.7 ± 18.3%). CONCLUSION: Optimized reduction of tibial head fractures with involvement of latero-central segments requires additional video-assisted reduction or extended approaches. Nanoscopy helps visualizing of the entire lateral plateau, when compared to fracturoscopy and may become a valuable reduction aid.

Assessment of bone quality at the lumbar and sacral spine using CT scans: a retrospective feasibility study in 50 comparing CT and DXA data.

PURPOSE: Computed tomography (CT) is a standard diagnostic tool for preoperative screening for many indications in spinal and pelvic surgery. The gold standard for diagnosing osteoporosis is standard dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA). The aim of the present study was to compare the accuracy of Hounsfield unit (HU) measurements not only at the lower lumbar, but also at the sacral spine using standard CT scans. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Main inclusion criterion for this retrospective analysis in 50 patients was the availability of both a CT scan of the lumbar and sacral spines and a DXA scan. HUs were measured in intact vertebral bodies L4, L5 and S1. Results of the HU in CT scan were compared to the T-score and bone mineral density in DXA. A group with normal bone density (T-score higher - 1, n = 26) was compared with a group with impaired bone density (T-score lower - 1, n = 24). RESULTS: A multivariant binary logistic regression analysis showed significant results for HU measurement in L4 (p = 0.009), L5 (p = 0.005) and S1 (p = 0.046) with respect to differentiation between normal and impaired bone quality. Cutoffs between normal and impaired bone density values for trabecular region of interest attenuation for L4, L5 and S1 are presented. In L4 100% sensitivity to detect normal bone was reached when HU was higher than 161, HU higher than 157 in L5 and HU higher than 207 in S1. CONCLUSIONS: HU measurements in CT scans have proven to be a feasible tool to additionally assess bone quality at the lumbar and sacral spine with good sensitivity, when compared with the gold standard DXA. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: III. These slides can be retrieved under Electronic Supplementary Material.

Implementation of a multidisciplinary infections conference affects the treatment plan in prosthetic joint infections of the hip: a retrospective study.

INTRODUCTION: Establishing a systematic multidisciplinary approach in the treatment of prosthetic joint infections (PJI) of the hip and analyzing its effect on clinical decision-making. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Forty-six patients diagnosed with PJI of the hip were included in the retrospective study. The treatment plan was either established by a single-discipline approach (n = 20) or by a weekly multidisciplinary infections conference (n = 26) consisting of at least an orthopedic surgeon, microbiologist and pathologist. Recorded data included the length of hospital stay, number and type of surgeries, medical complications, recovered organisms as well as the number of applied antibiotics. RESULTS: Patients discussed in the multidisciplinary infections conference showed a significantly shorter in-hospital stay (29 vs 62 days; p < 0.05), a significant reduction in surgeries (1.8 vs 5.1; p < 0.05) and a smaller number of antibiotics required (2.8 vs 4.2; p < 0.05). No significant difference could be found comparing inpatient complications between the two groups. Staphylococcus aureus and coagulase-negative staphylococci were the most frequently recovered organisms in both patient groups. CONCLUSION: This study demonstrates the successful implementation of a weekly infections conference as an instrument to introduce a multidisciplinary approach to PJI of the hip. Implementation of these conferences significantly improves the treatment plan compared to a single-discipline approach, which we therefore highly recommend for other institutions. Multidiscipline may even affect clinical outcome which needs to be further investigated.

Accuracy of Latarjet graft and screw position after using novel drill guide.

PURPOSE: For the success of Latarjet procedure a correct graft positioning is mandatory. Furthermore, the correct screw placement is important to avoid cartilage damage and soft tissue irritation. Due to a cadaveric experimental study, the accuracy of graft and screw positioning utilizing a novel drill guide for a minimal-invasive Latarjet procedure was analyzed. METHODS: Five human fresh-frozen shoulder specimens have been treated in accordance with the Congruent-Arc Latarjet technique using the glenoid bone loss set (Arthrex, Naples, FL, USA) with 3.75 mm cannulated screws throughout a 5 cm skin incision without detachment of the scapularis tendon. All procedures were performed by one single, experienced shoulder surgeon. The accuracy of graft and screw positioning was assessed due to a CT scan. RESULTS: A noticeable learning curve was noted during the study period as the first surgery took 45 min and the last 33 min. All grafts were correctly positioned with regard to the articular line of the glenoid surface. Impingement with the maximum head circumference was not encountered. The screw positions did not affect the suprascapular nerve. A damage of the graft was not noticed. CONCLUSIONS: The authors can recommend the usage of the new drill guide tested in this study. It seems to be beneficial in the Latarjet procedure and may ease correct graft positioning and prevent screw misplacement. Compared to fully arthroscopically performed Latarjet procedures it provides much steeper learning curve and seems technically easier and quicker to handle.

Significance of clinical examination, CT and MRI scan in the diagnosis of posterior pelvic ring fractures.

INTRODUCTION: Patients with a fracture in the anterior pelvic ring often simultaneously demonstrate pain in the posterior pelvic ring. The aim of the present prospective study was to assess the sensitivity of CT, MRI and clinical examination in the detection of fractures in the posterior pelvic ring in patients with fractures of the anterior pelvic ring diagnosed in conventional radiographs. METHODS: Sixty patients with radiographic signs of an anterior pelvic ring injury were included in this prospective analysis. Following a focused clinical examination of the posterior pelvis, all patients underwent both a CT and then a MRI scan of their pelvis. Two board certified radiologists evaluated the CT and MRI scans independently. To estimate the presence of osteoporosis the Hounsfield units of the vertebral body of L5 were measured in each case. RESULTS: Fifty-three women and seven men, with a mean age of 74.7+/-15.6 years were included into the study. A fracture of the posterior pelvic ring was found in fourty-eight patients (80%) patients using MRI. Fractures of the posterior pelvic ring would have been missed in eight cases (17%), if only CT had been used. Eighty-five percent of the patients with a posterior fracture had an osteoporosis. The majority of the cases suffered from a low energy trauma. Thirty-eight patients (83%) with positive clinical signs at the posterior pelvic ring actually had a fracture of the posterior pelvic ring in the MRI. The clinical examination proved to be equally effective to CT in detecting posterior pelvic ring fractures. CONCLUSION: The significance of both, clinical examination and CT was confirmed in the detection of fractures in the posterior pelvic ring. MRI examination of the pelvis however, was found to be superior in detecting undislocated fractures in a cohort of patients with a high incidence of osteoporosis. Using MRI may be beneficial in select cases, especially when reduced bone density is suspected.

[Fractures of the distal radius]. / Frakturen des distalen Radius.

The most prevalent fractures managed by trauma surgeons are those involving the distal radius. The injury occurs in two peaks of prevalence: the first peak around the age of 10 years and the second peak around the age of 60 years. Distal radius fracture management requires sensitive diagnostics and classification. The objectives of treatment are the reconstruction of a pain-free unlimited durable functioning of the wrist and avoidance of typical fracture complications. Non-operative conservative management is generally employed for stable non-displaced fractures of the distal radius with the expectation of a good functional outcome. Unstable comminuted fractures with intra-articular and extra-articular fragment zones are initially set in a closed operation and finally by osteosynthesis. An armament of surgical implants is available for instable fractures requiring fixation. Palmar locked plate osteosynthesis has been established in recent years as the gold standard for operative management of distal radius fractures. Complex Working Group on Osteosynthesis (AO) classification type 3 fractures require extensive preoperative diagnostics to identify and treat typical associated injuries around the wrist.