Preoperative Computed Tomography Scan in Distal Radius Fractures and the Effect on Preoperative Planning.

Purpose: It is unclear whether computed tomography (CT) scans alter the surgical plan when ordered before surgery for fixation of intra-articular distal radius fractures (DRFs). The purpose of this study was to determine whether a preoperative CT scan alters the planned approach (PA) or planned fixation strategy (PFS) for open reduction internal fixation of intra-articular DRFs. Methods: Radiology records were retrospectively reviewed by one trauma surgeon and two hand surgeons for 33 intra-articular DRFs that met the inclusion criteria and previously underwent open reduction internal fixation. Surgeons were initially provided only preoperative radiographs; they were asked for their PA and PFS. Three months later, each surgeon was provided with the same preoperative radiographs as well as a CT scan. They were asked for their PA and PFS and to grade the usefulness of CT for each fracture. Results: The overall probability of having the same PA and PFS between the two presentations was 70.6% and 70.9%, respectively. There was a significant difference in opinion on the usefulness of the CT scan among the surgeons (P < .001). Conclusions: This study suggests that ordering a CT scan for preoperative planning of open reduction internal fixation for an intra-articular DRF does not affect the approach or fixation strategy in the majority of cases, regardless of how useful a CT scan was determined to be by the surgeon. Type of study/level of evidence: Therapeutic IV.

Fibrocartilaginous Dysplasia of the Proximal Femur in Two Pediatric Patients, Including a Pathologic Fracture in a Patient With McCune-Albright Syndrome.

Fibrocartilaginous dysplasia (FCD) is a variant of fibrous dysplasia that often involves the proximal femur in young adults. It has a similar appearance on imaging as other entities but has stippled calcifications within the lesion. The differential diagnosis often includes benign and malignant tumors such as fibrous dysplasia, chondroblastoma, enchondroma, and chondrosarcoma. Histology is required for diagnosis and treatment is typically surgical due to the potential for pain, pathologic fracture, and deformity. We report the clinical presentation, imaging findings, and management of two pediatric patients with fibrocartilaginous dysplasia of the proximal femur to (1) highlight that recognition that fibrous dysplasia may contain cartilage upon frozen section will avoid overly aggressive therapy, and (2) FCD can occur in the McCune-Albright syndrome.

Technique for insertion of a Scheker prosthesis for failed Sauve-Kapandji with a well fixed ulnar stem: A case report.

INTRODUCTION: The Scheker prosthesis is a distal radioulnar joint (DRUJ) arthroplasty used as a salvage option for many DRUJ pathologies. PRESENTATION OF CASE: We report the case of a patient who underwent insertion of a Scheker prosthesis for continued pain and limited motion at the wrist in the setting of a failed Sauve-Kapandji with a well fixed ulnar stem and DRUJ pseudo-arthrosis. DISCUSSION: This report aims to provide a technique for ulnar stem removal without compromising the bone needed for the Scheker prosthesis and for describing the location of a DRUJ osteotomy without compromising radio-lunate stability. CONCLUSION: The Scheker prosthesis is able to be safely inserted for DRUJ salvage after removal of a well fixed ulnar stem if careful removal prevents destruction of the ulna, as described here.

Rapid Versus Standard Recovery Protocol Is Associated With Improved Recovery of Range of Motion 12 Weeks After Total Knee Arthroplasty.

INTRODUCTION: With the increasing demand for total knee arthroplasty (TKA), rapid recovery protocols (RRPs) have been introduced to reduce costs and the length of stay (LOS). Little is known about the effects of RRPs on postoperative knee range of motion (ROM). METHODS: We reviewed the medical charts of 323 patients who underwent primary TKA performed by a single orthopaedic surgeon at a university-based orthopaedic tertiary care safety net practice. Of the 323 patients, 129 were treated with a standard recovery protocol (SRP) between January 1, 2012, and December 10, 2013, and 194 with a RRP beginning December 11, 2013. Knee ROM was assessed at the preoperative visit and at scheduled postoperative visits for up to 1 year. Differences in mean LOS between the groups were compared using a Poisson regression with and without adjustment for covariates. Repeated measures analysis of covariance was used to evaluate the effects of recovery protocol, time, and the interaction of recovery protocol by time on flexion and flexion contracture. The probability of achieving flexion ≥120° and having a flexion contracture ≥10° was estimated using the SAS/STAT GLIMMIX procedure with a binary distribution and a logit link. RESULTS: The mean LOS for the RRP and SRP groups was 0.8 and 2.5 days, respectively. RRP was associated with greater flexion at 2, 6, and 12 weeks and a higher probability of attaining flexion ≥120° at 6 and 12 weeks. Patients receiving a RRP had less severe flexion contracture and a lower probability of flexion contracture ≥10° at 2, 6, and 12 weeks. DISCUSSION: During the first 12 weeks after TKA, patients who received a RRP had a markedly greater ROM than patients who received a SRP, suggesting that RRP may allow patients to do a greater variety of activities of daily living during the first 3 postoperative months while reducing health care costs. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III.

Achieving Validated Thresholds for Clinically Meaningful Change on the Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score After Total Knee Arthroplasty: Findings From a University-based Orthopaedic Tertiary Care Safety Net Practice.

A lack of knowledge exists about which patient characteristics predict failure to meet validated thresholds for clinically meaningful change on the Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS) after total knee arthroplasty (TKA). METHODS: A retrospective chart review was performed on patients who underwent primary TKA by a single surgeon between January 2013 and June 2018. Variables included demographics (age, sex, race, and insurance type), comorbidities, body mass index, and preoperative KOOS subscale scores. Multivariate logistic regression was performed to identify characteristics associated with failing to meet or exceed the minimal clinically important difference (MCID) and substantial clinical benefit (SCB) on each KOOS subscale 6 months after TKA. RESULTS: A total of 159 patients were included. At 6 months after TKA, approximately one-third of patients (21% to 32%) failed to meet or exceed the MCID and 27% to 39% failed to meet or exceed the SCB on all KOOS subscales. Better preoperative KOOS Symptoms, quality of life, and activities of daily living subscale scores were statistically significantly associated with failing to meet the MCID and SCB on each respective subscale. Demographics, comorbidities, and body mass index were not notable predictors of either outcome for any of the KOOS subscales. DISCUSSION: About one-third of TKA patients in this single-site, single-surgeon sample failed to achieve a clinically meaningful outcome, and up to 4 in 10 patients had a less-than-ideal outcome 6 months after surgery. Surgeons should take care to set realistic expectations for patients with the least severe knee problems before TKA because this subgroup is especially at a high risk of failing to achieve a satisfactory outcome.