Does Aspirin Provide Adequate Chemoprophylaxis for Venous Thromboembolic Events in Operative Pelvic and Acetabular Fractures?

Background: Several strategies exist to prevent venous thromboembolism (VTE) in operative pelvic and acetabular fractures, however literature lacks consensus on the optimal thromboprophylaxis. Even more debated, and perhaps controversial, is whether aspirin provides adequate thromboprophylaxis in the setting of these injuries. The primary objective was to evaluate the efficacy of aspirin in the prevention of venous thromboembolism (VTE) events, including deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism (PE) in operative pelvic and acetabular fractures compared to other anticoagulants. Methods: A retrospective chart review of pelvic and acetabular fractures that underwent operative fixation was completed. The incidence of VTE and hematoma formation was evaluated and compared between patients who received aspirin versus enoxaparin or heparin. Multivariate analysis was performed to control for confounding demographic, comorbidity, and injury-related variables. The outcome measurements included development of DVT and/or PE and hematoma formation. Results: Of patients with operative pelvic and acetabular fractures, 4.2% developed a DVT and 3.5% developed a PE, with 1.4% developing both. Of these patients 37.5% were treated with aspirin versus the 62.5% treated with heparin or enoxaparin. There was no significant difference in the incidence of DVT or PE between cohorts (p=0.498 and p=0.262). Aspirin trended toward significance as protective against post-operative hematoma (p=0.085). Conclusion: This study suggests that aspirin is an acceptable method of VTE thromboprophylaxis with no inferior results to other common anticoagulants used in operative pelvis and acetabular fractures. As a chemoprophylactic agent, aspirin is an efficacious option in these complex injuries that shows no increase in the incidence in symptomatic VTE events. Level of Evidence: III.

Comparison of Infrapatellar and Suprapatellar Approaches for Intramedullary Nail Fixation of Tibia Fractures.

OBJECTIVE: To assess clinical, radiographic, and functional outcomes after intramedullary nail (IMN) fixation of tibia fractures with an infrapatellar approach compared to a suprapatellar approach. DESIGN: Retrospective chart review. SETTING: Level 1 trauma center. PATIENTS/PARTICIPANTS: Two hundred four patients with 208 tibia fractures treated with intramedullary nailing between 2008 and 2018. METHODS: A retrospective chart review of tibia fractures was conducted. The clinical and functional outcomes of tibia fractures treated with IMN were compared between groups treated with an infrapatellar approach versus a suprapatellar approach. Multivariate models were created to control for confounding demographic, comorbidity, and injury-related confounders. MAIN OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS: Outcome measures included nonunion, malunion, and infection. Subjective functional patient outcomes were assessed using pain interference and physical function Patient-Reported Outcome Measurements Systems scores. RESULTS: There were 101 patients treated with infrapatellar nailing (49%) and 107 patients treated with suprapatellar nailing (51%). On multivariate analysis, suprapatellar nailing was independently associated with decreased risk of malunion (adjusted odds ratio, 0.165; 95% confidence interval, 0.054-0.501; P = 0.001) and decreased risk of postoperative knee pain (adjusted odds ratio, 0.272; 95% confidence interval, 0.083-0.891; P = 0.032). There was no difference in the rate of nonunion (P = 0.44), infection (P = 0.45), or Patient-Reported Outcome Measurements Systems pain interference or physical function scores. CONCLUSIONS: Suprapatellar IMN fixation of tibial shaft fractures is independently associated with lower risk of malunion and postoperative knee pain compared to the infrapatellar approach. However, there are no functional differences between approaches. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic Level III. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

Clinical Outcomes After Intramedullary Nailing of Intraarticular Distal Tibial Fractures: A Retrospective Review.

The objective of this study was to evaluate the clinical and functional outcomes of intra-articular distal tibial fractures after intramedullary nail (IMN) and independent fixation compared with extra-articular fracture controls. Methods: A retrospective chart review of distal tibial fractures treated with IMN was performed. Clinical outcomes were compared between fractures with and without intra-articular involvement. Outcomes included nonunion, malunion, ankle arthrosis, and infection. Patient-Reported Outcome Measurement System (PROMIS) scores were used to assess subjective outcomes. Results: Of the 135 distal tibial fractures, 87 extra-articular and 48 intra-articular, no significant difference was observed in the rate of ankle arthrosis between intra-articular and extra-articular fractures (2% versus 0%; P = 0.35). Similarly, no difference was observed in the postoperative rates of infection (8% versus 3%; P = 0.25), the rate of nonunion (17% versus 10%; P = 0.29), or the rate of malunion (10% versus 21%; P = 0.17). No notable difference was observed in PROMIS scores between groups. Conclusion: This study suggests that IMN is an acceptable method of fixation in select intra-articular distal tibial fractures. In the intra-articular group, low rates of ankle arthrosis were noted at intermediate follow-up, with no increase in nonunion, malunion, or infection compared with extra-articular fractures. Furthermore, PROMIS scores indicate similar functional outcomes in patients, regardless of intra-articular involvement.

Primary Triple Arthrodesis Equivalent for Complete Extruded Missing Talus with Associated Midfoot Instability: A Case Report.

CASE: Complete extrusion of the talus is rare and associated with high rates of complications including infection, osteonecrosis, persistent pain and stiffness, and post-traumatic arthritis. Less well described is associated midfoot instability. We report a case of a complete extruded missing talus that resulted in significant midfoot instability treated with a modified triple arthrodesis of the tibiocalcaneal, tibionavicular, and calcaneocuboid joints. CONCLUSIONS: This approach resulted in a radiographic fusion at 3 months without complication, acceptable subjective and Patient-Reported Outcome Measurement System (PROMIS) scores at the 18-month follow-up, and presents a viable treatment strategy in the case of a complete extruded missing talus.

Comparison of Clinical Outcomes After Intramedullary Fixation of Tibia Fractures Caused by Blunt Trauma and Civilian Gunshot Wounds: A Retrospective Review.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the outcomes of patients who sustained blunt trauma tibia fractures compared with tibia fractures from civilian gunshot injuries when treated with intramedullary fixation. DESIGN: Retrospective chart review. SETTING: Level I trauma center. PATIENTS/PARTICIPANTS: Two hundred and seven patients underwent intramedullary nailing for 211 tibia fractures. METHODS: A retrospective review of tibia fracture(s) treated with intramedullary fixation with comparison of closed, open, and gunshot wound (GSW) fracture outcomes. MAIN OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS: Outcomes included infection and nonunion. RESULTS: The infection rate in closed and GSW tibia fractures was significantly lower compared with the infection rate of open fractures (1% vs. 9% vs. 20%; P = 0.00005). Significantly lower rates of nonunion in closed fractures compared with open fractures and GSW fractures were appreciated (8% vs. 20% vs. 30%; P = 0.003). There was no difference in infection or nonunion between GSW fractures with small wounds, no exposed bone, and minimal comminution and closed injuries (P = 0.24, P = 0.60). Conversely, there was a significantly higher nonunion rate in GSW fractures with large wounds, exposed tibia, and comminution compared with blunt injuries (P = 0.0014). CONCLUSIONS: This study suggests that tibia fractures from civilian GSWs are heterogeneous injuries, and outcomes are dependent on the extent of soft-tissue injury, bone exposure, and bone loss. There are comparable infection rates in all fractures due to civilian GSWs and closed fractures, which are lower than high-grade open fractures. Tibia GSW fractures with exposed bone and comminution have higher complication rates and should be treated accordingly. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Prognostic Level III. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

Damage to or Injury of the Distal Semitendinosus Tendon During Sporting Activities: A Systematic Review.

BACKGROUND: Isolated distal semitendinosus tears and avulsions sustained during sporting activities are uncommon. QUESTION/PURPOSES: We sought to systematically review the literature to identify athletes sustaining distal semitendinosus tears and avulsions during sporting activities and to better understand injury mechanisms, management, and return-to-sport timing. METHODS: PubMed, Biosis Previews, SPORTDiscus, PEDro, and EMBASE databases were searched from January 1970 to January 2018 using the search terms distal hamstring, semitendinosus, sport, athlete, tear, rupture, and avulsion. Inclusion criteria were studies documenting (1) isolated, complete distal semitendinosus tears and avulsions during sporting activity, (2) injury management, and (3) athlete outcome. Exclusion criteria were studies reporting (1) partial tears, (2) injuries from non-sporting activities, or (3) athlete sustaining injury with concomitant injuries about the knee. Sporting activities, tear location, management strategy, time from injury to surgery, and return-to-sport timing were analyzed. Statistical analysis was used to evaluate return-to-sport timing based on treatment type and tear location. RESULTS: Four studies met the inclusion criteria, comprising a total of 23 cases of complete, isolated distal semitendinosus avulsions or tears. Injuries were sustained predominantly while running or sprinting and most commonly were avulsions off the tibia. Injuries were treated surgically in 70% of cases. Overall time to return to sport was 2.5 ± 1.4 months with athletes treated conservatively returning significantly more quickly (1.5 ± 0.8 months) than athletes undergoing surgery (3.0 ± 1.3 months). Return-to-sport time was significantly shorter in athletes with complete avulsions (2.2 ± 1.3 months) than in those sustaining tears at the musculotendinous junction (3.8 ± 0.8 months). No significant correlation between time to surgery and return-to-sport time was appreciated. CONCLUSION: Isolated, complete distal semitendinosus tears and avulsions remain infrequently reported during sporting activities and, in this review, occurred predominantly during non-contact activity. Athletes treated conservatively were found to return to sport more quickly, although additional studies are needed to determine the clinical relevance of treatment option, tear location, and concurrent injuries.

Isolated Tearing and Avulsion of the Distal Biceps Femoris Tendon During Sporting Activities: A Systematic Review.

BACKGROUND: Isolated tearing and avulsions of the distal biceps femoris sustained during sporting activities are uncommon. PURPOSE: To systematically review the literature to identify distal biceps femoris tears and avulsions experienced during sporting activities to determine injury prevalence, sporting activities/mechanisms, management, and time to return to sport. STUDY DESIGN: Systematic review; Level of evidence, 4. METHODS: A systematic review was conducted investigating studies published between January 1970 and December 2017 that reported on athletes sustaining tears and avulsions of the distal biceps femoris during sporting activity. The review followed the PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) guidelines and used the PubMed, Biosis Previews, SPORTDiscus, PEDro, and EMBASE databases. Inclusion criteria were studies reporting on (1) partial or complete tears and avulsions of the distal biceps femoris with documented sporting activity causing injury, (2) injury management (operative vs nonoperative), and (3) patient outcome. Exclusion criteria consisted of studies reporting on (1) distal biceps femoris injuries without tearing, (2) injuries secondary to nonsporting activities (mechanical falls, trauma), (3) concomitant injuries to adjacent structures about the knee, and (4) studies not reporting injury management or patient outcomes. Sporting activities, injury characteristics, management, and time to return to sport were analyzed. RESULTS: A total of 22 athletes with isolated distal biceps femoris tears or avulsions were identified. Injuries were predominantly associated with noncontact knee hyperextension with concurrent hip flexion during soccer or track and field, most commonly isolated to the musculotendinous junction. Injuries were treated surgically in 91% (20/22) of athletes. Mean (±SD) overall time to return to sport was 4.9 ± 3.3 months, and for athletes who underwent operative repair, there were no significant postoperative differences based on injury location (musculotendinous junction vs avulsion, P = .25) or injury severity (partial vs complete injury, P = .13). CONCLUSION: Isolated distal biceps femoris injuries occurred primarily via noncontact mechanisms. The majority of cases were treated surgically, with successful return to sport at preinjury levels. No significant difference in return to sport was appreciated based on injury location or severity. Further studies are necessary to determine the impact of treatment method.

Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation can provide cardiopulmonary support during bronchoscopic clearance of airways after sand aspiration.

BACKGROUND: Sand aspiration occurs in situations of cave-in burial and near-drowning. Sand in the tracheobronchial airways adheres to the mucosa and can cause tracheal and bronchial obstruction, which can be life-threatening even with intensive management. In previous case reports of airway obstruction caused by sand aspiration, fiber optic or rigid bronchoscopy has been effective in removing loose sand, but removal of sand particles lodged in smaller airways has proven challenging and time-consuming. CASE REPORT: In this case report of sand aspiration with acute pulmonary failure, the use of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation for respiratory support allowed more effective removal of sand particles by rigid bronchoscopy and lavage with less patient compromise. CONCLUSION: Our case of sand aspiration is unique in that the patient presents with complex medical problems (mixed respiratory and metabolic acidosis), hypothermia, hypoxemia, and neoplastic conditions. The fact that she survived the sand aspiration and a long inter-hospital transport time (90 min) with inadequate ventilation and oxygenation without apparent ill effects suggests that the measures we took to resuscitate her and extract the sand from her airways were reasonable and appropriate.

Application of Platelet-Rich Plasma to Disorders of the Knee Joint.

IMPORTANCE: The promising therapeutic potential and regenerative properties of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) have rapidly led to its widespread clinical use in musculoskeletal injury and disease. Although the basic scientific rationale surrounding PRP products is compelling, the clinical application has outpaced the research. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this article is to examine the current concepts around the basic science of PRP application, different preparation systems, and clinical application of PRP in disorders in the knee. EVIDENCE ACQUISITION: A systematic search of PubMed for studies that evaluated the basic science, preparation and clinical application of platelet concentrates was performed. The search used terms, including platelet-rich plasma or PRP preparation, activation, use in the knee, cartilage, ligament, and meniscus. Studies found in the initial search and related studies were reviewed. RESULTS: A comprehensive review of the literature supports the potential use of PRP both nonoperatively and intraoperatively, but highlights the absence of large clinical studies and the lack of standardization between method, product, and clinical efficacy. Conclusions and Relevance. In addition to the call for more randomized, controlled clinical studies to assess the clinical effect of PRP, at this point, it is necessary to investigate PRP product composition and eventually have the ability to tailor the therapeutic product for specific indications.