Activated nitinol compression staples are associated with favorable biomechanical properties for talonavicular arthrodesis.

Background: Nitinol compression staple use in foot and ankle arthrodesis procedures, including for the talonavicular joint, has gained acceptance. A previous study provided evidence for using nitinol compression staples in talonavicular arthrodesis (TNA) based on functional biomechanical testing comparisons to "gold standard" lag screw fixation. This study aimed to further compare the functional biomechanical properties of nitinol compression staple fixation to lag screw fixation for arthrodesis of the talonavicular joint. Body-temperature incubation and ankle inversion and eversion loading sequences were added to previously reported biomechanical testing. Methods: Robotic testing was performed on cadaveric feet (n = 10; 5 matched pairs) after TNA using either two nitinol compression staples or two fully threaded lag screws. TNA method was randomized, alternating between matched-pairs of left and right feet. After surgical stabilization, specimens were incubated at 38 °C for 24 h to simulate the initial postoperative period in a patient. After plantarflexion and dorsiflexion testing, the specimens underwent inversion and eversion testing, cycling from 20° inversion to 10° eversion for 10 cycles. Displacements were tracked using optical tracking markers. Significant (p < 0.05) differences between staple versus screw fixation cohorts were determined using paired t-Tests. Results: All specimens completed testing with none experiencing failure at the TNF. No statistically significant differences in functional biomechanical testing properties were noted between nitinol compression staple fixation and lag screw fixation for TNA. Conclusion: The study findings provide additional support for nitinol compression staple fixation as an option for talonavicular arthrodesis fixation. Taken together, the results of functional biomechanical testing studies have provided sufficient evidence for initiation of a prospective clinical outcomes study using nitinol compression staples for talonavicular arthrodesis fixation at our institution.

Short-Term Outcomes After Bipolar Osteochondral Allograft Transplantation (OCAT) in the Ankle.

Treatment options for symptomatic cartilage loss in the ankle are not consistently effective. This study documents initial outcomes for patients undergoing bipolar OCAT in the ankle after advances in tissue preservation, transplantation techniques, and patient management strategies were implemented. Patients were prospectively enrolled into a registry designed to follow outcomes after OCAT in the ankle. Fourteen patients were included for analyses (12 primary OCAT, 2 revision OCAT). Four patients underwent Bipolar OCAT (tibia, talus) and 10 Bipolar+ OCAT (tibia, talus, fibula). Short-term (median follow-up 43, range 13-73 months) success was documented for 13 patients. Radiographic assessments indicated OCA integration and maintenance of joint space in 12 patients. Statistically significant (p < .030) and clinically meaningful improvements in AAOS and VAS pain scores were noted at 3 months, 6 months, 1 year, and 2 years following OCA transplantation when compared to preoperative measures. For patients that were nonadherent to postoperative restriction and rehabilitation protocols, all 1-year postoperative PROs were significantly lower (p < .050) than for patients who were adherent. The successful outcomes documented in 13 of 14 patients in conjunction with significant and clinically meaningful improvements in patient-reported measures of pain and function support OCA transplantation as an appropriate treatment option in indicated patients. These improvements in outcomes were associated with advances in OCA preservation, preimplantation treatment, transplantation techniques, and patient management strategies, suggesting this shift in practice be considered for OCA transplantation in the ankle.

Radiographic Evaluation of Isolated Continuous Compression Staples for Akin Osteotomy Fixation.

Continuous compression implants (nitinol staples) are gaining popularity secondary to their lower profile, less demanding technique, and less surgical dissection. Biomechanical support exists; however, clinical data is limited in the foot/ankle. This study's purpose is to determine the efficacy of nitinol staples to achieve stable, bony healing in Akin osteotomies and examine their clinical outcomes, complications, re-operations, and pain scores. We performed a retrospective chart review on 90 patients (93 osteotomies) who underwent an Akin osteotomy using a nitinol staple over a 2-year period. Radiographs were randomized and independently reviewed by 3 blinded foot and ankle surgeons. Osteotomies were deemed healed if greater than 50% of the osteotomy contained bridging bone, partially healed as less than 50% bridging bone, and nonunion as no healing, broken hardware, or loss of reduction. Visual analog scale pain scores were analyzed. Radiographic union was seen in 98.9% of Akin osteotomies (92/93), with no loss of reduction or broken staples (0/95). Only 3.2% (3/93) of patients returned to the operating room unplanned: 1 infection (1.1%), 1 symptomatic hardware removal (1.1%), and 1 traumatic disruption of fixation (1.1%). Postoperative pain scores were significantly lower than preoperative. Staples are lower profile and technically less demanding compared to headed screws, plates, and tension band constructs. They offer continuous compression of the osteotomy and are rigid enough to maintain reduction. Based on the findings of this paper, the use of staples provides robust and stable fixation for Akin osteotomies and has low complication and high healing rates.

Risk of shortening in operatively treated proximal femur fractures with cephalomedullary nails with dynamically versus statistically locked helical blades.

INTRODUCTION: Cephalomedullary nails (CMN) have proven to be effective for the fixation of unstable pertrochanteric hip fractures, but limited data exists regarding the degree of shortening that occurs with nailing systems that offer "dynamically" versus "statistically" locked helical blades. This study aimed to determine the incidence, timing, and amount of postoperative fracture shortening in patients with pertrochanteric hip fractures treated with "dynamically" versus "statistically" locked helical blades. METHODS: A retrospective review was performed on patients requiring operative fixation of pertrochanteric fractures. Inclusion criteria were patients aged 55 or older, low energy mechanism of injury, primary surgical open reduction and internal fixation of the injury, surgery performed by a fellowship-trained orthopaedic traumatologist, and radiographic follow up until healing or failure (minimum of 3 months). Quantification of fracture shortening was determined using the lateral screw protuberance method. Fracture shortening measurements were calculated from immediate post-operative films and subsequent radiographs at each follow-up visit. RESULTS: 222 patients met inclusion criteria (123 using Depuy Synthes Trochanteric Fixation Nail proximal femoral nailing system (TFN) with static locking; 65 TFN with dynamic locking; 23 using Depuy Synthes Trochanteric Fixation Nail-Advanced proximal nailing system (TFNA) with static locking; and 11 TFNA with dynamic locking). When comparing the final screw protuberance, the TFN dynamic (10.31 mm), TFNA static (9.52 mm), and TFNA dynamic (7.02 mm) groups were found to be significantly less compared to the TFN static cohort (11.67 mm; p < 0.001). The distribution of fracture shortening was found to be significant (p < 0.01). Interval measurements of fracture shortening by repeated measures of ANOVA within groups showed statistically significant increases in screw protuberance for the TFN static (p < 0.001), TFN dynamic (p < 0.001), and TFNA static (p < 0.01) cohorts within the first 60 days postoperatively. The TFNA with dynamic locking group was found to have statistically significant increases until the first 100 days post-operatively (p < 0.02). DISCUSSION: The incidence of fracture shortening remains high even with the use of cephalomedullary nails, regardless of dynamization status. Current pertrochanteric fixation constructs continue to favor fracture healing at the direct expense of fracture shortening.

Biomechanical comparison of continuous compression implants versus tension band fixation for transverse olecranon fractures.

Purpose: Tension band wiring (TBW) is considered the 'gold standard' for fixation of transverse olecranon fractures (OTA/AO 2U1B1d). However, this approach requires a large exposure, can be technically demanding and operator-dependent, and is associated with hardware prominence. Continuous compression implants (CCI) may address these limitations. To the authors' knowledge, a comparison between TBW and CCI has not been performed. Therefore, this study was designed to compare biomechanical properties of CCI to TBW for 2U1B1d olecranon fractures using human cadaver elbows. Methods: A transverse olecranon fracture was simulated in eight matched pairs of cadaveric elbows. Matched pairs were used for comparison of TBW and CCI. Cyclic loading was performed at both 10 N and 500 N, with gap formation and load to failure recorded. Results: No significant difference in gap formation at 10 N (p > 0.3) or 500 N (p = 0.6), or load-to-failure (p=.00.41), was observed between the two groups. Discussion: CCI fixation requires a smaller incision, is easy to perform, and involves low-profile implant that may reduce morbidity. Based on biomechanical properties that match the gold standard, continuous compression nitinol implants are an appropriate option for fixation of transverse olecranon fractures with potential advantages over tension band wiring.

Which Surgical Approach Provides Maximum Visualization and Access for Open Reduction and Internal Fixation of Femoral Head Fractures?

OBJECTIVES: Femoral head fracture open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) requires adequate surgical access and visualization. The purpose of this study was to objectively characterize femoral head access associated with commonly used surgical approaches. Our hypothesis was that a surgical hip dislocation (SHD) provides the greatest visualization and access to the femoral head. METHODS: Ten fresh-frozen cadaveric whole-pelvis specimens (n = 20 hips) were used to compare 4 surgical approaches to the femoral head (n = 5 hips per approach): SHD, Smith-Petersen (with and without rectus release), and Hueter. After surgical exposure, standardized and calibrated digital images were captured and analyzed to determine the percent-area visualized. Three independent investigators assessed each specimen to determine surgical visualization and access to the following femoral head anatomic quadrants: anteromedial, anterolateral, posteromedial, and posterolateral. Data were analyzed for significant (P < 0.05) differences using analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Fisher exact tests. RESULTS: The Hueter approach provided the lowest calculated % visualization. For surgeon visualization, SHD demonstrated a significantly (P < 0.001) higher proportion of visualized anatomic landmarks compared with all other approaches. SHD provided significantly (P < 0.049) more access to the femoral head quadrants compared with all other approaches. The Hueter approach had significantly (P = 0.004) lower surgeon access compared with the Smith-Petersen with release. CONCLUSIONS: SHD provided superior visualization and access to clinically relevant femoral head anatomy compared with the Smith-Petersen with or without rectus release and Hueter approaches.

Which surgical approach provides maximum visualization and access for open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) of femoral neck fractures?

OBJECTIVES: Appropriate visualization of the femoral neck is critical when performing open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) of a femoral neck fracture. The purpose of this study was to objectively identify which surgical approach provided the most extensive visualization of the femoral neck during ORIF. Our hypothesis was that the Smith-Petersen approach with rectus release would provide the most extensive visualization. METHODS: Ten cadaveric hips were utilized to compare 4 different surgical approaches to the femoral neck: Smith-Petersen (SP), Smith-Petersen with rectus release (SPwR), Watson-Jones (WJ), and Hueter approach. After surgical exposure, calibrated digital images were captured and analyzed using a computer software program to determine the percent-area visualized. Three trained investigators separately assessed each specimen to determine clinical visualization and ability of the surgeon to manually outline anatomic locations of the femoral neck: subcapital, trans-cervical, and basicervical. Data were analyzed for significant (p < 0.05) differences using ANOVA and Fisher Exact tests. RESULTS: For calculated percent-visualization, SP and SPwR allowed for significantly more (p = 0.003) visualization than the Hueter and WJ approaches. For surgeon visualization, SP and SPwR were significantly higher (p < 0.029) when compared to WJ. The ability for the individual surgeon to outline the femoral neck's anatomical landmarks was significantly higher (p < 0.049) with SP and Hueter approaches compared with SPwR. CONCLUSION: The SP and SPwR provided superior visualization of femoral neck anatomy compared to Hueter and WJ approaches. Similarly, the SP approach allowed for optimal surgeon visualization of and access to clinically relevant femoral neck anatomic landmarks compared to other approaches assessed.

Osteoporosis: a discussion on the past 5 years.

PURPOSE OF THE REVIEW: The purposes of this study are to examine the literature within the past 5 years regarding osteoporosis and offer a discussion on new topics and controversies. RECENT FINDINGS: Patient compliance with therapy remains an issue. The effectiveness of Vitamin D and calcium are being called into question Atypical femur fractures have been associated with bisphosphonate and denosumab use. Treatment is both surgical and pharmaceutical. A multidisciplinary approach to osteoporotic fractures is important and having some form of fracture liaison service (FLS) improves the efficacy of osteoporotic care and decreases secondary fractures. Screening for osteoporosis remains low. Ultrasound may be cost-effective for diagnosis. Understanding of osteoporosis has come a long way in the medical community, but the translation to the lay community has lagged behind. Patients often take a laissez-faire attitude toward osteoporosis that can affect compliance. Information read by patients often focuses on complications, such as atypical femur fractures and myocardial infarctions. It is essential for providers to be able to discuss these issues with patients. Newer medications and more cost-effective diagnostic tests exist, but availability may be limited. FLS are effective, but the most cost-effective model for therapy still eludes us. Areas for further investigation include FLS models, the effectiveness of vitamin supplementation, and more ubiquitous and cost-effective diagnostic tools.