Clinical Considerations to Reduce Saphenous Neurovascular Bundle Injury During Suture Button Fixation of Syndesmosis Injuries.

OBJECTIVE: To document angles, from 2 difference starting points, or danger zones that should be avoided to minimize risk of injury or irritation to the saphenous neurovascular bundle (SNVB) during suture button (SB) fixation for distal tibiofibular syndesmosis injuries. DESIGN: Retrospective imaging study. SETTING: Academic Level 1 trauma center. PATIENTS: Forty-eight randomly selected patients with healthy ankles and computed tomography scans for nonankle diagnoses. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Computed tomography scans and 3D reconstructed images were used to define the angle between the SNVB and 2 different fibular starting points, using the direct lateral (DL) and the posterolateral (PL) starting points. Descriptive analyses were performed to identify angles that should be avoided during suture button fixation. Distances from the SNVB using preset angles of 0, 10, 20, and 30 degrees were analyzed. In addition, the width of the SNVB, the midsubstance angle of the SNVB, and the distance from the 30-degree point to the tibialis anterior were recorded. RESULTS: The mean angle between the SNVB and the standard DL starting point was 13.7 ± 5.0 degrees (P < 0.05), whereas the mean angle using the alternate PL starting point was 17.2 ± 5.3 degrees (P < 0.05). The SNVB width was 5.2 mm [range, 2.6-9.1 mm] (P < 0.05). The distances from the SNVB were greatest for the DL 30-degree group and the PL 0-degree group. CONCLUSIONS: The results document angles that should be avoided when using suture button fixation for syndesmosis injuries. Device characteristics and surgery-related variables may require intraoperative modifications, and knowledge of this anatomical relationship may reduce SNVB injury during those situations. Considering our results, we recommend that surgeons place suture buttons from the DL starting point with a 30-degree trajectory to avoid injuries to the SNVB.

A novel method of acromioclavicular joint separation fixation using a knotless dog bone technique.

Acromioclavicular (AC) joint separations are common in both sports and trauma injuries. Many surgical options exist for fixation of these injuries. Although the suture button has become popular, it has a moderately high complication rate. The most common complication is the loss of reduction, but another common complication is knot-related pain. This article outlines a method of suture button fixation that addresses both of these complications with a novel knotless construct using TightRopes.

Ischial tuberosity avulsion fracture nonunions in the adolescent population treated with a posterior column screw: A case series of two patients.

Various surgical techniques exist to approach an ischial tuberosity avulsion fracture, including open reduction and internal fixation with screws and suture anchors, augmentation with allograft tendon, and excision of the fragment. However, the majority of these techniques approached acute fractures, and nonunions were not addressed nor studied. This case series describes two adolescent patients treated for ischial tuberosity nonunions with a posterior column screw through a subgluteal approach. Both patients demonstrated radiographic healing of their nonunion sites at 6 months' follow-up. Each patient reported no pain during activity, had symmetric hamstring strength, and were able to return to pre-injury level of activity by final follow-up. In conclusion, the authors utilized a muscle-sparing approach to the ischial tuberosity nonunion site through a cosmetically appealing incision and introduced a novel approach to nonunion fixation without the use of bone graft, resulting in excellent clinical outcomes.

The prevalence of wrong level surgery among spine surgeons.

STUDY DESIGN: A questionnaire study. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the prevalence of wrong level surgery among spine surgeons and their use of preventive measures to avoid its occurrence. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: Wrong site surgery fails to improve the patient's symptoms and has medical, emotional, social, and legal implications. Organizations such as the North American Spine Society and the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations have established guidelines to prevent wrong site surgery. Spine surgeons' compliance with these guidelines and the prevalence of wrong-level spine surgery have not been investigated previously. METHODS: All members of the American Academy of Neurologic Surgeons (n = 3505) were sent an anonymous, 30-question survey with a self-addressed stamped envelope. RESULTS: A total of 415 (12%) surgeons responded. Sixty-four surgeons (15%) reported that, at least once, they had prepared the incorrect spine level, but noticed the mistake before making the incision. Two hundred seven (50%) reported that they had done 1 or more wrong level surgeries during their career. From an estimated 1,300,000 spine procedures, 418 wrong level spine operations had been performed, with a prevalence of 1 in 3110 procedures. The majority of the incorrect level procedures were performed on the lumbar region (71%), followed by the cervical (21%), and the thoracic (8%) regions. One wrong level surgery led to permanent disability, and 73 cases resulted in legal action or monetary settlement to the patient (17%). CONCLUSION: There is a high prevalence of wrong level surgery among spine surgeons; 1 of every 2 spine surgeons may perform a wrong level surgery during his or her career. Although all spine surgeons surveyed report using at least 1 preventive action, the following measures are highly recommended but inconsistently adopted: direct preoperative communication with the patient by the surgeon, marking of the intended site, and the use of intraoperative verification radiograph.