Patient-related factors influencing ulnar-shortening osteotomy outcomes using the trimed dynamic compression plate.

Ulnocarpal impingement can be surgically managed with various shortening osteotomy techniques. The purpose of this study was to retrospectively examine the outcomes of the ulnar-shortening osteotomy technique using the Trimed dynamic compression plate (Valencia, California) and to determine whether results vary among patient-related factors, including smoking status, occupation, preoperative diagnosis, and workers' compensation status. Twenty-seven patients (28 wrists) operated by a single surgeon underwent ulnar shortening over a 4-year span. Radiographic analysis was obtained preoperatively and at an average 24-month follow-up. A subset of 12 patients completed the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH) inventory; the Patient-Rated Wrist Evaluation (PRWE); and the visual analog scale for pain and underwent clinical evaluation for range of motion and strength. Ulnar variance improved in all cases between pre- and postoperative imaging (P<.05). Grip strength and range of motion were found to be 79% and 90% of the contralateral extremity, respectively. Among the examined patient-related factors, patients involved in a workers' compensation claim demonstrated significantly different DASH (average, 56.8 claim vs 26.8 no claim; P=.037) and PRWE (average, 66.0 claim vs 32.8 no claim; P=.008) scores while also showing a trend toward nonunion (3/10 claim vs 1/18 no claim; P=.105). Results of ulnar-shortening osteotomy using the Trimed system at 2-year follow-up show consistent objective improvements in radiographic ulnar variance. Workers' compensation claims may negatively influence outcomes of ulnar shortening, and this factor should be considered in preoperative patient selection and counseling.

Three intraoperative methods to determine limb-length discrepancy in THA.

Limb-length discrepancy (LLD) is a common concern for both surgeon and patient in the setting of elective total hip arthroplasty (THA). There is a paucity of evidence guiding surgeons to an optimal method for measuring intraoperative LLD and minimizing postoperative LLD. The primary objective of this prospective, randomized, double-blinded study was to determine which of 3 intraoperative methods used at the authors' institution was best correlated to postoperative radiographic LLD. From 2011 to 2012, 81 patients undergoing either primary (75) or revision (6) THA with an anterolateral (Watson-Jones) approach were prospectively randomized and received intraoperative measurement of LLD via 1 of 3 methods: abductor shuck (AS), tranosseous pins with calibrated caliper (TP), or patella electrocardiogram (EKG) leads (PL). Intraoperative measurements of LLD were compared to clinical and radiographic postoperative measurements of LLD, and absolute differences and correlation coefficients were calculated for each method. Overall, the mean LLD preoperatively was 8.09 mm, and mean radiographic LLD postoperatively was 4.20 mm. The AS method was associated with the highest correlation to postoperative radiographic LLD (R=0.360; P<.05), whereas the other methods had mildly positive but statistically insignificant correlations (TP R=0.275; P>.05; PL R=0.301; P>.05). The AS method best correlates to postoperative radiographic LLD among the 3 techniques, although all methods were positively correlated. Clinical measurements of LLD correlate poorly with radiographic measurements and may be of limited utility.

Role of nonoperative treatment of subacromial impingement.

Subacromial impingement syndrome (SIS) occurs when the rotator cuff is compressed by the overlying acromion during shoulder flexion resulting in shoulder pain. The objective of this study was to demonstrate significant relief of symptoms and improved function from physical therapy over long-term follow-up. Eighty-one patients were followed. Patients had subjective and strength assessments at the initial physical therapy visit and 2-year follow-up. Statistical analysis was done using paired t tests for binomial data and Shapiro-Wilk test for the variable data. At 2 years, the Penn shoulder score (81) statistically significantly improved from the initial score (59) for 20 subjects (p = .002). The DASH score improved from 25 to 15 (p = .005). Average external rotation strength deficits compared with the contralateral side improved from 20% to 7% (p = .009). Physical therapy for SIS alleviates symptoms and improves function according to patient-based surveys and strength measurements over a 2-year period.