Avi D. Goodman

Hypersensitivity to Orthopedic Implants: A Review of the Literature

Awareness of rare etiologies for implant failure is becoming increasingly important. In addition to the overall increase in joint arthroplasties, revision surgeries are projected to increase dramatically in the coming years, with volume increasing up to seven-fold between 2005 and 2030. The literature regarding the relationship between metal allergy and implant failure is controversial. It has proven difficult to determine whether sensitization is a cause or a consequence of implant failure. Testing patients with functional implants is not a clinically useful approach, as the rate of hypersensitivity is higher in implant recipients than in the general population, regardless of the status of the implant. As a result of the ineffectiveness of preoperative patch testing for predicting adverse outcomes, as well as the high cost of implementing such patch testing as standard procedure, most orthopedists and dermatologists agree that an alternative prosthesis should only be considered for patients with a history of allergy to a metal in the standard implant. In patients with a failed implant requiring revision surgery, hypersensitivity to an implant component should be considered in the differential diagnosis. Because a metal allergy to implant components is currently not commonly considered in the differential for joint failure in the orthopedic literature, there should be improved communication and collaboration between orthopedists and dermatologists when evaluating joint replacement patients with a presentation suggestive of allergy.

Joint Contractures Resulting From Prolonged Immobilization: Etiology, Prevention, and Management.

Patients who are immobilized for a prolonged period are at risk for developing joint contractures, which often affect functional outcomes. Nonsurgical interventions are useful for preventing joint contractures. However, once contractures develop, these interventions frequently fail to restore function over the long term. To increase the rehabilitation potential of an extremity with refractory function-limiting contractures, surgery is often required.

Evaluation of Ulnar-sided Wrist Pain

Determining the etiology of ulnar-sided wrist pain is often challenging. The condition may be acute or chronic, and differential diagnoses include injuries to the ulnar carpal bones, ligament tears, tendinitis, vascular conditions, osteoarthritis and systemic arthritis, and ulnar nerve compression. An anatomically based, methodical physical examination coupled with provocative maneuvers, including piano key, ulnar impaction, shuck, foveal stress, and extensor carpi ulnaris synergy tests, further defines the differential diagnosis. Diagnostic imaging used in the evaluation of ulnar-sided wrist pain includes plain radiographs and MRI with or without arthrography. Wrist arthroscopy is becoming increasingly important in the diagnosis and management of ulnar-sided intra-articular wrist pathology.

The Effect of Psychosocial Measures of Resilience and Self-Efficacy in Patients with Neck and Lower Back Pain

BACKGROUND CONTEXT Psychosocial risk factors may predispose to progression of back and neck pain to chronic pain or disability. Resilience (the ability to recover from stress) and pain self-efficacy (confidence that one can perform daily activities despite pain) are important psychometric properties shown to affect health and illness. PURPOSE To examine the relationships among resilience, pain self-efficacy, and disability in spine patients. DESIGN/SETTING Prospective, single-center orthopedic spine clinic. PATIENT SAMPLE One hundred and ninety five patients in a tertiary spine practice recruited between December 2016 and March 2017. OUTCOME MEASURES Self-reported measures: Brief Resilience Scale (BRS), Pain Self-Efficacy Questionnaire 2 (PSEQ-2) Short Form, Neck Disability Index (NDI), and Oswestry Disability Index (ODI). METHODS A prospective study was conducted of new patients visiting an orthopedic spine clinic complaining of neck pain or low back pain, with or without radiculopathy. Enrolled patients completed a survey of demographic information, the six-question BRS, the two-question PSEQ-2 Short Form, and NDI or ODI for neck or back pain, respectively. The relationship between BRS and NDI or ODI was examined, and the relationship between PSEQ-2 and NDI or ODI was also examined. RESULTS A total of 195 patients were evaluated. After excluding those with incomplete NDI or ODI, 180 patients were included in the analysis (46.1% men [83/180]; mean age 53 [standard deviation: 17] years). 139 (77.2%) subjects complained of low back pain and 41 (22.8%) subjects complained of neck pain. BRS was strongly negatively correlated with NDI (r=-0.61, p<.0001) and moderately negatively correlated with ODI (r=-0.34, p<.0001). PSEQ-2 was strongly negatively correlated with NDI (r=-0.69, p<.0001) and strongly negatively correlated with ODI (r=-0.62, p<.0001). BRS was moderately positively correlated with PSEQ-2 (r=0.36, p<.0001). For the low back pain cohort, the correlation between PSEQ-2 and ODI was significantly greater than the correlation between BRS and ODI (p=.0003); this difference was not noted in the neck pain cohort (p=.34). CONCLUSIONS Low resilience and low pain self-efficacy are both independently associated with greater functional disability in neck and low back pain patients. Spine surgeons may find it useful to incorporate the BRS and PSEQ-2 into preoperative assessment. Future studies should examine the utility of these simple validated questionnaires in predicting response to treatments, including surgical intervention.

Epidemiology of shoulder and elbow injuries in National Collegiate Athletic Association wrestlers, 2009-2010 through 2013-2014

ABSTRACT Objectives: Examination of the incidence of shoulder and elbow injuries in the collegiate wrestling population is limited. Therefore, we sought to determine the incidence of shoulder and elbow injuries in wrestlers competing in the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA), and investigate the risk factors involved. Methods: All shoulder and elbow injuries in wrestlers from the 2009–2010 through 2013–2014 academic years in the NCAA Injury Surveillance Program database were extracted. The incidence of different injuries, sports, activity, time-in-game, competition status, and injury characteristics was recorded. Risk-ratios were calculated to determine risk factors for injury. Results: Collegiate wrestlers had an incidence of 21.59 shoulder and elbow injuries per 10,000 athletic exposures (AEs). The most frequent injury types included elbow ulnar collateral ligament tears, shoulder impingement, and acromioclavicular joint sprains, although there was significant variability. Freshman collegiate wrestlers suffered a significantly higher percentage of shoulder and elbow injuries than more senior athletes, signifying an association between experience and injury risk. There was a 4-fold higher incidence of injury during competition. Injuries were significantly more likely to occur later in the match, with a 2.5-fold increased risk compared with early. While 26.8% of wrestlers were out of play for at least 14 days, only 5.9% of all injuries required surgery. Lastly, Division I collegiate wrestlers had the highest overall injury rate. Conclusions: Collegiate wrestlers have a high incidence of shoulder and elbow injury, with specific risk factors identified here. This at-risk patient population should be monitored closely for signs of fatigue, which may leave them susceptible to injury. Further prospective investigation of wrestling injuries with a special attention to injury prevention in higher risk athletes are needed to further validate these findings.

Shoulder and elbow injuries in soccer goalkeepers versus field players in the National Collegiate Athletic Association, 2009–2010 through 2013–2014

ABSTRACT Objectives: Examination of the incidence of shoulder and elbow injuries in the collegiate soccer player population is limited, as is comparison between goalkeepers and field players. We hypothesized that goalkeepers would have a higher incidence of shoulder and elbow injuries than field players. Furthermore, we sought to determine the incidence of shoulder and elbow injuries among National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) soccer players, and to determine injury risk factors. Methods: The NCAA Injury Surveillance Program database was analyzed for injuries to NCAA men’s and women’s soccer players during the 2009–2010 through 2013–2014 academic years. The incidence of injury was calculated per 10,000 athletic exposures (AE) for goalkeepers versus field players, activity, and injury characteristics, and compared using univariate analysis and risk-ratios to determine injury risk factors. Results: While the overall incidence of shoulder and elbow injuries in soccer players was 2.7/10,000AE [95% CI 2.62–2.78], the incidence among goalkeepers was 4.6-fold higher (8.3 vs. 1.8/10,000AE, p < 0.0001). Goalkeepers had significantly higher incidences of injury in practice (21.3-fold) and in the preseason (16.1-fold) than field players. Women goalkeepers were disproportionately affected, with injury incidences 7.7-fold higher than women field players, and 1.9-fold higher than male goalkeepers. Acromioclavicular joint injuries, rotator cuff tears/sprains, and elbow and shoulder instability constituted the majority of the goalkeeper injuries. Conclusions: Shoulder and elbow injuries in NCAA soccer players are significantly more common in goalkeepers than field players. Incidence varies widely by position and injury, with a number of associated risk factors. Soccer players sustaining these injuries, along with their coaches and medical providers, may benefit from this injury data to best manage expectations and outcomes. Soccer governing bodies may use this to track injury incidence and response to preventative measures.

The expanding use of total elbow arthroplasty for distal humerus fractures: a retrospective database analysis of 56,379 inpatients from 2002-2014

ABSTRACT Objectives: Distal humerus fractures are challenging to treat, with significant morbidity. Precontoured distal humerus locking plates and total elbow arthroplasty implants have become available in the past 15 years, potentially offering the promise of improved outcomes. However, national data regarding the usage of and in-hospital complications associated with these implants is scarce. Therefore, we aimed to determine if the incidence of inpatients with distal humerus fractures treated with arthroplasty or open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) changed over time. Secondarily, we sought to determine what demographic factors were associated with arthroplasty versus fixation and compare inpatient outcomes. Methods: Inpatients over 50 years old with operatively treated closed distal humerus fractures were identified between 2002 and 2014 in the Nationwide Inpatient Sample, a nationally representative, all-payer database. Patient demographic factors were associated with treatment type. Outcomes examined included complications, mortality, length-of-stay, and charges; multivariable logistic regression compared associations with treatment. Results: Of 56,379 inpatients undergoing surgery, the proportion undergoing arthroplasty rose 2.3-fold from 4.8% to 10.9% from 2002 to 2014 (OR 1.039/year [95% CI [1.016–1.062]). Annual patient volume remained similar. Arthroplasty patients were older than those undergoing fixation (75.5 vs. 71.0 years, p < 0.001), more likely to be female (83.1% vs. 75.4%, p < 0.001), and less likely to be treated at a rural hospital (OR 0.601, 95% CI 0.445–0.812, p < 0.001). There was no significant difference in comorbidities. Arthroplasty patients had similar inpatient medical complication (7.1% vs. 7.8%, OR 0.998, p = 0.988) and mortality rates (0.38% vs. 0.94%, OR 0.426, p = 0.102), a decreased length of stay (by 0.3 days, p = 0.032), but increased hospital charges (by

Epidemiology of Upper Extremity Soccer Injuries Among High School– and College-Aged Players in the United States: An Analysis of the 1999-2016 NEISS Database

12,033, p < 0.001). Conclusions: For inpatients over 50 years old with operatively-treated distal humerus fractures, use of elbow arthroplasty has expanded, albeit with increased cost. Further studies may help to delineate the long-term costs and benefits, as well as which patients may benefit from each type of implant. Level of evidence: Level III, Therapeutic Study.

Unanticipated Admission Following Outpatient Rotator Cuff Repair: An Analysis of 18,061 Cases

Background: Although lower extremity injuries are more common than upper extremity injuries in high school– and college-aged soccer players, upper extremity injuries may be equally severe. The epidemiology of upper extremity injuries is poorly characterized in this population. Hypothesis: Upper extremity injuries are an important contributor to soccer-related morbidity among high school– and college-aged players. Study Design: Descriptive epidemiology study. Level of Evidence: Level 3. Methods: The National Electronic Injury Surveillance System (NEISS) is a nationally representative sample of 100 hospital emergency departments (EDs). Each record contains demographic and injury information. Records from 1999 to 2016 were analyzed, including patients between the ages of 14 and 23 years with a soccer-related injury sustained at school or during an athletic event. Results: A total of 1,299,008 high school– or college-aged patients presented to the ED for a soccer-related injury from 1999 to 2016, of which 20.4% were in the upper extremity. Patients were predominantly male (58.0%) and high school–aged (81.4%). Males constituted a greater proportion of upper extremity injuries when compared with other injury locations (63.5% male for upper extremity). Upper extremity injuries were more likely to be fractures (43.7% vs 13.9%) and dislocations (7.1% vs 3.4%) and less likely to be strains/sprains (27.8% vs 56.6%). Males suffered more shoulder dislocations (81.8% males among patients with shoulder dislocation vs 57.8% among those with other injuries), finger dislocations (72.0% vs 58.0%), upper arm fractures (74.9% vs 57.6%), and forearm fractures (68.3% vs 57.3%). Conclusion: Upper extremity injuries are frequent in high school– and college-aged soccer players presenting to the ED. Efforts to reduce soccer-related injuries should include strategies targeting the upper extremity, perhaps reducing the incidence of high-energy falls. Clinical Relevance: Efforts to reduce soccer-related injuries should include strategies targeting upper extremity injuries, particularly among males and college-aged players.

Characteristics of Operative Shoulder Injuries in the National Collegiate Athletic Association, 2009-2010 Through 2013-2014

The objective of this investigation was to examine the characteristics that place patients at risk for unanticipated inpatient admission after outpatient arthroscopic rotator cuff repair. This retrospective cohort study used the American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program data sets from years 2012 to 2015. Patients were included in the study based on the presence of a primary Current Procedural Terminology code for rotator cuff repair (23410, 23412, 23420, and 29827). Only outpatient, nonemergent, and elective procedures performed on patients with American Society of Anesthesiologists classification of 4 or less were considered. The primary outcome variable was admission after outpatient surgery (defined as length of initial hospital stay >0). This study examined risk factors for unanticipated admission following rotator cuff repair, finding that age of 65 years or older, female sex, hypertension, body mass index of 35 kg/m2 or greater, American Society of Anesthesiologists classification of 2 or greater, and open surgical technique were significant predictors of admission, whereas monitored anesthesia care and regional anesthesia were associated with decreased odds of admission. Identifying patients with these characteristics will be critical in risk adjusting the anticipated cost of the episode of care in outpatient rotator cuff repair. [Orthopedics. 2018; 41(3):164-168.].