Eben A. Carroll

Treatment of Acetabular Fractures in an Older Population

Objective: To identify factors predicting poor radiographic and functional outcome and delayed total hip arthroplasty in operatively managed acetabular fractures in patients 55 years of age and older. Design: Retrospective chart and radiographic review of a prospectively maintained database. Setting: Tertiary care hospital. Patients: Ninety-three with a mean age of 67 years met all inclusion criteria and had follow up averaging 5 years. Intervention: Open reduction and internal fixation and less commonly acute total hip arthroplasty for displaced acetabular fractures in an older cohort. Main Outcome Measurement: Three validated patient self-assessment measures were used: the Musculoskeletal Functional Assessment, the Short Musculoskeletal Functional Assessment, and the SF-36. Results: The overall rate of hip replacement in our study was 30.95%. Poor fracture reduction (P < 0.02), development of avascular necrosis (P < 0.001), and previous contralateral hip arthroplasty (P = 0.02) were statistically associated with the need for secondary surgeries. Functional outcome scores in the current study compared favorably with functional outcome scores reported for acetabular fractures in younger populations and with age-matched “non-injured” norms published in recent literature. Conclusions: There was an acceptably low rate of major complications in 93 operatively managed fractures in this population. Nearly 70% of patients achieved functional outcomes similar to age- and injury-matched control subjects without the need for secondary surgeries. Thirty percent of patients required secondary total hip arthroplasty for posttraumatic arthritis. These patients achieved outcomes similar to patients in the other outcome groups and to injury- and age-matched norms.

Management of humeral shaft fractures.

&NA; Humeral shaft fractures account for approximately 3% of all fractures. Nonsurgical management of humeral shaft fractures with functional bracing gained popularity in the 1970s, and this method is arguably the standard of care for these fractures. Still, surgical management is indicated in certain situations, including polytraumatic injuries, open fractures, vascular injury, ipsilateral articular fractures, floating elbow injuries, and fractures that fail nonsurgical management. Surgical options include external fixation, open reduction and internal fixation, minimally invasive percutaneous osteosynthesis, and antegrade or retrograde intramedullary nailing. Each of these techniques has advantages and disadvantages, and the rate of fracture union may vary based on the technique used. A relatively high incidence of radial nerve injury has been associated with surgical management of humeral shaft fractures. However, good surgical outcomes can be achieved with proper patient selection.

Operative Treatment of Acetabular Fractures in an Older Population Through a Limited Ilioinguinal Approach

Objectives: To compare treatment of acetabular fractures in elderly patients through a limited approach versus a standard ilioinguinal approach and assess changes in outcome and morbidity. Design: Retrospective cohort comparison analysis. Setting: Tertiary referral center. Patients/Participants: Between January 1992 and January 2006, 143 patients 55 years of age or older were treated for acetabular fractures. Of these, 41 were treated through either a traditional or limited ilioinguinal approach. Patients with unilateral surgeries and a minimum follow-up of 2 years were included. Intervention: Open reduction and internal fixation of acetabular fractures through a limited (lateral two windows) approach versus traditional three window ilioinguinal approach. Outcome measures: Radiographic assessment of healing, reduction quality, progression to arthritis and total hip arthroplasty, operative time, length of stay, complications, SF-36, Musculoskeletal Functional Assessment, and the Short Musculoskeletal Functional Assessment. Results: The two groups were equivalent in terms of preinjury comorbidities, mechanism of injury, type and severity of fracture pattern, time to surgery, length of hospitalization, and incidence of postoperative complications. The overall rate of secondary total hip arthroplasty was 26.8% and was equivalent between the two groups. Functional outcome scores were comparable. The use of the lateral two windows was associated with a significant reduction in both blood loss and operative time. Conclusions: The limited ilioinguinal approach to certain fracture patterns commonly seen in the elderly was associated with a decreased blood loss and surgical time. Moreover, there was no negative impact on outcomes in our cohort. The benefits of decreased blood loss and shorter operative time have a potential positive impact on management of these injuries. Level of Evidence: Therapeutic Level III. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

Value of 3-D CT in classifying acetabular fractures during orthopedic residency training.

The complex anatomy of the pelvis and acetabulum have historically made classification and interpretation of acetabular fractures difficult for orthopedic trainees. The addition of 3-dimensional (3-D) computed tomography (CT) scan has gained popularity in preoperative planning, identification, and education of acetabular fractures given their complexity. Therefore, the authors examined the value of 3-D CT compared with conventional radiography in classifying acetabular fractures at different levels of orthopedic training. Their hypothesis was that 3-D CT would improve correct identification of acetabular fractures compared with conventional radiography.The classic Letournel fracture pattern classification system was presented in quiz format to 57 orthopedic residents and 20 fellowship-trained orthopedic traumatologists. A case consisted of (1) plain radiographs and 2-dimensional axial CT scans or (2) 3-D CT scans. All levels of training showed significant improvement in classifying acetabular fractures with 3-D vs 2-D CT, with the greatest benefit from 3-D CT found in junior residents (postgraduate years 1-3).Three-dimensional CT scans can be an effective educational tool for understanding the complex spatial anatomy of the pelvis, learning acetabular fracture patterns, and correctly applying a widely accepted fracture classification system.

Orthopaedic management in the polytrauma patient

The past century has seen many changes in the management of the polytraumatized orthopaedic patient. Early recommendations for non-operative treatment have evolved into early total care (ETC) and damage control orthopaedic (DCO) treatment principles. These principles force the treating orthopaedist to take into account multiple patient parameters including hypothermia, coagulopathy and volume status before deciding upon the operative plan. This requires a multidisciplinary approach involving critical care physicians, anesthesiologists and others.

transabdominal Gunshot Wounds of the Hip and Pelvis

&NA; Transabdominal gunshot wounds (GSWs) of the hip and pelvis are those that traverse the gastrointestinal system before entering the pelvis and/or hip. These injuries may be contaminated by bowel contents. Some require urgent surgical intervention; others can be managed nonsurgically. A primary survey with attention to hemodynamic status is of utmost priority. After obtaining hemodynamic stability and addressing abdominal injuries, careful attention must be paid to evaluating hip joint involvement and injuries to the genitourinary and vascular systems. The available literature shows that transabdominal GSW with intra‐articular contamination should be urgently débrided and irrigated; extra‐articular transabdominal GSW with stable fracture patterns may be managed with observation and empiric antibiotics. Extent of soft‐tissue injury dictates the need for wound débridement. Bullets lodged in intra‐articular locations should be removed, but retained bullets in other anatomic locations do not necessarily warrant removal.

Transtibial Amputation Outcomes Study (TAOS): Comparing Transtibial Amputation With and Without a Tibiofibular Synostosis (Ertl) Procedure

The optimal technique for a transtibial amputation in a young, active, and healthy patient is controversial. Proponents of the Ertl procedure (in which the cut ends of the tibia and fibula are joined with a bone bridge synostosis) argue that the residual limb is more stable which confers better prosthetic fit and improved function especially among high-performing individuals. At the same time, the Ertl procedure is associated with longer operative and healing time and may be associated with a higher complication rate compared with the standard Burgess procedure. The TAOS is a prospective, multicenter randomized trial comparing 18-month outcomes after transtibial amputation using the Ertl versus Burgess approach among adults aged 18 to 60. The primary outcomes include surgical treatment for a complication and patient-reported function. Secondary outcomes include physical impairment, pain, and treatment cost.

Exchange Nailing for Hypertrophic Femoral Nonunion

Summary: Exchange nailing has proven to be a reliable surgical technique for the management of aseptic femoral shaft nonunions. Similar to primary intramedullary nail fixation for femur fractures, exchange nailing for aseptic hypertrophic nonunions of the femur relies on successful navigation of the starting point and proper nail trajectory to minimize coronal and sagittal plane deformities. Compared with the supine position, the lateral decubitus position has the advantage of allowing gravity to displace the soft tissue around the piriformis start site to facilitate nail entry. In addition, the C-arm position and access to the affected limb from both sides by the surgeon and surgical assistant facilitate visualization of existing deformities and the ability to perform correction maneuvers. The purpose of this review is to highlight technical pearls associated with exchange nailing in a lateral decubitus position. Although other techniques are available, and should be used when indicated, exchange nailing provides patients with the opportunity to an early return to activity, improvement in pain and disability, and ultimate bony union.

Use of Volar Plate for Indirect Coronal Plane Reduction in an Intraarticular Distal Radius Fracture

Summary: Management of intraarticular distal radius fractures requires precise reconstruction of the articular surface to optimize outcomes. Treatment goals also include restoration of alignment, rotation, and angulation in both the coronal and sagittal planes of the metaphyseal component of these fractures. Surgical management with open reduction and internal fixation with a volar plate is often the preferred method of open treatment. However, a variety of different techniques have been described, and the preferred technique may be determined on an individual basis by the fracture characteristics, patient-dependent factors, or surgeon experience.