Marc Schnetzke

Quality of Reduction Influences Outcome After Locked-Plate Fixation of Proximal Humeral Type-C Fractures.

BACKGROUND The aim of this study was to determine if fracture reduction, fracture pattern, and patient-related factors influence clinical outcome after locked-plate fixation of displaced proximal humeral fractures. METHODS Ninety-eight patients (mean age, 61.1 ± 11.2 years) with a proximal humeral fracture involving the anatomical neck (type C according to the OTA/AO classification system) were included. Clinical outcome was determined by age and sex-adjusted Constant score (CS%) and the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH) score. Fracture reduction was quantitatively determined by 3 parameters (head-shaft displacement, head-shaft alignment, and cranialization of the greater tuberosity), and patients were divided into groups according to anatomical reduction, acceptable reduction, or malreduction. Relative risk (RR) for complications, revision surgery, and inferior clinical outcome (CS of <50%) was determined according to the quality of fracture reduction and fracture pattern (disruption of the medial hinge; type-C3 fracture) and patient-related factors (age; comorbidities). RESULTS After a mean of 3.1 ± 1.5 years, the mean CS% and DASH score were 54.8% ± 28.0% and 31.9 ± 24.8, respectively. The complication rate was 32.7% (n = 32), and 27 patients (27.6%) required revision surgery. Anatomical or acceptable fracture reduction was achieved in 40 (40.8%) of the patients. This resulted in a significantly lower complication rate (20.0% compared with 41.4% among the patients with malreduction; p = 0.027), a trend of lower revision rate (20% compared with 32.8%; p = 0.165), and better clinical outcome (mean CS% of 65.4% ± 28.2% compared with 47.6% ± 25.7%; p = 0.002) without a higher risk for osteonecrosis of the humeral head (5% compared with 10.3%). Cranialization of the greater tuberosity of >5 mm (n = 25), head-shaft displacement of >5 mm (n = 50), and valgus head-shaft alignment (n = 12) all increased the RR for inferior clinical outcome by twofold to threefold. Conversely, a patient age of >65 years (n = 31) and an OTA/AO type-C3 fracture pattern (n = 38) were not significantly associated with complications and inferior clinical outcome (RR, 0.9 to 1.8). CONCLUSIONS Anatomical fracture reduction with a locked plate significantly improved the clinical outcome of unstable and displaced proximal humeral fractures involving the anatomical neck. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE Therapeutic Level IV. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

Management of syndesmotic injuries: What is the evidence?

Ankle fractures are accompanied by a syndesmotic injury in about 10% of operatively treated ankle fractures. Usually, the total rupture of the syndesmotic ligaments with an external rotation force is associated with a Weber type B or C fracture or a Maisonneuve fracture. The clinical assessment should consist of a comprehensive history including mechanism of injury followed by a specific physical examination. Radiographs, and if in doubt magnetic resonance imaging, are needed to ascertain the syndesmotic injury. In the case of operative treatment the method of fixation, the height and number of screws and the need for hardware removal are still under discussion. Furthermore, intraoperative assessment of the accuracy of reduction of the fibula in the incisura using fluoroscopy is difficult. A possible solution might be the assessment with intraoperative three-dimensional imaging. The aim of this article is to provide a current concepts review of the clinical presentation, diagnosis and treatment of syndesmotic injuries.

Outcome of Early and Late Diagnosed Essex-Lopresti Injury.

Background: The aim of this study was to investigate the outcomes in a large series of Essex-Lopresti injuries (ELIs) and to compare patients with early and late diagnoses. Methods: Thirty-one patients with an ELI (average age and standard deviation [SD], 46 ± 10 years) who were followed for a minimum of 2 years were included in the study. Patients were grouped according to whether the ELI had been diagnosed early (on the day of the injury) or late (>4 weeks after the radial head injury). Acute treatment of early-diagnosed ELI included temporary stabilization of the distal radioulnar joint (DRUJ) by Kirschner wires with the forearm in supination for 6 weeks. Clinical outcomes were assessed on the basis of the range of motion, Mayo Elbow Performance Score (MEPS), Mayo Wrist Score (MWS), visual analog scale (VAS) score for wrist and elbow pain, and Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH) score. Results: The ELI was diagnosed on the day of the injury in 16 patients (52%; the early group) and late (at a mean of 7 ± 7 months; range, 1 to 24 months) in 15 (48%; the late group). After a mean duration of follow-up of 5.3 ± 3.0 years (range, 2.0 to 13.1 years), patients with an early diagnosed ELI had significantly better clinical outcomes, compared with those with a late diagnosis, with regard to the MEPS (91.3 ± 8.7 versus 74.7 ± 15.3, p = 0.003), MWS (81.3 ± 16.5 versus 66.3 ± 17.6, p = 0.019), DASH score (12.5 ± 8.7 versus 45.3 ± 23.5, p = 0.001), VAS elbow pain score (0.7 ± 1.1 versus 3.3 ± 2.1, p = 0.001), and VAS wrist pain score (0.9 ± 1.2 versus 3.9 ± 1.7, p < 0.001). The ranges of motion of the elbow and wrist did not differ significantly between the early and late groups (p > 0.05). A significantly lower percentage of patients had complications or subsequent surgical procedures in the early than in the late group (38% [6 of 16] versus 93% [14 of 15], p < 0.001). Conclusions: Early diagnosis of an ELI with temporary stabilization of the DRUJ leads to satisfactory clinical mid-term results, whereas late diagnosis of an ELI is associated with a deteriorated outcome. Level of Evidence: Therapeutic Level III. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

[Postoperative implant-associated osteomyelitis of the shoulder: Hardware-retaining revision concept using temporary drainage].

BACKGROUND Posttraumatic and postoperative osteomyelitis (PPO) is a subgroup of bone infections with increasing importance. However, to date no standardized reoperation concept exists particularly for patients with PPO of the shoulder region. Therefore the purpose of this study was to evaluate a revision concept including débridement, irrigation, and insertion of temporary drainage with hardware retention until healing. PATIENTS AND METHODS A total of 31 patients with PPO were included with a proximal humerus fracture (n = 14), clavicle fracture (n = 10), or AC-joint separation (n = 7). In all, 27 of these patients could be followed for > 1 year. RESULTS Hardware retention until fracture or ligament healing could be achieved in > 83%. Six patients required follow-up débridement due to recurrent infections, but then were unremarkable. Clinical outcome showed excellent Constant scores (91.6 ± 2.8). CONCLUSION A cost-efficient, simple, and successful revision concept for patients with PPO of the shoulder region is described.

Bursitis olecrani@@@Olecranon bursitis: Diagnostisches und therapeutisches Vorgehen@@@Diagnostic workup and treatment

ZusammenfassungDie Bursitis olecrani ist ein häufiges Krankheitsbild, dennoch ist die Behandlung nicht trivial und wird in der Literatur uneinheitlich dargestellt. Die akute, traumatisch bedingte Bursitis olecrani beim jungen Patienten ist in der Regel harmlos und selbstlimitierend. Die eitrige Bursitis ist dagegen rezidivträchtig und komplikationsbehaftet. Die Unterscheidung zwischen der eitrigen und nicht-eitrigen Bursitis olecrani ist grundlegend für eine erfolgreiche Behandlung. Das Ziel der Arbeit ist es daher, die wesentlichen Differenzierungsmerkmale zwischen der eitrigen und der nicht-eitrigen Bursitis darzulegen und einen Therapiealgorithmus vorzustellen, der die gängigen Behandlungskonzepte der jeweiligen Formen beinhaltet.AbstractOlecranon bursitis is a common medical condition. However, treatment is sometimes challenging and the recommendations in the literature are heterogeneous. Acute, posttraumatic olecranon bursitis in the young adult is usually uncomplicated and self-limited. In contrast, the course of septic bursitis can be complicated. Differentiation between septic and aseptic types of olecranon bursitis is fundamental for successful treatment. Therefore, the aim of this review is to present the main characteristics of septic and aseptic olecranon bursitis and to propose a treatment algorithm, which contains the currently accepted treatment recommendations.

Long-term results after non-operative and operative treatment of radial neck fractures in adults

BackgroundThe aim of this study is to determine the functional long-term outcome after non-operative and operative treatment of radial neck fractures in adults.MethodsThirty-four consecutive patients with a mean age of 46.4 (18.0 to 63.0) years with a fracture of the radial neck who were treated between 2000 and 2014 were examined regarding the clinical and radiological outcome. Twenty patients were treated non-operatively, and 14 patients underwent surgery.ResultsAfter a mean follow-up of 5.7 (2.0 to 15.7) years, the clinical scores showed good results in both groups. The Disabilities of Arm, Shoulder and Hand score was 16.1 (0 to 71.6) in the non-operative group and 8.8 (0 to 50.8) in the operative group, respectively. The Mayo Elbow Performance Score was 80.0 (30 to 95) in the non-operative group and 82.5 (35 to 95) in the non-operative group, respectively. The initial angle of the radial head towards the shaft (RHSA) was significantly higher in the operative group in the anterior-posterior plane (12.8° [2 to 23] vs. 26.3° [1 to 90], p = 0.015). In the follow-up radiographs, the RHSA was significantly lower in the operative group (15.1° [3 to 30] vs. 10.9° [3 to 18], p = 0.043). Five patients developed 7 complications in the non-operative group, and 7 patients developed 12 complications in the operative group. Revision rates were higher in the operative groups as 1 patient received radial head resection in the non-operative (5%) group while 7 patients in the operative group (50%) needed revision surgery.ConclusionA good functional long-term outcome can be expected after operative and non-operative treatment of radial neck fractures in adults. If needed due to major displacement, open reduction is associated with a higher risk of complications and the need for revision surgery but can achieve similar clinical results.Trial registrationDRKS DRKS00012836 (retrospectively registered)

Virtual guidance versus virtual implant planning system in the treatment of distal radius fractures

A virtual guidance framework is used to assist the conventional method of virtual implant planning system (VIPS). The study null hypothesis was that its screw placement accuracy is equal to that of conventional VIPS.

Wire Placement in the Sustentaculum Tali Using a 2D Projection-Based Software Application for Mobile C-Arms: Cadaveric Study

Background: Indirect screw fixation of the sustentaculum tali in the lateral-medial direction can be challenging due to the complex calcaneal anatomy. A novel 2-dimensional (2D) projection-based software application detects Kirschner wires (K-wires) and visualizes their intended direction as a colored trajectory. The aim of this prospectively randomized cadaver study was to investigate whether the software would facilitate the indirect K-wire placement in the sustentaculum tali. Methods: In 20 cadaver foot specimens, K-wires were placed indirectly in the sustentaculum tali by an experienced and an inexperienced surgeon, with and without using the application. Number of placement attempts, duration of procedure, fluoroscopy time, and number of individual fluoroscopy images were recorded. Each wire’s position was analyzed in a 3-dimensional (3D) C-arm scan by an experienced blinded investigator. Results: Use of the software by the inexperienced surgeon significantly reduced the number of placement attempts from 3.2 to 1.2 (P = .006). The application also reduced operating time, from 273 s to 199 s (P = .15), and fluoroscopy time, from 41 s to 29 s (P = .15). Using the software, the experienced surgeon had a longer operating time (139 s to 183 s; P = .30), longer fluoroscopy time (5.6 s to 9.2 s; P = .17), and more individual fluoroscopy images (11.6 to 14.8; P = .30). Wire position did not show significant differences in both cases. Conclusion: During indirect K-wire placement in the sustentaculum tali, the software appeared to be a useful tool for the inexperienced surgeon. In our chosen study setting, the experienced surgeon did not benefit from the software. Clinical Relevance: Possible indications for the software would be fractures of the proximal femur, sacrum, sacroiliac instabilities, vertebral bodies, scaphoid, Lisfranc joint, talus and calcaneus.

Upper ankle joint space detection on low contrast intraoperative fluoroscopic C-arm projections

Intraoperative mobile C-arm fluoroscopy is widely used for interventional verification in trauma surgery, high flexibility combined with low cost being the main advantages of the method. However, the lack of global device-to- patient orientation is challenging, when comparing the acquired data to other intrapatient datasets. In upper ankle joint fracture reduction accompanied with an unstable syndesmosis, a comparison to the unfractured contralateral site is helpful for verification of the reduction result. To reduce dose and operation time, our approach aims at the comparison of single projections of the unfractured ankle with volumetric images of the reduced fracture. For precise assessment, a pre-alignment of both datasets is a crucial step. We propose a contour extraction pipeline to estimate the joint space location for a prealignment of fluoroscopic C-arm projections containing the upper ankle joint. A quadtree-based hierarchical variance comparison extracts potential feature points and a Hough transform is applied to identify bone shaft lines together with the tibiotalar joint space. By using this information we can define the coarse orientation of the projections independent from the ankle pose during acquisition in order to align those images to the volume of the fractured ankle. The proposed method was evaluated on thirteen cadaveric datasets consisting of 100 projections each with manually adjusted image planes by three trauma surgeons. The results show that the method can be used to detect the joint space orientation. The correlation between angle deviation and anatomical projection direction gives valuable input on the acquisition direction for future clinical experiments.

Short-term radiographic results of a cemented polyethylene keeled glenoid component with varying backside radiuses of curvature

BACKGROUND This study analyzed the radiographic results of a cemented all-polyethylene keeled glenoid component available in different sizes and multiple backside radiuses of curvature. METHODS The study group consisted of 118 cases (114 patients). There were 63 women and 51 men. Mean age at the time of arthroplasty was 68 years (range, 51-85 years). True anterior-posterior radiographs obtained postoperatively and at the final follow-up were analyzed for implant seating and the occurrence of radiolucent lines. Glenoid morphology and fatty infiltration of the rotator cuff muscles were examined using computed tomography scans. Mean follow-up was 38 months (range, 24-70 months). RESULTS The mean radiolucent line score after surgery was 0.54 points (range, 0-3 points), and 90% had no or only 1 radiolucent line. At the final follow-up, the mean score was 1.06 points (range, 0-3 points), and 74% had no or only 1 radiolucent line. The score increased significantly over time (P < .001). No component was at risk for loosening. No correlation was found between patient age, sex, hand dominance, glenoid morphology, or fatty infiltration of the rotator cuff muscles and the occurrence of radiolucent lines. CONCLUSION In the short-term, the glenoid component analyzed in this study showed promising radiographic results, with a low number of radiolucent lines without failure. However, the mean radiolucent line score increased significantly over time, and long-term observations are necessary to confirm a possible advantage compared with older component designs.