Mark J. Gage

Impact of metabolic syndrome on perioperative complication rates after total joint arthroplasty surgery.

This study investigated the impact of metabolic syndrome (MetS) on perioperative and postoperative complication rates: the results of a cohort of 168 total hip and knee arthroplasties, 63 of normal weight, 105 with obesity without risk factors for metabolic syndrome and 39 with obesity and other factors that classify them with metabolic syndrome. Patients with metabolic syndrome were more likely to have complications than those without metabolic syndrome (P=0.0156). Perioperative and postoperative complication rates for the MetS and control groups were 35.9% and 16.3%, respectively. Elevated BMI was the element of MetS that had the largest impact on post-surgical complication rates, and this was statistically significant (P=0.0028). The presence of MetS in patients undergoing total joint arthroplasty has a significant impact on surgical complication rates. This cannot be attributed to the BMI component alone, and may help guide efforts of patient optimization prior to total joint arthroplasty.

Uses of Negative Pressure Wound Therapy in Orthopedic Trauma

Negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT) is a useful management tool in the treatment of traumatic wounds and high-risk incisions after surgery. Since its development nearly 2 decades ago, uses and indications of NPWT have expanded, allowing its use in a variety of clinical scenarios. In addition to providing a brief summary on its mechanism of action, this article provides a focused, algorithmic approach on the use of NPWT by reviewing the available data, the appropriate clinical scenarios and indications, and the specific strategies that can be used to maximize outcomes.

Femoral malrotation after intramedullary nailing in obese versus non-obese patients

OBJECTIVE Intramedullary nailing (IMN) of obese patients with femoral fractures can be difficult due to soft tissue considerations and overall body habitus. Complications including malrotation can occur and have significant impact on postoperative function. The purpose of this study was to evaluate femoral rotation after intramedullary nailing of obese and non-obese patients to see if there was a difference in rotation, complications and any risk factors for malrotation. MATERIALS AND METHODS Between 2000 and 2009, 417 consecutive patients with femur fractures treated with IM nail at Level I trauma and tertiary referral center. Of these, 335 with postoperative computed tomography (CT) scanogram of the bilateral lower extremities were included in this study. Baseline demographic, perioperative and postoperative femoral version calculations were included in the dataset. Statistical analysis included chi-squared test for categorical data, t-test for continuous data, and univariate and multivariate regression analysis. Significance was set at p<0.05. RESULTS Of the 417 patients with femur fractures between 2000 and 2009, 335 met criteria for this study. There were 111 patients with a BMI <25, 129 with BMI 25-29.9, and 95 patients with a BMI >30. When BMI was categorised into 3 groups (<25, 25-29.9, or 30+), none of these groups were predictive of version in univariate or multivariate regressions. Among only obese patients (BMI 30+), BMI of 35+ was not a significant predictor of version when compared to BMI 30-34.9. There were no significant differences in femoral version based on entry point (antegrade vs. retrograde) in any BMI category. There were also no significant difference between groups of patients with a DFV of >15̊ (p=0.212). CONCLUSIONS Based on this study, BMI did not have an effect on postoperative difference in femoral version. In fact, in our multivariate regression analysis, BMI of over 30 was actually predictive of significantly lower difference in femoral version. While other studies have documented the intraoperative difficulties encountered with obese patients with femur fractures, the outcome of femoral rotation is not affected by an increasing BMI.

Leiomyosarcoma of the splenic vein

Leiomyosarcomas are smooth muscle-derived tumors generally found intra-abdominally in the retoperitoneum, mesentery, or omentum. Only approximately 5% of these tumors originate from vessel wall smooth muscle. Those derived from the splenic vein are exceedingly rare, with only one previously published case in the literature. We present a second case of leiomyosarcoma of the splenic vein in a 58-year-old woman with 2 months of epigastric pain. A distal pancreatectomy was performed to include the tumor found centered in the splenic vein at the splenic and portal vein confluence and growing into the pancreas in the body on the posterior aspect. A saphenous vein patch was used for reconstruction.

Articular cartilage skiving: the concept defined.

‘Skiving’ is commonly used to refer to the condition when the subchondral plate is disrupted and the overlying cartilage physically displaced without the screw tip entering the joint. In this study we sought to define radiographic parameters of skiving and compare radiographs with computed tomography (CT) for accuracy in determining joint skiving. Cadaveric specimens of the distal radius were implanted with a volar plate and screws. Arthrotomies were performed to definitively assess the positions of the screws. Standard and anatomic tilt radiographs as well as CT were performed. Orthopaedic surgeons and radiologists evaluated the images and reported whether screw penetration or skiving had occurred. For screws which penetrated or skived, measurements were made to record the distances from the screw tips to the subchondral plate. Sensitivity, specificity and percent correct interpretations were 53%, 83%, 60% respectively for radiographs; and 100%, 72%, 69% for CT. Screws penetrating the articular surface protruded an average 2.3 mm (range 2–2.6 mm) from the subchondral plate and those skiving protruded 1.4 mm (range 1–1.8 mm). This study shows that articular skiving can occur with penetration of the subchondral plate of up to 1.8 mm. CT has a greater sensitivity and lower specificity in determining skiving compared to radiographs.

Dead Space Management After Orthopaedic Trauma: Tips, Tricks, and Pitfalls.

Dead space is defined as the residual tissue void after tissue loss. This may occur due to tissue necrosis after high-energy trauma, infection, or surgical debridement of nonviable tissue. This review provides an update on the state of the art and recent advances in the management of osseous and soft tissue defects. Specifically, our focus will be on the initial dead space assessment, provisional management of osseous and soft tissue defects, techniques for definitive reconstruction, and dead space management in the setting of infection. Level of Evidence: Therapeutic Level V. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

Acute Treatment Patterns for Lower Extremity Trauma in the United States: Flaps versus Amputation

Background Treatment algorithms for large soft tissue defects in lower extremity trauma are not clearly defined. The aim of this study is to determine if there are geographic or demographic differences in the management of open tibia fractures with soft tissue defects requiring either soft tissue reconstruction or amputation in the United States (US). Methods A retrospective analysis was performed on the Nationwide Inpatient Sample (NIS), 2000 to 2011. We evaluated flap and amputation rates in the open tibia fractures with soft tissue defects based on geographic and socioeconomic factors. Results From 2000 to 2011, there were 175,283 open tibia fractures in the US; 7.2% (n = 12,620) had a concomitant soft tissue defect requiring either flap or amputation. The overall flap rate was 73.2% (n = 9,235). When compared with the South at 68%, flap rates were highest in the West at 79% (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] = 2.06; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.49, 2.86; p < 0.0001), followed by the Northeast at 77% (AOR = 1.63; 95% CI = 1.22, 2.19; p = 0.001), and the Midwest at 74% (AOR = 1.76; 95% CI = 1.25, 2.47; p = 0.001). Flap rates were lower in the rural hospitals in the West (AOR = 0.24; 95% CI = 0.07, 0.84; p = 0.03) and Northeast (AOR = 0.55; 95% CI = 0.37, 0.82; p = 0.003) when compared with the urban hospitals. Flap rates were highest in the highest income quartile at 77% (AOR = 1.53; 95% CI = 1.05, 2.25; p = 0.03) compared with 72% in the lowest income quartile. Conclusions Reconstruction rates were significantly higher in three major US regions when compared with the South, urban hospitals in the West and Northeast, and the highest income quartile.

Intramedullary Nailing and Adjunct Permanent Plate Fixation in Complex Tibia Fractures.

Summary: The use of adjunct plate fixation is known to be a useful reduction aid during intramedullary nailing of the proximal tibia. We have expanded the indications beyond aiding the reduction and now use these plates as an adjunct to intramedullary nailing during the healing period. Specific indications include diaphyseal tibial fractures with severe bone loss/comminution and segmental tibial fractures with or without intraarticular extension. We believe the adjunctive permanent plate fixation technique may offer a treatment solution in these selected situations with the added benefit of immediate weight bearing.

Segmental Bone Defect Treated With the Induced Membrane Technique

Purpose: Posttraumatic bone defects in the setting of severe open injuries of the lower extremity present a significant challenge for orthopaedic trauma surgeons. The induced membrane technique, also known as the Masquelet technique, has been shown to be generally successful in achieving bony union. This video demonstrates the use of the Masquelet technique for a large (18 cm) femoral defect. Methods: The Masquelet technique is a 2-stage process. The first stage involves debridement of all devitalized tissue, using open reduction and internal fixation, and placement of a cement spacer with or without antibiotics. In the second stage, which is performed at least 6 weeks after the first, the spacer is removed and the resulting void is filled with bone graft. Results: This surgical case video reviews the relevant patient injury presentation, initial management, and indications for the Masquelet technique. The second stage of the Masquelet technique is featured in this video. Conclusions: The Masquelet technique is a generally reliable method for treating large segmental bone defects. In addition, this relatively simple technique is suitable for both infected and noninfected cases.

Posterior Fracture Dislocation of the Shoulder: A Modified McLaughlin Procedure

Purpose: Bilateral posterior fracture dislocation is a rare injury commonly associated with seizures. When the humeral head defect (reverse Hill–Sachs lesion) is between 20% and 45%, operative fixation using a modified McLaughlin procedure is recommended. This video demonstrates a case of bilateral posterior fracture dislocation after a drug-induced seizure treated with a modified McLaughlin procedure. Methods: The original McLaughlin procedure involved transfer of the subscapularis tendon from the lesser tuberosity to the reverse Hill–Sachs defect. However, the modified McLaughlin procedure is more commonly described in the literature as of late and involved the transfer of the lesser tuberosity along with the subscapularis. Results: This video demonstrates the modified McLaughlin technique for a posterior fracture dislocation. Computerized tomography confirms the articular impression fractures of the proximal humerus. Through a deltopectoral approach, the lesser tuberosity along with the subscapularis tendon was transferred into the defect. Conclusions: The modified McLaughlin procedure demonstrates excellent clinical and radiographic results after posterior fracture dislocation of the shoulder with a reverse Hill–Sachs lesion between 25% and 45%.