Nina Fisher

Percutaneous Repair of a Schatzker III Tibial Plateau Fracture Assisted by Arthroscopy

Purpose: Tibial plateau fractures are articular fractures that sometimes prove difficult to effectively manage and treat. Although fluoroscopy is frequently used to assess the articular reduction in the surgical repair of tibial plateau fractures, this video demonstrates the additional benefit of arthroscopy in assisting with the articular reconstruction of a Schatzker III tibial plateau fracture. Methods: The goal of operative treatment of tibial plateau is reconstruction of the articular surface followed by reestablishment of tibial alignment. Arthroscopy has been advocated as a possible supplement to the operative treatment of tibial plateau fractures. Arthroscopy-assisted fracture reduction has been shown to provide a significantly improved visualization of fracture fragment displacement when compared with traditional fluoroscopy use in select cases. Results: This video demonstrates the use of arthroscopy to visualize the articular surface and aid in reduction during fixation of a tibial plateau fracture. Initially, arthroscopic visualization confirms depression of lateral tibial plateau and the elevation of the fractured segment. After fixation with 2 partially threaded cancellous screws, arthroscopy confirms articular reduction and normal relation of lateral meniscus to the articular surface. Conclusions: Arthroscopic visualization is a reliable technique for assessing articular reduction during surgical repair of a tibial plateau fracture. In addition, this technique enables the surgeon to assess for soft tissue injuries that could potentially go undiagnosed.

Racial disparities in outcomes of operatively treated lower extremity fractures

PurposeWhether racial differences are associated with function in the long term following surgical repair of lower extremity fractures has not been investigated. The purpose of this study is to compare how race affects function at 3, 6 and 12xa0months post-surgery following certain lower extremity fractures.MethodsFour hundred and eighteen patients treated operatively for a lower extremity fracture (199 tibial plateau, 39 tibial shaft, and 180 rotational ankle fractures) were prospectively followed for 1xa0year. Race was stratified into four groups: Caucasian, African-American, Hispanic origin, and other. Long-term outcomes were evaluated using the short musculoskeletal function assessment (SMFA) and pain scores were assessed at 3, 6xa0months and 1xa0year.ResultsThere were 223 (53.3%) Caucasians, 72 (17.2%) African-Americans, 53 (12.4%) Hispanics, and 71 (17.0%) patients from other ethnic groups, included in our study population. Minority patients (African-American, Hispanics, etc.) were more likely to be involved in high velocity mechanisms of injury and tended to have a greater percentage of open fractures. Although there were no differences in the rate of wound complications or reoperations, long-term functional outcomes were worse in minority patients as assessed by pain scores at 6xa0months and functional outcome scores at 3, 6 and 12xa0months. Multivariate analysis revealed that only African-American and Hispanic race continued to be independent predictors of worse functional outcomes at 12xa0months.ConclusionsRacial minorities and those on medicaid had poorer long-term function following fractures of the lower extremity. While minority patients were involved in more high velocity accidents, this was not an independent predictor of worse outcomes. These disparities may result from multifactorial socioeconomic factors, including socioeconomic status and education levels that were not controlled in our study.Level of evidencePrognostic Level III.

Repair of Bimalleolar Ankle Fracture

Purpose: The incidence of ankle fractures is rapidly increasing in geriatric populations. Of the 4 fracture patterns described by the Lauge-Hansen classification system, supination-external rotation (SER) accounts for most ankle fractures. This video demonstrates surgical repair of a SER type 4 ankle fracture in a geriatric patient. Methods: SER type 4 ankle fractures are considered unstable and are generally treated with surgical fixation. After placement of plate and screws, intraoperative stress tests can be used to assess for syndesmotic widening. If necessary, the syndesmosis can be reduced open, with screw fixation placed parallel to the joint. Patients are kept non–weight-bearing for 6 weeks after surgery. Results: This video, shot on an iPhone 6S, shows the case of a 66-year-old female status after a fall with twisting mechanism resulting in an unstable SER type 4 fracture requiring operative repair. Intraoperative stress test revealed medial clear space widening requiring syndesmotic reduction. Conclusions: SER type 4 ankle fractures are a common injury that must be properly managed to return patients to baseline functional status. The surgical technique described in this video provides for good stabilization and allows for early range of motion with advancement to weight-bearing as tolerated at 6 weeks postoperatively.

Repair of Displaced Partial Articular Fracture of the Distal Femur: The Hoffa Fracture

Purpose: The Hoffa fracture is a rare fracture pattern consisting of a unicondylar posterior fracture of the distal femur. This video demonstrates a case of Hoffa fracture repair using headless screw compression. Methods: Hoffa fractures are intra-articular in nature. Given that isolated Hoffa fractures are rare, there is little information available as to the best management of this injury. However, several small studies have demonstrated good-to-excellent functional results after anatomical reduction and rigid fixation of the Hoffa fracture, followed by early mobilization. Results: This video presents a case of surgical repair of a Hoffa fracture, and contaminant meniscal repair, in a 25-year-old man. Partially threaded, headless compression screws provide for independent compression of the fracture after placement. Conclusions: The Hoffa fracture is a rare injury typically seen after high-energy trauma. The surgical technique for treatment of the Hoffa fracture as seen in this video provides good stabilization and enables for early range of motion.

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.

Femoral Nonunion With Iliac Crest Bone Graft

Purpose: Fracture nonunion is a common problem for todays orthopaedic surgeon. However, many techniques are currently available for the treatment of long-bone nonunion. This video demonstrates the use of iliac crest bone graft and plate stabilization in the setting of a hypertrophic femoral nonunion. Methods: Treatment of femoral nonunion after intramedullary nail fixation using compression plating and bone grafting is a reliable technique for reducing pain, improving function, and achieving radiographic union. Furthermore, the use of autologous bone graft, in particular iliac crest bone graft, has provided reliable clinical results. Results: In this video, we present the case of a hypertrophic femoral nonunion treated with supplemental bone grafting in addition to plate and screw fixation. Conclusions: Although femoral nonunions are a relatively rare occurrence, they can be reasonably treated using stabilization and supplemental bone grafting. Iliac crest bone graft provides for excellent results when used for treatment of a fracture nonunion.

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%.

Acute Compartment Syndrome of the Leg

Introduction: Acute compartment syndrome (ACS) is well known among orthopaedic surgeons. The timely diagnosis and management of ACS is crucial to avoiding its sequelae, including renal failure, ischemic contractures, and limb loss. Despite its relative importance, ACS poses a challenge to many residents and clinicians as diagnosis relies largely on clinical judgment. Methods: Timely diagnosis and thorough compartment release are essential to optimizing outcomes in ACS. This video highlights a clinical case in which compartment syndrome of the leg was considered, diagnosed, and surgically managed. Results: This video will present the indications for compartment release and a video-guided demonstration of compartment checks using an arterial line transducer, a 4-compartment fasciotomy with 2 incisions, and temporizing vessel loop closure. Conclusions: Compartment syndrome can be a devastating complication of common fractures. It is essential that orthopaedic practitioners understand the immediacy of intervention. We have a responsibility to provide timely, accurate diagnosis along with expedient surgical management.

Scaling Marker Position Determines the Accuracy of Digital Templating for Total Hip Arthroplasty

BackgroundDigital templating systems foster patient-specific measurements for preoperative planning.Questions/PurposesWe aim (1) to verify the accuracy of a templating system, (2) to describe the effects of scaling marker position on the accuracy of digital templating of the hip, and (3) to provide a practical guide for scaling marker position using patient body mass index (BMI).MethodsA scaling sphere was placed in five positions along the anterior-posterior axis of an acetabular implant and pelvis phantom, and x-rays were obtained. Each radiograph was templated for the acetabular component and recorded. A retrospective review identified CT scans of preoperative hip arthroplasty cases. The center of the greater trochanter was calculated from these CT scans as the percent distance from the anterior thigh and recorded with the patient’s BMI.ResultsBy centering the scaling sphere on the acetabular component, an accurate cup size was achieved. A difference of 3.5xa0cm in sphere placement resulted in a full cup size magnification error. Positioning the scaling sphere at the level of the pubic symphysis resulted in a difference of four cup sizes. This patient population had an average BMI of 28.72xa0kg/m2 (standard deviation 6.26xa0kg/m2) and an average position of the center of the greater trochanter of 51% (standard deviation of 6%) from the anterior surface of thigh.ConclusionsDigital templating relies on scaling marker position to accurately estimate implant size. Based on the findings in this study, scaling markers for hip imaging should be placed laterally, mid-thigh in the anterior-posterior direction for patients with a BMI between 25 and 40xa0kg/m2. If abnormal hip anatomy or extremes of BMI are discovered, then scaling sphere positioning should be optimized on a case-by-case basis. Digital templating systems for total hip arthroplasty must use precisely placed scaling markers at the level of the hip joint to allow for accurate implant size estimation.

Fracture Severity Based on Classification Does Not Predict Outcome Following Proximal Humerus Fracture

This study was conducted to determine whether proximal humerus fracture patterns as defined by the Orthopaedic Trauma Association (AO/OTA) classification and the Neer 4-part system predicted functional outcomes for patients treated with open reduction and internal fixation with locked plates and, if so, which system correlated better with outcomes. During a 12-year period, 213 patients with a displaced proximal humerus fracture who underwent surgical treatment with a locking plate at 1 academic institution were prospectively followed. All patients were treated in a similar way and were followed by the operating surgeon at routine intervals. Functional outcomes were measured with the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH) questionnaire. Of these patients, 164 were available for analysis. Functional outcomes based on DASH scores did not differ significantly by Neer system, AO/OTA classification, or varus/valgus humeral head alignment at more than 12 months postoperatively. However, patients with Neer 4-part fracture and AO/OTA type 11-C fracture had worse shoulder range of motion in terms of forward elevation and external rotation. Time to healing and complication rates also were not significantly different based on either classification system. Fracture classification can predict shoulder range of motion 12 months after surgical fixation, but its use is limited in predicting functional outcome scores, time to healing, and complication rates. Patients who undergo surgical repair of a proximal humerus fracture can expect good functional results independent of the initial injury pattern, but more severe fracture patterns may lead to decreased shoulder range of motion. [Orthopedics. 2017; 40(6):368-374.].