Sandy Vang

Surgery for scapula process fractures: Good outcome in 26 patients

Background Generally, scapula process fractures (coracoid and acromion) have been treated nonoperatively with favorable outcome, with the exception of widely displaced fractures. Very little has been published, however, regarding the operative management of such fractures and the literature that is available involves very few patients. Our hypothesis was that operative treatment of displaced acromion and coracoid fractures is a safe and effective treatment that yields favorable surgical results. Methods We reviewed 26 consecutive patients (27 fractures) treated between 1998 and 2007. Operative indications for these process fractures included either a painful nonunion, a concomitant ipsilateral operative scapula fracture, ≥ 1 cm of displacement on X-ray, or a multiple disruption of the superior shoulder suspensory complex. All patients were followed until they were asymptomatic, displayed radiographic fracture union, and had recovered full motion with no pain. Patients and results 21 males and 5 females, mean age 36 (18–67) years, were included in the study. 18 patients had more than one indication for surgery. Of the 27 fractures, there were 13 acromion fractures and 14 coracoid fractures. 1 patient was treated for both a coracoid and an acromion fracture. Fracture patterns for the acromion included 6 acromion base fractures and 7 fractures distal to the base. Coracoid fracture patterns included 11 coracoid base fractures and 3 fractures distal to the base. Mean follow-up was 11 (2–42) months. All fractures united and all patients had recovered full motion with no pain at the time of final follow-up. 3 patients underwent removal of hardware due to irritation from hardware components that were too prominent. There were no other complications. Interpretation While most acromion and coracoid fractures can be treated nonoperatively with satisfactory results, operative management may be indicated for displaced fractures and double lesions of the superior shoulder suspensory complex.

Surgical Time of Day Does Not Affect Outcome Following Hip Fracture Fixation

Background: Due to the need for medical optimization and congested operating room schedules, surgical repair is often performed at night. Studies have shown that work done at night increases complications. The primary aim of our study is to compare the rates of complications and 30-day mortality between 2 surgical times of day, daytime group (DTG, 07:00-15:59) and nighttime group (NTG, 16:00-06:59). Methods: Retrospective chart review from 2005 through 2010. Setting: Level 1 Trauma Center. Participants: 1443 patients with hip fracture, age ≥50 years with isolated injury and surgical treatment of the fracture. Main Outcomes and Measures: Thirty-day mortality and complications: myocardial infarction, cardiac event, stroke, central nervous system event, pneumonia, urinary tract infection, postoperative wound infection, and bleeding requiring transfusion of 3 or more red blood cell units. Results: A total of 859 patients met the inclusion criteria; 668 patients in the DTG and 191 patients in the NTG. The 30-day mortality was 7.8%. The complication rate was 28%. No difference was found in 30-day mortality or complication rate based on the time of day the surgery was performed (P = 1.0 and P = .92, respectively). This remained unchanged when controlling for health status and surgical complexity. Age (odds ratio = 1.03/year), Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI; odds ratio = 1.21), and American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA; odds ratio = 1.85) score were predictive of adverse outcomes. Conclusion: Surgical time of day did not affect 30-day mortality or total number of complications. Age, ASA score, and CCI were associated with adverse outcomes.

Progressive displacement of clavicular fractures in the early postinjury period

BACKGROUND Historically, minimally to moderately displaced clavicular fractures have been managed nonoperatively. However, there is no clear evidence on whether clavicular fractures can progressively displace following injury and whether such displacement might influence decisions for surgery. METHODS We retrospectively reviewed data on 56 patients who received operative treatment for clavicular fractures at our institution from February 2002 to February 2007 and identified those patients who were initially managed nonoperatively based on radiographic evaluation (<2 cm displacement) and then subsequently went on to meet operative indications (≥2 cm displacement) as a result of progressive displacement. Standardized radiographic measurements for horizontal shortening (medial-lateral displacement) and vertical translation (cephalad-caudad displacement) were developed and used. RESULTS Fifteen patients with clavicle fractures initially displaced less than 2 cm and treated nonoperatively underwent later surgery because of progressive displacement (14 diaphyseal and 1 lateral). Radiographs performed during the injury workup and at a mean of 14.8 days postinjury demonstrated that progressive deformity had taken place. Ten of 15 patients (67%) displayed progressive horizontal shortening. Average change in horizontal shortening between that of the injury radiographs and the repeat radiographs in this group was 14.3 mm (5.9-29 mm). Thirteen of 15 patients (87%) displayed progressive vertical translation. Eight of 15 patients (53%) displayed both progressive horizontal shortening and vertical translation. CONCLUSION We have demonstrated that a significant proportion of clavicle fractures (27% of our operative cases over a 5-year period) are minimally displaced at presentation, but are unstable and demonstrate progressive deformity during the first few weeks after injury. Because of this experience, we recommend close monitoring of nonoperatively managed clavicular fractures in the early postinjury period. A prudent policy is to obtain serial radiographic evaluation for 3 weeks, even for initially, minimally displaced clavicle fractures.

Serum and Wound Vancomycin Levels After Intrawound Administration in Primary Total Joint Arthroplasty

BACKGROUND Periprosthetic joint infection is the most common cause of readmissions after total joint arthroplasty (TJA). Intrawound vancomycin powder (VP) has reduced infection rates in spine surgery; however, there are no data regarding VP in primary TJA. METHODS Thirty-four TJA patients received 2 g of VP intraoperatively to investigate VPs pharmacokinetics. Serum and wound concentrations were measured at multiple intervals over 24 hours after closure. RESULTS All serum concentrations were subtherapeutic (<15μg/mL) and peaked 12 hours after closure (4.7μg/mL; standard deviation [SD], 3.2). Wound concentrations were 922 μg/mL (SD, 523) 3 hours after closure and 207 μg/mL (SD, 317) at 24 hours. VP had a half-life of 7.2 hours (95% confidence interval, 7.0-9.3) in TJA wounds. CONCLUSIONS VP produced highly therapeutic intrawound concentrations while yielding low systemic levels in TJA. VP may serve as a safe adjunct in the prevention of periprosthetic joint infection.

The assessment of scapular radiographs: Analysis of anteroposterior radiographs of the shoulder and the effect of rotational offset on the glenopolar angle

The glenopolar angle assesses the rotational alignment of the glenoid and may provide prognostic information and aid the management of scapula fractures. We have analysed the effect of the anteroposterior (AP) shoulder radiograph rotational offset on the glenopolar angle in a laboratory setting and used this to assess the accuracy of shoulder imaging employed in routine clinical practice. Fluoroscopic imaging was performed on 25 non-paired scapulae tagged with 2 mm steel spheres to determine the orientation of true AP views. The glenopolar angle was measured on all the bony specimens rotated at 10° increments. The mean glenopolar angle measured on the bone specimens in rotations between 0° and 20° and thereafter was found to be significantly different (p < 0.001). We also obtained the AP radiographs of the uninjured shoulder of 30 patients treated for fractures at our centre and found that none fitted the criteria of a true AP shoulder radiograph. The mean angular offset from the true AP view was 38° (10° to 65°) for this cohort. Radiological AP shoulder views may not fully project the normal anatomy of the scapular body and the measured glenopolar angle. The absence of a true AP view may compromise the clinical management of a scapular fracture.

The effect of early operative stabilization on late displacement of zone I and II sacral fractures

INTRODUCTION This study was designed to evaluate the effect on displacement of early operative stabilization on unstable fractures when compared to stable fractures of the sacrum. METHODS Patient consisted of those sustaining traumatic pelvic fractures that also included sacral fractures of Denis type I and type II classification, who were over 18 at the time of the study. Patients were managed emergently, as judged appropriate at the time and then subsequently divided into two cohorts, comprising those who were either treated operatively or non-operatively. The operative group comprised those treated with either internal fixation or external fixation. RESULTS Twenty-eight patients had zone II fractures, and 20 had zone I fractures. Zone II fractures showed average displacements of 6.5mm and 6.9mm in the rostral-caudal and anteroposterior directions, respectively, at final follow up. Zone I fractures had average displacements of 6.6mm and 6.1mm in both directions. There were no significant differences between zone I and II sacral fractures (rostral-caudal P=0.74, anteroposterior P=0.24). Average changes in fracture displacement in patients with zone I fractures were 0.6-1.0mm in both directions. Average changes in zone II fractures were 1.8-1.5mm in both directions. There were no significant differences between the average changes in zone I and II fractures in any direction (rostral-caudal P=0.64, anteroposterior P=0.68) or in average displacements at final follow up in any of zone or the entire cohort. Statistically significant differences were noted in average changes in displacement in zone II fractures in the anteroposterior plane (P=0.03) and the overall cohort in the anteroposterior plane (P=0.02). CONCLUSION Operative fixation for unstable sacral fractures ensures displacement at follow up is comparable with stable fractures treated non operatively.

Intra-articular Hematoma Block Compared to Procedural Sedation for Closed Reduction of Ankle Fractures:

Background: Initial treatment for a displaced ankle fracture is closed reduction and splinting. This is typically performed in conjunction with either an intra-articular hematoma block (IAHB) or procedural sedation (PS) to assist with pain control. The purpose of this study was to compare the safety of IAHB to PS and evaluate the efficiency and efficacy for each method. Methods: A retrospective chart review for ankle fractures requiring manipulation was performed for patients seen in a level I trauma center from 2005 to 2016. The primary outcome was rate of successful reduction. Several secondary outcome measures were defined: reduction attempts, time until successful reduction, time spent in the emergency department (ED), rate of hospital admission, and adverse events. The analysis included 221 patients who received IAHB and 114 patients who received PS. Results: The demographics between the 2 groups were similar, with the exception that more patients with a dislocation received PS, which prompted a subgroup analysis. This analysis demonstrated that patients with an ankle fracture and associated tibiotalar joint subluxation underwent closed reduction in a shorter period of time with the use of an IAHB compared with those receiving PS. In patients sustaining a tibiotalar fracture dislocation, patients receiving PS were successfully reduced with 1 reduction attempt more frequently than those receiving IAHB. Orthopedic surgeons also had higher rates of success on first attempt compared with ED providers. Conclusion: Both IAHB and PS were excellent options for analgesia that resulted in high rates of successful closed reduction of ankle fractures with adequate safety. IAHB can be considered a first-line agent for patients with an ankle fracture and associated joint subluxation. Level of Evidence: Level III, retrospective comparative series.

Effect of Pregnancy, Labor, Delivery and Postpartum on Physiological Pubic Symphysis Diastasis [23I]

INTRODUCTION: This study describes physiological pubic symphysis diastasis (PSD) and factors that affect PSD; whether the changes occur in pregnancy, labor or delivery; and whether postpartum regression occurs. METHODS: This prospective cohort enrolled 91 term nulliparous, English-speaking women, age >18 into three groups: 45 vaginal deliveries, 22 labored cesarean (CS) deliveries and 24 non-labored CS deliveries. PSD was assessed via pain scores and supine radiographs within 48 hours of delivery and after 6, 12 and 24 weeks. Maternal, fetal, labor and delivery variables were recorded. Analyses were performed using SAS 9.3. RESULTS: The overall mean PSD was 7.6 (SD 2.2). There was no difference in the mean PSD of women delivering vaginally (7.18 mm) versus CS (8.04 mm) (P=0.077). The mean PSD for labored and non-labored CS showed no difference. No intrapartum events impacted the degree of PSD. Pain scores correlated with degree of PSD (C=0.22) and regressed over time. Normalization (4–5 mm) of pregnancy PSD occurred by 6 weeks post partum. Physiological separation >10 mm was associated with increased pain scores postpartum and also occurred in patients undergoing elective cesarean. CONCLUSION: Physiological PSD occurs during pregnancy with minimal effects of labor and delivery as assessed immediately postpartum. Cesarean delivery does not prevent physiological PSD but protects against pathological PSD. The data supports physiological PSD as a hormone-related change. We hypothesize that elastic expansion and recoil of the pubic symphysis occurs with vaginal delivery.