Steven J. Morgan

Analysis of Efficacy and Failure in Proximal Humerus Fractures Treated With Locking Plates

Objective: The purpose of this study was to determine the efficacy of proximal humerus locking plates (PHLP) and to clarify predictors of loss of fixation. Design: Retrospective review of patients with proximal humerus fractures fixed with a PHLP. Setting: Five Level 1 trauma centers. Patients: One hundred fifty-three patients (111 female, 42 male) 18 years or older with a displaced fracture or fracture-dislocation of the proximal humerus treated with a PHLP between January 1, 2001 and July 31, 2005. Intervention: Demographic data, trauma mechanism, surgical approach, and perioperative complications were collected from the medical records. Fracture classification according to the AO/OTA, radiographic head-shaft angle, and screw tip-articular surface distance in true anteroposterior (AP) and axillary lateral radiographs of the shoulder were measured postoperatively. Varus malreduction was defined as a head-shaft angle of <120 degrees. Main Outcome Measurements: Statistical analysis was done to establish correlations between loss of fixation and postoperative head-shaft angle in the true AP radiograph, patient age, fracture type, trauma mechanism, number of locking head screws, and type of plate. Results: The mean age was 62.3 ± 15.4 years (22-92) and the mean injury severity score (ISS) was 9.5 ± 10.16 (4-57; n = 73). The surgical approach was deltopectoral (90.2%) or transdeltoid (9.8%). No intraoperative complications were reported. The mean postoperative head-shaft angle was 130 degrees (95 degrees to 160 degrees; SD = 13). The overall incidence of loss of fixation was 13.7%. There was a statistically significant association between varus reduction (<120 degrees) and loss of fixation (30.4% when the head-shaft angle was <120 degrees versus 11% when the head-shaft angle was ≥120 degrees; P = 0.02). Conclusion: This series presents the experience using PHLP in 5 Level 1 trauma centers. There were no intraoperative complications related to the locking plate systems. Despite the use of fixed-angle devices, loss of fixation occurred, primarily in the presence of varus malreduction. Our findings suggest that avoiding varus should substantially decrease the risk of postoperative failures.

Early predictors of mortality in hemodynamically unstable pelvis fractures.

Objectives: To determine reliable, early indicators of mortality and causes of death in hemodynamically unstable patients with pelvic ring injuries. Design: This was a retrospective review of a prospective pelvic database. Methods: In all, 187 hemodynamically unstable patients with pelvic fractures (persistent systolic blood pressure <90 mm Hg after receiving 2 L of intravenous crystalloid) admitted from April 1998 to November 2004 were included. Intervention was Level 1 Trauma Center-Pelvis Fracture standardized protocol. Main outcome measurements were: Injury Severity Score (ISS), Revised Trauma Score (RTS), age, blood transfusion, mortality, and multisystem organ failure (MOF). Results: Group 1 (39 patients) did not survive their injury. Group 2 (148 patients) survived their injury. Fracture pattern (χ2 = 9.1, P = 0.33), and treatment with angiography/embolization (χ2 = 0.054, P = 0.84) were not predictive of death. Patients requiring more blood had a statistically significant higher mortality rate. The ISS (t = −5.62, P < 0.001), RTS (t = 6.10, P < 0.001), age >60 years old (χ2 = 5.4, P = 0.03), and transfusion (t = −2.70, P = 0.010) were statistically significant independent predictors of mortality. A logistic regression analysis and receiver operating characteristic curves indicated that of these variables, RTS was the most predictive independent variable. However, a model including all four variables was superior at predicting mortality. Most deaths were attributed to exsanguination (74.4%) or MOF (17.9%). Conclusions: Predictors of mortality in pelvis fracture patients should be available early in the course of treatment in order to be useful. Death within 24 hours was most often a result of acute blood loss while death after 24 hours was most often caused by MOF. Improved survival will depend upon the evolution of early hemorrhage control and resuscitative strategies in patients at high mortality risk.

Syndesmosis Fixation: A Comparison of Three and Four Cortices of Screw Fixation Without Hardware Removal:

Background: Great variability exists in methods of stabilization for syndesmotic disruptions of the ankle. We hypothesized that syndesmotic screw fixation with 3.5-mm fully threaded cortical screws through either three or four cortices would have similar strength and rate of mechanical failure and that retention of screws after fracture healing would not result in adverse clinical symptoms. Methods: In a prospective, surgeon-randomized study at a Level-one trauma center, 127 patients with syndesmotic disruptions were treated surgically. Seven patients were lost to followup, leaving 120 for review. Syndesmotic disruptions were stabilized with 3.5-mm fully threaded cortical screws placed through three or four cortices. Screws were removed only if symptomatic. Outcome criteria were screw failure, loss of reduction, and need for hardware removal. Results: Fifty-nine patients received fixation through three cortices and 61 patients received fixation through four cortices. Mean follow-up was 150 days. In the group with stabilization through three cortices, hardware failure occurred in five patients (8%) and three had a loss of reduction. In the group with stabilization through four cortices, hardware failure occurred in four patients (7%); all were asymptomatic and did not require screw removal. There was no loss of reduction in that group. Comparing the two groups using binary logistic analysis, there was no difference in loss of reduction (p = 0.871), screw breakage (p = 0.689), or need for hardware removal (p = 0.731). Conclusion: The data suggest that either three or four cortices of fixation can be used when stabilizing syndesmotic injuries of the ankle. There was a trend towards higher loss of reduction in the group with tricortical fixation when weightbearing restrictions were not followed. Retention of the syndesmotic screws, even with mechanical failure, does not pose a clinical problem. Weightbearing can be allowed at 6 to 10 weeks without routine removal of screws.

Safety and efficacy of damage control external fixation versus early definitive stabilization for femoral shaft fractures in the multiple-injured patient.

BACKGROUND Optimal timing and treatment of patients with concomitant head, thoracic, or abdominal injury and femoral shaft fracture remain controversial. This study examines acute patient outcomes associated with early total care with intramedullary nailing (ETC group) versus damage control external fixation (DCO group) for multiple-injured patients with femoral shaft fractures. We propose DCO as a safe initial treatment for the multiple-injured patient with femur shaft fractures. METHODS This study was a retrospective review of the trauma registry and multisystem organ failure registry data at a Level I trauma center. Two cohorts were identified to compare multiple-injured patients with femoral shaft fractures treated with early total care and damage control orthopaedic surgery. Primary outcome measures included mortality, pulmonary complications (adult respiratory distress syndrome [ARDS] score), transfusion requirements, and multiple organ failure (MOF score). Operative time, estimated blood loss, intensive care unit length of stay (LOS), and hospital length of stay (LOS) were also compared. RESULTS During the study period, 462 patients with 481 femoral shaft fractures were identified. Of 462 patients with femoral shaft fractures, 97 met the inclusion criteria (42 ETC and 55 DCO). The DCO group had a significantly shorter operative time (22 minutes vs. 125 minutes) and less estimated blood loss from their operative procedure (37 mL vs. 330 mL). There was no significant difference between the groups for ARDS, lung scores, MOF, MOF score, intensive care unit LOS, or hospital LOS. CONCLUSION Fracture fixation method did not have an impact on the incidence of systemic complications in multiple-injured patients with femoral shaft fractures. Although minimal differences were noted between DCO and ETC groups regarding systemic complications, DCO is a safer initial approach, significantly decreasing the initial operative exposure and blood loss.

Deep Vein Thrombosis Prophylaxis in Trauma Patients

Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism (PE) are known collectively as venous thromboembolism (VTE). Venous thromboembolic events are common and potentially life-threatening complications following trauma with an incidence of 5 to 63%. DVT prophylaxis is essential in the management of trauma patients. Currently, the optimal VTE prophylaxis strategy for trauma patients is unknown. Traditionally, pelvic and lower extremity fractures, head injury, and prolonged immobilization have been considered risk factors for VTE; however it is unclear which combination of risk factors defines a high-risk group. Modalities available for trauma patient thromboprophylaxis are classified into pharmacologic anticoagulation, mechanical prophylaxis, and inferior vena cava (IVC) filters. The available pharmacologic agents include low-dose heparin (LDH), low molecular weight heparin (LMWH), and factor Xa inhibitors. Mechanical prophylaxis methods include graduated compression stockings (GCSs), pneumatic compression devices (PCDs), and A-V foot pumps. IVCs are traditionally used in high risk patients in whom pharmacological prophylaxis is contraindicated. Both EAST and ACCP guidelines recommend primary use of LMWHs in trauma patients; however there are still controversies regarding the definitive VTE prophylaxis in trauma patients. Large randomized prospective clinical studies would be required to provide level I evidence to define the optimal VTE prophylaxis in trauma patients.

Traction Table-related Complications in Orthopaedic Surgery

&NA; Traction tables are used in numerous procedures about the hip and femur, including fracture fixation, hip arthroscopy, and less invasive arthroplasty. The use of a traction table is not without risks, however, and significant complications have been described, including injury to the perineal integument and soft tissues, neurologic impairment, and iatrogenic compartment syndrome of the well leg. The orthopaedic surgeon who uses a traction table for the surgical management of femur fracture must be familiar with the associated potential dangers and risks and must develop a plan to avoid traction table‐associated complications, such as use of a radiolucent flat‐top operating table for obese patients, adequate patient positioning, and the minimum possible surgical time.

Technical problems and complications in the removal of the less invasive stabilization system.

Objectives: This study was designed to evaluate the frequency of intraoperative problems and complications involved with Less Invasive Stabilization System (LISS) plate removal. Design: Retrospective study. Setting: Single academic level I trauma center. Methods: Medical records were reviewed for demographics, surgical technique, plate length, number and position of screws, time from internal fixation to plate removal, reason for removal, operating time for removal, and perioperative complications. Pre- and post-op radiographs were also reviewed to confirm plate and screw positions. The independent factors including age, sex, plate site, plate screws placed/available holes, union status, and time from internal fixation to removal were compared between patients in whom screw removal was complicated to those in whom screw removal proceeded without difficulty. Mann-Whitney and Fisher Exact tests were calculated with the level of significance at P < 0.05. Results: There were 33 patients (24 men and 9 women) that underwent LISS plate removal from 36 extremities (15 tibias and 21 femurs). The average time from internal fixation to removal was 13.2 months. The plates removed were 13-hole plates (16 cases), 9-hole plates (18 cases), and 5-hole plates (2 cases), which included a total of 349 screws. The specific reasons for plate removal were symptomatic implants after bone union (21 cases), nonunion requiring additional fixation (12 cases), early loss of fixation (2 cases), and a peri-implant fracture after bone union (1 case). The average operating time for plate removal was 71.3 minutes (range, 28-180 minutes). Five cases required more than 120 minutes. Difficulty with screw removal was encountered in 37 screws (10.6%) from 14 cases (38.9%). Two plates and 11 screw heads required cutting using a carbide or diamond tipped burr. Six cases required tearing the plate off bone by levering with a total of 10 screws still attached. Five screws were cut using a large bolt cutter. The other screws were stripped and removed with a stripped screw removal tap. Two patients developed a postoperative superficial wound infection that required treatment with oral antibiotics. One patient had a postoperative peroneal nerve palsy that recovered spontaneously. There were no statistical differences in predictors for patients with screw removal difficulty. Conclusions: Difficulty with removal due to cold welding or screw head stripping is common in locking LISS plate screws. LISS plate removal can often require prolonged operating time and the use of specialized removal tools. Surgeons should anticipate the possibility of difficulties when removing these implants and be appropriately prepared.

Treatment of Distal Femur and Proximal Tibia Fractures With External Fixation Followed by Planned Conversion to Internal Fixation

PURPOSE To evaluate healing rates and complications in patients treated with temporary external fixation (EF) and subsequent open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) for high-energy distal femur or proximal tibia fractures. METHODS Retrospective analysis of prospectively collected data 1999 to 2005. Demographic data and injury severity score were obtained from medical records. Factors reviewed included perioperative complications (nonunion, postoperative infection, loss of fixation) and time to radiographic and clinical union. RESULTS Forty-seven patients with 16 distal femur and 36 proximal tibia fractures were treated using temporary EF. Patients subsequently underwent ORIF (mean time from EF to ORIF = 5 days, range 1-23 days). Thirty-five fractures were open (Gustilo I = 8, II = 6, IIIA = 3, IIIB = 13, IIIC = 5) and 17 closed. Forty patients with 44 fractures reached 1-year follow-up. Of these, 36 patients with 40 (91%) fractures had healed both radiographically and clinically. The mean postoperative follow-up time was 14 months (range 3-68). Eight (16%) deep infections occurred, all in open fractures (Gustilo I = 2, IIIB = 3, IIIC = 3), with one patient requiring above knee amputation. Other complications included one hematoma, two malunions, one fixation failure, and one pin site infection. One patient died as a result of a stroke. CONCLUSIONS AND SIGNIFICANCE Temporary bridging EF offers the advantage of early soft tissue and bone stabilization without the potential local risks of immediate ORIF in severely injured soft tissues, or the potential systemic risks in a severely traumatized patient. The 16% infection rate in this study, all occurring in open fractures, falls within the reported range for grade III open fractures (15%-20%). We conclude that the initial treatment of high-energy periarticular knee fractures with bridging EF, followed by planned conversion to internal fixation is a safe option in patients who are unsuitable for initial definitive surgery.

Prospective comparison of contrast-enhanced computed tomography versus magnetic resonance venography in the detection of occult deep pelvic vein thrombosis in patients with pelvic and acetabular fractures.

Objective To determine the rate of pelvic vein thrombosis following acetabular or pelvic fracture identified by enhanced computed tomography venography or magnetic resonance venography. Design Prospective evaluation of computed tomography venography and magnetic resonance venography in patients with pelvic and acetabular trauma as a screening tool for deep vein thrombosis. Setting Level I trauma center. Results Thirty patients with pelvic or acetabular fractures and who met the study criteria were prospectively screened with magnetic resonance venography and computed tomography venography to determine preoperative presence of pelvic venous thrombosis. Pelvic deep vein thrombosis was detected by computed tomography venography in two patients (7%) and by magnetic resonance venography in four patients (13%). Invasive selective pelvic venographies were performed on the five subjects who tested positive on either one or both screening tests. Only one computed tomography venography case was validated by invasive pelvic venography. The false-positive rate for computed tomography venography was 50%, and the false-positive rate for magnetic resonance venography was 100%. Conclusions We cannot recommend the sole use of either computed tomography venography or magnetic resonance venography to screen and direct the treatment of asymptomatic thrombi in patients with fracture of the pelvic ring because of the high false positive rates. If these studies are used as screening tools, confirmation of the presence of thrombosis with selective venography should be performed prior to initiating invasive treatment with a vena cava filter. Clinical decisions based solely on one of these imaging techniques may result in inappropriate aggressive treatment due to the high false-positive rate.

A New Minimally Invasive Technique for Large Volume Bone Graft Harvest for Treatment of Fracture Nonunions

Autologous Reamer-Irrigator-Aspirator bone grafting represents a safe and efficient procedure to treat fracture nonunions of long bones.