Faculty Bibliography

We evaluated the risks and success rates of the three major techniques for compartment syndrome fasciotomy closure by reviewing all literature published to date. Following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines, we systematically evaluated the Medline (PubMed) database until July 2015, utilizing the Boolean search sting "compartment syndrome OR fasciotomy closure." Two authors independently assessed all studies published in the literature to ensure validity of extracted data. The data was compiled into an electronic spreadsheet, and the wound closure rate with each technique was assessed utilizing a proportion random model effect. Success was defined as all wounds that could be closed without skin grafting, amputation, or death. The highest success rate was observed for dynamic dermatotraction and gradual suture approximation, whereas vacuum-assisted closure had the lowest complication rate.

While bisphosphonates have been shown to be effective in reducing the incidence of typical osteoporotic fractures, long-term bisphosphonate may be associated with atypical femoral fractures. We report a case of a bisphosphonate-related impending atypical femoral fracture which progressed despite prophylactic cephalomedullary nailing. The fracture healed without further surgical intervention after correcting the patient's bone metabolic profile and stopping the possible offending factors. Although prophylactic fixation of these fractures is recommended, our case and relevant literature review demonstrate that a simple fixation without optimizing other possible predisposing factors may not prevent progression of these fractures.

Injuries involving the distal tibiofibular syndesmosis can lead to critical destabilization of the ankle mortise. Although specific indications for operative fixation remain unclear, accurate reduction of the syndesmosis has been correlated with the best functional outcomes. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the maximum torque and rotation to failure after fixation with a novel construct. Seven pairs (14 ankles) of embalmed cadaveric lower legs, disarticulated at the knee, were obtained. Each pair was randomly assigned to receive either two TightRopes (Arthrex) or a plate-and-screw construct with one TightRope. All samples were mechanically tested in torsion to determine peak torque, torsional stiffness, and the maximum rotation angle at which failure occurred. Differences between the groups were compared using paired Student's t test. The maximum torque to failure after fixation was not significantly different between the two TightRopes (28.8 N*m; range, 7.3-49.7 N*m) and the one TightRope group (29.5 N*m; range, 9.2-44.9 N*m; p = 0.92). The maximum rotation to fracture after fixation was not significantly different between the two TightRopes (33.3 degrees; range, 21.6-57.0 degrees) and one TightRope group (38.6 degrees; range, 23.0-73.9 degrees). All specimens failed with the fracture of the fibula at the level of the inferior syndesmotic screw. The similar load to failure of the two TightRope and the one TightRope and plate-and-screw plate suggested similar stiffness between the two constructs. The addition of the plate may improve distribution of forces at the level of syndesmosis, reducing stress risers and decreasing the risk of failure, as demonstrated by a lower rotation to failure of the one TightRope with plate-and-screw construct. In addition, this construct is not likely to not be associated with any substantial cost increase. Further clinical studies may further elucidate the role of plate and/or TightRope augmentation to syndesmosis fixation.