Faculty Bibliography

Ankle fractures with a posterior malleolus component are complex injuries. The most commonly used operative methods include indirect reduction via a percutaneous anterior approach and direct reduction via a posterolateral approach. For large posterior malleolus fractures with medial extension, direct reduction via a posteromedial approach is an alternative operative option. The authors hypothesized that fixation of large posterior malleolus fractures via a posteromedial approach results in anatomic reduction and stable plate fixation. From 2008 to 2015, 22 (9.0%) of 244 consecutive operative ankle fractures were identified as posterior malleolus fractures treated using a posteromedial approach. Patient charts were retrospectively reviewed for demographics, operative details, follow-up time, and any postoperative complications. Postoperative radiographs were reviewed to ensure that anatomic reduction and stable fixation was maintained. Sixteen (72.7%) of 22 patients were female, and the average age at the time of surgery was 54.1 years (range, 26-86 years). The average follow-up time was 13.0 months (range, 2.0-41.4 months). Twenty-one (95.5%) of 22 patients healed on a radiographic and clinical basis. There was an 18.2% (4 of 22) postoperative complication rate: 1 patient had a nonunion, 1 patient had cellulitis, 1 patient had osteomyelitis involving the fibula, and 1 patient had symptomatic heterotopic ossification. Open reduction and internal fixation of posterior malleolus fractures via a posteromedial approach achieved anatomic reduction, stable plate fixation, and complete healing in all but 1 patient. This study demonstrates that the posteromedial approach is a reasonable alternative to other more commonly used methods for treating these fractures. [Orthopedics. 2020;43(3):e166-e170.].

Periprosthetic acetabular fractures sustained following acute trauma after total hip arthroplasty are rare and historically have poor outcomes. This article reviews 5 cases and the treatment algorithm used by a single orthopaedic surgeon specializing in acetabular fracture care with a co-surgeon specializing in arthroplasty. Team-based surgical management with arthroplasty- and fracture-trained surgeon(s) is paramount for optimal outcome. The following approach resulted in satisfactory outcomes without need for revision implants. In fracture patterns with columnar involvement, the columns were restored with plates and screws. In fracture patterns with wall involvement, the acetabular component functioned as a template for wall reconstruction with use of a buttress plate. The acetabular component was revised when deemed loose during stress of the component through the surgical approach used for fracture fixation.

INTRODUCTION/BACKGROUND:Isolated greater tuberosity (GT) fractures (AO 11-A1) tend to occur in the younger patient population and are poorly managed by most precontoured proximal humerus locking plates. The goal of this study was to identify and assess an alternative treatment strategy for greater tuberosity fractures. MATERIALS AND METHODS/METHODS:A retrospective review of all cases of isolated greater tuberosity fractures treated with a 2.4/2.7 mesh plate (Synthes) between 2010 and 2015 was conducted. Patient demographics, operative reports, and clinical notes were reviewed. The time to radiographic union was assessed. Clinical outcomes were retrieved from patients at their follow-up visits or via mailed Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, Hand (DASH) questionnaires. RESULTS:Ten patients with isolated GT fractures treated with mesh plating were identified with an average age of 47.1 years. The average radiographic follow-up was 7.2 months and the average clinical follow-up was 8.0 months. The mean time to union was 8.5 weeks. Two patients underwent elective hardware removal. The mean DASH at final follow-up was 28.2 (±22.4), while the mean DASH work was 13.6 (±19.1). CONCLUSION/CONCLUSIONS:We have identified a viable alternative treatment option for the surgical management of isolated greater tuberosity fractures using a mesh plate that can be contoured to the patient's anatomy. Surgeons should be aware of this option for select patients.

Infection following orthopedic surgery is difficult to treat, as biofilm readily forms on implant surfaces and exists as a complex aggregate of adherent microorganisms embedded in a matrix of extracellular polymeric substance (EPS). Protein expression during the biofilm mode of growth differs from that expressed during the planktonic phase, making it more difficult to detect and more resistant to antimicrobial agents. Modification of an implant surface to prevent biofilm formation by using bacteria-repelling and anti-adhesive surfaces is one potential strategy to prevent infection. Passive coatings can be applied to implant surfaces to impair bacterial adherence, while active coatings attack bacteria that come into contact with the surface. Methods to disrupt established biofilm have also been explored, including proteins, enzymes, and bacteriophages that target proteins and other structural elements of the EPS. Biofilm can also be disrupted by mechanical processes such as negative pressure wound therapy, electrical stimulation, ultrasound, and shockwave therapy.

BACKGROUND:Anterior tibial stress fractures are associated with high rates of delayed union and nonunion, which can be particularly devastating to a professional athlete who requires rapid return to competition. Current surgical treatment strategies include intramedullary nailing, which has satisfactory rates of fracture union but an associated risk of anterior knee pain. Anterior tension band plating is a biomechanically sound alternative treatment for these fractures. HYPOTHESIS/OBJECTIVE:Tension band plating of chronic anterior tibial stress fractures leads to rapid healing and return to physical activity and avoids the anterior knee pain associated with intramedullary nailing. STUDY DESIGN/METHODS:Case series; Level of evidence, 4. METHODS:Between 2001 and 2013, there were 13 chronic anterior tibial stress fractures in 12 professional or collegiate athletes who underwent tension band plating after failing nonoperative management. Patient charts were retrospectively reviewed for demographics, injury history, and surgical details. Radiographs were used to assess time to osseous union. Follow-up notes and phone interviews were used to determine follow-up time, return to training time, and whether the patient was able to return to competition. RESULTS:Cases included 13 stress fractures in 12 patients (9 females, 3 males). Five patients were track-and-field athletes, 4 patients played basketball, 2 patients played volleyball, and 1 was a ballet dancer. Five patients were Division I collegiate athletes and 7 were professional or Olympic athletes. Average age at time of surgery was 23.6 years (range, 20-32 years). Osseous union occurred on average at 9.6 weeks (range, 5.3-16.9 weeks) after surgery. Patients returned to training on average at 11.1 weeks (range, 5.7-20 weeks). Ninety-two percent (12/13) eventually returned to preinjury competition levels. Thirty-eight percent (5/13) underwent removal of hardware for plate prominence. There was no incidence of infection or nonunion. CONCLUSION/CONCLUSIONS:Anterior tension band plating for chronic tibial stress fractures provides a reliable alternative to intramedullary nailing with excellent results. Compression plating avoids the anterior knee pain associated with intramedullary nailing but may result in symptomatic hardware requiring subsequent removal.

BACKGROUND:Patients with symptomatic femoroacetabular impingement (FAI) frequently have bilateral deformity and inquire about the prognosis of their contralateral, asymptomatic hip. Idiopathic coxarthrosis has been established as an independent risk factor for joint failure on the other side. PURPOSE/OBJECTIVE:To determine the prevalence of bilateral arthroscopic treatment for FAI and to identify predictive patient demographics and radiographic findings for bilateral, symptomatic disease. STUDY DESIGN/METHODS:Case control study; Level of evidence, 3. METHODS:Over a 2-year period, patients receiving single-sided FAI surgery for pain and radiographic deformity were identified as unilateral. In the same period, patients undergoing their second side were labeled bilateral, regardless of when the first surgery was performed. Proximal femoral alpha angle; lateral center edge angle; sagittal center edge angle; acetabular version at 1, 2, and 3 o'clock; and femoral torsion were measured on preoperative computed tomography scans. RESULTS:The unilateral group included 514 patients, and the bilateral group included 132 patients. Women composed 48% of the unilateral group but only 35% of the bilateral group (P = .006). The mean age of unilateral patients was 30.3 (±10.7) years and 27.6 (±9.7) years for the first side of bilateral patients (P = .010). The bilateral hips had higher alpha angles (63.8° vs 59.8°, P = .004), less acetabular anteversion at the 3-o'clock position (13.0° vs 15.9°, P < .001), and similar femoral torsion (15.1° vs 15.5°, P = .793) compared with unilateral hips. A multivariable logistic regression model found that for every 5 years of younger age, 5° higher alpha angle, and 5° decrease in 3-o'clock acetabular version, patients were more likely to undergo bilateral treatment for FAI, by 13.5%, 14.5%, and 25.5%, respectively. In a side-to-side comparison of both hips in bilateral patients, alpha angle (r = 0.72) and acetabular version at 1 o'clock (r = 0.73) showed high correlation. CONCLUSION/CONCLUSIONS:Male sex, younger age, higher alpha angles, and reduced acetabular anteversion at initial presentation are significant risk factors for identifying patients who may ultimately require bilateral surgery for symptomatic FAI. Among bilaterally treated patients, no radiographic parameters were predictive of which side would require treatment first. Patients with FAI requiring surgery should be closely monitored for contralateral hip disease.

PURPOSE/OBJECTIVE:To describe an arthroscopic technique for decompression of a prominent anterior inferior iliac spine (AIIS) leading to extra-articular hip impingement and to provide short-term outcome after this procedure. METHODS:We retrospectively reviewed office charts, imaging studies, operative reports, arthroscopic images, preoperative and postoperative hip flexion range of motion, and preoperative and postoperative modified Harris Hip Scores in a consecutive series of 10 male patients who had arthroscopic decompression of symptomatic AIIS deformities leading to extra-articular hip impingement. The procedure was performed through standard anterolateral and mid-anterior hip arthroscopy portals that were also used to explore the joint and address concomitant intra-articular pathologies. RESULTS:The mean age was 24.9 years, with 8 of 10 patients aged younger than 30 years. In 9 patients, an anterior cam lesion was identified and decompressed before the AIIS decompression. The mean follow-up time was 14.7 months (range, 6 to 26 months). Hip flexion range of motion improved from 99° ± 7° before surgery to 117° ± 8° after surgery (P < .001). The modified Harris Hip Score improved from 64 ± 18 before surgery to 98 ± 2 at latest follow-up after surgery (P < .001). CONCLUSIONS:Arthroscopic decompression of a symptomatic AIIS deformity is a reproducible procedure that can provide excellent outcomes at short-term follow-up. As opposed to using an open approach for decompressing a prominent AIIS, an arthroscopic approach may be of particular value in patients with mixed intra- and extra-articular sources of hip dysfunction, because it enables the surgeon to address all pathologies with a single arthroscopic procedure. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE/METHODS:Level IV, therapeutic case series.

BACKGROUND:Minimally invasive techniques to treat femoroacetabular impingement (FAI), snapping hip syndrome, and peritrochanteric space disorder (PSD) were developed to reduce complications and recovery time. Although a multitude of studies have reported on the incidence of heterotopic ossification (HO) after open procedures of the hip, there is little known about the rate of HO after hip arthroscopy. HYPOTHESES/OBJECTIVE:The incidence of HO after hip arthroscopy is comparable with that after open surgical dislocation of the hip and can be reduced with the addition of indomethacin to an existing nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medication prophylaxis protocol. STUDY DESIGN/METHODS:Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3. METHODS:Between July 2008 and July 2010, 616 primary hip arthroscopies were performed to treat FAI and PSD. In July 2009, indomethacin was added in the acute postoperative period to an existing HO prophylactic protocol of naproxen administered for 30 days postoperatively. Postoperative radiographs were reviewed to detect the presence and classify the size and location of HO. Odds ratios and logistic regression explored predictor variables and their relationships with HO, with P < .05 defined as significant. RESULTS:Twenty-nine (21 male, 8 female) of 616 (4.7%) hip procedures developed HO postoperatively. Brooker classification of HO was 18 grade I, 4 grade II, 6 grade III, and 1 grade IV. Mean follow-up was 13.2 months (range, 2.9-26.5 months). Rate of HO for cases with and without indomethacin for prophylaxis was 1.8% (6/339) and 8.3% (23/277), respectively. This difference was statistically significant (P < .05), and patients who underwent protocol 1 were 4.36 times more likely to develop HO postoperatively than those who had protocol 2. The majority of cases of HO (72.4%) occurred in male patients, and all cases occurred in the setting of osteoplasty performed for symptomatic FAI. We were not able to demonstrate statistically significant clinical risk factors that were predictive for the development of postoperative HO. However, the data clearly demonstrate that the performance of arthroscopic osteoplasty with a capsular cut in male patients represented the majority of cases, who are likely the group at highest risk. Seven cases (~1%) required revision procedures to excise HO. There were no cases of recurrence of HO after excision, whether it was performed open or arthroscopically. CONCLUSION/CONCLUSIONS:The addition of indomethacin is effective in reducing the incidence of HO after hip arthroscopy and should be especially considered in male patients who undergo osteoplasty for correction of symptomatic FAI.