Faculty Bibliography

BACKGROUND:Value is defined as outcome/cost. The purpose of this study was to analyze differences in the lengths of care, outcomes, and costs between skilled nursing facilities (SNF) and home with health services (HHS) for patients treated with arthroplasty for femoral neck fracture (FNF). METHODS:Between October 2018 and September 2020, 192 patients eligible for the Comprehensive Care for Joint Replacement (CJR) bundle program treated for a displaced FNF with total hip arthroplasty (THA) or hemiarthroplasty (HA) and discharged to SNF or HHS were analyzed for demographics, comorbidities, post-operative outcomes, costs of care, and discharge rehabilitation details. Variables were compared using chi-square or T-tests as appropriate. There were 60 (31%) patients discharged to HHS (37% THA, 63% HA) and 132 (69%) patients discharged to SNF (14% THA, 86% HA). Patients discharged to SNF were older (p<0.01), had lower Risk Assessment and Prediction Tool (RAPT) scores (p<0.01), had higher comorbidity scores (p=0.011), and had longer post-hospitalization care (p<0.01). RESULTS:There were no differences in rates of inpatient minor complications (p=0.520), inpatient major complications (p=0.119), Intensive Care Unit (ICU) admissions (p=0.193) or readmissions within 30 (p=0.690) and 90 days (p=0.176). Costs of care at a SNF was higher than HHS (p<0.01). In multivariate regressions, a lower RAPT score was associated with discharge to SNF (OR 0.69, 95% CI 0.58-0.83, p<0.001). CONCLUSION/CONCLUSIONS:Among CJR bundle patients treated for a displaced FNF with arthroplasty, discharge with HHS may be a more cost-effective option than discharge to a SNF that does not increase risk of readmission in medically appropriate patients.

OBJECTIVES/OBJECTIVE:The main two forms of treatment for distal femur fractures are locked lateral plating and retrograde nailing. The goal of this trial was to determine whether there are significant differences in outcomes between these forms of treatment. DESIGN/METHODS:Prospective, multicenter randomized controlled trial. SETTING/METHODS:20 academic trauma centersPatients/Participants: 160 patients with distal femur fractures were enrolled. 126 patients were followed 12 months. Patients were randomized to plating in 62 cases and to intramedullary nailing in 64 cases. INTERVENTION/METHODS:Lateral locked plating or retrograde intramedullary nailing. MAIN OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS/METHODS:Functional scoring including SMFA, Bother Index, EQ Health and EQ Index. Secondary measures included alignment, operative time, range of motion, union rate, walking ability, ability to manage stairs and number and type of adverse events. RESULTS:Functional testing showed no difference between the groups. Both groups were still significantly affected by their fracture 12 months post injury. There was more coronal plane valgus in the plating group, which approached statistical significance. Range of motion, walking ability & ability to manage stairs were similar between the groups. Rate and type of adverse events were not statistically different between the groups. CONCLUSIONS:Both lateral locked plating and retrograde intramedullary nailing are reasonable surgical options for these fractures. Patients continue to improve over the course of the year following injury, but remain impaired one year post operatively. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE/METHODS:Therapeutic Level I. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

BACKGROUND:The purpose of this study is to determine the effects of energy mechanism on outcomes following repair of proximal humerus fractures (PHF) in the middle aged and geriatric population. METHODS:Two hundred sixty-nine patients who presented to our academic medical center between 2006 and 2020, and underwent operative treatment of a proximal humerus fracture were prospectively enrolled in an IRB-approved database. Patients above 55 were divided into high energy (motor vehicle accident, pedestrian struck, or fall > 2 stairs) or low energy mechanisms (fall from standing or < 2 stairs). Of 97 patients with complete documentation and follow-up, 72 were included in the low velocity (LV) group and 25 were included in the high velocity (HV) group. Demographic information, primary injury details, healing and time to union, range of motion (ROM), complications, and need for reoperation were assessed at initial presentation and subsequent follow-up appointments. RESULTS:Mean age, BMI, and gender were significantly different between the LV and HV cohorts (p = 0.01, 0.04, 0.01). OTA/AO fracture patterns were similar between the groups. (p = 0.14). Bony healing and complications occurred with similar frequency between groups (p = 1.00, 0.062). The most common complications in the LV and HV groups included avascular necrosis (9.7%, 16.0%), and screw penetration (4.2%, 12.0%), while the HV group also had rotator cuff issues including weakness and tendonitis (12.0%). There was no significant difference in need for reoperation between cohorts (p = 0.45). Time to healing, shoulder ROM, and DASH scores did not differ between each group. CONCLUSIONS:Energy and mechanism demonstrates similar outcomes in operatively treated proximal humerus fractures. These factors should not play a role in decisions for surgery in these patients and can help guide patient expectations.

BACKGROUND:The purpose of this study was to identify specific radiographic parameters that are predictive of associated PM fractures in TSFs. METHODS:All TSFs presenting over a 6-year period were identified. A review of plain radiographs and CT scans included: identification of an isolated PM fracture, AO/OTA classification, measurements of the fracture obliquity angle (FOA), absolute and relative distance from distal extent of fracture to plafond (DFP and DFP%), and presence and level of associated fibular fractures. Patients with and without PM fractures were compared. Multivariate logistic regression determined independent correlates of PM fractures and cutoff values for FOA and DFP%. RESULTS:A total of 405 TSFs in 397 patients were identified, and 94 TSFs (23.2%) had an associated PM fracture. The majority (85.1%) of TSFs with PM fractures were AO/OTA type 42-A1, 42-B1 or 42-C1 (p < 0.001). The mean FOA was 60.9 ± 12.1° in the PM group versus 40.8 ± 18.9° in the non-PM group (p < 0.001). The mean DFP was 5.9 ± 2.7 cm in the PM group versus 11.9 ± 7.9 cm in the non-PM group (p < 0.001). Multivariate regression demonstrated that AO/OTA classification type 42-A1, 42-B1 or 42-C1 (OR 4.7 [95% CI 2.4-9.8]; p < 0.001), FOA greater than 45° (OR 4.4 [95% CI 1.9-10.9]; p = 0.001) and fracture extension to the distal third of the tibia (DFP% < 33%; OR 18.3 [95% CI 3.8-330.4]; p = 0.005) were independent correlates of PMs fractures regardless of mechanism of injury or fibula fracture presence or location (AUROC 0.83 [95% CI 0.80-0.87]). Separate multivariate regression showed for every 1° increase in FOA, PM fracture odds increase 6% per degree and for every 1 cm increase in DFP odds of PM fracture decreased by 15%. CONCLUSIONS:Spiral fractures (simple, wedge or complex), fracture angles greater than 45° and extension into the distal 1/3 of the tibial shaft are independent predictors of PM fractures in TSFs regardless of mechanism of injury.

BACKGROUND:The purpose of this study was to compare outcomes following surgical treatment of tibial plateau fractures in an elderly (≥ 65y) and non-elderly (< 65) population. METHODS:Patients with tibial plateau fractures were prospectively followed. Patients were included if they were operatively treated, had an Injury Severity Score of < 16, and had follow-up through 12 months. Clinical, radiographic, and functional outcomes were evaluated at the 3, 6, and 12-month follow-up points. RESULTS:Mean time to radiographic fracture union was by 4.68 and 5.26 months in young and elderly patients, respectively (p = 0.25). There was no difference in self-reported baseline SMFA (p = 0.617). SMFA scores were better in younger patients at 3 months (p = 0.031), however this did not hold when multivariate modeling controlled for other factors. There was no difference at 6 and 12 months (p = 0.475, 0.392). There was no difference in range of knee motion at 3 months. At 6 and 12 months, young patients had statistically but not clinically better range of knee motion (p = 0.045, 0.007). There were no differences in overall reoperation rates, conversion arthroplasty, post-traumatic osteoarthritis or wound complications. CONCLUSIONS:Age greater than 65 does not appear to portend poorer outcomes after surgical repair of a tibial plateau fracture. The complication profiles are similar. Elderly and younger patients had similar function at 12 months compared to their baseline. These data suggest that age should not be a disqualifying factor when considering whether a patient with a tibial plateau fracture should be treated operatively.

PURPOSE/OBJECTIVE:To analyze clinical, radiographic and patient-reported outcomes of distal metaphyseal femoral nonunions treated with fixed-angle plates and screws. METHODS:All patients presenting with a distal metaphyseal femoral fracture nonunion repaired with fixed-angle plating from one urban level 1 trauma center and an orthopedic specialty hospital were identified. Baseline demographic, injury information, and outcomes (healing rates, Short Musculoskeletal Function Assessment, range of motion, and post-operative pain levels) at 12 months following nonunion repair were collected. Outcomes were evaluated between patients fixed with a blade plate and with a locking plate. RESULTS:Of these 31 patients, 27 (87.1%) healed after their index nonunion surgery, 2 (6.5%) healed after one reoperation, 1 (3.2%) healed after 2 reoperations, and 1 (3.2%) had a persistent nonunion but did not want further treatment. At one-year follow-up, the group demonstrated a significant improvement in functional recovery with a mean difference of 14.5 points (p = 0.007) when compared to status before fixed-angle fixation of the nonunion. There was also a significant change in patient-reported pain levels using the VAS scale with a mean difference of 2.0 points (p = 0.009). At one-year follow-up, 11 (39.3%) had full knee range of motion (0-130), 11 (39.3%) had flexion greater than 90 and less than 120°, and 6 (21.4%) had range of motion less than 90°. CONCLUSION/CONCLUSIONS:Patients who undergo fixed angle plating and autogenous bone grafting for distal femoral metapyseal nonunions demonstrate improved functional outcomes and VAS pain score at one year follow up.

PURPOSE/OBJECTIVE:To determine if the type of approach used for treatment of lateral split-depression tibial plateau fractures affects clinical outcome and complications rate. METHODS:This is a retrospective review of 169 patients who presented between 01/2005 and 12/2020 to a Level-I trauma center for operative management of an isolated lateral Schatzker II tibial plateau fractures (AO/OTA Type 41B3.1) treated through a single anterolateral approach: a 90-degree "L" (L), longitudinal vertical (V), or "lazy S" (S). Postoperative radiographic, clinical, and functional outcomes were assessed at 3, 6, 12 months, and beyond. RESULTS:Average time to radiographic healing was longer in the S incision cohort (p < 0.05). Furthermore, patients within the S incision cohort developed more postoperative wound complications at follow-up when compared to those within the L and V incision cohorts (p < 0.05). Additionally, reoperation rates were greater in the S incision cohort (p < 0.05). Lastly, on physical examination of the knee, patients within the S incision cohort had significantly poorer knee range of motion (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS:Our study demonstrates that skin incision type in the anterolateral approach to the proximal tibia has an association with outcomes following operative repair of tibial plateau fractures. The information from this study can be used to inform surgeons about the potential complications and long-term outcomes that patients may experience when undergoing operative repair of a tibial plateau fracture through a specific incision type. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE/METHODS:III.

PURPOSE/OBJECTIVE:To (1) determine if any injury characteristics or radiographic parameters of tibial shaft fractures (TSFs) could predict posterior malleolar fracture (PMF) size, and (2) identify characteristics of PMFs that were fixed versus those that were not in a cohort of ipsilateral TSFs that underwent intramedullary nailing. METHODS:A cross-sectional radiographic study was performed at a single academic institution. Demographic and radiographic parameters of TSFs were recorded, including fracture obliquity angle (FOA) and distance from distal extent of fracture to plafond (DFP). Using CT, the PMFs were evaluated for Haraguchi classification, size measurements, and preoperative displacement. Multivariate regression analysis was used to identify independent predictors of PMF Harachuchi classification, size parameters, and preoperative displacement. Univariate differences between PMF that were fixed and not fixed were identified. RESULTS:47 (50%) PMF underwent surgical fixation with 47 treated conservatively. There were no demographic differences between groups. Multivariate linear regression demonstrated increasing DFP and high energy injury mechanism as independent variables correlated with plafond surface area involvement, PMF height and width on sagittal CT cuts. Increasing DFP alone was correlated with PMF width on axial CT cuts and extent > 50% into incisura. Haraguchi type II fractures were associated with high energy injury mechanism (OR = 4.2 [95% CI = 1.3-14.5]; p = 0.02). Odds of Haraguchi type 3 fractures increased 9% per increased year of age (OR = 1.09 [95% CI = 1.04-1.16]; p = 0.006) and decreased 13% per 1% increase in relative DFP (OR = 0.87 [95% CI = 0.75-0.98]; p = 0.04). CONCLUSIONS:An increasing DFP of TSFs and high energy injury mechanism were independent predictors of PMF size, and high energy injury mechanism was also correlated with Haraguchi type II fracture patterns. Increasing age and decreasing DFP of TSFs predict Haraguchi type III PMF patterns. These radiographic parameters should prompt surgeons to plan for fixation in scenarios in which CT scan is not available. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE/METHODS:Diagnostic Level III.

To determine if radiographic evidence of posttraumatic osteoarthritis (PTOA) following tibial plateau fracture correlates with poorer clinical and functional outcomes, patients with tibial plateau fractures were followed at 3, 6, and 12 months. All patients had baseline radiographs and computed tomography scan. Radiographs obtained at each follow-up were reviewed for healing, articular incongruence, hardware positional changes, and the development of postinjury arthritic change. Cohorts were determined based on the presence (PTOA) or absence (NPTOA) of radiographic evidence of PTOA. Demographics, fracture classification, complications, additional procedures, and functional status were compared between cohorts. Sixty patients had radiographic evidence of PTOA on follow-up radiographs at a mean final follow-up of 24.2 months. The NPTOA cohort was composed of 210 patients who were matched to the PTOA cohort based on age and Charlson comorbidity index. Mean time to fracture union for the overall cohort was 4.86 months. Cohorts did not differ in Schatzker classification, time to healing, injury mechanism, or baseline Short Musculoskeletal Function Assessment (SMFA). Patients with PTOA had a greater degree of initial depression and postoperative step-off, higher incidence of initial external fixator usage, higher rates of reoperation for any reason, and higher rates of wound complications. Associated soft tissue injury and meniscal repair did not coincide with the development of PTOA. Range of motion and SMFA scores were significantly worse at all time points in patients with PTOA. Although fracture patterns are similar, patients who required an initial external fixator, had a greater degree of initial depression or residual articular incongruity, underwent more procedures, and developed an infection were found to have increased incidence of PTOA. Radiographic evidence of osteoarthritis correlated with worse functional status in patients. The goal of surgery should be restoration of articular congruity and stability to mitigate the risk of PTOA, although this alone may not prevent degenerative changes. Patients with early loss of range of motion should be aggressively treated as this may precede the development of PTOA.