Faculty Bibliography

Extensor mechanism disruption after total knee arthroplasty is a relatively rare but potentially devastating complication. One technique to address this problem involves reconstruction with synthetic mesh. Although there are reports of successful clinical outcomes using this technique, we are not aware of any histological analyses of removed mesh grafts. This case report of a failed mesh reconstruction includes a retrieval analysis demonstrating robust host soft-tissue incorporation into the mesh graft and supports the rationale for continued use of this off-label technique. This case report also highlights the need for careful operative technique when performing these procedures to increase the chance of a successful outcome.

BACKGROUND:We are not aware of any previous studies that have compared the rate of venous thromboembolic events in patients who underwent prophylactic intramedullary nailing because of an impending fracture with the rate in patients who underwent intramedullary nailing after a pathological fracture. The objective of the present study was to determine if the rate of venous thromboembolic events varies between patients who are managed with prophylactic fixation and those who are managed with fixation after a pathological fracture. METHODS:We performed a retrospective comparative study in which the Nationwide Inpatient Sample database was used to identify all patients who had undergone femoral stabilization, either for a pathological femoral fracture or for prophylactic fixation of femoral metastatic lesion, over a period of 10 consecutive years (between 2002 and 2011) in the United States. Demographic data, comorbidities, venous thromboembolic event rates, and other common postoperative complications were compared between the 2 groups. RESULTS:Patients who were managed with prophylactic fixation had significantly higher rates of pulmonary embolism (p < 0.001; adjusted odds ratio, 2.1) and deep-vein thrombosis (p = 0.03; adjusted odds ratio, 1.5). Patients who were managed with fixation after a pathological fracture had a significantly greater need for blood transfusion, higher rates of postoperative urinary tract infection, and a decreased likelihood of being discharged to home (p < 0.001 for all). CONCLUSIONS:Patients with metastatic disease who undergo prophylactic intramedullary nailing have higher observed rates of venous thromboembolic events than those who undergo nailing for the treatment of a pathological fracture and should be actively and vigilantly managed in the postoperative period. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE/METHODS:Therapeutic Level III. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

Nursemaid's elbow and elbow fractures are both common causes of acute elbow pain, but the mechanism of injury is quite different. In children, falls frequently go unwitnessed and children are often inaccurate when recounting the sequences of a fall, making the mechanism difficult to ascertain. A common clinical mistake is to treat all elbow injuries as a nursemaid's elbow. When the mechanism of injury is unknown, radiographs should be used to help make the diagnosis. Occult fractures, also known as "hairline" elbow fractures, may not be visible on initial X-rays, but clues to the diagnosis, especially the posterior fat pad, can be helpful in evaluation. When an occult fracture is suspected based on history and radiographic findings, the patient's elbow should be immobilized, not manipulated. This article also reviews successful reduction maneuvers for nursemaid's elbow. [Pediatr Ann. 2016;45(6):e214-e217.].