Faculty Bibliography

BACKGROUND: Ankle fractures are among the most common injuries treated by orthopaedic surgeons. However, very few investigators have examined the functional recovery following ankle fracture surgery and, to our knowledge, none have analyzed factors that may predict functional recovery. In this study, we evaluated predictors of short-term functional outcome following surgical stabilization of ankle fractures. METHODS: Over three years, 232 patients who sustained a fracture of the ankle and were treated surgically were followed prospectively, for a minimum of one year. Trained interviewers recorded baseline characteristics, including patient demographics, medical comorbidities, and functional status according to the Short Musculoskeletal Function Assessment (SMFA). Laboratory findings, the American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) class, and operative findings were recorded from the chart during hospitalization. Follow-up information included the occurrence of complications or additional surgery, weight-bearing status, functional status according to the SMFA, and the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) ankle-hindfoot score. The data were analyzed to determine predictors of functional recovery at three months, six months, and one year postoperatively. RESULTS: Complete follow-up data were available for 198 patients (85%). At one year, 174 (88%) of the patients had either no or mild ankle pain and 178 (90%) had either no limitations or limitations only in recreational activities. According to the AOFAS ankle-hindfoot score, 178 (90%) of the patients had > or = 90% functional recovery. A patient age of less than forty years was a predictor of recovery, as measured with the SMFA subscores, at six months after the ankle fracture. At one year, however, age was no longer a predictor of recovery. Patients who were younger than forty were more likely to recover > or = 90% of function (p = 0.004), and men were more likely than women to recover function (p = 0.02). ASA Class 1 or 2 (p = 0.03) and an absence of diabetes (p = 0.02) were also predictors of better functional recovery at one year. SMFA subscores were below average at baseline, indicating a healthy population. At three and six months postoperatively, all SMFA subscores were significantly higher than the baseline subscores (p < 0.001); however, at one year, the SMFA subscores were almost back to the baseline, normal level. CONCLUSIONS: One year after ankle fracture surgery, patients are generally doing well, with most experiencing little or mild pain and few restrictions in functional activities. They have a significant improvement in function compared with six months after the surgery. Younger age, male sex, absence of diabetes, and a lower ASA class are predictive of functional recovery at one year following ankle fracture surgery. It is important to counsel patients and their families regarding the expected functional recovery after an ankle injury

PURPOSE: To compare the relative strength and stability of 2 fixation methods for displaced coronal shear fractures of the lateral femoral condyle (Hoffa fractures, OTA Type 33B3). SETTING: University Biomechanics laboratory. DESIGN: Eight matched pairs of embalmed femurs were divided into 2 groups and simulated Hoffa fractures were created. In each pair, 1 of the fractures was fixed with 2 screws placed in an anteroposterior direction, and in the other, the fracture was fixed with 2 screws placed in a posteroanterior direction. METHODS: All specimens were cyclically tested with simulated physiologic loading. Displacement of the femoral condyle was continuously measured to 10 cycles. The specimens were then loaded to failure. RESULTS: Fixation with posterior to anteriorly placed cancellous lag screws was significantly more stable than that with anterior to posteriorly placed screws at 10 cycles (P = 0.05), with 0.67 mm displacement compared to 1.36 mm, respectively. They were also more stable at 10, 100, and 1000 cycles; however, these displacements were not statistically significant. Fixation with posteriorly placed cancellous screws also had significantly higher ultimate strength (P = 0.04), 1700 N compared to 1025 N for anterior placement. CONCLUSION AND SIGNIFICANCE: Lag screws placed posterior to anterior provided more stable fixation of Hoffa fractures in embalmed femurs than anteroposteriorly placed lag screws. This finding may apply in the clinical setting; however, this technique requires that the screw heads be recessed beneath the articular surface. The effects of the cartilage defects so created are not known. The choice of technique is also determined by concomitant fractures and the exposure required for their fixation

BACKGROUND: Locking plates are an alternative to conventional compression plate fixation for diaphyseal fractures. The objective of this study was to compare the stability of various plating with locked screw constructs to conventional nonlocked screws for fixation of a comminuted diaphyseal fracture model using a uniform, synthetic ulna. Locked screw construct variables were the use of unicortical or bicortical screws, and increasing bone to plate distance. METHODS: This biomechanical study compared various construct groups after cyclic axial loading and three-point bending. Results were analyzed via one-way analysis of variance. Displacements after cyclical axial loading and number of cycles to failure in cyclic bending were used to assess construct stability. RESULTS: The constructs fixed by plates with bicortical locked screws withstood significantly more cycles to failure than the other constructs (p < 0.001). Significantly less displacement occurred after axial loading with bicortical locked screws than with bicortical nonlocked screws. Increased distance of the plate from the bone surface, and use of unicortical locked screws led to early failure with cyclic loading for constructs with locked screws. CONCLUSIONS: These results support the use of plating with bicortical locked screws as an alternative to conventional plating for comminuted diaphyseal fractures in osteoporotic bone. Bicortical locked screws with minimal displacement from the bone surface provide the most stable construct in the tested synthetic comminuted diaphyseal fracture model. The results of this study suggest use of plates with unicortical screws for the described fracture is not recommended

BACKGROUND: Pin-track infection remains one of the most troublesome complications of external fixation, in some cases compromising otherwise successful fracture treatment. METHODS: One hundred and eighteen patients (120 wrists) who had been managed with the placement of an external fixation device for the treatment of a displaced, unstable, distal radial fracture were randomized into one of three treatment groups: (1) weekly dry dressing changes without pin-site care; (2) daily pin-site care with a solution of one-half normal saline solution and one-half hydrogen peroxide; and (3) treatment with the placement of chlorhexidine-impregnated discs (Biopatch) around the pins, with weekly changes of the discs by the treating surgeon. The patients were followed at weekly intervals until the external fixator was removed. Radiographs were made biweekly. The patients were evaluated with regard to (1) erythema, (2) cellulitis, (3) drainage, (4) clinical or radiographic evidence of pin-loosening, (5) the need for antibiotics, and (6) the need for pin removal before fracture-healing due to infection. Differences in complication rates among the three groups, with adjustment for patient age, gender, and the performance of an associated open procedure, were evaluated. RESULTS: The average age of the patients was fifty-four years. Forty-seven wrists had an open procedure (either bone-grafting or open reduction and internal fixation) in addition to treatment with the external fixator. The fixators remained in place for an average of 5.9 weeks. Twenty-three patients (19%) had a complication related to the pin track, with twelve of these patients requiring oral antibiotics for the treatment of a pin-track infection. There were no significant differences among the three groups with regard to the prevalence of pin-site complications. The age of the patient was found to be significantly associated with an increased risk of postoperative pin-track complications (p = 0.04). CONCLUSIONS: We found a high rate of local wound complications around external fixation pin sites; however, most complications were minor and could be observed or treated with oral antibiotics. The prevalence of these complications was not decreased in association with the use of hydrogen peroxide wound care or chlorhexidine-impregnated dressings. On the basis of these results, we do not recommend additional wound care beyond the use of dry, sterile dressings for pin-track care after external fixation for the treatment of distal radial fractures

OBJECTIVES: To determine the consistency of conclusions/statements made in podium presentations at the annual meeting of the Orthopaedic Trauma Association (OTA) with those in subsequent full-text publications. Also, to evaluate the nature and consistency of study design, methods, sample sizes, results and assign a corresponding level of evidence. DATA SOURCES: Abstracts of the scientific programs of the OTA from 1994 to 1997 (N = 254) were queried by using the PubMed database to identify those studies resulting in a peer-reviewed, full-text publication. STUDY SELECTION: Of the 169 articles retrieved, 137 studies were the basis of our study after the exclusion criteria were applied: non-English language, basic science studies, anatomic dissection studies, and articles published in non-peer-reviewed journals. DATA EXTRACTION/SYNTHESIS: Information was abstracted onto a data form: first from the abstract published in the final meeting program, and then from the published journal article. Information was recorded regarding study issues, including the study design, primary objective, sample size, and statistical methods. We provided descriptive statistics about the frequency of consistent results between abstracts and full-text publications. The results were recorded as percentages and a 95% confidence interval was applied to each value. Study results were recorded for the abstract and full-text publication comparing results and the overall conclusion. A level of scientific-based evidence was assigned to each full-text publication. RESULTS: The final conclusion of the study remained the same 93.4% of the time. The method of study was an observational case series 52% of the time and a statement regarding the rate of patient follow-up was reported 42% of the time. Of the studies published, 18.2% consisted of a sample size smaller than the previously presented abstract. When the published papers had their level of evidence graded, 11% were level I, 16% level II, 17% level III, and 56% level IV. CONCLUSIONS: Authors conclusions were consistent with those in full-text publications. Most studies were observational, less than half reported on the rate of patient follow-up. Many abstracts followed by publication had a smaller sample size in the published paper. Half of all studies were graded level IV evidence

OBJECTIVE: Evaluate whether supplementary fibular fixation helped maintain axial alignment in distal metaphyseal tibia-fibula fractures treated by locked intramedullary nailing. DESIGN: Retrospective chart and radiographic review. SETTING: Three, level 1, trauma centers. PATIENTS: Distal metaphyseal tibia-fibula fractures were separated into 2 groups based on the presence of adjunctive fibular plating. Group 1 consisted of fractures treated with small fragment plate fixation of the fibula and intramedullary (IM) nailing of the tibia, whereas group 2 consisted of fractures treated with IM nailing of the tibia without fibular fixation. OUTCOME MEASURES: Malalignment of the tibial shaft was defined as 1) >5 degrees of varus/valgus angulation, or 2) >10 degrees anterior/posterior angulation. Measures of angulation were obtained from radiographs taken immediately after the surgery, a second time 3 months later, and at 6-month follow-up. Leg length and rotational deformity were not examined. RESULTS: Seventy-two fractures were studied. In 25 cases, the associated fibula fracture was stabilized, and in 47 cases the associated fibula fracture was not stabilized. Cases were more likely to have the associated fibula fracture stabilized where the tibia fracture was very distal. In multivariate adjusted analysis, plating of the fibula fracture was significantly associated with maintenance of reduction 12 weeks or later after surgery (odds ratio = 0.03; P = 0.036). The use of 2 medial-lateral distal locking bolts also was protective against loss of reduction; however, this association was not statistically significant (odds ratio = 0.29; P = 0.275). CONCLUSIONS: In this study, the proportion of fractures that lost alignment was smaller among those receiving stabilization of the fibula in conjunction with IM nailing compared with those receiving IM nailing alone. Adjunctive fibular stabilization was associated significantly with the ability to maintain fracture reduction beyond 12 weeks. At the present time, the authors recommend fibular plating whenever IM nailing is contemplated in the unstable distal tibia-fibular fracture

To determine which of 2 techniques for the treatment of periprosthetic femoral shaft fractures is of greater stiffness. DESIGN: A laboratory study using 8 pairs of matched, embalmed femurs. METHODS: Femurs implanted with a cemented total hip prosthesis had a simulated periprosthetic femur fracture created distal to the implant. Fractures were fixed with a plate with locked screws or a plate with cables (Ogden construct). Fixation stability was compared in various loading modalities before and after cycling. Failure in torsional loading was then determined. The cement mantle was tested for crack propagation that may have occurred secondary to locked screw insertion and loading. OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS: Fixation stiffness (the ratio of applied load to displacement at the fracture site), torsional strength, mode of failure for each system, and cement mantle evaluation for cracks after screw insertion. RESULTS: Locked plating was stiffer than the Ogden construct in pre- and post-cyclic axial loading and torsion. There was no difference in lateral bending stability or torsional failure loads. CONCLUSIONS: Locked plating constructs were stiffer than the Ogden construct in axial loading and torsion. Although no differences in loads to failure during torsion were noted, locked plating constructs exhibited catastrophic failure not observed with the Ogden construct

The high incidence of preoperative silent pulmonary embolisms (PEs) among elderly patients with hip fractures has led some authors to recommend making acquisition of arterial blood gas (ABG) levels a routine part of the preoperative workup. In the study reported here, we retrospectively reviewed 254 patients in our hip-fracture database and determined that ABG levels have poor positive predictive value for PEs and add little to the positive predictive value or negative predictive value of careful clinical examination. Therefore, we do not recommend making acquisition of ABG levels a routine part of the preoperative evaluation

The type II Monteggia (posterior) lesion is a rare injury which is sometimes associated with ulnohumeral instability. We have reviewed 23 of 28 patients with this injury. A clinical and radiographic assessment was undertaken at follow-up. Functional outcome scores, including the Broberg and Morrey Index and the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder or Hand (DASH), were used. The results from the six patients with associated posterior ulnohumeral dislocation were compared with 17 without ulnohumeral injury. Those with dislocation had reduced movement of the elbow and had outcome scores indicative of greater disability compared to those without associated dislocation

OBJECTIVE: This study was designed to determine 1) how ankle position affects the medial clear space by using stress radiographs, 2) which medial clear space measurement, overall width or increase in width, better predicts deep deltoid ligament disruption after Weber type-B distal fibular fracture, and 3) what value of medial clear space is most predictive of deep deltoid ligament disruption after Weber type-B distal fibular fracture. DESIGN: Cadaveric fracture model. SETTING: Biomechanics laboratory. INTERVENTION: Fluoroscopic mortise views were taken of 6 fresh cadaveric ankles mounted in a fixture permitting both positioning in neutral flexion, dorsiflexion, and plantarflexion, and the application of internal and external rotational forces. After destabilizing the ankles according to the supination-external rotation mechanism of Lauge-Hansen, repeat radiographs were taken with the same combination of flexion and applied rotational stress. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE: Radiographic measurements of medial clear space width and changes in medial clear space were made. RESULTS: A medial clear space of > or =5 mm on radiographs taken in dorsiflexion with an external rotational stress was most predictive of deep deltoid ligament transection after distal fibular fracture. In dorsiflexion-external rotation, medial clear spaces of > or =4 mm yielded lower specificity and positive predictive value, whereas > or =6 mm yielded lower sensitivity and negative predictive value. All other stress conditions and increases in medial clear space of 2 or 3 mm were less predictive. CONCLUSIONS: Ankle stress radiographs taken in dorsiflexion-external rotation were most predictive of deep deltoid ligament disruption after distal fibular fracture. Under this stress condition, a medial clear space of > or =5 mm was the most reliable predictor of deep deltoid ligament status