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Introduction: Traditionally, distraction osteogenesis has been accomplished with an external fixator. All internal transport utilizing magnetic intramedullary nails is a newer technique for bone reconstruction. The Precice Bone Transport Nail is a new implant that allows for noninvasive transport via a magnetically driven motor. Areas covered: This report describes the function of the Bone Transport Nail along with the technical considerations on how to successfully manage bone defects with this new technology. Appropriate use of the nail, preoperative planning, intraoperative considerations, and postoperative management are discussed in detail. Expert opinion: The Precice Bone Transport Nail utilizes the technology of the original Precice nail to provide an all-internal option for reconstruction of intercalary defects. This obviates the need for an additional plate with a standard Precice nail when performing bone transport and allows for a less invasive option that decreases operating room time. It provides a more cosmetic result than external fixation and avoids the risks of pin tract infection. Preoperative planning is essential to appropriate execution of the operative procedure and to perform a successful transport. A thorough understanding of the nail design and limitations are a prerequisite as this implant is significantly different from a standard intramedullary nail.

OBJECTIVES: Laser-assisted Indocyanine Green Angiography (LA-ICGA) is a novel method for objectively quantifying soft tissue perfusion. The primary aim of this study was to determine whether skin perfusion surrounding tibial plateau and pilon fractures is associated with the Tscherne classification for severity of soft tissue injury. The secondary aim was to determine if soft tissue perfusion improves from the time of injury to the time of definitive fracture fixation in fractures treated using a staged protocol. DESIGN: Prospective cohort study SETTING: Academic trauma centre PATIENTS: Eight pilon fracture patients and 19 tibial plateau fracture patients that underwent open reduction internal fixation MAIN OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS: Skin perfusion (fluorescence units) as measured by LA-ICGA RESULTS: Six patients were classified as Tscherne grade 0, nine as grade 1, ten as grade 2, and two as grade 3. Perfusion decreased by 14 fu (95% CI: −21, −6, p

Cannabinoid compounds are being increasingly used as an analgesic adjuvant in the orthopedic population, but little data exist to either support or oppose this practice pattern. A review of all contemporary (2000–2020) studies on the use of cannabinoids in orthopedics is presented. Physicians and patients are optimistic that cannabinoids can decrease pain scores and perhaps opioid use; however, their application in orthopedics is not well characterized. In addition to the social stigma regarding the use of cannabis, there is limited high-quality evidence of the efficacy of cannabinoids in treating orthopedic-related pain. As cannabis becomes more accessible, well-designed trials are needed to better understand cannabinoids and guide orthopedic practice. [ Orthopedics . 2022;45(6):e295–e302.]

INTRODUCTION The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS) Annual Meeting provides an opportunity for clinicians to attain the most recent advancements in the orthopaedic field. However, the most recent study analyzing publication rates from the 2001 Annual Meeting determined that only 49% of the podium and poster abstracts were eventually published. The purpose of this study was to determine the publication rate, likelihood of publication based on the presentation format, and time to publication for abstracts presented at the 2014 to 2017 AAOS Annual Meetings. METHODS We did a comprehensive search of PubMed and Google Scholar to determine whether abstracts presented in the podium, poster, and scientific exhibit formats from the 2014 to 2017 AAOS Annual Meetings were published in a peer-reviewed journal. Abstract title, authors, and keywords were used to query for publication status and date of publication. RESULTS We analyzed 5,902 abstracts from the 2014 to 2017 AAOS Annual Meetings. The overall publication rate for podium and poster presentations was 69.9%, with individual publication rates at 73.0% and 65.1%, respectively. A higher likelihood of publication in the podium format was noted with odds ratio 1.45 (P < 0.0001). Scientific exhibits displayed a publication rate of 46.9%. Most publications in all formats occurred within 2 years. CONCLUSION A large increase was noted in the quality of research being presented at the AAOS Annual Meeting. With 69.9% of podium and poster presentations from the 2014 to 2017 Annual Meetings being published in a peer-reviewed journal, clinicians can use the data presented as an up-to-date, adjunct source of guidance for their clinical practices.

Chlorhexidine skin antisepsis is frequently recommended for most surgical procedures; however, it is unclear if these recommendations should apply to surgery involving traumatic contaminated wounds where povidone-iodine has previously been preferred. We aimed to compare the effect of aqueous 10% povidone-iodine versus aqueous 4% chlorhexidine gluconate on the risk of surgical site infection in patients who required surgery for an open fracture.We conducted a multiple-period, cluster-randomised, crossover trial (Aqueous-PREP) at 14 hospitals in Canada, Spain, and the USA. Eligible patients were adults aged 18 years or older with an open extremity fracture treated with a surgical fixation implant. For inclusion, the open fracture required formal surgical debridement within 72 h of the injury. Participating sites were randomly assigned (1:1) to use either aqueous 10% povidone-iodine or aqueous 4% chlorhexidine gluconate immediately before surgical incision; sites then alternated between the study interventions every 2 months. Participants, health-care providers, and study personnel were aware of the treatment assignment due to the colour of the solutions. The outcome adjudicators and data analysts were masked to treatment allocation. The primary outcome was surgical site infection, guided by the 2017 US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention National Healthcare Safety Network reporting criteria, which included superficial incisional infection within 30 days or deep incisional or organ space infection within 90 days of surgery. The primary analyses followed the intention-to-treat principle and included all participants in the groups to which they were randomly assigned. This study is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT03385304.Between April 8, 2018, and June 8, 2021, 3619 patients were assessed for eligibility and 1683 were enrolled and randomly assigned to povidone-iodine (n=847) or chlorhexidine gluconate (n=836). The trial's adjudication committee determined that 45 participants were ineligible, leaving 1638 participants in the primary analysis, with 828 in the povidone-iodine group and 810 in the chlorhexidine gluconate group (mean age 44·9 years [SD 18·0]; 629 [38%] were female and 1009 [62%] were male). Among 1571 participants in whom the primary outcome was known, a surgical site infection occurred in 59 (7%) of 787 participants in the povidone-iodine group and 58 (7%) of 784 in the chlorhexidine gluconate group (odds ratio 1·11, 95% CI 0·74 to 1·65; p=0·61; risk difference 0·6%, 95% CI -1·4 to 3·4).For patients who require surgical fixation of an open fracture, either aqueous 10% povidone-iodine or aqueous 4% chlorhexidine gluconate can be selected for skin antisepsis on the basis of solution availability, patient contraindications, or product cost. These findings might also have implications for antisepsis of other traumatic wounds.US Department of Defense, Canadian Institutes of Health Research, McMaster University Surgical Associates, PSI Foundation.

The purpose of this study was to describe the incidence of subsidence in patients with AO/OTA 41 (tibial plateau) fractures which were repaired with a novel fenestrated screw system to used to deliver CaPO4 bone substitute material to fill the subchondral void and support the articular reduction. Patients with unicondylar and bicondylar tibial plateau fractures were treated according to the usual technique of two surgeons. After fixation, the Zimmer Biomet N-Force Fixation System®, a fenestrated screw that allows for the injection of bone substitute was placed and used for injection of the proprietary calcium phosphate bone graft substitute into the subchondral void. For all included patients, demographic information, operative data, radiographs, and clinic notes were reviewed. Patients were considered to have articular subsidence if one or more of two observations were made when comparing post-operative to their most recent clinic radiographs: > 2 mm change in the distance between the screw and the lowest point of the tibial plateau, > 2 mm change in the distance between the screw and the most superior aspect of the plate. Data were analyzed to determine if there were any identifiable risk factors for complication, reoperation, or subsidence using logistic regression. Statistical significance was set at p

OBJECTIVES To evaluate axial fracture obliquity and posterior inferior comminution in vertically oriented femoral neck fractures (FNFs) in the physiologically young patient. A biomechanical investigation was designed to evaluate the impact of these fracture elements on torque to failure using cannulated screw (CS) and sliding hip screw fixation. METHODS Four Pauwels III FNF models were established in synthetic femurs: (1) vertically oriented in the coronal plane (COR), (2) coronal plane with axial obliquity (AX), (3) coronal plane with posterior inferior comminution (CCOM), and (4) coronal plane with axial obliquity and posterior inferior comminution (ACOM). In each group (n = 10), specimens were fixed using either 3 CSs or a sliding hip screw with supplemental antirotation screw (SHS). Quasistatic cyclic ramp-loading to failure was performed using a custom testing jig combining axial preloading and torsional ramp-loading. The primary outcome was torque to failure, defined as angular displacement ≥5 degrees. RESULTS In the CS group, torque to failure was 40.2 ± 2.6 Nm, 35.0 ± 1.4 Nm, 29.8 ± 1.5 Nm, and 31.8 ± 2.2 Nm for the COR, AX, CCOM, and ACOM fracture groups, respectively (P < 0.05). In the SHS group, torque to failure was 28.6 ± 1.3 Nm, 24.2 ± 1.4 Nm, 21.4 ± 1.2 Nm, and 21.0 ± 0.9 Nm for the COR, AX, CCOM, and ACOM fracture groups, respectively (P < 0.05). In both constructs, groups with posterior inferior comminution demonstrated significantly lower torque to failure compared to the COR group (P < 0.05). The CS construct demonstrated higher torque to failure in all groups when compared to the SHS construct (P < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS Posterior inferior comminution significantly affects torque to failure in vertically oriented FNFs. Three peripherally placed CSs may resist combined axial and torsional loading better than a sliding hip screw construct.

Background A national analysis of clavicle fractures is lacking and the risk of concomitant axillosubclavian vessel injury (ASVI) in patients with clavicle fractures is unknown. A minority of patients may have a combined brachial plexus injury (BPI). We sought to describe risk factors for concomitant ASVI in patients with a clavicle fracture; hypothesizing patients with combined clavicle fracture and BPI has a higher risk of ASVI. Methods The Trauma Quality Improvement Program (2010-2016) was queried for blunt trauma patients with a clavicle fracture. A multivariable logistic regression model was used to determine risk factors for ASVI. A subset analysis on patients with isolated clavicle fractures was additionally performed. Results From 59 198 patients with clavicle fractures, 341 (.6%) had concomitant ASVI. Compared to patients without ASVI, patients with ASVI had a higher median injury severity score (24 vs. 17, P < .001) and rates of pulmonary contusions (43.4% vs. 37.7%, P = .029) and BPI (18.2% vs. .4%, P < .001). After controlling for associated chest wall injuries and humerus fracture, the BPI odds ratio (OR 49.17, 35.59-67.92, P < .001) was independently associated with risk for ASVI. In a subset analysis of isolated clavicle fractures, BPI remained associated with risk of ASVI (OR 60.01, confidence intervals 25.29-142.39, P < .001). Conclusion The rate of concomitant ASVI in patients with a clavicle fracture is

OBJECTIVES This biomechanical study compares the effectiveness of dual-plate (DP) and plate-nail (PN) constructs for fixation of supracondylar distal femur fractures in synthetic and cadaveric specimens. METHODS Twenty-four synthetic osteoporotic femurs were used to compare 4 constructs in an extra-articular, supracondylar fracture gap model (OTA/AO type 33-A3). Constructs included: (1) distal lateral femoral locking plate (DLFLP), (2) retrograde intramedullary nail (rIMN), (3) DLFLP + medial locking compression plate (DP construct), and (4) DLFLP + rIMN (PN construct). DP and PN constructs were then directly compared using 7 matched pairs of cadaveric femurs. Specimens underwent cyclic loading in torsion and compression. Biomechanical effectiveness was measured by quantifying the load-dependent stiffness of each construct. RESULTS In synthetic osteoporotic femurs, the DP construct had the greatest torsional stiffness (1.76 ± 0.33 Nm/deg) followed by the rIMN (1.67 ± 0.14 Nm/deg), PN construct (1.44 ± 0.17 Nm/deg), and DLFLP (0.68 ± 0.10 Nm/deg) (P < 0.01). The DP construct also had the greatest axial stiffness (507.9 ± 83.1 N/mm) followed by the PN construct (371.4 ± 41.9 N/mm), DLFLP (255.0 ± 45.3 N/mm), and rIMN (109.2 ± 47.6 N/mm) (P < 0.05). In cadaveric specimens, the DP construct was nearly twice as stiff as the PN construct in torsion (8.41 ± 0.58 Nm/deg vs. 4.24 ± 0.41 Nm/deg, P < 0.001), and over one-and-a-half times stiffer in compression (2148.1 ± 820.4 vs. 1387.7 ± 467.9 N/mm, P = 0.02). CONCLUSIONS DP constructs provided stiffer fixation than PN constructs in this biomechanical study of extra-articular distal femur fractures. In the clinical setting, fracture morphology, desired healing mode, surgical approach, and implant cost should be considered when implementing these fixation strategies.

Objective Periprosthetic fractures of the distal femur can be challenging injuries to treat; nonunion rates of up to 22% have been reported. The purpose of this study was to determine the rate of complications and nonunion in a multicenter series, and to identify patient or surgical factors that were associated with nonunion. Design Retrospective comparative study Setting Three Level 1 trauma centers Patients Fifty-five patients with a periprosthetic distal femur fracture proximal to a total knee arthroplasty. Minimum follow up for inclusion was six months or until union or failure. Intervention Surgical fixation using a precontoured lateral locking plate Main Outcome Measurement Fracture union was the primary outcome. Patient demographic and injury variables (age, comorbidities, fracture classification and characteristics) and surgical technique factors (mode of plate fixation, plate material, working length, screw density, and proximal screw type) were identified and compared between patients who developed a nonunion and those who did not. Regression analysis was performed to identify independent risk factors for nonunion. Results The overall rate of nonunion was 18% and the total complication rate was 24%. After additional surgery, 49 of 55 patients went on to heal (89%). There were no statistical differences in patient demographic or injury variables between the union and nonunion groups, and none of the variables studied were independent risk factors for nonunion in the regression analysis. Conclusions In this series of 55 patients with periprosthetic distal femur fractures treated with precontoured lateral locking plates, 18% developed nonunion and the overall complication rate was 24%. No patient or surgical variables were identified as risk factors. Future research should seek to identify patients at high risk for complication and nonunion who could benefit from alternative fixation strategies or distal femoral replacement.

Introduction The goal of this study was to identify the current practices and rationale of orthopaedic surgeons regarding venous thromboembolism (VTE) prophylaxis for pelvic and acetabular (P&A) fractures. Methods A 25-item web-based questionnaire was made available to all Orthopaedic Trauma Association (OTA) members on the OTA website. Analysis of data was performed after the three-month study period. Results One hundred three active OTA members completed the survey. Most respondents practiced at an academic level I trauma centers. The most important factor in selecting a VTE regimen was its effectiveness, whereas cost was the least important. Low-molecular-weight heparin (LMWH) remains the preferred agent for VTE prophylaxis after P&A trauma. Factors such as surgical intervention and weight-bearing had a variable effect on surgeons' opinions regarding the type and duration of VTE prophylaxis. Conclusion Most surgeons treating P&A fractures use LMWH for VTE prophylaxis, but the decision on which agent to use and duration of treatment is multifactorial. Published VTE prophylaxis literature and guidelines provide some guidance, but there is no consensus. Overall, LMWH appears to be the VTE prophylaxis agent of choice for most orthopaedic trauma surgeons, irrespective of nonsurgical or surgical management of these fractures.

To evaluate the contribution that tension-relieving sutures, placed between a proximal humeral locking plate and the rotator cuff muscles, had on preventing varus malalignment in an osteoporotic 2-part proximal humerus fracture model.A 2-part fracture model was created in 8 cadaveric specimens and then fixed with a lateral locking plate. A custom shoulder testing system was used to increase loading through the supraspinatus (SS) tendon to drive varus deformity. Trials were performed with no suture placement; SS only; SS and subscapularis (SB); and SS, SB, and infraspinatus. The primary outcome was contribution of each point of suture fixation to prevention of varus collapse.Suture augmentation to the SS, SB, and infraspinatus significantly decreased humeral head varus collapse when compared with the plate alone at nearly all loads ( P0.05). There were no significant differences in humeral head varus collapse between the 3 suture constructs.In our biomechanical evaluation of a simulated osteoporotic 2-part proximal humerus fracture with incompetent medial calcar, tension-relieving sutures placed between a lateral locked plate and the rotator cuff tendons prevented varus malalignment.

This biomechanical study seeks to define the relative effectiveness of contemporary single and dual implant constructs for fixation of an extra-articular proximal tibia fracture model.An extra-articular proximal tibia fracture model was created using synthetic tibias. Four constructs were tested. Constructs included (1) lateral locked plate (LLP), (2) intramedullary nail (IMN), (3) combined LLP and IMN (PN), and (4) LLP and medial locked plate. Specimens were axially loaded through the medial plateau to evaluate construct stiffness and the ability to resist varus collapse.Dual implant constructs were stiffer than single implant constructs in this model. Although DP and PN were stiffer than IMN at all loads tested, the difference was notable only for DP at higher loads. Isolated LLP provided insufficient stability to be tested at higher loads.Dual plate fixation provides the greatest resistance to varus collapse. In the clinical setting, consideration must be given to the fracture morphology, desired construct stiffness, and soft-tissue envelope in selecting the optimal construct to be used.

To evaluate a proposed orthopaedic-specific surgical wound classification system (SWCS) and the current Centers for Disease Control (CDC) system in a series of detailed clinical vignettes and to identify the degree of satisfaction with CDC SWCS and desire for institution of an orthopaedic-specific SWCS.Forty-five clinical vignettes and a 5-question survey were distributed to current and past members of the Orthopaedic Trauma Association's Classification Committee. Respondents were asked to provide wound class for each vignette using the CDC system and orthopaedic-specific SWCS.The orthopaedic-specific and CDC SWCS had interclass correlations of 0.95 and 0.91, respectively. When the systems were compared, in 34% of cases, there was no grade change; in 63% of cases, the wound was graded higher using the orthopaedic-specific SWCS. When only the procedure was changed between vignettes, wound classification was infrequently affected. There was near universal dissatisfaction with the CDC SWCS and desire for an orthopaedic-specific system.Both the CDC SWCS and orthopaedic-specific SWCS have excellent interobserver reliability. Incorporation of orthopaedic-specific language affects wound classification. There is low satisfaction with the current CDC SWCS and a desire exists for further development and validation of an orthopaedic-specific SWCS.

Plate-nail (PN) combinations have been described for fixation of supracondylar distal femur fractures. Small diameter retrograde intramedullary nails (rIMN) are commonly used. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of nail diameter on construct stability. We hypothesized that a larger diameter rIMN would not significantly change the stiffness of the PN construct when tested in torsional or axial loading.Twelve synthetic osteoporotic femurs were used to compare nail diameters in an extraarticular supracondylar distal femur fracture model (Orthopaedic Trauma Association/Arbeitsgemeinschaft für Osteosynthesefragen type 33-A3). Constructs were fixed with a 12-hole 4.5 mm pre-contoured lateral distal femoral locking plate combined with either a 9 mm (n = 6) or an 11 mm (n = 6) retrograde intramedullary nail (rIMN). Specimens were cyclically loaded in torsion and axial compression. The primary outcome was construct stiffness, calculated using the average slope of the force-displacement curves.The 11 mm PN construct was approximately 1.6 times stiffer than the 9 mm PN construct averaged across all torsional loads (2.39 +/- 0.41 Nm/deg vs 1.44 +/- 0.17 Nm/deg) and approximately 1.3 times stiffer than the 9 mm PN construct averaged across all axial loads (506.84 +/- 44.50 N/mm vs 376.77 +/- 37.65 N/mm). There were no construct failures.In this biomechanical model, nail diameter had a significant effect on both torsional and axial stiffness in PN constructs. While the use of smaller diameter rIMNs has been proposed to allow for easier placement of implants, the effect on overall construct stiffness should be considered in the context of the patient, their fracture and desired postoperative weight bearing recommendations.

Introduction: As cannabis use continues to increase in popularity, it is important to investigate how it impacts public health in all sectors of the population, including patients undergoing anesth...

To evaluate the contribution of each of the rotator cuff muscles and deltoid to fracture deformity in a 2-part proximal humerus fracture model. Our hypothesis was that superior cuff muscles would have the greatest contribution to coronal plane deformity, whereas muscles with anterior and posterior attachments would have the greatest contribution to axial and sagittal plane deformity.A medial wedge osteotomy was created in 8 cadaveric shoulder specimens. A custom shoulder testing system was used to load each rotator cuff muscle and deltoid under increasing loading conditions. Fracture displacement was measured using a Microscribe digitizing system. The primary outcome was the contribution of each muscle to varus collapse. Secondary outcomes included contributions of each muscle to apex anterior/posterior deformity and humeral head anteversion/retroversion.Unbalanced loading of the supraspinatus resulted in the greatest varus deformity (34.5 ± 2.3 degrees), followed by the infraspinatus (22.3 ± 3.6 degrees) and subscapularis (21.7 ± 3.1 degree) (P0.05). Unbalanced loading of the subscapularis induced the greatest apex posterior (27.5 ± 4.8 degrees, P0.05) and retroversion (39.0 ± 5.6 degrees, P0.05) deformity, whereas the infraspinatus induced the greatest apex anterior (8.7 ± 3.4 degrees, P0.05) and anteversion (17.7 ± 5.7 degrees, P0.05) deformity.In this proximal humerus fracture model, the supraspinatus was the primary driver of varus deformity, whereas the subscapularis and infraspinatus contributed to apex posterior/retroversion and apex anterior/anteversion, respectively. The subscapularis and infraspinatus are also important secondary drivers of varus deformity. This study establishes a physiologically relevant fracture model that mimics in vivo conditions for future biomechanical testing.

Introduction Cannabinoids are an increasingly popular therapy among orthopaedic patients for musculoskeletal conditions. A paucity of evidence to support their use in orthopaedics exists, likely because of the incongruence of federal and state legalization and the stigma surrounding cannabis. The purpose of this study is to elucidate sentiments and knowledge base of the orthopaedic trauma community with regard to cannabinoid-containing compounds. Methods A 21-question online survey was distributed to the members of the Orthopaedic Trauma Association with a response window of 3 months. Results We evaluated 251 responses. Most (88%) of the respondents did not believe that they were knowledgeable about the mechanism of action of cannabis/cannabidiol (CBD) but did feel that cannabis or CBD products play a role in managing postoperative pain (73%). Most respondents did not believe that they would be stigmatized if they suggested CBD (83%) or cannabis (67%) to patients. Despite this, fewer respondents have suggested CBD (38%) or cannabis (29%) to their patients. Conclusions Sentiment toward cannabinoids among orthopaedic traumatologists is remarkably favorable; however, in-depth understanding is admittedly poor and routine use is uncommon. More clinical research for cannabinoids is needed to help orthopaedic traumatologists provide guidance for patients seeking advice for this recently popular therapeutic.

It is unclear which pharmacological agents, and at what dosage and timing, are most effective for venous thromboembolism (VTE) prophylaxis in patients with pelvic/acetabular fractures.We searched the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, Embase, Web of Science, EBSCO, and PubMed on October 3, 2020, for English-language studies of VTE prophylaxis in patients with pelvic/acetabular fractures. We applied no date limits. We included studies that compared efficacy of pharmacological agents for VTE prophylaxis, timing of administration of such agents, and/or dosage of such agents. We recorded interventions, sample sizes, and VTE incidence, including deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism.Two studies (3604 patients) compared pharmacological agents, reporting that patients who received direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) were less likely to develop DVT than those who received low molecular weight heparin (LMWH) (p0.01). Compared with unfractionated heparin (UH), LMWH was associated with lower odds of VTE (odds ratio [OR] = 0.37, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.22-0.63) and death (OR = 0.27, 95% CI: 0.10-0.72). Three studies (3107 patients) compared timing of VTE prophylaxis, reporting that late prophylaxis was associated with higher odds of VTE (OR = 1.9, 95% CI: 1.2-3.2) and death (OR = 4.0, 95% CI: 1.5-11) and higher rates of symptomatic DVT (9.2% vs. 2.5%, p = 0.03; and 22% vs. 3.1%, p = 0.01). One study (31 patients) investigated dosage of VTE prophylaxis, reporting that a higher proportion of patients with acetabular fractures were underdosed (23% of patients below range of anti-Factor Xa [aFXa] had acetabular fractures vs. 4.8% of patients within adequate range of aFXa, p0.01).Early VTE chemoprophylaxis (within 24 or 48 h after injury) was better than late administration in terms of VTE and death. Many patients with acetabular fractures are underdosed with LMWH, with inadequate aFXa levels. Compared with UH, LMWH was associated with lower odds of VTE and death. DOACs were associated with lower risk of DVT compared with LMWH.III, systematic review of retrospective cohort studies.

Introduction Bicondylar tibial plateau fractures with meta-diaphyseal comminution commonly have a compromised soft tissue envelope. Combined plate-nail fixation is an emerging technique that utilizes a limited anterolateral approach for plate application and percutaneous incisions for placement of an intramedullary nail. This technique alleviates the need for a separate medial approach to the proximal tibia. We report a series of patients treated with this approach and outline the steps for implementation. Methods We performed a retrospective review of 18 consecutive patients treated with combination lateral locked plating and intramedullary nailing at a single academic institution from 2016 to 2019. Of these, 16 patients met inclusion criteria and were included in this study. All patients had AO/OTA type 41C2/C3 fractures. Primary outcomes included coronal plane and sagittal plane alignment at latest follow up, rate of articular subsidence at latest follow up, and rate of postoperative infection. Results Of the 16 patients included, average followup was 8.2 months (range 0.1-29.7 months). At latest follow-up, average coronal alignment ranged from 0.8±1.2 degrees of varus (maximum 4.0 degrees) to 1.4±1.7 degrees of valgus (maximum 4.0 degrees). Average sagittal alignment ranged from 0.8±1.1 degrees of procurvatum (maximum 3.0 degrees) to 0.6±1.2 degrees of recurvatum (maximum 4.0 degrees). There was no radiographic evidence of articular subsidence at latest follow up for any patient. One patient (5.9%) presented at 141 days postoperatively with a draining wound and infection. Conclusions Combination plate-nail fixation is a viable option for treating patients with select bicondylar tibial plateau fractures with meta-diaphyseal comminution. This case series with short-term followup demonstrates acceptable radiographic and clinical outcomes, as well as rates of postoperative infection and implant removal similar to those currently reported in the literature for other techniques used to treat these fractures.

The purpose of this study was to describe the incidence of subsidence in patients with AO/OTA 41 (tibial plateau) fractures which were repaired with a novel fenestrated screw system to used to deliver CaPO4 bone substitute material to fill the subchondral void and support the articular reduction.Patients with unicondylar and bicondylar tibial plateau fractures were treated according to the usual technique of two surgeons. After fixation, the Zimmer Biomet N-Force Fixation System®, a fenestrated screw that allows for the injection of bone substitute was placed and used for injection of the proprietary calcium phosphate bone graft substitute into the subchondral void. For all included patients, demographic information, operative data, radiographs, and clinic notes were reviewed. Patients were considered to have articular subsidence if one or more of two observations were made when comparing post-operative to their most recent clinic radiographs: 2 mm change in the distance between the screw and the lowest point of the tibial plateau, 2 mm change in the distance between the screw and the most superior aspect of the plate. Data were analyzed to determine if there were any identifiable risk factors for complication, reoperation, or subsidence using logistic regression. Statistical significance was set at p 0.05.34 patients were included with an average follow-up of 32.03 ± 22.52 weeks. There were no overall differences between height relative to the medial plateau or the plate. Two patients (5.9%) had articular subsidence. Six patients (15.2%) underwent reoperation, two (6%) for manipulations under anaesthesia due to arthrofibrosis, and four (12%) due to infections. There were 6 (19%) total infections as 2 were superficial and required solely antibiotics. One patient had early failure.Use of a novel fenestrated screw system for the delivery of CaPO4 BSM results in articular subsidence and complication rates similar to previously published values and appears to be a viable option for addressing subchondral defects in tibial plateau fractures.IV.

Objective This study sought to provide a national, descriptive analysis to determine fat embolism syndrome (FES) risk factors, hypothesizing that femur fractures and multiple fractures are associated with an increased risk. Methods The Trauma Quality Improvement Program was queried (2010–2016) for patients with extremity fractures. A multivariable logistic regression analysis model was used. Results From 324,165 patients, 116 patients (0.04%) were diagnosed with FES. An age ≤30, closed femur fracture, and multiple long bone fractures were associated with an increased risk of FES. Conclusion Future research to validate these findings and develop a clinical risk stratification tool appears warranted.

Significance: Extremity injury represents the leading cause of trauma hospitalizations among adults under the age of 65 years, and long-term impairments are often substantial. Restoring function depends, in large part, on bone and soft tissue healing. Thus, decisions around treatment strategy are based on assessment of the healing potential of injured bone and/or soft tissue. However, at the present, this assessment is based on subjective clinical clues and/or cadaveric studies without any objective measure. Optical imaging is an ideal method to solve several of these issues. Aim: The aim is to highlight the current challenges in assessing bone and tissue perfusion/viability and the potentially high impact applications for optical imaging in orthopaedic surgery. Approach: The prospective will review the current challenges faced by the orthopaedic surgeon and briefly discuss optical imaging tools that have been published. With this in mind, it will suggest key research areas that could be evolved to help make surgical assessments more objective and quantitative. Results: Orthopaedic surgical procedures should benefit from incorporation of methods to measure functional blood perfusion or tissue metabolism. The types of measurements though can vary in the depth of tissue sampled, with some being quite superficial and others sensing several millimeters into the tissue. Most of these intrasurgical imaging tools represent an ideal way to improve surgical treatment of orthopaedic injuries due to their inherent point-of-care use and their compatibility with real-time management. Conclusion: While there are several optical measurements to directly measure bone function, the choice of tools can determine also the signal strength and depth of sampling. For orthopaedic surgery, real-time data regarding bone and tissue perfusion should lead to more effective patient-specific management of common orthopaedic conditions, requiring deeper penetrance commonly seen with indocyanine green imaging. This will lower morbidity and result in decreased variability associated with how these conditions are managed.

OBJECTIVE: To determine if three-dimensional (3D) printed models can be used to improve acetabular fracture pattern recognition and be a valuable adjunct in orthopedic resident education. DESIGN: Fifteen randomized testing stations with each containing plain radiographs (XRs), two-dimensional computed tomography (CT) scans, or 3D model of an acetabular fracture. SETTING: Two orthopedic residency programs based at Level 1 trauma centers. PARTICIPANTS: Forty-one orthopedic residents, PGY 1–5. RESULTS: Senior residents were superior to junior residents at correctly identifying the provided acetabular fracture pattern. Overall, use of CT scans or the 3D model improved fracture classification as compared to standard XRs, but there was no significant difference between use of the CT scans and 3D models. Subjective survey results indicated agreement among residents that 3D models were accurate representations of acetabular fractures and that models would be a desired educational modality. CONCLUSIONS: 3D models improved the accuracy of acetabular fracture identification compared to XR. In addition, trainees were able to use 3D models to obtain similar accuracy compared to CT scans despite not having previous exposure to the models. Interobserver agreement improved when comparing CT to 3D, but did not provide greater than a fair agreement indicating that fracture patterns were difficult to accurately classify even with the use of 3D models. Residents’ subjective responses indicated a positive experience with the use of 3D models. We conclude that the incorporation of 3D models could be an important adjunct to orthopedic residency education for the evaluation complex fracture patterns, but is not significantly superior to identification with CT scans. ( J Surg Ed 000:1–6. © 2018 Association of Program Directors in Surgery. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Introduction Comminuted patella fractures are uncommon and difficult fractures to manage. Multiple treatment modalities have been suggested, with little clinical data to support practice. Recent biomechanical and technical investigations have described successful plate fixation of comminuted patella fractures. The purpose of this study was to evaluate radiographic, clinical and functional outcome of comminuted patella fractures treated with a fixed angle locking plates. We believe stable fixation, which results in successful fracture union and functional recovery, can be achieved with this technique. Materials and methods A retrospective review was performed at a single regional academic Level 1 trauma hospital. All comminuted patella fractures treated with a fixed angle locking plate (AO/OTA 34C2 and C3) over a six-year period were evaluated. Thirty-six patients were identified. Average length of follow up was 154 weeks (range 12–297 weeks). Twenty patients were available for functional outcome scoring. Primary outcome measures were: Knee Outcome Score (KOS), Lower Extremity Functional Scale (LES) and goniometer measured knee range of motion. Secondary outcomes evaluated the need for additional screw or cerclage fixation, reoperation for any reason, bothersome hardware, infection and nonunion. Results Average KOS = 57.2 (20–74), average LES = 58.9 (15–80). Median extension = 0° (full extension), median flexion = 130°. Supplemental screws were used in 17/36 cases; cerclage used in 2/36 cases. Hardware irritation was noted in 4/20 patients, no patient requested elective hardware removal, one patient had failure of fixation and no nonunions were identified. Conclusion Fixed angle plate stabilization of comminuted patella fractures is a viable technique for fracture fixation. Good to excellent return of knee function and low complication rates, including need for hardware removal, can be expected.

Traumatic through-knee or transfemoral amputations with concomitant ipsilateral femoral fractures are extremely rare injuries. The initial goal of management is patient resuscitation and stabilization. Subsequent interventions focus on limb salvage and the creation of a residual limb that can be fitted successfully for a functional lower extremity prosthesis. We present the case of a patient who sustained a traumatic through-knee amputation ipsilateral to an open comminuted femoral fracture. Soft tissue injury prohibited initial primary closure over the distal femoral condyles. A functional residual limb was achieved with acute femoral shortening, maintenance of the femoral condyles and fracture stabilization with a short retrograde intramedullary nail. This approach allowed maintenance of muscular attachments to the femur, soft tissue closure and resulted in a residual limb of acceptable length with a broad weight-bearing surface that was fitted with a prosthesis successfully.

Objectives The suprapatellar approach for medullary nailing of the tibia is increasing. This requires intra-articular passage of instruments, which theoretically places the knee at risk of postoperative sepsis in the setting of open fracture. We hypothesized that the risk of knee sepsis is similar after suprapatellar or infrapatellar nailing of open tibia fractures. Design Retrospective, multicenter. Setting Three urban level 1 trauma centers. Patients All patients treated with medullary nailing for open diaphyseal tibia fractures (OTA 42) from 2009 to 2015. Patients younger than 18 years of age and with less than 12 weeks of follow-up were excluded. We identified 289 fractures in 282 patients. Intervention Suprapatellar (SP) or infrapatellar (IP) medullary nailing of open tibia fractures. Main outcome measurement Occurrence of ipsilateral knee sepsis, defined as presence of a positive culture from knee aspiration or arthrotomy. Deep infection requiring operative debridement, superficial infection requiring antibiotic therapy alone, and all-cause reoperation were also recorded. Results IP nailing was used for 142 fractures. There were 20 infections (14.1%), of which 14 (9.8%) were deep. Fourteen tibias (9.8%) required reoperation for noninfectious reasons for 28 total reoperations (19.7%). SP nailing was used in 147 fractures. There were 24 infections (16.2%), of which 16 (10.8%) were deep. Fourteen additional tibias (9.5%) required reoperation for noninfectious reasons for a total of 30 reoperations (20.4%). There were no differences in the rates of infection, deep infection, or reoperation between groups. There were 2 cases of knee sepsis after SP nailing (1.4%) but zero cases after IP nailing (P = 0.5). Conclusions There was no significant difference in the rate of knee sepsis with SP or IP approaches. The risk of knee sepsis after SP nailing of open fractures is low, but present. Level of evidence Therapeutic Level III. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

Objectives To compare infection and nonunion rates after provisional plating (PP) with standard reduction (SR) techniques for closed tibia fractures treated with an intramedullary nail. Design Retrospective comparative study. Setting Level 1 academic trauma center. Patients/participants Of the 348 closed tibia fractures (Orthopaedic Trauma Association/Arbeitsgemeinschaft fur Osteosynthesefragen 42) treated using an intramedullary nail from January 2007 through June 2015, 231 (40 PP and 191 SR) patients met inclusion/exclusion criteria. Intervention The patients received either a provisional plate or an SR before intramedullary nail placement. Main outcome measurement Infection and nonunion. Results The PP cohort had a significantly higher proportion of high-energy injury mechanism and a significantly higher proportion of diabetes than the SR cohort. We were unable to demonstrate a difference in rates of infection [PP cohort (1/40, 2.5%) vs. SR cohort (6/191, 3.1%), P = 1.0], nonunion [PP cohort (3/40, 7.5%) vs. SR cohort (9/191, 4.7%), P = 0.44], or malunion [PP cohort (0/40, 0%) vs. SR cohort (8/191, 4.2%), P = 0.36]. Symptomatic implant removal was similar between the 2 groups [PP cohort (4/40, 10%) vs. SR cohort (27/191, 14%), P = 0.61]. Conclusion PP can be used for complex, closed tibia fractures without an increased risk of infection, nonunion, and malunion compared with standard closed reduction techniques. Level of evidence Therapeutic Level III. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

Objective Orthopedic residents commonly perform closed manipulative reductions as a part of their training. Traditionally, this skill is taught early in training but difficult to simulate. Proficiency is achieved through repetition and experience; faculty observation and instruction is unfortunately often limited. Direct resident teaching has been shown to increase competency, comfort, and long-term skill retention. We hypothesize that video review of closed fracture reductions will provide an inexpensive and valuable tool for resident education and improve skill performance. Design Closed reductions performed by orthopaedic residents were recorded using a secured mobile tablet device in the emergency department (ED). Video review sessions were performed with both peer and faculty feedback/analysis of reduction technique. Anonymous resident and faculty surveys were completed following each session to evaluate the usage and perceived benefit of the program. Setting University-based Level I Trauma Center. Participants Orthopedic surgery residents and faculty. Results All junior orthopedic residents (postgraduate year [PGY] 1-3) reported that direct video observation by faculty was beneficial. Furthermore, 97% of junior resident and 100% of faculty responses reported that they would use this educational technology in the future. Residents and faculty both strongly agreed that video review was more useful than other methods, improved resident preparation for ED fracture care, and felt this technique would improve patient care and outcomes. Compared with senior residents (PGY 4-5), PGY-1s believed that this technique helped them prepare for ED fracture care (p = 0.02). Conclusions Video review provides a useful, innovative, and inexpensive method to improve resident competency in closed fracture reduction—a critical skill in orthopedic patient care. These procedures are uncommonly available for direct faculty observation. We have demonstrated that both residents and faculty were satisfied with the ability to review procedures, identify weaknesses, and obtain or provide direct feedback on this skill. Additionally, fracture reduction video review may help residents meet and achieve clinical milestones, an area of future investigation.

Femoral fractures between a total hip arthroplasty prosthesis and total knee arthroplasty prosthesis, also called interprosthetic fractures, are challenging clinical problems. The number of patients who have undergone ipsilateral primary or revision joint arthroplasty procedures in both the hip and the knee continues to rise, and the number of interprosthetic fractures is increasing, as well. The growing body of biomechanical and clinical literature on interprosthetic fractures reflects the increased frequency of and interest in these injuries. Similar to the management of periprosthetic fractures, the management of interprosthetic fractures depends on the location of the fracture, the stability of the implant, and the ability to achieve stable fracture fixation. These factors are the basis of recently described classification systems and treatment strategies. In patients with stable implants, fracture fixation alone is performed. When the implant is loose, both revision arthroplasty and fracture fixation may be required to provide stability of the limb.

OBJECTIVES To determine if orthogonal or parallel plate position provides superior fixation of the separate capitellar fragment often present in intra-articular distal humerus fractures. We hypothesized that orthogonal plating would provide stiffer fixation given a greater number of opportunities for capitellar fixation and screw trajectories perpendicular to the fracture plane offered by a posterolateral plate compared with a parallel plate construct. METHODS Ten matched pairs of cadaveric distal humeri were used to compare parallel and orthogonal plating in a fracture gap model with an isolated capitellar fragment. The capitellum was loaded in 20 degrees of flexion using a cyclic, ramp-loading protocol. Fracture displacement was measured using video tracking software. The primary outcome was axial stiffness for each construct. Secondary outcomes included maximum axial and angular fracture displacement. RESULTS The parallel plate construct was more than twice as stiff as the orthogonal plate construct averaged across all loads (1464.8 ± 224.0 N/mm vs. 526.3 ± 90.8 N/mm, P < 0.001). Average axial fracture displacement was 0.15 ± 0.03 mm versus 0.53 ± 0.10 mm for parallel versus orthogonal plating, respectively (P = 0.003). Angular fracture displacement was minimal for both constructs (0.009 ± 0.001 degrees vs. 0.028 ± 0.006 degrees for parallel vs. orthogonal constructs). CONCLUSIONS Despite fewer points of fixation, a parallel plate construct provided stiffer fixation with less displacement of the simulated capitellar fracture fragment than an orthogonal plate construct in this biomechanical study. In the setting of an articular fracture, in which absolute stability and primary bone healing are desirable, parallel fixation should be considered even in fractures with a separate capitellar fragment if the size of fragment and fracture orientation allows.

The evaluation and management of pelvic ring injuries continues to evolve. Historic treatment was primarily nonsurgical, which yielded to open surgical treatment as the benefits of restoring pelvic anatomy and stability became clear. The development of percutaneous techniques for pelvic ring fixation enabled surgeons to reduce and stabilize certain injuries without the need for large open surgical dissections. Although percutaneous iliosacral screw fixation of sacral fractures and sacroiliac disruptions is the standard for most posterior pelvic ring injuries, the evaluation and treatment of anterior pelvic ring disruptions remains a controversial topic among surgeons who treat these injuries. Universally accepted indications for anterior pelvic ring stabilization do not exist, and there is little comparative data to support one surgical technique over another. In fact, some believe that for many injuries, the anterior ring rarely requires fixation after stable fixation of the posterior pelvic ring. The purpose of this work is to present a brief history on management of the anterior pelvic ring as a component of pelvic ring disruptions and briefly review the anatomy of the anterior pelvic ring. Finally, we will introduce the current techniques available for anterior pelvic reduction/stabilization and present information on evaluation of anterior ring stability as a means of guiding treatment.

The Morel-Lavallée lesion is a closed soft-tissue degloving injury commonly associated with high-energy trauma. The thigh, hip, and pelvic region are the most commonly affected locations. Timely identification and management of a Morel-Lavallée lesion is crucial because distracting injuries in the polytraumatized patient can result in a missed or delayed diagnosis. Bacterial colonization of these closed soft-tissue injuries has resulted in their association with high rates of perioperative infection. Recently, MRI has been used to characterize and classify these lesions. Definitive management is dictated by the size, location, and age of the injury and ranges from percutaneous drainage to open débridement and irrigation. Chronic lesions may lead to the development of pseudocysts and contour deformities of the extremity.

Management of fracture nonunion in the setting of subacute or chronic bacterial infection is a clinical challenge. Treatment must concurrently manage fracture instability and bacterial contamination. When acute infection occurs following fracture fixation, surgical debridement, antibiotic suppression and retention of stable fracture fixation hardware have been shown to be successful [1]. When fracture healing has not occurred alongside deep infection, alternative tactics must be explored. A general approach involves implant removal, thorough excisional debridement and irrigation, fracture stabilisation and focused systemic antibiotic therapy with or without additional local antibiosis. The use of antibiotic impregnated poly-methylmethacrylate (PMMA) as a nonbiodegradable drug delivery vehicle is well described in the orthopaedic literature [2,3]. Antibiotic impregnated PMMA can be placed in open fractures, areas of bone loss, soft tissue wounds, as well as in the setting of acute and chronic orthopaedic infections. Multiple authors have also reported the success of antibiotic impregnated PMMA intramedullary (IM) implants to stabilise and treat infected long bone nonunions [4–6]. The stabilisation and management of infected peri-articular nonunions remains a clinical challenge. In some clinical scenarios, limb stability is best achieved with a plate and screw device. We describe the creation and use of an antibiotic impregnated PMMA cement covered periarticular plate for this problem. This approach is highly effective in the provisional or definitive treatment of infected periarticular nonunions. It provides local delivery of antibiotics, immediate osseous stability, complete soft tissue closure and early range of motion.

Fractures of the posteromedial process of the talus are frequently the result of high-energy trauma to the lower extremity. The treatment of these uncommon injuries may be unfamiliar and challenging to many surgeons. Significant pain and disability can result if these injuries are not recognized or treated appropriately. Open reduction and internal fixation via a posteromedial approach with screws is a mainstay of operative treatment for simple fractures. In cases of fracture impaction and/or comminution, a medial uniplanar external fixator may be used to improve intraoperative fracture visualization and mini-fragment plates and screws can be used to secure areas of comminution. Level of Evidence: Level V, expert opinion.

The prevalence of femoral periprosthetic fractures is steadily increasing following the continuous rise of patients undergoing primary and revision THA [1, 2]. Periprosthetic fractures were the third most common reason for revision THA following aseptic loosening and dislocation in Sweden [3, 4]. In the vast majority of patients, these fractures present with minimal or even no history of trauma [1, 5, 6]. More than 85% of them result from low-energy trauma and only 15% from high-energy trauma [7, 8]. Mortality following periprosthetic fractures is high similar to hip fractures in some studies [2, 3]; more aggressive treatment of these with revision THA has been proposed to reduce mortality due to faster mobilization [8, 9].

Objective Evaluate the impact of pelvic embolization on postoperative infection rate after acetabular fracture fixation. Design Retrospective study of 3 separate cohorts. Setting Level I Trauma Center. Patients/participants Identified patients who underwent angiography of the pelvis as well as required an open reduction internal fixation (ORIF) of an acetabular fracture. This group was compared to a control group of patients with an acetabular fracture, which did not undergo angiography, and underwent ORIF. Intervention ORIF of an aectabular fracture with angiography ± embolization. Main outcome measurements Deep infection rate. Results Seventy-two patients remained for final analysis; 25 patients underwent embolization, 16 patients underwent angiography without embolization, and 31 patients did not undergo angiography. Two out of 25 (8%) patients developed infections in the embolization group, one deep infection and one superficial infection. Five out of 16 (31%) patients developed deep infections in the nonembolization group. Control group of patients who did not undergo angiography had a deep infection rate of 9.6%. Conclusion Despite previous reports of high infection rates after pelvic embolization, the deep infection rate was only 4% after embolization in our cohort. This suggests that concerns for higher rates of infection are not substantiated, and pelvic embolization should be performed when indicated. Level of evidence Therapeutic Level III. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

Case A 65-year-old woman presented with a malaligned, shortened supracondylar distal femoral nonunion. An acute medial closing wedge osteotomy was performed through the nonunion and compressed with a retrograde magnetically controlled intramedullary nail. Osteogenesis with sequential compression and then distraction was performed at the osteotomy site using the nail to successfully restore limb length and alignment. Conclusion A magnetically controlled nail can be used to perform monofocal sequential compression-distraction osteosynthesis through a nonunion after an alignment correcting osteotomy.

Operative fixation of extra-articular distal humerus using a single posterolateral column plate has been described but the biomechanical properties or limits of this technique is undefined. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the mechanical properties of distal humerus fracture fixation using three standard fixation constructs. Two equal groups were created from forty sawbones humeri. Osteotomies were created at 80mm or 50mm from the tip of the trochlea. In the proximal osteotomy group, sawbones were fixed with an 8-hole 3.5mm LCP or with a 6-hole posterolateral plate. In the distal group, sawbones were fixed with 9-hole medial and lateral 3.5mm distal humerus plates and ten sawbones were fixed with a 6-hole posterolateral plate. Biomechanical testing was performed using a servohydraulic testing machine. Testing in extension as well as internal and external rotation was performed. Destructive testing was also performed with failure being defined as hardware pullout, sawbone failure or cortical contact at the osteotomy. In the proximal osteotomy group, the average bending stiffness and torsional stiffness was significantly greater with the posterolateral plate than with the 3.5mm LCP. In the distal osteotomy group, the average bending stiffness and torsional stiffness was significantly greater with the posterolateral plate than the 3.5mm LCP. In extension testing, the yield strength was significantly greater with the posterolateral plate in the proximal osteotomy specimens, and the dual plating construct in the distal osteotomy specimens. The yield strength of specimens in axial torsion was significantly greater with the posterolateral plate in the proximal osteotomy specimens, and the dual plating construct in the distal osteotomy specimens. Limited biomechanical data to support the use of a pre-contoured posterolateral distal humerus LCP for fixation of extra-articular distal humerus exists. We have found that this implant provided significantly greater bending stiffness, torsional stiffness, and yield strength than a single 3.5mm LCP plate for osteotomies created 80mm from the trochlea. At the more distal osteotomy, dual plating was biomechanically superior. Our results suggest that single posterolateral column fixation of extra-articular humerus fractures is appropriate for more proximal fractures but that dual plate fixation is superior for more distal fractures.

Background: Surgical management of extra-articular distal humerus fractures results in predictable fracture alignment. Open reduction and internal fixation also decrease the soft tissue complications and frequent follow-up required with functional bracing. A triceps-reflecting posterior approach provides excellent exposure to the humerus and minimizes trauma to the triceps. An anatomically precontoured plate on the posterolateral surface of the humerus provides stable fixation of these injuries and is placed directly through the interval developed by the triceps-reflecting approach. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed the trauma databases at 2 level I academic trauma institutions during a 5-year period for all patients with an extra-articular distal humerus fracture treated with a triceps-reflecting approach and an anatomically precontoured posterolateral distal humerus plate. Patient and fracture characteristics were recorded, as were QuickDASH functional scores and visual analog scale scores for pain, function, and quality of life. Results: Forty patients were eligible for our study. Average follow-up was 88 weeks. Thirty-eight (95%) patients went on to union. Seven (20%) patients required a secondary procedure. The average QuickDASH score was 17.5 (range, 2.6-56.8). The average visual analog scale scores were 1.9 (range, 0-7) for pain, 2.3 (range, 0-8) for function, and 1.6 (range, 0-5) for quality of life. Thirty-five (87.5%) patients reported satisfaction with the outcome of their surgery. Discussion: Surgical fixation of extra-articular distal humerus fractures through a triceps-reflecting approach with an anatomically precontoured posterolateral distal humerus plate results in predictable osseous union and overall excellent functional results for patients with this injury. Level of evidence: Level IV, Case Series, Treatment Study. 2014 Journal of Shoulder and Elbow Surgery Board of Trustees.

Management of metastatic long bone fractures requires identification of the lesion and the use of sound fracture fixation principles to relieve pain and restore function. The treating surgeon must understand the principles of pathologic fracture fixation before initiating treatment. Because these fractures occur in the context of a progressive systemic disease, management typically involves a multidisciplinary approach. When considering surgical stabilization of these fractures, the abnormal (or absent) healing environment associated with diseased bone and the overall condition of the patient must be taken into account. The goal of surgery is to obtain a rigid mechanical construct, which allows for early mobility and weight bearing. This can be achieved using internal fixation with polymethyl methacrylate cement or segmental resection and joint reconstruction. Prosthetic joint arthroplasty is a more reliable means of fracture management when insufficient bone is present for fixation. Prophylactic stabilization of impending pathologic fractures can reduce the morbidity associated with metastatic lesions.