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OBJECTIVES: High energy long bone fractures with critical bone loss are at risk for nonunion without strategic intervention. We hypothesize that a synthetic membrane implanted at a single stage improves bone healing in a preclinical nonunion model. METHODS: Using standard laboratory techniques, microspheres encapsulating bone morphogenic protein-2 (BMP2) or platelet derived growth factor (PDGF) were designed and coupled to a type 1 collagen sheet. Critical femoral defects were created in rats and stabilized by locked retrograde intramedullary nailing. The negative control group had an empty defect. The induced membrane group (positive control) had a polymethylmethacrylate spacer inserted into the defect for four weeks and replaced with a bare polycaprolactone/beta-tricalcium phosphate (PCL/β-TCP) scaffold at a second stage. For the experimental groups, a bioactive synthetic membrane embedded with BMP2, PDGF or both enveloped a PCL/β-TCP scaffold was implanted in a single stage. Serial radiographs were taken at 1, 4, 8, and 12 weeks postoperatively from the definitive procedure and evaluated by two blinded observers using a previously described scoring system to judge union as primary outcome. RESULTS: All experimental groups demonstrated better union than the negative control (p=0.01). The groups with BMP2 incorporated into the membrane demonstrated higher average union Mehta scores than the other groups (p=0.01). The induced membrane group performed similarly to the PDGF group. Complete union was only demonstrated in groups with BMP2-eluting membranes. CONCLUSIONS: A synthetic membrane comprised of type 1 collagen embedded with controlled release BMP2 improved union of critical bone defects in a preclinical nonunion model.

INTRODUCTION This study sought to determine the effect of trauma fellowship training on the surgical decision to fix or revise to distal femoral replacement in periprosthetic distal femur fractures. METHODS An anonymous online survey including nine cases of geriatric periprosthetic distal femur fractures was distributed through the Orthopaedic Trauma Association website. Respondents were asked whether they would recommend fixation or revision to distal femoral replacement. Fractures were classified by the location relative to the anterior flange (proximal or distal) and the presence or absence of comminution. Recommendations were compared between type of fellowship completed (trauma, arthroplasty, or both), practice setting, and number of periprosthetic distal femur fractures treated monthly. RESULTS One hundred fifty-one surgeon survey responses were included. Completion of a trauma fellowship was associated with a higher likelihood of recommending fixation for any periprosthetic distal femur fracture compared with arthroplasty training (odds ratio [OR] 2.55, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.97 to 3.29; P < 0.0001). Disagreement was significant for comminuted proximal (OR 6.90, 95% CI 3.24 to 14.68; P < 0.0001), simple distal (OR 20.90, 95% CI 6.41 to 67.71; P < 0.001), and comminuted distal fractures (OR 2.47, 95% CI 1.66 to 3.68; P < 0.0001). Dual fellowship-trained surgeons were less likely to recommend fixation than surgeons who completed a trauma fellowship alone (OR 0.60, 95% CI 0.39 to 0.93; P = 0.027) and more likely to recommend fixation than surgeons who completed an arthroplasty fellowship alone (OR 1.70, 95% CI 1.13 to 2.63; P = 0.012). Surgeons who treat three or more periprosthetic distal femur fractures monthly showed a significant preference for fracture fixation compared with lower volume surgeons (OR 2.45, 95% CI 1.62 to 3.68; P < 0.0001). DISCUSSION Fellowship-trained trauma surgeons show a notable preference for fracture fixation over distal femoral replacement for periprosthetic distal femur fractures, as compared with arthroplasty-trained surgeons. Additional research is needed to clarify surgical indications that maximize outcomes for these injuries.

Background To report mid-term clinical outcomes after radial head arthroplasty for terrible-triad fracture dislocations. Methods Fourteen patients with terrible triad fracture dislocations treated acutely with arthroplasty and minimum 3-year follow-up. Mayo Elbow Performance Scale (MEPS) and QuickDASH scores. Results All patients achieved excellent (58%) or good (42%) results on the MEPS. Average QuickDASH score was 9.1 (range 0-25). Reoperation rate was 28%. Conclusions Acute radial head arthroplasty as a treatment for nonreconstructable radial head fractures in the setting of terrible triad elbow injuries demonstrates good midterm functional outcomes. Level of Evidence Level IV; Retrospective Case Series Study

Achieving durable mechanical stability in geriatric intertrochanteric proximal femur fractures remains a challenge. Concomitant poor bone quality, unstable fracture patterns, and suboptimal reduction are additional risk factors for early mechanical failure. Cement augmentation of the proximal locking screw or blade is one proposed method to augment implant anchorage. The purpose of this review is to describe the biomechanical and clinical evidence for cement augmentation of geriatric intertrochanteric fractures, and to elaborate indications for cement augmentation. The PubMed database was searched for English language studies up to January 2021. Studies that assessed effect of calcium phosphate or methylmethacrylate cement augmentation during open reduction and internal fixation of intertrochanteric fractures were included. Studies with sample size

OBJECTIVE We sought to determine if white-light three-dimensional (3D) body scanning can identify clinically relevant shoulder girdle deformity after displaced diaphyseal clavicle fracture (DCF). METHODS Adult patients with DCF (OTA/AO 15A) were prospectively enrolled. Four subcutaneous osseous landmarks were used to measure shoulder girdle morphology of the injured and uninjured shoulder. Measurements were made both manually with a tape measure and digitally with a white-light 3D scanner. Bilateral radiographs were obtained, and clavicle length was recorded. Quick-Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand surveys were administered at injury and at 6 and 12 weeks. RESULTS Twenty-two patients were included in the study. At the initial visit, all patients had significant differences in deformity measurements between injured and uninjured shoulders as measured by 3D scanning. There was no difference between shoulders measured using manual measurements. At 6 and 12 weeks, shoulder asymmetry was significantly less in patients treated with surgery compared with nonoperative patients as measured by the 3D scanner alone. Clavicle shortening measured on 3D scanning had weak and moderate positive correlations to radiographs (R = 0.27) and manual measurements (R = 0.53), respectively. Patients treated with surgery had significant functional improvements by 6 weeks, and a similar improvement was not seen until 12 weeks in nonsurgical patients. CONCLUSION White-light 3D scanning was able to identify and monitor clinically relevant shoulder girdle deformity after DCF. This tool may become a useful adjunct to clinical examination and radiographic assessment, when determining clinically relevant deformity thresholds. In the future, quantifying and understanding shoulder deformity may inform clinical decision making in these patients. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE Prognostic Level IV. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

Excessive fracture site collapse and shortening in intertrochanteric femur fractures alter hip biomechanics and patient outcomes. The purpose of the study was to compare extent of collapse in cephalomedullary nails with blades or lag screws. We hypothesized that there would be no difference in collapse between helical blades and lag screws. Retrospective cohort study. Single U.S. Level I Trauma Center. 171 consecutive patients treated with cephalomedullary nails with either lag screw or blade for AO/OTA 31A1-3 proximal femur fractures and minimum 3-month follow-up. Lag screw or helical blade in a cephalomedullary nail. The primary outcome was fracture site collapse at 3 months. There was a significantly higher proportion of reverse-oblique and transverse intertrochanteric femur fractures (31-A3) in the lag screw group (15/42 vs 25/129). A3 patterns were associated with more collapse. There was significantly less collapse in the blade group (median 4.7 mm, inter-quartile range 2.5–7.8 mm) than the screw group (median 8.4 mmm, inter-quartile range 3.7–11.2 mm, p 0.006). Median collapse was no different between blades and screws when comparing stable and unstable patterns. However, blades were independently associated with 2.5 mm less collapse (95%CI − 4.2, − 0.72 mm, p 0.006) and lower likelihood of excessive collapse (> 10 mm at 3 months, OR 0.3, 95% CI 0.13–0.74, p 0.007), regardless of fracture pattern. Helical blades are independently associated with significantly less collapse than lag screws in intertrochanteric proximal femur fractures, after adjusting for unstable fracture patterns. In fracture patterns at risk for collapse, surgeons can consider use of a helical blade due to its favorable sliding properties compared to screws.

The purpose of the study was to compare treatment outcomes after short or long cephalomedullary nailing for intertrochanteric femur fractures. A systematic review of perioperative outcomes after short or long cephalomedullary nailing for intertrochanteric femur fractures was performed. The following databases were used: using the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, PubMed (1980–2019), and MEDLINE (1980–2019). The queries were performed in June 2019. The following search term query was used: “Intramedullary Nail AND Intertrochanteric Fracture OR “Long OR Short Nail AND intertrochanteric Fracture.” Studies were excluded if they were “single-arm” studies (i.e., reporting on either long or short CMN but not both), or did not report at least one of the outcomes being meta-analyzed. Furthermore, cadaveric studies, animal studies, basic science articles, editorial articles, surveys and studies were excluded. Two investigators independently reviewed abstracts from all identified articles. Full-text articles were obtained for review if necessary, to allow further assessment of inclusion and exclusion criteria. Additionally, all references from the included studies were reviewed and reconciled to verify that no relevant articles were missing from the systematic review. Short nails were associated with statistically significantly less estimated blood loss and operative time compared to long nails. There were no significant differences in transfusion rates, implant failures or overall re-operation rates between implant lengths. Similarly, there was no significant difference in peri-implant fracture between implant lengths. Overall, the available clinical evidence supports the use of short cephalomedullary nails for the majority of intertrochanteric femur fractures. Meta-analysis; Level III, therapeutic.

OBJECTIVES The management of geriatric distal femur fractures is controversial, and both primary distal femur replacement (DFR) and surgical fixation (SF) are viable treatment options. The purpose of this study was to compare patient outcomes after these treatment strategies. DATA SOURCES PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane databases were searched for English language articles up to April 24, 2020, identifying 2129 papers. STUDY SELECTION Studies evaluating complications in elderly patients treated for distal femur fractures with either immediate DFR or SF were included. Studies with mean patient age

OBJECTIVES Accurately stratifying patients in the preoperative period according to mortality risk informs treatment considerations and guides adjustments to bundled reimbursements. We developed and compared three machine learning models to determine which best predicts 30-day mortality after hip fracture. METHODS The 2016 to 2017 National Surgical Quality Improvement Program for hip fracture (AO/OTA 31-A-B-C) procedure-targeted data were analyzed. Three models-artificial neural network, naive Bayes, and logistic regression-were trained and tested using independent variables selected via backward variable selection. The data were split into 80% training and 20% test sets. Predictive accuracy between models was evaluated using area under the curve receiver operating characteristics. Odds ratios were determined using multivariate logistic regression with P < 0.05 for significance. RESULTS The study cohort included 19,835 patients (69.3% women). The 30-day mortality rate was 5.3%. In total, 47 independent patient variables were identified to train the testing models. Area under the curve receiver operating characteristics for 30-day mortality was highest for artificial neural network (0.92), followed by the logistic regression (0.87) and naive Bayes models (0.83). DISCUSSION Machine learning is an emerging approach to develop accurate risk calculators that account for the weighted interactions between variables. In this study, we developed and tested a neural network model that was highly accurate for predicting 30-day mortality after hip fracture. This was superior to the naive Bayes and logistic regression models. The role of machine learning models to predict orthopaedic outcomes merits further development and prospective validation but shows strong promise for positively impacting patient care.

Cephalomedullary nails are a commonly used implant for the treatment of many pertrochanteric femur fractures and are available in short and long configurations. There is no consensus on ideal nail length. Relative advantages can be ascribed to short and long intramedullary nails, yet both implant styles share the potentially devastating complication of peri-implant fracture. Determining the clinical sequelae after fractures below nails of different lengths would provide valuable information for surgeons choosing between short or long nails. Thus, the purpose of the study was to compare injury patterns and treatment outcomes following peri-implant fractures below short or long cephalomedullary nails. This was a multicenter retrospective cohort study that identified 33 patients referred for treatment of peri-implant fractures below short and long cephalomedullary nails (n = 19 short, n = 14 long). We compared fracture pattern, treatment strategy, complications, and outcomes between these two groups. Short nails were associated with more diaphyseal fractures (odds ratio [OR] 13.75, CI 2.2–57.9, p 0.002), which were treated more commonly with revision intramedullary nailing (OR, infinity; p 0.01), while long nails were associated with distal metaphyseal fractures (OR 13.75, CI 2.2–57.9, p 0.002), which were treated with plate and screw fixation (p 0.002). After peri-implant fracture, there were no differences in blood loss, operative time, weight bearing status, or complication rates based on the length of the initial nail. In patients treated with revision nailing, there was greater estimated blood loss (EBL, median 300 cc, interquartile range [IQR] 250–1200 vs median 200 cc, IQR 100–300, p 0.03), blood product utilization and complication rates (OR 11.1, CI 1.1–135.7, p 0.03), but a trend toward unrestricted post-operative weight-bearing compared to patients treated with plate and screw constructs. Understanding fracture patterns and patient outcomes after fractures below nails of different lengths will help surgeons make more informed implant choices when treating intertrochanteric hip fractures. Revision to a long nail for the treatment of fractures at the tip of a short nail may be associated with increased patient morbidity.

Intra-articular screw cut-out is a potential complication of intertrochanteric femur fracture fixation with a cephalomedullary nail. Cement augmentation of fixation in the proximal segment offers the prospect of increased stability and fewer complications, but clinical experience with non-resorbable cement is limited. To determine the handling properties and efficacy of this new technique, we performed a retrospective propensity-matched cohort of forty-four geriatric intertrochanteric femur fractures treated with a cephalomedullary nail with (n = 11) or without (n = 33) augmentation with non-resorbable cement injected into the proximal segment. In the patients treated with cement augmentation, at minimum 3-month follow-up, there were no instances of intra-articular cut-out, and no increase in re-operation compared to conventional fixation. Cement augmentation appears to be safe and effective in geriatric intertrochanteric femur fractures to mitigate risk of cut-out.

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.

The optimal management of valgus-impacted femoral neck fractures remains controversial. Internal fixation is associated with significant rates of re-operation, while historical non-operative management strategies consisting of prolonged bed rest also resulted in patient morbidity. Our hypothesis was that screw fixation would have comparable failure rates to non-operative treatment and immediate mobilization for valgus-impacted femoral neck fractures. Retrospective cohort at a single academic Level I trauma center of patients with valgus-impacted femoral neck fractures (AO/OTA 31-B1) treated with percutaneous screw fixation (n = 97) or non-operatively (n = 28). Operative treatment consisted of percutaneous screw fixation. Non-operative treatment consisted of early mobilization. The primary outcome was a salvage operation. Patient demographics were assessed between groups. More non-operatively treated patients were permitted unrestricted weight-bearing (WBAT; p = 0.002). There was no increase in complication rates or mortality, and return to previous ambulatory status was comparable between operatively and non-operatively treated patients. 35.7% (10/28) of non-operatively treated patients underwent a subsequent operation, compared to 15.5% (15/97) of patients with screw fixation (p = 0.03). Only WBAT was independently associated with treatment failure (OR 3.1, 95%CI 1.2–8.3, p =0.02). WBAT was predictive of treatment failure only in the non-operatively treated group (64.3%, 9/14 WBAT vs 8.3%, 1/12 partial, p =0.005). After controlling for weight-bearing restrictions, we found no difference in failure rates between non-operative treatment and screw fixation. Non-operative treatment with partial weight-bearing had low failure rates, comparable complication and mortality rates, and equivalent functional outcomes to operative treatment and is reasonable if a patient would like to avoid surgery and accepts the risk of subsequent arthroplasty. Overall, there were relatively high failure rates in all groups.

Selective supplementation of acetabular component fixation with a screw during primary total hip arthroplasty (THA) assumes that the surgeon can detect when an acetabular component needs additional stability. In contrast, nonselective screw users do not alter their practice based on their interpretation of stability and either use screws all or none of the time. We aimed to determine the effect of selective screw use on aseptic acetabular component loosening. We retrospectively reviewed aseptic failures of acetabular components after primaty THA. We compared the survivorship of selective and nonselective supplementation of acetabular fixation with respect to time to revision, obesity, and screw use. Selective screw use (n = 16) was associated with earlier acetabular component aseptic loosening (median: 1.9 years; interquartile range [IQR]: 1.1-5.0) compared to nonselective screw use (n = 22; median: 5.6 years; IQR: 2.0-15.3; P = .010). Selective screw use was independently associated with earlier revision after adjusting for patient obesity. Obesity was associated with selective screw use in 50% of the cases vs 14% of nonselective cases (odds ratio: 6.3; confidence interval: 1.2-25.2; P = .028), possibly reflecting the increased difficulty in achieving acetabular component stability in this and other settings with compromised bone. Surgeons should carefully assess component stability at time of primary THA. If the acetabulum is not stable, the addition of screws alone may not be sufficient for acetabular component stability.

Objectives To map the proximal ulnar articular margins and ensure safe extraarticular placement of implants. Methods Ten fresh frozen adult elbow cadaver specimens were obtained. Radiopaque wire was applied to the articular margin of the articular facets and the central trochlear ridge of the proximal ulna. Fluoroscopic images were obtained demonstrating the articular facet margins. Radiographic measurements were performed and used to identify relative safe screw zones. Results All specimens demonstrated marked extension of the ulnar and radial facets dorsal to the central trochlear ridge. The dorsal extent of the ulnar facets from the central trochlear ridge averaged 9.7 mm (range, 7.9-13 mm; SD, 1.5 mm) and 6.2 mm (range, 3.4-9.4 mm; SD, 1.9 mm), respectively. The average footprint of the posterior ulnar facet occupied 44% (±4.9%) of the total ulnar height from the dorsal cortex to the trochlear ridge. Conclusions The articular margins of the anterior and posterior facets of the proximal ulna are challenging to identify radiographically. A surgical "at-risk zone" exists within 9.7 mm from the radiographic margin of the central trochlear ridge. Implants placed within this zone have the potential to violate the articular surface.

INTRODUCTION: Though long-term functional outcomes of olecranon fracture plate fixation are favorable, postoperative implant irritation commonly leads to elective removal. We hypothesized that mini-fragment plates will decrease implant removal compared to precontoured plates. METHODS: Patients with isolated olecranon fracture (AO/OTA 2U1–B1) treated with plate fixation were retrospectively reviewed. Patients were stratified into groups based on whether they underwent open reduction and internal fixation with a (1) surgeon contoured mini-fragment or (2) precontoured olecranon-specific plate. Rates of symptomatic implants and implant removal were compared. RESULTS: 98 and 32 patients were treated with precontoured and mini-fragment plates, respectively. Baseline demographics and comorbidities were similar. Mean follow-up was 20.6 months. There were no differences in rates of postoperative complication (22/98, 22.4% vs. 5/32, 15.6%; p = 0.41) or reoperation (37/98, 37.8% vs. 8/32, 25%; p = 0.19). Symptomatic implants were common in the precontoured cohort (44/98, 44.9% vs. 7/32, 21.9%; p

Posteromedial talar body fractures are a rare form of talus fracture that involves the tibiotalar and subtalar joints. In cases of displaced injuries, open reduction and internal fixation is typically recommended to minimize the risk of instability and post-traumatic osteoarthritis. This video presents a case of a posteromedial talar body fracture and highlights the technique for operative fixation through a posteromedial approach. Multiple methods to obtain reduction are discussed, and considerations with implant placement are described. The indications for surgical intervention are reviewed, and published outcomes following operative and nonoperative management of these injuries are presented.

OBJECTIVE To compare complications and functional outcomes of treatment with primary distal femoral replacement (DFR) versus open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF). DATA SOURCES PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane databases were searched for English language studies up to May 19, 2020, identifying 913 studies. STUDY SELECTION Studies that assessed complications of periprosthetic distal femur fractures with primary DFR or ORIF were included. Studies with sample size ≤5, mean age

Introduction: Bridge plating of distal femur fractures with lateral locking plates is susceptible to varus collapse, fixation failure, and nonunion. While medial and lateral dual plating has been described in clinical series, the biomechanical effects of dual plating of distal femur fractures have yet to be clearly defined. The purpose of this study was to compare dual plating to lateral locked bridge plating alone in a cadaveric distal femur gap osteotomy model. Materials and Methods: Gap osteotomies were created in eight matched pairs of cadaveric female distal femurs (average age: 64 yrs (standard deviation ± 4.4 yrs); age range: 57–68 yrs;) to simulate comminuted extraarticular distal femur fractures (AO/OTA 33A). Eight femurs underwent fixation with lateral locked plates alone and were matched with eight femurs treated with dual plating: lateral locked plates with supplemental medial small fragment non-locking fixation. Mechanical testing was performed on an ElectroPuls E10000 materials testing system using a 10 kN/100 Nm biaxial load cell. Specimens were subject to 25,000 cycles of cyclic loading from 100-1000 N at 2 Hz. Results: Two (2/8) specimens in the lateral only group failed catastrophically prior to completion of testing. All dual plated specimens survived the testing regimen. Dual plated specimens demonstrated significantly less coronal plane displacement (median 0.2 degrees, interquartile range [IQR], 0.0–0.5 degrees) compared to 2.0 degrees (IQR 1.9-3.3, p = 0.02) in the lateral plate only group. Dual plated specimens demonstrated greater bending stiffness compared to the lateral plated group (median 29.0 kN/degree, IQR 1.5–68.2 kN/degree vs median 0.50 kN/degree, IQR 0.23–2.28 kN/degree, p = 0.03). Conclusion: Contemporary fixation methods with a distal femur fractures are susceptible to mechanical failure and nonunion with lateral plates alone. Dual plate fixation in a cadaveric model of distal femur fractures underwent significantly less displacement under simulated weight bearing conditions and demonstrated greater stiffness than lateral plating alone. Given the significant clinical failure rates of lateral bridge plating in distal femur fractures, supplemental fixation should be considered, and dual plating of distal femurs augments mechanical stability in a clinically relevant magnitude.

SUMMARY Pilon fractures are complex injuries to the tibial plafond requiring stable fixation in the setting of effective soft tissue management, particularly in high-energy injuries, open fractures, or in geriatric individuals. Medial column support of the distal tibial metaphysis is often an essential component when applying balanced fixation. However, the biologic implications of multiple surgical approaches in the setting of damaged tissue, devitalized bone, or significant bone loss may contribute to increased complications. Percutaneous intramedullary large fragment screws offer both stability and a soft tissue-friendly approach for stabilizing the medial column. Here, we present our technique and indications for medial column support in pilon fractures using percutaneous large fragment fixation, along with our early clinical experience in a case series of 7 patients. At minimum 6-month follow-up, all patients healed their injuries with maintained alignment and without complications or further reoperation. Medial column support with percutaneous large fragment fixation in pilon fractures is a viable option to provide mechanical stability while effectively managing tenuous soft tissue envelopes.

The practicing orthopaedic surgeon must understand the relationship between fracture biomechanics and fracture biology to optimize patient outcomes. Patient characteristics, fracture pattern, and desired type of bone healing all drive decision making. The benefits of performing an open approach to a fracture, obtaining an anatomic reduction, and achieving absolute stability must be weighed against the biologic cost to the tissues and the potential to compromise healing. Similarly, the decision to perform a closed fracture reduction; apply a splint, bridge plate, or intramedullary nail; and achieve relative stability requires that the surgeon understand the implications of increased strain at a given fracture site. The purpose of this chapter is to review the basic science of primary and secondary bone healing with special attention given to the clinical implications for practicing surgeons.

Achieving durable mechanical stability in geriatric intertrochanteric proximal femur fractures remains a challenge. Concomitant poor bone quality, unstable fracture patterns, and suboptimal reduction are additional risk factors for early mechanical failure. Cement augmentation of the proximal locking screw or blade is one proposed method to augment implant anchorage. The purpose of this review is to describe the biomechanical and clinical evidence for cement augmentation of geriatric intertrochanteric fractures, and to elaborate indications for cement augmentation.The PubMed database was searched for English language studies up to January 2021. Studies that assessed effect of calcium phosphate or methylmethacrylate cement augmentation during open reduction and internal fixation of intertrochanteric fractures were included. Studies with sample size 5, nontraumatic or periprosthetic fractures, and nonunion or revision surgery were excluded. Study selection adhered to PRISMA criteria.801 studies were identified, of which 40 met study criteria. 9 studies assessed effect of cement augmentation on fracture displacement. All but one found that cement decreased fracture displacement. 10 studies assessed effect of cement augmentation on total load or cycles to failure. All but one demonstrated that augmented implants increased this variable. Complication rates of cement augmentation during ORIF of intertrochanteric fractures ranged from 0 to 47%, while non-augmented implants ranged from 0 to 51%. Reoperation rates ranged from 0 to 11% in the cement-augmented group and 0 to 11% in the non-augmented group. Fixation failure ranged from 0 to 11% in the cement-augmented group and 0 to 20% in the non-augmented group. Nonunion ranged from 0 to 3.6% in the cement-augmented group and 0 to 34% in the non-augmented group.Calcium phosphate or PMMA-augmented CMN fixation of IT fractures increased construct stability and improved outcomes in biomechanical and early clinical studies. The findings of these studies suggest an important role for cement augmentation in patient populations at high risk of mechanical failure.

INTRODUCTION Olecranon fractures are common in the elderly. Articular impaction is encountered occasionally, but the incidence and outcomes after treatment of this injury pattern have not been well characterized. METHODS We evaluated a cohort of geriatric olecranon fractures to determine the incidence of articular impaction and describe a technique for open reduction and internal fixation. RESULTS Of the 63 patients in our series, 31 had associated intraarticular impaction (49.2%). Patients with articular impaction did not have significantly different rates of postoperative complications (11/31, 35.5% versus 10/31, 32.3%; P = 1.00) or revision surgery (10/31, 32.3% versus 8/31, 25.8%; P = 0.780) compared with those without articular impaction. CONCLUSION Articular impaction is a common feature of geriatric olecranon fractures. Surgeons must maintain a high index of suspicion and have a surgical plan in place for managing this component of the injury.

Excessive fracture site collapse and shortening in intertrochanteric femur fractures alter hip biomechanics and patient outcomes. The purpose of the study was to compare extent of collapse in cephalomedullary nails with blades or lag screws. We hypothesized that there would be no difference in collapse between helical blades and lag screws.Retrospective cohort study.Single U.S. Level I Trauma Center.171 consecutive patients treated with cephalomedullary nails with either lag screw or blade for AO/OTA 31A1-3 proximal femur fractures and minimum 3-month follow-up.Lag screw or helical blade in a cephalomedullary nail.The primary outcome was fracture site collapse at 3 months.There was a significantly higher proportion of reverse-oblique and transverse intertrochanteric femur fractures (31-A3) in the lag screw group (15/42 vs 25/129). A3 patterns were associated with more collapse. There was significantly less collapse in the blade group (median 4.7 mm, inter-quartile range 2.5-7.8 mm) than the screw group (median 8.4 mmm, inter-quartile range 3.7-11.2 mm, p 0.006). Median collapse was no different between blades and screws when comparing stable and unstable patterns. However, blades were independently associated with 2.5 mm less collapse (95%CI - 4.2, - 0.72 mm, p 0.006) and lower likelihood of excessive collapse ( 10 mm at 3 months, OR 0.3, 95% CI 0.13-0.74, p 0.007), regardless of fracture pattern.Helical blades are independently associated with significantly less collapse than lag screws in intertrochanteric proximal femur fractures, after adjusting for unstable fracture patterns. In fracture patterns at risk for collapse, surgeons can consider use of a helical blade due to its favorable sliding properties compared to screws.

Delayed union or nonunion are relatively rare complications after fracture surgery, but when they do occur, they can result in substantial morbidity for the patient. In many cases, the etiology of impaired fracture healing is uncertain and attempts to determine the molecular basis for delayed union and nonunion formation have been limited. Prospectively isolating skeletal stem cells (SSCs) from fracture tissue samples at the time of surgical intervention represent a feasible methodology to determine a patient's biologic risk for compromised fracture healing. This report details a case in which functional in vitro readouts of SSCs derived from human fracture tissue at time of injury predicted a poor fracture healing outcome. This case suggests that it may be feasible to stratify a patient's fracture healing capacity and predict compromised fracture healing by prospectively isolating and analyzing SSCs during the index fracture surgery. © 2020 The Authors. JBMR Plus published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.

The purpose of the study was to compare treatment outcomes after short or long cephalomedullary nailing for intertrochanteric femur fractures.A systematic review of perioperative outcomes after short or long cephalomedullary nailing for intertrochanteric femur fractures was performed. The following databases were used: using the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, PubMed (1980-2019), and MEDLINE (1980-2019). The queries were performed in June 2019.The following search term query was used: "Intramedullary Nail AND Intertrochanteric Fracture OR "Long OR Short Nail AND intertrochanteric Fracture." Studies were excluded if they were "single-arm" studies (i.e., reporting on either long or short CMN but not both), or did not report at least one of the outcomes being meta-analyzed. Furthermore, cadaveric studies, animal studies, basic science articles, editorial articles, surveys and studies were excluded.Two investigators independently reviewed abstracts from all identified articles. Full-text articles were obtained for review if necessary, to allow further assessment of inclusion and exclusion criteria. Additionally, all references from the included studies were reviewed and reconciled to verify that no relevant articles were missing from the systematic review.Short nails were associated with statistically significantly less estimated blood loss and operative time compared to long nails. There were no significant differences in transfusion rates, implant failures or overall re-operation rates between implant lengths. Similarly, there was no significant difference in peri-implant fracture between implant lengths.Overall, the available clinical evidence supports the use of short cephalomedullary nails for the majority of intertrochanteric femur fractures.Meta-analysis; Level III, therapeutic.

The lag screw or helical blade of a cephalomedullary nail facilitates controlled collapse of intertrochanteric proximal femur fractures. However, excessive collapse results in decreased hip offset and symptomatic lateral implants. Countersinking the screw or helical blade past the lateral cortex may minimize subsequent prominence, but some surgeons are concerned that this will prevent collapse and result in failure through cutout. We hypothesized that patients with countersunk lag screws or helical blades do not experience higher rates of screw or blade cutout and have less implant prominence after fracture healing.A retrospective review of 175 consecutive patients treated with cephalomedullary nails for AO/OTA 31A1-3 proximal femur fractures and a minimum 3-month follow-up and 254 patients with a 6-week follow-up at a single US level I trauma center. Patients were stratified based on countersunk versus noncountersunk lag screw or helical blade in a cephalomedullary nail. The primary outcome was the cutout rate at minimum 3 months, and the secondary outcome was radiographic collapse at minimum 6 weeks.Cutout rates were no different in patients with countersunk and noncountersunk screws and blades, and countersinking was associated with less collapse and less implant prominence at 6 weeks.Surgeons can countersink the lag screw or blade when treating intertrochanteric proximal femur fractures with a cephalomedullary nail without increasing failure rates and with the potential benefits of less prominent lateral implants and decreased collapse.

To assess the relationship between metaphyseal callus formation and preservation of distal tibial alignment in pilon fractures treated with internal plate fixation.Retrospective Review SETTING: Academic Level I Trauma Center PATIENTS: Forty-two patients with AO/OTA type C2 or C3 pilon fractures treated with plate fixation.Internal fixation with anterolateral plating, medial plating, or both. Modified Radiographic Union Score in Tibial fracture (mRUST) scores were determined from six-month radiographs.Change in lateral and anterior distal tibial angles (LDTA and ADTA) at six months post-operatively.High callus formation (mRUST ≥ 11 at six months) was associated with a greater loss of coronal reduction as measured by LDTA compared to low callus formation (mRUST11): 3.8 vs 2.1° (p = .019), with no difference in ADTA change between groups. In a multivariable logistic regression controlling for age, smoking, obesity, and open fracture, higher mRUST scores were a predictor of coronal reduction loss of five or more degrees (OR 1.71, p=.039). Dual column plating did not independently predict maintenance of alignment.Recent literature has popularized dual column fixation for pilon fractures, but it remains unknown whether increased metaphyseal stiffness enhances or impairs healing. In this series, decreased metaphyseal callus formation was associated with maintained coronal alignment, suggesting that a stiffer mechanical environment may be preferable to prevent short term reduction loss in these complex injuries.III.

Cephalomedullary nails are a commonly used implant for the treatment of many pertrochanteric femur fractures and are available in short and long configurations. There is no consensus on ideal nail length. Relative advantages can be ascribed to short and long intramedullary nails, yet both implant styles share the potentially devastating complication of peri-implant fracture. Determining the clinical sequelae after fractures below nails of different lengths would provide valuable information for surgeons choosing between short or long nails. Thus, the purpose of the study was to compare injury patterns and treatment outcomes following peri-implant fractures below short or long cephalomedullary nails.This was a multicenter retrospective cohort study that identified 33 patients referred for treatment of peri-implant fractures below short and long cephalomedullary nails (n = 19 short, n = 14 long). We compared fracture pattern, treatment strategy, complications, and outcomes between these two groups.Short nails were associated with more diaphyseal fractures (odds ratio [OR] 13.75, CI 2.2-57.9, p 0.002), which were treated more commonly with revision intramedullary nailing (OR, infinity; p 0.01), while long nails were associated with distal metaphyseal fractures (OR 13.75, CI 2.2-57.9, p 0.002), which were treated with plate and screw fixation (p 0.002). After peri-implant fracture, there were no differences in blood loss, operative time, weight bearing status, or complication rates based on the length of the initial nail. In patients treated with revision nailing, there was greater estimated blood loss (EBL, median 300 cc, interquartile range [IQR] 250-1200 vs median 200 cc, IQR 100-300, p 0.03), blood product utilization and complication rates (OR 11.1, CI 1.1-135.7, p 0.03), but a trend toward unrestricted post-operative weight-bearing compared to patients treated with plate and screw constructs.Understanding fracture patterns and patient outcomes after fractures below nails of different lengths will help surgeons make more informed implant choices when treating intertrochanteric hip fractures. Revision to a long nail for the treatment of fractures at the tip of a short nail may be associated with increased patient morbidity.

OBJECTIVES To determine the incidence of iatrogenic peroneal nerve palsy after application of an intraoperative lateral distractor during open reduction and internal fixation of tibial plateau fractures. DESIGN Retrospective review. SETTING Single academic Level I trauma center. PATIENTS One hundred forty-seven patients met criteria and were included in the study. INTERVENTION Patients with unicondylar and bicondylar tibial plateau fractures underwent open reduction and internal fixation and received application of an intraoperative lateral distractor to aid in visualization and reduction of the impacted lateral plateau. MAIN OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS Incidence of iatrogenic peroneal nerve palsy. RESULTS There was a 2.0% incidence of iatrogenic peroneal nerve symptoms (3 of 147 patients), most of which were incomplete sensory deficits. There was no association with staged external fixation, regional anesthesia, or tourniquet use. CONCLUSION Use of an intraoperative lateral distractor is safe and has a low incidence of iatrogenic peroneal nerve palsy if applied carefully. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE Therapeutic Level IV. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

The optimal management of valgus-impacted femoral neck fractures remains controversial. Internal fixation is associated with significant rates of re-operation, while historical non-operative management strategies consisting of prolonged bed rest also resulted in patient morbidity. Our hypothesis was that screw fixation would have comparable failure rates to non-operative treatment and immediate mobilization for valgus-impacted femoral neck fractures.Retrospective cohort at a single academic Level I trauma center of patients with valgus-impacted femoral neck fractures (AO/OTA 31-B1) treated with percutaneous screw fixation (n = 97) or non-operatively (n = 28). Operative treatment consisted of percutaneous screw fixation. Non-operative treatment consisted of early mobilization. The primary outcome was a salvage operation. Patient demographics were assessed between groups.More non-operatively treated patients were permitted unrestricted weight-bearing (WBAT; p = 0.002). There was no increase in complication rates or mortality, and return to previous ambulatory status was comparable between operatively and non-operatively treated patients. 35.7% (10/28) of non-operatively treated patients underwent a subsequent operation, compared to 15.5% (15/97) of patients with screw fixation (p = 0.03). Only WBAT was independently associated with treatment failure (OR 3.1, 95%CI 1.2-8.3, p =0.02). WBAT was predictive of treatment failure only in the non-operatively treated group (64.3%, 9/14 WBAT vs 8.3%, 1/12 partial, p =0.005).After controlling for weight-bearing restrictions, we found no difference in failure rates between non-operative treatment and screw fixation. Non-operative treatment with partial weight-bearing had low failure rates, comparable complication and mortality rates, and equivalent functional outcomes to operative treatment and is reasonable if a patient would like to avoid surgery and accepts the risk of subsequent arthroplasty. Overall, there were relatively high failure rates in all groups.

Fragility fractures have a limited capacity to regenerate, and impaired fracture healing is a leading cause of morbidity in the elderly. The recent identification of a highly purified bona fide human skeletal stem cell (hSSC) and its committed downstream progenitor cell populations provides an opportunity for understanding the mechanism of age‐related compromised fracture healing from the stem cell perspective. In this study, we tested whether hSSCs isolated from geriatric fractures demonstrate intrinsic functional defects that drive impaired healing. Using flow cytometry, we analyzed and isolated hSSCs from callus tissue of five different skeletal sites (n = 61) of patients ranging from 13 to 94 years of age for functional and molecular studies. We observed that fracture‐activated amplification of hSSC populations was comparable at all ages. However, functional analysis of isolated stem cells revealed that advanced age significantly correlated with reduced osteochondrogenic potential but was not associated with decreased in vitro clonogenicity. hSSCs derived from women displayed an exacerbated functional decline with age relative to those of aged men. Transcriptomic comparisons revealed downregulation of skeletogenic pathways such as WNT and upregulation of senescence‐related pathways in young versus older hSSCs. Strikingly, loss of Sirtuin1 expression played a major role in hSSC dysfunction but re‐activation by trans‐resveratrol or a small molecule compound restored in vitro differentiation potential. These are the first findings that characterize age‐related defects in purified hSSCs from geriatric fractures. Our results provide a foundation for future investigations into the mechanism and reversibility of skeletal stem cell aging in humans., Human skeletal stem cells (hSSCs) are present and accumulate at fracture sites independent of age. Impaired healing in the elderly might underlie functional defects in hSSCs which are exacerbated in women. Re‐activation of Sirt1 rejuvenates geriatric hSSCs independent of sex.

Intra-articular screw cut-out is a potential complication of intertrochanteric femur fracture fixation with a cephalomedullary nail. Cement augmentation of fixation in the proximal segment offers the prospect of increased stability and fewer complications, but clinical experience with non-resorbable cement is limited. To determine the handling properties and efficacy of this new technique, we performed a retrospective propensity-matched cohort of forty-four geriatric intertrochanteric femur fractures treated with a cephalomedullary nail with (n = 11) or without (n = 33) augmentation with non-resorbable cement injected into the proximal segment. In the patients treated with cement augmentation, at minimum 3-month follow-up, there were no instances of intra-articular cut-out, and no increase in re-operation compared to conventional fixation. Cement augmentation appears to be safe and effective in geriatric intertrochanteric femur fractures to mitigate risk of cut-out.

Objectives 1) To determine the effect of single versus dual plate metaphyseal fixation for pilon fractures on callus formation and reoperation rates, 2) to determine the effect of biomechanically matched versus unmatched fixation, and 3) to determine whether patient or surgical factors were independent predictors of bridging callus formation or need for reoperation. Design Retrospective comparative study. Setting Single level one trauma center. Patients Fifty patients with AO/OTA type C2 or C3 pilon fractures treated with plate fixation. Intervention Internal fixation with a plate and screw construct, with comparisons made between patients with single versus dual plate fixation, and patients treated with biomechanically matched or unmatched fixation. Main Outcome Measurements Modified RUST (mRUST) scores at three and six months and reoperation rate. Results At six months, mean mRUST scores were significantly lower in patients treated with dual metaphyseal plates compared to a single plate (8.7 vs 10.4, p=0.046) There were 15 open fractures; eight were treated with supplemental fixation, while seven were treated with single-column fixation. Open fracture (OR 51.05, p=0.008) was a risk factor for reoperation. Screw density between 0.4 and 0.5 was a protective factor against reoperation (OR 0.03, p=0.026). Biomechanically unmatched fixation did not affect mRUST scores or reoperation rates. Conclusions Pilon fractures treated with a single plate had more callus formation six months after surgery compared to those treated with dual plate fixation, and there was no difference in reoperation rates. Screw density between 0.4-0.5 was protective against reoperation. These data may serve as the basis of future work to determine the ideal fixation construct for the frequently comminuted metaphysis in pilon fractures. Further work is necessary to determine whether callus formation in these injuries is desirable. Level of Evidence Three

Objectives To compare precontoured (Pc) small fragment plating to dual mini-fragment plating (DmF) for open reduction and internal fixation of diaphyseal clavicle fractures. Design Retrospective cohort. Setting Level 1 trauma center. Patients/participants A total of 133 patients with displaced fractures of the diaphyseal clavicle (OTA/AO 15-B1, -2, and -3) treated with open reduction and internal fixation with a minimum of 1 year follow-up or until radiographic and clinical union. Intervention Two patient cohorts were identified: (1) patients treated with orthogonal DmF plate constructs and (2) patients treated with Pc clavicle-specific plates. Outcome measurements Union rate and implant removal were assessed using standard descriptive statistics. Odds ratios, 95% confidence intervals, and P values (P) were calculated. Results There were 60 DmF and 74 Pc patients. There were no significant differences between groups with respect to age, sex, surgeon, body mass index, or mode of fixation. There was no significant difference in union (98.3% DmF; 100% Pc, P = 0.45) or maintenance of reduction (98.3% DmF; 100% Pc, P = 0.45). A total of 8% of DmF patients had symptomatic implant removal compared with 20% of Pc patients (odds ratio 0.36, confidence interval 0.12-1.05, P = 0.061). Conclusions This retrospective comparative study found no difference in union or maintenance of reduction for diaphyseal clavicle fractures fixed with DmF compared with Pc plating. Patients treated with DmF plates may have lower rates of symptomatic implant removal. Level of evidence Therapeutic Level III. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

BACKGROUND: The goal of the current study was to compare the perioperative and post-operative outcomes of eXtreme lateral trans-psoas approach (XLIF) versus anterior lumbar interbody fusion (ALIF) for single level degenerative spondylolisthesis. The ideal approach for degenerative spondylolisthesis remains controversial. METHODS: Consecutive patients undergoing single level XLIF (n=21) or ALIF (n=54) for L4–5 degenerative spondylolisthesis between 2008–2012 from a single academic center were retrospectively reviewed. Groups were compared for peri-operative data (estimated blood loss, operative time, adjunct procedures or additional implants), radiographic measurements (L1–S1 cobb angle, disc height, fusion grade, subsidence), 30-day complications (infection, DVT/PE, weakness/paresthesia, etc.), and patient reported outcomes (leg and back Numerical Rating Scale, and Oswestry Disability Index). RESULTS: Estimated blood loss was significantly lower for XLIF [median 100; interquartile range (IQR), 50–100 mL] than for ALIF (median 250; IQR, 150–400 mL; P