Extensive Ossification of the Achilles Tendon with and without Acute Fracture: A Scoping Review

Extensive Ossification of the Achilles Tendon (EOAT) is an uncommon condition characterized by the presence of heterotopic ossification within the substance of the Achilles Tendon and is distinct from other tendinopathies associated with tendon mineralization. The purpose of this scoping review of the literature on EOAT is to describe the pathogenesis, patient population, presentation, management, and outcomes of this rare condition. Fifty-four articles were included in the scoping review after screening and selection. According to the literature, EOAT often presents with pain and swelling around the Achilles Tendon and is frequently associated with acute trauma. EOAT is more common in men, and although the exact mechanisms of the pathology are not fully understood, EOAT may demonstrate specific molecular signaling patterns. The lack of knowledge regarding the molecular mechanism may be a significant hindrance to the management of the condition. Even though a standard treatment regimen for EOAT does not exist, conservative management for six months in patients without complications is recommended. Those who have an acute fracture of the ossification should be managed more aggressively and will often require surgical repair with autograft, although there is no standardized procedure at this time. Clinicians should be aware of the typical presentation, risk factors, and management options of patients with EOAT. Additionally, they should be cautious when selecting treatment strategies and conduct a thorough evaluation of long-term outcomes with various treatment modalities, which this review provides. Most important, this review highlights the need for further research to determine the best course of clinical treatment of EOAT injuries, in order to establish a standard treatment regimen.

Comprehensive comparison of dual-energy computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging for the assessment of bone marrow edema and fracture lines in acute vertebral fractures

Objectives To compare dual-energy CT (DECT) and MRI for assessing presence and extent of traumatic bone marrow edema (BME) and fracture line depiction in acute vertebral fractures. Methods Eighty-eight consecutive patients who underwent dual-source DECT and 3-T MRI of the spine were retrospectively analyzed. Five radiologists assessed all vertebrae for presence and extent of BME and for identification of acute fracture lines on MRI and, after 12 weeks, on DECT series. Additionally, image quality, image noise, and diagnostic confidence for overall diagnosis of acute vertebral fracture were assessed. Quantitative analysis of CT numbers was performed by a sixth radiologist. Two radiologists analyzed MRI and grayscale DECT series to define the reference standard. Results For assessing BME presence and extent, DECT showed high sensitivity (89% and 84%, respectively) and specificity (98% in both), and similarly high diagnostic confidence compared to MRI (2.30 vs. 2.32; range 0–3) for the detection of BME (p = .72). For evaluating acute fracture lines, MRI achieved high specificity (95%), moderate sensitivity (76%), and a significantly lower diagnostic confidence compared to DECT (2.42 vs. 2.62, range 0–3) (p < .001). A cutoff value of − 0.43 HU provided a sensitivity of 89% and a specificity of 90% for diagnosing BME, with an overall AUC of 0.96. Conclusions DECT and MRI provide high diagnostic confidence and image quality for assessing acute vertebral fractures. While DECT achieved high overall diagnostic accuracy in the analysis of BME presence and extent, MRI provided moderate sensitivity and lower confidence for evaluating fracture lines. Key Points • In the setting of spinal trauma, dual-energy CT (DECT) is highly accurate in the evaluation of acute vertebral fractures and bone marrow edema presence and extent. • MRI provides moderate sensitivity and lower diagnostic confidence for the depiction of acute fracture lines, when compared to DECT, which might result in potentially inaccurate and underestimated severity assessment of injuries in certain cases when no fracture lines are visible on MRI. • DECT may represent a valid imaging alternative to MRI in specific settings of acute spinal trauma and in follow-up examinations, especially in elderly or unstable patients and in cases of subtle or complex orientated fracture lines.

Quotation errors related to the Distal Radius Acute Fracture Fixation Trial paper

Quotation error is an inaccuracy in the assertions made by authors when referencing another’s work. This study aimed to assess the quotation errors in articles referencing the Distal Radius Acute Fracture Fixation Trial (DRAFFT). A literature search was performed to identify all citations of DRAFFT from 2014 to 2020. The relevant publications were assessed by two reviewers using a validated framework of error classification. There were 83 articles containing references to DRAFFT. There was substantial agreement between the two reviewers (Kappa coefficient 0.66). We found 22/83 (28%) of articles contained an error, with one article containing two errors. There were 12 major errors, which were not substantiated by, were unrelated to or contradicted the findings of DRAFFT, and 11 minor errors, including numerical inaccuracies, oversimplification or generalization. This study highlights that a significant number of articles inaccurately quote DRAFFT. Authors and journals should consider checking the accuracy of key referenced statements.

Factors Associated With Elevated Inflammatory Markers Prior to Shoulder Arthroplasty

Background: Preoperative erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) and C-reactive protein (CRP) ranges for several shoulder arthroplasty indications are not well understood. Purpose: We sought to compare preoperative ESR and CRP values for a variety of shoulder arthroplasty indications and evaluate risk factors for elevated preoperative ESR and CRP values. Methods: We conducted a retrospective cohort study of shoulder arthroplasty cases performed at a single academic medical institution from 2013 to 2018. Preoperative ESR and CRP values for 235 shoulder arthroplasties with various indications were recorded. Independent risk factors for elevated values (CRP > 10.0 mg/L and ESR > 30.0 mm/h) were determined via multiple variable logistic regression. Results: Patients undergoing shoulder arthroplasty for osteoarthritis had an ESR (mean ± SD) of 22.6 ± 17.8, with 29.8% of patients elevated, and a CRP of 6.5 ± 6.4, with 25.5% of patients elevated. Arthroplasty for acute fracture and prosthetic joint infection (PJI) had higher preoperative ESR and CRP values. Multivariate analysis identified several predictors of elevated ESR, including infection, acute fracture, diabetes, and female sex. It also identified predictors of elevated CRP, including infection, acute fracture, and younger age. Conclusions: Preoperative ESR and CRP values may be elevated in 25% to 30% of patients undergoing primary shoulder arthroplasty. Arthroplasty for both acute fracture and PJI, along with several other patient factors, was associated with elevated preoperative ESR and CRP. Thus, routine collection of ESR and CRP preoperatively may not be of benefit, as elevated values are common. Further study is warranted.

Survival and reasons for revision of the uncemented Symax hip stem: A Dutch Arthroplasty Register study

Aims Previous studies have already shown early proximal ingrowth, fast osseous integration, and a stable fit of the uncemented Symax hip stem, with excellent clinical and radiographic performance. Aims were to evaluate cumulative revision rates and reasons for revision of the Symax hip stem using Dutch Arthroplasty Register (LROI) data and to assess possible associations between patient characteristics and revision rate of the Symax hip stem. Patients and methods All total hip arthroplasties with the uncemented Symax hip stem registered in the LROI between 2007 and 2017 were included (n = 5,013). Kaplan-Meier survival analysis was performed to assess the cumulative 1, 5 and 7-year revision percentages. Cox proportional hazard regression analysis was performed to assess the association between patient and procedural characteristics, and revision arthroplasty of the stem. Results Cumulative 1, 5, and 7-year revision rates (with 95% confidence interval (CI)) for revision of any component were 1.5% (CI 1.2%-1.8%), 3.2% (CI 2.7%-3.7%), and 3.8% (CI 3.1%-4.4%) respectively. Cumulative 1, 5, and 7-year stem revision rates of the Symax hip stem were 0.9% (CI 0.6%-1.1%), 1.5% (CI 1.1%-1.9%), and 1.7% (CI 1.3%-2.1%) respectively. Periprosthetic fractures (n = 35) and loosening of the stem (n = 30) were the most common reasons for revision of the stem. Revision of the stem was associated with acute fracture as primary diagnosis (Hazard Ratio (HR) 2.4 (CI 1.3–4.3)), or history of a previous surgery to the affected hip (HR 2.7 (CI 1.4–5.2)). Conclusion This population-based registry study shows revision rates for the Symax hip stem comparable to those for best performing uncemented total hip arthroplasties in the Netherlands. Primary diagnosis of an acute fracture, and history of previous surgery on the affected hip, were significantly associated risk factors for revision of the Symax hip stem, and we discourage the use of the Symax hip stem in these patients.

Plethora of Traumatic Lesions of Bilateral Knee Extensor Mechanism in Osteogenesis Imperfecta

IntroductionInjuries to the quadriceps extensor mechanism are rare in patients with Osteogenesis Imperfecta (OI). To the best of our knowledge, non-union of the patella in OI, either as an isolated problem or in combination with an acute fracture, has not been previously reported.Case reportWe describe how we surgically approached both the fracture and the non-union simultaneously. The surgical technique and steps are described in detail. Post-operative course was uneventful and the outcome was favorable, with full return of function for the patient.ConclusionA review of various knee extensor mechanism injuries in OI is described as illustrated in a single patient. The unusual simultaneous surgical treatment of a non-union and an acute fracture in the same patella shows that despite the severely compromised bone in this rare bone disease the bone still has a capacity to heal with a functional outcome.