Radiographic Outcomes following K-Wire Augmentation of Dorsal Spanning Plate Fixation for Intra-Articular Fractures of the Distal Radius

Background Restoration of articular surface alignment is critical in treating intra-articular distal radius fractures. Dorsal spanning plate fixation functions as an internal distraction mechanism and can be advantageous in the setting of highly comminuted fracture patterns, polytrauma patients, and patients with radiocarpal instability. The addition of K-wires to support articular surface reduction potentially augments fracture repair stability. Questions/Purposes We examined the radiographic outcomes and maintenance of reduction in patients with comminuted intra-articular distal radius fractures treated with K-wire fixation of articular fragments followed by dorsal spanning plate application. Patients and Methods We reviewed 35 consecutive patients with complex intra-articular distal radius fractures treated with dorsal spanning plate and K-wire fixation between April 2016 and October 2019. AO classification was recorded: B1 (3), B3 (2), C2 (2), C3 (28). A two-tailed paired t-test was used to compare findings immediately post-dorsal spanning plate surgery and at final follow-up after dorsal spanning plate removal. Results Mean patient age was 43.3 years (19–78 years). Mean follow-up was 7.8 months (SD 4.3 months) from surgery and 2.5 months from pin removal (SD 2.6 months). All patients achieved radiographic union. Radial height (mean interval change (MIC) 0.2 mm, SD 2.2, p = 0.63), articular step-off (MIC 0.1 mm, SD 0.6 mm, p = 0.88), and radial inclination (MIC −1.1 degrees, SD 3.7 degrees, p = 0.10) did not change from post-surgery to final follow-up. Ulnar variance (MIC −0.9 mm, SD 2.0 mm, p = 0.02) and volar tilt (MIC −1.5 degrees, SD 4.4 degrees, p = 0.05) were found to have decreased. Conclusion Dorsal spanning plate augmented with K-wire fixation for comminuted intra-articular distal radius fractures in polytrauma patients allows for immediate weightbearing and maintains articular surface alignment at radiographic union and may provide better articular restoration than treatment with dorsal spanning plate alone. Level of Evidence This is a Level IV, therapeutic study.

Adjunctive Effect of Systemic Antibiotics in Regenerative/Reconstructive Periodontal Surgery—A Systematic Review with Meta-Analysis

Background and Objective: Systemic antibiotics (AB) are often used in conjunction with regenerative/reconstructive periodontal surgery of intrabony defects and furcations; however, their potential benefits have not been systematically assessed. Materials and Methods: Data were retrieved from two recent systematic reviews (a total of 105 randomized clinical trials (RCTs) on clinical and radiographic outcomes in intrabony defects (ID) and molars with furcation involvement (FI) treated by surgical access with regenerative techniques. Pair-wise meta-analysis of RCTs with and without AB was performed. Meta-regressions from single-arm (subgroup) RCTs including study arms with or without adjunctive AB were also conducted. Results: No statistically significant benefits of systemic AB with regard to PPD, CAL and bone gain were detected in ID by pair-wise meta-analysis. Meta-regression revealed increased PPD reduction (−0.91 mm, 95% CI = −1.30; −0.51, p < 0.001), CAL gain (−0.92 mm, 95% CI = −1.32; −0.52, p < 0.001) and bone gain (−1.08 mm, 95% CI = −1.63; −0.53, p < 0.001) in ID but not in any of the outcomes in FI for arms treated with AB vs. study arms treated with no AB. No clear differences in adverse events were detected between AB and non-AB groups. Conclusion: There is only weak indirect evidence that AB may provide additional benefits in terms of clinical improvements in the regenerative/reconstructive periodontal surgery of intrabony defects and no evidence for a benefit in furcations. Until new data are gained and in the context of antibiotic stewardship, it may be questionable to justify the adjunctive use of systemic antibiotics.

Variables affecting complication rates in type III paediatric supracondylar humerus fractures

Purpose Unstable supracondylar humerus (SCH) fractures may have different outcomes as a result of direction of displacement and pin configuration. This study evaluates the impact of fracture displacement, pin configuration and fellowship training on clinical and radiographic outcomes in unstable fractures. Methods A total of 99 patients with completely displaced type III fractures were identified at an academic centre and a local community hospital. Patient characteristics and the fellowship training of the treating surgeon were recorded, and injury films documented the direction of displacement. Pin configuration, coronal and sagittal alignment were recorded from postoperative radiographs and at healing. Radiographic outcomes including coronal, sagittal and rotational malunion as well as clinical complications were analyzed. Results Fractures with direct posterior displacement had a lower composite malunion rate compared with those with posterolateral (PL) or posteromedial (PM) displacement (6.9%, 36.4%, 29.2% respectively; p = 0.019). PM displacement had a higher rate of coronal malunion compared with PL (18.2% versus 0%; post hoc p = 0.024). All-lateral constructs resulted in more rotational malunions (20.9% versus 1.8%; p = 0.002) compared with crossed pinning. PL fractures treated with all-lateral fixation showed a trend toward increased rotational instability or malunion (23.8% versus 1.3%; p = 0.073). Higher composite complication rates were noted in patients treated by surgeons with non-paediatric, non-trauma fellowship training. Conclusion For displaced SCH fractures, all-lateral fixation is associated with higher rates of rotational instability and malunion. Posteromedially and posterolaterally displaced fractures have higher rates of malunion compared with fractures with straight posterior displacement. Fellowship training other than paediatric or trauma was associated with increased complications. Level of Evidence Level III

Outcomes of primary total hip arthroplasty using 3D image-based custom stems in unselected patients: a systematic review

To report clinical and radiographic outcomes of primary THA using three-dimensional (3D) image-based custom stems. This systematic review was performed according to PRISMA guidelines and registered with PROSPERO (CRD42020216079). A search was conducted using MEDLINE, Embase and Cochrane. Clinical studies were included if they reported clinical or radiographic outcomes of primary THA using 3D image-based custom stems. Studies were excluded if specific to patients with major hip anatomical deformities, or if not written in English. Fourteen studies were eligible for inclusion (n = 1936 hips). There was considerable heterogeneity in terms of manufacturer, proximal geometry, coating and length of custom stems. Revision rates ranged from 0% to 1% in the short-term, 0% to 20% in the mid-term, and 4% to 10% in the long-term, while complication rates ranged from 3% in the short-term, 0% to 11% in the mid-term and 0% to 4% in the long-term. Post-operative Harris hip scores ranged from 95 to 96 in the short-term, 80 to 99 in the mid-term, and 87 to 94 in the long-term. Radiographic outcomes were reported in eleven studies, although none reported 3D implant sizing or positioning, nor compared planned and postoperative hip architecture. Primary THA using 3D image-based custom stems in unselected patients provides limited but promising clinical and radiographic outcomes. Despite excellent survival, the evidence available in the literature remains insufficient to recommend their routine use. Future studies should specify proximal geometry, length, fixation, material and coating, as well as management of femoral offset and anteversion. The authors propose a classification system to help distinguish between custom stem designs based primarily on their proximal geometry and length. Cite this article: EFORT Open Rev 2021;6:1166-1180. DOI: 10.1302/2058-5241.6.210053