Surgical treatment of the bony mallet thumb: a case series and literature review

Introduction The aim of this study was to provide a more precise statement on the outcome after surgical treatment of a bony mallet thumb and possibly give a treatment recommendation regarding the surgical fixation method. Patients and methods All patients (n = 16) who underwent a surgical treatment for an acute bony mallet thumb fracture between January 2006 and July 2019 were enrolled. The surgical method, complications, the range of motion, tip pinch, lateral key pinch, overall grip strength, visual analog score, Disability of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand Score, Mayo Wrist Score, Patient-Rated Wrist Evaluation Score, Buck-Gramcko Score and radiologic parameters were evaluated. Further, a comprehensive literature search on PubMed was conducted covering a period from 1956 to 2021 to include all possible matching articles on the treatment of the bony mallet thumb (n = 21 articles). Results Surgical treatment was very inhomogenous including indirect and direct K-wire fixation, screw fixation, plate fixation and anchor fixation methods. The IP joint range of motion and thumb strength ranged from 66 to 94% in comparison to the contralateral side. An open reduction led to worse functional scores compared to a closed reduction. Treatment methods in the literature were also very inhomogenous with a very low patient count, often even pooling data of bony mallet thumb fractures with bony mallet finger fractures. The risk for infection was higher in K-wire fixation methods than in open reduction and internal fixation methods. Conclusion The evidence for the best treatment of a bony mallet thumb fracture is low. On one hand the functional outcome can be inferior using an open reduction approach, but on the other hand, K-wire fixation methods with a closed reduction approach showed a higher risk for infection. Future multi-center research must be conducted to find the best treatment procedure for the best outcome of the patient.

Is reverse total shoulder arthroplasty (rTSA) more advantageous than anatomic TSA (aTSA) for osteoarthritis with intact cuff tendon? A systematic review and meta-analysis

Purpose We aimed to compare the outcomes and complications of anatomical shoulder arthroplasty (aTSA) and reverse total shoulder arthroplasty (rTSA) for primary glenohumeral osteoarthritis with intact cuff tissue. Materials and methods The MEDLINE, Embase, and Cochrane Library databases were systematically searched for studies published before March 2, 2021 using the PRISMA guidelines. Studies were included if they directly compared aTSA and rTSA for treating primary glenohumeral arthritis. A meta-analysis was performed using six studies that compared radiologic outcomes, functional scores, and range of motion (ROM). All the data were pooled using a random-effects model. Odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated as dichotomous data, while continuous data were analyzed using mean differences with 95% CIs. Results Two independent researchers reviewed 1,061 studies. Six studies met the inclusion criteria. The range of motion, especially external rotation, was better for aTSA than for rTSA (MD = − 10.28, 95% CI: − 16.69 to − 3.88, P = 0.002). Functional scores showed no difference between aTSA and rTSA. Glenoid loosening (OR = 0.17, 95% CI: 0.06–0.50, P = 0.001) was more common with aTSA, and scapula notching (OR = 10.63, 95% CI: 1.73–65.27, P = 0.01) with rTSA. In the mid-term follow-up, the overall revision rate showed no difference between aTSA and rTSA, with a pooled OR of 0.33 (95% CI: 0.07–1.57, P = 0.16). Conclusion A better ROM was achieved after aTSA than after rTSA. There was no difference in the revision rate at mid-term follow-up between aTSA and rTSA. Glenoid loosening was more common with aTSA, and scapula notching with rTSA. Level of evidence: Level IV, Meta-analysis.

The role of preoperative opioid use in shoulder surgery—A systematic review

Background Emerging evidence suggests preoperative opioid use may increase the risk of negative outcomes following orthopedic procedures. This systematic review evaluated the impact of preoperative opioid use in patients undergoing shoulder surgery with respect to preoperative clinical outcomes, postoperative complications, and postoperative dependence on opioids. Methods EMBASE, MEDLINE, CENTRAL, and CINAHL were searched from inception to April, 2021 for studies reporting preoperative opioid use and its effect on postoperative outcomes or opioid use. The search, data extraction and methodologic assessment were performed in duplicate for all included studies. Results Twenty-one studies with a total of 257,301 patients were included in the final synthesis. Of which, 17 were level III evidence. Of those, 51.5% of the patients reported pre-operative opioid use. Fourteen studies (66.7%) reported a higher likelihood of opioid use at follow-up among those used opioids preoperatively compared to preoperative opioid-naïve patients. Eight studies (38.1%) showed lower functional measurements and range of motion in opioid group compared to the non-opioid group post-operatively. Conclusion Preoperative opioid use in patients undergoing shoulder surgeries is associated with lower functional scores and post-operative range of motion. Most concerning is preoperative opioid use may predict increased post-operative opioid requirements and potential for misuse in patients. Level of evidence Level IV, Systematic review.

Gender Influences on Shoulder Arthroplasty

Purpose of Review As the incidence of shoulder arthroplasty continues to increase, there is growing interest in patient-based factors that may predict outcomes. Based on existing literature demonstrating gender-based disparities following total hip and knee arthroplasty, gender may also influence shoulder arthroplasty. The purpose of this review is to discuss the recent literature on the influence of gender on shoulder arthroplasty, focusing on differences in preoperative parameters, perioperative complications, and postoperative outcomes. Recent Findings While both female and male patients generally benefit from shoulder arthroplasty, several differences may exist in preoperative factors, acute perioperative complications, and postoperative outcomes. Preoperatively, female patients undergo shoulder arthroplasty at an older age compared to their male counterparts. They may also have greater levels of preoperative disability and different preoperative expectations. Perioperatively, female patients may be at increased risk of extended length of stay, postoperative thromboembolic events, and blood transfusion. Postoperatively, female patients may achieve lower postoperative functional scores and decreased range of motion compared to male patients. Differences in postoperative functional scores may be influenced by gender-based differences in activities of daily living. Finally, female patients may be at greater risk for periprosthetic fracture and aseptic loosening while male patients appear to be at greater risk for periprosthetic infection and revision surgery. Summary Current literature on the influence of gender on shoulder arthroplasty is limited and conflicting. Further research is necessary to delineate how gender affects patients at the pre- and postoperative levels to better inform decision-making and outcomes.

Quality of life of adolescents with menstrual problems in Klang Valley, Malaysia: a school population-based cross-sectional study

ObjectiveTo describe the prevalence of menstrual problems (heavy menses bleeding, dysmenorrhoea and oligomenorrhoea) and its impact towards quality of life among adolescents in Klang Valley, Malaysia.DesignCross-sectional study.SettingAdolescent girls at secondary schools in the Klang Valley, Malaysia.Population729 adolescents aged between 13 and 18 years.MethodA questionnaire survey using Menorrhagia Questionnaire and Paediatric Quality of Life-Teen Report Ages 13–18 (PedsQL).Main outcome measuresSelf reports of menstrual bleeding patterns, morbidities and effect on quality of life.ResultsThe prevalence of menstrual problems among adolescents was 63.9% in the Klang Valley. Adolescents with menstrual problems had significant lower mean total score of PedsQL (70.23±13.53 vs 76.36±14.93, p=0.001), physical health summary score (74.10±16.83 vs 79.00±15.86, p<0.001) and psychosocial health summary score (68.05±14.27 vs 73.21±13.09, p=0.001) compared with those without menstrual problem. Adolescents experiencing heavy menses bleeding had the lowest physical and emotional function. Those with oligomenorrhoea had the lowest social function, whereas those with dysmenorrhoea had the lowest school function. Cigarette smoking, alcohol and medical illness had lower health-related quality of life, whereas taking oral contraceptive pills for menstrual problems was associated with higher scores in these adolescents.ConclusionMenstrual problems among adolescents have a significant impact on their quality of life. It is probably wise to screen them at the school level, to identify those with low functional scores and to refer them for proper management at a tertiary adolescent gynaecology centre.

Comparison of Lateralized Versus Medialized Reverse Total Shoulder Arthroplasty: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

Background: Reverse total shoulder arthroplasty (rTSA) is an established procedure for cuff tear arthropathy. More lateralized prostheses have been designed to overcome the reported adverse outcomes of Grammont-style rTSA. Purpose: To compare the clinical and radiological outcomes of medialized and lateralized center of rotation (COR) in rTSA. Study Design: Systematic review; Level of evidence, 3. Methods: This review followed the PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) guidelines. Included were studies with a level of evidence ≥3 that compared medialized and lateralized rTSA with a minimum follow-up of 12 months. Functional scores including the American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES) score and Constant score (CSS), range of motion at final follow-up, gain of external rotation (ER), visual analog scale (VAS) pain score, scapular notching, and heterotopic ossification (HO) were compared. Data were analyzed using random-effects or fixed-effects models in accordance with heterogeneity. Results: Five retrospective cohort studies and 1 randomized controlled study (n = 594 patients) were included. Lateralized rTSA resulted in greater improvement in ER degree ( P < .001), a lower VAS pain score (standardized mean difference [SMD], –0.39; P = .002), and a lower rate of scapular notching (risk ratio [RR], 0.40; P < .001) and HO (RR, 0.52; P < .001). Final forward flexion (SMD, –0.14; P = .629) and ER (SMD, 0.21; P = .238) did not differ significantly between the 2 groups. Overall functional scores, including ASES score (SMD, 0.22; P = .310) and CSS (SMD, 0.37; P = .077), also did not differ significantly (SMD, 0.28; P = .062). The overall complication rate did not differ significantly between the 2 groups (RR, 0.71; P = .339). Conclusion: Compared with medialized rTSA, lateralized COR rTSA results in greater improvement in ER and the VAS pain score, decreased rates of scapular notching and HO, and no significant changes in functional outcome scores or the complication rate.

Does Humeral Component Version Affect Range of Motion and Clinical Outcomes in Reverse Total Shoulder Arthroplasty? A Systematic Review

Background: Prosthesis selection, design, and placement in reverse total shoulder arthroplasty (RTSA) affect post-operative results. The aim of this systematic review was to evaluate the influence of the humeral stem version and prosthesis design (inlay vs. onlay) on shoulder function following RTSA. Methods: A systematic review of the literature on post-operative range of motion (ROM) and functional scores following RTSA with specifically known humeral stem implantations was performed using MEDLINE, Pubmed, and Embase databases, and the Cochrane Library. Functional scores included were Constant scores (CSs) and/or American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES) scores. The patients were organised into three separate groups based on the implanted version of their humeral stem: (1) less than 20° of retroversion, (2) 20° of retroversion, and (3) greater than 20° of retroversion. Results: Data from 14 studies and a total of 1221 shoulders were eligible for analysis. Patients with a humeral stem implanted at 20° of retroversion had similar post-operative mean ASES (75.8 points) and absolute CS (68.1 points) compared to the group with humeral stems implanted at less than 20° of retroversion (76 points and 62.5 points; p = 0.956 and p = 0.153) and those implanted at more than 20° of retroversion (73.3 points; p = 0.682). Subjects with humeral stem retroversion at greater than 20° tended towards greater active forward elevation and external rotation compared with the group at 20° of retroversion (p = 0.462) and those with less than 20° of retroversion (p = 0.192). Patients with an onlay-type RTSA showed statistically significantly higher mean post-operative internal rotation compared to patients with inlay-type RTSA designs (p = 0.048). Other functional scores and forward elevation results favoured the onlay-types, but greater external rotation was seen in inlay-type RTSA designs (p = 0.382). Conclusions: Humeral stem implantation in RTSA at 20° of retroversion and greater appears to be associated with higher post-operative outcome scores and a greater range of motion when compared with a retroversion of less than 20°. Within these studies, onlay-type RTSA designs were associated with greater forward elevation but less external rotation when compared to inlay-type designs. However, none of the differences in outcome scores and range of motion between the humeral version groups were statistically significant.

Foot Loading Analysis of Intraarticular Tibia Pilon Fracture

BACKGROUND: Although pilon fractures are rare, they are important for orthopedic surgeons because of the difficulty of treatment and adverse effects on gait function. The aim of the study to evaluate the relationship between the reduction quality of the fracture, functional results, ankle arthrosis and plantar pressure distribution in patients with tibia pilon fractures. METHODS: In this study, a total of 62 patients treated for an intraarticular pilon fracture in our clinic between January 2015 and January 2019 were evaluated retrospectively. Postoperative reduction qualities of the patients were evaluated with the Ovadia-Beals criteria, ankle functional scores with the Teeny-Wiss score, and ankle arthrosis with the Takakura classification. In the last follow-up of the patients, foot loading analysis was performed and the results of the patients were evaluated for their relation with postoperative reduction quality, ankle functions and ankle arthrosis. RESULTS: There were 62 patients (50 men and 12 women). The average age was 43.3 years (range 19-78). The mean follow-up was 34.3 months (range 24 - 58). The mean Ovadia-Beals score was 12.35 {plus minus} 4.6 in the postoperative plain radiographs of the patients; the mean Teeny-Wiss score in the last follow-up was 76.82 {plus minus} 17.69, and the Takakura score was 1.47 {plus minus} 1.35. Based on the pedobarographic measurements, 47.58% of the patients put weight on the anterior and 52.42% on the posterior of the foot in the anteroposterior plane. In the mediolateral plane, 42.15% loaded on the medial of the ankle and 57.85% loaded on the lateral of the foot. CONCLUSION: Intra-articular tibia pilon fractures can be demonstrated by lateralization of the walking axis and changes in gait patterns and can be associated with clinical outcome.

The Use of Tranexamic Acid in Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction: A Systematic Review

Background: There are several papers that investigate the use of tranexamic acid (TXA) in anterior cruciate ligament reconstructions (ACLR) or other arthroscopic procedures that show favorable results and little to no complications. We aimed to perform a systematic review of all published randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that wanted to determine the effectiveness of intravenous use of TXA in ACLR. Methods: Data collection was performed independently by two authors via a previously created spreadsheet. They extracted information such as: first author name, publication year, lot size, TXA protocol, surgical protocol, outcome measures and follow-up duration. Results: After applying the screening process and the inclusion criteria, we were left with a total six RCTs. The selected studies included a total of 699 randomized patients. Statistical significance regarding a lower pain score (VAS) in the intervention groups was mostly reported for the early postoperative period (2 weeks). A statistically significant decrease in hemarthrosis grade was reported for the first 2–3 weeks. Conclusions: in our study, we show that TXA use in arthroscopic ACLR decreases postoperative blood loss and pain. Some evidence of improvement in functional scores was observed, but we believe that this needs to be addressed in specific long-term result studies.

Effect of Modified Arthroscopic Latarjet on Acromiohumeral Distance at 5-Year Follow-up

Background: It is unclear whether coracoacromial ligament release during the Latarjet procedure will increase superior translation of the shoulder joint. Purpose: To evaluate whether a modified suture button Latarjet procedure can decrease the acromiohumeral distance (AHD). Study Design: Case series; Level of evidence, 4. Methods: A retrospective analysis was conducted among 155 patients who underwent a modified suture button Latarjet procedure between 2013 and 2015. AHD was measured on bilateral computed tomography scans taken preoperatively and on scans of the affected shoulder taken on postoperative day 1 and postoperative month (POM) 6, POM 36, and POM 60. At each time point, we recorded pain on a visual analog scale (VAS) and objective shoulder function using the American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons, Rowe, and Walch-Duplay scores. Preoperative and final follow-up VAS and functional scores were compared using the paired t test. Pairwise comparison of AHD values at each follow-up time point were compared with the preoperative intact side using the paired t test. Intra- and interobserver reproducibility of the AHD measurements was evaluated using the intraclass correlation coefficient. Results: A total of 104 patients who met the criteria completed the final follow-up, which occurred at 62.6 ± 2.4 months (mean ± SD). When compared with presurgery, the VAS and all functional scores improved significantly at the last follow-up ( P < .001 for all). Intra- and interobserver intraclass correlation coefficients indicated good reliability for the ADH measurements. Preoperatively, there were no differences in AHD values between the intact and affected shoulders (7.8 ± 0.8 mm for both; P = .851). The AHD values at postoperative day 1 and POM 6, POM 36, and POM 60 were 9.6 ± 0.7 mm, 8.6 ± 0.9 mm, 8.0 ± 0.8 mm, and 7.9 ± 0.8 mm, respectively, all of which were larger than those of the preoperative intact side ( P < .001 for all). Conclusion: The modified suture button Latarjet procedure not only offered satisfactory therapeutic effects but also did not decrease the AHD at 5-year follow-up.