Clinical and Radiographic Differentiation of Pediatric Patellar Sleeve Fractures and Other Inferior Pole Pathologies (165)

Objectives: Inferior pole patellar sleeve fractures (PSF) are rare injuries that occur in skeletally immature patients with sparse literature on the diagnosis, management, and outcomes of this injury. Diagnosis of PSF can be difficult based on radiographs alone, as only a small bony fragment is often seen. Consequently, PSFs may be missed or falsely diagnosed as an inferior pole fracture (IPF) or Sinding-Larson-Johansson syndrome (SLJS) possibly leading to improper treatment and poor outcomes (Figure 1). The objective of this study was to evaluate and compare clinical and radiographic features of patients with PSF, IPF and SLJS to help improve diagnostic accuracy. Methods: This was a retrospective review of skeletally immature patients diagnosed with inferior pole patellar pathology between 2011-2019 at a single urban academic center. Patients were identified using both International Classification of Diseases 9th and 10th edition (ICD-9 and ICD-10) codes and Current Procedural Terminology (CPT) codes. Data from medical records (demographics, injury mechanism and physical exam) and lateral knee radiographs (fragment size, fragment displacement, number of fragments, Insall-Salvati, Caton-Deschamps, pre-patellar effusion, intra-articular effusion) was collected. ANOVA, Student’s t-test and Fisher’s exact test were used for comparisons between the three groups. Statistical significance was determined at p<0.05. This study was approved by our institutional review board. Results: A total of 125 patients were included: 82% male, average age 10.7 years (SD 2), 16 PSF, 51 IPF, 58 SLJS patients. There were no significant differences in patient demographics between the three groups (Table 1). Only 24% of SLJS patients presented with acute trauma compared to 100% of the PSF and IPF patients. Fewer PSF patients had an intact straight leg raise (37.5%) compared to IPF (94.1%) and SLJS (98.3%) (p<0.001). SLJS patients were less likely to present with knee swelling (41.4%) compared to PSF (93.8%) and IPF (94.1%) (p<0.001) . Knee effusion was more frequently seen in PSF (81.2%) compared to IPF (37.3%) and SLJS (3.4%) (p<0.001). More patients with SLJS were able to bear weight (87.9%) compared to IPF (11.8%) and PSF (0%) (p<0.001) (Table 2). Radiographically, compared to those with IFP and SLJS, patients with PSFs had increased mean prepatellar swelling (6.1 and 6.5 versus 12.9mm, p<0.001), intra-articular effusion (6.1 and 4.9 versus 9.2mm, p<0.001), maximum fragment size (26 and 17.7 versus 45.3mm, p<0.001) and maximum fragment displacement (1.24 and 1.45 versus 13.30mm, p<0.003) respectively. Compared to SLJS, PSF and IPF patients had higher patella alta with mean Insall-Salvati ratios > 1.2 (Table 3). Conclusions: Differences in clinical features such as straight leg raise, knee swelling, knee effusion, ability to bear weight and radiographic features such as prepatellar swelling, intra-articular effusion, fragment displacement/size/shape/location can all be helpful in improving the accuracy of diagnosing inferior pole injuries in pediatric patients.

Suture Tape Augmentation of Screw Fixation Reduces Fragment Migration in Tibial Tubercle Osteotomy: A Biomechanical Study

Background: Tibial tubercle osteotomy (TTO) is a complex surgical procedure with a significant risk of complications, which include nonunion and tibial fracture. Purpose: To determine whether an additional suture tape augmentation can provide better biomechanical stability compared with standard screw fixation. Study Design: Controlled laboratory study. Methods: Five matched pairs of human cadaveric knees were divided into 2 groups: the first group underwent standard TTO fixation with 2 parallel screws (standard group). The second group underwent a novel fixation technique, in which a nonabsorbable suture tape (FiberTape) in a figure-of-8 construct was added to the standard screw fixation for extra stabilization in the inferior-superior direction (augmented group). The specimens were biomechanically tested using a multistep cyclic loading protocol from 400 N up to 800 N to simulate the rehabilitation process. Tubercular fragment migration of >50% of the initial distalization length was defined as clinical failure. A pull-to-failure test was applied to the specimens that survived cyclic loading. Tubercular fragment displacement during cyclic loading and pull-to-failure force were recorded and compared between the 2 groups. Results: Two specimens of the standard group exhibited clinical failure during cyclic loading to 400 N. All other specimens survived cyclic loading to 800 N. The augmented group showed less cyclic tubercular fragment displacement after every load level compared with the standard group, with statistically significant differences starting from 500 N ( P < .05; power > 0.8). Mean ± standard deviation tubercular fragment displacement at the end of cyclic loading was 2.56 ± 0.82 mm for the augmented group and 5.21 ± 0.51 mm for the standard group. Mean ultimate failure load after the pull-to-failure test was 2475 ± 554 N for the augmented group and 1475 ± 280 N for the standard group. Conclusion: The specimens that underwent suture tape augmentation showed less tubercular fragment displacement during cyclic loading and higher ultimate failure forces compared with those that underwent standard screw fixation. Clinical Relevance: The augmentation technique could potentially increase the success of a TTO.

BIOMECHANICAL FEATURES OF COMMINUTED HUMERAL SHAFT FRACTURES

Humeral shaft fractures make up from 3 to 5 per cent of the general number of fractures. There is a distinct bimodal age distribution of the patients with diaphyseal humeral fractures. Most cases are found among men aged 21-30 years and elderly women aged 60-80 years. Biomechanical peculiarities of bone fragment displacement in the humeral shaft fractures are an important component of the further planning of the patient’s treatment and rehabilitation. The aim of this article is to assess possible variants of bone fragment displacement and determine the role of the muscle component on the displacement vector in the fractures at different levels of the humeral bone shaft. Materials and methods. The study included 50 patients aged from 18 to 78 with comminuted fractures of the humeral shaft. Patients aged from 55 to 78 dominated according to the age distribution, with 68 per cent. In most cases (62 per cent), comminuted fractures were caused by a certain low-energy traumatic factor. 60 per cent of the patients were hospitalized within the first 24 hours after the traumatic injury. According to the A. O. Müller classification, 12B-type fractures constituted 72 per cent of the total number, and 12C made up 28 per cent. Operative treatment was performed on for 76 per cent of the patients, conservative treatment – for 24 per cent. The role of the muscle component on the bone fragment displacement has been determined according to the data of computer-assisted tomography and X-ray photography using the typical muscle insertion chart of the humeral fragment under the study. Reliable individual anatomic properties were determined intraoperatively. Results and discussion. The study included three groups of patients diagnosed with a comminuted humeral shaft fracture. The first group comprised elderly and senile patients with low-energy traumas. The second group included patients aged from 18 to 59 with low-energy traumas. The third group involved the patients with high-energy traumas. As the result, the study has demonstrated key muscles impacting the dislocation of bone fragments in multifragmental humeral shaft fractures including: deltoid, greater pectoral, coracobrachial, triangularis, biceps, brachial, and latissimus dorsi muscles. Based on the analysis of the clinical data, the study has shown the interrelations between the fracture level in low-energy traumas, age, and sex. Elderly and senile female patients have been found out mostly to experience fractures, which are distal to the deltoid muscle attaching point. Individuals aged 18 to 59 typically have the fracture located proximally to the deltoid muscle attaching point. The synergy of the adduction muscles impact on bone fragments in multifragmental fractures has been observed that should be taken into account when performing a closed reduction as well as during an operative intervention.

AI-based detection and classification of distal radius fractures using low-effort data labeling: evaluation of applicability and effect of training set size

Objectives To evaluate the performance of a deep convolutional neural network (DCNN) in detecting and classifying distal radius fractures, metal, and cast on radiographs using labels based on radiology reports. The secondary aim was to evaluate the effect of the training set size on the algorithm’s performance. Methods A total of 15,775 frontal and lateral radiographs, corresponding radiology reports, and a ResNet18 DCNN were used. Fracture detection and classification models were developed per view and merged. Incrementally sized subsets served to evaluate effects of the training set size. Two musculoskeletal radiologists set the standard of reference on radiographs (test set A). A subset (B) was rated by three radiology residents. For a per-study-based comparison with the radiology residents, the results of the best models were merged. Statistics used were ROC and AUC, Youden’s J statistic (J), and Spearman’s correlation coefficient (ρ). Results The models’ AUC/J on (A) for metal and cast were 0.99/0.98 and 1.0/1.0. The models’ and residents’ AUC/J on (B) were similar on fracture (0.98/0.91; 0.98/0.92) and multiple fragments (0.85/0.58; 0.91/0.70). Training set size and AUC correlated on metal (ρ = 0.740), cast (ρ = 0.722), fracture (frontal ρ = 0.947, lateral ρ = 0.946), multiple fragments (frontal ρ = 0.856), and fragment displacement (frontal ρ = 0.595). Conclusions The models trained on a DCNN with report-based labels to detect distal radius fractures on radiographs are suitable to aid as a secondary reading tool; models for fracture classification are not ready for clinical use. Bigger training sets lead to better models in all categories except joint affection. Key Points • Detection of metal and cast on radiographs is excellent using AI and labels extracted from radiology reports. • Automatic detection of distal radius fractures on radiographs is feasible and the performance approximates radiology residents. • Automatic classification of the type of distal radius fracture varies in accuracy and is inferior for joint involvement and fragment displacement.

Inter-rater variability of three-dimensional fracture reduction planning according to the educational background

Background Computer-assisted three-dimensional (3D) planning is increasingly delegated to biomedical engineers. So far, the described fracture reduction approaches rely strongly on the performance of the users. The goal of our study was to analyze the influence of the two different professional backgrounds (technical and medical) and skill levels regarding the reliability of the proposed planning method. Finally, a new fragment displacement measurement method was introduced due to the lack of consistent methods in the literature. Methods 3D bone models of 20 distal radius fractures were presented to nine raters with different educational backgrounds (medical and technical) and various levels of experience in 3D operation planning (0 to 10 years) and clinical experience (1.5 to 24 years). Each rater was asked to perform the fracture reduction on 3D planning software. Results No difference was demonstrated in reduction accuracy regarding rotational (p = 1.000) and translational (p = 0.263) misalignment of the fragments between biomedical engineers and senior orthopedic residents. However, a significantly more accurate planning was performed in these two groups compared with junior orthopedic residents with less clinical experience and no 3D planning experience (p < 0.05). Conclusion Experience in 3D operation planning and clinical experience are relevant factors to plan an intra-articular fragment reduction of the distal radius. However, no difference was observed regarding the educational background (medical vs. technical) between biomedical engineers and senior orthopedic residents. Therefore, our results support the further development of computer-assisted surgery planning by biomedical engineers. Additionally, the introduced fragment displacement measure proves to be a feasible and reliable method. Level of Evidence Diagnostic Level II

FEATURES OF HIP JOINT ARTHROPLASTY IN PATIENTS AFTER OSTEOSYNTHESIS OF THE ACETABULAR FRACTURES

Objective. To analyze the late complications after osteosynthesis of the acetabular fractures that led to reoperations; to determine the features of surgical intervention and the choice of the acetabular component during endoprosthetics in these patients. Methods. From 2009 to 2015, the results of endoprosthetics in patients (n=35) who underwent primary osteosynthesis of the acetabulum and subsequently hip arthroplasty were evaluated at the Orthopedic and Trauma Center of Kiev Regional Clinical Hospital. To assess damage volume, the Letournel-Judet classification was used. 5 years after the endoprosthetics to evaluate functional outcomes the the Harris Hip Scale (HHS) and radiographic method have been used. Results. The initial preoperative assessment in 35 patients using Harris Hip Scale showed results: 64 (58-71) Ме (LQ; UQ) points. A year after endoprosthetics when examining 33 (94.3%) patients the Harris scale improved the results to 81 (74-88) points (p_0-1<0.001). 5 years after arthroplasty the Harris scale was 85 (77-92) points (p_0-5<0.001). After 5 years in 31 (88.6%) patients a radiographic evaluation showed stable integration of the acetabular component without any signs of attenuation in 1-3 zones according to the De Lee and Charnley classification. Conclusion. The most effective way to treat the recent acetabular fractures with fragment displacement is considered to be the early osteosynthesis with anatomical reposition of fragments, which with the development of degenerative changes in the operated joint, makes it possible to perform endoprosthetics using a full-fledged bone mass for immersion of the acetabular component. Careful planning of the operation, preliminary removal of metal fixators, which can affect the placement of the acetabular component, as well as increase the risk of postoperative complications, allows achieving good results. What this paper adds For the first time the late complications after osteosynthesis of the acetabular fractures, which led to reoperations, have been analyzed; the features of surgical intervention and the choice of the acetabular component during endoprosthetics in such patients have been determined. The most effective method for treating recent acetabular fractures with fragment displacement has been studied in detail - early osteosynthesis with anatomical reposition of fragments, which, with the development of degenerative changes in the operated joint, makes possible to perform endoprosthetics using full bone mass for immersion of the acetabular component.

Dorsal Subluxation of the Proximal Interphalangeal Joint After Volar Base Fracture of the Middle Phalanx

Background: Treatment decisions regarding volar base fractures of the middle phalanx depend on whether the proximal interphalangeal (PIP) joint is reduced. Our aim was to study the agreement among hand surgeons in determining whether the PIP joint fractures are subluxated and to study the factors associated with subluxation of these fractures. Methods: In this retrospective chart review, 413 volar base fractures of the middle phalanx were included. Demographic and injury-related factors were gathered from medical records and radiographs. Using a Web-based survey, interobserver agreement was determined among 105 hand surgeons on the assessment of PIP joint subluxation of a series of 26 cases. Using the cohort of 413 fractures, a threshold for percent articular involvement and relative fracture displacement that corresponds with subluxation of the PIP joint was analyzed. Results: We found moderate to substantial agreement between hand surgeons on subluxation (κ = 0.59, P < .0001) and an overall percent agreement of 85%. Percent articular involvement and relative fracture displacement were independently associated with subluxation of the PIP joint ( P < .001). Percent articular involvement of 35% had a specificity of 90% and a negative predicting value (NPV) of 92% for joint subluxation. Relative fracture displacement of 35% had a specificity of 92% and an NPV of 94% for joint subluxation. Conclusions: Surgeons generally agree on whether a PIP joint is subluxated. Percent articular involvement and relative fragment displacement are objective measurements that can help characterize joint stability and assist with decision-making.

Osteopathic correction in complex treatment of carpal tunnel syndrome with complicated closed forearm fractures

A clinical case, described in this study, demonstrates a successful combined treatment of posttraumatic neuropathy of the medial and radial nerves in a patient after the closed comminuted fracture of the distal metaepiphysis of the left radial bone with a fragment displacement. One of the most serious complications of such injuries is the development of carpal tunnel syndrome [1]. Osteopathic physicians were involved in the process of treatment and rehabilitation. According to the data of various authors [1, 2], it is necessary to use complex surgical aids such as decompression of the medial nerve by dissecting the carpal ligament with the scar, as well as nerve transposition if the conservative methods are not effective. Unfortunately, surgical treatment does not always lead to a positive result [4]. Invalidization of patients is significant — 5–7%. It is known that early complex pathogenetic treatment allows to fight against the developing carpal tunnel syndrome in patients with severe bone trauma much more successfully. In order to prevent scar changes of the carpal ligament and maintain adequate trophicity in the injured limb, it is necessary to implement measures aimed at stabilizing microcirculatory disorders in the distal parts of the injured forearm as soon as possible. In order to make the treatment of this pathology even more effective, an integrated approach to solving this complex and socially significant problem is needed, as well as the search for new advanced and relatively safe treatment tactics, these include osteopathic correction too.

Mallet Fractures of the Thumb Compared With Mallet Fractures of the Fingers

Background: The purpose of this study was to look for differences in mechanism, radiographic findings, and treatment between mallet fractures of the thumb and mallet fractures of the index through small fingers. Methods: This retrospective study included 24 mallet fractures of the thumb and 392 mallet fractures of other digits. We compared demographics, injury factors (side, dominant hand, time between injury and first visit, and injury mechanism), subluxation, fragment size, treatment, and time from injury to final evaluation between the 2 groups. Results: Mallet fractures of the thumb presented for treatment sooner after injury (2.9 vs 13 days on average), had less fragment displacement (27% vs 33%), and less articular involvement (39% vs 46% on average). None of the mallet fractures of the thumb had radiographic evidence of subluxation, whereas 25% of mallet fractures of other fingers had initial or later subluxation. Conclusions: Mallet fractures of the thumb are not likely to subluxate.