Yuan, Brandon J.

Case: The patient sustained a pathologic fracture through chronic osteomyelitis of the tibia. Treatment involved resection of bone and soft tissue, leaving a 15-cm diaphyseal tibial defect. We designed a construct to allow for trifocal bone transport using a magnetic intramedullary lengthening nail connected to cables. This technique uses cables secured to the proximal tibia, the nail, and the transport segments. Conclusion: This case details the successful use of trifocal cable-assisted bone transport through a magnetic lengthening intramedullary nail. This technique can successfully be used to reconstruct diaphyseal bone defects that are longer than the stroke length of the magnetic nail.

AimsThe prevalence of ipsilateral total hip arthroplasty (THA) and total knee arthroplasty (TKA) is rising in concert with life expectancy, putting more patients at risk for interprosthetic femur fractures (IPFFs). Our study aimed to assess treatment methodologies, implant survivorship, and IPFF clinical outcomes.MethodsA total of 76 patients treated for an IPFF from February 1985 to April 2018 were reviewed. Prior to fracture, at the hip/knee sites respectively, 46 femora had primary/primary, 21 had revision/primary, three had primary/revision, and six had revision/revision components. Mean age and BMI were 74 years (33 to 99) and 30 kg/m2(21 to 46), respectively. Mean follow-up after fracture treatment was seven years (2 to 24).ResultsOverall, 59 fractures were classified as Vancouver C (Unified Classification System (UCS) D), 17 were Vancouver B (UCS B). In total, 57 patients (75%) were treated with open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF); three developed nonunion, three developed periprosthetic joint infection, and two developed aseptic loosening. In all, 18 patients (24%) underwent revision arthroplasty including 13 revision THAs, four distal femoral arthroplasties (DFAs), and one revision TKA: of these, one patient developed aseptic loosening and two developed nonunion. Survivorship free from any reoperation was 82% (95% confidence interval (CI) 66.9% to 90.6%) and 77% (95% CI 49.4% to 90.7%) in the ORIF and revision groups at two years, respectively. ORIF patients who went on to union tended to have stemmed knee components and greater mean interprosthetic distance (IPD = 189 mm (SD 73.6) vs 163 mm (SD 36.7); p = 0.546) than nonunited fractures. Patients who went on to nonunion in the revision arthroplasty group had higher medullary diameter: cortical width ratio (2.5 (SD 1.7) vs 1.3 (SD 0.3); p = 0.008) and lower IPD (36 mm (SD 30.6) vs 214 mm (SD 32.1); p < 0.001). At latest follow-up, 95% of patients (n = 72) were ambulatory.ConclusionInterprosthetic femur fractures are technically and biologically challenging cases. Individualized approaches to internal fixation versus revision arthroplasty led to an 81% (95% CI 68.3% to 88.6%) survivorship free from reoperation at two years with 95% of patients ambulatory. Continued improvements in management are warranted. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2021;103-B(7 Supple B):122–128.

AbstractIntroductionAdvances in the care of cancer patients have resulted in increased survival. The proximal femur is a common site for metastatic disease, often requiring surgical intervention. Tranexamic acid (TXA) has proven to be safe in elective and traumatic femoral hemiarthroplasty; however, its use has not been investigated in oncologic patients.MethodWe reviewed 66 patients (37 males) with a mean age of 64 ± 3 years undergoing a hemiarthroplasty for metastatic disease in the femoral neck. A total of 22 (33%) patients received intraoperative TXA. Primary outcomes included postoperative blood loss, intraoperative and postoperative transfusion requirement, and postoperative complications.ResultsThere was no difference in the baseline characteristics between the TXA and non‐TXA groups. When comparing the TXA and non‐TXA groups, there were no differences in 72 h postoperative blood loss between groups (1.21 L vs. 1.33 L, p = 0.61), percentage of patients requiring transfusion (36.4% vs. 36.4%, p = 1.0), or the incidence of postoperative complications including venous thromboembolism (14% vs. 11%, p = 0.70) and pulmonary embolism (0% vs. 5%, p = 1.0).ConclusionOncology patients are a high‐risk population for thromboembolic events. This initial study supports the safe use of TXA intraoperatively in femoral hemiarthroplasty performed for metastatic disease.

Abstract Background: Vitamin D deficiency is common in patients presenting with low energy hip fractures. The relationship between Vitamin D levels at the time of a fracture with long term functional outcomes has not been studied. Identifying a benefit to recovery with adequate vitamin D would support supplementation in elderly patients at risk for hip fracture. Methods: A retrospective cohort of patients &gt;/= 50 years, who were treated surgically for low energy hip fracture between July 1 2016 and June 30 2018 were identified. The correlation between Vitamin D levels and functional recovery, assessed using the time up and go (TUG) test, survival at 3 months and 1 year, and readmission within 3 months was examined. The Charlson comorbidity index (CCI) at baseline was also assessed. Results: A total of 216 patients were treated for a hip fracture of which 174 were included with measured baseline Vitamin D levels. A majority were female (112, 64.4%), mean age 79.6 years (+/-11.9), mean Vitamin D level 28.2 ng/ml (+/- 12.4) and mean CCI 5.9 (+/- 2.5). Vitamin D &lt;20 ng/ml was seen in 39 (22.4%) patients and all received appropriate supplementation. 39 (22.4%) individuals died within a year of surgery, among whom 17 (43.6% of 39) passed away within 3 months. 36 (20.7%) were readmitted within 3 months of surgery and 14 (8%) sustained a second fracture within a year. The correlation of Vitamin D levels, taken as a continuous variable, to outcomes, was analyzed using logistic regression. Although not significant, higher Vitamin D was found to be protective against death within 3 months (OR=0.995, p=0.8), but actually increased the odds of death within 1 year (OR=1.008, p=0.62), readmission within 3 months (OR=1.001, p=0.96), second fracture within 1 year (OR=1.017, p=0.33) and failure to recover (OR=1.002, 0.86). After adjusting for age, gender and CCI, Vitamin D levels were non-significantly inversely associated with both TUG 1 and TUG2, with every 1 unit higher Vitamin D associated with a TUG lowered by 0.15 seconds, p=0.42 and 0.44. Vitamin D was poorly correlated to CCI with correlation coefficient of 0.02, p = 0.71. Conclusions: Our results indicate that Vitamin D levels at the time of a hip fracture do not correlate with patients’ functional outcomes. It is possible that replacing vitamin D eliminated the possible negative impact on functional recovery.

Background: Distal femoral replacement (DFR) is a salvage option for complex primary and revision total knee arthroplasty (TKA). Although excellent immediate fixation and weight-bearing are achieved, there is a paucity of data on long-term outcomes of TKA with DFR. The purpose of the present study was to determine implant survivorship, clinical outcomes, and radiographic results of TKAs with contemporary DFR components in a large series. Methods: We identified 144 consecutive TKAs performed with DFR for non-oncologic indications from 2000 to 2015 at a single academic institution. Indications for the index DFR included 66 (46%) for native (n = 11) or periprosthetic (n = 55) femoral fracture, 40 (28%) for staged treatment of periprosthetic joint infection, 28 (19%) for aseptic TKA loosening, and 10 (7%) for other indications. Porous metal cones were used to augment femoral fixation in 28 patients (19%) and tibial fixation in 38 patients (26%). Outcomes included cumulative incidence of revision and reoperation (utilizing a competing risk model), Knee Society scores, and radiographic results. The mean age at the time of index DFR was 72 years, and 65% of patients were female. The mean follow-up was 5 years (range, 2 to 13 years) for the 111 patients who did not undergo revision, had not died, and were not lost to follow-up. Results: The 10-year cumulative incidences of revision for aseptic loosening, all-cause revision, and any reoperation were 17.0%, 27.5%, and 46.3%, respectively. There was an increased risk of reoperation in patients who underwent index DFR for aseptic TKA loosening (hazard ratio [HR], 2.30; p = 0.026) or periprosthetic joint infection (HR, 2.18; p = 0.022) compared with periprosthetic or native femoral fractures. However, there was no difference in risk of revision for aseptic loosening or all-cause revision based on the original operative indication. The mean Knee Society score increased from 45 preoperatively to 71 at the time of the latest follow-up (p < 0.001). Radiographic loosening was observed in 8 unrevised DFRs (7%). There were 7 above-the-knee amputations performed at the time of the final follow-up, all for intractable periprosthetic joint infection. Conclusions: TKAs with contemporary DFR had high 10-year cumulative incidences of both revision and reoperation, underscoring the salvage nature of this procedure as a final reconstructive option. Most patients experienced substantial clinical improvements with this end-stage revision procedure. Level of Evidence: Therapeutic Level IV . See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

Objectives: To validate a neck-shaft angle (NSA) correction formula using the known angle between the medullary nail and lag screw of an indwelling cephalomedullary nail (CMN). Methods: Pertrochanteric femur fractures were created in 7 synthetic femurs and reconstructed with a CMN. Anteroposterior x-rays were taken with the proximal femur in 0, 15, 30, and 45 degrees of internal/external rotation and 10 and 20 degrees of flexion with neutral rotation. The femoral NSA and the nail angle were measured on anteroposterior x-rays. The corrected NSA was obtained by multiplying the known nail angle by the quotient of the measured NSA over the measured nail angle. Results: With increasing degrees of internal or external rotation, the difference between the actual and the measured NSA increased. After correction using the known angle of the nail, the measured NSA was reduced to within 3 degrees of the actual NSA over all degrees of rotation. At neutral rotation, 15 degrees of external rotation, and 10 and 20 degrees of hip flexion, there was minimal difference between the actual NSA and the measured NSA, negating the effect of the correction formula. Conclusions: The measured NSA after CMN of intertrochanteric fractures is altered by hip rotation. This study validates the correction formula, which determines this difference by using the known angle between the lag screw and the nail.

Objectives: To determine whether fixation of pertrochanteric hip fractures with cephalomedullary nails (CMNs) with a neck-shaft angle (NSA) less than the native NSA affects reduction and lag screw cutout. Design: Retrospective comparative study. Setting: Level I trauma center. Patients/Participants: Patients treated with a CMN for unstable pertrochanteric femur fractures (OTA/AO 31-A2.2 and 31-A2.3) between 2005 and 2014. Intervention: CMN fixation. Main Outcome Measurement: NSA reduction and lag screw cutout. Results: Patients fixed with a nail angle less than their native NSA were less likely to have good reductions [17% vs. 60%, 95% confidence interval (CI), −63% to −18%; P = 0.0005], secondary to more varus reductions (41% vs. 10%, 95% CI, 9%–46%; P = 0.01) and more fractures with ≥4 mm of displacement (63% vs. 35%, 95% CI, 3%–49%; P = 0.03). The cutout was not associated with the use of a nail angle less than the native NSA (60% vs. 76%, 95% CI, −56% to 18%; P = 0.5), varus reductions (60% vs. 32%, 95% CI, −13% to 62%; P = 0.3), or poor reductions (20% vs. 17%, 95% CI, −24% to 44%; P = 1.0). Conclusions: The fixation of unstable pertrochanteric hip fractures with a nail angle less than the native NSA was associated with more varus reductions and fracture displacement but did not affect the lag screw cutout. Level of Evidence: Therapeutic Level III. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

Background: The natural history of femoroacetabular impingement (FAI) remains incompletely understood. In particular, there is limited documentation of joint damage in adolescent patients with limited range of motion (LROM) of the hip, which is commonly associated with FAI. Purpose: To evaluate changes in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), radiographs, and clinical examinations over 5 years in a group of athletes from a wide variety of sports with asymptomatic LROM of the hip compared with matched controls. Study Design: Cohort study (prognosis); Level of evidence, 2. Methods: The authors screened 226 male and female athletes aged 12 to 18 years presenting for preparticipation sports physical examinations. Using a goniometer, we identified 13 participants with at least one hip having internal rotation <10° with the hip flexed to 90°. Overall, 21 of 26 hips (81%) had internal rotation <10°. These participants were age- and sex-matched to 13 controls with internal rotation >10°. At the time of enrollment, all participants were asymptomatic and underwent a complete hip examination and radiographic imaging with radiographs (anteroposterior [AP] and von Rosen views) and non-arthrogram MRI. Participants returned at 5-year follow-up and underwent repeat hip examinations, imaging (AP and lateral radiographs and non-arthrogram MRI), and hip function questionnaires. MRI scans were classified as “normal” versus “abnormal” based on the presence of any of 13 scored chondral, labral, or osseous abnormalities. Comparisons between the LROM group and control group were performed using generalized linear models (either linear, logistic, or log-binomial regression as appropriate for the outcome) with generalized estimating equations to account for the within-participant correlation due to patients having both hips included. Relative risk (RR) estimates are reported with 95% CIs. Results: At the time of study enrollment, 16 of 26 hips (62%) in the LROM group had abnormal MRI findings within the acetabular labrum or cartilage compared with 8 of 26 hips (31%) in the control group (RR, 2.0; 95% CI, 0.95-4.2; P = .067). The mean alpha angle measured from radial MRI sequences was 58° in the LROM group versus 44° in the control group ( P < .0001). In the LROM group, 13 of 26 hips (50%) had a positive anterior impingement sign, whereas 0 of 26 hips (0%) had a positive anterior impingement sign in the control group. At 5-year follow-up, 18 of 19 hips (95%) in the LROM group had abnormal MRI findings compared with 14 of 26 hips (54%) in the control group (RR, 1.7; 95% CI, 1.1-2.7; P = .014). New or progressive findings were documented on MRI in 15 of 20 hips in the LROM group compared with 8 of 26 hips in the control group (RR, 2.4; 95% CI, 1.2-4.8; P = .011). Six of 22 hips (27%) in the LROM group progressed from Tönnis grade 0 to Tönnis grade 1 in degenerative changes, whereas all 26 hips in the control group remained at Tönnis grade 0 on hip radiographs. In the LROM group, 11 of 22 hips (50%) had a positive anterior impingement sign, whereas 1 of 26 hips (4%) had a positive anterior impingement sign in the control group. A cam deformity (alpha angle >55° on lateral radiographs) was present in 20 of 22 hips (91%) in the LROM group and 12 of 26 hips (46%) in the control group ( P = .0165). The following variables at baseline were associated with an increased risk of degenerative changes at 5-year follow-up for the entire cohort: decreased hip internal rotation, positive anterior impingement sign, decreased hip flexion, increased alpha angle, and presence of a cam lesion. Conclusion: At 5 years, young athletes with LROM of the hip showed increased progressive degenerative changes on MRI and radiographs compared with matched controls. Although the majority of these participants remained asymptomatic, those with features of FAI had radiographic findings consistent with early osteoarthritis. These outcomes suggest that more aggressive screening and counseling of young active patients may be helpful to prevent hip osteoarthritis in those with FAI.

Objectives: To analyze the radiographic outcomes of intertrochanteric osteotomy for the treatment of femoral neck nonunion with “undercorrection” of the Pauwels angle and relative preservation of the proximal femoral anatomy. Design: Retrospective cohort study. Setting: Level-1 trauma center. Patients: Thirty-two patients with established femoral neck nonunions that had been treated with intertrochanteric osteotomy were retrospectively identified through Current Procedural Terminology codes. Seven patients were treated with 30 degree closing wedge osteotomy and 25 with a 20 degree or smaller osteotomy. Intervention: Valgus-producing intertrochanteric osteotomy with a blade plate. Main Outcome Measurements: Femoral neck and intertrochanteric osteotomy osseous union. Results: Thirty-one of 32 patients (97%) went on to osseous union of the femoral neck and all intertrochanteric osteotomies healed. There was no significant difference in the rate of union of the femoral neck between those patients treated with 30 versus 20 degree or less osteotomies. After osteotomy, the mean Pauwels angle decreased from 71 degrees (range 52–95 degrees) to 47 degrees (range 23–67 degrees) and the mean proximal femoral offset decreased by 11 mm (range 0–23 mm). Seven patients developed radiographic signs of avascular necrosis after osteotomy (22%). Three patients of these patients were converted to total hip arthroplasty (9%). Patients treated with a 30 degree osteotomy were more likely to develop avascular necrosis (67% vs. 12%, P-value = 0.014). Conclusions: Valgus-producing intertrochanteric osteotomy with a smaller degree of correction than has been traditionally described leads to an excellent rate of radiographic union while preserving more of the native proximal femoral anatomy. Level of Evidence: Therapeutic Level III. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.