Varas‐Rodríguez, Emil

Abstract Introduction Periacetabular osteotomy (PAO) is a complex reconstructive procedure performed to address acetabular dysplasia. Postoperative pain management is challenging due to surgical invasiveness and the need to limit opioid use. Regional and local anesthesia are commonly used but may be short-lived, increasing opioid requirements. However, methadone is a long-acting analgesic that may offset these limitations. This is the first study to evaluate methadone use in PAO with arthroscopy, comparing efficacy and opioid consumption of three different anesthetic regimens: (1) lumbar plexus catheter with a single shot intrathecal hydromorphone (LP+HM) (2) locally administered intraoperative soft tissue periarticular injection with ropivacaine, epinephrine, and ketorolac (arthroplasty block [AP]), and (3) AP with intraoperative methadone (AP+M). Methods We retrospectively reviewed PAO with arthroscopy cases from 2022 to 2025 at a single tertiary center. All cases were performed by the same surgeon and anesthesia team and managed on the same postoperative floor. Patients were categorized into three groups: (1) LP+HM, (2) AP, and (3) AP+M. Primary outcomes were 48-hour morphine milligram equivalents (MME) and total inpatient opioid consumption. Length of stay (LoS), operative time, VAS pain scores at 24h and 48h, and antiemetic use were also collected. Results Fifty PAO procedures were identified. The mean age was 16.0±2.3 years, 96% were female, and mean BMI was 22.8±4.4 kg/m2. No significant differences were seen between groups. The addition of methadone to the arthroplasty block regimen (AP+M) resulted in significantly lower 48-h MME compared to AP alone (55.9 mg vs 83.3 mg, p=0.030), but did not differ significantly from LP+HM (39.0mg, p=0.593). Total inpatient opioid consumption was also significantly reduced in the AP+M (69.3 mg) and LP+HM (66.7 mg) groups compared to AP (110.5 mg, p=0.012). Similarly, 24-hour pain scores were significantly lower in the AP+M (3.6±1.9) and LP+HM (3.7±2.1) groups compared to AP (6.4±1.6, p=0.041). Length of stay was comparable across groups (p=0.39). Conclusion Intraoperative methadone added to the arthroplasty block provided comparable analgesia and reduced total opioid use compared to arthroplasty block alone. These findings support methadone as an adjunct to periarticular anesthesia for improving pain control and reducing opioid use in hip preservation surgery.

Abstract Introduction The utilization of total hip arthroplasty (THA) in skeletally immature patients remains controversial, with an open triradiate cartilage traditionally perceived as a relative contraindication due to concerns of acetabular fixation and component loosening. Early evidence suggests that THA may be a feasible option in this patient population yielding favorable short-term outcomes, however larger series and mid-term data are lacking. This study presents the largest series of THA in patients with open triradiate cartilage to date with mid-term clinical, radiographic, and patient-reported outcomes. Methods A retrospective review of our institutional Total Joint Registry identified 19 patients (22 hips) who underwent THA while having an open triradiate cartilage growth plate between the year 2000 and 2024. Skeletal maturity was assessed utilizing the modified Oxford bone age and all patients had a score of “1” or “2” on the triradiate cartilage stage of maturation. Demographics, surgical characteristics, implant data, radiographic parameters, and clinical outcomes were collected. Functional hip scores were assessed via the Harris Hip Score (HHS). Kaplan-Meier analysis was performed to analyze reoperation rates. Results The average age at surgery was 14 years (SD=1.68), the average BMI was 24 (SD=7.1) and 64% were male. Mean follow-up was 6.05 years (range 1-15). The mean modified Oxford bone age for this cohort was 23 (SD=1.4). The most common indications for THA were avascular necrosis (64%), degenerative joint disease (27%), and neoplasia (9%). Preoperatively, 54.5% of patients utilized gait aids. Postoperatively, all patients reported independent ambulation without assistive devices with an average HHS of 91.65 (SD=11.42). Ninety-six percent of implants were stable at final radiographic follow up. Both reported complications involved acetabular cup loosening, requiring revision of the acetabular component. Conclusion This study presents the largest cohort in the literature of patients who underwent THA with open triradiate cartilage. Our results highlight high patient reported outcomes and low revision rates at mid-term follow up. All patients had excellent implant fixation without radiographic signs of loosening at final radiographic follow up. These results support the use of THA in skeletally immature patients without the need to delay THA for closure of the triradiate cartilage.

Abstract Osteonecrosis (ON) of the femoral head is a significant complication following chronic corticosteroid treatment, especially in adolescents and young adults. While studies in the adult population suggest that early core decompression augmented with bone marrow aspirate concentrate injection (BMAC) may reduce progression, evidence in younger patients remains scarce. This study evaluates survivorship free from femoral head collapse and conversion to total hip arthroplasty following core decompression with BMAC in patients under 25 years old with corticosteroid-induced femoral head ON. A retrospective review was conducted of 13 patients (24 hips) who underwent hip core decompression with BMAC for corticosteroid-induced femoral head ON. Variables analyzed included sex, body-mass index, age at index surgery, continued corticosteroid use, concomitant labral tear, Kerboul angle/grade, and Steinberg classification of osteonecrosis. These variables were assessed for their association with survivorship free of THA, conversion to THA, and patient reported outcomes (PROs) (modified Harris Hip Score [mHHS] and Hip Disability and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score [HOOS-12]). The mean follow-up duration was 10 ± 5.4 years. At the final follow-up, 11 hips (45.8%) required reoperation, including 10 total hip arthroplasties and one femoral head resurfacing. Progression to radiographic femoral head collapse occurred in 9 hips (37.5%), resulting in a collapse-free survival rate of 62.5%. The mean survival time until reoperation was 8.34 years. Continued corticosteroid use (p=0.033), Steinberg stage >2 (p=0.044), male sex (p=0.045), and high BMI (p=0.002) were associated with increased risk for reoperation. On multivariate analysis, ongoing corticosteroid use (OR=6.4, p=0.01) and Steinberg stage >2 (OR=4.3, p=0.04) were predictors of reoperation. Patient-reported outcomes at final follow-up included a mean mHHS of 77.5 and a HOOS-12 score of 80%. Core decompression with BMAC for corticosteroid induced femoral head ON in adolescents and young adults resulted in collapse-free survival rate of 62.5% at average 10 years follow up with an average reoperation-free survival of 8.34 years. Patients with Steinberg stage ≥2 and ongoing corticosteroid use had high rates of reoperation and conversion to total hip arthroplasty. Our data highlights that careful patient selection and shared decision-making remain critical in optimizing patient outcomes in this challenging patient population.

Abstract Introduction Periacetabular osteotomy (PAO) is a well-established procedure for hip preservation, traditionally performed on conventional radiolucent tables that provide rigid support to the lower extremity. The Pivot Guardian™ Distraction System extension was recently introduced to facilitate concomitant hip arthroscopy and PAO, enhancing surgical efficiency. However, flexible leg support may alter the biomechanical stability of the pelvis during osteotomy cuts, particularly the ischial osteotomy. This study compared intraoperative and perioperative outcomes of PAOs performed with the Guardian Table extension to those performed on conventional radiolucent tables. Methods All PAOs performed by one surgeon since the introduction of the guardian extension were reviewed. Seventy-two PAO cases were identified; 26 were performed on a Guardian table concomitantly with arthroscopic procedures, while 46 were performed on a conventional radiolucent Demographic variables, surgical characteristics, intraoperative complications and perioperative outcomes were compared between the groups. Groups were comparable in age, BMI, smoking status, history of previous hip arthroscopy, and primary diagnoses. Results The use of the Guardian extension had a higher proportion of women (96.2% vs. 73.9%, p=0.018) and longer operative times due to the addition of the hip arthroscopy (170 ± 54 vs. 90 ± 18 min, p < 0.0001). Notably, intraoperative posterior column fractures only occurred with the use of the Guardian table (15.4% vs. 0%, p=0.0062). No other identifiable risk factors contributed to this finding. Fractures were diagnosed based on intraoperative fluoroscopic images, or immediate postop X-rays, or X-rays at the first follow up. Rates of other complications were similar between the two groups. Conclusion While the Guardian Table extension facilitates simultaneous arthroscopic procedures in the context of PAO procedures, its use was associated with an increased risk of intraoperative posterior column fractures. This may be due to the flexible structure of the leg extension component. Surgeons should be aware of the flexible nature of the table and plan for intraoperative stabilization of the distal portion to increase rigidity.

Abstract The Guardian table is widely utilized for combined hip arthroscopy and periacetabular osteotomy (PAO) due to its postless traction design and the ability to perform both procedures without the need for redraping. This retrospective cohort study reports one surgeon’s use of the Guardian table extension during combined hip arthroscopy and PAO and the occurrence of intraoperative posterior column fractures. Seventy-two consecutive PAO procedures performed at a single institution between February 2023 and January 2025 were analysed. Procedures involving concomitant hip arthroscopy (n = 26) utilized the Guardian table, whereas those without arthroscopy (n = 46) used a conventional radiolucent table. Patient demographics, clinical data, and complications were reviewed. Additionally, mechanical testing quantified table stability by measuring peak absolute acceleration (‘table bounce’) using accelerometry during simulated malleting. The incidence of intraoperative posterior column fractures was significantly higher with the Guardian table (4/26, 15.4%) compared to the conventional table (0/46, 0%; P = .0062). Mechanical testing demonstrated significantly greater table bounce for the Guardian table (69.1 ± 3.4 m/s2 versus 28.2 ± 4.4 m/s2, P < .001). Patient characteristics and surgical complexity did not differ significantly between fracture and non-fracture cases. These findings suggested that the Guardian table extension system was associated with increased risk of posterior column fractures, likely due to lack of distal support and stability. Surgeons should consider alternative table setups or intraoperative support modifications to mitigate this risk during PAO procedures.

Background: Pediatric orthopaedic surgery encompasses many areas of subspecialization. To improve patient care, quality improvement efforts should focus on high-volume procedures with high complication rates. This study aims to identify these procedures to better target research and quality-improvement initiatives. Methods: Patients undergoing one of the 30 most common orthopaedic procedures in NSQIP pediatric data from 2012 to 2022 were analyzed for 30-day complications, infections, unplanned reoperations, and unplanned readmissions. Multivariable models assessed associations between procedure type and adverse events, adjusted for patient characteristics. Tibial osteotomy (TO) was defined as the reference category for procedure in each model as it is a common procedure with a moderate risk profile and a similar complication rate across the cohort. Results: 191,381 patients were included in the analysis (median: 10 y, IQR: 5 to 13; 48.7% male). The 30-day overall complication rate was 2.3% (n=4401), with infections occurring in 1.6% of cases (n=3005). Unplanned reoperations occurred in 1.7% (n=3207), and the unplanned readmission rate was 2.0% per 30 person-days. The most performed procedures were posterior spine fusion (PSF; n=45,542; 23.8%), supracondylar humeral fracture (SCHfx) repair (n=45,479; 23.8%). Complication rates were highest for PSF in non-idiopathic cases (10.3%), followed by pelvic and femoral osteotomy (4.9%). Infectious complications were most frequent in PSF for non-idiopathic cases (6.1%) and tibial osteotomy (3.1%). Unplanned reoperation rates were elevated for non-idiopathic PSF (5.6%) and pelvic/femoral osteotomy (4.9%). On multivariable analysis, PSF for adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (OR=1.39; 95% CI: 1.05-1.86) and non-idiopathic causes (OR=2.16; 95% CI: 1.61-1.89) demonstrated increased odds of complications compared with TO. Factors associated with higher complication rates included BMI >95th percentile (OR=1.52; 95% CI: 1.40-1.65), developmental delay (OR=1.57; 95% CI: 1.43-1.73), seizure disorder (OR=1.41; 95% CI: 1.27-1.56), and ASA ≥2 (OR=2.14;95% CI: 1.90-2.41). Although PSF for non-idiopathic causes had the highest unplanned readmission rates (9.4% per 30 person-days), adjusted analysis showed a strong association with increased readmissions for pelvic/femoral osteotomy (HR=2.52; 95% CI: 1.58-4.03) compared with TO. SCHfx repair and calcaneal osteotomy consistently had lower rates of complications, infections, reoperations, and readmissions. Conclusions: After adjusting for covariates, PSF and tibial and femoral osteotomies, demonstrated significantly higher risks for adverse surgical outcomes compared with TO. Our findings identify SCHfx repair as a high-volume procedure with low complication, infection, reoperation, and readmission rates in contrast to PSF, one of the most common procedures with the highest complication rate.

Case: An 8-year-old boy underwent open reduction and internal fixation for pelvic and femoral fractures following a crush injury. At nine months postoperatively, computed tomography demonstrated a triradiate physeal bar contralateral to operated hemipelvis. A navigated physeal bar excision with O-arm navigation and low-dose radiation protocol was performed. Conclusion: Triradiate bar excision presents a technically challenging procedure that may be offset by O-arm navigation utilization, which provides accurate, real-time imaging that facilitates complete physeal bar excision while mitigating risk of damage to surrounding structures. Our low-dose protocol yielded a total exposure of 0.914 mSv, comparable with 1.5 pelvic radiographs.

Flexible intramedullary nail fixation of pediatric femoral shaft fractures offers advantages such as shorter hospital stays, faster return to function, and less associated costs when compared with traction and casting. This study compared the biomechanical performance of three configurations: 2CS, 2CL, and 3CL. Thirty synthetic femur models with identical, length-unstable, spiral fractures were tested using a three-dimensional camera system to assess real-time micromotion. Three groups were analyzed: (a) 2CS – two 3.5 mm C- and S-shaped nails inserted anterograde, (b) 2CL – one ‘C’ and one ‘S’ shaped 3.5 mm titanium nail-inserted retrograde from a single lateral entry, (c) 3CL – two ‘C’ shaped 3.5 mm titanium nails inserted medially and laterally with a third ‘C’ shaped 2.5 mm nail placed retrograde from an anterolateral site. Torsional loading, cyclical loading, and load-to-failure tests were conducted. The 3CL configuration demonstrated superior biomechanical performance. It exhibited the highest torsional stiffness [0.67 ± 0.06 Nm/° for external rotation (ER), 0.404 = ± 0.06 Nm/° for internal rotation (IR); P = 0.002], least displacement (0.05 ± 0.02 vs. 0.30 ± 0.02 mm for 2CL and 0.57 ± 0.05 mm for 2CS; P = 0.012), and required the highest load-to-failure (162 ± 83 vs. 1064 ± 75 N for 2CL and 790 ± 34 N for 2CS; P = 0.016).The 3CL configuration provided superior strength and stability across all tests, supporting its role in the fixation of length-unstable pediatric femoral fractures.