Wanderman, Nathan

Case: We present 2 cases of postoperative seroma formation following posterior cervical fusion with the use of recombinant human bone morphogenetic protein-2 (rhBMP-2). Conclusion: Although some who advocate for the off-label use of rhBMP-2 in patients undergoing posterior cervical spine fusion believe it to be safe, relatively little has been published regarding complication rates. We believe that rhBMP-2 carries a risk of seroma formation in patients who undergo posterior cervical fusion, which necessitates the use of a postoperative drain. Surgeons should have a low threshold for obtaining postoperative magnetic resonance imaging in a symptomatic patient.

Background: Revision of failed anatomic total shoulder arthroplasty or hemiarthroplasty is a challenging procedure. Restoring adequate soft tissue balance in the revision setting can be particularly problematic. When persistent posterior instability is encountered in the revision setting, options include changing component position or size, posterior capsular plication (PCP), or conversion to a reverse arthroplasty. The purpose of this study was to report the clinical and radiographic outcomes, complications, and reoperations of PCP performed in the setting of revision anatomic shoulder arthroplasty. Patients and Methods: Between 1975 and 2013, 15 patients (16 shoulders) had PCP during revision anatomic shoulder arthroplasty. Indications for revision arthroplasty included posterior instability in 15, glenoid loosening in 3, polyethylene wear in 2, and glenoid erosion in 1 shoulder. The mean (standard deviation (SD)) age was 60.1 (12.6) years, and the median (range) follow-up was 68 (2–228) months. A retrospective chart review was conducted to obtain all data. Results: At the last follow-up, nine shoulders (56%) had absence of posterior radiographic subluxation. Five (31%) cases underwent reoperation due to persistent posterior instability. Complications were observed in seven (44%) cases. Complete pain relief was achieved in four (25%) shoulders. The mean (SD) postoperative forward flexion, external rotation, and the American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons score were 110° (41°), 40° (29°), and 62.1 (21.9), respectively. Results were excellent in two (13%), satisfactory in seven (44%), and unsatisfactory in seven (44%) shoulders. Conclusions: PCP to correct posterior instability during revision anatomic shoulder arthroplasty had an unacceptably high failure rate. In these circumstances, consideration should instead be given to conversion to a reverse shoulder arthroplasty.

AimsThe aim of this study was to evaluate near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) as a continuous, non-invasive monitor for acute compartment syndrome (ACS).Patients and MethodsNIRS sensors were placed on 86 patients with, and 23 without (controls), severe leg injury. NIRS values were recorded for up to 48 hours. Longitudinal data were analyzed using summary and graphical methods, bivariate comparisons, and multivariable multilevel modelling.ResultsMean NIRS values in the anterior, lateral, superficial posterior, and deep posterior compartments were between 72% and 78% in injured legs, between 69% and 72% in uninjured legs, and between 71% and 73% in bilaterally uninjured legs. In patients without ACS, the values were typically > 3% higher in injured compartments. All seven limbs with ACS had at least one compartment where NIRS values were 3% or more below a reference uninjured control compartment. Missing data were encountered in many instances.ConclusionNIRS oximetry might be used to aid the assessment and management of patients with ACS. Sustained hyperaemia is consistent with the absence of ACS in injured legs. Loss of the hyperaemic differential warrants heightened surveillance. NIRS values in at least one injured compartment(s) were > 3% below the uninjured contralateral compartment(s) in all seven patients with ACS. Additional interventional studies are required to validate the use of NIRS for ACS monitoring. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2018;100-B:787–97.

Purpose: To compare the outcomes of total shoulder arthroplasty (TSA) with posterior capsule plication (PCP) and reverse shoulder arthroplasty (RSA) in patients with primary osteoarthritis, posterior subluxation, and bone loss (Walch B2). Patients and methods: All shoulders undergoing anatomic TSA with PCP were retrospectively identified (group 1, G1) and compared to shoulders undergoing RSA (group 2, G2) for Walch B2 osteoarthritis. There were 15 patients in G1 (mean (SD) age and follow-up of 70.5 (7.5) years and 42.8 (18.4) months, respectively) and 16 patients in G2 (mean (SD) age and follow-up of 72.6 (5.4) years and 35.1 (14.2) months, respectively). Results: Both groups had substantial improvements in pain and function. In G1, results were excellent in 80% and satisfactory in 20%, compared to 81% and 6% in G2, respectively ( p = 0.2). The mean (SD) American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons score was 91.2 (6.7) and 80.3 (14.3) in G1 and G2, respectively ( p = 0.08). The mean Simple Shoulder Test score was 10.6 in G1 and 8.5 in G2 ( p = 0.01). There were no reoperations in either group, but G1 had seven postoperative complications. Conclusions: The outcomes of TSA with PCP are comparable to RSA in patients with osteoarthritis and biconcave glenoids. However, TSA leads to more complications while RSA leads to lower functional outcomes.

Case: A 43-year-old man with a history of well-controlled HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) infection presented with sacroiliac joint destruction from a Mycobacterium gordonae infection. A sacroiliac joint arthrodesis was performed using a minimally invasive technique utilizing both biologic fusion (allograft bone with rhBMP-2 [recombinant human bone morphogenetic protein-2]) and fixation with titanium ingrowth rods. Conclusion: To our knowledge, this is the first reported case of infectious sacroiliitis from a nontubercular mycobacterium (M. gordonae) treated with a combination of joint debridement, biologic fusion with bone graft, and nonbiologic functional fusion using titanium ingrowth rods, all performed in a minimally invasive fashion. This strategy effectively alleviated pain and preserved function at 2 years of follow-up.