To investigate directional deviations between pilot holes and final pedicle screw trajectories in freehand placement and analyze risk factors for misplacement. While pedicle screws are widely used in thoracolumbosacral surgery, directional deviations between pilot holes and final screw trajectories remain understudied as potential risk factors for misplacement. Thirty-three patients undergoing posterior fixation were prospectively enrolled. Inertial measurement units (IMUs) tracked the spatial positions of pedicle finders and screwdrivers via custom software. Surgeons (n = 6) were stratified into senior, middle, and junior groups. Analyzed variables included the use of tapping, surgeon experience, spinal deformity status, screw tip morphology, and surgical parameters. Among 198 implanted screws (6.00 ± 2.88/patient), all exhibited trajectory deviations (8.12° ± 3.47°). Tapping significantly reduced deviations (7.23° ± 3.23° vs. 8.87° ± 3.31°, p < 0.01). Senior surgeons achieved smaller deviations (7.34° ± 3.33°) than the middle group (8.60° ± 3.51°, p = 0.039) and junior group (8.68° ± 3.49°, p = 0.022). Multivariate analysis confirmed tapping (p = 0.001) and senior experience (p = 0.023) as protective factors. No significant associations emerged for spinal deformity (8.43° ± 3.73° vs. 7.97° ± 3.35°, p = 0.377), screw tip type (cylindrical, 8.43° ± 3.26° vs. tapered, 8.07 ± 3.51°; p = 0.637), obesity, or surgical position parameters. Freehand pedicle screw placement consistently produces trajectory deviations from pilot holes, and surgeon experience and tapping are modifiable protective factors. The IMU-based tracking system enables quantitative surgical motion analysis, suggesting its utility for training optimization and technique standardization.

Tibiotalocalcaneal (TTC) arthrodesis is a viable salvage option for failed total ankle arthroplasty (TAA), but it is typically a complex procedure associated with a high complication rate. This study analyzed outcomes of salvage TTC arthrodesis using a retrograde intramedullary (IM) nail without subtalar joint preparation after failed TAA. This study included 18 patients (18 ankles) who underwent TTC arthrodesis without subtalar joint preparation for failed TAA from July 2008 to March 2023 and were followed up for at least 2 years. Visual analog scale pain scores and Ankle Osteoarthritis Scale pain and disability scores were used to assess functional outcomes. Radiographic union, time to union, complications, and clinical success-defined as pain improvement without the need for revision surgery or amputation-were also evaluated. The mean follow-up duration after TTC arthrodesis was 79.8 months (range, 26-199 months). Tibiotalar joint union was achieved in 13 ankles (72.2%) at a mean of 7.5 months after TTC arthrodesis. Subtalar joint union was achieved in 7 ankles (38.9%). All functional scores improved significantly from preoperatively to the last follow-up. The overall clinical success rate was 83.3% (15 ankles). TTC arthrodesis using a retrograde IM nail without subtalar joint preparation produced favorable outcomes in patients with failed TAA. No complications associated with the subtalar joint were observed in any patient during follow-up. Therefore, TTC arthrodesis using a retrograde IM nail without subtalar joint preparation may be a considerable salvage option for failed TAA.

The etiology of adolescent idiopathic scoliosis is multifactorial, and the influence of lifestyle factors such as sleep is not clearly understood. Differences in scoliosis incidence between urban and rural areas have been reported, but the contributing factors remain unclear. Therefore, this study investigated the association between sleep patterns and the incidence of idiopathic scoliosis and explored whether these patterns contribute to the observed urban-rural disparity. This retrospective study utilized data from the Korea Children and Youth Panel Survey (2010-2016) and the Health Insurance Review and Assessment Service for 4,693 students (age, 7-18 years). Various lifestyle factors including sleep patterns, learning time, and activity times, were compared between urban and rural areas, and a correlation analysis was performed between these factors and the age-specific incidence of idiopathic scoliosis. Urban students, who exhibited higher idiopathic scoliosis incidence rates, tended to have later bedtimes and shorter total sleep durations than rural students. Longer learning hours were also observed in urban areas. Significant correlations were found between idiopathic scoliosis incidence and bedtime (p = 0.031), total sleep time (p = 0.026), and changes in total sleep time (p = 0.011). Our findings indicate that later bedtimes and shorter sleep durations may contribute to idiopathic scoliosis development in children and adolescents. The higher idiopathic scoliosis incidence in urban students than in rural students could be partially explained by these sleep pattern differences, highlighting the need for further research into the role of sleep in scoliosis onset and prevention.

Arthroscopic repair of bucket-handle meniscal tears (BHMTs) is technically challenging owing to the complexity of the tear patterns. Compared to simpler meniscal tears, BHMTs are associated with a higher failure rate and often require subsequent meniscectomy. This study aimed to assess clinical outcomes, failure rates, and risk factors for failure following primary arthroscopic repair of BHMTs. Seventy-four patients (mean age, 27.2 ± 11.2 years) who underwent arthroscopic BHMT repair were included (mean follow-up period, 60.2 ± 36.0 months). Analyzed risk factors included age, sex, body mass index, chronicity, laterality, tear zone, and concomitant anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction. Clinical failure was defined as the presence of clinical symptoms consistent with a meniscus tear and the need for subsequent surgery. The Kaplan-Meier method and log-rank test were performed to compare groups classified by postoperative meniscal healing status on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) at a mean follow-up period of 7.30 ± 1.80 months. Clinical outcomes were assessed using the Tegner activity score, Lysholm knee score, and Hospital for Special Surgery (HSS) knee score. The clinical failure rate was 14.9% (11 / 74). Six patients underwent subtotal meniscectomy, and 5 patients underwent partial meniscectomy. Red-white zone involvement was a significant risk factor for clinical failure (odds ratio, 6.182; 95% CI, 1.093-34.950; p = 0.039). Survival analysis based on postoperative MRI findings revealed a significant difference among 3 groups (p = 0.008): the completely healed group showed a 100% survival rate (20 / 20); the partially healed group, 80% (32 / 40); and the unhealed group, 0% (0 / 5). Patients with lateral BHMTs had a significantly higher rate of complete healing than those with medial BHMTs (46.4% vs. 18.9%; p = 0.014). At the final follow-up, the non-failure group demonstrated significantly higher Tegner activity (5.1 ± 1.2 vs. 4.4 ± 0.5; p = 0.038), Lysholm knee (87.7 ± 6.2 vs. 83.2 ± 3.1; p = 0.029), and HSS knee (93.9 ± 4.7 vs. 89.6 ± 3.0; p = 0.007) scores than the failure group. BHMTs involving the red-white zone or located in the medial meniscus-particularly those showing inferior early postoperative MRI healing-should be closely monitored after surgery.

The Dejour classification is widely accepted for grading the severity of trochlear dysplasia. However, whether it serves as a reliable prognostic marker for patellar instability surgery or a guide for clinical decision-making has yet to be established. Medial patellofemoral ligament (MPFL) reconstruction, with or without tibial tubercle osteotomy (TTO), yields comparable outcomes across Dejour grades. Nonetheless, we hypothesized that specific trochlear parameters would be more significant predictors of surgical results. This study included patients who underwent MPFL reconstruction, with or without TTO, for recurrent patellar dislocation at a single institution between 2010 and 2023. Patients with at least 1 year of follow-up were included. Preoperative demographics, radiographic measurements such as sulcus angle, lateral trochlear inclination (LTI), and trochlear depth, patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs), and intraoperative findings including cartilage status were analyzed. Severe trochlear dysplasia (STD) was categorized as Dejour B/D, while non-STD encompassed all other cases, and these 2 groups were compared. Postoperative PROMs were assessed at 1 year postoperatively and at the final follow-up. A noninferiority test was performed using Kujala, Lysholm, and International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) scores, with the inferiority margin defined by the minimal clinically important difference (MCID). Linear relationships between LTI, a widely used indicator of trochleoplasty, and PROMs were evaluated. Additionally, differences in the proportion of patients achieving MCID, substantial clinical benefit, and patient-acceptable symptom state were analyzed using odds ratios. Forty-two knees (41 patients) were finally enrolled. Radiographic measurements, except for LTI at the most proximal trochlea, showed no significant differences between the STD and non-STD groups. Clinical outcomes also demonstrated no significant differences between the 2 groups, and noninferiority was confirmed. When analyzed based on LTI, no differences in PROMs were observed at the postoperative 1 year. However, at the final follow-up (mean, 37.27 months), the most proximal trochlear LTI showed significant correlations with both Kujala and Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score over the follow-up period. MPFL reconstruction, with or without TTO, leads to similar clinical improvements for STD classified by Dejour criteria. However, when assessed using proximal LTI, dysplasia's role as a prognostic factor should be considered.

Cervical spine magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) can reveal incidental extraspinal findings (IESFs) unrelated to the primary evaluation of cervical radiculopathy or myelopathy. Recognizing these lesions is crucial because some may require further investigation or treatment. We retrospectively reviewed 2,286 non-contrast cervical spine MRI scans performed between January 2019 and July 2024 in patients presenting with neck pain, shoulder pain, or neurological deficits suggestive of cervical radiculopathy or myelopathy. Patients with a history of malignancy, known head and neck tumors, or previous cervical surgeries were excluded. Board-certified radiologists initially interpreted all scans. Documented IESFs were categorized into 5 groups: thyroid nodules, lymphadenopathy, soft-tissue tumors, brain lesions, and other head and neck lesions. Clinical follow-up data were analyzed to determine lesion outcomes. Statistical comparisons of demographics were performed using chi-square, t-test, and Mann-Whitney U-test. IESFs were identified in 103 of 2,286 scans (4.5%). Thyroid nodules were the most common (n = 64, 2.0%), followed by lymphadenopathy (n = 16, 0.5%). Females had a higher incidence of IESFs than males (64.4% vs. 35.6%, p < 0.001), and the mean age was significantly higher in the IESF group (58.4 vs. 54.7 years, p = 0.033). Of 94 patients with available follow-up, 7 (7.4%) were confirmed malignant: 5 thyroid nodules and 2 lymphadenopathies. Two additional cases underwent surgery for pituitary and parathyroid adenomas. Four IESFs went unrecognized on initial review, underscoring the risk of missed diagnoses when the clinical workload is high. IESFs in cervical spine MRI were detected in 4.5% of cases, with a notable subset being malignant. These findings emphasize the importance of systematic review protocols and interdisciplinary collaboration to ensure clinically significant lesions are identified and managed promptly.

When positioning the acetabular component for total hip arthroplasty (THA) in patients with sequelae of Legg-Calvé-Perthes disease (LCPD), elevating the center of rotation (COR) of the hip is often unavoidable. We aimed to compare the outcomes between the preserved and elevated COR groups in patients with sequelae of LCPD. We enrolled 53 patients who underwent primary THA for sequelae of LCPD between 2006 and 2019. Patients were divided into 2 groups based on the postoperative COR position: 19 in the preserved COR group and 34 in the elevated COR group. The mean elevation of COR was 2.7 mm (range, 0-5.0 mm) in the preserved COR group and 8.1 mm (range, 6.0-12.0 mm) in the elevated COR group. Radiological outcomes, such as osteolysis and implant loosening, were evaluated. Additionally, reoperation, perioperative complications, limping gait, pelvic obliquity, and the modified Harris hip score (mHHS) were assessed. There were no significant differences in radiological or clinical outcomes between the 2 groups. Neither osteolysis nor implant loosening was observed, and no reoperations were required. Intraoperative periprosthetic femoral fractures occurred in 3 cases (6%), but no cases of sciatic nerve palsy were observed. Residual limping gait was noted in 10 patients (19%), and pelvic obliquity persisted in 8 patients (15%). At the last follow-up, the mean mHHS was 89.2. The 5-17-year follow-up results of primary cementless THA in patients with sequelae of LCPD were satisfactory. Furthermore, a moderate elevation of the COR, with a mean of 8.1 mm (range, 6.0-12.0 mm), did not significantly affect the outcomes of THA in these patients. Therefore, a moderate elevation of the COR can be considered an acceptable option for patients undergoing THA with sequelae of LCPD.

Combined pelvic ring and acetabular fractures are complex injuries associated with high morbidity. Despite advancements in surgical techniques, limited data are available on the long-term functional outcomes and associated factors. This study aimed to identify the factors associated with functional outcomes in surgically treated patients with combined pelvic ring and acetabular fractures. This retrospective study included 25 adult patients who underwent definitive surgical fixation for radiologically confirmed combined pelvic ring and acetabular fractures at a Level I trauma center between 2005 and 2021, with a minimum clinical and radiological follow-up of 24 months. Surgical approaches included the Kocher-Langenbeck or modified Stoppa methods, tailored to fracture morphology. Matta-Saucedo and Matta criteria assessed the pelvic ring and acetabular reduction quality, respectively. Functional outcomes at 2 years were evaluated using the Rommens-Hessmann criteria. Neurological recovery was assessed clinically and by electromyography where indicated. The association between the injury characteristics and functional recovery was evaluated using t-tests and Fisher's exact test. The mean patient age was 40.4 years, and 72% were male. Transverse acetabular fractures (58.6%) and anteroposterior compression pelvic ring injuries (64%) were the most common injuries. Anatomic or congruent acetabular reduction (within 2-3 mm) was achieved in 89.6% of fractures and was significantly associated with superior functional outcomes (p = 0.002). Conversely, the pelvic ring reduction quality did not significantly correlate with functional outcomes (p = 0.314). Transverse acetabular fractures (p = 0.046) and initial neurological deficits (p = 0.032) were associated with poorer recovery. Among the patients with neurological injury, 60% achieved partial or full recovery. Overall, bony union occurred in 96% of cases, with a mean time to union of 14.3 weeks. Reported complications included neurological deficits (40%) and infections (8%). Functional outcomes following the surgical fixation of combined pelvic and acetabular fractures are primarily influenced by the acetabular reduction quality and neurological status at presentation. Transverse fracture patterns are complex and associated with nerve injuries, posing additional challenges. These findings emphasize the importance of precise joint reduction and early neuroassessment. Further multicenter, prospective studies are warranted to optimize the management of these complex injuries.

Total ankle arthroplasty (TAA) is increasingly used as an alternative to ankle arthrodesis for patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA), although its outcomes remain controversial. Using propensity score matching, this study compared clinical and radiographic outcomes of TAA for patients with RA and osteoarthritis (OA). Eighteen patients with RA were selected from 21 eligible cases and matched-using propensity score matching based on 8 baseline variables-to 36 patients with OA from a pool of 386. All patients underwent mobile-bearing TAA and were followed up for a minimum of 2 years. Clinical outcomes were assessed using the Ankle Osteoarthritis Scale, American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society ankle-hindfoot score, Short Form-36 Physical Component Summary, and a visual analog scale for pain. Radiographic outcomes and postoperative complications were also evaluated. At a mean follow-up of 7 years, both groups demonstrated improvement in all clinical outcome measures, with no significant differences between the RA and OA groups (p > 0.05). Radiographic outcomes, including postoperative tibiotalar angle, talar tilt angle, as well as the incidence values for periprosthetic osteolysis, implant subsidence, and aseptic loosening, were similar between groups. However, periprosthetic medial malleolar fractures occurred only in the RA group (3 cases, 16.7%; p = 0.033), and 2 cases of incision wound dehiscence were also observed in the RA group. No deep infections were reported in either group. Overall, reoperation rates did not differ significantly between groups. Patients with RA who underwent TAA achieved clinical and radiographic outcomes comparable to those with OA. However, periprosthetic fractures and wound complications were more common in the RA group. Further studies with larger, matched cohorts and longer follow-up are needed to confirm these findings.