Lower Reoperation Rate Research Articles

Paper 56: Dual Plate Fixation of Midshaft Clavicle Fractures May Reduce Reoperation Rates Compared to Single Plating with Anterior or Superior Fixation Techniques

Objectives: Dual plate fixation has been proposed as a solution to the high rates of reoperation secondary to operative management of displaced midshaft clavicle fractures. Previous studies have recommended dual plating for patients specifically at higher risk of reoperation. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to compare reoperation rates among patients who underwent single superior, single anterior, and dual plating while adjusting for risk factors including age, smoking status, and high-risk fracture morphology. We hypothesized lower rates of reoperation among patients who underwent dual plate fixation. Methods: This was a retrospective cohort study of all patients who presented with a midshaft clavicle fracture and underwent ORIF between 2007 and 2021 to our trauma/sports divisions. Patient demographics, fracture pattern, plating technique, postoperative complications, date of surgery, reoperation status, date of last follow up, and date of reoperation were documented. We report hazard ratio (HR) estimates using a multivariate multilevel mixed-effects parametric survival model, which accounted for patients with multiple reoperations and adjusted for covariates. Results: A cohort of 395 patients (mean age 38.5±14.4 years, 81.7% male) were identified with average follow-up of 5.5±8.6 months. There were 77 z-type, 157 transverse, and 161 oblique fractures. With regards to plating technique, 152 underwent single superior plating, 149 experienced single anterior plating, and 94 had dual plating. After initial operation, there were 8 total instances of non-union (2.0%), 0 in the dual plating cohort (0%), 4 in the superior plating cohort (2.6%), and 4 in the anterior plating cohort (2.7%) (p=0.35). A total of 28 reoperations took place among 19 patients (4.8%), with 6 patients experiencing multiple reoperations. Single plating with superior placement revealed the highest reoperation rate of 0.26 per person-years, followed by anterior placement with 0.17 per person-years, and finally dual plating with 0.02 per person-years ( Figure 1). Patients who underwent single plating (either anterior or superior placement) revealed a greater rate of reoperation when compared to patients who underwent dual plating (HR: 8.3, p=0.045). Patients who underwent single plating with superior placement had a rate of reoperation ten- times greater than patients who underwent dual plating (HR:10.1, p=0.03). Patients who underwent single plating with anterior placement had a rate of reoperation six-times greater than patients who underwent dual plating (HR: 6.4, p=0.09), although not statistically significant. Conclusions: Dual plate fixation of displaced midshaft clavicle fractures has an eight-fold lower risk of reoperation compared to single plate fixation, while accounting for age, smoking, and high-risk fracture morphology. More specifically, dual plating had lower rates of reoperation than both single plating with anterior and superior placement. When operative management is indicated for a midshaft clavicle fracture, dual plating may be an excellent treatment alternative in patients at high risk for reoperation.

Poster 181: Dual plating as a Cost-Effective Treatment Option for Operatively Indicated Midshaft Clavicle Fractures

Objectives: Many studies have highlighted lower rates of secondary operations with dual-plating compared to single-plating. Despite higher upfront costs associated with the dual-plating construct, the observed reduction in secondary operations compared to single-plating may make it a more cost- effective treatment option. The objective of this study was to assess the cost-effectiveness of dual-plate fixation compared to single-plate fixation in patients with operatively indicated displaced midshaft clavicle fractures. We hypothesized dual-plating would be a more cost-effective surgical option than single-plating, given its lower rates of postoperative complications. Methods: We developed a decision tree to model the occurrence of postoperative complications (hardware issues, wound healing issues, deep infection, non-union, and symptomatic hardware) associated with secondary surgeries. Complication-specific risk estimates were summarized for both plating techniques. The time horizon was two years, and the analysis was conducted from the healthcare payer’s perspective. The costs included direct medical costs, while the benefits were measured in quality-adjusted life-years (QALYs). We assumed that dual-plating would be $300 more expensive than single-plating upfront. We conducted probabilistic and one-way sensitivity analyses. Results: The model predicted reoperation in 6% of patients in the dual-plating arm compared to 14% of patients in the single-plating arm. In the base case analysis, the dual-plating increased QALYs by 0.007 and costs by $70 per patient yielding an incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER) of $10,600 per QALY gained. The sensitivity analysis demonstrated that the cost-effectiveness of dual plating is driven by the cost of index surgery, risk of non-union, and symptomatic hardware complications in single- and dual- plating. At a willingness to pay threshold of $100,000 per QALY gained, 92% of simulations suggested dual-plating is cost-effective compared to single-plating (Figure 1). Conclusions: When indicated, operative management of displaced midshaft clavicle fractures with dual- plating is cost-effective compared to single-plating. Despite its higher initial upfront hardware costs, dual plating appears to offset added costs via lower rates of reoperations and improved patient quality of life.

Management of Very Distal Ulna Fractures: A Systematic Review.

To synthesize all-cause complications and reoperations data, as well as secondary clinical, functional and radiographic outcomes following the management of very distal ulna fractures (VDUFs) either nonoperatively or operatively. MEDLINE, Embase and Web of Science, were searched for English-language articles from inception to February 17, 2022. Studies reporting the nonoperative or operative management of VDUFs were eligible for inclusion. VDUFs were defined as either being Q2 to Q5 distal ulna fractures using the AO Comprehensive Classification of Fractures for distal ulna fractures associated with distal radius fractures or being amenable to characterization by Biyani et al.'s classification system for ulnar head, neck and metaphyseal fractures. Two reviewers independently extracted data from included studies. Study validity was assessed using the methodological index for non-randomized studies. Seventeen studies (512 VDUFs) were included for analysis. There were 209, 237 and 66 fractures in the nonoperative, ORIF and distal ulna resection groups, respectively. Descriptive statistics including weighted means, standard deviations and 95% confidence intervals were calculated. The treatment of VDUFs with either nonoperative management, ORIF or distal ulna resection may all be acceptable treatment options in specific patient populations. Nonoperative management of VDUFs is a promising treatment strategy even for complex fracture patterns in patients 65 years of age or older. Despite higher reoperation rates, ORIF may be considered for the younger, high-demand patient. Distal ulna resection presents with very favorable functional outcomes in patients 65 years of age or older presenting with a complex VDUF with the lowest reoperation rate across all groups.

Evaluation of Total Hip Arthroplasty Performed from a Lateral Approach as Optimal Treatment for Femoral Neck Fractures in Elderly, Active Patients

Background. The aim of the study was to evaluate total hip arthroplasty in terms of clinical and functional outcomes, rate of complications and hospitalization, as a treatment of choice for displaced femoral neck fractures.Materials and methods.We retrospectively reviewed the data of 526 patients with THA operated on in our department between January 2017 and December 2021. Clinical examinations, functional outcome assessment and radiographic evaluation were performed during follow-up. Patients were evaluated at the following time points: postoperatively at 3 days, 6 weeks, 12 weeks and 1 year, and we recorded surgery related data, complications, Visual Analogue Scale pain score, Harris Hip Score, the Western Ontario McMaster Osteoarthritis Index, and range of motion. Results. Low intraoperative blood loss, short surgical time, short hospitalization, early mobilization of the patient and a good range of motion testify that the modified direct lateral approach is a valuable procedure for the patients with THA. A VAS score evaluated at 3 days and 6 weeks indicated a very good overall postoperative experience. The HHS and Womac scores were evaluated at 6 weeks, 12 weeks and 1 year and showed excellent results. Conclusion. THA for active patients with a displaced fracture of the femoral neck is an excellent treatment option which provides lasting pain relief, a high level of function and very low rates of reoperation.

Five-year clinical follow-up of arthroscopically treated chronic ankle instability

IntroductionArthroscopic treatment of lateral ankle instability is a recent innovation. In 2014, a prospective study was initiated by the French Society of Arthroscopy demonstrating the feasibility, morbidity and short-term results of arthroscopic treatment of ankle instability. HypothesisThe functional results of arthroscopic treatment of chronic ankle instability found after one year were maintained in the medium term. Material and methodsThe prospective follow-up of the patients included in the initial cohort was continued. The Karlsson and AOFAS scores, as well as patient satisfaction, were assessed. The causes of failure underwent univariate and multivariate analyzes. The results of 172 patients were included (40.2% ligament repairs; 59.7% ligament reconstructions). The average follow-up was 5years. The average satisfaction was 8.6/10, the average Karlsson score was 85 points and the average AOFAS score was 87.5 points. The reoperation rate was 6.4% of patients. The failures were related to an absence of sports practice, a high BMI and female gender. A high BMI and the intense sports practice were associated to ligament repair failure. The absence of sports practice and the intraoperative presence of the anterior talofibular ligament were associated to ligament reconstruction failure. DiscussionArthroscopic treatment of ankle instability confers high satisfaction in the medium term, as well as long-lasting results with a low reoperation rate. A more detailed evaluation of the failure criteria could help guide the choice of treatment between ligament reconstruction or repair. Level of evidenceII.

Liquid embolic agents for middle meningeal artery embolization in chronic subdural hematoma: Institutional experience with systematic review and meta-analysis.

Chronic subdural hematoma (CSDH) is associated with high recurrence rates. Middle meningeal artery embolization (MMAE) has emerged as a promising treatment option. In this systematic review and meta-analysis, we aimed to assess the safety and efficacy of MMAE for CSDH using liquid embolic agents and compare them with particles. We systematically reviewed all studies describing MMAE for CSDH with liquid embolic agents, according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) statement. Additionally, we included a cohort of patients from our institution using liquid and particle embolic agents. Data were analyzed using random-effects proportions and comparisons meta-analysis, and statistical heterogeneity was assessed. A total of 18 studies with 507 cases of MMAE with liquid embolic agents (including our institutional experience) were included in the analysis. The success rate was 99% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 98-⁠100%), all complications rate was 1% (95% CI: 0-⁠5%), major complications rate was 0% (95% CI: 0-⁠0%), and mortality rate was 1% (95% CI: 0-⁠6%). The rate of hematoma size reduction was 97% (95% CI: 73-⁠100%), complete resolution 64% (95% CI: 33-⁠87%), radiographic recurrence 3% (95% CI: 1-⁠7%), and reoperation 3% (95% CI: 1-⁠7%). No significant differences in outcomes were found between liquid and particle embolic agents. Sensitivity analyses revealed that liquid embolic agents were associated with lower reoperation rates in upfront MMAE (risk ratio 0.13, 95% CI: 0.02-⁠0.95). MMAE with liquid embolic agents is safe and effective for the treatment of CSDH. Outcomes are comparable to particles, but liquids were associated with a decreased risk of reoperation in upfront MMAE. However, further studies are needed to support our findings.

The Role of Experience: How Case Volume and Endourology-Fellowship Training Impact Surgical Outcomes for Ureteroscopy.

Introduction: Surgical experience is associated with superior outcomes in complex urologic cases, such as prostatectomy, nephrectomy, and cystectomy. The question remains whether experience is predictive of outcomes for less complex procedures, such as ureteroscopy (URS). Our study examined how case volume and endourology-fellowship training impacts URS outcomes. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed URS cases from 2017 to 2019 by high ureteroscopy volume urologists (HV), low ureteroscopy volume urologists (LV), endourology-fellowship trained (FT), and non-endourology FT (NFT) urologists. Surgical outcomes including stone-free rate (SFR), complication and reoperation rates, and postoperative imaging follow-up were analyzed between groups. Results: One thousand fifty-seven cases were reviewed across 23 urologists: 6 HV, 17 LV, 3 FT, and 20 NFT. Both FT and HV operated on more complex cases with lower rates of pre-stented patients. HV also operated on patients with higher rates of renal stones, lower pole involvement, and prior failed procedures. Despite this, FT and HV showed between 11.7% and 14.4% higher SFR, representing 2.7- to 3.6-fold greater odds of stone-free outcomes for primary and secondary stones. Additionally, HV and FT had a 4.9% to 7.8% lower rate of postoperative complications and a 3.3% to 4.3% lower rate of reoperations, representing 1.9- to 4.0-fold lower odds of complications. Finally, their patients had a 1.6- to 2.1-fold higher odds of postoperative imaging follow-up with a greater proportion receiving postoperative imaging within the recommended 3-month postoperative period. Conclusions: More experienced urologists, as defined by higher case volume and endourology-fellowship training, had higher SFR, lower complication and reoperation rates, and better postoperative imaging follow-up compared with less experienced urologists. Although less experienced urologists had outcomes in-line with clinical and literature standards, continued training and experience may be a predictor of better outcomes across multiple URS modalities.

A uniform strategy of primary repair of tetralogy of Fallot: Transventricular approach results in low reoperation rate in the first decade

ObjectivesTo review outcomes after a uniform strategy of transventricular repair of tetralogy of Fallot. MethodsA total of 244 consecutive patients underwent transventricular primary repair of tetralogy of Fallot from 2004 to 2019. Median age at operation was 71 days; 57 (23%) patients were premature; 57 (23%) patients had low birth weight (<2.5 kg), and 40 (16%) had genetic syndromes. The diameter of pulmonary valve annulus, right pulmonary artery (PA), and left PA were 6.0 ± 1.8 mm (z score, −1.7 ± 1.3), 4.3 ± 1.4 mm (z score, −0.9 ± 1.2) and 4.1 ± 1.5 mm (z score, −0.5 ± 1.3). ResultsThree (1.2%) operative deaths were recorded. Ninety patients (37%) underwent transannular patching. Postoperative echocardiographic peak right ventricular outflow tract gradient decreased from 72 ± 27 mm Hg to 21 ± 16 mm Hg. Median intensive care unit and hospital stay were 3 and 7 days. The survival rate at 10 years was 94.6% ± 1.8%. Reintervention was required 86 times (55 catheter interventions) in 56 patients following tetralogy of Fallot repair. The freedom from all-cause reintervention rate at 10 years was 70.5% ± 3.6%. Cyanotic spells (hazard ratio, 2.14; 95% CI, 1.22-3.90; P < .01) and smaller pulmonary valve annulus z score (hazard ratio, 1.26; 95% CI, 1.01-1.59; P = .04) were associated with increasing risk of all reinterventions. Freedom from redo surgery for right ventricular outflow tract obstruction and right ventricular dilatation at 10 years were, respectively, 85.0% ± 3.1% and 98.7% ± 0.9%. Freedom from valve implantation was 96.7% ± 1.5% at 10 years. ConclusionsA uniform strategy of primary repair of tetralogy of Fallot through a transventricular approach resulted in low reoperation rate in the first decade. The need of pulmonary valve implantation was limited to <4% at 10 years.

Clinical Outcomes of Unicompartmental Knee Arthroplasty in Patients with Full-versus Partial-Thickness Cartilage Loss: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

The objective of the study was to compare postoperative patient-reported outcomes and reoperation rates following unicompartmental knee arthroplasty (UKA) between patients with full-thickness cartilage loss (FTCL) and partial-thickness cartilage loss (PTCL). Multiple databases, including PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, and CNKI, were searched until October 2019 for studies comparing the Oxford Knee Score (OKS), American Knee Society (AKS) score, and reoperation rates between patients with FTCL and PTCL following UKA. Data analysis was performed using Review Manager software. A total of 613 UKA cases from 5 retrospective cohort studies were included. The mean difference in postoperative OKSs was significantly higher by 2.92 in FTCL group than in PTCL group (95% confidence interval [CI] = -5.29 to -0.55; P = 0.02). Improvement in OKS was significantly higher by 2.69 in FTCL group than in PTCL group (95% CI = -4.79 to -0.60; P = 0.01). However, the differences in OKSs were not clinically significant. The mean difference in AKS knee scores was similar between the 2 groups (95% CI = -9.14 to -3.34; P = 0.36), whereas the pooled mean difference in AKS function scores was higher by 5.63 in FTCL group than in PTCL group (95% CI = -9.27 to -1.98; P = 0.002), which was clinically relevant. The reoperation rates were statistically higher in PTCL group than in FTCL group (odds ratio = 2.24; 95% CI = 1.15 to 4.38; P = 0.02). Patients with FTCL achieved superior postoperative patient-reported outcomes and lower reoperation rates following UKA compared with those with PTCL. Thus, we believe this procedure should only be applied to end-stage medial osteoarthritis of the knee joint.

ID: 214307 Real-World Incidence of Reoperation Rates With Interspinous Spacers for Lumbar Spinal Stenosis

The use of interspinous spacers, a less invasive treatment option for patients with moderate Lumbar Spinal Stenosis (LSS), has been increasingly adopted over the past few years. Clinical outcomes in a randomized controlled trial with long-term follow-up to 5-years suggested high overall improvement and low reoperation rate with the use of interspinous spacers.1 Here, we report reoperation rates of an ongoing real-world, prospective, multicenter study of patients using an interspinous spacer for LSS.

The Journal of Urology® Home Study Course 2023 Volume 209/210.

The Journal of Urology® Home Study Course 2023 Volume 209/210.

0445 Real-world Evaluation of Upper Airway Stimulation system survival using post-market surveillance data

Abstract Introduction Upper airway stimulation (UAS) has become a viable treatment alternative for well selected patients with moderate to severe obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) who struggle to tolerate positive pressure (PAP) therapy. Post-market surveillance is required of medical device manufacturers to assess treatment outcomes, complications, and device failure. We aim to utilize this surveillance data to assess rates of revision and removal of the Inspire (Minneapolis, MN) UAS system in a real-world setting. Methods Post market surveillance data was compiled from manufacturer’s complaint handling system for explants and revisions of the hypoglossal nerve stimulator. Data collection began in January 2018 and was available through September 30 2022 at the time of analysis. Implant procedures from January 2018 through September 2021 were analyzed for events within one year of implant. Events were classified into categories. A subset of these devices implanted before September 30 2019 were analyzed for events between one and three years after implant. Results Between Jan 01 2018 and Sep 30 2021, 15282 devices were implanted. Within one year of the implant, 121 devices (0.8%) were explanted for: infection (66), elective (32), MRI (10), other (10), and twiddler syndrome (3). Surgical revisions were required for 245 patients (1.6%) for: surgical correction (139), device defect (81), other (21), cardioversion (2), twiddler syndrome (1), and MRI (1). A subset of 5080 of these devices were implanted prior to September 30 2019. Between one year and three years following implant 119 devices (2.3%) were explanted for: elective (58), MRI (35), infection (15), Other (9), and twiddler syndrome (2). Surgical revisions were performed for 160 patients (3.1%) for: surgical correction (64), device defect (57), other (32), twiddler syndrome (5), and cardioversion (2). Conclusion As with any implantable medical device, a certain rate of revision and explant is expected for device, patient, and medical indications. The rate of UAS revision and explantation is low at both the 1 year and 3 year time points. UAS implantation is a safe alternative to CPAP for well selected patients with a low rate of unexpected reoperation for either revision or hardware explantation. Support (if any) Inspire Medical

Titanium Versus Autologous Bone-Based Cranioplasty: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

At present, there is no gold standard when looking at reconstructive evidence for cranioplasty with the use of autologous bone as well as other synthetic materials. Titanium has been considered recently as a good option due to its unique properties such as strength and biocompatibility. Numerous studies have previously compared titanium with autologous bone for cranioplasty yet no meta-analysis has been performed within the literature to provide guidelines for craniofacial surgeons. A systematic review and meta-analysis were performed as per the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. A search of electronic information was conducted to identify all comparative studies of autologous bone vs. titanium implants in cranioplasty following a craniectomy. The primary outcomes were measured as re-operation rates and cosmesis, the secondary outcome measures included the incidence of complications, for example, bone resorption and infection. Five studies were selected, enrolling 323 cases. A high reoperation rate (p > 0.007) was seen in autologous cranioplasty using bone due to the significantly high resorption rate reported in this group. Cosmetic outcomes demonstrated no significant difference between the two groups examined. Finally, costs and infection rates (p > 0.18) were found to be comparable. Overall, titanium implants used in cranioplasty offer lower re-operation rates in comparison to autologous bone grafts whilst there was no major increase in adverse outcomes such as postoperative cost or rates.

Mid-term outcomes following the Hemi-Commando procedure for complex infective endocarditis involving the aortomitral junction.

Perivalvular abscesses with destruction of the aortomitral junction (AMJ) are a severe complication of infective endocarditis (IE) and are associated with high mortality and complex management. The Hemi-Commando procedure is a mitral valve-sparing alternative to the Commando procedure in suitable patients with complex IE and paravalvular destruction. This study reviews the mid-term outcomes in patients undergoing the Hemi-Commando procedure for treating IE with destruction of the AMJ. The clinical outcomes of patients with IE and AMJ involvement who underwent the Hemi-Commando procedure between 2015 and 2021 at the Leipzig Heart Center were retrospectively analysed. Primary outcomes were 30-day mortality and 1-year survival. Secondary outcome was 1-year freedom from reoperation. A total of 22 patients underwent the Hemi-Commando procedure during the study period. The patients' mean age was 59.8 ± 18.3 years. The study population was predominantly male (86.4%). Preoperative sepsis was present in 6 (27.3%) patients, and the median EuroSCORE II was 28.5%. Almost two-thirds (N = 14; 63.6%) of the patients presented with native IE. Streptococci were the most common pathogens (N = 8; 36.4%). Paravalvular abscess was found intraoperatively in 16 (72.7%) patients. The 30-day mortality was 13.6%. The estimated 1- and 3-year survival rates were 77.5% and 66.4%, respectively. The estimated freedom from reoperation at 1 and 3 years was 92.3%. The Hemi-Commando procedure offers an acceptable mid-term survival chance with low reoperation rates and is, therefore, a reasonable mitral valve-sparing alternative to the Commando procedure in suitable patients with extensive IE and perivalvular involvement.

Patient Tailored Surgery in Saethre-Chotzen Syndrome: Analysis of Reoperation for Intracranial Hypertension.

Saethre-Chotzen syndrome (SCS) is a syndromic craniosynostosis with pathogenic variants in the TWIST1 gene showing a broad phenotypic spectrum. Controversies exist in the literature regarding surgical management with single one-stage versus patient-tailored surgery and the related reoperation rate for intracranial hypertension of up to 42%. At our center, SCS patients are offered patient-tailored surgery with single-stage fronto-orbital advancement and remodeling or fronto-orbital advancement and remodeling and posterior distraction in an individually determined order. The authors' database identified 35 confirmed SCS patients between 1999 and 2022. Involved sutures in craniosynostosis were left unicoronal (22.9%), bicoronal (22.9%), sagittal (8.6%), bicoronal and sagittal (5.7%), right unicoronal (2.9%), bicoronal and metopic (2.9%), bicoronal, sagittal and metopic (2.9%), and bilateral lambdoid (2.9%). There was pansynostosis in 8.6% and no craniosynostosis in 14.3% of the patients. Twenty-six patients, 10 females, and 16 males were operated on. Mean age at the first surgery was 1.70 years, and 3.86 years at the second surgery. Eleven of 26 patients had invasive intracranial pressure monitoring. Three patients presented with papilledema before the first surgery and 4 afterward. Four of the 26 operated patients were operated initially elsewhere. The other 22 patients were initially referred to our unit and underwent patient-tailored surgery. Nine of these patients (41%) had a second surgery, and 3 (14%) of them were because of raised intracranial pressure. Seven (27%) of all operated patients had a complication. Median follow-up was 13.98 years (range, 1.85-18.08). Patient-tailored surgery in a specialized center and long-term follow-up allow for a low reoperation rate for intracranial hypertension.

Conservative Management with Functional Brace Versus Various Surgical Fixation Techniques for Humeral Shaft Fractures: A Network Meta-Analysis.

Historically, humeral shaft fractures have been successfully treated with nonoperative management and functional bracing; however, various surgical options are also available. In the present study, we compared the outcomes of nonoperative versus operative interventions for the treatment of extra-articular humeral shaft fractures. This study was a network meta-analysis of prospective randomized controlled trials (RCTs) in which functional bracing was compared with surgical techniques (including open reduction and internal fixation [ORIF], minimally invasive plate osteosynthesis [MIPO], and intramedullary nailing in both antegrade [aIMN] and retrograde [rIMN] directions) for the treatment of humeral shaft fractures. The outcomes that were assessed included time to union and the rates of nonunion, malunion, delayed union, secondary surgical intervention, iatrogenic radial nerve palsy, and infection. Mean differences and log odds ratios (ORs) were used to analyze continuous and categorical data, respectively. Twenty-one RCTs evaluating the outcomes for 1,203 patients who had been treated with functional bracing (n = 190), ORIF (n = 479), MIPO (n = 177), aIMN (n = 312), or rIMN (n = 45) were included. Functional bracing yielded significantly higher odds of nonunion and significantly longer time to union than ORIF, MIPO, and aIMN (p < 0.05). Comparison of surgical fixation techniques demonstrated significantly faster time to union with MIPO than with ORIF (p = 0.043). Significantly higher odds of malunion were observed with functional bracing than with ORIF (p = 0.047). Significantly higher odds of delayed union were observed with aIMN than with ORIF (p = 0.036). Significantly higher odds of secondary surgical intervention were observed with functional bracing than with ORIF (p = 0.001), MIPO (p = 0.007), and aIMN (p = 0.004). However, ORIF was associated with significantly higher odds of iatrogenic radial nerve injury and superficial infection than both functional bracing and MIPO (p < 0.05). Compared with functional bracing, most operative interventions demonstrated lower rates of reoperation. MIPO demonstrated significantly faster time to union while limiting periosteal stripping, whereas ORIF was associated with significantly higher rates of radial nerve palsy. Nonoperative management with functional bracing demonstrated higher nonunion rates than most surgical techniques, often requiring conversion to surgical fixation. Therapeutic Level I. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

Outpatient Total Knee Arthroplasty From a Stand-Alone Surgery Center: Safe as the Hospital?

BackgroundLiterature suggests that outpatient arthroplasty may result in low rates of complications and readmissions. There is, however, a dearth of information on the relative safety of total knee arthroplasty (TKA) performed at stand-alone ambulatory surgery centers (ASCs) versus hospital outpatient (HOP) settings. We aimed to compare safety profiles and 90-day adverse events of these 2 cohorts. MethodsProspectively collected data were reviewed on all patients who underwent outpatient TKA from 2015 to 2022. The ASC and HOP groups were compared, and differences in demographics, complications, reoperations, revisions, readmissions, and emergency department (ED) visits within 90 days of surgery were analyzed. There were 4 surgeons who performed 4,307 TKAs during the study period, including 740 outpatient cases (ASC = 157; HOP = 583). The ASC patients were younger than HOP patients (ASC = 61 versus HOP = 65; P < .001). Body mass index and sex did not differ significantly between groups. ResultsWithin 90 days, 44 (6%) complications occurred. No differences were observed between groups in rates of 90-day complications (ASC = 9 of 157, 5.7% versus HOP = 35 of 583, 6.0%; P = .899), reoperations (ASC = 2 of 157, 1.3% versus HOP = 3 of 583, 0.5%; P = .303), revisions (ASC = 0 of 157 versus HOP = 3 of 583, 0.5%; P = 1), readmissions (ASC = 3 of 157, 1.9% versus HOP = 8 of 583, 1.4%; P = .625), and ED visits (ASC = 1 of 157, 0.6% versus HOP = 3 of 583, 0.5%; P = .853). ConclusionThese results suggest that in appropriately selected patients, outpatient TKA can be safely performed in both ASC and HOP settings with similar low rates of 90-day complications, reoperations, revisions, readmissions, and ED visits.

Posterior Horn Lateral Meniscal Root Repair Via Double-Tunnel Transtibial Pullout With Meniscocapsular Release

Background: Lateral meniscal root tears often occur in the acute setting in concert with anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tears. Severe changes in tibiofemoral biomechanics and joint degeneration are encountered when these injuries are either unrecognized or are treated with meniscectomy; therefore, meniscal root surgical repair is now preferred for longer-term benefits. The most common repair techniques include side-to-side and transtibial pull-out repair, which may be performed via single or double transtibial tunnel techniques. Indications: The primary indication for lateral meniscal root repair with double transtibial tunnels is suspicion for a lateral meniscal root tear based upon injury mechanism, physical examination findings, magnetic resonance imaging findings, and confirmation with diagnostic arthroscopy. Technique Description: The root attachment site is decorticated. Adhesions that cause lateral meniscal root retraction are arthroscopically released. Two separate transtibial tunnels are drilled 5 mm apart from the anterolateral tibia, entering the anterolateral tibia distal to Gerdy’s tubercle and entering the joint at the decorticated lateral root attachment site. Two suture tapes are passed through the torn lateral meniscal root in a vertical mattress configuration and shuttled with a passing suture through the tibial tunnels. The suture tapes are tied over a surgical button on the anterolateral tibia with the knee flexed to approximately 90° while the repair is viewed arthroscopically. Results: Lateral meniscal root repairs are safe and have very low reoperation rates. It has been reported that the transtibial pullout repair technique of the lateral meniscus significantly decreases lateral meniscus extrusion compared with other repair techniques in patients with combined ACL reconstruction. Zhuo et al also reported significantly improved postoperative clinical outcomes compared with the preoperative state in patients who underwent pullout repair for posterior lateral meniscal root avulsion tears. Discussion/Conclusion: The biomechanical and clinical evidence supports concomitant lateral meniscal root repair in the setting of concurrent ACL injury, and no studies to date have demonstrated a clear harm associated with this procedure. In addition, failure to repair the lateral meniscal root places supraphysiologic loads on the ACL graft and may increase the risk of graft failure. Patient Consent Disclosure Statement: The author(s) attests that consent has been obtained from any patient(s) appearing in this publication. If the individual may be identifiable, the author(s) has included a statement of release or other written form of approval from the patient(s) with this submission for publication.

Evaluating the Role of Major Lower Extremity Amputation in Nonagenarians

Elderly patients with critical limb ischemia are an especially frail and vulnerable group of patients. There is little literature investigating outcomes and resource utilization in nonagenarians undergoing major lower extremity amputation (MLEA). This study aims to elucidate the outcomes of this unique set of patients for whom amputation may often be considered a "palliative" intervention. Analyzing over 16,000 records from the Vascular Quality Initiative (VQI) database, we collected demographic, operative, and postoperative data on all patients who underwent an MLEA. We performed univariate analysis comparing nonagenarians to younger patients examining both short-term and long-term outcomes. Multimodel inference was used to analyze the effect of age on clinically meaningful outcomes: mortality and long-term living disposition. With 392 nonagenarians and 16,349 patients under the age of 90, we found nonagenarians were less comorbid and less likely to have a prior bypass or amputation. Despite experiencing lower rates of reoperation and individual postoperative complications, nonagenarians suffered higher long-term mortality (46% vs. 22%, P<0.0005) and were more likely to be living in a facility at follow-up (34% vs. 15%, P<0.0005). Incorporating important demographic and clinical factors, multimodel inference demonstrated that, the nonagenarian age group was a critical predictor of nonhome living status (Akaike Importance weight 0.99). Although nonagenarians were less comorbid than their younger counterparts and suffered fewer perioperative complications, MLEA leads to a poorer outcome with significant mortality and a higher likelihood of residing in a facility at long-term follow-up. These findings underscore the importance of frank goals of care discussions in nonagenarians considering major amputation.

Is It Necessary to Cross the Cervicothoracic Junction in Posterior Cervical Decompression and Fusion for Multilevel Degenerative Cervical Spine Disease? A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Posterior cervical decompression and fusion (PCF) is a common procedure for treating patients with multilevel degenerative cervical spine disease. The selection of lower instrumented vertebra (LIV) relative to the cervicothoracic junction (CTJ) remains controversial. This study aimed to compare the outcomes of PCF construct terminating at the lower cervical spine and crossing the CTJ. A comprehensive literature search was performed for relevant studies in the PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library database. Complications, rate of reoperation, surgical data, patient-reported outcomes (PROs), and radiographic outcomes were compared between PCF construct terminating at or above C7 (cervical group) and at or below T1 (thoracic group) in patients with multilevel degenerative cervical spine disease. A subgroup analysis based on surgical techniques and indications was performed. Fifteen retrospective cohort studies comprising 2071 patients (1163 in the cervical group and 908 in the thoracic group) were included. The cervical group was associated with a lower incidence of wound-related complications (RR, 0.58; 95% CI 0.36 to 0.92, p = 0.022; 831 patients in cervical group vs. 692 patients in thoracic group), a lower reoperation rate for wound-related complications (RR, 0.55; 95% CI 0.32 to 0.96, p = 0.034; 768 vs. 624 patients), and less neck pain at the final follow-up (WMD, -0.58; 95% CI -0.93 to -0.23, p = 0.001; 327 vs. 268 patients). However the cervical group also developed a higher incidence of overall adjacent segment disease (ASD, including distal ASD and proximal ASD) (RR, 1.87; 95% CI 1.27 to 2.76, p = 0.001; 1079 vs. 860 patients), distal ASD (RR, 2.18; 95% CI 1.36 to 3.51, p = 0.001; 642 vs. 555 patients), overall hardware failure (including hardware failure of LIV and hardware failure occurring at other instrumented vertebra) (RR, 1.48; 95% CI 1.02 to 2.15, p = 0.040; 614 vs. 451 patients), and hardware failure of LIV (RR, 1.89; 95% CI 1.21 to 2.95, p = 0.005; 380 vs. 339 patients). The operating time was reasonably shorter (WMD, -43.47; 95% CI -59.42 to -27.52, p < 0.001; 611 vs. 570 patients) and the estimated blood loss was lower (WMD, -143.77; 95% CI -185.90 to -101.63, p < 0.001; 721 vs. 740 patients) when the PCF construct did not cross the CTJ. PCF construct crossing the CTJ was associated with a lower incidence of ASD and hardware failure but a higher incidence of wound-related complications and a small increase in qualitative neck pain, without difference in neck disability on the NDI. Based on the subgroup analysis for surgical techniques and indications, prophylactic crossing of the CTJ should be considered for patients with concurrent instability, ossification, deformity, or a combination of anterior approach surgeries as well. However, long-term follow-up outcomes and patient selection-related factors such as bone quality, frailty, and nutrition status should be addressed in further studies.