J Bone Joint Surg Am. 2025 Mar 26. doi: 10.2106/JBJS.24.01334. Online ahead of print.

NO ABSTRACT

PMID:40138442 | DOI:10.2106/JBJS.24.01334

Int Orthop. 2025 Mar 26. doi: 10.1007/s00264-025-06504-5. Online ahead of print.

NO ABSTRACT

PMID:40137944 | DOI:10.1007/s00264-025-06504-5

Injury. 2025 Mar 18:112276. doi: 10.1016/j.injury.2025.112276. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Post-traumatic pericarditis is a rare and poorly studied entity that can have significant consequences on recovery and treatment after traumatic injury. Our objective was to identify the incidence, presentation, treatment, and complications of post-traumatic pericarditis at a level 1 trauma center.

METHODS: We performed a single institution retrospective review of patients with post-traumatic pericarditis admitted to our trauma center from January 2010 to December 2022. We reviewed all patients with a discharge diagnosis of pericarditis after an associated trauma, as well as trauma patients that were at high risk based on procedures performed including those having cardiothoracic procedures.

RESULTS: A total of 32 patients were identified with pericarditis out of 8,436 admitted patients with a chest AIS ≥1, giving an incidence of 0.38 % among those with thoracic injury. Penetrating and blunt mechanisms were evenly distributed. The majority had significant chest trauma on admission with a median chest-specific AIS of 3. Post-pericardiotomy pericarditis occurred in 8patients out of a total of 214 procedures that violated the pericardium for an incidence of 3.7 %. The majority (59.4 %) were treated with colchicine and 7 (20.5 %) patients required procedural intervention for significant effusions. Three (9.4 %) patients were found to have recurrent pericarditis.

CONCLUSION: Pericarditis is an uncommon sequela of traumatic injury but can have significant consequences and management varied widely among those diagnosed. Post-traumatic pericarditis is likely underrecognized, but a large prospective study would be necessary to further identify the true incidence and risk factors.

PMID:40128133 | DOI:10.1016/j.injury.2025.112276

Injury. 2025 Mar 14;56(4):112267. doi: 10.1016/j.injury.2025.112267. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: The Sacral alar-iliac screw (SAIS) has stronger stability for sacroiliac joint fixation compared to the classical sacroiliac screw, making it particularly suitable for osteoporotic patients. However, the spinous process can hinder its percutaneous implantation. To address this, we developed a percutaneous retrograde SAIS (RSAIS) technique. This study aimed to explore the stability and preliminary application effects of percutaneous RSAIS for fixation of sacroiliac joint with low bone density.

METHODS: A Tile type C fracture was simulated in fifteen artificial pelvises with low bone density and assigned to three groups. Each group received posterior fixation using one of the following: one sacroiliac screw (SIS) on each side, one transsacral-transiliac screw (TSTIS) on both sides, or one RSAIS on each side. Axial stiffness and maximum load to failure were analyzed. Additionally, two patients with sacroiliac joint pain (SIJP) and three patients with Tile type C pelvic fractures were treated with percutaneous RSAIS fixation. Four males and one female, aged 56 to 68 years with a T-value of -1.6 to -2.5 SD. The study observed screw insertion time, X-ray fluoroscopy time, screw position (Smith criterion), pain (VAS), and functional recovery (ODI and Majeed scores).

RESULTS: RSAIS stiffness and maximum load were significantly greater than those of TSTIS and SIS (p < 0.05). The average insertion time was 30 min, intraoperative bleeding averaged 16 ml, and fluoroscopy time was 55 s per RSAIS placement. There were no surgery-related complications, and all screw positions were excellent. At 7-20 months postoperative follow-up, the VAS score recovered from preoperative 5.6-1.6, the ODI improved from 50.4 to 17, and the Majeed score for patients with pelvic fractures recovered from 59.7 to 81. No screw loosening was observed.

CONCLUSION: RSAIS fixation stability for sacroiliac joints with low bone density is superior to SIS and TSTIS. The screw placement is simple, safe, and provides satisfactory therapeutic effects, making it suitable for patients with low bone density.

PMID:40127561 | DOI:10.1016/j.injury.2025.112267

Injury. 2025 Mar 14;56(4):112269. doi: 10.1016/j.injury.2025.112269. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Despite the wide body of research into prevention and treatment of nonunion, current bone fracture therapies remain suboptimal in their efficacy. Previous animal studies show that MES-1022, a bone-targeted prodrug that activates the prostaglandin E2 receptor EP4, stimulates bone healing when applied locally in uneventful defects. Here we investigated the healing capacity of systemically administered MES-1022 in a rat femoral critical size segmental defect. Ten-week-old female Sprague-Dawley rats (n = 8/group) underwent a 5 mm osteotomy of the left femoral midshaft, stabilized by a unilateral external fixator. Rats received weekly subcutaneous injections of MES-1022 at 5 mg/kg (MES1022-Hi), 1.7 mg/kg (MES1022-Lo), or Vehicle without a defect site scaffold. Serum bone markers and open field activity were measured pre-osteotomy and throughout the study. Rats were sacrificed after 12 weeks and osteotomized femora were imaged via microcomputed tomography (microCT) followed by histology and immunohistochemistry to assess healing. Complete bridging of the defect occurred in one rat from the MES1022-Hi group and zero from MES1022-Lo and Vehicle groups. However, healing outcomes in both MES-1022 groups for bone volume fraction, bone volume, bridging score, callus tissue composition, callus blood vessel density, P1NP levels, TRAcP-5b levels, and physical activity did not differ from Vehicle. Fracture callus osteoclast density and spleen weight were increased in MES1022-Hi rats relative to Vehicle. Overall, systemic administration of MES-1022 alone may not suffice for treatment of large segmental bone defects. Additional studies are needed to determine whether systemic MES-1022 is a useful therapeutic in conjunction with local scaffolds like bone graft substitutes.

PMID:40127560 | DOI:10.1016/j.injury.2025.112269

Injury. 2025 Mar 14;56(4):112261. doi: 10.1016/j.injury.2025.112261. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: The bending or fracture of a tibial intramedullary nail is a rare complication with a paucity of literature regarding available methods of extraction. This systematic review discusses the currently described surgical techniques for extracting deformed tibial intramedullary nails as well any potential associated challenges.

METHODS: A review of the PubMed, EMBASE, and Scopus databases was conducted for articles describing the extraction of deformed tibial intramedullary nails according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews guidelines. Study quality was assessed using the Joanna Briggs Institute Quality Appraisal tool.

RESULTS: 24 case reports were identified as describing the extraction of 27 deformed tibial intramedullary nails. The most common methods of removal were the use of hook extractors (29.6 %), standard extraction (14.8 %) and grasping of broken distal segments via forceps (11.1 %). Challenges included nails with small internal diameters, nail segment tilting during extraction, poor capture of the nail, and subsidence of the proximal segment of the nail. Factors to consider during preoperative planning include the type and material of IMN, degree and direction of IMN angulation, and access to instrumentation.

CONCLUSION: There are a few core methods of removing deformed intramedullary nails depending on the nature of the deformity, nail type, material, and diameter, and tools available to the surgeon. Regardless of technique, extraction of deformed tibial intramedullary nails is associated with satisfactory patient outcomes.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV, a systematic review of Level IV studies.

PMID:40127559 | DOI:10.1016/j.injury.2025.112261

J Bone Joint Surg Am. 2025 Mar 24. doi: 10.2106/JBJS.24.00299. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Highly porous metaphyseal cones have emerged as a promising fixation strategy to address extensive proximal tibial bone loss in the multiply revised knee. Despite a paucity of literature regarding stacked cone constructs, they have gained popularity. This study reports on the early outcomes of stacked tibial cone constructs that are used during revision total knee arthroplasty (TKA).

METHODS: A single-institution retrospective observational study was performed to identify patients who had been treated with a stacked cone construct during revision TKA between January 2010 and December 2022. Demographic, operative, clinical, and radiographic data were collected and assessed. Kaplan-Meier estimates were used to assess survival with all-cause reoperation, tibial-sided revision, and radiographic loosening as end points. In total, 22 stacked cone constructs were identified: 15 (68.2%) of the patients were men; the demographics included a mean age of 64.1 years (range, 42.8 to 87.8 years), a body mass index of 34.2 kg/m2 (range, 20.4 to 51.9 kg/m2), a median of 4 prior surgeries (range, 1 to 12 prior surgeries), and a mean follow-up of 22.6 months (range, 6.8 to 79.1 months).

RESULTS: Twenty patients received 2-cone constructs, and 2 patients received 3-cone constructs. Patients received the stacked cone constructs during revision TKA for the following indications: periprosthetic joint infection (n = 11), aseptic loosening (n = 9), tibial stem pain (n = 1), and periprosthetic fracture (n = 1). At a median time of 2.9 months (range, 0.4 to 37.3 months), 5 patients underwent reoperation for the following indications: extensor mechanism failure (n = 2), femoral component loosening (n = 1), superficial wound dehiscence (n = 1), and postoperative hematoma (n = 1). At the 3-year follow-up, no patients had undergone revision for tibial component loosening (1 patient had radiographic evidence of loosening at the 15-month follow-up but did not undergo revision).

CONCLUSIONS: Stacked cone constructs are a viable option during revision TKA when extensive metaphyseal bone loss is encountered.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic Level IV. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

PMID:40127133 | DOI:10.2106/JBJS.24.00299

Injury. 2025 Mar 16:112273. doi: 10.1016/j.injury.2025.112273. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: The incidence of ocular injuries in modern conflicts has significantly increased, particularly in explosive device-related incidents. This study aims to investigate and characterize the nature and outcomes of ocular injuries resulting from the September 2024 pagers explosions in Lebanon, which caused over 37 deaths and 3,000 injuries.

METHODS: This retrospective descriptive study analyzed 38 patients (76 eyes) with ocular injuries who presented to the Hôtel-Dieu de France hospital following the Pager explosion in Lebanon on September 17-18, 2024. Patients were identified from emergency department, OR, and ophthalmology clinic records. Data was collected from ED, OR, ophthalmology and imaging records.

RESULTS: Thirty-six patients (95 %) were male, and the mean age was 32.8 ± 9 years (SD), ranging from 5 to 52 years. Bilateral eye injuries were observed in 28 patients (74 %). One-third of the eyes had no light perception (NLP) at presentation. Five patients (13 %) had bilateral NLP vision on presentation. Open globe injuries were present in 42 (57 %) eyes and required immediate surgical reparation. Twenty-one percent of eyes presented expulsive injury and were eviscerated. Twenty-seven patients (36 %) had intraocular foreign bodies. Ocular surface injuries were present in 42 % of eyes. Thirty-six eyes (47 %) had superior and/or inferior lid lacerations requiring surgical repair. Twenty-four percent of eyes had an orbital wall fracture. Vitreous hemorrhage was reported in 20 eyes (26 %), while two eyes (3 %) had total hyphema. Cataract was identified in two eyes (3 %), and lens subluxation in four eyes (5 %). One eye had retrobulbar hematoma and required a lateral canthotomy. On the follow-up, four eyes developed endophthalmitis, while two eyes progressed to phtisis bulbi and were eviscerated. Five eyes developed cataract. Visual acuity remained unchanged in 60 % of eyes and deteriorated in 40 %.

CONCLUSION: This study highlights the severity of ophthalmic injuries in modern warfare, emphasizing the need for immediate surgical intervention to optimize patient outcomes.

PMID:40122732 | DOI:10.1016/j.injury.2025.112273

Injury. 2025 Mar 18;56(4):112266. doi: 10.1016/j.injury.2025.112266. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Patients with complex proximal humerus fractures (PHFs) have a higher complication rate when treated with locking compression plate (LCP) alone. This increased complication rate may be due to humeral head collapse and insufficient medial column support in the proximal humerus. In response, we proposed the use of bionic porous 3D-printed magnesium alloy scaffolds (MAS) in combination with LCP for the treatment of PHFs. The aim of this study is to compare the biomechanical characteristics of the LCP alone versus LCP-MAS fixation constructs in treating PHFs with medial column instability.

METHODS: A three-dimensional model of a PHF with medial column instability was developed using computed tomography, and fixation was applied using LCP and LCP-MAS. Finite element analysis was employed to evaluate the biomechanical characteristics of these two fixation models, focusing on construct stiffness, von Mises stress distribution, and fracture displacements.

RESULTS: The construct stiffness of the LCP-MAS fixation construct was approximately 3.50 to 7.30 times greater than that of the LCP fixation construct under normal bone conditions, and 2.60 to 4.90 times greater under osteoporotic bone conditions. The LCP-MAS fixation reduced the maximum von Mises stress on the implants by at least 70 %-80 %. Furthermore, the LCP-MAS fixation significantly minimized fracture displacement compared to LCP alone.

CONCLUSIONS: The findings of this study suggest that the additional use of MAS can significantly enhance both the overall and local stability of PHFs. Thus, the LCP-MAS fixation approach presents a viable alternative for the treatment of PHFs.

PMID:40121861 | DOI:10.1016/j.injury.2025.112266

Injury. 2025 Mar 14;56(4):112264. doi: 10.1016/j.injury.2025.112264. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

This study evaluates the effects of a modified bone bridge technique using a fibular graft with interfragmentary compression in transtibial amputation stumps, with the goal of reducing tibia-fibula mobility and enhancing terminal weight-bearing capacity and rehabilitation. Eleven patients, eight males and three females, underwent transtibial amputation using this technique. All grafts weresuccessfully integrated, with fragment union achieved within three months. No major stump complications were observed, although three patients required screw removal due to washer-related pain. Functionally, all patients underwent axial loading assessed by an examiner, with stump load tolerance being evaluated using a conventional scale. All patients tolerated axial loading without pain or discomfort, with an average maximum load-bearing capacity of approximately 50 % of body weight. This technique effectively creates a rigid bone bridge suitable for shorter residual limbs, facilitating prosthetic fitting and rehabilitation.

PMID:40121860 | DOI:10.1016/j.injury.2025.112264

Injury. 2025 Mar 13;56(4):112265. doi: 10.1016/j.injury.2025.112265. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

AIMS: The Retrograde Femoral Nailing Advanced (RFNA) system is a new generation of retrograde femoral nail (RFN) introduced to extend the range of distal fractures treated by intramedullary (IM) nailing. There is concern that the rate of distal interlock screw back-out may be higher for the RFNA. This study aims to highlight a higher-than-expected incidence of distal locking screw migration.

METHOD: Patient and implant data were prospectively collected from theatre and electronic patient records. The study focused on monitoring the migration of distal locking screws, treating each screw as an "at-risk" unit for analysis.

RESULTS: We report a high rate of distal locking screw migration in the Depuy-Synthes RFNA, with 16 (8.1 %) of screws migrating out of the 197 distal locking screws implanted. Per patient screw migration was seen in 11 (16.9 %) of the 65 patients studied. Oblique screws had a higher backing out rate of 13.7 % (10 out of 73) compared to the 4.8 % (6 out of 124) rate for transverse screws.

CONCLUSION: We found a higher-than-expected rate of screw migration in this new generation nail. The oblique screws were more often affected. We hypothesize that the screw orientation alongside the new polymer inlay contributes to this effect. The use of an end cap and the locking attachment washer (LAW) seems to reduce the rate of migration. The study highlights the importance of a local metalwork governance process in identifying unexpected adverse implant events. We recommend that early user centers prospectively monitor new trauma implants.

PMID:40121859 | DOI:10.1016/j.injury.2025.112265

Injury. 2025 Mar 13:112262. doi: 10.1016/j.injury.2025.112262. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Traumatic cardiac arrest (TCA) is associated with poor prognosis. Recent advancements in resuscitation techniques have improved outcomes; however, the prognostic value of the initial cardiac rhythm in TCA remains unclear. Pulseless electrical activity (PEA) is often a sign of life, leading to ongoing resuscitation efforts; however, its effect on survival remains controversial. This study aimed to clarify the prognostic impact of PEA and asystole in patients with TCA to inform decision-making.

METHODS: This retrospective cohort study was conducted in a tertiary trauma center in Tainan, Taiwan, between 2016 and 2022 and enrolled patients with TCA transported by emergency medical services. Exclusion criteria included patients aged < 18 years with prehospital return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC) or specific trauma etiologies. Only non-shockable rhythms (PEA and asystole) were analyzed. Data on patient characteristics, trauma mechanisms, and resuscitation interventions were collected from electronic medical records. The primary outcome was ROSC at any time after reaching hospital, with secondary outcomes including sustained ROSC (ROSC for over 20 min), survival to admission, survival to discharge, and the cerebral performance category scale. Statistical analyzes were performed using the chi-square test and multivariate logistic regression. Statistical significance was defined as p < 0.05.

RESULTS: Of the 2,029 out-of-hospital cardiac arrest cases, 182 were TCA, and 46 were excluded based on various criteria. The final analysis included 136 patients divided into the PEA (n = 78, 57 %) and asystole (n = 58, 43 %) groups. No significant differences were observed in patient demographics, clinical characteristics, or resuscitative interventions between the groups. The PEA group had a significantly higher rate of ROSC (49 % vs. 26 %, p = 0.007), although survival to discharge remained low. Multivariable analysis revealed that PEA was the only factor significantly associated with ROSC (odds ratio: 2.87, p = 0.007).

CONCLUSION: In patients with TCA presenting with non-shockable rhythms, PEA was significantly associated with achieving ROSC, but not sustained ROSC or survival to admission. As a subset of patients in the PEA group survived until discharge, the existing guidelines for termination of resuscitation in TCA cases may require further evaluation.

PMID:40121170 | DOI:10.1016/j.injury.2025.112262

Injury. 2025 Mar 18:112275. doi: 10.1016/j.injury.2025.112275. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Racial and socioeconomic disparities in firearm homicide rates are well-established in the United States. However, findings have been mixed regarding disparities for in-hospital mortality among firearm injury patients. The aim of this study was to evaluate the extent of in-hospital mortality disparities and whether differences persist after adjusting for person- and place-based factors.

METHODS: This retrospective analysis evaluated all pediatric and adult patients admitted to a single level I trauma center with a statewide catchment area from 2010 to 2020. Patients with assault-related firearm injuries were included; those with accidental or self-inflicted firearm injuries were excluded. The primary outcome was in-hospital mortality. Predictors included demographic (i.e., race, sex, age), socioeconomic (i.e., health insurance), injury (i.e., severity), and area-level (i.e., community distress, social vulnerability, rurality/urbanicity) characteristics.

RESULTS: The sample consisted of 2,081 patients with assault-related firearm injuries, including 1,836 Black patients (88 %) and 1,838 males (88 %). The mean age was 32.3 (SD=11.9) years. A smaller proportion of Black (19 %) compared to White (27 %) patients had health insurance coverage. Among injury patients, there were 210 firearm deaths (10 %). In logistic regression analyses adjusting for demographic, injury, and socioeconomic characteristics, both insured patients and those with unspecified insurance status had lower risk of mortality than uninsured patients; these differences in mortality risk remained after accounting for potential survivor bias. Contrary to expectation, there were no racial differences in mortality risk. In multilevel models accounting for nesting of patients within geographic areas (i.e., zip codes, counties), differences in mortality risk by insurance status remained after accounting for community distress, social vulnerability, and rurality/urbanicity. However, racial and area-level differences in mortality risk emerged after accounting for survivor bias.

CONCLUSIONS: The present findings are consistent with research showing lower in-hospital mortality among insured compared to uninsured trauma patients. Notably, this reduced mortality risk remained after controlling for important social determinants of trauma outcomes, and extended to patients with unspecified insurance status. Future research is needed to identify person- and place-based factors that could help to explain and mitigate differences in mortality risk based on insurance status.

PMID:40121169 | DOI:10.1016/j.injury.2025.112275

Injury. 2025 Mar 14;56(4):112263. doi: 10.1016/j.injury.2025.112263. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Supracondylar distal humeral (SCH) fractures account for 50-70 % of pediatric elbow fractures, which are divided into extension and flexion type based on the injury mechanism. However, there has been no study comparing the surgical outcome between two types of SCH fractures in terms of radiographic and clinical outcomes. This study aimed to compare the surgical outcomes between the flexion and extension types of Gartland type III SCH fractures in children.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: This retrospective study included the children who underwent surgery for Gartland type III SCH fractures. Radiographic and clinical outcomes were compared between patients who had extension- and flexion-type fractures. Radiographic outcomes were evaluated by measuring the Baumann angle (BA), carrying angle (CA), and lateral capitellohumeral angle (LCHA). Clinical outcomes were assessed using the Flynn criteria. Univariable and multivariable logistic regression analysis was used to assess the risk factors for angular deformities after surgery.

RESULTS: This study included 257 patients (mean age, 6.1 years, 37 flexion-type and 220 extension-type). Pin configuration was significantly different between the two groups (p = 0.001). There were significant differences in radiographic outcomes in terms of BA (p = 0.040) and LCHA (p = 0.001) between the two groups. Flexion-type fractures were a significant risk factor for sagittal deformity, with an odds ratio of 3.225 (p = 0.002). According to the Flynn criteria, a satisfactory outcome (excellent or good) was observed in 158 patients (84.1 %) with the extension type and 25 (67.6 %) with the flexion type, but not statistically significant (p = 0.058).

CONCLUSIONS: In this study, we found that flexion-type supracondylar fractures had poor radiographic outcomes after surgery compared to extension-type fractures although, there was no significant difference between groups in clinical outcomes. Flexion-type fractures were significantly associated with poor sagittal alignment. Clinicians should focus on alignment during surgery, particularly in flexion-type SCH fractures.

PMID:40120489 | DOI:10.1016/j.injury.2025.112263

Injury. 2025 Mar 17;56(4):112271. doi: 10.1016/j.injury.2025.112271. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

AIMS: The literature has recently questioned the routine use of prophylactic antibiotics in adults undergoing clean, upper extremities surgeries. Moreover, consensus remains elusive if antibiotic prophylaxis in upper extremity (UE) and hand pediatric procedures are necessary. Therefore, we aim to investigate whether antibiotic prophylaxis has no effect on reducing postoperative surgical site infection (SSI) rates in pediatric upper extremity (UE) procedures.

METHODS: A retrospective review of all pediatric patients undergoing clean UE surgery between November 2021 and November 2023 at a single institution was performed. Primary outcome measures were diagnosis of SSI by 14-days and 30-days. Secondary outcomes included the type of management employed to treat infection, including the use of antibiotics only, operative washout and hardware removal. Chi-square and Fisher's exact tests were performed for categorical variables, and Wilcoxon rank-sum tests were performed for continuous variables. A p-value of < 0.05 for all analyses was considered statistically significant.

RESULTS: 396 patients (150 female and 246 male) were included for analysis- 217 received preoperative antibiotics and 179 did not. Among those who received preoperative antibiotics, only two patients were diagnosed with an SSI, with an infection rate of 0.9 %. Similarly, in those who did not receive preoperative antibiotics, two patients were diagnosed with an SSI, with an infection rate of 1.1 %. Infection rates were not statistically different (p = 0.846). The odds ratio (OR) of having an SSI when not receiving preoperative antibiotics is 1.21 (95 % CI: 0.16 - 8.71).

CONCLUSION: The study challenges the historical dogma of the necessity of preoperative antibiotics in pediatric upper extremity surgeries. The findings suggest that there is no statistical difference in postoperative SSI rates whether antibiotic prophylaxis is administered. To reassess the necessity of preoperative antibiotics in upper extremity cases, further randomized controlled studies with larger patient populations should be advocated for.

PMID:40120488 | DOI:10.1016/j.injury.2025.112271

Int Orthop. 2025 Mar 22. doi: 10.1007/s00264-025-06500-9. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: Cutibacterium species, formerly known as Propionibacterium, are gram-positive, anaerobic bacilli increasingly recognized as a cause of periprosthetic joint infection (PJI) following total hip arthroplasty (THA). This study aimed to compare the incidence of Cutibacterium-associated PJI among different surgical approaches for THA.

METHODS: A retrospective review was conducted on patients treated for Cutibacterium-associated PJI following THA between 2011 and 2021. Patients were categorized based on the surgical approach: direct anterior (DAA), lateral, or posterior. A total of 211 patients met inclusion criteria, comprising 153 men (72.5%) and 58 women (27.5%).

RESULTS: Among the 211 cases of Cutibacterium-associated PJI, 102 (48.3%) underwent THA via DAA, 63 (29.9%) via a lateral approach, and 46 (21.8%) via a posterior approach. There were no significant differences between groups in age, sex, laterality, BMI or fistula formation. The incidence of Cutibacterium PJI was significantly higher with DAA compared to the lateral (P < 0.001) and posterior approaches (P < 0.001), while no significant difference was observed between lateral and posterior approaches (P = 0.059). The rate of Cutibacterium-associated PJI has increased since 2016.

CONCLUSION: Nearly half of all Cutibacterium PJIs were associated with the DAA. Surgeons should be aware of this increased risk and implement appropriate preventive measures when performing THA via DAA.

PMID:40119900 | DOI:10.1007/s00264-025-06500-9

J Bone Joint Surg Am. 2025 Mar 22. doi: 10.2106/JBJS.24.00311. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Delayed bone healing is common in orthopaedic clinical care. Agents that alter cell function to enhance healing would change treatment paradigms. 4-aminopyridine (4-AP) is a U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved drug shown to improve walking in patients with chronic neurological disorders. We recently showed 4-AP's positive effects in the setting of nerve, wound, and even combined multi-tissue limb injury. Here, we directly investigated the effects of 4-AP on bone fracture healing, where differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells into osteoblasts is crucial.

METHODS: All animal experiments conformed to the protocols approved by the Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee at the University of Arizona and Pennsylvania State University. Ten-week-old C57BL/6J male mice (22 to 28 g), following midshaft tibial fracture, were assigned to 4-AP (1.6 mg/kg/day, intraperitoneal [IP]) and saline solution (0.1 mL/mouse/day, IP) treatment groups. Tibiae were harvested on day 21 for micro-computed tomography (CT), 3-point bending tests, and histomorphological analyses. 4-AP's effect on human bone marrow mesenchymal stem cell (hBMSC) and human osteoblast (hOB) cell viability, migration, and proliferation; collagen deposition; matrix mineralization; and bone-forming gene/protein expression analyses was assessed.

RESULTS: 4-AP significantly upregulated BMP2 gene and protein expression and gene expression of RUNX2, OSX, BSP, OCN, and OPN in hBMSCs and hOBs. 4-AP significantly enhanced osteoblast migration and proliferation, collagen deposition, and matrix mineralization. Radiographic and micro-CT imaging confirmed 4-AP's benefit versus saline solution treatment in mouse tibial fracture healing (bone mineral density, 687.12 versus 488.29 mg hydroxyapatite/cm3 [p ≤ 0.0021]; bone volume/tissue volume, 0.87 versus 0.72 [p ≤ 0.05]; trabecular number, 7.50 versus 5.78/mm [p ≤ 0.05]; and trabecular thickness, 0.08 versus 0.06 mm [p ≤ 0.05]). Three-point bending tests demonstrated 4-AP's improvement of tibial fracture biomechanical properties versus saline solution (stiffness, 27.93 versus 14.30 N/mm; p ≤ 0.05). 4-AP also increased endogenous BMP2 expression and matrix components in healing callus.

CONCLUSIONS: 4-AP increased the healing rate, biomechanical properties, and endogenous BMP2 expression of tibiae following fracture.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Prognostic Level III. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

PMID:40120116 | DOI:10.2106/JBJS.24.00311

Injury. 2025 Mar 16;56(4):112272. doi: 10.1016/j.injury.2025.112272. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

INTRODUCTION: Fracture-related infection (FRI) poses a substantial challenge in orthopaedic trauma surgery, potentially leading to permanent functional impairment or necessitating amputation in patients who are expected to recover fully. Data on the incidence, pathogen detection rates, outcomes, and optimal management strategies for patellar FRI are limited. Therefore, this study aimed to identify the most common pathogens associated with patellar fixation-related infections, evaluate the functional outcome associated with FRI of the patella, and develop a management algorithm for addressing these severe complications.

METHODS: This retrospective review analyzed a prospectively maintained database to identify all patients with FRI of the patella treated at our institution between January 2015 and August 2023. Data on demographics, fracture characteristics, surgical details, and outcomes were collected. Descriptive statistical analyses were performed using SPSS software.

RESULTS: Over the 9-year period, 32 cases of patellar fractures complicated by infection following surgical treatment were identified, with complete follow-up data available (mean age, 56.5 ± 15.8 years). Infection occurred in 13 patients within 2 weeks of fixation and in 19 patients between 2 and 10 weeks postoperatively. Following debridement, nine patients retained their original fixation, eight underwent hardware removal, and 15 underwent hardware replacement. Seven patients developed septic arthritis and were managed with arthroscopic knee lavage. Metagenomic next-generation sequencing demonstrated a sensitivity of 93.8 % (30/32), which was significantly higher than that of traditional microbiological culture (53.1 %; P < 0.01). All surgical incisions achieved primary healing within 2 weeks post-closure with no recurrence of infection, skin necrosis, osteomyelitis, or nonunion. At the final follow-up, all fractures had united, with the Böstman patellar fracture functional scores ranging from 24 to 29, resulting in a 100 % excellent/good rate.

CONCLUSIONS: Comprehensive and multidisciplinary management approaches can achieve successful bone union and favourable long-term outcomes in patients with patellar FRI. However, further validation through large-scale studies is necessary to confirm these findings.

PMID:40117911 | DOI:10.1016/j.injury.2025.112272

Int Orthop. 2025 Mar 21. doi: 10.1007/s00264-025-06495-3. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: To evaluate the efficacy of tibiotalocalcaneal arthrodesis using retrograde nailing (TTCAN) in post-traumatic conditions with high septic risk. We hypothesized that this minimally invasive technique would achieve bone union and satisfactory functional recovery without increasing septic risk.

METHODS: A prospective single-centre observational study included 20 patients who underwent TTCAN between January 2020 and December 2023. The primary outcome was the complete joint fusion rate at six months. Secondary outcomes included pain assessment, complications, functional evaluation using the modified AOFAS score, and quality of life assessment using the SF-12 questionnaire.

RESULTS: Complete tibiotalocalcaneal fusion was achieved in 55% of patients at six months. Diabetes was significantly associated with fusion failure (p = 0.026). For nonunion cases (n = 14), the consolidation rate reached 78.6% at six months and 92.9% at final follow-up. The mean modified AOFAS score was 48.4 ± 17.5 at six months, improving to 51.2 ± 19.3 at final follow-up (mean 15.6 months). Quality of life assessment showed greater impact on physical (PCS-12: 32.0 ± 6.9) than mental (MCS-12: 47.0 ± 12.7) components. Complications included delayed healing (25%) and one superficial infection.

CONCLUSION: TTCAN proves to be a reliable salvage solution for complex ankle and hindfoot trauma in high-risk septic contexts, enabling limb preservation with acceptable functional outcomes and minimal complications.

PMID:40116881 | DOI:10.1007/s00264-025-06495-3

Int Orthop. 2025 Mar 21. doi: 10.1007/s00264-025-06456-w. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: Early onset scoliosis (EOS) surgery with growth rods has complications. While casting is an alternative, special frames and training are often unavailable. Our study evaluates a simple, reproducible casting technique for EOS using universally available equipment without a special casting table.

METHODS: 27 children with EOS underwent serial casting with a simple technique using two standing stools, a Cervical Sayre traction kit, and a metal plate. Casts were changed every three to four months. Pre, post, and follow-up Cobb angles and complications were recorded. Patients were grouped into congenital (CS) and non-congenital (NCS) EOS and compared.

RESULTS: 27 children (mean age 4.15 years) with EOS underwent 116 casting procedures (mean 4.29 casts/patient). Significant curve correction (63.85° to 33.8°) was noted (p < 0.05). NCS had better correction than CS post-first cast (p < 0.05). Complications included three dermatitis and one mild respiratory distress.

CONCLUSION: The technique yielded results similar to those of traditional casting tables/frames and is ideal for resource-limited settings.

PMID:40116880 | DOI:10.1007/s00264-025-06456-w