Acetabular Fractures with Central Hip Dislocation: A Retrospective Consecutive 50 Case Series Study Based on AO/OTA 2018 Classification in Midterm Follow-Up

Introduction. Management of acetabular fractures is challenging, especially when a medial acetabular fracture is complicated by central hip dislocation. We retrospectively investigated the clinical outcome and risk factors of secondary hip osteoarthritis requiring total hip arthroplasty after the surgical treatment of acetabular fractures with central hip dislocation. Materials and Methods. The medical records of all patients who had acetabular medial wall fractures with central hip dislocation treated with open reduction and internal fixation by a single surgeon between January 2015 and June 2017 were reviewed. Surgical reduction was performed with the modified Stoppa with/without the Kocher-Langenbeck (KL) approach. Patients were followed for a minimum of three years, and the Majeed scoring system was used for functional evaluation. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to assess the association of patients’ characteristics with the likelihood of advanced posttraumatic arthritis developing with conversion to total hip arthroplasty. Results. Fifty patients were included in this study, with disease classified as AO/OTA 2018 62B/62C. Thirty-five patients (70%) had good or excellent Majeed pelvic scores. Eleven patients (22%) eventually received total hip arthroplasty because of end-stage posttraumatic arthritis. Three risk factors identified for total hip arthroplasty were male sex, initial marginal impaction, and sciatic nerve injury. Kaplan-Meier survivorship analysis estimated that the cumulative probability of free-from-end-stage arthritis was 78% (95% confidence interval, 73%–90%) at the 5-year follow-up. Conclusion. Surgical fixation with the modified Stoppa and the KL approach for acetabular medial wall fractures with central hip dislocation is an effective approach with a satisfactory functional outcome. A prodromal factor was marginal impaction concomitant with articular damage. The trauma of high axial loading and the occupational distribution (males performing heavy manual labor and heavy lifting) with preoperative sciatic nerve injury increased the odds of developing end-stage arthritis.

Radiographic Detection of Marginal Impaction in Supination-Adduction Ankle Fractures

Background: The purpose of this study was to describe the incidence of plafond impaction in supination-adduction type II (SAD-II) ankle fractures and assess the accuracy of plain radiographs in detecting plafond impaction and predicting planned operative management compared to computed tomography (CT). Methods: Patients with SAD-II ankle fractures were retrospectively identified. All SAD-II plain radiographs were reviewed (120 fractures) and compared to CT images (55 fractures). For each plain radiograph or CT scan, 3 orthopedic surgeons were asked the following questions: (1) Is there impaction of the tibial plafond? (2) Does the impaction require direct visualization and articular reduction? The incidence of plafond impaction and the preoperative plan were calculated separately for plain radiographs and CT scans. The accuracy of plain radiographs was calculated using responses from corresponding CT imaging as the gold standard. Change in preoperative management decisions after reviewing CT images was also calculated. Results: In 120 SAD-II ankle fracture plain radiographs, marginal impaction of the plafond was visualized in 61% of fractures. The diagnosis of impaction using plain radiographs was correct in 84% of fractures when compared to CT imaging, resulting in a 91% positive predictive value (PPV) and a 55% negative predictive value (NPV). Plain radiographs were able to predict planned operative management after review of CT imaging with an 87% PPV and 75% NPV. Conclusion: The majority of SAD-II ankle fractures involved marginal impaction of the tibial plafond. Plain radiographs were accurate in diagnosing impaction when it was present, but were not accurate in ruling out impaction. In the presence of impaction, CT likely will not change planned operative management. Level of Evidence: Level III, comparative series.

Radiographic Outcomes of Dorsal Distraction Distal Radius Plating for Fractures With Dorsal Marginal Impaction

Background: The purpose of this study is to compare radiographic outcomes of patients treated with dorsal spanning plates with previously reported normal values of radiographic distal radius anatomy and compare the results with prior publications for both external fixation and internal fixation with volar locked plates. Methods: Patients with complex distal radius fractures including dorsal marginal impaction pattern necessitating dorsal distraction plating at the discretion of the senior authors (M.A.T. and M.A.I.) from May 30, 2013, to December 29, 2015, were identified and included in the study. Retrospective chart and radiograph review was performed on 19 patients, 11 male and 8 female, with mean age of 47.83 years (22-82). No patients were excluded from the study. Results: All fractures united prior to plate removal. The average time the plate was in place was 80.5 days (49-129). Follow-up radiographs showed average radial inclination of 20.5° (13.2°-25.5°), radial height of 10.7 mm (7.5-14 mm), ulnar variance of −0.3 mm (−2.1 to 3.1 mm), and volar tilt of 7.9° (−3° to 15°). One patient had intra-articular step-off greater than 2 mm. Conclusions: Dorsal distraction plating of complex distal radius fractures yields good radiographic results with minimal complications. In cases of complex distal radius fractures including dorsal marginal impaction where volar plating is not considered adequate, a dorsal distraction plate should be considered as an alternative to external fixation due to reduced risk for infection and better control of volar tilt.