Orthopedics
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Effective treatment of pediatric both bone forearm fractures consists of timely restoration of anatomic alignment with manipulation and immobilization, often accomplished with the aid of procedural sedation in the emergency department setting. The current lack of consensus regarding a safe and optimal regimen may result in inadequate sedation, compromised quality of reduction, or patient harm. The current study was conducted to answer the following questions for pediatric both bone forearm fractures treated with closed reduction with either ketamine or propofol procedural sedation: (1) Is there a difference in the rate of unacceptable alignment 4 weeks after reduction? (2) Is there a difference in the rates of major sedation-related complications? Medical records, data on procedural sedation, and radiographs of 74 skeletally immature patients with diaphyseal or distal metaphyseal both bone forearm fractures treated with manipulation were reviewed (ketamine sedation, 26; propofol sedation, 48). ⋯ Malalignment after reduction was more likely in older patients and those with a higher padding index. Although no difference was found in the rates of malalignment or sedation-related complications between fractures reduced with ketamine or propofol sedation, the sedation regimens differ in both procedural duration and padding index. Careful consideration of the risks and benefits of procedural sedation for closed reduction of pediatric forearm fractures is warranted. [Orthopedics. 2017; 40(5):288-294.].
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Postoperative pain control is a significant concern after total shoulder arthroplasty. Injectable periarticular liposomal bupivacaine, which has been found to decrease opioid use after orthopedic procedures, has been proposed as a viable alternative to regional anesthesia. This study compared the efficacy of liposomal bupivacaine vs interscalene block among patients undergoing total shoulder arthroplasty. ⋯ The average NPRS score in the first 12 hours was 3.01 for the bupivacaine group and 4.41 for the interscalene block group (P=.25). By 48 hours postoperatively, average NPRS scores were similar (P=.93) for the 2 groups, 4.90 for the bupivacaine group and 4.19 for the interscalene block group. The findings for this cohort of patients undergoing anatomic total shoulder arthroplasty showed no significant difference for pain scores, postoperative narcotic use, or length of stay with injectable liposomal bupivacaine vs interscalene block. [Orthopedics. 2017; 40(5):e806-e811.].
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Randomized Controlled Trial
Valve or No Valve: A Prospective Randomized Controlled Trial of Casting Options for Pediatric Forearm Fractures.
The purpose of this study was to determine the rate of cast-related complications when using split or intact casts. A total of 60 patients aged 3 to 13 years with closed shaft or distal third radius and ulna fractures requiring reduction were recruited for this study. Patients underwent closed reduction under sedation and were placed into a long-arm fiberglass cast with 1 of 3 modifications: no valve, univalve, or bivalve. ⋯ Additionally, there were no differences between complications associated with cast type (P=.266), frequency of cast modifications (P=.185), or subsequent need for surgical stabilization (P=.361). Therefore, cast splitting following closed reduction of low-energy pediatric forearm fractures does not change clinical outcomes with respect to neurovascular complications, cast modifications, pain levels, or the need for repeat reduction. Consideration should be given to minimizing cast splitting after reduction of low-energy pediatric forearm fractures for practice efficiency and to potentially decrease saw-related injury. [Orthopedics. 2017; 40(5):e849-e854.].
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Wound closure in primary knee arthroplasty is important both for surgical success, by minimizing the risk of wound complications and infection, and for patient satisfaction with wound care and cosmesis. This article reports the use of a topical self-adhering, pressure-sensitive polyester mesh combined with 2-octyl cyanoacrylate adhesive for final skin closure of primary knee arthroplasty without external staples or sutures. During a 2.5-year period, 360 consecutive primary knee arthroplasty procedures (321 total knee arthroplasty procedures and 39 partial knee arthroplasty procedures) performed by 1 surgeon at 1 institution were reviewed. ⋯ All wound complications resolved by 6 weeks. The results showed that 2-octyl cyanoacrylate adhesive and polyester mesh can be used successfully in the setting of primary knee arthroplasty for closure of high-tension knee arthroplasty wounds. This series found a 0.8% rate of superficial wound complications, no cases of dehiscence, and no infections. [Orthopedics. 2017; 40(5):e784-e787.].
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The resident curriculum of the American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery emphasizes radiation safety. Gendelberg showed that, immediately after a program on fluoroscopic safety, residents used less radiation when using the mini C-arm to reduce pediatric fractures. The current study evaluated whether this effect lasted. ⋯ When group C and group A were compared, P values were .183 and .004, respectively. No significant difference in radiation exposure was noted immediately after training vs 11 months later. A sustained decrease in radiation exposure occurred after an educational program on safe mini C-arm use. [Orthopedics. 2017; 40(5):e788-e792.].