Category Archives: Content

Orthopedic Trauma, Orthopedics, Print Release

PUBLISHED: Single-Incision Retrograde SIGN Nailing of the Femur and Antegrade SIGN Nailing of the Tibia for a Delayed-Presentation Floating Knee Injury

Single-Incision Retrograde SIGN Nailing of the Femur and Antegrade SIGN Nailing of the Tibia for a Delayed-Presentation Floating Knee Injury
Donald L. Fejfar, MD1; Samhita Kadiyala, BA1; Nikhil Gattu, MD1; Emily S. Powis, BS1; Elizabeth Rich, MD2; Ridwan M. Saeed, MD3; Hizkyas Kassaye, MD4; Pierre M. Woolley, MD5; Bitiel Banda, MD6; Kiran J. Agarwal-Harding, MD, MPH7
1Harvard Global Orthopaedics Collaborative, Boston, MA
2Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, Bethesda, MD
3Muhimbili Orthopaedic Institute, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
4Hawassa University Comprehensive Specialized Hospital, Hawassa, Ethiopia
5Hôpital Universitaire La Paix, Port au Prince, Haiti
6Mzuzu Central Hospital, Mzuzu, Malawi
7Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, MA

Floating knee injury, defined as ipsilateral femoral and tibial shaft fractures, is a high-energy traumatic injury frequently seen following road traffic accidents (RTAs), which disproportionately burden low- and middle-income countries. Definitive treatment of this complex injury typically involves internal fixation, and the commonly accepted preferred method is intramedullary nailing of both fractures. This video article describes the surgical technique for managing a floating knee using retrograde Surgical Implant Generation Network (SIGN) nailing of the femur and antegrade SIGN nailing of the tibia through a single infrapatellar incision in a single anesthesia event.

The case involves a 28-year-old female patient in rural Malawi with a floating knee injury sustained in a motorbike RTA, notable for her delayed presentation of three weeks. The key procedural steps, performed under spinal anesthesia, began with a single infrapatellar incision for the subsequent retrograde nailing of the midshaft femur. Due to delayed presentation (22 days from the date of injury to the first exam in the hospital, with 2 more days before surgery) and callus formation, intraoperative fracture fragment mobilization via a second lateral incision was required before securing the femoral nail. The same infrapatellar incision was then used to perform antegrade nailing of the proximal tibial shaft fracture, which was secured after a closed reduction. This single-incision approach provides a definitive, robust fixation solution appropriate for a resource-constrained setting where challenges include delayed patient presentation and limited imaging infrastructure.

Print Release, Vascular Surgery

PUBLISHED: Snuffbox Radiocephalic Arteriovenous Fistula Creation for End-Stage Kidney Disease

Snuffbox Radiocephalic Arteriovenous Fistula Creation for End-Stage Kidney Disease
Brett J. Salomon, MD1; Christopher Holden-Wingate2,3; Mohamad A. Hussain, MD, PhD1,2; C. Keith Ozaki, MD1
1Mass General Brigham
2Harvard Medical School
3University of Illinois College of Medicine

The snuffbox arteriovenous fistula (SBAVF) is a distal-first dialysis access strategy connecting the posterior branch of the radial artery and cephalic vein within the anatomical snuffbox to preserve proximal vascular sites for patients requiring long-term hemodialysis (HD). This low-flow forearm fistula, which represents only 4% of forearm access creations in a contemporary large registry, provides significant clinical advantages over high-flow alternatives. These benefits include a significantly lower risk of high-output heart failure (HOHF) and negligible rates of access-related hand ischemia (ARHI). Contemporary literature confirms that SBAVF offers primary and secondary patency rates comparable to wrist AVFs at 18 months, supporting a “snuffbox first” approach for eligible candidates.

This case details successful SBAVF creation in a 38-year-old male with end-stage kidney disease (ESKD), which was selected to maximize vessel preservation given his prolonged expected duration of HD. Postoperatively, the patient was discharged without complication and subsequently cleared to trial HD after successful maturation. Although it is common for SBAVFs to require adjunctive procedures and more time to achieve maturation, long-term durability (5–9 years) remains outstanding, reinforcing the value of this technically precise procedure as a safe and durable primary access option.

General Surgery, Print Release

PUBLISHED: Robotic-Assisted Transabdominal Preperitoneal (rTAPP) Femoral Hernia Repair

Robotic-Assisted Transabdominal Preperitoneal (rTAPP) Femoral Hernia Repair
Katie A. Marrero, MD1; Eric M. Pauli, MD, FACS, FASGE, FEBSAWS (Hon.)2
1Henderson Hospital, NV
2Penn State Health Milton S. Hershey Medical Center

Femoral hernias are an uncommon cause of groin pain but occur more frequently in women than men and are often overlooked during clinical evaluation and imaging review. Failure to recognize these “hidden” hernias may lead to persistent symptoms despite previous inguinal hernia repair.

A 43-year-old woman presented with chronic left groin pain despite prior open left inguinal hernia repair with mesh plug placement. Her medical history included cesarean section and abdominoplasty, with pain initially attributed to postoperative nerve injury. A CT scan obtained in 2023 was interpreted as negative for recurrent hernia; however, retrospective review demonstrated an obvious left femoral hernia adjacent to the previously placed mesh plug. She subsequently underwent treatment for May-Thurner syndrome with left common iliac vein stenting without improvement in symptoms. Clinical examination, office ultrasound, and re-evaluation of prior imaging confirmed the diagnosis of a symptomatic femoral hernia.

A robotic transabdominal preperitoneal (rTAPP) repair was performed. After establishing abdominal access and creating a generous preperitoneal flap, the myopectineal orifice was completely exposed. The previously placed mesh plug was identified medial to the inferior epigastric vessels and largely left undisturbed with only a small portion excised to facilitate flat placement of new mesh. The femoral hernia sac and incarcerated preperitoneal fat were reduced, the round ligament was divided, a large preperitoneal mesh was positioned to cover the femoral canal and all potential groin defects, and the peritoneal flap was closed.

This case demonstrates the importance of maintaining a high index of suspicion for occult femoral hernias in women with persistent groin pain, particularly following previous anterior inguinal hernia repair. Robotic TAPP repair provides excellent visualization of the entire myopectineal orifice and enables definitive treatment while preserving previously implanted mesh when appropriate.

Orthopedic Trauma, Orthopedics, Print Release

PUBLISHED: Debridement and External Fixation for Bilateral Neglected Open Tibial Shaft Fractures

Debridement and External Fixation for Bilateral Neglected Open Tibial Shaft Fractures
Donald L. Fejfar, MD1; Nikhil Gattu, MD1; Ridwan M. Saeed, MD2; Hizkyas Kassaye, MD3; Bitiel Banda, MD4; Pierre M. Woolley, MD5; Kiran J. Agarwal-Harding, MD, MPH1,6
1Harvard Global Orthopaedics Collaborative, Boston, MA
2Muhimbili Orthopaedic Institute, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
3Hawassa University Comprehensive Specialized Hospital, Hawassa, Ethiopia
4Mzuzu Central Hospital, Mzuzu, Malawi
5Hôpital Universitaire La Paix, Port au Prince, Haiti
6Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, MA

Open tibial shaft fractures represent a significant clinical challenge, particularly when presentation is delayed and wounds have become infected. This case demonstrates the surgical management of bilateral neglected open tibial shaft fractures in a young adult male who presented three weeks after initial injury from a motor vehicle collision in rural Malawi. He also suffered a bimalleolar fracture of the left ankle. The patient had grossly contaminated wounds with exposed bone and signs of infection bilaterally. The key procedural steps included aggressive irrigation and debridement of necrotic and infected tissue, skeletal stabilization with external fixation, local antibiotic therapy with gentamicin-impregnated collagen pellets, and soft tissue coverage with primary wound closure and a rotational subcutaneous flap on the left leg. External fixation is an essential treatment modality for open fractures with severe soft tissue injury when internal fracture fixation is not possible, especially in delayed cases with early signs of infection. This allows for staged management, repeated wound access, and preservation of blood supply while providing adequate stability for bone healing and soft tissue rest. This technique is particularly valuable in resource-limited settings where staged reconstruction and damage control orthopaedics are essential. The bilateral nature of these injuries, prolonged contamination period, immunocompromised status, and need for complex soft tissue reconstruction make this case unique and highlight the principles of managing neglected open fractures in challenging clinical circumstances.

General Surgery, Print Release

PUBLISHED: Robotic-Assisted Transcystic Endoscopic Common Bile Duct Exploration

Robotic-Assisted Transcystic Endoscopic Common Bile Duct Exploration
Marc Mankarious, MD1; Benjamin S. C. Fung, MD, FRCSC2; Joshua S. Winder, MD1
1Penn State Health Milton S. Hershey Medical Center
2North York General Hospital, University of Toronto

Choledocholithiasis complicates cholecystectomy in 10–15% of patients. In individuals with prior Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB), altered foregut anatomy renders traditional endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) technically challenging or unsuccessful. This report details the use of robotic-assisted transcystic endoscopic common bile duct exploration (TCBDE) in a patient with RYGB and choledocholithiasis. For patients with surgically altered anatomy and urgent need for stone clearance, robotic TCBDE represents a safe, cost-effective, single-stage alternative to two-stage approaches, effectively bypassing the anatomical limitations imposed by RYGB.

Print Release, Surgical Technology

PUBLISHED: How to Drape a C-Arm

How to Drape a C-Arm
Cindy Fletcher, M.Ed., CST
North Shore Community College, Danvers, MA

When intraoperative imaging is needed, a mobile x-ray machine must be used by a radiologic technologist (RT) to take the image. A C-arm portable imaging machine, so called because its shape resembles the letter “C”, is widely used in contemporary surgical and interventional procedures for this purpose, and its proper draping is essential for maintaining sterile field integrity. This educational video demonstrates how to receive a C-arm drape onto the sterile field, how to prepare it for use, and how to place and secure it around the C-arm using sterile technique to protect patient safety. This video was filmed in an academic setting and is intended for perioperative trainees and staff.

Pediatrics, Print Release, Vascular Surgery

PUBLISHED: Pediatric Ultrasound-Guided Internal Jugular Central Venous Catheter (CVC) Insertion for Chemotherapy Delivery

Pediatric Ultrasound-Guided Internal Jugular Central Venous Catheter (CVC) Insertion for Chemotherapy Delivery
Yuki Noguchi, MD, PhD; Kohga Masuda, MD, PhD; Shohei Hiwatashi, MD, PhD; Satoshi Umeda, MD, PhD; Masahiro Zenitani, MD, PhD; Keigo Nara, MD, PhD
Osaka Women’s and Children’s Hospital

Central venous catheterization is a commonly performed procedure in pediatric surgery, requiring both appropriate device selection and meticulous technique to ensure long-term function and minimal complications. This article reports the technical considerations of tunneled central venous catheter placement in a pediatric patient with neuroblastoma.

A two-year and four-month-old boy with neuroblastoma required central venous access for chemotherapy. Preoperative evaluation confirmed patency of the right internal jugular vein and other central veins. A cuffed tunneled external catheter was selected, as it allows continuous access without repeated needle puncture and is suitable for multi-lumen use, including drug administration and blood sampling. Although routine blood sampling via central venous catheters is not generally recommended, our experience suggests that the associated risks are infrequent and clinically acceptable.

The catheter was inserted via the right internal jugular vein. The anterior chest wall exit site was determined using anatomical landmarks, specifically the triangle formed by the sternal notch, right acromion, and right nipple, with the entry point positioned near its center. Key technical considerations included creation of a broad, curved subcutaneous tunnel to prevent catheter kinking, secure fixation using a cuff with additional circumferential suturing to reduce early dislodgement, and accurate tip positioning at the junction of the superior vena cava and right atrium. In practice, the optimal tip location was estimated as approximately 1–2 vertebral body units below the carina. Careful hemostasis and postoperative compression were performed to minimize hematoma formation.

General Surgery, Pediatrics, Print Release

PUBLISHED: Laparoscopic Percutaneous Extraperitoneal Closure (LPEC) for an Inguinal Hernia with Concomitant Umbilical Hernia Repair in a Pediatric Male

Laparoscopic Percutaneous Extraperitoneal Closure (LPEC) for an Inguinal Hernia with Concomitant Umbilical Hernia Repair in a Pediatric Male
Yuki Noguchi, MD, PhD; Kohga Masuda, MD, PhD; Shohei Hiwatashi, MD, PhD; Satoshi Umeda, MD, PhD; Masahiro Zenitani, MD, PhD; Keigo Nara, MD, PhD
Osaka Women’s and Children’s Hospital

This report describes the surgical management of a one-year eight-month-old boy with concurrent right inguinal and umbilical hernias, highlighting both clinical rationale and operative technique. Pediatric inguinal hernias are typically indirect and rarely resolve spontaneously, carrying a persistent risk of incarceration that necessitates surgical repair once diagnosed.

Ultrasonography confirmed a right indirect inguinal hernia with reducible protrusion of the small intestine through a patent processus vaginalis. Although the umbilical hernia showed partial improvement with external compression, the inguinal hernia was unlikely to resolve spontaneously. Therefore, laparoscopic percutaneous extraperitoneal closure (LPEC) was planned, with simultaneous umbilical hernia repair.

LPEC enables high ligation of the hernia sac with minimal dissection and excellent visualization. In male patients, careful technique is required to avoid injury to the spermatic vessels and vas deferens. Tip rotation should be avoided; instead, the needle tip is advanced perpendicularly across these structures at the shortest possible distance to minimize dissection. Gentle manipulation facilitates safe passage, and confirmation that critical structures are not entrapped within the suture loop is essential before ligation. Caudal traction of the testis may further reduce the risk of iatrogenic cryptorchidism.

Print Release, Surgical Technology

PUBLISHED: Incorrect Number of Sponges in the Initial Count

Incorrect Number of Sponges in the Initial Count
Cindy Fletcher, M.Ed., CST
North Shore Community College, Danvers, MA

An incorrect surgical sponge count must be managed immediately in order to minimize the risk of harm to the patient. This educational video explains the appropriate actions to take when an incorrect sponge count is identified during the initial sponge count.

General Surgery, Print Release

PUBLISHED: Endoscopic Evaluation of a Twisted Gastric Sleeve Causing Severe Reflux and Epigastric Pain

Endoscopic Evaluation of a Twisted Gastric Sleeve Causing Severe Reflux and Epigastric Pain
Saamia Shaikh, DO, JD; Eric M. Pauli, MD, FACS, FASGE, FEBSAWS (Hon.)
Penn State Health Milton S. Hershey Medical Center

Upper endoscopy is an essential diagnostic and therapeutic tool in the evaluation of patients with gastrointestinal symptoms. Particularly in bariatric surgery patients, endoscopy is a valuable tool in the preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative period. It is an increasingly important skill for surgeons managing surgical complications. This article presents a 48-year-old female who presented one year after undergoing a robotic-assisted sleeve gastrectomy and cholecystectomy with persistent epigastric pain and severe reflux symptoms. She had multiple emergency department visits following surgery, and prior computed tomography imaging was initially interpreted as normal without evidence of leak or obstruction, but on further review demonstrated a twisted configuration of the gastric sleeve.

Upper endoscopy was performed using an Olympus GIF-HQ190 gastroscope, with the scope advanced under direct visualization through the esophagus, stomach, and into the second portion of the duodenum. Endoscopy revealed a widened hiatus consistent with a small hiatal hernia, as well as moderate luminal stenosis near the incisura with a spiral configuration of the staple line, consistent with a gastric sleeve twist. Proximal gastric dilation and bile reflux were also appreciated. This case highlights the importance of surgeon review of imaging studies and surgeon performed endoscopy in evaluating complex postoperative anatomy and underscores its role as a critical skill for surgeons involved in the long-term care of surgical patients.