Category Archives: Orthopedics

PUBLISHED: The Use of Photodynamic Nails for Bone Reinforcement in Combination with Complex Total Hip Arthroplasty in the Setting of Radiation Osteitis

The Use of Photodynamic Nails for Bone Reinforcement in Combination with Complex Total Hip Arthroplasty in the Setting of Radiation Osteitis
Joseph O. WerenskiPaul A. Rizk, MDSantiago A. Lozano-Calderon, MD, PhD
Massachusetts General Hospital

This article presents a case of diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) with skeletal involvement in a geriatric male. Initially presenting with left hip pain, the patient was diagnosed with DLBCL affecting the left acetabulum. Subsequent treatment with systemic and radiation therapy resulted in radiation osteitis, osteoarthritis, and acetabular collapse, necessitating surgical intervention.

The treatment plan involved total hip arthroplasty (THA) with photodynamic intramedullary nails (PDNs) for pelvic stabilization, augmented with tantalum augments for enhanced support. PDNs provided structural stability while minimizing interference with future oncological interventions. The surgical procedure comprised meticulous insertion of PDNs and placement of tantalum augments, achieving optimal stability and alignment of the acetabular component.

This case underscores the strategic use of PDNs and tantalum augments in for treating major acetabular defects in patients with complex pathologies who require THA for pelvic stabilization. These techniques provide advantages in postoperative radiographic disease monitoring and precision in radiation therapy planning. The multidisciplinary approach emphasizes the importance of carefully selecting the appropriate implants to optimize outcomes in orthopaedic oncology.

PUBLISHED: Diagnostic Hip Arthroscopy

Diagnostic Hip Arthroscopy
Jason P. Den Haese Jr., DO1Scott D. Martin, MD2
1Oklahoma State University Medical Center
2Brigham and Women’s/Mass General Health Care Center

Diagnostic hip arthroscopy is a minimally-invasive surgical technique used to accurately provide intraoperative information and potentially treat certain intra-articular (such as labral tears, chondral defects, and femoroacetabular impingement) and extra-articular (such as capsular tears, ischiofemoral impingement, and pediatric deformities) hip pathologies. The use of this procedure in the United States is becoming more common; annual rates are increasing by as much as 365% since 2004. Within this rapid increase of utilization, the three most common procedures being performed with diagnostic hip arthroscopy are labral repair, femoroplasty, and acetabuloplasty.

In this case, a young female athlete is being assessed for left anterior hip pain recalcitrant to nonoperative management. The patient was placed in a supine position with an anterolateral portal and modified anterior portal being placed into the left hip. A puncture capsulorrhaphy was performed to examine the labrum, femoral head, and transverse ligament. Then, the medial structures and peripheral compartment were visualized. Throughout the procedure, the only treatable hip pathology identified was labral fraying consistent with a minor labral tear. It was determined that the fraying was not significant enough to require surgical repair, so labral debridement was chosen. Other areas of labral fraying and fatty degeneration were identified, but they were not significant enough to be treated intraoperatively. The procedure was completed with no complications.

PUBLISHED: Left Tibia Pilon Open Fracture Open Reduction and Internal Fixation with External Fixator

Left Tibia Pilon Open Fracture Open Reduction and Internal Fixation with External Fixator
Nelson Merchan, MD1,2Andrew M. Hresko, MD1,2Edward Kenneth Rodriguez, MD, PhD2
1Harvard Combined Orthopaedic Surgery Residency Program
2Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center

Tibial plafond or pilon fractures account for 5 to 10% of all lower extremity fractures and are associated with high energy trauma. These fractures have a high rate of non-union, mal-union, and wound healing issues due to weak metaphyseal bone, a lack of robust soft tissue coverage, and complex intra-articular extension. This manuscript and video demonstrates a tibial pilon fracture managed acutely with a hybrid fixation approach combining internal fixation with external fixation.

PUBLISHED: Intramedullary Nail for Open Tibial Fracture

Intramedullary Nail for Open Tibial Fracture
Caleb P. Gottlich, MD, MS1Michael J. Weaver, MD2
1Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Texas Tech University Health Science Center
2Brigham and Women’s Hospital

This article describes the stabilization of an open tibia shaft fracture using an intramedullary nail. After copious irrigation and debridement of the fracture site, a transpatellar tendon split is used to expose the nail entry point. This is followed by fracture reduction, sequential reaming, and nail insertion and locking. Finally, the technique for proximal tibia traction pin insertion is demonstrated on the contralateral tibia.

PUBLISHED: Pelvic Osteotomies for Cloacal Exstrophy

Pelvic Osteotomies for Cloacal Exstrophy
Jeffrey Gray1Purushottam Gholve, MD, MBMS, MRCS2
1Sidney Kimmel Medical College, Thomas Jefferson University
2Tufts Medical Center

Cloacal exstrophy is part of a wide-ranging spectrum of rare congenital abnormalities resulting from the same embryological defect. Conditions include bladder exstrophy, epispadias, cloacal exstrophy, omphalocele, and more. Mortality due to complications with cloacal exstrophy was historically significant as it is among the most severe of these abnormalities. However, advancements in reconstructive surgery have improved the survival of patients. Pelvic osteotomy is typically indicated in cloacal exstrophy as it normally presents with widely separated pubic bones that require approximation as part of abdominal wall closure.

PUBLISHED: Left Elbow Exploration and Hardware Removal with Ulnar Nerve Decompression, Cubital Tunnel Release, and Anterior Subcutaneous Transposition of the Ulnar Nerve

Left Elbow Exploration and Hardware Removal with Ulnar Nerve Decompression, Cubital Tunnel Release, and Anterior Subcutaneous Transposition of the Ulnar Nerve
Michael Akodu, MBBSElyse J. Berlinberg, MDMiles Batty, MDMichael McTague, MPHKiran J. Agarwal-Harding, MD, MPH
Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center

Distal humeral fractures are injuries worldwide with operative fixation being the preferred method of treatment. Ulnar neuropathy is one of the possible complications of surgery, and may require an additional surgery to achieve symptom resolution. In this video, Dr. Agarwal-Harding manages a patient who was previously treated with open reduction and internal fixation of a distal humerus fracture, but his recovery was complicated by ulnar neuropathy. He performs an ulnar neurolysis, hardware removal from the medial column of the distal humerus, and anterior transposition of the ulnar nerve with an adipofascial flap. Surgical considerations, including rationale and treatment options, are discussed.

PUBLISHED: Lateral Patient Positioning for Shoulder Arthroscopy

Lateral Patient Positioning for Shoulder Arthroscopy
Liam A. PeeblesZachary S. AmanMatthew T. Provencher, MD
Massachusetts General Hospital

Diagnostic shoulder arthroscopy or arthroscopic shoulder stabilization procedures can be performed with the patient in the beach chair or lateral decubitus (LD) position. Patient positioning may be dictated by surgeon preference or the specific intended procedure; however, LD setup has been found to result in lower rates of recurrent instability in cases of anterior arthroscopic stabilization procedures. The lateral and axial traction provided by the LD setup allows for lower suture anchor placement on the anterior-inferior aspect of the glenoid, as the surgeon has increased visualization and working room within the glenohumeral joint.

Prior to placing the patient in the LD position, meticulous care must be taken to properly position the beanbag device and set up the lateral traction device. Next, a coordinated team approach should be used to roll the patient into the LD position and to ensure that all bony prominences are adequately padded. The shoulder is then placed in 40° of abduction, 20° of forward flexion, with 10–15 pounds of balanced traction. Finally, the shoulder is prepped and draped in the usual sterile fashion and the surgeon is then able to proceed with the necessary arthroscopic procedure.

PUBLISHED: Placing Knotless Suture Anchor Through Mid-Glenoid Portal

Placing Knotless Suture Anchor Through Mid-Glenoid Portal
Travis J. Dekker, MDLiam A. PeeblesMatthew T. Provencher, MD
Massachusetts General Hospital

Optimal portal placement for arthroscopic shoulder stabilization procedures can significantly aid a surgeon’s visualization during the repair as well as suture anchor placement. A percutaneous knotless anchor insertion kit used through a mid-glenoid portal allows the surgeon to access positions on the glenoid rim that are commonly difficult to reach. Moreover, the knotless kit has the ability to save valuable time during arthroscopic stabilization procedures and also eliminates the risk of postoperative knot impingement.

The mid-glenoid portal should be made approximately 1 cm lateral from the joint line of the humeral head and 2–3 cm inferior and 1–2 cm medial from the posterolateral acromial angle. This portal placement avoids injury to the labrum and should be determined after assessing both the thickness of the local soft tissues and the size of the relevant bony architecture. A hole for the knotless anchor should be drilled approximately 1–2 mm onto the face of the glenoid, and the labral tape is then passed a short distance through the eyelet of the knotless fixation device before the construct is inserted into the glenoid. A hemostat is used to hold the tape as it is placed into the drill hole, and a mallet is used to drive the interference portion of the plastic implant to a marked depth. Finally, once the suture anchor is securely affixed, the insertion device is unloaded and pulled out of the portal with 6 counterclockwise turns.

PUBLISHED: Elbow Arthroscopy (Cadaver)

Elbow Arthroscopy (Cadaver)
Patrick Vavken, MD; Femke Claessen, MD
Smith and Nephew Endoscopy Laboratory

Elbow arthroscopy is a technically demanding procedure but it is very useful to evaluate the entire elbow joint for pathology with minimal surgical exposure and faster recovery than a traditional arthrotomy. The neurovascular structures of the elbow joint are in close proximity to the joint, thus there is a risk of injury to these structures, so care must be taken to fully understand elbow anatomy and to be prepared for aberrations. Elbow arthroscopy can be used diagnostically, as in this video article, or to surgically treat a variety of conditions including ligamentous tears, loose bodies, capsular stiffness, osteochondritis dissecans of the elbow, osteophyte debridement, and lateral epicondylitis. A patient with a previous ulnar nerve transposition is a relative contraindication to elbow arthroscopy, as there is a high risk of injury to the ulnar nerve during portal placement.

PUBLISHED: Tying Arthroscopic Knot for Glenoid Suture Anchor

Tying Arthroscopic Knot for Glenoid Suture Anchor
Zachary S. AmanLiam A. PeeblesMatthew T. Provencher, MD
Massachusetts General Hospital

As arthroscopic and minimally-invasive procedures have become increasingly more common over the past decade, a versatile understanding of several arthroscopic knot tying techniques is essential for reproducible and reliable repairs. While there are numerous descriptions of unique arthroscopic knots, selection and correct implementation is critical for adequate soft tissue fixation and successful patient outcomes. Specifically, the Roeder knot, a type of locking sliding knot, with 3 alternating half hitches, has been described to provide the loop and knot security among other sliding knot techniques. Therefore, the Roeder knot has emerged as a preferred knot tying technique amongst orthopedic surgeons, especially in the setting of arthroscopic shoulder stabilization procedures. In this case, we describe the basic fundamentals of performing a Roeder knot with 3 alternating half hitches to anchor the labrum to the glenoid in the setting of an arthroscopic Bankart repair.