Impact of Diffuse Idiopathic Skeletal Hyperostosis on Sagittal Spinal Alignment in the General Elderly Population: A Japanese Cohort Survey Randomly Sampled from a Basic Resident Registry Background: Interest is mounting regarding diffuse idiopathic skeletal hyperostosis (DISH) as the rate in the elderly increases. Although some studies have demonstrated an effect of DISH on sagittal spinal alignment, the pathogenetic mechanism remains unknown. Random sampling from the basic resident registry of a rural town for subject selection was used to investigate the impact of DISH on sagittal spinal alignment. Methods: Registered citizens who were 50 to 89 years of age were targeted for this survey. We divided the study population into 8 groups based on sex (male and female) and age (50 to 59, 60 to 69, 70 to 79, and 80 to 89 years) after random sampling from the resident registry of the town of Obuse in 2014. A total of 411 participants (202 male and 209 female) were enrolled and underwent a whole-spine lateral radiographic examination. We investigated the spinal level of DISH occurrence, measured sagittal spinal alignment parameters, and analyzed the effects of clinical factors on DISH using multivariate analysis. Results: A total of 66 participants (16.1%) were identified as having DISH in our population cohort. With regard to DISH involving the thoracic spine, sagittal vertical axis, cervical sagittal vertical axis, T1 slope, thoracic kyphosis, aging, and male sex were significantly associated with DISH in the univariate analysis. Aging and male sex were also independent factors according to multivariate analysis; the odds ratio (OR) was 1.70 for aging per decade and 3.75 for male sex. Sagittal vertical axis, lumbar lordosis, sacral slope, pelvic tilt, aging, and male sex had significant associations with DISH involving the lumbar spine in univariate analysis, with decreased lumbar lordosis (OR, 1.82), aging per decade (OR, 4.35), and male sex (OR, 10.7) as independent factors in multivariate analysis. Conclusions: In this study examining the impact of DISH on sagittal spinal alignment in a general population, decreased lumbar lordosis was significantly associated with DISH involving the lumbar spine in the healthy community-dwelling elderly population, and no sagittal spine parameters were significantly related to DISH affecting the thoracic spine. Clinical Relevance: When there is decreased lumbar lordosis in elderly people, we should check for the existence of DISH.

Locking Plate Use with or without Strut Support for Varus Displaced Proximal Humeral Fractures in Elderly Patients Background: Varus displaced fractures of the proximal part of the humerus, particularly in osteoporotic bone, commonly require open reduction and internal fixation. However, surgical treatment methods remain controversial and have shown inconsistent results. A fibular allograft for indirect medial reduction and strut support has been used in an effort to prevent secondary postoperative varus displacement. However, the long-term outcomes of this method require confirmation. We hypothesized that placing a fibular strut parallel to the calcar screw could increase the biomechanical stability of the medial hinge, thus preventing secondary varus deformity. In the present study, we compared the clinical outcomes of locking plate use with and without medial strut support with use of a fibular allograft for the treatment of varus humeral fractures in patients ≥65 years old. Methods: We compared 2 different graft techniques involving the use of fibular allografts in elderly patients with varus displaced proximal humeral fractures who underwent open reduction and internal fixation. The patients were divided into 3 groups: (1) the intramedullary graft group (Group A), (2) the medial hinge support group (Group B), and (3) the locking plate alone group (Group C). Clinical outcomes included the final varus angulation of the humeral head, the occurrence of major complications (screw cut-out or cut-through or osteonecrosis), and the American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES) score at 1 year after treatment. Results: A total of 128 patients were included in our study. The final varus angles were 14.7°, 13.1°, and 18.6°, for the intramedullary graft group, the medial hinge support group, and locking plate alone group, respectively. The mean ASES scores were 87.2, 88.6, and 82.2, respectively. There were differences in ASES scores between Group A and Group C as well as also between Group B and Group C. Fewer major complications were found in patients managed with locking plates in combination with intramedullary graft or medial hinge support (Group A and Group B) than in patients managed with locking plates alone (Group C). Conclusions: The use of a locking plate in combination with medial strut support with use of a fibular allograft reduced complications when used for the treatment of varus displaced proximal humeral fractures in elderly patients in comparison with the use of a locking plate alone. Level of Evidence: Therapeutic Level III. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

A Strategy of Continued Antiplatelet Agents, Vitamin K Antagonists, and Direct Oral Anticoagulants Throughout the Perioperative Period of Total Knee Arthroplasty in Patients Receiving Chronic Antithrombotic Therapy Background: Although continuing antithrombotic therapy is desirable to prevent perioperative cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases, perioperative blood loss remains a concern in patients undergoing total knee arthroplasty. The purpose of this study was to assess the impact of continuing chronic antithrombotic therapy on blood loss and major bleeding events. Methods: We classified 201 consecutive patients undergoing total knee arthroplasty into 2 groups: (1) patients taking antiplatelet agents, vitamin K antagonists, and/or direct oral anticoagulants, referred to as the continuing antithrombotic therapy group (n = 32); and (2) patients not receiving these agents, referred to as the no antithrombotic therapy group (n = 169). During the study period, antithrombotic agents were continued perioperatively in all patients receiving antithrombotic therapy. Surgical procedures were performed without the use of a pneumatic tourniquet or drain. Screening for deep vein thrombosis was routinely performed before and after total knee arthroplasty. The total perioperative blood loss was calculated from blood volume and change in hemoglobin from preoperatively to postoperative days 1, 3, and 7. Results: The perioperative blood loss after total knee arthroplasty did not differ significantly between the continuing antithrombotic therapy group and the no antithrombotic therapy group at 1 day postoperatively (448 ± 213 compared with 495 ± 345 mL [95% confidence interval (CI) of the difference, −172 to 77 mL]; p = 0.45), 3 days postoperatively (841 ± 308 compared with 826 ± 328 mL [95% CI, −108 to 139 mL]; p = 0.81), and 7 days postoperatively (855 ± 313 compared with 861 ± 245 mL [95% CI, −122 to 108 mL]; p = 0.91). No patients in the continuing antithrombotic therapy group and 2 patients (1.2%) in the no antithrombotic therapy group had allogeneic blood transfusion (p = 1). No major bleeding events occurred in the continuing antithrombotic therapy group. Conclusions: Perioperative blood loss in patients continuing chronic antithrombotic therapy during total knee arthroplasty was not significantly different from that in patients receiving no chronic antithrombotic therapy. Level of Evidence: Therapeutic Level III. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

Relationship Between Magnitude of Limitations and Patient Experience During Recovery from Upper-Extremity Fracture Background: The relationship between the magnitude of limitations (measured by patient-reported outcome measures, or PROMs) and satisfaction with care providers and hospital services (measured by patient-reported experience measures, or PREMs) over the course of recovery after injury is unclear. The purpose of this study was to assess the relationship between a range of PROMs and 2 PREMs at 3 time points (initial office visit within a week, 2 to 4 weeks, and 6 to 9 months) after shoulder, elbow, and wrist fractures. Methods: We enrolled 744 adult patients with an isolated shoulder, elbow, or wrist fracture and invited them to complete PROMs (the Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System Upper Extremity Physical Function computer adaptive test [PROMIS UE], PROMIS Physical Function (PROMIS PF) scale, Quick Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand [QuickDASH] questionnaire, EuroQol 5-Dimensions 3-Level Index [EQ-5D-3L], and Oxford Shoulder Score [OSS], Oxford Elbow Score [OES], or Patient-Rated Wrist Evaluation [PRWE]) and PREMs (Numerical Rating Scale [NRS] for satisfaction with care providers [NRS-C] and for satisfaction with hospital services [NRS-S]) at their initial visit at the outpatient surgical practice (maximum, 1 week after the fracture), between 2 and 4 weeks after the injury, and between 6 and 9 months after the injury. Correlational analysis was performed at each time point. Results: There was moderate correlation between the PROMIS UE and the NRS-C (r = 0.56) and NRS-S (r = 0.59) at 6 to 9 months after injury, which was stronger than the correlation at the 2 to 4-week mark (NRS-C, r = 0.34; NRS-S, r = 0.36) and at the evaluation that took place within a week after the injury (NRS-C, r = 0.18; NRS-S, r = 0.16). These correlational trends were observed with all forms of PROMs. Patients reporting greater limitations after injury were also less satisfied with their care and services. Conclusions: The increasing alignment of PROMs and PREMs over the course of recovery after an upper-extremity fracture suggests that restored physical function may improve perceptions of satisfaction with care providers and hospital services over time. Future studies should assess factors that could be addressed to improve patient satisfaction and their limitations during recovery after fracture in order to maximize patient outcomes. Level of Evidence: Therapeutic Level IV. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

Regional Distribution of Articular Cartilage Thickness in the Elbow Joint: A 3-Dimensional Study in Elderly Humans Background: During elbow procedures, reconstruction of the joint (including the articular cartilage) is important in order to restore elbow function; however, the regional distribution of elbow cartilage is not completely understood. The purpose of the present study was to investigate the 3-dimensional (3-D) distribution patterns of cartilage thickness of elbow bones (including the distal part of the humerus, proximal part of the ulna, and radial head) in order to elucidate the morphological relationship among them. Methods: Two 3-D surface models were created with use of a laser scanner: (1) a cartilage-bone model based on 20 elderly cadaveric elbows exhibiting normal cartilaginous conditions and (2) a bone model that was created after dissolving the cartilage. The 2 models were superimposed, and cartilage thickness was measured as the interval distance on the articular surface. Measurements were made at categorized anatomical points of the individual bones, and 3-D distributions on the entire articular surface were analyzed. The spatial relationship among individual bones was also assessed. Results: In the distal part of the humerus, the cartilage was thickest in the intermediate region between the capitellum and the trochlea (mean [and standard deviation], 1.27 ± 0.17 mm); in the proximal part of the ulna, it was thickest at the anterolateral edge of the coronoid (2.20 ± 0.39 mm) and the anteroproximal edge of the proximal sigmoid notch (2.49 ± 0.55 mm); and in the radial head, it was thickest at the articular zone on the rim circumference within the dish (1.10 ± 0.17 mm) and on the proximal circumference around the side (1.02 ± 0.17 mm) (p < 0.001 for all). These thicker cartilage regions gathered on the joint center, facing each other. Conclusions: The present study demonstrated regional variations in elbow cartilage thickness. The combined findings in individual bones showed “cartilage gathering” at the center of the elbow joint, which we believe to be a novel anatomical finding. Clinical Relevance: An enhanced understanding of elbow cartilage geometry will provide additional insights into elbow procedures in elderly individuals, such as hemiarthroplasties, in which anatomical contours could help to restore normal joint function and improve postoperative outcomes.

Outcomes and Complications After Repair of Complete Distal Biceps Tendon Rupture with the Cortical Button Technique Background: Numerous surgical techniques have been described for the repair of complete distal biceps tendon ruptures. However, the outcome of repair with cortical button fixation has not been extensively evaluated. The hypothesis of the present study was that elbow strength and range of motion would be less than normal after repair but that ongoing disability would be minimal as measured with use of the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH) score. Methods: We performed a retrospective cohort study of patients with complete distal biceps tendon rupture that was repaired with cortical button fixation via a 1-incision anterior approach. Outcome was assessed on the basis of elbow range-of-motion and strength measurements, DASH scores, and radiographs of the operatively treated elbow. Descriptive statistics were generated for patient demographics and outcome variables. Strength was assessed with limb-symmetry index, and range of motion was evaluated with paired t tests. Results: Sixty male patients consented to this study. The average age at the time of follow-up was 49.6 ± 7.8 years, and the average time from injury to follow-up was 3.7 ± 1.7 years. The mechanism of injury included lifting heavy objects (62%) and sporting activities (25%). Elbow flexion and supination range of motion were not different between the operatively treated and contralateral arms. The operatively treated elbow demonstrated decreased flexion strength (96% of that on the contralateral side) and supination strength (91% of that on the contralateral side). The findings did not change when controlling for hand dominance. The mean DASH score was 7.9 ± 11.4, which is not significantly different from the normative value for the general population. Postoperative complications included heterotopic ossification (Brooker class I [29 patients] or II [5 patients]), neurapraxia (7 patients), and rerupture (3 patients). Conclusions: The repair of complete distal biceps tendon ruptures with cortical button fixation was associated with decreased strength in elbow flexion and forearm supination compared with the contralateral arm, although the differences were small and likely were not clinically important. The complication rate was relatively high; however, most complications were minor and were associated with minimal disability, as reflected by the DASH scores. Level of Evidence: Therapeutic Level IV. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

Early Mobilization and Physiotherapy Vs. Late Mobilization and Home Exercises After ORIF of Distal Radial Fractures: A Randomized Controlled Trial Background: Volar locking plates have permitted early mobilization, omitting the need for prolonged cast immobilization, after distal radial fractures (DRFs). However, the type of rehabilitation following plate fixation of DRFs remains an unresolved issue. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of physiotherapy after volar plate fixation of DRFs. At a 2-year follow-up, we compared the results of immediate physiotherapy (early mobilization) with those of home exercises following 2 weeks in a dorsal plaster splint (late mobilization). Methods: Patients with an extra-articular DRF scheduled for open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) with a volar locking plate were evaluated for eligibility for enrollment in the study. The patients were randomized into 2 groups: (1) early mobilization and physiotherapy and (1) late mobilization and home exercise. In the early mobilization group, the plaster splint was removed after 2 to 3 days. During the first 3 months, the patients met with the institution’s physiotherapist every other week. The late mobilization group wore the dorsal splint for 2 weeks and only met with our physiotherapist once, when the splint was removed. This group was provided with a home physiotherapy program and instructed to perform home exercises on their own. Results: One hundred and nineteen patients were included in the study. The 2 groups had similar demographics with respect to age, sex, and baseline values. Seven patients were lost to follow-up. No clinically relevant difference in scores on the shortened version of the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (QuickDASH) questionnaire was found between the 2 groups at any of the follow-up evaluations. The largest difference in the QuickDASH score was found at 6 weeks, when the early mobilization group had a mean score of 30 compared with a mean of 37 in the late mobilization group (p = 0.05). Conclusions: Early mobilization and multiple physiotherapy visits did not improve wrist function compared with standard treatment of 2 weeks in a dorsal plaster splint, a single physiotherapy visit, and home exercises. Early mobilization following ORIF of an extra-articular DRF is safe. Level of Evidence: Therapeutic Level I. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

Proposal of a New Type of Innominate Osteotomy without the Use of Bone Graft in Children: A Preliminary Study Background: Good long-term outcomes have been reported for the Salter innominate osteotomy (SIO), which is widely used to correct developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH) in children. In this study, we describe the procedure and early outcomes of a new pelvic osteotomy termed “angulated innominate osteotomy” (AIO). Methods: Twenty-one patients (22 hips) underwent AIO. We evaluated age at the time of surgery, operative time, blood loss, and time to bone union. Several radiographic parameters were assessed preoperatively, immediately postoperatively, and at the time of the latest examination. Measurements were compared with those of 20 previous patients who underwent SIO. The AIO is made to form an isosceles triangle. This enables 2 points of contact between the proximal and distal bone fragments, eliminating the need for a bone graft. Results: Mean age at the time of surgery was 5.9 years, and the mean duration of follow-up was 30.8 months. The mean operative time was 103 minutes, mean blood loss was 33 mL, and mean time to bone union was 9.8 weeks. Immediately postoperatively, the mean “distance d” (lateral displacement of the distal fragment), mean ratio of the obturator heights (ROH), and mean lateral rotation angle (LRA) were 7.2 mm, 70.4%, and 19.3°, respectively. At the latest examination, the mean acetabular index (AI), center-edge angle (CEA), and acetabular head index (AHI) were 16.4°, 23.7°, and 85.5%, respectively, each of which were significantly improved compared with the preoperative values. Moreover, the mean postoperative iliac length difference (ILD) between the operative and contralateral sides was only 0.1 mm. Those treated with AIO had a significantly shorter operative time and time to bone union, and less blood loss, than those treated with SIO. The mean distance d, ROH, and LRA did not differ significantly from SIO results, while the mean ILD was significantly less. Conclusions: AIO is a less-invasive procedure that does not require a bone graft, and the short-term outcomes were favorable. Sufficient coverage of the acetabulum with displacement of the distal bone fragment to an extent similar to SIO can be achieved; we consider AIO a worthy surgical procedure that has the potential to provide good long-term outcomes similar to those seen with SIO. Level of Evidence: Therapeutic Level III. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.