Does robotic-assisted unicompartmental knee arthroplasty improve alignment and outcomes?

Unicompartmental knee arthroplasty (UKA) continues to increase in popularity as an excellent option for patients with single compartment disease. Robotic-assisted UKA has emerged as an optional tool with hopes for improvement in component placement, limb alignment, and patient outcomes. Furthermore, as patients continue to educate themselves, robotic assistance will become increasingly prevalent.

Patients Follow-up for Spinal Epidural Abscess as a Critical Treatment Plan Consideration.

Introduction:  Spinal epidural abscess (SEA) is a rare process with significant risk for morbidity and mortality. Treatment includes an extended course of antibiotics with or without surgery depending on the clinical presentation. Both non-operative and surgically treated patients require close follow-up to ensure the resolution of the infection without recurrence and/or progression of neurologic deficits.

Predicting Pedicle Screw Pullout and Fatigue Performance: Comparing Lateral Dual-Energy X-Ray Absorptiometry, Anterior to Posterior Dual-Energy X-Ray Absorptiometry, and Computed Tomography Hounsfield Units.

Background: As the prevalence and associated health care costs of osteoporosis continue to rise in our aging population, there is a growing need to continue to identify methods to predict spine construct integrity accurately and cost-effectively. Dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry (DEXA) in both anterior to posterior (AP) and lateral planes, as well as computed tomography (CT) Hounsfield units (HU), have all been investigated as potential preoperative predictive tools. The purpose of this study is to determine which of the 3 bone density analysis modalities has the highest potential for predicting pedicle screw biomechanics.

Hemiepiphysiodesis Using a Transphyseal Screw at the Medial Malleolus for the Treatment of Ankle Valgus Deformity.

Background: The purpose of this study is to report outcomes of transphyseal screw hemi-epiphysiodesis at the medial malleolus for the treatment of valgus ankle deformity.

Methods: An institutional review board-approved retrospective review was done of 24 patient charts. Lateral distal tibial angle (LDTA) was measured preoperatively and at final follow-up.

Intra- and inter-observer reliability of the novel vertebral bone quality score.

Purpose: To assess the intra- and inter-observer reliability of the novel vertebral bone quality (VBQ) scoring system.

Methods: Four orthopedic surgery residents at various levels of training (PGY1-4) evaluated 100 noncontrast, T1-weighted MRIs of the lumbar spine. VBQ was calculated as quotient of the median of L1-L4 average signal intensity (SI) and the L3 cerebral spinal fluid (CSF) SI, as described by Ehresman et al.

Compartment Syndrome in Children With a Supracondylar Fracture: Not Everyone has Risk Factors.

Objectives: To clarify the incidence, associated conditions, and timing of fasciotomy for compartment syndrome (CS) in children with a supracondylar (SC) fracture of the humerus.

Design: A retrospective trauma system database study.

Setting: Accredited trauma centers in Pennsylvania.

Outcomes of Short Versus Long Leg Casts for Childhood Accidental Spiral Tibial CAST Fractures.

Objective: The objective of the current study was to analyze the outcomes of short versus long leg casts in the treatment of childhood accidental spiral tibial (CAST) fractures.

Methods: A retrospective review was performed of medical records at a single tertiary children's hospital from 2009 to 2014 of children with distal, spiral tibial fractures (CAST fractures). The following points were documented for each patient: sex, laterality of fracture, age at presentation, type of cast, length of time in cast, use of a controlled ankle motion boot after cast removal, suspicion for abuse, and complications including skin irritation, skin breakdown, infection, compartment syndrome, fracture displacement, and gait disturbances.

A mini-open technique for Achilles tenotomy in infants with clubfoot.

Purpose: A tendoachilles lengthening (TAL) is indicated in over 85 % of cases treated with the Ponseti technique. A percutaneous TAL is often performed in the clinic. Reported complications from a TAL performed in the clinic include: bleeding due to injury to the peroneal artery, posterior tibial artery, or lesser saphenous vein; injury to the tibial or sural nerves; and incomplete release.