Paul Topp (clausmaid43)
RESULTS Although both CC and AC-DC measurements showed very high inter- and intraobserver reliability, the CC distance systematically underestimated the degree of AC joint displacement when compared with the AC-DC measurement as the severity of injury increased, particularly in the presence of posterior horizontal displacement such as that seen in Rockwood IV injuries. CONCLUSION The AC-DC measurement and use of the Alexander view provides the clinician with a more realistic appreciation of true AC joint displacement, especially in defining watershed cases (ie, IIIA/IIB/IV) and may better inform the decision-making process regarding management options and recommendations. BACKGROUND Recently, the Internal Joint Stabilizer of the Elbow (IJS-E) was developed as an internal dynamic fixator for use in the setting of traumatic elbow instability. This study reviews the patients who had an IJS-E placed at our institution. Specifically, postoperative complications, postoperative functional outcomes, and need for subsequent procedures were reviewed. METHODS A retrospective chart review was conducted of patients in whom the IJS-E was implanted from June 2016 to July 2018. Indications for use, range of motion at final follow-up, and the need for subsequent procedures were reviewed. Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand (DASH) and Broberg-Morrey scores were also obtained. RESULTS Ten IJS-E devices were implanted into 10 patients. Average length of follow-up was 13.4 months. Average flexion-extension and pronation-supination motion arcs at final follow-up were 106° and 141°, respectively. Seventy-eight percent of patients achieved >100° arcs of both flexion-extension and pronation-supination. Average DASH and Broberg-Morrey scores were 28.7 and 68.2, respectively. Four subsequent procedures were required in 4 patients 2 contracture releases, 1 medial collateral ligament reconstruction, and 1 total elbow arthroplasty. There were no postoperative infections or nerve injuries. DISCUSSION The IJS-E has replaced the use of external hinged fixation at our institution. Final range of motion was consistent with that reported for terrible triad and complex elbow dislocation injuries. The IJS-E is a good option for use in patients with traumatic elbow instability, as it restores motion and function without immediate postoperative complication. However, it does not eliminate the potential for future operative intervention in these complex injuries. OBJECTIVES Primary pyomyositis is a bacterial infection of skeletal muscle first recognized in tropical regions of the world but needing characterization in temperate climates. METHODS This population-based study used the Healthcare Utilization Project/Nationwide Inpatient Sample database to characterize the trends of pyomyositis admissions in the United States from 2002-2014 using ICD-9 diagnostic codes. RESULTS We found a concerning more than three-fold increase in the incident pyomyositis admissions over our study period. The median length of stay was over twice as long compared to other hospitalized patients. Patients with pyomyositis were younger and more likely to be male and Black. Cryptotanshinone price There were more cases in the West and South compared to Midwest and Northeast. Age-adjusted odds ratios revealed significant association of pyomyositis with HIV, types 1 and 2 diabetes mellitus, hematologic malignancy, organ transplant, malnutrition, chronic kidney disease, obesity, and rheumatoid arthritis. The most commonly identified bacterial diagnosis was Staphylococcus aureus. Pseudomonas species were the most commonly identified gram-negative bacteria. CONCLUSION This nationwide review of pyomyositis in the United States suggests a concerning increase in incidence and provides information on the trends, demographics, risk factors, and causative organisms for pyomyositis in the United States. AIMS Atrial fibrillation (AF) is a common tachyarrhythmia. High alcohol consump