Rohan A. Gheewala’s research while affiliated with Albany Medical College and other places

Objective: To evaluate the sensitivity and ability of computed tomography (CT) scan for diagnosing traumatic ankle arthrotomies compared with that of the saline load test (SLT). Methods: Eleven cadaveric ankles were included in this study. Before intervention, a CT scan was obtained to confirm the absence of intra-articular air. Arthrotomies were created at the anterolateral, posterolateral, anteromedial, and posteromedial aspects of the ankle under fluoroscopic visualization. A postarthrotomy and postrange of motion CT scan was obtained to evaluate for the presence of intra-articular air. Each ankle then underwent a SLT with 60 mL of saline, where volumes provoking extravasation were recorded. Results: Of the 11 included ankles, intra-articular air was detected in all 11 ankles by CT scan. All 11 ankles also demonstrated extravasation of saline through the arthrotomy site during SLT. Thus, the sensitivity for both CT scan and SLT for detecting ankle traumatic arthrotomy was 100%. The mean volume of saline needed for extravasation was 7.7 mL, with a range of 3-22 mL and a SD of 5.4. Conclusions: Given that CT scan was equally as sensitive to the SLT, this study presents good evidence that CT scan may be used for the detection of ankle traumatic arthrotomies.

Objectives: Traumatic shoulder arthrotomy (TSA) is a rare injury that is commonly detected through saline load test (SLT). There are no studies that have studied the ability of CT scan to detect a TSA. The purpose of this study is to determine the ability of CT scan to detect a TSA and compare it to the SLT. Methods: Twelve cadaveric shoulders were included in the study. Before intervention, a CT scan was conducted to determine presence of intra-articular air. After confirmation that no air was present, an arthrotomy was made at the anterior or posterior portal site. A CT was obtained post-arthrotomy to evaluate for intra-articular air. Each shoulder then underwent a SLT to assess the sensitivity of SLT and the volume needed for extravasation. Results: Twelve shoulders were included after pre-intervention CT scan. Six shoulders received an arthrotomy through the anterior portal and six shoulders received an arthrotomy through the posterior portal. After the arthrotomy, air was visualized on CT scan in eleven of the twelve shoulders (92%). All twelve shoulders demonstrated extravasation during SLT. The mean volume of saline needed for extravasation was 29 ml with a standard deviation of 10 and range of 18 to 50ml. Conclusions: CT scan is a sensitive modality (sensitivity of 92%) for detection of TSA. In comparison, SLT is more sensitive (sensitivity of 100%) and outperforms CT scan for the diagnosis of TSA in a cadaveric model. Further research is needed to solidify the role that CT imaging has in the diagnosis of TSAs.

»: Obesity, defined as body mass index (BMI) ≥30, is a serious public health concern associated with an increased incidence of stroke, diabetes, mental illness, and cardiovascular disease resulting in numerous preventable deaths yearly. »: From 1999 through 2018, the age-adjusted prevalence of morbid obesity (BMI ≥40) in US adults aged 20 years and older has risen steadily from 4.7% to 9.2%, with other estimates showing that most of the patients undergoing hip and knee replacement by 2029 will be obese (BMI ≥30) or morbidly obese (BMI ≥40). »: In patients undergoing total joint arthroplasty (TJA), morbid obesity (BMI ≥40) is associated with an increased risk of perioperative complications, including prosthetic joint infection and mechanical failure necessitating aseptic revision. »: The current literature on the role that bariatric weight loss surgery before TJA has on improving surgical outcomes is split and referral to a bariatric surgeon should be a shared-decision between patient and surgeon on a case-by-case basis. »: Despite the increased risk profile of TJA in the morbidly obese cohort, these patients consistently show improvement in pain and physical function postoperatively that should be considered when deciding for or against surgery.

Leg-length discrepancy (LLD) presents a significant management challenge to orthopedic surgeons and remains a leading cause of patient dissatisfaction and litigation after total hip arthroplasty (THA). Over or under-lengthening of the operative extremity has been shown to have inferior outcomes, such as dislocation, exacerbation of back pain and sciatica, and general dissatisfaction postoperatively. The management of LLD in the setting of THA is multifactorial, and must be taken into consideration in the pre-operative, intra-operative, and post-operative settings. In our review, we aim to summarize the best available practices and techniques for minimizing LLD through each of these phases of care. Pre-operatively, we provide an overview of the appropriate radiographic studies to be obtained and their interpretation, as well as considerations to be made when templating. Intra-operatively, we discuss several techniques for the assessment of limb length in real time, and post-operatively, we discuss both operative and non-operative management of LLD. By providing a summary of the best available practices and strategies for mitigating the impact of a perceived LLD in the setting of THA, we hope to maximize the potential for an excellent surgical and clinical outcome.

Category Trauma Introduction/Purpose The diagnosis of traumatic arthrotomy is typically made through a saline load test (SLT), though there has been a growing base of literature regarding the use of computed tomography (CT) scan in various joints for diagnosis. To date, there has been little data supporting the use of CT to diagnose traumatic arthrotomy of the ankle. Through simulated arthrotomies of the ankle in cadavers, we aim to assess the sensitivity and ability of CT for diagnosing traumatic arthrotomy. SLT were also performed in each specimen to determine the volume of saline needed for diagnosis. Methods Six fresh-frozen cadavers with twelve ankles were initially included in this study. The presence of intra-articular air prior to arthrotomy was excluded with a baseline CT scan. Ankles underwent arthrotomy at the anterolateral, anteromedial, posteromedial, posterolateral portals with fluoroscopic guidance. A subsequent CT scan was obtained to identify the presence of intra-articular air. Ankles then underwent SLT and volumes resulting in extravasation were recorded. Results Eleven ankles were included, with one exclusion due to the presence of implants. Arthrotomies were made in three ankles at the anterolateral portal, three at the anteromedial portal, two at the posteromedial portal, and three at the posterolateral portal. Following arthrotomy, intra-articular air was detected in all eleven ankles by CT scan. All eleven ankles were subjected to SLT, with each demonstrating extravasation through the arthrotomy site. The mean volume of saline needed for extravasation was 7.7 mL, with a range of 3 to 22 mL and a standard deviation of 5.4. Conclusion CT scan was demonstrated to be sensitive and effective in diagnosing traumatic arthrotomy in a cadaveric model.

Background Limb length discrepancy (LLD) is a known complication of total hip arthroplasty (THA), leading to decreased patient function and satisfaction. It remains unknown how a patient’s perception of LLD evolves over time. The aim of this study was to evaluate the relationship between measured and perceived LLD, and to assess whether perceived LLD resolved with time in most patients. Methods and Materials This study retrospectively reviewed radiographs of 140 consecutive patients undergoing primary THA by a single surgeon via a direct anterior approach, calculating postoperative change in limb length (ΔL). Patient perceptions of LLD were recorded at standard postoperative visit intervals. A p-value of 0.05 was used to determine statistical significance. Results Of 130 patients (mean ΔL = +7.9 mm), 22 patients endorsed perceived postoperative LLD and the remainder were asymptomatic (mean ΔL +11.1 mm vs +7.3 mm, p=0.03). 17 reported mild symptoms and 5 reported severe (mean ΔL +10.2 mm vs +13.8 mm, p=0.4). After 1 year, 45% (10) patients reported complete resolution of perceived LLD (mean follow-up 364 days), 18% (4) reported notable improvement, and 36% (8) reported no improvement. Four excluded patients endorsed perceived LLD (2 mild, 2 severe), which resolved after contralateral THA. Discussion and Conclusion This study noted a correlation between increasing postoperative ΔL and perceived LLD. A majority of patients (63%) experienced either improvement or full resolution of symptoms during the follow-up period. This data may have a role in reassuring the orthopaedic surgeon and the patient regarding the natural course of postoperative LLD. Further investigation is needed to help identify risk factors for persistent LLD. Level of Evidence Level III (Prognostic)