Persistent pain is common 1 year after ankle and wrist fracture surgery: a register-based questionnaire study

Alpha-7 Nicotinic Acetylcholine Receptor Activation Inhibits Trauma Induced Pronociceptive Autoimmune Responses

Both autonomic nervous system dysfunction and immune system activation are characteristic of chronic pain after limb injuries. Cholinergic agonists reduce immune system activation in many settings. We hypothesized, therefore, that alpha-7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (α7nAChR) agonist administration would reduce nociceptive and immune changes after tibia fracture and cast immobilization in mice. Fracture mice were treated with either vehicle, a low (.2 mg/kg) dose, or a high (1 mg/kg) dose of the selective α7nAChR agonist PNU-282987 for 4 weeks. We assessed hindpaw allodynia and weight bearing as behavioral outcomes. The assessment of adaptive immune responses included regional lymph node hypertrophy, germinal center formation, α7nAChR expression, and IgM deposition. Assessment of innate immune system activation focused on IL-1β and IL-6 generation in fractured hindlimb skin. We observed that mechanical allodynia and unweighting were alleviated by PNU-282987 treatment. Drug treatment also reduced popliteal lymph node hypertrophy and germinal center formation. Immunohistochemical studies localized α7nAChR to germinal center B lymphocytes, and this expression increased after fracture. Analysis of fracture limb hindpaw skin demonstrated increased inflammatory mediator (IL-1β and IL-6) levels and IgM deposition, which were abrogated by PNU-282987. Serum analyses demonstrated fracture-induced IgM reactivity against keratin 16, histone 3.2, GFAP, and NMDAR-2B. Administration of PNU-282987 reduced the enhancement of IgM reactivity. Collectively, these data suggest that the α7nAChR is involved in regulating posttraumatic innate and adaptive immune responses and the associated nociceptive sensitization. PERSPECTIVE: These studies evaluate the effects of a selective α7nAChR agonist in a tibial fracture/cast immobilization model of limb pain. Administration of the drug reduced nociceptive and functional changes 4 weeks after injury. These novel findings suggest that well-tolerated α7nAChR agonists may be viable analgesics for chronic pain after limb injuries.

Efficacy and safety of pericapsular nerve group block in total hip arthroplasty: a meta-analysis and systematic review

INTRODUCTION

Ensuring effective perioperative pain control is a crucial aspect of rehabilitation programs following total hip arthroplasty. This study presents a comprehensive meta-analysis and systematic review to assess the efficacy and safety of pericapsular nerve group block (PENG) in the context of total hip arthroplasty.

EVIDENCE ACQUISITION

A systematic search was conducted in multiple databases, including PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, and Web of Science, to identify relevant randomized controlled studies investigating the efficacy and safety of PENG for total hip arthroplasty. The search was conducted up until 1st June 2023. Data analysis was performed using Stata v. 15.0.

EVIDENCE SYNTHESIS

A total of 721 individuals participated in this study, which included 13 randomized controlled trials. Among them, 377 individuals were assigned to the experimental group, while 344 individuals were assigned to the control group. The findings from the meta-analysis indicated that the application of PENG yielded favorable outcomes in terms of reducing six-hour pain scores (SMD=-0.63, 95% CI -1.18, -0.09) and 24-hour pain scores (SMD=-1.45, 95% CI -2.51, -0.29). Moreover, it was found to decrease opioid consumption (SMD=-0.84, 95% CI -1.35, -0.34), without causing a significant increase in nausea and vomiting (RR=0.75, 95% CI 0.45, 1.23) or urinary retention (RR=2.46, 95% CI 0.49, 12.31).

CONCLUSIONS

Based on the latest findings, PENG has been shown to effectively decrease pain scores within six and 24 hours following total hip arthroplasty. However, its effectiveness in pain control diminishes after 48 hours. Additionally, PENG has demonstrated the ability to reduce opioid consumption without an accompanying increase in adverse drug events.

The hidden impact of neuropathic pain after surgical fixation of wrist, hip, and ankle fractures: A cross-sectional retrospective study evaluating its prevalence and risk factors

BACKGROUND

Dysesthesia, electrical and burning sensations, in addition to allodynia are frequent symptoms of neuropathic pain. Despite the high frequency, scientific data on the development of neuropathic pain after surgery for fracture fixation are scarce. The goal of the present study was to determine the prevalence, risk factors, and evaluate potential associations among neuropathic pain, pain intensity, sociodemographic, and clinical variables after wrist, hip, and ankle fracture fixation.

METHODS

A cross-sectional retrospective study involving a cohort of 166 patients who underwent surgery for distal radius, proximal femur, malleolar fracture fixation was performed. Neuropathic pain was assessed one year after fracture fixation using the Doleur Neuropathique Questionnaire (DN4).

RESULTS

The incidence of neuropathic pain in our sample was 49 (29.5%). Predictors for the development of neuropathic pain included patients with a high body mass index (BMI), female gender, diabetes mellitus, long-term use of analgesics (especially using pain-modulating medication), patients who presented some fracture-related complication during the course of the treatment, who had limitations for daily activity, and who were away from work due to chronic pain.

CONCLUSION

In our study, neuropathic pain after wrist, hip, and ankle fracture fixation was prevalent and associated with higher BMI values and amount of medication, in addition to higher proportions of female sex, absence from work, DM, limitation for daily activities, postoperative complications, and use of pain modulating medications.

Postoperative analgesia after surgical repair of distal radius fracture: a randomized comparison between distal peripheral nerve blockade and surgical site infiltration

BACKGROUND

Pain following open reduction and internal fixation of distal radius fracture (DRF) can be significant. This study compared the intensity of pain up to 48 hours after volar plating for DRF, associated to either an ultrasound guided distal nerve block (DNB) or surgical site infiltration (SSI).

METHODS

In this prospective single blind randomized study, 72 patients scheduled for DRF surgery under 1.5% lidocaine axillary block were allocated to receive, at the end of surgery, either an ultrasound-guided median and radial nerves block with ropivacaine 0.375% (DNB) performed by the anesthesiologist or a SSI with the same drug regimen, performed by the surgeon. Primary outcome was the duration between analgesic technique (H0) and pain reappearance (Numerical Rating Scale (NRS 0-10)>3). Secondary outcomes were the quality of analgesia, the quality of sleep, the magnitude of motor blockade, and the patient satisfaction. The study was built on a statistical hypothesis of equivalence.

RESULTS

Fifty-nine patients were included in the final per-protocol analysis (DNB=30, SSI=29). Time to reach NRS>3 was (in median [95%CI]) 267 min [155;727] and 164 min [120;181] respectively after DNB and SSI (difference=103 min [-22;594] - rejection of equivalence hypothesis). Pain intensity throughout the 48 hours, quality of sleep, opiate consumption, motor blockade and patient satisfaction was not significantly different between groups.

CONCLUSIONS

Although DNB provides a longer analgesia than SSI, both techniques gave comparable level of pain control during the first 48 hours after surgery, without any difference in the incidence of side effects or patient satisfaction.

The safe zone of distal fibula was determined based on the classification of lateral malleolus fossa

BACKGROUND

Lateral malleolus fractures are very common, and the distal fibular geometry is complex. This study aimed to classify the lateral malleolus fossa (MF) into different types by characterizing the lateral MF imaging morphology and exploring the relationship between the lateral MF and internal fixation position after distal fibula fractures.

METHODS

Anteroposterior CT reconstruction was performed on 248 subjects. After reconstruction, the deepest point of the lateral MF was located, and then, the cross-sectional shape of the lateral MF was observed and classified.

RESULTS

According to the morphology of the CT cross section, the lateral MF was divided into three types: type C (43.1%), type V (32.2%), and type Flat (24.7%). Type V (3.98 ± 0.82) was significantly longer than type C(2.83 ± 0.54) and type Flat (1.84 ± 0.42) in cd. Similarly, in ∠α, Type Flat(136.31 ± 9.63) was the largest, followed by type C (116.51 ± 8.79), and type V (89.31 ± 9.07) was the smallest. Other measurements were not found any significant differences between the above.

CONCLUSION

According to the morphology of the CT cross section, the lateral MF was divided into three types: type C, type V and type Flat. Type V is most likely to be invaded when fixing the distal fibula. Screws less than 9 mm should be selected when fixing, and screws no more than 10 mm should be selected when there are type C and type Flat of MF.

Treadmill exercise post dry needling improves heel rise in patients recovering from surgical ankle fracture: A randomised controlled trial

INTRODUCTION

Little is known about the effectiveness of the dry needling technique (DNT) plus exercise on motor function in musculoskeletal diseases.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the effects of treadmill exercise immediately after DNT on pain, range of motion (ROM) and bilateral heel rise test in patients recovering from surgical ankle fracture.

METHOD

A randomised, parallel-group, controlled trial was conducted on patients recovering from surgical ankle fracture. Patients received the DNT intervention for the triceps surae muscle. Then, participants were randomly assigned to the experimental (DNT plus incline treadmill for 20 min) or control group (DNT plus rest for 20 min). Baseline and immediate post-intervention assessments included: visual analogue scale (VAS), maximal ankle dorsiflexion ROM and bilateral heel rise test.

RESULTS

A total of 20 patients recovering from surgical ankle fracture were included. Eleven patients were assigned to the experimental group (mean age 46 ± 12.6 years, 2/9 men/women) and nine to the control group (mean age 52 ± 13.4 years, 2/7 men/women). Two-way ANOVA showed a significant time × group interaction for bilateral heel rise test (F = 5.514, p = 0.030, ηp2 = 0.235). Both groups increased the number of repetitions (p < 0.001), however, the experimental group showed a significant difference compared to control group (mean difference: 2.73 repetitions; p = 0.030). There was no time × group interaction in VAS and ROM (p > 0.05).

CONCLUSION

Our results indicate that treadmill exercise after dry needling improves plantar flexors motor function more than rest after dry needling in patients with surgical ankle fracture.

Prevalence of chronic pain in a national cohort of patients with limb-girdle muscular dystrophy: a cross-sectional study

PURPOSE

The aim was to investigate the prevalence, characteristics, predictors, and consequences of chronic pain in a national cohort of patients with limb-girdle muscular dystrophy (LGMD).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Questionnaires were sent to all Danish LGMD patients (≥18 years of age) registered with the National Rehabilitation Center for Neuromuscular Diseases.

RESULTS

Of 209 patients, 121 responded. 44.7% of the patients experienced persistent (daily or constant) chronic pain lasting more than 3 months. 21.0% of patients experienced chronic pain that was not daily. Most pain patients experienced three or more pain problems, primarily in the lower back, neck, shoulders, hips, and legs. Symptoms suggestive of neuropathic pain were sometimes present. Patients with persistent chronic pain reported moderate pain interference with daily activities, greater psychological distress, and lower quality of life compared to patients without pain but did not differ regarding physical functioning. Sex, age, LGMD duration, LGMD type, mechanical ventilation use, mobility, arm function, or performance on activities of daily living did not predict chronic pain.

CONCLUSION

Chronic pain is common in patients with LGMD. Chronic pain should be considered an important component of LGMD and addressed in the clinic and rehabilitation setting from a biopsychosocial perspective.Implication for rehabilitationChronic pain is highly prevalent in patients with limb-girdle muscular dystrophy.Health professionals need to systematically ask patients about pain and the influence of pain on everyday life irrespective of LGMD-duration and extent of muscle wastage.Chronic pain and psychological distress need to be addressed in the clinic and rehabilitation setting as an additional disabling component of LGMD and this should be done within a biopsychosocial framework.

Prognostic factors for persistent pain after a distal radius fracture: a systematic review

Introduction

The aim of this systematic review was to synthesize the evidence regarding prognostic factors for persistent pain, including Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS), after a distal radius fracture (DRF), a common condition after which persistent pain can develop.

Methods

Medline, Pubmed, Embase, Psychinfo, CINAHL, BNI, AMED and the Cochrane Register of Clinical Trials were searched from inception to May 2021 for prospective longitudinal prognostic factor studies investigating persistent pain in adults who had sustained a DRF. The Quality in Prognostic Studies (QUIPS) tool and Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) framework were used to assess the strength of evidence.

Results

A search yielded 440 studies of which 7 studies met full eligibility criteria. From five studies we found low evidence for high baseline pain or an ulnar styloid fracture as prognostic factors for persistent pain, and very low evidence for diabetes or older age. From two studies, investigating an outcome of CRPS, there was low evidence for high baseline pain, slow reaction time, dysynchiria, swelling and catastrophising as prognostic factors, and very low evidence for depression. Sex was found not to be a prognostic factor for CRPS or persistent pain.

Conclusions

The associations between prognostic factors and persistent pain following a DRF are unclear. The small number of factors investigated in more than one study, along with poor reporting and methodological limitations contributed to an assessment of low to very low strength of evidence. Further prospective studies, investigating psychosocial factors as candidate predictors of multidimensional pain outcomes are recommended.

Cast-OFF Trial: One Versus 4 to 5 Weeks of Plaster Cast Immobilization for Nonreduced Distal Radius Fractures: A Randomized Clinical Feasibility Trial

BACKGROUND

Distal radius fracture is a common fracture of which the incidence appears to be increasing worldwide. This pilot study investigated whether 1 week of plaster cast is feasible for nonreduced (stable fractures including nondisplaced and displaced fractures) distal radius fractures.

METHODS

The study was a multicenter randomized clinical feasibility trial including patients from regional acute care providers. Patients with a nonreduced distal radius fracture were included in the study. Nonreduced fractures meant intra-articular or extra-articular fractures and including nondisplaced and minimal displaced fractures (dorsal angulation less than 5°-10°, maximum radial shortening of 2 mm, and maximum radial shift of 2 mm) not needing a reduction. Forty Patients were included and randomized. After 1 week of plaster cast, patients were randomized to 1 of the 2 treatment groups: plaster cast removed (intervention group) versus 4 to 5 weeks of plaster cast (control group).

RESULTS

The analysis shows no significant differences between the 2 groups in having less pain, better function after 6 weeks, and better overall patient satisfaction. No difference was shown in secondary displacement between the 2 groups (control 1 vs intervention 0).

CONCLUSION

One week of plaster cast treatment for nonreduced distal radius fracture is feasible, preferred by patients, with at least the same functional outcome and pain scores.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

According to the Oxford 2011 level of evidence, the level of evidence of this study is 2.

Prescription Patterns, Associated Factors, and Outcomes of Opioids for Operative Foot and Ankle Fractures: A Systematic Review

BACKGROUND

Pain management after foot and ankle surgery must surmount unique challenges that are not present in orthopaedic surgery performed on other parts of the body. However, disparate and inconsistent evidence makes it difficult to draw meaningful conclusions from individual studies.

QUESTIONS/PURPOSES

In this systematic review, we asked: what are (1) the patterns of opioid use or prescription (quantity, duration, incidence of persistent use), (2) factors associated with increased or decreased risk of persistent opioid use, and (3) the clinical outcomes (principally pain relief and adverse events) associated with opioid use in patients undergoing foot or ankle fracture surgery?

METHODS

We followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines for our review. We searched PubMed, Embase, Scopus, Cochrane, and Web of Science on October 15, 2021. We included studies published from 2010 to 2021 that assessed patterns of opioid use, factors associated with increased or decreased opioid use, and other outcomes associated with opioid use after foot or ankle fracture surgery (principally pain relief and adverse events). We excluded studies on pediatric populations and studies focused on acute postoperative pain where short-term opioid use (< 1 week) was a secondary outcome only. A total of 1713 articles were assessed and 18 were included. The quality of the 16 included retrospective observational studies and two randomized trials was evaluated using the Methodological Index for Non-Randomized Studies criteria and the Jadad scale, respectively; study quality was determined to be low to moderate for observational studies and good for randomized trials. Mean patient age ranged from 42 to 53 years. Fractures studied included unimalleolar, bimalleolar, trimalleolar, and pilon fractures.

RESULTS

Proportions of postoperative persistent opioid use (defined as use beyond 3 or 6 months postoperatively) ranged from 2.6% (546 of 20,992) to 18.5% (32 of 173) and reached 39% (28 of 72) when including patients with prior opioid use. Among the numerous associations reported by observational studies, two or more preoperative opioid prescriptions had the strongest overall association with increased opioid use, but this was assessed by only one study (OR 11.92 [95% confidence interval (CI) 9.16 to 13.30]; p < 0.001). Meanwhile, spinal and regional anesthesia (-13.5 to -41.1 oral morphine equivalents (OME) difference; all p < 0.01) and postoperative ketorolac use (40 OME difference; p = 0.037) were associated with decreased opioid consumption in two observational studies and a randomized trial, respectively. Three observational studies found that opioid use preoperatively was associated with a higher proportion of emergency department visits and readmission (OR 1.41 to 17.4; all p < 0.001), and opioid use at 2 weeks postoperatively was associated with slightly higher pain scores compared with nonopioid regimens (β = 0.042; p < 0.001 and Likert scale 2.5 versus 1.6; p < 0.05) in one study.

CONCLUSION

Even after noting possible inflation of the harms of opioids in this review, our findings nonetheless highlight the need for opioid prescription guidelines specific for foot and ankle surgery. In this context, surgeons should utilize short (< 1 week) opioid prescriptions, regional anesthesia, and multimodal pain management techniques, especially in patients at increased risk of prolonged opioid use.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level III, therapeutic study.

Chronic Pain after Bone Fracture: Current Insights into Molecular Mechanisms and Therapeutic Strategies

Bone fracture following traumatic injury or due to osteoporosis is characterized by severe pain and motor impairment and is a major cause of global mortality and disability. Fracture pain often originates from mechanical distortion of somatosensory nerve terminals innervating bones and muscles and is maintained by central sensitization. Chronic fracture pain (CFP) after orthopedic repairs is considered one of the most critical contributors to interference with the physical rehabilitation and musculoskeletal functional recovery. Analgesics available for CFP in clinics not only have poor curative potency but also have considerable side effects; therefore, it is important to further explore the pathogenesis of CFP and identify safe and effective therapies. The typical physiopathological characteristics of CFP are a neuroinflammatory response and excitatory synaptic plasticity, but the specific molecular mechanisms involved remain poorly elucidated. Recent progress has deepened our understanding of the emerging properties of chemokine production, proinflammatory mediator secretion, caspase activation, neurotransmitter release, and neuron-glia interaction in initiating and sustaining synaptogenesis, synaptic strength, and signal transduction in central pain sensitization, indicating the possibility of targeting neuroinflammation to prevent and treat CFP. This review summarizes current literature on the excitatory synaptic plasticity, microgliosis, and microglial activation-associated signaling molecules and discusses the unconventional modulation of caspases and stimulator of interferon genes (STING) in the pathophysiology of CFP. We also review the mechanisms of action of analgesics in the clinic and their side effects as well as promising therapeutic candidates (e.g., specialized pro-resolving mediators, a caspase-6 inhibitor, and a STING agonist) for pain relief by the attenuation of neuroinflammation with the aim of better managing patients undergoing CFP in the clinical setting.

Estimating Risk of Chronic Pain and Disability Following Musculoskeletal Trauma in the United Kingdom

IMPORTANCE

Serious traumatic injury is a leading cause of death and disability globally, with most survivors known to develop chronic pain.

OBJECTIVE

To describe early variables associated with poor long-term outcome for posttrauma pain and create a clinical screening tool for this purpose.

DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS

This was a prospective cohort study at a major trauma center hospital in England. Recruitment commenced in December 2018 and ceased in March 2020. Participants were followed up for 12 months. Patients aged 16 years or older who were hospitalized because of acute musculoskeletal trauma within the preceding 14 days were included. Data were analyzed from March to December 2021.

EXPOSURE

Acute musculoskeletal trauma requiring admittance to a major trauma center hospital.

MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES

A poor outcome was defined as Chronic Pain Grade II or higher and measured at both 6 months (primary time point) and 12 months. A broad range of candidate variables potentially associated with outcomes were used, including surrogates for pain mechanisms, quantitative sensory testing, and psychosocial factors. Univariable models were used to identify the variables most likely to be associated with poor outcome, which were entered into multivariable models. A clinical screening tool (nomogram) was derived from 6-month results.

RESULTS

In total, 1590 consecutive patients were assessed for eligibility, of whom 772 were deemed eligible and 124 (80 male [64.5%]; mean [SD] age, 48.9 [18.8] years) were recruited. At 6 months, 19 of 82 respondents (23.2%) reported a good outcome, whereas at 12 months 27 of 44 respondents (61.4%) reported a good outcome. At 6 months on univariable analysis, an increase in total posttraumatic stress symptoms (odds ratio [OR], 2.09; 95% CI, 1.33-3.28), pain intensity average (OR, 2.87; 95% CI, 1.37-6.00), number of fractures (OR, 2.79; 95% CI, 1.02-7.64), and pain extent (OR, 4.67; 95% CI, 1.57-13.87) were associated with worse outcomes. A multivariable model including those variables had a sensitivity of 0.93, a specificity of 0.54, and C-index of 0.92.

CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE

A poor long-term pain outcome from musculoskeletal traumatic injuries may be estimated by measures recorded within days of injury. These findings suggest that posttraumatic stress symptoms, pain spatial distribution, perceived average pain intensity, and number of fractures are good candidates for a sensitive multivariable model and derived clinical screening tool.

Artesunate Therapy Alleviates Fracture-Associated Chronic Pain After Orthopedic Surgery by Suppressing CCL21-Dependent TREM2/DAP12 Inflammatory Signaling in Mice

Chronic pain after bone fracture and orthopedic surgery is often refractory to most analgesics currently in use, thus emphasizing the urgent need for improved therapeutic medications. Chemokine-dependent neuroinflammation is critical for excitatory synaptic plasticity and central nociception sensitization. Recent studies have focused on the inhibition of inflammatory responses by artesunate, the first anti-malaria drug extracted from artemisinin. The present study investigated the analgesic effects and potential targets of artesunate in a mouse model of chronic pain induced by tibial fracture and orthopedic surgery. Three injections of artesunate were intrathecally administered on a daily basis from days 4 to 6 after fracture. We reported that repetitive exposure to artesunate (10 and 100 μg but not 1 μg) dose-dependently prevented fracture-induced mechanical and cold allodynia. Moreover, single intrathecal injection of artesunate (100 μg) alleviated the established chronic pain on day 14 after fracture surgery. Intraperitoneal artesunate (10 and 50 mg kg^-1) therapy was effective against chronic fracture pain. Intriguingly, artesunate inhibited the upregulation of spinal chemokine CCL21, triggering receptor expressed on myeloid cells 2 (TREM2) and DNAX-activating protein of 12 kDa (DAP12) expressions and microglia activation in fracture mice. Furthermore, spinal CCL21 neutralization attenuated the severity of fracture-associated post-surgical pain. Exogenous CCL21-induced acute inflammatory pain was impaired by artesunate therapy. Additionally, the pharmacological blockage of TREM2 reduced recombinant CCL21-elicited behavioral hypernociception. The present findings demonstrate that artesunate therapy reduces the initiation and maintenance of fracture-associated chronic postoperative pain by inhibiting CCL21-dependent TREM2/DAP12 inflammatory signaling and microglia activation, thus suggesting that artesunate could emerge as a therapeutic strategy for fracture pain management.

Long-term clinical and socio-economic outcomes following wrist fracture: a systematic review and meta-analysis

A comprehensive review of studies shows that patients with wrist fracture, aged over 50 years, experience pain and functional limitation long after fracture. This is associated with increased healthcare costs, and reduced quality of life. Understanding factors that predict poor outcomes is important for future healthcare policy and planning.

PURPOSE

To summarise and appraise evidence on the prognosis and long-term clinical and socio-economic outcomes following wrist fracture among adults aged 50 years and over.

METHODS

Five databases (MEDLINE, EMBASE, AMED, CINAHL-P and PsycINFO) were comprehensively searched (supplemented by a grey-literature search) from inception till June 2021 for prospective/retrospective cohort studies of patients (≥ 50 years) with a history of wrist fracture and reporting long-term (≥ 6 months) outcomes. Peer study selection, data extraction and risk of bias assessment were conducted. A random effects meta-analysis was used to summarise estimates of pain and function outcomes.

RESULTS

78 studies (n = 688,041 patients) were included. Patients report persistent moderate to severe pain (range: 7.5%-62%) and functional limitations (range: 5.5-78%) up to 12-months or later after wrist fracture. Mean Patient-Rated Wrist Evaluation (PRWE) score for pain and function (9 studies, n = 1759 patients) was 15.23 (95%CI 12.77, 17.69) at 6-months to 13-years follow-up. Mean disabilities of the arm, shoulder and hand (DASH) score (9 studies, n = 1346 patients) was 13.82 (95%CI 12.71, 14.93)( at 6- to 17-months follow-up. A 10-20% increase in healthcare encounters in the first 12-months after fracture was observed. Twelve prognostic factors were associated with poor long-term outcomes.

CONCLUSION

Evidence shows that a high proportion of people aged over 50 years with wrist fracture experience pain and functional limitation > 6 months after fracture. This is associated with increased healthcare costs, and reduced quality of life. Exploratory evidence was found for several candidate prognostic factors. Their predictive performance needs to be investigated further.

PROSPERO

CRD42018116478.

Autonomic Regulation of Nociceptive and Immunologic Changes in a Mouse Model of Complex Regional Pain Syndrome

Chronic pain frequently develops after limb injuries, and its pathogenesis is poorly understood. We explored the hypothesis that the autonomic nervous system regulates adaptive immune system activation and nociceptive sensitization in a mouse model of chronic post-traumatic pain with features of complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS). In studies sympathetic signaling was reduced using 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA) or lofexidine, while parasympathetic signaling was augmented by nicotine administration. Hindpaw allodynia, unweighting, skin temperature, and edema were measured at 3 and 7 weeks after fracture. Hypertrophy of regional lymph nodes and IgM deposition in the skin of injured limbs were followed as indices of adaptive immune system activation. Passive transfer of serum from fracture mice to recipient B cell deficient (muMT) mice was used to assess the formation of pain-related autoantibodies. We observed that 6-OHDA or lofexidine reduced fracture-induced hindpaw nociceptive sensitization and unweighting. Nicotine had similar effects. These treatments also prevented IgM deposition, hypertrophy of popliteal lymph nodes, and the development of pronociceptive serum transfer effects. We conclude that inhibiting sympathetic or augmenting parasympathetic signaling inhibits pro-nociceptive immunological changes accompanying limb fracture. These translational results support the use of similar approaches in trials potentially alleviating persistent post-traumatic pain and, possibly, CRPS. PERSPECTIVE: Selective treatments aimed at autonomic nervous system modulation reduce fracture-related nociceptive and functional sequelae. The same treatment strategies limit pain-supporting immune system activation and the production of pro-nociceptive antibodies. Thus, the therapeutic regulation of autonomic activity after limb injury may reduce the incidence of chronic pain.

What Did We Learn About Fracture Pain from Animal Models?

Progress in bone fracture repair research has been made possible due to the development of reproducible models of fracture in rodents with more clinically relevant fracture fixation, where there is considerably better assessment of the factors that affect fracture healing and/or novel therapeutics. However, chronic or persistent pain is one of the worst, longest-lasting and most difficult symptoms to manage after fracture repair, and an ongoing challenge remains for animal welfare as limited information exists regarding pain scoring and management in these rodent fracture models. This failure of adequate pre-clinical pain assessment following osteotomy in the rodent population may not only subject the animal to severe pain states but may also affect the outcome of the bone healing study. Animal models to study pain were also mainly developed in rodents, and there is increasing validation of fracture and pain models to quantitatively evaluate fracture pain and to study the factors that generate and maintain fracture pain and develop new therapies for treating fracture pain. This review aims to discuss the different animal models for fracture pain research and characterize what can be learned from using animal models of fracture regarding behavioral pain states and new molecular targets for future management of these behaviors.

Cast OFF-2: 1 week of plaster cast immobilization for non-reduced distal radius fractures-a study protocol for an implementation study

BACKGROUND

The distal radius fracture (DRF) is a common fracture, with the majority of these fractures being stable. Of all diagnosed fractures, 17% is a DRF, of which a large part is extra-articular and one-third is non-displaced. There is a large variation in treatment advisements for non-reduced DRF. Four to 5 weeks of immobilization is often the usual practice. Existing evidence shows that 1 week of immobilization is safe and does not lead to an increase in secondary displacement. Additionally, shorter immobilization periods may lead to less outpatient clinic visits and less home care for elderly people and may lead to earlier return to work and other social activities. Therefore, shorter immobilization periods for non-reduced distal radius fractures may also prove to be cost-effective. In this study, we aim to successfully implement 1 week of plaster cast immobilization for non-reduced distal radius fractures in twelve medical centers and to evaluate the functional outcome and cost-effectiveness.

METHODS

This study will be performed using a multicenter randomized stepped wedge design in 12 centers. We aim to include in the study 440 patients with an isolated non-reduced DRF between the age of 18 and 85 years old. The patients in the intervention group will be treated with plaster cast immobilization for 1 week. Acceptability of the study protocol, patient-reported outcomes, quality of life, complications, pain catastrophizing score, pain and patient satisfaction, and cost-effectiveness will be measured. The total follow-up will be 12 months.

DISCUSSION

The strength of this study is the combination of implementing 1 week of plaster cast immobilization for non-reduced DRF and the evaluation of functional outcome, acceptability of the study protocol, and cost-effectiveness in actual practice.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

Netherlands Trial Register NL9278 . Registered on 17 February 2021.

Chronic Pain Following Fracture-Related Surgery: Posttraumatic Rather Than Postsurgical Origin Promotes Chronification-A Prospective Observational Study With 1-Year Follow-up

BACKGROUND

Chronic posttraumatic/postsurgical pain (CPSP) is common after traumatic or surgical damage. Exposure to both trauma and surgery, with the potential for repeated bone and nerve damage, may increase the risk of CPSP after fracture-related surgery. But the (long-term) incidences of CPSP and neuropathic CPSP and the ensuing burdens are unknown. Therefore, the patients were prospectively assessed within 1 year, and the patient-specific characteristics were explored.

METHODS

Between 2017 and 2018, 127 patients (age: 52.9 ± 17.1 years, male: 55.1%) with traumatic fractures needing osteosynthesis (extremities: 91.3%) were assessed posttrauma (before surgery), postsurgery at days 1 to 5, 6 weeks, 3 and 12 months. The primary outcomes are as follows: incidence at 3 and 12 months of CPSP (defined as pain intensity on a numerical rating scale [NRS: 0-10] ≥3), secondary exploration: neuropathic CPSP (NRS ≥3 and Douleur Neuropathique 4 interview [DN4i] score ≥3 [Douleur Neuropathique interview: 0-7]); burden: quality of life (QoL, the EuroQOL five dimensions questionnaire [EQ-5D-3L] descriptive system); and inter alia, the number of analgesics (trial registration: DRKS00011601).

RESULTS

The incidence of CPSP was 57.1% (52/91, n/N) at 3 and 42.7% (35/82) at 12 months postsurgery, including neuropathic CPSP 7.7% (4/52) and 17.1% (6/35), respectively. Descriptively, posttraumatic higher pain intensity at rest (difference of 0.9 ± 1.8 NRS) and the need for more frequent analgesics (by 34.3%) were associated with CPSP a year after surgery compared to those without. As soon as week 6, these patients had developed descriptively a 15% more impaired QoL, with 25% more impairment after 1 year. The patients with CPSP presented with at least 1 neuropathic symptom 12 months later in 68.6% (24/35) of cases, mainly with an early posttraumatic occurrence (without fulfilling the definition of neuropathic CPSP).

CONCLUSIONS

After early fracture-related surgery, high incidences of CPSP (43%) were prospectively observed 1 year postsurgery, up to approximately 1 in 5 patients who had neuropathic CPSP. At the same time, CPSP was accompanied with an impacted QoL and analgesic dependence, both indicating clinical relevance. Moreover, the high incidence and the early posttraumatic occurrence of more intense pain suggest that the initial fracture-related trauma, rather than the surgical trauma, may predominantly trigger CPSP at Y1 (1 year). Therefore, these exploratory results set the direction of required future research. A future clinical hypothesis might be: treat first what hurts first.

Difference in postoperative opioid consumption after spinal versus general anaesthesia for ankle fracture surgery-A retrospective cohort study

BACKGROUND

Surgical treatment of ankle fracture is associated with significant pain and high postoperative opioid consumption. The anaesthesia method may affect early postoperative pain. The main objective of the study was to compare postoperative opioid consumption after ankle-fracture surgery between patients treated with spinal anaesthesia and general anaesthesia.

METHODS

We reviewed retrospectively the files of 586 adult patients with surgically treated ankle fracture in the years 2014 through 2016. The primary outcome was opioid consumption during the first 48 postoperative hours. Secondary outcomes were maximal pain scores, postoperative nausea and vomiting, the length of stay in the post-anaesthesia care unit, and opioid use in different time periods up to 48 h postoperatively. Propensity score matching was used to mitigate confounding variables.

RESULTS

Total opioid consumption 48 h postoperatively was significantly lower after spinal anaesthesia (propensity score-matched population: effect size -13.7 milligrams; 95% CI -18.8 to -8.5; P < .001). The highest pain score on the numerical rating scale in the post-anaesthesia care unit was significantly higher after general anaesthesia (propensity score-matched population: effect size 3.7 points; 95% CI 3.2-4.2; P < .001). A total of 60 patients had postoperative nausea and vomiting in the post-anaesthesia care unit, 53 (88.3%) of whom had general anaesthesia (P = .001).

CONCLUSIONS

Patients with surgically treated ankle fracture whose operation was performed under general anaesthesia used significantly more opioids in the first 48 h postoperatively, predominantly in the post-anaesthesia care unit, compared with patients given spinal anaesthesia.

Vitamin C prevention of complex regional pain syndrome after foot and ankle surgery: a prospective randomized study of three hundred and twenty nine patients

PURPOSE

Complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) after foot and ankle surgery has a significant impact on the ability to walk. As the symptomatic treatment of this disaster complication is poor and has low efficacy, a preventive treatment would be beneficial. Vitamin C has been reported to be efficient in preventing CRPS in elective scheduled surgery. Few authors explored this efficiency in foot and ankle surgery. We, therefore, evaluated the efficacy of vitamin C in preventing this complication after foot and ankle surgeries for both trauma and elective surgery.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Between January 2018 and December 2019, 329 patients were included in the study. We conducted a prospective randomized study on the efficiency of vitamin C (one group with and one without vitamin C) to prevent CRPS risk in patients operated in our institution on foot or ankle surgery. The incidence of CRPS after foot and ankle surgery was evaluated in both groups; the diagnostic of CRPS was made using the Budapest criteria associated with three-phase bone scintigraphy.

RESULTS

Among the 329 patients included in the study (232 women and 97 men), 121 patients were included in the vitamin C group and 208 in the control group (without vitamin C). Vitamin C was statistically linked with a decreased risk of CRPS (OR 0.19; CI 95% from 0.05 to 0.8; p = 0.021). Alcoholism and cast immobilization were increased risks factors of CRPS (respectively p = 0.001 and p = 0.034).

CONCLUSION

Taking 1 g per day of vitamin C during 40 days after a foot or ankle surgery reduces the risk of CRPS.

Analgesic effect of perineural local anesthetics, steroids, and conventional medical management for trauma and compression-related peripheral neuropathic pain: a retrospective cohort study

INTRODUCTION

Trauma and compression are common causes of peripheral neuropathic pain (NP) refractory to conventional medical management (CMM). The role of perineural interventions in relieving this type of pain is unclear.

OBJECTIVES

The objectives of this retrospective study were to determine the analgesic benefits of adding a combination of perineural local anesthetic and steroids (LA-S) to CMM compared with CMM alone in patients who had moderate-to-severe refractory NP after trauma to the ankle and the foot.

METHODS

Health care records of 60 patients in exposed (3 injections of perineural LA-S at weekly intervals with CMM) and 60 in unexposed (CMM) cohorts were reviewed. Data on patient characteristics, pain, and mental and physical function were extracted at baseline and at the postintervention follow-up. Data were analyzed to evaluate analgesic benefit from the study interventions and the impact of baseline characteristics.

RESULTS

Perineural LA-S with CMM cohort had lower pain numerical rating scale scores at 1 to 3 months after the intervention as compared to the CMM alone cohort (5.50 [interquartile range 4.00-7.00] and 7.00 [interquartile range 5.00-8.00], respectively; P < 0.01). However, multivariable analysis did not show an independent beneficial analgesic effect with the addition of perineural LA-S to CMM compared with CMM alone. A greater severity of preintervention catastrophizing (each unit increase in pain catastrophizing score increased pain score at follow-up by 0.04, 95% confidence interval: 0.01-0.07) was associated with reduction in the analgesic benefit.

CONCLUSION

Perineural local anesthetic and steroid injections do not confer an analgesic benefit for trauma- or compression-related peripheral NP.

Dimethyl Fumarate Reduces Oxidative Stress and Pronociceptive Immune Responses in a Murine Model of Complex Regional Pain Syndrome

BACKGROUND

Complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) is a highly disabling cause of pain often precipitated by surgery or trauma to a limb. Both innate and adaptive immunological changes contribute to this syndrome. Dimethyl fumarate (DMF) works through the nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) transcription factor and other targets to activate antioxidant systems and to suppress immune system activation. We hypothesized that DMF would reduce nociceptive, functional, and immunological changes measured in a model of CRPS.

METHODS

Male C57BL/6 mice were used in the well-characterized tibial fracture model of CRPS. Some groups of mice received DMF 25 mg/kg/d orally, per os for 3 weeks after fracture versus vehicle alone. Homozygous Nrf2 null mutant mice were used as test subjects to address the need for this transcription factor for DMF activity. Allodynia was assessed using von Frey filaments and hindlimb weight-bearing data were collected. The markers of oxidative stress malondialdehyde (MDA) and 4-hydroxynonenal (4-HNE) were quantified in the skin of the fractured mice using immunoassays along with the innate immune system cytokines IL-1β and IL-6. The accumulation of IgM in the fractured limbs and lymph node hypertrophy were used as indexes of adaptive immune system activation, and the passive transfer of serum from wildtype fractured mice to B cell-deficient fractured muMT mice (mice lacking B cells and immunoglobulin) helped to assess the pronociceptive activity of humoral factors.

RESULTS

We observed that oral DMF administration strongly prevented nociceptive sensitization and reduced uneven hindlimb weight bearing after fracture. DMF was also very effective in reducing the accumulation of markers of oxidative stress, activation of innate immune mediator production, lymph node hypertrophy, and the accumulation of IgM in fractured limbs. The sera of fractured vehicle-treated but not DMF-treated mice conferred pronociceptive activity to recipient mice. Unexpectedly, the effects of DMF were largely unchanged in the Nrf2 null mutant mice.

CONCLUSIONS

Oxidative stress and immune system activation are robust after hindlimb fracture in mice. DMF strongly reduces activation of those systems, and the Nrf2 transcription factor is not required. DMF or drugs working through similar mechanisms might provide effective therapy for CRPS or other conditions where oxidative stress causes immune system activation.

IL-6 signaling mediates the germinal center response, IgM production and nociceptive sensitization in male mice after tibia fracture

BACKGROUND

Up-regulated interleukin 6 (IL-6) signaling, immune system activation, and pronociceptive autoantibodies are characteristic of complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS). IL-6 is known to promote B cell differentiation, thus we hypothesized that IL-6 signaling plays a crucial role in the development of adaptive immune responses and nociceptive sensitization in a murine tibia fracture model of CRPS.

METHODS

Mice deficient in IL-6 expression (IL-6^-/-) or B cell deficient (muMT) underwent tibia fracture and 3 weeks of cast immobilization or sham injury. The deposition of IgM in fractured limbs was followed using Western blotting, and passive serum transfer to muMT fracture mice was used to detect nociception-supporting autoantibodies. Lymph nodes were assessed for hypertrophy, IL-6 expression was measured using qPCR and ELISA, and germinal center formation was evaluated using FACS and immunohistochemistry. The therapeutic effects of exogenous neutralizing anti-IL-6 antibodies were also evaluated in the CRPS fracture model.

RESULTS

Functional IL-6 signaling was required for the post fracture development of nociceptive sensitization, vascular changes, and IgM immune complex deposition in the skin of injured limbs. Passive transfer of sera from wild-type, but not IL-6^-/- fracture mice into muMT fracture mice caused enhanced allodynia and postural unweighting. IL-6^-/- fracture mice displayed reduced popliteal lymphadenopathy after fracture. Germinal center responses were detected in the popliteal lymph nodes of wild-type, but not in IL-6^-/- fracture mice. We observed that IL-6 expression was dramatically enhanced in popliteal lymph node tissue after fracture. Conversely, administration of anti-IL-6 antibodies reduced nociceptive and vascular changes after fracture and inhibited lymphadenopathy.

CONCLUSIONS

Collectively, these data support the hypothesis that IL-6 signaling in the fracture limb of mice is required for germinal center formation, IgM autoantibody production and nociceptive sensitization. Anti-IL-6 therapies might, therefore, reduce pain after limb fracture or in the setting of CRPS.

Chronic pain with neuropathic characteristics after surgery for major trauma to the lower limb: prevalence, predictors, and association with pain severity, disability, and quality of life in the UK WHiST trial

AIMS

To identify the prevalence of neuropathic pain after lower limb fracture surgery, assess associations with pain severity, quality of life and disability, and determine baseline predictors of chronic neuropathic pain at three and at six months post-injury.

METHODS

Secondary analysis of a UK multicentre randomized controlled trial (Wound Healing in Surgery for Trauma; WHiST) dataset including adults aged 16 years or over following surgery for lower limb major trauma. The trial recruited 1,547 participants from 24 trauma centres. Neuropathic pain was measured at three and six months using the Doleur Neuropathique Questionnaire (DN4); 701 participants provided a DN4 score at three months and 781 at six months. Overall, 933 participants provided DN4 for at least one time point. Physical disability (Disability Rating Index (DRI) 0 to 100) and health-related quality-of-life (EuroQol five-dimension five-level; EQ-5D-5L) were measured. Candidate predictors of neuropathic pain included sex, age, BMI, injury mechanism, concurrent injury, diabetes, smoking, alcohol, analgaesia use pre-injury, index surgery location, fixation type, Injury Severity Score, open injury, and wound care.

RESULTS

The median age of the participants was 51 years (interquartile range 35 to 64). At three and six months post-injury respectively, 32% (222/702) and 30% (234/787) had neuropathic pain, 56% (396/702) and 53% (413/787) had chronic pain without neuropathic characteristics, and the remainder were pain-free. Pain severity was higher among those with neuropathic pain. Linear regression analyses found that those with neuropathic pain at six months post-injury had more physical disability (DRI adjusted mean difference 11.49 (95% confidence interval (CI) 7.84 to 15.14; p < 0.001) and poorer quality of life (EQ-5D utility -0.15 (95% CI -0.19 to -0.11); p < 0.001) compared to those without neuropathic characteristics. Logistic regression identified that prognostic factors of younger age, current smoker, below knee fracture, concurrent injuries, and regular analgaesia pre-injury were associated with higher odds of post-injury neuropathic pain.

CONCLUSION

Pain with neuropathic characteristics is common after lower limb fracture surgery and persists to six months post-injury. Persistent neuropathic pain is associated with substantially poorer recovery. Further attention to identify neuropathic pain post-lower limb injury, predicting patients at risk, and targeting interventions, is indicated. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2021;103-B(6):1047-1054.

Structural Integration Case Report: a Global Intervention Challenging the Limitations of Local Rehabilitation

BACKGROUND

Conventional rehabilitation for musculoskeletal injuries post-surgery is generally site-specific and aims to return the person to 'normal' function. Commonly, conventional treatment focuses locally and little or no attention is given to comorbidities, other symptoms, postural compensations, or adaptations either pre-existing or resulting from the injury. Structural Integration (SI) is a manual therapy applied to and focusing on fascial continuities throughout the whole body. This case report explores SI as a global, whole-body intervention for rehabilitation.

PURPOSE

To examine the effects of a whole-body approach that addresses local and global symptoms following ankle surgery.

METHODS

The Anatomy Trains Structural Integration (ATSI formerly KMI) 12-series protocol was applied and a selection of outcome measures were used to track progress and assess the efficacy of SI. Ankle mobility and function was assessed primarily using Weight-Bearing Lunge Test and Lower Extremity Functional Scale. Local pain was reported using the McGill Pain Questionnaire. General well-being was evaluated using subjective questioning and the WHO Quality of Life Questionnaire.

RESULTS

Local results included increased mobility and function to affected leg, and reduced pain and swelling. Global results included an improvement in physical and psychological well-being, with the reduction of pain and dysfunction in other areas.

CONCLUSION

This case report demonstrates global benefits of a whole-body approach when structural integration is applied during rehabilitation. More clinical research that includes SI is needed to determine if the local and global results shown in this case study can be demonstrated in additional rehabilitation populations.

Development of the Italian fractures registry (RIFra): A call for action to improve quality and safety

In recent years, there has been an increasing interest in the development of arthroplasty registries, therefore, in our country, the Italian Arthroplasty Registry (RIAP), was issued by the National Law No. 221/2012. In the last decade, however, some European countries -namely Sweden, Denmark, Norway, and Germany (in development)- have introduced another nationwide orthopaedic registry than arthroplasty registers: the fracture registry. The development of this new tool aims to improve quality and safety in fracture management, thus trying to provide a better postoperative quality of life in trauma patients. Based on these findings, the AO-Trauma Italy Council encouraged the development of a national fracture registry in Italy. The present study aims to (1) provide an overview of the fracture registries in Europe and (2) to develop, for the first time, a pilot Italian Fracture Registry (RIFra). Thirteen AO-Trauma Italy members, chairmen of Level-I orthopaedic and trauma centres, diffused throughout Italy, were involved in the RIFra project. The RIFra form, developed between November 2019 and March 2020, consists of 5 main sections, namely: epidemiologic data, previous surgical procedure (if any), patient and fracture features, surgical procedure, surgical implant details. This study constitutes the first step to start, in future years, the bureaucratic procedure leading to the final establishment of a RIAP-like fracture registry in Italy.

Combination Preemptive Peripheral Nerve Block in Limb Surgery. A Prospective Study

Background and objectives: Patients often suffer from moderate to severe pain during the early recovery period in orthopedic surgery. We investigated the impact of a single-shot preoperative peripheral nerve block (PNB) on post-anesthesia recovery parameters and interleukin (IL)-6 level during limb surgery. Materials and Methods: A prospective randomized controlled study was conducted, and patients scheduled for limb surgery were recruited. Sixty patients were randomly assigned to either the PNB group or control group, who received morphine as a primary analgesic. The peak verbal numeric rating scale (NRS) score in the post-anesthesia care unit (PACU) was evaluated as a primary outcome. We also recorded rescue analgesics requirement and wake-up time from anesthesia in the PACU. In addition, the change of plasma IL-6 level after incision was measured. Results: Fifty-two patients completed the study, 27 and 25 cases in the PNB and control group, respectively. Preemptive PNB significantly reduced peak NRS score in the PACU compared to control group. Lower rescue analgesics requirement and rapid wake-up from anesthesia were also noted in PNB group. The IL-6 concentration increased less in the PNB group at 2 h after incision. Conclusions: Preemptive PNB attenuates IL-6 expression 2 h after incision and improves pain management in the PACU. PNB was considered as an essential part of pain management in limb surgery.

Dimensions of the Lateral Malleolar Fossa and Its Potential Violation With Lateral Distal Fibular Plate Fixation

A previously undescribed pitfall of lateral distal fibular locking plates is the risk of violating the lateral malleolar fossa (MF). No previous study has described the dimensions of this fossa. All cases using a lateral distal fibular plate for a fibula fracture from December 2012 to December 2015 (n=365) at a single institution were reviewed. Screws that violated the medial fibular cortical density corresponding to the MF were identified as "at-risk" screws. Available preoperative computed tomography (CT) scans were reviewed (n=69) to measure MF dimensions. Of 365 patients, 115 (31.5%) patients had distal fibular screws at risk of MF violation. There were no significant differences between MF violation and non-violation groups in terms of age, sex, open fracture, syndesmotic fixation, and Weber classification. The MF dimensions were measured on CT scans. Mean height was 12.96 mm (SD, 2.09 mm; range, 9.0-17.3 mm). Mean width was 7.52 mm (SD, 1.37 mm; range, 4.2-10.4 mm). Mean depth was 8.32 mm (SD, 1.59 mm; range, 5.3-11.8 mm). Mean ratio of MF to total fibular width was 0.46 mm (SD, 0.07 mm; range, 0.3-0.65 mm). Mean MF to total fibular depth was 0.42 mm (SD, 0.07 mm; range, 0.28-0.58 mm). There was a difference in dimensions of patients with screws at risk of MF violation compared with those without (MF height: 13.77 vs 12.56, P=.02; MF width: 7.98 vs 7.30, P=.05; MF to fibula width ratio: 0.49 vs 0.44, P=.01; MF to fibula depth ratio: 0.43 vs 0.42, P=.05). The MF violation is a previously unreported but potentially prevalent pitfall of lateral distal fibular plate fixation. Surgeons should be aware of the MF size and exhibit caution when placing screws in the distal locking holes during fibula fixation. [Orthopedics. 2020;43(3):e141-e146.].

Patterns in Opioid Prescription for Patients Operatively Treated for Ankle Fractures Following Implementation of 2017 Ohio Opioid Prescriber Law

Background

The purpose of this study was to report patterns of opioid prescription for patients treated operatively for ankle fractures after implementation of the 2017 Ohio Opioid Prescriber Law in comparison to the previous year.

Methods

A total of 144 patients operatively treated for isolated ankle fractures during two 6-month periods, January 2017 to July 2017 (pre-law) and January 2018 to July 2018 (post-law), were retrospectively identified. Preoperative and postoperative patient narcotic use was reviewed using a legal prescriber database. Total number of prescriptions, quantity of pills, and morphine milligram equivalents (MMEs) per patient prescribed during the 90-day postoperative period were compared between those treated before and those treated after implementation of the Ohio prescriber law.

Results

The average number of opioid prescriptions prescribed per patient in the 90-day postoperative period was 2.3 in the pre-law group and 2.1 in the post-law group (P = .625). The average MMEs prescribed per patient dropped from 942.4 MME pre-law to 700.5 MME post-law (P = .295). Differences in the average number of pills per prescription pre- and post-law (49.7 vs 36.2) and average MME per prescription (382.1 mg vs 275.2 mg) were statistically significant (P < .001 and P = .016, respectively).

Conclusion

Following the implementation of the 2017 Ohio Opioid Prescriber Law, there was a downward trend in the number of pills per prescription and MMEs per prescription in patients operatively treated for isolated ankle fractures. The presence of a downward trend in the quantity of opioids prescribed in this patient cohort suggests the effectiveness of the state law.

Level of Evidence

Level III, comparative study.

Compatibility of Lauge-Hansen Classification Between Plain Radiographs and Magnetic Resonance Imaging in Ankle Fractures

We evaluated the accuracy of the predictive injury sequences of the Lauge-Hansen (L-H) classification using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in patients with ankle fractures and determined the possible causes of mismatch. Sixty-five patients with ankle fractures who had a complete series of anteroposterior, lateral, and oblique radiographs and ankle MRI studies available were included. The fracture pattern was assigned by 2 senior orthopedic surgeons according to the L-H classification system. The syndesmotic ligaments, lateral collateral ligaments, and medial deltoid complex ligaments were evaluated on the preoperative MRI scans. Comparisons were performed between the predicted ankle ligamentous injury based on the radiographic L-H classification and preoperative MRI analysis. Of the 65 feet in 65 patients, 50 feet (76.9%) were classified as having a supination-external rotation (SER) fracture, 6 feet (9.2%) as having a pronation-external rotation fracture, 4 feet (6.2%) as having a supination adduction fracture, and 2 feet (3.1%) as having a pronation abduction fracture. The overall compatibility of the radiologic classification with the MRI classification was 66.1%. In the evaluation of 50 feet with the MRI SER designation, maximum compatibility was found for stage 4 (77.3%). The main cause for the discrepancy in the SER designation was missing the presence of deltoid ligament disruption on the plain radiographs, especially in the stage 2 and 3 SER fracture pattern. In the evaluation of deltoid complex injuries, all injuries were localized to the anterior part of the medial deltoid complex. The validity of the L-H classification system was low. A new classification system is needed to address the medial malleolus fracture or deltoid complex injuries without posterior injury. Also, stress radiographs could be added to standard radiographs for the classification to address deltoid complex injuries.

High Prevalence of Chronic Pain With Neuropathic Characteristics After Open Reduction and Internal Fixation of Ankle Fractures

BACKGROUND

Unstable ankle fractures require treatment with open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF). Long-term functional outcome is satisfying in most patients; however, a number of patients have persistent complaints. Superficial nerve complications following ankle surgery may be the cause of chronic pain and disability.

METHODS

In this observational retrospective survey, a cohort of 527 women and men, who underwent ORIF in the period from January 2007 to January 2014, were invited to an online questionnaire. Pain symptoms were assessed using the McGill Pain Questionnaire (MPQ) and the Douleur Neuropathic en 4 Questions (DN4) Questionnaire. Descriptive statistics were used to present patient characteristics; a logistic regression model was used to analyze prognostic factors of neuropathic pain. A total of 271 patients completed the questionnaire. Mean follow-up period was 5.8 years (±1.9).

RESULTS

Persistent neuropathic pain symptoms were present in 61 of all patients, and 51 of these patients reported an impaired quality of life caused by their symptoms. In univariate analysis, the following parameters were associated with neuropathic pain: age, hypertension, a thyroid disorder, lower back pain, fracture dislocations, and late complications such as nonunion, posttraumatic arthritis, or osteochondral injury. In multivariate analysis, an age between 40 and 60 years was found to be a significant predictor of neuropathic pain. Hypertension, dislocation, and late complications were significant predictors of persistent pain without neuropathic characteristics.

CONCLUSION

The present study demonstrated a prevalence of persistent neuropathic pain symptoms after ORIF for ankle fractures in 23% of the respondents, which caused an impaired health-related quality of life. We identified 4 significant predictors of chronic and neuropathic pain after ORIF. This knowledge may aid the treating surgeon to identify patients who are at increased risk of persistent postoperative neuropathic pain and may affect the treatment of pain in these patients.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level IV, retrospective case series.

The benefits of hardware removal in patients with pain or discomfort after fracture healing of the ankle: a systematic review protocol

INTRODUCTION

For any orthopaedic surgeon working with trauma; ankle fractures are one of the most common injuries treated. The treatment of ankle fractures can be conservative, using external fixation, but more commonly the fractures are treated with open reduction and internal fixation. Residual pain and discomfort are common in patients after surgical treatment of fractures of the ankle. Sometimes it is difficult to determine whether the pain or discomfort is due to the implants left in situ or the primary injury itself. In many cases, the decision is made to remove the implants. Extraction of internal fixation material from the ankle is a common procedure in many orthopaedic clinics. There are no evidence-based guidelines or consensus regarding the effect of hardware removal from the ankle. The aim of this protocol is to describe the method that will be used to collect, describe and analyse the current evidence regarding hardware removal after fracture healing of the ankle.

METHODS AND ANALYSIS

We will conduct a systematic review of studies that were published after 1967 regarding the benefits of hardware removal in patients with pain or discomfort after fracture healing of the ankle. Study selection will follow the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis guidelines. We will make a predefined search strategy and use it in several databases. We will include both randomised controlled trials (RCTs) and non-RCT studies. We will use descriptive statistics to summarise the studies collected. If more than one RCT is collected then a meta-analysis will be conducted. The quality of evidence will be assessed using Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation guidelines.

ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION

No ethics approval is required as no primary data will be collected. Once complete, the results will be made available by peer-reviewed publication.

TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER

PROSPERO registration number CRD42016039186.

Chronic postoperative pain: recent findings in understanding and management

Chronic postoperative pain is a poorly recognized potential outcome from surgery. It affects millions of patients every year, with pain lasting for months to years, resulting in patient suffering and ensuing economic consequences. The operations with the highest incidence of chronic postoperative pain are amputations, thoracotomies, cardiac surgery, and breast surgery. Other risk factors include preoperative pain, psychological factors, demographics, and the intensity of acute postoperative pain. Attempts to prevent chronic postoperative pain have often led to debatable results. This article presents data from recently published studies examining the incidence, risk factors, mechanisms, treatment options, and preventive strategies for chronic postoperative pain in adults. In summary, many of the previously identified risk factors for chronic postoperative pain have been confirmed and some novel ones discovered, such as the importance of the trajectory of acute pain and the fact that catastrophizing may not always be predictive. The incidence of chronic postoperative pain hasn’t changed over time, and there is limited new information regarding an effective preventive therapy. For example, pregabalin may actually cause more harm in certain surgeries. Further research is needed to demonstrate whether multimodal analgesic techniques have the best chance of significantly reducing the incidence of chronic postoperative pain and to determine which combination of agents is best for given surgical types and different patient populations.

The clinical relevance of complex regional pain syndrome type I: The Emperor's New Clothes

The management of patients with chronic pain is a nearly daily challenge to rheumatologists, neurologists, orthopedic surgeons, pain specialists and indeed a issue in nearly every clinical practice. Among the myriad of causes of pain are often included a unique syndrome, generally referred to as complex regional pain syndrome type I (CRPS). Unfortunately CRPS I has become a catch all phase and there are serious questions on whether it exists at all; this has led to an extraordinary number of poorly defined diagnostic criteria. It has also led to an etiologic quagmire that includes features as diverse as autoimmunity to simple trauma. These, in turn, have led to overdiagnosis and often overzealous use of pain medications, including narcotics. In a previous paper, we raised the issue of whether CRPS type I reflected a valid diagnosis. Indeed, the diagnostic criteria for CRPS I, and therefore the diagnosis itself, is unreliable for a number of reasons: 1) the underlying pathophysiology of the signs and symptoms of CPRS I are not biologically plausible; 2) there are no consistent laboratory or imaging testing available; 3) the signs and symptoms fluctuate over time without a medical explanation; 4) the definitions of most studies are derived from statistical analysis with little consideration to required sample size, i.e. power calculations; 5) interobserver reliability in the assessment of the signs and symptoms are often only fair to moderate, and agreement on the diagnosis of "CRPS I" is poor. Even physicians who still believe in the concept of "CRPS I" admit that it is vastly overdiagnosed and has become a diagnosis of last resort, often without a complete differential diagnosis and an alternative explanation. Finally, one of the most convincing arguments that there is no clinical entity as "CRPS I" comes from the enormous heterogeneity in sign and symptom profiles and the heterogeneity of pathophysiological mechanisms postulated. This observation is underscored by the diversity of responses among "CRPS I" patients to essentially all treatment modalities. It has even led to the concept that the signs and symptoms of CRPS can spread throughout the body, as if it is an infectious disease, without any medical plausible explanation. If true progress is to be made in helping patients with pain, it will require entirely new and different concepts and abandoning CRPS I as a legitimate diagnosis.