Henry Versus Thompson Approach for Fixation of Proximal Third Radial Shaft Fractures: A Multicenter Study

Objective: To compare the volar Henry and dorsal Thompson approaches with respect to outcomes and complications for proximal third radial shaft fractures. Design: Multicenter retrospective cohort study. Patients/Participants: Patients with proximal third radial shaft fractures ± associated ulna fractures (OTA/AO 2R1 ± 2U1) treated operatively at 11 trauma centers were included. Intervention: Patient demographics and injury, fracture, and surgical data were recorded. Final range of motion and complications of infection, neurologic injury, compartment syndrome, and malunion/nonunion were compared for volar versus dorsal approaches. Main Outcome: The main outcome was difference in complications between patients treated with volar versus dorsal approach. Results: At an average follow-up of 292 days, 202 patients (range, 18–84 years) with proximal third radial shaft fractures were followed through union or nonunion. One hundred fifty-five patients were fixed via volar and 47 via dorsal approach. Patients treated via dorsal approach had fractures that were on average 16 mm more proximal than those approached volarly, which did not translate to more screw fixation proximal to the fracture. Complications occurred in 11% of volar and 21% of dorsal approaches with no statistical difference. Conclusions: There was no statistical difference in complication rates between volar and dorsal approaches. Specifically, fixation to the level of the tuberosity is safely accomplished via the volar approach. This series demonstrates the safety of the volar Henry approach for proximal third radial shaft fractures

Role of Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery in Adults with Degenerative Lumbar Scoliosis: A Narrative Review

Background and Aim: Degenerative lumbar scoliosis is a spinal deformity resulting from advanced disc degeneration and facet arthropathy. Given the inconclusive available literature and lack of high-quality data supporting the role of minimally invasive surgical management of degenerative lumbar scoliosis, this review intends to highlight and compare the various viable minimally invasive surgical methods for adult degenerative deformity correction. Methods and Materials/Patients: Online databases search including Medline, PubMed and Ovid was preformed using the keywords: adult, degenerative, lumbar scoliosis, etiology, clinical issues, diagnostic imaging, spinopelvic alignment, non-operative and surgical treatment options, minimally invasive, interbody fusion, and percutaneous pedicle screw fixation. Eighty-three studies, published after 2000, on degenerative lumbar scoliosis epidemiology, classification and management were identified and reviewed. Results: Minimally invasive surgical techniques available for interbody fusion include posterior lumbar interbody fusion, transformational lumbar interbody fusion, oblique lumbar interbody fusion, anterior lumbar interbody fusion, and extreme lateral interbody fusion. Each surgical option warrants technical considerations, indication, complications awareness, and functional and radiological outcomes assessment. Sound patients’ selection is key for improved outcomes, and therefore the following factors should be well examined prior to surgical intervention: the patient’s medical condition and underlying morbidities, the extent of the involved disc spaces, imaging characteristics, and surgeon skills. Conclusion: The superiority of one surgical technique over the others, was not proven due to lack of strong and supportive data. However, a comprehensive review of indications, benefits, and disadvantages of the minimally invasive surgical procedures is presented. There is an interest in minimally invasive surgery of the spine owing to lower complication rates and morbidity, with limited soft tissue disturbance, decreased blood loss, improved cosmesis, shorter hospital stay, earlier return to work, and therefore decreased general health care costs