The Association between Malnutrition and Oral Health in Older People: A Systematic Review

The aim of this systematic review was to examine the association between malnutrition and oral health in older people (≥ 60 years of age). A comprehensive systematic literature search was performed in four databases (PubMed, CINAHL, Dentistry and Oral Sciences Source, and Embase) for literature from January 2000 to May 2020. Both observational and intervention studies were screened for eligibility. Two reviewers independently screened the search results to identify potential eligible studies, and assessed the methodological quality of the full-text studies. A total of 3240 potential studies were identified. After judgement for relevance, 10 studies (cross-sectional (n = 9), prospective cohort (n = 1)) met the inclusion criteria. Three studies described malnourished participants as having fewer teeth, or functional (tooth) units (FTUs), compared to well-nourished participants. Four studies reported soft tissue problems in malnourished participants, including red tongue with blisters, and dry or cracked lips. Subjective oral health was the topic in six studies, with poorer oral health and negative self-perception of oral health in malnourished elderly participants. There are associations between (at risk of) malnutrition and oral health in older people, categorized in hard and soft tissue conditions of the mouth, and subjective oral health. Future research should be focused on longitudinal cohort studies with proper determination of malnutrition and oral health assessments, in order to evaluate the actual association between malnutrition and oral health in older people.

Extra-articular distal tibia fibula fracture managed with single posterolateral approach: a case report

<p class="abstract">Extra-articular distal tibia fractures involve distal tibia approximately 4 cm within tibia plafond with no articular extension. The proper preoperative care, planning and selection of surgical approach is very essential to prevent postoperative wound-related complications. We present a case of a 29 year female patient, presented with left ankle pain and swelling with a wound over the medial aspect of the ankle. X-ray of the left ankle showed extra-articular distal tibia fibula fracture with no neurovascular deficit. We managed both the fractures with open reduction and internal fixation using a single posterolateral approach. At present 1 year follow-up, the patient is having a good range of ankle motion with radiological union with no implant failure and wound-related complications. Extra-articular distal tibia fibula fracture fixation using single posterolateral approach is a viable alternative approach to medial or anterolateral approach in cases of medial or anterior soft tissue problems. It helps in getting a better functional outcome, early mobilisation with less wound-related complications.</p>

A Development of the Essex-Lopresti Maneuver: Minimally Invasive Reduction and Fixation of Tongue-Type Calcaneal Fractures via a Single Incision

Tongue-type calcaneal fractures are a subset of displaced intraarticular calcaneal fractures. A reduction maneuver for this fracture pattern was described by Essex-Lopresti. The aim of this article is to describe a modification of this technique that allows reduction and fixation of tongue-type calcaneal fractures via a single, minimally invasive incision. We retrospectively reviewed all patients undergoing fixation utilizing this technique at our institution. We identified 13 fractures in 12 patients with a median follow-up of 12 months. Median Böhler angle was 3.5° preoperatively and 26.5° at final follow-up. The median AOFAS (American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society) hindfoot score was 78. There were no complications or further surgeries in this series. We believe that reduction and fixation of tongue-type calcaneal fractures using this minimally invasive technique is safe and reliable and avoids the potential soft tissue problems of fixation with more extensive incisions. Levels of Clinical Evidence: Level IV

Experience of Snakebite Envenomation by a Desert Viper in Qatar

Crotaline and elapid snakebites are reported all over the world as well as in the Middle East and other countries around this region. However, data regarding snakebites and their treatment in Qatar are limited. This review paper is going to investigate the presentation and treatment of snakebite in Qatar. A good assessment helps to decide on the management of the snakebites envenomation. Antivenom and conservative management are the mainstays of treatment for crotaline snakebite. Point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) has been suggested to do early diagnosis and treatment of soft tissue problems, such as edema and compartment syndrome, after a snakebite. The supporting data are not sufficient regarding the efficiency of POCUS in diagnosing the extent and severity of tissue involvement and its ultimate effect on the outcome. Further research is suggested in this case. Systemic complications, such as bleeding diathesis, can be managed by administering clotting factors and platelets.

The influence of perforated prosthetic liners on residual limb wound healing: a case report

CASE DESCRIPTION: Good residual limb skin health is vital to successful prosthetic prescription. Unnatural loading profiles and excessive sweating can lead to skin and soft tissue problems. Perforated liners allow the transport of moisture away from the skin and allow negative pressure (a condition that has been shown to aid wound healing) to act directly on the residuum surface. AIM: Assess the effects of perforated prosthetic liner use, particularly with respect to wound healing. METHOD: Three patient histories were retrospectively reviewed following prescription of perforated prosthetic liners due to excessive sweating or prolonged residual limb health concerns. Photographic records from patient files were used to document changes in residual limb condition. Patients also provided subjective feedback regarding their experiences. FINDINGS: Two cases described active amputees with persistent blistering irritated during exercise. Another case described a patient of low mobility level with a history of residual limb skin infections. All saw their conditions heal and reported a reduction in problematic sweating. Two patients reported cancelling surgical interventions after substantial improvements with the perforated liner. DISCUSSION: These findings provide evidence that the use of perforated prosthetic liners allow improvements in residual limb health, while still permitting prosthetic use. LAYMAN’S ABSTRACT For lower limb amputees, excessive sweating is a common issue affecting their quality of life. It is particularly problematic for the skin of the amputated limb, which may be scarred and is loaded unnaturally by the prosthetic socket. Silicone liners are often worn to provide a close fit and for cushioning but they create a warm environment that traps sweat against the skin, leading to bacterial growth. Additionally, sweat on the skin can increase the amount of movement between the amputated limb and the socket, affecting prosthetic control. In order to address this problem, silicone liners have been designed with perforations in them to allow warm air and sweat to move away from the skin. This report describes three cases of patients who suffered from long-standing wounds, blisters or skin infections on their amputated limbs. Each was prescribed with a perforated silicone liner and changes in their skin conditions were observed. In all cases, the wounds healed and each patient reported a noticeable reduction in problematic sweating on their residual limb, without limiting their prosthetic use. Article PDF Link: https://jps.library.utoronto.ca/index.php/cpoj/article/view/32723/25281 How to Cite: McGrath M, McCarthy J, Gallego A, Kercher A, Zahedi S, Moser D. The influence of perforated prosthetic liners on residual limb wound healing: a case report. Canadian Prosthetics & Orthotics Journal. 2019; volume2, Issue1, No.3. https://doi.org/10.33137/cpoj.v2i1.32723 CORRESPONDING AUTHOR:Dr. Michael McGrath, Research Scientist–Clinical Evidence Blatchford Group, Unit D Antura, Bond Close, Basingstoke, RG24 8PZ, United Kingdom Email: [email protected]

Preoperative Ankle Swelling and the Effect on Postoperative Wound Complications Following Ankle Fracture Surgery

Category: Trauma Introduction/Purpose: It is widely perceived that swelling in the first 24-48 hours following an ankle fracture precludes fixation, delaying operative treatment by 10-14 days to allow swelling to reduce. Such soft tissue management is assumed to be associated with better immediate soft tissue outcomes (wound closure) and mitigation of medium to long-term soft tissue problems. The aim of this study is to identify whether pre-operative ankle swelling has an independent effect on post-operative wound complications following ankle fracture surgery. The hypothesis of this study is that operative intervention at any point in time after the fracture of the ankle, irrespective of swelling, will show no better or worse soft tissue outcomes than those fixations delayed for swelling. The primary outcome measure will be wound complication. Methods: This is a prospective cohort study of patients presenting to a tertiary referral centre that were operatively managed for malleolar ankle fractures. Skeletally mature patients with closed, isolated ankle fractures were included in the study. Patients who were multiply-injured, had open fractures, and/or had known pre-existing limb oedema were excluded. Time to surgery was determined by the on-call attending orthopaedic surgeon. Ankle swelling of both the operative and non-operative limb was measured using the validated ‘Figure-of-eight’ measurement around the foot and ankle to quantify swelling of the affected ankle. A ratio of the patient’s 2 ankles was used as the measure of swelling to eliminate any bias between operators and standardise measurements between patients. Visual assessment of swelling was also recorded. Follow up was at 2, 6, and 12 weeks. Wound complications, patient co-morbidities, operative time, surgeon experience, and hospital stay duration were recorded Results: A total of 50 patients met inclusion criteria. Demographics were a 69% female predominance, a mean age of 45, and age range of 17- 69 years. A complication rate of 4% (n=2) was identified with both complications being superficial wound infections requiring oral antibiotics and wound episodes for treatment. Time to surgery had a mean of 6 days (range 0- 20). There was no significant difference in ankle swelling or time to surgery between patients with wound complications and those without. There were no significant differences identified between these groups when considering BMI, smoking status, diabetes, or peripheral vascular disease. Level of operating surgeon, operative time, tourniquet time, and closure material were also not significantly different between patients with and without wound complications. Conclusion: Our results show little post-operative soft tissue complications. If anything, our results are consistent with or show fewer soft tissue problems than the reported literature, despite a range of time to intervention. While we acknowledge that there may be a bias between surgeons in their preference in soft tissue management; we perceive that our study was sufficiently pragmatic to level this effect. Pre-operative swelling and time to operative intervention in ankle fracture surgery were not shown to correlate with change in soft tissue outcomes following ankle fracture surgery.

Results of limb reconstruction system in failed osteosynthesis of long bones

<p class="abstract"><strong>Background:</strong> The LRS is an excellent option treating the failed osteosynthesis in long bone fractures, because of failure in healing due to loosening of implant, infection, nonunion, poor bone quality and bone loss associated with deformities, limb length discrepancy, soft tissue problems, functional and financial issues.</p><p class="abstract"><strong>Methods:</strong> we prospectively treated 30 cases of failed osteosynthesis of long bones (7 plating, 22 nailing &amp; 1 k-wire with plaster) between April 2009 to October 2015 with LRS. Initially we managed by implant removal, freshening of fracture site or radical debridement followed by LRS application.<strong></strong></p><p class="abstract"><strong>Results:</strong> Union occurred in 93% cases. The eradication of infection was seen in 96.5% cases. Average lengthening done was 4.2 cms. We had 93% excellent and 7 % poor bony result. Functional result was excellent in 45%, good in 48% and failure in 7% cases using ASAMI scoring system.</p><p class="abstract"><strong>Conclusions:</strong> LRS is an excellent option in the management of failed osteosynthesis especially associated with infection, nonunion, deformities, limb length discrepancy, soft tissue problems, functional and financial issues and also where re-osteosynthesis is challenging with poor bone quality and bone stock. It is simpler technically, patient friendly and short learning curve.</p>