Insall–Salvati index is associated with anterior cruciate ligament tears in men: A Case-controlled study

Purpose Many factors in the etiology of anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tears, predisposing factors related to knee morphology have also been reported. This study aimed to determine whether the Insall–Salvati (IS) index, which measures patella height, is a predisposing risk factor for ACL tears. Methods The IS index, patellar length (PL), and patellar tendon length (PTL) values of patients (study group) that underwent arthroscopic reconstruction for ACL tears obtained by preoperative magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) were compared with the index values in the preoperative MRIs of patients that underwent knee arthroscopy for reasons besides ACL tears. In addition, the anterior tibial translation (ATT) of both groups was also measured and compared on MRI images. The MRI findings of the subjects included in both study groups were arthroscopically confirmed. Results The mean ages of the study group (n = 120) and control group (n = 90) were 29.1 ± 8.2 years and 31.8 ± 9.8 years, respectively. There was a statistically significant difference between the study and control groups in terms of the PL and PTL values ( p = 0.016 and p = 0.001, respectively). The IS index was statistically significantly higher in the study group with ACL tears ( p = 0.009). The ATT was 8.61 ± 4.68 mm in the study group and 3.80 ± 1.92 mm in the control group. The ATT results of both groups were evaluated, and it was found that the study group was significantly higher than the control group ( p = 0.001) Conclusions As a result of our current study, we observed higher IS index values in patients with ACL tears than in patients without ACL tears. It should be kept in mind that patella alta, which is associated with a high IS index as one of the factors of knee morphology associated with ACL tears, may play a role in the etiology of ACL tears.

Treatment of subacute/chronic ECU tendinopathy using wrist arthroscopy and open surgical repair

Purpose To report the arthroscopic and clinical findings of patients with extensor carpi ulnaris (ECU) tendinopathy treated with wrist arthroscopy and open surgical repair. Methods We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of seven patients with chronic ECU tendinopathy who were treated with diagnostic wrist arthroscopy and open surgical repair between 2010 and 2017. Seven cases diagnosed with ECU tendinopathy had undergone open procedure for the ECU tendinopathy, as well as wrist arthroscopy in the same session. Any pathology of the triangular fibrocartilage complex (TFCC) diagnosed by wrist arthroscopy were treated simultaneously with open procedure for the ECU tendinopathy. The functional outcome was evaluated by comparing the preoperative and final follow-up values of range of motion (ROM), grip strength, visual analog scale (VAS) for pain, modified Mayo wrist score and quick disabilities of the arm, shoulder, and hand (DASH) score. Results TFCC tears were identified in four patients of which repair was performed concomitantly. The average follow-up period was 39 months (range, 25–49 months). At the final follow-up, all the outcomes including average VAS score (6.4→1), the ROM (173→192°), quick DASH score (42.5→18.2), and modified Mayo wrist score (48.6→79.3) improved significantly. Conclusion When treating patients with ECU tendinopathy, the possibility of TFCC combined injury should always be considered. If surgical treatment is planned, we suggest a wrist arthroscopy for more accurate diagnosis an intra-articular pathology, particularly for patients whose MRI findings suggest a degenerative tear or degeneration at the periphery of the TFCC. Additionally, if ECU and DRUJ stability is obtained by repair or reconstruction of the concurrent pathologies in the ECU subsheath, TFCC and other intra-articular structures, the results will be favorable.

Remnant preservation with tensioning can improve the clinical outcome after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction

Background Many studies exist about remnant preservation in anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction. However, concern remains for development of a cyclops lesion during remnant preservation. To prevent this, a tensioning method has been suggested. Current study evaluated the clinical and radiologic results of remnant preservation in ACL reconstruction with tensioning compared to classical ACL reconstruction. Methods From January 2016 to June 2017, ACL reconstruction patients who underwent magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) 2 years postoperatively were enrolled. For comparison, all participants were divided in two groups: remnant preservation with tensioning (group R) and controls (group C). Clinically, Hospital for Special Surgery (HSS), International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC), Lysholm scores, and incidence of symptomatic cyclops lesions were evaluated. Radiologically, signal-to-noise quotient (SNQ) and size of the synovium on MRI as well as anterior instability in Telos stress radiographs were evaluated. Results A total of 64 patients were enrolled (42 in group R and 22 in group C). The IKDC score in group R (70) was better than that in group C (62; p < 0.05). One patient in group R had a cyclops lesion with clinical symptoms and arthroscopic excision was recommended. Radiologically, the SNQ, synovium area, and anterior instability on Telos radiography showed no difference between the two groups. Conclusion Remnant preservation with tensioning is a good option for ACL reconstruction without the development of a cyclops lesion.

A randomized controlled trial of three different local anesthetic methods for minor hand surgery

Purpose: Hemostasis and local anesthetic injection are essential for minor hand surgeries under local anesthesia (LA). Wide awake local anesthesia no tourniquet (WALANT) became popular for achieving hemostasis without a tourniquet. However, a recent study reported that injection is more painful than tourniquet use in minor hand surgery. Therefore, this study aimed to compare three LA methods that differ according to injection and hemostasis, namely, the combination of a tourniquet and buffered lidocaine solution (CTB), WALANT, and conventional LA. Methods: This randomized prospective single-center study included 169 patients who underwent minor hand surgery between 2017 and 2020. We randomly allocated the patients to each group and recorded the pain and anxiety score during the surgery, as well as satisfaction after the surgery. Results: Pure lidocaine injection was significantly more painful than buffered lidocaine and WALANT solution injection ( p < 0.001). Local anesthesia injection was significantly more painful than tourniquet use in all groups ( p < 0.001). The intraoperative anxiety score was significantly lower in the CTB group than in the conventional LA and WALANT groups ( p < 0.001). The satisfaction score was significantly higher in the CTB and WALANT groups than in the conventional LA group ( p < 0.001). Conclusion: CTB for minor hand surgery under LA is associated with less injection pain and patient anxiety. The tourniquet is tolerable without much pain and waiting time. Thus, CTB in minor hand surgery is a good alternative to WALANT and conventional LA.

The knee function of the soccer players after ACLR is comparable with non-injured controls: A case-control study

Purpose: Many studies report a high primary success rate of ACL reconstruction (ACLR), with an increased risk of decline in knee performance correlating with the time passed since surgery. Only one study has compared male soccer players after ACLR to a matched control group of uninjured players in terms of their return to sport and performance. The purpose of this cross-sectional case-control study was to determine the knee performance between soccer players after ACLR and control group matched by age, sex, and professional experience. Methods: All the male professional soccer players aged 18–36 years at the time of injury, who sustained an ACL tear while playing league soccer in Poland between January 2008 and December 2011 were contacted and compared with age and experience-matched healthy control group selected from professional football players. KOOS, IKDC-2000, Lysholm and SF-36 scales were used for comparison. Results: The average follow-up was 7.9 years (range 6–9 years). The ACL-injured soccer players scored significantly lower in IKDC and Lysholm scores compared with the reference group but still were classified as normal knee function in both scales. In all five dimensions of the KOOS and subscales of SF-36 no apparent differences were noted. In all scales in the study group, no correlation was observed between the player’s age and follow-up time after ACLR. Conclusion: After ACL reconstruction and successful return to professional sport, knee function is as good as uninjured team members in the midterm follow-up. Level of evidence: III

A biomechanical study on the effect of lengthening magnitude on spine off-loading in magnetically controlled growing rod surgery: Implications on lengthening frequency

Purpose: To assess whether the magnitude of lengthening in magnetically controlled growing rod (MCGR) surgeries has an immediate or delayed effect on spinal off-loading. Methods: 9 whole porcine spines were instrumented using two standard MCGRs from T9 to L5. Static compression testing using a mechanical testing system (MTS) was performed at three MCGR lengthening stages (0 mm, 2 mm, and 6 mm) in each spine. At each stage, five cycles of compression at 175N with 25 min of relaxation was carried out. Off-loading was derived by comparing the load sustained by the spine with force applied by the MTS to the spine. Micro-CT imaging was subsequently performed. Results: The mean load sustained by the vertebral body before lengthening was 39.69N, and immediately after lengthening was 25.12N and 19.91N at 2 mm and 6 mm lengthening, respectively; decreasing to 10.07N, 8.31N, and 8.17N after 25 minutes of relaxation, at 0 mm, 2 mm, and 6 mm lengthening stages, respectively. There was no significant difference in off-loading between 2 mm and 6 mm lengthening stages, either instantaneously ( p = 0.395) or after viscoelastic relaxation ( p = 0.958). CT images showed fractures/separations at the level of pedicle screws in six spines and in the vertebral body’s growth zone in five spines after 6 mm MCGR lengthening. Conclusion: This study demonstrated MCGRs cause significant off-loading of the spine leading to stress shielding. 6 mm of lengthening caused tissue damage and microfractures in some spines. There was no significant difference in spine off-loading between 2 mm and 6 mm MCGR lengthening, either immediately after lengthening or after viscoelastic relaxation.

Clinical characteristics of patients with undergoing unplanned excisions of malignant soft tissue tumors

Introduction Malignant soft tissue tumors are rare tumors representing <1% of all malignancies. As these tumors are rare, it is not uncommon that malignant soft tissue tumor excision is performed without the required preoperative imaging, staging, or wide resection margins for sarcomas. The purpose of this study was to investigate the characteristics of patients with undergoing unplanned excisions. Risk factors for tumor recurrence and mortality in patients treated with unplanned excisions were also analyzed. Methods Forty-nine patients who underwent unplanned excision at other hospitals and additional wide excision at our hospital between January 2002 and December 2018 were identified. Among them, 42 patients with follow-up for more than 1 year were included in this retrospective study. The relationships between sex, age, tumor depth, histological grade, location, size, surgical margin at additional wide excision, residual tumor, reconstruction, kind of hospital where the primary excision was done (sarcoma vs non-sarcoma center), preoperative examination, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and oncological outcomes were statistically analyzed. Results Mean patient age was 57.3 years (15–85 years) and the mean observation period was 72.5 months (14–181 months). This analysis showed 53.8% tumors that underwent unplanned excisions were small (<5 cm) and 70.7% tumors were superficial. Multivariate analysis revealed that a positive margin during additional wide excision was significantly associated with a lower 5-year LRFS ( p < 0.01). Conclusion Most of the tumors underwent unplanned excisions were small (<5 cm) and superficial. Surgeons should be aware that a positive margin during additional wide excision is an independent risk factor for local recurrence.

Comparison of the efficacy of the tension band wiring with eyelet wire versus anatomical locking plate fixation for the treatment of displaced olecranon fractures

Background This retrospective study was conducted to assess the clinical outcome and complications between tension band wiring (TBW) with eyelet wire and locking plate fixation used for the treatment of displaced olecranon fractures. Methods A total of 58 patients (36 males and 22 females; mean age: 63 years) were reviewed between April 2014 and September 2020. TBW with Ring Pin (RP group) was applied in 24 patients, including 15 Mayo type ⅡA and 9 Mayo type ⅡB patients. Anatomical locking plate (ALP group) was used in 34 patients, including 22 Mayo type ⅡA and 12 Mayo type ⅡB patients. Clinical outcome was evaluated using the Mayo Elbow Performance Score (MEPS), and active range of motion of the elbow and forearm and postoperative complications were reviewed. Results General characteristic of the patients and the fracture type were similar in the two groups. The mean MEPS values were 96.5 ± 7.3 in the RP group and 94.9 ± 9.4 in the ALP group. The mean elbow flexion arc was 127°±11 in the RP group. The mean elbow flexion arc was 122°±18 in the ALP group. No significant differences in clinical outcomes were observed between the two groups. Complication rates were significantly higher in the ALP group (19/34: 56%) than in the RP group (6/24: 25%). Conclusion Although there were no statistically significant differences in clinical outcomes between the two groups, the ALP group had a higher proportion of any complication than the RP group.

Clinical outcome of Maggot Debridement Therapy followed by Negative Pressure Wound Therapy for chronic hand wound with Multi-Drug Resistant Organism infection: Two cases and review of the literature

The advancement in science and research has led to development of medical maggots which feed exclusively on dead tissue. Medical maggots have three important functions namely debridement, disinfection, and stimulation of wound healing. The modern use of medical maggots now goes by the term “Maggot Debridement Therapy” (MDT) for use in wound management. MDT is still used infrequently due to the effectiveness of surgical debridement and antibiotics for treatment of wound infection. Lately, there was emergence of Multi-Drug Resistant Organism (MDRO) likely due to inappropriate antibiotics usage. Maggot secretions have been shown to be effective in inhibiting some MDRO, for example, Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, thus making MDT an attractive option for wounds with MDRO. We report two patients with multiple medical comorbidities, diagnosed with serious MDRO Diabetic Hand Infections treated with three cycles of MDT followed by Negative Pressure Wound Therapy.

Correlation between body mass index and two-stage revision failure of periprosthetic joint infection following total joint arthroplasty: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Background: Although the correlation between body mass index (BMI) and two-stage revision failure of periprosthetic joint infection (PJI) following total joint arthroplasty (TJA) have been frequently reported, the results remain controversial. Therefore, the correlation between them was systematically evaluated and meta-classified in this study. Methods: Literature on the correlation between BMI and two-stage revision failure of PJI following TJA was retrieved in PubMed, Embase and Cochrane Library due May 2020. Stata 13.0 software and Cochrane Collaboration Review Manager software (RevMan version 5.3) were applied to data synthesis, subgroup analysis, analyses of publication bias, and sensitivity. Results: A total of 15 observational studies included 1267 patients, of which 15 studies were included in systematic review and 11 studies in meta-analysis. Eight studies found a correlation between BMI and two-stage revision failure of PJI following TJA, but seven other studies found no correlation. Meta-analysis found that the risk of two-stage revision failure of PJI following TJA significantly boosted by 3.53 times in patients with BMI ≥ 30 kg/m2 (OR = 3.53; 95% CI = 1.63–7.64 for the BMI ≥ 30 kg/m2 vs. BMI < 30 kg/m2) and the risk of two-stage revision failure of PJI following TJA significantly increased by 2.92 times in patients with BMI ≥ 40 kg/m2 ( OR = 2.92; 95% CI = 1.06–8.03 for the BMI ≥ 40 kg/m2 vs. BMI < 30 kg/m2). The subgroup analysis showed that significant association was observed among the studies performed in TKA ( OR = 3.63; 95% CI = 2.27–5.82), but not among those conducted in THA ( OR = 3.06; 95% CI = 0.42–22.19). A significant association remained consistent, as indicated by sensitivity analyses. Because there are too few studies that can be combined in the included studies, Egger’s and Begg’s tests were not performed. Conclusion: Meta-analysis suggests that the risk of two-stage revision failure of PJI following TJA significantly boosted in obese patients. However, because there may be publication bias of this study, combined overall systematically evaluated and meta-analysis results, we cannot yet conclude that BMI is associated with two-stage revision failure of PJI following TJA.