INTRAARTICULAR EPSILON AMINOCAPROIC ACID VERSUS TRANEXAMIC ACID IN TOTAL KNEE ARTHROPLASTY

ABSTRACT Objective: To examine and compare the clinical efficacy of intraarticular epsilon aminocaproic acid (EACA) and tranexamic acid (TXA) in total knee arthroplasty (TKA). Methods: This study was a prospective, single-center, double-blinded randomized controlled trial, including sixty patients with osteoarthritis of the knee divided into two groups of 30 patients. In the TXA group, 1 g of TXA (0.05 g/ml) was applied intraarticularly, and in the EACA group, 4 g of EACA (0.2 g/ml) was applied intraarticularly. Serum hemoglobin (Hgb) and hematocrit (Htb) were measured during the preoperatively and 24 and 48 hours postoperatively. The range of motion and pain were evaluated by clinical examination. To evaluate knee function before and 2 months after surgery, the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Index (WOMAC) questionnaire was used. Results: In total, 56 (93.3%) patients were evaluated up to the second postoperative month. No significant difference between the groups (p > 0.05) was found in the decrease in Hgb or Htb at 24 or 48 hours. Regarding assessment of the pain, WOMAC score and gain in knee flexion, no significant advantages up to 60 days after surgery (p > 0.05) were found. Conclusions: The decrease in Hgb and Htb during the first 48 hours postoperatively and the risk of transfusion were similar with the intraarticular use of 1 g of TXA and 4 g of EACA in TKA. The possible benefits regarding knee pain, gain in flexion and function were also similar for the two drugs. Level of Evidence II, Randomized, Double-Blinded, Single-Centre, Prospective Clinical Trial.

TREATMENT OF TRIPLANE FRACTURE ANKLE FRACTURES ASSOCIATED WITH IPSILATERAL TIBIAL FRACTURES USING A NOVEL APPROACH

ABSTRACT Objective: The aim of this study is to purpose a novel approach to the concomitant triplanar and tibial shaft fracture. Methods: Retrospective study between 2001 and 2019. We collected the patients’ general information, clinical and radiographic data, and complications after the following three-step treatment: (1) fixation of the Salter-Harris II fracture of the triplane fracture, (2) fixation of the Salter-Harris II/IV fracture with cannulated screws, and (3) fixation of the tibial fracture with flexible titanium nails. Results: The study included seven patients (six males) with a mean age of 14 years and a mean follow-up of 6.4 years (minimum two years). Five triplane fractures had two fragments and two had three fragments. Five fractures were classified as Salter-Harris II and two as Salter-Harris IV. Three tibial fractures were long oblique, three were spiral, and one had a third fragment. Six fractures affected the middle third and one affected the distal third of the tibia. All triplane and tibial fractures consolidated without significant displacement. No physeal damage was identified. Conclusions: This study described the association of tibial fractures with triplane ankle fractures managed by our proposed treatment, which proved to be effective for this fracture association. Level of Evidence IV, Case Series.

THE USE OF ANTIFIBRINOLYTICS IN HIP TRAUMA SURGERY IN A PUBLIC HEALTH SYSTEM: A PROSPECTIVE STUDY

ABSTRACT Objective: To evaluate the use of tranexamic acid (TXA) and ε-aminocaproic acid (EACA) in reducing blood loss in hip and proximal femur trauma surgery. Methods: Prospective study with 49 patients surgically treated in a trauma hospital between Nov/2015 and Feb/2017. The patients were divided in two groups: TXA (n = 24) and EACA (n = 25). The comparison was made according to gender, age at the time of surgery, ASA, fracture and surgery type, estimated blood loss during surgical approach, hemoglobin and hematocrit levels pre and post-operative, and pharmacological cost. The data was processed using SPSS 22.0 with significance level of p < 0,05. Results: No significant difference was found in the variables age, gender, ASA and estimated blood loss during surgical approach. No patient needed blood transfusion. When evaluated post-operatively, the hemoglobin and hematocrit values decrease had no significant difference between the antifibrinolytics (p > 0.05). When analyzing total cost for both pharmacological agents, higher cost was observed in EACA than in TXA (US$ 16.09 - US$ 2.73), resulting in a US$ 13.36 addition per patient. Conclusion: Antifibrinolytic use was efficient on lowering the total blood loss, without the need of blood transfusion. Level of evidence II, Prospective Comparative Study.

KNEE INJURIES PREVALENCE IN BRAZILIAN JIU-JITSU: EPIDEMIOLOGICAL STUDY

ABSTRACT Objective: To evaluate the epidemiological and clinical characteristics of knee injuries in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) practitioners. Methods: Cross-sectional study, using a mixed questionnaire, based on the Referred Morbidity Index. Results: 198 amateur and professional BJJ fighters, of both sexes, aged between 18 and 60 years, participated in the study. The majority (88%) of the fighters had only one knee injury (p < 0.001). In total, 29.8% proportion of knee injuries (p < 0.001) was identified, which were mainly from the medial collateral ligament (38%), caused by a sprain mechanism (86%) and conservative treatment (65%). Conclusion: A high prevalence of knee injuries in JJB fighters was found, compared to other sports that also perform rotational movements and have great body contact, such as mixed martial arts (MMA), judo, soccer, basketball and handball. Some JJB strikes, such as the key and the projection, can cause greater knee joint stress, both in the attacking fighter and in the opponent. The knowledge of the epidemiological characteristics of sports injuries is important in the elaboration of prevention and training protocols more specific to the sport and for the understanding of the complex mechanisms involved with this outcome in sport. Level of Evidence IV, Case Series.

THE IMPACT OF COVID-19 ON THE ORTHOPEDIC CARE SYSTEM IN A PRIVATE HOSPITAL

ABSTRACT Objective: To evaluate and compare the patient flow in the emergency department and the number of surgeries performed, as well as to determine the incidence of diseases due to the impact generated by the pandemic in April, May, June, and July 2020. Methods: This is a retrospective cross-sectional study that analyzed medical records using the TASY Phillips software. The 2019 information was compiled and served as a basis accomplish our comparative analyses. The ICD-10 was used to determine the different conditions considering the highest incidence of them. Results: there was a reduction in attendance of 49.3%; the reduction in the number of surgeries was 34.39%; among the main diagnoses in decreasing order were: Pain in the Lumbar Spine (18.76%), Joint Pain (14.82%), Neck Pain (7.7%), Ankle Sprain (4.2%) and Pain in the Limb (3.54%). Conclusion: There was a decrease in the number of visits and the overall incidence of surgeries in our service. Level of Evidence II, Retrospective Study.

EFFECTIVENESS OF DEEP VENOUS THROMBOSIS PREVENTION IN TOTAL HIP ARTHROPLASTY

ABSTRACT Objective: To determine the efficacy of Deep Venous Thrombosis (DVT) prophylaxis protocol in patients undergoing total hip arthroplasty (THA), and to verify differences in the rates of this complication when comparing primary replacement surgeries with revision surgeries. Methods: We conducted a retrospective study of patients operated between 2012 and 2018, with inclusion and non-inclusion criteria determined by the researchers. A protocol was created to compile data including 92 patients, amounting to 110 operated hips, divided by gender, age, laterality, among other criteria. For THA cases, low molecular weight heparin chemoprophylaxis was used, associated with the use of pneumatic and elastic compression, concomitant to deambulation as soon as possible. The detection of DVT was determined by clinical evaluation and imaging exams such as: simple radiographs, ultrasound, arterial and venous color doppler, and laboratory tests. Results: The use of the protocol was very effective in our study. Only one (1.09%) case of deep venous thrombosis was found. Conclusion: The use of thromboprophylaxis for DVT is indispensable, as was clearly demonstrated by these cases. We observed only one (1.09%) case of DVT in our series. Level of Evidence III, Retrospective Study.

HETEROTOPIC OSSIFICATION IN ACETABULAR FRACTURES: SYSTEMATIC REVIEW AND META-ANALYSIS OF PROPHYLAXIS

ABSTRACT Objective: Heterotopic ossification is defined as the formation of trabecular bone in soft tissues. It is a common complication after surgical treatment of acetabular fractures. However, its prophylaxis and treatment are still controversial. The objective of this research is to evaluate the effectiveness of actions to prevent the development of heterotopic ossification after surgical correction of acetabular fractures. Methods: A systematic review was carried out with research in the databases PubMed/MEDLINE, Embase, LILACS and Cochrane until August 4, 2020, without restrictions on language and year of publication. Only randomized clinical studies carried out in humans without restrictions based on the dosage of treatments, use and duration of prophylaxis were included in this review. Results: Two studies compared the use of radiotherapy and indomethacin and three compared the use of indomethacin with a placebo or non-indomethacin group. The meta-analysis calculations did not indicate statistical differences between radiotherapy versus indomethacin (RR 1.45, IC 95% 0.97 to 2.17, p = 0,55) and indomethacin versus placebo or not indomethacin (RR 0.85, IC 95% 0.68 to 1.06, p = 0,59). Conclusion: There is insufficient evidence to affirm that the use of radiotherapy or indomethacin are effective to prevent the formation of heterotopic ossification after surgery for fractures of the acetabulum. In addition, the number of complications was higher in the indomethacin group when compared to placebo or no intervention. Level of Evidence I, Systematic Review.

POSTERIOR VERSUS ANTERIOR APPROACH TO TOTAL HIP ARTHROPLASTY: A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW AND META-ANALYSIS OF RANDOMIZED CONTROLLED TRIALS

ABSTRACT Objective: To perform a systematic review and meta-analysis to compare clinical and surgical outcomes of posterior versus anterior approach to primary total hip arthroplasty (THA). Methods: This study followed the standard methodology established by the Cochrane Handbook and the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. Two independent reviewers searched for randomized controlled trials comparing posterior an anterior approach to primary THA with at least one quantifiable functional outcome published in the PubMed, Cochrane, and Virtual Health Library databases. Results: The analysis included ten randomized controlled trials conducted with 774 patients. The posterior approach was associated with shorter operative time (mean of 15.98 minutes shorter, 95% CI 11.21 to 20.76, p < 0.00001) while the anterior approach was associated with shorter length of hospital stay (0.31 days or about eight hours shorter, 95% CI 0.12 to 0.51, p = 0.002) and greater earlier improvement in functional outcomes up to six months from the procedure (mean Harris Hip Score of 4.06 points greater, 95% CI 2.23 to 5.88, p < 0.0001). Conclusion: Whereas the posterior approach to primary THA is associated with a shorter operative time, the anterior approach has the potential to decrease the length of stay and provide greater short-term functional restoration. Level of evidence I, Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

THE EFFECTS OF NEUROMUSCULAR ELECTRICAL STIMULATION IN ASSOCIATION WITH WHEY PROTEIN SUPPLEMENTATION AFTER ANTERIOR CRUCIATE LIGAMENT RECONSTRUCTION

ABSTRACT Objective: To analyze the effects of neuromuscular electrical stimulation of the femoral quadriceps associated or not with whey protein supplementation on the electromyographic activity and body mass distribution in volunteers undergoing anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction. Methods: 24 volunteers were randomly divided into three groups: basal control, whey protein in association with neuromuscular electrical stimulation, and neuromuscular electrical stimulation alone. Results: In the postoperative evaluation, during the mini squat, the basal group showed a decrease in the electromyographic activity of the vastus medialis (p = 0.005, eyes open; p = 0.003, eyes closed), vastus lateralis (p = 0.005, eyes open; p = 0.020; eyes closed) and rectus femoris (p = 0.075, eyes open; p = 0.074, eyes closed) and of body mass distribution in the injured limb (p < 0.001, eyes open; p < 0.001, eyes closed), and in the healthy limb (p < 0.001, eyes open; p < 0.001, eyes closed). Conclusion: The early use of neuromuscular electrical stimulation of the quadriceps femoris maintained the electromyographic activity of the vastus medialis and vastus lateralis muscles and prevented asymmetries in body mass distribution 15 days after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction. Level of Evidence I, High quality randomized trial.