ABSTRACT
@#Introduction: Open tendoachilles injuries are rare and associated with significant soft tissues complications. The objective of the present study was to assess the clinical outcome and safety of a simple and minimally invasive technique, with a goal to assess if it may help minimise flap and wound related complications in open tendoachilles injuries. Materials and methods: This prospective study of four years duration included 20 patients with open tendoachilles injuries managed with a simple minimally invasive tunnel technique. The primary outcome variable was occurrence of a major soft tissue complication. The secondary outcome variables included functional outcome measured using AOFAS Ankle hind foot score, re-rupture of tendoachilles and need for revision surgery. Results: None of the patients in the present series developed a serious soft tissue complication. Based upon the AOFAS hind foot scoring system, good to excellent outcome was achieved in 19 (95%) patients. All the patients were able to perform tip toe walking at six months post-surgery. None of the patients had a re-rupture of the tendoachilles and no patient needed a revision surgery. The complications encountered include thickening of the tendon at the repair site (15%), superficial wound infection (5%), stitch granuloma (5%) and hypertrophic scar (5%). Conclusion: This technique seems to be promising in reducing the soft tissue complications associated with the surgical management of open tendoachilles injuries. Most patients had a good final clinical outcome. The technique is safe, simple and reproducible. However, further randomised control studies with a larger sample size assessing the technique are recommended.
ABSTRACT
Introduction: Imaging-guided breast tissue biopsy has become an acceptable alternative to open surgical biopsy for nonpalpable breast lesions. Discussion of abnormal results of the correlation between imaging and pathological findings can be very challenging as it can assist in decision-making with regard to the further treatment options by arriving at a comprehensive diagnosis. Materials and Methods: This was a retrospective study. Radiological data from imaging-guided breast biopsies of 500 patients during a 6-year period was collected and classified by a specialist radiologist as per the BI-RADS format. Histopathology reports were studied and discordance analyzed. Results: A total of 500 cases were reviewed. Approximately 33% (168) cases fell into the BI-RADS 3 category, 24.4% (122) into the BI-RADS 4, and 37% (187) into BI-RADS 5 categories. Approximately 50% (n = 250) cases were benign, 2.6% (13) belonged to the high-risk category, and 47.4% (237) were malignant. The number of discordant cases was 12 (2.4%), mostly due to technical factors. Sensitivity of biopsies to detect malignancy was 85%, specificity was 96%, and accuracy of biopsy in diagnosing cancer was 90%. Discussion: The "triple assessment" is the most sensitive method for detecting early breast cancer. An effective communication pathway must be established between a clinician, radiologist, and pathologist for surgical excision in discordance as it carries a high prevalence of carcinoma in these lesions. Conclusion: In discordant cases, either due to abnormal results of imaging or of abnormal pathological findings, the final decision is based on two concordant findings, out of the three parameters. This involves a multidisciplinary breast conference and an active participation by the pathologist.