Automated Assessment of Cell Infiltration and Removal in Decellularized Scaffolds - Experimental Study in Rabbits.

Objective Semiquantitative and automated measurement of nuclear material removal and cell infiltration in decellularized tendon scaffolds (DTSs). Method 16 pure New Zealand rabbits were used, and the gastrocnemius muscle tendon was collected bilaterally from half of these animals (16 tendons collected); 4 were kept as control and 12 were submitted to the decellularization protocol (DTS). Eight of the DTSs were used as an in vivo implant in the experimental rotator cuff tear (RCT) model, and the rest, as well as the controls, were used in the semiquantitative and automated evaluation of nuclear material removal. The eight additional rabbits were used to make the experimental model of RCT and subsequent evaluation of cellular infiltration after 2 or 8 weeks, within the DTS. Results The semiquantitative and automated analysis used demonstrated a removal of 79% of nuclear material ( p < 0.001 and power > 99%) and a decrease of 88% (p < 0.001 and power >99%) in the area occupied by nuclear material after the decellularization protocol. On cell infiltration in DTS, an increase of 256% (p < 0.001 and power >99%) in the number of cells within the DTS was observed in the comparison between 2 and 8 weeks postoperatively. Conclusion The proposed semiquantitative and automated measurement method was able to objectively measure the removal of nuclear material and cell infiltration in DTS.

Onset of Trigger Finger after Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Surgery: Assessment of Open and Endoscopic Techniques.

Objective The present study aimed to determine the frequency of trigger finger (TF) onset after surgery for carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) using an open (OT) or an endoscopic technique (ET). As a secondary endpoint, the present study also compared paresthesia remission and residual pain rates in patients submitted to both techniques. Methods Trigger finger onset and remission rates of paresthesia and pain at the median nerve territory was verified prospectively in a series of adult patients submitted to an OT procedure ( n = 34). These findings were compared with a retrospective cohort submitted to ET ( n = 33) by the same surgical team. Patients were evaluated with a structured questionnaire in a return visit at least 6 months after surgery. Results Sixty-seven patients were evaluated. There was no difference regarding trigger finger onset (OT, 26.5% versus ET, 27.3%; p = 0.94) and pain (OT, 76.5% versus ET, 84.8%; p = 0.38). Patients submitted to OT had fewer paresthesia complaints compared with those operated using ET (OT, 5.9% versus ET, 24.2%; p = 0.03). Conclusions In our series, the surgical technique did not influence trigger finger onset and residual pain rates. Patients submitted to OT had less complaints of residual postoperative paresthesia.

Onset of Trigger Finger after Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Surgery: Assessment of Open and Endoscopic Techniques / Frequência do aparecimento de dedo em gatilho no pós-operatório da síndrome do túnel do carpo em duas técnicas cirúrgicas: Aberta e endoscópica

Abstract Objective The present study aimed to determine the frequency of trigger finger (TF) onset after surgery for carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) using an open (OT) or an endoscopic technique (ET). As a secondary endpoint, the present study also compared paresthesia remission and residual pain rates in patients submitted to both techniques. Methods Trigger finger onset and remission rates of paresthesia and pain at the median nerve territory was verified prospectively in a series of adult patients submitted to an OT procedure (n = 34). These findings were compared with a retrospective cohort submitted to ET (n = 33) by the same surgical team. Patients were evaluated with a structured questionnaire in a return visit at least 6 months after surgery. Results Sixty-seven patients were evaluated. There was no difference regarding trigger finger onset (OT, 26.5% versus ET, 27.3%; p = 0.94) and pain (OT, 76.5% versus ET, 84.8%; p = 0.38). Patients submitted to OT had fewer paresthesia complaints compared with those operated using ET (OT, 5.9% versus ET, 24.2%; p = 0.03). Conclusions In our series, the surgical technique did not influence trigger finger onset and residual pain rates. Patients submitted to OT had less complaints of residual postoperative paresthesia.

Resumo Objetivo Determinar a frequência do aparecimento de dedo em gatilho (DG) no pós-operatório da síndrome do túnel do carpo (STC) em duas técnicas: aberta (TA) e endoscópica (TE). Como desfecho secundário, comparar as taxas de remissão da parestesia e dor residual entre as duas técnicas. Métodos De forma prospectiva, verificamos o aparecimento de dedo em gatilho e taxa de remissão da parestesia e dor no território do nervo mediano em série de pacientes adultos operados pela TA (n = 34). Comparamos com coorte retrospectiva operada pela TE (n = 33), pela mesma equipe de cirurgiões. A avaliação dos pacientes ocorreu por meio de questionário estruturado em consulta de retorno, com mínimo de 6 meses de pós-operatório. Resultados Sessenta e sete pacientes foram avaliados. Não houve diferença quanto ao aparecimento de dedo em gatilho (TA, 26,5% versus TE, 27,3%; p = 0,94) e dor (TA, 76,5% versus TE, 84.8%; p = 0,38). Os pacientes operados pela TA apresentaram menos queixas de parestesia do que os operados pela TE (TA 5,9% versus TE 24,2%; p = 0,03). Conclusões Em nossa série, a técnica cirúrgica não influenciou o aparecimento de dedos em gatilho e dor residual. Os pacientes operados pela técnica aberta apresentaram menos queixa de parestesia residual pós-operatória.

A systematic review of the quality of distal radius systematic reviews: Methodology and reporting assessment.

BACKGROUND: Many systematic reviews (SRs) have been published about the various treatments for distal radius fractures (DRF). The heterogeneity of SRs results may come from the misuse of SR methods, and literature overviews have demonstrated that SRs should be considered with caution as they may not always be synonymous with high-quality standards. Our objective is to evaluate the quality of published SRs on the treatment of DRF through these tools. METHODS: The methods utilized in this review were previously published in the PROSPERO database. We considered SRs of surgical and nonsurgical interventions for acute DRF in adults. A comprehensive search strategy was performed in the MEDLINE database (inception to May 2017) and we manually searched the grey literature for non-indexed research. Data were independently extracted by two authors. We assessed SR internal validity and reporting using AMSTAR (Assessing the Methodological Quality of Systematic Reviews and PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyzes). Scores were calculated as the sum of reported items. We also extracted article characteristics and provided Spearman's correlation measurements. RESULTS: Forty-one articles fulfilled the eligibility criteria. The mean score for PRISMA was 15.90 (CI 95%, 13.9-17.89) and AMSTAR was 6.48 (CI 95% 5.72-7.23). SRs that considered only RCTs had better AMSTAR [7.56 (2.1) vs. 5.62 (2.3); p = 0.014] and PRISMA scores [18.61 (5.22) vs. 13.93 (6.47), p = 0.027]. The presence of meta-analysis on the SRs altered PRISMA scores [19.17 (4.75) vs. 10.21 (4.51), p = 0.001] and AMSTAR scores [7.68 (1.9) vs. 4.39 (1.66), p = 0.001]. Journal impact factor or declaration of conflict of interest did not change PRISMA and AMSTAR scores. We found substantial inter observer agreement for PRISMA (0.82, 95% CI 0.62-0.94; p = 0.01) and AMSTAR (0.65, 95% CI 0.43-0.81; p = 0.01), and moderate correlation between PRISMA and AMSTAR scores (0.83, 95% CI 0.62-0.92; p = 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: DRF RCT-only SRs have better PRISMA and AMSTAR scores. These tools have substantial inter-observer agreement and moderate inter-tool correlation. We exposed the current research panorama and pointed out some factors that can contribute to improvements on the topic.

Minimal important difference after hand surgery: a prospective assessment for DASH, MHQ, and SF-12.

INTRODUCTION: Minimal important difference (MID) score is an important measure for surgical clinical research and impacts on treatment decisions. Our approach considered patient satisfaction as the relevant anchor criteria. The aims of this study were: determine after surgery MID for three relevant questionnaires: Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH), Michigan Hand Questionnaire (MHQ), and Short Form 12 (SF-12); and assess the correlation between these scores and patient reported satisfaction. METHODS: Adult patients where surgery was indicated for any hand/wrist conditions. Study was conducted in a teaching hospital, São Paulo, Brazil. Participants responded to DASH, SF-12, MHQ, and a Likert satisfaction scale before and three months after a procedure. Satisfaction was considered as the anchor for determining MID after a procedure. The correlation between satisfaction and the instruments were measured. Two statistical approaches were utilized for determining MIDs and were used for consistency and generalizability purposes. For MID determination, receiver operating curves were utilized and MID cut-offs were followed by sensitivity and specificity measures. RESULTS: Fifty patients were included with no follow-up losses. MID for DASH was 18.8 and 15.4. MID for MHQ was 14.7 for both approaches. Data from SF-12 was not reliable after statistical analyses and demonstrated poor correlation with patient satisfaction. MID for DASH and MHQ were found and demonstrated larger standards than literature-reported patients when surgery was not the main intervention. DASH and MHQ had moderate correlation with patient reported satisfaction. SF-12 MID was not reliable and had poor correlation to patient satisfaction. These data suggests that ambulatory hand surgery patients may have greater expectations regarding improvement than other patients.

Collaborative multicenter trials in Latin America: challenges and opportunities in orthopedic and trauma surgery.

CONTEXT AND OBJECTIVE Orthopedic research agendas should be considered from a worldwide perspective. Efforts should be planned as the means for obtaining evidence that is valid for health promotion with global outreach. DESIGN AND SETTING Exploratory study conducted at Universidade Federal de São Paulo (Unifesp), São Paulo, Brazil, and McMaster University, Hamilton, Canada. METHODS We identified and analyzed collaborative and multicenter research in Latin America, taking into account American and Canadian efforts as the reference points. We explored aspects of the data available from official sources and used data from traffic accidents as a model for discussing collaborative research in these countries. RESULTS The evaluation showed that the proportion of collaborative and multicenter studies in our setting is small. A brief analysis showed that the death rate due to traffic accidents is very high. Thus, it seems clear to us that initiatives involving collaborative studies are important for defining and better understanding the patterns of injuries resulting from orthopedic trauma and the forms of treatment. Orthopedic research may be an important tool for bringing together orthopedic surgeons, researchers and medical societies for joint action. CONCLUSIONS We have indicated some practical guidelines for initiatives in collaborative research and have proposed some solutions with a summarized plan of action for conducting evidence-based research involving orthopedic trauma.

Prospective non-randomized studies in Orthopaedics and Traumatology: systematic assessment of its methodological quality / Estudos prospectivos e não randomizados na ortopedia e traumatologia: avaliação sistemática da qualidade metodológica

In surgical interventions, randomization and blinding may be difficult to implement. In this situation, non-randomized prospective studies (EPNR) can generate the best evidence. The objective of this study is to evaluate, by means of the scale proposed by Downs & Black, the quality of EPNR published in our country and to assess the interobserver reproducibility of this scale. EPNR published in Acta Ortopedica Brasileira and Revista Brasileira de Ortopedia until 2011 and prior to 2006 were included. Two of us independently applied the Downs & Black scale. The studies were stratified by period of publication, journal and type of intervention. The scores obtained were considered to assess the reliability of the scale and groups comparison. 59 studies were considered, seven excluded during the assessments. There were no differences between the scores, except for the type of intervention, which showed better methodological quality for studies involving clinical interventions (p < 0.001). The correlation coefficient for the Downs & Black score was 0.79 (95% CI 0.65 to 0.88), demonstrating good reliability. EPNR present methodological quality similar when stratified by the periodic publication and publication period. Studies with clinical interventions have better methodological quality. The Downs & Black scale shows good interobserver reproducibility. .

Nas intervenções cirúrgicas, a randomização e o mascaramento podem ser de difícil aplicabilidade. Nessa situação, os estudos prospectivos e não randomizados (EPNR) podem gerar a melhor evidência disponível. O objetivo deste estudo é avaliar, por meio da escala proposta por Downs & Black, a qualidade dos EPNR publicados em nosso meio e avaliar a reprodutibilidade interobservadores dessa escala. EPNR publicados na Acta Ortopédica Brasileira e Revista Brasileira de Ortopedia até 2011 e anteriores a 2006 foram incluídos e aplicou-se a escala de Downs & Black - de forma independente por dois pesquisadores. Os estudos foram estratificados pelo período de publicação, periódico e tipo de intervenção. Os escores obtidos de Downs & Black foram considerados para a avaliação da reprodutibilidade da escala. Foram considerados 59 estudos, sendo sete excluídos durante as avaliações. Não houve diferenças entre os escores, exceto para o tipo de intervenção, que demonstrou melhor qualidade metodológica para os estudos que envolvem intervenções clínicas (p < 0,001). O índice de correlação intraclasse para o escores de Downs & Black foi de 0,79 (IC95% 0,65-0,88), demonstrando boa reprodutibilidade. EPNR apresentam qualidade metodológica semelhante quando estratificados pelo periódico de publicação e período de publicação. Estudos com intervenções clínicas apresentam melhor qualidade metodológica. A escala de Downs & Black apresenta boa reprodutibilidade interobservadores. .

Prospective Non-randomized Studies in Orthopaedics and Traumatology: Systematic Assessment of its Methodological Quality.

In surgical interventions, randomization and blinding may be difficult to implement. In this situation, non-randomized prospective studies (EPNR) can generate the best evidence. The objective of this study is to evaluate, by means of the scale proposed by Downs & Black, the quality of EPNR published in our country and to assess the interobserver reproducibility of this scale. EPNR published in Acta Ortopedica Brasileira and Revista Brasileira de Ortopedia until 2011 and prior to 2006 were included. Two of us independently applied the Downs & Black scale. The studies were stratified by period of publication, journal and type of intervention. The scores obtained were considered to assess the reliability of the scale and groups comparison. 59 studies were considered, seven excluded during the assessments. There were no differences between the scores, except for the type of intervention, which showed better methodological quality for studies involving clinical interventions (p < 0.001). The correlation coefficient for the Downs & Black score was 0.79 (95% CI 0.65 to 0.88), demonstrating good reliability. EPNR present methodological quality similar when stratified by the periodic publication and publication period. Studies with clinical interventions have better methodological quality. The Downs & Black scale shows good interobserver reproducibility.

Collaborative multicenter trials in Latin America: challenges and opportunities in orthopedic and trauma surgery / Estudos colaborativos na America Latina: desafios e oportunidades em cirurgia ortopedica e traumatologica

CONTEXT AND OBJECTIVE Orthopedic research agendas should be considered from a worldwide perspective. Efforts should be planned as the means for obtaining evidence that is valid for health promotion with global outreach. DESIGN AND SETTING Exploratory study conducted at Universidade Federal de São Paulo (Unifesp), São Paulo, Brazil, and McMaster University, Hamilton, Canada. METHODS We identified and analyzed collaborative and multicenter research in Latin America, taking into account American and Canadian efforts as the reference points. We explored aspects of the data available from official sources and used data from traffic accidents as a model for discussing collaborative research in these countries. RESULTS The evaluation showed that the proportion of collaborative and multicenter studies in our setting is small. A brief analysis showed that the death rate due to traffic accidents is very high. Thus, it seems clear to us that initiatives involving collaborative studies are important for defining and better understanding the patterns of injuries resulting from orthopedic trauma and the forms of treatment. Orthopedic research may be an important tool for bringing together orthopedic surgeons, researchers and medical societies for joint action. CONCLUSIONS We have indicated some practical guidelines for initiatives in collaborative research and have proposed some solutions with a summarized plan of action for conducting evidence-based research involving orthopedic trauma. .

CONTEXTO E OBJETIVOS A programação de pesquisa em ortopedia deve ser considerada do ponto de vista global. Esforços devem ser planejados como forma de se obter evidência que seja válida para promoção da saúde de alcance mundial. TIPO DE ESTUDO E LOCAL Estudo exploratório conduzido na Universidade Federal de São Paulo (Unifesp), São Paulo, Brasil e na McMaster University, Hamilton, Canadá. MÉTODOS Identificamos e analisamos pesquisas multicênticas/colaborativas realizadas na América Latina, considerando os esforços nos Estados Unidos e Canadá como referência. Para tal, exploramos os aspectos dos dados disponíveis em fontes oficiais e utilizamos os dados provenientes de acidentes de trânsito como modelo de discussão de pesquisas colaborativas nestes países. RESULTADOS A avaliação demonstra uma pequena proporção de estudos colaborativos/multicêntricos em nosso meio. Análise breve demonstrou que existe enorme proporção de mortes devidas a traumas provenientes dos acidentes de trânsito. Dessa forma, parece-nos claro que iniciativas envolvendo estudos colaborativos são importantes para a definição e melhor entendimento do padrão das lesões provenientes de trauma ortopédico e as formas de tratamento. A pesquisa ortopédica pode ser importante ferramenta para aglutinar cirurgiões ortopédicos, pesquisadores e sociedades médicas para uma ação em conjunto. CONCLUSÕES Apontamos algumas diretrizes práticas para iniciativas em pequisas colaborativas e propusemos algumas soluções com um plano de ação resumido para a realização de pesquisa baseada em evidências envolvendo trauma ortopédico. .

Workers' compensation status: does it affect orthopaedic surgery outcomes? A meta-analysis.

INTRODUCTION: Previous reviews have demonstrated that patient outcomes following orthopaedic surgery are strongly influenced by the presence of Workers' Compensation. However, the variability in the reviews' methodology may have inflated the estimated strength of this association. The main objective of this meta-analysis is to evaluate the influence of Workers' Compensation on the outcomes of orthopaedic surgical procedures. METHODS: We conducted a systematic search of the literature published in this area from 1992-2012, with no language restrictions. The following databases were used MEDLINE (Ovid), Embase (Ovid), CINAHL, Google Scholar, LILACS and Pubmed. We also hand-searched the reference sections of all selected papers. We included all prospective studies evaluating the effect of compensation status on outcomes in adult patients who had undergone surgery due to orthopaedic conditions or diseases. Outcomes of interest included disease specific, region specific and/or overall quality of life scales/questionnaires and surgeons' personal judgment of the results. We used an assessment tool to appraise the quality of all included studies. We used Review Manager to create forest plots to summarize study data and funnel plots for the assessment of publication bias. RESULTS: Twenty studies met our eligibility criteria. The overall risk ratio for experiencing an unsatisfactory result after orthopaedic surgery for patients with compensation compared to non-compensated patients is 2.08 (95% CI 1.54-2.82). A similar association was shown for continuous data extracted from the studies using assessment scales or questionnaires (Standard Mean Difference = -0.70 95% CI -0.97- -0.43). CONCLUSIONS: Among patients who undergo orthopaedic surgical procedures, those receiving Workers' Compensation experience a two-fold greater risk of a negative outcome. Our findings show a considerably lower estimate of risk compared to previous reviews that include retrospective data. Further research is warranted to determine the etiological explanation for the influence of compensation status on patient outcomes. SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION NUMBER: CRD42012002121.

Análise eletromiográfica de músculos do quadril em diferentes tipos de apoio monopodálico / Electromyography assessment of hip muscles in different types of monopodal weight bearing

Estudou-se a ação muscular na biomecânica da extremidade proximal do têmur com o intuito de acrescentar um parâmetro objetivo nas decisÒes médicas quanto à sustentação do peso e à reabilitação após fraturas nessa região. Foram avaliadas, por meio da eletromiografia de superfície, as atividades elétricas de cinco músculos da região do quadril de 40 voluntários sadios, nove femininos e 31 masculinos, com idade entre 21 e 55 anos, em quatro situaçÒes diferentes, sendo três com carga e um sem carga. As mediçÒes foram realizadas estaticamente, em ortostase. Observou-se que a situação de apoio total proporcionou atividade elétrica muscular global significativamente menor e melhor distribuída entre os grupos musculares, em comparação com as outras situaçÒes propostas

Cirurgia ambulatorial: experiência com 1.651 procedimentos na mäo e membro superior / Ambulatory surgery: experience from 1.651 procedures in hand and upper limb

Os autores relatam a experiência da Disciplina de Cirurgia da Mäo e Membro Superior da Escola Paulista de Medicina, Universidade Federal de Säo Paulo, 1.651 cirurgias realizadas em nível ambulatorial no período de maio de 1993 a dezembro de 1994. Analisam a situaçäo deste tipo de procedimento em alguns países da Europa e nos Estados Unidos. Apresentam seus resultados e discutem as indicaçöes, os critérios de seleçäo dos pacientes, a posiçäo dos anestesiologistas e as vantagens dos procedimentos cirúrgicos sem internaçäo