Can the Achilles tendon regenerate completely following percutaneous tenotomy in older children with clubfoot?

PURPOSE: The aims of the study were to document the outcomes of percutaneous Achilles tenotomy (pAT) performed in older children with clubfoot, by assessing the clinical, functional and ultrasonographic evidence of Achilles tendon regeneration. METHODS: A retrospective case series of older children with clubfoot treated between August 2011 and July 2020 was studied. Clinical assessment of ankle range of motion and calf strength, functional assessment of triceps surae muscle endurance by single leg heel-rise test, and ultrasonographic assessment of Achilles tendon echotexture and dimensions to assess tendon regeneration were performed. RESULTS: Percutaneous Achilles tenotomy was performed on 31 children (48 clubfeet) at a mean age of 5.24 ± 2.14 years (1-10.2 years). At a mean follow-up of 4.86 ± 1.97 years, all children demonstrated normal calf strength with mean dorsiflexion range of 13.64° (0-25°) and mean plantarflexion range of 37.95° (10-40°). The heel-rise endurance test was completed by 27 children with mean 25.85 heel rises/minute (range 17-30) and mean height of heel rise of 6.29 cm (range 4-10 cm). Normal fibrillar tendinous echotexture with homogenous echogenicity was seen on ultrasonography in 41 feet (85.4%) with mean tendon width of 9.7 mm (3.3-16 mm) and thickness of 5.1 mm (1.8-15 mm), comparable with unaffected feet. CONCLUSIONS: Clinical, functional and ultrasonographic parameters unequivocally demonstrate complete regeneration of the Achilles tendon, when pAT is performed in older children with delayed-presenting idiopathic clubfoot treated using Ponseti principles.

Factors Causing Dropout From Treatment During the Ponseti Method of Clubfoot Management: The Caregivers' Perspective.

A retrospective comparative study was conducted, aiming to identify factors associated with dropout from clubfoot treatment by Ponseti method in low- and middle-income countries. A prospectively gathered database of patients who received treatment at a high-volume urban clubfoot clinic over 6 years was queried for dropouts. A "dropout" was identified as any child that had not had a visit within 3 weeks of casting, 4 weeks of tenotomy or 6 months of brace follow-up. The second part of the study was a telephonic interview with caregivers of the identified dropouts to ascertain their reasons for discontinuing treatment. Of the 965 patients treated during the study period, there were 155 (16.06%) dropouts-137 (88.38%) during bracing phase and 18 (11.62%) during casting phase. Age at presentation was significantly higher among the dropouts as compared to those who did not dropout (median 9.5 and 7 months for casting and bracing dropouts respectively versus 3.5 months for regular follow-ups, p < .001). No significant correlation was found between patient dropout and sex (p = .061), or laterality (p = .071). Thirty-seven caregivers (23.8%) could be contacted telephonically; including 6 casting and 31 bracing dropouts. The most commonly cited reason for dropout from treatment was lack of family support (75.7%), followed by distance to the clinic (59.5%) and unavailability of transport (54.1%). Sixteen caregivers (43.2%) dropped out on account of migration to another town/state. Maintenance of a meticulous registry with regular update of caregivers' contact details, and interventions to mitigate the identified hurdles can help in reducing treatment dropouts.

The prevalence of proximal junctional kyphosis (PJK) and proximal junctional failure (PJF) in patients undergoing circumferential minimally invasive surgical (cMIS) correction for adult spinal deformity: long-term 2- to 13-year follow-up.

OBJECTIVES: This aim of this study is to evaluate the prevalence of PJK and PJF in patients who underwent circumferential minimally invasive surgery (cMIS) for ASD. METHODS: A prospective database of patients who underwent cMIS correction of ASD from November 2006 to July 2018 was queried. PJK was defined as angle > 10° and at least 10° greater than the baseline when measuring UIV to UIV + 2. PJF was defined as any type of symptomatic PJK which required surgery. Pre-op, latest and delta SVA and PI-LL mismatch were compared between patients with PJK and without. Only patients instrumented at 4 or more levels with full length 36″ films and a minimum 2-year follow-up were included. RESULTS: A total of 184 patients met inclusion criteria for this study. Mean follow-up time was 85.2 months (24-158.9 months, SD 39.1). Mean age was 66 years (22-85 years). The mean number of operated levels was 6.9 levels (4-16 levels, SD 2.8). A total of 21 patients (10.8%) met PJK criteria. Only 10 (4.9%) were symptomatic (PJF) and underwent revision surgery. The other 11 patients remained asymptomatic. Comparing PJK to non-PJK patients, there was no statistically significant difference in the post-op SVA, delta SVA, post-op PI/LL and delta PI/LL between the two groups. CONCLUSION: Our study would suggest that in the appropriately selected and well-optimized patient, CMIS deformity correction is associated with a low prevalence of PJK and PJF.

Developmental Dysplasia of the Hip: An Examination of Care Practices of Orthopaedic Surgeons in India.

BACKGROUND: We evaluated screening, referral and treatment practices for developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH) in India by surveying Orthopaedic surgeons who treat patients with DDH. The survey assessed the timing of DDH presentation, resource availability, and current state of screening and diagnosis, which would help in the development of a DDH care pathway for India. METHODS: An online survey was distributed to Orthopaedic surgeons practicing in India via email and administered onsite to those attending the annual conference of the Pediatric Orthopaedic Society of India in 2019. RESULTS: 173 completed surveys were received from surgeons practicing in a predominantly urban setting. 68.8% of respondents had performed initial evaluations on children with DDH aged over 1 year in the past 12 months, and 49.1% had assessed children with DDH aged > 2 years on initial presentation. There was no consistent use of established guidelines, with only 30% of respondents stating that a care pathway was in place at their institution. However, 91.9% would support the implementation of a care pathway developed in India, to decrease the incidence of delayed diagnosis and facilitate earlier intervention. 85% of respondents had ready access to ultrasound scans and 95.4% had access to X-rays. CONCLUSIONS: In India, there is still a large number of late-presenting cases of DDH, which could be improved with effective screening. The development of a care pathway for DDH in India is well-supported by Orthopaedic surgeons and may help decrease the incidence of late presenting cases; potentially improving outcomes, decreasing morbidity, and upskilling local practitioners.

A Novel Low Recurrence Surgical Approach for Medulloblastoma Excision: A Study of 58 cases.

AIM: Telovelar and transvermian approaches for medulloblastoma excision have high complication and recurrence rates. This study aims to describe a novel surgical approach to decrease such rates. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A retrospective review was performed. The novel technique was performed in similar conditions for all patients. It involves early intra-operative identification of the superior part of the floor of the fourth ventricle, so that the inferior part of the tumour can be viewed directly and excised thoroughly. Importance was given to the pattern of tumour growth and CSF flow dynamics. RESULTS: A total of 58 patients underwent this surgery between February-2006 and May-2016. Mean age was 13.2 years (Range - 6 months to 55 years). Follow-up ranged from 1 to 11 years. 49 patients (84.4%) who were under the age of 3 years were administered craniospinal radiation as well as chemotherapy, while 9 patients (15.6%) over the age of 3 years were administered only chemotherapy. Total excision could be performed in 50 cases (86.2%) and subtotal excision ( 90% excision) in 8 cases (13.8%). The tumour recurred in only 1 patient (1.72%). The complications included akinetic mutism (8.6%), meningitis (8.6%), 6th and 7th nerve paresis/palsy (5.17%), and chest infection (3.44%). Death occurred in 2 patients (3.44%), causes of death were unrelated to surgery. CONCLUSION: This study highlights the possible benefits of this novel approach to medulloblastoma excision by decreasing recurrence and complication rates and increasing rates of total excision. However, studies with large cohorts need to be performed to evaluate its efficacy.

Bilateral Girdlestone Procedure as a Treatment Modality in a Case of Complicated Adult-Onset Osteopetrosis: A Case Report.

CASE: We describe a nonambulatory 39-year-old man who presented with a diagnosis of osteopetrosis and ankyloses, having experienced bilateral fractures of his proximal femora, undergone unsuccessful conventional surgical interventions, and having developed chronic osteomyelitis of his right proximal femur. Bilateral Girdlestone procedures were performed. Postoperative range of hip motion and Harris hip scores improved, and he became ambulatory, achieving optimal function considering the circumstances at 12 months postoperatively. CONCLUSIONS: Although the indications of the bilateral Girdlestone procedure remain undefined, these procedures may constitute acceptable treatment in patients with osteopetrosis with ankylosis and chronic osteomyelitis of the proximal femur.

Analysis of Spino-Pelvic Parameters and Segmental Lordosis with L5-S1 Oblique Lateral Interbody Fusion at the Bottom of a Long Construct in Circumferential Minimally Invasive Surgical Correction of Adult Spinal Deformity.

BACKGROUND: Lateral interbody fusion (LIF) is an effective adjuvant for circumferential minimally invasive surgery (CMIS) treatment of adult spinal deformity (ASD). Accessing L5-S1 via an oblique LIF (OLIF) approach (OLIF 5-1) allows for anterior LIF (ALIF) at the lumbosacral junction without repositioning the patient. We review the early outcomes and complications of OLIF 5-1 at the bottom of a long construct for an MIS approach to treat ASD. METHODS: We queried a prospectively collected registry of 111 consecutive patients with ASD (Cobb angle >20°, sagittal vertical alignment [SVA] >50, or pelvic incidence [PI]-lumbar lordosis [LL] mismatch>10) patients who underwent CMIS correction between January 2015 and January 2019. Sixty patients had ≥4 levels fused and OLIF 5-1. Multilevel pre-psoas LIF + OLIF 5-1 were performed in the first stage. Three days later, stage 2 involved MIS installation of pedicle screws with aggressive rod contouring and derotation/translation. RESULTS: The mean patient age was 66.8 years (range, 48-79 years), and the mean duration of follow-up was 24 months (range, 3-60 months). A mean of 7 levels were fused (range, 4-9). Significant improvements in L5-S1 segmental lordosis (SL), LL, SVA, PI-LL mismatch, and pelvic tilt were seen following the first stage (P < 0.05). There was no intraoperative vascular, ureteral, or sympathetic chain injury, and no transient or permanent lumbar plexopathy. In 2 patients, OLIF 5-1 was abandoned due to difficult access, and transforaminal LIF was done at L5-S1 at the second stage. Five patients required intraoperative transfusion. No patient experienced postoperative ileus or L5-S1 pseudarthrosis. Significant improvements in visual analog scale pain score, Oswestry Disability Index, 36-Item Short Form Health Survey, and Scoliosis Research Society Outcomes Questionnaire were found. CONCLUSIONS: A single-position MIS OLIF 5-1 at the bottom of a long construct in conjunction with multilevel pre-psoas LIF seems to be a safe and effective technique for improving SL, global LL, and SVA with a low risk of perioperative and postoperative complications.

What Is the Normal Trajectory of Interleukin-6 and C-reactive Protein in the Hours and Days Immediately After TKA?

BACKGROUND: Some patients with early periprosthetic joint infection (PJI) can be treated successfully using open débridement with polyethylene exchange rather than two-stage revision; however, the challenge is to diagnose PJI early. In late infection, C-reactive protein (CRP) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) are elevated, but shortly after surgery, CRP is difficult to interpret because it may be elevated even in the absence of infection, and we know little about the normal trajectory of IL-6 immediately after arthroplasty. If a deviation of biomarkers from their normal trajectory is seen, it may help guide the clinician toward early knee aspiration. QUESTIONS/PURPOSES: We studied the normal trajectories of IL-6 and CRP in the immediate hours and days after uncomplicated TKA and examined whether one or the other normalizes more quickly. METHODS: We studied serum IL-6 and CRP levels in 50 patients undergoing primary TKA at five time points: 12 hours preoperatively and postoperatively at 12 hours, 48 hours, 4 days, and 2 weeks. One surgeon operated on all patients using the same approach and postoperative management. The same laboratory methods were used each time. Results are presented as median and range. Repeated-measures analysis was done using Friedman's (nonparametric) test. No patient showed any clinical sign of infection during our study period. All patients were followed up until 1 year with no evidence of infection and good knee scores. RESULTS: IL-6 showed a sharp rise from its baseline with a preoperative median value of 6 pg/mL (range, 3-17 pg/mL) to a peak of median value of 133 pg/mL (range, 15-359 pg/mL) at 12 hours postoperatively. At 48 hours, IL-6 had declined to a median value of 82 pg/mL (range, 12-309 pg/mL). At 4 days, it had further declined to a median value of 22 pg/mL (range, 5-67 pg/mL). At 2 weeks, IL-6 reached a median value of 7 pg/mL (range, 3-14 pg/mL), which was not different from the baseline median value with the numbers available (p = 0.455). CRP showed a gradual rise from its baseline preoperative median value of 2 mg/L (range, 1-17 mg/L) to a median value of 15 mg/L (range, 2-111 mg/L) at 12 hours postoperatively, which peaked at 48 hours to a median value of 125 mg/L (range, 22-247 mg/L). At 4 days postoperatively, CRP levels had declined to a median value of 69 mg/L (range, 21-234 mg/L). At 2 weeks, CRP had reached a median value of 12 mg/L (range, 1-72 mg/L), which was still higher than the baseline median value with available numbers (p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: We found that after uncomplicated TKA, IL-6 showed a sharp rise to peak at 12 hours, then fell rapidly to near baseline levels by 4 days and returned to the baseline level at 2 weeks. CRP showed a gradual rise to peak at 48 hours, then fell gradually, remaining elevated at 4 days and higher than baseline level at 2 weeks. Future studies can help define more definitive thresholds for IL-6 and CRP; ideally, these should derive from large, multicenter studies. With such data, any deviation from a known normal trajectory can facilitate a quicker decision to perform knee aspiration to diagnose early PJI more promptly. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III, diagnostic study.

The Prevalence of the Use of MIS Techniques in the Treatment of Adult Spinal Deformity (ASD) Amongst Members of the Scoliosis Research Society (SRS) in 2016.

STUDY DESIGN: Electronic survey administered to Scoliosis Research Society members. OBJECTIVE: To determine the prevalence of minimally invasive surgery (MIS) techniques for the treatment of adult spinal deformity. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: There is a paucity of data available on the practice pattern, prevalence of minimally invasive spine surgery, and the preferred minimally invasive techniques in the treatment of adult spine deformity. METHODS: An electronic nine-question survey regarding individual usage pattern of minimally invasive spine surgery techniques was administered in 2016 to the members of the Scoliosis Research Society. Determinants included complexity in condition of patient population, prevalence of use of minimally invasive techniques in the surgeon's practice, prevalence of use of a particular MIS technique, strategy elected during surgery, adoption of staging of procedures and timing between staging of procedures. RESULTS: A total of 357 surgeons responded (61.3% response rate), and 154 (43.1%) of the respondents said that they use MIS as a part of their surgical treatment of adult spinal deformity. However, of these 154 respondents, 67 (43.5%) said that their MIS usage in deformity practice was between 1% and 20%. Only 11 (7.2%) said that they used MIS 81% to 100% of the time. The top MIS approaches that surgeons chose were MIS lateral lumbar interbody fusion 109 (70.59%) and MIS percutaneous screws 91 (58.8%). CONCLUSIONS: The low rate of adoption of these techniques among the SRS members may be due to the false perception that there is not enough data to support that MIS techniques are better. This and the fact that a practitioner needs to be facile at different MIS techniques may be the true impediment to the adoption of MIS techniques in the treatment of ASD. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV.

Regulation of insulin resistance and type II diabetes by hepatitis C virus infection: A driver function of circulating miRNAs.

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is a serious worldwide healthcare issue. Its association with various liver diseases including hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is well studied. However, the study on the relationship between HCV infection and the development of insulin resistance and diabetes is very limited. Current research has already elucidated some underlying mechanisms, especially on the regulation of metabolism and insulin signalling by viral proteins. More studies have emerged recently on the correlation between HCV infection-derived miRNAs and diabetes and insulin resistance. However, no studies have been carried out to directly address if these miRNAs, especially circulating miRNAs, have causal effects on the development of insulin resistance and diabetes. Here, we proposed a new perspective that circulating miRNAs can perform regulatory functions to modulate gene expression in peripheral tissues leading to insulin resistance and diabetes, rather than just a passive factor associated with these pathological processes. The detailed rationales were elaborated through comprehensive literature review and bioinformatic analyses. miR-122 was identified to be one of the most potential circulating miRNAs to cause insulin resistance. This result along with the idea about the driver function of circulating miRNAs will promote further investigations that eventually lead to the development of novel strategies to treat HCV infection-associated extrahepatic comorbidities.

A Case Report of Dual Incision Technique for Total Femur Arthroplasty as a Salvage Procedure in Infected Non-Unions.

INTRODUCTION: Total femur arthroplasty (TFA) is a rare salvage limb procedure which serves as an effective alternative to limb amputation. Most commonly, it is indicated for oncologic orthopedic cases, and very few cases of a purely traumatic history for TFA have been documented. The decision to perform this complex procedure involves paying careful attention to reconstructive needs and functional expectations of the patient. Alternatives to this procedure are quite detrimental and include hip disarticulation and above-the-knee amputation. CASE REPORT: A 66-year-old woman with a history of hypertension, and parkinsonism was brought into the outpatient department of a tertiary care hospital. She has undergone a procedure for proximal femur nailing on her left hip in 2013 due to a trauma-related fracture. However, after the development of a series of complications, she underwent revision surgery on her left hip 6 times by different surgeons. This included surgeries for implant removal and fixation of a custom-made bipolar hemi-replacement hip, followed by a cemented bipolar hip hemi- replacement with plating and cerclage wires followed by infection, the treatment of which entailed implant removal and placement of an antibiotic cement. This was followed by a long stem constrained cemented total hip arthroplasty which also failed. The surgeon then made the decision to perform a TFA. 12-month follow-up post-operatively showed neither peri-prosthetic infection or inflammation nor any leg length discrepancy. The functional outcome on lower extremity function scale showed improvement from 0 pre-operatively to 31 at 12-month follow- up. CONCLUSION: TFA serves as a viable technique for salvage of the lower extremity in cases of infected non-unions. However, a thorough evaluation of the particular case in the hand should be made before reaching a conclusion.

Defining the Surgical Limits of Adenoidectomy so as to Prevent Recurrence of Adenoids.

This study aims to define the surgical boundaries of adenoidectomy by demonstrating that recurrence of adenoids and its symptoms can be avoided if a complete adenoidectomy is performed, by following these surgical limits. A prospective descriptive study was carried out at Speciality ENT Hospital, Mumbai, India. Endoscopic adenoidectomy was performed in 83 patients using coblation technology. In all patients, adenoids were removed superiorly till the periosteum over the body of sphenoid; posteriorly till the pharyngobasilar fascia; laterally till fossa of Rosenmuller in the posterior part and till the torus tubarius in the anterior part; and inferiorly till the Passavant's ridge. The patients were followed up postoperatively and a nasal endoscopy was done at the end of 1 year to look for any recurrence or regrowth of adenoids, so as to determine the efficacy of the procedure. A total of 83 patients underwent adenoidectomy with a mean age of 12.80 years. 12 patients were lost to follow up. Of the remaining 71 patients, no patient showed any evidence of recurrence of adenoid on follow-up nasal endoscopy done at the end of 1 year. Recurrence of adenoid post adenoidectomy is not seen if there is complete removal of adenoids. So it is essential that all adenoid tissue be removed during adenoidectomy. The complete removal of adenoids can be ensured by following the surgical limits of adenoidectomy.