Range of Motion Following Extensor Tendon Splitting vs. Tendon Sparing Approaches for Plate Osteosynthesis of Proximal Phalangeal Fractures - A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Background: Several approaches to plate fixation of the proximal phalanx have been proposed, such as the dorsal extensor splitting approach and the lateral or dorso-lateral extensor sparing approach, which aims to minimise invasiveness to promote native extensor tendon glide. This study aimed to meta-analyse the outcomes of these two approaches. Methods: A systematic review of electronic databases was undertaken, and the outcomes of comparative studies meta-analysed. Results: Three studies were included for meta-analysis. Total active motion (TAM) was significantly greater in the extensor sparing group compared to the extensor splitting (Mean difference 8.52 degrees, 95%CI 0.8-16.36, p = 0.03). Conclusions: This study demonstrates that there is preliminary evidence favouring the use of extensor sparing approaches when fixing proximal phalanxes - however, this result requires validation with randomised controlled trials.

Tranexamic acid in hip fracture surgery: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

AIMS: The primary objective of this review was to determine whether tranexamic acid (TXA) reduces transfusion rates in patients undergoing surgery for hip fractures. The secondary objective was to assess the effects of TXA on mortality and thromboembolic events in the same cohort. METHODS: A systematic review of electronic databases was performed in accordance with Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines. We included randomized controlled trials comparing perioperative TXA in patients treated surgically for hip/proximal femoral fractures against placebo. The primary outcome was the proportion of patients requiring blood transfusion. Secondary outcomes were blood loss, mortality, and complications. Meta-analysis was performed using inverse variance and random effects model. RESULTS: The pooled data from 10 studies involving 842 patients showed that the proportion of patients requiring blood transfusion was significantly less in the TXA group (risk ratio (RR) 0.72, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.59-0.88). There was no difference between TXA and control groups when comparing mortality (RR 1.17, 95% CI 0.65-2.10), deep venous thrombosis (RR 1.14, 95% CI 0.43-3.06), pulmonary embolism (RR 0.53, CI 0.09-3.02), acute coronary syndrome (RR 1.52, CI 0.18-12.98), cerebrovascular events (RR 0.78, CI 0.16-3.68), or wound complications (RR 1.61, CI 0.51-5.13). CONCLUSION: There is evidence that TXA reduces the proportion of patients requiring blood transfusions when undergoing hip fracture surgery. However, the small sample size and low event rates for adverse effects preclude any definitive conclusions from being established regarding adverse effects. Future trials should be powered to further assess potential complications and determine the ideal dosage and regime.

Isolated versus combined medial patellofemoral ligament reconstruction for lateral instability of the patella.

INTRODUCTION: Medial patellofemoral ligament reconstruction (MPFLR) is regularly combined with a tibial tuberosity transfer (TTT) in cases of recurrent patellar instability with underlying structural deformity. However, these indications for a TTT have recently come into question. This study aimed to assess the traditional indications by comparing the outcomes of isolated and combined MPFLR for the treatment of recurrent lateral patellar dislocation. METHODS: A systematic review was conducted in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines. Included studies were those which reported the outcomes of either isolated or combined or both MPFLR. Studies were required to report at least one of the following: redislocation rate, revision due to instability, or the Kujala score. RESULTS: We found no difference between isolated and combined MPFLR in terms of redislocation ( p = 0.48), revisions due to instability ( p = 0.36), positive apprehension tests ( p = 0.25), or the Kujala score ( p = 0.58). Combined reconstruction presented more complications compared to isolated procedures ( p = 0.05). Subgroup analysis revealed no significant difference between studies investigating isolated medial patellofemoral ligament reconstruction MPFLR performed in patients with normal tibial tuberosity-trochlear groove (TT-TG) distances only or in patients with both normal and elevated TT-TG distances. CONCLUSIONS: According to the published data, there is no difference in outcomes between isolated and combined MPFLR. Underlying structural deformity did not demonstrate any significant effect on the success of the isolated MPFLR. Although there are definite indications for combined reconstruction, the current evidence suggests that our inclusion criteria may not be entirely correct. Further study is required to clarify and refine the true indications for combined MPFLR. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: III, meta-analysis of nonrandomized studies.

Subchondral Insufficiency Fracture in the Lateral Compartment of the Knee in a 64-Year-Old Marathon Runner.

A 64-year-old marathon runner presented to our clinic with a history of worsening pain in her left knee. Following magnetic resonance imaging, the diagnosis of subchondral insufficiency fracture of the knee (SIFK) was made. A course of conservative management via bisphosphonates was initiated. The patient successfully recovered and returned to full athletic function, having recently returned to competitive marathon running. This article aims to present this unusual case of lateral compartment SIFK and summarise the literature on this uncommon condition.

Limitations in predicting outcome following primary ACL reconstruction with single-bundle hamstring autograft - A systematic review.

BACKGROUND: Anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR) is one of the most well studied and performed procedures in the world. Thus, it would be useful to develop a tool to predict patient outcomes post-operatively to allow clinicians to optimise management. PURPOSE: To identify and summarise factors predictive of graft failure and patient-reported outcome (PROM) measures at minimum two years after ACLR with single-bundle quadruple hamstring autograft via the anteromedial portal technique. METHODS: Studies reporting IKDC, KOOS, Lysholm and graft failure in ACLR were systematically reviewed. A methodological score was applied to these studies, with those above the mean analysed further. Only those reporting primary predictors of patient outcomes following ACLR were included. RESULTS: Twenty-six studies satisfied our inclusion criteria. Fourteen scored above the mean 20 Downs and Black score (18.4) and were considered higher level evidence. The higher quality papers reported that younger age, female sex, higher BMI, smoking history and activity levels predicted poorer outcomes. High-grade tears of the menisci or full-thickness cartilage defects were identified as predictors of poorer PROMs. None of the factors investigated by more than a single paper were unanimously significant in predicting the outcome of ACLR. CONCLUSIONS: The evidence surrounding predictors of outcome was inconsistent in design, methodology and reporting of results, hindering our ability to draw conclusions regarding the validity of the reported relationships. However, this systematic review identified several patient demographics, concomitant injuries, and surgical factors that could be investigated further in future prospective studies to create a definitive predictive model.