Retrospective evaluation of an intervention bundle on OPAT implementation in a large non-university hospital.

OBJECTIVES: Optimization of outpatient parenteral antimicrobial therapy (OPAT) requires interdisciplinarity and an operational algorithm. This report retrospectively assesses the impact of a multimodal quality-enhancement intervention bundle on the implementation rate, efficacy, and safety of a home OPAT program in a Belgian large community-based hospital. METHODS: OPAT recipients between 1 March 2019 and 30 June 2022 were included. The OPAT trajectories were divided into pre-intervention (from 1 March 2019 to 31 October 2020) and post-intervention (from 1 November 2020 to 30 June 2022) groups. The quality-enhancement intervention bundle consisted of the involvement of an infectious disease specialist, revision and implementation of a state-of-the-art prosthetic joint infection diagnosis and treatment protocol, weekly multidisciplinary discussion of all prosthetic joint infections, revision of the OPAT algorithm, and the introduction of teicoplanin as an OPAT-convenient antimicrobial. RESULTS: Eighty-five patients were included in a total of 96 OPAT trajectories (n = 33 pre-intervention; n = 63 post-intervention). After the intervention, the number of OPAT trajectories nearly doubled. The number of patients with a recurrent infection within 6 months after OPAT completion decreased 15%. The overall 6-month mortality and readmission rates during OPAT treatment decreased 8% and 10%, respectively. Mortality during OPAT treatment did not change. These differences between pre- and post-intervention did not achieve statistical significance, despite the higher risk for complications in the post-intervention group because of increased infection complexity and required treatment duration. CONCLUSION: Within a Belgian, single, large community-based hospital, a multimodal intervention bundle resulted in increases in OPAT implementation, infection complexity, and required treatment durations without statistically significant differences in outcomes.

Passive mobilization after arthroscopic rotator cuff repair is not detrimental in the early postoperative period.

This prospective randomized study compares the clinical results of immediate passive mobilization versus delayed mobilization in the rehabilitation of rotator cuff repair during the early postoperative period. The mobilization group (79 patients) received immediate daily passive mobilization. The immobilization group (51 patients) was immobilized for 4 weeks until physiotherapy was started. Passive range of motion was noted preoperatively, at 6 weeks and 4 months. Strength was measured preoperatively and at 4 months. Constant-Murley, Simple Shoulder Test, SPADI and UCLA scores were noted at baseline and at 4 months. Ultrasonography was performed at 6 weeks to exclude early failures of repair. We noted no significant difference between the two groups regarding range of motion at 6 weeks and range of motion, strength and functional outcome scores at 4 months. Ultrasound didn't show a difference in healing at 6 w in either of both groups. Both rehabilitation protocols seem applicable as well as safe in the early post-operative phase.

Scarf osteotomy for hallux valgus deformity: a prospective study with 8 years of clinical and radiologic follow-up.

BACKGROUND: Scarf midshaft metatarsal osteotomy has become increasingly popular as a treatment option for moderate-to-severe hallux valgus deformities because of its great versatility. Numerous studies on Scarf osteotomy have been published. However, no prospective studies were available until 2002. Since then, only short-term follow-up prospective studies have been published. We present the results of a prospective study of 21 patients treated by Scarf osteotomy for hallux valgus with follow-up of 8 years. METHODS: Between August 1, 1999, and October 31, 1999, 23 patients (23 feet) with moderate-to-severe hallux valgus deformity were included. Clinical (American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society score) and radiologic (hallux valgus angle, first intermetatarsal angle, and sesamoid position) evaluations were performed preoperatively and 1 and 8 years postoperatively. RESULTS: Clinical evaluation showed a significant improvement in the mean forefoot score from 47 to 83 (of a possible 100) at 1 year (P < .001). Radiographic evaluation showed significant improvement in the hallux valgus angle (mean improvement, 19 degrees ; P < .001) and in the intermetatarsal angle (mean improvement, 6 degrees ; P < .001). These clinical and radiographic results were maintained at the final evaluation 8 years postoperatively. CONCLUSIONS: Scarf osteotomy tends to provide predictable and sustainable correction of moderate-to-severe hallux valgus deformities.

Consequences of scapular anatomy for reversed total shoulder arthroplasty.

The reverse total shoulder prosthesis provides successful functional outcome in many patients with rotator cuff tear arthropathy. However, scapular notching, a direct consequence of mechanical impingement between the humeral prosthesis and the glenoid, remains a major concern. We presumed a better knowledge of the anatomy of the scapula would enable design or placement modifications to minimize this phenomenon. After establishing a uniform spatial reference system using easy locatable surgical reference points and planes, we analyzed 200 dry bony scapulae and defined the glenoid and infraglenoid anatomy relative to the reference system. The bony rim of the two inferior quadrants of the glenoid forms a semicircle the center of which can be used perioperatively as an easy locatable bony reference point. The infraglenoid tubercle varies in width and length, and can interfere with the humeral part of the reverse prosthesis, creating scapular notching. To avoid notching, we suggest using a convex base plate with a smaller radius than currently used, placing it as low as possible with a 42-mm glenosphere eccentrically assembled to create a posterior offset. If prosthetic overhang cannot be obtained, we suggest removing part of the infraglenoid tubercle.