"It's changed forever": the lived experience of sexuality and sexual functioning in women with cauda equina syndrome (CES).

PURPOSE: To explore women's lived experiences of intimacy, sexuality and sexual functioning in the context of cauda equina syndrome (CES). METHODS: Ten women completed an in-depth semi-structured interview exploring the psychosocial impact of CES on their sexuality and data were analyzed using Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA). RESULTS: One superordinate theme was generated: "Sexuality forever altered, it's changed completely," reflecting the enduring impact of CES on women's sexuality. Five subordinate themes emerged reflecting a range of changed roles and relationships, primarily associated with loss of sexual identity and a sense that health professionals did not prioritize sexual functioning (1): Loss of worth as a sexual being: "Feel like a nothing" (2) Relationships have changed: "It's not a meeting of equals anymore" (3) Lack of professional support: "We don't like to talk about anything below the waist" (4) Challenges for motherhood: "What kind of future will they have with a mother like me…" and (5) Finding ways of coping: "Closed the door on it." CONCLUSION: Findings highlight the detrimental effect of CES, directly and indirectly, on women's sexuality. There is a need for a multidisciplinary approach to address the physical, emotional, cognitive, and behavioural effects experienced in relation to sexuality as part of a rehabilitative process.

The lived experience of sexuality and sexual function is negatively affected in women with cauda equina syndrome (CES).Some women make positive adjustments in terms of alternative forms of intimate expression while others "close off" their sexuality as a coping response.Women perceive that sexuality and sexual function is not adequately addressed by health professionals.Rehabilitation should include a multidisciplinary focus on sexuality after CES.

Quantitative 1H Magnetic Resonance Imaging on Normal and Pathologic Rat Bones by Solid-State 1H ZTE Sequence with Water and Fat Suppression.

BACKGROUND: Osteoporosis (OP) and osteomalacia (OM) are metabolic bone diseases characterized by mineral and matrix density changes. Quantitative bone matrix density differentiates OM from OP. MRI is a noninvasive and nonionizing imaging technique that can measure bone matrix density quantitatively in ex vivo and in vivo. PURPOSE: To demonstrate water + fat suppressed 1H MRI to compute bone matrix density in ex vivo rat femurs in the preclinical model. STUDY TYPE: Prospective. ANIMAL MODEL: Fifteen skeletally mature female Sprague-Dawley rats, five per group (normal, ovariectomized (OVX), partially nephrectomized/vitamin D (Vit-D) deficient), 250-275 g, ∼15 weeks old. FIELD STRENGTH/SEQUENCE: 7T, zero echo time sequence with water + fat (VAPOR) suppression capability, µCT imaging, and gravimetric measurements. ASSESSMENT: Cortical and trabecular bone segments from normal and disease models were scanned in the same coil along with a dual calibration phantom for quantitative assessment of bone matrix density. STATISTICAL TESTS: ANOVA and linear regression were used for data analysis, with P-values <0.05 statistically significant. RESULTS: The MRI-derived three-density PEG pellet densities have a strong linear relationship with physical density measures (r2 = 0.99). The Vit-D group had the lowest bone matrix density for cortical bone (0.47 ± 0.16 g cm-3), whereas the OVX had the lowest bone matrix density for trabecular bone (0.26 ± 0.04 g cm-3). Gravimetry results confirmed these MRI-based observations for Vit-D cortical (0.51 ± 0.07 g cm-3) and OVX trabecular (0.26 ± 0.03 g cm-3) bone groups. DATA CONCLUSION: Rat femur images were obtained using a modified pulse sequence and a custom-designed double-tuned (1H/31P) transmit-receive solenoid-coil on a 7T preclinical MRI scanner. Phantom experiments confirmed a strong linear relation between MRI-derived and physical density measures and quantitative bone matrix densities in rat femurs from normal, OVX, and Vit-D deficient/partially nephrectomized animals were computed. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 2 TECHNICAL EFFICACY: Stage 2.

Quantitative 31P magnetic resonance imaging on pathologic rat bones by ZTE at 7T.

BACKGROUND: Osteoporosis is characterized by low bone mineral density (BMD), which predisposes individuals to frequent fragility fractures. Quantitative BMD measurements can potentially help distinguish bone pathologies and allow clinicians to provide disease-relieving therapies. Our group has developed non-invasive and non-ionizing magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) techniques to measure bone mineral density quantitatively. Dual-energy X-ray Absorptiometry (DXA) is a clinically approved non-invasive modality to diagnose osteoporosis but has associated disadvantages and limitations. PURPOSE: Evaluate the clinical feasibility of phosphorus (31P) MRI as a non-invasive and non-ionizing medical diagnostic tool to compute bone mineral density to help differentiate between different metabolic bone diseases. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Fifteen ex-vivo rat bones in three groups [control, ovariectomized (osteoporosis), and vitamin-D deficient (osteomalacia - hypo-mineralized) were scanned to compute BMD. A double-tuned (1H/31P) transmit-receive single RF coil was custom-designed and in-house-built with a better filling factor and strong radiofrequency (B1) field to acquire solid-state 31P MR images from rat femurs with an optimum signal-to-noise ratio (SNR). Micro-computed tomography (µCT) and gold-standard gravimetric analyses were performed to compare and validate MRI-derived bone mineral densities. RESULTS: Three-dimensional 31P MR images of rat bones were obtained with a zero-echo-time (ZTE) sequence with 468 µm spatial resolution and 12-17 SNR on a Bruker 7 T Biospec having multinuclear capability. BMD was measured quantitatively on cortical and trabecular bones with a known standard reference. A strong positive correlation (R = 0.99) and a slope close to 1 in phantom measurements indicate that the densities measured by 31P ZTE MRI are close to the physical densities in computing quantitative BMD. The 31P NMR properties (resonance linewidth of 4 kHz and T1 of 67 s) of ex-vivo rat bones were measured, and 31P ZTE imaging parameters were optimized. The BMD results obtained from MRI are in good agreement with µCT and gravimetry results. CONCLUSION: Quantitative measurements of BMD on ex-vivo rat femurs were successfully conducted on a 7 T preclinical scanner. This study suggests that quantitative measurements of BMD are feasible on humans in clinical MRI with suitable hardware, RF coils, and pulse sequences with optimized parameters within an acceptable scan time since human femurs are approximately ten times larger than rat femurs. As MRI provides quantitative in-vivo data, various systemic musculoskeletal conditions can be diagnosed potentially in humans.

The Effects of Emotion Regulation on Physical and Psychological Wellbeing in University Students: The Role of Depersonalization and Attachment Style.

Our ability to regulate our emotions plays a key protective role against psychological distress and somatic symptoms, with most of the literature focusing on the role of cognitive reappraisal in interventions such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). This study seeks to examine the relationship between emotion dysregulation and psychological and physical distress in university students through the role of depersonalization (DP) and insecure attachment. This study will try to explain the deployment of DP as a defense mechanism to insecure attachment fears and overwhelming stress, developing a maladaptive emotion responding strategy, which affects wellbeing later in life. A cross-sectional design was used on a sample (N = 313) of university students over the age of 18 which consisted of an online survey of 7 questionnaires. Hierarchical multiple regression and mediation analysis were conducted on the results. The results showed that emotion dysregulation and DP predicted each variable of psychological distress and somatic symptoms. Both insecure attachment styles were found to predict psychological distress and somatization, mediated through higher levels of DP, whereby DP may be deployed as a defense mechanism to insecure attachment fears and overwhelming stress, which affects our wellbeing. Clinical implications of these findings highlight the importance of screening for DP in young adults and university students.

Combined MPFL reconstruction and tibial tuberosity transfer avoid focal patella overload in the setting of elevated TT-TG distances.

PURPOSE: Objectives are (1) to evaluate the biomechanical effect of isolated medial patellofemoral ligament (MPFL) reconstruction in the setting of increased tibial tuberosity-trochlear groove distance (TTTG), in terms of patella contact pressures, contact area and lateral displacement; (2) to describe the threshold of TTTG up to which MPFL reconstruction should be performed alone or in combination with tibial tuberosity transfer. METHODS: A finite element model of the knee was developed and validated. The model was modified to simulate isolated MPFL reconstruction, tibial tuberosity transfer and MPFL reconstruction combined with tibial tuberosity transfer for patella malalignment. Two TT-TG distances (17 mm and 22 mm) were simulated. Patella contact pressure, contact area and lateral displacement were analysed. RESULTS: Isolated MPFL reconstruction, at early degrees of flexion, restored normal patella contact pressure when TTTG was 17 mm, but not when TTTG was 22 mm. After 60° of flexion, the TTTG distance was the main factor influencing contact pressure. Isolated MPFL reconstruction for both TTTG 17 mm and 22 mm showed higher contact area and lower lateral displacement than normal throughout knee flexion. Tibial tuberosity transfer, at early degrees of flexion, reduced the contact pressure, but did not restore the normal contact pressure. After 60° of flexion, the TTTG distance was the main factor influencing contact pressure. Tibial tuberosity transfer maintained lower contact area than normal throughout knee flexion. The lateral displacement was higher than normal between 0° and 30° of flexion (< 0.5 mm). MPFL reconstruction combined with tibial tuberosity transfer produced the same contact mechanics and kinematics of the normal condition. CONCLUSION: This study highlights the importance of considering to correct alignment in lateral tracking patella to avoid focal patella overload. Our results showed that isolated MPFL reconstruction corrects patella kinematics regardless of TTTG distance. However, isolated MPFL reconstruction would not restore normal patella contact pressure when TTTG is 22 mm. For TTTG 22 mm, the combined procedure of MPFL reconstruction and tibial tuberosity transfer provided an adequate patellofemoral contact mechanics and kinematics, restoring normal biomechanics. This data supports the use of MPFL reconstruction when the patient has normal alignment and the use of combined MPFL reconstruction and tibial tuberosity transfer in patients with elevated TT-TG distances to avoid focal overload.

Lateral retinacular release in concordance with medial patellofemoral ligament reconstruction in patients with recurrent patellar instability: A computational model.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to develop and validate a finite element (FE) model of the patellofemoral joint to analyze the biomechanics of lateral retinacular release after medial patellofemoral ligament (MPFL) reconstruction in patellar malalignment (increased tibial tubercle-trochlear groove distance (TT-TG)). We hypothesized that lateral retinacular release is not appropriate in patellar instability addressed by MPFL reconstruction due to decreased lateral stability and inappropriate adjustment in patellofemoral contact pressures. METHODS: A FE in-silico model of the patellofemoral joint was developed and validated. The model was used analyze the effect of lateral retinacular release in association with MPFL reconstruction on patellofemoral contact pressures, contact area, and lateral patellar displacement during knee flexion. RESULTS: MPFL reconstruction alone results in restoration of patellofemoral contact pressures throughout the entire range of motion (0-90°), mimicking the results from healthy condition. The addition of the lateral retinacular release to the MPFL reconstruction resulted in significant reductions in both patellofemoral contact pressure and contact area. Lateral retinacular release resulted in more lateral patellar displacement during the mid-flexion knee range of motion. CONCLUSIONS: Combination of lateral retinacular release with MPFL reconstruction in patients with increased TT-TG is not recommended as MPFL reconstruction alone for first-line management of recurrent patellar instability offers a greater biomechanical advantage and restoration of contact forces to resemble that of the healthy knee. The presented biomechanical data outlines the effect of concomitant MPFL reconstruction and lateral retinacular release to help guide surgical planning for patients with recurrent patellar instability due to malalignment.

Lateral release associated with MPFL reconstruction in patients with acute patellar dislocation.

OBJECTIVE: Medial patellofemoral ligament (MPFL) injury occurs in the majority of the cases of acute patellar dislocation. The role of concomitant lateral retinaculum release with MPFL reconstruction is not clearly understood. Even though the lateral retinaculum plays a role in both medial and lateral patellofemoral joint stability in MPFL intact knees, studies have shown mixed clinical outcomes following its release during MPFL reconstruction surgery. Better understanding of the biomechanical effects of the release of the lateral retinaculum during MPFL reconstruction is warranted. We hypothesize that performing a lateral release concurrent with MPFL reconstruction will disrupt the patellofemoral joint biomechanics and result in lateral patellar instability. METHODS: A previously developed and validated finite element (FE) model of the patellofemoral joint was used to understand the effect of lateral retinaculum release following MPFL reconstruction. Contact pressure (CP), contact area (CA) and lateral patellar displacement were recorded. abstract. RESULTS: FE modeling and analysis demonstrated that lateral retinacular release following MPFL reconstruction with tibial tuberosity-tibial groove distance (TT-TG) of 12 mm resulted in a 39% decrease in CP, 44% decrease in CA and a 20% increase in lateral patellar displacement when compared to a knee with an intact MPFL. In addition, there was a 45% decrease in CP, 44% decrease in CA and a 21% increase in lateral displacement when compared to a knee that only had an MPFL reconstruction. CONCLUSION: This FE-based analysis exhibits that concomitant lateral retinaculum release with MPFL reconstruction results in decreased PF CA, CP and increased lateral patellar displacement with increased knee flexion, which may increase the risk of patellar instability.

Military personnels' experience of deployment: An exploration of psychological trauma, protective influences, and resilience.

BACKGROUND: Military personnel are at a heightened risk of being exposed to potentially traumatic incidents in the line of duty. Evidence would suggest that the risk of developing psychological trauma and/or PTSD after a traumatic event is predicted by the interaction of pre-trauma, peri-trauma and post-trauma risk and protective factors. OBJECTIVE: This research will explore military personnels' experience of potentially traumatic events while deployed. In particular, the research aims to gain an understanding of both protective and risk factors which influence personnels' experience of potentially traumatic events. METHOD: One to one, semi-structured interviews were conducted with 12 members of the Irish Defence Forces. We conducted a thematic analysis in line with the recommendations provided by Braun & Clarke 2006. RESULTS: There was a wide variety of potentially traumatic events experienced by participants, ranging from stressful naval migrant rescues to armed standoffs. Aside from more pointed events, chronic stress was reported to negatively affect personal resilience while factors such as positive mindset and a belief in the mission had a galvanizing effect. Both the family back home and the "military family" were reported to provide sources of comfort and support, while at times being a source of significant stress. The organisational context of the military, including training and formal psychological supports was viewed with mixed opinions by our participants. CONCLUSIONS: The findings of this research illuminate the unique stress and strains faced by Irish military personnel at pre, peri and post deployment. The results highlight the need for effective predeployment resilience building programmes to equip personnel with the tools to deal with traumatic events. This foundational work provides the basis for further research into the military peacekeeper and humanitarian domain. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2022 APA, all rights reserved).

Lateral Release With Tibial Tuberosity Transfer Alters Patellofemoral Biomechanics Promoting Multidirectional Patellar Instability.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to develop and validate a finite element (FE) model of the patellofemoral (PF) joint to characterize patellofemoral instability, and to highlight the effect of lateral retinacular release in combination with tibial tuberosity transfer with respect to contact pressures (CP), contact area (CA), and kinematics during knee flexion. METHODS: A comprehensive, dynamic FE model of the knee joint was developed and validated through parametric comparison of PF kinematics, CP, and CA between FE simulations and in vitro, cadaveric experiments. Using this FE model, we characterized the effect of patellar instability, lateral retinacular release (LR), and tibial tuberosity transfer (TTT) in the setting of medial patellofemoral ligament injury during knee flexion. RESULTS: There was a high level of agreement in CP, CA, lateral patellar displacement, anterior patellar displacement, and superior patellar displacement between the FE model and the in vitro data (P values 0.19, 0.16, 0.81, 0.10, and 0.36, respectively). Instability conditions demonstrated the greatest CP compared to all of the other conditions. During all degrees of flexion, TTT and concomitant lateral release (TTT + LR) decreased CP significantly. TTT alone shows a consistently lower CA compared to nonrelease conditions with subsequent lateral release further decreasing CA. CONCLUSIONS: The results of this study demonstrate that the FE model described reliably simulates PF kinematics and CP within 1 SD in uncomplicated cadaveric specimens. The FE model is able to show that tibial tubercle transfer in combination with lateral retinacular release markedly decreases patellofemoral CP and CA and increases lateral patellar displacement that may decrease bony stabilization of the patella within the trochlear groove and promote lateral patellar instability. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: The goal of surgical correction for patellar instability focuses on reestablishing normal PF kinematics. By developing an FE model that can demonstrate patient PF kinematics and the results of different surgical approaches, surgeons may tailor their treatment to the best possible outcome. Of the surgical approaches that have been described, the biomechanical effects of the combination of TTT with lateral retinacular release have not been studied. Thus, the FE analysis will help shed light on the effect of the combination of TTT with lateral retinacular release on PF kinematics.

The Role of Attachment Style, Adverse Childhood Experiences and Dissociation in Migraine.

Migraine and chronic migraine are caused by a combination of modifiable and non-modifiable genetic, social, behavioral and environmental risk factors. Further research of possible modifiable risk factors for this headache disorder is merited, given its role as one of the leading causes of years lived with disability per year. The first aim of this online cross-sectional study was to investigate the psychosocial risk factors that predicted chronic migraine and severe migraine-related disability in 507 Irish and UK participants, focusing specifically on childhood maltreatment, attachment and tendency to dissociate, or experience depressed mood and/or anxiety. Additionally, this study aimed to examine variables that mediated the relationships between these psychosocial risk factors and migraine chronicity or severe migraine-related disability. Adjusted binary logistic regression revealed that shutdown dissociation (Odds Ratio [OR] 4.57, 95% Confidence Interval [CI] 2.66-7.85) and severe physical abuse (OR 4.30, 95% CI 1.44-12.83 had significant odds of predicting migraine chronicity, while depression (OR 3.28, 95% CI 1.86-5.77) significantly predicted severe migraine-related disability. Mediation analyses indicated that shutdown dissociation mediated the relationship between seven predictor variables and both chronicity and severe disability including possible predisposing factors emotional abuse, physical neglect, avoidant attachment and anxious attachment. These findings suggest that early life stressors (such as childhood trauma and avoidant attachment style), shutdown dissociation and depression may impact on migraine trajectory. To investigate whether these psychosocial factors are risk factors for migraine chronicity or disability, prospective research should be conducted in this area to account for fluctuations in migraine chronicity over time.

Plaster of Paris: Squeeze, But Not Too Hard!

Plaster of Paris (PoP) has been the predominant treatment option for most acute and chronic orthopedic conditions. Water immersion significantly decreases the PoP bandage strength. Moreover, concerns have been raised about the possibility of breaks in PoP splints and cast failures once solid. The current study was designed to account for the increase in weight associated with increased PoP layers. The authors hypothesized that by controlling for weight variation as layers increased, they could determine the number of layers of PoP bandage that truly results in optimal mechanical properties. They assessed whether adequate plaster weight control while increasing layers could improve the mechanical properties of the splint. [Orthopedics. 2022;45(1):e57-e61.].

Pre-deployment programmes for building resilience in military and frontline emergency service personnel.

BACKGROUND: Military personnel and frontline emergency workers may be exposed to events that have the potential to precipitate negative mental health outcomes such as depression, symptoms of post-traumatic stress and even post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Programmes have been designed to build psychological resilience before staff are deployed into the field. This review presents a synthesis of the literature on these "pre-deployment resilience-building programmes". OBJECTIVES: The objective of this review was to assess the effectiveness of programmes that seek to build resilience to potentially traumatic events among military and frontline emergency service personnel prior to their deployment. These resilience programmes were compared to other interventions, treatment as usual or no intervention. SEARCH METHODS: Studies were identified through searches of electronic databases including Ovid MEDLINE, Embase, PsycINFO, Web of Science and Google Scholar. The initial search took place in January 2019, with an updated search completed at the end of September 2020. SELECTION CRITERIA: Only studies that used a randomised controlled trial (RCT)/cluster-RCT methodology were included. The programmes being evaluated must have sought to build resilience prior to exposure to trauma. Study participants must have been 18 years or older and be military personnel or frontline emergency workers. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: Studies that met the inclusion criteria were assembled. Data extracted included methods, participants' details, intervention details, comparator details, and information on outcomes. The primary outcomes of interest were resilience, symptoms of post-traumatic stress and PTSD. Secondary outcomes of interest included acute stress disorder, depression, social support, coping skills, emotional flexibility, self-efficacy, social functioning, subjective levels of aggression, quality of sleep, quality of life and stress. Assessment of risk of bias was also completed. A total of 28 studies were included in a narrative synthesis of results. MAIN RESULTS: All 28 included studies compared an experimental resilience building intervention versus a control or no intervention. There was a wide range of therapeutic modalities used, including cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) informed programmes, biofeedback based programmes, stress-management programmes, mindfulness and relaxation programmes, neuropsychological-based programmes, and psychoeducational-informed programmes. The main outcomes are specified here, secondary outcomes such as depression, social support, coping skills, self-efficacy, subjective levels of aggression and stress are reported in text. No studies reported on the following pre-specified outcomes; acute stress disorder, emotional flexibility, social functioning, quality of sleep and quality of life. Resilience Eight studies reported resilience as an outcome. We narratively synthesised the data from these studies and our findings show that five of these interventions had success in building resilience in their respective samples. Two of the studies that reported significant results utilised a CBT approach to build resilience, while the other three successful programmes were mindfulness-based interventions. Symptoms of post-traumatic stress Our narrative synthesis of results included eight studies. Two of the eight studies produced significant reductions in symptoms of post traumatic stress compared to controls. These interventions used neuropsychological and biofeedback intervention models respectively. PTSD caseness Four studies reported PTSD caseness as an outcome. Our narrative synthesis of results suggests that evidence is mixed as to the effectiveness of these interventions in reducing clinical diagnosis of PTSD. One study of a neuropsychology-orientated Attention Bias Modification Training (AMBT) programme had success in reducing both symptoms of post-traumatic stress and numbers of participants receiving a diagnosis of PTSD. A stress-management programme reported that, when baseline differences in rates of pre-deployment mental health issues were controlled for, participants in the control condition were at 6.9 times the risk of a diagnosis of PTSD when compared to the intervention group. Given the diversity of intervention designs and theoretical orientations used (which included stress-management, neuropsychological and psychoeducational programmes), a definitive statement on the efficacy of pre-deployment programmes at reducing symptoms of post-traumatic stress and PTSD cannot be confidently offered. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS: While a number of evaluations of relevant programmes have been published, the quality of these evaluations limits our ability to determine if resilience-building programmes 'work' in terms of preventing negative outcomes such as depression, symptoms of post-traumatic stress and diagnoses of PTSD. Based on our findings we recommend that future research should: a) report pre-/post-means and standard deviation scores for scales used within respective studies, b) take the form of large, RCTs with protocols published in advance, and c) seek to measure defined psychological facets such as resilience, PTSD and stress, and measure these concepts using established psychometric tools. This will provide more certainty in future assessments of the evidence base. From a clinical implications point of view, overall there is mixed evidence that the interventions included in this review are effective at safe guarding military personnel or frontline emergency workers from experiencing negative mental health outcomes, including PTSD, following exposure to potentially traumatic events. Based on this, practitioners seeking to build resilience in their personnel need to be aware of the limitations of the evidence base. Practitioners should have modest expectations in relation to the efficacy of resilience-building programmes as a prophylactic approach to employment-related critical incident traumas.

Gestational Age and Risk of Mortality in Term-Born Critically Ill Neonates Admitted to PICUs in Australia and New Zealand.

OBJECTIVES: Gestational age at birth is declining, probably because more deliveries are being induced. Gestational age is an important modifiable risk factor for neonatal mortality and morbidity. We aimed to investigate the association between gestational age and mortality in hospital for term-born neonates (≥ 37 wk') admitted to PICUs in Australia and New Zealand. DESIGN: Observational multicenter cohort study. SETTING: PICUs in Australia and New Zealand. PATIENTS: Term-born neonates (≥ 37 wk) admitted to PICUs. INTERVENTIONS: None MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS:: We studied 5,073 infants born with a gestational age greater than or equal to 37 weeks and were less than 28 days old when admitted to a PICU in Australia or New Zealand between 2007 and 2016. The association between gestational age and mortality was estimated using a multivariable logistic regression model, adjusting for age, sex, indigenous status, Pediatric Index of Mortality version 2, and site. The median gestational age was 39.1 weeks (interquartile range, 38.2-40 wk) and mortality in hospital was 6.6%. Risk of mortality declined log-linearly with gestational age. The adjusted analysis showed a 20% (95% CI, 11-28%) relative reduction in mortality for each extra week of gestation beyond 37 weeks. The effect of gestation was stronger among those who received extracorporeal life support: each extra week of gestation was associated with a 44% (95% CI, 25-57%) relative reduction in mortality. Longer gestation was also associated with reduced length of stay in hospital: each week increase in gestation, the average length of stay decreased by 4% (95% CI, 2-6%). CONCLUSIONS: Among neonates born at "term" who are admitted to a PICU, increasing gestational age at birth is associated with a substantial reduction in the risk of dying in hospital. The maturational influence on outcome was more strongly noted in the sickest neonates, such as those requiring extracorporeal life support. This information is important in view of the increasing proportion of planned births in both high- and low-/middle-income countries.

Comparison of Patellofemoral Kinematics and Stability After Medial Patellofemoral Ligament and Medial Quadriceps Tendon-Femoral Ligament Reconstruction.

BACKGROUND: There is a lack of evidence regarding the optimum extensor-sided fixation method for medial patellofemoral ligament (MPFL) reconstruction. There is increased interest in avoiding patellar drilling via soft tissue-only fixation to the distal quadriceps, thus reconstructing the medial quadriceps tendon-femoral ligament (MQTFL). The biomechanical implications of differing extensor-sided fixation constructs remain unknown. HYPOTHESIS: The null hypothesis was there would be no differences between traditional MPFL reconstruction and MQTFL reconstruction with respect to resistance to lateral translation, patellar position, or patellofemoral contact pressures. STUDY DESIGN: Controlled laboratory study. METHODS: Nine adult knee specimens were mounted on a jig that applied static, physiologic loads to the quadriceps tendons. Patellar position and orientation, knee flexion angle, and patellofemoral pressure were recorded at 8 different flexion angles between 0° and 110°. Additionally, a lateral patellar excursion test was conducted wherein a load was applied directly to the patella in the lateral direction with the knee at 30° of flexion and subjected to 2-N quadriceps loads. Testing was conducted under 4 conditions: intact, transected MPFL, MQTFL reconstruction, and MPFL reconstruction. For MQTFL reconstruction, the surgical technique established by Fulkerson was employed. For MPFL reconstruction, a traditional technique was utilized. RESULTS: The patellar excursion test showed no significant difference between the MQTFL and intact states with respect to lateral translation. MPFL reconstruction led to significantly less lateral translation (P < .05) than all other states. There were no significant differences between MPFL and MQTFL reconstructions with respect to peak patellofemoral contact pressure. MPFL and MQTFL reconstructions both resulted in increased internal rotation of the patella with the knee in full extension. CONCLUSION: Soft tissue-only extensor-sided fixation to the distal quadriceps (MQTFL) during patella stabilization appears to re-create native stability in this time 0 cadaver model. Fixation to the patella (MPFL) was associated with increased resistance to lateral translation. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Evolving anatomic knowledge and concern for patellar fracture has led to increased interest in MQTFL reconstruction. Both MQTFL and MPFL reconstructions restored patellofemoral stability to lateral translation without increasing contact pressures under appropriate graft tensioning, with MQTFL more closely restoring native resistance to lateral translation at the time of surgery.

Biomechanical properties of an intramedullary suture anchor fixation compared to tension band wiring in osteoporotic olecranon fractures- A cadaveric study.

INTRODUCTION: The aim of the study is to compare three different fixation techniques for transverse olecranon repair in cadaveric osteoporotic bone: (1) current recommended AO tension band technique with K-wire fixation; (2) Suture anchor fixation and (3) Polyester suture fixation. METHODS: Evaluated with bone densitometry, 7 osteoporotic human elbow specimens were included in the study. A transverse olecranon fracture was reduced anatomically and were fixated first using a K-wire tension band technique, second using two suture anchors, and third using polyester suture. Static simulations of the kinetics associated with active range of motion (AROM) and push up from a chair exercises were performed with cyclic loading using Instron hydraulic testing apparatus. Fracture displacement was measured using videographic analysis. Failure was defined as 2 mm fracture displacement. RESULTS: The biomechanical analysis found no statistical difference in displacements between the three fixation methods when testing AROM. In simulated push-up exercises, polyester suture fixation failed after 17 cycles and had significantly higher displacement compared to the other two methods. No difference between the K-Wire fixation versus Suture anchor fixation was observed, p = 0.162. CONCLUSION: Suture anchor fixation might be a viable surgical treatment option for osteoporotic transverse elbow fractures in geriatric patients.

An Evaluation of the Effectiveness of the Modalities Used to Deliver Electronic Health Interventions for Chronic Pain: Systematic Review With Network Meta-Analysis.

BACKGROUND: Electronic health (eHealth) is the use of information and communication technology in the context of health care and health research. Recently, there has been a rise in the number of eHealth modalities and the frequency with which they are used to deliver technology-assisted self-management interventions for people living with chronic pain. However, there has been little or no research directly comparing these eHealth modalities. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this systematic review with a network meta-analysis (NMA) is to compare the effectiveness of eHealth modalities in the context of chronic pain. METHODS: Randomized controlled trials (N>20 per arm) that investigated interventions for adults with chronic pain, delivered via an eHealth modality, were included. Included studies were categorized into their primary node of delivery. Data were extracted on the primary outcome, pain interference, and secondary outcomes, pain severity, psychological distress, and health-related quality of life. Pairwise meta-analyses were undertaken where possible, and an NMA was conducted to generate indirect comparisons and rankings of modalities for reducing pain interference. RESULTS: The search returned 18,470 studies with 18,349 being excluded (duplicates=2310; title and abstract=16,039). Of the remaining papers, 30 studies with 5394 randomized participants were included in the review. Rankings tentatively indicated that modern eHealth modalities are the most effective, with a 43% chance that mobile apps delivered the most effective interventions, followed by a 34% chance that interventions delivered via virtual reality were the most effective. CONCLUSIONS: This systematic review with an NMA generated comparisons between eHealth modalities previously not compared to determine which delivered the most effective interventions for the reduction of pain interference in chronic pain patients. There are limitations with this review, in particular, the underrepresented nature of some eHealth modalities included in the analysis. However, in the event that the review is regularly updated, a clear ranking of eHealth modalities for the reduction of pain interference will emerge.

Investigating the effectiveness of an online acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) intervention versus a waiting list control condition on pain interference and quality of life in adults with chronic pain and multimorbidity: protocol for a randomised controlled trial.

INTRODUCTION: Multimorbidity refers to the presence of two or more chronic health conditions within one person, where no one condition is primary. Research suggests that multimorbidity is highly correlated with chronic pain, which is pain lasting longer than 3 months. Psychotherapeutic interventions for people living with chronic illness have resulted in reduced symptom reporting and improved psychological well-being. There is a dearth of research, however, using online psychotherapy for people living with multimorbidity where chronic pain is a central condition. This study will compare the effectiveness of an online acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) intervention with a waiting list control condition in terms of improving health-related quality of life (HRQoL) and reducing levels of pain interference in people with chronic pain and at least one other condition. METHODS AND ANALYSIS: 192 adult participants with non-malignant pain that persists for at least 3 months and at least one other medically diagnosed condition will be randomised to one of two study conditions. The experimental group will undergo an eight-session internet-delivered ACT programme over an 8-week period. A waiting list group will be offered the ACT intervention after the 3-month follow-up period. HRQoL and pain interference will act as the primary outcomes. Data will be analysed using a linear mixed model and adjusted to account for demographic and clinical variables as necessary. A Study Within a Trial will be incorporated to examine the effect on recruitment and retention of showing participants an animated educational video. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION: Ethical approval has been granted by the Research Ethics Committee of the National University of Ireland, Galway. Dissemination of results will be via peer reviewed journal articles and conference presentations. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: ISRCTN22343024.

Diagnostic Modalities for Acute Compartment Syndrome of the Extremities: A Systematic Review.

IMPORTANCE: Acute compartment syndrome (ACS) can cause catastrophic tissue damage leading to permanent muscle and nerve loss. Acute compartment syndrome is a clinical diagnosis, with intracompartmental pressure (ICP) used in equivocal cases. There are no reliable diagnostic methods. The clinical evaluation is impossible to standardize, and the threshold for ICP has been known to be unreliable; thus, guidelines for diagnosis can result in overtreatment or delayed diagnosis. OBJECTIVE: To present and review the advantages and disadvantages of each diagnostic modality and identify gaps that need to be addressed in the future and to review the most used and appropriate animal and human ACS models. EVIDENCE REVIEW: We included clinical studies and animal models investigating diagnostic modalities for ACS of the extremities. A MEDLINE and Web of Science search was performed. The protocol for the study was registered on PROSPERO (CRD42017079266). We assessed the quality of the clinical studies with Newcastle-Ottawa scale and reported level of evidence for each article. FINDINGS: Fifty-one articles were included in this study, reporting on 38 noninvasive and 35 invasive modalities. Near-infrared spectroscopy and direct ICP measurement using a Stryker device were the most common, respectively. Cadaveric studies used saline infusions to create an ACS model. Most studies with human participants included injured patients with acquired ACS or at risk of developing ACS. In healthy human participants, tourniquets formed the most commonly used ACS model. Application of tourniquets and infusion of saline or albumin were the most used ACS models among animal studies. CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE: This article reports on the most common as well as many new and modified diagnostic modalities, which can serve as inspiration for future investigations to develop more effective and efficient diagnostic techniques for ACS. Future studies on diagnostic modalities should include the development of tools for continuous assessment of ICP to better identify the earliest alterations suggestive of impending ACS. With the advent of such technologies, it may be possible to develop far less aggressive and more effective approaches for early detection of ACS.

Recombinant activated factor VII in neonatal cardiac surgery.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study is to determine whether recombinant activated factor VII (rVIIa) was associated with thrombus formation in neonates undergoing cardiac surgery. METHODS: This is a retrospective study of neonates undergoing surgical repair of congenital cardiac lesions during a 9-year period. RESULTS: In our study, 416 cardiac operations requiring cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) were performed on 414 neonates. The overall intravascular thrombus (thrombus) frequency for all operations was 45 of 416 (11%). A thrombus developed in 17 of 287 (6%) operations when rVIIa was not given. rVIIa was administered in 129 of 416 (31%) operations. Thrombus formation occurred in 28 of 129 (22%) operations when rVIIa was administered. There was an association between rVIIa use and thrombus formation [odds ratio (OR) 4.4, 95% confidence interval (CI) 2.3-8.4; P < 0.0001]. Patients with thrombus formation had an increased length of stay compared to those without thrombus. Neonates who underwent the Norwood procedures and received rVIIa and developed thrombus were more likely to be supported with extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) and had a higher mortality compared to Norwood patients without thrombus. Logistic analysis adjusted for the paediatric index of mortality 2 score, the risk adjustment for congenital heart surgery and the use of ECMO demonstrated a strong association between rVIIa administration and thrombus formation (OR 3.5, 95% CI 1.7-6.9; P = 0.0004). However, there was no effect of the risk adjustment for congenital heart surgery-1 category or the paediatric index of mortality 2 score on thrombus formation. CONCLUSIONS: In neonates who underwent CPB surgery, administration of rVIIa was associated with an increased occurrence of intravascular thrombus formation compared to neonates not given rVIIa. In the Norwood population, thrombus formation was associated with a higher mortality.