[Dengue, chikungunya and the mosquito vector at the Southern limit of distribution during the 2023 epidemic, Argentina]. / Dengue, chikungunya y el mosquito vector en el límite sur de distribución durante la epidemia 2023, Argentina.

OBJECTIVES: To monitor the oviposition activity of the mosquito Aedes aegypti and of dengue and chikungunya cases in four localities of temperate Argentina, during the 2023 epidemic. METHODS: During the summer and autumn of 2023, the oviposition activity of the mosquito vector was monitored weekly using ovitraps, and the arrival of cases with dengue or chikungunya in Tandil, Olavarría, Bahía Blanca and Laprida were registered. RESULTS: Monthly variations of the percentage of positive traps were similar in the first three locations; in Laprida the mosquito was not detected. On the contrary, a significant difference was observed in the percentage of total traps that ever tested positive in each locality, being higher in Olavarría (83.3%) than in Bahía Blanca (68.6%) and Tandil (48.7%). Regarding diseases, 18 imported cases of dengue and 3 of chikungunya were registered. In addition, the first autochthonous case of dengue in the region was recorded, being the southernmost until known. CONCLUSION: It is essential to raise awareness and train the members of the health systems of the new regions exposed to Ae. aegypti for early detection of cases, and to the general population to enhance prevention actions.

OBJETIVOS: Monitorear la actividad de oviposición del mosquito Aedes aegypti y de casos de dengue y chikungunya en cuatro localidades de Argentina templada, durante la epidemia del 2023. Métodos: Durante el verano y otoño del 2023, se monitoreó semanalmente mediante ovitrampas la actividad de oviposición del mosquito vector, y se registró el arribo de casos con dengue o chikungunya a Tandil, Olavarría, Bahía Blanca y Laprida. RESULTADOS: La variación mensual del porcentaje de trampas positivas fue similar en las tres primeras localidades; en Laprida no se detectó el mosquito. Por el contrario, se observó una diferencia significativa del porcentaje de trampas que alguna vez resultó positiva en cada localidad, siendo mayor en Olavarría (83%), que en Bahía Blanca (67%) y Tandil (49%). Respecto a las enfermedades, se registraron 18 casos importados de dengue y 3 de chikungunya. Además, se registró el primer caso autóctono de dengue en la región, siendo el más austral hasta el momento. Conclusión: Es imprescindible sensibilizar y capacitar a los integrantes de los sistemas de salud de las nuevas regiones expuestas al Ae. aegypti para la detección temprana de casos, y a la población en general para potenciar las acciones de prevención.

Outcomes of Open Bankart Repair Plus Inferior Capsular Shift Compared with Latarjet Procedure in Contact Athletes with Recurrent Anterior Shoulder Instability.

Background: Open Bankart repair plus inferior capsular shift (OBICS) and Latarjet procedure (LA) are considered appropriate treatment alternatives for high-performance athletes. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the functional outcomes and recurrence rate of each surgery. Our hypothesis: there were no differences between the two treatments. Methods: A prospective cohort study was conducted with n=90 contact athletes divided into two groups of 45 patients. One group was treated with OBICS, and the other one with LA. The mean follow-up period was 25 (24-32) months for the OBICS group and 26 (24-31) months for the LA group. Primary functional outcomes of each group were assessed at baseline, six months, one year, and two years after surgery. The functional outcomes were also compared between the groups. The evaluation tools used were the Western Ontario Shoulder Instability score (WOSI) and the American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons scale (ASES). In addition, recurrent instability and range of motion (ROM) were also evaluated. Results: In each group, significant changes were found in the WOSI score and ASES scale from pre-op to postop. However, there were no significant differences between the functional outcomes of the groups at the final follow-up (P-values 0.73 and 0.19). Three dislocations and one subluxation (8.8%) were reported in the OBICS group, and three subluxations were reported in the LA group (6.6%), revealing no significant differences between the groups (P=0.37). Moreover, there were no significant differences between preoperative and postoperative ROM in each group or in terms of external rotation (ER) and ER in 90º abduction between the groups. Conclusion: No differences were found between OBICS and LA surgery. Both procedures can be indicated according to the surgeon's preference to reduce recurrence rates in contact athletes with recurrent anterior shoulder instability.

¿Tardan más en consolidar las fracturas asociadas a bifosfonatos? / Does bone healing take longer in fractures treated with bisphosphonates?

Introducción: Los bifosfonatos evolucionaron como el pilar para el tratamiento de la osteoporosis, reduciendo la incidencia de fracturas. Recientemente, varias publicaciones describieron la aparición de fracturas atípicas de fémur de baja energía asociadas con el uso de bifosfonatos. El objetivo de este estudio fue evaluar el tiempo promedio de consolidación de las fracturas atípicas de fémur asociadas al tratamiento con bifosfonatos comparado con el de un grupo de control. Materiales y Métodos: Se evaluó, en forma retrospectiva, a 34 mujeres (edad promedio 74 años) con fracturas atípicas; 16 de ellas habían recibido bifosfonatos, al menos, por cinco años. Fueron tratadas entre 2006 y 2017, y estabilizadas con un clavo cefalomedular. Este grupo fue comparado con un grupo de control de similares características. Resultados: Veintidós tenían fracturas subtrocantéricas y 12, diafisarias. El 14% de las que tomaron bifosfonatos y fueron operadas requirió una revisión frente al 5,5% del grupo de control. El tiempo promedio de consolidación fue mayor en las tratadas con bifosfonatos (8.5 vs. 6 meses), con una diferencia estadísticamente significativa (p <0,001). Conclusiones: El beneficio del tratamiento con bifosfonatos en la prevención de fracturas es superior al riesgo de fracturas atípicas; sin embargo, es importante evaluar la relación riesgo-beneficio en cada paciente al comienzo y durante el tratamiento, teniendo en cuenta que, pese a esto, el tiempo de curación es más largo. Nivel de Evidencia: IV

Objectives: Bisphosphonates have become the gold standard treatment for osteoporosis, since they reduce the incidence of fractures. Recently, several papers described the occurrence of low-energy atypical femoral fractures associated with the use of bisphosphonates. The objective of this study was to compare the average time to healing of atypical femoral fractures in patients who received bisphosphonates and in a control group. Materials and Methods: We retrospectively evaluated 34 patients with atypical femoral fractures, 16 of whom had received treatment with bisphosphonates for at least 5 years, between 2006 and 2017, and whose fractures were stabilized with a cephalomedullary nail. They were compared with a control group of similar characteristics. Results: All the patients were female, with an average age of 74 years. Twenty-two fractures were subtrochanteric, while 12 involved the femoral shaft. Fourteen percent (14%) of the patients who received bisphosphonates and surgical management required a revision surgery, while 5.5% of the control group did not. The average time to bone healing was longer in those treated with bisphosphonates (8.5 months vs. 6 months), which was statistically significant (p <0.001). Conclusions: The benefits of using bisphosphonates for fracture prevention outweigh the risk of atypical fractures. However, it is important to evaluate the risk-benefit ratio in each patient at the beginning of the treatment and during the course of it, since, despite the benefits, healing time is longer. Level of Evidence: IV

Colgajo paraescapular en pérdidas postraumáticas de tejidos blandos de las extremidades / Parascapular flap in post-traumatic soft-tissue loss at the limbs

Introducción: El objetivo de este artículo es comunicar los resultados obtenidos con el uso del colgajo paraescapular para cubrir defectos severos postraumáticos de tejidos blandos en las extremidades. Materiales y Métodos: Estudio retrospectivo, descriptivo, de una serie de 20 pacientes a los que se les realizó un colgajo libre paraescapular para cubrir lesiones masivas combinadas postraumáticas de tejidos blandos en las extremidades, entre 2006 y 2017. La edad de los pacientes promedió 30 años (18 hombres, 2 mujeres). La localización de las lesiones fue: 10 en antebrazo y muñeca, una en la región inguinal, siete en la pierna y dos en tobillo/pie. Resultados: El seguimiento promedio fue de 3.6 años. Se logró la cobertura exitosa en 17 casos. El tamaño de los colgajos promedió 24,8 x 10,7 cm. Seis casos presentaron lesiones vasculonerviosas que necesitaron injerto, seis se asociaron a pérdidas óseas, 11 requirieron injerto de piel y cuatro, reconstrucciones tendinosas. En todos los pacientes, el área donante cerró en forma primaria y sin secuelas funcionales. Dicho colgajo se combinó con el escapular en tres casos y con colgajo de dorsal ancho en tres casos. Dos colgajos fallaron y debió amputarse la extremidad lesionada; un paciente falleció por embolia masiva al séptimo día de la cirugía. Conclusiones: El colgajo paraescapular permitió salvar y reconstruir satisfactoriamente defectos masivos extensos en 17 de 20 extremidades, sin morbilidad para la zona donante del colgajo, pero su uso no está exento de complicaciones, y un abordaje multidisciplinario es necesario para disminuir esta morbilidad. Nivel de Evidencia: IV

Introduction: The aim of this paper is to present the results after the use of parascapular free flaps to cover severe softtissue defects at the extremities. Methods: A retrospective, descriptive study of 20 patients who received parascapular free flaps to cover massive combined soft-tissue lesions at the extremities as a salvage procedure from 2006 to 2017 was performed. Patients' age averaged 30 years (18 men, 2 women). Sites of lesions were: ten at the forearm and wrist, one at the inguinal region, seven at the leg and two at the ankle/foot. Results: Follow-up averaged 3.6 years. Successful coverage was achieved in 17 cases. Flap size averaged 24.8 x 10.7 cm. There were six cases with neurovascular lesions that needed grafting, six cases had associated bone loss, eleven patients needed skin graft and four required tendon reconstructions. Donor area closed primarily without functional limitations in all patients. In three cases the flap was combined with a scapular flap and in three cases with a latissimus dorsi flap. Two flaps failed and the injured limb was amputated; one patient died due to massive embolism seven days after surgery. Conclusions: Parascapular free flaps allowed salvage and reconstruction of 17 out of 20 severely injured limbs, without morbidity for the donor area. But its use is not free of complications, and a multidisciplinary approach is necessary to reduce this morbidity. Level of Evidence: IV

Minimally invasive plate osteosynthesis in humerus nonunion after intramedullary nailing.

INTRODUCTION: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the results achieved after the use of lateral minimally invasive plate osteosynthesis (MIPO) in oligotrophic humerus nonunions resulting from failed intramedullary nailing (IM). METHOD: We evaluated nine patients with humerus nonunion after failed locked intramedullary nailing, all treated using 3.5-mm locked compression plates (LCP) placed through lateral minimally invasive approaches, between 2010 and 2016. Patient's age averaged 39.7 years. All nonunions were diaphyseal and oligotrophic. All nonunions had previous surgical treatment with static locked nails (seven antegrade and two retrograde). The IM nails were all well inserted in the humerus (none of them protruded or had rotator cuff lesions associated). Pre-operative Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH) score averaged 25.5 points. Pre-operative Constant's score averaged 80.2. Pre-operative visual analog scale of pain averaged 2.4 points. RESULTS: Follow-up averaged 17.7 months. Time between initial surgery and revision procedure averaged 11.7 months. Union was achieved in all cases, after an average of 4.8 months. DASH score at last follow-up averaged 5.1 points, and final Constant's score averaged 93.7 points. The analog scale of pain averaged 0.7 points. Time from definitive surgery to work return averaged 3.9 months. Long 3.5-mm LCPs were used (plate length averaged 16.9 screw holes). In two cases, a third 4-cm incision at the nonunion site was performed and cancellous autologous iliac crest bone graft was associated. CONCLUSION: In our series of nine patients, we achieved union and good objective and subjective results, with high patient satisfaction, using a lateral MIPO technique and placing long 3.5-mm LCPs in selected oligotrophic humerus nonunions after failed IM nailing.

Defectos óseos diafisarios postraumáticos en la extremidad superior de niños / Post-traumatic diaphyseal bone defects in the upper extremity of children

Introducción: El objetivo de este estudio fue evaluar si la combinación de osteosíntesis asociadas a autoinjerto óseo representa un método terapéutico eficaz y confiable en niños con defectos óseos segmentarios diafisarios crónicos en el húmero o los huesos del antebrazo. Materiales y Métodos: Se evaluó retrospectivamente a nueve niños, tratados entre 2005 y 2015, con fracturas en huesos largos de la extremidad superior que se infectaron y resultaron en defectos óseos segmentarios; todas con ≥6 meses de evolución desde el trauma inicial. Se incluyó a 7 niños y 2 niñas, con una edad promedio de 9.9 años. Cuatro defectos óseos se localizaban en el húmero; tres, en el cúbito y dos, en el radio. Todos habían sido sometidos a intervenciones quirúrgicas (promedio 3,7) que originaron defectos óseos de 4,5 cm en promedio. El tiempo entre el trauma inicial y la cirugía definitiva promedió los 21.8 meses. Resultados: El seguimiento promedio fue de 2.2 años. Se obtuvo la consolidación en todos los casos. En un paciente, se utilizó espaciador de cemento y, en otro, injerto libre de peroné. Dos pacientes con lesión en el húmero presentaron un acortamiento significativo. Todos los niños retomaron sus actividades deportivas y recreativas sin limitaciones. Conclusiones: Mediante la combinación de diferentes tipos de autoinjerto óseo, diversas placas colocadas puenteando la lesión y la técnica de la membrana inducida, se logró la consolidación y los nueve niños con defectos óseos diafisarios segmentarios en húmero, cúbito o radio retornaron a sus actividades normales. Nivel de Evidencia: IV

Introduction: The aim of this study was to evaluate the results achieved in children with chronic segmental bone defects at the humerus or forearm. Methods: Nine children, treated between 2005 and 2015, presenting long bone upper extremity fractures that got infected resulting in segmentary bone defects were retrospectively evaluated; all lesions had 6 or more months from trauma. Seven patients were male and two female, with an average age of 9.9 years. Four defects were located at the humerus, three at the ulna, and two at the radius. All patients had had previous surgical interventions (average 3.7), originating bony defects that averaged 4.5 cm. Time from initial trauma to definitive surgery averaged 21.8 months. Results: Follow-up averaged 2.2 years. Union was achieved in all patients. A cement spacer was used in one case, in another case a free fibular bone graft was used. Two patients with humeral defects had significant shortening. All patients returned to their recreational and sports activities without limitations. Conclusions: The combination of different types of bone autograft, various plaques placed bypassing the lesion and the induced membrane technique allowed us to obtain consolidation and return to normal activity in the nine children with segmental bone defects in humerus, ulna or radius. Level of Evidence: IV

Exposición a la radiación de los cirujanos en la fijación interna de fracturas de radio distal / Surgeon´s radiation exposure in the internal fixation of distal radius fractures

Introducción: El objetivo de este estudio es proveer valores de referencia de dosis de radiación absorbida por el cirujano en la reducción abierta y fijación interna con placa volar de fracturas inestables de radio distal. Materiales y Métodos: Entre mayo y diciembre de 2015, se evaluó prospectivamente la exposición a la radiación de dos cirujanos, usando dosímetros en tórax, cuello y muñeca en las cirugías de fracturas inestables de radio distal. Se construyó un índice relativo para cada cirugía a fin de identificar las diferencias entre los sitios y establecer valores de referencia para el monitoreo de la exposición. Resultados: Se evaluaron los resultados en las cirugías de 50 pacientes. El procedimiento quirúrgico promedió 40 minutos (DE 2.06); se hallaron diferencias estadísticamente significativas entre los dos cirujanos (p = 0,043). El tiempo promedio de exposición del arco en C fue de 75 segundos y difirió significativamente entre los cirujanos (p = 0,007) y entre los sitios (p <0,05). Hubo menos radiación en el tórax (protegido con chaleco de plomo, 0,04 mSv) que en los otros dos sitios (no protegidos): muñeca 0,017 mSv y tiroides 0,18 mSv. Conclusiones: En la reducción abierta y fijación interna de fracturas de radio distal, los cirujanos están expuestos a la radiación directa durante la fluoroscopia, la cual varía conforme el sitio de exposición y no es homogénea entre los profesionales. La cantidad de radiación recibida por los cirujanos, cuando se consideran aisladamente las fracturas de radio distal, no puede asociarse a un mayor riesgo de cáncer o desarrollo de malignidad. Nivel de Evidencia: II

Introduction: The objective of this study is to provide reference values of radiation doses absorbed by surgeons during open reduction and internal fixation of distal radius fractures. Methods: We prospectively evaluated radiation exposure during surgery for distal radius fracture between May and December 2015. Exposure was evaluated in two surgeons using dosimeters in thorax, neck, and wrist. A relative radiation index for each surgery was calculated to identify the differences among sites and to establish reference values for radiation monitoring. Results: Results of surgery performed in 50 patients were evaluated. Surgical procedure averaged 40 minutes (SD 2.06), and there were no statistically significant differences between both surgeons (p=0.043). C-arm exposure time averaged 75 seconds. There were significant differences between surgeons (p=0.007) or among sites (p<0.05). Radiation in the thorax was smaller (protected with a lead vest, 0.04 mSv) than in the other two sites (not protected with lead): wrist 0.017 mSv and thyroid 0.18 mSv. Conclusions: During open reduction and internal fixation of distal radius fractures, surgeons are exposed to direct radiation during fluoroscopy, which varies according to the exposure site and it is not uniform among surgeons. The amount of radiation received by surgeons, when only distal radius fractures are considered, cannot be associated with increased risk of cancer or malignancy development. Level of Evidence: II

Clinicopathologic parameters related to recurrence and locoregional metastasis in 180 oral squamous cell carcinomas.

Lymph node metastasis (LNm), local recurrence (LR), and second primary tumor (SPT) after primary surgery for oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) have been considered poor prognostic entities in terms of survival rate. The purpose of this study was to identify the clinicopathologic parameters significantly related to LNm, LR, and SPT. Records from 180 patients who underwent radical surgery for OSCC were retrospectively reviewed. Perineural invasion was significantly related to LNm (18% vs 8%) and LR (15% vs 5%), while the status of the surgical margin (10% in case of clear margins, 18% close margins, and 24% involved margins), namely epithelial precursor lesions (43%) was an independent factor influencing SPT. Perineural invasion proved a good prognostic factor for early events, either LNm or LR, while a surgical margin width less than 5 mm or with epithelial precursor lesions may be considered a risk factor for late events such as SPT.

Genetic relationship between multiple squamous cell carcinomas arising in the oral cavity.

BACKGROUND: Histological and clinical criteria are generally used to differentiate second primary tumors (SPTs) from local recurrences. The purpose of the present study was to apply mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) D-loop analysis to differentiate SPTs from local recurrences and to validate the clinical classification. METHODS: The study population consisted of 20 consecutive patients presenting multiple oral neoplastic lesions for a total of 25 paired lesions. The mtDNA D-loop analysis was performed by direct sequencing and phylogenetic clusterization. RESULTS: Agreement between mtDNA analysis and clinical classification was found in 19 cases. Discrepancies arose in 6 cases in which the clinical criteria based only on the spatial or temporal distance of the second lesion from the index tumor had led to a diagnosis of SPT (2 cases) or local recurrence (4 cases). CONCLUSION: The present data highlight the value of mtDNA analysis in establishing the clonal relationship between the index tumor and the second neoplastic lesion.

Podoplanin and E-cadherin expression in preoperative incisional biopsies of oral squamous cell carcinoma is related to lymph node metastases.

Metastases to cervical lymph nodes (LNs) are an important independent adverse indicator in the prognosis of oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC). An accurate evaluation of molecular patterns favoring the metastatic process can be helpful in predicting cases of OSCC with elevated probability of early or late metastases and, moreover, in planning the proper therapeutic procedures before surgery. To this end, immunohistochemical expressions of both E-cadherin and podoplanin were evaluated on preoperative incisional biopsies of OSCC from 102 patients. The probability to have or develop metastases was very low when high E-cadherin expression was found in a preoperative sample or when a low podoplanin expression was found. Therefore, because of the strong association with LN metastases, high E-cadherin/low podoplanin immunohistochemical expression should also be assessed on preoperative incisional biopsies as a useful tool for evaluating the probability of early or late LN metastases of OSCCs.