Platelet-rich plasma injection for the treatment of ankle osteoarthritis: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injection for ankle osteoarthritis (OA) treatment showed contradictory results. This review was aimed to pool individual studies which assessed the efficacy of PRP for ankle OA treatment. METHODS: This study was conducted following the preferred report items of systematic review and meta-analysis guideline. PubMed and Scopus were searched up to January 2023. Meta-analysis, or individual randomised controlled trial (RCT), or observational studies were included if they involved ankle OA with aged ≥ 18 years, compared before-after receiving PRP, or PRP with other treatments, and reported visual analog scale (VAS) or functional outcomes. Selection of eligible studies and data extraction were independently performed by two authors. Heterogeneity test using Cochrane Q test and the I2-statistic were assessed. Standardised (SMD) or unstandardised mean difference (USMD) and 95% confidence interval (CI) were estimated and pooled across studies. RESULTS: Three studies from meta-analysis and two individual studies were included, which consisted of one RCT and four before-after studies with 184 ankle OAs and 132 PRP. The average age was 50.8-59.3 years, and 25-60% of PRP injected cases were male. The number of primary ankle OA was accounted to 0-100%. When compared to before treatment, PRP significantly reduced VAS and functional score at 12 weeks with pooled USMD of - 2.80, 95% CI - 3.91, - 2.68; p < 0.001 (Q = 82.91, p < 0.001; I2 96.38%), and pooled SMD of 1.73, 95% CI 1.37, 2.09; p < 0.001 (Q = 4.87, p = 0.18; I2 38.44%), respectively. CONCLUSION: PRP may beneficially improve pain and functional scores for ankle OA in a short-term period. Its magnitude of improvement seems to be similar to placebo effects from the previous RCT. A large-scale RCT with proper whole blood and PRP preparation processes is required to prove treatment effects. Trial registration PROSPERO number CRD42022297503.

Reliability improvement in Hallux Valgus measurement using weight-Bearing CT scan.

Background: Radiographic assessment of hallux valgus is an essential process. Residual rotational deformity was shown associated with higher recurrent rate. This study aims to comprehensively assess reliability of measurement of various parameters from plain films and weight-bearing CT scan. Methods: A total of 40 pre-operative plain radiographs, 40 post-operative plain radiographs, and 37 weight-bearing CT scan were evaluated to determine reliability of hallux valgus parameters. Results: TSP and head shape representing coronal plane deformity showed lower inter-observer reliability compared to other parameters using for transverse plane evaluation especially in post-operative period. (post-op TSP amongst 3 assessors: κ = 0.386, 0.520, 0.340; post-op head shape: κ = 0.374, 0.375, 0.295) Using α angle for evaluation 1st metatarsal rotation in weight-bearing CT scan demonstrated very good reliability for inter-observer (ICC = 0.853 (95% CI = 0.715-0.925)) and intra-observer (ICC = 0.902 (95% CI = 0.844-0.939)). Conclusion: Weight-bearing CT scan can improve reliability in post-operative coronal plane assessment.

Is ankle fracture related to low bone mineral density and subsequent fracture? A systematic review.

OBJECTIVES: Ankle fractures are common in the elderly. However, their association with osteoporosis remains controversial. This systematic review aims to determine the relationship between ankle fracture and bone mineral density (BMD), and to investigate the risk of subsequent fractures after ankle fracture. METHODS: MEDLINE and Scopus publications were searched from inception to March and April 2019, respectively. Articles were selected by 2 independent reviewers for cross-sectional, cohort, or case-control studies comparing BMD or subsequent fracture risk in low-energy ankle fractures patients with that of the normal population. Data extraction was performed by 2 investigators. Discrepancies were resolved with the third reviewer. Quality assessment was conducted using the modified Newcastle-Ottawa Scale. RESULTS: Overall, 19 articles were included. The quality assessment showed a generally low-to-moderate risk of bias among studies, mainly due to potential confounders and inadequate follow-up. Of 13 studies exploring BMD in ankle fractured-patients, lower central and peripheral BMD was found in 3 and 2 studies, respectively. The risk of subsequent fracture was examined in 11 studies with relative risks ranging from 0.7 to 4.59. An increased risk of any subsequent fractures in women, both genders, and men was found in 5, 2, and 1 articles, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Despite the lack of clear association with BMD, the contribution of ankle fracture to increased subsequent fracture risk and its associated microarchitectural changes cannot be overlooked. Moreover, its potential role as an early predictor of future fracture may promote secondary prevention. Further studies with longer follow-up and stricter confounder control are recommended.

Effectiveness of Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy in the Treatment of Chronic Insertional Achilles Tendinopathy.

BACKGROUND: Extracorporeal shockwave therapy (ESWT) has been proposed as a conservative treatment for insertional Achilles tendinopathy from limited evidence without placebo controls. Our objective was to assess the effectiveness of ESWT compared with sham controls in chronic insertional Achilles tendinopathy. METHODS: A double-blind, randomized sham-controlled trial was conducted between 2016 and 2018. The inclusion criteria were patients aged 18 to 70 years diagnosed with chronic insertional Achilles tendinopathy who failed standard conservative treatment. After computerized randomization, patients were allocated into either low-energy ESWT or sham control. Pain, function, and other complaints were assessed using visual analog scale (VAS) and VAS foot and ankle (VAS-FA) at preintervention and weeks 2, 3, 4, 6, 12, and 24. Intention-to-treat analysis and repeated measurement were performed using STATA 15.0. RESULTS: Sixteen patients in ESWT and 15 patients in sham control groups had nonsignificant different baseline characteristics with preintervention VAS (6.0 ± 2.6 vs 5.2 ± 2.2) and VAS-FA (64.8 ± 16.6 vs 65.3 ± 12.7). There was no significant difference in VAS, VAS-FA, and its domains in the long term between the 2 groups. In addition, the ESWT group had significant improvement in VAS (2.9 ± 2.2) at weeks 4 to 12, and sham controls group had significantly improved VAS (2.3 ± 2.6) at weeks 12 to 24. Complications were found only after ESWT treatment. CONCLUSION: There was no difference at 24 weeks with the use of low-energy ESWT for chronic insertional Achilles tendinopathy, especially in elderly patients. However, it may provide a short period of therapeutic effects as early as weeks 4 to 12. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level I, randomized controlled study.

The Necessity of Hip Lateral Radiograph for Operative Decision in Two Common Hip Fractures.

Background: Recent studies showed that single hip anterio-posterior (AP) radiograph was adequate for diagnosis of most hip fractures (HF). However, lateral hip radiograph might be necessary to understand the fracture characteristics and to make better decision on surgical management. Material and Method: 100 HF radiographs (50 femoral neck fractures [FNF] and 50 intertrochanteric fractures [ITF]) were consecutively reviewed by five observers. The initial review used only single both hips AP radiograph. One month later, both hips AP and lateral films were reviewed. The diagnosis and operative decision were recorded, and then calculated. Results: The average rate of changing treatment by the assessment of lateral radiographs was 5.0% for all HF, 2.8% for FNF, and 7.2% for ITF. There was no significant difference among those rates between five observers (p<0.05 all). The Intraclass Correlation Coefficients (ICCs) for interobserver agreement regarding the operative decision using only single AP film were 0.787 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.698 to 0.852) for all HF, 0.818 (95% CI, 0.699 to 0.893) for FNF, and 0.394 (95% CI, 0.130 to 0.606) for ITF. After using both AP and lateral film, the ICCs were changed into 0.792 (95% CI, 0.705 to 0.856) for all HF, 0.795 (95% CI, 0.663 to 0.879) for FNF, and 0.552 (95% CI, 0.323 to 0.720) for ITF. Conclusion: Using single both hips AP radiograph for operative decision is adequate and safe for most hip fractures. However, some of intertrochanteric fractures may require lateral radiograph for better operative decision.

Effect of early surgery in high surgical risk geriatric patients with femoral neck fracture and taking antiplatelet agents.

AIM: To investigate the effect of early surgical intervention on the high surgical risk elderly patients who sustained femoral neck fracture (FNF) and taking concomitant antiplatelet agents. METHODS: Between 2010 and 2012, a prospective study was conducted on 49 geriatric patients, who took antiplatelet agents, sustained FNF and underwent surgery within 72 h [early surgery (ES) group], and these were compared with a retrospective consecutive case series of patients with similar characteristics (45 cases) who had delayed surgery (DS group) after 72 h during an earlier 3-year period. Postoperative outcomes were followed for one year and compared. RESULTS: There were non-significant differences in perioperative blood loss, blood transfusion, intensive care unit requirement and postoperative mortality (P > 0.05 all). There were 2 patients (4%) in the DS group who died after surgery (P = 0.23). However, the ES group showed a significantly better postoperative outcome in terms of postoperative complications, length of hospital stay, and functional outcome (P < 0.05 all). CONCLUSION: Early hip surgery in geriatric hip fracture patients with ongoing antiplatelet treatment was not associated with a significant increase of perioperative blood loss and postoperative mortality. Moreover, ES resulted in a better postoperative surgical outcome. In early hip surgery protocol, the antiplatelet agents are discontinued and the patient is operated on within 72 h after admission, which is safe and effective for the medically fit patients.

Using a reconstruction locking compression plate as external fixator in infected open clavicle fracture.

Open clavicle fracture is an uncommon injury mostly caused by severe direct trauma. It is often associated with multiple organ injuries. Generally, surgical intervention with debridement and fracture repair is always indicated in order to prevent infection, non-union, and malalignment. In situations of bony exposure and significant contamination concomitant with severe soft tissue damage, the external fixation is the treatment of choice because of the possibility it offers of providing stable fixation with minimal local tissue damage resulting in excellent union rates and better soft tissue outcome. Nevertheless, traditional external fixation encountered some potential problems as its bulkiness and sharp edges caused discomfort to the patient. In this study, we present an interesting case of a polytraumatized patient with a gunshot injury with complex open clavicle fracture that was successfully treated with external fixation using reconstruction with a locking compression plate as definitive treatment.

Current daily glucocorticoid use and serum creatinine levels are associated with lower 25(OH) vitamin D levels in Thai patients with systemic lupus erythematosus.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Because vitamin D deficiency has been previously reported in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), we decided to examine the prevalence of vitamin D deficiency in Thai SLE patients, to identify possible independent factors affecting serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D(2) and D(3) [25(OH)] vitamin D levels, and to examine the associations of serum 25(OH) vitamin D and disease activity and damage in Thai SLE patients. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was performed in 101 SLE patients. Blood samples were prospectively collected. The levels of 25(OH) vitamin D were measured by radioimmunoassay. The cutoffs for vitamin D deficiency and insufficiency were 30 and 20 ng/mL, respectively. Demographic, clinical, and laboratory data were collected, and their associations with 25(OH) vitamin D level were examined by univariate and multivariate linear regression analyses. RESULTS: The level of 25(OH) vitamin D (mean [SD]) was 27.9 (7.6). Seventeen patients (17%) had vitamin D deficiency, 41 patients (41%) had vitamin D insufficiency, and 43 patients (42%) had normal vitamin D levels. Two thirds of the patients were taking relatively low-dose vitamin D supplementations. Current daily glucocorticoid dose and serum creatinine levels were negatively correlated with vitamin D levels (ß = -0.207, P = 0.023; and ß = -3.770, P = 0.003, respectively). There were no associations between disease activity or damage and 25(OH) vitamin D levels. CONCLUSIONS: Vitamin D deficiency and insufficiency are common in SLE patients despite more than half of them taking vitamin D supplementations. Higher serum creatinine level and higher current daily glucocorticoid dose are associated with lower serum 25(OH) vitamin D levels. These patients may require higher doses of vitamin D supplementations.