Straight antegrade humeral nailing and risk of iatrogenic injury of supraspinatus tendon footprint: An MRI study.

Background: Straight antegrade humeral nailing (SAHN) is associated with excellent clinical results in proximal humerus fractures. The optimal entry point is the top of the humeral head. However, the anatomy is variable, and the entry point can affect supraspinatus tendon footprint (SSP-F) or fracture reduction. The aim of this study was to analyze the relationship between the SSP-F and SAHN entry point by analyzing magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) studies of the humerus. Methods: In total 58 MRI studies of entire humerus were reviewed. The mean age was 51.6 ± 12.4 years, with 40 female patients. The distance between the SSP-F and the SAHN insertion point (critical distance: CD), the width of the footprint, and the neck-shaft angle (NSA) were measured. Univariate and multivariate analysis were performed. Results: The mean CD was 7.51 mm ± 2.81 (0-12.9 mm) with 51.7% of proximal humerus "critical type" (CD <8 mm). The CD was found to be lower in females, with no difference found with varying age (62.5% "critical type"). CD correlated with NSA (linear regression). "Critical type" correlated with female gender and NSA (logistic regression). Discussion: More than half of the humerus are "critical types" as to SAHN and may, therefore, be at risk for procedure-related complications.

Establishing safe zones to avoid nerve injury in the posterior minimally invasive plate osteosynthesis for humerus fractures: a magnetic resonance imaging study.

Background: Safety zones to avoid nerve injury at proximal incision of posterior minimally invasive plate osteosynthesis for humerus fracture have been scarcely studied. The purpose of this study was to describe the location of axillary and radial nerves (RN) in magnetic resonance imaging to establish safety zones. Methods: Fifty-two magnetic resonance imaging studies of the entire humerus were reviewed. The mean age was 50.6 ± 12.1 years, with 37 female patients. The distance of the axillary nerve (AN; distal portion, humeral midpoint) and RN (medial border, midpoint, and lateral border of the humerus) was measured in relation to the posterolateral acromion angle, acromioclavicular axis, and transepicondylar axis. Univariate analysis (Student's t test) and a multivariate analysis (linear regression) were performed. P values < .05 were considered significant. Results: The AN location at the humerus was 54.9 ± 6.4 mm (20.1% humeral length [HL]) in relation to posterolateral acromion angle and 63.2 ± 6.1 mm (23.2% HL) in relation to acromioclavicular axis. The RN location was 100.2 ± 17.1 mm (36.6% HL) at the humerus medial border, 118.0 ± 21.5 mm (43.1% HL) at the humerus midpoint, and 146.0 ± 24.4 mm (53.6% HL) at the humerus lateral border. In relation to transepicondylar axis, it was 175.4 ± 15.6 mm (64.3% HL), 156.0 ± 19.0 mm (57.2% HL), and 127.4 ± 21.2 mm (46.7% HL), respectively. Nerves location was related to HL, independent of gender. Conclusion: The main finding of our study is that the location of the AN and RN in relation to the humerus is related to the HL and can be used to predictably define the safe zones to avoid nerve injury in the proximal incision of posterior minimally invasive plate osteosynthesis for humerus fractures.

Is wrist splint more effective than forearm band for lateral epicondylitis? / ¿Es el uso de muñequera más efectivo que el uso de banda de antebrazo en la epicondilitis lateral?

INTRODUCTION: Lateral epicondylitis is a common cause of lateral elbow pain. There are many treatments able to improvement symptoms, including orthotic devices. The main available orthosis are wrist splint and forearm band. However, it is not clear which one constitutes the best alternative for symptomatic treatment. METHODS: To answer this question we used Epistemonikos, the largest database of systematic reviews in health, which is maintained by screening multiple information sources, including MEDLINE, EMBASE, Cochrane, among others. We extracted data from the systematic reviews, reanalyzed data of primary studies, conducted a meta-analysis and generated a summary of findings table using the GRADE approach. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS: We identified three systematic reviews including four studies overall, all of them randomized trials. With this evidence, we concluded there might be no difference in global measure of improvement and pain free grip strength between the forearm band and wrist splint, and it is not clear whether using a wrist splint decreases pain in comparison with a forearm band, because the certainty of the evidence is very low.

INTRODUCCIÓN: La epicondilitis lateral es una causa común de dolor lateral de codo. Existen numerosos tratamientos que han reportado disminuir los síntomas, entre ellos el uso de órtesis. Las principales órtesis disponibles para este efecto son las bandas de antebrazo y las muñequeras. Actualmente no está claro cuál de ellos constituiría la mejor alternativa de tratamiento sintomático. MÉTODOS: Para responder esta pregunta utilizamos Epistemonikos, la mayor base de datos de revisiones sistemáticas en salud, la cual es mantenida mediante búsquedas en múltiples fuentes de información, incluyendo MEDLINE, EMBASE, Cochrane, entre otras. Extrajimos los datos desde las revisiones identificadas, reanalizamos los datos de los estudios primarios, realizamos un metanálisis y preparamos tablas de resumen de los resultados utilizando el método GRADE. RESULTADOS Y CONCLUSIONES: Identificamos tres revisiones sistemáticas que en conjunto incluyen cuatro ensayos aleatorizados pertinentes a esta pregunta. Con esta evidencia, concluimos que podría no haber diferencia en la percepción de mejoría global ni en el umbral mecánico de dolor por presión entre el uso de banda de antebrazo y muñequera, y que no está claro si el uso de muñequera disminuye el dolor en comparación a la banda de antebrazo, porque la certeza de la evidencia es muy baja.

Evaluación de la microcirculación con sidestream dark field (SDF) Microscan® como método de monitorización en microcirugía en modelo porcino / Microcirculation assessment with sidestream dark field (SDF) Microscan® as flap monitoring method in microsurgery in a porcine model

Objetivo: Determinar la factibilidad de la monitorización en microcirugía por medio de la evaluación no invasiva de la microcirculación con sidestream dark field (SDF) y compararla con otros métodos. Materiales y métodos: Estudio experimental. En 8 cerdos se elevó colgajo pectoral y se disecó pedículo. Se llevó a cabo una instalación sucesiva de dispositivos cutáneos para la evaluación de la microcirculación: SDF para evaluar flujo, y near infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) para evaluar saturación de O2 (SatO2). Posteriormente se evaluó la oclusión venosa, arterial y total con pinzamiento durante 180 s. Resultados: SDF en oclusión venosa: disminución del flujo: 51 s (59-62); SDF en oclusión arterial: disminución del flujo: 3 s (1-5); SDF en oclusión vascular total: disminución del flujo: 3,5 s (2-5). NIRS en oclusión venosa: disminución de la SatO2:15,2 ± 5,3%; NIRS en oclusión arterial: disminución de la SatO2 23,9 ± 13,8%; NIRS en oclusión vascular total: disminución de la SatO2 23,85 ± 13,9%. Doppler en oclusión venosa: no desapareció; Doppler en oclusión arterial y oclusión vascular total: desapareció a los 2 s. En cada una de las mediciones, los cambios clínicos fueron más tardíos que los observados con SDF. Conclusión: Es factible la monitorización en microcirugía por medio de la evaluación de la microcirculación con Microscan®. Este método permite realizar el diagnóstico de oclusión vascular más tempranamente que con NIRS y evaluación clínica.

Aim: Determine the feasibility of using SDF Microscan® as a non-invasive method for monitoring free flap microcirculation, and compare it to other methods. Materials and methods: Experimental study. In 8 pigs a pectoral myocutaneous flap was raised. Microcirculation was evaluated using: SDF Microscan®, near infrared spectroscopy (NIRS), clinical examination and Doppler. Venous, arterial and total occlusion was performed by clamping the vascular pedicle. Mean time to blood flow impairment diagnosis was measured. Results: SDF in venous occlusion: reduced microcirculatory flow index at: 51 s (59-62). SDF in arterial occlusion: reduced microcirculatory flow index at: 3 s (1-5). SDF in total vascular occlusion: reduced microcirculatory flow index at: 3.5 s (2-5). NIRS in venous occlusion: SatO2 decrease was 15.2 ± 5.3%. NIRS in arterial occlusion: SatO2 decrease was 23.9 ± 13.8%. NIRS in total vascular occlusion: SatO2 decrease was 23.85 ± 13.9%. Doppler in venous occlusion: The signal did not disappear. Doppler arterial and total vascular occlusion disappears at 2 s. The clinical changes were later than SDF. Conclusion: Microcirculation monitoring is feasible using SDF Microscan® in a pig model. This method allows to detect blood flow disruption earlier than NIRS and clinical evaluation.

Impairment of exogenous lactate clearance in experimental hyperdynamic septic shock is not related to total liver hypoperfusion.

INTRODUCTION: Although the prognostic value of persistent hyperlactatemia in septic shock is unequivocal, its physiological determinants are controversial. Particularly, the role of impaired hepatic clearance has been underestimated and is only considered relevant in patients with liver ischemia or cirrhosis. Our objectives were to establish whether endotoxemia impairs whole body net lactate clearance, and to explore a potential role for total liver hypoperfusion during the early phase of septic shock. METHODS: After anesthesia, 12 sheep were subjected to hemodynamic/perfusion monitoring including hepatic and portal catheterization, and a hepatic ultrasound flow probe. After stabilization (point A), sheep were alternatively assigned to lipopolysaccharide (LPS) (5 mcg/kg bolus followed by 4 mcg/kg/h) or sham for a three-hour study period. After 60 minutes of shock, animals were fluid resuscitated to normalize mean arterial pressure. Repeated series of measurements were performed immediately after fluid resuscitation (point B), and one (point C) and two hours later (point D). Monitoring included systemic and regional hemodynamics, blood gases and lactate measurements, and ex-vivo hepatic mitochondrial respiration at point D. Parallel exogenous lactate and sorbitol clearances were performed at points B and D. Both groups included an intravenous bolus followed by serial blood sampling to draw a curve using the least squares method. RESULTS: Significant hyperlactatemia was already present in LPS as compared to sham animals at point B (4.7 (3.1 to 6.7) versus 1.8 (1.5 to 3.7) mmol/L), increasing to 10.2 (7.8 to 12.3) mmol/L at point D. A significant increase in portal and hepatic lactate levels in LPS animals was also observed. No within-group difference in hepatic DO2, VO2 or O2 extraction, total hepatic blood flow (point D: 915 (773 to 1,046) versus 655 (593 to 1,175) ml/min), mitochondrial respiration, liver enzymes or sorbitol clearance was found. However, there was a highly significant decrease in lactate clearance in LPS animals (point B: 46 (30 to 180) versus 1,212 (743 to 2,116) ml/min, P < 0.01; point D: 113 (65 to 322) versus 944 (363 to 1,235) ml/min, P < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: Endotoxemia induces an early and severe impairment in lactate clearance that is not related to total liver hypoperfusion.

[Prevalence of anal-vaginal colonization of Streptococcus agalactiae in third trimester of pregnancy and susceptibility to macrolides and lincosamides, in pregnant women controlled at Clínica Alemana Temuco, Southern Chile]. / Prevalencia de portación vaginal-anal de Streptococcus agalactiae en el tercer trimestre de gestación y susceptibilidad a macrólidos y lincosamidas, en mujeres embarazadas de Clínica Alemana Temuco, Chile.

INTRODUCTION: Streptococcus agalactiae (GBS) is the most common agent in early neonatal sepsis. Strategies incorporating universal screening for maternal colonization show the lowest rates of perinatal infection. A significant increase in resistance to erythromycin and clindamycin by GBS has been reported around the world. There are no published data regarding prevalence and antimicrobial resistance in southern regions of Chile. Surveillance of antimicrobial resistance is essential to define the drugs of choice and alternatives, in an institution that applies prevention protocols, as Clinica Alemana Temuco (CAT) does. OBJECTIVES: to determine the prevalence of carriage of GBS in vaginal-anal areas at end of pregnancy, in CAT, Araucanía Region, Chile. To determine the susceptibility to erythromycin and clindamycin of GBS strains isolated. RESULTS: 1,181 pregnant women were included; 167 were positive for GBS (14.4% of colonization). Sixteen were resistant to erythromycin (9.5%); 15 of these strains were also clindamycin resistant. Twenty-three of 167 were resistant to clindamycin (13.7%). CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence rate of GBS colonization was lower than previously reported in other regions of Chile. Due to the high rates of resistance to clindamycin and erythromycin it is necessary to widen the study of susceptibility to other antimicrobials to have alternatives in allergy to penicillin (primarily cefazolin and vancomycin).

Prevalencia de portación vaginal-anal de Streptococcus agalactiae en el tercer trimestre de gestación y susceptibilidad a macrólidos y lincosamidas, en mujeres embarazadas de Clínica Alemana Temuco, Chile / Prevalence of anal-vaginal colonization of Streptococcus agalactiae in third trimester of pregnancy and susceptibility to macrolides and lincosamides, in pregnant women controlled at Clínica Alemana Temuco, Southern Chile

Introduction: Streptococcus agalactiae (GBS) is the most common agent in early neonatal sepsis. Strategies incorporating universal screening for maternal colonization show the lowest rates of perinatal infection. A significant increase in resistance to erythromycin and clindamycin by GBS has been reported around the world. There are no published data regarding prevalence and antimicrobial resistance in southern regions of Chile. Surveillance of antimicrobial resistance is essential to define the drugs of choice and alternatives, in an institution that applies prevention protocols, as Clinica Alemana Temuco (CAT) does. Objectives: to determine the prevalence of carriage of GBS in vaginal-anal areas at end of pregnancy, in CAT, Araucanía Region, Chile. To determine the susceptibility to erythromycin and clindamycin of GBS strains isolated. Results: 1,181 pregnant women were included; 167 were positive for GBS (14.4% of colonization). Sixteen were resistant to erythromycin (9.5%); 15 of these strains were also clindamycin resistant. Twenty-three of 167 were resistant to clindamycin (13.7%). Conclusions: The prevalence rate of GBS colonization was lower than previously reported in other regions of Chile. Due to the high rates of resistance to clindamycin and erythromycin it is necessary to widen the study of susceptibility to other antimicrobials to have alternatives in allergy to penicillin (primarily cefazolin and vancomycin).

Introducción: Streptococcus agalactiae es el más frecuente causal de sepsis neonatal precoz. Las estrategias con pesquisa universal de colonización materna muestran las tasas más bajas de infección perinatal. Se ha reportado un significativo aumento de resistencia de S. agalactiae a eritromicina y clindamicina en el mundo. No existen datos publicados de prevalencia y susceptibilidad antimicrobiana en las regiones del sur de Chile. La vigilancia de resistencia es fundamental para definir los antimicrobianos de elección y alternativas para prevención del cuadro en instituciones que apliquen estrategias de prevención, como Clínica Alemana Temuco (CAT). Objetivos: Determinar la prevalencia de portación de S. agalactiae en la región vaginal-anal de mujeres embarazadas de tercer trimestre en CAT. Determinar la susceptibilidad a eritromicina y clindamicina de las cepas aisladas. Resultados: 1.181 embarazadas fueron incluidas. 167 resultaron S. agalactiae (+) (14,4% de colonización). Diez y seis eran resistentes a eritromicina (9,5%). Quince de ellas también lo eran a clindamicina. Veintitrés de 167, eran resistentes a clindamicina (13,7%). Conclusiones: La tasa de prevalencia de colonización (14%) fue más baja que lo reportado anteriormente en el centro del país. Debido a la alta tasa de resistencia a clindamicina y eritromicina se hace necesario aumentar el estudio de susceptibilidad a otros antimicrobianos alternativos en pacientes alérgicas a penicilina (principalmente cefazolina y vancomicina).

[Primary hyperthyroidism after excision of a Struma ovarii]. / Hipotiroidismo primario luego de la resección de un Struma ovarii.

Struma ovarii is a teratoma composed of thyroid tissue and can be a rare cause of hyperthyroidism. We report a 35 years old woman with a left ovarian mass whose pathology revealed a Struma ovarii. This tumor was partially excised initially to avoid fertility problems and after a successful gestation, the tumor was completely removed during a cesarean section. Sixty days after delivery a hypothyroidism was diagnosed. Levothyroxine was started and euthyroidism was achieved.