Meniscal Suture Influence on Driving Ability 6 Weeks after Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction with Hamstring Autograft.

The purpose of this study was to determine if driving ability 6 weeks after anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction is affected by the addition of a meniscal suture. It was also hypothesized that no differences in the driving performance would be found between right or left knee surgery subgroups. A total of 82 people participated in this prospective cohort study: 36 healthy controls, 26 patients undergoing isolated ACL (iACL) reconstruction with hamstring autograft, and 20 patients undergoing ACL and meniscal suture (ACL-MS) reconstruction. ACL-MS group followed a weight-bearing and movement restriction protocol during the first 2 postoperative weeks, whereas patients undergoing iACL could start range-of-motion exercises and full weight-bearing ambulation on the first postoperative day. A driving simulator that reproduced real-life driving conditions was used to evaluate driving ability. The software analyzed multiple driving and braking variables. Driving performance in the sixth postoperative week was compared with that of a healthy control group. Subgroup analysis considering additional procedures (iACL, ACL-MS) and the side of the operated knee (right, left) was also performed. No statistically significant differences were found in the demographic characteristics nor in the driving performance (collisions, p = 0.897; sidewalk invasions, p = 0.749; pedestrian impact, p = 0.983) between iACL, ACL-MS, and control groups. No statistically significant differences were found in right-left subgroup analysis. The results of the present study show that patients in their sixth postoperative week after right or left ACL reconstruction showed similar driving performance as compared with a healthy control group, regardless of associating or not a meniscal suture, suggesting it is safe to resume driving 6 weeks after the mentioned surgeries.

Osteotomies of the second phalanx of the great toe: A clinical experience.

BACKGROUND: At the time of the first report on the feasibility of corrective osteotomies of the distal phalanx (DP) of the great toe there were no published studies addressing this type of surgery. Along this line, and throughout our clinical experience, this paper tries to show the clinical benefits of hallux DP osteotomies when correcting interphalangeal valgus deformities (IHV) of the great toe, either with open or percutaneous procedure. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This is a review of 18 cases in which a DP osteotomy was performed in 2 different institutions, 8 cases were performed using open technique and 10 cases percutaneously. The correction obtained was analyzed by measuring the distal articular set angle (DASA), obliquity angle (AP1), asymmetry angle (AP2), and global distal phalanx deviation (GDPD) angle before and after the surgery on dorso-plantar weight-bearing radiographs in all cases. Clinical results were also recorded. RESULTS: Excellent clinical and radiological results were achieved with both techniques in all patients with no complications. The average DP angular deformity correction in terms of AP1, AP2 and GDPD angles were 4.58º ± 5.55º, 8.95º ± 4.77º and 16.53º ± 7.26 respectively. In 10 cases an Akin osteotomy was associated. CONCLUSION: In cases with valgus deviation in the hallux DP, a corrective osteotomy of the DP alone or associated to osteotomy of the PP should be considered as a useful tool. The technique is feasible and has no technical difficulties for an orthopedic surgeon with experience on feet surgery.

Hallux anatomy: much ado about shoes-an attempt to prove that constrictive V-shaped toe-box shoes deform the hallux.

PURPOSE: A question still remains as to whether constrictive toe-box shoes (TBS) cause disability only due to pain on pressure points or if they can cause permanent changes in the hallux anatomy. The aim of this study is to compare the hallux morphology in 3 groups classified according to their use of constrictive or open TBS. METHODS: 424 patients were classified into 3 groups: group A used open TBS daily; group B used constrictive TBS daily; group C used both open and constrictive TBS. Hallux's angles, presence of exostoses and shape of the distal phalanx (DP) were analyzed on dorsoplantar weight-bearing radiographs and compared amongst groups. RESULTS: The intermetatarsal (IMA), metatarsophalangeal (MTPA), DASA, PASA, interphalangeal (IPA), obliquity (AP1), asymmetry (AP2) and joint deviation (JDA) angles for group A were 10°, 8°, 5°, 4°, 9°, 3°, 5°, 3°; for group B were 9°, 19°, 5°, 6°, 12°, 2°, 8°, 2°; and for group C were 10°, 10°, 4°, 4°, 12°, 3°, 8°, 1°. Only the differences in the MTPA, IPA and AP2 were statistically significant (p < 0.05). The prevalence of exostoses on the tibial side of the DP was 22, 36, and 29% in groups A, B and C, respectively (p < 0.05). We found similar distributions of the different DP shapes in the three groups. CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggest that the use of constrictive TBS, even if used only occasionally, could change hallux anatomy from a young age increasing MTPA, IPA and AP2. Moreover, we have found that DP exostoses are present as a "normal variation" in patients who wear an open TBS, but their prevalence is higher in those wearing constrictive toe-box shoes. This could be due to a reactive bone formation secondary to the friction caused by the inner border of the shoe. LEVEL OF CLINICAL EVIDENCE: 3.

Molecular and Cellular Mechanisms of Delayed Fracture Healing in Mmp10 (Stromelysin 2) Knockout Mice.

The remodeling of the extracellular matrix is a central function in endochondral ossification and bone homeostasis. During secondary fracture healing, vascular invasion and bone growth requires the removal of the cartilage intermediate and the coordinate action of the collagenase matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-13, produced by hypertrophic chondrocytes, and the gelatinase MMP-9, produced by cells of hematopoietic lineage. Interfering with these MMP activities results in impaired fracture healing characterized by cartilage accumulation and delayed vascularization. MMP-10, Stromelysin 2, a matrix metalloproteinase with high homology to MMP-3 (Stromelysin 1), presents a wide range of putative substrates identified in vitro, but its targets and functions in vivo and especially during fracture healing and bone homeostasis are not well defined. Here, we investigated the role of MMP-10 through bone regeneration in C57BL/6 mice. During secondary fracture healing, MMP-10 is expressed by hematopoietic cells and its maximum expression peak is associated with cartilage resorption at 14 days post fracture (dpf). In accordance with this expression pattern, when Mmp10 is globally silenced, we observed an impaired fracture-healing phenotype at 14 dpf, characterized by delayed cartilage resorption and TRAP-positive cell accumulation. This phenotype can be rescued by a non-competitive transplant of wild-type bone marrow, indicating that MMP-10 functions are required only in cells of hematopoietic linage. In addition, we found that this phenotype is a consequence of reduced gelatinase activity and the lack of proMMP-9 processing in macrophages. Our data provide evidence of the in vivo function of MMP-10 during endochondral ossification and defines the macrophages as the lead cell population in cartilage removal and vascular invasion. © 2021 The Authors. Journal of Bone and Mineral Research published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of American Society for Bone and Mineral Research (ASBMR).

Eficacia terapéutica de la buprenorfina para tratamiento de dolor agudo postoperatorio en cirugía torácica por toracoscopía / Therapeutic efficacy of buprenorphine for treatment of acute postoperative pain in thoracic surgery by thoracoscopy

Resumen: Introducción: El dolor postoperatorio en toracoscopía tiene una incidencia del 80%. Estos procedimientos se realizan bajo anestesia general o sedoanalgesia. La buprenorfina en dosis de 4 μg/kg o más es un fármaco pilar para el tratamiento de dolor postoperatorio; sin embargo, dosis menores pueden ser suficientes. El objetivo de este estudio fue demostrar que dosis de 1-3 μg/kg de buprenorfina aporta una adecuada analgesia con menores efectos adversos durante el postoperatorio en pacientes sometidos a cirugía toracoscópica. Material y métodos: Se realizó el estudio prospectivo, transversal y doble ciego en 48 pacientes sometidos a toracoscopía, divididos en 3 grupos: A (1 μg/kg), B (2 μg/kg) y C (3 μg/kg) tratados con buprenorfina, se evaluaron efectos adversos, intensidad de dolor por escala verbal numérica (EVN) y sedación con escala de agitación-sedación de Richmond (RASS) de los 0 a los 120 minutos postanestesia. Resultados: Las dosis de 1 a 3 μg/kg de buprenorfina no ocasionaron efectos adversos. El mantenimiento de analgesia es mayor con 2 μg/kg (p = 0.019) y 3 μg/kg (p = 0.045). Las dosis de 1 y 2 μg/kg presentan un nivel de sedación menor. Conclusiones: La analgesia multimodal disminuyó un 200% el dolor postquirúrgico inmediato. Las dosis de 2-3 μg/kg de buprenorfina son efectivas para el control del dolor con menor incidencia de efectos adversos y un nivel de sedación superficial durante el postoperatorio.

Abstract: Introduction: Posterior pain in thoracoscopy has an 80% incidence. These procedures are done under general anesthesia or sedoanalgesia. The buprenorphin in dosage of 4 μg/kg it's the foundation for post-operatory pain treatment, nevertheless, smaller dosage can be sufficient. The objective of this study is to demonstrate that a dosage of buprenorphin from 1-3 μg/kg provides suitable analgesia with less side effects during post-operatory in patients who underwent thoracoscopic surgery. Material and methods: We conducted a double-blind, prospective, transversal study, in 48 patients which underwent a thoracoscopy divided in 3 groups: A (1 μg/kg), B (2 μg/kg), and C (3 μg/kg) treated with buprenorphin. We studied side effects, pain intensity (NVE), and sedative effect (RASS) from 0 to 120 minutes postanesthesia. Results: Dosage from 1 to 3 μg/kg did not generate side effects. The analgesia effect is higher with 2 μg/kg (p = 0.019) and 3 μg/kg (p = 0.045). Dosage of 1 and 2 μg/kg have lower sedative effect. Conclusion: The multimodal analgesia was diminished by 200% inmidiate postsurgical pain. Dosage from 2-3 μg/kg of buprenorphine are effective for pain control with less side effects and a superficial sedative effect during post-operatory.

Fellows and Observers Are Not a Problem for Infection in the Operating Rooms of Teaching Centers.

PURPOSE: The aim of the present study was to determine whether the risk of complications increases with the number of people in the operating room (OR). Several studies have stated that an increased number of people in the OR increases not only the risk of infection but also the risk of intraoperative complications due to distractions during the surgery. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This retrospective study included all patients who had surgery between January 2017 and January 2018 in an OR with the usual surgical team and three or more observers. Patient demographic data, surgical details (duration of the surgery, the surgery being open or arthroscopic, and whether a graft was used), and intraoperative and postoperative complications were recorded. RESULTS: A total of 165 surgeries were recorded, with a mean operating time of 70 min (40% open surgeries, 37% arthroscopic surgeries, and 23% combined open and arthroscopic procedures). The main intraoperative complications were vessel damage, nerve damage, premature cement setting, and leg-length discrepancy, with 1 case each. The main postoperative complications were rigidity (8 cases), unexplained pain (11 cases), failed meniscal suturing (3 cases), a postoperative stress fracture (1 case), correction loss in osteotomy (1 case), and wound problems not related to infection (1 case). There were no cases of infection. DISCUSSION: The present study shows that the complication rate when having observers in the OR is comparable to the reported data. The key to avoiding complications is for everyone to comply with basic OR behavior.

The vancomycin soaking technique: no differences in autograft re-rupture rate. A comparative study.

PURPOSE: The main aim of this study was to evaluate the re-rupture risk after an anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACL-R) using the vancomycin soaking technique and to compare it with the re-rupture risk in patients on whom this technique was not utilized. The secondary purpose was to compare the functional outcomes of those two subsets of patients operated on for ACL-R. The hypotheses are that the vancomycin soaking technique does not affect the re-rupture risk or the functional outcomes. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A retrospective historical cohort study was conducted. Two groups were compared in terms of the re-rupture rate (traumatic or atraumatic) and functional outcomes (International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC), Tegner, and Lysholm). Group 1 consisted of patients that received pre-operative IV antibiotics. In group 2, the patients received pre-operative IV antibiotics along with a graft that had been presoaked in a vancomycin solution. A minimum follow-up of five years was required. RESULTS: There were 17 patients that suffered a re-rupture in group 1 (4.7%) and 15 in group 2 (3.9%) (n.s.). IKDC was 82.0 in group 1 and 83.9 in group 2 (p = 0.049); Tegner scored 4 in both groups (n.s.) and Lysholm was 90.3 in group 1 and 92.0 in group 2 (p = 0.015). CONCLUSION: The vancomycin soaking technique for ACL autografts is a safe procedure for the daily clinical practice, in terms of re-ruptures. Moreover, it does not impair functional outcomes after an ACL-R.

Muscular and Tendon Degeneration after Achilles Rupture: New Insights into Future Repair Strategies.

Achilles tendon rupture is a frequent injury with an increasing incidence. After clinical surgical repair, aimed at suturing the tendon stumps back into their original position, the repaired Achilles tendon is often plastically deformed and mechanically less strong than the pre-injured tissue, with muscle fatty degeneration contributing to function loss. Despite clinical outcomes, pre-clinical research has mainly focused on tendon structural repair, with a lack of knowledge regarding injury progression from tendon to muscle and its consequences on muscle degenerative/regenerative processes and function. Here, we characterize the morphological changes in the tendon, the myotendinous junction and muscle belly in a mouse model of Achilles tendon complete rupture, finding cellular and fatty infiltration, fibrotic tissue accumulation, muscle stem cell decline and collagen fiber disorganization. We use novel imaging technologies to accurately relate structural alterations in tendon fibers to pathological changes, which further explain the loss of muscle mechanical function after tendon rupture. The treatment of tendon injuries remains a challenge for orthopedics. Thus, the main goal of this study is to bridge the gap between clinicians' knowledge and research to address the underlying pathophysiology of ruptured Achilles tendon and its consequences in the gastrocnemius. Such studies are necessary if current practices in regenerative medicine for Achilles tendon ruptures are to be improved.

Total Hip Arthroplasty Digital Templating: Size Predicting Ability and Interobserver Variability.

BACKGROUND: During the last century, total hip arthroplasties have become more popular. They have had a huge impact on the quality of life, pain, range of motion, social interaction, and psychological well-being. A number of studies have emphasized the importance of using templates to choose the appropriate implant size when planning the surgery. Our aim is to use MediCad® software to analyze the ability of the digital template system MediCad® to predict the size of the implant needed in total hip arthroplasties. MATERIALS AND METHODS: An arthroplasty preoperative plan was created according to the MediCad® software guidelines, on anteroposterior hip X-ray by one junior resident, one senior resident, and three experienced hip surgeons. RESULTS: The median size accuracy was 0.7 (range: 0.27-0.87) for the cup, 0.73 (range: 0.36-0.83) for the stem, and 0.28 (range: -0.14-0.69) for the neck. Interobserver reliability was good (kappa > 0.4) and stronger when measuring the stem than when doing so with the cup. Conclusion: Digital preoperative total hip arthroplasty planning is a good method for predicting component size, restoring hip anatomy (vertical offset and horizontal offset), with good interobserver reliability.

Proximal tibiofibular joint changes after closed-wedge high tibial osteotomy. Are they relevant?

BACKGROUND: There is some controversy about how the proximal tibiofibular joint (PTFJ) capsulotomy changes PTFJ anatomy in closed-wedge high tibial osteotomy (CW-HTO) and about how this affects ankle and knee mobility and the onset of lateral knee pain. The aim of this study is to evaluate changes in PTFJ after CW-HTO, and its possible clinical significance. METHODS: This study includes 50 patients who underwent CW-HTO with tibiofibular capsulotomy from 2000 to 2018 in our hospital. A clinical evaluation was conducted to evaluate pain location. The degrees of osteoarthritis and the proximal fibular subluxation were evaluated on radiographs. A dynamic analysis of the PTFJ was also performed comparing proximal fibular head subluxation on anteroposterior knee radiographs with the ankle placed in neutral position and dorsiflexed. RESULTS: The clinical evaluation revealed that two patients had a sore scar, five had pain on the PTFJ with manual compression, and none referred lateral compartment pain. The radiological analysis revealed an average proximal subluxation of the fibular head after the osteotomy of 9.64 (range: 0-29) mm, which was greater in oblique PTFJ (p < 0.05). After the surgery, all the patients developed some degree of PTFJ arthritis. There was no correlation between lateral pain and proximal fibular subluxation, tibiofibular arthritis, or lateral compartment arthritis. The dynamic analysis revealed no significant changes. CONCLUSIONS: After CW-HTO all the patients developed proximal subluxation of the fibular head and a variable degree of PTFJ osteoarthritis, but these changes seem to be unrelated with lateral knee pain.

Validation of the concavity-convexity quotient as a new method to measure the magnitude of scoliosis.

OBJECTIVES: We propose a novel and simple method to determine the magnitude of the curve in scoliosis and its correlation with the Cobb angle. METHODS: Using multiple rounds of nominal group technique and an established consensus-building methodology, a multidisciplinary research group identified a simple method to value the curve deformity based on the vertebral pedicles. MEASUREMENTS: A mathematical study was performed to determine the relationship between the Cobb angle and the concavity-convexity quotient (CCQ). To evaluate the clinical correlation between the Cobb angle and CCQ, spine surgeons measured 48 curves (before and after follow-up) of congenital scoliosis. RESULTS: This quotient reflects the ratio between the distance from the upper end of the most inclined upper vertebra to the lower end of the most inclined lower vertebra on the concave side (A-distance) and the corresponding distance on the convex side of the curve (B-distance). The existing mathematical relationship is based on changing the explicit coordinates to polar coordinates. Finally, the clinical correlation between the Cobb angle and CCQ was statistically significant (r = -0.688; P < 0.001 in first measure and r = -0.789; P < 0.001 in the second measure). CONCLUSIONS: Our study provides Level III evidence that CCQ represents a promising alternative or a complementary method to the traditional Cobb angle due to its simple and reliable ability to measure the magnitude of the curve.

Akin osteotomy: Is the type of staple fixation relevant?

BACKGROUND: Although different fixation techniques for the Akin osteotomy have been described in the literature, there are no many studies trying to analyze the differences between the types of fixation available. The aim of this study is to analyze if there are any differences between three types of staple fixation available in the market. METHOD: We present a retrospective study of 145 cases in which an Akin osteotomy was performed and fixed with three different kinds of implants staple A (28%), staple B (45%), and staple C (27%). Staple A is made out of stainless steel, and the surgeon mechanically controls the compression applied. Staple B increases the compression when heat is applied to it. Staple C has an intrinsic elastic memory that closes the osteotomy. In all cases, distal articular set angle, interphalangeal joint obliquity angle, and metatarsophalangeal angle were measured pre-operatively and 1.5 months post-operatively on dorsoplantar weight-bearing radiographs. Other details such as post-operative complications, implant migration, osteolysis, or fracture of the lateral cortex during surgery were also recorded. RESULTS: Clinical and radiological results show no relevant differences between the three types of fixation. The mean angular corrections of DASA, interphalangeal joint obliquity angle, and metatarsophalangeal angle were 5, 12, and 21, respectively, for staple A; 4, 10, and 19, respectively, for staple B; and 7, 10, and 23, respectively, for staple C. The rates of intra-operative and post-operative complications were similar for all groups. There was one case of infection per group. We had five cases of delayed union two with staple A and three with staple C. In four cases, there was a loss of correction, two of them fixed with staple A and two with staple C. Seven cases developed a Südeck's syndrome, four of them fixed with staple A and three with staple C. Fifteen patients suffered an uncontrolled fracture of the lateral cortex of the phalanx when performing the osteotomy (3, 8, and 4 cases fixed with staples A, B, and C, respectively), and 87.5% of the patients that developed a plantar displacement of the osteotomy had an uncontrolled fracture of the lateral cortex (p < 0.05). All three staples achieved a rigid internal fixation and minimal periosteum damage and provided a good bone-bone contact. CONCLUSIONS: According to our results, the radiological differences are minimal, and although the thermal compression staple had less complication, clinical differences were also not statistically significant. This means the choice of implant could be left to the surgeon's preferences or made according to cost.

Feasibility of open and percutaneous corrective osteotomies of the second phalanx of the great toe: An approach on a cadaveric model.

BACKGROUND: Having had a previous experience of 4 open F2 osteotomies to correct interphalangeal hallux valgus, the aim of this study was to test the efficacy of a percutaneous approach for this correction. METHODS: 3 open and 12 percutaneous F2 osteotomies in 15 cadaver feet were performed. Interphalangeal (IPH), F2 asymmetry (AF2) and joint deviation (JD) angles were measured on radiographs. The operated great toes were anatomically analyzed looking for possible lesions to surrounding tissues. RESULTS: Mean IPH decreased from 10.7° to 2.9°, AF2 from 7.8° to 1°, and JD from 1.4° to 0.5°. Damage to the hallux extensor tendon was detected in 1 foot and a nail bed lesion was detected in 1 case, both operated percutaneously. CONCLUSIONS: F2 Valgus deformity can be corrected using open or percutaneous osteotomy. The authors consider the open correction worthwhile because percutaneous techniques may damage surrounding tissues and the incision length difference is minor. LEVEL OF CLINICAL EVIDENCE: 3.