Safety of anti-TNF agents in patients with compensated cirrhosis: a case-control study.

BACKGROUND: There is limited data on the use of anti-TNF agents in patients with concomitant cirrhosis. The aim of this study is to assess the safety of anti-TNF agents in patients with compensated cirrhosis who used these medications for the treatment of an underlying rheumatologic condition or IBD. METHODS: Multicenter, retrospective, matched, case-control study. A one to three case-control match was performed. Adults who received anti-TNF therapy were matched to three adults with cirrhosis who did not receive anti-TNF therapy. Patients were matched for etiology of cirrhosis, MELD-Na and age. Primary outcome was the development of hepatic decompensation. Secondary outcomes included development of infectious complications, hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), extra-hepatic malignancy, and mortality. RESULTS: Eighty patients with cirrhosis who received anti-TNF agents were matched with 240 controls. Median age was 57.2 years. Median MELD-Na for the anti-TNF cohort was seven and median MELD-Na for the controls was eight. The most common etiology of cirrhosis was NAFLD. Anti-TNF therapy did not increase risk of decompensation (HR: 0.91, 95% CI: 0.64-1.30, p = 0.61) nor influence the time to development of a decompensating event. Anti-TNF therapy did not increase the risk of hepatic mortality or need for liver transplantation (HR: 1.18, 95% CI: 0.55-2.53, p = 0.67). Anti-TNF therapy was not associated with an increased risk of serious infection (HR: 1.21, 95% CI: 0.68-2.17, p = 0.52), HCC (OR: 0.45, 95% CI: 0.13-1.57, p = 0.21), or extra-hepatic malignancy (OR: 0.82, 95% CI: 0.29-2.30, p = 0.71). CONCLUSIONS: Anti-TNF agents in patients with compensated cirrhosis does not influence the risk of decompensation, serious infections, transplant free survival, or malignancy.

Single-Shot Liposomal Bupivacaine Reduces Postoperative Narcotic Use Following Outpatient Rotator Cuff Repair: A Prospective, Double-Blinded, Randomized Controlled Trial.

BACKGROUND: Liposomal bupivacaine (LB) theoretically is longer-acting compared with conventional bupivacaine. The purpose of this study was to compare conventional bupivacaine combined with dexamethasone (control group), LB combined with conventional bupivacaine (LB group), and LB combined with dexamethasone and conventional bupivacaine (LBD group) in a perineural interscalene nerve block during ambulatory arthroscopic rotator cuff repair to determine if LB decreased postoperative narcotic consumption and pain. The effect of supplemental dexamethasone on prolonging the analgesic effect of LB was also assessed. METHODS: This was a prospective, double-blinded, randomized controlled trial of 76 consecutive patients who underwent outpatient arthroscopic rotator cuff repair. Patients were randomized into the 3 interscalene-block treatment groups: control group (n = 26), LB group (n = 24), and LBD group (n = 26). Outcome measures included pain measured with a visual analog scale (VAS; 0 to 10) and narcotic consumption measured in oral morphine milligram equivalents (MME). Both were measured daily on postoperative day 0 through postoperative day 4. RESULTS: Generalized estimating equation modeling revealed that narcotic consumption across all time points (postoperative days 0 to 4) was significantly lower in the LB group compared with the control group (mean difference, -8.5 MME; 95% confidence interval, -15.4 to -1.6; p = 0.015). Narcotic consumption was significantly higher in the control group on postoperative days 2 and 3 compared with the LB group (p = 0.004 and p = 0.02, respectively) and the LBD group (p = 0.01 and p = 0.003, respectively). There was no difference in narcotic consumption between the LBD and LB groups on any postoperative day. VAS pain scores in all groups were similar across all postoperative days. CONCLUSIONS: Among patients undergoing outpatient arthroscopic rotator cuff repair, the addition of LB to conventional bupivacaine in interscalene nerve blocks appeared to be effective in controlling postoperative pain. Because LB with and without dexamethasone decreased postoperative narcotic use, LB should be considered for use in preoperative interscalene nerve blocks to reduce the reliance on narcotics for pain management. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic Level I. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

Short-Term Clinical Outcomes and Comparison of Ultrasound Versus Magnetic Resonance Imaging of Superior Capsular Reconstruction.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the short-term outcomes of 10 patients with irreparable massive rotator cuff tears treated with arthroscopic superior capsular reconstruction (SCR) using dermal allograft. METHODS: Between 2016 and 2018, patients with symptomatic irreparable rotator cuff tears were prospectively enrolled for treatment with arthroscopic SCR. Investigational review board approval was achieved. All patients were treated by a single fellowship-trained shoulder surgeon. Minimum follow-up was 1 year. Range of motion and functional outcome according to visual analog scale pain, American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons, and Simple Shoulder Test scores were assessed preoperatively and at routine follow-up intervals. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and ultrasound were obtained at a minimum of 1 year to assess graft integrity and to correlate clinical outcomes. RESULTS: Ten patients with a mean age of 58.6 years had a minimum follow-up of 1 year. In all patients, preoperatively to postoperatively, mean forward flexion improved from 141° to 173° (P = .018), mean visual analog scale pain score decreased from 6.5 to 1 (P = .004), and mean American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons score improved from 43 to 87 (P = .005). At 1 year, ultrasound evaluation identified graft failure in 1 patient (10%), whereas MRI diagnosed graft failure in 7 patients (70%). Of the 7 failures diagnosed by MRI, 4 failed at the level of the glenoid, 2 failed mid-graft, and 1 failed at the humerus. CONCLUSIONS: Although clinical outcomes are statistically improved following arthroscopic SCR using a dermal allograft, the early high failure rates of the graft raise concerns about the long-term outcomes of the procedure. Furthermore, the use of ultrasound alone to validate an intact graft should be used with caution, as failures can occur at the glenoid and can be missed without MRI correlation. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV, Therapeutic case series.

Outcomes of anatomic total shoulder arthroplasty in patients with excessive glenoid retroversion: a case-control study.

BACKGROUND: Ideal management of severe glenoid retroversion during anatomic total shoulder arthroplasty (TSA) remains controversial, as previous reports have suggested that severe retroversion may negatively impact clinical outcomes. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the impact of severe glenoid retroversion on clinical and radiographic TSA outcomes using a standard glenoid component, as well as to compare outcomes among patients with less severe retroversion. METHODS: A case-control study was performed comparing 40 patients treated with TSA with more than 20° of glenoid retroversion preoperatively (average follow-up, 53 months) vs. a matched cohort of 80 patients with less than 20° of retroversion (average follow-up, 49 months). In all patients, the surgical technique, implant design, and postoperative rehabilitation protocol were identical. Patients were matched based on sex, age, indication, and prosthetic size. Comparisons were made regarding patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs), motion, postoperative radiographic loosening, and the presence of medial calcar resorption. RESULTS: Preoperatively, both groups demonstrated similar PROMs and measured motion, except for preoperative Single Assessment Numeric Evaluation scores and American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons total scores, which were higher for the severe retroversion group (44.4 vs. 31.3 [P = .012] and 34.9 vs. 29.4 [P = .048], respectively). Postoperative PROMs and motion were also similar between the 2 cohorts. No significant differences were observed for postoperative radiographic findings. Medial calcar resorption was identified in 74 patients (61.7%). Calcar resorption and individual resorption grades were not found to differ significantly. CONCLUSION: At midterm follow-up, preoperative severe glenoid retroversion does not appear to influence clinical or radiographic outcomes of TSA using a standard glenoid component.

Lesser tuberosity osteotomy in total shoulder arthroplasty: impact of radiographic healing on outcomes.

BACKGROUND: Lesser tuberosity osteotomy (LTO) has gained popularity in anatomic total shoulder arthroplasty (TSA); however, healing rates have not been universally high. This study examined differences in outcomes based on variations in LTO healing. METHODS: A retrospective review identified primary TSA patients with 2-year minimum follow-up treated with a LTO. Postoperative radiographs classified LTO healing as "bony union," "nondisplaced nonunion," "displaced nonunion," and "not seen," creating 4 cohorts. Comparisons were made among patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs), motion, and radiographic evidence of component loosening. RESULTS: The study cohort consisted of 189 patients who met inclusion criteria, with an average age of 69.5 years (range, 32-89 years) and follow-up of 50 months (range, 24-95 months). There were 143 patients with union, 16 with nondisplaced nonunion, 14 with displaced nonunion, and 16 not seen. There were no differences in preoperative comparisons. All cohorts demonstrated significant improvements in PROMs and ranges of motion; however, the displaced nonunion cohort had no improvement in Single Assessment Numeric Evaluation (0.114) or internal rotation (P = .279). Patients with displaced nonunion had lower postoperative functional scores (Simple Shoulder Test and American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons scores; P < .01), and higher pain scores (visual analog scale for pain; P < .01). However, 85.7% of patients reported they would have the same procedure again. Simple Shoulder Test (2.5) and American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons score (37.5) improvements exceeded minimal clinically important difference thresholds for TSA. A higher rate of glenoid gross loosening was present in the displaced nonunion cohort (3 patients [21.4%]; P < .01). There were no cases of loose humeral stems. CONCLUSION: Patients with a displaced nonunion LTO site have lower functional scores and higher pain scores but still achieve substantial clinical improvement and high satisfaction rates.

Case-control comparison of "in-the-groove" and lateral-row arthroscopic biceps tenodesis with concomitant rotator cuff repair.

BACKGROUND: Lateral-row (LR) arthroscopic biceps tenodesis (BT) has been described as a technique using an LR rotator cuff repair (RCR) anchor for biceps fixation. This technique has not been compared with other BT techniques. The purpose of this study was to compare the clinical outcomes of patients undergoing a suprapectoral "in-the-groove" arthroscopic BT and patients treated with an LR tenodesis performed in conjunction with arthroscopic RCR. METHODS: Patients undergoing arthroscopic BT in the setting of an arthroscopic RCR were evaluated preoperatively and at a minimum of 12 months' follow-up. Patients who underwent an in-the-groove BT were matched 1:1 to patients who underwent an LR BT based on age at surgery and size of the rotator cuff tear using the Patte classification. Comparisons made included age, sex, body mass index, patient-reported outcome measures, range of motion, and patient satisfaction. RESULTS: There were 82 patients (41 in each group) who met the inclusion criteria, with an average follow-up period of 33 months and average age of 61 years. By use of the Patte classification, there were 20 matched pairs with stage 1 tears, 11 matched pairs with stage 2 tears, and 10 matched pairs with stage 3 tears. Comparisons of the 2 cohorts revealed no differences in preoperative or postoperative motion, patient-reported outcome measures, or patient satisfaction. Furthermore, no differences were found in overall improvements in motion or outcome measures, as well as overall satisfaction. CONCLUSIONS: Patients undergoing simultaneous RCR and BT demonstrate similar patient-reported and objective outcomes for both LR tenodesis and in-the-groove tenodesis techniques.

Comparative Outcomes Between the First and Second Operated Shoulders in Bilateral Shoulder Arthroplasty.

INTRODUCTION: Studies that report outcomes after staged bilateral shoulder arthroplasty (BSA) are limited. This study compared the overall improvement between the first and second operated shoulders after BSA. METHODS: Preoperative and postoperative motion and patient-reported outcomes for function, pain, and general health were assessed for patients who underwent BSA with a 2-year follow-up. Ultimate outcomes and the efficacy of treatment were compared between the first and second operated shoulders. RESULTS: Seventy-three patients met the inclusion criteria (mean follow-up, 51.4 months). There were no notable differences between the first and second operated shoulders for all preoperative and postoperative variables except for the preoperative 12-item Short-Form Physical Component Score, which was greater in the second shoulder (P = 0.005). The efficacy of treatment was not markedly different except for the Physical Component Score (P = 0.001) and forward elevation (P = 0.01), which were greater after the first surgery. DISCUSSION: Improvements in function, pain, and motion were not markedly different between the first and second shoulder arthroplasty surgeries.

Individual and community factors contributing to anemia among women in rural Baja California, Mexico.

INTRODUCTION: Anemia is a public health concern among women in rural Baja California, Mexico. The purpose of this study was to identify the individual and community factors contributing to the disproportionately high prevalence of anemia among women in this region. METHODS: A cross-sectional study of 118 women (15-49 years) was performed in a rural colonia (small settlement) in Baja California, Mexico in 2012. Participants completed a survey comprised of demographic, socioeconomic, health, and dietary questions and provided a capillary blood sample. A portable HemoCue was used to measure hemoglobin and diagnose anemia. Anemic participants provided a venous blood sample for laboratory testing to elucidate the etiology of anemia. Anemic participants received vitamin supplements and nutritional counseling. Assessments of six local tiendas (community grocery stores) were performed to ascertain the types of food available for purchase within the community. RESULTS: Prevalence of anemia was 22% among women; laboratory tests revealed iron deficiency was the primary etiology in 80.8% of anemia cases. Other causes of anemia in women included vitamin B-12 deficiency (11.5%) and combined iron and vitamin B-12 deficiency (7.7%). Women from low SES households and women enrolled in the government assistance program Prospera were significantly more likely to be anemic (OR = 3.48, 95% CI 1.35-8.98 and OR = 2.49, 95% CI 1.02-6.09, respectively). Vitamin supplementation was significantly more common among non-anemic women (OR = 0.12, 95% CI 0.02-0.94). Dietary assessments showed limited consumption of iron absorption enhancing foods such as fruits and vegetables. Assessments of local tiendas revealed at least one type of meat and citrus fruit available for purchase at each store; however, leafy green vegetables were only available for purchase at one store. CONCLUSION: All cases of anemia were due to nutritional deficiencies. While vitamin supplementation is a temporary solution, improved individual nutrition knowledge and community access to iron absorption enhancing foods, particularly produce, is needed. Promoting government assistance programs like Prospera and implementing additional programs designed to improve nutrition and health literacy, in conjunction with ensuring access to nutritious foods, might reduce the high prevalence nutritional anemia within the community.

Feasibility and Safety of Flexible Bronchoscopy Performed Via Tracheal Tubes in Patients With Tracheostomies: A Retrospective, Single-Center Experience.

BACKGROUND: Flexible bronchoscopy (FB) is commonly performed to assess, diagnose, and treat patients with respiratory disease, and is typically performed via transnasal or transoral approaches. FB can be performed via tracheal tubes in patients with tracheostomies; however, the safety and technical feasibility has not been established. The present study evaluates the safety and feasibility of performing FB via tracheal tubes. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 45 patients underwent 56 procedures involving FB via tracheal tubes at a single institution from November 2013 to November 2014 and were included in this retrospective case series. RESULTS: Patients had a median age of 68 years (interquartile range, 56 to 82.5), and 51% were female. Most patients had 2 comorbidities (interquartile range, 1 to 3), with the most common being hypertension, diabetes mellitus, and chronic kidney disease. Upper airway obstruction was the primary indication for bronchoscopy in 40% of patients. Fifty-three percent of patients had a Shiley tube #6, [internal cannula diameter (ICD) of 6.5 mm]; tracheal tubes in the remaining patients ranged from Shiley #4 (ICD, 5.5 mm) to Shiley #8 (ICD, 8.5 mm). One patient did not complete the procedure due to severe hypertension (intraprocedural systolic blood pressure >180 mm Hg). During FB, no patients experienced cardiorespiratory arrest, arrhythmia, bleeding, or desaturation that required resuscitation. Eleven patients had a mucus plug leading to atelectasis during bronchoscopy, and 8 of these had a postprocedural chest x-ray finding of lung reexpansion. CONCLUSION: FB via tracheal tubes is a technically feasible and safe procedure that does not compromise patient oxygenation.

Seven Cases of Zika Virus Infection in South Florida.

INTRODUCTION: Zika virus, an arbovirus of the Flaviviridae family, is a mosquito-borne virus known to cause microcephaly through vertical transmission. Infection presents with mild, self-limiting symptoms. Currently, a Zika virus outbreak has spread across most of South and Central America. Travel-related and sexually transmitted cases have been reported across the United States. However, the vector-borne transmission has been limited to Florida and Texas. We present seven cases of Zika virus infection that presented at a single institution in South Florida. METHODS: Patients were included that had real-time polymerase-chain reaction (RT-PCR) for Zika virus RNA in urine or serum or enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) for Immunoglobulin M (IgM) antibody against Zika virus in serum. RESULTS: All seven patients reported recent travel or employment in areas of active Zika virus transmission and at least two of the four most commonly reported symptoms (fever, arthralgia, rash, and conjunctivitis) with a rash present in all patients. All patients had positive RT-PCR for Zika virus RNA in urine. RT-PCR for Zika virus RNA in serum was negative in four of five patients that were tested, indicating that these patients likely presented one to two weeks after symptom onset. CONCLUSION: The future of Zika virus outbreaks in other cities in the United States is still uncertain. However, it is clear that prevention and control policies are urgently needed. We have presented seven confirmed cases of Zika virus infection in South Florida. In addition to conducting research concerning both the diagnostic and therapeutic aspects of the virus, there is a need for public awareness of its presentation, methods of transmission, and subsequent clinical outcomes.

Local injection of liposomal bupivacaine combined with intravenous dexamethasone reduces postoperative pain and hospital stay after shoulder arthroplasty.

BACKGROUND: Alternative techniques have been developed to address pain after shoulder arthroplasty and are well documented. We evaluated the effect of adding intraoperative liposomal bupivacaine and intravenous dexamethasone during shoulder arthroplasty. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed 2 consecutive cohorts undergoing elective shoulder arthroplasty. The 24 patients in cohort 1 and the 31 patients in cohort 2 received perioperative multimodal management with preoperative and postoperative intravenous and oral narcotics, gabapentin, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, acetaminophen, and single-injection interscalene block. Cohort 2 also received 8 to 10 mg of intravenous dexamethasone intraoperatively after the skin incision and liposomal bupivacaine injected at surgery. Patients who did and did not use preoperative narcotics were analyzed together and separately. We evaluated hospitalization length of stay, narcotic use, and visual analog scale pain before and after the change in the perioperative protocol. RESULTS: Cohort 1 was hospitalized longer (2 vs. 1 day; P < .001), required more narcotics on postoperative day 1 (21.0 vs. 10.0 mg; P < .001) and days 0 and 1 cumulatively (30.5 vs. 17.5 mg; P = .001), and had more pain on postoperative days 0 (6.5 vs. 3.5; P < .001) and 1 (7.5 vs. 3.5; P < .001) than cohort 2. In patients using preoperative narcotics, cohort 2 had less pain on postoperative day 1 (3.5 vs. 7.0; P = .006), less cumulative narcotic use (20 vs. 58.5 mg; P = .03), and shorter hospitalization (1 vs. 2 days; P = .052) than cohort 1. CONCLUSION: These changes to the perioperative shoulder arthroplasty protocol decreased hospitalization length of stay, narcotic requirement, and pain.

High flow nasal cannula versus conventional oxygen therapy and non-invasive ventilation in adults with acute hypoxemic respiratory failure: A systematic review.

INTRODUCTION: Humidified oxygen via a high flow nasal cannula (HFNC) is a form of supplemental oxygen therapy that has significant theoretical advantages over conventional oxygen therapy (COT). However, the clinical role of HFNC in acute hypoxemic respiratory failure (AHRF) has not been well established. This review compares the efficacy of HFNC with COT and non-invasive ventilation (NIV) in patients with AHRF. METHODS: Studies reviewed were selected based on relevance from a systematic literature search conducted in Medline and EMBASE to include all published original research through May 2016. Twelve studies matched the inclusion criteria. RESULTS: In the majority of the studies, HFNC was associated with superior comfort and patient tolerance as compared to NIV or COT. HFNC was associated with reduced work of breathing in comparison with COT in some, but not all, studies in the review. COT and NIV were associated with a higher 90-day mortality rate compared to HFNC in only one multicenter randomized trial versus no mortality difference reported by others. Three out of four studies demonstrated a decreased need for escalation of oxygen therapy with HFNC. Six out of eight studies demonstrated improved oxygenation with HFNC as compared to COT. Two of three studies revealed worse oxygenation with HFNC as compared to NIV. CONCLUSION: This review suggests that HFNC may be superior to COT in AHRF patients in terms of oxygenation, patient comfort, and work of breathing. It may be reasonable to consider HFNC as an intermediate level of oxygen therapy between COT and NIV.

Reverse shoulder prosthesis in the treatment of locked anterior shoulders: a comparison with classic reverse shoulder indications.

BACKGROUND: Locked anterior shoulder (LAS) with static instability and anterior glenoid bone loss is challenging in the elderly population. Reverse shoulder arthroplasty (RSA) has been employed in treating these patients. No study has compared RSA for LAS with classically indicated RSA. METHODS: A retrospective case-control study of patients treated with RSA for LAS with glenoid bone loss and static instability was performed using matched controls treated with primary RSA for classic indications. Twenty-four cases and 48 controls were evaluated. Average follow-up was 25.5 months, and median age was 76 years. Motion, outcome assessments, and postoperative radiographs were compared. RESULTS: Preoperatively, LAS had significantly less rotation and lower baseline outcome scores. Glenoid bone grafting was more common (P = .05) in the control group (26%) than in the LAS group (6.3%). Larger glenospheres were used more often (P = .001) in the LAS group (75%) than in the control group (29%). Both groups demonstrated significant improvements in pain, function, and outcome scores. Postoperatively, the control group had significantly better elevation and functional outcome scores. With the exception of flexion and Simple Shoulder Test score, effectiveness of treatment was similar between groups. Postoperative acromion stress fractures were seen in 21% of LAS patients and 9% of controls (P = .023) with a predominance of type 3 fractures in LAS. Two LAS patients remained dislocated. CONCLUSION: Patients with LAS treated with RSA can anticipate improvements in pain and function by use of larger glenospheres, often without the need for glenoid bone grafting. Worse postoperative motion and function and a higher incidence of acromion stress fracture may be expected.

Decreased Anemia Prevalence Among Women and Children in Rural Baja California, Mexico: A 6-Year Comparative Study.

Anemia is a public health problem in Mexico. This study sought to determine the prevalence and correlates of anemia among women and children residing in a rural farming region of Baja California, Mexico. An existing partnership between universities, non-governmental organizations, and an underserved Mexican community was utilized to perform cross-sectional data collection in 2004-2005 (Wave 1) and in 2011-2012 (Wave 2) among women (15-49 years) and their children (6-59 months). All participants completed a survey and underwent anemia testing. Blood smears were obtained to identify etiology. Nutrition education interventions and clinical health evaluations were offered between waves. Participants included 201 women and 99 children in Wave 1, and 146 women and 77 children in Wave 2. Prevalence of anemia significantly decreased from 42.3 to 23.3 % between Waves 1 and 2 in women (p < 0.001), from 46.5 to 30.2 % in children 24-59 months (p = 0.066), and from 71.4 to 45.8 % in children 6-23 months (p = 0.061). Among women in Wave 1, consumption of iron absorption enhancing foods (green vegetables and fruits high in vitamin C) was protective against anemia (p = 0.043). Women in Wave 2 who ate ≥4 servings of green, leafy vegetables per week were less likely to be anemic (p = 0.034). Microscopic examination of blood smears revealed microcytic, hypochromic red blood cells in 90 % of anemic children and 68.8 % of anemic women, consistent with iron deficiency anemia.

Anatomic and Reverse Total Shoulder Arthroplasty in Patients Older Than 80 Years.

Anatomic total shoulder arthroplasty (TSA) and reverse total shoulder arthroplasty (RSA) are routinely performed in patients older than 80 years. Often unaware of the differences between the 2 procedures, patients may expect similar outcomes from these procedures. This article reports the outcomes of primary TSA and RSA in patients older than 80 years, with attention directed toward differences in outcomes between the procedures. The authors evaluated a consecutive series of patients who were at least 80 years old and were treated with primary shoulder arthroplasty and had a minimum follow-up of 2 years. Of these patients, 18 underwent primary TSA for osteoarthritis and 33 underwent primary RSA for rotator cuff tear arthropathy. Pain scores, function scores, and range of motion were evaluated preoperatively and at final follow-up. Perioperative and postoperative complications, transfusion rates, length of stay, and subjective satisfaction with the outcome were reported. In these patients, TSA and RSA were similarly effective in improving pain scores, functional scores, and range of motion measurements. Patients who had TSA reported significantly greater satisfaction with surgery and had superior American Shoulder and Elbow Society total and function scores, forward elevation, and external rotation, but similar net improvement from preoperative levels. Although no significant differences were shown in complications, length of stay, or requirement for transfusion, patients treated with RSA had higher rates of transfusion and postoperative complications. Both procedures were similarly effective treatments for patients older than 80 years and showed similar improvements in pain, function, and motion. Patients undergoing RSA were less likely to have good to excellent results, with higher complication and transfusion rates.

Cerebral desaturation events in the beach chair position: correlation of noninvasive blood pressure and estimated temporal mean arterial pressure.

BACKGROUND: Cerebral oximetry (rSO2) has emerged as an important tool for monitoring of cerebral perfusion during surgery. High rates of cerebral desaturation events (CDEs) have been reported during surgery in the beach chair position. However, correlations have not been made with blood pressure measured at the cerebral level. The purpose of this study was to examine the correlations between brachial noninvasive blood pressure (NIBP) and estimated temporal mean arterial pressure (eTMAP) during CDEs in the beach chair position. METHODS: Fifty-seven patients underwent elective shoulder surgery in the beach chair position. Values for eTMAP, NIBP, and rSO2 were recorded supine (0°) after induction and when a CDE occurred in the 70° beach chair position. Twenty-six patients experienced 45 CDEs, defined as a 20% drop in rSO2 from baseline. RESULTS: Median reduction in NIBP, eTMAP, and rSO2 from baseline to the CDE were 48.2%, 75.5%, and 33.3%, respectively. At baseline, there was a significant weak negative correlation between rSO2 and NIBP (rs = -0.300; P = .045) and no significant association between rSO2 and eTMAP (rs = -0.202; P = .183). During CDEs, there were no significant correlations between rSO2 and NIBP (rs = -0.240; P = .112) or between rSO2 and eTMAP (rs = -0.190; P = .212). No significant correlation between the decrease in rSO2 and NIBP (rs = 0.064; P = .675) or between rSO2 and eTMAP (rs = 0.121; P = .430) from baseline to CDE was found. CONCLUSION: NIBP and eTMAP are unreliable methods for identifying a CDE in the beach chair position. Cerebral oximetry provides additional information to the values obtained from NIBP and eTMAP, and all should be considered independently and collectively.

Functional internal rotation after shoulder arthroplasty: a comparison of anatomic and reverse shoulder arthroplasty.

BACKGROUND: Recovery of functional internal rotation after primary shoulder arthroplasty is essential to perform many important activities of daily living. Functional internal rotation is typically reported as it relates to clinical examination findings of motion (posterior reach) and lift-off or belly-press tests. A more detailed evaluation of functional recovery of internal rotation after primary anatomic total shoulder arthroplasty (TSA) and reverse shoulder arthroplasty (RSA) is needed. METHODS: A retrospective review of patients treated with primary TSA (n = 132) and RSA (n = 91) with a minimum 2-year follow-up was performed. Subanalysis of revision RSA (n = 24) and primary RSA was performed. Active range of motion, subjective internal rotation motion, manual internal rotation strength, and specific questions related to internal rotation function isolated from the Simple Shoulder Test (SST) and American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES) functional questionnaires were reviewed. RESULTS: Compared with RSA, TSA patients could more likely reach the small of the back (SST) and wash the back/fasten bra (ASES). Active internal rotation motion, SST score, ASES score, and subjective internal rotation were greater after TSA. No significant difference was observed with respect to managing toileting between cohorts. Revision RSA patients were less likely to be able to wash the back/fasten bra (ASES) and easily manage toileting (ASES) compared with primary RSA patients. CONCLUSION: Primary anatomic shoulder arthroplasty yields greater functional internal rotation than does primary RSA, with either procedure being effective at managing toileting. Patient education regarding activities of daily living related to internal rotation can be predicted.

Association between temporal mean arterial pressure and brachial noninvasive blood pressure during shoulder surgery in the beach chair position during general anesthesia.

BACKGROUND: Estimation of cerebral perfusion pressure during elective shoulder surgery in the beach chair position is regularly performed by noninvasive brachial blood pressure (NIBP) measurements. The relationship between brachial mean arterial pressure and estimated temporal mean arterial pressure (eTMAP) is not well established and may vary with patient positioning. Establishing a ratio between eTMAP and NIBP at varying positions may provide a more accurate estimation of cerebral perfusion using noninvasive measurements. METHODS: This prospective study included 57 patients undergoing elective shoulder surgery in the beach chair position. All patients received an interscalene block and general anesthesia. After the induction of general anesthesia, values for eTMAP and NIBP were recorded at 0°, 30°, and 70° of incline. RESULTS: A statistically significant, strong, and direct correlation between NIBP and eTMAP was found at 0° (r = 0.909, P ≤ .001), 30° (r = 0.874, P < .001), and 70° (r = 0.819, P < .001) of incline. The mean ratios of eTMAP to NIBP at 0°, 30°, and 70° of incline were 0.939 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.915-0.964), 0.738 (95% CI, 0.704-0.771), and 0.629 (95% CI, 0.584-0.673), respectively. There was a statistically significant decrease in the eTMAP/NIBP ratio as patient incline increased from 0° to 30° (P < .001) and from 30° to 70° (P < .001). CONCLUSION: The eTMAP-to-NIBP ratio decreases as an anesthetized patient is placed into the beach chair position. Awareness of this phenomenon is important to ensure adequate cerebral perfusion and prevent hypoxic-related injuries.

Potential causes of loss of reduction in supracondylar humerus fractures.

BACKGROUND: Recent biomechanical studies have evaluated the stability of various pin constructs for supracondylar humerus fractures, but limited data exist evaluating these constructs with clinical outcomes. The goal of this study was to review the surgical management of Gartland type II and III supracondylar fractures to see whether certain pin configurations increase the likelihood of loss of reduction (LOR). METHODS: A total of 192 patients treated with a displaced supracondylar fracture were evaluated. LOR was defined as a change >10 degrees in either plane from its intraoperative reduction. Fracture classification, comminution, and location were documented. Intraoperative films were assessed for number of pins, location of pins both medial and lateral, bicortical purchase, pin spread at the fracture site, and pin divergence. RESULTS: Ninety-four patients had type II fractures, and 98 had type III fractures. The average patient age was 5.7±2.3 years. Extension-type injuries represented 98% of fractures. LOR was noted in 4.2% of patients. Age (P=0.48) and sex (P=0.61) were not associated with LOR. Fracture characteristics including type (P=0.85), comminution (P=0.99), and location (P=0.88) were not associated with LOR. Fractures treated with lateral-entry pins only or with 2 pins were no more likely to lose reduction (P=0.88 and 0.91). Pin spread at the fracture site was associated with LOR with less spread increasing the likelihood of failure (P=0.02). Fractures that lost reduction had an average pin spread of 9.7 mm [95% confidence interval (CI), 6.3-13.2) or 28% (95% CI, 26-31) of the humerus width compared with 13.7 mm (95% CI, 13-14.4) or 36% (95% CI, 13-60) of the humerus width for those that remained aligned. CONCLUSIONS: LOR after percutaneous fixation of supracondylar fractures occurs relatively infrequently at a rate of 4.2%. This study suggests that pin spread is an important factor associated with preventing LOR with a goal of pin spacing at least 13 mm or 1/3 the width of the humerus at the level of the fracture. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Retrospective study; level II.

Improving diagnostic efficiency: analysis of pelvic MRI versus emergency hip aspiration for suspected hip sepsis.

BACKGROUND: Accurately diagnosing and treating childhood hip sepsis is challenging. Adjacent bone and soft-tissue infections are common and can lead to delayed and inappropriate treatment. This study evaluated the effect of early advanced imaging (bone scan, magnetic resonance imaging) in the management of suspected hip sepsis. METHODS: A retrospective review of pediatric patients admitted between 2003 and 2009 with suspected hip sepsis was performed. Patients were classified into 2 categories: group I-immediate hip aspiration or group II-advanced imaging performed before intervention. RESULTS: In total, 130 patients (53 in group I and 77 in group II) were included. No significant differences were found between the groups with regard to laboratory values, temperature, number of anesthetics, and length of hospital stay. However, patients in group I were younger than in group II (5.4 vs. 7.3 y, P=0.02) and more patients in group I were unable to bear weight on the affected limb compared with group II (83% vs. 61%, P=0.009). In group I, 36 patients (68%) had a septic hip compared with 35 patients (45%) in group II. In group I, 16 patients (30%) required reoperation versus 13 (17%) patients in group II. Results from the multivariate analysis demonstrated that reoperation was required 2.8 times (95% confidence interval, 1.12-6.78) more often in group I as compared with group II (P=0.03). CONCLUSIONS: Advanced imaging performed before hip aspiration improves diagnostic efficacy and may decrease the need for reoperation. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: III.