Time dedicated to physical activity among medical residents: are there differences based on gender or specialty type?

INTRODUCTION: Physical activity (PA) is associated with positive health outcomes such as prevention of chronic diseases, psychological well-being and improved work performance. Medical residents are subjected to sleep deprivation, extended work schedule and high burnout prevalence. These conditions may lead to the neglect of personal health and the restriction of time dedicated to PA. The objective of the present study was to analyze the time dedicated to PA of medical residents, comparing women vs men residents and surgical vs clinical residents. METHODS: It is a cross-sectional study performed in a Spanish third-level university hospital. All medical residents from our institution were invited to voluntarily participate in the study answering a web-based questionnaire on June 2022. Data regarding demographics, residency and PA practice was recorded. RESULTS: The response rate was 20.73% (114/550). The 32.5% of the residents considered themselves to be physically inactive and mean time dedicated to PA in a regular week was 3.62 ±â€¯2.22 h. Men residents dedicated more time to PA than women residents (4.23 ±â€¯2.42 h vs 3.14 ±â€¯1.95 h, p = 0.012) and surgical residents dedicated more time than clinical residents (4.33 ±â€¯2.36 h vs 3.23 ±â€¯2.05 h, p = 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: One third of the medical residents consider themself physically inactive. Women and clinical residents practice PA less time than men and surgical residents. Efforts should be made to encourage PA among residents, especially in women and non-surgeons.

Validación de la versión española de la escala de Harris modificada / Validation of the Spanish version of the modified Harris score

Antecedentes y objetivos: La escala de Harris modificada (EHM) es una de las herramientas más utilizadas para valorar pacientes con patología de cadera. A pesar de contar con una adaptación transcultural al español realizada por Lara et al., no cuenta con estudios que sustenten su validez. Se pretende obtener una validación de la versión adaptada de la EHM (ES-EHM), comparándola con la escala WOMAC. Materiales y métodos: La ES-EHM se aplicó a 100 pacientes operados de prótesis total de cadera: (1) previamente a la cirugía (ES-EHM prequirúrgica), (2) 2 años tras la cirugía (ES-EHM posquirúrgica) y (3) 6 meses después de la aplicación de la ES-EHM posquirúrgica (ES-EHM final). Se aplicó también, en una ocasión, el cuestionario WOMAC. Se compararon las medias de la ES-EHM prequirúrgica, posquirúrgica y final, así como la totalidad y los parámetros de dolor y función de la ES-EHM con la escala WOMAC. Se obtuvieron parámetros de fiabilidad, validez y sensibilidad al cambio. Resultados: Al comparar la ES-EHM prequirúrgica y la posquirúrgica, se observó una mejoría clínicamente relevante (46,54 puntos). Al comparar la ES-EHM posquirúrgica y la final, no se detectaron diferencias. Se obtuvo una correlación fuerte entre: (1) la ES-EHM posquirúrgica y la ES-EHM final, (2) ES-EHM y WOMAC y (3) parámetros de dolor y función de la ES-EHM y la WOMAC. El índice de respuesta media estandarizada fue de 2,99, la fiabilidad test-retest representada por el coeficiente de correlación intraclase de 0,90 y el índice de consistencia interna alfa de Cronbach de 0,95. Conclusiones: La adaptación transcultural de la ES-EHM muestra ser fiable, válida y sensible al cambio. Por lo tanto, el personal médico de la población española podrá aplicar la ES-EHM con el respaldo científico y la certeza de estar midiendo los parámetros deseados.(AU)

Background and objectives: Modified Harris Hip Score (HHS) is one of the most used scales in the assessment of patients with hip pathology. Although a Spanish cross-cultural adaptation has been recently published, there are many studies supporting its validity yet. Therefore, the aim of this study is to validate the newly adapted Spanish version of the HHS (ES-EHM), comparing it with the WOMAC scale. Materials and methods: The ES-EHM scale was applied to 100 patients who underwent a total hip replacement, in three different situations: (1) prior to surgery (pre-surgical ES-EHM), (2) after surgery, with at least 2 years of follow up (after surgery ES-EHM), and (3) 6 months after the postsurgical registration (final ES-EHM). WOMAC questionnaire was also applied once. We analyzed data of scale main score, pain score, function-related score as well as the mean of pre-surgical, postsurgical and final postsurgical ES-EHM scale, in both the ES-EHM and the WOMAC scales. Parameters of reliability, validity and sensitivity to change were obtained. Results: Clinically relevant improvement was observed (46.55 points) when comparing pre-surgical and post-surgical ES-EHM scores. However, no differences between postsurgical and final ES-EHM were detected. Even so, strong correlation was obtained between the following: (1) postsurgical ES-EHM and final ES-EHM scores, (2) ES-EHM and WOMAC scores, and (3) pain and function-related parameters of ES-EHM and WOMAC scores. Standardized response mean (SRM) was 2.99, test–retest reliability expressed by the intraclass correlation coefficient was 0.90 and Cronbach index 0.95. ConclusionsThe Spanish cross-cultural adaptation of the EHM scale shows to be reliable, valid and sensitive to change. Thus, the Spanish medical staff will be able to apply the ES-EHM scale with good scientific support.(AU)

Predictors of first-year postoperative complications after fixation of low-energy ankle fractures: A single-center, retrospective cohort study of 663 consecutive fractures. / [Artículo traducido] Predictores de las complicaciones postoperatorias en el primer año tras la fijación de fracturas de tobillo de baja energía. Estudio de cohortes retrospectivo sobre 663 fracturas intervenidas consecutivamente en un único centro.

INTRODUCTION: Rotational ankle fractures are common, have diverse personalities and affect both robust and fragile patients. Postoperative complications are frequent, creating a sizeable economic burden. The primary purpose of this study was to expand current knowledge on predictors of postoperative complications after low-energy ankle fracture fixation. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective single-center cohort study was completed of patients undergoing internal fixation OF low-energy ankle fractures. The primary outcome was first-year postoperative complications, classified as major (surgical) or minor (non-surgical). Data on patients, their injuries, and treatments were collected. To identify potential predictors of outcomes, logistic regression methods were used, with a backward-stepwise method used for model fitting. RESULTS: In total, 663 patients of median age 59 years were analysed. We found a high rate of complications (28.4%), with wound-healing issues and infections predominant. Overall, 14.8% had minor complications, while 13.6% required an unplanned reoperation. On multivariable analysis, the most consistent predictors of complications were older age (OR: 1.02 per year), longer operating time (3.32 per hour), and smoking (2.91). CONCLUSIONS: Older patients and smokers who sustain fractures requiring more complex surgery are at higher risk of postoperative complications.

[Translated article] Closing wedge high tibial osteotomy: An old-fashioned technique? Survival, clinical and radiological outcomes of a case series analysis.

INTRODUCTION: Closing wedge high tibial osteotomy (CW-HTO) is a surgical option for active patients with medial knee pain and mild-moderate osteoarthritis with varus limb deformity. Despite its good reported results, this technique has been losing popularity. The aim of this study was to analyse the survival rate, clinical functional outcomes and radiological results of CW-HTO. METHODS: It is a retrospective case series study. Seventy patients with primary knee osteoarthritis, operated on between 2010 and 2020 in a single Spanish tertiary hospital using the CW-HTO technique and with a minimum follow-up of 2 years were analysed. RESULTS: Survival rate was 87.6% and 75.5% after a follow-up of 5 and 10 years respectively. Functional outcomes were good-to-excellent (KSS 77.7/100 and OKS 35.6/48) and good pain control (VAS 3.9/10) and high satisfaction (7.2/10) were achieved. Limb varus malalignment was significantly corrected (mean postoperative HKA angle 177.6° and MPTA 90.7°). However, 30% of patients presented hypocorrection, which was associated with inferior survival, functionality and satisfaction. CONCLUSION: CW-HTO technique can be useful for patients with knee osteoarthritis and varus limb. It allows to correct varus malalignment while achieving good-to-excellent functional outcomes, good pain control, high patient satisfaction and acceptable medium-long term survival rate. However, it is associated with a non-negligible risk of hypocorrection or medial hinge disruption.

Validation of the Spanish version of the modified Harris score. / Validación de la versión española de la escala de Harris modificada.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Modified Harris Hip Score (HHS) is one of the most used scales in the assessment of patients with hip pathology. Although a Spanish cross-cultural adaptation has been recently published, there are many studies supporting its validity yet. Therefore, the aim of this study is to validate the newly adapted Spanish version of the HHS (ES-EHM), comparing it with the WOMAC scale. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The ES-EHM scale was applied to 100 patients who underwent a total hip replacement, in three different situations: (1) prior to surgery (pre-surgical ES-EHM), (2) after surgery, with at least 2 years of follow up (after surgery ES-EHM), and (3) 6 months after the postsurgical registration (final ES-EHM). WOMAC questionnaire was also applied once. We analyzed data of scale main score, pain score, function-related score as well as the mean of pre-surgical, postsurgical and final postsurgical ES-EHM scale, in both the ES-EHM and the WOMAC scales. Parameters of reliability, validity and sensitivity to change were obtained. RESULTS: Clinically relevant improvement was observed (46.55 points) when comparing pre-surgical and post-surgical ES-EHM scores. However, no differences between postsurgical and final ES-EHM were detected. Even so, strong correlation was obtained between the following: (1) postsurgical ES-EHM and final ES-EHM scores, (2) ES-EHM and WOMAC scores, and (3) pain and function-related parameters of ES-EHM and WOMAC scores. Standardized response mean (SRM) was 2.99, test-retest reliability expressed by the intraclass correlation coefficient was 0.90 and Cronbach index 0.95. CONCLUSIONS: The Spanish cross-cultural adaptation of the EHM scale shows to be reliable, valid and sensitive to change. Thus, the Spanish medical staff will be able to apply the ES-EHM scale with good scientific support.

[Translated article] Validation of the Spanish version of the modified Harris score.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Modified Harris Hip Score (HHS) is one of the most used scales in the assessment of patients with hip pathology. Although a Spanish cross-cultural adaptation has been recently published, there are many studies supporting its validity yet. Therefore, the aim of this study is to validate the newly adapted Spanish version of the HHS (ES-EHM), comparing it with the WOMAC scale. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The ES-EHM scale was applied to 100 patients who underwent a total hip replacement, in three different situations: (1) prior to surgery (pre-surgical ES-EHM), (2) after surgery, with at least 2 years of follow up (after surgery ES-EHM), and (3) 6 months after the postsurgical registration (final ES-EHM). WOMAC questionnaire was also applied once. We analysed data of scale main score, pain score, function-related score as well as the mean of pre-surgical, postsurgical and final postsurgical ES-EHM scale, in both the ES-EHM and the WOMAC scales. Parameters of reliability, validity and sensitivity to change were obtained. RESULTS: Clinically relevant improvement was observed (46.55 points) when comparing pre-surgical and post-surgical ES-EHM scores. However, no differences between postsurgical and final ES-EHM were detected. Even so, strong correlation was obtained between the following: (1) postsurgical ES-EHM and final ES-EHM scores, (2) ES-EHM and WOMAC scores, and (3) pain and function-related parameters of ES-EHM and WOMAC scores. Standardised response mean (SRM) was 2.99, test-retest reliability expressed by the intraclass correlation coefficient was 0.90 and Cronbach index 0.95. CONCLUSIONS: The Spanish cross-cultural adaptation of the EHM scale shows to be reliable, valid and sensitive to change. Thus, the Spanish medical staff will be able to apply the ES-EHM scale with good scientific support.

Predictors of first-year postoperative complications after fixation of low-energy ankle fractures: A single-center, retrospective cohort study of 663 consecutive fractures.

INTRODUCTION: Rotational ankle fractures are common, have diverse personalities and affect both robust and fragile patients. Postoperative complications are frequent, creating a sizeable economic burden. The primary purpose of this study was to expand current knowledge on predictors of postoperative complications after low-energy ankle fracture fixation. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective single-center cohort study was completed of patients undergoing internal fixation OF low-energy ankle fractures. The primary outcome was first-year postoperative complications, classified as major (surgical) or minor (non-surgical). Data on patients, their injuries, and treatments were collected. To identify potential predictors of outcomes, logistic regression methods were used, with a backward-stepwise method used for model fitting. RESULTS: In total, 663 patients of median age 59 years were analyzed. We found a high rate of complications (28.4%), with wound-healing issues and infections predominant. Overall, 14.8% had minor complications, while 13.6% required an unplanned reoperation. On multivariable analysis, the most consistent predictors of complications were older age (OR=1.02 per year), longer operating time (3.32 per hour), and smoking (2.91). CONCLUSIONS: Older patients and smokers who sustain fractures requiring more complex surgery are at higher risk of postoperative complications.

Closing wedge high tibial osteotomy: An old-fashioned technique? Survival, clinical and radiological outcomes of a case series analysis. / Osteotomía de sustracción lateral tibial: ¿una técnica pasada de moda? Análisis de supervivencia, resultados clínicos y radiológicos de una serie de casos.

INTRODUCTION: Closing wedge high tibial osteotomy (CW-HTO) is a surgical option for active patients with medial knee pain and mild-moderate osteoarthritis with varus limb deformity. Despite its good reported results, this technique has been losing popularity. The aim of this study was to analyse the survival rate, clinical functional outcomes and radiological results of CW-HTO. METHODS: It is a retrospective case series study. Seventy patients with primary knee osteoarthritis, operated on between 2010 and 2020 in a single Spanish tertiary hospital using the CW-HTO technique and with a minimum follow-up of 2 years were analysed. RESULTS: Survival rate was 87,6% and 75,5% after a follow-up of 5 and 10 years respectively. Functional outcomes were good-to-excellent (KSS 77.7/100 and OKS 35.6/48) and good pain control (VAS 3.9/10) and high satisfaction (7.2/10) were achieved. Limb varus malalignment was significantly corrected (mean postoperative HKA angle 177,6° and MPTA 90,7°). However, 30% of patients presented hypocorrection, which was associated with inferior survival, functionality and satisfaction. CONCLUSION: CW-HTO technique can be useful for patients with knee osteoarthritis and varus limb. It allows to correct varus malalignment while achieving good-to-excellent functional outcomes, good pain control, high patient satisfaction and acceptable medium-long term survival rate. However, it is associated with a non-negligible risk of hypocorrection or medial hinge disruption.

Cross-cultural adaptation for the Spanish population of the modified Harris score for functional and symptomatic hip joint assessment. / Adaptación transcultural para la población española de la escala de Harris modificada para la valoración funcional y sintomática de la articulación de la cadera.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: The modified Harris hip score, is one of the most widely used scales for the functional assessment of hip pathology of the patients. However, there is no cross-cultural adaptation for the Spanish society. Therefore, this study aims to obtain a cross-cultural adaptation of the modified Harris hip score for the Spanish population. MATERIALS AND METHODS: For the cross-cultural adaptation the Beaton method was used, which includes: 2 translations into Spanish; expert review of the 2 provisional versions and obtaining a single Spanish version; reverse translation (into English) of the Spanish version; and application of the adapted version. The adapted version was applied twice to 100 patients, 6 months apart. RESULTS: Between the initial and final application of the adapted version, no clinically relevant differences were found. CONCLUSIONS: A cross-cultural translation and adaptation of the modified Harris hip score for the Spanish population was obtained, which should be applied to the Spanish population and to all Spanish-speaking countries, as long as they do not have an adapted version for the population to which they belong.

Complex distal femoral fractures in the fragile elderly patient treated by distal femoral replacement: A report of 3cases. / [Artículo traducido] Fractura de fémur distal compleja en el paciente frágil y anciano tratada mediante reemplazo femoral distal: reporte de 3 casos.

Complex distal femoral fracture (DFF) in the elderly patient is an infrequent but challenging scenario. In these fragile patients, DFF is associated with a high rate of medical complications and mortality. The optimum treatment remains controversial. Our aim is to propose our standard treatment, describe our results and discuss its clinical relevance. We describe 3cases of elderly and fragile patients with multiple comorbidities who suffered a complex DFF after low energy trauma. They were successfully treated through a primary arthroplasty with distal femoral replacement. All the 3patients presented early full weight-bearing mobilization (average time to first ambulation was 5days), good functional outcome (mean knee range of motion was 103°) and short hospital length of stay (mean of 10days). According to our experience, primary arthroplasty with distal femoral replacement could be a good therapeutic option for complex DFF in elderly patients.

Complex distal femoral fractures in the fragile elderly patient treated by distal femoral replacement: A report of three cases.

Complex distal femoral fracture (DFF) in the elderly patient is an infrequent but challenging scenario. In these fragile patients, DFF is associated with a high rate of medical complications and mortality. The optimum treatment remains controversial. Our aim is to propose our standard treatment, describe our results and discuss its clinical relevance. We describe three cases of elderly and fragile patients with multiple comorbidities who suffered a complex DFF after low energy trauma. They were successfully treated through a primary arthroplasty with distal femoral replacement (DFR). All the three patients presented early full weight-bearing mobilization (average time to first ambulation was five days), good functional outcome (mean knee range of motion was 103°) and short hospital length of stay (mean of ten days). According to our experience, primary arthroplasty with DFR could be a good therapeutic option for complex DFF in elderly patients.

Adaptación transcultural para la población española de la escala de Harris modificada para la valoración funcional y sintomática de la articulación de la cadera / Cross-cultural adaptation for the Spanish population of the modified Harris score for functional and symptomatic hip joint assessment

Antecedente y objetivos: La Escala de Harris modificada es una de las escalas más utilizadas para la valoración funcional de los pacientes en la patología de cadera. Sin embargo, no existe una adaptación transcultural para la sociedad española. Por tanto, este estudio se plantea obtener una adaptación transcultural para la población española de la escala de cadera de Harris modificada. Materiales y métodos: Para la adaptación transcultural se utilizó el método de Beaton que incluye: 2 traducciones al idioma español; revisión por expertos de las 2 versiones provisionales y obtención de una única versión en español; traducción reversa (a inglés) de la versión en español; y aplicación de la versión adaptada. La versión adaptada fue aplicada en 2 ocasiones a 100 pacientes, con un periodo de separación de 6 meses. Resultados: Entre la aplicación inicial y final de la versión adaptada no se encontró diferencias clínicamente relevantes. Conclusiones: Se obtuvo una traducción y adaptación transcultural para la población española de la escala de cadera de Harris modificada, la misma que debería ser aplicada a la población española y a todos los países hispanohablantes, mientras no cuenten con una versión adaptada para la población a la que pertenecen.(AU)

Background and objectives: The modified Harris hip score, is one of the most widely used scales for the functional assessment of hip pathology of the patients. However, there is no cross-cultural adaptation for the Spanish society. Therefore, this study aims to obtain a cross-cultural adaptation of the modified Harris hip score for the Spanish population. Materials and methods: For the cross-cultural adaptation the Beaton method was used, which includes: 2 translations into Spanish; expert review of the 2 provisional versions and obtaining a single Spanish version; reverse translation (into English) of the Spanish version; and application of the adapted version. The adapted version was applied twice to 100 patients, 6 months apart. Results: Between the initial and final application of the adapted version, no clinically relevant differences were found. Conclusions: A cross-cultural translation and adaptation of the modified Harris hip score for the Spanish population was obtained, which should be applied to the Spanish population and to all Spanish-speaking countries, as long as they do not have an adapted version for the population to which they belong.(AU)

Cross-cultural adaptation for the Spanish population of the modified Harris score for functional and symptomatic hip joint assessment / Adaptación transcultural para la población española de la escala de Harris modificada para la valoración funcional y sintomática de la articulación de la cadera

Background and objectives: The modified Harris hip score, is one of the most widely used scales for the functional assessment of hip pathology of the patients. However, there is no cross-cultural adaptation for the Spanish society. Therefore, this study aims to obtain a cross-cultural adaptation of the modified Harris hip score for the Spanish population. Materials and methods: For the cross-cultural adaptation the Beaton method was used, which includes: 2 translations into Spanish; expert review of the 2 provisional versions and obtaining a single Spanish version; reverse translation (into English) of the Spanish version; and application of the adapted version. The adapted version was applied twice to 100 patients, 6 months apart. Results: Between the initial and final application of the adapted version, no clinically relevant differences were found. Conclusions: A cross-cultural translation and adaptation of the modified Harris hip score for the Spanish population was obtained, which should be applied to the Spanish population and to all Spanish-speaking countries, as long as they do not have an adapted version for the population to which they belong.(AU)

Antecedente y objetivos: La Escala de Harris modificada es una de las escalas más utilizadas para la valoración funcional de los pacientes en la patología de cadera. Sin embargo, no existe una adaptación transcultural para la sociedad española. Por tanto, este estudio se plantea obtener una adaptación transcultural para la población española de la escala de cadera de Harris modificada. Materiales y métodos: Para la adaptación transcultural se utilizó el método de Beaton que incluye: 2 traducciones al idioma español; revisión por expertos de las 2 versiones provisionales y obtención de una única versión en español; traducción reversa (a inglés) de la versión en español; y aplicación de la versión adaptada. La versión adaptada fue aplicada en 2 ocasiones a 100 pacientes, con un periodo de separación de 6 meses. Resultados: Entre la aplicación inicial y final de la versión adaptada no se encontró diferencias clínicamente relevantes. Conclusiones: Se obtuvo una traducción y adaptación transcultural para la población española de la escala de cadera de Harris modificada, la misma que debería ser aplicada a la población española y a todos los países hispanohablantes, mientras no cuenten con una versión adaptada para la población a la que pertenecen.(AU)

Complex distal femoral fractures in the fragile elderly patient treated by distal femoral replacement: A report of three cases / Fractura de fémur distal compleja en el paciente frágil y anciano tratada mediante reemplazo femoral distal: reporte de 3 casos

Complex distal femoral fracture (DFF) in the elderly patient is an infrequent but challenging scenario. In these fragile patients, DFF is associated with a high rate of medical complications and mortality. The optimum treatment remains controversial. Our aim is to propose our standard treatment, describe our results and discuss its clinical relevance. We describe three cases of elderly and fragile patients with multiple comorbidities who suffered a complex DFF after low energy trauma. They were successfully treated through a primary arthroplasty with distal femoral replacement (DFR). All the three patients presented early full weight-bearing mobilization (average time to first ambulation was five days), good functional outcome (mean knee range of motion was 103°) and short hospital length of stay (mean of ten days). According to our experience, primary arthroplasty with DFR could be a good therapeutic option for complex DFF in elderly patients.(AU)

La fractura femoral distal (FFD) compleja en el paciente anciano es infrecuente, pero su manejo es un desafío. En estos pacientes frágiles, la FFD se asocia a un elevado riesgo de complicaciones médicas y mortalidad. Su tratamiento óptimo sigue siendo controvertido. El objetivo del estudio es proponer nuestro tratamiento estándar, describir nuestros resultados y discutir su relevancia clínica. Reportamos 3 casos de pacientes ancianos y frágiles con múltiples comorbilidades que sufrieron una FFD compleja a causa de un traumatismo de baja energía. Fueron tratados con éxito mediante un reemplazo femoral distal (RFD). Los 3 pacientes presentaron una movilización precoz con carga completa (la media hasta la primera deambulación fue 5 días), buenos resultados funcionales (la media de rango de movimiento de la rodilla fue 103̊) y una estancia hospitalaria breve (media de 10 días). Según nuestra experiencia, la artroplastia primaria podría ser una buena elección terapéutica para las FFD complejas en los pacientes ancianos.(AU)

Fractura de fémur distal compleja en el paciente frágil y anciano tratada mediante reemplazo femoral distal: reporte de 3 casos / Complex distal femoral fractures in the fragile elderly patient treated by distal femoral replacement: A report of 3cases

La fractura femoral distal (FFD) compleja en el paciente anciano es infrecuente, pero su manejo es un desafío. En estos pacientes frágiles, la FFD se asocia a un elevado riesgo de complicaciones médicas y mortalidad. Su tratamiento óptimo sigue siendo controvertido. El objetivo del estudio es proponer nuestro tratamiento estándar, describir nuestros resultados y discutir su relevancia clínica. Reportamos 3 casos de pacientes ancianos y frágiles con múltiples comorbilidades que sufrieron una FFD compleja a causa de un traumatismo de baja energía. Fueron tratados con éxito mediante un reemplazo femoral distal (RFD). Los 3 pacientes presentaron una movilización precoz con carga completa (la media hasta la primera deambulación fue 5 días), buenos resultados funcionales (la media de rango de movimiento de la rodilla fue 103̊) y una estancia hospitalaria breve (media de 10 días). Según nuestra experiencia, la artroplastia primaria podría ser una buena elección terapéutica para las FFD complejas en los pacientes ancianos.(AU)

Complex distal femoral fracture (DFF) in the elderly patient is an infrequent but challenging scenario. In these fragile patients, DFF is associated with a high rate of medical complications and mortality. The optimum treatment remains controversial. Our aim is to propose our standard treatment, describe our results and discuss its clinical relevance. We describe three cases of elderly and fragile patients with multiple comorbidities who suffered a complex DFF after low energy trauma. They were successfully treated through a primary arthroplasty with distal femoral replacement (DFR). All the three patients presented early full weight-bearing mobilization (average time to first ambulation was five days), good functional outcome (mean knee range of motion was 103°) and short hospital length of stay (mean of ten days). According to our experience, primary arthroplasty with DFR could be a good therapeutic option for complex DFF in elderly patients.(AU)

Espasmo hemifacial: experiencia en un centro terciario

Resumen El espasmo hemifacial consiste en un infrecuente trastorno del movimiento que afecta a la musculatura inervada por el nervio facial, en especial la de la hemicara superior. Existen dos formas clínicas, una primaria en la que la causa subyacente está representada por un conflicto neurovascular, y una secundaria, en la que la alteración del nervio facial es producida por algún tipo de lesión ocupante de espacio. Resulta de especial interés para el otorrinolaringólogo conocer esta entidad y ser capaz de diferenciar ambas formas clínicas dado el diferente enfoque terapéutico que pueden requerir. Aportamos una visión general de esta patología repasando su epidemiología y fisiopatología, además, de nuestra experiencia en forma de una serie de cuatro casos que ilustran las variadas formas de presentación de esta entidad, así como los signos y síntomas de alarma que pueden ayudar a realizar un correcto diagnóstico y manejo.

Abstract Hemifacial spasm consists of an unfrecuent movement disorder involving facial muscles, especially those from the upper half of the face. Two different clinical presentations are described. Primary hemifacial spasm is defined by a neurovascular conflict, and secondary occurs when facial nerve is damaged by a space occupying lesion. It is of special interest for the otorhinolaryngologist to get to know about this condition and to be able to acknowledge its clinical presentations due to the different therapeutical approach that may be needed for each of them. We contribute with a general vision of this entity reviewing its epidemiology and patophysiology. Furthermore, we show our experience by sharing a four-case series which we believe to illustrate the different ways of presentation as well as the alarm signs and symptoms that may be helpful in order to accomplish an accurate diagnose and treatment.