Biomechanical evaluation of the anterior talo-fibular and calcaneo-fibular ligaments using shear wave elastography in young healthy adults.

BACKGROUND: The objective of this study was to evaluate the stiffness of the anterior talo-fibular ligament (ATFL) and calcaneo-fibular ligament (CFL) using shear wave elastography (SWE) with the ankle in the neutral position and in varus, in young healthy adult volunteers. We also evaluated the reliability and reproducibility of the SWE measurements. HYPOTHESIS: The stiffness of both ligaments increases with increasing ankle varus. SWE may be a reliable tool for evaluating the lateral collateral ligament complex of the ankle. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We used SWE to evaluate both ankles of each of 20 healthy volunteers (10 females and 10 males). For each test, the foot was placed on a hinged plate and tested in the neutral position and in 15° and 30° of varus. Stiffness was evaluated based on shear wave velocity (SWV). RESULTS: Stiffness of both the ATFL and CFL was minimal in the neutral position (2.06m/s and 3.43m/s, respectively). Stiffness increased significantly for both ligaments in 15° of varus (2.48m/s and 4.11m/s, respectively; p<0.0001) and was greatest in 30° of varus (3.15m/s and 4.57m/s, respectively; p<0.0001). ATFL stiffness was greater in males than in females in 15° (p=0.04) and 30° (p=0.02) of varus. For the CFL, in contrast, stiffness was not different between males and females. Stiffness of the ATFL and CFL was not associated with age, dominant side, height, or foot morphology. No correlations were found between stiffness of the two ligaments in any of the positions. Repeating each measurement three times produced excellent concordance for both ligaments in all three positions. CONCLUSION: The ATFL and CFL are the main lateral stabilisers of the ankle, and each exerts a specific function. Their stiffness increases with the degree of varus. This study describes a protocol for evaluating ATFL and CFL density by SWE, which is a reliable and reproducible technique that provides a normal range. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: IV.

Do the sizes of total hip arthroplasty implants match between 3D planning software and 2D templating?

INTRODUCTION: The use of three-dimensional (3D) planning before a total hip arthroplasty (THA) procedure is becoming increasingly popular as it offers several theoretical benefits: better restoration of a patient's anatomy, fewer intraoperative problems, and lower THA cost. It is said to be more accurate than two-dimensional (2D) planning, but as far as we know, no study has investigated how well the implant sizes match between 3D and 2D planning for a surgeon who is just starting to use 3D planning. Consistent implant sizes would make it easier for a surgeon to transition from one system to another. This led us to conduct a retrospective comparative study to: (1) compare how well the implant sizes match between a 3D planning system and a 2D planning method (conventional radiography using templates); (2) determine if the sizes planned on the 3D system match the implants that were used in the patient; (3) determine if the sizes planned with the 2D method match the implants that were used in the patient. HYPOTHESIS: There is a good match in the implant sizes between the 3D and 2D planning. METHODS: A retrospective observational, single-surgeon study was done with patients who underwent THA between January 2019 and September 2021 at a single teaching hospital. For each patient, the size of the THA implants was planned preoperatively in 3D using proprietary software (Optimized Positioning System™, Corin) and 2D templating. These patients were the first to be operated on by this surgeon based on 3D planning. RESULTS: Forty-nine patients were included. The implant size matched exactly between the two planning methods for 20% (10/49) of cups [one size larger with 3D in 35% of hips (17/49) and two sizes larger in 20% of hips (10/49)], for 53% (26/49) of femoral stems [one size smaller with 3D in 53% of hips (26/49)] and for 14% (7/49) of complete THA implant systems (cup, femoral stem, femoral head). The size planned in 3D was the same as the cup size implanted in 51% (25/49) of hips, as the femoral stem size in 65% (32/49) and as the complete THA system in 22% (11/49). The cup was within one size in 88% (43/49) of hips and the femoral stem was within one size in 98% (48/49) of hips. The size planned in 2D was the same as the cup size implanted in 45% (22/49) of hips, as the femoral stem size in 63% (32/49) and as the complete THA system in 18% (9/49). The cup was within one size in 86% (42/49) of hips and the femoral stem was within one size in 96% (47/49) of hips with 2D templating. There was no statistically significant difference in the size matching between the 2D and 3D techniques for either the implanted cup (p=0.5) or the implanted femoral stem (p=0.8). CONCLUSION: There is a poor match between the implant sizes determined by 3D and 2D planning. Based on our findings, the shift from 2D templating to 3D planning must be done gradually given the learning curve associated with 3D systems. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: III; comparative retrospective study.

Biomechanical evaluation of the spring ligament and the posterior tibial tendon by shear-waves elastography: validation of a reliable and reproducible measurement protocol.

PURPOSE: The anatomy of the spring ligament complex, as well as its pathology, is not well known in daily clinical practice. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the shear-wave elastography properties of the spring ligament and the posterior tibial tendon in healthy adults, and to assess the reliability and reproducibility of these measurements. METHODS: Shear-wave elastography was used to evaluate both ankles in 20 healthy patients (10 females/10 males) resting on a hinge support with their ankles in neutral, valgus 20° and varus 30° positions. The stiffness of the spring ligament and posterior tibial tendon was assessed by measuring the speed of shear wave propagation through each structure. RESULTS: Posterior tibial tendon and spring ligament reach a maximum estimated stiffness in valgus 20° position (7.43 m/s vs 5.73 m/s, respectively). Flat feet were associated with greater spring ligament stiffness in the 20° valgus position (p = 0.01), but not for the posterior tibial tendon (p = 0.71). The physiologic weightbearing hindfoot attitude had no impact on the stiffness of the posterior tibial tendon or the spring ligament, regardless of the analysis position. Intra- and inter-observer agreements were all excellent for spring ligament stiffness, regardless of ankle position, and were good or excellent for posterior tibial tendon. CONCLUSIONS: This study describes a protocol to assess the stiffness of tibialis posterior and the spring ligament by shear-wave elastography, which is reliable, reproducible, and defines a corridor of normality. Further studies should be conducted to define the role of elastography for diagnosis/ evaluation of pathology, follow-up, or surgical strategies.

Nutritional Status of Vegetarian Patients Before and After Bariatric Surgery: a Monocentric Retrospective Observational Case-Control Study.

The obesity pandemic is associated with an increasing number of bariatric surgeries which allow improvement in obesity-related comorbidities and life expectancy but potentially induce nutritional deficiencies. Vegetarianism becomes more and more popular and exposes as well to vitamin and micronutrient deficiencies. Only one study has explored the impact of vegetarianism on the preoperative nutritional status of eligible patients for bariatric surgery, but none in postoperative care. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We conducted a retrospective case-control study in our cohort of bariatric patients, matching 5 omnivores for each vegetarian. We compared their biological profile regarding vitamin and micronutrient blood levels before and 3, 6, 12, and 30 months after surgery. RESULTS: We included 7 vegetarians including 4 lacto-ovo-vegetarians (57%), 2 lacto-vegetarians (29%), and one lacto-ovo-pesco-vegetarian (14%). Three years after surgery with equivalent daily standard vitamin supplementation, the two groups showed a similar biological profile including blood levels of ferritin (p = 0.6), vitamin B1 (p = 0.1), and B12 (p = 0.7), while the total median weight loss at 3 years was comparable (39.1% [27.0-46.6] in vegetarians vs 35.7% [10.5-46.5] in omnivores, p = 0.8). We observed no significant difference between vegetarians and omnivores before surgery regarding comorbidities and nutritional status. CONCLUSION: It seems that, after bariatric surgery, vegetarian patients taking a standard vitamin supplementation do not show an increased risk of nutritional deficiencies compared to omnivores. However, a larger study with a longer follow-up is needed to confirm these data, including an evaluation of different types of vegetarianism such as veganism.

Biomechanical assessment of the central band of the interosseous membrane using shear wave elastography: reliability and reproducibility.

The interosseous membrane of the forearm is an essential structure for the stability of the forearm skeleton, the most important part being the central band. The purpose of this study was to determine if shear wave elastography, a non-invasive ultrasound technique, can be used to measure shear wave speed in the central band and quantify stiffness. Fifteen healthy adult subjects were included (30 forearms). The participants forearms were positioned on an articulated plate, with their hand in neutral, pronated and then supinated positions of 30°, 60° and 90°. The shear wave speed was highest in 90° pronation (4.4 m/s (SD 0.3)) and 90° supination (4.4 m/s (SD 0.27)) indicating maximum stiffness in these positions. Its minimum value was in the neutral position, and either in 30° pronation or supination (3.5 m/s (SD 0.3)). Intra- and interobserver agreement was excellent, regardless of probe positioning or forearm mobilization. This study presents a reliable shear wave elastography measurement protocol to describe the physiological function of the central band of the interosseous membrane in healthy adults.Level of evidence: IV.

Ankle syndesmosis biomechanical evaluation by shear-waves elastography in healthy young adults: Assessment of the reliability and accuracy of the measurements and definition of a corridor of normality.

BACKGROUND: Aims of this study were: 1/ to evaluate the shear wave speed (SWS) properties of the anteroinferior tibiofibular ligament (AITFL) and the distal interosseous membrane (DIOM) in neutral, dorsal flexion and plantar flexion positions in a cohort of healthy adult volunteers; 2/ to assess the reliability and reproducibility of these measurements. METHODS: Both ankles were analyzed by shear wave elastography (SWE) in 20 healthy patients (10 females/10 males) standing on a hinge support with their ankles in neutral, 20° dorsal flexion and 30° plantar flexion positions. Stiffness of AITFL and DIOM was evaluated by SWS measurement. RESULTS: The SWS of AITFL and DIOM were minimal in the plantar flexion position (4.28 m/s [2.65-5.11] and 3.35 m/s [1.69-4.55], respectively). It increased significantly for both ligaments in neutral position (4.69 m/s [3.53-5.71] and 3.81 m/s [1.91-4.74], respectively; p < 0.0001), and reached their maximum values in dorsal flexion (6.58 m/s [5.23-8.34] and 4.79 m/s [3.07-6.19], respectively; p < 0.0001). There was no correlation between each ligament regardless the positions. SWS of AITFL was independent of demographic characteristics analyzed. SWS of DIOM was negatively correlated with height in dorsal flexion (ρ = -0.35; p = 0.03) and in plantar flexion (ρ = -0.37; p = 0.02). Female gender was associated with increased DIOM SWS in neutral (p = 0.005), dorsal flexion (p = 0.003), and plantar flexion (p = 0.001) positions. Moreover, foot morphology (foot arch, hind foot frontal deviation) did not impact AITFL nor DIOM SWS. Inter- and intra-observer measurements were all good or excellent. CONCLUSION: The AITFL and DIOM, stabilizers of the distal tibiofibular syndesmosis, increase in stiffness while dorsal flexion increases. This study describes a reliable and reproducible protocol to assess their stiffness by SWE, and defines a corridor of normality.

A Preliminary Study to Assess the Relevance of Shear-Wave Elastography in Characterizing Biomechanical Changes in the Deltoid Ligament Complex in Relation to Ankle Position.

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was (1) to evaluate the biomechanical properties of the different bundles of the deltoid ligament in various ankle positions in a cohort of healthy adult volunteers; (2) describe the impact of demographic and hindfoot morphology characteristics on their stiffness; (3) to assess the reliability and reproducibility of these measurements. METHODS: Deltoid ligament complex of both ankles were assessed by shear-wave elastography (SWE) in 20 healthy patients resting on hinge support. The propagation shear-wave speed (SWS) in ligaments was measured, which is related to the tissue's elastic modulus. The following ligaments were analyzed in a neutral position and then in varus, valgus, dorsal, and plantar flexions: tibionavicular ligament (TNL), tibiocalcaneal ligament (TCL), the superficial posterior tibiotalar ligament (SPTL), the anterior tibiotalar ligament (ATTL), and the deep posterior tibiotalar ligament (DPTTL). RESULTS: The mean SWS increased between neutral and 20 degrees valgus position for TCL (4.08 ± 0.78 m/s vs 5.56 ± 0.62 m/s, respectively; P < .0001) and for DPTTL (2.58 ± 0.52 m/s vs 3.59 ± 0.87 m/s, respectively; P < .0001). The mean SWS increased between neutral and 30 degrees plantarflexion for ATTL (2.11 ± 0.44 m/s vs 3.1 ± 0.5 m/s, respectively; P < .0001) and TNL (2.96 ± 0.66 m/s vs 4.99 ± 0.69 m/s, respectively; P < .0001). The mean SWS increased between neutral and 20 degrees dorsal flexion for SPTL (4.2 ± 1 m/s vs 5.45 ± 0.65 m/s, respectively; P < .0001).Women had less DPTTL SWS than men in the neutral position (2.37 ± 0.35 m/s vs 2.71 ± 0.49 m/s, respectively; P = .007). Other demographics had no impact on the SWS value of other ligaments. All inter- and intraobserver agreements were good to excellent. CONCLUSION: This study presents a reliable and reproducible SWE measurement protocol to describe the physiological function of all bundles of the medial collateral ligament in healthy adults. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: This examination technique can be available to orthopaedic surgeons, allowing reliable and reproducible monitoring of the SWS of the various ligaments constituting the medial collateral plane. The biomechanical values described in this study may give insight into in what position medial ankle ligament reconstruction should be tensioned.

Anatomical and biomechanical study of the inferior extensor retinaculum by shear-wave elastography in healthy adults.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the stiffness of the inferior extensor retinaculum (IER) using shear-wave elastography (SWE) in neutral and varus positions in healthy adults, and to assess the reliability and reproducibility of these measurements. METHODS: Both ankles were analyzed by shear-wave elastography (SWE) in 20 healthy patients (10 females/10 males) resting on a hinge support with their ankles in neutral, valgus 20°, and varus 30° positions. Their stiffness was evaluated by shear-wave speed measured (SWS). RESULTS: The median SWS of the IER varies according to the position of the ankle. The IER tension was maximal in the 20° valgus position (4.1 m/s (52.8 kPa), ranged from 3.0 to 6.4 m/s), in contrast to the other positions (p < 0.0001). Retinaculum SWS was negatively correlated with age significantly in neutral (ρ = - 0.38, p = 0.02) and varus (ρ = - 0.47, p = 0.002) positions. Gender, dominant side, height, and foot morphology (foot arch, hind foot frontal deviation) had no impact on IER stiffness. Intra- and inter-observer agreements were all excellent. CONCLUSION: SWE is a reliable and reproducible technique for quantitative analysis of the stiffness of the main part of the IER: the frondiform ligament. It becomes taut in the valgus position of the ankle, and its strength decreases with age, even in young subjects. This could be an interesting diagnostic examination in cases of prolonged pain, and could help in the choice of transplant during surgical repair of the ATFL. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: IV.

Deltoid fatigue part 2: a longitudinal assessment of anatomic total shoulder arthroplasty over time.

BACKGROUND: Gradual loss of overhead range of motion (ROM) has been observed after reverse shoulder arthroplasty (RSA). It remains unclear if this is caused by the effect of RSA design on muscle fiber lengthening or is part of the natural aging process of the shoulder musculature. Although studies have attempted to evaluate deltoid fatigue after RSA, there is a paucity of literature evaluating this effect after anatomic shoulder arthroplasty (aTSA), which would be expected to occur due to aging alone. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the effect of time on overhead ROM after aTSA and compare this with previous data on a similar cohort of RSAs. We hypothesized that overhead ROM would decrease gradually over time in both groups without differences between prosthesis types. METHODS: A retrospective review of 384 aTSAs without complications was performed over a 10-year period. All shoulders were treated for primary osteoarthritis using a single implant system. Patients were evaluated longitudinally at multiple postoperative time points. At least 1 follow-up visit was between 1 and 2 years postoperatively and another at least 5 years after surgery. ROM and patient reported outcome measures (PROMs) were evaluated using linear-mixed models for repeated measures. These results were compared with a previously evaluated cohort of 165 well-functioning RSAs analyzed using the same methodology. RESULTS: Primary aTSA shoulders were observed to lose 0.7° of abduction per year starting 1 year postoperatively (P = .001). Smaller losses were observed in external rotation (-0.3°/yr, P = .06) and internal rotation (-0.04/yr, P < .001). However, no significant losses were observed in forward elevation (P = .8). All PROMs diminished slowly over time, but these changes did not exceed the minimally clinically important difference when modeled over 10 years (Simple Shoulder Test -0.08/yr, P < .001; American Shoulder Elbow Surgeons -0.5/yr, P < .001; University of California Los Angeles Shoulder Score -0.2/yr, P < .001). When compared with a similarly analyzed cohort of RSAs, overhead ROM decreased at a slower rate in the aTSA cohort (abduction -0.7° vs. -0.8°/yr, P = .9; FE -0.06° vs. -0.8°/yr, P = .05). DISCUSSION: In the well-functioning aTSA, gradual loss of ROM occurs in all planes of motion except forward elevation. However, these losses are small and have little meaningful impact relative to minimally clinically important difference thresholds on PROMs. Progressive loss of abduction seen in both aTSA and RSA is likely secondary to aging of the periscapular and rotator cuff musculature. When compared with RSA, loss of motion after aTSA was statistically similar, calling into question the belief that RSA-induced deltoid fatigue leads to loss of overhead motion over time.

Superior capsular reconstruction - A systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Since Mihata's 2012 proposal to arthroscopically reconstruct the superior capsule of patients with massive irreparable cuff tears, many studies have reported the clinical results of this technique using different types of grafts (fascia lata autograft, dermal allograft, porcine dermal xenograft or long head of biceps autograft). PURPOSE: The objective of this meta-analysis was to report the clinical and radiological results of these superior capsule reconstructions. METHODS: Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyzes (PRISMA) recommendations were used to conduct this systematic review. A bibliographic search was performed of the electronic databases MEDLINE, Scopus, Embase and the Cochrane Library. The quality of the studies was assessed according to the MINORS criterion (Methodological Index for Nonrandomized Studies). The inclusion criteria were studies in English evaluating superior capsular reconstruction. RESULTS: No level I or II studies met the inclusion criteria. Eighteen studies were selected from the 97 identified, including 637 shoulders (64% male) with a mean age of 62 years [95% CI: 60.3-63.5]. At the mean follow-up of 24.3 months (12-60), the range of motion was significantly increased from 82.6° [60.0-105.2] to 141.9° [109.9-173.8] in abduction, from 113.1° [98.3-127.9] to 153.3° [147.4-159.2] in elevation, from 35.5° [30.9-40.2] 43.4° [35.4-51.3] in external rotation and from 7.2 [5.4-9] to 9.9 [8.9-10.9] in internal rotation. Functional scores were significantly improved from 5.4 [4.8-5.9] to 1.3 [0.9-1.7] points for VAS, from 42.5 [15.7-69.3] to 59.3 [30.1-88.6] points for Constant, from 39.0% [38.1-39.8] to 79.8% [76.4-83.3] for the SSV, and from 48.2 [45.2-51.1] to 81.2 [77.2-85.1] points for the ASES. The healing rate was 76.1% [64.4-84.9]. The complication rate was 5.6% [1.8-16.3] and the reverse shoulder arthroplasty revision rate was 7.1% [3.8-12.8]. CONCLUSION: Superior capsule reconstructions allow satisfactory clinical and radiological results to be obtained at 2 years of follow-up. Due to the small number of high quality comparative studies available, its true place in the therapeutic arsenal cannot be fully confirmed. However, it seems that the best indication for this technique is isolated irreparable rupture of the supraspinatus, in cases of medical treatment failure. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: III; meta-analysis of heterogeneous studies.

Impact of bone deformities and labral and cartilage lesions on early functional results of arthroscopic treatment of femoroacetabular impingement.

INTRODUCTION: Femoroacetabular impingement (FAI) is a frequent cause of inguinal pain. Treatment failure rates range between 2.9% and 13.2%. The aim of the present study was to assess the impact of preoperative bone deformities (BD), labral lesions (LL) and cartilage lesions (CL) on clinical results of arthroscopic treatment of FAI. MATERIAL AND METHOD: A prospective operational study included patients undergoing hip arthroscopy for FAI. All patients had full radiographic work-up and clinical assessment on Non-Arthritic Hip Score (NAHS), preoperatively and at 1year. Hips with Tönnis grade>1, coxa profunda [VCE (vertical center edge angle)>35°] or borderline dysplasia (VCE<25°) were excluded. The Czerny classification was used for the labrum and the Beck classification for the cartilage. The aim of the study was to assess the impact of preoperative BD, LL and CL on clinical results of arthroscopic treatment of FAI. The study hypothesis was that type of lesion does not influence early functional results at 1year, whatever the technique used for the labrum. RESULTS: One hundred and ninety-seven patients were included. Mean preoperative NAHS was 59.1±17.5. There were 145 patients with labral suture (73.6%), 42 with labral debridement (21.3%) and 10 with conservative treatment (5.1%). At 1year, mean NAHS was 88.1±15.3: i.e., a significant improvement (p<2.2×10-16). Improvement was also significant in the debridement, non-operative and suture subgroups. BD showed significant correction in the overall population (alpha angle 48.2° postoperatively versus 66.7° preoperatively; crossing sign in 14.5% versus 62.9% of cases). There were no significant differences in functional scores according to extension or type of labral or cartilage lesion. At follow-up, 3 patients (1.5%) required repeat arthroscopy. CONCLUSION: The present study showed that early functional results of arthroscopic treatment of FAI were unaffected by the severity of bone deformity (alpha and VCE angles), or extension or type of labral or cartilage lesion. Regardless of BD, LL and CL, 1-year clinical progression was satisfactory when all bone deformities were treated by the arthroscopic procedure. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: IV; prospective non-comparative study.

Complications Requiring Intensive Nutritional Care After Bariatric Surgery Result in More Long-Term Weight Loss but Has No Impact on Nutritional Deficiencies and Depression-Anxiety Scores.

PURPOSE: Bariatric surgery is associated with significant weight loss and improvement in comorbid conditions but in rare cases can expose to complications requiring intensive nutritional care (INC). INC in this context is poorly described and no data are available concerning long-term impact. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed charts of bariatric patients who were hospitalized in our institution between 2013 and 2018. We identified patients with a postoperative complication requiring INC and we described their nutritional management (INC group). These patients were compared with controls matched to age, gender, preoperative BMI, and type of surgery selected from our database (control group). The primary endpoint was the percentage of total weight loss (%TWL) at 2.5 years. Secondary endpoints were improvement of co-morbidities, vitamin deficiencies, and depression/anxiety scores. RESULTS: The INC group consisted of 18 patients among which 77.8% had sleeve gastrectomy (SG). Half of these patients underwent revisional surgery. The most common complication was fistula formation (66.7%). Patients in the INC group, compared to the control group, showed a significantly higher %TWL at 2.5 years (33.6% vs 26.1%, P = 0.03). There was no significant difference in either reduction of preoperative comorbidities or depression/anxiety scores between the two groups. The number of patients with more than three nutritional deficiencies was similar in both groups. Thiamine deficiency was only observed in the INC group. CONCLUSION: Complications requiring INC after bariatric surgery occur mainly after revisional surgery and may increase long-term %TWL but have no impact on nutritional deficiencies or symptoms of anxiety/depression.

Autologous lamellar keratoplasty for the treatment of feline corneal sequestrum: A retrospective study of 35 eyes (2012-2020).

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the use of autologous lamellar keratoplasty for the treatment of feline corneal sequestrum (FCS). PROCEDURE: The medical records of cats diagnosed with FCS that underwent autologous lamellar keratoplasty between 2012 and 2020 with a minimum of 2 months of follow-up were reviewed. After keratectomy of FCS, a button adjacent to the corneal limbus was harvested on the same eye and sutured to the recipient bed. A nictitating membrane flap was left in place until the first recheck except for one patient. Postoperative treatment with topical and systemic antibiotics and systemic nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications was prescribed. Follow-up examinations were carried out 2 weeks, 1 month and 2 months post-operatively and consisted of a complete ophthalmic examination. RESULTS: A total of 35 cats (35 eyes) were included. The median follow-up time was 3.2 months (range, 2-59 months). Brachycephalic cats were overrepresented (85.7%). The mean graft size was 6.5 mm (range, 6-9 mm). Minor complications consisting of melting and partial integration of the graft occurred in 2/35 eyes (5.7%). Recurrence was observed in 1/35 eyes (2.9%) and was managed by a superficial keratectomy. A good visual outcome was achieved in all eyes, and a faint or mild corneal opacification occurred in 15/35 (42.9%). CONCLUSIONS: Autologous lamellar keratoplasty is an effective treatment for FCS, providing good tectonic support to the affected cornea and resulting in good visual and cosmetic outcomes. These results should be verified in future prospective studies that include a larger number of cases and longer-term follow-up.

Influence of Thoracic Kyphosis on Reverse Total Shoulder Arthroplasty Outcomes.

INTRODUCTION: Patient dissatisfaction after primary reverse total shoulder arthroplasty (rTSA) has been reported as high as 9%. In patients with excessive thoracic kyphosis, the scapula protracts and tilts anteriorly, which may lead to early impingement with the acromion and loss of forward elevation. The primary purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of thoracic kyphosis on overhead ROM after rTSA. METHODS: A prospectively collected shoulder registry was retrospectively reviewed for all patients undergoing primary rTSA with a minimum of 2-year follow-up. Preoperative and latest follow-up ROM (forward elevation, abduction, internal rotation, and external rotation), patient-reported outcome measures (SPADI, SST-12, ASES, UCLA, SF-12, and the visual analog scale), and the Constant score were collected. Postoperative radiographs were evaluated for implant loosening and notching. Patients were separated into three groups according to the thoracic kyphosis angle (<25°, 25 to 45°, and >45°) and also analyzed as a continuous variable. The groups were compared using analysis of variance and chi-square tests as indicated. RESULTS: Three hundred five shoulders in 279 patients were reviewed at a mean follow-up of 3.9 years (range 2 to 10 years). Female patients and patients with a history of heart disease were statistically more likely to have increased thoracic kyphosis (P < 0.05). After surgery, forward elevation and abduction were similar among all groups (<25: 133°, 25 to 45: 132°, >45: 127°; P = 0.199 and <25: 123°, 25 to 45: 122°, >45: 117°; P = 0.330). All other postoperative ROM measurements and all patient-reported outcome measures were also similar, regardless of measured kyphosis. In addition, no association was observed between the degree of thoracic kyphosis and scapular notching (P = 0.291). DISCUSSION: Despite thoracic kyphosis being a known risk factor for loss of overhead motion in the native shoulder, shoulders with excessive thoracic kyphosis demonstrated similar overhead ROM at early follow-up after primary rTSA. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: III.

No tunnel widening following arthroscopic anatomical reconstruction of the lateral ankle ligaments.

INTRODUCTION: Arthroscopic anatomical reconstruction of the lateral ankle ligaments is an emerging technique for treating chronic ankle instability. One of the known complications of arthroscopic anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction is tunnel widening; this makes revision more complicated. The aim of this study was to look for tunnel widening in the postoperative course of arthroscopic ankle ligament reconstruction. We hypothesized that significant widening of the bone tunnels is present 1 year after anatomical ankle ligament reconstruction. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty-one patients who underwent arthroscopic anatomical reconstruction of the lateral ankle ligaments with a gracilis graft were included prospectively. A CT-scan with 1-mm thick slices with multiplanar reconstruction was done 1 year after the surgery. The size and shape of the tunnels was analyzed, and the ratio of the preoperative to postoperative diameter was calculated. Based on this ratio, the tunnels were given a grade as described by Struewer. Tunnel widening was defined as a grade III tunnel, thus a ratio ≥ 1.3. The tunnel shape was classified as described by Peyrache as cone type, cavity type, line type. RESULTS: None of the tunnels had widened 1 year after arthroscopic anatomical reconstruction of the lateral ankle ligaments. At the fibula, 81% of tunnels were grade I and 19% were grade II; 57% were cone type and 43% were line type. At the talus, 86% of tunnels were grade I and 14% were grade II. All were line type. At the calcaneus, 86% of tunnels were grade I and 14% were grade II; 57% were cone type and 43% were line type. DISCUSSION: The main finding of this study was the absence of tunnel widening 1 year after arthroscopic reconstruction of the lateral ankle ligaments. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: IV; retrospective study.

Deltoid fatigue: a longitudinal assessment of reverse shoulder arthroplasty over time.

BACKGROUND: Studies evaluating the mid-term performance of reverse shoulder arthroplasty (RSA) have identified a drop in the Constant-Murley score between 6 and 8 years after surgery, which is most affected by a loss of forward elevation and strength. Alterations of the deltoid length and moment arm after RSA lead to nonphysiological stress on the deltoid muscle. Concern has arisen that the long-term implications of increased deltoid work may be causing "deltoid fatigue." The purpose of this study was to evaluate the long-term effects of RSA on overhead range of motion (ROM) and validate the hypothesis of deltoid fatigue. METHODS: We performed a retrospective review of 165 RSAs over a 5-year period. Diagnoses were limited to cuff tear arthropathy, osteoarthritis with rotator cuff deficiency, and irreparable rotator cuff tear. All procedures were performed using a single implant system. Patients were evaluated longitudinally at multiple time points. They were required to undergo a minimum of 3 follow-up visits, with at least 1 visit at >5 years. ROM and patient-reported outcome measures were evaluated using linear mixed models for repeated measures to evaluate changes in outcome measures over time. A secondary analysis was performed to assess the influence of patient demographic factors on observed changes in ROM and patient-reported outcome measures. RESULTS: Primary RSA shoulders were observed to lose 0.8° of forward elevation and abduction per year starting at 1 year postoperatively (P = .006), without a significant drop at mid-term follow-up. No significant change in external or internal rotation was observed. Male patients and patients with a diagnosis of osteoarthritis with rotator cuff deficiency showed greater baseline overhead ROM at 1 year postoperatively, but the subsequent rates of functional decline were similar regardless of age, sex, or indication. DISCUSSION: This study challenges the previous theory of deltoid fatigue resulting in a significant loss of overhead ROM beginning 6-8 years after index arthroplasty. However, a slower progressive decline in overhead ROM in well-functioning RSA shoulders was observed, averaging 0.8° of overhead ROM per year. This progressive deterioration occurs at a slightly greater rate than that observed in the natural shoulder. The observed rate of functional decline was found to be independent of age, sex, and preoperative diagnosis.

Eculizumab as an emergency treatment for adult patients with severe COVID-19 in the intensive care unit: A proof-of-concept study.

BACKGROUND: Complement pathway inhibition may provide benefit for severe acute respiratory illnesses caused by viral infections such as COVID-19. We present results from a nonrandomized proof-of-concept study of complement C5 inhibitor eculizumab for treatment of severe COVID-19. METHODS: All patients (N = 80) with confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection and severe COVID-19 admitted to our intensive care unit between March 10 and May 5, 2020 were included. Forty-five patients were treated with standard care and 35 with standard care plus eculizumab through expanded-access emergency treatment. The prespecified primary outcome was day-15 survival. Clinical laboratory values and biomarkers, complement levels, and treatment-emergent serious adverse events (TESAEs) were also assessed. FINDINGS: At day 15, estimated survival was 82.9% (95% CI: 70.4%‒95.3%) with eculizumab and 62.2% (48.1%‒76.4%) without eculizumab (log-rank test, P = 0.04). Patients treated with eculizumab experienced a significantly more rapid decrease in lactate, blood urea nitrogen, total and conjugated bilirubin levels and a significantly more rapid increase in platelet count, prothrombin time, and in the ratio of arterial oxygen tension over fraction of inspired oxygen versus patients treated without eculizumab. Eculizumab-associated changes in complement levels, laboratory values, and biomarkers were consistent with terminal complement inhibition, reduced hypoxia, and decreased inflammation. TESAEs of special interest occurring in >5% of patients treated with/without eculizumab were ventilator-associated pneumonia (51%/24%), bacteremia (11%/2%), gastroduodenal hemorrhage (14%/16%), and hemolysis (3%/18%). INTERPRETATION: Findings from this proof-of-concept study suggest eculizumab may improve survival and reduce hypoxia in patients with severe COVID-19. Randomized studies evaluating the efficacy and safety of this treatment approach are needed. FUNDING: Programme d'Investissements d'Avenir: ANR-18-RHUS60004.

Quality of life, physical performance and nutritional status in older patients hospitalized in a cardiology department.

OBJECTIVES: Quality of life (QoL) is a priority outcome in older adults suffering from cardiovascular diseases. Frailty and poor nutritional status may affect the QoL through mobility disorders and exhaustion. The objective of this study was to determine if physical frailty and nutritional status were associated with QoL, in older cardiology patients. METHODS: Cross sectional, observational study conducted in a cardiology department from a university hospital. Participants (n = 100) were aged 70 and older. Collected data included age, sex, cardiac diseases, New York Heart Association (NYHA) classification, comorbidities (Charlson Index) and disability. A Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB), including walking speed assessment was performed; handgrip strength were measured as well as Fried's frailty phenotype. Nutritional status was assessed using the Mini Nutritional Assessment (MNA) and Body Mass Index (BMI), inflammation by C-reactive protein (CRP). QoL was assessed using the EORTC-QLQ questionnaire. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to study the associations between all recorded parameters and QoL. RESULTS: In participants (mean age: 79.3 ± 6.7 years; male: 59%), Charlson index, arrhythmia, heart failure, NYHA classⅢ-Ⅳ, MNA, disability, walking speed, SPPB score, frailty and CRP were significantly associated with QoL in univariate analysis. Multivariate analysis showed that NYHA classⅢ-Ⅳ (P < 0.001), lower MNA score (P = 0.03), frailty (P < 0.0001), and higher CRP (P < 0.001) were independently associated with decreased QoL. CONCLUSIONS: Frailty, nutritional status and inflammation were independently associated with poor QoL. Further studies are needed to assess the efficacy of nutritional and physical interventions on QoL in this population.

A 10-year experience with reverse shoulder arthroplasty: are we operating earlier?

INTRODUCTION: As surgeons' confidence in reverse shoulder arthroplasty (RSA) increases, they may tend to offer RSA earlier in the course of glenohumeral joint disease. This study evaluates the changes in the "tipping point" for primary RSA over a 10-year period to evaluate changes in practice. METHODS: A total of 3975 primary RSAs performed over a 10-year period were retrospectively reviewed from a multi-institutional database. Of these, 3536 primary RSAs with preoperative diagnoses of osteoarthritis with rotator cuff deficiency (1626), irreparable rotator cuff tear (396), and rotator cuff tear arthropathy (1514) were included in the analysis. Preoperative range of motion (ROM) and patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) were used to calculate tipping points for each subgroup on a yearly basis over a 10-year period, and assessed for changes over time. RESULTS: PROMs (American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons Standardized Shoulder Assessment Form, Simple Shoulder Test) and the Constant score remained similar over the 10-year study period, with all demonstrating slightly higher tipping points later in the study. ROM measures (forward elevation, abduction, and external rotation) all showed small increases over time, demonstrating better ROM before electing to undergo RSA in later years. CONCLUSIONS: With the increasing use of RSA over the last decade, the ROM tipping point for patients electing to undergo surgery has increased, whereas the PROM tipping point has remained stable. This indicates that patients undergoing RSA in the present have greater ROM preoperatively compared with 10 years ago; however, their perceived disability remains similar. Surgeons and patients continue to pursue RSA at a similar preoperative morbidity over the last 10 years.

Glenoidplasty With Posterior Labral Reattachment for Posterosuperior Glenoid Impingement.

BACKGROUND: Posterosuperior glenoid impingement (PSGI), also known as shoulder internal impingement, is a cause of shoulder pain in athletes involved in overhead-throwing sports. PSGI is a condition mostly treated by rehabilitation. Surgery is indicated after unsatisfactory nonoperative management. However, with most of the surgical techniques proposed, the shoulder remains persistently painful during sport activity. HYPOTHESIS: We aimed to evaluate the efficiency of adding posterior labral reattachment to glenoidplasty as a surgical treatment for PSGI. Our hypothesis was that posterior labral reattachment would have a positive effect on shoulder pain. To our knowledge, this combined procedure has not been previously described. STUDY DESIGN: Case series; Level of evidence, 4. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed 11 male patients with PSGI treated with glenoidplasty and posterior labral reattachment at a single institution during a 7-year period and with a minimum 30-month follow-up after surgery. Most patients were recreational athletes, with 5 of them practicing at the national level and 1 being a professional athlete. Patients completed an online questionnaire consisting of the Simple Shoulder Test (SST), the Kerlan-Jobe Orthopaedic Clinic (KJOC) shoulder and elbow questionnaire, and a specific PSGI survey. Pre- and postoperative shoulder pain were analyzed using the paired t test, with significance set at P < .05. RESULTS: All 11 patients investigated sought surgery because of persistent shoulder pain while practicing their sport. The patients underwent glenoidplasty and posterior labral fixation, and data for 9 patients were available for analysis (mean age, 29 years; range, 24-42 years). At a minimum 30-month follow-up, most patients (77.8%) showed decreased pain, and 8 patients were able to return to their previous sports activities, with 7 returning at the same or higher level. There was 1 patient who had to change sports because of a lack of force, while a second patient temporarily changed sport and then returned to his sport but at an inferior level. Pre- and postoperative pain differed significantly (P < .05). Surgery did not impair daily life in all patients. CONCLUSION: Glenoidplasty associated with posterior labral reattachment significantly diminished shoulder pain in athletes involved in throwing sports. Most patients were able to return to their previous sport at the same or higher level. Posterior labral fixation may improve the benefit of glenoidplasty by decreasing pain.