Comparative analysis of scaphoid nonunion treatment with screw fixation and angular stable plate.

INTRODUCTION: Scaphoid fractures represent 5-10% of nonunion rate and the treatment options consist of an open reduction with correction of deformity, restoration of the scaphoid length with autologous wedge grafting and fixation. However, there is still no consensus in the literature on the best fixation method. Therefore, the purpose of the study is to compare plate fixation and screw fixation in treating scaphoid nonunion with humpback deformity and carpal instability. METHODS: Prospective, non-randomised study comparing the treatment of two groups of patients with scaphoid nonunion. A total of 19 patients were included in the study, the first ten patients were included in group 1 (plate fixation), subsequently nine patients were included in group 2 (screw fixation). The nonunion duration was longer than 6 months and patients did not present type III Scaphoid Nonunion Advanced Collapse (SNAC). Clinical evaluations included pain intensity, range of motion, grip strength, pinch test and functional scales Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH) and Mayo Wrist Score. Radiographic evaluations consisted of radiographs of both wrists in AP, AP with ulnar deviation, lateral and oblique views. Patients further underwent a tomography of the affected wrist for bone deformity, carpal collapse and later consolidation evaluation. RESULTS: According to post-operative measurements, group 1 showed a significant improvement in the scapholunate angle (p = 0.011) and in the intrascaphoid angle (p = 0.002). Group 2 only showed an improvement in the scapholunate angle (p = 0.011). All patients in group 1 achieved consolidation in 8 weeks, while group 2 patients had a slower consolidation, with a mean of 14 weeks and standard deviation (SD) of 4.2, with statistical significance (p = 0.006). CONCLUSION: Our prospective study, despite the limitations, contributes to the literature for demonstrating a better fixation using plate, with a better correction of humpback deformity and Dorsal Intercalated Segment Instability (DISI) and a faster consolidation. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: II, therapeutics studies; prospective comparative study.

Metagenomic Characterization of Resistance Genes in Deception Island and Their Association with Mobile Genetic Elements.

Antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) are undergoing a remarkably rapid geographic expansion in various ecosystems, including pristine environments such as Antarctica. The study of ARGs and environmental resistance genes (ERGs) mechanisms could provide a better understanding of their origin, evolution, and dissemination in these pristine environments. Here, we describe the diversity of ARGs and ERGs and the importance of mobile genetic elements as a possible mechanism for the dissemination of resistance genes in Antarctica. We analyzed five soil metagenomes from Deception Island in Antarctica. Results showed that detected ARGs are associated with mechanisms such as antibiotic efflux, antibiotic inactivation, and target alteration. On the other hand, resistance to metals, surfactants, and aromatic hydrocarbons were the dominant ERGs. The taxonomy of ARGs showed that Pseudomonas, Psychrobacter, and Staphylococcus could be key taxa for studying antibiotic resistance and environmental resistance to stress in Deception Island. In addition, results showed that ARGs are mainly associated with phage-type mobile elements suggesting a potential role in their dissemination and prevalence. Finally, these results provide valuable information regarding the ARGs and ERGs in Deception Island including the potential contribution of mobile genetic elements to the spread of ARGs and ERGs in one of the least studied Antarctic ecosystems to date.

TREATMENT OF SCHAPHOID NONUNION WITH VOLAR LOCKED PLATE.

OBJECTIVE: To assess and compare radiographic, tomographic and functional pre and postoperative parameters of patients submitted to treatment of nonunion of the scaphoid waist with locked plate for scaphoid. METHODS: This is a case series of scaphoid waist nonunion, operated from March 2017 to March 2018 at the Institute of Orthopedics and Traumatology of HCFMUSP, using the technique of Fisk-Fernandez and osteosynthesis with locked plate for scaphoid APTUS®Hand from Medartis. The patients were submitted to radiographs, computed tomography and functional evaluation by the occupational therapy team in the pre and postoperative periods. RESULTS: There was consolidation of the scaphoid waist nonunion in all cases, improvement in the parameters of carpal alignment in the imaging examinations, but functionally we observed reduction of the range of motion and grip strength in relation to the contralateral limb. CONCLUSIONS: The treatment of the scaphoid waist nonunion with locked plate was effective, with a high index of consolidation and improvement of the carpal alignment in the imaging tests, although with a reduction in the range of motion and grip strength in relation to the contralateral limb when evaluated with 12 weeks postoperatively. Level of Evidence IV, Case series.

OBJETIVOS: Avaliar e comparar parâmetros radiográficos, tomográficos e funcionais pré e pós-operatórios de pacientes submetidos ao tratamento de pseudoartrose do colo do escafoide com placa bloqueada para escafoide. MÉTODOS: Esta é uma série de casos de pseudoartrose do colo do escafoide, operados no período de março de 2017 a março de 2018 no Instituto de Ortopedia e Traumatologia do HCFMUSP, utilizando-se a técnica de Fisk-Fernandez e osteossíntese com placa bloqueada para escafoide APTUS®Hand da Medartis. Os pacientes foram submetidos a radiografias, tomografia computadorizada e avaliação funcional pela equipe de terapia ocupacional no pré e pós-operatório. RESULTADOS: Houve consolidação da pseudoartrose do colo do escafoide em todos os casos e melhora nos parâmetros de alinhamento carpal nos exames de imagem, porém, funcionalmente, observamos redução da amplitude de movimento e força de preensão em relação ao membro contralateral. CONCLUSÃO: O tratamento da pseudoartrose do colo do escafoide com placa bloqueada se mostrou efetivo, com elevado índice de consolidação e melhora do alinhamento carpal nos exames de imagem, embora com redução da amplitude de movimento e força de preensão em relação ao membro contralateral, quando avaliados com 12 semanas de pós-operatório. Nível de Evidência IV, Série de casos.

Do two venous anastomoses decrease venous thrombosis during limb reconstruction?

BACKGROUND: The optimal number of veins to be anastomosed in perforator flaps for limb reconstruction and its influence on the results remain controversial. Venous thrombosis of microvascular anastomoses is a commonly recorded complication in soft tissue reconstruction. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effect of two venous anastomoses in the incidence of venous thrombosis for limb reconstruction using anterolateral thigh (ALT) microsurgical free flaps. METHODS: This was a cross-sectional study on patients undergoing limb reconstruction using ALT flap during 2014-2017. Perioperative information was recorded and patients were divided in two groups: group 1 (one venous anastomosis; 17 patients) and group 2 (two venous anastomoses; 21 patients). Complications were investigated. RESULTS: Overall, 38 microsurgical flaps were included. The mean age was 33 years, and 32 patients were male. The most prevalent wounds were traumatic. Group 1 presented a higher complication rate than group 2 (47% vs. 24%; p = 0.065), although the difference was not significant. Group 1 presented a higher rate of venous anastomotic thrombosis (p = 0.032) than group 2. The overall success rate was 92%. CONCLUSION: For limb reconstruction using ALT microsurgical free flaps, two venous anastomoses are associated with a low rate of venous thrombosis in microvascular anastomoses.

Validation of the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) in Spanish as a screening tool for mild cognitive impairment and mild dementia in patients over 65 years old in Bogotá, Colombia.

OBJECTIVE: The Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) was developed as a simple screening tool for cognitive impairment. This study is the first validation in Latin America of the MoCA in Spanish (MoCA-S), which was developed in Colombia (South America). METHODS: Aiming to perform the first validation of the MoCA-S, we developed a study of concordance by conformity to assess the MoCA-S compared with diagnostic consensus by interdisciplinary assessment in the Memory Clinic (the best diagnostic method available) and to evaluate the psychometric properties of the MoCA-S. A total of 193 subjects were evaluated, 109 of whom were patients, including 26 who met the mild cognitive impairment (MCI) clinical criteria, based on neuropsychological testing, and 83 who had mild dementia (MD). The remaining 84 participants were healthy subjects from the community. RESULTS: The psychometric evaluation of the MoCA-S was appropriate. Using a cutoff score of ≥ 23, the MoCA had sensitivities of 76.0% to detect MCI and 92.7% to detect MD and a specificity of 79.8%. The percentage of patients clearly labeled by the MoCA-S was 85%. CONCLUSION: The MoCA-S is a valid screening tool and is useful for identifying MCI and MD in Colombia. The MoCA-S is valid and adequate for application in Colombia with good internal consistency, inter-observer reliability, and content validity. However, the average educational level was high in this study; thus, caution should be exercised when extrapolating these results to individuals with lower educational levels.

Presentación clínica típica y atípica de déficit de pantotenato quinasa, reporte de 2 casos / Typical and atypical presentation pantothenate kinase deficiency: reports of two cases and a review of current literature

Los síndromes de neurodegeneración asociada al hierro son una causa secundaria importante de extrapiramidalismo (1). De aparición entre los 6 y 40 años, se asocian además a cambios comportamentales y demencia (2). La base fisiopatológica son los depósitos de hierro a nivel ganglio basal. De estas enfermedades, la más frecuente es el déficit de pantotenato quinasa (PKAN por su siglas en inglés), constituyendo más del 50% de los casos de esta enfermedad. Se han descrito 2 formas de presentación típica o temprana, y atípica o tardía2. Se reportan a continuación dos casos: uno de presentación típica y otro de presentación atípica, diagnosticados en el hospital San Ignacio de Bogotá, Colombia.

Neurodegenerations associated with iron deposites are an important secondary cause extrapiramidalism. Their onsets are between 6 and 40 years, and are associated with behavioral changes and dementia. The pathophysiological bases are iron deposits at the basal ganglia. Of these diseases, the most frequent is Pantothenate kinase associated neurodegeneration (PKAN by its acronym), which constitutes over 50% of cases of the disease. Two forms of presentation have been described: typical (early onset) and atypical (late onset). We report two cases in the following: one typical and one atypical presentation, both diagnosed in San Ignacio Hospital in Bogotá, Colombia.