Assessment of Coracoclavicular Ligament Healing on MRI After Arthroscopic TightRope Fixation for Acute Acromioclavicular Joint Dislocation.

Background: Arthroscopic-assisted fixation of acute high-grade acromioclavicular (AC) joint dislocation has gained popularity in the last decade. Coracoclavicular (CC) fixation using the TightRope device is a less invasive technique. Purpose: To investigate CC ligament healing and functional outcomes after arthroscopic fixation using the TightRope device for acute AC joint disruption. Study Design: Case series; Level of evidence, 4. Methods: The study retrospectively analyzed the data of patients admitted for arthroscopic surgical treatment of acute AC joint injury using a single TightRope device. The data collection commenced in October 2021. The Constant-Murley (CM) score and University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) shoulder score were used for functional evaluation. The CC distance (CCD) was measured on plain radiographs, whereas healing of the CC ligament was evaluated on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Statistical analyses were conducted with the Mann-Whitney U test, independent t test, or paired t test, as appropriate. Results: The analysis included 33 patients with a mean age of 37.7 years (range, 24-49 years) and a minimum follow-up of 24 months. Significant preoperative to postoperative increases were noted in both the CM and UCLA scores (from 34.1 ± 7.6 to 93.3 ± 3.6 and from 8.7 ± 2.1 to 32.9 ± 1.7, respectively; P < .0001 for both). The CCD decreased from 21.8 ± 3.02 mm preoperatively to 10.6 ± 1.2 mm postoperatively (P < .0001). All patients displayed CC ligament healing on MRI. Two patients with superficial infection and 1 case of partial reduction loss were confirmed at the end of this study. Conclusion: The arthroscopic TightRope technique was found to be a reliable and less invasive method of fixation for acute AC joint disruptions. The CC ligament healed adequately based on MRI evaluation, and the patients regained their preinjury activities, with favorable functional outcomes and minor comorbidities.

Improvement in clinical outcome and quality of life after arthroscopic ankle arthrodesis in paralytic foot drop.

BACKGROUND: Paralytic foot-drop is a disabling deformity that results from nerve or direct muscle injuries. Palliative surgeries such as tendon transfer and ankle arthrodesis are reserved for permanent deformity, with the arthroscopic technique had not been widely studied before. This study aims to evaluate the clinical outcome and quality of life after arthroscopic ankle fusion of paralytic foot-drop deformity. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The patients who were retrospectively enrolled in this study underwent arthroscopic ankle fusion for paralytic foot-drop deformity between March 2017 and December 2021. The American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) ankle-hindfoot score and Cumberland Ankle Instability Tool (CAIT) were the measures used for clinical assessment. To judge the union, serial plain radiographs of the ankle were obtained. The preoperative and postoperative means were analyzed utilizing a two-tailed paired t-test, with a p value of less than 0.05 indicating statistical significance. RESULTS: This study included 21 consecutive patients with a mean follow-up of 35.09 ± 4.5 months and a mean age of 41.5 ± 6.1 years. Highly significant improvements were observed between the preoperative and final follow-up means of the AOFAS score (from 57.6 ± 4.6 to 88.3 ± 2.7) and CAIT (from 12.1 ± 2.2 to 28.9 ± 1.01; p ˂ 0.00001 for both). All patients attained radiographic union and resumed their previous occupations without reporting serious adverse effects. CONCLUSIONS: Arthroscopic ankle fusion is an effective, minimally invasive palliative surgery for patients suffering from permanent paralytic foot-drop deformity. This technique was shown to provide good functional and radiologic outcomes without significant complications. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Retrospective cohort; level of evidence (IV).

Comparative Evaluation of Arthroscopically Assisted Coracoclavicular Fixation Versus Hook Plate Fixation for Unstable Distal Clavicle Fractures: A Minimum 2-Year Follow-up Study.

Background: Neer type 2 distal clavicular fractures are associated with poor outcomes after nonoperative management. Surgical management is preferred, and various fixation methods have been studied. Purpose: To assess the clinical and radiological outcomes in patients with unstable distal-end clavicular fractures that were treated with hook plate (HP) or arthroscopically assisted coracoclavicular (AAC) fixation. Study Design: Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3. Methods: We retrospectively compared the clinical and radiological results of HP versus AAC fixation in patients who had unstable lateral-end clavicular fractures and at least 2 years of follow-up. The recorded postoperative Constant score, American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons score, and shoulder forward flexion were compared between treatment groups using the independent t test. Fracture union was evaluated on routine shoulder radiographs. Results: This study included 34 patients (17 with HP fixation, 17 with AAC fixation) with a mean ± SD age of 36.4 ± 8.3 years for the HP group and 37.2 ± 6.9 years for the AAC group. The mean follow-up period was 30.8 ± 2.8 months for the HP group and 28.8 ± 3.01 months for the AAC group. No statistically significant difference between groups was observed regarding postoperative Constant score (89.7 vs 92.5; P = .07), American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons score (88.2 vs 91.1; P = .12), or mean time to union (10.1 vs 9.3 weeks; P = .16). Postoperative shoulder forward flexion was better in the AAC group (168.2° ± 4.3°) versus the HP group (161.9° ± 6.6°; P = .002), and the complication rate was lower in the AAC group (5.8% vs 41.1%; P = .03). Conclusion: Both the AAC and HP fixation methods were effective in the surgical fixation of unstable Neer type 2 lateral-third clavicle fractures, with successful functional and radiological outcomes. However, AAC fixation provided an earlier return to work with fewer complications.

Hand-Grip Strength and Return to Heavy Manual Work at a Mean 5-Year Follow-up After Arthroscopic Release of Recalcitrant Lateral Epicondylitis.

BACKGROUND: Lateral epicondylitis of the elbow is a common degenerative disorder in middle-aged patients. Surgery is reserved for patients who do not respond to nonoperative treatment. PURPOSE: To evaluate hand-grip strength and return to heavy manual activities in patients engaged in work requiring heavy lifting after arthroscopic release of refractory lateral epicondylitis. STUDY DESIGN: Case series; Level of evidence, 4. METHODS: The study included consecutive patients who underwent arthroscopic release of the extensor carpi radialis brevis tendon to treat recalcitrant lateral epicondylitis of the elbow, with a minimum 48-month follow-up. Functional outcome measures included assessment of hand-grip strength, visual analog scale for pain, and Mayo elbow performance score. The recorded measurements were compared at postoperative 1 and 6 months and the final assessment. Pre- and postoperative data were compared using the paired t test, and the various postoperative assessments were compared using 1-way analysis of variance. RESULTS: A total of 22 patients (mean ± SD; age, 34.6 ± 5.9 years) with a mean follow-up of 60.5 ± 4.7 months were included in our study. There were highly significant improvements between preoperative and 1-month postoperative results regarding hand-grip strength (17.5 ± 4.1 kg to 34.4 ± 6.8 kg), visual analog scale score for pain (7.86 ± 1.2 to 1.8 ± 1.09), and Mayo score (57.1 ± 7.9 to 89.3 ± 4.9; P < .00001 for all). Significant improvements were found on all 3 functional measures between 1 and 6 months postoperatively (P ≤ .05 was statistically significant), and there were nonsignificant improvements on all measures from 6-month to final follow-up. The patients regained 96.4% of their hand strength as compared with the unaffected side and returned to their previous activities without reporting serious complications. CONCLUSION: Minimally invasive arthroscopic release of recalcitrant lateral epicondylitis of the elbow provided a satisfactory functional result, as shown by regaining of hand-grip strength in patients engaged in heavy manual occupations without significant morbidities.

Assessment of Shoulder Function after Internal Fixation of Humeral Diaphyseal Fractures in Young Adults: A Prospective Comparative Study.

BACKGROUND: Humeral shaft fractures are commonly encountered in casualties. There are different methods of operative internal fixation with no consensus on the best technique. The objective of this study was to assess shoulder function and rate of complications among two different options of fixation, intramedullary nailing, and minimal invasive plate osteosynthesis (MIPO) in young adults. METHODS: Forty-two patients with humeral shaft fractures were included in the study and divided into two equal groups: group A treated with antegrade intramedullary locked nails (IMN) and group B with MIPO. Fracture union was evaluated with serial X-rays, and shoulder function was assessed in both groups using the scale of the American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES), University of California at Los Angeles Shoulder Scale (UCLA), and visual analog score (VAS). The mean differences between groups were recorded and considered significant if the P value was ˂0.05. RESULTS: The results were reported prospectively with no significant differences in mean age, sex, side of injury, type of fracture, mechanism of injury, and the follow-up period between the groups studied. Group A had shorter operative time and minimal blood loss than group B. Regarding shoulder function scores (ASES, UCLA, and VAS), the results in the MIPO group were better than the IMN group with shorter time of union and fewer complications. CONCLUSION: Despite a shorter operative time and lower blood loss during locked intramedullary nail fixation in the management of humeral shaft fractures, MIPO enables more superior shoulder function with better fracture healing and lower morbidities.

Assessment of interstitial lung disease among black rheumatoid arthritis patients.

BACKGROUND: Conflicting reports exist regarding the racial and the gender distribution of rheumatoid arthritis-related interstitial lung disease (RA-ILD). In a major population study of predominately Whites, RA-ILD was reported mainly among smoker middle-aged men. However, recent data suggest that the disease is that of elderly women. Our study aimed to assess the prevalence and identify the gender differences and clinical characteristics of RA-ILD in a predominantly Black population. METHODS: Cross-sectional analysis of data obtained from the records of 1142 patients with RA diagnosis by ICD codes of which 503 cases met the inclusion criteria for the study. Eighty-six patients had chronic respiratory symptoms of cough and dyspnea and were further assessed by our multidisciplinary group of investigators. Thirty-two subjects with an established diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis met the diagnostic criteria for interstitial lung disease. RESULTS: Of the 32 patients with RA-ILD, mean age was 62.6 ± 2.2 (± SEM), 93.7% were females, and 89% Blacks with a BMI = 29.2 (Kg/m2). Usual interstitial pneumonia (UIP) was found in 24/32 (75%) of the cases. Seventy-two percent of the RA-ILD patient had seropositive RA. Smoking history was reported in 31.3% of the cohort, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) in 32.3%, and cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors in 65.6%. CONCLUSION: Our study indicates RA-ILD among Blacks is predominantly a disease of elderly females with higher rates of GERD and CVD risk factors. Further studies are needed to identify the pathogenetic differences accounting for the gender distribution of RA-ILD among Black and White populations.Key Points• First study to assess ILD among predominantly Black RA patients.• The prevalence of RA-associated ILD was 6.36%, affecting mostly women in their sixth decade with seropositive disease.• COPD was the most common airway disease among non-RA-ILD Black population.• GERD was found in approximately one-third of patients with RA-associated ILD versus one-fifth of those RA patients without any lung disease.

Clinical outcomes of arthroscopic assissted fixation of acute high grade acromioclavicular joint disruption.

BACKGROUND: Management of high grade acute acromioclavicular (AC) joint dislocation is considered a surgical dilemma. Open methods of fixation are the gold standard but the morbidities are frequent. The goal of this study was to evaluate the results of arthroscopic fixation of acute high grade (AC) joint dislocation. METHODS: A series of 24 patients with acute high grade acromioclavicular joint dislocation were fixed arthroscopically using TightRope device. The study was done between February 2013 and February 2017. The functional outcomes were assessed using Constant-Murley score and University of California at Los Angeles shoulder (UCLA) scale. The preoperative and postoperative means of coraco-clavicular distance were calculated and used for radiological assessment. P-value < o.o5 was statistically significant. RESULTS: The mean followed up time was 23.25 ±â€¯7.1 (12-35) months. There was highly significant improvement in the Constant-Murley score and (UCLA) scale at the end of the follow up period. The coraco-clavicular distance was improved from 21.7 ±â€¯3.1 mm preoperative to 10.17 ±â€¯2.3 mm postoperative. There were two complications, one case had over correction and the other had mild transient post-operative burning pain along the course of ulnar nerve. CONCLUSION: Arthroscopic fixation of acute high grade (AC) joint dislocation is safe, minimally invasive technique with satisfactory functional outcomes and low morbidities provided that it is done by surgeons skilled in shoulder arthroscopy.

Short term results of osteotomy-sparing technique in management of moderate hallux valgus using TightRope system.

BACKGROUND: Currently, correction of the first intermetatarsal angle associated with hallux valgus is done using two main categories of surgeries either a distal or a proximal first metatarsal osteotomy. The osteotomy-sparing technique using TigthRope ®device was developed to manage hallux valgus avoiding osteotomy complications. Our hypothesis was that osteotomy sparing technique using TightRope® implant would be suitable for moderate hallux valgus in young adult patients with strong larger bones giving good results with minimal complications. METHODS: 26 male patients (30 feet) with age range 18-35 years (average 27.04 ±â€¯4.6) with moderate hallux valgus deformity were managed with osteotomy-sparing method. All patients were assessed clinically using the visual analogue scale (VAS) and American Orthopedic Foot and ankle score (AOFAS) and radiological using hallux valgus angle (HVA), first inter metatarsal angle (IMA) and sesamoids position. P value <0.05 was statistically significant. RESULTS: The mean follow up time was 19.5 ±â€¯4.1 (12-27) months. The mean IMA, HVA and AOFAS score improved from 14. 2 ±â€¯2.8°, 33.4 ±â€¯7.6° and 42.6 ±â€¯6.3 points preoperatively to 8.2 ±â€¯2.3°, 13.6 ±â€¯5.4° and 85.8 ±â€¯6.8 points postoperatively, respectively. All were statistically significant. Superficial infection occurred in one case and overcorrection in another with no other complications. CONCLUSION: Osteotomy-sparing technique using TightRope device is effective in the management of moderate hallux valgus provided that proper patient selection, adequate surgical technique, and proper postoperative protocol are followed.

Relationship of symptoms with sleep-stage abnormalities in obstructive sleep apnea-hypopnea syndrome.

BACKGROUND: Patients with obstructive sleep apnea-hypopnea syndrome (OSAHS) present with a variety of sleep-related symptoms. In polysomnography, sleep architecture is almost always abnormal, but it is not known which of the sleep-stage abnormalities are related to symptoms. Finding key sleep-stage abnormality that cause symptoms may be of therapeutic importance to alleviate symptoms. So far the mainstay of treatment is continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP)/bi-level positive airway pressure (BIPAP) therapy, but many patients are non-compliant to it. Correcting the sleep-stage abnormality that cause symptoms by pharmacotherapy may become an important adjunct to CPAP/BIPAP therapy. METHODS: A cross-sectional study. Adult subjects who attended a sleep laboratory for diagnostic polysomnography for a period of 1 month were recruited consecutively. OSAHS was diagnosed using American Academy of Sleep Medicine criteria. Subjects filled a questionnaire for symptoms prior to polysomnography. RESULTS: Thirty subjects, of whom 83.3% were obese, met diagnostic criteria, with males constituting 46.7% and females constituting 53%. Mean age was 53.40±11.60 years. Sleep architecture comprised N1 19.50±19.00%, N2 53.93±13.39%, N3 3.90±19.50%, and rapid eye movement 8.92±6.21%. Excessive fatigue or sleepiness, waking up tired, falling asleep during the day, trouble paying attention, snoring and insomnia were significantly related to decreased N3 sleep. CONCLUSIONS: Most of the symptoms in OSAHS in adults are related to decreased stage N3 sleep. If confirmed by larger controlled studies, correcting N3 sleep deficiency by pharmacotherapy may become an important adjunct to CPAP/BIPAP therapy to alleviate symptoms.

Adenotonsillectomy for sleep-disordered breathing in a predominantly obese pediatric population.

OBJECTIVES: To determine the efficacy of adenotonsillectomy (T&A) in the treatment of pediatric sleep-disordered breathing, and to determine the natural history in untreated children. METHODS: The charts of children aged 1-12 who underwent polysomnography (PSG) between 1/2006 and 6/2009 were reviewed to identify children with positive studies. Children not treated by T&A were recruited and matched by age, time since initial PSG, and apnea-hypopnea index (AHI) to children who underwent T&A. All participants were evaluated by a clinical assessment score (CAS-15), follow-up PSG, and the Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL). RESULTS: Sixteen matched pairs completed the study. Ten (63%) T&A patients were overweight or obese compared with 14 (88%) untreated patients. There was a greater median improvement in AHI in the surgical group compared to the nonsurgical group (10.3 vs. 6.5, p=0.044). Although the T&A children were more likely to have a follow-up AHI<5 (81% vs. 69%) and <1 (44% vs. 25%), these results were not significant. The T&A group had significantly lower mean (SD) scores on the CAS-15 [8.9(6.1) vs. 29.4(16.2), p<0.001] and the CBCL total problem score [43.9(8.7) vs. 58.9(13.0), p<0.001]. Younger age at presentation (rho=-0.76, p<0.001), initial AHI (0.87, p<0.001), and initial AI (0.63, p=0.05) were correlated with change in AHI among T&A subjects. CONCLUSIONS: T&A was more effective in reducing AHI than no surgery. Median AHI improved in the nonsurgical group, and 4/16 (25%) untreated patients were cured (AHI<1).

Validation of a clinical assessment score for pediatric sleep-disordered breathing.

OBJECTIVES/HYPOTHESIS: To validate a clinical assessment score for pediatric sleep-disordered breathing. STUDY DESIGN: Prospective instrument validation. METHODS: One hundred children scheduled for overnight polysomnography were evaluated by a standardized history and physical examination and assigned a clinical assessment score. Parents completed the Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA)-18, the Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory (PedsQL) 4.0, and the Child Behavior Checklist questionnaires. Children with positive polysomnography underwent adenotonsillectomy or adenoidectomy. The identical assessments were performed at a mean follow-up of 8 months. RESULTS: Item reduction yielded a score of 15 items (Clinical Assessment Score-15 [CAS-15]) that demonstrated the best internal consistency and predictive utility (Cronbach α = .80). Intraclass correlation (ICC) demonstrated good intrarater (ICC, 0.78; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.58 to 0.89) and inter-rater agreement (ICC, 0.65; 95% CI, 0.26 to 0.84). All change scores were significantly improved after surgery. Effect sizes were large for the CAS-15 (2.6), OSA-18 (2.4), and apnea-hypopnea index (1.4), and moderate for the Child Behavior Checklist (0.7) and PedsQL 4.0 (-0.5). Moderate to strong correlation was found between the initial CAS-15 scores and the external measures (|r| between 0.32 and 0.65). Receiver operating characteristic curves were constructed to determine the optimal initial CAS-15 score for predicting positive polysomnography. The area under the curve was 0.77 (95% CI, 0.67 to 0.87); and a score ≥32 yielded a sensitivity of 77.3% (95% CI, 65.3 to 86.7) and a specificity of 60.7% (95% CI, 40.6 to 78.5). CONCLUSIONS: The CAS-15 proved useful in an office setting and correctly diagnosed 72% of referred children when compared to polysomnography. It correlated well with external measures and demonstrated a good response to clinical change.