Impact of introducing 3D printing-assisted surgery into clinical practice for traumatic pelvic and acetabular fractures.

Background: Given the novelty of three-dimensional (3D) printing-assisted fracture surgery in orthopaedics, surgeon familiarity is limited and learning curve is high. As such, it is unclear how the introduction of 3D printing into clinical practice for pelvic and acetabular fracture surgery would impact perioperative outcomes. The aim of this study was to determine the impact of introducing 3D printing-assisted surgery on perioperative outcomes for traumatic pelvic and acetabular fractures. Methods: We retrospectively identified consecutive patients who underwent surgical fixation of traumatic pelvic and acetabular fractures from 2018 to 2022 at a single tertiary hospital. The patients included in the study were divided into two groups: (1) 3D printing-assisted surgery and (2) conventional surgery. Baseline demographics and perioperative outcomes of total surgical duration, estimated blood loss, blood transfusion, number fluoroscopy images, fluoroscopy duration and postoperative disposition were recorded and compared between the two groups. Results: In total, 26 patients were included in the present study, with 3D printing-assisted surgery being used in 34.6 % (n = 9) of cases. There were no significant differences in baseline demographics or fracture type between the 3D printing group and conventional group. As compared to patients who underwent conventional surgery, those that underwent 3D printing-assisted surgery had, on average, shorter surgical duration (299.8 ± 88.2 vs 309.1 ± 143.1 min), lesser estimated blood loss (706.3 ± 330.0 vs 800.0 ± 584.2 ml), lower transfusion rates (50.0 % vs 52.9 %), lower number of intraoperative fluoroscopy images (62.8 ± 74.5 vs 71.6 ± 47.9 images) and shorter fluoroscopy duration (235.0 ± 79.2 vs 242.3 ± 83.5 min), although statistical significance was not achieved. None of the patients in the present study developed surgical complications postoperatively. Conclusion: The introduction of 3D printing-assisted surgery in clinical practice for pelvic and acetabular fractures is a safe and viable adjunct in pelvic and acetabular surgery, achieving comparable perioperative outcomes in the initial phase.

Defining minimal clinically important difference, patient acceptable symptomatic state and substantial clinical benefit for the visual analog scale pain score after arthroscopic rotator cuff repair.

INTRODUCTION: Patient satisfaction after arthroscopic rotator cuff repair (RCR) is commonly assessed with patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs), and there is an increased need to establish clinical relevance within these measures. The purpose of this study was to (1) define minimal clinically important difference (MCID), patient acceptable symptomatic state (PASS), and substantial clinical benefit (SCB) for the visual analog scale (VAS) pain score in patients undergoing arthroscopic RCR, and (2) identify preoperative predictors of achieving each of these threshold values. METHODS: Data from consecutive patients who underwent primary arthroscopic rotator cuff repair study between 2010 and 2016 were prospectively collected. Baseline data and VAS pain scores were collected preoperatively and at 1 year and 2 years postoperatively. MCID, PASS and SCB were determined using an anchor-based approach, with anchor questions assessing postoperative satisfaction and expectation fulfillment. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was also used to identify preoperative predictors for achieving MCID, PASS, and SCB. RESULTS: A total of 286 patients were included in the final analysis, with an average age of 60.2 â€‹± â€‹10.4 and the majority being female (61.2%). The values for the VAS pain score identified to represent MCID, PASS, and SCB, respectively, at 1-year postoperatively were: 5, 2, and 1. The rates of achieving clinically significant improvement based on VAS were 60.5%, 63.3%, and 57.2%, respectively. A higher preoperative VAS was predictive for achieving MCID (odds ratio [OR], 1.84; P â€‹< â€‹0.01). CONCLUSION: This study identified threshold VAS pain scores of 5, 2, and 1 for achieving MCID, PASS, and SCB, respectively, at 1-year follow-up after arthroscopic rotator cuff repair. A higher preoperative VAS pain score was also identified as a statistically significant predictor of attaining MCID after arthroscopic rotator cuff repair. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: II.

The effect of topical tranexamic acid on functional outcomes and quality of life in patients undergoing unicompartmental knee arthroplasty.

INTRODUCTION: Tranexamic acid (TXA) is being increasingly utilized to reduce blood loss after knee joint arthroplasty. However, there is a lack of studies on the effect of topical TXA on the functional outcomes and quality of life after Unicompartmental Knee Arthroplasty (UKA). The aim of this study was to determine the effect of topical TXA on functional outcomes and quality of life scores in patients undergoing UKA. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We retrospectively analysed patients undergoing unilateral UKA at a single tertiary hospital from 2005 to 2017. Patients were divided into 2 groups: (1) The control group which did not receive TXA (n = 742); (2) The TXA group which received topical TXA (n = 331). Functional outcomes were assessed using the Knee Society Function Score (KSFS), Knee Society Knee Score (KSKS) and Oxford Knee Score (OKS), while quality of life was evaluated with the Physical Component Score (PCS) and Mental Component Score (MCS) of Short-Form 36 (SF-36) preoperatively and at 6 months and 2 years follow-up. RESULTS: At 6 months and 2 years post-surgery, there were no significant differences in the functional scores between the groups. The number of patients who attained minimum clinically important difference (MCID) for each of the functional scores was also comparable between the groups. CONCLUSIONS: In patients undergoing UKA, functional outcomes and quality of life scores were comparable between those who received topical TXA and those who did not. There was no significant improvement or impairment in knee function associated with topical TXA administration in UKA up to 2 years follow-up.

What Preoperative Factors Are Associated With Achieving a Clinically Meaningful Improvement and Satisfaction After Single-Level Transforaminal Lumbar Interbody Fusion for Degenerative Spondylolisthesis?

STUDY DESIGN: Prospective cohort study. OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to identify preoperative factors associated with clinically meaningful improvement, patient satisfaction and expectation fulfilment at 2 years follow-up in patients undergoing single-level TLIF for degenerative spondylolisthesis. METHODS: Patients who underwent a primary, single-level TLIF for degenerative spondylolisthesis between 2006 and 2015 were identified from a prospectively maintained institutional spine registry. Baseline characteristics and PROMs including the Oswestry Disability Index (ODI), 36-Item Short-Form Physical Component Score (SF-36 PCS), Mental Component Score (SF-36 MCS), Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) back pain, and VAS leg pain were collected preoperatively, at 1 month, 3 months, 6 months, and 2 years. RESULTS: A total of 997 patients were included. Multivariate analyses showed that increasing age (OR 1.039, P < .001) and better preoperative ODI (OR .984, P = .018) were associated with achieving minimal clinically important difference (MCID) for VAS Back. Increasing age (OR 1.032, P = .007) and better preoperative VAS Back (OR .783, P < .001) were associated with achieving MCID for VAS Leg. Lower BMI (OR .952, P = .024) and better preoperative ODI (OR .976, P < .001) were associated with achieving MCID for SF-36 PCS. Importantly, a better preoperative SF-36 MCS was associated with MCID attainment for ODI (OR 1.038, P < .001), satisfaction (OR 1.034, P < .001) and expectation fulfilment (OR 1.024, P < .001). CONCLUSION: Patients who were older, have less preoperative disability and better preoperative mental health were significantly more likely to attain clinically meaningful improvement in PROMs and postoperative satisfaction after single-level TLIF. Identification of these factors would aid surgeons in patient selection and surgical counselling for single-level TLIF.

Risk Factors of Postoperative Shoulder Imbalance in Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis: The Role of Sagittal Spinopelvic Parameters and Upper Instrumented Vertebrae Selection.

STUDY DESIGN: This is a retrospective study. OBJECTIVE: To determine (1) the independent risk factors of postoperative shoulder imbalance (PSI) after adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) correction surgery; and (2) whether the level of upper instrumented vertebrae (UIV) affects postoperative shoulder balance. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: PSI is an important outcome of AIS correction surgery as it influences a patient's appearance and satisfaction. However, risk factors for PSI remain controversial and there are currently no studies evaluating the effect of sagittal spinopelvic parameters on PSI. Previous studies on the relationship between the level of UIV and PSI have also reported conflicting results. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Sixty-nine AIS patients undergoing correction surgery at a single institution were retrospectively reviewed. Radiographic parameters were measured on anteroposterior and lateral x-rays preoperatively, immediate postoperatively, and 12 months postoperatively. At 1 year follow-up, patients were divided into 2 groups based on their radiographic shoulder height (RSH): (1) PSI group (RSH ≥20 mm) and (2) non-PSI group (RSH <20 mm). RESULTS: On multivariate regression analysis, a lower postoperative main thoracic curve (MTC) [odds ratio (OR): 0.702, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.519-0.949, P=0.022], greater percentage correction of MTC (OR: 1.526, 95% CI: 1.049-2.220, P=0.027) and higher postoperative sacral slope (OR: 1.364, 95% CI: 1.014-1.834, P=0.040) were identified as independent risk factors of PSI. When preoperative, postoperative, and absolute change in shoulder parameters were compared across the level of UIV, no significant differences were found regardless of the radiographic shoulder parameter analyzed. CONCLUSIONS: Lower postoperative MTC, greater percentage correction of MTC and higher postoperative sacral slope were independent risk factors of PSI. Shoulder balance and symmetry were not affected by the level of UIV selected. Relative curve correction is a more important consideration than UIV to avoid PSI after AIS correction surgery. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: III.

Shoulder Balance Following Correction Surgery for Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis: When Is It Achieved and Does the Type of Construct Matter?

STUDY DESIGN: This is a retrospective study. OBJECTIVE: This study aims to determine (1) when shoulder rebalancing occurs after adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) correction surgery and (2) whether shoulder asymmetry was influenced by the use of pedicle screws or hooks. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: Postoperative shoulder imbalance is an important outcome of AIS correction surgery as it may influence a patient's appearance and satisfaction. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Seventy AIS patients undergoing AIS correction surgery at a single institution were retrospectively reviewed. Radiographic parameters were measured from anteroposterior x-rays at preoperative, immediate postoperative, 6 months postsurgery, and 12 months postsurgery. Shoulder parameters measured were: radiographic shoulder height (RSH), clavicle angle, coracoid height difference (CHD), and T1 tilt. The Cobb angle of the proximal thoracic curve, major thoracic curve, and thoracolumbar/lumbar curve. The percentage of correction was also calculated. RESULTS: Lateral shoulder asymmetry (RSH and CHD) changed significantly from preoperative to up to 6 months postsurgery. T1 tilt, a measure of medial shoulder asymmetry, did not change significantly. Postoperatively, the hook group attained significantly better shoulder balance than the screw group in terms of RSH and CHD up to 12 months postsurgery. However, the percentage correction of the major thoracic curve was significantly greater in the screw group than the hook group (hook: 62.2±18.4% vs. screw: 76.0±16.0%, P=0.007). CONCLUSIONS: Lateral shoulder rebalancing occurs up to 6 months after surgery. While thoracic pedicle screws offer greater correction of major AIS curves, hook constructs offer better postoperative shoulder symmetry. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: III.

Comparing the Predictors of Functional Outcomes After Arthroscopic Rotator Cuff Repair Modified Frailty Index, Clinical Frailty Scale, and Charlson Comorbidity Index.

BACKGROUND: The incidence of rotator cuff tears increases with age, and operative management is usually required in patients with persistent symptoms. Although several studies have analyzed the effect of age and comorbidities on outcomes after rotator cuff repair, no study has specifically examined the consequence of frailty. PURPOSE: To determine the best frailty/comorbidity index for predicting functional outcomes after arthroscopic rotator cuff repair. STUDY DESIGN: Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3. METHODS: The authors conducted a retrospective cohort study of 340 consecutive patients who underwent unilateral arthroscopic rotator cuff repair at a tertiary hospital between April 2016 and April 2018. All patients had undergone arthroscopic double-row rotator cuff repair with subacromial decompression by a single fellowship-trained shoulder surgeon. Patient frailty was measured using the Modified Frailty Index (MFI), Clinical Frailty Scale (CFS), and Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI), calculated through retrospective chart review based on case notes made just before surgery; patient age and sex were also noted preoperatively. Functional outcomes using the Oxford Shoulder Score (OSS), Constant Shoulder Score (CSS), University of California Los Angeles (UCLA) Shoulder Score, and visual analog scale for pain were measured preoperatively and at 3, 6, 12, and 24 months postoperatively. RESULTS: The MFI was a consistent significant predictor in all functional outcome scores up to 24 months postoperatively (P < .05), unlike the CFS and CCI. Sex was also a significant predictor of postoperative OSS, CSS, and UCLA Shoulder Score, with male sex being associated with better functional outcomes. Patients with higher MFI scores had slower functional improvement postoperatively, but they eventually attained functional outcome scores comparable with those of their counterparts with lower MFI scores at 24 months postoperatively. CONCLUSION: The MFI was found to be a better tool for predicting postoperative function than was the CFS or CCI in patients undergoing arthroscopic rotator cuff repair. The study findings suggest that a multidimensional assessment of frailty (including both functional status and comorbidities) is important in determining functional outcomes after arthroscopic rotator cuff repair.

The UCLA Shoulder Score Is a Better Predictor of Treatment Success Than the Constant and Oxford Shoulder Scores After Arthroscopic Rotator Cuff Repair: A 2-Year Follow-Up Study.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to determine the correlation between functional outcome scores and treatment success after arthroscopic rotator cuff repair. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective cohort study of patients who underwent unilateral rotator cuff repair at a tertiary hospital between 2010 and 2015. University of California at Los Angeles Shoulder Score (UCLASS), Constant Shoulder Score (CSS), and Oxford Shoulder Score (OSS) were measured before and at 6, 12, and 24 months after surgery. Patients were divided into 2 groups at each follow-up: (1) those with successful treatment and (2) those with unsuccessful treatment. Treatment success was defined as simultaneous fulfilment of 3 criteria: clinically significant improvement in pain, expectations for surgery met, and patient satisfied with surgery. RESULTS: A total of 214 subjects met the inclusion criteria. UCLASS was a consistent significant predictor of treatment success at 6 months (odds ratio [OR] 1.192, P = .005, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.054-1.348), 12 months (OR 1.274, P < .001, 95% CI 1.153-1.406), and 24 months (OR 1.266, P < .001, 95% CI 1.162-1.380). Lower preoperative CSS was significant in predicting treatment success at 6 months (OR 0.952, P = .001, 95% CI 0.926-0.979), while larger tear size was significant in predicting treatment success at 24 months (OR 1.773, P = .043, 95% CI 1.019-3.083). CONCLUSION: UCLASS is a better tool for predicting treatment success than CSS and OSS in patients undergoing arthroscopic rotator cuff repair, up to a minimum of 24 months' follow-up. A holistic assessment of shoulder function, taking into account both subjective and objective evaluation of function, as well as patient-reported satisfaction, is important in determining treatment success after arthroscopic rotator cuff repair. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: III, retrospective comparative study.

Clinical Outcomes of Open Versus Arthroscopic Broström Procedure for Lateral Ankle Instability: A Meta-analysis.

Arthroscopic repair of the anterior talofibular ligament is becoming increasingly popular as a surgical option for lateral ankle instability. However, studies directly comparing outcomes of open and arthroscopic anterior talofibular ligament repair continue to present conflicting conclusions. This review aims to compare the clinical outcomes of arthroscopic and open Broström procedure. A systematic literature review was performed using MEDLINE, Cochrane Library, and EMBASE from January 2010 to March 2020 to identify all clinical studies (level of evidence I-III) comparing outcomes of arthroscopic versus open Broström procedure for chronic lateral ankle instability. Six studies were included in this review. The arthroscopic technique, compared to the open technique, resulted in higher American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society scores (weighted mean difference [WMD] = 1.20, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.05-2.34, p= .04), higher Karlsson scores (WMD = 1.86, 95% CI: 0.46-3.25, p= .009) and lower Visual Analog Scale pain scores (WMD = -0.31, 95% CI: -0.51 to -0.10, p= .003). There were no differences between the groups in terms of postoperative anterior drawer test (WMD = -0.10, 95% CI: -0.60 to 0.39, p= .68), talar tilt (WMD = 0.31, 95% CI: -0.10 to 0.72, p= .14) or overall complication rates (odds ratio [OR] = 0.78, 95% CI: 0.37-1.64, p= .51). The odds of wound-related complications in arthroscopic Broström procedures was significantly lower than that of open Broström procedures (OR = 0.25, 95% CI: 0.07-0.95, p= .04). Current evidence shows that arthroscopic repairs offer comparable clinical outcomes with a lower wound complication rate, compared to traditional open repairs.

Mid-term functional outcomes of patient-specific versus conventional instrumentation total knee arthroplasty: a prospective study.

INTRODUCTION: Patient-specific instrumentation (PSI) utilizes three-dimensional imaging to produce total knee arthroplasty cutting jigs which matches patient's native anatomy. However, there are limited mid- to long-term studies examining its clinical efficacy. The aim of this study was to compare functional outcomes of PSI surgery versus conventional TKA surgery at 5-year follow-up. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Sixty patients were prospectively recruited into either the MRI-based PSI or conventional TKA group. Functional outcomes were assessed using the Knee Society Function Score (KSFS), Knee Society Knee Score (KSKS) and Oxford Knee Score (OKS), while quality of life was evaluated with the Physical Component Score (PCS) and Mental Component Score (MCS) of Short-Form 36 and compared between the two groups at 5-year follow-up. RESULTS: Although the PCS was 7 ± 3 points better in the PSI group preoperatively (p = 0.017), it became 5 ± 2 points worse than the conventional group at 5-year follow-up (p = 0.025). As compared to the PSI group, the conventional group showed a significantly greater improvement in PCS at 5 years as compared to before surgery (p = 0.003). There were no significant differences in KSFS, KSKS, OKS or MCS between the two groups. CONCLUSIONS: PSI TKA did not result in improved functional outcomes or better quality of life when compared to conventional TKA. The additional costs and waiting time associated with PSI are not justifiable and therefore not recommended as an alternative to conventional TKA. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: II.

Arthroscopic rotator cuff repair results in similar postoperative functional outcomes in patients with only rotator cuff tears and those with concomitant cervical radiculopathy.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to compare postoperative functional outcomes after arthroscopic rotator cuff repair in patients with only rotator cuff tears versus those with concomitant cervical radiculopathy. METHODS: A retrospective study of patients who underwent unilateral rotator cuff repair at a tertiary hospital between 2012 and 2016 was conducted. Patients included in the study were divided into two groups: (1) those with rotator cuff tears only (RC only) and (2) those with concomitant cervical radiculopathy (RC + radiculopathy). Cervical radiculopathy was treated non-surgically in these patients. Oxford Shoulder Score (OSS), Constant Shoulder Score (CSS), University of California at Los Angeles Shoulder Score (UCLASS) and Visual Analog Scale (VAS) pain score were measured for each patient preoperatively and at 3, 6, 12, and 24 months postoperatively. RESULTS: As compared to the RC-only group (n = 324), the RC + radiculopathy group (n = 33) had significantly poorer OSS (p = 0.001), CSS (p = 0.017) and UCLASS (p = 0.009) functional scores preoperatively. On follow-up, there were no significant differences in functional outcomes between the groups at 3, 6, 12 and 24 months postoperatively for OSS, CSS, UCLASS and VAS pain scores, with the exception of CSS which was higher in the RC-only group at 6 months (p = 0.007). The absolute change and number of patients that attained minimum clinically important difference (MCID) for OSS, CSS and UCLASS at 12- and 24-month follow-ups were also comparable between the groups. CONCLUSION: Patients with rotator cuff tears and concomitant cervical radiculopathy achieve similar postoperative functional outcomes to those with only rotator cuff tears, after arthroscopic rotator cuff repair. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: III.

Similar postoperative outcomes after total knee arthroplasty with measured resection and gap balancing techniques using a contemporary knee system: a randomized controlled trial.

PURPOSE: The Attune® Knee System provides new instrumentation to achieve symmetric flexion/extension gaps in total knee arthroplasty (TKA). However, there is limited information on the optimal TKA technique using this system. The aim of this randomised controlled trial was to determine which surgical technique results in better postoperative clinical outcomes after TKA using the contemporary Attune® Knee System: the measured resection or gap balancing technique. METHODS: A prospective randomized controlled trial was conducted with 100 patients undergoing TKA using measured resection (n = 50) or gap balancing (n = 50) technique. The measured femoral sizer was used in the measured resection group, while the balanced femoral sizer was used in the gap balancing group. Functional outcomes and quality of life were assessed preoperatively and at 6 months and 2 years post-surgery, using the Knee Society Function Score (KSFS), Knee Society Knee Score (KSKS), Oxford Knee Score (OKS), the Physical Component Score (PCS) and Mental Component Score (MCS) of Short-Form 36 (SF-36). Using weight-bearing coronal radiographs, the hip-knee-ankle angle (HKA), coronal femoral component angle (CFA), coronal tibial component angle (CTA) and joint line height were also evaluated for each patient. RESULTS: There were no significant differences in the functional scores or the proportion of patients from each group who were satisfied or had their expectations fulfilled at 6 months or 2 years post-surgery. There was also no significant difference in the number of patients who attained minimum clinically important difference (MCID) postoperatively between the groups. Postoperatively, there was no significant difference in the number of HKA outliers between the groups (p = 0.202). The postoperative CFA (p = 0.265) and CTA (p = 0.479) were similar between the groups. There was also no significant difference in the absolute change (p = 0.447) or proportion of outliers (p = 0.611) for joint line height between the groups. CONCLUSION: Both measured resection and gap balancing techniques resulted in comparable functional and quality of life outcomes up to 2 years post-surgery. Both techniques appear to be equally effective in achieving excellent outcomes with the Attune® Knee System. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: I.

Superior Postoperative Stability and Functional Outcomes With Anteromedial Versus Transtibial Technique of Single-Bundle Autologous Hamstring Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction: A Meta-analysis of Prospective Randomized Controlled Trials.

PURPOSE: The aim of this meta-analysis was to compare the postoperative stability and functional outcomes of anteromedial (AM)- and transtibial (TT)-based single-bundle hamstring anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction techniques. METHODS: A meta-analysis comparing the outcomes of single-bundle hamstring ACL reconstruction using the AM and TT techniques was performed. Prospective randomized controlled trials identified from searches of PubMed, Cochrane, and Embase were included in this review. The outcome measures analyzed included postoperative Lachman test and pivot-shift test results, side-to-side difference, International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) score, Lysholm score, and Tegner activity score. RESULTS: A total of 7 randomized controlled trials (654 patients) were included in this review. The AM technique, compared with the TT technique, resulted in superior postoperative stability based on the negative Lachman test rate (risk ratio [RR], 1.12; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.01 to 1.24; P = .03; 95% prediction interval [PI], 0.32 to 3.46), negative pivot-shift test rate (RR, 1.16; 95% CI, 1.06 to 1.28; P = .002; 95% PI, 0.40 to 2.88), and side-to-side difference (weighted mean difference [WMD], -0.32 mm; 95% CI, -0.48 to -0.16; P < .0001; 95% PI, -0.55 to -0.09). Likewise, the AM technique contributed to superior postoperative functional outcomes based on the proportion of IKDC grade A findings (RR, 1.16; 95% CI, 1.02 to 1.32; P = .03; 95% PI, 0.40 to 2.83) and the Lysholm score (WMD, 0.82; 95% CI, 0.23 to 1.41; P = .007; 95% PI, -0.22 to 1.86). However, the AM and TT techniques had comparable subjective IKDC scores (WMD, 0.98; 95% CI, -0.91 to 2.88; P = .31; 95% PI, -3.18 to 5.14) and Tegner activity scores (WMD, 0.32; 95% CI, -0.23 to 0.86; P = .25; 95% PI, -3.84 to 4.48). CONCLUSIONS: The AM method of single-bundle hamstring ACL reconstruction results in superior postoperative stability and functional outcomes compared with the TT method. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level I, systematic review of Level I studies.

Sagittal Radiographic Parameters of the Spine in Three Physiological Postures Characterized Using a Slot Scanner and Their Potential Implications on Spinal Weight-Bearing Properties.

STUDY DESIGN: Prospective radiographic comparative study. PURPOSE: To compare and understand the load-bearing properties of each functional spinal unit (FSU) using three commonly assumed, physiological, spinal postures, namely, the flexed (slump sitting), erect (standing) and extended (backward bending) postures. OVERVIEW OF LITERATURE: Sagittal spinal alignment is posture-dependent and influences the load-bearing properties of the spine. The routine placement of intervertebral cages "as anterior as possible" to correct deformity may compromise the load-bearing capabilities of the spine, leading to complications. METHODS: We recruited young patients with nonspecific low back pain for <3 months, who were otherwise healthy. Each patient had EOS images taken in the flexed, erect and extended positions, in random order, as well as magnetic resonance imaging to assess for disk degeneration. Angular and disk height measurements were performed and compared in all three postures using paired t-tests. Changes in disk height relative to the erect posture were caclulated to determine the alignment-specific load-bearing area of each FSU. RESULTS: Eighty-three patients (415 lumbar intervertebral disks) were studied. Significant alignment changes were found between all three postures at L1/2, and only between erect and flexion at the other FSUs. Disk height measurements showed that the neutral axis of the spine, marked by zones where disk heights did not change, varied between postures and was level specific. The load-bearing areas were also found to be more anterior in flexion and more posterior in extension, with the erect spine resembling the extended spine to a greater extent. CONCLUSIONS: Load-bearing areas of the lumbar spine are sagittal alignment-specific and level-specific. This may imply that, depending on the surgical realignment strategy, attention should be paid not just to placing an intervertebral cage "as anterior as possible" for generating lordosis, but also on optimizing load-bearing in the lumbar spine.

Should long head of biceps tenodesis or tenotomy be routinely performed in arthroscopic rotator cuff repairs?

PURPOSE: The long head of the biceps tendon (LHBT) lesions are frequently associated with partial or complete rotator cuff tears (RCTs), but controversy revolves around their optimal surgical management. METHODS: Hence this article aims to review the current literature available on the role of biceps surgery in rotator cuff surgery and whether it should be routinely performed in rotator cuff repairs. RESULTS: Furthermore, we also discuss the advantages and drawbacks of tenotomy or tenodesis of LHBT in rotator cuff surgery. CONCLUSION: We conclude this article with recommendations for surgeons performing rotator cuff repairs and future research in this area.

Postoperative spinal epidural hematoma following therapeutic anticoagulation: case report and review of literature.

While the incidence and risk factors of pulmonary embolism (PE) and deep vein thrombosis (DVT) following spinal surgery have been well studied, the treatment of such thromboembolic disease in patients after spine surgery remains controversial. When initiating therapeutic anticoagulation after spine surgery, clinicians must weigh the catastrophic risk of a PE against the risk of bleeding complications associated with anticoagulation therapy. Here we report the case of a 56-year-old male who presented with symptoms of spinal cord compression secondary to metastatic renal cell carcinoma (RCC). An inferior vena cava (IVC) filter was inserted preoperatively and urgent decompression at the thoraco-lumbar region was performed. Therapeutic clexane was started on postoperative day (POD) 7 and he was discharged. On POD 8, he was readmitted following acute bilateral lower limb paralysis. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) revealed a large posterior spinal epidural hematoma with severe compression of the conus at L1 level. Urgent posterior decompression was performed but subsequent recovery was slow and incomplete. His power improved gradually over the right lower limb with attainment of grade 4/5 motor power but still had hemiparesis on his left lower limb upon discharge out of hospital. This case highlights the risk of starting therapeutic anticoagulation following spinal surgery. Prior to starting treatment, the clinician must consider the appropriate dose, timing and alternatives available to avoid unnecessary complications.

Arthroscopic Treatment of Primary Synovial Chondromatosis of the Ankle: A Case Report and Review of Literature.

BACKGROUND: Primary synovial chondromatosis is a rare disease characterized by the presence of metaplastic cartilaginous nodules arising from the synovia. Synovial chondromatosis has been widely described in the large joints, including elbow, hip, and knee joints, but very rarely in the foot or ankle. Data on the arthroscopic management of this condition in the ankle are also limited. CASE REPORT: A 50-year-old woman of Asian-Indian origin presented with the right lateral ankle pain of 1-month duration, associated with swelling and numbness of the joint. Magnetic resonance imaging revealed multiple loose bodies (at least 8) within the anterior ankle joint recess intracapsularly. She subsequently underwent right ankle arthroscopic debridement, synovectomy, removal of loose bodies, and microfracture with good post-operative recovery. CONCLUSION: We report a rare case of ankle synovial chondromatosis with multiple loose bodies managed arthroscopically. Arthroscopic approach is a good alternative to open arthrotomy for the treatment of synovial chondromatosis of the ankle.

Elucidation of the novel role of ethnicity and diabetes in poorer outcomes after cardiac surgery in a multiethnic Southeast Asian cohort.

BACKGROUND: Although diabetes is associated with ethnicity and worse cardiac surgery outcomes, no research has been done to study the effect of both diabetes and ethnicity on cardiac surgery outcomes in a multiethnic Southeast Asian cohort. Hence, this study aimed to delineate the association of ethnicity on outcomes after cardiac surgery among diabetics in a multiethnic Southeast Asian population. METHODS: Perioperative data from 3008 adult patients undergoing elective cardiac surgery from 2008 to 2011 at the two main heart centers in Singapore was analyzed prospectively, and confirmatory analysis was conducted with the generalized structural equation model. RESULTS: Diabetes was significantly associated with postoperative acute kidney injury (AKI) and postoperative hyperglycemia. Postoperative AKI, Malay ethnicity, and blood transfusion were associated with postoperative dialysis. Postoperative AKI and blood transfusion were also associated with postoperative arrhythmias. In turn, postoperative dialysis and arrhythmias increased the odds of 30-day mortality by 7.7- and 18-fold, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: This study identified that diabetes is directly associated with postoperative hyperglycemia and AKI, and indirectly associated with arrhythmias and 30-day mortality. Further, we showed that ethnicity not only affects the prevalence of diabetes, but also postoperative diabetes-related outcomes.