Comparison of Cryopreserved Arterial Allografts Versus Heparin-bonded Vascular Grafts in Infragenicular Bypass for Chronic Limb Threatening Ischemia.

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to compare cryopreserved arterial allograft (CAA) to heparin-bonded prosthesis (HBP) in infragenicular bypasses for patients with chronic limb-threatening ischemia (CLTI). METHODS: This retrospective study took place in 2 university hospitals and included 41 consecutive patients treated for CLTI. In the absence of a suitable saphenous vein, an infragenicular bypass was performed using either CAA (24 cases) or HBP (17 cases). Kaplan-Meyer analysis compared primary and secondary patency and amputation-free survival rates. Binomial logistic regression analyzed risk factors for major amputation and thrombosis. RESULTS: The mean followup was 18.5 months (±14.3) in the CAA group, 17.6 (±6.1) in the HBP group. In the CAA group, primary and secondary patency rates at 12 months were 52% (±10.6) and 61% (±10.3), compared to 88% (±7.8) and 94% (±5.7) in the HBP group, respectively. The difference in patency rates was not statistically different (P = 0.27 and P = 0.28, respectively). The statistically significant factors of graft thrombosis were, a stage 4 from the WIfI classification (Wound Ischemia foot Infection) with a 6 times higher risk (P = 0.04), and a distal anastomosis on a leg artery with a 9 times higher risk of thrombosis (P = 0.03). Amputation-free survival rates at 18 months were similar between the groups (CCA: 75% (±9) versus HBP: 94% (±6), P = 0.11). Patients classified as WIfI stage 4 had 13 times higher odds to undergo major amputation than patients with WIfI stage 2 or 3 (95% CI, 1.16-160.93; P = 0.04). The intervention was longer in the CCA group of 74 min (278 min ± 86) compared to the HBP group (203 min ± 69). This difference was statistically significant (95% CI, 17.86-132.98), t(35) = 2.671, P = 0.01. CONCLUSIONS: CCA is not superior to HBP in infragenicular bypasses for CLTI, and may not be worth the extra cost and the longer operative duration.

Prognostic Role of Rib Hump in Overlying Thoracic Curve Correction Above Selective Fusion for Lenke 5 Idiopathic Adolescent Scoliosis.

STUDY DESIGN: Prospective study. OBJECTIVE: To assess whether rib hump is a prognostic factor of final thoracic Cobb angle. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: Correction of thoracolumbar/lumbar curve, preoperative thoracic curves angle, thoracic curves angle on bending, the thoracolumbar-lumbar angle/thoracic curves angle ratio, thoracic kyphosis, and growth stage influences spontaneous correction of uninstrumented thoracic curves angle above selective fusion for Lenke 5 Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis. Indeed, preoperative rib hump has never been expressly evaluated as a prognostic factor of final thoracic curves angle. METHODS: In total, 50 patients with Lenke 5 Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis, selectively instrumented with posterior construct were included. Two patients were lost to follow-up and 48 had follow-up ≥2 years. Demographic data, preoperative thoracic rib hump (measured in millimeter in trunk anteflexion), and radiologic spinal parameters were recorded preoperatively and at last consultation. T test was used to compare mean values, linear and logistic regressions to assess predictability of final thoracic curve angle. RESULTS: Main thoracolumbar-lumbar curve angle decreased from 47 degrees (range, 36-72 degrees) to 12 degrees at the final consultation (range, 1-28 degrees). Thoracic curves angle decreased from 26 degrees (range, 2-40 degrees) preoperatively to 16 degrees (range, 2-41 degrees) at the final consultation (P=0.001) (correction=37%). Preoperative rib hump was present in 10 patients. Final thoracic Cobb angle was 27 degrees (8-41 degrees) in patients with rib hump and 14 degrees (0-32 degrees) in patients without rib hump (P<0.001).Multiregression highlighted thoracic curves angle on bending (P=0.001), preoperative thoracic curves angle (P=0.011) and rib hump (P=0.012) as prognostic factors of higher final thoracic curves angle. CONCLUSION: Rib hump significantly influenced final thoracic curves angle. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III-prospective study.