Hemp Seeds in Post-Arthroplasty Rehabilitation: A Pilot Clinical Study and an In Vitro Investigation.

Osteoarthritis is a type of degenerative joint disease that results from the breakdown of joint cartilage and underlying bone. Due to their antioxidants and anti-inflammatory action, the phytochemical constituents of many vegetable varieties could represent a new frontier for the treatment of patients with Osteoarthritis and are still being explored. The aim of this pilot human study was to investigate the effects of pasta enriched with hemp seed flour on osteoarticular pain and bone formation markers in patients in post-arthroplasty rehabilitation. Another purpose was to evaluate the effect of hemp seed extract on bone metabolism, in vitro. A pilot, controlled, clinical study was conducted to verify the feasibility of pain symptom reduction in patients with Osteoarthritis undergoing arthroplasty surgery. We also investigated the effect of hemp seed extract on the Wnt/ß-catenin and ERK1/2 pathways, alkaline phosphatase, RANKL, RUNX-2, osteocalcin, and COL1A on Saos-2. After 6 weeks, the consumption of hemp seed pasta led to greater pain relief compared to the regular pasta control group (-2.9 ± 1.3 cm vs. -1.3 ± 1.3 cm; p = 0.02). A significant reduction in serum BALP was observed in the participants consuming the hemp seed pasta compared to control group (-2.8 ± 3.2 µg/L vs. 1.1 ± 4.3 µg/L; p = 0.04). In the Saos-2 cell line, hemp seed extract also upregulated Wnt/ß-catenin and Erk1/2 pathways (p = 0.02 and p = 0.03) and osteoblast differentiation markers (e.g., ALP, OC, RUNX2, and COL1A) and downregulated RANKL (p = 0.02), compared to the control. Our study demonstrated that hemp seed can improve pain symptoms in patients with osteoarthritis undergoing arthroplasty surgery and also improves bone metabolism both in humans and in vitro. However, more clinical studies are needed to confirm our preliminary findings.

Comparison of Postoperative Occupational Therapy and Narcotic Use in Two Carpometacarpal Arthroplasty Approaches.

BACKGROUND: The authors sought to determine whether differences exist in (1) the number of postoperative occupational therapy visits and (2) narcotic use in two carpometacarpal arthroplasty groups. METHODS: A retrospective study comparing patients undergoing abductor pollicis longus (APL) suspensionplasty (154 patients) or flexor carpi radialis ligament reconstruction and tendon interposition (FCR LRTI) techniques (40 patients) between January 1, 2012, and August 1, 2018, was performed. Data included demographics, procedure performed, complications, number of postoperative occupational therapy visits, and postoperative morphine equivalent dosage used. Statistical testing used the chi-square test for proportions and the Wilcoxon-Mann-Whitney test for nonnormal data. The significance level was 0.05. RESULTS: The APL suspensionplasty and FCR LRTI groups had similar ages (58.1 ± 7.8 years versus 58.1 ± 7.7 years), sex ratios (73 percent female versus 75 percent female), and preoperative narcotic user proportions (1 percent versus 3 percent). Complication rates following the procedures were similar (21 percent and 18 percent, respectively). The number of postoperative occupational therapy visits following APL suspensionplasty (median, 0; interquartile range, 0 to 4) and FCR LRTI (median, 0; interquartile range, 0 to 4) were not significantly different (p = 0.961). There was less use of narcotics following APL suspensionplasty (median, 375 morphine equivalent dosage; interquartile range, 241.9 to 525 morphine equivalent dosage) compared with FCR LRTI (median, 462.5 morphine equivalent dosage; interquartile range, 375 to 768.8 morphine equivalent dosage), and this difference was significant (p = 0.0007). CONCLUSIONS: The APL suspensionplasty technique had less narcotic use and similar complication rates and occupational therapy visits compared to FCR LRTI. Prospective studies comparing postoperative pain control and function with these two carpometacarpal arthroplasty techniques may be beneficial. CLINICAL QUESTION/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic, III.

Comparison of continuous and single interscalene block for quality of recovery score following arthroscopic rotator cuff repair.

BACKGROUND: Continuous interscalene brachial plexus block (CISB) is well known to reduce postoperative pain and to improve patient satisfaction. However, the effect of CISB on the quality of postoperative recovery is unknown. We Compared the quality of recovery from arthroscopic rotator cuff repair in patients who received CISB or single interscalene brachial plexus block (SISB). METHODS: This prospective non-randomized controlled trial with propensity score matching enrolled 134 patients undergoing arthroscopic surgery for rotator cuff repair. Each patient received an interscalene block before surgery. One group had a catheter insertion 30 min after the end of surgery and started patient-controlled regional analgesia (PCRA, n = 49). The other group received intravenous patient-controlled analgesia (IV-PCA, n = 85). The primary outcome was the quality of recovery (QoR-40) score. Also, postoperative analgesia, sleep quality, and postoperative complications were evaluated. RESULTS: The two groups had similar QoR-40 score on postoperative day-1 (POD1), but the PCRA group had a significantly greater QoR-40 score on POD2 (156.0, IQR: 143.0, 169.0 vs. 171.0, IQR: 159.0, 178.0; p < 0.001). The IV-PCA group received more analgesics during the 2 days after surgery, especially during night-time, and had a higher prevalence of sleep disturbances. The time to first additional analgesics request was significantly longer in PCRA group (14 hours, 95% CI: 13-16 vs. 44 hours, 95% CI: 28-not applicable). The incidence of postoperative nausea and vomiting significantly lower in the PCRA group (16.3% vs 46.9%, p = 0.002). CONCLUSION: CISB showed a higher quality of recovery score than SISB with IV-PCA in arthroscopic rotator cuff repair, probably related to the effective analgesia, improved sleep quality, and reduced opioid-related complications.

Is There a Disadvantage to Early Physical Therapy After Multiligament Surgery for Knee Dislocation? A Pilot Randomized Clinical Trial.

BACKGROUND: Multiligament knee injuries, though rare, can be profoundly disabling. Surgeons disagree about when to initiate rehabilitation after surgical reconstruction due to the conflicting priorities of postoperative stability and motion. QUESTIONS/PURPOSES: (1) Does early or late initiation of physical therapy after multiligament knee surgery result in fewer postoperative manipulations? (2) Does early versus late physical therapy compromise stability postoperatively? (3) Does early initiation of physical therapy result in improved patient-reported outcomes, as measured by the Multi-ligament Quality of Life (ML-QOL) score? METHODS: Between 2011 and 2016, 36 adults undergoing multiligament repair or reconstruction were prospectively enrolled in a randomized controlled trial and randomized 1:1 to either early rehabilitation or late rehabilitation after surgery. Eligibility included those with an injury to the posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) and at least one other ligament, as well as the ability to participate in early rehabilitation. Patients who were obtunded or unable to adhere to the protocols for other reasons were excluded. Early rehabilitation consisted of initiating a standardized physical therapy protocol on postoperative day 1 involving removal of the extension splint for quadriceps activation and ROM exercises. Late rehabilitation consisted of full-time immobilization in an extension splint for 3 weeks. Following this 3-week period, both groups engaged in the same standardized physical therapy protocol. All surgical reconstructions were performed at a single center by one of two fellowship-trained sports orthopaedic surgeons, and all involved allograft Achilles tendon PCL reconstruction. When possible, hamstring autograft was used for ACL and medial collateral ligament reconstructions, whereas lateral collateral ligament and posterolateral reconstruction was performed primarily with allograft. The primary outcome was the number of patients undergoing manipulation during the first 6 months. Additional outcomes added after trial registration were patient-reported quality of life scores (ML-QOL) at 1 year and an objective assessment of laxity through a physical examination and stress radiographs at 1 year. One patient from each group was not assessed for laxity or ROM at 1 year, and one patient from each group did not complete the ML-QOL questionnaires. No patient crossover was observed. RESULTS: With the numbers available, there was no difference in the use of knee manipulation during the first 6 months between the rehabilitation groups: 1 of 18 patients in the early group and 4 of 18 patients in the late group (p = 0.34). Similarly, there were no differences in knee ROM, stability, or patient-reported quality of life (ML-QOL) between the groups at 1 year. CONCLUSION: With the numbers available in this study, we were unable to demonstrate a difference between early and late knee rehabilitation with regard to knee stiffness, laxity, or patient-reported quality of life outcomes. The results of this small, randomized pilot study suggest a potential role for early rehabilitation after multiligament reconstruction for knee dislocation, which should be further explored in larger multi-institutional studies. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level II, therapeutic study.

Clinical Outcomes of Posterolateral Complex Reconstruction Performed with a Single Femoral Tunnel.

The objective of this study is to report the functional outcomes, complications, and reconstruction failure rate of patients undergoing posterolateral complex reconstruction with a single femoral tunnel technique. Patients with posterolateral complex injuries associated with injury of the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL), posterior cruciate ligament (PCL), or both undergoing surgical treatment with the single femoral tunnel technique were included in the study. The International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) and Lysholm's scales were evaluated, in addition to age, gender, time between trauma and surgery, trauma type, range of motion (ROM) restrictions, peroneal nerve injury, and reconstruction failure. Sixty-six patients were included. Eighteen underwent ACL and posterolateral complex (PLC) reconstruction (group 1), 24 underwent ACL, PCL, and PLC reconstruction (group 2), and 24 underwent PCL and PLC reconstruction (group 3). The mean follow-up was 63 months. The subjective IKDC was 83.7 ± 14.6 for group 1, 74.3 ± 12.6 for group 2, and 66.3 ± 16.0 for group 3 (p < 0.001). The Lysholm's score was 87.1 ± 12.8 for group 1, 79.5 ± 15.0 for group 2, and 77.7 ± 15.2 for group 3 (p = 0.042). There were six reconstruction failures among the patients (9.1%) with no differences among the groups (p = 0.368). Female gender and reconstruction failure were associated with worse outcomes. Patients undergoing reconstruction of PLC structures with the single femoral tunnel technique achieved good functional outcomes and a failure rate similar to literature. Patients undergoing only combined ACL reconstruction showed better outcomes than patients undergoing combined PCL reconstruction. Female gender was associated with a worse functional outcome irrespective of the injury type.

Cuistow: Chinese Unique Inlay Bristow: A Novel Arthroscopic Surgical Procedure for Treatment of Recurrent Anterior Shoulder Instability with a Minimum 3-Year Follow-Up.

BACKGROUND: The prevalence of nonunion after the Latarjet procedure remains high. The purpose of the present study was to investigate healing and clinical outcomes after a novel arthroscopic coracoid process transfer procedure. METHODS: Sixty-three patients who underwent the arthroscopic inlay Bristow procedure combined with Bankart repair were identified, and 51 patients who met the inclusion criteria were enrolled in this study. The key feature of this technique was that the coracoid process was trimmed and fixed into a trough (5 to 10 mm deep) in the glenoid neck with a metal screw. Bone graft union and positioning accuracy were assessed with use of postoperative computed tomography (CT) imaging. Clinical examinations, return to sport, and functional scores (American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons [ASES] and Rowe scores) were recorded. RESULTS: The mean duration of follow-up (and standard deviation) was 41.5 ± 7.7 months (range, 36 to 48 months). Postoperative CT scans showed that the position of coracoid graft was at 4:10 (from 3:50 to 5:00) (referencing the right shoulder) in the sagittal view. The α angle was 16.4° ± 9.5°, with 4 (7.8%) of 51 screws being over-angulated (α > 25°). On the axial view, the graft position was considered to be flush in 33 patients (64.7%), medial in 11 (21.6%), congruent in 7 (13.7%), and lateral or too medial in none. At 1 year, the coracoid graft had healed in 49 patients (96.1%) and had failed to unite in 2 patients. CT scanning, performed for 47 patients, showed grade-0 osteolysis in 9 patients, grade-1 osteolysis in 21 patients, and grade-2 osteolysis in 17 patients. At the time of the latest follow-up, there was a significant increase in the Rowe score (from 35.5 ± 8.3 to 95.7 ± 7.2) and the ASES score (from 71.2 ± 9.7 to 91.5 ± 4.4), and 87.0% of patients were able to return to sport. No arthropathy was observed in any patient. CONCLUSIONS: After a minimum 3-year follow-up, the arthroscopic inlay Bristow procedure resulted in a high rate of graft healing, excellent clinical outcomes, and a high rate of return to sports. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic Level IV. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

Impact of demonstration in a realistic simulation environment as a postoperative education in patients' experience.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the impact of training in the Practical Life Room on patients experience during hospitalization. METHODS: Subjects submitted to orthopedic surgeries were randomized to two groups (Control and Intervention) in the postoperative period. The Control Group received only the printed guidelines regarding the postoperative period, and the Intervention Group received the printed guidelines and a demonstration and training session with a physical therapist, in an environment created to simulate a house and its rooms (living room, bedroom, kitchen, laundry and bathroom). The participants of both groups answered the questionnaire Hospital Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems on the day of discharge. RESULTS: Sixty-eight subjects were included in the study, 30 (44.1%) in the Control Group and 38 (55.9%) in the Intervention Group. The Hospital Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems questionnaire score showed no significant difference between the groups (p=0.496). CONCLUSION: There was no influence of the proposed intervention on the results of the Hospital Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems questionnaire, perhaps because of the limitation of the instrument or due to the fact it was employed when patients were still hospitalized. However, by reports from patients in the Intervention Group about felling better prepared and safer for performing daily activities, it is believed that patient education approaches through demonstration should be included as part of the process to prepare for discharge, whenever possible.

[The evaluation of polyclinic rehabilitation after prosthetic arthroplasty].

The study considers quality of assessing functioning, limitation of vital activity and patient participation in outpatient stage of rehabilitation according traumatology and orthopedics profile. The sampling included 712 out-patient records of patients with complete endoprosthesis replacement of hip (299 or 42%) and knee (413 or 58%) joints. The study analyzed application of the Haris, Leken and Rankin scales, hospital anxiety and depression scale (HADS), quality of life questionnaire (EQ-5D), recommended as mandatory examination tools in case of rehabilitation after endoprosthesis replacement. The statistical data processing was performed using software IBM SPSS Statistics version 23. It is established that Harris and Leken scales, hospital anxiety and depression scale (HADS) were not applied to any patient. The functional structural deformation of joint and/or limb with detailed elaboration of degrees and centimeters is described in 10% of medical records, but it completely matches data from hospital case records. At completion of rehabilitation cycle, 55.9% of all primary complaints are repeated in final diaries. What is regarded 39.3% of primary complaints, there is no information about their elimination. In 25.9% of patients in their final diaries the complaints are present that were not indicated after primary and subsequent examinations. The evaluation according both modified Rankin scale (13.1% of patients) and the quality of life questionnaire (EQ-5D) (6.9% of patients) was implemented only in case of referral to medical social expertise examination. The out-patient rehabilitation cycle was uncompleted in 26% of patients.

Impact of demonstration in a realistic simulation environment as a postoperative education in patients' experience / Impacto do uso de técnicas de demonstração em ambiente de simulação realística como forma de educação pós-operatória na experiência do paciente internado

ABSTRACT Objective To evaluate the impact of training in the Practical Life Room on patients experience during hospitalization. Methods Subjects submitted to orthopedic surgeries were randomized to two groups (Control and Intervention) in the postoperative period. The Control Group received only the printed guidelines regarding the postoperative period, and the Intervention Group received the printed guidelines and a demonstration and training session with a physical therapist, in an environment created to simulate a house and its rooms (living room, bedroom, kitchen, laundry and bathroom). The participants of both groups answered the questionnaire Hospital Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems on the day of discharge. Results Sixty-eight subjects were included in the study, 30 (44.1%) in the Control Group and 38 (55.9%) in the Intervention Group. The Hospital Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems questionnaire score showed no significant difference between the groups (p=0.496). Conclusion There was no influence of the proposed intervention on the results of the Hospital Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems questionnaire, perhaps because of the limitation of the instrument or due to the fact it was employed when patients were still hospitalized. However, by reports from patients in the Intervention Group about felling better prepared and safer for performing daily activities, it is believed that patient education approaches through demonstration should be included as part of the process to prepare for discharge, whenever possible.

RESUMO Objetivo Avaliar o impacto do treinamento no Ambiente Vida Prática na experiência do paciente durante a internação. Métodos Pacientes em pós-operatório de cirurgias ortopédicas foram randomizados em dois grupos (Controle e Intervenção). O Grupo Controle recebeu orientações por escrito quanto ao pós-operatório, e o Grupo Intervenção recebeu adicionalmente uma sessão de demonstração e treinamento em um ambiente criado para simular uma casa e seus cômodos (sala, quarto, cozinha, lavanderia e banheiro) com profissional fisioterapeuta. Os participantes de ambos os grupos responderam o Questionário de Avaliação do Paciente Internado Relativo aos Sistemas e Prestadores de Cuidados de Saúde no dia da alta hospitalar. Resultados Foram analisados 68 indivíduos, sendo 30 (44,1%) do Grupo Controle e 38 (55,9%) do Grupo Intervenção. O escore do Questionário de Avaliação do Paciente Internado Relativo aos Sistemas e Prestadores de Cuidados de Saúde foi semelhante entre os dois grupos (p=0,496). Conclusão Não houve influência da intervenção proposta nos resultados do Questionário de Avaliação do Paciente Internado Relativo aos Sistemas e Prestadores de Cuidados de Saúde, talvez por limitação do instrumento ou por sua aplicação com o paciente ainda internado. Entretanto, por relatos dos pacientes do Grupo Intervenção sobre maior preparo e segurança para a execução das atividades do cotidiano, acredita-se que abordagens de educação do paciente por meio de demonstração devam ser inseridas como parte do processo de preparação para a alta, sempre que possível.

Active Life: a project for a safe hospital-community transition after arthroplasty.

OBJECTIVE: To define the criteria for the continuity of care to elderly people submitted to arthroplasty. METHOD: This is a qualitative study, inserted in the constructivist paradigm, whose methodological option fell on research-action. The participants were the health professionals of an orthopedic service and of the community care teams in the area of the hospital. RESULTS: The different techniques allowed us to identify the difficulties in the safe transition from the hospital to the community. At this level, two categories of criteria for continuity of care emerged: criteria associated with the risk of ineffective management of the therapeutic regimen, and criteria associated with the knowledge and level of competence of the informal caregiver. FINAL CONSIDERATIONS: An elderly person undergoing arthroplasty (hip or knee) has functional alterations that affect their capacity for self-care and may lead to dependence, our findings allowed the design of an algorithm to facilitate clinical decision making and promote a safe hospital-community transition.

Active Life: a project for a safe hospital-community transition after arthroplasty / Vida Ativa: projeto para uma transição hospital-comunidade segura após artroplastia / Vida Activa: proyecto para una transición hospital-comunidad segura después de una artroplastia

ABSTRACT Objective: To define the criteria for the continuity of care to elderly people submitted to arthroplasty. Method: This is a qualitative study, inserted in the constructivist paradigm, whose methodological option fell on research-action. The participants were the health professionals of an orthopedic service and of the community care teams in the area of the hospital. Results: The different techniques allowed us to identify the difficulties in the safe transition from the hospital to the community. At this level, two categories of criteria for continuity of care emerged: criteria associated with the risk of ineffective management of the therapeutic regimen, and criteria associated with the knowledge and level of competence of the informal caregiver. Final Considerations: An elderly person undergoing arthroplasty (hip or knee) has functional alterations that affect their capacity for self-care and may lead to dependence, our findings allowed the design of an algorithm to facilitate clinical decision making and promote a safe hospital-community transition.

RESUMO Objetivo: Definir os critérios para a continuidade da assistência à pacientes idosos submetidos à artroplastia. Método: Estudo qualitativo, inserido no paradigma construtivista, utilizando a pesquisa-ação como opção metodológica. Os participantes do estudo foram os profissionais de saúde de um serviço ortopédico e das equipes de saúde comunitária na área de cobertura do hospital. Resultados: As diferentes técnicas utilizadas nos permitiram identificar as dificuldades para uma transição segura do hospital para a comunidade. Duas categorias de critérios para a continuidade da assistência surgiram: critérios associados ao risco de gestão ineficiente do regime terapêutico, e critérios associados ao conhecimento e nível de competência do cuidador informal. Considerações finais: Um idoso submetido a artroplastia (quadril ou joelho) sofre alterações funcionais que afetam a sua capacidade de autocuidado e podem levar à dependência. Nossos achados permitiram o desenvolvimento de um algoritmo para facilitar a tomada de decisão clínica e promover uma transição segura do hospital para a comunidade.

RESUMEN Objetivo: Definir los criterios para la continuidad de la atención a pacientes ancianos sometidos a la artroplastia. Método: Estudio cualitativo, fundamentado en el paradigma constructivista, utilizando la investigación-acción como opción metodológica. Los participantes del estudio fueron los profesionales de salud de un servicio ortopédico y de los equipos de salud comunitaria en el área de cobertura del hospital. Resultados: Las diferentes técnicas utilizadas permitieron identificar las dificultades para una transición segura del hospital hasta la comunidad. Dos categorías de criterios para la continuidad de la atención surgieron: criterios asociados al riesgo de gestión ineficiente del régimen terapéutico, y criterios asociados al conocimiento y nivel de competencia del cuidador informal. Consideraciones finales: Un anciano sometido a artroplastia (cadera o rodilla) sufre alteraciones funcionales que afectan su capacidad de autocuidado y pueden conducir a la dependencia. Nuestros hallazgos permitieron el desarrollo de un algoritmo para facilitar la toma de decisión clínica y promover una transición segura del hospital hasta la comunidad.

Increasing the deltoid muscle volume positively affects functional outcomes after arthroscopic rotator cuff repair.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to determine the effect of changes in deltoid muscle volume (DMV) on the clinical outcomes of patients who underwent arthroscopic repair due to chronic rotator cuff rupture. METHODS: A total of 54 patients (35 females, 19 males) between 40 and 70 years of age who underwent single-row arthroscopic repair due to chronic rotator cuff tears were compared via preoperative (preop) and postoperative (postop) (6-12 months) magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to determine the total DMV (tDMV). A clinical evaluation was performed with American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES) and Constant scores in both the preop and postop groups. tDMV values were also measured in a randomly selected control group (50 patients). A standardized rehabilitation program was recommended for all patients. RESULTS: Positive correlations were found between the change in tDMV (ΔtDMV) and ASES and Constant scores (p < 0.03 and p < 0.032, respectively). The preop tDMV value was significantly lower in the patient group than in the control group (p < 0.02). Significantly lower ΔtDMV and body mass index (BMI)-adjusted tDMV values [Δ(tDMV/BMI)] were observed in patients who had rerupture at the postop MRI. CONCLUSIONS: According to the present study, changes in DMV impact clinical outcomes after rotator cuff repair. Rehabilitation of the DMV or increasing the preop DMV values positively affects postop clinical outcomes. In addition, if the DMV is below the cutoff value during the preop period, there is insufficient improvement in clinical scores. The clinical relevance of this study is the finding that in patients with a chronic rotator cuff tear and a hypotrophic deltoid muscle, increasing the preop DMV could help achieve better functional outcomes. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Prognostic, Level 3, case-control study.

Rehabilitation Strategies After Shoulder Arthroplasty in Young and Active Patients.

A well-designed and sensibly progressed rehabilitation program is vital to successful shoulder arthroplasty outcomes. This article describes the protocol suggested by ONS clinicians to treat the growing young, active patient population undergoing anatomic shoulder arthroplasty. This protocol includes an immediate postoperative phase, early strengthening phase, resistance strengthening and proprioception phase, and advanced sport-specific and goal-specific strengthening and proprioception phase. These patients may progress more quickly than older patients and require more challenging exercises aimed at regaining strength and mobility for activity, thus this protocol emphasizes incorporating full-body training to prevent undue stress on the repair on return to activity.

Tailored Healthcare: Two Perspectives on the Development and Use of Patient Profiles.

Calls for a more tailored approach to the management of cardiometabolic and musculoskeletal diseases have been increasing. Although tailored care is a centuries-old concept, it is still unclear how it should be best practised. The current paper introduces two phenotype-based Dutch approaches to support tailored care. One approach focuses on patients with type 2 diabetes, the other on patients undergoing total joint replacement. Using the patient profiling approach, both projects propose that care can be tailored by the assessment of biopsychosocial patient characteristics, stratification of patients into subgroups of patients with similar care needs, abilities, and preferences (so-called patient profiles) and tailoring of care in concordance with the common care preferences of these profiles. In this article, the advantages and disadvantages of the method are discussed to enable researchers or clinicians who want to extend the patient profiling approach to other patient populations to carefully evaluate these in relation to their project's focus and available resources. FUNDING: Novo Nordisk B.V., the Netherlands Organisation for Scientific Research (NWO) (Grant 314-99-118) and Zimmer Biomet Inc.

Quality of Life and Functional Outcomes after Multiligament Knee Reconstruction.

We aimed to determine factors that affect the quality of life of patients undergoing a standardized surgical and postoperative management protocol for knee dislocations. A total of 31 patients (33 knees) were included in this study. We contacted patients at a minimum of 12 months postoperatively (mean: 38 months; range, 12-111 months) and administered the previously validated Multiligament Quality of Life questionnaire (ML-QOL), 2000 International Knee Documentation Committee Subjective Knee Form (IKDC), and Lysholm Knee Scoring Scale. We performed independent two-sample t-tests and age-adjusted multivariable linear regression analysis to examine the difference in these scores. Patients who underwent previous knee ligament surgery had significantly worse mean ML-QOL scores relative to patients who did not undergo previous knee ligament surgery (114.3 versus 80.4; p = 0.004) (higher score indicates worse quality of life). All other differences in the ML-QOL scores were not statistically significant. IKDC and Lysholm scores did not differ significantly with regards to the studied variables. Among patients with no previous knee ligament surgery, patients undergoing surgery within 3 weeks of injury had significantly worse mean ML-QOL scores relative to patients undergoing surgery greater than 3 weeks after their injury (98.7 versus 74.7; p = 0.042) and patients with Schenck classification of III or IV had significantly worse mean ML-QOL scores relative to patient with a Schenck classification of I or II (88.7 versus 62.9; p = 0.015). We found that patients with a previous history of knee ligament surgery had a significantly worse quality of life relative to those with no history of knee ligament surgery. This is a level III, retrospective cohort study.

Similar failure rate in immediate post-operative weight bearing versus protected weight bearing following meniscal repair on peripheral, vertical meniscal tears.

PURPOSE AND HYPOTHESIS: Post-operative weight bearing after meniscal repair is a point of debate among physicians. This study sought to evaluate whether patients adhering to an immediate WBAT rehabilitation programme have a higher failure rate compared to those adhering to a more traditional, protected, NWB status following meniscal repair. The null hypothesis was that there would be no difference in failure between the two groups. METHODS: A retrospective review of meniscal repair patients greater than 5 years from surgery was performed for patients receiving meniscal repair treatment. Patients were categorized by post-surgical weight-bearing status, either NWB or WBAT, and then analysed for failure of repair. Failure was defined as re-operation on the torn meniscus. The study controlled for variables including age at surgery, sex, height, weight, and BMI, classification of tear type, acuity of the tear, repair location (medial or lateral), repair location within the meniscus, repair technique, and concomitant procedures. RESULTS: Re-operations were performed in 61 of 157 patients [38.9%]. There was no difference between weight-bearing groups for failure of meniscus repair (n.s.). The tears were acute vertical tears located in the posterior horn and body. For the 61 patients with re-operation, the average time to re-operation was 2.2 years with 10 [16%] > 5 years from surgery, 17 [28%] 2-5 years from surgery, and 34 [56%] < 2 years from surgery. In isolated meniscal repair patients (n = 62), there was no difference between weight-bearing groups for rate of re-operation (n.s.). CONCLUSION: Weight bearing as tolerated after meniscal repair for peripheral, vertical tears does not result in a higher failure rate than traditional, non-weight bearing over a five-year follow-up period. The clinical relevance is that, based on these data, it may be appropriate to allow weight bearing as tolerated following meniscal repair of peripheral, vertical tears. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Retrospective cohort study, Level III.

Radial head prosthesis: surgical tips and tricks.

Radial head prostheses (RHP) have been developed to decrease the complications rate following a radial head resection surgery. The aim of the RHP is to replicate the physiological radiocapitellar tracking, reproducing the mechanical function of the native radial head: to stabilize the elbow and to shear the forces passing through the elbow along with the other stabilizers. The currently used RHP models try to achieve this target with three different prosthesis' strategies: (a) loose fit stem, (b) bipolar radial head or (c) anatomical radial head. Even if the radial head fixation is the preferred technique in every possible case and the resection can be still considered a possible option, in the last years there has been a growing worldwide consensus in using the radial head replacement in patients with unfixable radial head fractures, especially if associated with complex elbow instability. However, complications after a RHP are not uncommon, and their rate is raising as long as the implants number are increasing. The main difficulties are due to the implantation technique that needs to be performed with the same attention and precision used for the replacement of all the other joints, and to the concurrent treatment of the associated lesions. A personalized postoperative rehabilitation program is essential for obtaining good results and decreasing the complications rate. Concern exists for the young age of the patients that often require a RHP: personal experience and literature analysis suggest that if the clinical and radiographic results are positive after a 6-12-month follow-up, good outcomes can be also expected at a medium- or long-term follow-up.

How Satisfied Are Patients with Arthroscopic Bankart Repair? A 2-Year Follow-up on Quality-of-Life Outcome.

PURPOSE: To report general life and health satisfaction after arthroscopic Bankart repair in patients with post-traumatic recurrent anterior glenohumeral instability and to investigate postoperative time lost to return to work at 2-year follow-up. METHODS: Between 2011 and 2013 patients treated with arthroscopic Bankart repair in the beach chair position for acute shoulder instability were included in this study. Questions on Life Satisfaction Modules (FLZM) and the Short Form 12 (SF-12) were used as quality-of-life outcome scales. Oxford Instability Score (OIS), Quick Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand questionnaire (QuickDASH), and self-reported American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES) shoulder index were used as functional outcome scales. Return to work (months) was monitored and analyzed depending on physical workload. Data were assessed the day before surgery and prospectively monitored until 24 months postoperatively. Quality-of-life outcome was correlated with functional shoulder outcome and compared with normative age-adjusted data. Paired t-test, Wilcoxon test, Mann-Whitney U-Test, and Spearman's correlation coefficient were used for statistical analysis. RESULTS: Fifty-three patients were prospectively included. The mean age at surgery was 29.4 years. Satisfaction with general life and satisfaction with health (FLZM) as well as physical component scale (SF-12) improved significantly to values above normative data within 6 to 12 months after surgery (each P < .001). OIS, QuickDASH, and ASES improved significantly from baseline until 24 months after surgery (each P < .001). For ASES, improvement above minimal clinically important difference was shown. There was a positive correlation between quality of life and functional outcome scores (P < .05; rho, 0.3-0.4). Mean time to return to work was 2 months (range, 0-10; standard deviation, 1.9), with significantly longer time intervals observed in patients with heavy physical workload (3.1 months; range, 0 to 10; standard deviation, 2.4; P = .002). CONCLUSIONS: Following arthroscopic Bankart repair, quality of life was impaired during early course after surgery and increased significantly above preoperative levels within 6 to 12 months after the procedure. A steady state of excellent quality-of-life and functional outcomes was noted after 12 months of follow-up. Quality-of-life outcome scales correlated significantly with the functional outcome. Heavy physical workload must be considered as a risk factor for prolonged time lost to return to work. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III, prospective noncomparative therapeutic case series.

Hospital-at-home Integrated Care Program for Older Patients With Orthopedic Processes: An Efficient Alternative to Usual Hospital-Based Care.

OBJECTIVE: To compare outcomes and costs for patients with orthogeriatric conditions in a home-based integrated care program versus conventional hospital-based care. DESIGN: Quasi-experimental longitudinal study. SETTING: An acute care hospital, an intermediate care hospital, and the community of an urban area in the North of Barcelona, in Southern Europe. PARTICIPANTS: In a 2-year period, we recruited 367 older patients attended at an orthopedic/traumatology unit in an acute hospital for fractures and/or arthroplasty. INTERVENTION: Patients were referred to a hospital-at-home integrated care unit or to standard hospital-based postacute orthogeriatric unit, based on their social support and availability of the resource. MEASUREMENTS: We compared home-based care versus hospital-based care for Relative Functional Gain (gain/loss of function measured by the Barthel Index), mean direct costs, and potential savings in terms of reduction of stay in the acute care hospital. RESULTS: No differences were found in Relative Functional Gain, median (Q25-Q75) = 0.92 (0.64-1.09) in the home-based group versus 0.93 (0.59-1) in the hospital-based group, P =.333. Total health service direct cost [mean (standard deviation)] was significantly lower for patients receiving home-based care: €7120 (3381) versus €12,149 (6322), P < .001. Length of acute hospital stay was significantly shorter in patients discharged to home-based care [10.1 (7)] than in patients discharged to the postacute orthogeriatric hospital-based unit [15.3 (12) days, P < .001]. CONCLUSION: The hospital-at-home integrated care program was suitable for managing older patients with orthopedic conditions who have good social support for home care. It provided clinical care comparable to the hospital-based model, and it seems to enable earlier acute hospital discharge and lower direct costs.

A Technique for the Management of Concomitant Scaphotrapezoid Arthritis in Patients With Thumb Metacarpotrapezial Arthritis: Interposition Arthroplasty With a Capitate Suture Anchor.

Scaphotrapezoid (ST) arthritis is a common source of pain and disability that typically presents with concomitant basilar thumb arthritis. ST arthritis is often under recognized and under diagnosed as a source of continued pain after successful basilar thumb arthroplasty. Untreated, symptomatic ST arthritis can cause failure of an otherwise successfully executed thumb carpometacarpal arthroplasty due to persistent pain, which is frustrating to the patient and surgeon. Although multiple surgical treatment options have been described for basilar thumb carpometacarpal joint arthritis, there is no gold standard for the treatment of ST arthritis. We describe a surgical technique with a minimal trapezoid excision and interpositional arthroplasty using an acellular allograft secured with a suture anchor in the capitate.