Laboratory-based versus qualitative assessment of α-defensin in periprosthetic hip and knee infections: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

INTRODUCTION: Two methods are currently available for the assay of α-defensin: the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and the lateral flow test. We aimed to assess the diagnostic accuracy of synovial fluid α-defensin and to compare the accuracy of the laboratory-based test and the qualitative assessment for the diagnosis of hip and knee prosthetic infection. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We searched (from inception to May 2018) MEDLINE, Scopus, EMBASE, Web of Science, and Cochrane for studies on α-defensin in the diagnosis of periprosthetic joint infection (PJI). Sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative likelihood ratio (LR), and diagnostic odds ratio were analyzed using the bivariate diagnostic random-effects model. The receiver-operating curve for each method was calculated. RESULTS: We included 13 articles in our meta-analysis, including 1170 patients who underwent total hip and knee arthroplasties revision; 368 (31%) had a joint infection according to MSIS and MSIS-modified criteria. Considering the false-positive result rate of 8% and false-negative result rate of 3%, pooled sensitivity and specificity were 0.90 (95% CI 0.83-0.94) and 0.95 (0.92-0.96), respectively. The area under the curve (AUC) was 0.94 (0.92-0.94). No statistical differences in terms of sensitivity and specificity were found between the laboratory-based and qualitative test. The pooled sensitivity and specificity of the two alpha-defensin assessment methods were: laboratory-based test 0.97 (95% CI 0.93-0.99) and 0.96 (95% CI 0.94-0.98), respectively; qualitative test 0.83 (95% CI 0.73-0.91) and 0.94 (95% CI 0.89-0.97), respectively. The diagnostic odds ratio of the α-defensin laboratory based was superior to that of the qualitative test (1126.085, 95% CI 352.172-3600.702 versus 100.9, 95% CI 30.1-338.41; p < 0.001). The AUC for immunoassay and qualitative tests was 0.97 (0.95-0.99) and 0.91 (0.88-0.99), respectively. CONCLUSION: Detection of α-defensin is an accurate test for diagnosis of hip and knee prosthetic infections. The diagnostic accuracy of the two alpha-defensin assessment methods is comparable. The lateral flow assay is a valid, rapid, and more available diagnostic tool, particularly to rule out PJI.

Dubious space for Artelon joint resurfacing for basal thumb (trapeziometacarpal joint) osteoarthritis. A systematic review.

Introduction: Trapeziometacarpal arthritis is a common and disabling condition. There is no evidence in the literature of superiority of one surgical procedure over others. Several prosthetic implants have been introduced to preserve joint mobility. Sourced of data: We searched the on Medline (PubMed), Web of Science and Scopus databases using the combined keywords 'artelon', 'thumb', 'carpometacarpal', 'trapeziometacarpal' and 'rhizoarthrosis'; 11 studies were identified. Areas of agreement: The use of Artelon implant is not recommended because of its high revision rate and worse outcomes compared to conventional techniques. Areas of controversy: Inert materials subjected to compressive and shearing forces could produce debris and subsequent inflammatory response. There is debate in the published scientific literature regarding the role of preoperative antibiotic profilaxis and post-surgery inflammatory response. Growing points: Standard techniques such as trapeziectomy alone or combined with interposition or suspensionplasty offer effective treatment for thumb basal joint arthritis. Areas timely for developing research: Several prosthetic implants show promising results in terms of pain relief and functional request, but there is a need of long-term randomized controlled trials to demonstrate their equivalence, and eventually superiority, compared to standard techniques.

Clinical and microbiological outcomes in haematogenous spondylodiscitis treated conservatively.

INTRODUCTION: Spondylodiscitis refers to infections of the intervertebral disc and the adjacent vertebral body. Although it is still considered a rare condition, its rate is projected to increase. Mortality rate is considered to be low, but an estimated one third of the survivors experience residual disabilities. Literature shows that uncomplicated spondylodiscitis can be adequately treated by early antibiotic therapy and immobilization. The aim of the study is to evaluate the outcome of conservative treatment in patients with haematogenous spondylodiscitis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: All patients with haematogenous spondylodiscitis observed in two orthopaedic centres were retrospectively considered. The medical records, radiologic imaging, bacteriology results, treatment, and complications of all patients were reviewed. RESULTS: Thirty patients (median age 64 years, range 15-77, females 56.7%) were considered in the study, eight (26.7%) showed residual back pain at median follow-up of 117 weeks (range 104-189). A significant difference in SF-36 physical (P < 0.001), SF-36 mental function (P < 0.002), and Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) (P < 0.001) scores was observed among patients with residual local pain compared to the ones who had not. Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) infection and symptoms duration before the diagnosis were associated with an increased risk of persistent back pain and permanent disability. The most important negative determinants of SF-36 mental function were the age of patients (ρ = 0.36, P < 0.05), the duration of symptoms before the diagnosis (ρ = 0.44, P < 0.05) and MRSA infection (P = 0.006). Spondylodiscitis sustained by MRSA and the duration of symptoms before the diagnosis influenced negatively the physical status (P = 0.002) and ODI (ρ = 0.36, P < 0.05), respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Conservative approaches are safe and effective for patients without complications. A delayed diagnosis and MRSA infections are related to poor clinical outcome among patients treated by conservative treatment; this must be carried out scrupulously with close patient monitoring.

How to Manage a Failed Cartilage Repair: A Systematic Literature Review.

Purpose The aims of this paper are to report the rate and risk factors for the failure of the most common cartilage repair technique, and analyze the most important factors that could influence the choice of a specific surgical treatment to revise a failed cartilage repair. Methods A review of the literature was performed focusing on failed cartilage repair and related treatments. Two of the authors independently screened articles. Conflicts about the inclusion of a paper was resolved by further evaluation by the senior author. Review articles, articles written in languages different from/other than English, case reports, and papers that did not evaluate the outcomes of interest were excluded. Full-text version of each included paper was obtained and relevant data were extracted and collected in a database. Results At the end of the screening process, 31 articles were included. Microfractures and mosaicplasty showed a nonnegligible failure rate at short- and midterm. Better results, especially in terms of time to failure or revision, were reported with the use of autologous chondrocyte implantation (ACI) and osteochondral allograft (OCA) transplantation. Regarding the treatment of failed cartilage repair, the use of OCA transplantation in patients with previous failed cartilage repair may be a safe option. The revision of failed OCA transplantation with further OCA seems to have a greater failure rate. Patients with previous failed ACI or matrix-induced autologous chondrocyte implantation (MACI) who underwent further MACI or ACI reported acceptable results. Otherwise, ACI in patients with history of previous subchondral marrow stimulation (SMS) demonstrated a greater failure rate. Conclusion From the analysis of the literature, OCA transplantation seems to be the most reliable treatment of a failed SMS. ACI or MACI showed acceptable results in patients with previously failed MACI or ACI. Level of Evidence Level IV, systematic review of level I-IV studies.

Correlation between time from injury to surgery and the prevalence of ramp and hidden lesions during anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction. A new diagnostic algorithm.

BACKGROUND: Anterior cruciate ligament tears (ACL) are associated with meniscal lesions, that could involve the posterior horn of the medial meniscus (PHMM). A variety of techniques has been proposed to better visualise the postero-medial (PM) compartment. The aim of the study is to evaluate the prevalence of longitudinal tears of peripheral attachment of the PHMM during arthroscopic ACL reconstruction, and to describe a diagnostic algorithm. METHODS: 115 patients who underwent arthroscopic ACL reconstruction were enrolled for the study. An anterior and an intercondylar notch visualisation were ordinarily performed. A postero-medial (PM) portal was performed when the instability of the posterior horn was detected. Statistical significance was assessed by a Chi-squared or Fisher's Exact Test for categorical variables, and by a Mann-Whitney U test for continuous variables. RESULTS: We recorded a 9.6% prevalence of lesions of the peripheral attachment of PHMM. Nine ramp lesions and two hidden lesions were diagnosed. Patients treated within 6 months from injury, revealed a statistically significant correlation with a higher prevalence of these lesions. CONCLUSION: Ramp and hidden lesions are very common ACL rupture associated injuries. Our diagnostic algorithm is a valid and safe option to diagnose these kinds of lesions. A correlation between a longer time from injury than 6 months and a reduced prevalence of these lesions was recorded in our population. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: IV.

Supinated forearm is correlated with the onset of medial epicondylitis in professional slalom water-skiers.

BACKGROUND: prolonged and laborious activities involving wrists and forearms has been long associated with the onset of epicondylitis. Slalom water-skiing can be included in this category. The purpose of the study is to analyse the correlation between the pronated or supinated position of forearms during water-skiing practice and the presence respectively of lateral and medial epicondylitis. METHODS: sixty-six pro and semi-pro slalom water-skiers were enrolled in the study. A questionnaire was submitted to each athlete. Diagnosis of lateral or medial epicondylitis was made through anamnesis and clinical exam by an expert orthopaedic surgeon. Chi-squared were performed for categorical variables, and Mann-Whitney U test for continuous ones. RESULTS: from 116 upper limbs examined, we observed 15 (12.9%) cases of lateral epicondylitis, 30 (25.9%) cases of medial epicondylitis, 10 (8.6%) were affected by both lateral and medial epicondylitis. Lateral and medial epicondylitis were associated (95% C.I.=2,489-26,355; P=<0,001) and the supinated position was correlated with medial epicondylitis (95% C.I.=1,529-9,542; P=0.003). CONCLUSION: slalom water-skiing can be considered a high-risk sport for epicondylitis. In slalom water-skiers there is a correlation between development of lateral and medial epicondylitis in the same upper limb. Supinated position of forearms is strongly associated with the diagnosis of medial epicondylitis.