Ninety-day complication rate based on 532 Latarjet procedures in Dutch hospitals with different operation volumes.

BACKGROUND: In this study, we aimed to provide insight into the 90-day complication rates following the Latarjet procedure. Data from 2015 were collected from multiple hospitals in the Netherlands, with different volumes of Latarjet procedures. Our second aim was to examine which patient and surgical factors were associated with complications. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective chart review of 13 hospitals between 2015 and 2022. Data regarding complications within 90 days of Latarjet procedures were extracted. The effect of sex, age, body mass index (BMI), smoking, previous shoulder operations, fixation material, hospital volume, screw size, and operation time on the complication rate was assessed by multivariable logistic regression analysis. RESULTS: Of the 532 included patients, 58 (10.9%) had complications. The most common complications were material failure (n = 19, 3.6%) and nerve injury (n = 13, 2.4%). The risk of complications was lower for male patients than for female patients (odds ratio, 0.40; 95% confidence interval, 0.21-0.77; P = .006). Age, BMI, smoking, previous shoulder operations, type of fixation material, hospital volume, screw size, and operation time were not associated with complications. CONCLUSION: The 90-day complication rate after the Latarjet procedure was 10.9% and was higher in female patients than in male patients. Age, BMI, smoking, previous shoulder operations, type of fixation material, hospital volume, screw size, and operation time did not affect complication rates. We advise setting up a national registry to prevent under-reporting of complications.

The Hip Disability and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score-Physical Function Shortform Does Not Adequately Represent Physical Functioning in Patients Undergoing Total Hip Arthroplasty.

OBJECTIVES: A frequently used patient-reported outcome measure for assessing physical functioning in patients with hip problems is the 5-item Hip Disability and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score-Physical Function Shortform (HOOS-PS). Nevertheless, its content validity (whether this instrument adequately reflects the construct of physical functioning) is unknown. This study aimed to assess the content validity of the HOOS-PS. METHODS: A quantitative and qualitative research approach was used. Physical functioning was defined as the ability to perform activities that require physical actions, ranging from self-care to more complex activities that require a combination of skills, often within a social context. Patients (n = 51) and experts (n = 25) completed questionnaires regarding the relevance, comprehensiveness, and comprehensibility of the HOOS-PS. Semistructured interviews (n = 5) explored issues identified in the quantitative data in more depth. Thematic content analysis was conducted using a coding frame. RESULTS: One of the 5 items was considered relevant to measure physical functioning. Comprehensiveness was considered insufficient by both patients and experts. Furthermore, comprehensibility was considered inadequate. Several items were found ambiguous or double barreled. Regarding interpretability, floor or ceiling effects were not found. CONCLUSIONS: This study showed concerns about the content validity of the HOOS-PS: most items are considered not relevant, the HOOS-PS is considered not comprehensive, and several items are considered not comprehensible. These findings challenge the applicability of the HOOS-PS in clinical practice, research, value-based healthcare, and benchmarking.

The normative Western Ontario Rotator Cuff Index values for age and sex.

BACKGROUND: The Western Ontario Rotator Cuff Index (WORC) is a widely used disease-specific outcome tool developed for patients with rotator cuff injuries. The determination of age- and sex-adjusted normative WORC values enables us to determine whether a procedure is more beneficial in specific patient groups because the results can be compared with a matched standard. The purpose of this study was to determine normative WORC values and assess whether the WORC needs an adjusted score for age and sex. METHODS: We included participants using an online data-capturing program. We collected the following variables: age, sex, presence of shoulder pathology, Subjective Shoulder Value, and WORC score. We defined the mean normative WORC score per age category and analyzed sex differences in WORC scores per age category and in all domains of the WORC score. RESULTS: A total of 470 participants filled out the questionnaire. We excluded 44 participants because of pre-existing shoulder complaints or incomplete questionnaires. The mean total WORC score was 94% (standard deviation, 9%), and the mean total WORC score in every age and sex category was >90%. Of all participants, 85% scored between 91% and 100%; 63 participants (15%) scored 100%. The mean overall Subjective Shoulder Value was 98% (standard deviation, 6%). We found no statistically significant differences between sexes in the overall score, in the domain scores, and within the age categories. CONCLUSION: We defined normative values for the WORC questionnaire in a random prospective cohort and found no difference in scores between sexes. The mean normative scores all were within the variance of the maximum, and the WORC score did not deteriorate with age. It seems that the results of this subjective questionnaire change with the participant's perspective. An adjusted WORC score for age and sex is not necessary. This information can serve as a basis for comparison with patients with shoulder disease.

Resident training does not influence the complication risk in total knee and hip arthroplasty.

Background and purpose - Gaining experience in the surgery room during residency is an important part of learning the skills needed to perform arthroplasties. However, in practice, patients are often not fully comfortable with trainee involvement in their own surgery. Therefore, we investigated complications, revision rates, mortality, and operative time of orthopedic surgeons and residents as primary surgeon performing total knee arthroplasties (TKAs) or total hip arthroplasties (THAs).Patients and methods - In this multi-center retrospective cohort study, 3,098 TKAs and 4,027 THAs performed between 2007 and 2013 were analyzed. Complications, revisions, mortality, and operative time were compared for patients operated on by the orthopedic surgeon or a resident as primary surgeon. An additional analysis was performed to determine whether the complication risk was affected by the postgraduate year of the resident.Results - Orthopedic complication rates were similar (TKA: orthopedic surgeon: 10%, resident: 11%; THA: 9% and 8%), revision rates (TKA: 3% and 2%, THA: 3% and 2%), or mortality rates (TKA: 0.1% and 0.3%, THA: 0.2% and 0.3%). For both procedures a higher non-orthopedic complication rate was found in the resident group (TKA: 8% and 10%; p = 0.03, THA: 8% and 10%; p = 0.01) and a slightly longer operative time (TKA: mean difference 9.0 minutes (8%); THA: 11.3 minutes (11%)).Interpretation - Complications, revisions, and mortality were similar in TKAs or THAs performed by the resident as primary surgeon compared with surgeries performed by an orthopedic surgeon. This data can be used in teaching hospitals and may help to reassure patients.

Editorial Commentary: Optimizing Postoperative Care After Rotator Cuff Repair: What Do We Know and Understand?

Optimization of the management of rotator cuff tears is still needed. Preoperative patient selection, perioperative surgical techniques, and postoperative care are all important topics that are studied extensively. This commentary will examine the current situation and important fields of interest for future research. Postoperative pain management is scrutinized in relation to the level of abduction using an abduction brace.

The lateral femoral notch sign: a reliable diagnostic measurement in acute anterior cruciate ligament injury.

PURPOSE: To describe the validity and inter- and intra-observer reliability of the lateral femoral notch sign (LFNS) as measured on conventional radiographs for diagnosing acute anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury. METHODS: Patients (≤ 45 years) with a traumatic knee injury who underwent knee arthroscopy and had preoperative radiographs were retrospectively screened for this case-control study. Included patients were assigned to the ACL injury group (n = 65) or the control group (n = 53) based on the arthroscopic findings. All radiographs were evaluated for the presence, depth and location of the LFNS by four physicians who were blind to the conditions. To calculate intra-observer reliability, each observer re-assessed 25% of the radiographs at a 4-week interval. RESULTS: The depth of the LFNS was significantly greater in ACL-injured patients than in controls [median 0.8 mm (0-3.1 mm) versus 0.0 mm (0-1.4 mm), respectively; p = 0.008]. The inter- and intra-observer reliabilities of the LFNS depth were 0.93 and 0.96, respectively. Secondary knee pathology (i.e., lateral meniscal injury) in ACL-injured patients was correlated with a deeper LFNS [median 1.1 mm (0-2.6 mm) versus 0.6 mm (0-3.1 mm), p = 0.012]. Using a cut-off value of 1 mm for the LFNS depth, a positive predictive value of 96% was found. CONCLUSION: This was the first study to investigate the inter- and intra-observer agreement of the depth and location of the LFNS. The depth of the LFNS had a very high predictive value for ACL-injured patients and could be used in the emergency department without any additional cost. A depth of > 1.0 mm was a good predictor for ACL injury. Measuring the depth of the LFNS is a simple and clinically relevant tool for diagnosing ACL injury in the acute setting and should be used by clinicians in patients with acute knee trauma. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Diagnostic study, level II.

Chlorhexidine 0.5%/70% Alcohol and Iodine 1%/70% Alcohol Both Reduce Bacterial Load in Clean Foot Surgery: A Randomized, Controlled Trial.

No consensus exists regarding which cleansing technique, solution, and concentration should be used in orthopedic surgery. The aim of this randomized, controlled trial was to compare the effect of chlorhexidine 0.5%/70% alcohol with iodine 1%/70% alcohol on lowering positive cultures before elective foot surgery and to study any wound complications, infections and allergic reactions. Consecutive patients ≥18 years of age scheduled for a hallux valgus correction or arthrodesis of the first metatarsophalangeal joint were included. Swabs were taken from 2 sites before and twice after preparing the skin and were quantitatively and qualitatively analyzed. The study group consisted of 49 patients with a mean age of 52.3 ± 14.4 (range 22 to 75) years of whom 42 (86%) were female. No significant differences were observed for positive cultures between the chlorhexidine (73%, 2%, and 12%) and iodine (68%, 7%, and 9%) group at any time point. Coagulase-negative staphylococci were the most commonly isolated micro-organisms found after skin preparation. Occasionally, Bacillus spp and Corynebacterium spp were cultured. The complication rate 2 weeks postoperatively was 0% in the chlorhexidine group versus 8.7% (n = 2) in the iodine group (delayed wound healing; p = .215). The complication rate at 6 weeks postoperatively was, respectively, 3.8% (n = 1) versus 4.3% (n = 1; both showed swelling and redness; p > .999). There was no significant difference in postoperative wound problems or infection rates between the 2 skin preparation solutions. Chlorhexidine 0.5%/70% alcohol and iodine 1%/70% alcohol both decreased the amount of positive cultures in elective foot surgery.

Abduction Brace Versus Antirotation Sling After Arthroscopic Cuff Repair: The Effects on Pain and Function.

PURPOSE: To study the effects on pain as the main outcome parameter and on function and cuff integrity as the secondary outcome parameters after arthroscopic rotator cuff repair in the short term comparing the abduction brace with an antirotation sling for postoperative shoulder immobilization. METHODS: Eligible patients were between the ages of 18 and 75 years who were diagnosed with a traumatic or degenerative tear of the supraspinatus and/or infraspinatus tendon, confirmed by magnetic resonance imaging, for which an arthroscopic footprint repair was indicated and performed. Patients were randomly allocated to the antirotation sling or abduction brace group. Postoperative pain and use of analgesics were accurately registered up to 3 months after surgery using a patient diary. Follow-up examinations including the Constant-Murley score, Western Ontario Rotator Cuff index, and glenohumeral range of motion were scheduled 6 weeks, 3 and 6 months, and 1 year after surgery. RESULTS: The average level of pain measured directly postoperation up to 1 year after surgery was not significant different between groups. Postoperatively, function scores and glenohumeral range of motion improved significantly for both groups; however, no differences were observed between groups. No retears were observed on ultrasonograph 3 months after surgery. CONCLUSIONS: In the short term, the level of pain, function, and quality of life were not significantly different between the use of an abduction brace and that of an antirotation sling after arthroscopic rotator cuff repair. Based on these findings, the abduction brace used in this study does not seem to be the solution for decreasing the pain experienced in the first postoperative weeks after arthroscopic rotator cuff repair, and both are recommendable. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level I, randomized controlled trial.

Arthroscopic Partial Meniscectomy or Conservative Treatment for Nonobstructive Meniscal Tears: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials.

PURPOSE: To conduct a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials comparing the outcome of arthroscopic partial meniscectomy (APM) with conservative treatment in adults with nonobstructive meniscal tears and to recommend a treatment of choice. METHODS: We systematically searched the databases of MEDLINE, Excerpta Medica Database, Cochrane, the National Health Service Centre for Reviews and Dissemination, and Physiotherapy Evidence Database from inception to May 2, 2016. Two authors independently searched the literature and selected eligible studies. The meta-analyses used a random-effects model. The primary outcome was physical function, measured by knee-specific patient-reported outcomes. Secondary outcomes included knee pain, activity level, the progression of osteoarthritis, adverse events, general health, and quality of life. RESULTS: We included 6 randomized controlled trials, with a total of 773 patients, of whom 378 were randomized to APM and 395 were randomized to the control treatment. After pooling the data of 5 studies, we found small significant differences in favor of the APM group for physical function at 2 to 3 months (mean difference [MD] = 3.31; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.69-5.93; P = .01; I(2) = 0% [Lysholm knee score]), and at 6 months (MD = 3.56; 95% CI = 0.24-6.88; P = .04; I(2) = 0% (Knee injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score [KOOS] and Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index); standardized MD = 0.17; 95% CI = 0.01-0.32; P = .03; I(2) = 0% [Lysholm knee score, KOOS, and Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index]). We also found small significant differences for pain at 6 months (MD = 3.56; 95% CI = 0.18-6.95; P = .04; I(2) = 0% [KOOS] and MD = 0.56; 95% CI = 0.28-0.83; P ≤ .0001; I(2) = 0% [visual analog scale and numeric rating scale]). We found no significant differences after 12 and 24 months. CONCLUSIONS: We found small, although statistically significant, favorable results of APM up to 6 months for physical function and pain. However, we found no differences at longer follow-up. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level I, systematic review and meta-analysis of Level I studies.

Response shift of the Western Ontario Rotator Cuff index in patients undergoing arthroscopic rotator cuff repair.

HYPOTHESIS: This study determined the response shift in patients undergoing rotator cuff repair using the Western Ontario Rotator Cuff index (WORC), a disease-specific quality of life questionnaire. We hypothesized there would be a response shift with a positive recalibration (overestimated their preoperative disability) on the WORC and increases over time. METHODS: The study prospectively included 36 patients undergoing arthroscopic rotator cuff repair. At baseline, 3 months (T1), and 1 year (T2) after surgery the WORC, EuroQol (EQ)-5D-3L, and the patient's level of satisfaction after surgery were scored. To evaluate the response shift, patients also completed the WORC at 3 months (Pre-T1) and 1 year (Pre-T2) as how they perceived themselves to have been before surgery. RESULTS: The result on Pre-T1 and Pre-T2 results revealed that patients retrospectively rated their overall WORC score comparable with the baseline WORC score (Pre-T0; T0 = 40.5 ± 18.4, Pre-T1 = 45.0 ± 22.7, Pre-T2 = 34.3 ± 21.3). No response shift was observed on all domains except a negative recalibrated response shift for emotional disability on T1 (P = .04). CONCLUSIONS: No significant group-level response shift was observed using the WORC, except for the subdomain emotional disability at 3 months after arthroscopic rotator cuff repair. With the absence of any shift in patient's perception on the self-administered quality of life-related WORC questionnaire, this study suggests one could retrospectively reliably conduct group-level preoperative baseline information on quality of life up to 1 year after surgery.

Predictors of disease-specific quality of life after arthroscopic rotator cuff repair.

PURPOSE: Disease-specific instruments of quality of life (QOL) are more sensitive to disease-specific changes. The purpose of this study is to identify prognostic factors for disease-specific QOL after all-arthroscopic rotator cuff (RC) repair using the Western Ontario Rotator Cuff Index (WORC). METHODS: A total of 140 patients were evaluated after an RC repair with a mean follow-up of 22 ± 6.7 months. Evaluations included the WORC, EQ-5D and anchor questions. Preoperative patient demographics and radiologic characteristics were assessed to identify predictors of disease-specific QOL. RESULTS: Most patients (81.4 %) were satisfied with their surgical result. Minor tear retraction (odds ratio [OR] 2.97, p = 0.030), male gender (OR 3.67, p = 0.003), no social benefits (OR 3.67, p = 0.042) and pre-surgical complaints for more than six months (OR 3.03, p = 0.021) were independent predictors for superior postoperative WORC score in multivariable analysis. None of these factors were predictive for a higher EQ-5D score. CONCLUSION: These findings highlight the important impact of retraction on QOL after RC repair and underline the utility of disease-specific instruments. Future studies should focus on how these significant predictors can be used to improve decision making and to develop new treatment approaches.

The Dutch version of the Forgotten Joint Score: test-retesting reliability and validation.

The aim of this study was to translate the Forgotten Joint Score (FJS) into the Dutch language. This -questionnaire was tested for internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha) and test-retest reliability (intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC)). 159 patients were included in this study; 74 with a total hip arthroplasty (THA) and 85 with a total knee arthroplasty (TKA). The FJS showed a high internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha=0.957; ICC=0.943). The FJS showed a significant correlation (r=0.751) with the WOMAC and low ceiling effects (3.1%). This study proved the Dutch FJS to be highly discriminative in patients treated with a THA or TKA. This makes the FJS a reliable patient related outcome measurement, measuring a new dimension in arthroplasty: the ability to forget an artificial joint in everyday life.

Prognostic factors for recovery after arthroscopic rotator cuff repair: a prognostic study.

BACKGROUND: Studies concerning prognostic factors of recovery after arthroscopic rotator cuff repair mostly focus on tendon integrity or functional recovery as an outcome. Little is known about how they influence quality of life after surgery. We therefore tried to identify prognostic factors having an impact on quality of life after arthroscopic rotator cuff repair. METHODS: This study included 30 patients who underwent arthroscopic rotator cuff repair. We assessed Western Ontario Rotator Cuff Index as primary outcome and RAND-36, Constant-Murley score, and a shoulder hindrance score as secondary outcomes. Patients were repeatedly measured: once preoperatively and 4 times postoperatively. Preoperative range of motion, obesity, fatty infiltration, and cuff retraction were preselected as prognostic factors. RESULTS: Patients were significantly improved at 3 months and 6 months after arthroscopic rotator cuff repair. In multiple regression analysis, none of the preselected factors could be identified as a prognostic factor influencing quality of life after arthroscopic rotator cuff repair (measured with the Western Ontario Rotator Cuff Index). For the outcome variables RAND-36 (6 months, 1 year) and shoulder hindrance score (1 year), fatty infiltration Goutallier stages 1 and 2 and retraction grades II, III, and IV were significant predictors. CONCLUSION: Although fatty infiltration and retraction grade predict the RAND-36 and shoulder hindrance score, this study could not support preoperative range of motion, obesity, fatty infiltration, or retraction of the cuff as a prognostic factor for quality of life after arthroscopic rotator cuff repair. This study shows that if selection of patients is done properly, these factors do not influence a successful outcome.

The conceptually equivalent Dutch version of the Western Ontario Rotator Cuff Index (WORC)©.

BACKGROUND: The WORC is a quality of life questionnaire designed for patients with disorders of the rotator cuff, originally developed in English. The purpose of this study was to cross-culturally adapt the WORC for use in the Dutch population and to evaluate reliability, agreement and floor and ceiling effects of this Dutch version in a population of patients with rotator cuff disease. METHODS: Reliability was tested by measuring the Cronbach's alpha for internal consistency and intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC) for test-retest reliability. Agreement was measured using the Standard Error of Measurement (SEM(agreement)); and the smallest detectable change (SDC) was calculated based on the SEM. Pearson Correlations Coefficients were used to comparing the WORC with the RAND-36, the Constant Score and 11-point shoulder hindrance scale. RESULTS: Fifty-seven patients entered into this study of whom 50 were available for test-retest validation. The internal consistency of the Dutch WORC tested by Cronbach's alpha was 0.95 for the total questionnaire. The ICC for the WORC is 0.91 with a 95% confidence interval of 0.85-0.95. Standard Error of Measurement was 6.0 points with a Smallest Detectable Change of 16.7 points on a 0-100 scale. Pearson Correlations Coefficients showed a significant positive correlation between the Dutch WORC and Constant Score (r = 0.60) and a strong reversed correlation with the shoulder hindrance scale (r = -0.75). CONCLUSION: The Dutch WORC seems to be a reliable health-related quality of life questionnaire for patients with rotator cuff disorders. TRIAL REGISTRATION: NCT01532492.

Patient characteristics cannot predict the long-term effect of an intra-articular bupivacaine and corticosteroid injection in patients with femoroacetabular impingement: A retrospective cohort study.

Background: To evaluate predictors for effect of an intra-articular (IA) bupivacaine and corticosteroid injection in patients with femoroacetabular impingement syndrome (FAIS). Methods: All patients between 18 and 50 years old with FAIS who received an intra-articular (IA) bupivacaine and corticosteroid injection between 2016 and 2019 were eligible for this retrospective study. Two groups were made, the non-arthroscopy group (patients for whom conservative treatment with physiotherapy and an IA bupivacaine and corticosteroid injection was sufficient) and the arthroscopy group (patients who needed an arthroscopy because conservative treatment and an IA bupivacaine and corticosteroid injection failed). Multiple regression analysis was performed to analyse the effect of the IA corticosteroid injection and to predict arthroscopic intervention based on sex, age, body mass index, duration of complaints, alpha angle and abnormal bone morphology. Results: In total 103 patients were included; 46 in the arthroscopy group and 57 in the non-arthroscopy group. The groups had similar baseline characteristics. A total of 37 (36%) patients had an effect of 3 months or longer from the IA corticosteroid injection; 31 (54%) were patients in the non-arthroscopy group versus 6 (13%) patients in the arthroscopy group (P < 0.001). Male sex seems to have an negative influence on the duration of the effect of the injection. None of the variables could significantly predict if a patient would undergo arthroscopic intervention (F(7,103) = 8.54, p = 0.3, R2 = 0.11). The effect of the IA injection could not be predicted (p = 0.1; R2 = 0.13). Conclusion: There are no patient characteristics that predict who would and who would not benefit from the IA bupivacaine and corticosteroid injection in patients with FAIS and who would need an arthroscopic intervention within 1 year after the injection. Only male sex seems to have an negative influence on the duration of the effect of the injection.

The incidence of vertebral compression fractures and spinal instability in newly diagnosed multiple myeloma patients.

Background: Multiple myeloma (MM) is a hematologic malignancy, characterized by clonal proliferation of plasma cells in the bone marrow. These plasma cell proliferations frequently result in scattered osteolytic bone lesions and extensive skeletal destruction. Myeloma bone lesions are frequently located in the spine, and are associated with debilitating bone pain and an increased rate of pathologic fractures and mortality. The aim of this study was to investigate the incidence of vertebral compression fractures (VCFs) and spinal instability in patients with MM. Patients and methods: Newly diagnosed patients with MM with computed tomography (CT) scans of the spine within three months of diagnosis were identified through an electronic patient database. Clinical baseline data were manually extracted from the patient charts. Fractured levels were graded on CT scans following the Genant grading system, and spinal instability was assessed through the Spinal Instability Neoplastic Score (SINS). Results: A total of 385 patients with 6289 eligible vertebrae were eligible for inclusion. The mean age at diagnosis was 67 years, and 60% were male. At least one VCF was present in 180 patients (47%). A quarter of fractures were classified as severe. The incidence of fractures increased with more advanced disease stages, and men were more likely to have a fracture than women. Conclusions: Our data show that 47% of MM patients present with one or more VCFs at the onset of their disease, of which 20% were classified as unstable, meaning a surgical consultation is recommended.

Neurological Outcomes and the Need for Retreatments Among Multiple Myeloma Patients With High-Grade Spinal Cord Compression: Radiotherapy vs Surgery.

STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective cohort study. OBJECTIVES: Up to 30% of Multiple Myeloma (MM) patients are expected to experience Epidural Spinal Cord Compression (ESCC) during the course of their disease. To prevent irreversible neurological damage, timely diagnosis and treatment are important. However, debate remains regarding the optimal treatment regimen. The aim of this study was to investigate the neurological outcomes and frequency of retreatments for MM patients undergoing isolated radiotherapy and surgical interventions for high-grade (grade 2-3) ESCC. METHODS: This study included patients with MM and high-grade ESCC treated with isolated radiotherapy or surgery. Pre- and post-treatment American Spinal Injury Association (ASIA) impairment scale and retreatment rate were compared between the 2 groups. Adjusted multivariable logistic regression was utilized to examine differences in neurologic compromise, pain, and retreatments. RESULTS: A total of 247 patients were included (Radiotherapy: n = 154; Surgery: n = 93). After radiotherapy, 82 patients (53%) achieved full neurologic function (ASIA E) at the end of follow-up. Of the surgically treated patients, 67 (64%) achieved full neurologic function. In adjusted analyses, patients treated with surgery were less likely to experience neurologic deterioration within 2 years (OR = .15; 95%CI .05-.44; P = .001) and had less pain (OR = .29; 95%CI .11-.74; P = .010). Surgical treatment was not associated with an increased risk of retreatments (OR = .64; 95%CI .28-1.47; P = .29) or death (HR = .62, 95%CI .28-1.38; P = .24). CONCLUSIONS: After adjusting for baseline differences, surgically treated patients with high-grade ESCC showed better neurologic outcomes compared to patients treated with radiotherapy. There were no differences in risk of retreatment or death.

Investigation of the efficacy and safety of ultrasoundstandardized autologous blood injection as treatment for lateral epicondylitis.

BACKGROUND: There are various conservative treatment options for lateral epicondylitis (LE). The aim is to evaluate pain, daily functioning, and complications after ultrasound-standardized autologous blood injections in patients with LE. METHODS: For this prospective cohort study, consecutive patients (>18 years) diagnosed with LE were included. Autologous blood was injected using a medical device containing an injection disposable with 12 small needles (Instant Tennis Elbow Cure [ITEC]) device. Patient-Rated Tennis Elbow Evaluation (PRTEE), subjective elbow score (SES), palpation and provocation pain, satisfaction, and complications of treatment were measured at baseline and two months after treatment. Paired t-tests and Fisher's exact tests were used for calculating the difference between pre- and post-treatment outcomes. RESULTS: Fifty-five elbows were analyzed. Mean time between pre- and post-treatment was 11.1 weeks (standard deviation [SD], 8.9 weeks). The mean PRTEE score decreased from 68.2 (SD, 15.7) before surgery to 53.2 (SD, 25.9; p<0.001) after. The mean SES improved from 36.9 (SD, 20.8) to 51.7 (SD, 27.4; p<0.001). Despite this improvement, only 44.7% of patients showed relevant clinical improvement in PRTEE, and 37.3% showed significant clinical improvement based on SES. Four patients reported a complication and the injection disposable failed three times. CONCLUSIONS: Ultrasound-standardized autologous blood injection using the ITEC device is not an effective tool in reducing symptoms related to LE. This study showed that only half of all patients experienced a positive effect. In this heterogeneous cohort of patients, we showed no added value of ultrasound standardization.

Satisfaction, functional outcomes and predictors in hip arthroscopy: a cohort study.

INTRODUCTION: Hip arthroscopy is not always successful, leading to high rates of total hip arthroplasty (THA) after arthroscopy. The aim of this study was to identify risk factors for THA, revision arthroscopy and low patient satisfaction and to compare outcomes of the different procedures of primary hip arthroscopy. METHODS: A total of 91 primary hip arthroscopy procedures in 90 patients (66% female) were analysed. Data were gathered from patient files and a questionnaire was sent to patients including the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC), modified Harris Hip Score (mHHS), the EuroQol 5-dimension and questions about return to sports, satisfaction and pain before and after surgery. Using regression analyses, predictive factors for the outcomes were identified. RESULTS: After a mean of 1.6 years, 4 patients (4%) underwent revision arthroscopy and 10 (11%) a THA. Of the responders (62%), 66% of the patients was satisfied to very satisfied about the surgery. Mean mHHS score was 75.3 (SE 1.9) and the mean WOMAC score was 81.0 (SE 2.8). Return to sports rate was 58%. A higher age was a significant predictor for lower satisfaction (p = 0.008) and a longer duration of symptoms was a significant predictor for worse mHHS outcome scores (p = 0.005). CONCLUSION: A higher age is a predictor for a lower satisfaction and a longer duration of symptoms before surgery has a negative influence on functional outcome. No risk factors for THA or revision arthroscopy were found and there were no significant differences in outcome measurements between the performed surgeries.

Long-term quality of life outcome after spondylodiscitis treatment.

BACKGROUND CONTEXT: Spondylodiscitis is the most common spinal infection of which the incidence has increased and the peak prevalence is between 50 and 70 years of age. Spondylodiscitis is often a complication of a distant infection. Early diagnosis can be challenging, and although improvements in diagnostic techniques and modern therapy have diminished the mortality of the disease, current literature about the outcome of spondylodiscitis is scarce. PURPOSE: To evaluate the long-term clinical outcome of patients who suffered from spondylodiscitis. STUDY DESIGN: A two-center cross-sectional study. PATIENT SAMPLE: Patients with spondylodiscitis in two large teaching hospitals in the Netherlands between 2003 and 2017. OUTCOME MEASURES: Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) for back pain, Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) for function, and Short Form 36 (SF-36) for general quality of life of spondylodiscitis patients. METHOD: Eligible patients were identified from electronic patient databases and completed multiple patient reported outcome measures after obtaining informed consent. General demographic and clinical information (age, sex, medical history) were extracted from the patient records. SF-36 domain scores of spondylodiscitis patients were compared with a nationwide population sample. RESULTS: 183 patients were treated for spondylodiscitis; additional questionnaires were received from 82 patients. After a median follow-up of 63 months, the overall mortality was 28%. The mean VAS for back pain was 3.5, and the mean ODI score was 22. In all SF-36 domains a significantly lower score was found in the spondylodiscitis group compared with a normative national Dutch cohort. There was a strong correlation between back pain and ODI scores (ρ=0.81, p<.05). CONCLUSIONS: Our study confirms that spondylodiscitis is a disease causing a profound impact on back pain, function and quality of life. The results suggest that chronic back pain is a debilitating problem, as it has an extensive influence on daily activities and social and psychological well-being, causing significant disability.