The Effect of Oral Diet Training in Indwelling Nasogastric Tube Patients with Prolonged Dysphagia.

Background: Patients with severe dysphagia are usually fed using a nasogastric tube (NGT). Many patients who receive long-term NGT feeding are unable to obtain sufficient nutrients orally immediately after NGT removal. Thus, a transitional period involving oral diet training is required to transition from NGT feeding to exclusive oral feeding. We aimed to investigate the therapeutic effect of oral diet training in indwelling NGT patients with prolonged dysphagia. Methods: A total of 175 patients who were fed using an NGT for more than 4 weeks were enrolled. Their swallowing function was evaluated by a videofluoroscopic swallowing study (VFSS). During the VFSS, patients received thick and thin barium while the NGT was inserted. Then, the patients underwent a VFSS without an NGT thirty minutes after NGT removal. If a patient had no aspiration with NGT inserted during the VFSS, oral diet training combined with NGT feeding was recommended. Results: Of the 49 indwelling NGT patients who were recommended to receive oral diet training, 39 (79.6%) transitioned to exclusive oral feeding. A transition period of 2-8 weeks was required for them to achieve full oral feeding. Patients who were eligible for oral feeding trials showed no significant aspiration during the VFSS with an NGT inserted and had sufficient cough function. Patients who required prolonged NGT feeding and who could not complete oral trials showed significant aspiration during the VFSS when an NGT was inserted. Conclusions: This study demonstrated that oral diet training combined with NGT feeding is safe in patients with prolonged dysphagia who have sufficient cough function and no aspiration during VFSS. We suggest that if the patient is a proper candidate for NGT removal, direct oral feeding training with an NGT inserted could be a useful therapeutic strategy during the transitional period from long-term NGT feeding to successful oral feeding.

Does prior rotator cuff surgery influence the outcomes and complications after reverse total shoulder arthroplasty in patients with cuff tear arthropathy or massive rotator cuff tear? A propensity score-matched study.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to compare outcomes and complications in patients with and without a history of prior rotator cuff surgery who underwent reverse total shoulder arthroplasty (RTSA). METHODS: Two-hundred and nine consecutive patients who had undergone RTSA for rotator cuff insufficiency with a minimum 12-months follow-up period were reviewed. A total of 35 patients with a history of prior rotator cuff surgery were made the study group (PS group). Using propensity score matching for age and sex, these patients were matched 1:3 with a control group of 105 patients with no history of prior surgery (NPS group). The mean follow-up period was 41.4 months. RESULTS: Both groups showed a significant improvement of clinical scores and range of motion after RTSA. The PS group showed a significantly higher final visual analog scale (VAS) pain score compared with the NPS group (P = 0.020). The PS group showed a significantly higher incidence of acromial stress fracture compared with the NPS group (17.1% vs 4.8%, P = 0.018), but no significant difference in the overall complication rate was observed (25.7% vs 13.3%, P > 0.05). The PS group showed a significantly higher reoperation rate compared with the NPS group (14.3% vs 1.9%, P = 0.004). CONCLUSIONS: Our study demonstrated that a history of prior rotator cuff surgery was associated with a high incidence of acromial stress fracture and reoperation after RTSA as well as a high final VAS pain score, although satisfactory clinical outcomes after RTSA were achieved in both groups.

The Validation of Two-Dimensional and Three-Dimensional Radiographic Measurements of Host Bone Coverage in Total Hip Arthroplasty for Hip Dysplasia: A Comparison with Intra-Operative Measurements.

Several methods have been introduced to measure the host bone coverage of the acetabular component after total hip arthroplasty (THA). The aims of this study were (1) to validate two-dimensional- and three-dimensional-based host bone coverage measurements by comparing intra-operative measurements, and (2) to determine the minimum host bone coverage for achieving stable cup fixation after THA in hip dysplasia. The clinical outcomes of each patient were evaluated during their final follow-up period using the Harris Hip score (HHS). The coverage of the host bone was analyzed by comparing 2D-based, 3D-based, and intraoperative assessments. The mean HHS was increased significantly from 60.84 ± 14.21 pre-operatively to 93.13 ± 4.59 (p < 0.0001). The host bone coverage ratio measured intraoperatively was 83.67 ± 3.40%, while the ratio measured by 3D CT reconstruction was 82.72 ± 3.59%. There was a strong positive correlation between the intra-operative host bone coverage and the 3D-based one (r = 0.826, p < 0.0001). It is recommended that 3D-based measurements are used to evaluate the host bone coverage after THA in patients with hip dysplasia. In addition, achieving a minimum host bone coverage of 75% is recommended for the attainment of stable cup fixation.

Correlation of Y Balance with Clinical Scores and Functional Tests after Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction in Young and Middle-Aged Patients.

Background: Criteria for return to sports (RTS) following anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction have been extensively studied. But there is no consensus among investigators regarding which factors are most important in determining a safe RTS. Methods: Sixty-one patients who underwent ACL reconstruction were included. Subjective knee scoring systems (International Knee Documentation Committee [IKDC] score and Lysholm score), functional performance tests (carioca test and single-leg hop for distance [SLHD] test), and isokinetic knee strength test were used for assessment and analyzed for association with the limb symmetry index (LSI) of the Y-balance test for lower quarter (YBT-LQ). Results: The LSI of the YBT-LQ was significantly correlated with Lysholm score, IKDC score, Carioca, LSI for the SLHD, and extensor strength deficit at 6 months after ACL reconstruction. At 12 months, Lysholm score, IKDC score, LSI for the SLHD, and extensor strength deficit were significantly correlated with the LSI of the YBT-LQ. Conclusions: The YBT-LQ test could be used conveniently as an additional tool to assess the patient's functional performance results after ACL reconstruction in outpatient clinics.

Outcomes and complications after arthroplasty in patients with osteonecrosis of humeral head- systematic review.

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to investigate the outcomes and complications of hemiarthroplasty (HA) and total shoulder arthroplasty (TSA) in patients of osteonecrosis of humeral head (ONHH) through systematic review. METHODS: PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Meta-Analyses) guidelines were followed by utilizing the PubMed, EMBASE, Scopus, Ovid, and Cochrane Library databases. Keywords included ONHH, avascular necrosis, head replacement, hemiarthroplasty, or total shoulder arthroplasty. Methodological Index for Nonrandomized Studies (MINORS) was used for quality assessment. RESULTS: Ten studies (416 shoulders) were finally eligible and mean MINORS score was 11.9 (ranges, 8-16). HA was performed in 255 shoulders (61.3%) and TSA in 161 (38.7%). Mean age of the patients at the time of surgery was 50.6 years and mean follow-up period was 73.1 months. All clinical scores with range of motion were significantly improved after surgery. Overall complication rate was 20.0% with 10.1% in HA and 17.5% in TSA (p = 0.077). Overall reoperation rate was 11.2% with 7.0% in HA and 15.0% in TSA (p = 0.046). Overall revision rate was 6.4% with 5.7% in HA and 9.2% in TSA (p = 0.349). CONCLUSIONS: Both HA and TSA in patients with ONHH yielded functional improvement with pain relief, but TSA had higher reoperation rate compared to HA.

Complications Related to Latarjet Shoulder Stabilization: A Systematic Review.

BACKGROUND: In cases of recurrent anterior shoulder instability with a glenoid defect, Latarjet procedures are widely used for stabilization. Although complications with this procedure have been reported, few studies have comprehensively analyzed issues related to the Latarjet procedure. PURPOSE: To identify the overall complication rate of the Latarjet procedure used for anterior shoulder instability and to compare the rate of complications between arthroscopic and open approaches. STUDY DESIGN: Systematic review; Level of evidence, 4. METHODS: PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) guidelines were followed by using the PubMed, EMBASE, Scopus, and Cochrane Library databases. Data on complications were extracted and classified as intraoperative, postoperative, or instability-related for further analysis. Quality assessments were performed with criteria from the Methodological Index for Nonrandomized Studies (MINORS). A quantitative synthesis of data was conducted to compare the complication rates between arthroscopic and open approaches. RESULTS: A total of 35 articles were included in this analysis. The MINORS score was 11.89. A total 2560 Latarjet procedures (2532 patients) were included. The overall complication rate was 16.1% (n = 412). The intraoperative complication rate was 3.4% (n = 87) and included a 1.9% (n = 48) incidence of nerve injuries and a 1.0% (n = 25) incidence of iatrogenic fractures. Screw problems, vascular injuries, and conversion arthroscopic to open surgery each occurred at a rate of <1%. The postoperative complication rate was 6.5% (n = 166), and the most common complication was nonunion (1.3%; n = 33). The instability-related complication rate was 6.2% (n = 159) and included a 1.5% (n = 38) rate of redislocation, a 2.9% (n = 75) rate of positive apprehension test, and a 1.0% (n = 26) rate of instability. Overall, 2.6% (n = 66) of patients required an unplanned secondary operation after the initial surgery. The arthroscopic approach was associated with a higher rate of intraoperative complications compared with the open approach (5.0% vs 2.9%; P =.020) and a lower rate of instability-related complications (3.1% vs 7.2%; P < .001). CONCLUSION: The Latarjet procedure for anterior shoulder instability results in an overall complication rate of 16.1% and a reoperation rate of 2.6%. However, serious complications at short-term follow-up appear rare. When the arthroscopic approach was used, the rate of intraoperative complications was higher, although instability-related complications were lower when compared with the open approach.

Postoperative acromiohumeral interval affects shoulder range of motions following reverse total shoulder arthroplasty.

Reverse total shoulder arthroplasty (RTSA) improves function and reduces pain for patients with complex shoulder problems. However, there is a lack of literature regarding the association of radiographic parameters on clinical outcomes after RTSA. The aim of this study was to analyze various radiographic parameters that may be predictive of clinical outcomes after RTSA. A total of 55 patients treated with RTSA were enrolled. Shoulder radiographic parameters were used for measurement of critical shoulder angle, acromial index, acromiohumeral interval, deltoid lever arm, acromial angulation, glenoid version, and acromial height. Preoperative and postoperative clinical outcomes were evaluated at a minimum 2-year follow-up. An analysis of correlations between radiographic parameters and clinical outcomes was then performed. A significant change in critical shoulder angle, acromiohumeral interval, and deltoid lever arm was observed between preoperative and postoperative radiographic measurements. A significant improvement was observed in all clinical outcomes and range of motions from preoperative to postoperative (all p < 0.001). A negative correlation of postoperative acromiohumeral interval with forward flexion (r = - 0.270; p = 0.046), external rotation (r = - 0.421; p = 0.001), and internal rotation (r = 0.275; p = 0.042) was observed at final follow-up. In addition, postoperative acromiohumeral interval less than 29 mm had an 86% positive predictive value of obtaining 130° of forward flexion and 45° of external rotation. It was found that postoperative acromiohumeral interval showed an association with active range of motion in patients who underwent RTSA. In particular, excessive distalization reduced forward flexion and external rotation motion of the shoulder in patients treated with RTSA.

Comparison of Lower-Limb Alignment in Patients with Advanced Knee Osteoarthritis: EOS Biplanar Stereoradiography versus Conventional Scanography.

Background: Accurate measurement of the lower limb alignment is one of the most crucial factors in advanced knee osteoarthritis patients scheduled for surgery. Recently, EOS biplanar stereoradiography with three-dimensional reconstruction was developed. The purpose of this study was to compare radiographic parameters between conventional scanography and EOS in patients with advanced knee osteoarthritis who need surgical treatment. Methods: A total of 52 consecutive patients (104 knees) with bilateral knee osteoarthritis of advanced stage (Kellgren-Lawrence [KL] grade 3 or 4) were retrospectively reviewed. We measured the hip-knee-ankle angle (HKA) on conventional scanograms. In EOS, we measured HKA, hip-knee-shaft angle, mechanical lateral distal femoral angle, and mechanical medial proximal tibial angle. To evaluate sagittal and axial plane alignment, knee flexion angle (KFA), and knee joint rotation (KJR) were also measured. Results: Ninety knees were KL grade 4, and 14 knees were grade 3. The average HKA was 10.14° ± 6.16° on conventional scanograms and 11.26° ± 6.21° in EOS. HKA was greater in EOS than on conventional scanograms, and the difference (1.12°; range, -1.07° to 3.22°) was statistically significant (p < 0.001). Significant correlations were observed on the difference in HKA and mechanical medial proximal tibial angle (r = -0.198, p = 0.044), KFA (r = 0.193, p = 0.049), and KJR (r = 0.290, p = 0.003). In multivariable linear regression analysis, the difference in HKA had significant relationship with KFA (ß = 0.286, p = 0.003) and KJR (ß = 0.363, p < 0.001). Conclusions: HKA measured on conventional scanograms and in EOS differed significantly and the difference had a significant correlations with KFA, KJR, and medial proximal tibial angle. Surgeons can consider these results before orthopedic surgery in patients who have advanced knee osteoarthritis.

Comparison of Locking Plate Osteosynthesis versus Coracoclavicular Stabilization for Neer Type IIB Lateral Clavicle Fractures.

Background: The best option for the treatment of Neer type IIB lateral clavicle fractures remains controversial. The aim of this study was to compare outcomes and complications between pre-contoured locking plate osteosynthesis (PLPO) and coracoclavicular stabilization (CCS) using a TightRope for the treatment of type IIB fractures. Methods: Forty-six consecutive type IIB fractures were treated with PLPO (17 cases) or CCS (29 cases). The mean follow-up period was 33.7 months (range, 12-144 months). Radiographic outcomes were evaluated using serial plain radiographs. Clinical outcomes were evaluated using the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) score, the American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES) score, and subjective shoulder value (SSV). Results: Of the 46 cases, complete bony union within 6 months after surgery was achieved in 42 cases (91.3%). The union rate was 100% (17/17) in the PLPO group and 86.2% (25/29) in the CCS group, showing a statistically significant difference (p = 0.043). No significant differences in terms of UCLA score (32.8 vs. 32.1), ASES score (93.2 vs. 90.8), or SSV (89.1% vs. 90.3%) were observed between the PLPO and CCS groups. The complication rates were 17.6% (3/17; 2 cases of screw breakage and 1 case of stiffness) in the PLPO group and 37.9% (11/29; 4 cases of nonunion, 3 cases of stiffness, 2 cases of skin irritation, 1 case of superficial infection, and 1 case of coracoid button migration) in the CCS group, showing no statistically significant difference (p > 0.05). Four cases with nonunion after CCS did not require reoperation because they had good to excellent clinical outcomes without radiographic progression. Conclusions: Although a higher nonunion rate was observed in the CCS group compared with the PLPO group, satisfactory clinical outcomes were obtained for both groups. Both techniques can be regarded as useful options for the treatment of Neer type IIB lateral clavicle fractures.

Knot impingement after arthroscopic rotator cuff repair mimicking infection: A case report.

BACKGROUND: Knot impingement as a complication after arthroscopic rotator cuff repair (ARCR) has been suggested as a cause of persistent pain with limited motion. We report on a case involving a patient who developed knot impingement after ARCR who complained of acute onset of pain with limited motion, which was confused with infection. CASE SUMMARY: A 55-year-old female who complained of severe pain with limited motion of the right shoulder visited our emergency room. Passive range of motion could not be evaluated due to the patient's severe pain. The patient had undergone ARCR using a suture-bridge technique at a local clinic four months ago for treatment of a small supraspinatus tear of the right shoulder. An erosive change of the undersurface of the acromion was observed on plain radiographs of the right shoulder, and a moderate amount of bursal fluid and synovial thickening with enhancement was observed by magnetic resonance imaging. Results of an analysis of the aspirated fluid showed that the WBC count was 3960 with 90% neutrophils. The arthroscopic view showed healing of the repaired supraspinatus tendon and loose suture threads and knots with severe subacromial bursitis were observed. Debridement of inflammatory tissues of the glenohumeral joint and subacromial space was performed for the removal of all suture materials. The patient's symptoms subsided immediately after the surgical procedure. CONCLUSION: Although the incidence of knot impingement is rare, the possibility of knot impingement after ARCR should be a consideration.

Incidence, characteristics, and risk factors of venous thromboembolism in shoulder arthroplasty-a systematic review.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to investigate the incidence, characteristics, and risk factors for venous thromboembolism (VTE) in patients who underwent shoulder arthroplasty (SA) through systematic review. METHODS: A search of studies was conducted using the databases for PubMed, EMBASE, Scopus, Ovid, MEDLINE, and Cochrane Library according to the guidelines for PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Meta-Analyses). Quality assessment was performed using the Methodological Index for Nonrandomized Studies (MINORS). RESULTS: Nine studies (12,566 shoulders) were finally eligible and the mean MINORS score was 13.2 (ranges, 9-18). The overall incidence of VTE was 0.81% (78/9681) including 0.54% (52/9681) for deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and 0.33% (42/12,566) for pulmonary embolism (PE). There were no significant differences in the incidences according to the type of arthroplasty. DVT was detected at an average of 18.8 days after index surgery, and PE was detected at an average of 12.7 days after index surgery. The risk factors for VTE included age older than 70 years, higher BMI, raised Charlson Comorbidity Index, history of DVT, asthma, cardiac arrhythmia, diabetes, lower haemoglobin level, use of general endotracheal anaesthesia without interscalene nerve block, traumatic indication, longer operative time, and revision SA. The mortality rate was 4.1% (2/49) for VTE and 8.3% (2/24) for PE. CONCLUSION: Despite the fact that the overall incidence of VTE following SA was as low as 0.81%, shoulder surgeons should consider the potential for this serious complication in high-risk patients. Further well-designed large-scale studies are necessary to clarify the consensus for VTE after SA including risk factors, treatment, and prophylaxis.

Is Device Removal Necessary after Fixed-Angle Locking Plate Osteosynthesis of Proximal Humerus Fractures?

Background and Objectives: The aim of this study was to evaluate whether device removal in symptomatic patients following locking plate osteosynthesis of a proximal humerus fracture improves the clinical outcomes. Materials and Methods: Seventy-one patients who underwent fixed-angle locking plate osteosynthesis of a proximal humerus fracture were included. Thirty-three patients underwent device removal at a mean time of 10.4 months after index surgery (removal group). Thirty-eight patients who retained the device after index surgery (retention group) were included in the control group. Visual analog scale (VAS) pain score, University of California at Los Angeles (UCLA) score, American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES) score, and range of motion (ROM) were evaluated pre- and postoperatively. Results: At the final follow-up, mean UCLA score, ASES score, and all ROMs were significantly higher in the removal group compared to the retention group (p < 0.001). However, no significant difference in mean VAS pain score was observed between the two groups. Comparison of the clinical outcomes before and after device removal surgery showed significant improvement in all clinical scores and ROMs after device removal (p < 0.001). Conclusions: Device removal surgery in symptomatic patients following locking plate osteosynthesis of a proximal humerus fracture can result in significant improvement in functional outcomes.

Femoral Shaft Fracture in Klippel-Trenaunay-Weber Syndrome Patients - What to Do to Reduce Bleeding Risk: A Case Report.

A fracture of the affected extremity in patients with Klippel-Trenaunay-Weber syndrome can be fatal due to massive bleeding and show poor results. A 42-year-old male presented with an old fracture of the right femoral shaft with metal failure. We planned an operation to remove the previously fixed plate and to perform re-fixation using an intra-medullary nail. Preoperative angiography was performed and the arteriovenous malformations were embolized in order to reduce the risk of bleeding. After angiography, the previously fixed plate was removed. After the operation, a second angiography was performed immediately and the venous malformation was embolized. One week after the first operation, a second operation was performed in order to reduce the fracture and to perform re-fixation using an intramedullary nail. The patient is being followed without major complication over a period of seven years after surgery. We recommend careful planning of preoperative and postoperative angiography and embolization in order to reduce the risk of bleeding in patients with Klippel-Trenaunay-Weber syndrome.

Trans-Olecranon Fracture-Dislocations of the Elbow: A Systematic Review.

The purpose of this study is to provide a systematic review of the definition, ideal surgical method, complications, and prognosis of trans-olecranon fracture dislocations. An electronic search was performed in the PubMed, EMBASE, Scopus, and MEDLINE databases. The eligibility criteria included retrospective clinical study and review article in subjects older than 18 years with trans-olecranon fracture dislocations. Trans-olecranon fracture dislocations are defined as fractures in which the stability of the ulnohumeral joint is lost due to the intra-articular fracture of the olecranon without disruption of the proximal radioulnar joint. The seven papers were included that met the eligibility criteria for the quantitative synthesis. Findings indicate that a pre-contoured plate was used in 88.3% of cases (68 of 77 reports), with no reports of complications, suggesting that the pre-contoured 3.5 mm plate is the first choice of treatment. Postoperative mean elbow range of motion for the flexion-extension arc was 121.1° and 146.5° for the pronation-supination arc. Methods for postoperative clinical scores included the Broberg/Morrey rating with a result of excellent or good in 82.9% of cases, the ASES score with a mean of 88.7, and the DASH score with a mean of 11.75. Complications included heterotopic ossification in 21.9% (23/105) of cases, arthrosis in 25.7% (27/105) of cases, nerve damage in 18.1% (19/105) of cases, and osteoarthritis in 14.3% (15/105). With better understanding of the mechanism of injury and proper diagnosis and treatment, findings of the current review suggest a positive outcome. PROSPERO registration No.: CRD42019126568.

Risk factors of uncontrolled periprosthetic knee joint infection after two-stage reimplantation.

BACKGROUND: Periprosthetic infection after total knee arthroplasty is a challenging problem, and physicians should identify risk factors to decrease recurrence. However, risk factors for reinfection with two-stage reimplantation have not yet been well established. The purpose of this study was to assess treatment outcomes of subsequent two-stage knee reimplantation and identify risk factors for uncontrolled periprosthetic knee joint infections. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed 70 knees diagnosed with a periprosthetic knee joint infection treated with two-stage reimplantation between September 2011 and October 2016 at our institution. Patients in the controlled infection group (group C) required no further medication or surgical treatment within 2 years after reimplantation. Patients in the uncontrolled infection group (group U) displayed symptoms of active infection after resection arthroplasty or were reinfected after two-stage reimplantation. We compared group C and group U, and analyzed potential risk factors for uncontrolled prosthetic joint infection (PJI). RESULTS: Of 70 knees included in this analysis, 53 (75.7%) were clinically deemed free from infection at the latest follow-up. The remaining 17 knees (24.3%) required additional surgical procedures after two-stage reimplantation. Demographics were not statistically significantly different between the two groups. Wound complications were statistically more frequent in group U (p = 0.030). Pre-reimplantation C-reactive protein (CRP) was statistically different between groups C and U (0.44 and 1.70, respectively, p = 0.025). Among the cultured microorganisms, fungus species were statistically more frequently detected in group U compared with group C (p = 0.031). CONCLUSIONS: The reinfection rate of our two-stage reimplantation protocol was 24.3% in the included cases. Wound complications, higher pre-reimplantation CRP levels, and fungus species were statistically more common in group U compared with group C. Our findings will help in counseling patients and physicians to understand that additional caution may be required when treating PJI if the aforementioned risk factors are present. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: IV, case series.

Two-stage revision anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction.

With the rising number of anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstructions, revision ACL reconstructions are becoming increasingly common. A revision procedure may be performed to improved knee function, correct instability, and facilitate a return to normal activities. When performing a revision reconstruction, the surgeon decides between a single-stage or a two-stage revision. Two-stage revisions are rarely performed, but are particularly useful when addressing substantial tunnel-widening, active infection, and concomitant knee pathology (e.g., malalignment, other ligamentous injuries, meniscal or chondral lesions). Among these potential scenarios requiring a two-stage revision, tunnel-widening is the most common cause; the first stage involves graft removal, tunnel curettage, and bone grafting, followed by revision ACL reconstruction in the second stage. The purpose of this article is to review the preoperative planning, surgical considerations, rehabilitation, and outcomes of two-stage revision ACL reconstructions and summarize the recent literature outlining treatment results.

Protein adsorption mechanisms determine the efficiency of thermally controlled cell adhesion on poly(N-isopropyl acrylamide) brushes.

This study investigated the impact of the protein adsorption mechanism(s) on the efficiency of thermally controlled cell adhesion and release from poly(N-isopropyl acrylamide) brushes. Large format polymer gradients were used to screen for grafting densities and substrate chemistries that alter both cell adhesion at 37 °C and rapid cell release at 25 °C. In particular, the grafting conditions investigated allowed protein adsorption to the underlying substrate, penetration of the brush only, or adsorption to the outer edge of the film. At an average molecular weight of 30 kDa (degree of polymerization N ∼ 270), the results show that robust protein adsorption to polymer brushes impairs rapid cell release below the lower critical solution temperature. Conversely, grafting conditions that permit protein penetration of the brush but block strong adsorption to the underlying substrate support cell adhesion above the transition temperature and ensure efficient cell recovery at lower temperature. These findings demonstrate the impact of protein adsorption mechanisms, surface chemistry, and polymer properties on thermally controlled cell capture and release.