Prospective Observational Study for the Comparison of Screening Methods Including Tongue Pressure and Repetitive Saliva Swallowing With Detailed Videofluoroscopic Swallowing Study Findings in Patients With Acute Stroke.

BACKGROUND: Simple, noninvasive, and repeatable screening methods are essential for assessing swallowing disorders. We focused on patients with acute stroke and aimed to assess the characteristics of swallowing screening tests, including the modified Mann Assessment of Swallowing Ability score, tongue pressure, and repetitive saliva swallowing test (RSST), compared with detailed videofluoroscopic swallowing study (VFSS) findings to contribute as a helpful resource for their comprehensive and complementary use. METHODS AND RESULTS: We enrolled first-ever patients with acute stroke conducting simultaneous assessments, including VFSS, modified Mann Assessment of Swallowing Ability score, tongue pressure measurement, and RSST. VFSS assessed aspiration, laryngeal penetration, oral cavity residue, vallecular residue, pharyngeal residue, and swallowing reflex delay. Screening tests were compared with VFSS findings, and multiple logistic analysis determined variable importance. Cutoff values for each abnormal VFSS finding were assessed using receiver operating characteristic analyses. We evaluated 346 patients (70.5±12.6 years of age, 143 women). The modified Mann Assessment of Swallowing Ability score was significantly associated with all findings except aspiration. Tongue pressure was significantly associated with oral cavity and pharyngeal residue. The RSST was significantly associated with all findings except oral cavity residue. Receiver operating characteristic analyses revealed that the minimum cutoff value for all VFSS abnormal findings was RSST ≤2. CONCLUSIONS: The modified Mann Assessment of Swallowing Ability is useful for broadly detecting swallowing disorders but may miss mild issues and aspiration. The RSST, with a score of ≤2, is valuable for indicating abnormal VFSS findings. Tongue pressure, especially in oral and pharyngeal residues, is useful. Combining these tests might enhance accuracy of the swallowing evaluation.

Clinical characteristics and outcomes of Epstein-Barr virus viral load after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation.

Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) reactivation can occur following allogenic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo-HSCT). However, the clinical characteristics and outcomes of EBV-viral load are not well known. Thus, we retrospectively analyzed the clinical features and prognostic impact of the EBV viral load in 121 allo-HSCT recipients from our hospital. EBV DNA quantification was performed in whole blood after transplantation. Patients were grouped based on whether EBV DNA quantification reached > 1000 copies/mL during follow-up (N = 50) or not (N = 71). Patients with EBV > 1000 EBV copies/mL were relatively more common in the groups with graft versus host disease (GVHD) prophylaxis including ATG, haploidentical donor type, peripheral blood as a donor source, and acute GVHD II-IV. The 20-month OS and DFS were not significantly different between patients with < 1000 EBV copies/mL and patients with > 1000 EBV copies/mL (20-month OS, 56.0% vs. 60.6%; p = 0.503, 20-month DFS, 50.0% vs. 57.7%; p = 0.179). Immunosuppressant (ISS) dose reduction was achieved after the maximum increase in EBV in 41/50 (82%) patients. Additionally, 30/50 (60%) patients achieved a 50% dose reduction or no restarting of ISS within 3 months of the maximum EBV increase. Among cases wherein EBV DNA quantification reached > 1000 copies/mL, those that achieved rapid dose reduction of ISS tended to have longer overall survival ("not reached" vs 5.4 months, p < 0.001) and disease-free survival (88.4 months vs 5.3 months, p < 0.001) than those in patients who did not. Our data highlight the importance of rapid ISS reduction in post-transplant EBV reactivation.

Response to Mechanical Properties and Physiological Challenges of Fascia: Diagnosis and Rehabilitative Therapeutic Intervention for Myofascial System Disorders.

Damage to the fascia can cause significant performance deficits in high-performance sports and recreational exercise and may contribute to the development of musculoskeletal disorders and persistent potential pain. The fascia is widely distributed from head to toe, encompassing muscles, bones, blood vessels, nerves, and internal organs and comprising various layers of different depths, indicating the complexity of its pathogenesis. It is a connective tissue composed of irregularly arranged collagen fibers, distinctly different from the regularly arranged collagen fibers found in tendons, ligaments, or periosteum, and mechanical changes in the fascia (stiffness or tension) can produce changes in its connective tissue that can cause pain. While these mechanical changes induce inflammation associated with mechanical loading, they are also affected by biochemical influences such as aging, sex hormones, and obesity. Therefore, this paper will review the current state of knowledge on the molecular level response to the mechanical properties of the fascia and its response to other physiological challenges, including mechanical changes, innervation, injury, and aging; imaging techniques available to study the fascial system; and therapeutic interventions targeting fascial tissue in sports medicine. This article aims to summarize contemporary views.

Superiority of MRI for Evaluation of Sacral Insufficiency Fracture.

STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective observational study. BACKGROUND: Sacral insufficiency fractures (SIF) are relatively rare fractures and difficult to diagnose on plain radiographs. The primary objective of the present study was to evaluate the role of lumbar magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) for the diagnosis of SIF. The secondary objective was to identify the classification of SIF by computed tomography (CT). METHODS: A total of 77 (Male 11, female 66, mean 80.3 years) people were included in this study. Inclusion criteria for this study were: age ≥ 60 years and no history of high energy trauma. Exclusion criteria were high energy trauma and a current history of malignancy. Differences in the fracture detection and description in the various radiologic procedures were evaluated. Fracture patterns were evaluated with CT. The detection rates of additional pathologies in the MRI of the pelvis and lumbar spine were also recorded. RESULTS: The sensitivities for SIF were 28.5% in radiographs and 94.2% in CT, and all fractures were detected in MRI. MRI showed a more complex fracture pattern compared with CT in 65% of the cases. We observed 71.4% of single SIFs, 9.1% with other spinal fractures, 13.0% with other pelvic fractures, and 7.8% with other fractures. According to the SIF fracture pattern, the H/U type was 40.2%, transverse type was 33.7%, λ/T type was 24.7%, unilateral vertical type was 1.3%, and bilateral vertical type was 0%. CONCLUSIONS: an MRI of the lumbar spine including the sacrum with a coronal fat-suppressed T2-weighted image is useful for elderly patients with suddenly increasing low back pain at an early stage. This procedure improves an early SIF detection, recognition of concomitant pathologies, and adequate treatment for the patients.

Revision for cage migration after transforaminal/posterior lumbar interbody fusion: how to perform revision surgery?

BACKGROUND: Symptomatic pseudarthrosis and cage migration/protrusion are difficult complications of transforaminal or posterior lumbar interbody fusion (TLIF/PLIF). If the patient experiences severe radicular symptoms due to cage protrusion, removal of the migrated cage is necessary. However, this procedure is sometimes very challenging because epidural adhesions and fibrous union can be present between the cage and vertebrae. We describe a novel classification and technique utilizing a navigated osteotome and the oblique lumbar interbody fusion at L5/S1 (OLIF51) technique to address this problem. METHODS: This retrospective study investigated consecutive patients with degenerative lumbar diseases who underwent TLIF/PLIF. Symptomatic cage migration was evaluated by direct examination, radiography, and/or computed tomography (CT) at 1, 3, 6, 12, and 24 months of follow-up. Cage migration/protrusion was defined as symptomatic cage protrusion > 5 mm from the posterior border of the over and underlying vertebral body compared with initial CT. We evaluated patient characteristics including body mass index, smoking history, fusion level, and cage type. A total of 113 patients underwent PLIF/TLIF (PLIF n = 30, TLIF n = 83), with a mean age of 71.1 years (range, 28-87 years). Mean duration of follow-up was 25 months (range, 12-47 months). RESULTS: Cage migration was identified in 5 of 113 patients (4.4%). All cases of symptomatic cage migration involved the L5/S1 level and the TLIF procedure. Risk factors for cage protrusion were age (younger), sex (male), and level (L5/S1). The mean duration to onset of cage protrusion was 3.2 months (range, 2-6 months). We applied a new classification for cage protrusion: type 1, only low back pain without new radicular symptoms; type 2, low back pain with minor radicular symptoms; or type 3, cauda equina syndrome and/or severe radicular symptoms. According to our classification, one patient was in type 1, three patients were in type 2, and one patient was in type 3. For all cases of cage migration, revision surgery was performed using a navigated high-speed burr and osteotome, and the patient in group 1 underwent additional PLIF without removal of the protruding cage. Three revision surgeries (group 2) involved removal of the protruding cage and PLIF, and one revision surgery (group 3) involved anterior removal of the cage and OLIF51 fusion. CONCLUSIONS: The navigated high-speed burr, navigated osteotome, and OLIF51 technique appear very useful for removing a cage with fibrous union from the disc in patients with pseudarthrosis. This new technique makes revision surgery after cage migration much safer, and more effective. This technique also reduces the need for fluoroscopy.

Large flexion contracture angle predicts tight extension gap during navigational posterior stabilized-type total knee arthroplasty with the pre-cut technique: a retrospective study.

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to determine the predictors of tight extension gap (EG) compared with the flexion gap (FG) during navigational posterior stabilized-type total knee arthroplasty using the pre-cut technique. METHODS: Nineteen patients with tight EG (defined as FG-EG ≥2 mm after pre-cut; group T) and 84 patients with an approximately equal gap (defined as FG-EG = 0-1 mm after pre-cut; group E) were enrolled. Medial tibial slope angle, hip knee ankle angle, flexion contracture angle, and active maximum flexion angle were compared between the two groups. RESULTS: The multivariate logistic regression model indicated that the probability of tight EG increased with flexion contracture angle (odds ratio, 1.13; 95% confidence interval 1.05-1.20; P ≤ 0.001). According to the receiver operating characteristic analysis, the flexion contracture angle cut-off value associated with tight EG was 15.0° (sensitivity, 85%; specificity, 78%). CONCLUSION: This study demonstrated that a large flexion contracture angle (cut-off 15.0°) was associated with tight EG after pre-cut osteotomy during posterior stabilized-type total knee arthroplasty. Awareness of this risk factor may help improve preoperative predictability of tight EGs and preparedness for additional procedures, such as soft tissue release or capsulotomy, to correct them. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III.

Comparison of two simple stitches and modified Mason-Allen suture for medial meniscus posterior root tear based on the progression of meniscal posterior extrusion: A retrospective cohort study.

Purpose: Medial meniscus (MM) posterior root (PR) tear leads to severe MM posterior extrusion (PE), resulting in rapid knee cartilage degeneration. MMPR repairs are recommended to reduce MMPE, especially during knee flexion. However, the difference in MMPE between different repair techniques remains unknown. This study aimed to investigate preoperative and postoperative MMPE following several pullout repair techniques. We hypothesized that a technique using two simple stitches (TSS) would be more useful than FasT-Fix-dependent modified Mason-Allen suture (F-MMA) to prevent the progression of MMPE in knee extension. Methods: This retrospective study included 35 patients who underwent MMPR repair. To compare MMPE, patients were divided into two groups according to the use of F-MMA while grasping the posterior capsule and TSS without grasping it. Open magnetic resonance imaging was performed at 10° and 90° knee flexion preoperatively, and at 3 and 12 months postoperatively, and the MMPE of both groups was evaluated. Results: A significant difference was observed between preoperative and 3-month postoperative MMPE at 90° knee flexion in both groups (p < .01). A significant difference was observed in 3- and 12-month postoperative MMPE at 10° knee flexion between both groups (p = .04/.02), whereas no significant difference in the preoperative MMPE at 10° knee flexion was observed between them (p = .45). Conclusions: Both repairs were found to be useful to reduce MMPE in knee flexion. Further, F-MMA repair increased MMPE in knee extension, unlike TSS repair. These findings suggest that TSS might have more advantages for load distribution when standing or walking.

Placement of an anatomic tibial tunnel significantly improves the medial meniscus posterior extrusion at 90° of knee flexion following medial meniscus posterior root pullout repair.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the influence of tibial tunnel position in pullout repair for a medial meniscus (MM) posterior root tear (MMPRT) on postoperative MM extrusion. METHODS: Thirty patients (median age 63 years, range 35-72 years) who underwent transtibial pullout repairs for MMPRTs were included. Three-dimensional computed tomography images of the tibial surface were evaluated using a rectangular measurement grid for assessment of tibial tunnel position and MM posterior root attachment. Preoperative and postoperative MM medial extrusion (MMME) and posterior extrusion (MMPE) at 10° and 90° knee flexion were measured using open magnetic resonance imaging. RESULTS: Tibial tunnel centers were located more anteriorly and more medially than the anatomic center (median distance 5.8 mm, range 0-9.3 mm). The postoperative MMPE at 90° knee flexion was significantly reduced after pullout repair, although there was no significant reduction in MMME or MMPE at 10° knee flexion after surgery. In the correlation analysis of the displacement between the anatomic center to the tibial tunnel center and improvements in MMME, and MMPE at 10° and 90° knee flexion, there was a significant positive correlation between percentage distance and improvement of MMPE at 90° knee flexion. CONCLUSION: This study demonstrated that the nearer the tibial tunnel position to the anatomic attachment of the MM posterior root, the more effective the reduction in MMPE at 90° knee flexion. Our results emphasize that an anatomic tibial tunnel should be created in the MM posterior root to improve the postoperative MMPE and protect the articular cartilage in a knee flexion position. Placement of an anatomic tibial tunnel significantly improves the MMPE at 90° of knee flexion after MM posterior root pullout repair. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: IV.

Association between stroke lesions and videofluoroscopic findings in acute stroke patients.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: We aimed to assess stroke lesions, which play a key role in determining swallowing dysfunction, and findings of videofluoroscopy (VF), which provides the most accurate instrumental assessment for evaluating swallowing function, in patients with acute stroke. METHODS: We enrolled 342 patients with first-time acute stroke (age 70.4 ± 12.6 years, 142 female). Patients with dementia and altered mental status due to severe stroke were excluded. All patients underwent cranial magnetic resonance imaging to identify the location of stroke lesion, VF, and tongue pressure measurement. RESULTS: Aspiration was detected in 45 (13.2%) patients. Multivariate analysis identified parietal lobe lesion and the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) score as independent significant factors for aspiration (odds ratio 6.33, 95% confidence interval [CI] 2.25-17.84, p < 0.001; odds ratio 1.12, 95% CI 1.03-1.20, p = 0.004, respectively). Swallowing reflex delay was detected in 58 (17.0%) patients. Multivariate analysis identified habitual drinking, basal ganglia lesion, and the NIHSS score as independent significant factors for swallowing reflex delay (odds ratio 0.51, 95% CI 0.26-0.99, p = 0.047; odds ratio 1.91, 95% CI 1.09-3.67, p = 0.041; odds ratio 1.12, 95% CI 1.05-1.20, p < 0.001, respectively). Additionally, oral cavity and pharyngeal residues were independently associated with tongue pressure. CONCLUSION: Parietal lobe lesions are associated with aspiration and basal ganglia lesions with swallowing reflex delay.

Delayed Swallowing Reflex is Overlooked in Swallowing Screening Among Acute Stroke Patients.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Dysphagia in the acute phase of stroke contributes significantly to poor outcomes and is associated with the development of aspiration pneumonia and malnutrition. Therefore, an accurate evaluation of swallowing is necessary before initiating oral food intake. The modified water swallow test (MWST) and the repetitive saliva swallow test (RSST) are commonly used as bedside screening methods for swallowing dysfunction, but it is unclear whether other factors contribute to dysphagia and consequent aspiration. The purpose of this study was to identify characteristics that might be overlooked in screening tests. METHODS: Participants were prospectively selected from patients hospitalized for stroke at the Suiseikai Kajikawa Hospital between August 1, 2016 and June 30, 2018. Inclusion criteria were conscious and stable medical condition, and patients who were diagnosed with dementia were excluded. A videofluoroscopic (VF) swallowing study was carried out on all patients who met the inclusion/exclusion criteria and who passed both the MWST and the RSST. RESULTS: Aspiration was observed in 16 of 172 patients (9.3%) when swallowing 3 ml of water. These aspirated patients showed significantly delayed swallowing reflex on VF. CONCLUSIONS: Swallowing evaluation using a combination of the MWST and the RSST is reasonably effective. However, patients who show a delayed swallowing reflex might be overlooked by this screening procedure.

Comparison of the clinical outcomes of transtibial pull-out repair for medial meniscus posterior root tear: Two simple stitches versus modified Mason-Allen suture.

BACKGROUND: Transtibial pullout repair of a medial meniscus posterior root tear (MMPRT) is a commonly used procedure, and several techniques have been reported. We hypothesised that pull-out repairs using two simple stitches (TSS) would have similar postoperative outcomes as those using the modified Mason-Allen suture with FasT-Fix (F-MMA). We aimed to investigate the clinical outcomes of these techniques, including the meniscal healing status and osteoarthritic change. METHODS: The data of 68 patients who underwent transtibial pull-out repair were retrospectively investigated. The patients were divided into two groups of 41 and 27 patients using F-MMA and TSS, respectively. The clinical outcomes were assessed preoperatively and at second-look arthroscopy (the mean period from surgery was one year) using the Knee injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score. The meniscal healing status, evaluated at second-look arthroscopy, was compared between the two groups. The cartilage damage was graded as per the classification of the International Cartilage Repair Society and compared at the primary surgery and second-look arthroscopy. RESULTS: Both groups showed significant improvement in each clinical score. No significant difference was seen in the clinical outcome scores and the meniscal healing status between the two groups at second-look arthroscopy. Moreover, no significant progression of cartilage damage was observed in both groups. Fourteen patients in the F-MMA group developed a complication of suture bar failures postoperatively; however, there were no complications in the TSS group. CONCLUSIONS: The TSS and F-MMA techniques showed favourable clinical outcomes and would be established as clinically useful techniques for the MMPRT treatment.

Differences in hearing levels between siblings with hearing loss caused by GJB2 mutations.

OBJECTIVE: Hearing loss caused by GJB2 mutations is inherited in an autosomal recessive manner (DFNB1); thus siblings of an affected child have a 25% chance of also being affected. Hearing loss among subsequent siblings carrying the same GJB2 mutation is a concern for parents and a frequent topic of enquiry during genetic counseling. Evidence exists for genotype-phenotype correlations of GJB2 mutations; however, no analysis of differences in hearing among siblings, in whom the common genetic background may decrease variation, has been reported. The purpose of the present study was to investigate hearing differences between siblings with identical GJB2 mutations. METHODS: We examined the hearing levels of 12 pairs of siblings; each pair had the same pathogenic GJB2 mutations. Differences in hearing acuity between sibling pairs detected by auditory evaluation. RESULTS: No significant correlation was detected between the average hearing levels of first and second affected siblings. Average differences in acoustic threshold >30 dB were observed between four pairs of siblings, whereas the remaining eight pairs had average threshold values within 20 dB of one another. CONCLUSION: Our results indicate that auditory acuity would be expected to approximate that found in the first child in approximately 70% of subsequent children with GJB2-mediated hearing loss, whereas 30% of subsequent siblings would have average differences of >30 dB.

Transtibial pullout repair of the lateral meniscus posterior root tear combined with anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction reduces lateral meniscus extrusion: A retrospective study.

BACKGROUND: Lateral meniscus (LM) posterior root tear (PRT) is often associated with anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury and can result in rotational instability, joint overloading, and degenerative changes in the knee. Improved rotational stability and kinematics have been reported after LMPRT repair. However, it is unclear what repair technique can achieve the greatest reduction in LM extrusion (LME). HYPOTHESIS: We hypothesized that transtibial pullout repair would decrease LME to a greater extent than other repair techniques. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Seventeen patients with ACL injury and complete LMPRT were evaluated. Nine underwent ACL reconstruction (ACLR) and transtibial pullout repair, and eight underwent ACLR and other repairs such as inside-out suturing. Double-bundle ACLR was performed using hamstring tendons, and LMPRT pullout repair was performed through the bone tunnel for the posterolateral bundle. Magnetic resonance imaging was performed immediately preoperatively and at>6 months postoperatively, and LME was measured from coronal images only. RESULTS: A significantly greater decrease in the value of LME from pre- to postoperative measurement was observed in the transtibial pullout repair group (-0.5±0.7mm) than in the other-repair group (1.0±0.9mm, p<0.01). Pre- and postoperative LME measurements were not significantly different between the two groups. DISCUSSION: The most important finding of this study was that transtibial pullout repair resulted in a greater decrease in LME than other repair techniques in patients with ACL injury and LMPRT. This technique might be useful for restoring hoop tension by decreasing LME. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: III, comparative retrospective study.

The distance between the tibial tunnel aperture and meniscal root attachment is correlated with meniscal healing status following transtibial pullout repair for medial meniscus posterior root tear.

BACKGROUND: To investigate the relationship between tibial tunnel aperture location and postoperative meniscal healing. METHODS: We enrolled 25 patients (20 women and five men, mean age: 62.5 years) who underwent transtibial pullout repair for medial meniscus (MM) posterior root repair. The expected MM posterior root attachment center (AC) and tibial tunnel center (TC) were identified using three-dimensional computed tomography, and the minimum AC-TC distance was calculated. The meniscal healing status following transtibial pullout repair was assessed by second-look arthroscopy (mean postoperative period: 15 months) using a previously reported scoring system (meniscal healing score; range: 0-10). The association between AC-TC distance and meniscal healing score was investigated using univariate linear regression models. The optimal AC-TC distance cut-off for improved MM healing score (≥7) was determined using receiver operating characteristic analysis. RESULTS: The AC-TC distance and meniscal healing score were significantly associated (y = -0.42x + 9.48, R2 = 0.342; P = 0.002), with the optimum AC-TC distance being 5.8 mm. This cut-off had a sensitivity of 100% and specificity of 53%. CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrates that AC-TC distance is significantly correlated with postoperative meniscal healing. Anatomical repair within 5.8 mm of the AC may result in improved meniscal healing.

A repair technique using two simple stitches reduces the short-term postoperative medial meniscus extrusion after pullout repair for medial meniscus posterior root tear.

BACKGROUND: Two types of repair techniques, FasT-Fix modified Mason-Allen (F-MMA) and two simple stitches (TSS), for the treatment of a medial meniscus posterior root tear (MMPRT) were previously reported. However, whether these techniques could prevent postoperative medial meniscus extrusion (MME) progression is unknown. This study investigated and compared postoperative MME of the two repair techniques. METHODS: Forty-seven knees that had undergone pullout repair for MMPRT were retrospectively reviewed. These knees were divided into two groups as follows: In 26 knees, MMPRT was treated using the F-MMA technique and fixed with the knee flexed at 45° and 20 N of tension [F-MMA (45°-20 N) group], and in 21 knees, MMPRT was treated using the TSS technique and fixed with the knee flexed at 20° and 30 N of tension [TSS (20°-30 N) group]. The medial meniscus body width (MMBW), absolute MME (aMME), and relative MME (rMME = absolute MME/MMBW) were measured and compared using magnetic resonance imaging 3 months postoperatively. The Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS) subscales for clinical outcomes were compared between the two groups at 6 months postoperatively. RESULTS: At 3 months postoperatively, the aMME and rMME significantly decreased in the TSS (20°-30 N) compared to the F-MMA (45°-20 N) group. The TSS (20°-30 N) group had better KOOS subscale scores than the F-MMA (45°-20 N) group at 6 months postoperatively. CONCLUSIONS: The TSS technique with appropriate tibial fixation can decrease MME soon after surgery. This may prevent osteoarthritis progression and improve clinical outcomes.

Prevalence and clinical features of hearing loss caused by EYA4 variants.

Variants in the EYA4 gene are known to lead to autosomal dominant non-syndromic hereditary hearing loss, DFNA10. To date, 30 variants have been shown to be responsible for hearing loss in a diverse set of nationalities. To better understand the clinical characteristics and prevalence of DFNA10, we performed genetic screening for EYA4 mutations in a large cohort of Japanese hearing loss patients. We selected 1,336 autosomal dominant hearing loss patients among 7,408 unrelated Japanese hearing loss probands and performed targeted genome enrichment and massively parallel sequencing of 68 target genes for all patients. Clinical information of cases with mutations in EYA4 was gathered and analyzed from medical charts. Eleven novel EYA4 variants (three frameshift variants, three missense variants, two nonsense variants, one splicing variant, and two single-copy number losses) and two previously reported variants were found in 12 probands (0.90%) among the 1,336 autosomal dominant hearing loss families. The audiometric configuration of truncating variants tends to deteriorate for all frequencies, whereas that of non-truncating variants tends to show high-frequency hearing loss, suggesting a new correlation between genotype and phenotype in DFNA10. The rate of hearing loss progression caused by EYA4 variants was considered to be 0.63 dB/year, as found in this study and previous reports.

Early chondral damage following meniscus repairs with anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction.

BACKGROUND: Meniscal tears are commonly observed in patients with anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries. Meniscal repair has become a common procedure for the injured meniscus, and good clinical outcomes have been reported in such cases when used concurrently with ACL reconstruction. However, it is unclear whether early chondral damage progression can be prevented following meniscal repair with ACL reconstruction, as meniscal damage is a potential risk factor for the development of osteoarthritis. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the zone-specific chondral damage that occurs after arthroscopic meniscal repair with concomitant ACL reconstruction. Our hypothesis was that meniscal repair with ACL reconstruction would not decrease the rate of progression of chondral damage compared to that observed in isolated ACL reconstruction with intact menisci. METHODS: This study included 40 patients who underwent anatomic double-bundle ACL reconstruction. We divided the patients into the following two groups: Group A with an intact meniscus (20 knees) and Group M requiring meniscal repair (20 knees). Chondral damage was evaluated arthroscopically in six compartments and 40 sub-compartments, and these features were graded using the International Cartilage Repair Society lesion classification. The cartilage damage in each sub-compartment and compartment was compared between the two groups both at reconstruction and at second-look arthroscopy (average 16 months postoperatively). At the latest follow-up examination (average 37 months postoperatively), the International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) score was compared between the two groups. RESULTS: Group M had a significantly worse cartilage status than Group A in five sub-compartments (mainly in the medial compartment) at reconstruction and in nine sub-compartments (mainly in the bilateral compartments) at second-look arthroscopy. The mean IKDC score was better in Group A than in Group M (Group A; 90 vs. Group M; 86). The overall success rate of meniscal repairs was 92% (23 of 25 menisci) at second-look arthroscopy. CONCLUSION: The progression of post-traumatic chondral damage may occur at a faster rate in patients who require ACL reconstruction and meniscal repair than in patients with intact menisci.

Posteromedial vertical capsulotomy selectively increases the extension gap in posterior stabilized total knee arthroplasty.

PURPOSE: In total knee arthroplasty (TKA), it is important to obtain an appropriate flexion-extension gap. The extension gap is expanded by posteromedial vertical capsulotomy (PMVC). This study aimed to evaluate the increase in the extension gap by PMVC using a navigation system. METHODS: In posterior stabilized (PS)-type TKA, PMVC was performed in 37 knees. The medial extension gap at 0° and flexion gap at 90° flexion of the knee joint using the navigation system before and after PMVC were measured. RESULTS: The extension gap before the PMVC was 5.3 ± 2.9 mm. After PMVC, the extension gap had significantly increased to 8.0 ± 2.8 mm (p < 0.001). In addition, the flexion gap was 8.1 ± 2.7 mm before the PMVC, but it was 8.7 ± 2.8 mm after the PMVC, and the flexion gap was not enlarged (n.s.). CONCLUSION: In PS-type TKA, it is possible to obtain selective expansion of about 2.7 mm of the extension gap by PMVC. Therefore, gap balance can be acquired by soft-tissue treatment while preserving the bone. The PMVC was a useful method for acquiring gap balance and preserving the bone stock. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: IV.

Medial meniscus posterior root tear causes swelling of the medial meniscus and expansion of the extruded meniscus: a comparative analysis between 2D and 3D MRI.

PURPOSE: This study aimed to clarify the advantages of three-dimensional (3D) magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) over two-dimensional (2D) MRI in measuring the size of the medial meniscus (MM) and to analyse the volumes of MM and the extruded meniscus in patients with MM posterior root tear (MMPRT), at 10° and 90° knee flexion. METHODS: This study included 17 patients with MMPRTs and 15 volunteers with uninjured knees. The MMs were manually segmented for 3D reconstruction; thereafter, the extruded part separated from the tibial edge was determined. The length, width, height, and extrusion of MM were measured by the 2D and 3D methods, and compared. The MM volume, extruded meniscus volume, and their ratio were also calculated using 3D analysis software in the two groups. RESULTS: The estimated length and posterior height of MM were larger with 3D MRI than with 2D MRI measurements. The MM volume was significantly greater in MMPRT knees than in normal knees, with increasing MM height. In MMPRT knees, the mean volume of the extruded meniscus and its ratio significantly increased by 304 mm3 (p = 0.02) and 9.1% (p < 0.01), respectively, during knee flexion. CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrated that 3D MRI could estimate the precise MM size and that MMPRT caused swelling of the meniscus due to the increased thickness in the posteromedial part. The clinical significance of this study lies in its 3D evaluation of MM volume, which should help the surgeon understand the biomechanical failure of MM function and improve MMPRT repair technique. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: III.

A histological study of the medial meniscus posterior root tibial insertion.

Purpose/Aim of the study: Posterior root injury of the medial meniscus often leads to articular cartilage degeneration due to altered biomechanics. To avoid dysfunction, the attachment must be repaired using the transtibial pullout technique. To guide appropriate placement of the tibial tunnel, additional details on the normal anatomy of the meniscus insertion are needed. Therefore, we performed a histological analysis of a tibial bone slice with the medial meniscus posterior insertion obtained during total knee arthroplasty surgery. Materials and methods: Horizontal slices of the proximal tibia were obtained from 7 patients with osteoarthritis who underwent total knee arthroplasty. After decalcification, the region of the posterior horn was cut out and segmented into four pieces (2.0 mm thickness; medial to lateral). Sagittal sections were evaluated by safranin O staining or immunohistochemistry with anti-type collagen antibody. Results: Safranin O staining showed that the insertion of the posterior root consisted primarily of fibrocartilaginous layers in segment 2. Anatomically, segment 2 corresponded to the sagittal plane passing through the peak of the medial intercondylar tubercle. In this section, safranin O staining and immunohistochemistry revealed that the anterior one-third of the posterior root insertion was richer in proteoglycans and type II collagen than the central and posterior one-third. Conclusions: Anatomical insertion of the posterior root of the medial meniscus was located at the sagittal plane passing through the peak of the medial intercondylar tubercle. The structure of the medial meniscus posterior insertion was mainly localized in the anterior one-third.