MR imaging signs of shoulder adhesive capsulitis: analysis of potential differentials and improved diagnostic criteria.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the prevalence of shoulder adhesive capsulitis (AC) signs on MR studies of patients with various common shoulder conditions. METHODS: MR images of 316 patients were retrospectively evaluated. Patients were divided into three groups: controls (66 patients), clinical AC (63 patients), and study group (187 patients). The final diagnosis of AC was reached clinically. The study group was composed of patients with focal and massive rotator cuff tears, active hydroxyapatite deposition disease, fractures around the shoulder, and post-surgery. The following AC signs were evaluated: inferior glenohumeral ligament (IGHL) thickening; coracohumeral ligament (CHL) thickening; and hyperintensity of the inferior glenohumeral ligament, which was graded in four classes. RESULTS: The IGHL signal intensity was statistically higher in patients with fractures than in controls (P = 0.008). There was no statistically significant difference in IGHL signal between the AC group and patients with massive rotator cuff tears and active hydroxyapatite deposition disease (P > 0.1). IGHL thickness in patients with fractures, massive rotator ruptures, and active hydroxyapatite deposition disease was significantly higher compared to controls (P < 0.02) and significantly lower compared to the AC group (P < 0.0001). Based on these findings, a grading system for fibro-inflammatory capsular changes is proposed. CONCLUSION: MR AC signs are frequent in patients with shoulder conditions other than AC; however, in these patients, capsular changes are less prominent than in patients with clinical AC.

Quality of Preanesthesia Teleconsultation: The TELECAM Randomized Controlled Trial.

Introduction: Preanesthesia teleconsultation helps reduce availability constraints as well as direct and indirect expenses. The TELECAM trial was performed to assess the quality of preanesthesia teleconsultation in terms of clinical parameters evaluation, feasibility, patient satisfaction and preoperative anxiety, and anesthesiologist satisfaction. Methods: TELECAM was an investigator-initiated, prospective, single-center, randomized, controlled, parallel group, evaluator-blinded, open-label study. Patients with a scheduled ambulatory surgery (orthopedic or hand surgery) were randomized into the in-person preanesthesia consultation group or the preanesthesia teleconsultation (conducted at the patient's home or workplace) group. The quality of the teleconsultation was evaluated through agreement on intubation difficulty, predictable mask ventilation difficulty, and American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) scores between the preanesthesia consultation and the preanesthesia in-person visit. Results: A total of 241 patients were included, and 208 were considered in the analyses. The feasibility of teleconsultation was high, with a feasibility ratio of 87.5%. The quality of the preanesthesia consultation regarding the evaluation of predictable intubation, mask ventilation difficulties, and ASA score, did not differ between the two groups (p = 0.23, 0.29, and 0.06, respectively). The preoperative satisfaction was higher for patients who had a preanesthesia teleconsultation (p = 0.04). Patients' preoperative anxiety did not differ between the two groups (p = 0.90). The median satisfaction of the anesthesiologists who performed the teleconsultation reached a maximum of 10 (IQR: 8.0; 10.0). Conclusion: This study showed positive results for the quality of preanesthesia teleconsultation on the evaluation of clinical parameters, with high feasibility and satisfaction of the patients and anesthesiologists. The trial was registered in ClinicalTrials (NCT03470896).

Improved Metastatic-Free Survival after Systematic Re-Excision Following Complete Macroscopic Unplanned Excision of Limb or Trunk Soft Tissue Sarcoma.

BACKGROUND: Whether re-excision (RE) of a soft tissue sarcoma (STS) of limb or trunk should be systematized as adjuvant care and if it would improve metastatic free survival (MFS) are still debated. The impact of resection margins after unplanned macroscopically complete excision (UE) performed out of a NETSARC reference center or after second resection was further investigated. METHODS: This large nationwide series used data from patients having experienced UE outside of a reference center from 2010 to 2019, collected in a French nationwide exhaustive prospective cohort NETSARC. Patient characteristics and survival distributions in patients reexcised (RE) or not (No-RE) are reported. Multivariate Cox proportional hazard model was conducted to adjust for classical prognosis factors. Subgroup analysis were performed to identify which patients may benefit from RE. RESULTS: Out of 2371 patients with UE for STS performed outside NETSARC reference centers, 1692 patients were not reviewed by multidisciplinary board before treatment decision and had a second operation documented. Among them, 913 patients experienced re-excision, and 779 were not re-excised. Characteristics were significantly different regarding patient age, tumor site, size, depth, grade and histotype in patients re-excised (RE) or not (No-RE). In univariate analysis, final R0 margins are associated with a better MFS, patients with R1 margins documented at first surgery had a better MFS as compared to patients with first R0 resection. The study identified RE as an independent favorable factor for MFS (HR 0.7, 95% CI 0.53-0.93; p = 0.013). All subgroups except older patients (>70 years) and patients with large tumors (>10 cm) had superior MFS with RE. CONCLUSIONS: RE might be considered in patients with STS of limb or trunk, with UE with macroscopic complete resection performed out of a reference center, and also in originally defined R0 margin resections, to improve LRFS and MFS. Systematic RE should not be advocated for patients older than 70 years, or with tumors greater than 10 cm.

Better Constant Scores and Active Forward Elevation Using Deltopectoral Versus Anterosuperior Approach for Reverse Shoulder Arthroplasty: Matched Cohort Study.

Purpose: To determine, from a sizable cohort of reverse shoulder arthroplasty (RSA), whether the deltopectoral (DP) or anterosuperior (AS) approach grant better outcomes at a minimum follow-up of 24 months. Methods: The authors reviewed 743 RSAs in patients with primary osteoarthritis (OA) with or without rotator cuff lesions and secondary OA due to rotator cuff tears. The DP approach was used in 540 and the AS approach in 203. Pre- and post-operative constant scores (CSs) and shoulder range of motion were recorded. Results: Of the initial cohort of 743 shoulders, 193 (25.7%) were lost to follow-up, 16 (2.1%) died, and 33 (4.4%) were revised; 540 shoulders were operated using DP approach (73%), of which 22 were revised (4.1%), while 203 were operated using the AS approach (27%), of which 11 were revised (5.4%). Propensity score matching resulted in two groups: 172 shoulders operated by DP approach, and 88 shoulders operated by AS approach. Comparing outcomes of the matched groups at 2 or more years also revealed that, compared to the AS approach, the DP approach resulted in significantly better post-operative CSs (67.3 ± 14.0° vs 60.8 ± 18.3, P = 0.017), active forward elevation (137° ± 27.4° vs 129° ± 29.8; P = 0.031). Conclusion: At 2 or more years following RSA, the DP approach granted significantly better CS (by 6.5 points) and active forward elevation (by 8°) compared to the AS approach. The differences observed are clinically relevant and must be considered to manage patient expectations following RSA and for selecting surgical approach depending on their functional needs. Level of evidence: III, comparative study.

Predictive factors of return-to-work trajectory after work-related rotator cuff syndrome: A prospective study of 96 workers.

OBJECTIVE: Sustained return to work after surgery for work-related rotator cuff syndrome (WRRCS) remains quite difficult. The main purpose of the present study was to identify predictive factors of a return-to-work (RTW) trajectory. METHODS: A total of 96 workers with WRRCS were identified by 4 surgeons. They were followed prospectively before and after the surgery, until 1 year after RTW, or for 20 months after surgery when they did not. Participants completed a series of standardized questionnaires related to working conditions, health, and beliefs, and performed functional tests at the inclusion time. During the follow-up period, they were regularly asked about their working conditions (present or not at work), activity (normal or lightened physical duties) and schedules (full- or part-time job). Statistical analysis was based on single- and multiple-factor models of prediction of the workers' trajectory. RESULTS: Three trajectories of RTW were distinguished, considering RTW and absenteeism that occurred during the follow-up: stable, unstable, and non-RTW. The median age of the sample was 49.5 [45.0-54.0], with 67.7% of workers employed in highly physically demanding jobs. In the multiple factor model, three factors were highly predictive of the trajectory: perceived health before surgery, having had a repaired ruptured-rotator-cuff tendinopathy, and the level of physical demand of the job. CONCLUSION: Three easy-to-collect predictive factors of RTW trajectory have been identified. They may be useful for healthcare professionals and care givers to identify vulnerable workers' risk of occupational dropout after arthroscopic surgery for rotator cuff tendinopathy.

Overall survival in patients with re-excision of positive microscopic margins of limb and trunk wall soft tissue sarcoma operated outside of a reference center: a nationwide cohort analysis.

BACKGROUND: This French nationwide NETSARC exhaustive prospective cohort aims to explore the impact of systematic re-excision (RE) as adjuvant care on overall survival (OS), local recurrence free survival (LRFS), and local and distant control (RFS) in patients with soft tissue sarcoma (STS) with positive microscopic margins (R1) after initial resection performed outside of a reference center. METHODS: Eligible patients had experienced STS surgery outside a reference center from 2010 to 2017, and had R1 margins after initial surgery. Characteristics and treatment comparisons used chi-square for categorical variables and Kruskall-Wallis test for continuous data. Survival distributions were compared in patients reexcised (RE) or not (No-RE) using a log-rank test. A Cox proportional hazard model was used for subgroup analysis. RESULTS: A total of 1,284 patients had experienced initial STS surgery outside NETSARC with R1 margins, including 1,029 patients with second operation documented. Among the latter, 698 patients experienced re-excision, and 331 were not re-excised. Characteristics were significantly different regarding patient age, tumor site, tumor size, tumor depth, and histotype in the population of patients re-excised (RE) or not (No-RE). The study identified RE as an independent favorable factor for OS (HR 0.36, 95%CI 0.23-0.56, p<0.0001), for LRFS (HR 0.45, 95%CI 0.36-0.56, p<0.0001), and for RFS (HR 0.35, 95%CI 0.26-0.46, p<0.0001). CONCLUSION: This large nationwide series shows that RE improved overall survival in patients with STS of extremities and trunk wall, with prior R1 resection performed outside of a reference center. RE as part of adjuvant care should be systematically considered.

Midterm results of pyrocarbon interposition shoulder arthroplasty: good outcomes after posttraumatic osteonecrosis without malunion of the tuberosities.

Background: In vitro data demonstrate the potential benefits of the pyrocarbon as a bearing material against cartilage or bone. And pyrocarbon-free interposition arthroplasty has been used with positive outcomes for over 10 years for hand and wrist joint replacements. This study reports the midterm results of a Pyrocarbon Interposition Shoulder Arthroplasty (PISA) in primary and secondary glenohumeral osteoarthritis and in avascular osteonecrosis. Methods: This prospective noncontrolled, multicenter study included 67 consecutive patients who underwent PISA in France and Sweden. Results: A cohort of 48 patients, aged 50 ± 12 years, was available for clinical assessment at a mean follow-up of 67.6 ± 9.3 months. A favorable change was reported with a mean absolute Constant score improvement of 32 ± 20 points. The highest Constant score improvement was observed in patients with avascular osteonecrosis (42 ± 18 points; P ≤ .0001). Between the earliest and the latest follow-up, radiographic analyses revealed only 2 major glenoid erosions and 4 tuberosity thinnings and thus that 86.4% of 44 shoulders remained stable with no or minor radiologic evolutions. The survival rate was 84 % at 65 months of follow-up considering all causes of revision. Conclusion: The radiographic findings seem to confirm the interest of pyrocarbon in preserving bony surfaces. But the risk of tuberosity thinning suggests considering the use of PISA with caution in most degenerative glenohumeral joint pathologies, although the midterm outcomes highlight PISA as a suitable solution for patients presenting with posttraumatic osteonecrosis without malunion of the tuberosities and with an intact rotator cuff.

CORIN KneeTec DeepDishTM: Functional outcomes after a follow-up of 12 months and comparison with the STRYKER Triathlon PS.

Several competing concepts of anteroposterior stabilization have been developed for total knee arthroplasty (TKA), with an overall great success despite some differences in terms of clinical or radiological outcomes. The CORIN KneeTec DeepDish TM is a novel mobile-bearing implant, stabilized with an ultra-congruent deep-dish poly- ethylene insert. The aim of the present study was to report clinical and radiological outcomes of a series of patients who received the KneeTec DeepDish TM after a follow-up of 12 months, and to compare them to those of a comparable series of patients who received the STRYKER Triathlon ® posterior- stabilized. This was a retrospective comparative cohort study (level of evidence III). Demographic data, radiographic data and range of motion (ROM), as well the International Knee Society score and Oxford Knee Score were collected pre-operatively, and after a follow-up of 12 months. 106 KneeTec DeepDish TM and 80 Triathlon ® PS were evaluated at follow-up. Patients who received the KneeTec DeepDish TM had significant improvement in ROM, radiographic and clinical outcomes. There were no significant differences between the cohorts in terms of ROM, radiographic and clinical outcomes, as well as antero-posterior stability. This study is the first to report the 12-month outcomes of the CORIN KneeTec DeepDish TM. The novel KneeTec DeepDish TM achieved comparable ROM, radiographic and clinical outcomes to the Triathlon ® PS after 12 months. Further studies will be necessary to evaluate the mid- to long-term outcomes of the KneeTec DeepDish TM .

Validation of virtual reality arthroscopy simulator relevance in characterising experienced surgeons.

BACKGROUND: Virtual reality (VR) simulation is particularly suitable for learning arthroscopy skills. Despite significant research, one drawback often outlined is the difficulty in distinguishing performance levels (Construct Validity) in experienced surgeons. Therefore, it seems adequate to search new methods of performance measurements using probe trajectories instead of commonly used metrics. HYPOTHESIS: It was hypothesized that a larger experience in surgical shoulder arthroscopy would be correlated with better performance on a VR shoulder arthroscopy simulator and that experienced operators would share similar probe trajectories. MATERIALS & METHODS: After answering to standardized questionnaires, 104 trajectories from 52 surgeons divided into 2 cohorts (26 intermediates and 26 experts) were recorded on a shoulder arthroscopy simulator. The procedure analysed was the "loose body removal" in a right shoulder joint. 10 metrics were computed on the trajectories including procedure duration, overall path length, economy of motion and smoothness. Additionally, Dynamic Time Warping (DTW) was computed on the trajectories for unsupervised hierarchical clustering of the surgeons. RESULTS: Experts were significantly faster (Median 70.9s Interquartile range [56.4-86.3] vs. 116.1s [82.8-154.2], p<0.01), more fluid (4.6.105mm.s-3 [3.1.105-7.2.105] vs. 1.5.106mm.s-3 [2.6.106-3.5.106], p=0.05), and economical in their motion (19.3mm2 [9.1-25.9] vs. 33.8mm2 [14.8-50.5], p<0.01), but there was no significant difference in performance for path length (671.4mm [503.8-846.1] vs 694.6mm [467.0-1090.1], p=0.62). The DTW clustering differentiates two expertise related groups of trajectories with performance similarities, respectively including 48 expert trajectories for the first group and 52 intermediates and 4 expert trajectories for the second group (Sensitivity of 92%, Specificity of 100%). Hierarchical clustering with DTW significantly identified expert operators from intermediate operators and found trajectory similarities among 24/26 experts. CONCLUSION: This study demonstrated the Construct Validity of the VR shoulder arthroscopy simulator within groups of experienced surgeons. With new types of metrics simply based on the simulator's raw trajectories, it was possible to significantly distinguish levels of expertise. We demonstrated that clustering analysis with Dynamic Time Warping was able to reliably discriminate between expert operators and intermediate operators. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: The results have implications for the future of arthroscopic surgical training or post-graduate accreditation programs using virtual reality simulation. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: III; prospective comparative study.

Predictive factors for the duration until return to work after surgery for work-related rotator cuff syndrome: A prospective study of 92 workers.

BACKGROUND: Return to work (RTW) after surgery for a work-related rotator cuff disorder (WRRCD) is often difficult. The study's purpose was to identify preoperative factors predicting RTW. METHODS: Ninety-two workers with a WRRCD were identified by four surgeons. Before surgery, the workers completed a series of standardized questionnaires related to working conditions, health, and health beliefs. They were followed up prospectively for 20 months. Statistical analysis was based on single and multiple-factor Cox models of the duration of absence from the time of surgery until RTW. RESULTS: The median age at inclusion was 49 years (27-62), with 52 women included (57%). Sixty-one subjects (66%) were employed in highly physically demanding jobs. Forty-two (46%) stayed at work until their surgery, whereas preoperative sick leave exceeded 100 days in 20 subjects (21%). Twenty months after surgery, 14 were still not back at work. For the other participants, the mean duration until RTW was 225 days (SD 156). In the fully adjusted model, variables that were significantly predictive of the duration until RTW were: work physical demand levels, preoperative sick leave, the number of body parts causing pain or discomfort in the last 12 months, self-assessed 2-year workability, and the Readiness for RTW (RRTW) Scale. CONCLUSIONS: Several physical, psychological, and work-related factors, easily recorded, can be identified preoperatively. They may be predictive of delayed return, loss of employment, or employability as a result of shoulder surgery.

Clinical and Radiological Results of Hemiarthroplasty and Total Shoulder Arthroplasty for Primary Avascular Necrosis of the Humeral Head in Patients Less Than 60 Years Old.

BACKGROUND: Total shoulder arthroplasty (TSA) and hemiarthroplasty (HA) have shown good clinical outcomes in primary avascular necrosis of the humeral head (PANHH) both in short and long terms. The purpose of this study was to assess the complications, the clinical and radiological outcomes of shoulder arthroplasty in young patients with PANHH. METHODS: One hundred and twenty-seven patients aged under 60 years old and suffering from PANHH were operated with arthroplasty. Patients were assessed clinically and radiographically before surgery with a minimum of 2 years of follow up (FU). RESULTS: HA was performed on 108 patients (85%). Two patients were revised for painful glenoid wear after 2 and 4 years. TSA was performed on 19 patients (15%). Five TSA had to be revised for glenoid loosening (n = 4) or instability (n = 1). Revision rate was 26% with TSA and 2% with HA. There were no significant differences between HA and TSA in terms of clinical outcomes. CONCLUSIONS: With a mean FU of 8 years, HA and TSA improved clinical outcomes of patients with PANHH. HA revisions for painful glenoid wear were rare (2%). The revision rate was excessively high with TSA (26%).

Solitary bone tumor imaging reporting and data system (BTI-RADS): initial assessment of a systematic imaging evaluation and comprehensive reporting method.

OBJECTIVES: Identify the most pertinent imaging features for solitary bone tumor characterization using a multimodality approach and propose a systematic evaluation system. METHODS: Data from a prospective trial, including 230 participants with histologically confirmed bone tumors, typical "do not touch" lesions, and stable chondral lesions, were retrospectively evaluated. Clinical data, CT, and MR imaging features were analyzed by a musculoskeletal radiologist blinded to the diagnosis using a structured report. The benign-malignant distribution of lesions bearing each image feature evaluated was compared to the benign-malignant distribution in the study sample. Benign and malignant indicators were identified. Two additional readers with different expertise levels independently evaluated the study sample. RESULTS: The sample included 140 men and 90 women (mean age 40.7 ± 18.3 years). The global benign-malignant distribution was 67-33%. Seven imaging features reached the criteria for benign indicators with a mean frequency of benignancy of 94%. Six minor malignant indicators were identified with a mean frequency of malignancy of 60.5%. Finally, three major malignant indicators were identified (Lodwick-Madewell grade III, aggressive periosteal reaction, and suspected metastatic disease) with a mean frequency of malignancy of 82.4%. A bone tumor imaging reporting and data system (BTI-RADS) was proposed. The reproducibility of the BTI-RADS was considered fair (kappa = 0.67) with a mean frequency of malignancy in classes I, II, III, and IV of 0%, 2.2%, 20.1%, and 71%, respectively. CONCLUSION: BTI-RADS is an evidence-based systematic approach to solitary bone tumor characterization with a fair reproducibility, allowing lesion stratification in classes of increasing malignancy frequency. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Clinical trial number NCT02895633 . KEY POINTS: • The most pertinent CT and MRI criteria allowing bone tumor characterization were defined and presented. • Lodwick-Madewell grade III, aggressive periosteal reaction, and suspected metastatic disease should be considered major malignant indicators associated with a frequency of malignancy over 75%. • The proposed evidence-based multimodality reporting system stratifies solitary bone tumors in classes with increasing frequencies of malignancy.

Results of radial head prostheses implanted during Essex-Lopresti syndrome in multicentric study.

AIMS: The aim was to evaluate the results of radial head prostheses (RHP) in Essex-Lopresti injury (ELI) and to compare results after RHP between acute and chronic ELI. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Thirty-one patients treated with RHP for ELI were selected from a multicenter retrospective series of 310 RHP, with follow-up greater than two years. Two groups were acute ELI group (n=19, average diagnosis = 5+/-9 days) and chronic ELI group (n=12, average diagnosis 8.4+/-7.1 months). RHP was associated in some cases with K-wires: during acute ELI to stabilize the distal radio-ulnar joint (n=4) or during chronic ELI with ulnar osteotomy or palliative surgery (n=4). Clinical and radiologic evaluation was performed including analysis of the complications and revisions rates, pain level, range of motion, and MEPS (Mayo Elbow Performance Score) and DASH score (Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand). RESULTS: At last follow-up (71+/-38 months), survival of RHP in the acute ELI group was 84% (16/19) and 92% (11/12) in the chronic ELI group without statistically significant difference. Flexion (acute=131degrees+/-13.4 vs chronic=22+/-12.8, p=0.041) and supination (ELI=71+/-16.8 vs chronic=58+/-17.4; p=0.045) were better in acute ELI group. The DASH score was also better in the acute group (15+/-9.1 versus 24+/-15.2, p=0.048). There was more advanced stage of humero-radial osteoarthritis in the chronic ELI group (0.7+/-0.5 versus 1.4+/-0.6, p=0.041). CONCLUSION: RHP in acute ELIs provide better clinical results, although RHPs are part of the therapeutic arsenal to treat chronic ELI.

Added-value of advanced magnetic resonance imaging to conventional morphologic analysis for the differentiation between benign and malignant non-fatty soft-tissue tumors.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the added value of DWI, qualitative proton MR spectroscopy (H-MRS) and dynamic contrast-enhanced perfusion (DCE-P) to conventional MRI in differentiating benign and malignant non-fatty soft tissue tumors (NFSTT). METHODS: From November 2009 to August 2017, 288 patients with NFSTT that underwent conventional and advanced MRI were prospectively evaluated. The study was approved by the local ethics committee. All patients signed an informed consent. A musculoskeletal (R1) and a general (R2) radiologist classified all tumors as benign, malignant, or indeterminate according to morphologic MRI features. Then, DWI, H-MRS, and DCE-P data of indeterminate tumors were analyzed by two additional radiologists (R3 and R4). Advanced techniques were considered individually and in combination for tumor benign-malignant differentiation using histology as the gold standard. RESULTS: There were 104 (36.1%) malignant and 184 (63.9%) benign tumors. Conventional MRI analysis classified 99 tumors for R1 and 135 for R2 as benign or malignant, an accuracy for the identification of malignancy of 87.9% for R1 and 83.7% for R2, respectively. There were 189 indeterminate tumors for R1. For these tumors, the combination of DWI and H-MRS yielded the best accuracy for malignancy identification (77.4%). DWI alone provided the best sensitivity (91.8%) while the combination of DCE-P, DWI, and H-MRS yielded the best specificity (100%). The reproducibility of the advanced imaging parameters was considered good to excellent (Kappa and ICC > 0.86). An advanced MRI evidence-based evaluation algorithm was proposed allowing to characterize 28.1 to 30.1% of indeterminate non-myxoid tumors. CONCLUSION: The prioritized use of advanced MRI techniques allowed to decrease by about 30% the number of non-myxoid NFSTT deemed indeterminate after conventional MRI analysis alone. KEY POINTS: • When morphological characterization of non-fatty soft tissue tumors is possible, the diagnostic performance is high and there is no need for advanced imaging techniques. • Following morphologic analysis, advanced MRI techniques reduced by about 30% the number of non-myxoid indeterminate tumors. • DWI is the keystone of advanced imaging techniques yielding the best sensitivity (91.8%). Optimal specificity (> 90%) is obtained by a combination of advanced techniques.

Virtual reality simulator improves the acquisition of basic arthroscopy skills in first-year orthopedic surgery residents.

INTRODUCTION: Arthroscopy training using a virtual reality (VR) simulator is said to improve the training of orthopedic surgery residents, although it has never been evaluated in a large representative population of first-year residents. HYPOTHESIS: We hypothesized that first-year residents who train on a VR simulator would improve their basic arthroscopy skills more than residents who use other training methods. The primary aim was to compare various arthroscopy-learning techniques after 6 months of training. POPULATION AND METHODS: The study population consisted of 107 first-year residents who were tested twice on a VR arthroscopy simulator (December 2017 and June 2018). The residents were divided into three groups: no specific arthroscopy training (A), non-specific and one-off arthroscopy training (B), 6 months of VR arthroscopy simulator training (C). During the testing, they had to perform the Periscoping exercise (orientation of angled scope) and the Catch the Stars Glenohumeral exercise (extraction of loose bodies). The parameters analyzed were time (s), camera alignment relative to horizontal (%), camera path length (cm) and grasper path length (cm). RESULTS: After 6 months, there was a significant difference between groups during the Periscoping exercise in the time (A: 137.8 s; B: 126.7 s; C: 92.2 s) (p<0.0001), camera alignment (A: 93%; B: 98%; C: 97%) (p=0.0028), camera path length (A: 116.9cm; B: 112.5cm; C: 67.3cm) (p<0.0001) and during the Catch the Stars Glenohumeral exercise in the time (A: 112.2 s; B: 103 s; C: 61.4 s) (p<0.0001), camera path length (A: 46.3cm; B: 40.9cm; C: 32.9cm) (p<0.0153) and grasper path length (A: 146.4cm; B: 142.2cm; C: 95.8cm) (p<0.0001). DISCUSSION: The residents who participated in the VR arthroscopy simulator training program for 6 months had better results when performing practical exercises and standard arthroscopy tasks than those who did not receive any training or only received only one-off training. Their final performance indicated technical mastery that the other residents had not achieved. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: II, Prospective, comparative, non-randomized study.

Surgical options for hallux rigidus: state of the art and review of the literature.

Hallux rigidus is a painful condition of the great toe characterized by restriction of the metatarsophalangeal range of motion and progressive osteophyte formation. Many etiologies have been postulated including excessive length of the first ray, trauma, abnormally elevated first metatarsal and a positive family history. However, most cases are likely idiopathic. Plain radiographs are used to grade the severity of hallux rigidus. The more comprehensive grading is represented by Coughlin and Shurnas' system that introduced a four-grade classification. When nonoperative treatment fails to provide relief, surgery should be performed. The goal of surgery is to relieve pain, maintain stability of the first metatarsophalangeal joint and improve function and quality of life. Operative treatments can be divided into joint sparing (e.g., cheilectomy with or without associated osteotomies) versus joint sacrificing (e.g., arthroplasty or arthrodesis). There are a variety of osteotomies available for treatment of hallux rigidus (phalanx and/or metatarsal osteotomies). Newer techniques of interpositional arthroplasty as well as new hemi-arthroplasty designs, including synthetic cartilage implants, offer promising options for preservation of motion. The choice of procedure is based on the condition of the joint, patient's goals and expectations of the surgical outcome, and patient's motivation. This article discusses various procedures along with clinical outcomes and complications. The advantages and disadvantages of each procedure are discussed.

Denosumab-treated Giant Cell Tumors of Bone: A Clinicopathologic Analysis of 35 Cases From the French Group of Bone Pathology.

Denosumab, an antibody directed against receptor activator of nuclear factor-κB ligand (RANKL), has recently been introduced in the treatment strategy of giant cell tumor of bone. In this study, we assessed the tumor changes induced by denosumab in a national multicentric series of 35 cases (French Bone Pathology Group network-ResOs). Tissue specimens collected before and after denosumab treatment were investigated for RANKL, H3.3 G34W, p63, and Ki-67 expression, and for H3F3A mutation. These parameters were put in correspondance with clinical and radiologic presentation to identify prognostic factors, and more specifically, predictive markers of an optimal histologic response to denosumab, identified as a ≥50% loss in giant cells with fibrosis and ossification. The main changes in posttreatment specimens showed an induction of ossification (P=2.10), an increased fibrosis (P=3.10), and a major decrease in giant cells (P=6.10). No significant change in mononuclear tumor cell density and in patterns of expression of RANKL (P=0.061) and H3.3 G34W was observed (P=0.061). An optimal histologic response to denosumab treatment was associated with an enhanced progression-free survival (P=0.010 in univariate analyses; P=0.040 in multivariate analyses). The initial number of giant cells was predictive of the histologic response to treatment (P=0.016). In summary, denosumab treatment induced radical changes in the tumor. The histologic response, despite the absence of objective regression of the mononuclear cells, was associated with an enhanced progression-free survival. Greater numbers of giant cells represented the only predictive indication of an optimal histologic response to denosumab treatment.

[Virtual reality simulation in orthopedics and trauma surgery in France : Current status and perspectives]. / "Virtual reality simulation" in der Orthopädie und Unfallchirurgie in Frankreich : Aktueller Stand und Ausblick.

INTRODUCTION: The current reduction in working hours and the worldwide attempt to guarantee patient safety have led to significant changes in the training of surgical assistants. Numerous studies meanwhile present arthroscopic virtual reality (VR) simulators as very efficient tools for resident training. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Based on a meta-analysis of VR arthroscopy simulators that identified different levels of evidence and validity, the situation in France in 2017/2018 is described in response to the new French law prohibiting access to the operating theater without prior simulator training. RESULTS: A total of 7 prospective randomized trials were identified that were conducted between 2008 and 2016 in the field of knee and shoulder simulation training. Of the trials six were designed to assess transfer validity. Only four evaluated the simulation-based transfer of knowledge acquired in training to the operating room using an evaluation scale under real-world conditions with blinded assessors. Although France has not yet participated in transfer validation studies, VR simulator training was tested in a first national cohort and a large number of assistants were trained for 6 months. CONCLUSION: Even though evidence that the acquired skills can be validly transferred to the operating theater is still needed, especially for arthroscopy, simulation has already become an indispensable form of further training.