Speech perception in patients submitted to cochlear reimplantation. / Percepção auditiva da fala após o reimplante coclear.

PURPOSE: To analyze the performance of auditory speech perception (PF) after cochlear implant (CI) replacement surgery and associations with age, times of use of the first CI, deprivation, recovery and use of the second device. METHODS: The retrospective study analyzed the medical records of 68 participants reimplanted from 1990 to 2016, and evaluated with PF performance tests, considering as a reference, the greater auditory capacity identified during the use of the first CI. Also analyzed were: Etiology of hearing loss; the reasons for the reimplantation; device brands; age range; sex; affected ear; age at first implant; time of use of the first CI, deprivation, recovery and use of the second device. The analyzes followed with the Chi-Square and Spearman, Mann-Whitney and Kruskal-Wallis tests (CI=95%; p≤0.05; Software SPSS®.v22). RESULTS: Most were children with hearing loss due to idiopathic causes and meningitis. Abrupt stoppage of operation was the most common cause for device replacement. Most cases recovered and maintained or continued to progress in PF after reimplantation. Adults have the worst recovery capacity when compared to children and adolescents. The PF capacity showed a significant association (p≤0.05) with: age at first implant; time of use of the first and second CI. CONCLUSION: Periodic programming and replacement of the device when indicated are fundamental for the maintenance of auditory functions. Being young and having longer use of implants represent advantages for the development of speech perception skills.

OBJETIVO: Analisar o desempenho da percepção auditiva da fala (PF) após cirurgia de substituição do implante coclear (IC) e identificar associações com a idade, tempos de uso dos dispositivos, privação e recuperação. MÉTODO: O estudo retrospectivo analisou os prontuários de 1990 a 2016 e considerou como referência o maior escore da capacidade auditiva identificada ao longo do uso do primeiro IC. Foram coletados dados epidemiológicos; etiologia; causas da substituição e marca dos dispositivos; classificação etária; idades no primeiro e segundo implante; tempos de utilização, privação e de recuperação da capacidade auditiva. Os dados foram avaliados por meio de testes estatísticos não paramétricos (IC=95%; p<0.05). RESULTADOS: Foram avaliados 68 participantes (31 adultos e 37 crianças), sendo 52,9% do sexo feminino e as principais etiologias da perda auditiva foram: idiopática (48,5%), infecciosa (33,8%) e outras causas não infecciosas (17,6%). A idade média verificada na implantação do primeiro e do segundo IC, foram: 102±143,4 e 178,9±173,4 meses. Os tempos médios de uso do primeiro IC, privação, recuperação e uso do segundo IC, foram respectivamente: (76,1±63,3); (2,8±2,4); (6,5±7,1); (75,6±48,3) meses. A substituição foi motivada principalmente pela parada abrupta de funcionamento (77,9%) e 85,3% dos participantes recuperaram a PF, que esteve significativamente associada à idade no primeiro IC, e os tempos de utilização dos dispositivos (p<0.05). CONCLUSÃO: A maior parte dos indivíduos submetidos ao reimplante conseguem recuperar e/ou continuar o desenvolvimento das habilidades auditivas. A idade mais jovem e o tempo de uso dos dispositivos são fatores que influenciam na capacidade de recuperação da PF em reimplantados.

Evaluation of the effects of ectopic replantation on amputate survival in the management of crush traumatic amputations in rats: An experimental study.

BACKGROUND: This controlled experimental study aimed to compare ectopic replantation with other replantation techniques in a rat model of crush amputations. It also assessed the impact of different replantation methods on the viability of amputates. METHODS: Forty male Wistar albino rats were divided into four groups. Groin flaps served as the amputation model. Group 1 un-derwent guillotine-style amputation followed by orthotopic replantation, Group 2 experienced crush-type amputation and orthotopic replantation, Group 3 had crush-type amputation and orthotopic replantation with a vein graft, and Group 4 underwent crush-type amputation followed by ectopic replantation. Flap viability and perfusion rates were assessed on day 3 using an infrared perfusion as-sessment system. The ratio of viable area to total flap area and thrombus formation in the pedicle vessels were evaluated on day 7. RESULTS: Infrared evaluations on day 3 post-replantation revealed flap perfusion percentages of 73.5% in Group 1, 11.1% in Group 2, 65% in Group 3, and 64.1% in Group 4. Statistical analysis indicated that Group 1 exhibited the highest perfusion rates, while Group 2 showed the lowest. No differences were observed between Groups 3 and 4. On the seventh day, the average surviving flap areas were found to be 74.6% in Group 1, 2.5% in Group 2, 64.5% in Group 3, and 64% in Group 4. Statistically, Group 1 exhibited the best outcomes, while Group 2 had the poorest, with no differences between Groups 3 and 4. Additionally, thrombus formation was observed in the vessels of two animals in Group 1, nine in Group 2, and three each in Groups 3 and 4. Significant statistical differences were noted among the groups. CONCLUSION: The results indicate that ectopic replantation and replantation with a vein graft are equally effective. The preferred method for crush-type replantations may depend on the patient's and the amputated limb's conditions. In crush-type amputations, we recommend vein graft repair if the patient's overall condition supports replantation and if crushed segments can be debrided without excessive shortening of the amputated part. If these conditions are not met, temporary ectopic replantation is advised to preserve the amputated limb.

Microsurgical replantation after forehead avulsion - success or failure? A case report.

In this article we would like to present, to our best knowledge, the very first published replantation of a forehead/part of a forehead as a single unit. The patient is a 57-year-old male smoker who sustained an avulsion forehead injury after a dog bite. Replantation was performed using microanastomosis of the supratrochlear vessels with restoration of good blood circulation after the procedure. Unfortunately, 5 days after the surgery, ischemia of the flap occurred followed by successful acute revision surgery. Nevertheless, the day after the ischemia reoccurred due to the time that passed, circumstances and unfavorable conditions affecting the sutured vessels, no further revision surgery was indicated. Observation continued and eventual wound necrosis after demarcation was left to be treated with skin grafting or per secundam intentionem. Only partial necrosis of the flap occurred, approximately 50%, which was subsequently treated with a full-thickness skin graft with very good results leading to the satisfaction of the patient.

Amputated Digit Replantations: Critical Digit Ischemia Timing, Temperature, and Other Predictors of Survival.

INTRODUCTION: A common consideration for replantation success is the ischemia time following injury and the preservation temperature. A classic principle within the hand surgery community describes 12 hours of warm ischemia and 24 hours of cold ischemia as the upper limits for digit replantation; however, these limits are largely anecdotal and based on older studies. We aimed to compare survival data from the large body of literature to aid surgeons and all those involved in the replantation process in hopes of optimizing success rates. METHODS: The PubMed database was queried on April 4th, 2023, for articles that included data on digit replantation survival in terms of temperature of preservation and ischemia time. All primary outcomes were analyzed with the Mantel-Haenszel method within a random effects model. Secondary outcomes were pooled and analyzed using the chi-square statistic. Statistical analysis and forest plot generation were completed with RevMan 5.4 software with odds ratios calculated within a 95% confidence interval. RESULTS: Our meta-analysis identified that digits preserved in cold ischemia for over 12 hours had significantly higher odds of replantation success than the amputated digits replanted with 0-12 hours of warm ischemia time ( P ≤ 0.05). The odds of survival in the early (0-6 hours) replantation group were around 40% greater than the later (6-12 hours) replantation group ( P ≤ 0.05). Secondary outcomes that were associated with higher survival rates included a clean-cut amputation, increased venous and arterial anastomosis, a repair that did not require a vein graft, and replants performed in nonsmokers ( P ≤ 0.05). DISCUSSION: Overall, these findings suggest that when predicting digit replantation success, time is of the essence when the digit has yet to be preserved in a cold environment. This benefit, however, is almost completely diminished when the amputated digit is appropriately maintained in a cold environment soon after injury. In conclusion, our results suggest that there is potential for broadening the ischemia time limits for digit replant survival outlined in the literature, particularly for digits that have been stored correctly in cold ischemia.

Analyzing attempt and success factors for amputated digit replantation in Japan using the diagnosis procedure combination database.

The number of amputated finger replantation has declined in the USA and Germany in recent years; however, there have been no reports on recent trends in Japan. We examined the current practices, attempts, and success factors of digit replantation in Japan. We hypothesized that the rates of digit replantation and success rates were consistently standardized in Japan. The diagnosis procedure combination database was used to analyze 14004 cases from April 2014 to March 2020, excluding multiple-digit amputations, thus focusing on 13484 patients. We evaluated replantation success rates and identified factors influencing replantation decisions using multiple logistic regression analysis. The key findings included a higher frequency of replantation in thumb cases and surgeries during overtime hours, on Sundays, and in educational institutions. Success rates were notably higher for thumb replantations and patients under 20 years of age. Patients over 65 years of age treated with urokinase showed higher failure rates, unrelated to regional or hospital case volumes. The number of amputated digit replantation surgeries in Japan was high during overtime hours, on Sundays, and in educational institutions. Region, hospital type, and hospital case volume were not associated with a low success rate across Japan.

Hearing outcomes following reimplantation of functional legacy cochlear implants.

OBJECTIVES: Recently, patients with certain legacy cochlear implants (CIs) have sought out reimplantation to enjoy the benefits offered by newer processor technology. This decision can be difficult, especially when the individual relies exclusively on the device for communication and scores at the ceiling of performance metrics. To date, most outcome data is derived from reimplantation of a non-functioning CI-a relatively easy decision. The aim of this study is to report hearing outcomes following reimplantation of legacy implants to guide surgeons and patients approaching this high-stakes clinical situation. PATIENTS AND INTERVENTION: Four patients implanted with Advanced Bionics Clarion C1 devices over 20 years ago underwent reimplantation. RESULTS: Three reimplanted patients demonstrated a maintenance or improvement in their audiometric performance with one patient experiencing only a 5 % decrease in AzBioQ score. Each patient expressed satisfaction with the expansion of technological capabilities including improved battery life, and device connectivity. There were no failed reimplantations or other adverse effects. CONCLUSIONS: Reimplantation of a functioning legacy CI result in stability or improvement in auditory performance. All individuals in this series report that they enjoy the new connectivity and programming technologies. As the rate advancement in CI technology continues to increase and newer device architectures emerge, these data will help to inform the decision to reimplant functioning devices.

Single-port-plus-one robot-assisted laparoscopic Lich-Gregoir direct nipple ureteral extravesical reimplantation in pediatric primary obstructive megaureter, comparing to laparoscopic cohen.

PURPOSE: To compare the effects of a single-port-plus-one robotic laparoscopic-modified Lich-Gregoir direct nipple approach and traditional laparoscopic Cohen in treating pediatric primary obstructive megaureter. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The clinical data of 24 children with primary obstructive megaureter from January 2021 to November 2021 were analyzed retrospectively. Among them, 12 children (8 boys and 4 girls, the average age were 17.17 ± 6.31 months) treated with the laparoscopic Cohen method were defined as group C. The remaining 12 children (7 boys and 5 girls, the average age was 17.33 ± 6.99 months) underwent single-port-plus-one robotic laparoscopic-modified Lich-Gregoir direct nipple ureteral extravesical reimplantation were defined as group L. The parameters of pre-operation, intraoperative and postoperative were compared. RESULTS: There were no differences in the patient characteristics and average follow-up time between the two groups (P > 0.05).The obstruction resolution rate was 100% in both groups. The total operation time in group L is slightly longer than that in group C(P < 0.001),but the intraperitoneal operation time of the two groups was comparable(P > 0.05). The postoperative parameters included blood loss, gross haematuria time, indwelling catheterization time and hospitalization time in group L is shorter than group C(P < 0.05). One year post-operation, decreasing in ureteral diameter and APRPD, and increasing in DRF were remarkably observed in both two groups(P < 0.05). Ureteral diameter, APRPD, and DRF were not significantly different both in pre-operation and post-operation between Group L and Group C(P > 0.05). CONCLUSION: Single-port-plus-one robot-assisted laparoscopic-modified Lich-Gregoir direct nipple approach and traditional laparoscopic Cohen are both dependable techniques for ureteral reimplantation in the treatment of pediatric primary obstructive megaureter. Since Lich-Gregoir can preserve the physiological direction of the ureter and direct nipple reimplantation enhances the effect of anti-refluxing, this technique is favorable for being promoted and applied in robot surgery.

Distribution of pathogens and risk factors for post-replantation wound infection in patients with traumatic major limb mutilation.

PURPOSE: Even though replantation of limb mutilation is increasing, postoperative wound infection can result in increasing the financial and psychological burden of patients. Here, we sought to explore the distribution of pathogens and identify risk factors for postoperative wound infection to help early identification and managements of high-risk patients. METHODS: Adult inpatients with severed traumatic major limb mutilation who underwent replantation from Suzhou Ruixing Medical Group between November 09, 2014, and September 6, 2022 were included in this retrospective study. Demographic, and clinical characteristics, treatments, and outcomes were collected. Data were used to analyze risk factors for postoperative wound infection. RESULTS: Among the 249 patients, 185 (74.3%) were males, the median age was 47.0 years old. Postoperative wound infection in 74 (29.7%) patients, of whom 51 (20.5%) had infection with multi-drug resistant bacteria. Ischemia time (OR 1.31, 95% CI 1.13-1.53, P = 0.001), wound contamination (OR 6.01, 95% CI 2.38-15.19, P <0.001), and stress hyperglycemia (OR 23.37, 95% CI 2.30-236.93, P = 0.008) were independent risk factors, while the albumin level after surgery (OR 0.94, 95% CI 0.89-0.99, P = 0.031) was significant associated with the decrease of postoperative wound infection. Ischemia time (OR 1.21, 95% CI 1.05-1.40, P = 0.010), wound contamination (OR 8.63, 95% CI 2.91-25.57, P <0.001), and MESS (OR 1.32, 95% CI 1.02-1.71, P = 0.037 were independent risk factors for multi-drug resistant bacteria infection. CONCLUSIONS: Post-replantation wound infection was common in patients with severe traumatic major limb mutilation, and most were multi-drug resistant bacteria. Ischemia time and wound contamination were associated with the increase of postoperative wound infection, including caused by multi-drug resistant. Positive correction of hypoproteinemia and control of stress hyperglycemia may be beneficial.

Management of Traumatic Nasal Avulsion Injuries.

Soft tissue injuries to the midface (and nose) are common causes for seeking trauma care. As trauma patients, observing advanced trauma life support protocols is warranted given the risk of concomitant injuries. Here, options for optimizing tissue preservation, microvascular replantation, non-microvascular tissue replacement, and wound stabilization are discussed. Included in this discussion are data-driven predictors for successful replantation as well as technique descriptions with anatomic references to guide surgeons in choosing optimal donor vessels. In both partial and complete avulsion injuries, venous congestion is common. Several postoperative wound care protocols to maximize tissue perfusion and long-term viability are discussed.

Single-port plus one in pediatric robotic-assisted Lich-Gregoir ureteral reimplantation for vesicoureteral reflux, a comparative analysis with short-term outcomes.

OBJECTIVE: To observe the safety and short-term outcomes of a new way of laparoscopic trocar placement in pediatric robotic-assisted Lich-Gregoir ureteral reimplantation for vesicoureteral reflux. METHODS: The retrospective study included 32 patients under 14 years diagnosed with primary vesicoureteral reflux (VUR). All these patients underwent robotic-assisted Lich-Gregoir ureteral reimplantation in our department from December 2020 to August 2022. These patients were divided into the following groups according to the different ways of trocar placement: 13 patients in group single-port plus one (SR) and 19 patients in group multiple-port (MR). Patients' characteristics as well as their perioperative and follow-up data were collected and evaluated. RESULTS: There was no significant difference in the data regarding patients' characteristics and preoperative data. These data included the grade of vesicoureteral reflux according to the voiding cystourethrogram (VCUG), and the differential degree of renal function (DRF) at the following time points: preoperative, postoperative, and comparison of preoperative and postoperative. There was no difference between the two groups. During surgery, the time of artificial pneumoperitoneum establishment, ureteral reimplantation time, and total operative time in the SR group were longer than those in the MR group. Yet only the time of artificial pneumoperitoneum establishment shows a statistical difference (P < 0.0001). Also, the peri-operative data, including the volume of blood loss, fasting time, hospitalization, and length of time that a ureteral catheter remained in place, and the number of postoperative complications demonstrate no difference. In addition, the SFU grade and VCUG grade at the following time point also show no difference between the two groups. CONCLUSION: The study demonstrates that SR in robotic-assisted Lich-Gregoir ureteral reimplantation has reached the same surgical effects as MR. In addition, the single-port plus one trocar placement receives a higher cosmetic satisfaction score from parents and did not increase the surgical time and complexity.

5-year Follow-up of Reimplanted Parathyroid Glands in Forearm Subcutaneous Tissue During Thyroidectomy. A Confirmation of Graft Vitality in a Large Series of Patients.

INTRODUCTION: The aim of this study is to assess the outcomes of parathyroid gland reimplantation with PR-FaST technique in patients undergoing thyroid surgery, focusing on graft functionality over a 5-year follow-up period. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We analyzed data from 131 patients who underwent parathyroid reimplantation using the PR-FaST technique during thyroid surgery due to inadvertent parathyroid removal or evident vascular damage. Postoperative evaluations included serum calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg), and phosphorus (P) analyses on the 1st and 2nd postoperative days, at 10 days, and at 1, 3, 6 months, 1 year, and 5 years of follow-up. Additionally, the mean values of serum intact parathyroid hormone (iPTH) concentration were measured from blood samples collected from both the reimplanted arm (iPTH RA) and non-reimplanted arm (iPTH NRA) within the same period. RESULTS: Among 131 patients, at 10 days post-surgery, only 46 patients (35.1%) out of 131 exhibited graft viability (iPTH ratio >1.5). This percentage increased to 72.8% (94 patients) after 1 month and further to 87.8% (108 patients) after 3 months post-surgery. At 1 year, 84.7% of patients showed good graft functionality. After 5 years, the percentage remained stable, with graft viability observed in 81.3% of patients. Only 91 of the initial 131 patients completed follow-up up to 5 years, with a dropout rate of 30.5 %. CONCLUSIONS: Parathyroid reimplantation using the PR-FaST technique is a viable option for patients undergoing thyroidectomy and has been shown to be a reproducible and effective technique in most patients, with sustained graft functionality and parathyroid hormone production over a 5-year follow-up period.

Knowledge, attitudes and practice towards postoperative nursing of patients with digit replantation and skin flap transplantation among new nurses in Beijing: a cross-sectional survey.

OBJECTIVE: To explore the knowledge, attitudes and practice (KAP) towards the postoperative nursing of patients with digit replantation and skin flap transplantation among new nurses. DESIGN: Cross-sectional survey. SETTING: Two tertiary medical centres in Beijing, China. PARTICIPANTS: New nurses with working experience within 2 years. PRIMARY AND SECONDARY OUTCOME MEASURES: The demographic characteristics of the nurses and their KAP towards the postoperative nursing of patients with digit replantation and skin flap transplantation were collected using a self-administered questionnaire. The primary outcome was the KAP scores towards the postoperative nursing of patients with digit replantation and skin flap transplantation. The secondary outcomes were the factors associated with the KAP scores and how the KAP dimensions interacted among them. RESULTS: A total of 206 valid questionnaires were collected. The mean KAP scores were 7.72±3.28 (total score 13; 59.3%), 37.95±6.05 (total score 50; 75.9%) and 38.23±6.12 (total score 45; 84.9%), indicating poor knowledge, moderately favourable attitudes and active practice. The structural equation model analysis showed that knowledge directly influences attitudes (ß=0.82, 95%CI 0.60 to 1.05, p<0.001) and that attitudes directly influence practices (ß=0.72, 95%CI 0.62 to 0.83, p<0.001). Knowledge had no direct influence on practices (ß=0.10, 95%CI -0.09 to 0.29, p=0.313), but the indirect influence was significant (ß=0.60, 95%CI 0.41 to 0.78, p<0.001). CONCLUSION: The lack of sufficient knowledge towards the postoperative nursing of patients with digit replantation and skin flap transplantation among nurses with <2 years of experience and the correlation among the KAP dimensions suggested the importance of proper training.

Should a Refluxing Internal Diversion Be Considered a Temporizing Procedure? Extended Follow-up and Outcomes After Side-to-Side Ureterovesicostomy for Primary Obstructive Megaureter in Young Children.

PURPOSE: We describe long-term outcomes, including UTIs and need for reimplantation, after ureterovesicostomy (UV) as a lasting surgical procedure for children with primary obstructive megaureter (POM). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Children referred to our institution between 2016 and 2023 who underwent refluxing UV were analyzed. POM was defined as hydroureteronephrosis with distal ureteral dilatation > 7 mm and a negative workup for other etiologies of hydronephrosis. We assessed for surgical outcomes, complications, rate of UTI, and improvement in upper tract dilatation. Statistical analyses assessed for change in hydronephrosis metrics over follow-up. RESULTS: Among 183 patients diagnosed with POM, 47 (24%) underwent UV. Median age of presentation, surgery, and follow-up was 2, 9, and 43 months, respectively. A total of 7 patients developed 30-day complications: Clavien-Dindo grade 1 in 2 (transient urinary retention) and grade 2 in 5 (UTIs). During monitoring 14 (30%) developed UTIs and 7 (15%) required ureteral reimplant or UV takedown. After surgery there was a significant decrease in the proportion of patients with high-grade hydronephrosis, anteroposterior renal pelvis diameter, and maximum ureteral dilatation. CONCLUSIONS: Refluxing UV is a safe alternative to cutaneous diversion in POM. Most patients had improvement in upper tract dilatation with an acceptable short-term complication rate and need for reoperation (in comparison to routine later reimplantation). Our experience suggests that monitoring alone after UV is feasible, and that selective subsequent reconstruction is a reasonable strategy.

Clinical efficacy of laparoscopic Lich-Gregoir versus transvesicoscopic Cohen reimplantation for ureterobladder junction malformations in children.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the clinical efficacy of laparoscopic Lich-Gregoir (LLG) and transvesicoscopic Cohen reimplantation (TCR) in the treatment of vesicoureteral junction obstruction (VUJO) and vesicoureteral reflux (VUR). METHODS: This study retrospectively analyzed the clinical data of 66 pediatric patients with VUJO and VUR. They were classified into two groups, undergoing either the laparoscopic Lich-Gregoir operation (LLGO) (n = 35) or transvesicoscopic Cohen reimplantation operation (TCRO) (n = 31). The surgeries were performed between April 2018 and September 2022 at the First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, China. General characteristics, preoperative attributes, postoperative complications, renal function recovery, and improvement of hydronephrosis were compared between the two groups. RESULTS: All surgical procedures were successful with no requirement for reoperation. Both groups were comparable with respect to gender, affected side, weight, and postoperative complications. Nonetheless, the LLGO group contained a greater number of children younger than 12 months. The LLGO group demonstrated superiority over the TCRO group regarding the duration of the operation, intraoperative blood loss, and length of postoperative hospital stay. In contrast, postoperative complications, recovery of renal function, and hydronephrosis improvement did not exhibit statistically significant differences between the two groups. CONCLUSION: Both LLGO and TCRO were demonstrated to be precise, safe, and reliable surgical methods for treating pediatric VUJO and VUR. LLGO ureteral reimplantation offers particular advantages in selecting cases and appears more suitable for children younger than 12 months who have a small bladder capacity.

Robotic-assisted vs. open ureteral reimplantation: a multicentre comparison.

PURPOSE: Open ureteral reimplantation is considered the standard surgical approach to treat distal ureteral strictures or injuries. These procedures are increasingly performed in a minimally invasive and robotic-assisted manner. Notably, no series comparing perioperative outcomes and safety of the open vs. robotic approach are available so far. METHODS: In this retrospective multi-center study, we compared data from 51 robotic ureteral reimplantations (RUR) with 79 open ureteral reimplantations (OUR). Both cohorts were comparatively assessed using different baseline characteristics and perioperative outcomes. Moreover, a multivariate logistic regression for independent predictors was performed. RESULTS: Surgery time, length of hospital stay and dwell time of bladder catheter were shorter in the robotic cohort, whereas estimated blood loss, postoperative blood transfusion rate and postoperative complications were lower than in the open cohort. In the multivariate linear regression analysis, robotic approach was an independent predictor for a shorter operation time (coefficient - 0.254, 95% confidence interval [CI] - 0.342 to - 0.166; p < 0.001), a lower estimated blood loss (coefficient - 0.390, 95% CI - 0.549 to - 0.231, p < 0.001) and a shorter length of hospital stay (coefficient - 0.455, 95% CI - 0.552 to - 0.358, p < 0.001). Moreover, robotic surgery was an independent predictor for a shorter dwell time of bladder catheter (coefficient - 0.210, 95% CI - 0.278 to - 0.142, p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: RUR represents a safe alternative to OUR, with a shorter operative time, decreased blood loss and length of hospital stay. Prospective research are needed to further define the extent of the advantages of the robotic approach over open surgery.

Application of Digital Artery Transposition in the Replantation of Severed Fingers with Vessel Defects and its Influence on Nerve Function and Joint Function Recovery.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the application of digital artery transposition in replanting severed fingers with vascular defects and its impact on nerve and joint function recovery. METHODS: 200 patients who received replantation of severed fingers were randomly divided into artery transposition group (n = 100) and vein transplantation group (n = 100). The digital artery transposition technique was used in the artery transposition group, and the autologous vein bridging technique was used in the vein transplantation group. The clinical efficacy and survival rate of severed fingers were compared between the two groups. RESULTS: The clinical excellent and good rate in artery transposition group was significantly higher than that in vein transplantation group (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: The transposition of digital artery is effective and safe in replantation of severed fingers with vascular defects.

Evaluation of time to reimplantation as a risk factor in two-stage revision with static spacers for periprosthetic knee joint infection.

INTRODUCTION: We investigated the time to reimplantation (TTR) during two-stage revision using static spacers with regard to treatment success and function in patients with chronic periprosthetic joint infection (PJI) of the knee. METHODS: 163 patients (median age 72 years, 72 women) who underwent two-stage exchange for chronic knee PJI between 2012 and 2020 were retrospectively analyzed (based on the 2011 Musculoskeletal Infection Society criteria). A cutoff TTR for increased risk of reinfection was identified using the maximally selected log-rank statistic. Infection control, aseptic revisions and overall survival were analyzed using Kaplan-Meier survival estimates. Adjustment for confounding factors-the Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI) and C-reactive protein (CRP)-was done with a Cox proportional hazards model. RESULTS: When TTR exceeded 94 days, the adjusted hazard of reinfection was increased 2.8-fold (95% CI 1.4-5.7; p = 0.0036). The reinfection-free rate was 67% (95% CI 52-79%) after 2 years and 33% (95% CI 11-57%) after 5 years for a longer TTR compared to 89% (95% CI 81-94%) and 80% (95% CI 69-87%) at 2 and 5 years, respectively, for a shorter TTR. Adjusted overall survival and number of aseptic revisions did not differ between the longer TTR and shorter TTR groups. Maximum knee flexion was 90° (IQR 84-100) for a longer TTR and 95° (IQR 90-100) for a shorter TTR (p = 0.0431), with no difference between the groups in Oxford Knee Score. Baseline characteristics were similar (body mass index, age, previous surgeries, microorganisms) for the two groups, except that there was a higher CCI (median 4 vs. 3) and higher CRP (median 3.7 vs 2.6 mg/dl) in the longer TTR group. CONCLUSION: A long TTR is sometimes unavoidable in clinical practice, but surgeons should be aware of a potentially higher risk of reinfection. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: III, retrospective comparative study.

Midlateral Approach Replantation of a Distal Phalanx Second Toe Amputation in a 4-Year-Old Child: A Case Report.

CASE: A 4-year-old girl patient presented with complete amputation of the second toe close to the distal interphalangeal joint. Replantation was performed using a novel midlateral approach. The procedure used the dorsal subcutaneous vein on the foot as a graft for the artery. Four months postoperatively, the toe healed without any complication. The patient reported pain-free physical exercise without limitations in daily activity. CONCLUSION: This report demonstrates that this approach has the potential to provide a safe and viable alternative for treating toe amputations and offers advantages such as simplified artery identification, straightforward anastomosis, and improved vein graft harvesting.