Effect of different anaesthetic techniques on gene expression profiles in patients who underwent hip arthroplasty.

OBJECTIVES: To investigate the modulation of genes whose expression level is indicative of stress and toxicity following exposure to three anaesthesia techniques, general anaesthesia (GA), regional anaesthesia (RA), or integrated anaesthesia (IA). METHODS: Patients scheduled for hip arthroplasty receiving GA, RA and IA were enrolled at Rizzoli Orthopaedic Institute of Bologna, Italy and the expression of genes involved in toxicology were evaluated in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) collected before (T0), immediately after surgery (T1), and on the third day (T2) after surgery in association with biochemical parameters. RESULTS: All three anaesthesia methods proved safe and reliable in terms of pain relief and patient recovery. Gene ontology analysis revealed that GA and mainly IA were associated with deregulation of DNA repair system and stress-responsive genes, which was observed even after 3-days from anaesthesia. Conversely, RA was not associated with substantial changes in gene expression. CONCLUSIONS: Based on the gene expression analysis, RA technique showed the smallest toxicological effect in hip arthroplasty. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov number NCT03585647.

Treatment of recent onset low back pain with periradicular injections of meloxicam: a randomized, double blind, placebo controlled cross-over study.

BACKGROUND: Low back pain (LBP) is a common and costly illness. This randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, cross-over study tested the hypothesis that periradicular injections of meloxicam would reduce LBP and improve physical activity compared to a saline injection at 3 months follow-up. METHODS: After IRB approval, 80 consenting patients suffering LBP of <6 months duration were randomly assigned to the control (C-group, N.=40, receiving 10 mL of saline) or the meloxicam (M-group, N.=40, receiving 10 mg in 10 mL saline). If the pain Numeric Rating Score (NRS) at 24 hours remained >50% of the pretreatment score, the patient was crossed-over to the other group. A successful treatment was NRS<3 at 3 months follow-up. Secondary outcome measures which were assessed included work-absence, physical-assistance, physical-activities limitations and pain-related insomnia. RESULTS: The baseline NRS was 9.3 (95% CI: 8.9-9.7) in the C-group and 9.2 (95% CI: 8.8-9.6) in the M-group. At the 24 hours follow-up after the initial treatment, the mean NRS was 6.3 (95% CI: 5.4-7.2) in the C-group vs. 3.5 (95% CI: 2.6-4.4) in the M-group (P<0.05). The number of cross-over cases was significantly higher in the C-group (N.=31, 77.5% vs. N.=5, 12.5%, P<0.001). At the 3 months follow-up, 66 patients (35+31) were allocated in the M-group and 54 (82%) reported NRS Score <3, while only 14 (9+5) patients remained in the C-group and eight patients had NRS<3. CONCLUSIONS: Periradicular injection of meloxicam is an effective analgesic treatment for acute/subacute LBP. This novel use of meloxicam also leads to an improvement in the level of physical activity at the 3-month follow-up.

Outcomes of total hip replacement in limbs affected by poliomyelitis.

INTRODUCTION: The outcomes of total hip replacement in patients suffering from residual poliomyelitis are poorly covered in the literature. In this retrospective study we posed the question of whether total hip replacement performed for degenerative hip diseases in limbs with residual poliomyelitis could determine satisfactory mid-term clinical and radiographic results, with a reasonable complication rate. METHODS: A retrospective study was carried out to assess the results of 14 total hip replacements performed on 14 patients with residual poliomyelitis on the involved limb from June 1999 to September 2011. Average age at the time of surgery was 51 years (range 26-66 years). Mean duration of follow-up was 92 months (range 52-156 months). Surgery was performed through a direct lateral approach on all hips. All but one were cementless implants. RESULTS: 2 implants failed, 1 due to traumatic acetabular fracture 6 days after surgery, and 1 due to aseptic cup loosening 13 years after surgery. Surgery was uneventful in all patients except 1 (7%), who experienced a transient sensory sciatic nerve palsy. At the latest follow up Harris Hip Score was 83.3 (range 72-91) with a marked improvement when compared to preoperative score (average 52, range 32-78). No dislocations had occurred. CONCLUSIONS: Total hip replacement can be considered a feasible option for hip osteoarthritis in patients with limbs affected by residual poliomyelitis. Longer follow-up studies are needed to assess the effectiveness of unconstrained total hip replacement in polio patients.

Central sensitization in chronic low back pain: A narrative review.

Low back pain is one of the four most common disorders in all regions, and the greatest contributor to disability worldwide, adding 10.7% of total years lost due to this health state. The etiology of chronic low back pain is, in most of the cases (up to 85%), unknown or nonspecific, while the specific causes (specific spinal pathology and neuropathic/radicular disorders) are uncommon. Central sensitization has been recently recognized as a potential pathophysiological mechanism underlying a group of chronic pain conditions, and may be a contributory factor for a sub-group of patients with chronic low back pain. The purposes of this narrative review are twofold. First, to describe central sensitization and its symptoms and signs in patients with chronic pain disorders in order to allow its recognition in patients with nonspecific low back pain. Second, to provide general treatment principles of chronic low back pain with particular emphasis on pharmacotherapy targeting central sensitization.

Surgical treatment of hallux valgus associated with flexible flatfoot during growing age.

PURPOSE: During growth, hallux valgus could present associated with flatfoot. Considering the current disagreement about correction of hallux valgus during growth and the lack of reports about simultaneous correction of hallux valgus associated with flexible flatfoot, we present simultaneous treatment of both deformities during growth combining subtalar arthroeresis and SERI first metatarsal osteotomy, reporting results at an average five-year follow-up. METHODS: Thirty-two children (64 feet, age range 8-12 years) affected by hallux valgus associated with flexible flatfoot underwent surgical treatment combining SERI first metatarsal osteotomy and subtalar arthroereisis with bioabsorbable endorthotic implant. Clinical evaluation was summarized with AOFAS score, and standard standing radiographs were performed. RESULTS: AOFAS score ranged from 86 ± 2 to 98 ± 2 (hindfoot) and from 80 ± 4 to 98 ± 2 (forefoot). HVA ranged from 21° ± 2 to 5° ± 2, IMA from 14° ± 2 to 7° ± 2, DMAA from 18° ± 2 to 2° ± 2, and Meary's angle from 162° ± 11 to 175° ± 4. Complications included one case of delayed wound healing, inflammatory skin reaction around the outlet of the percutaneous Kirschner wire in two cases, displacement of the endorthotic implant in one case, and a second surgery to replace the implant. CONCLUSIONS: SERI osteotomy and subtalar arthroereisis resulted in an effective, technically simple and easily combined approach, with a high rate of good results and low rate of complications at mid-term follow-up. These techniques performed simultaneously represent a viable option in case of hallux valgus associated with flexible flatfoot during growth. Nevertheless, considering the limitations of this study, we believe that a larger case series and a longer follow-up should be desirable.

Congenital idiopathic talipes equinovarus before and after walking age: observations and strategy of treatment from a series of 88 cases.

BACKGROUND: We reviewed a series of newborns, toddlers and ambulating children affected by idiopathic congenital talipes equinovarus (clubfoot). Taking into account the time of diagnosis, stiffness of the deformity and walking age, nonsurgical or surgical treatment was considered. This study reports clinical outcomes, early complications and relapse at mid-term follow-up. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Fifty-two clubfeet were diagnosed at birth, 12 in non-ambulating children aged between 4 and 12 months and 24 in ambulating children. Feet were classified using the Pirani score. Newborns and toddlers were treated with serial casting (Ponseti); however, toddlers also underwent open Achilles tendon lengthening (2 feet) and posteromedial release (3 feet). In all ambulating children, surgical treatment was always performed: selective medial release combined with cuboid subtraction osteotomy (1 foot), posteromedial release (6 feet), and posteromedial release combined with cuboid subtraction osteotomy (17 feet). RESULTS: The average follow-up was 5 years (1-6 years). In newborns treated with Ponseti, the results were excellent in 42 feet, good in 6, and poor in 4. In non-ambulating children, the results were excellent in 9 feet, and good in 3. In ambulating children, the results were excellent in 5 feet, good in 16, and poor in 3. No major complications were reported. No overcorrections were observed. The need for open surgery was higher in cases of delayed treatment. In cases of relapse, re-casting and/or more extensive surgery was considered. CONCLUSIONS: Early treatment enables a high rate of good correction to be obtained with serial casting and limited surgery. Conversely, if the deformity is observed after walking age surgery should be considered. Serial casting in cases of late observation and relapse have demonstrated encouraging results. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: IV.

Treatment of chronic cervicobrachial pain with periradicular injection of meloxicam.

BACKGROUND: Cervicobrachial pain (CBP) is often resistant to conventional oral analgesics. We hypothesized that the periradicular injection of meloxicam would produce a significant reduction in their intractable CBP. The secondary objective was to assess the impact of the treatment on functional recovery. METHODS: 48 patients with persistent CBP (>3 months of duration) despite multimodal analgesic therapy received 1-3 periradicular injections of meloxicam, 5-20 mg, at the dermatomal level(s) corresponding to their pain symptoms. Pain level (0=none to 10=severe), rescue analgesics, and functional activity were recorded at baseline and for 90d after the last injection. The injection was repeated if the pain score remained >3 or paresthesia persisted. RESULTS: The mean pain score was reduced from a baseline of 8.9 (±1) to 1.7 (±2.2) at 90 days after the last meloxicam injection. Following meloxicam treatment(s), only 13% of the patients required oral analgesic rescue medication. All patients increased their functional activity level. CONCLUSIONS: Cervical periradicular injection of meloxicam reduced CBP by 81% at 90-day follow-up and also improved functional recovery.

Does surgery for Scheuermann kyphosis influence sagittal spinopelvic parameters?

PURPOSE: To analyze changes in sagittal spinopelvic parameters (SSPs) after surgical treatment of Scheuermann's Kyphosis (SK). METHODS: We analyzed 20 patients affected by SK and subjected to posterior correction of the kyphosis by facetectomy, Ponte osteotomy, fusion and multilevel instrumentation with pedicle screw system. Four spinal and three pelvic parameters were measured: sagittal vertical axis (SVA), thoracic kyphosis (TK), thoracolumbar kyphosis, lumbar lordosis (LL), pelvic incidence (PI), sacral slope (SS) and pelvic tilt (PT). Analysis of changes in postprocedural SSPs compared to preoperative values was performed. RESULTS: TK passed from 78.6° preoperatively to 45.8° (p = 0.003). LL passed from 74.5° preoperatively to 53.5° (p = 0.01). No significant changes occurred in SVA, SS, PT and PI compared to preoperative values. CONCLUSION: We confirm the positive effect of surgery by Ponte osteotomy and posterior spinal fusion on TK and LL in patients with SK. In our experience, pelvic parameters did not change after surgery.

Long vs. short fusions for adult lumbar degenerative scoliosis: does balance matters?

PURPOSE: Surgery of adult scoliosis was based upon coronal plane radiographical analysis using Cobb angle measurements, but recently it has been demonstrated that sagittal spinopelvic alignment plays a critical role in determining the final outcome. The aim of this paper is to compare the clinical and radiological results of 81 patients affected by adult scoliosis, treated with short or long fusions, and followed for 2-5 year follow-up. MATERIALS AND METHODS: 81 patients affected by degenerative lumbar scoliosis managed by posterior-only surgery were retrospectively evaluated. Fifty-seven patients underwent to a short fusion procedure, while 24 had a long fusion. Clinical and radiographic coronal and sagittal spinopelvic parameters were compared between the two groups. RESULTS: Coronal Cobb angle was 24° preoperatively and passed to 12° in the short fusion group, while changed from 45° to 10° in the long fusion group. Lumbar lordosis was 45° preoperatively and 60° at final follow-up in the short fusion group passed from 24° to 55° in the long fusion group. Sacral slope passed from 25° to 45° in the short fusion group, while from 10° to 40° in the long fusion group. Pelvic tilt passed from 24° to 13° in the short fusion group, and from 28° to 23° in the long fusion group. CONCLUSION: Surgical treatment of degenerative lumbar scoliosis improved balance and alignment of the spine, and also the coronal plane in terms of Cobb angle. These results were associated to a consistent clinical improvement and an acceptable rate of complications.

Surgical treatment of aseptic forearm nonunion with plate and opposite bone graft strut. Autograft or allograft?

PURPOSE OF THE STUDY: Adequate treatment of forearm nonunion should achieve both biological stimulation of the bone and mechanical stability. The use of bone graft could enhance the healing of a nonunion providing osteogenic, osteoconductive and osteoinductive stimulation and an optimal stability of the fixation. We retrospectively reviewed two cohorts of patients affected by forearm nonunion and treated with plate and opposite bone graft to determine whether the use of autograft versus allograft differs in terms of (1) rate of healing of the nonunion and (2) time of healing. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirty-four patients were treated for aseptic forearm nonunion with cortical graft strut with opposite plate and intercalary graft in case of segmental bone defect. In 20 patients an autograft harvest from the fibula (group A) and in 14 (group B) an allograft provided by the bone bank of our institution were used. RESULTS: All the nonunions healed in a mean of four months in both groups, ranging from two to 12 months in group A and from three to ten months in group B. At the latest follow up forearm function and pain were satisfactory in both groups. CONCLUSION: The use of plate and opposite bone graft demonstrated to be effective in promoting the healing of forearm nonunions, without significant differences in terms of rate and time of healing in the two groups. Considering the higher surgical time and the comorbidity of the donor site, if a bone bank is available, we suggest to use homologous cortical bone strut graft with opposite plate and screw fixation for the treatment of aseptic forearm nonunion rather than autograft.

Can neural blocks prevent phantom limb pain?

Phantom limb syndrome (PLS) is a syndrome including stump pain, phantom limb pain and not-painful phantom sensations, which involves a large part of amputee patients and often has devastating effects on their quality of life. The efficacy of standard therapies is very poor. Nerve blocks have been investigated for the treatment and prevention of PLS. Epidural and peripheral blocks limited to the first three postamputation days can only reduce acute pain but cannot prevent the later development of PLS. Recent studies have shown that ambulatory prolonged peripheral nerve block (up to 30 days postamputation) may represent a new possible option to treat phantom pain and prevent the development of PLS and chronic pain.