Use of a diagnostic Puumala virus real-time RT-PCR in an orthohantavirus endemic region in the Netherlands.

Laboratory diagnosis of orthohantavirus infection is primarily based on serology. However, for a confirmed serological diagnosis, evaluation of a follow-up serum sample is essential, which is time consuming and causes delay. Real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) tests, if positive, provide an immediate and definitive diagnosis, and accurately identify the causative agent, where the discriminative nature of serology is suboptimal. We re-evaluated sera from orthohantavirus-suspected clinical cases in the Dutch regions of Twente and Achterhoek from July 2014 to April 2016 for the presence of Puumala orthohantavirus (PUUV), Tula orthohantavirus (TULV), and Seoul orthohantavirus (SEOV) RNA. PUUV RNA was detected in 11% of the total number (n = 85) of sera tested, in 50% of sera positive for anti-PUUV/TULV IgM (n = 16), and in 1.4% of sera negative or indeterminate for anti-PUUV/TULV IgM (n = 69). No evidence was found for the presence of TULV or SEOV viral RNA. Based on these findings, we propose two algorithms to implement real-time RT-PCR testing in routine orthohantavirus diagnostics, which optimally provide clinicians with early confirmed diagnoses and could prevent possible further invasive testing and treatment. IMPORTANCE: The addition of a real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction test to routine orthohantavirus diagnostics may better aid clinical decision making than the use of standard serology tests alone. Awareness by clinicians and clinical microbiologists of this advantage may ultimately lead to a reduction in over-hospitalization and unnecessary invasive diagnostic procedures.

Time trends in case-mix and risk of revision following hip and knee arthroplasty in public and private hospitals: a cross-sectional analysis based on 476,312 procedures from the Dutch Arthroplasty Register.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: This study aims to assess time trends in case-mix and to evaluate the risk of revision and causes following primary THA, TKA, and UKA in private and public hospitals in the Netherlands. METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed 476,312 primary arthroplasties (public: n = 413,560 and private n = 62,752) implanted between 2014 and 2023 using Dutch Arthroplasty Register data. We explored patient demographics, procedure details, trends over time, and revisions per hospital type. Adjusted revision risk was calculated for comparable subgroups (ASA I/II, age ≤ 75, BMI ≤ 30, osteoarthritis diagnosis, and moderate-high socioeconomic status (SES). RESULTS: The volume of THAs and TKAs in private hospitals increased from 4% and 9% in 2014, to 18% and 21% in 2022. Patients in private hospitals were younger, had lower ASA classification, lower BMI, and higher SES compared with public hospital patients. In private hospitals, age and ASA II proportion increased over time. Multivariable Cox regression demonstrated a lower revision risk for primary THA (HR 0.7, CI 0.7-0.8), TKA (HR 0.8, CI 0.7-0.9), and UKA (HR 0.8, CI 0.7-0.9) in private hospitals. After initial arthroplasty in private hospitals, 49% of THA and 37% of TKA revisions were performed in public hospitals. CONCLUSION: Patients in private hospitals were younger, had lower ASA classification, lower BMI, and higher SES com-pared with public hospital patients. The number of arthroplasties increased in private hospitals, with a lower revision risk compared with public hospitals.

High tibial osteotomy versus unicompartmental knee arthroplasty for Kellgren-Lawrence grade 3-4 knee osteoarthritis in younger patients: comparable improvements in patient-reported outcomes, adjusted for osteoarthritis grade and sex.

PURPOSE: Previous studies comparing high tibial osteotomy (HTO) with unicompartmental knee arthroplasty (UKA) have seldom accounted for differing patient characteristics between both groups. This study compared patient-reported outcomes (PROs) of HTO and UKA patients, adjusted for preoperative PROs, osteoarthritis grade and sex. METHODS: A retrospective study was performed analysing prospectively collected PROs, namely the Oxford Knee Score (OKS) and pain/satisfaction scores, collected preoperatively and at 6 months, 12 months and 24 months postoperatively. Consecutive medial opening-wedge HTOs and medial UKAs from 2016-2019, with a preoperative Kellgren-Lawrence grade ≥ 3, aged 50-60 years, were included. Linear mixed model analyses, with the OKS over time as the primary outcome, were used. RESULTS: We included 84 HTO patients (mean age 55.0 ± 3.0, 79% male, mean BMI 27.8 ± 3.4, 75% Kellgren-Lawrence grade 3) and 130 UKA patients (mean age 55.7 ± 2.8, 47% male, mean BMI 28.7 ± 4.0, 36% Kellgren-Lawrence grade 3). Response rates were ≥ 87% at all time points. Corrected for preoperative PROs, Kellgren-Lawrence grade and sex, the HTO group had a 2.5 (95% CI 1.0-4.0) points lower OKS over time than the UKA group (p = 0.001). The Numeric Rating Scale scores (NRS; 0-10) for pain at rest and during activity were higher (p < 0.01) in the HTO group. The EQ-5D-descriptive system (p < 0.01), NRS satisfaction (p < 0.01), anchor function and pain scores (p < 0.01) were lower over time in the HTO group. CONCLUSION: UKA patients had better OKS scores, pain and satisfaction scores over time than HTO patients. However, the observed differences were below their established minimal clinically important differences. Therefore, from the patients' perspective, HTO did not appear to be inferior to UKA under the indications outlined in this study. Level of evidence Level IV.

Opening- and closing-wedge high tibial osteotomy are comparable and early full weight bearing is safe with angular stable plate fixation: a meta-analysis.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to establish the gold standard for surgical technique, fixation, and rehabilitation for HTO in patients with unicompartmental knee osteoarthritis. METHODS: Medline, Embase, and SPORTDiscus databases were searched up to April 2022. Included were (1) randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing opening-wedge HTO (owHTO) and closing-wedge HTO (cwHTO), (2) biomechanical studies and prospective patient studies comparing biomechanical and clinical results for plate fixators, and (3) RCTs comparing an early versus delayed full-weight-bearing (FWB) protocol. RESULTS: The pooled results for the surgical technique showed no significant differences between owHTO and cwHTO for most PROMs on pain, activity, and risk for conversion to TKA. The cwHTO group showed a slightly better improvement in KOOS/WOMAC pain scores (4.51; 95% CI 1.18-7.85), and a significantly lower change in posterior tibial slope (p = 0.03). The pooled results for the fixation method showed the highest force at maximum failure for the Activmotion (Newclip Technics, France), Aescula (B. Braun Korea, Korea), 2nd generation Puddu (Arthrex Inc., USA), and TomoFix plate (Depuy Synthes, Switzerland). The pooled results for the rehabilitation protocol showed no significant differences between the early full-weight-bearing (FWB) group and the delayed FWB group for functional scores, complication rates, and delayed unions. CONCLUSION: Both owHTO and cwHTO reduced pain and improved knee function. Locking plate fixation should be used for owHTO. An early FWB protocol has proven to be safe in patients with small corrections, no hinge fractures, and non-smokers. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level II.

Apparatus for skidding sensitivity testing of energetic materials.

A remote-operated apparatus for testing the detonation sensitivity of energetic materials is detailed. Using an air ram and rotating disk, the normal force and transverse velocity of the impact plane are controlled independently, enabling the exploration of varying impact conditions over a wide parameter space. A microcontroller local to the apparatus is used to automate apparatus operation and ensure temporal alignment of the impacting ram head with the rotating disk. Calculation of the firing parameters and issuing of operational commands are handled by a remote computer and relayed to the local microcontroller for execution at the hardware level. Impact forces are taken from fast strain measurements obtained from gauges incorporated into the ram head. Infrared imaging of explosive samples provides insight into the peak thermal temperatures experienced at the sample surface during the impact event.

Long-Term Outcomes after Double Free Flap Reconstruction for Locally Advanced Head and Neck Cancer.

BACKGROUND: The use of simultaneous, multiple free flaps has become a reliable reconstructive option in patients with extensive composite defects after resection of locally advanced head and neck cancer. However, some reluctance remains among reconstructive surgeons with concerns regarding flap outcomes and limited patient survival. Therefore, we evaluated complications, long-term patient survival, and patient-reported outcomes following these extensive head and neck reconstructions. METHODS: All consecutive patients treated with multiple free flaps for reconstruction of extensive composite defects after resection of locally advanced head and neck cancer between 1999 and 2014 were retrospectively reviewed. Patient charts were evaluated for demographics, treatment details, complications, and patient survival. In addition, all patients alive at the start of the study were asked to complete the 10-item Eat Assessment Tool (EAT-10) and the Intelligibility Rating Scale (IRS). RESULTS: Eighty-four simultaneous, multiple free flaps were performed in 42 patients. The predominant free flap combination consisted of a fibula with either an anterolateral thigh (n = 22) or a radial forearm flap (n = 14). Complete flap survival was 95%. Nineteen patients were still alive with a mean follow-up of 55 months. Five-year patient survival was 46.3%. Mean EAT-10 score was 8.4 (range: 0-29), with only one patient reporting problematic swallowing. Ninety percent of the patients had moderate to good speech intelligibility with the IRS. CONCLUSION: Multiple, simultaneous free flaps can be performed safely, leading to acceptable long-term patient survival and patient-reported functional outcomes. Our study demonstrates that it is worthwhile to perform these challenging microvascular reconstructions in patients with locally advanced head and neck cancer.

Most women recover from psychological distress after postoperative complications following implant or DIEP flap breast reconstruction: A prospective long-term follow-up study.

BACKGROUND: Substantial complication rates after postmastectomy breast reconstruction (BR) in breast cancer patients have been reported. Few studies have reported on the resulting psychological distress (PD) and satisfaction with the aesthetic result in relation to postoperative complications after completion of implant or DIEP flap BR. The present study investigated whether women were able to recover from complication related distress in the long term. METHODS: PD was prospectively measured using questionnaires regarding anxiety, depression and cancer distress. Eligible patients completed questionnaires before BR (T0, n = 144), after one month (T1, n = 139) and after completion of BR, approximately 21 months after initial reconstructive surgery (T2, n = 119). Satisfaction with the aesthetic result was assessed 21 months after BR. Data concerning complications, subsequent additional surgery and total reconstruction failure up to T2 were collected from the medical records. Analyses were performed using multi-level regression analyses correcting for age. RESULTS: One or more complications occurred in 61 patients (42%) and 50 women required subsequent surgery (35%). In time, mean PD significantly declined towards baseline scores independent of complications. However, a total reconstruction failure (n = 10) was significantly associated with a large temporary increase in depression scores. After additional surgery due to complications patients were less satisfied with aesthetic outcome, although patient satisfaction was independent of PD. CONCLUSIONS: PD outcomes generally declined to normal levels after completion of the entire BR course. Patients experiencing a total reconstruction failure reported more depression after this loss, but in the long term recovered to the same level as women without complications. These findings indicate that women generally can cope efficiently with these serious adverse events, even if they were less satisfied with the aesthetic result.

Supracondylar femur osteotomies around the knee: patient selection, planning, operative techniques, stability of fixation, and bone healing.

BACKGROUND: Similar to the re-appreciation of high tibial osteotomy (HTO), supracondylar distal femur varus osteotomy (SCO) for lateral compartment osteoarthritis (OA) of the knee has gained renewed interest as new knowledge has become available on the influence of malalignment on the development, progression and symptoms of OA. Furthermore, the less than optimal results of knee replacements (TKR) in younger patients have also led to renewed interest in joint-preserving treatment options. PURPOSE: Varus SCO has not had the same success or widespread use as valgus HTO. The goal in SCO is similar to HTO, to shift the load from the diseased to the healthy compartment, in order to reduce pain, improve function and delay placement of a TKR. Valgus OA however occurs much less frequently than varus OA and varus SCO is considered a technically more demanding procedure. In the past the surgical techniques for SCO were mainly dependent on difficult-to-use implants making the procedure more complex. Complication rates related to the failure of fixation up to 16% have been reported. DISUSSION: The new biplane osteotomy technique fixated with a locking compression plate is very stable; bone healing potential is optimal using this technique and takes 6-8 weeks. Full weight bearing before full bone healing is possible without loss of correction. CONCLUSION: In this article, patient selection, planning, surgical techniques, stability of fixation, and bone healing are discussed. Varus supracondylar osteotomy is a viable treatment option for a well-defined patient group suffering from valgus malalignment and lateral compartment osteoarthritis, and in addition may be considered in ligamentous imbalance and lateral patellofemoral maltracking.

[Supracondylar femur osteotomies around the knee. Patient selection, planning, operative techniques, stability of fixation, and bone healing]. / Suprakondyläre Femurosteotomien in Kniegelenknähe. Patientenauswahl, Planung, Operationstechniken, Fixationsstabilität und Knochenheilung.

BACKGROUND: Similar to the reappreciation of high tibial osteotomy (HTO), supracondylar distal femur varus osteotomy (SCO) for lateral compartment osteoarthritis (OA) of the knee has gained renewed interest as new knowledge has become available on the influence of malalignment on the development, progression and symptoms of OA. Furthermore, the less than optimal results of total knee replacement (TKR) in younger patients have also led to renewed interest in joint-preserving treatment options. PURPOSE: Varus SCO has not had the same success or widespread use as valgus HTO. The goal in SCO is similar to HTO, to shift the load from the diseased to the healthy ompartment, in order to reduce pain, improve function and delay placement of a TKR. Valgus OA however occurs much less frequently than varus OA and varus SCO is considered a technically more demanding procedure. In the past the surgical techniques for SCO were mainly dependent on difficult-to-use implants making the procedure more complex. Complication rates related to the failure of fixation up to 16 % have been reported. DISUSSION: The new biplane osteotomy technique fixated with a locking compression plate is very stable; bone healing potential is optimal using this technique and takes 6-8 weeks. Full weight bearing before full bone healing is possible without loss of correction. CONCLUSION: In this article patient selection, planning, surgical techniques, stability of fixation and bone healing for SCO are discussed. In the past the surgical techniques for SCO were mainly dependent on difficult to use implants making the procedure more complex. Complication rates related to the failure of fixation of up to 16 % have been reported.

[A man with a painful elbow]. / Een man met een pijnlijke elleboog.

A 54-year old man presented with unremitting pain in the left dorsolateral forearm, despite postural advice and glucocorticoid injections. Electromyography and MRI did not show any abnormality. Based on a clinical suspected radial tunnel syndrome, operative decompression was performed.

[A woman with a painful palm of the hand]. / Een vrouw met een pijnlijke handpalm.

A 64-year-old woman was referred for pain at the palmar side of her left hand. X-ray of the wrist showed a calcification at the volar capsule in the carpal tunnel. The calcification was surgically removed. Pathologic examination showed calcium pyrophosphate depositions without signs of inflammation.

[Hypothenar hammer syndrome; rare arterial disorder of the hand due to blunt trauma]. / Hypothenar-hamersyndroom: zeldzame arteriële stoornis van de hand door stomp trauma.

The hypothenar hammer syndrome is a condition characterised by ischaemia of a finger secondary to thrombosis or an aneurysm or pseudoaneurysm of the ulnar artery in the hand. It typically occurs in the dominant hand of middle-aged men whose occupational or recreational activities require the use of the hand as a hammer. Arteriography is considered to be the gold standard for diagnosing this condition. Severe symptomatic cases are treated by surgical resection and revascularisation. The pathophysiology of this syndrome, its diagnosis and its management are discussed in this article by means of two representative cases, each having a different clinical presentation, diagnostic method and treatment.

Perioperative fluid management and use of vasoactive and antithrombotic agents in free flap surgery: a literature review and clinical recommendations.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES: After reading this article, the participant should be able to (1) outline the rationale for different perioperative types of fluid therapy in free flap surgery and identify the methods considered best for flap survival; (2) understand the current views on the use of vasoactive agents and consider its possible safe use; (3) compare the most commonly used intraoperative and postoperative anticoagulant therapies and identify the risks and benefits associated with each. BACKGROUND: Free flap surgery has become a reliable and efficient method for reconstruction of complex soft tissue and bony defects. Despite high success rates, free flap failure remains an important concern. A review of the literature was conducted on nonsurgical factors that may contribute to flap failure or success. Various anesthesiological and anticoagulant methods are applied in free flap surgery, but for the ideal approach there is no consensus. This article provides clinical recommendations on perioperative fluid management and the use of vasoactive and antithrombotic agents and offers a balanced view on the risks and benefits.

The safety and feasibility of a less invasive distal femur closing wedge osteotomy technique: a cadaveric dissection study of the medial aspect of the distal femur.

PURPOSE: To investigate the feasibility and safety of a less invasive surgical approach to the distal medial aspect of the femur in supracondylar medial closing wedge osteotomy for the treatment of lateral compartment osteoarthritis of the knee. The aim of a less invasive approach is to minimize soft tissue disruption, reduce damage to neurovascular structures and thereby prevent muscle atrophy and optimize bone healing potential. METHODS: A human cadaver dissection study on the vascular and neural structures of the medial side of the distal femur was conducted. Surgical dissection (n = 4), cryomicrotomy and subsequent 3D reconstruction of the anatomy (n = 1), and surgical dissection after performance of a supracondylar osteotomy through a less invasive approach (n = 1) were performed in 6 legs in total. RESULTS: The surgical dissection and 3D reconstruction showed that a branch of the femoral artery, the distal genicular artery, supplies the distal area of the vastus medialis (VM) muscle. This artery has several branching patterns; crucial in the presented less invasive approach is its musculo-articular branch, which has an oblique course through the VM to the superomedial pole of the patella. The femoral nerve and saphenous nerve innervate the VM. These structures are at risk in the traditional subvastus approach, whereas no major damage was observed in the leg in which a less invasive approach was performed. CONCLUSIONS: In this cadaveric dissection study, a less invasive approach to the medial side of the distal femur proved to be feasible and safe. Damage to the VM and its neurovascular structures is minimized as compared to the traditional subvastus approach.

Evaluation of the anaesthetic properties and tolerance of 1:100,000 articaine versus 1:100,000 lidocaine. A comparative study in surgery of the lower third molar.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the anaesthetic properties and tolerance of articaine versus lidocaine at equal vasoconstrictor concentration. STUDY DESIGN: A total of 96 male and female patients who underwent surgical treatment of the lower third molar participated. Patients were randomly assigned to articaine hydrochloride with epinephrine 1:100,000 and lidocaine hydrochloride with epinephrine 1:100,000. The variables analysed were latency period, duration of anaesthetic effect, tolerance and adverse reactions. RESULTS: Both the latency period and the duration of anaesthetic effect were greater for articaine, although the differences were not statistically significant. Latency: mean difference of 2.70 ± 2.12 minutes (95%CI of -1.51 minutes - 6.92 minutes). DURATION: mean difference of -33 minutes 5 seconds ± 31 minutes (95% CI -1 hour 35 minutes - 29 minutes). There were 4 adverse events that did not require the patients to be withdrawn from the study. CONCLUSIONS: The anaesthetics in this study have very similar properties for use in surgery and have demonstrated a good safety and tolerability profile.

Axial and torsional stability of supracondylar femur osteotomies: biomechanical comparison of the stability of five different plate and osteotomy configurations.

PURPOSE: Little is known regarding the biomechanical stability and stiffness of implants and techniques used in supracondylar femur osteotomies (SCO). Therefore, fixation stability and stiffness of implants to bone was investigated under simulated physiological loading conditions using a composite femur model and a 3D motion-analysis system. METHODS: Five osteotomy configurations were investigated: (1) oblique medial closing-wedge fixated with an angle-stable implant; (2) oblique and (3) perpendicular medial closing-wedge, both fixated with an angled blade plate; and lateral opening-wedge fixated with (4) a spacer plate and (5) an angle-stable lateral implant. The motion measured at the osteotomy was used to calculate the stiffness and stability of the constructs. RESULTS: The least amount of motion and highest stiffness was measured in the medial oblique closing-wedge osteotomy fixated with the angled blade plate. The lateral opening-wedge techniques were less stable and had a lower stiffness compared with the medial; the oblique saw cuts were more stable and had a higher stiffness than the perpendicular. CONCLUSION: This experimental study presents baseline data on the differences in the primary stability of bone-implant constructs used in SCO. The data in this study can be used as reference for future testing of SCO techniques. Furthermore, it is recommended that based on the differences found, the early postoperative rehabilitation protocol is tailored to the stability and stiffness of the fixation method used.

Axial and torsional stability of an improved single-plane and a new bi-plane osteotomy technique for supracondylar femur osteotomies.

PURPOSE: An important disadvantage of the standard medial closing-wedge distal femur osteotomy for lateral compartment osteoarthritis of the knee is the immediate effects on the extensor mechanism function. Therefore, a novel bi-plane osteotomy technique was developed. The stability and stiffness of this newly developed technique and a modification of the proximal screw configuration were tested in a composite femur model and compared to the standard single-plane technique. Research question was if the new bi-plane technique and/or modified screw configuration would improve the stability and stiffness of the construct. METHODS: In 12 femurs, motion at the osteotomy under axial and torsion loading was measured using a 3D motion analysis system. All were subsequently tested to failure. The data recorded were used to calculate stability and stiffness of the constructs. RESULTS: The stability and stiffness were highest in the bi-plane technique under axial loads, but were lower under torsional loading, compared to the single-plane technique. The screw configuration modification improved axial stability and stiffness, but had no influence on torsional stability. CONCLUSION: In replicate femurs, the new bi-plane technique improved axial stability, but in contrast to what was theorized, decreased torsional stability, compared to the single-plane technique. The addition of a bi-cortical screw proximally improved stability under axial loading, but not torsion. Further clinical testing will have to prove if early full weight bearing using the new bi-plane technique is possible.

Fixation stability of opening- versus closing-wedge high tibial osteotomy: a randomised clinical trial using radiostereometry.

Valgus high tibial osteotomy for osteoarthritis of the medial compartment of the knee can be performed using medial opening- and lateral closing-wedge techniques. The latter have been thought to offer greater initial stability. We measured and compared the stability of opening- and closing-wedge osteotomies fixed by TomoFix plates using radiostereometry in a series of 42 patients in a prospective, randomised clinical trial. There were no differences between the opening- and closing-wedge groups in the time to regain knee function and full weight-bearing. Pain and knee function were significantly improved in both groups without any differences between them. All the osteotomies united within one year. Radiostereometry showed no clinically relevant movement of bone or differences between either group. Medial opening-wedge high tibial osteotomy secured by a TomoFix plate offers equal stability to a lateral closing-wedge technique. Both give excellent initial stability and provide significantly improved knee function and reduction in pain, although the opening-wedge technique was more likely to produce the intended correction.