Knee joint synovial hemangioma treated with arthroscopic resection without hemarthrosis: A case report.

INTRODUCTION: Intra-articular synovial hemangioma of the knee is a relatively rare benign tumor that if left undiagnosed and treated may be followed by degenerative cartilaginous changes and osteoarthritis. However, the non-specific symptoms of synovial hemangiomas limit its early diagnosis. We report our encounter with synovial hemangioma of the knee in which the diagnosis was based on a > 20-year history of chronic pain without joint swelling or hematoma. PRESENTATION OF CASE: A 34-year-old man with a localized vascular malformation on the upper edge of the left patella presented with pain and a restricted range of motion. CT and MRI revealed a tumorous lesion at this location. Upon excision of the lesion, the patient's symptoms disappeared, with no recurrence at the 1-year follow-up. DISCUSSION: Accurate diagnosis and appropriate early treatment are necessary for synovial hemangiomas to forestall articular cartilage degeneration due to recurrent intra-articular hemorrhages. CONCLUSION: Synovial hemangioma should be considered when a patient presents with recurrent knee pain, even in the absence of swelling or episodes of joint effusion.

Reciprocal Change of Cervical Spine after Posterior Spinal Fusion for Lenke Type 1 and 2 Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis.

Reciprocal sagittal alignment changes after adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) posterior corrective surgery have been reported in the cervical spine, but the evidence is not yet sufficient. Furthermore, much remains unknown about the effects of cervical kyphosis on clinical outcomes in AIS. Forty-five consecutive patients (4 males and 41 females) with AIS and Lenke type 1 or 2 curves underwent a posterior spinal fusion, and a minimum of 24-month follow-up was collected from our prospective database. We investigated radiographic parameters and SRS-22r. Before surgery, cervical kyphosis (cervical lordosis < 0°) was present in 89% and cervical hyperkyphosis (cervical lordosis < -10°) in 60%. There were no significant differences in age, sex, or Lenke type between the hyperkyphosis and the non-hyperkyphosis groups. Although cervical lordosis increased significantly after surgery, cervical kyphosis was observed in 73% of patients 2 years after surgery. We found a significant correlation between Δthoracic kyphosis (TK) and Δcervical lordosis. Preoperative cervical kyphosis, ΔT1 slope, and ΔTK were independently associated factors for postoperative cervical hyperkyphosis. The cervical hyperkyphosis group had significantly lower SRS-22r domains. In AIS corrective surgery, restoring TK leading to a gain of T1 slope may lead to an improvement of cervical sagittal alignment. Remaining cervical hyperkyphosis after AIS surgery may affect clinical outcomes.

Decreased Analgesic Effect of Tramadol in Japanese Patients with CYP2D6 Intermediate Metabolizers after Orthopedic Surgery.

Tramadol is metabolized by CYP2D6 to an active metabolite, which in turn acts as an analgesic. This study aimed to investigate the impact of CYP2D6 genotype on the analgesic effect of tramadol in clinical practice. A retrospective cohort study was performed in patients treated with tramadol for postoperative pain after arthroscopic surgery for rotator cuff injury during April 2017-March 2019. The impact of CYP2D6 genotypes on the analgesic effects was assessed by the numeric rating scale (NRS) pain scoring and analyzed by the Mann-Whitney U test. Stepwise multiple linear regression analysis was performed to identify predictive factors for the area under the time-NRS curve (NRS-AUC), which was calculated using the linear trapezoidal method. Among the 85 enrolled Japanese patients, the number of phenotypes with CYP2D6 normal metabolizer (NM) and intermediate metabolizer (IM) was n = 69 (81.1%) and n = 16 (18.9%), respectively. The NRS and NRS-AUC in the IM group were significantly higher than those in the NM group until Day 7 (p < 0.05). The multiple linear regression analysis indicated that the CYP2D6 polymorphism was a prediction factor of the high NRS-AUC levels in Days 0-7 (ß = 9.52, 95% CI 1.30-17.7). In IM patients, the analgesic effect of tramadol was significantly reduced one week after orthopedic surgery in clinical practice. Therefore, dose escalation of tramadol or the use of alternative analgesic medications can be recommended for IM patients.

Onset of Chronic Expanding Hematoma 25 Years After Total Hip Arthroplasty.

Chronic expanding hematoma (CEH) is a rare anatomical condition that gradually expands due to trauma or surgery. We report the case of a 56-year-old woman who developed CEH 25 years after metal-on-polyethylene total hip arthroplasty. She presented with swelling and radiating pain in the right inguinal region. Tocilizumab was administered for treating rheumatoid arthritis and renal amyloid A amyloidosis. Diagnostic imaging and partial resection revealed a soft tissue mass and a CEH, respectively. The symptoms recurred 6 months later; dialysis was initiated, and the CEH was resected under general anesthesia, leading to improvement. This case report emphasizes the importance of prompt diagnosis and intervention in CEH management for preventing further complications and improving the patient's quality of life.

Expression of proinflammatory cytokines and proinsulin by bone marrow-derived cells for fracture healing in long-term diabetic mice.

BACKGROUND: Diabetes mellitus (DM) causes bone dysfunction due to poor bone quality, leading to severe deterioration in patient of quality of life. The mechanisms of bone metabolism in DM remain unclear, although chemical and/or mechanical factors are known to disrupt the homeostasis of osteoblasts and osteoclasts. The purpose of this study was to identify the changes of osteoblasts and osteoclasts under long-term hyperglycaemic conditions, using a mouse fracture model of long-term hyperglycemia (LT-HG). METHODS: C57BL/6J mice and green fluorescent protein (GFP) -positive bone marrow transplanted C57BL/6J mice with LT-HG, maintained under a state of hyperglycaemia for 2 months, were used in this study. After the experimental fracture, we examined the immunohistochemical expression of proinsulin and tumor necrosis factor (TNF) -α at the fracture site. C57BL/6J fracture model mice without hyperglycaemia were used as controls. RESULTS: In the LT-HG mice, chondrocyte resorption was delayed, and osteoblasts showed an irregular arrangement at the callus site. The osteoclasts were scattered with a decrement in the number of nuclei. The expression of proinsulin was confirmed in bone marrow derived cells (BMDCs) with neovascularization 2 and 3 weeks after fracture. Immunopositivity for TNF-α was also confirmed in immature chondrocytes and BMDCs with neovascularization at 2 weeks, and the number of positive cells was not decreased at 3 weeks. Examination of GFP-grafted hyperglycaemic mice showed that the majority of cells at the fracture site were GFP-positive. Immunohistochemistry showed that the rate of double positives was 15% for GFP and proinsulin and 47% for GFP and TNF-α. CONCLUSION: LT-HG induces an increase in the number of proinsulin and TNF-α positive cells derived from BMDCs. We suggest that proinsulin and TNF-α positive cells are involved in both bone formation and bone resorption after fracture under hyperglycaemic conditions, resulting in the delay of bone healing.

Increased Cellular Expression of Interleukin-6 in Patients With Ossification of the Posterior Longitudinal Ligament.

STUDY DESIGN: We performed histologic, immunohistochemical, immunoblot examination and suspension array analyses of cytokine expression in cultured cells derived from human cervical ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament (OPLL). OBJECTIVE: To determine the roles of interleukin-6 (IL-6) during the maturation of osteoblasts and chondrocytes associated with the development of OPLL. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: Ectopic OPLL affects ~3% of the general population, with a higher incidence in Asian ethnic groups. Alterations in cytokine profiles may influence osteoblast differentiation, but the mechanisms and signaling pathways associated with the ossification process remain unclear. METHODS: Samples were collected from 14 patients with OPLL who had undergone spinal surgery and seven with cervical spondylotic myelopathy without OPLL. Tissue sections were used for histologic and immunohistochemical studies, and primary cells from ligamentum samples were used for cytokine array and immunoblotting. A suspension array was used to measure the concentrations of 27 inflammatory cytokines or growth factors. RESULTS: Suspension array and immunoblot analyses revealed significantly elevated levels of IL-6 in OPLL patients. Alterations in IL-6 concentrations were found to alter the expression of the genes Sox9 , Runx2 , and SIRT1 . In addition, immunohistochemical analysis revealed that these factors are present in mesenchymal cells within the degenerative portion of the ligament matrix that is adjacent to the ossification front. CONCLUSIONS: IL-6 plays a profound role in the osteoblast differentiation process along with the induction of chondrocyte hypertrophy and cell apoptosis in the early stages of ossification in OPLL. These changes in cytokine profiles are essential factors for regulation of the ectopic ossified plaque in OPLL.

Occupational therapy using a robotic-assisted glove ameliorates finger dexterity and modulates functional connectivity in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.

INTRODUCTION: Although rehabilitation is recommended for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), improvement of functional decline has hardly been achieved. We investigated the effect of occupational therapy that uses a robotic-assisted glove (RAG) on hand dexterity and the functional connectivities found in the brain of ALS patients. METHOD: Ten patients diagnosed with ALS and admitted to the Shiga University of Medical Science (SUMS) Hospital from December 2018 to December 2021 participated in the study. These participants chose the hand side to wear RAG and exercised for two weeks. A sham movement was performed on the other side. We administered several functional assessments, including the Simple Test for Evaluating Hand Function (STEF), grip strength, pinch meter for grip strength, Canadian occupational performance measure (COPM), as well as nerve conduction study (NCS) before and after the exercise, and evaluated the results. We also analyzed six patients' resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging (rs-fMRI). RESULTS: Two-week robotic rehabilitation improved the STEF, grip strength, and COPM scores when compared with those of the other side. However, no significant effect was observed in the pinch meter and the NCS results. The rs-fMRI data analysis revealed that the robotic rehabilitation augmented two functional connectivities between the left pallidum-right supplementary motor cortex and right insular cortex-right sensorimotor network among the patients, which had beneficial effects. CONCLUSION: The occupational therapy using RAG displayed improved hand dexterity. The enhanced functional connectivities around the sensorimotor network might be associated with the improvement in hand dexterity because of the RAG.

Large Glenoid Defects Treated by Multiple Bioresorbable Pinning-Assisted Bone-Grafting in Reverse Shoulder Arthroplasty.

Large glenoid defects pose problems in reverse shoulder arthroplasty (RSA)1-4. Bone-grafting enables restoration of the glenoid, but outcomes of this procedure may be hampered by early instability, which can lead to implant malpositioning, and by graft resorption, which can lead to implant loosening2-7. To combat these potential complications, we utilize multiple bioresorbable pinning (MBP) during the bone-grafting process, in which as many bioresorbable pins as required are inserted from whatever aspect of the graft is appropriate until initial stability of the graft is achieved1. We retrospectively compared the various grafting techniques applied for various degrees of retroversion, concluding that MBP is better when retroversion is >30°1. Treatment decisions are made according to the degree of preoperative retroversion. The MBS technique is indicated for type-2 and type-3 glenoid deformities. This technique is not only relatively safe-as it involves only the use of bioresorbable materials-but also yields improved graft incorporation and less glenoid loosening1. Description: This procedure is performed with the patient under general anesthesia and in the beach-chair position, via a deltopectoral approach. After placing the structural graft, 5 to 10 provisional 1.5-mm Kirschner wires are inserted through the graft up the medal cortical bone of the scapula. The Kirschner wires are subsequently replaced with bioresorbable (BR) pins (1.5-mm Fixsorb Pin; TEIJIN). If more wires are needed, another set of 4 to 5 RB pins is inserted to gain initial stability. After placing the graft, the glenoid component is implanted as usual. Alternatives: Traditionally, 1 or 2 screws are inserted in the periphery of the graft to obtain stability. The screws either must be inserted at an angle that does not impede placement of the implant2 or are removed before the placement of the glenoid implant. One or a maximum of 2 long screws are inserted through the graft and glenoid3, meaning that the screw(s) must be aimed at a very narrow space between the central post and screws. Otherwise, these screws will represent an obstacle to the placement of the glenoid implant. Rationale: In addition to facilitating initial graft stability, this procedure promotes graft incorporation. Typically, when performing this procedure, a total of 15 to 20 temporary Kirschner wires are placed in sets, with 5 to 7 wires per set. Of these, the most stable wires, usually 8 to 10 in total, are replaced by BR pins. The resultant bone holes, whether filled or unfilled with the BR pins, may promote neovascularization and osteoinduction, enabling long-lasting remodeling of and improved incorporation of the bone graft. Expected Outcomes: A prior study compared the use of MBP versus angulated bony-increased offset (BIO) graft, assessing graft incorporation according to the size of the remaining graft on axial radiographs, with full incorporation defined as >75% of the original graft size1,2. In that study, all 13 patients in the MBP group showed full graft incorporation compared with only 9 (47%) of 19 patients in the angulated BIO group (p < 0.001)1. Important Tips: Expose all 4 quadrants of the glenoid in cases of type-2 deformity. Accurate orientation of the MBP is important.Expose the upper and lower 2 quadrants of the glenoid in cases of type-3 deformity. The bases of the scapular spine and axillary border serve as a graft scaffold.Preserve circumferential soft tissues in cases of type-3 deformity because these tissues will serve to contain cancellous bone graft.Keep the Kirschner wire that extends the most medially (reaching the most medial cortical bone of the scapula) as a future guidewire for drilling of the central peg hole. Acronyms and Abbreviations: RSA = reverse shoulder arthroplastyMBP = multiple bioresorbable pinningBIO = bony-increased offsetBR = bioresorbableTSA = total shoulder arthroplastyCT = computed tomographyK-wire = Kirschner wireROM = range of motionP.O. = postoperative.

Phenotypic classification of knee osteoarthritis according to pain mechanisms; a clinical observational study.

BACKGROUND: Pain in knee osteoarthritis is considered to be nociceptive. Recently, involvement of neuropathic pain and psychosocial factors in knee osteoarthritis has been reported. However, the following details are unclear: 1) How often are neuropathic pain and psychosocial factors involved? And 2) Which patients are associated with neuropathic pain and psychosocial factors? METHODS: In 104 patients with knee osteoarthritis, we evaluated neuropathic pain factor with a painDETECT questionnaire and catastrophic thinking using the pain catastrophizing scale. Pain intensity was assessed using the visual analog scale; patients with scores below the median were defined as low-pain group and others as high-pain group. Radiographic severity was categorized according to the Kellgren-Lawrence classification, with grades I-II and III-IV defined as low- and high-grades, respectively. We compared the painDETECT and pain catastrophizing scale scores between the low- and high-pain groups and low- and high-grade groups. Furthermore, the painDETECT and pain catastrophizing scale scores were compared among the following four groups: low-grade/low-pain, low-grade/high-pain, high-grade/low-pain, and high-grade/high-pain. RESULTS: Neuropathic pain factor and catastrophic thinking were found in 16% and 34% of patients, respectively. There were no significant differences in both painDETECT and pain catastrophizing scale scores between the two pain intensity groups. Between the two groups of radiographic severity, there was no significant difference in the painDETECT scores; however, the pain catastrophizing scale score was significantly high in the low-grade group. In addition, there was no significant difference in the painDETECT scores among the four groups; however, the pain catastrophizing scale scores were significantly higher in low-grade/high-pain than in high-grade/low-pain patients. CONCLUSIONS: Therefore, 64% had only nociceptive pain factor. Catastrophic thinking was strong in patients with low radiographic severity, especially in those with high pain intensity. Patients with neuropathic pain factor could not be identified from radiographic severity and pain intensity.

Cytokine Profile From the Ligamentum Flavum in Patients with Ossification of the Posterior Longitudinal Ligament in the Cervical Spine.

STUDY DESIGN: Histological, immunohistochemical, and suspension array analyses of cytokine expression in human cervical ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament (OPLL). OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to determine whether changes in the cytokine profile reflect the maturation of chondrocytes and osteoblasts are associated with OPLL development. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: OPLL progresses gradually over a prolonged period and may lead to serious spinal cord complications. However, treatment methods only include conservative therapy for neurological symptoms or surgical decompression, whereas preventive therapy for OPLL remains nonexistent. METHODS: Ligamentous samples were harvested from 24 patients with OPLL who underwent spinal surgery, and five control samples from cervical spondylotic myelo/radiculopathy patients without OPLL. Tissue sections were used for immunohistochemical studies and primary cells were cultured from the ligamentous samples for cytokine profiling. Using a suspension array system, concentrations of 27 inflammatory cytokines or growth factors were measured to generate the cytokine profiles. RESULTS: Suspension array and immunoblot analysis revealed significant increments in the levels of interleukin (IL)-6, IL-1α, basic fibroblast growth factor, and RANTES in patients with OPLL. Immunohistochemical analysis further revealed that these factors were present in mesenchymal cells within the degenerative portion of the ligamentous matrix. CONCLUSION: Our findings suggest that specific changes in the cytokine profile during ossification promote osteoblast differentiation, thereby providing new insights into OPLL pathogenesis. Moreover, this work supports the development of a new therapeutic method for preventing OPLL progression by regulating the cytokine profiles.Level of Evidence: 3.

Surgical treatment of wrist joint dysfunction in rheumatoid arthritis: A report of two cases.

In rheumatoid arthritis (RA), it is important to actively treat wrist dysfunction to improve patient outcomes. Herein, we report two cases of wrist dysfunction in RA patients who required partial wrist fusion soon after drug initiation. Case 1: A 38-year-old woman was referred to our hospital because of left wrist joint pain. At the time of examination, swelling and tenderness of the left wrist joint were observed. After 6 months of medication, no improvement in symptoms was noted; therefore, partial wrist fusion was performed. Case 2: A 38-year-old woman was referred to our hospital because of right wrist joint pain. A plain X-ray image showed fusion of the carpal bones. Due to previous failure of drug treatment, the patient opted for arthrodesis. The postoperative course was good in both cases, and the pain improved. In these cases of monoarthritic RA, synovitis and bone destruction were observed, but blood tests showed no features of active disease, and drug treatment was ineffective. In such cases, early surgical treatment should be considered, rather than continuing conservative treatment, to ensure the best outcomes.

Graft-Augmented Repair of Irreparable Massive Rotator Cuff Tears with Latissimus Dorsi Transfer to Treat Pseudoparesis.

BACKGROUND: Irreparable massive rotator cuff tears are characterized by a poor prognosis with high failure rates following repair. Numerous strategies, such as partial repair, graft interposition, latissimus dorsi (LD) transfer, balloon arthroplasty, and superior capsular reconstruction, have been proposed. We have adopted a graft-augmented LD-transfer procedure, in which partial repair, graft interposition, and LD transfer are performed simultaneously. METHODS: Thirty-nine patients underwent the graft-augmented LD-transfer procedure using autologous fascia lata from 2007 to 2016. All patients underwent a 5-year assessment at a mean (and standard deviation) of 54.8 ± 3.5 months. Of 20 patients with a history of >10 years, 14 underwent a 10-year assessment at a mean of 112.6 ± 5.6 months. To characterize the therapeutic effects of the procedure, the patients were divided into 3 groups according to the tear pattern: superior-posterior tears (Group A), superior-anterior tears (Group B), and global tears (Group C). RESULTS: The overall mean Constant-Murley score improved from 33.8 ± 5.3 preoperatively to 63.1 ± 9.4 at the 5-year assessment (p < 0.001). The overall mean active anterior elevation (AE) improved from 57.3° ± 13.2° preoperatively to 131.3° ± 18.2° at 5 years (p < 0.001). Preoperatively, AE was significantly different between Groups A and C (p < 0.001) and between Groups B and C (p < 0.001), reflecting the difference in cuff tear patterns. Postoperatively, AE was significantly higher in Group A than in Groups B (p < 0.001) and C (p < 0.001). The present study also showed that AE was electromyographically synchronized to the contraction of the transferred LD. The transferred LD was kinetically more potent at a slower speed, but it was easier to exhaust, than the native rotator cuff. Osteoarthritis progression was radiographically found to occur during the first 5 years. CONCLUSIONS: The graft-augmented LD-transfer procedure may be a treatment option for massive rotator cuff tears, especially for active patients who are <60 years old. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic Level IV. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

Knee osteoarthritis with patellar dislocation treated by total knee arthroplasty using a lateral parapatellar approach-ingenuity of exposure and closure.

Knee osteoarthritis with patellar dislocation is a rare and difficult-to-treat condition. Several reports of total knee arthroplasty (TKA) combined with various realignment procedures have been published. A 77-year-old man with knee pain was referred to our hospital. Plain radiography revealed a laterally dislocated patella, with osteoarthritic changes in the femorotibial joint. He simply underwent TKA via a lateral parapatellar approach without realignment. We devised methods of exposure and closure to maximize the effect of lateral release by the lateral parapatellar approach. TKA using the lateral parapatellar approach might be effective in treating knee osteoarthritis with patellar dislocation.

A Sequential Approach to the Management of Posterior Glenoid Defects in RSA: Angulated BIO Versus Multiple Bioresorbable Pinning-Assisted Structural Bone-Grafting.

Large posterior glenoid defects pose problems in reverse shoulder arthroplasty (RSA). We have adopted a sequential approach to the management of posterior glenoid defects using asymmetrical reaming, the placement of a ring graft around the central peg (bony-increased offset, or BIO), or structural bone-grafting, depending on the amount of glenoid retroversion. Furthermore, we have devised multiple bioresorbable pinning (MBP)-assisted bone-grafting, in which as many bioresorbable pins as required are inserted, from whichever aspects of the graft necessary, to achieve initial stability. METHODS: We reviewed 52 shoulders with posterior glenoid defects undergoing RSA between 2014 and 2019 (mean follow-up, 4.8 years; range, 2 to 6 years). Twenty (38.5%) of the shoulders had glenoid retroversion of <15° and were treated by asymmetrical reaming (Group A), 19 (36.5%) of the shoulders had retroversion of ≥15° to <30° and were treated with asymmetrical reaming combined with angulated ring graft around the central peg (Group B), and 13 (25.0%) of the shoulders had retroversion of ≥30° and were treated with MBP-assisted bone-grafting (Group C). RESULTS: Mean version correction was 10.6° ± 4.3° in Group A, 20.7° ± 8.8° in Group B, and 33.8° ± 9.6° in Group C. The mean postoperative active anterior elevation was 138.3° ± 12.3°, 128.3° ± 12.3°, and 126.5° ± 15.3° in the 3 groups, respectively. The mean postoperative Constant score was 66.8 ± 14.6, 62.2 ± 13.5, and 61.7 ± 16.7, respectively. The mean preoperative active anterior elevation was significantly higher in Group A than in Group C (p = 0.037). The full or partial graft-incorporation rate (≥25% of original size) was 89.5% in Group B and 100% in Group C. One glenoid fracture and 1 case of transient brachial plexus palsy occurred in Group B (10.5%), and 1 acromion fracture and 2 cases of transient brachial plexus palsy occurred in Group C (23.1%). CONCLUSIONS: The results of the present sequential approach to management of posterior glenoid defects by the 3 modalities were acceptable. The present MBP-assisted bone-grafting procedure is an effective treatment for cases of shoulder arthropathy with severe posterior glenoid defects. Angulated ring grafting around the central peg may yield equally acceptable results, although its graft-incorporation rate requires further follow-up. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic Level III. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

Good Postoperative Flexion Angle Improves Knee Function and Improvement of Flexion Angle Increases Patient Satisfaction After Total Knee Arthroplasty.

BACKGROUND: Total knee arthroplasty (TKA) is a well-established procedure for treating knee joint diseases. However, the postoperative range of motion (ROM) varies and is an important indicator of TKA success. Recently, patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) and patient satisfaction have drawn attention. However, the relationship between ROM and knee function obtained by PROM and satisfaction is not well understood. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed the data of 375 patients who underwent 500 primary TKA procedures. We measured the ROM before and after surgery. Knee joint function was evaluated using the Knee Injury Osteoarthritis Outcome Score, a PROM, and patients were classified into good function and poor function groups. Patient satisfaction was evaluated on a 5-graded scale as overall satisfaction, and patients were divided into a satisfied or a dissatisfied group according to the obtained scores. ROM was compared between the 2 groups, then significantly different factors were analyzed using multiple logistic regression analysis. Moreover, cut-off points of ROM for obtaining good function and patient satisfaction were determined using ROC curve analysis. RESULTS: The postoperative flexion angle had a significant effect on knee function (P < .001). The cut-off value of the postoperative flexion angle for good knee function was 120°. The improvement in flexion angle had a significant effect on patient satisfaction (P = .004). The cut-off value for the improvement in the flexion angle was 5°. CONCLUSION: The postoperative flexion angle had a significant effect on knee function and improvement in the flexion angle had a significant effect on patient satisfaction.

Incidence of Cranial Adjacent Segment Disease after Posterior Lumbar Interbody Fusion Using the Cortical Bone Trajectory Technique for the Treatment of Single-Level Degenerative Lumbar Spondylolisthesis; More than a 2-Year Follow-Up.

INTRODUCTION: Posterior lumbar interbody fusion (PLIF) is a widely used effective, safe, and established treatment for degenerative spinal disorders. Adjacent segment disease (ASD) is one of the serious concerns governing the clinical results following spinal fusion surgery. Cortical bone trajectory (CBT) is an alternative and less-invasive technique for lumbar pedicle screw placement. Its unique medial and caudal entry point has the potential to prevent an iatrogenic facet joint violence leading to the ASD; however, the incidence of ASD following PLIF using the CBT technique (CBT-PLIF) remains unknown. METHODS: Among patients surgically treated with CBT-PLIF in our institute, 52 consecutive patients (13 males, 39 females) with single-level degenerative lumbar spondylolisthesis (DLS) who were followed up for at least 24 months were exclusively enrolled. Their clinical and radiological features, including the incidence of radiographical and symptomatic ASD and significantly associated factor for the developing radiographical ASD, were retrospectively measured. RESULTS: In the present study, we could confirm significant neurological improvement and reduction of the spondylolisthesis with mean follow-up period of 43 months. Radiographical and symptomatic ASD was observed in 14 (27%) and 2 (3.8%) cases, respectively. We compared these two groups and found that the latest lumbar lordosis was significantly different between the two groups, but not in age, body mass index, and Japan Orthopaedic Association score. Two patients with symptomatic ASD required additional surgical treatment around 1 year following the initial surgery. CONCLUSIONS: The present study, even though it is preliminary, revealed that CBT-PLIF can achieve a neurological improvement and an effective reduction of spondylolisthesis for the treatment of single-level DLS. The CBT technique is capable of reducing the incidence of ASD compared with the traditional technique; however, we must keep in mind that appropriate postoperative lumbar lordosis should be achieved. Larger, longer-term follow-up studies are required to elucidate the clinical output of CBT-PLIF.

Short-Term Effect of Intensive Speech Therapy on Dysarthria in Patients With Sporadic Spinocerebellar Degeneration.

Purpose The aim of this study was to investigate a structured approach for effective speech therapy (ST) for dysarthria and speech-related quality of life in patients with sporadic spinocerebellar degeneration (SCD), including cerebellar-type multiple-system atrophy and cerebellar cortical atrophy. Method Twenty-two patients with SCD (cerebellar-type multiple system atrophy, 15 patients; cerebellar cortical atrophy, seven patients) who underwent intensive ST were examined. Dysarthria was evaluated using the Scale for Assessment and Rating of Ataxia Speech Dysfunction, Assessment of Motor Speech for Dysarthria Articulation, oral diadochokinesis (OD), and Voice Handicap Index-10 (VHI-10). Respiratory muscle strength (inspiratory and expiratory pressure) and respiratory-phonatory coordination (maximum phonation time) were measured. Cognitive function was evaluated using the Montréal Cognitive Assessment and the word fluency test. Mood was evaluated using the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale. The relationships between dysarthria scales (particularly, VHI-10) and clinical data were analyzed using stepwise regression. The differences in outcomes after intensive ST were analyzed using the Wilcoxon signed-rank test. The alpha level (p) for statistical significance was set at .0125 by Bonferroni correction. Results For both pre- and post-ST, the patient's OD (p = .002) and maximum phonation time (p = .002) significantly improved, except for Speech Dysfunction scores of the Scale for Assessment and Rating of Ataxia (p = .705) and the VHI-10 (p = .018). The Assessment of Motor Speech for Dysarthria Articulation, OD, and inspiratory pressure were identified as independent variables of VHI-10 (adjusted R 2 = .820) for speech-related quality of life; no correlations among the Montréal Cognitive Assessment, word fluency test, and Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale scores were observed. Conclusion OD and VHI-10 showed improvements due to changes in speech function and respiratory-phonatory coordination, justifying intensive ST treatment for dysarthria in patients with SCD.

Restoration of External Rotation Following a Lateral Approach for Glenoid Bony Increased-Offset Reverse Shoulder Arthroplasty.

Reverse shoulder arthroplasty (RSA) is a recognized therapeutic modality for a massive rotator cuff tear. Some authors recommend lateralization of the center of rotation by bony increased offset (BIO) of the glenoid for improvement of external rotation, while others refute its effects. RSA through the conventional deltopectoral approach sacrifices the subscapularis tendon during the approach. We hypothesized that a lateral approach (LA) for RSA, with less soft-tissue resection, would restore external rotation by allowing retensioning of the remaining rotator cuff with use of a BIO graft. METHODS: We retrospectively investigated 36 nonlateralized inlay RSAs performed through a lateral approach (LA non-BIO group) and 40 inlay RSAs performed through a lateral approach with BIO (LA BIO group) for a massive rotator cuff tear. There were 5 patients with a combined loss of active elevation and external rotation (CLEER) in the LA non-BIO group and 6 in the LA BIO group. The Constant score, the UCLA (University of California Los Angeles) score, and range of motion, in particular, external rotation with the arm at 0° (ER0) and at 90° of abduction (ER90), were compared. RESULTS: The mean ER90 in the LA BIO group improved significantly, from 45.8° ± 21.6° to 65.9° ± 15.8° (p = 0.012). Postoperative ER90 in the LA BIO group was significantly higher than in the LA non-BIO group (mean, 65.9° ± 15.8° compared with 53.0° ± 12.3°; p = 0.026). The mean ER0 for the patients with CLEER status significantly improved in the LA BIO group, from -15.8° ± 9.8° to 11.0° ± 15.6° (p = 0.0072). The mean postoperative anterior elevation, UCLA score, and Constant score in the LA BIO group and the LA non-BIO group improved significantly, but there was no difference between the 2 groups (anterior elevation: 131.5° ± 17.6° compared with 121.5° ± 14.1°, p = 0.07; UCLA: 25.5 ± 6.4 compared with 23.4 ± 5.4, p = 0.2; Constant: 74.3 ± 12.0 compared with 73.6 ± 10.1, p = 0.43). CONCLUSIONS: LA BIO-RSA was associated with a significant improvement in range of motion, particularly external rotation. Improvements in anterior elevation, the Constant score, and the UCLA score were not significantly different from those noted for LA non-BIO-RSA. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic Level III. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

A New Guide for the Arthroscopically Assisted Latarjet Procedure.

The Latarjet procedure is a commonly used treatment for recurrent shoulder instability. However, its neurological complication rate has been reported to be as high as 10%. During the Latarjet procedure, the neurovascular structures are relocated inferiorly and medially. I hypothesized that the risk of nerve injury would be reduced by assisting the inferior-medial relocation of the neurovascular structures intraoperatively. METHODS: Seventeen consecutive patients with shoulder instability accompanied by glenoid bone loss were treated with an all-arthroscopic Latarjet procedure assisted by the novel low-profile SaSumata (SS) guide. The SS guide is inserted through a portal made above the coracoid process and is attached to the coracoid process by 2 pre-fix screws (i.e., temporary pre-fixation screws). Unlike previous techniques, the SS guide is not shuttled from 1 portal to the other to redirect the bone graft from the donor site to the recipient site; instead, it remains attached to the graft throughout the procedure. The SS guide brings the coracoid graft along an inferior-medial trajectory, pushing aside the neurovascular structures with the help of a switching stick. Owing to its semicircular pronged head, the SS guide holds the graft until the pre-fix screws are exchanged with permanent screws. All patients were clinically assessed and underwent computed tomography (CT) scans. RESULTS: This maneuver was performed arthroscopically in 17 patients, with no conversion to open surgery and no neurological injuries. No patient had recurrence of dislocation after follow-up for a minimum of 24 months. The mean Subjective Shoulder Value was 87.5% ± 11.7%. The mean Rowe score was 88 ± 15.7. The bone block was optimally positioned between 3 o'clock and 5 o'clock and was flush with the glenoid facet in 16 of the 17 patients. There was 1 fracture of the bone block. The mean operation time after the first 5 patients was 125 ± 23 minutes. CONCLUSIONS: The SS guide was a useful tool for performing the arthroscopically assisted Latarjet procedure for recurrent anterior shoulder instability, with good functional results. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic Level IV. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.