Dorsal Wrist Ganglion: Pilot for Randomized Control Trial Comparing Aspiration Alone or Combined with Injection of Platelet-Rich Plasma.

This pilot study assessed the feasibility of performing a randomized control trial (RCT) investigating injection with platelet-rich plasma (PRP) for dorsal wrist ganglion (DWG). Aspiration alone was compared with aspiration plus injection of PRP. Seventeen patients were enrolled. Nine patients received PRP and eight aspiration alone. Patients were followed up at 6 weeks and 1 year; recurrence of the ganglion and Patient Evaluation Measure scores were measured. At 6 weeks seven patients in the aspiration group had a recurrence and five in the PRP group, but by 1 year, this has increased to seven out of eight in the PRP group whereas in the aspiration group four had resolved leaving three out of eight patients with a ganglion still present. From the basis of our work an RCT would require a minimum of 46 patients per group; however, it is unlikely that PRP will be a panacea for ganglia. This is a Level II study.

Open release versus radiofrequency microtenotomy in the treatment of lateral epicondylitis: a prospective randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Optimal surgical treatment of lateral epicondylitis remains uncertain. Recently, radiofrequency microtenotomy (RFMT) has been proposed as a suitable treatment. We compared RFMT with standard open release (OR) in this prospective randomized controlled trial. METHODS: In total, 41 patients with symptoms for at least 6 months were randomized into two groups: 23 patients had RFMT and 18 had OR. Two patients from RFMT withdrew. Each patient underwent Numerical Rating Scale (NRS) pain score, grip strength and Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH) scores pre-operatively and at 6 weeks. Pain and DASH scores were repeated at 6 months and 12 months. RESULTS: NRS pain scores improved by 4.8 points for RFMT and by 3.9 points for OR. There was a significant improvement in both groups from pre-operative scores, although there was no statistically significant difference between the groups at 1 year. Grip strength improved by 31% in the RFMT group compared to 38% in OR. There was no significant difference between the initial and 6 weeks scores or between treatments. At 1 year, DASH was 39.8 points for RFMT and 24.4 points for OR. There was a significant improvement in both groups from pre-operative scores, although there was no statistically significant difference between the groups at 1 year. CONCLUSIONS: Both groups showed significant improvements and similar benefit to the patient. The results of the present study do not show any benefit of RFMT over the standard OR. As a result of the extra expense of RFMT, we therefore recommend that OR is offered as the standard surgical management.

Should Total Hip Arthroplasty be Performed Acutely in the Treatment of Acetabular Fractures in Elderly or Used as a Salvage Procedure Only?

BACKGROUND: Total hip arthroplasty (THA) is now an increasingly common procedure for people sustaining acetabular fractures. The incidence of acetabular fractures among the elderly population is increasing, and contemporary treatment aims to avoid the risks of prolonged incumbency associated with poor bone stock for fixation or inability to comply with limited weightbearing in this patient group. The concept of acute hip arthroplasty as a treatment for acetabular fracture is, therefore, becoming more topical and relevant. Our systematic review investigates whether THAs for acetabular fractures should be performed acutely, with a short delay, or as a late procedure for posttraumatic osteoarthritis (PTOA) if it develops. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses guidelines were followed when undertaking this systematic review. Detailed searches were performed on three different databases, using keywords, such as "acetabular fracture," "acetabular trauma," "total hip arthroplasty," "hip arthroplasty," and "hip prosthesis." Studies from 1975 to September 2016 were included in the study. All studies included in the review were independently critically appraised by two of the authors. RESULTS: Forty three studies were included in this review. Only two of them actually compared acute and delayed THAs for acetabular fractures with the rest focusing on one or the other. Results were comparable between acute and late THAs in terms of aseptic loosening, operative time, blood loss, Harris Hip Score, and ability to mobilize postoperatively without aid. Complication rates, however, were much higher in the acute group. CONCLUSION: Evidence based on this topic is scarce and therefore we have to be cautious about drawing a definitive conclusion. The findings of this systematic review do suggest, however, that acute THAs should be considered in elderly patients, where fixation is not possible, or when their health and ability to rehabilitate are poor. It should also be considered in patients where PTOA is very likely, or where there is already some preexisting degenerative osteoarthritis.