Safe Upper Limits of Serum Cobalt and Chromium Levels for a Metal-on-Metal Total Hip Bearing: A 10-Year Follow-Up Study.

BACKGROUND: Long-term survival of metal-on-metal (MoM) prostheses and the development of adverse reaction to metal debris (ARMD) around these bearings are still unclear. Serum levels of cobalt (Co) and chromium (Cr) are used as a screening tool to anticipate failure in MoM bearings and detect ARMD. METHODS: One hundred sixty primary large head MoM prostheses were followed up for 10 years. To estimate the revision risk, the cumulative incidence function (CIF) was used. Subdistribution hazard modeling was used to investigate the associations between cumulative incidence of revision for ARMD and Co levels, Cr levels, gender, age, head size, and cup inclination. Furthermore, the safe upper limits (SULs) for Co and Cr were determined. RESULTS: Univariate analyses showed an increased risk in revision for ARMD in females (subdistribution hazard ratio [sdHR] 3.43, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.01-11.7, P = .049) and cup inclination angles over 45° (sdHR 4.70, 95% CI 1.63-13.58, P = .004). In addition, a higher last measured Co level (sdHR 1.05, 95% CI 1.03-1.07, P < .001) and last measured Cr level (sdHR 1.21, 95% CI 1.14-1.29, P < .001) were associated with a higher probability of revision for ARMD. We determined our bearing-specific SULs at 4.1 parts per billion (ppb) and 4.2 ppb for Co and Cr, respectively. CONCLUSION: Guidelines regarding follow-up and surveillance should include a complete clinical assessment with bearing-specific SULs of serum metal ion levels. For the M2a-Magnum MoM bearing we advise an SUL for Co and Cr levels of 4.1 and 4.2 ppb, respectively.

Rasch analysis of the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH) instrument in patients with a humeral shaft fracture.

BACKGROUND: The Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH) instrument was developed to assess the disability experienced by patients with any musculoskeletal condition of the upper extremity and to monitor change in symptoms and upper-limb function over time. The 30 items are scored on a 5-point rating scale. The Dutch-language version of the DASH instrument (DASH-DLV) has been examined with the classical test theory in patients with a humeral shaft fracture. This study aimed to examine the DASH-DLV with a more rigorous and extensive analysis by applying the Rasch model. METHODS: Data of 400 patients included in a multicenter, prospective study comparing operative and nonoperative treatment of adult patients with a humeral shaft fracture were used. The person-item map, item fit statistics, reliability, response category ordering, and dimensionality were examined. Raw data were converted to linear measures using the Rasch model. RESULTS: The DASH-DLV showed a good fit to the Rasch model, except for item 26 ("Tingling [pins and needles] in your arm, shoulder or hand"). The person reliability was 0.92. In general, the category functioning of the 5-point rating scale was working well. Dimensionality analysis revealed that the DASH-DLV is a unidimensional scale. Differential item functioning for sex was not detected, and only item 26 exhibited differential item functioning as a function for age. CONCLUSION: The DASH-DLV fits the stringent Rasch model in a clinical situation with a group of adult patients with a humeral shaft fracture. Adequate measurement for scientific research can be obtained to evaluate longitudinal intervention research.

Course and Predictors of Pruritus Following Burns: A Multilevel Analysis.

Itch is a common problem after burns. Although the topic receives increasing attention, the number of prospective studies is limited. The aim of this study was to assess the influence of acute traumatic stress symptoms, controlled for injury characteristics, age and sex, on itch over a period of 18 months using multilevel analysis. A total of 226 respondents provided itch scores. Participants completed the Burn Itch Questionnaire during admission (n = 208) and at 3 (n =179), 12 (n =143) and 18 (n =99) months post-burn. They completed the Impact of Event Scale to assess acute traumatic stress symptoms during admission. Skin graft requirement, a higher level of acute traumatic stress symptoms and younger age were statistically significant predictors of a higher itch score. Younger age was particularly associated with higher itch scores during admission, whereas the effect of skin grafting was particularly observed at 3 months post-burn. This study replicates the predictive role of traumatic stress symptoms, which warrants further research.

Hemiarthroplasty and total hip arthroplasty in 30,830 patients with hip fractures: data from the Dutch Arthroplasty Register on revision and risk factors for revision.

Background and purpose - In the Netherlands about 40% of hip fractures are treated with a hemiarthroplasty (HA) or a total hip arthroplasty (THA). Although these procedures are claimed to have fewer complications than osteosynthesis (i.e., reoperation), complications still occur. Analyses of data from national registries with adequate completeness of revision surgery are important to establish guidelines to diminish the risk for revision. We identified risk factors for revision. Patients and methods - All patients older than 50 years of age with a hip fracture treated with arthroplasty by orthopedic surgeons and registered in the (national) Dutch arthroplasty register (LROI) were included in the study. In this register, patient characteristics and surgical details were prospectively collected. Revision surgery and reasons for revision were evaluated. A proportional hazard ratio model for revision was created using competing risk analysis (with death as competing risk). Results - 1-year revision rate of HA was (cumulative incidence function [CIF] 1.6% (95% CI 1.4-1.8) and THA 2.4% (CI 2.0-2.7). Dislocation was the most common reason for revision in both groups (HA 29%, THA 41%). Male sex, age under 80 years, posterolateral approach, and uncemented stem fixation were risk factors for revision in both THA and HA. THA patients with ASA classification III/IV were revised more often, whereas revision in the HA cohort was performed more often in ASA I/II patients. Interpretation - After arthroplasty of hip fractures, both a posterolateral approach and an uncemented hip stem have higher risks for revision surgery compared with an anterolateral approach and an cemented stem.

More complications in uncemented compared to cemented hemiarthroplasty for displaced femoral neck fractures: a randomized controlled trial of 201 patients, with one year follow-up.

BACKGROUND: It is unclear whether cemented or uncemented hemiarthroplasty is the best treatment option in elderly patients with displaced femoral neck fractures. Previous randomized trials comparing cemented and uncemented hemiarthroplasty have conflicting results. We conducted a randomized controlled trial to compare cemented and uncemented hemiarthroplasty. METHODS: This multicenter parallel-randomized controlled trial included patients of 70 years and older with a displaced femoral neck fracture (Garden type III or IV). Inclusion was between August 2008 and June 2012. Patients were randomized between a cemented hemiarthroplasty, type Müller Straight Stem or an uncemented hemiarthroplasty, type DB-10. Primary outcomes were complications, operation time, functional outcome (measured by Timed-Up-and-Go (TUG) and Groningen Activity Restriction Scale (GARS)) and mid-thigh pain. Health Related Quality of Life (HRQoL, expressed with the SF-12) was measured as an secondary outcome. Follow up was 1 year. RESULTS: In total 201 patients were included in the study (91 uncemented, 110 cemented hemiarthroplasties) The uncemented group showed more major local complications (intra- and postoperative fractures and dislocations) odds ratio (95% confidence interval) 3.36 (1.40 to 8.11). There was no difference in mean operation time (57.3 vs 55.4 min). There were no differences in functional outcomes (TUG 12.8 (9.4) vs. 13.9 (9.0), GARS 43.2 (19.7) vs. 39.2 (16.5)) and mid-thigh pain (18.6 vs 21.6%). Physical component SF-12 HRQoLwas lower in the uncemented group (30.3 vs. 35.3 p < 0.05 after six weeks, 33.8 vs 38.5 p < 0.05 after 12 weeks). CONCLUSION: A cemented hemiarthroplasty in elderly patients with a displaced femoral neck fracture results in less complications compared to an uncemented hemiarthroplasty. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Netherlands Trial Registry; NTR 1508 , accepted date 27 okt 2008.

Early mobilisation versus plaster immobilisation of simple elbow dislocations: results of the FuncSiE multicentre randomised clinical trial.

BACKGROUND/AIM: To compare outcome of early mobilisation and plaster immobilisation in patients with a simple elbow dislocation. We hypothesised that early mobilisation would result in earlier functional recovery. METHODS: From August 2009 to September 2012, 100 adult patients with a simple elbow dislocation were enrolled in this multicentre randomised controlled trial. Patients were randomised to early mobilisation (n=48) or 3 weeks plaster immobilisation (n=52). Primary outcome measure was the Quick Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand (Quick-DASH) score. Secondary outcomes were the Oxford Elbow Score, Mayo Elbow Performance Index, pain, range of motion, complications and activity resumption. Patients were followed for 1 year. RESULTS: Quick-DASH scores at 1 year were 4.0 (95% CI 0.9 to 7.1) points in the early mobilisation group versus 4.2 (95% CI 1.2 to 7.2) in the plaster immobilisation group. At 6 weeks, early mobilised patients reported less disability (Quick-DASH 12 (95% CI 9 to 15) points vs 19 (95% CI 16 to 22); p<0.05) and had a larger arc of flexion and extension (121° (95% CI 115° to 127°) vs 102° (95% CI 96° to 108°); p<0.05). Patients returned to work sooner after early mobilisation (10 vs 18 days; p=0.020). Complications occurred in 12 patients; this was unrelated to treatment. No recurrent dislocations occurred. CONCLUSIONS: Early active mobilisation is a safe and effective treatment for simple elbow dislocations. Patients recovered faster and returned to work earlier without increasing the complication rate. No evidence was found supporting treatment benefit at 1 year. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: NTR 2025.

An evaluation of the effectiveness of medial patellofemoral ligament reconstruction using an anatomical tunnel site.

PURPOSE: Medial patellofemoral ligament (MPFL) reconstruction for recurrent patellar instability has gained popularity, and anatomical and biomechanical studies have recently altered our operative techniques. The aim of this study was to report the clinical outcome of this new anatomical MPFL reconstructive technique and investigate whether correlating factors could be identified. METHODS: Between 2009 and 2012, a total of 31 consecutive patients underwent MPFL reconstruction using an autologous gracilis graft and anatomical tunnel placement. Pre- and post-operative data were collected as a part of routine clinical practice. The preoperative assessment included a rotational profile CT scan of the lower extremity according to the Lyon protocol with TT-TG distance measurement. Outcomes were evaluated with the Kujala and Norwich patella instability (NPI) scores preoperatively and at follow-up (1.5-5.1 years). RESULTS: A significant improvement in both the Kujala (p < 0.001) and NPI (p = 0.012) scores was recorded. A medium and large negative correlations were found between TT-TG distance and Kujala score improvement (ρ = -0.48, p = 0.020) and NPI score improvement (ρ = -0.83, p = 0.042), respectively. Multiple regression analysis identified TT-TG distance, Beighton score and BMI as factors explaining the variance of Kujala score improvement. CONCLUSION: Anatomical MPFL reconstruction with the gracilis autograft for patellar instability resulted in good outcome. This underlines the importance of anatomical tunnel placement in MPFL reconstruction. With a precise preoperative work-up, factors can be identified that may guide selecting the optimal operative strategy and improve counselling of the patient. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Case series, Level IV.

Patient-specific positioning guides for total knee arthroplasty: no significant difference between final component alignment and pre-operative digital plan except for tibial rotation.

PURPOSE: To assess whether there is a significant difference between the alignment of the individual femoral and tibial components (in the frontal, sagittal and horizontal planes) as calculated pre-operatively (digital plan) and the actually achieved alignment in vivo obtained with the use of patient-specific positioning guides (PSPGs) for TKA. It was hypothesised that there would be no difference between post-op implant position and pre-op digital plan. METHODS: Twenty-six patients were included in this non-inferiority trial. Software permitted matching of the pre-operative MRI scan (and therefore calculated prosthesis position) to a pre-operative CT scan and then to a post-operative full-leg CT scan to determine deviations from pre-op planning in all three anatomical planes. RESULTS: For the femoral component, mean absolute deviations from planning were 1.8° (SD 1.3), 2.5° (SD 1.6) and 1.6° (SD 1.4) in the frontal, sagittal and transverse planes, respectively. For the tibial component, mean absolute deviations from planning were 1.7° (SD 1.2), 1.7° (SD 1.5) and 3.2° (SD 3.6) in the frontal, sagittal and transverse planes, respectively. Absolute mean deviation from planned mechanical axis was 1.9°. The a priori specified null hypothesis for equivalence testing: the difference from planning is >3 or <-3 was rejected for all comparisons except for the tibial transverse plane. CONCLUSION: PSPG was able to adequately reproduce the pre-op plan in all planes, except for the tibial rotation in the transverse plane. Possible explanations for outliers are discussed and highlight the importance for adequate training surgeons before they start using PSPG in their day-by-day practise. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Prospective cohort study, Level II.

The application of platelet-rich plasma in the treatment of deep dermal burns: A randomized, double-blind, intra-patient controlled study.

Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) is a fraction of blood with a platelet concentration above baseline. When platelets get activated, growth factors involved in wound healing are released. The application of PRP has shown good results in wound care, however, up to date no substantial research has been performed on the effect of PRP in burn treatment. This randomized double blind intra-patient controlled study investigates the effect of autologous PRP on wound healing in burns that require surgery with a meshed split skin graft (SSG). Fifty-two patients with various areas of deep dermal to full thickness burns, receiving surgery with a SSG were included after informed consent. Comparable study areas A and B (intra-patient) were appointed, randomized and either treated with a SSG and PRP or with a SSG alone. At day 5 to 7 postoperative, the epithelialization and graft take rate were assessed. Three, six, and twelve months postoperative, follow-up measurements were performed in the form of POSAS-questionnaires, DermoSpectroMeter, and Cutometer measurements. There was no statistically significant difference between the mean take rate nor the mean epithelialization rate at day 5-7 between the PRP-treated and control areas. However, PRP-treated wound areas showed more often better or equal epithelialization and take rates at day 5-7 than the standard treated areas. Minor effects were also seen in the reoperated and early operated subgroups. At 3, 6, and 12 months postoperative, POSAS scores from the patients and the observers, Dermaspectro-, and Cutometer measurements did not depict a significant difference between the PRP and standard treated areas. Concluding, the addition of PRP in the treatment of burn wounds did not result in improved graft take and epithelialization, nor could we demonstrate better scar quality. There was, however, a considerable variation in our clinical population.

Long-term scar quality in burns with three distinct healing potentials: A multicenter prospective cohort study.

The laser Doppler imager is used in cases of indeterminate burn depth to accurately predict wound healing time at an early stage. The laser Doppler imager classifies burns into three estimated healing potentials as follows: high, <14 days; intermediate, 14-21 days; and low, >21 days. At this time, the relationship between these healing potentials and long-term scar quality is unknown. The objective of this study was to determine the long-term scar quality of burns with three distinct healing potentials. The secondary objectives were to compare treatment strategies in intermediate wounds, to study the effect of the timing of surgery on low healing potential wounds and to identify predictors of reduced scar quality. Hence, in a prospective cohort study, scar quality was determined in patients whose burns were assessed with laser Doppler imaging. Scar Quality was assessed with objective and subjective measurement tools, including overall scar quality (Patient and Observer Scar Assessment Scale) as a primary outcome and color and elasticity parameters. A total of 141 patients (>19 months postburn) with 216 scars were included. Wounds with high and intermediate healing potential did not significantly differ regarding scar quality. Wounds with a low healing potential had a significantly lower scar quality. Analysis of 76 surgically treated low healing potential wounds showed no significant differences in the primary outcome regarding the timing of surgery (≤14 days vs. >14). Predictors of reduced long-term scar quality were darker skin type and multiple surgeries. In conclusion, scar quality was strongly related to the healing potential category. Scar quality was very similar in high and intermediate healing potential wounds. No positive effects were found on scar quality or on healing time in surgically treated wounds with intermediate healing potential, advocating a conservative approach. Further studies should focus on the optimal timing of surgery in low healing potential wounds.

Factors associated with the course of health-related quality of life after a hip fracture.

INTRODUCTION: The number of hip fracture patients is expected to grow the forthcoming decades. Knowledge of the impact of the fracture on the lives of elderly could help us target our care. The aim of the study is to describe HRQoL (Health-Related Quality of Life) after a hip fracture and to identify factors associated with the course of HRQoL in the first postoperative year. MATERIALS AND METHODS: 335 surgically treated hip fracture patients (mean age 79.4 years, SD 10.7, 68 % female) were included in a prospective observational cohort. HRQoL was measured with the SF-12 Health Survey, composed of the Physical and a Mental Component Summary Score (PCS, MCS), at admission (baseline) and at 3 and 12 months postoperatively. Eleven predefined factors known to be associated with the course of HRQoL were recorded: age, gender, physical status, having a partner at admission, living in an institution, prefracture level of mobility, anemia, type of fracture and treatment, delirium during hospital stay and length of stay. RESULTS: HRQoL declined between baseline and 3 months, and recovered between three and 12 months. PCS HRQoL did not recover to baseline values, MCS HRQoL did. Age younger than 80 years, ASA classification I and II, higher prefracture level of mobility, intracapsular fracture and treatment with osteosynthesis (compared to arthroplasty) were associated with greater initial decline in PCS HRQoL, none of the recorded factors were significant for decline in MCS HRQoL. CONCLUSIONS: Both PCS and MCS HRQoL declined after a hip fracture and PCS did not recover to baseline values. Healthier patients may need extra care to prevent them from having a steep decline in postoperative PCS HRQoL and arthroplasty should be considered with low threshold.

Good functional recovery of complex elbow dislocations treated with hinged external fixation: a multicenter prospective study.

BACKGROUND: After a complex dislocation, some elbows remain unstable after closed reduction or fracture treatment. Function after treatment with a hinged external fixator theoretically allows collateral ligaments to heal without surgical reconstruction. However, there is a lack of prospective studies that assess functional outcome, pain, and ROM. QUESTIONS/PURPOSES: We asked: (1) In complex elbow fracture-dislocations, does treatment with a hinged external fixator result in reduction of disability and pain, and in improvement in ROM, function, and quality of life? (2) Does delayed treatment (7 days or later) have a negative effect on ROM after 1 year? (3) What are the complications seen after external fixator treatment? METHODS: During a 2-year period, 11 centers recruited 27 patients 18 years or older who were included and evaluated at 2 and 6 weeks and at 3, 6, and 12 months after surgery as part of this prospective case series. During the study period, the participating centers agreed on general indications for use of the hinged external fixator, which included persistent instability after closed reduction alone or closed reduction combined with surgical treatment of associated fracture(s), when indicated. Functional outcome was evaluated using the Quick Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (QuickDASH; primary outcome) score, the Mayo Elbow Performance Index (MEPI), the Oxford Elbow Score, and the level of pain (VAS). ROM, adverse events, secondary interventions, and radiographs also were evaluated. A total of 26 of the 27 patients (96%) were available for followup at 1 year. RESULTS: All functional and pain scores improved. The median QuickDASH score decreased from 30 (25(th)-75(th) percentiles [P25-P75], 23-40) at 6 weeks to 7 (P25-P75, 2-12) at 1 year with a median difference of -25 (p < 0.001). The median MEPI score increased from 80 (P25-P75, 64-85) at 6 weeks to 100 (P25-P75, 85-100) at 1 year with a median difference of 15 (p < 0.001). The median Oxford Elbow Score increased from 60 (P25-P75, 44-68) at 6 weeks to 90 (P25-P75, 73-96) at 1 year with a median difference of 29 (p < 0.001). The median VAS decreased from 2.8 (P25-P75, 1.0-5.0) at 2 weeks to 0.5 (P25-P75, 0.0-1.9) at 1 year with a median difference of -2.1 (p = 0.001). ROM also improved. The median flexion-extension arc improved from 50° (P25-P75, 33°-80°) at 2 weeks to 118° (P25-P75, 105°-138°) at 1 year with a median difference of 63° (p < 0.001). Similarly, the median pronation-supination arc improved from 90° (P25-P75, 63°-124°) to 160° (P25-P75, 138°-170°) with a median difference of 75° (p < 0.001). At 1 year, the median residual deficit compared with the uninjured side was 30° (P25-P75, 5°-35°) for the flexion-extension arc, and 3° (P25-P75, 0°-25°) for the pronation-supination arc. Ten patients (37%) experienced a fixator-related complication, and seven patients required secondary surgery (26%). One patient reported recurrent instability. CONCLUSIONS: A hinged external elbow fixator provides enough stability to start early mobilization after an acute complex elbow dislocation and residual instability. This was reflected in good functional outcome scores and only slight disability despite a relatively high complication rate.

Differential item functioning in the Observer Scale of the POSAS for different scar types.

PURPOSE: To investigate whether the Observer Scale of the Patient and Observer Scar Assessment Scale (POSAS) can serve as a generic measure for scar quality across different scar types. METHODS: A collection of POSAS scores derived from several clinical trials on burn (n = 404), linear (n = 384), and keloidal scars (n = 282) was analyzed using the partial credit model of the Rasch analysis package RUMM2030. RESULTS: Differential item functioning (DIF) was observed for the Observer Scale of the POSAS between the three scar types for the items pliability, thickness, and surface area, which could be solved by item splitting. The items pigmentation and thickness showed disordered thresholds, considerable misfit, and unpredictability. CONCLUSION: Users of the Observer Scale of the POSAS must be aware that the raw scores obtained from burn, linear, and keloidal scars cannot be compared without the scar-specific DIF adjustment of the items pliability, thickness, and surface area.

Recombinant human growth hormone for treating burns and donor sites.

BACKGROUND: Recombinant human growth hormone (rhGH) increases protein synthesis, therefore it is used in burns with a total body surface area (TBSA) greater than 40%, where there is frequently an increase in protein breakdown and a decrease in protein synthesis. This change in protein metabolism correlates with poor wound healing of the burn and donor sites. OBJECTIVES: To determine the effects of rhGH on the healing rate of burn wounds and donor sites in people with burns. SEARCH METHODS: For this first update we searched the Cochrane Wounds Group Specialised Register (searched 04 September 2014); The Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL) (The Cochrane Library 2014, Issue 8); Database of Abstracts of Reviews of Effects (DARE) (The Cochrane Library 2014, Issue 3); Ovid MEDLINE (1950 to September Week 4 2014); Ovid MEDLINE (In-Process & Other Non-Indexed Citations September 8, 2014); Ovid EMBASE (1980 to 2014 Week 35); and EBSCO CINAHL (1982 to 8 September 2014). SELECTION CRITERIA: Randomised controlled trials (RCTs) comparing rhGH with any comparator intervention, e.g. oxandrolone or placebo, in adults or children with burns. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: Two review authors independently selected studies, assessed trial quality and extracted data. The primary outcomes were the healing of the burn wound and donor sites and the occurrence of wound infections. The secondary outcomes were mortality rate, length of hospital stay, scar assessment, and adverse events: hyperglycaemia and septicaemia. MAIN RESULTS: We included 13 RCTs (701 people). Six of the RCTs included only children aged 1 to 18 years and seven involved only adults (from 18 to 65 years of age). The mean TBSA of the included participants was greater than 49%. Twelve studies compared rhGH with placebo and one study compared rhGH with oxandrolone. Two trials found that compared with placebo, burn wounds in adults treated with rhGH healed more quickly (by 9.07 days; 95% confidence interval (CI) 4.39 to 13.76, I² = 0%). The donor site healing time was significantly shorter in rhGH-treated adults compared with placebo-treated participants (by 3.15 days; 95% CI 1.54 to 4.75, I² = 0%). Two studies in children with the outcome of donor site healing time could be pooled and the donor site healing time was shorter in the rhGH-treated children (by 1.70 days; 95% CI 0.87 to 2.53, I² = 0%). No studies reporting the outcome of wound infection were found. The incidence of hyperglycaemia was higher in adults during rhGH treatment compared with placebo (risk ratio (RR) 2.43; 95% CI 1.54 to 3.85), but not in children. Pooling the studies of adults and children yielded a significantly higher incidence of hyperglycaemia in the rhGH-treated participants (RR 2.65; 95% CI 1.68 to 4.16). AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS: There is some evidence that using rhGH in people with large burns (more than 40% of the total body surface area) could result in more rapid healing of the burn wound and donor sites in adults and children, and in reduced length of hospital stay, without increased mortality or scarring, but with an increased risk of hyperglycaemia. This evidence is based on studies with small sample sizes and risk of bias and requires confirmation in higher quality, adequately powered trials.

Diagnostic accuracy and reproducibility of the Ottawa Knee Rule vs the Pittsburgh Decision Rule.

PURPOSE: The aim of this present study was to compare the diagnostic accuracy and reproducibility of 2 clinical decision rules (the Ottawa Knee Rules [OKR] and Pittsburgh Decision Rules [PDR]) developed for selective use of x-rays in the evaluation of isolated knee trauma. Application of a decision rule leads to a more efficient evaluation of knee injuries and a reduction in health care costs. The diagnostic accuracy and reproducibility are compared in this study. METHODS: A cross-sectional interobserver study was conducted in the emergency department of an urban teaching hospital from October 2008 to July 2009. Two observer groups collected data on standardized case-report forms: emergency medicine residents and surgical residents. Standard knee radiographs were performed in each patient. Participants were patients 18 years and older with isolated knee injuries. Pooled sensitivity and specificity were compared using χ(2) statistics, and interobserver agreement was calculated by using κ statistics. RESULTS: Ninety injuries were assessed. Seven injuries concerned fractures (7.8%). For the OKR, the pooled sensitivity and specificity were 0.86 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.57-0.96) and 0.27 (95% CI, 0.21-0.35), respectively. The PDR had a pooled sensitivity and specificity of 0.86 (95% CI, 0.57-0.96) and 0.51 (95% CI, 0.44-0.59). The PDR was significantly (P = .002) more specific. The κ values for the OKR and PDR were 0.51 (95% CI, 0.32-0.71) and 0.71 (95% CI, 0.57-0.86), respectively. CONCLUSION: The PDR was found to be more specific than the OKR, with equal sensitivity. Interobserver agreement was moderate for the OKR and substantial for the PDR.

External validation of the discharge of hip fracture patients score.

PURPOSE: This paper reports the external validation of a recently developed instrument, the Discharge of Hip fracture Patients score (DHP) that predicts discharge location on admission in patients living in their own home prior to hip fracture surgery. METHODS: The DHP (maximum score 100 points) was applied to 125 hip fracture patients aged 50 or more years admitted to an academic centre in the northern part of The Netherlands (Groningen cohort). The characteristics of this cohort, sensitivity, specificity and positive and negative predictive value (PPV, NPV) of the DHP for discharge to an alternative location (DAL) were calculated and compared with the original cohort of hip fracture patients from the western part of The Netherlands (Delft cohort). Scoring 30 points or higher indicated DAL. RESULTS: The Groningen cohort was younger compared to the Delft cohort, (mean age 75.4 vs. 78.5 years, P = 0.005) but was more often classified ASA III/IV (46.4% vs. 25.2%, P < 0.001). Sensitivity of the DHP for DAL in the Groningen cohort was 75% (vs. 83.8%), specificity of 66.7% (vs. 64.7%) and a PPV of 86.3% (vs. 79.2%), compared to the Delft cohort. CONCLUSION: External validation of the DHP was successful; it predicted discharge location of hip fracture patients accurately in another Dutch cohort, the sensitivity for DAL was somewhat lower but the PPV higher. Therefore, the DHP score is a useful valid and easily applied instrument for general hip fracture populations.

Outcome after burns: an observational study on burn scar maturation and predictors for severe scarring.

Long-term outcome of burn scars as well as the relation with clinically relevant parameters has not been studied quantitatively. Therefore, we conducted a detailed analysis on the clinical changes of burn scars in a longitudinal setup. In addition, we focused on the differences in scar quality in relation to the depth, etiology of the burn wound and age of the patient. Burn scars of 474 patients were subjected to a scar assessment protocol 3, 6, and 12 months postburn. Three different age groups were defined (≤5, 5-18, and ≥18 years). The observer part of the patient and observer scar assessment scale revealed a significant (p < 0.001) improvement in scar quality at 12 months compared with the 3- and 6-month data. Predictors for severe scarring are depth of the wound (p < 0.001) and total body surface area burned (p < 0.001). Etiology (p = 0.753) and age (p > 0.230) have no significant influence on scar quality when corrected for sex, total body surface area burned, time, and age or etiology, respectively.

Rasch analysis of the Patient and Observer Scar Assessment Scale (POSAS) in burn scars.

PURPOSE: The Patient and Observer Scar Assessment Scale (POSAS) is a questionnaire that was developed to assess scar quality. It consists of two separate six-item scales (Observer Scale and Patient Scale), both of which are scored on a 10-point rating scale. After many years of experience with this scale in burn scar assessment, it is appropriate to examine its psychometric properties using Rasch analysis. METHODS: Cross-sectional data collection from seven clinical trials resulted in a data set of 1,629 observer scores and 1,427 patient scores of burn scars. We examined the person-item map, item fit statistics, reliability, response category ordering, and dimensionality of the POSAS. RESULTS: The POSAS showed an adequate fit to the Rasch model, except for the item surface area. Person reliability of the Observer Scale and Patient Scale was 0.82 and 0.77, respectively. Dimensionality analysis revealed that the unexplained variance by the first contrast of both scales was 1.7 units. Spearman correlation between the Observer Scale Rasch measure and the overall opinion of the clinician was 0.75. CONCLUSION: The Rasch model demonstrated that the POSAS is a reliable and valid scale that measures the single-construct scar quality.

Recombinant human growth hormone for treating burns and donor sites.

BACKGROUND: Recombinant human growth hormone (rhGH) increases protein synthesis, therefore it is used in burns with a total body surface area (TBSA) greater than 40%, where there is frequently an increase in protein breakdown and a decrease in protein synthesis. This change in protein metabolism correlates with poor wound healing of the burn and donor sites. OBJECTIVES: To determine the effects of rhGH on the healing rate of burn wounds and donor sites in people with burns. SEARCH METHODS: We searched the Cochrane Wounds Group Specialised Register (searched 28 June 2012); The Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL) (The Cochrane Library 2012, Issue 6); Database of Abstracts of Reviews of Effects (DARE) (The Cochrane Library 2011, Issue 3); Ovid MEDLINE (1950 to June Week 3 2012); Ovid MEDLINE (In-Process & Other Non-Indexed Citations June 27, 2012); Ovid EMBASE (1980 to 2012 Week 25); and EBSCO CINAHL (1982 to 21 June 2012). SELECTION CRITERIA: Randomised controlled trials (RCTs) comparing rhGH with any comparator intervention, e.g. oxandrolone or placebo, in adults or children with burns. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: Two review authors independently selected studies, assessed trial quality and extracted data. The primary outcomes were the healing of the burn wound and donor sites and the occurrence of wound infections. The secondary outcomes were mortality rate, length of hospital stay, scar assessment, and adverse events: hyperglycaemia and septicaemia. MAIN RESULTS: We included 13 RCTs (701 people). Six of the RCTs included only children aged 1 to 18 years and seven involved only adults (from 18 to 65 years of age). The mean TBSA of the included participants was greater than 49%. Twelve studies compared rhGH with placebo and one study compared rhGH with oxandrolone. Two trials found that compared with placebo, burn wounds in adults treated with rhGH healed more quickly (by 9.07 days; 95% confidence interval (CI) 4.39 to 13.76, I² = 0%). The donor site healing time was significantly shorter in rhGH-treated adults compared with placebo-treated participants (by 3.15 days; 95% CI 1.54 to 4.75, I² = 0%). Two studies in children with the outcome of donor site healing time could be pooled and the donor site healing time was shorter in the rhGH-treated children (by 1.70 days; 95% CI 0.87 to 2.53, I² = 0%). No studies reporting the outcome of wound infection were found. The incidence of hyperglycaemia was higher in adults during rhGH treatment compared with placebo (risk ratio (RR) 2.43; 95% CI 1.54 to 3.85), but not in children. Pooling the studies of adults and children yielded a significantly higher incidence of hyperglycaemia in the rhGH-treated participants (RR 2.65; 95% CI 1.68 to 4.16). AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS: There is some evidence that using rhGH in people with large burns (more than 40% of the total body surface area) could result in more rapid healing of the burn wound and donor sites in adults and children, and in reduced length of hospital stay, without increased mortality or scarring, but with an increased risk of hyperglycaemia. This evidence is based on studies with small sample sizes and risk of bias and requires confirmation in higher quality, adequately powered trials.