Clinical Outcome of Coccygectomy Using a Paramedian Curvilinear Skin Incision in Adults and Children With Meta-Analysis of the Literature Focusing on Postoperative Wound Infection.

STUDY DESIGN: A single surgeon case series and meta-analysis of literature. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the clinical outcome and patient satisfaction following coccygectomy for coccygodynia in adults and children using a curvilinear paramedian skin incision and to conduct a meta-analysis of the literature to determine the associated infection rate with different surgical factors. METHODS: 45 consecutive patients (40 adults and 5 children) underwent surgical coccygectomy for persistent coccygodynia symptoms using a paramedian curvilinear incision. Postoperative clinical outcome scores, patients' satisfaction and wound complications were assessed. A systematic literature search using specific MesH terms was then conducted covering the period from 1980 to 2020. Only those studies reporting infection rates post coccygectomy were included in a meta-analysis. RESULTS: The average age of patients was 39 years with a mean duration of symptoms prior to surgery of 7.4 years. The mean Oswestry Disability Index improved from 29 to 7.7 (P < .001). The mean pain Visual analogue scale improved from 8 to 2 (P < .001) and the median patient satisfaction score was 8 (out of 10) suggesting good to excellent outcome. The clinical improvement was the same in children and adults. There was a total of 5 (11%) wound infections, 2 of which needed surgical debridement. Meta-analysis of the included studies showed that the use of prophylactic antibiotics for 24 hours, nonabsorbable skin sutures and glue were associated with low infection rate. CONCLUSIONS: Coccygectomy using curvilinear paramedian skin incision for chronic coccygodynia is an effective procedure with similar or lower complication rates as reported in the literature.

Risk Factors for Accidental Dural Tears in Spinal Surgery.

BACKGROUND: Accidental dural tears (DTs) are familiar complications of spinal surgery. Their reported incidence varies widely, and several risk factors have been proposed in the literature. The aim of this study was to conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis to determine the rate of DTs and assess their associated risk factors. METHODS: A systematic literature search was conducted using specific MeSH and Text terms. Only articles with prospective data reporting the incidence and risk factors were selected and reviewed based on specific inclusion and exclusion criteria. RESULTS: Twenty-three studies were included. The reported incidence rate ranged from 0.4% to 15.8%, giving an overall pooled incidence rate of 5.8% (95% confidence interval [CI] 4.4-7.3). The incidence rate varied in relation to the part of the spine and the type of surgery. Three factors were associated with a high rate of DTs: age (overall mean difference of 3.04, 95% CI 2.49-3.60), revision surgery (overall odds ratio of 2.28, 95% CI 1.84-2.83), and lumbar stenosis (overall odds ratio of 2.03, 95% CI 1.50-2.75). Diabetes was weakly associated with DTs, with an odds ratio of 1.40 (95% CI 1.01-1.93). The overall effects of sex and obesity were not statistically significant. CONCLUSION: Advancing age, revision surgery, and lumbar stenosis were significantly associated with increased risk of DTs. These factors should be taken into consideration during the consenting process for spinal surgery. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Risk of dural tear during spine surgery.

En Bloc Resection of Tumors of the Lumbar Spine: A Systematic Review of Outcomes and Complications.

BACKGROUND: The literature on total en bloc spondylectomy (TES) of bone tumors of the lumbar spine is sparse and heterogeneous. Therefore, the aim was to systematically pool the data from the published studies to quantitatively summarize the morbidity and mortality and to identify factors associated with favorable outcomes and complications. METHOD: A systematic literature search for studies with individual patient-level data was conducted using specific medical subject heading(MeSH) terms. The outcome measures assessed included complications, tumor recurrence, survival, and function. Individual patient data were pooled from all the studies and quantitatively analyzed to assess the association of different factors with outcomes and complications. RESULTS: Twelve studies were included in this review with a total of 145 TES cases. Of all patients, 50% had at least 1 reported complication post surgery and this was associated with advancing age (OR 1.04, P < 0.001), metastatic disease (OR 5.61, P < 0.001), and adjuvant chemo and/or radiotherapy (OR 20.3, P = 0.001). Intralesional excision (OR 5.2, P = 0.01) and primary malignant tumors (OR 3.3, P = 0.02) were associated with a high recurrence rate. However, the surgical approach was not associated with differences in survival (P = 0.874) or recurrence (P = 0.525) rates. L5 tumor resection was associated with excessive bleeding. Postoperatively, there was an overall improvement in the Frankel grades in most patients. CONCLUSION: TES is associated with high rates of complications especially in association with primary malignant and metastatic diseases. However, the number of publications on this topic remain scarce and heterogeneous. Hence, there is a need for standardization in the reporting of the outcomes and complications to help with decision-making and consenting for this procedure.

Clinical Outcome of Spine Surgery Complicated by Accidental Dural Tears: Meta-Analysis of the Literature.

STUDY DESIGN: Systemic review and meta-analysis. OBJECTIVES: Several studies have reported the impact of accidental dural tears (DT) on the outcome of spinal surgery, some with conflicting results. Therefore, the aim of this study was to carry out a systemic review and meta-analysis of the literature to establish the overall clinical outcome of spinal surgery following accidental DT. METHOD: A systemic literature search was carried out. Postoperative improvement in Oswestry Disability Index (ODI), Short-Form 36 survey (SF36), leg pain visual analogue scale (VAS), and back pain VAS were compared between patients with and without DT at different time intervals. RESULTS: Eleven studies were included in this meta-analysis. There was a slightly better improvement in ODI and leg VAS score (standardized mean difference of -0.06, 95% confidence interval [CI] -0.12 to -0.01, and -0.06, 95% CI -0.09 to -0.02, respectively) in patients without DT at 12 months postsurgery, but this effect was not demonstrated at any other time intervals up to 4 years. There were no differences in the overall SF36 (function) score at any time interval or back pain VAS at 12 months. CONCLUSION: Based on this study, accidental DT did not have an overall significant adverse impact on the short-term clinical outcome of spinal surgery. More studies are needed to address the long-term impact and other outcome measures including other immediate complications of DT.

A systematic review and meta-analysis on the management of accidental dural tears in spinal surgery: drowning in information but thirsty for a clear message.

PURPOSE: To systematically review the published techniques for dural tear (DT) repair in spinal surgery to determine the repair method associated with the lowest failure rate. METHOD: A systematic literature search was conducted. Studies reporting the treatment of accidental DT in elective spinal surgery were selected and reviewed with regards to the incidence of DT, repair techniques and outcome. Meta-analysis of proportions was used to compare the outcome of different repair techniques and their adjuncts. RESULTS: Forty-nine studies were included with a total of 3822 DT cases. The outcome of different dural repair techniques was available for 2329(60.9%) cases. The overall pooled risk of DT was 0.052(0.040-0.065) and the overall pooled proportion of failed DT treatment regardless of the treatment method was 0.061(0.044-0.083). The proportion of failure varied according to the repair method. The overall proportion of failure following direct repair with suture (with or without any other augment) was lower than indirect repair (with sealant and or patch): 0.037 (0.024-0.053) versus 0.047 (0.026-0.074), respectively. Bed rest and the use of sub-fascial drain were not associated with improved outcome according to our results. CONCLUSION: Direct repair was associated with low proportion of failure. Howver, the approach to DT treatment was commonly determined on an ad hoc basis according to surgeons' preferences, and few followed defined management protocols. Future studies reporting DT treatment ought to categorise the treatment outcome according to the complexity of the DT and the specific treatment used, thus improving research quality in the field.

Hip fractures and Parkinson's disease: A case series.

There are no specific guidelines for treating Parkinson's disease patients who present with a hip fracture. Here we present a large cohort of patients with Parkinson's disease who suffered hip fractures. Our aim was to assess for differences between a Parkinson's disease population and a non-Parkinson's disease population with hip fractures and make recommendations on management guidelines. We performed a comprehensive analysis of prospectively collected data on all patients with hip fracture who were admitted into our department over a period of 29 years. In total 9225 patients with hip fractures were included in this study, 452 (4.9%) patients had Parkinson's disease. The mobility scores were worse pre- and post-operatively in the Parkinson's group as were mini-mental scores and ASA grade. Post-operative complications were similar between the two groups, with no difference in dislocation rate or wound complications. However, other outcomes including mobility and mortality rate at 1year were worse in the Parkinson's group. These patients also had a longer hospital stay and were more likely to be immobile and discharged to an institution. We recommend that Parkinson's disease patients should be assessed more thoroughly in the peri-operative period and arrangement for rehab and discharge planning should commence as soon as possible following admission. The consent process should reflect longer hospital stays, worse mobility, higher mortality and increased likelihood of discharge to institution but concern over increased complications, specifically dislocation was not evident in our data.

The outcome of intracapsular hip fracture fixation using the Targon Femoral Neck (TFN) locking plate system or cannulated cancellous screws: A comparative study involving 2004 patients.

AIM: This study compares the outcome of intracapsular hip fracture fixation using the Targon Femoral Neck (TFN) locking plate system with the standard fixation using cannulated cancellous screws (CCS). PATIENTS AND METHOD: Analyses of a prospectively collected data of all patients treated for intracapsular hip fractures using the TFN system and CCS at our department over a period of 28 years. Baseline characteristics and specific outcome measures where compared. The primary outcome measure was fracture revision during the 1st year. Secondary outcome measures were fracture complications, any revision surgery, mortality and mobility status at one year after surgery. RESULTS: A total of 2004 fractures were included, a third (n=725, 36.2%) were treated using the TFN system. There were higher rates of non-union (19.5% vs 9.5%) and revision surgery (19% vs 9%) during the first year in the CCS cohort. Revision surgery was also higher in the same group during the whole of the follow-up period (22.2% vs 14.9%). The first year's mortality rate was higher in the CCS cohort (21.1% vs 17.5%) but the reduction in mobility and mobility scores was the same in both cohorts. CONCLUSION: This study includes the largest cohort of cases treated for intracapsular hip fractures using the TFN system. It demonstrated that the TFN system was associated with lower rates of non-union, revisions and re-operations for any cause.

A Prospective Randomized Controlled Trial Comparing the Efficacy of Fascia Iliaca Compartment Block Versus Local Anesthetic Infiltration After Hip Arthroscopic Surgery.

PURPOSE: To compare the efficacy of fascia iliaca compartment block (FICB) with local anesthetic infiltration (LAI) of the arthroscopy portals for pain control after hip arthroscopy. METHODS: A prospective single-blinded randomized controlled trial that involved patients who underwent hip arthroscopy was performed. Participants were randomized to receiving either FICB or LAI of the portal tracts with local anesthetic. Supplemental analgesia was also used in both groups on an on-demand basis. The primary outcome measure was the postoperative level of pain as assessed by numeric pain score at 1, 3, 6, and 24 hours after the procedure in both groups. Secondary outcome measures were the frequency and the dose of morphine and other medications consumed at 1 and 24 hours after surgery as well as any other adverse events relating to pain or medications used for pain relief in both the groups. RESULTS: The study had to be terminated early because there was a significant statistical difference in the primary outcome measure after the recruitment of 46 patients: 20 in the LAI group and 26 in the FICB group. Severity of pain in the FICB group was higher especially during the first hour postoperatively (P = .02). This was associated with a higher consumption of opioids and other analgesics, which resulted in more side effects such as nausea and vomiting. CONCLUSIONS: LAI provided a better analgesia after arthroscopic surgery of the hip in comparison with FICB and was also associated with reduced consumption of opioids and a lower rate of side effects. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level I, single-blinded randomized controlled study.

The role of orthobiologics in hip preservation surgery.

The potential regenerative role of different orthobiologics is becoming more recognized for the treatment of chronic and degenerative musculoskeletal conditions. Over the last few years there has been an increasing number of publications on cell therapy and other orthobiologics for the treatment of avascular necrosis of the femoral head and other hip conditions with promising short-term clinical results. In this article, we have used a systematic search of the literature to identify potentially relevant topics on orthobiologics and then selected those most applicable to hip preservation surgery. We identified several innovative strategies and present a summary of the currently available evidence on their potential role in hip preservation surgery. For many of these treatment strategies there was a lack of clinical evidence and therefore we suggest that there is a need for comparative studies in this field.

Do normal hips dislocate?

There have been a small number of case reports describing late normal-hip dislocations in children who were later diagnosed with developmental dysplasia of the hip. Here, we contest the assumption that normal hips can dislocate. We argue that (as in our case) the ultrasound scans in all published case reports on late dislocated normal hips did not show results that were entirely normal and therefore, so far, there has been no convincing evidence of a dislocation of a normal hip. We also want to highlight the importance of meticulous ultrasound and clinical assessments of high-risk children by an experienced orthopaedic surgeon.

The effect of femoro-acetabular impingement on the kinematics and kinetics of the hip joint.

Gait analysis is an objective tool that has been used to assess and monitor treatment for many musculoskeletal conditions. Recently, it has been used to assess the impact of femoro-acetabular impingement (FAI) on the hip and lower limb movements. There have been a fairly limited number of studies published so far reporting unexpected and inconsistent results, which calls for more research to be conducted in this arena. In the light of the limited data available, it has been challenging to reconcile the contradictions in some of these results, and therefore no coherent conclusions could be drawn. In this short article, we attempt to explain some of the abnormal kinematic and kinetic patterns associated with FAI by highlighting similarities between the gait seen in early osteoarthritis (OA) and that of FAI. We also propose an approach for future research in this field and emphasise the importance of quantifying early OA in FAI based on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans and the amount of chondral damage seen during open or arthroscopic surgery.

Osteoarthritis: genes, nature-nurture interaction and the role of leptin.

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a common disease affecting patients at different ages regardless of gender or ethnicity. As with many chronic diseases, OA is thought to have a multifactorial aetiology, which is not fully understood. Whereas the pathophysiological process of OA can be analysed at a cellular and molecular level, the interaction between genes and lifestyle remains an important factor in the development of this disease. The expanding awareness of different genes that may play a role in OA, together with many chemical mediators thought to be associated with the progression of the disease, will help in better management of this condition. Some of the chemical mediators recently implicated in this condition are the adipokines (leptin, adiponectin and resistin). Few but consistent studies suggest that leptin in association with obesity could be an important factor in OA aetiology. Hence, this could establish a strong and direct molecular link between patient life style (nurture) and the pathological process of OA (nature). However, neither a clear mechanism nor a direct clinical association linking leptin to OA has yet been established. In this article, we explore some of the genetic and environmental factors in OA aetiology. We discuss leptin in obesity and assess its possible association with OA aetiology. This should emphasise the important role of health professionals in treating obesity in order to control OA symptoms and possibly progression.

The outcome of surgical fixation of mid shaft clavicle fractures; looking at patient satisfaction and comparing surgical approaches.

INTRODUCTION: Clavicle fractures represent 2.5% of fractures in adults and almost 44% of shoulder injuries. The treatment is usually non-surgical with good results; however, significantly displaced fractures can be associated with high non-union rate and therefore many would advocate surgical fixation. This is traditionally carried out by direct approach over the clavicle but an infraclavicular approach has also been used for clavicular fixation. The aim of this study was to identify the main indications for surgical intervention at our unit and patient satisfaction following surgery. We also wanted to compare the direct and the infraclavicular surgical approaches in relation to the outcome of surgical intervention. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Retrospective study looking at all the clavicle fractures managed surgically over 5 years at our department. Information relating to surgical indication, surgical approach, complications, outcome, patient satisfaction, and oxford shoulder score were collected. RESULTS: A total of 35 patients were identified, the majority were males (n = 25) and most (n = 29) were working at the time of injury. The commonest indication for surgery was displacement with shortening (n = 16). The infraclavicular approach was used in the majority of patients (n = 21), the rest (n = 14) had direct incision. Evidence of radiological and union was achieved in all patients after an average of 13 (8-24) weeks. There were no major complications but minor complications were reported in 28% and 19% of cases with direct and infraclavicular approaches, respectively. Plates were removed from six symptomatic patients; infraclavicular (n = 2) and direct approach (n = 4). Four asymptomatic plates were removed on patients' requests. All patients returned to work (after an average 2.6 months), had good oxford shoulder score between 12-20, regardless of the surgical approach used. All patients except one would recommend it to a friend. CONCLUSION: Our study showed excellent surgical outcome for displaced clavicle fractures supported by the high union rate, good oxford shoulder score, high return to work rate, and good patient's satisfaction. The number of minor complications and symptomatic metal work removal was less in the infraclavicular approach.

Correlating the anatomical site of injury and work-related factors with sick leave duration following minor musculoskeletal injuries.

Many factors are associated with long sick leaves and therefore, reliance solely on disease-related factors can potentially underestimate sick leave durations. Here, we wanted to assess the association between the injury sites, work-related factors, and the length of sick leaves. Comprehensive medical legal reports of workers with pure minor musculoskeletal injuries were reviewed. 2029 reports of workers were included. 32.8% had sick leaves of less than a week in duration. Lower limb injuries were associated with longer sick leaves only in patients performing strenuous jobs. Public sector workers sustaining an injury at work and performing strenuous jobs were associated with longer sick leaves. Senior workers returned earlier to work, but age and gender were not strongly correlated with long sick leaves. There was a weak but significant association between sick leave duration and the period spent refraining from hobby activities, and almost all patients returned to their work before their hobbies.