Clinical and Functional Results of Broström-Gould Procedure With Suture Tape Augmentation: An Evaluation Using Three Scales.

The mechanical superiority of suture tape augmentation associated with the Broström-Gould procedure for treating lateral ankle instability has been reported. This study aimed to describe functional results using the visual analog scale (VAS), American Orthopedic Foot & Ankle Society (AOFAS) scale, and Short Form of Quality of Life Survey (SF-36) in patients with ankle lateral instability who underwent the modified Broström-Gould repair and suture tape augmentation and to determine the recurrence of injury and the impact on the perception of its stability. This retrospective cohort study included patients with lateral ankle instability treated using the modified Broström-Gould procedure and suture tape augmentation from December 2015 to July 2018 with a 6- to 36-month follow-up. Clinical and functional results were evaluated using the 3 aforementioned scales. p ≤ 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Twenty-eight patients were included, 18 (64%) males and 10 (36%) females (mean ± standard deviation age of 33.25 ± 12.73). The mean pre- and postoperative VAS scores were 6 ± 1.18 and 0.53 ± 0.92, respectively. The average pre- and postoperative AOFAS scores were 65.89 ± 15.08 and 94.60 ± 6.88, respectively; results were excellent (91 to 100) in 18 (64%) patients and good (81 to 90) in 10 (36%). Three patients experienced recurrence of injury treated with physical therapy, and their progress was satisfactory; stability perception was maintained. Excellent clinical and functional results were demonstrated in our study using suture tape augmentation in the modified Broström-Gould procedure, which probably protects against the recurrence of lateral ankle instability.

EFFECTS OF A DIETARY SUPPLEMENT ON THE INCIDENCE OF ACUTE RESPIRATORY INFECTIONS IN SUSCEPTIBLE ADULTS: A RANDOMIZED CONTROLLED TRIAL.

INTRODUCTION: although supplementation of specific micronutrients may improve immunologic factors, few studies about the combination of micronutrients with plant extracts on the occurrence of acute respiratory infections (ARI) have been published. OBJECTIVES: to assess the effect of a nutritional supplement with micronutrients and plant extracts on the incidence of ARI in susceptible adults between January and April, 2012. METHODS: a randomized, double-blind, parallel, placebo- controlled clinical trial was performed. Participants were adults susceptible to ARI who were healthy at the time of evaluation, signed informed consent forms and were not taking medication. They completed a medical history; weight, height, vital signs and laboratory analyses were assessed. Subjects were randomly assigned for consumption of the supplement or a placebo, for a 90 days period. Subjects made daily diary entries indicating the presence ARI symptoms. Those who became ill notified researchers and the attending physician confirmed the presence of an infection. Fisher's exact test was used to compare the proportion of ill subjects between groups. Relative risk and risk difference were also calculated (p < 0.05 significant). RESULTS: of 59 included subjects, 45 (25 women) completed the study (21 in the supplemented group and 24 in the placebo group). There were no significant differences at baseline between groups. After the intervention, the supplemented group had a lower incidence of ARI compared with the placebo group (57.1% vs. 91.7%, p = 0.013, RR = 0.62, 95%CI 0.42, 0.92). DISCUSSION: the consumption of a supplement with vitamins, minerals and plant extracts may decrease the incidence of ARI in susceptible adults.

Introducción: aunque la suplementación de micronutrientes específicos puede mejorar determinados factores inmunológicos, han sido publicados pocos estudios sobre la combinación de micronutrientes con extractos herbales y la incidencia de infecciones respiratorias agudas (ARI) . Objetivos: evaluar el efecto de un suplemento alimenticio con micronutrientes y extractos herbales en la incidencia de ARI en adultos susceptibles, en enero-abril de 2012. Métodos: se realizó un ensayo clínico paralelo, aleatorizado, doble ciego, controlado con placebo. Se incluyeron adultos susceptibles a ARI, sanos en el momento de la evaluación, que firmaron un consentimiento informado y que no tomaban medicamentos. Completaron una historia clínica y se evaluó: peso, talla, signos vitales y de laboratorio. Se asignaron aleatoriamente para consumir durante 90 días el suplemento o un placebo. Los sujetos registraron diariamente si presentaban o no síntomas de ARI en un diario. En caso de enfermedad, se lo notificaron a los investigadores y el médico responsable confirmó la presencia de infección. Se utilizó la prueba exacta de Fisher para comparar la proporción de enfermos entre los grupos y se calculó el riesgo relativo y la diferencia de riesgos (p < 0,05 significativa). Resultados: de 59 sujetos incluidos, 45 (25 mujeres) completaron el estudio (21 del grupo suplementado y 24 del placebo). No hubo diferencias significativas al inicio entre grupos. Al finalizar la intervención, el grupo suplementado tuvo una menor incidencia de ARI en comparación con el placebo (57,1% vs 91,7%, p = 0,013, RR = 0,62, IC95% 0,42, 0,92). Discusión: en conclusión, el consumo de un suplemento a base de micronutrientes y extractos herbales puede disminuir la incidencia de ARI en adultos susceptibles.