The Iliopectineal Fascia: A Cadaveric Anatomical Study.

OBJECTIVES: The iliopectineal fascia (IPF) serves as an important anatomical compass during the ilioinguinal and anterior intrapelvic approaches. The purpose of this investigation is to qualitatively and quantitatively describe the IPF by cadaveric dissection. METHODS: Dissections were performed on 7 paired fresh-frozen cadaveric pelvic specimens. Measurements were made with surgical rulers to determine attachments of the IPF relative to surrounding anatomy. RESULTS: The IPF is the thickened anterior portion of the iliopsoas fascia, attached superolaterally at the iliac crest for a mean insertion distance of 2.5 cm (range, 2.0-3.0 cm), immediately posterior to the origin of the inguinal ligament. Inferomedially, the IPF attaches to a bony ridge along the apex of the iliopectineal eminence, between the pelvic brim posteriorly and the anterior wall of the acetabulum anteriorly (mean distance, 4.3 cm; range, 3.1-5.6 cm). The attachment at the iliopectineal eminence is 7.8 cm (range, 6.0-10.0 cm) from the pubic symphysis, measured curvilinearly along the brim. The mean length of the IPF between its superolateral and inferomedial attachments is 9.2 cm (range, 8.0-11.8 cm). Anterolaterally, the IPF is the site of attachment of the internal oblique and transversus abdominis. Posteriorly, the IPF continues as the iliopsoas fascia. CONCLUSIONS: The authors have sought clarity and reconciliation of the myriad terms and descriptions of the IPF and its surrounding anatomy. We recommend a thorough understanding of this anatomy to enable safe and effective surgery via the ilioinguinal and anterior intrapelvic approaches to the acetabulum.

The Methodology of Clinical Studies Used by the FDA for Approval of High-Risk Orthopaedic Devices.

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this investigation was to examine the methodology of clinical trials used by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to determine the safety and effectiveness of high-risk orthopaedic devices approved between 2001 and 2015. METHODS: Utilizing the FDA's online public database, this systematic review audited study design and methodological variables intended to minimize bias and confounding. An additional analysis of blinding as well as the Checklist to Evaluate a Report of a Nonpharmacological Trial (CLEAR NPT) was applied to the randomized controlled trials (RCTs). RESULTS: Of the 49 studies, 46 (94%) were prospective and 37 (76%) were randomized. Forty-seven (96%) of the studies were controlled in some form. Of 35 studies that reported it, blinding was utilized in 21 (60%), of which 8 (38%) were reported as single-blinded and 13 (62%) were reported as double-blinded. Of the 37 RCTs, outcome assessors were clearly blinded in 6 (16%), whereas 15 (41%) were deemed impossible to blind as implants could be readily discerned on imaging. When the CLEAR NPT was applied to the 37 RCTs, >70% of studies were deemed "unclear" in describing generation of allocation sequences, treatment allocation concealment, and adequate blinding of participants and outcome assessors. CONCLUSIONS: This study manifests the highly variable reporting and strength of clinical research methodology accepted by the FDA to approve high-risk orthopaedic devices.

Secondary osteosarcoma: is there a predilection for the chondroblastic subtype?

Osteosarcoma is the most common form of primary bone cancer in the adolescent and young adult patient population. Outcomes in patients with secondary osteosarcoma are inferior compared with outcomes in patients with primary osteosarcoma. The goal of this study was to investigate whether there is a predilection for the chondroblastic histologic subtype in secondary osteosarcoma. A retrospective chart review was performed to identify cases of secondary osteosarcoma treated at 1 institution from 1991 to 2012. Histologic subtypes were evaluated by a pathologist, and a review of the literature was also performed to identify the histologic subclassification of additional series of secondary osteosarcomas. Of a total of 131 cases of osteosarcoma, 9 (6.9%) were identified as a secondary malignancy. Only 2 cases (22%) were identified as chondroblastic variants, although 6 (67%) showed some degree of chondroid differentiation. Of the 3 cases meeting the criteria for postradiation osteosarcoma, 2 (67%) were identified as chondroblastic variants and all 3 showed some degree of chondroid differentiation. Five other studies evaluating histologic subtypes in postradiation osteosarcoma showed a cumulative frequency of 20% for the chondroblastic variant. Although the study results did not support the hypothesis of an association between secondary osteosarcoma and the chondroblastic subtype, the high proportion of cases of postradiation osteosarcoma with the chondroblastic subtype and the even higher proportion showing some degree of chondroid differentiation are noteworthy features of this disease.