Vitamin C demand is increased after total knee arthroplasty: a double-blind placebo-controlled-randomized study.

PURPOSE: This study was designed to determine whether perioperative supplementation of vitamin C (VC) improves range of motion (ROM) and reduces the risk of arthrofibrosis (AF) following total knee arthroplasty (TKA). METHODS: Ninety-five patients undergoing TKA were randomized to either oral VC (1000 mg daily) or placebo for 50 days (48 VC group, 47 placebo group). The effect of VC supplementation was tested on ROM, AF, WOMAC, FJS-12, and VC plasma concentrations (VCc). VCc were analyzed in both patient groups before surgery, 4 and 7 days after surgery. RESULTS: ROM at 1 year was not different between study groups. The prevalence of AF was 5 of 48 (10.4%) in the VC group compared to 11 of 47 (23.4%) in the placebo group (p = 0.09). VCc decreased post-operatively in the placebo group (49-12 µmol/l on day 7, p < 0.001), but not in the VC group (53-57 µmol/l). Patients with a perioperative drop of VCc ≥ 30 µmol/l developed significantly more AF at 1 year compared to patients with a VCc drop of < 30 µmol/l (p = 0.007). CONCLUSIONS: TKA results in VC depletion. Perioperative VC supplementation prevents VCc drop in most patients undergoing TKA and may lower the incidence of AF. The clinical relevance of this study is that VC supplementation seems to be a cheap and safe adjunct to improve functional outcome after TKA. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: I. TRIAL REGISTRY: The study was registered at the ISRCTN registry with study ID ISRCTN40250576.

Clinical and Radiologic Outcomes of Metatarsophalangeal Hemiarthroplasty: A Review of 12 Consecutive Cases.

This study examined function, pain, satisfaction, and radiologic outcomes among patients treated with first metatarsophalangeal hemiarthroplasty. Patients were invited to participate in an outcome study conducted with questionnaires on subjective and objective outcomes and clinical and radiographic follow-up. A total of 12 patients (12 feet; mean patient age, 58.8±12.3 years) agreed to participate. Mean follow-up was 22.3±19.8 months. Of these patients, 7 were satisfied with the postoperative result. The mean visual analog scale pain score decreased significantly from 7.0±2.3 preoperatively to 3.5±3.3 postoperatively (P=.024). Mean passive range of motion of the first metatarsophalangeal joint was 32°±10° preoperatively, 93°±18° intraoperatively after implantation of the prosthesis and closure of the joint capsule, and 38°±19° at final follow-up (P=.26). Mean American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society forefoot score increased significantly from 47.3±14.7 preoperatively to 71.8±15.2 at last follow-up (P=.033). During the follow-up period, 6 patients underwent additional procedures: 5 therapeutic joint infiltrations and 1 arthrodesis. No patients had radiologic loosening of the implant at final follow-up. Osseous dysplastic changes at the base of the proximal phalanx were noted among 6 of 11 patients (12 total cases) at final follow-up. Although first metatarsophalangeal hemiarthroplasty provided significant pain reduction at mean follow-up of 22.3 months, range of motion of the first metatarsophalangeal joint was not restored to anticipated levels and there were high rates of patient dissatisfaction and secondary interventions. [Orthopedics. 2018; 41(1):e64-e69.].

Evaluation of ninety-six periprosthetic hip joint infections seen within five consecutive years.

Periprosthetic hip joint infections (PHJI) are severe complications. In 2003 Zimmerli published a well-noted treatment algorithm for PHJI. The aim of this study is to evaluate outcome, analyze the applied treatment regimen and compare it to the proposed algorithm. We evaluated the outcome of 96 PHJI treated at our institution between 2008 and 2012 and analysed adherence to the algorithm and outcome in coherence with the algorithm. The operations performed were irrigation and debridement with exchange of mobile parts (45%), two-stage exchange (36%), one-stage exchange (12%) and permanent explantation (7%). 47% were acute infections, 53% were chronic. Staphylococcus aureus was the most common pathogen. The overall success rate was 88%. In 12% of the cases the chosen operation didn't follow the algorithm. Of these only 10% was successfully treated with the primary operation. We find that the algorithm proposed by Zimmerli is a useful tool and easy to translate into clinical practice. When followed it yields a high success rate.

Osteolytic changes around biodegradable cement restrictors in hip surgery.

Background and purpose - Biodegradable cement restrictors are widely used in hip arthroplasty. Like others, we observed osteolytic reactions associated with a specific cement restrictor (SynPlug; made of PolyActive) and reviewed our patients. Patients and methods - We identified 703 patients with suitable radiographs from our database (2007 to 2012) who underwent cemented hip arthroplasty and received a SynPlug biodegradable cement restrictor. We reviewed all available radiographs to determine the incidence, severity, and progression of osteolysis. Mean postoperative follow-up was 1.8 (1-7) years Results - 1 year after implantation, the femoral cortex showed thinning by 12% in the anterior-posterior view and by 8% in the axial view. This had increased to 14% and 12%, respectively, at the latest available follow-up postoperatively (at a mean of 4 years). Cortical thinning of less than 10% was found in 37% of patients, but cortical thinning of 10-30% was found in 56% of patients. In the remaining 7%, a reduction of more than 30% of the original cortical thickness was observed. Interpretation - Osteolytic changes associated with the SynPlug biodegradable bone restrictors are inconsistent and highly variable. While some patients showed increased weakening of the femoral cortex with the potential risk of periprosthetic fracture, in others the degree of osteolysis only increased slightly or stabilized after 2 or more years. Any cortical bone loss after total hip replacement should be avoided, so the use of PolyActive biodegradable cement restrictors should be discontinued. Patients with a PolyActive cement restrictor in place should be followed up closely after surgery.

Endovascular embolisation is a successful and safe treatment for post-operative arterial complications after total hip arthroplasty and revision surgery.

PURPOSE: Arterial complications are rare but clinically critical during or following total hip arthroplasty (THA) surgery. They usually require secondary interventions, either through open or endovascular approaches. In a retrospective study, we analysed indications for, as well as success and safety of, endovascular embolisation for arterial complications after THA. METHODS: We reviewed all arterial complications that had occurred through THA surgery and been treated by endovascular embolisation. We analysed angiographic findings, endovascular treatment, location in relation to the surgical approach and success of the interventions. RESULTS: Between 1997 and 2013 we performed 3,891 THAs at our hospital. We identified 14 patients with acute arterial complications treated by minimally invasive endovascular embolisation. Clinical findings included swelling of the ipsilateral leg, pain, prolonged wound bleeding, decreased haemoglobin and/or haemodynamic instability. Angiography revealed pseudoaneurysm in 11 patients, arteriovenous fistulas in two and extravasation of contrast media in one. Two patients showed no signs of acute bleeding. Twelve patients were treated, each with a single session of endovascular embolisation; in two additional patients, the haematoma was evacuated. No complications from the endovascular treatment were observed in this series. CONCLUSION: Endovascular embolisation is a safe and successful minimally-invasive method to treat arterial injuries occurring through THA. Therefore, it should be considered as a first-line option of treatment for those injuries.

Black medicine: an observational study of doctors' coffee purchasing patterns at work.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate doctors' coffee consumption at work and differences between specialties. DESIGN: Single centre retrospective cohort study. SETTING: Large teaching hospital in Switzerland. PARTICIPANTS: 766 qualified doctors (425 men, 341 women) from all medical specialties (201 internal medicine, 76 general surgery, 67 anaesthetics, 54 radiology, 48 orthopaedics, 43 gynaecology, 36 neurology, 23 neurosurgery, 96 other specialties). DATA SOURCE: Staff purchasing history from staff canteens' electronic payment system linked to separate anonymised personal data from the human resource database. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE: Numbers of coffees purchased per person per year. RESULTS: 84% (644) of doctors purchased coffee at one of the hospital canteens. 70 772 coffees were consumed by doctors in 2014. There was a significant association between specialty and yearly coffee purchasing (F=12.45; P<0.01). On average orthopaedic surgeons purchased the most coffee per person per year (mean 189, SD 136) followed by radiologists (177, SD 191) and general surgeons (167, SD 138). Anaesthetists purchased the least coffee (39, SD 48). Male doctors bought significantly more coffees per person per year (128 (SD 140) v 86 (SD 86), t=-4.66, P<0.01) and twice as many espressos as female doctors (mean 27 (SD 46) v 10 (SD 19), t=-6.54, P<0.01). Hierarchical position was associated with coffee purchasing (F=4.55; P=0.04). Senior consultants (>5 years' experience) bought most coffees per person per year (140, SD 169) and junior doctors and registrars bought fewest (95, SD 85). Propensity of buying rounds also increased with hierarchical position (χ(2)=556.24; P<0.01), with heads of departments buying more rounds than junior doctors (30% v 15%). CONCLUSIONS: Doctors commonly use coffee as a stimulant. Substantial variation exists between specialties. Surgeons drink notably more coffee than physicians, with orthopaedic surgeons consuming the greatest amount in the communal cafeteria setting, though this might reflect social tendencies rather than caffeine dependency. Hierarchical position is positively correlated with coffee consumption and generosity with regard to buying rounds of coffee.

Short- or long-stem prosthesis for intramedullary bypass of proximal humeral fractures with severe metaphyseal bone loss: evaluation of primary stability in a biomechanical model.

BACKGROUND: Proximal humeral fractures with substantial metaphyseal comminution are challenging to treat. In the elderly with osteoporotic bone, arthroplasty sometimes remains the only valuable option; however, the minimally required length of stem fixation is not known. The aim of this study was to investigate the primary stability of cemented short- and long-stem prostheses with different intramedullary fracture bypass lengths. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Osteoporotic composite bone models of the humerus (Synbone, Malans, Switzerland) with 3 different fracture levels (group A, 6 cm distal to surgical neck; group B, 7 cm distal to surgical neck; and group C, 8 cm distal to surgical neck) were prepared with a cemented standard short (S)- or long (L)-stem prosthesis and were tested for torque to failure. As a reference, we used models with intact bone (group R-O) and a short-stem prosthesis implanted at the surgical neck (group R-P). The radiographic bypass index (BI) was calculated before testing (fracture level to stem tip [in millimeters]/outer cortical diameter at fracture level [in millimeters]). RESULTS: The resulting BIs of each group were as follows: 1.7 in group A-S, 3.4 in group A-L, 1.4 in group B-S, 3.2 in group B-L, 1.0 in group C-S, and 2.9 in group C-L. Compared with group R-O, the torques to failure of groups B-S and C-S were significantly lower, whereas only group C-S was significantly weaker than group R-P (P < .01). Comparing short- and long-stem bypasses of different fracture heights, we found that only group C-L showed a significantly higher resistance to torque (P < .01). CONCLUSIONS: A short-stem bypass with a BI of 1.7 was sufficient for primary stability tested by torque to failure in this biomechanical setting. For smaller BIs, a long-stem prosthesis should be considered. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Basic science study, biomechanics.

Extensor function after medial gastrocnemius flap reconstruction of the proximal tibia.

BACKGROUND: Reconstruction of the extensor mechanism after resection of the proximal tibia is challenging, and several methods are available. A medial gastrocnemius flap commonly is used, although it may be associated with an extensor lag. This problem also is encountered, although perhaps to a lesser extent, with other techniques for reconstruction of the extensor apparatus. It is not known how such lag develops with time and how it correlates with functional outcome. QUESTIONS/PURPOSES: We therefore (1) assessed patellar height with time, (2) correlated patellar height with function using the Musculoskeletal Tumor Society (MSTS) score, and (3) correlated patellar height with range of motion (ROM) after medial gastrocnemius flap reconstruction. METHODS: Sixteen patients underwent tumor endoprosthesis implantation and extensor apparatus reconstruction between 1997 and 2009 using a medial gastrocnemius flap after sarcoma resection of the proximal tibia. These patients represented 100% of the population for whom we performed extensor mechanism reconstructions during that time. The minimum followup was 2 years (mean, 5 years; range, 2-11 years). Fourteen patients were alive at the time of this study. We used the Blackburne-Peel Index to follow patellar height radiographically with time. Functional outcomes were assessed retrospectively using the MSTS, and ROM was evaluated through active extensor lag and flexion. RESULTS: Eleven patients had patella alta develop, whereby the maximal patellar height was reached after a mean of 2 years and then stabilized. More normal patellar height was associated with better functional scores, a smaller extensor lag, but less flexion; the mean extensor lag (and flexion) of patients with patella alta was 17° (and 94°) compared with only 4° (and 77°) without. CONCLUSIONS: In our patients patella alta evolved during the first 2 postoperative years. Patella alta is associated with extensor lag, greater flexion, and worse MSTS scores. Surgical fixation of the patellar tendon more distally to its anatomic position or strict postoperative bracing may be advisable. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV, clinical cohort study. See the Guidelines for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

Controlled laboratory testing of arthroscopic shaver systems: do blades, contact pressure, and speed influence their performance?

PURPOSE: The purposes of this study were (1) to establish a reproducible, standardized testing protocol to evaluate the performance of different shaver systems and blades in a controlled, laboratory setting, and (2) to determine the optimal use of different blades with respect to the influence of contact pressure and speed of blade rotation. METHOD: A holding device was developed for reproducible testing of soft-tissue (tendon and meniscal) resection performance in a submerged environment, after loading of the shaver with interchangeable weights. The Karl Storz Powershaver S2 (Karl Storz, Tuttlingen, Germany), the Stryker Power Shaver System (Stryker, Kalamazoo, MI), and the Dyonics Power Shaver System (Smith & Nephew, Andover, MA) were tested, with different 5.5-mm shaver blades and varied contact pressure and rotation speed. For quality testing, serrated shaver blades were evaluated at 40× image magnification. Overall, more than 150 test cycles were performed. RESULTS: No significant differences could be detected between comparable blade types from different manufacturers. Shavers with a serrated inner blade and smooth outer blade performed significantly better than the standard smooth resectors (P < .001). Teeth on the outer layer of the blade did not lead to any further improvement of resection (P = .482). Optimal contact pressure ranged between 6 and 8 N, and optimal speed was found to be 2,000 to 2,500 rpm. Minimal blunting of the shaver blades occurred after soft-tissue resection; however, with bone resection, progressive blunting of the shaver blades was observed. CONCLUSIONS: Arthroscopic shavers can be tested in a controlled setting. The performance of the tested shaver types appears to be fairly independent of the manufacturer. For tendon resection, a smooth outer blade and serrated inner blade were optimal. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: This is one of the first established independent and quantitative assessments of arthroscopic shaver systems and blades. We believe that this study will assist the surgeon in choosing the optimal tool for the desired effect.

A rare periosteal diaphyseal lesion of the ulna.

Periosteal lesions of the ulna diaphysis are rare, include a wide spectrum of tumors, and may cause considerable diagnostic problems. Surgical treatment may vary widely, based on an accurate diagnosis. We present the case of a periosteal, extraskeletal low grade myxoid chondrosarcoma of the ulna diaphysis. The surgical therapy included an en-bloc resection with allograft reconstruction. The patient showed a favorable outcome. Careful preoperative evaluation and planning are imperative to obtain a satisfactory oncological and functional outcome, especially with uncommon tumor presentations at rare locations.

Surgical treatment of Neer Group VI proximal humeral fractures: retrospective comparison of PHILOS® and hemiarthroplasty.

BACKGROUND: Neer Group VI proximal humeral fractures often are related to persistent disability despite surgical treatment. We retrospectively compared the outcome after open reduction and internal fixation with the PHILOS(®) plate or primary hemiarthroplasty in patients with Neer Group VI fractures focusing on complications, shoulder function, health-related quality of life (SF-36), and potential risk factors for complications. QUESTIONS/PURPOSES: The aim of this study was to compare the PHILOS(®) plate with primary hemiarthroplasty for treatment of specific Neer Group VI fractures. We asked whether (1) both procedures have comparable clinical and radiologic complication rates; (2) one procedure is superior in terms of revision rate; (3) objective and subjective shoulder function (Constant-Murley score) and health-related quality of life (SF-36) were comparable in both groups at final followup; and (4) there are clinical or radiologic predictors for complications in any group? METHODS: Between 2002 and 2007, 44 consecutive patients (mean, 75.2 years) with a Neer Group VI proximal humeral fracture were included. Twenty-two patients treated with a PHILOS(®) plate were compared with 22 patients treated by primary hemiarthroplasty. Both groups were similar in all criteria. At minimum followup of 12 months (mean, 30 months; range, 12-83 months), radiographic control, Constant-Murley score, and SF-36 were performed. RESULTS: Fourteen patients with complications (63.6%) were counted in the PHILOS(®) plate group, of which 10 (45.4%) needed revision surgery, mostly as a result of avascular necrosis and screw cut-outs. In the primary hemiarthroplasty group, only one patient needed revision surgery (4.5%). Smoking and steroid therapy were substantially associated with complications in the PHILOS(®) plate group. There were no differences between the two groups regarding Constant-Murley or SF-36 scores. CONCLUSIONS: Angular stable open reduction and internal fixation was associated with high complication and revision rates, especially in patients who smoked and those receiving steroid therapy. Primary hemiarthroplasty provides limited function, which had little influence on the quality of life in this elderly collective. There are predictive factors for complications after the treatment of Neer Group VI proximal humeral fractures with the PHILOS(®) plate. Primary hemiarthroplasty remains a good option, especially when treating elderly patients.

Alcohol sclerosing therapy is not an effective treatment for interdigital neuroma.

BACKGROUND: Alcohol sclerosing therapy has been reported as a safe and effective means of treating interdigital neuromas, both with or without ultrasound. The use of ultrasound introduces beside the ultrasound device, increased cost, and the need for skilled technicians and may reduce usability, especially in the outpatient clinic. We report a series of patients with interdigital neuroma treated using ethanol sclerosing therapy in a clinic setting without the use of ultrasound. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed charts of 32 consecutive patients who were enrolled to receive a series of sclerosing ethanol injections from June 2009 to April 2010 for the treatment of a painful interdigital neuroma. Plain radiographs and MRI scans were obtained if clinically indicated to assistance with the diagnosis. Duration and quality of symptoms were recorded and current pain levels were evaluated on a visual analog pain scale. Previous treatments, including orthotic use, corticosteroid injection, or prior neuroma resection were reported. A solution of 1 ml consisting of 20% ethanol and 0.25% bupivacain solution was injected without the use of ultrasound into the affected webspace. The mixture was provided by the local pharmacy. Technical success was confirmed by the temporary resolution of pain following local anesthetic infiltration. If still symptomatic, an injection was repeated every 2 weeks, with most patients receiving a series of four injections. Pain was evaluated on a visual analog pain scale at each visit. Treatment success was defined as resolution of pain as expressed by the patient. RESULTS: Of the 32 patients successful relief of symptoms was only achieved in seven patients, while 25 showed no significant reduction of symptoms and considered or underwent a surgical excision. CONCLUSION: Alcohol sclerosing therapy administered in the clinic setting without alcohol is not an effective treatment in the nonoperative management of painful interdigital neuromas and has been abandoned in our clinic.

Inhibiting epidermal growth factor receptor improves structural, locomotor, sensory, and bladder recovery from experimental spinal cord injury.

Lack of axon regeneration in the adult CNS has been attributed partly to myelin inhibitors and the properties of astrocytes. After spinal cord injury, proliferating astrocytes not only represent a physical barrier to regenerating axons but also express and secrete molecules that inhibit nerve growth, including chondroitin sulfate proteoglycans (CSPGs). Epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) activation triggers astrocytes into becoming reactive astrocytes, and EGFR ligands stimulate the secretion of CSPGs as well as the formation of cribriform astrocyte arrangements that contribute to the formation of glial scars. Recently, it was shown that EGFR inhibitors promote nerve regeneration in vitro and in vivo. Blocking a novel Nogo receptor interacting mechanism and/or effects of EGFR inhibition on astrocytes may underlie these effects. Here we show that rats subjected to weight-drop spinal cord injury can be effectively treated by direct delivery of a potent EGFR inhibitor to the injured area, leading to significantly better functional and structural outcome. Motor and sensory functions are improved and bladder function is restored. The robust effects and the fact that other EGFR inhibitors are in clinical use in cancer treatments make these drugs particularly attractive candidates for clinical trials in spinal cord injury.

RhoA, RhoB, RhoC, Rac1, Cdc42, and Tc10 mRNA levels in spinal cord, sensory ganglia, and corticospinal tract neurons and long-lasting specific changes following spinal cord injury.

Inhibition of RhoA has been shown to enhance axonal regeneration following spinal cord injury. Here we mapped mRNA expression patterns of RhoA, B, and C, Rac1, Cdc42, and Tc10 in spinal cord, sensory ganglia, and sensorimotor cortex in uninjured rats, and following spinal cord injury or sham laminectomy. In the intact spinal cord, neurons displayed high levels of Rac1, Cdc42, and Tc10 mRNA hybridization signal. GFAP-immunoreactive astrocytes expressed primarily RhoB and Rac1, while oligodendrocyte-like cells expressed RhoA, Rac1, and Cdc42. Injury caused profound, long-lasting upregulation of RhoA, Rac1, Cdc42, and Tc10 mRNA in the spinal cord, while RhoB was modestly increased and RhoC did not change. GFAP-immunoreactive reactive astrocytes exhibited a dramatic increase of RhoA mRNA expression along with increases of Rac1 and Cdc42. Injury also led to elevation of RhoA, Cdc42, and Tc10 in neurons and modest increases of RhoA, Rac1, and Tc10 in oligodendrocyte-like cells. Laminectomy caused similar, but less pronounced alterations of investigated mRNA species. In dorsal root ganglia neuronal RhoA, Rac1, Cdc42, and Tc10 mRNA levels were increased similarly by spinal cord injury and sham surgery. The CST pyramidal cells expressed Tc10 mRNA and the CST itself was Tc10-immunoreactive. Tc10-immunoreactivity disappeared distal to injury. We conclude that there are gene-specific patterns of expression of the six different Rho-GTPases in normal spinal cord and dorsal root ganglia, and that specific changes of temporal and spatial expression patterns occur in response to spinal cord injury, suggesting different roles of these GTPases in the cellular sequelae of CNS injury.