Cost analysis of next-generation imaging in high-risk prostate cancer staging.

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVE: Next-generation imaging (NGI) tests, such as choline PET/CT and PSMA PET, have shown to increase sensitivity in the detection of nodal and metastatic disease in prostate cancer. However, their use implies an increase in diagnostic costs compared to conventional imaging (CI) tests such as CT and bone scan. The aim of our study was to determine which diagnostic pathway is more cost-effective in high-risk prostate cancer. MATERIAL AND METHOD: Cost-effectiveness analysis of the available imaging tests (CI, Choline/PSMA PET) for the staging of high-risk prostate cancer. Sensitivity and specificity were estimated based on published evidence, and costs were collected from the Management Department. In order to carry out a cost-effectiveness analysis, five diagnostic pathways were proposed estimating the accurate diagnoses. RESULTS: PSMA PET was the most accurate diagnostic option. The CI diagnostic workup was the most economical and CI+PSMA the most expensive. Analyzing the diagnostic cost-effectiveness ratio, CI+PSMA proved to be the most expensive (€5627.30 per correct diagnosis) followed by PET PSMA (€4987.11), choline (€4599.84) and CI (€4444.22). CONCLUSIONS: PSMA PET is the most accurate strategy in staging distant disease in patients with high-risk prostate cancer. Radiotracer uptake tests such as CI have been shown to be the most cost-effective option, followed by choline and PSMA.

Effect of hip hemiarthroplasty dislocation on mortality after hip fracture surgery. / [Artículo traducido] Efecto de la luxación de la prótesis parcial de cadera en la mortalidad tras la cirugía de fractura de cadera.

INTRODUCTION: Hip arthroplasty is the treatment of choice for displaced femoral neck fractures among the older population. The hip prosthesis dislocation is one of the most pointed potential complications after hip arthroplasty, but there is a lack of updated information on the effect of dislocation on the survival of older hip fracture patients so treated by hip hemiarthroplasty. We aim to evaluate the standalone effect of hip prosthesis dislocation after hip fracture hemiarthroplasty on patients' survival outcomes. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We conducted a retrospective multicenter study, including 6631 femoral neck fracture patients over 65 surgically treated by hemiarthroplasty. We made follow-up cut-offs 30-days, 6 weeks, 90-days, and one year after hospital discharge determining hip dislocation rate and patients' survival. RESULTS: The women population represented 78.7%, and the mean age of the population was 85.2 ± 6.7 years. Hip prosthesis dislocation incidence was 1.9% in the first 90-days after discharge, representing 91.54% of primary dislocations yearly noted. We reported statistically significant increased mortality rates of patients presenting at least one hip prosthesis dislocation event (from 16.0% to 24.6% at 90-day after discharge, and 29.5% to 44.7% at one year), and also significantly decreasing patient survival function at 90-day (P = .016) and one-year follow-up (P < .001). The recurrent dislocation events (26.15%) showed even higher mortality rates (up to 60.6%, p < .001). The multivariate Cox regression model determined that prosthesis dislocation was the only significant variable (P = .035) affecting patient survival, increasing the risk of dying before one year of follow-up by 2.7 times. DISCUSSION: Our study stands for the standalone hip prosthesis dislocation entailing a higher risk of death after hip fracture hemiarthroplasty in the older population.

Effect of hip hemiarthroplasty dislocation on mortality after hip fracture surgery.

INTRODUCTION: Hip arthroplasty is the treatment of choice for displaced femoral neck fractures among the older population. The hip prosthesis dislocation is one of the most pointed potential complications after hip arthroplasty, but there is a lack of updated information on the effect of dislocation on the survival of older hip fracture patients so treated by hip hemiarthroplasty. We aim to evaluate the standalone effect of hip prosthesis dislocation after hip fracture hemiarthroplasty on patients' survival outcomes. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We conducted a retrospective multicenter study, including 6631 femoral neck fracture patients over 65 surgically treated by hemiarthroplasty. We made follow-up cut-offs 30-days, 6 weeks, 90-days, and one year after hospital discharge determining hip dislocation rate and patients' survival. RESULTS: The women population represented 78.7%, and the mean age of the population was 85.2±6.7 years. Hip prosthesis dislocation incidence was 1.9% in the first 90-days after discharge, representing 91.54% of primary dislocations yearly noted. We reported statistically significant increased mortality rates of patients presenting at least one hip prosthesis dislocation event (from 16.0% to 24.6% at 90-day after discharge, and 29.5% to 44.7% at one year), and also significantly decreasing patient survival function at 90-day (p=0.016) and one-year follow-up (p<0.001). The recurrent dislocation events (26.15%) showed even higher mortality rates (up to 60.6%, p<0.001). The multivariate Cox regression model determined that prosthesis dislocation was the only significant variable (p=0.035) affecting patient survival, increasing the risk of dying before one year of follow-up by 2.7 times. DISCUSSION: Our study stands for the standalone hip prosthesis dislocation entailing a higher risk of death after hip fracture hemiarthroplasty in the older population.

[Translated article] Implementation of a rapid recovery protocol in total knee arthroplasty. A randomised controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Rapid recovery (RP) in total knee arthroplasty may increase the functionality while reducing costs. The aim of this study is to prove the benefits of a rapid recovery programme compared to our classic protocol. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We performed a RCT (NCT03823573) in patients undergoing otal knee arthroplasty. Intervention group (RP protocol) received local infiltration of levo-bupivacaine in the periarticular tissue and supervized ambulation 4-6h after surgery. Control (C) group received a femoral nerve block with levo-bupivacaine, while a drain was used. Ambulation after its removal. All the patients completed an Oxford Knee Score prior to surgery and 6 months after discharge. An ecodoppler to assess the presence of deep vein thrombosis was made 1 month after discharge. Minimum follow-up was of 6 months. RESULTS: A total of 175 patients were included in the trial (92 patients in the control group, 83 patients in the RP group). There were no differences in sex, age, implanted prosthesis, haemoglobin drop, need for transfusion, range of motion on discharge (C: 82.6°, RP: 85°) and at the end of the follow-up (C: 105.1, RP: 106.6), Oxford knee score improvement (C: 17.5 points; RP: 19.3 points), patient satisfaction or re-admissions at the emergency department (C: 7.6%; RP: 10.8%). Significancy was found on time of ischaemia (C: 81.29min; RP: 85.35min; p=.03), need for morphine shots (C: 19.7%; RP: 38.6%; p=.007), hospital stay (C: 3.84 days; RP: 2.54 days, p<.0001) and time until ambulation (C: 2.46 days; RP: 0.23 days; p<.0001). CONCLUSION: Rapid recovery protocols can reduce hospital stay without increasing complications or need for re-admission.

Implementation of a rapid recovery protocol in total knee arthroplasty. A randomized controlled trial. / Implantación de un protocolo de recuperación precoz en artroplastia total de rodilla. Ensayo clínico aleatorizado.

BACKGROUND: Rapid recovery (RP) in total knee arthroplasty may increase the functionality while reducing costs. The aim of this study is to prove the benefits of a rapid recovery program compared to our classic protocol. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We performed a RCT (NCT03823573) in patients undergoing otal knee arthroplasty. Intervention group (RP protocol) received local infiltration of levo-bupivacaine in the periarticular tissue and supervized ambulation 4-6h after surgery. Control (C) group received a femoral nerve block with levo-bupivacaine, while a drain was used. Ambulation after its removal. All the patients completed an Oxford Knee Score prior to surgery and 6 months after discharge. An ecodoppler to assess the presence of deep vein thrombosis was made one month after discharge. Minimum follow-up was of 6 months. RESULTS: A total of 175 patients were included in the trial (92 patients in the control group, 83 patients in the RP group). There were no differences in sex, age, implanted prosthesis, hemoglobin drop, need for transfusion, range of motion on discharge (C: 82.6°, RP: 85°) and at the end of the follow-up (C: 105.1, RP: 106.6), Oxford Knee Score improvement (C: 17.5 points; RP: 19.3 points), patient satisfaction or re-admissions at the emergency department (C: 7.6%; RP: 10.8%). Significancy was found on time of ischemia (C: 81.29min; RP: 85.35min; P=0.03), need for morphine shots (C: 19.7%; RP: 38.6%; P=0.007), hospital stay (C: 3.84 days; RP: 2.54 days, P<0.0001) and time until ambulation (C: 2.46 days; RP: 0.23 days; P<0.0001). CONCLUSION: Rapid recovery protocols can reduce hospital stay without increasing complications or need for re-admission.

Are the common sterilization methods completely effective for our in-house 3D printed biomodels and surgical guides?

INTRODUCTION: In-hospital 3D printing is being implemented in orthopaedic departments worldwide, being used for additive manufacturing of fracture models (or even surgical guides) which are sterilized and used in the operating room. However, to save time and material, prints are nearly hollow, while 3D printers are placed in non-sterile rooms. The aim of our study is to evaluate whether common sterilization methods can sterilize the inside of the pieces, which would be of utmost importance in case a model breaks during a surgical intervention. MATERIAL AND METHOD: A total of 24 cylinders were designed and printed with a 3D printer in Polylactic Acid (PLA) with an infill density of 12%. Manufacturing was paused when 60% of the print was reached and 20 of the cylinders were inoculated with 0.4 mL of a suspension of S epidermidis ATTCC 1228 in saline solution at turbidity 1 McFarland. Printing was resumed, being all the pieces completely sealed with the inoculum inside. Posteriorly, 4 groups were made according to the chosen sterilization method: Ethylene Oxide (EtO), Gas Plasma, Steam Heat or non-sterilized (positive control). Each group included 5 contaminated cylinders and 1 non-contaminated cylinder as a negative control. After sterilization, the inside of the cylinders was cultured during 7 days. RESULTS: We observed bacterial growth of just a few Forming Colony Units (FCU) in 4 out of 5 positive controls and in 2 out of 5 contaminated cylinders sterilized with Gas Plasma. We could not assess any bacterial growth in any of the EtO or Steam Heat samples or in any of the negative controls. Pieces sterilized under Steam Heat resulted completely deformed. CONCLUSIONS: High temperatures reached during the procedure of additive manufacturing can decrease the bacterial load of the biomodels. However, there is a potential risk of contamination during the procedure. We recommend sterilization with EtO for in-hospital 3D-printed PLA hollow biomodels or guides. Otherwise, in case of using Gas Plasma, an infill of 100% should be applied.

Electrochemically reduced graphene oxide on CoCr biomedical alloy: Characterization, macrophage biocompatibility and hemocompatibility in rats with graphene and graphene oxide.

Electrochemically reduced graphene oxide (ErGO) films on a biomedical grade CoCr alloy have been generated and characterized in order to study their possible application for use on joint prostheses. The electrodeposition process was performed by cyclic voltammetry. The characterization of the ErGO films on CoCr alloys by XPS revealed sp2 bonding and the presence of CO and CO residual groups in the graphene network. Biocompatibility studies were performed with mouse macrophages J774A.1 cell cultures measured by the ratio between lactate dehydrogenase and mitochondrial activities. An enhancement in the biocompatibility of the CoCr with the ErGO films was obtained, a result that became more evident as exposure time increased. Macrophages on the CoCr with the ErGO were well-distributed and conserved the characteristic cell shape. In addition, vimentin expression was unaltered in comparison with the control, results that indicated an improvement in the CoCr biocompatibility with the ErGO on the material surface. The in vivo response of graphene and graphene oxide was assessed by intraperitoneal injection in wistar rats. Red blood cells are one of the primary interaction sites so hemocompatibility tests were carried out. Rats inoculated with graphene and graphene oxide showed red blood cells of smaller size with a high content in hemoglobin.

Radiological results of surgical management of fracture of the distal radius treated with volar locking plates.

OBJECTIVES: Distal radius fracture (DRF) is the most common upper extremity fracture. The incidence of complications after surgical treatment still remains high. The objective of our study was to assess functional and radiological results of DRF treated with volar locking plate. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective study including DRF treated by open reduction and internal fixation with a volar locking plate during a period of 8 years (2010-2018). Data were collected from clinical records and included patient demographics, fracture characteristics, radiological parameters (radial inclination, palmar tilt, ulnar variance, articular step-off), range of motion (ROM), complications and reinterventions. RESULTS: A total of 170 patients (63.5% female) met the inclusion criteria with a mean age of 55.9 years [24.1-83.7; 13.76]. High energy injuries were more frequent in younger patients (25.56% vs 3.95%; p < 0.0001). AO classification was: 2R3A: 23.5%, 2R3B: 24.1% and 2R3C: 52.4%. Time until surgery was 8.5 days, longer in extraarticular fractures (AO-2R3A: 12.22 days, AO-2R3B: 7.97 days, AO-2R3C: 7.04 days, p = 0.018). Younger patients had better radial inclination (excellent in 85.1% vs 59.21%, p = 0.001) and radial shortening (excellent in 100% vs 88.15%, p = 0.001). ROM was: flexion 63° [0-90°; 19.73], extension 57.67° [5-90°; 21.61], pronation 78.94° [40-90°] and supination 81.76° [38-90°; 8.87]. We found a weak correlation between ROM in flexion-extension and radial shortening (r = 0.218; p = 0.001) and articular step-off (r = -0.269; p = 0.002). We had 39 complications (21.18% of patients). 10.6% of patients needed a re-operation, being the most frequent hardware removal (6.5%) and tendinous disruptions repairs (2.4%). Reintervention rate was higher in younger patients (14.9% vs 5.3%; p = 0.042), complete articular fractures (AO-2R3A: 2.5%; AO-2R3B: 7.3%; AO-2R3C: 15.7%; p = 0.037) and high energy injuries (8.4% vs 22.2%; p = 0.044). Patients undergoing reintervention had a decreased flexion-extension (94.44° vs 123.83°, p = 0.007). CONCLUSION: Radial shortening and articular step-off seem the most important predictors for postoperative range of motion. Worse radiological outcomes are observed in complete articular fractures and those affecting elder population. Although radiological and functional results are good or excellent in most of cases, the incidence of complications and need for reintervention still remains noticeable. Re-operations were more frequent in younger patients, complete articular fractures and high energy injuries, and it worsened functional outcomes.

Midterm results of Magnum large head metal-on-metal total hip arthroplasty. / Resultados a medio plazo de la artroplastia total de cadera metal-metal con cabeza de gran tamaño Magnum.

OBJECTIVES: We present the results of the prospective follow up of a sample of large head metal-metal total hip arthroplasty obtained after the safety alert regarding a higher incidence of revision of these implants. MATERIAL AND METHODS: All patients implanted with the Recap-M2a-Magnum cup between 2008 and 2011 were included. They were prospectively reviewed recording Harris Hip Score, clinical symptoms of chromium or cobalt intoxication. Serum levels of these ions were requested as well as X-Rays and ultrasonography. An MRI was performed in the cases of positive ultrasonography. RESULTS: Twenty-six males with a mean age of 48.54 years [32-62, SD: 7.18] were included. An anterolateral approach and Bi-Metric (7) and F-40 (19) stems were used. Cephalic diameters ranged 42-52 (mode: 46) and the mean cup inclination was 39.35° [21-59°, SD: 9.78]. During follow-up (7.3 years [5.9-9.4; SD: .78]), 3 patients (11.5%) underwent revision (2 cases aseptic loosening, 1 pseudotumour). Mean time until revision was 5.4 years [3.1-8.0; SD: 2.48]. The accumulated survival probability was 88.5% (95% CI 76.3-100%). Harris Hip Score was 94.47 [66.5-100; SD: 8.94] and the patients showed no metallic intoxication symptoms. The levels of chromium were 1.88 mcg/dl [0.6-3.9] and cobalt 1,74 mcg/dl [0.5-5,6]. One pseudotumour was found in an asymptomatic patient, and small amounts of periarticular liquid were found in 5 patients (19.2%) DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS: High revision rates are still found when follow up is extended due to aseptic loosening and pseudotumour formation. MRI might not be the most adequate test to study the complications of these prostheses.

Efficacy and safety of the topical application of tranexamic acid in primary cementless hip arthroplasty: prospective, randomised, double-blind and controlled study. / Eficacia y seguridad de la aplicación del ácido tranexámico tópico en la artroplastia primaria no cementada de cadera: estudio prospectivo, aleatorizado, doble ciego y controlado.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the efficacy of topical tranexamic acid topical in cementless total hip arthroplasty from the point of view of bleeding, transfusion requirements and length of stay, and describe the complications of use compared to a control group. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A prospective, randomised, double-blinded and controlled study including all patients undergoing cementless total hip arthroplasty in our centre between June 2014 and July 2015. Blood loss was estimated using the formula described by Nadler and Good. RESULTS: The final analysis included 119 patients. The decrease in haemoglobin after surgery was lower in the tranexamic acid group (3.28±1.13g/dL) than in the controls (4.03±1.27g/dL, P=.001) and estimated blood loss (1,216.75±410.46mL vs. 1,542.12±498.97mL, P<.001), the percentage of transfused patients (35.9% vs. 19.3%, P<.05) and the number of transfused red blood cell units per patient (0.37±0.77 vs. 0.98±1.77; P<.05). There were no differences between groups in the occurrence of complications or length of stay. CONCLUSIONS: The use of topical tranexamic acid in cementless total hip arthroplasty results in a decrease in bleeding and transfusion requirements without increasing the incidence of complications.

Hip arthrodiastasis in Legg-Calvé-Perthes disease. / Artrodiastasis de cadera en la enfermedad de Legg-Calvé-Perthes.

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVE: Arthrodiastasis consists of the mobilisation of the hip while distracted by a hinged distractor. The aim of our study is to show the results of the treatment of late-onset Perthes disease with this technique in our institution. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Ambispective review of all the cases that underwent this surgery in our Department of Paediatric Orthopaedics between 2010 and 2014 with the following inclusion criteria: patients over 8 years old, with minimal deformity, and poor prognosis. Mobility, pain, Trendelenburg sign, radiographic sphericity, and complications were assessed. RESULTS: A total of 13 patients (9 male, 4 female) were included. The mean age was 11.93 years. Radiographic risk signs were present in 7 cases. The mean decrease in pain measured with a visual analogue scale (VAS) after the surgery was 3.83 points (P<.05). Cephalic sphericity was maintained in 11 cases during follow up (1.75 years). Complications were observed complications in 84.6% of the patients, with infection of the screw tract being the most frequent. All of them were easy to treat. CONCLUSIONS: Arthrodiastasis is a minimally invasive technique, useful in the treatment of late onset Perthes disease. It improves clinical results and maintains cephalic shape when applied in early stages. However, it is not free of complications, which can involve as many as 8 out of 10 patients treated with the technique.

A multicentre comparison of a fast track or conventional postoperative protocol following laparoscopic or open elective surgery for colorectal cancer surgery.

AIM: The introduction of multimodal or fast track (FT) rehabilitation and laparoscopy in colorectal surgery has improved patient recovery and shortened hospital stay (HS). This study aimed to determine the influence of laparoscopic or open surgery on the postoperative recovery of colorectal cancer patients having a conventional care (CC) or FT protocol in the postoperative period. METHOD: A multicentre prospective study was controlled with a retrospective group. The prospective group included 300 patients having elective colorectal resection for cancer. The retrospective control group included 201 patients with the same characteristics who were treated before the introduction of the programme. The patients were divided into four groups including laparoscopy + FT, open surgery + FT, laparoscopy + CC, and open surgery + CC. The primary end-points were HS and morbidity. Secondary end-points included mortality and reoperation rates. RESULTS: The overall median HS was 7 days. The median HS for laparoscopy + FT was 5 days, open + FT 6 days, laparoscopy + CC 9 days and open + CC 10 days (P < 0.001). In the regression model the laparoscopy + FT group had the greatest reduction in HS (P < 0.001). A significant reduction in HS was observed in the laparoscopy + FT group compared with laparoscopy + CC (P < 0.001). The overall patient morbidity was 30.6%. The logistic regression model adjusted for propensity score showed no statistically significant differences between the study groups regarding all other end-points. CONCLUSION: Colorectal cancer patients who underwent laparoscopic surgery within a multimodal rehabilitation protocol experienced the shortest HS and the lowest morbidity.

Long-term results of the augmented PFNA: a prospective multicenter trial.

BACKGROUND: Pertrochanteric fractures are increasing and their operative treatment remains under discussion. Failures needing reoperations such as a cut-out are reported to be high and are associated with multiple factors including poor bone quality, poor fracture reduction and improper implant placement. The PFNA(®) with perforated blade offers an option for standardized cement augmentation with a PMMA cement to provide more stability to the fracture fixation. It remains unclear if the augmentation of this implant does any harm in a longer time span. This prospective multicenter study shows clinical and radiological results with this implant with a mean follow-up time of 15 months. METHODS: In 5 European clinics, 62 patients (79 % female, mean age 85.3 years) suffering from an osteoporotic pertrochanteric fracture (AO 31) were treated with the augmented PFNA(®). The primary objectives were assessment of activities of daily living, pain and mobility. Furthermore, the X-rays were analyzed for the cortical thickness index, changes of the trabecular structure around the cement and the hip joint space. RESULTS: The mean follow-up time was 15.3 months. We observed callus healing in all cases. The surgical complication rate was 3.2 % with no complication related to the cement augmentation. A mean volume of 3.8 ml of cement was injected and no complication was reported due to this procedure. 59.9 % reached their prefracture mobility level until follow-up. The mean hip joint space did not change significantly until follow-up and there were no signs of osteonecrosis in the follow-up X-rays. Furthermore, no blade migration was assessed. CONCLUSION: This study makes us believe that the standardized augmentation of the PFNA with a perforated blade is a safe method to treat pertrochanteric femoral fractures. It leads to good functional results and is not associated with cartilage or bone necrosis.

[Results and complications of pertrochanteric hip fractures using an intramedullary nail with a helical blade (proximal femoral nail antirotation) in 200 patients]. / Resultados y complicaciones de la osteosíntesis de fracturas pertrocantéreas de fémur mediante clavo endomedular con espiral cefálica (clavo femoral proximal antirrotación) en 200 pacientes.

OBJECTIVES: Evaluation of the surgical management, outcome and complications in patients with pertrochanteric fractures treated with PFNA nail. MATERIAL AND METHOD: A retrospective study was conducted on 200 patients treated consecutively between April 2010 and February 2012. Radiological assessments were performed before and after the surgery, and during the follow-up (fracture reduction, blade position, consolidation or collapse signs). A clinical evaluation was performed as regards walking capabilities. The results were compared with those of a previous study on 700 patients treated with gamma 3 and TFN nails. RESULTS: The blade position was centre-centre in 64% of patients, and decreased to 53% in the mechanical complications group. Tip-apex distance was less than 25mm in 91.5%. The average hospital stay was 9.17 days, with a mean post-surgery stay of 5.95 days. Complications (7.5%): 2 cut out (1%), one cut through (0.5%), 4 cases of helical blade sliding (2%), one failure in distal locking procedure (0.5%), 2 cases with painful fasciae latae (1%), one union delay (0.5%), 2 cases of non-union with hardware failure (1%), one case of intense bleeding related to distal locking of the nail (0.5%), and one case of avascular necrosis (0.5%). CONCLUSIONS: The PFNA helical blade system seems to reduce the incidence of cut out and cut through in osteoporotic bone. Blade position was one of the main parameters associated with mechanical complications.

[Complete hormonal and metabolic response after iodine-131 metaiodobenzylguanidine treatment in a patient diagnosed of malignant pheochromocytoma]. / Respuesta hormonal y metabólica completa tras el tratamiento con yodo-131 metayodobencilguanidina en un caso de feocromocitoma maligno.

Radiolabeled metaiodobenzylguanidine is an analogue of norepinephrine used to localize tumors that express the neurohormone transporters, specifically those derived from the neural crest having a neuroendocrine origin. It is also used to treat non-surgical metastases derived from them. A review of the literature revealed symptomatic improvements associated to a decrease in hormone levels in a significant percentage of patients after (131)I-MIBG treatment. However, complete tumor remission has been described only in very few cases and hardly ever when bone metastases exist. We present a case of a patient diagnosed of malignant pheochromocytoma who achieved complete hormonal and metabolic response after (131)I-MIBG treatment (600 mCi) in spite of the presence of bone metastases.

Effect of a commercial hypocaloric diet in weight loss and post surgical morbidities in obese patients with chronic arthropathy, a randomized clinical trial.

INTRODUCTION: The aim of our study was to evaluate in patients with obesity and surgical indication of orthopaedic surgery for chronic osteoarthritis (hip or knee), the impact on weight loss, metabolic control and post surgical co morbidities of a hypocaloric commercial formula (Optisource®) versus conventional nutritional advice before orthopaedic surgery. MATERIALS AND METHODS: 40 patients were randomized in both branches: diet I with lunch and dinner substituted by two Optisource® (1109.3 kcal/day, 166.4 g of carbohydrates (60%), 63 g of proteins (23%), 21.3 g of lipids 17%) and intervention II with nutritional counselling that decreases 500 cal/day of the previous dietary intake. Previous and after 3 months of the treatment, a nutritional and biochemical study was realized. Postsurgical co-morbities have been recorded. RESULTS: 20 patients finished in each group. The improvement in weight (-7.56 ± 5.2 kg vs -5.18 ± 5.1 kg: p < 0.05), body mass index (-3.15 ± 2.2 vs -2.1 ± 1.9 kg/m2: p < 0.05), fat mass (-5.5 ± 5.9 kg vs -3.0 ± 2.6 kg: p < 0.05), insulin (-3.6 ± 3.8 mUI/L vs -3.0 ± 2.6) p < 0.05) and HOMA (-0.5 4 ± 1.2 vs -0.33 ± 1.14): p < 0.05) was higher in group I than in group II. All post surgical recorded parameters such as minutes of orthopaedic surgery, length of stay, vein thrombosis episodes, general infections complications, haemoglobin levels and days till independence of walking were similar in both groups. CONCLUSIONS: Obese patients with chronic osteoarthritis subsidiary of surgery, lose more weight, fat mass and improve more resistance to insulin treated with a mixed diet with a commercial formula hypocaloric that patients treated only with dietary advice.

Standardised cement augmentation of the PFNA using a perforated blade: A new technique and preliminary clinical results. A prospective multicentre trial.

Pertrochanteric fractures are a rising major health-care problem in the elderly and their operative stabilisation techniques are still under discussion. Furthermore, complications like cut-out are reported to be high and implant failure often is associated with poor bone quality. The PFNA(®) with perforated blade offers a possibility for standardised cement augmentation using a polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) cement which is injected through the perforated blade to enlarge the load-bearing surface and to diminish the stresses on the trabecular bone. The current prospective multicentre study was undertaken to evaluate the technical performance and the early clinical results of this new device. In nine European clinics, 59 patients (45 female, mean age 84.5 years) suffering from an osteoporotic pertrochanteric fracture (Arbeitsgemeinschaft für Osteosynthesefragen, AO-31) were treated with the augmented PFNA(®). Primary objectives were assessment of operative and postoperative complications, whereas activities of daily living, pain, mobility and radiologic parameters, such as cement distribution around the blade and the cortical thickness index, were secondary objectives. The mean follow-up time was 4 months where we observed callus healing in all cases. The surgical complication rate was 3.4% with no complication related to the cement augmentation. More than one-half of the patients reached their prefracture mobility level within the study period. A mean volume of 4.2ml of cement was injected. We did not find any cut-out, cut through, unexpected blade migration, implant loosening or implant breakage within the study period. Our findings lead us to conclude that the standardised cement augmentation using the perforated blade for pertrochanteric fracture fixation enhances the implant anchorage within the head-neck fragment and leads to good functional results.

[Iodine uptake in the chest in the follow-up of well-differentiated thyroid cancer]. / Captación torácica de (131)I en el seguimiento del cáncer diferenciado de tiroides.

Differentiated thyroid cancer is a disease having a very good prognosis when treated adequately. Ablation treatment with (131)I is frequently adjunct to surgery in these patients since it improves survival. Radioiodine whole-body scan is one of the imaging modality of choice in the follow-up of patients with this kind of pathology. After ablation treatment of the thyroid gland, any radioiodine accumulation in a non-physiological location usually means the presence of functioning metastasis. Recognition of potential false-positives is essential to avoid unnecessary exposure to further radiation from repeated therapeutic doses of radioactive iodine. We report a case of uptake in the chest due to bronchiectasis, potentially masquerading as pulmonary metastasis.

In situ cell culture monitoring on a Ti-6Al-4V surface by electrochemical techniques.

In this work, the in situ interaction between Ti-6Al-4V alloy and osteoblastic cells has been studied by electrochemical techniques as a function of time. The interaction has been monitored for cell adhesion and growth of human osteoblastic Saos-2 cells on Ti-6Al-4V samples. The study has been carried out by electrochemical techniques, e.g., studying the evolution of corrosion potential with exposure time and by electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. The impedance results have been analyzed by using different equivalent circuit models that simulate the interface state at each testing time. The adhesion of the osteoblastic cells on the Ti-6Al-4V alloy leads to surface areas with different cell coverage rates, thus showing the different responses in the impedance diagrams with time. The effect of the cells on the electrochemical response of Ti-6Al-4V alloy is clearly seen after 4 days of testing, in which two isolated and well-differentiated time constants are clearly observed. One of these is associated with the presence of the cells and the other with a passive film on the Ti-6Al-4V alloy. After 7 days of culture, the system is governed by a resistive component over a wide frequency range which is associated with an increase in the cell coverage rate on the surface due to the extracellular matrix.