The comparison of postoperative outcomes in Morton's neuroma excision between plantar versus dorsal approach: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Current literature lacks comprehensive information comparing the clinical outcomes of plantar and dorsal approaches for Civinini-Morton syndrome, also known as Morton's neuroma. This systematic review and meta-analysis was conducted to evaluate and compare the clinical outcomes of neurectomy for Morton's neuroma, focusing on the differences between the plantar and dorsal approach. METHODS: Our comprehensive literature review adhered to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines and utilized databases including PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, and the Cochrane Library. Data investigated in this study included postoperative sensory loss, scar tenderness, reoperation, histopathology, complications, pain score, patient satisfaction, functional scores, and time to weight bearing. RESULTS: Total eight studies were included in this study. In aggregate, 237 neuromas underwent excision using the plantar approach, while 312 neuromas were treated via the dorsal approach. A significantly higher rate of postoperative reduced sensory was found in the dorsal group: 48.5 % (64/132) Vs. 62.0 % (80/129) with the relative ratio (RR) of 0.79 (95 % CI, 0.64-0.97). A significantly higher rate of postoperative scar tenderness was noted in the plantar group: 16.7 % (32/192) Vs. 6.2 % (14/225) with the RR of 2.27 (95 % CI, 1.28-4.04). Regarding the histopathology, 99.3 % (143/144) and 97.1 % (134/138) accuracy rate was confirmed in the plantar approach and dorsal approach, respectively, with the RR of 1.02 (95 % CI, 0.98-1.07). Overall reoperations and complications were not different between groups at 5.3 % (10/189) and 8.8 % (19/216) in the plantar group versus 6.1 % and 12.0 % (35/291) in dorsal group. CONCLUSIONS: We recommend detailed discussions with patients prior to surgery to weigh the advantages and disadvantages of each approach.

Interrupting an IFN-γ-dependent feedback loop in the syndrome of pyogenic arthritis with pyoderma gangrenosum and acne.

OBJECTIVES: To study the molecular pathogenesis of PAPA (pyogenic arthritis, pyoderma gangrenosum and acne) syndrome, a debilitating hereditary autoinflammatory disease caused by dominant mutation in PSTPIP1. METHODS: Gene knock-out and knock-in mice were generated to develop an animal model. THP1 and retrovirally transduced U937 human myeloid leukaemia cell lines, peripheral blood mononuclear cells, small interfering RNA (siRNA) knock-down, site-directed mutagenesis, cytokine immunoassays, coimmunoprecipitation and immunoblotting were used to study inflammasome activation. Cytokine levels in the skin were evaluated by immunohistochemistry. Responsiveness to Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitors was evaluated ex vivo with peripheral blood mononuclear cells and in vivo in five treatment-refractory PAPA patients. RESULTS: The knock-in mouse model of PAPA did not recapitulate the human disease. In a human myeloid cell line model, PAPA-associated PSTPIP1 mutations activated the pyrin inflammasome, but not the NLRP3, NLRC4 or AIM2 inflammasomes. Pyrin inflammasome activation was independent of the canonical pathway of pyrin serine dephosphorylation and was blocked by the p.W232A PSTPIP1 mutation, which disrupts pyrin-PSTPIP1 interaction. IFN-γ priming of monocytes from PAPA patients led to IL-18 release in a pyrin-dependent manner. IFN-γ was abundant in the inflamed dermis of PAPA patients, but not patients with idiopathic pyoderma gangrenosum. Ex vivo JAK inhibitor treatment attenuated IFN-γ-mediated pyrin induction and IL-18 release. In 5/5 PAPA patients, the addition of JAK inhibitor therapy to IL-1 inhibition was associated with clinical improvement. CONCLUSION: PAPA-associated PSTPIP1 mutations trigger a pyrin-IL-18-IFN-γ positive feedback loop that drives PAPA disease activity and is a target for JAK inhibition.

Do We Need Routine Postoperative Prophylactic Oral Antibiotics in Elective Foot and Ankle Surgery?

Background: Previous studies about antibiotic prophylaxis in foot and ankle surgery have focused on perioperative intravenous administration, with few studies reporting on the efficiency of postoperative oral antibiotics. The purpose of this study is to investigate differences in the rate of postoperative infection and wound complications between patients with and without postoperative oral antibiotics and to identify independent risk factors for these complications following foot and ankle surgeries. Methods: A retrospective review of all elective foot and ankle surgeries with at least a 6-month follow-up was performed over a 2-year time span. Patients were divided into 2 groups based on if they received postoperative oral antibiotics. We compared the rates of postoperative infections and wound complications between the 2 groups. The surgical site, the number of Current Procedural Terminology codes, and the number of surgical incisions were also noted. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was performed to identify independent risk factors of postoperative infection and wound complications. Results: A total of 366 patients were included in this study-240 with antibiotics and 126 without antibiotics. There was no significant difference in the rates of postoperative infection and wound complications between the 2 groups. The rate of superficial infection, deep infection, and wound complications was 1.7%, 0.8%, and 5.8% in the antibiotic group vs 3.2%, 0.0%, and 4.0% in patients without antibiotics, respectively. Multivariable logistic regression analysis identified independent risk factors of postoperative infection and wound complications as follows: smoking (OR: 4.7), male (OR: 4.0), history of neoplasm (OR: 6.7), and multiple incisions (OR: 4.1). Conclusion: Our results suggest that routine postoperative prophylactic oral antibiotics are not needed following elective foot and ankle surgeries. However, certain risk factors may increase the risk for postoperative infection and wound complications in foot and ankle surgery. Level of Evidence: Level III, case-control study.

The efficacy and safety of tranexamic acid utilization in total ankle arthroplasty: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

INTRODUCTION: There is still a lack of information on the role of Tranexamic acid (TXA) in total ankle arthroplasty (TAA). The purpose of this study is to comprehensively review, consolidate, and analyze findings from existing research on the effectiveness and safety of TXA in TAA. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The comprehensive literature review was conducted according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) using PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, and Cochrane databases, for original, English-language studies investigating the efficacy and safety of TXA in TAA, through February 2023. Evaluated data for the meta-analysis included estimated blood loss (EBL), change in perioperative hemoglobin, need for transfusion, and complications including DVT/PE, and wound complications. RESULTS: A total of nine studies were included in this study. In total, 450 TAA were included, with 244 receiving TXA (54.2%) and 206 not receiving TXA (45.8%). TXA in TAA significantly decreased EBL. A significantly lower rate of wound complications in the TXA group with the relative risk (RR) of 0.51. We classified wound complications into wound infection and delayed wound healing/dehiscence. A significant decrease in the rate of wound infection and a tendency showing a decrease in the rate of delayed wound healing/dehiscence in the TXA group were noted: the RR of 0.29, and 0.63, respectively. TXA did not increase the incidence of DVT/PE following TAA. CONCLUSIONS: In conclusion, the utilization of TXA during TAA demonstrated a statistically significant reduction in EBL and relative risk for wound complications. However, further RCTs with larger sample sizes will be necessary to establish a more robust conclusion regarding the efficacy and safety of TXA in TAA. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III, systematic review and meta-analysis.

Utilization of PROMIS Neuropathic Pain Quality for Detection and Monitoring Neuropathic Pain in Heel Pain Patients.

Background: Diagnosis and management of neuropathic pain (NP) in foot and ankle patients remain challenging. We investigated the plausibility of using Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS) Neuropathic Pain Quality (PQ-Neuro) as an initial screening tool to detect NP and track the treatment effects. Methods: Patients with heel pain were prospectively recruited and grouped to no-NP, mild-NP, and severe-NP based on the initial PROMIS PQ-Neuro t scores. Pain Interference (PI), Physical Function (PF), and Self-Efficacy (SE) scores were evaluated at baseline, 30-day, and 90-day follow-up. Other factors such as age, smoking, body mass index (BMI), low back/neck pain, anxiety/depression, and medications were analyzed. Linear mixed modeling was used to assess the main effects of time and NP on PROMIS t scores, comparing minimal clinically important difference (MCID). Results: Forty-eight patients with mean age of 52.4 years were recruited. Using the PROMIS PQ-Neuro as the assessment tool, 33 patients (69%) were detected to have NP at baseline-23 (48%) mild and 10 (21%) severe. BMI was the only independent factor associated with NP (P = .011). Higher baseline PQ-Neuro t score was significantly associated with higher follow-up PQ-Neuro (P < .001), PI (P = .005), and lower SE (P = .04) across time points. Patients with NP showed lower PF at baseline with significantly less improvement in PF (3 vs 9.9, P = .035) and did not meet MCID. Conclusion: Baseline PROMIS PQ-Neuro ≥46 was significantly associated with worse PI and SE across all time points, with less clinically significant improvements in PF. Prevalence of NP in heel pain patients was high. The PROMIS PQ-Neuro may serve as a valuable tool for detection of NP and guiding clinical treatment decision pathways for heel pain patients. Level of Evidence: Level III, prospective cohort study.

The Anti-Inflammatory Effects of Broccoli (Brassica oleracea L. var. italica) Sprout Extract in RAW 264.7 Macrophages and a Lipopolysaccharide-Induced Liver Injury Model.

Brassica oleracea var. italica (broccoli), a member of the cabbage family, is abundant with many nutrients, including vitamins, potassium, fiber, minerals, and phytochemicals. Consequently, it has been used as a functional food additive to reduce oxidative stress and inflammatory responses. In the current study, the effects of sulforaphane-rich broccoli sprout extract (BSE) on the inflammatory response were investigated in vitro and in vivo. Comparative high-performance liquid chromatography analysis of sulforaphane content from different extracts revealed that 70% ethanolic BSE contained more sulforaphane than the other extracts. qPCR and enzyme immunoassay analyses revealed that BSE markedly reduced the expression of proinflammatory cytokines and mediators, including cyclooxygenase 2, interleukin (IL)-1ß, IL-6, IL-1, inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated RAW 264.7 cells. Pretreatment with BSE improved the survival rate and suppressed alanine aminotransferase and aspartate aminotransferase expression in LPS-induced endotoxemic mice, while proinflammatory cytokines such as IL-1ß, TNF-α, IL-6, cyclooxygenase-2, and iNOS decreased dramatically in the LPS-induced liver injury model via BSE treatment. Additionally, F4/80 immunostaining showed that BSE suppressed hepatic macrophage infiltration in the liver after lipopolysaccharide injection. In conclusion, BSE may be a potential nutraceutical for preventing and regulating excessive immune responses in inflammatory disease.

Suture button fixation yields high levels of patient reported outcomes, return to sport, and stable fixation in isolated Lisfranc injuries: A systematic review.

IMPORTANCE: Lisfranc injuries remain a significant, but often misdiagnosed, orthopaedic injury. Alongside the traditional methods of surgical fixation, including arthrodesis and open reduction and internal fixation with screws, suture button fixation is an emerging technique. OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study is to investigate the efficacy of suture button fixation for treatment of Lisfranc injuries through a systematic review. EVIDENCE REVIEW: A comprehensive literature review was conducted according to the preferred reporting items for systematic reviews using PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, and Cochrane databases for original, English-language studies observing outcomes of Lisfranc injury until August 19, 2022. The clinical studies with evidence level I-IV and at least a 12 month follow-up after the index surgery were included if they examined quantifiable outcomes of Lisfranc injury treated with suture button. Articles were excluded if they included case reports, systematic reviews, comments, editorials, surveys, animal studies, or biomechanical/cadaveric studies. Variables extracted from text and figures include demographic information, return to sport measures, patient reported outcomes, and complications. FINDINGS: Of the 10 studies included, there were 186 total patients with an age range of 13-72. In every study, all patients were able to return to sport or activity with a return time averaging from 10.8 to 25.9 weeks. Postoperative American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society scores ranged from 83.5 to 97.0 while pain Visual Analogue Scale ranged from 0.6 to 2.5. Complications were reported in four studies at a rate of 7.7% including two cases of diastasis, two cases of paraesthesia, one case of button irritation, and one of postoperative degenerative joint disease, with no reported revisions. CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE: In our systematic review, suture button fixation shows high levels of patient reported outcomes, return to sport, and stable fixation in isolated Lisfranc injuries. This surgical technique provides a physiologic reduction across the Lisfranc joint and reduces the need for reoperation including removal of hardware. However, further evidence such as large sample size high-quality randomized controlled trials is needed to draw a definitive conclusion regarding the best treatment for Lisfranc injuries. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV, Systematic Review of Level III and IV studies.

"In Situ" Joint Preparation Technique for First Metatarsophalangeal Arthrodesis: A Retrospective Comparative Review of 388 Cases.

"Cup-shaped power reamers" and "flat cuts" (FC) are common joint preparation techniques in first metatarsophalangeal (MTP) joint arthrodesis. However, the third option of an "in situ" (IS) technique has rarely been studied. This study aims to compare the clinical, radiographic, and patient-reported outcomes (PROMs) of the IS technique for various MTP pathologies with other MTP joint preparation techniques. A single-center retrospective review was performed for patients who underwent primary MTP joint arthrodesis between 2015 and 2019. In total, 388 cases were included in the study. We found higher nonunion rates in the IS group (11.1% vs 4.6%, p = .016). However, the revision rates were similar between the groups (7.1% vs 6.5%, p = .809). Multivariate analysis revealed that diabetes mellitus was associated with significantly higher overall complication rates (p < .001). The FC technique was associated with transfer metatarsalgia (p = .015) and a more first ray shortening (p < .001). Visual analog scale, PROMIS-10 physical, and PROMIS-CAT physical scores significantly improved in IS and FC groups (p < .001, p = .002, p = .001, respectively). The improvement was comparable between the joint preparation techniques (p = .806). In conclusion, the IS joint preparation technique is simple and effective for first MTP joint arthrodesis. In our series, the IS technique had a higher radiographic nonunion rate that did not correlate with a higher revision rate, and otherwise similar complication profile to the FC technique while providing similar PROMs. The IS technique resulted in significantly less first ray shortening when compared to the FC technique.

High complication rates following revision first metatarsophalangeal joint arthrodesis: a retrospective analysis of 79 cases.

BACKGROUND: The most common indications for revision of first metatarsophalangeal joint (MTPJ) arthrodesis are symptomatic failures of prior arthrodesis, failed hallux valgus correction, and failed MTPJ arthroplasty implants. However, the outcomes of revision MTPJ arthrodesis have rarely been studied. The purpose of this study was to compare the clinical, radiographic, and patient-reported outcomes of revision MTPJ arthrodesis following different primary procedures. METHODS: A retrospective review of revision MTPJ arthrodesis cases between January 2015 and December 2019 was performed. The radiographic results, patient-reported outcomes, and rates of complications, subsequent revisions, and nonunions, were analyzed and compared preoperatively and postoperatively. A multivariate analysis was utilized to determine risk factors for complications and reoperations. RESULTS: This study yielded a total of 79 cases of revision MTPJ arthrodesis. The mean follow-up time was 365 days (SD ± 295). The overall complication rate was 40.5%, of which the overall nonunion rate was 19.0%. Seven cases (8.9%) required further revision surgery. The multivariate analysis revealed that Diabetes mellitus was associated with significantly higher overall complication rates (p = 0.016), and nonunion was associated with "in-situ" joint preparation techniques (p = 0.042). Visual Analog Scale (VAS) significantly improved postoperatively (p < 0.001); However, PROMIS-10 physical health and PROMIS-10 mental health did not change significantly during the study period. CONCLUSION: Treatment of MTPJ surgery failures is a clinical challenge in orthopedic surgery. In our study, revision of first MTPJ surgery resulted in higher nonunion rates and overall complication rates compared to typical outcomes from primary MTPJ arthrodesis. Diabetes, Tobacco use, and "in-situ" joint preparation technique were found to be independent risk factors for complications and reoperations. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: III-Retrospective Cohort Study.

Patient Satisfaction Following Hallux Rigidus Treatment With a Synthetic Cartilage Implant.

BACKGROUND: There remains no clear consensus on patient satisfaction and functional outcomes following synthetic cartilage implant (SCI) implantation for hallux rigidus. The purpose of this study was to review our experience at a single academic institution using an SCI for treatment of hallux rigidus. METHODS: A retrospective review was performed of patients who underwent the SCI procedure for treatment of hallux rigidus between January 2017 and May 2019. Functional outcomes were evaluated using Patient-Reported Outcome Measures Informational System (PROMIS)-10 scores as well as a survey investigating patient satisfaction, self-reported clinical improvement, and changes in sporting ability. Patients were divided into satisfied versus unsatisfied subgroups, and between-group differences in preoperative variables and complications were reviewed. A total of 90 patients (96 implants) were included in this study. The mean follow-up time was 26.4 months. RESULTS: In all, 81.2% of patients reported that their foot was "much improved" (55.2%) or "improved" (26.0%) since undergoing the SCI procedure, whereas a slightly lower percentage, 74.0%, stated that they were "extremely satisfied" (41.7%) or "satisfied" (32.3%) at final follow-up. Patients were able to tolerate higher impact sporting activities after the procedure, and 75.0% of patients stated they would have the same surgery again. PROMIS-10 T-scores averaged 54.2 points for physical health and 57.4 points for mental health. Only 2.1% of patients required conversion to arthrodesis. Significant differences between the satisfied versus unsatisfied subgroups were found in preoperative corticosteroid injection use (21.1% vs 41.1%, respectively; P = .029) and preoperative VAS pain score (8.2 vs 7.1, respectively; P = .036). CONCLUSION: The SCI procedure can be a viable option for treating hallux rigidus with high satisfaction overall, increased sport activity levels, and a very low revision rate. However, maximizing patient satisfaction may require more careful consideration of preoperative prognosticators and extensive patient counseling to ensure realistic expectations for recovery time and individual outcome. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV: Retrospective case series.

Steroid hormone catabolites activate the pyrin inflammasome through a non-canonical mechanism.

The pyrin inflammasome acts as a guard of RhoA GTPases and is central to immune defenses against RhoA-manipulating pathogens. Pyrin activation proceeds in two steps. Yet, the second step is still poorly understood. Using cells constitutively activated for the pyrin step 1, a chemical screen identifies etiocholanolone and pregnanolone, two catabolites of testosterone and progesterone, acting at low concentrations as specific step 2 activators. High concentrations of these metabolites fully and rapidly activate pyrin, in a human specific, B30.2 domain-dependent manner and without inhibiting RhoA. Mutations in MEFV, encoding pyrin, cause two distinct autoinflammatory diseases pyrin-associated autoinflammation with neutrophilic dermatosis (PAAND) and familial Mediterranean fever (FMF). Monocytes from PAAND patients, and to a lower extent from FMF patients, display increased responses to these metabolites. This study identifies an unconventional pyrin activation mechanism, indicates that endogenous steroid catabolites can drive autoinflammation, through the pyrin inflammasome, and explains the "steroid fever" described in the late 1950s upon steroid injection in humans.

A Safe Interval between Preoperative Intra-articular Corticosteroid Injections and Subsequent Knee Arthroscopy.

The purpose of this study is to evaluate the influence of intra-articular corticosteroid injections prior to knee arthroscopy on the rate of postoperative infection and define a safe timing interval between intra-articular corticosteroid injections and subsequent knee arthroscopy. The PearlDiver Database was used to identify patients who underwent a knee arthroscopy from 2007 to 2017. Patients were sorted into an injection cohort if they received any intra-articular corticosteroid injections within 6 months before surgery and a control cohort if they received no such injections. The injection cohort was then stratified into subgroups based on the timing of the most recent injection. We identified two types of postoperative infection in the 6 months following surgery: a broad definition of infection using knee infection diagnoses, and a narrow definition of infection requiring surgical treatment. The effects of the timing of preoperative corticosteroid injections on the rates of postoperative infection were investigated. The rate of broadly defined postoperative infection was significantly higher in the 0 to 2 weeks injection group (6.90%, 20/290) than the control group (2.01%, 1,449/72,089, p < 0.001; odds ratio [OR]:3.61 [95% confidence interval [CI]: 2.29, 5.70]). We observed a significant difference regarding the rate of narrowly defined postoperative infection requiring surgical treatment between the 0 and 2 weeks injection group (1.38%, 4/290) and the control group (0.27%, 192/72,089, p < 0.001, OR:5.24 [95% CI: 1.94, 14.21]). No significant differences were observed between other subgroups and the control group in both types of postoperative infection. Intra-articular corticosteroid injections within 2 weeks of knee arthroscopy were statistically significantly associated with higher rates of postoperative infection. This is a Level III, retrospective comparative study.

Giant Thermoelectric Seebeck Coefficients in Tellurium Quantum Wires Formed Vertically in an Aluminum Oxide Layer by Electrical Breakdown.

High efficiency thermoelectric (TE) materials still require high thermopower for energy harvesting applications. A simple elemental metallic semiconductor, tellurium (Te), has been considered critical to realize highly efficient TE conversion due to having a large effective band valley degeneracy. This paper demonstrates a novel approach to directly probe the out-of-plane Seebeck coefficient for one-dimensional Te quantum wires (QWs) formed locally in the aluminum oxide layer by well-controlled electrical breakdown at 300 K. Surprisingly, the out-of-plane Seebeck coefficient for these Te QWs ≈ 0.8 mV/K at 300 K. This thermopower enhancement for Te QWs is due to Te intrinsic nested band structure and enhanced energy filtering at Te/AO interfaces. Theoretical calculations support the enhanced high Seebeck coefficient for elemental Te QWs in the oxide layer. The local-probed observation and detecting methodology used here offers a novel route to designing enhanced thermoelectric materials and devices in the future.

Complications and Radiographic Outcomes After Tibiotalocalcaneal Fusion With a Retrograde Intramedullary Nail.

BACKGROUND: Tibiotalocalcaneal (TTC) arthrodesis is a salvage reconstructive procedure for ankle and subtalar arthritis and deformity. This study aims to identify fusion rates and complications of TTC arthrodesis procedures performed at our institution using a specific retrograde intramedullary nail. Additionally, we analyzed the subpopulation that sustained an intramedullary nail break. METHODS: A retrospective review was conducted of 45 patients who underwent 47 TTC arthrodesis procedures with intramedullary fixation using the Phoenix nail at our institution from October 2010 to September 2017. Patient age, body mass index, sex, smoking status, diabetes diagnosis, peripheral vascular disease, thyroid disease, inflammatory arthritis, steroid use, prior ankle fractures and procedures, fusion rates, nail diameter, time to hardware failure, preoperative coronal plane deformity, and return to work were obtained. RESULTS: Successful fusion was confirmed in 79% of tibiotalar, 70% of subtalar, and 66% of combined tibiotalar and subtalar joints. Eight of 47 (17%) TTC nails suffered nail breakage postoperatively. Although statistical analysis was not performed due to the small population size, patients with nail failure had lower rates of tibiotalar (38% vs 87% of patients without nail failure) and combined tibiotalar/subtalar fusion (25% vs 74%). Ten percent of patients without nail breakage required revision surgery, compared to 75% of patient with nail breakage. CONCLUSION: This study describes TTC arthrodesis outcomes at our institution. It demonstrates a high complication rate using a specific retrograde intramedullary nail, including nail breakage and non-union. Further analysis and improvement in technique and implant design may decrease revision rates and improve outcomes. LEVELS OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic, Level IV.

Combined treatment of recalcitrant papulopustular rosacea involving pulsed dye laser and fractional microneedling radiofrequency with low-dose isotretinoin.

BACKGROUND: While a considerable number of cases with papulopustular rosacea (PPR) are resistant to conventional medications, therapeutic regimens are not currently established. Pulsed dye laser (PDL) and fractional microneedling radiofrequency (FMR) have previously demonstrated satisfactory results for anti-angiogenesis, anti-inflammation, and dermal remodeling. AIMS: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of novel combination regimen with low-dose oral isotretinoin, PDL, and FMR in the treatment of recalcitrant PPR. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A retrospective study was undertaken for recalcitrant PPR patients to evaluate the clinical course of novel combination regimen. Twenty-five PPR patients who had failed in previous first-line therapies were enrolled. They were treated with three sessions of PDL and FMR consecutively at 4-week intervals, maintaining daily oral administration of 10 mg isotretinoin for 8 weeks. Objective assessments, erythema index measurement, and patients' subjective satisfaction were evaluated at each visit and 16 weeks after the final treatment. RESULTS: At the final follow-up visit, the number of papules and pustules decreased by 71%, and erythema index by 54% compared with baseline (P < 0.05 for both). Physician's global assessment based on rosacea severity score and patients' subjective assessments paralleled with these results. No serious side effect was observed during whole study periods. CONCLUSION: This novel combination regimen demonstrated satisfactory efficacy with reasonable safety profiles for the treatment of recalcitrant PPR.

Preoperative corticosteroid joint injections within 2 weeks of shoulder arthroscopies increase postoperative infection risk.

BACKGROUND: There is currently no consensus regarding the safe timing interval between corticosteroid shoulder injections and future shoulder arthroscopies. Our study assessed the relationship between preoperative corticosteroid injection timing and shoulder arthroscopy infectious outcomes. METHODS: We used an insurance database to identify and sort all shoulder arthroscopy patients by corticosteroid shoulder injection history within 6 months before surgery. Patients who received injections were stratified by the timing of their most recent preoperative injection. The overall infection rate and rate of severe infections requiring treatment through intravenous antibiotics or surgical débridement in the 6-month postoperative period were compared using χ2 tests between the injection cohorts and a control group of patients defined as those with no injection history. RESULTS: We identified 50,478 shoulder arthroscopy patients, of whom 4115 received injections in the 6-month preoperative period. We found a significant increase in both the overall infection rate (P < .0001) and severe infection rate (P < .0001) in patients who received injections within 2 weeks before surgery (n = 79; 8.86% and 6.33%, respectively) compared with those who received no injections in the 6-month preoperative period (n = 46,363; 1.56% and 0.55%, respectively). No other significant differences were observed. CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggest that in patients who have received corticosteroid injections, shoulder arthroscopic procedures may be safely performed after at least 2 weeks has passed since the most recent injection to minimize the risk of postoperative infection. In addition, procedures performed within 2 weeks of an injection may increase the risk of postoperative infection.

Controllable Seebeck Coefficients of a Metal-Diffused Aluminum Oxide Layer via Conducting Filament Density and Energy Filtering.

We investigate the intrinsic thermoelectric (TE) properties of the metal-diffused aluminum oxide (AO) layer in metal/AO/metal structures, where the metallic conducting filaments (CFs) were locally formed in the structures via an electrical breakdown (EBD) process as shown by resistive switching memory devices, by directly measuring cross-plane Seebeck coefficients on the CF-containing insulating AO layers. The results showed that the Seebeck coefficients of the CF-containing AO layer in metal/AO/metal structures were influenced by the generation of the metallic CFs, which is due to the diffusion of the metal into the insulating AO layers when exposed to a temperature gradient in the direction of the cross plane of the sample. In addition, the increase in the Seebeck coefficients of the CF-containing AO layer when the number of EBD-processed patterns was increased is satisfactorily explained by the low-energy carrier (i.e., minority carriers) filtering through the metal-oxide interfacial barriers in the metal/AO/metal structures.

Clinical Outcomes of Osteochondral Lesions of the Tibial Plafond Following Arthroscopic Microfracture.

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the clinical outcomes and the level of sports activity following arthroscopic microfracture for osteochondral lesions of the tibial plafond. METHODS: A retrospective review was conducted for patients who underwent arthroscopic microfracture surgery for osteochondral lesions of the tibial plafond from January 2014 to June 2017. For functional evaluation, the visual analog scale (VAS) pain score, Foot and Ankle Ability Measure (FAAM) score, and Short Form-12 (SF-12) general health questionnaire were used. We also investigated the level of sports activity before and after the surgery. Sixteen patients were included in this study, and the mean follow-up period was 29.8 months. RESULTS: The mean VAS score improved from 8.3 (range, 6-10) preoperatively to 1.8 (range, 0-4) postoperatively. The mean FAAM score was improved from 57.6 (range, 6.0-88.9) for the activities of daily living subscale and 34.5 (range, 3.1-92.6) for the sports subscale to 84.3 (range, 46.4-100.0) and 65.2 (range, 23.3-55.1) for each subscale, respectively, at the final follow-up. There were also improvements in the SF-12 score, from 36.3 (range, 23.3-55.1) preoperatively to 46.0 (range, 18.9-56.6) postoperatively for the SF-12 PCS, and from 41.3 (range, 14.2-65.0) preoperatively to 52.6 (range, 32.8-60.8) postoperatively for the SF-12 MCS. All functional scores showed significant differences clinically and statistically at the final follow-up. The level of sports activity after the surgery was significantly lower than their level before the surgery (P = .012). CONCLUSION: Arthroscopic microfracture provided satisfactory clinical outcomes for osteochondral lesions of the tibial plafond. Though all the patients in this study were able to return to sports activity after the surgery, the postoperative level of sports activity was significantly lower than their preoperative level. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV, retrospective case series.

Intra-articular injection of steroids in the early postoperative period does not have an adverse effect on the clinical outcomes and the re-tear rate after arthroscopic rotator cuff repair.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to compare clinical outcomes and structural integrity following arthroscopic rotator cuff repair, either with intra-articular injection of corticosteroids in the early postoperative period using ultrasound guidance or without it. METHODS: This study included 318 patients who underwent arthroscopic repair for either a partial-thickness or small-to-medium-sized full-thickness rotator cuff tear from 2012 to 2015. Patients were divided into two groups based on the administration of an intra-articular corticosteroids injection at 3 months after the surgery: group A (with corticosteroid injection, n = 56) and group B (without corticosteroid injection, n = 262). Functional outcomes were evaluated using the visual analog scale (VAS) pain score, subjective shoulder value (SSV), American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES) score, University of California Los Angeles (UCLA) shoulder score, and active range of motion (ROM). Postoperative magnetic resonance arthrography (MRA) was performed 6 months postoperatively to assess structural integrity. RESULTS: At the 2-year follow-up, both groups showed no significant differences in VAS pain score (group A/B, 1.1 ± 0.9/1.1 ± 1.1), functional scores including SSV (88.5 ± 10.8/88.3 ± 10.0), ASES (90.8 ± 6.6/90.4 ± 6.9), and UCLA scores (30.2 ± 5.6/30.7 ± 5.2), and active ROM including forward flexion (151° ± 8°/153° ± 7°), external rotation (54° ± 5°/55° ± 7°), and internal rotation (10 ± 1/10 ± 2). Follow-up MRA imaging collected 6 months after surgery showed no significant difference in the re-tear rate (n.s.) between group A and B (n = 10/56, 17.9% and 45/262, 17.2%, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: Intra-articular corticosteroids injection in the early postoperative period after arthroscopic rotator cuff repair provided satisfactory pain relief and ROM improvement without increasing the re-tear rate or deteriorating clinical outcomes at the 2-year follow-up. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: III.

Medial Subluxation or Dislocation of the Biceps on Magnetic Resonance Arthrography Is Reliably Correlated with Concurrent Subscapularis Full-Thickness Tears Confirmed Arthroscopically.

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between biceps medial subluxation/dislocation on the magnetic resonance arthrography (MRA) imaging and subscapularis full-thickness tear confirmed arthroscopically. We hypothesized that presence of a biceps medial subluxation or dislocation would strongly indicate a subscapularis full-thickness tear. METHODS: A total of 432 consecutive patients who underwent arthroscopic repair for rotator cuff tears with/without subscapularis tears at our institute were retrospectively reviewed. The inclusion criterion of this study was preoperative MRA images taken within 6 months of arthroscopic repair. The presence of medial subluxation/dislocation was evaluated on the preoperative MRA images, and subscapularis tear was confirmed on arthroscopic examination. RESULTS: Biceps subluxation/dislocation was identified in 46 of the 432 patients on MRA. Forty-five of these 46 patients also had a subscapularis full-thickness tear identified in arthroscopic examination. Among the 386 patients who did not have biceps subluxation or dislocation, 54 patients had a subscapularis full-thickness tear diagnosed arthroscopically. The presence of a biceps subluxation/dislocation could predict a subscapularis full-thickness tear with sensitivity of 45% (45/99), specificity of 99% (332/333), positive predictive value of 98% (45/46), negative predictive value of 86% (332/386), and accuracy of 87% (377(45 +332)/432). CONCLUSION: Medial subluxation/dislocation of the biceps on MRA images was highly associated with a concurrent subscapularis full-thickness tear which was confirmed arthroscopically. This association had 99% specificity and 98% positive predictive value. Therefore, if a biceps subluxation/dislocation is identified on MRA images, there is a high chance that a concurrent subscapularis full-thickness tear exists.