Predictive Factors of Functional Outcomes and Quality of Life in Patients with Ankle Fractures: A Systematic Review.

Background: Evaluating the predictors of unfavorable outcomes in patients with ankle fractures is crucial for identifying high-risk patients and implementing personalized treatment strategies. This study aimed to analyze factors that influence quality of life in patients with ankle fractures. Methods: Four databases were consulted. The main outcomes were functionality and quality of life scales combined using the standard mean difference (SMD) (Review Manager 5.4). Results: Eight studies with 2486 patients were included. A significant correlation was found between female sex and worse functionality scores (beta 4.15, 95% CI 1.84-6.46). Additionally, older age was correlated with worse functionality scores (beta -0.24, 95% CI -0.29 to -0.19). Patients with diabetes or metabolic syndrome also had worse outcomes (SMD 0.27, 95% CI 0.18-0.36). High BMI and obesity were also associated with worse quality of life scores (beta 2.62, 95% CI 0.77-4.48). Smokers had greater disability in the analyzed scales (SMD 0.22, 95% CI 0.05-0.39). No significant differences were observed with respect to syndesmotic involvement. Conclusions: Age, sex, diabetes, high BMI, and smoking negatively impact functional outcomes and quality of life in patients with ankle fractures.

Elevated blood metal ion levels in patients undergoing instrumented spinal surgery: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND CONTEXT: Elevated blood metal levels have been reported in patients after spinal surgery using metallic implants. Although some studies have suggested an association between heightened blood metal concentrations and potential adverse effects, estimates of the incidence of abnormal metal levels after spinal surgery have been inconsistent. PURPOSE: The aims of this systematic review and meta-analysis were to assess: (1) mean differences in blood metal ion levels between patients undergoing spinal fusion surgery and healthy controls, (2) odds of elevated blood metal ion levels after surgery compared to presurgery levels, and (3) pooled incidence of elevated blood metal ions overall and by metal type. STUDY DESIGN: Systematic review and meta-analysis. PATIENTS SAMPLE: The patient sample included 613 patients from 11 studies who underwent spinal surgery instrumentation. OUTCOME MEASURES: Blood metal ion concentrations and the incidence of patients with elevated metal levels compared with in those the control group. METHODS: A comprehensive search was conducted in PubMed, EMBASE, Scopus, and Cochrane Library to identify studies reporting blood metal ion levels after spinal fusion surgery. Mean differences (MD), odds ratios (OR), and incidence rates were pooled using random effects models. Heterogeneity was assessed using I2 statistics, and fixed-effects models were used if no heterogeneity was detected. Detailed statistical analysis was performed using the Review Manager version 5.4 software. RESULTS: The analysis included 11 studies, with a total of 613 patients. Mean blood metal ion levels were significantly higher after spinal fusion surgery (MD 0.56, 95% CI 0.17-0.96; I2=86%). Specifically, titanium levels were significantly elevated (MD 0.81, 95% CI 0.32-1.30; I2=47%). The odds of elevated blood metal ions were higher after surgery (OR 8.17, 95% CI 3.38-19.72; I2=41%), primarily driven by chromium (OR 23.50, 95% CI 5.56-99.31; I2=30%). The incidence of elevated chromium levels was found to be 66.98% (95% CI 42.31-91.65). CONCLUSION: In conclusion, blood metal ion levels, particularly titanium and chromium, were significantly increased after spinal fusion surgery compared to presurgery levels and healthy controls. Approximately 70% of the patients exhibited elevated blood levels of chromium and titanium.

Incidence and risk factors of distal adjacent disc degeneration in adolescent idiopathic scoliosis patients undergoing fusion surgery: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

PURPOSE: The objective of this meta-analysis was to determine the incidence of disc degeneration in patients with surgically treated adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) and identify the associated risk factors. METHODS: PubMed, EMBASE, Scopus, and Cochrane Collaboration Library databases were searched. The outcomes of interest were the incidence of disc degeneration, SRS-22, and radiological risk factors. The lower instrumented vertebra (LIV) was also evaluated. Fixed effects were used if there was no evidence of heterogeneity. Statistical analysis was performed using Review Manager. RESULTS: A meta-analysis was conducted including nine studies with a total of 565 patients. The analysis revealed that the global incidence of intervertebral disc degeneration in patients with surgically treated AIS patients was 24.78% (95% CI 16.59-32.98%) 10 years after surgery, which significantly increased to 32.32% (95% CI 21.16-43.47% at an average of 13.8 years after surgery. Among patients with significant degenerative disc changes, the SRS-22 functional, self-image, and satisfaction domains showed significantly worse results (MD - 0.25, 95% CI - 0.44 to - 0.05; MD - 0.50, 95% CI - 0.75 to - 0.25; and MD - 0.34, 95% CI - 0.66 to - 0.03, respectively). Furthermore, instrumentation at or above the L3 level was associated with a lower incidence of intervertebral disc degeneration compared to instrumentation below the L3 level (OR 0.25, 95% CI 0.10-0.64). It was also found that the preoperative and final follow-up lumbar curve magnitudes (MD 8.11, 95% CI 3.82-12.41) as well as preoperative and final follow-up lumbar lordosis (MD 0.42, 95% CI - 3.81 to 4.65) were associated with adjacent disc degeneration. CONCLUSIONS: This meta-analysis demonstrated that the incidence of intervertebral disc degeneration significantly increased with long-term follow-up using fusion techniques, reaching up to 32% when patients were 28 years of age. Incomplete correction of deformity and fusion of levels below L3, were identified as negative prognostic factors. Furthermore, patients with disc degeneration showed worse functional outcomes.

The Best Current Research on Patellar Tendinopathy: A Review of Published Meta-Analyses.

Patellar tendinopathy is a frequent overuse injury in sports that can cause significant pain and disability. It requires evidence-based guidelines on effective prevention and management. However, optimal treatments remain uncertain. We aimed to analyze available meta-analyses to summarize treatment recommendations, compare therapeutic modalities, examine included trials, and offer methodological suggestions to improve future systematic reviews. Meta-analyses were systematically searched for in PubMed (PROSPERO: CRD42023457963). A total of 21 meta-analyses were included. The AMSTAR-2 scale assessed study quality, which was low, with only 23.8% of the meta-analyses being of moderate quality, and none were considered to be of high quality. Heterogeneous outcomes are reported. Multiple platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections appear superior to eccentric exercises and provide lasting improvements compared to eccentric exercises when conservative treatments fail. Extracorporeal shockwave therapy (ESWT) also seems superior to non-operative options and similar to surgery for patellar tendinopathy in the long term. However, evidence for eccentric exercise efficacy remains unclear due to inconclusive findings. Preliminary findings also emerged for genetic risk factors and diagnostic methods but require further confirmation. This review reveals a lack of high-quality evidence on optimal patellar tendinopathy treatments. While PRP and ESWT show promise, limitations persist. Further rigorous meta-analyses and trials are needed to strengthen the evidence base and guide clinical practice. Methodological enhancements are proposed to improve future meta-analyses.

Efficacy and Safety of the Extreme Lateral Interbody Fusion (XLIF) Technique in Spine Surgery: Meta-Analysis of 1409 Patients.

(1) Objectives: The objective of this study was to quantify the exact clinical-radiological efficacy and safety of the extreme lateral interbody fusion (XLIF) technique in spinal surgery; (2) Methods: A meta-analysis was performed using PubMed, Embase, Scopus, and Cochrane Collaboration Library. Studies focusing on patients surgically treated with XLIF were included. The outcomes were as follows: visual analog scale (VAS) and Oswestry disability index (ODI), radiological outcomes, and adverse events. Cohort studies and case series were also included. Clinical outcomes were assessed at 12 months of age. Data were combined using Review Manager 5.4 and WebPlotDigitizer 13.1.4; (3) Results: Nineteen studies with a pool of 1409 patients were included in this meta-analysis. Leg pain VAS and back pain VAS significantly improved at 12 months (SMD 2.75, 95% CI 0.59-4.90; SMD 4.54, 95% CI 1.39-7.69). ODI showed significant improvement (MD 32.51, 95% CI 24.01-41.00) at 12 months. Disc height increased significantly (SMD -2.73, 95% CI -3.58 to -1.88). Lumbar lordosis and segmental lordosis were significantly corrected postoperatively (MD -2.44, 95% CI -3.45 to -1.43; MD -2.55, 95% CI -3.61 to -1.48). The fusion rates at 12 months ranged from 85.0% to 93.3%. The most frequent complications were transient neurological conditions (2.2%), hardware failure (1.9%), and transient pain (1.8%). The most frequent serious complications were nerve root injury (1.0%), gastrointestinal impairment (0.7%), and vertebral fractures (0.6%); (4) Conclusions: This is the first meta-analysis of the specific use of XLIF in spinal surgery. This study demonstrates that the XLIF technique in spine surgery is associated with good clinical and radiological results and a low complication rate.

Impact of prior spinal fusion surgery on complications and functional outcomes following total hip arthroplasty: an updated systematic review and meta-analysis.

PURPOSE: This study aimed to compare the complication rates and functional outcomes between patients with and without a history of spinal fusion undergoing THA. METHODS: A systematic search was conducted across PubMed, EMBASE, Scopus, and Cochrane databases. Studies that compared adults with and without a history of spinal fusion after primary THA were included. The methodological quality of the studies was evaluated using MINORS criteria. Meta-analyses were performed utilizing mean differences (MD), standardized mean differences (SMD), and odds ratios (OR), along with 95% confidence intervals (CI). RESULTS: Seventeen studies involving 1,789,356 patients (31,786 in the SF group and 1,757,570 in the Non-SF group) were analyzed. The spinal fusion group exhibited significantly higher rates of dislocation (OR 2.50, 95% CI 1.78-3.52), periprosthetic fracture (OR 1.96, 95% CI 1.39-2.77), overall complications (OR 1.73, 95% CI 1.10-2.71), and revision rates (OR 1.86, 95% CI 1.74-1.99). Furthermore, within the first three months, there was an increased risk of dislocation (OR 4.38, 95% CI 1.36-14.14) and revisions (OR 3.87, 95% CI 1.63-9.18). Longer spinal fusions were significantly associated with a higher risk of dislocations (OR 0.62, 95% CI 0.53-0.71). Additionally, prior spinal fusion was linked to higher levels of pain (SMD 0.11, 95% CI 0.02-0.19) and poorer functional outcomes (MD - 0.09, 95% CI - 0.18 to - 0.00). CONCLUSIONS: Patients with a history of spinal fusion undergoing THA exhibit increased complication rates, higher levels of pain, and greater functional limitations than those without prior fusion. These findings have significant clinical implications for optimizing perioperative care in high-risk patient populations.

Efficacy and safety of arthroscopy in femoroacetabular impingement syndrome: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials.

This study aimed to compare the efficacy and safety of arthroscopy with physiotherapy or joint lavage in patients with femoroacetabular impingement (FAI). A meta-analysis using PubMed, Embase, Scopus, and the Cochrane Collaboration Library databases was performed in September 2022. We included studies focusing on patients with FAI who underwent arthroscopic surgery versus those who underwent physiotherapy or arthroscopic lavage. The outcomes were functional scores (iHOT-33 and HOS ADL) and adverse events. Randomized clinical trials were included in the study. The risk of bias in each study was assessed according to Cochrane guidelines for clinical trials. The data were combined using Review Manager version 5.4. (PROSPERO CRD42022375273). Six RCTs were included, from a pool of 839 patients (407 females). The iHOT-33 and HOS ADL scales showed significant differences at 12 months in favor of the arthroscopy group (MD, 10.65; 95% CI 6.54-4.76) and (MD, 8.09; 95% CI 3.11-13.07). MCID was not achieved through arthroscopy in functional variables. The rates of osteoarthritis (OR, 6.18; 95% CI 1.06-36.00) and numbness (OR, 73.73; 95% CI 10.00-43.92) were significantly higher in the arthroscopy group. Arthroscopic surgery showed statistical superiority over the control group without exceeding the MCID in most studies; however, the results might have been influenced by secondary variables. Finally, arthroscopic surgery results in a high rate of conversion to osteoarthritis.

Management and Outcomes of Hip Fractures in Lower Limb Amputees: A Case Series.

Background: Hip fractures in amputees pose a significant challenge for the orthopedic surgeon due to technical difficulties and there is no standardisation in their management. Their treatment is consequently left to the surgeon's ingenuity. The aim of this study is to describe the clinical characteristics and outcome of a series of hip fractures in lower limb amputees. Methods: A total of 12 patients and 15 hip fractures in lower limb amputees were included. Amputations below the malleoli and prosthetic surgery due to osteoarthritis constitute the exclusion criteria. Demographic, amputation-related and fracture data as well as radiological, functional, and clinical outcomes were collected through the patients' medical records. Results: Age at fracture and at amputation were different depending on the cause of amputation. Most patients (10/12) were male. Seven patients had an infracondylar amputation and five patients had a supracondylar amputation. Ten hip fractures were on the same side of the amputation, three were contralateral and one was bilateral. Pertrochanteric (6/15) and subcapital (5/15) were the main types observed. Different traction methods and surgical procedures were used. We observed no significant differences in terms of outcome regardless of the fracture, traction method, and surgical management. No complications related to surgery or during follow-up were found. Mortality at one year postoperatively was absent. Conclusion: Provided an experienced orthopaedic surgeon, a pre-operative assessment, a comprehensive surgical planning, and a multidisciplinary rehabilitation strategy are present; a satisfactory outcome is to be expected.

Arthroscopic vs. Open-Ankle Arthrodesis on Fusion Rate in Ankle Osteoarthritis Patients: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Although open surgery is the conventional option for ankle arthritis, there are some reports in the literature regarding the use of the arthroscopy procedure with outstanding results. The primary purpose of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to analyze the effect of the surgery technique (open-ankle arthrodesis vs. arthroscopy) in patients with ankle osteoarthritis. Three electronic databases (PubMed, Web of Science, and Scopus) were searched until 10 April 2023. The Cochrane Collaboration's risk-of-bias tool was used to assess the risk of bias and grading of the recommendations assessment, development, and evaluation system for each outcome. The between-study variance was estimated using a random-effects model. A total of 13 studies (including n = 994 participants) met the inclusion criteria. The meta-analysis results revealed a nom-significant (p = 0.072) odds ratio (OR) of 0.54 (0.28-1.07) for the fusion rate. Regarding operation time, a non-significant difference (p = 0.573) among both surgical techniques was found (mean differences (MD) = 3.40 min [-11.08 to 17.88]). However, hospital length stay and overall complications revealed significant differences (MD = 2.29 days [0.63 to 3.95], p = 0.017 and OR = 0.47 [0.26 to 0.83], p = 0.016), respectively. Our findings showed a non-statistically significant fusion rate. On the other hand, operation time was similar among both surgical techniques, without significant differences. Nevertheless, lower hospital stay was found in patients that were operated on with arthroscopy. Finally, for the outcome of overall complications, the ankle arthroscopy technique was a protective factor in comparison with open surgery.

Efficacy of perioperative gabapentin use in patients with idiopathic scoliosis undergoing fusion surgery: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

PURPOSE: This study aimed to assess whether the perioperative use of gabapentin was associated with decreased opioid use. METHODS: A meta-analysis was performed using PubMed, Embase, Scopus, and Cochrane Library. The randomized clinical trials included were focused on patients with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis who underwent posterior fusion surgery and were treated with gabapentin versus placebo medicine. The primary outcomes were opioid consumption at 24, 48, 72, and 96 h; time to introduction of oral medication, length of hospital stay, and period of urinary catheterization were also recorded. Data were combined using the Review Manager 5.4 software. RESULTS: Four randomized clinical trials with a pool of 196 adolescent patients (mean age: 14.8 ± 2.0 years) were included. At 24 and 48 h after surgery, opioid consumption was significantly lower in the gabapentin group: (standardized mean difference [SMD]: -0.50; 95% confidence interval [CI] - 0.79 to - 0.22) and (SMD: - 0.59; 95% CI - 0.88 to - 0.30), respectively. At 72 and 96 h, there were no significant differences between studies: (SMD: - 0.19; 95% CI - 0.52 to 0.13) and (SMD: 0.12; 95% CI - 0.25 to 0.50), respectively. Regarding the administration type, there were significant differences in favor of the 15 mg/kg subgroup with 600 mg at 48 h (SMD: - 0.69; 95% CI - 1.08 to - 0.30). There were no significant differences concerning the time to introduction of oral medication (MD: - 0.08; 95% CI - 0.39 to 0.23), hospitalization time (MD: - 0.12; 95% CI - 0.40 to 0.16), or period of urinary catheterization (SMD: - 0.27; 95% CI - 0.58 to 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Gabapentin decreased opioid consumption during the first 48 h. Doses of 15 mg/kg showed superiority in reducing opioid consumption in the first 48 h. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE I: Diagnostic: individual cross-sectional studies with consistently applied reference standard and blinding.

Incidence and risk factors for complex regional pain syndrome in radius fractures: meta-analysis.

PURPOSE: This meta-analysis aimed to evaluate the incidence and risk factors for complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) in radius fractures. METHODS: The meta-analysis was performed using the PubMed, Embase, Scopus, and Cochrane Collaboration Library databases. Studies focusing on patients with conservative or surgically treated radius fractures leading to CRPS were included. A control group consisting of patients with radius fractures and no CRPS (-) was included. The outcome measures were incidence and risk factors. Comparative studies were also included. Data were combined using Review Manager 5.4. RESULTS: Out of 610 studies, nine studies were included. The incidence of CRPS after radius fractures ranged from 0.19 to 13.63% (95% CI: 11.12-16.15%). Open fractures, high-energy mechanisms in radial head fractures, and associations with ulnar fractures were risk factors for CRPS [(RR: 0.98; 95% CI: 0.97-1.00), (RR: 0.18; 95% CI: 0.07-0.47), and (RR: 1.25; 95% CI: 1.17-1.35), respectively]. Other risk factors were female sex and high body mass index [(RR: 1.20; 95% CI: 1.05-1.37) and (MD: 1.17; 95% CI: 0.45-1.88)]. Psychiatric factors also increased the incidence of CRPS (RR: 2.04; 95% CI: 1.83-2.28). On the other hand, the type of surgery (external fixation or open reduction and internal fixation) and manipulations; associated comorbidities (diabetes and hypertension) together with tobacco and alcohol abuse; marital status, educational level, employment status, and socioeconomic status were not risk factors (p > 0.05). CONCLUSION: The incidence of CRPS in radius fractures was 13.63%. Fractures with greater complexity or greater associated tissue damage, female sex, high BMI, and psychiatric disorders were risk factors for the development of CRPS. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Meta-analysis of cohort and case series studies; II.

Fusionless All-Pedicle Screws for Posterior Deformity Correction in AIS Immature Patients Permit the Restoration of Normal Vertebral Morphology and Removal of the Instrumentation Once Bone Maturity Is Reached.

The aim of this study was to report the restoration of normal vertebral morphology and the absence of curve progression after the removal of instrumentation in AIS patients that underwent posterior correction of the deformity by a common all-screws construct without fusion. A series of 36 AIS immature patients (Risser 3 or less) were included in the study. Instrumentation was removed once the maturity stage was complete (Risser 5). The curve correction was assessed pre- and postoperatively, before instrumentation removal, directly post-removal, and more than two years after instrumentation was removed. Epiphyseal vertebral growth modulation was assessed by the coronal wedging ratio (WR) at the apical level of the main curve (MC). The mean preoperative coronal Cobb was corrected from 53.7° ± 7.5 to 5.5° ± 7.5° (89.7%) at the immediate postop. After implant removal (31.0 ± 5.8 months), the MC was 13.1°. T5-T12 kyphosis showed significant improvement from 19.0° before curve correction to 27.1° after implant removal (p < 0.05). Before surgery, the WR was 0.71 ± 0.06, and after removal, 0.98 ± 0.08 (p < 0.001). At the end of the follow-up, the mean sagittal range of motion (ROM) of the T12-S1 segment was 51.2 ± 21.0°. The SRS-22 scores improved from 3.31 ± 0.25 preoperatively to 3.68 ± 0.25 at the final assessment (p < 0.001). In conclusion, a fusionless posterior approach using common all-pedicle screws correctly constructed satisfactory scoliotic main curves and permitted the removal of instrumentation once bone maturity was reached. The final correction was highly satisfactory, and an acceptable ROM of the previously lower instrumented segments was observed.

U-blade gamma 3 vs. gamma 3 nails for intertrochanteric hip fracture: Meta-analysis.

Background and Objective: Intertrochanteric fracture is a growing problem in the traumatology department. The use of intramedullary devices has increased, representing the first treatment option in intertrochanteric fractures. U-Blade devices appeared to avoid rotation of the femoral head over the femoral neck. The aim of this study was to conduct a meta-analysis of the surgical treatment of intertrochanteric fractures comparing in terms of safety and efficacy the U-Blade Gamma 3 nail vs. the conventional Gamma 3 nail. Methods: A literature search for intertrochanteric fracture 31A1-31A3 according to the AO foundation/orthopaedic trauma association (AO/OTA) classification was performed. Baseline characteristics of each article were obtained; radiological outcomes were tip apex distance (TAD), sliding distance (mm), cut-out rate, and lateralization rate. Surgery time (min) was also recorded. A meta-analysis was performed with ReviewManager 5.4. Results: Five retrospective studies (n = 993 patients) were included. With respect to TAD and sliding distance, there were no differences between two groups [mean difference (MD) 0.47, 95% confidence interval (CI), -0.46 to 1.40] and (MD 0.39, 95% CI, 0.13-0.66). The cut-out rate and lateralization rate did not show differences between two groups (p > 0.05). Finally, surgery time was significantly higher in the U-Blade Gamma 3 group (MD -4.84, 95% CI, -7.22 to -2.46). Conclusions: The use of U-Blade Gamma 3 did not show significant differences in the radiological results compared with the conventional Gamma 3 nail.

Meta-analysis of the efficacy of ketamine in postoperative pain control in adolescent idiopathic scoliosis patients undergoing spinal fusion.

PURPOSE: In this meta-analysis, we aim to compare ketamine use versus a control group (saline solution) during induction of anesthesia in adolescent idiopathic scoliosis patients undergoing fusion surgery in terms of postoperative opioid consumption, pain control, and side effects. METHODS: A PubMed search of studies published over the last 20 years using the descriptor/terms "ketamine AND scoliosis" was performed. Baseline characteristics of each article were obtained and efficacy measures analyzed (morphine equivalent treatment at 24, 48, and 72 h postoperatively, complications (vomiting/nausea and pruritus), length of hospital stay (days); and pain score (VAS)) (Review Manager 5.4 software package). RESULTS: Five randomized clinical trials were included. Morphine administration showed statistically significant differences at 24 and 48 h (MD - 0.15, 95% CI - 0.18 to - 0.12) and (MD - 0.26, 95% CI - 0.31 to - 0.21) between the ketamine and control (saline solution), respectively. No intergroup differences were found regarding nausea/vomiting and pruritus (OR 0.77, 95% CI 0.35 to 1.67) and (OR 0.71, 95% CI 0.31 to 1.62), respectively, same as for the pain score (MD - 0.75, 95% CI - 1.71 to 0.20). CONCLUSIONS: The use intraoperative and postoperative continuous low doses of ketamine significantly reduces opioid use throughout the first 48 h in patients with AIS who undergo posterior spinal fusion.

Surgical treatment of pycnodysostosis associated with pathological tibial fracture : Case report and review of the literature.

BACKGROUND: Pycnodysostosis is a rare autosomal recessive lysosomal disorder of bone characterized by diffuse skeletal condensation with thickening of the cortex and narrowing of the medullary canal. CASE PRESENTATION: We present the case of a 4-year-old girl diagnosed with pycnodysostosis and associated pathological tibial fracture. The tibia had an absence of medullary canal. Surgery included reduction and reaming of the canal with placement of a 5 mm diameter telescopic growing nail. CONCLUSION: The presentation of pycnodysostosis as tibial fracture is rare and there is limited literature on its management. We showed its approach focusing mainly on the management of the absent medullary canal.

Pulse-train versus single-pulse t-EMG stimulation for intraoperative neurophysiologic monitoring of thoracic pedicle screws in adolescent idiopathic scoliosis.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the PTS method in neuromonitoring of thoracic pedicle screws in a young cohort of AIS patients. The accuracy of both PTS (Pulse-train stimulation) and SPS (Single-pulse stimulation) techniques in the detection of misplaced thoracic screws was compared with special reference to the screws placed at the concavity and the convexity of the curve. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A single-center prospective clinical cohort study. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE II: Twelve AIS patients who underwent elective surgery were included in this study. Screw stimulation using repetitive constant-current stimulus train of variable intensities was first performed after screw insertion. SPS was performed immediately after PTS. Postoperatively, CT scan was used to check the final position of the screws. A total of 246 thoracic pedicle screws were placed. Thresholds of screws placed in the convexity and the concavity were compared. RESULTS: Invasion of the spinal canal was postoperatively confirmed in 29 of the pedicle screws. The SPS technique detected three (10.3%) of these screws using a threshold limit of 12 mA. The PTS technique detected 25 (86.2%) of the 29 misplaced screws using threshold of 30 mA (negative predictive value, 93.1%). When using a PTS threshold of < 20 mA, the positive predictive value was 70%. SPS did not detect any of the misplaced screws at the apex level of the scoliotic curves, and PTS detected 10 out of 17 of these screws. Overall, area under the ROC curve was 0.82 for PTS and 0.61 for SPS. CONCLUSIONS: PTS is a reliable method for detecting medially misplaced screws among young AIS patients undergoing scoliosis surgery. PTS provides more accurate predictions than SPS and improves the identification of screws invading the spinal canal at the apex or near the apex levels.

Distal chevron osteotomy versus different operative procedures for hallux valgus correction: a meta-analysis.

INTRODUCTION: Distal chevron osteotomy is commonly used for the operative treatment of hallux valgus (HV). However, there are several operative procedures that can be used to treat HV. The aim of this meta-analysis was to compare the efficacy of distal chevron osteotomy with different operative procedures. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A systematic search was conducted using the MEDLINE and EMBASE databases to identify randomized clinical trials (RCTs). The variables were radiological (hallux metatarsal phalangeal angle [HVA] and intermetatarsal angle [IMA]) and clinical (American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society Score [AOFAS]). Heterogeneity was assessed with chi2 and I2 statistics. A random effects model was used for significant heterogeneity. Publication bias was evaluated with funnel plots. RESULTS: Ten studies involving 985 patients were evaluated in the meta-analysis. Distal chevron osteotomy was associated with a mean IMA correction 2.18° greater than the scarf procedure (MD - 2.18; 95% CI - 3.67, - 0.69; p = 0.004; I2 = 0%). In addition, the proximal chevron was associated with a mean IMA correction 1.08° greater than the distal chevron (MD - 1.08; 95% CI - 1.86, - 0.29; p = 0.007; I2 = 0%). The AOFAS assessment showed an overall advantage of 3.2 points in favor of the Lingdren group compared with distal chevron osteotomy (MD 3.20; 95% CI 0.37, 6.04; p = 0.03; I2 = 0%). CONCLUSIONS: Our findings indicate that distal chevron osteotomy provides a greater HVA correction than scarf osteotomy, and proximal chevron provides a larger IMA correction than distal chevron osteotomy. Lingdren osteotomy provides a greater AOFAS correction than distal chevron osteotomy. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level I, meta-analysis.

High Rate of Studies with Level 1 and 2 Evidence among the 100 Most Cited Articles in Lumbar Spinal Stenosis.

BACKGROUND: To date, no study has used bibliometric analysis to review the most influential articles in lumbar spinal stenosis. The objective of this study was to identify and analyze the characteristics and the level of evidence of the 100 most cited articles on lumbar spinal stenosis METHODS: The Thomson Reuters Web of Science was accessed to find the 100 most cited articles on lumbar spinal stenosis. For each article, we recorded the number and density of citations, authors, country, journals and years, department, level of evidence, type of study, and if it was part of any multicenter studies. RESULTS: Until January 2017, the 100 most cited articles accumulated 11,136 citations (average: 259.05/y), ranging individually between 442 and 50 (average: 111.36). The first reference was published in 1974 in Clinical Orthopaedics and Related Research. Therapeutic studies (n = 40), the 1990s (n = 46), United States as country of origin (n = 51), Harvard University as institution (n = 16), Katz JN as author (n = 10), and Spine as journal (n = 48) have the hegemony. Many were multicenter (n = 42) and using level 2 evidence (n = 49). There is an inverse relationship between citation index and long-standing studies, maintenance of those most cited, and a temporary advance toward better levels of evidence. CONCLUSION: This bibliometric analysis reveals a good level of evidence in the published clinical series and includes 100 articles useful for the approach of lumbar spinal stenosis.

Safety and utility of implant removal after percutaneous osteosynthesis of type A thoracolumbar and lumbar fracture.

INTRODUCTION: Implant removal represents almost one third of all elective surgeries in orthopedics. There is no consensus regarding the time and need to remove the implants after vertebral fractures consolidation. The aim of this study was to assess the clinical and radiological effects of implant removal in patients with vertebral type A fracture who underwent a percutaneous intervention. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We evaluated 31 patients (mean age of 38.2±7.5 years) with thoracolumbar vertebral fracture (T11-L5) who underwent implant removal surgery after 24 months of fracture first surgery by a percutaneous approach. Inclusion criteria focused on patients' preferences. The radiological parameters included fracture angle, initial sagittal index, compression percentage, degree displacement and deformation angle. The clinical variables included Visual Analog Scale and Oswestry Disability index. RESULTS: There was no significant correction loss after removal surgery (before surgery and after 24 months): Fracture angle (16.8±0.5 vs 17.1±0.5; p˃0.05), initial sagittal index (12.5±0.5 vs 12.7±0.5; p˃0.05), kyphotic deformity (17.5±0.6 vs 17.8±0.7; p˃0.05), compression percentage (35.6±0.8 vs 36.0±0.7; p˃0.05), degree displacement (4.4±0.4 vs 4.5±0.3; p˃0.05) and deformation angle (23.0±0.7 vs 23.1±0.7; p˃0.05). Patients who presented symptoms before the surgery showed better Visual Analog Scale (1.2±0.6 pre vs 0.6±0.3 post, p˂0.05) and Oswestry Disability Index (20.1±6.8 pre vs 15.7±0.5, p˂0.05). No complications were reported. DISCUSSION: Routine implant removal in patients undergoing a percutaneous approach to vertebral type A fracture is a safe technique and is associated with good clinical results without loss of radiological correction. In addition, this procedure could be indicated to patients who manifest symptoms since there is a clinical-radiological benefit. LEVEL OF PROOF: II; A multicenter prospective cohort study.

Accuracy of t-EMG stimulation of the middle pedicle track to prevent radiculopathies as a result of misplaced lumbar screws.

OBJECTIVE: To describe the accuracy of middle pedicle track stimulation for the detection of pedicle breaches causing misplaced lumbar screws and subsequent neurological symptoms. PATIENTS AND METHODS: In a comparative observational study with two cohorts, 1440 lumbar pedicle screws were implanted using the freehand technique in 242 patients undergoing surgery for spinal deformities. In the first two-year period (2011-2012), the accuracy of screw placement (802 screws) was assessed by conventional intraoperative palpation of the pedicle track, t-EMG screw stimulation, and fluoroscopic monitoring. In the second period (2012-2013), the middle aspect of the lumbar pedicle tracks was systematically stimulated with a probe (638 screws). When thresholds in the middle track showed <9 mA, potential neurological risk was considered, and therefore, new pedicle tracks were performed. RESULTS: Six patients (4.4 %) in the first period presented postoperative radicular pain and a normal intraoperative screw t-EMG threshold. CT scans showed seven screws (0.9 %) with >2-mm medial-caudal invasion of the foramen. Before screw removal, t-EMG thresholds of these screws were again normal (≥10 mA). After removal of the screws. t-EMG of the middle part of the pedicle track showed thresholds below 9 mA (mean 5.2 mA). In the second period, the pedicle tracks were systematically stimulated. Low t-EMG thresholds (<9 mA) were found in 11 tracks (1.7 %) and were therefore reworked before screw placement. CT scans in these 10 patients showed that all of the 11 screws were correctly repositioned. CONCLUSIONS: This study shows that caudal or medial pedicle cortical breaches can be detected effectively by stimulating the middle part of the pedicle track. This technique is strongly recommended to prevent postoperative lumbar radiculopathies due to screw malposition.