Dry Eye Assessment of Patients Undergoing Endoscopic Dacryocystorhinostomy for Nasolacrimal Duct Obstruction Combined with Dry Eye Syndrome.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the prevalence of dry eye symptoms after endoscopic dacryocystorhinostomy (EDCR) for patients with primary acquired nasolacrimal duct obstruction (PANDO) combined with dry eye syndrome. METHODS: The patients diagnosed with PANDO combined with dry eye syndrome who underwent EDCR were divided into two groups according to the questionnaire about dry eye symptoms after surgery. The medical records were retrospectively analyzed. Before and after surgery, we compared the tear meniscus height, tear breakup time, and the presence of corneal punctuate epithelial erosion. The level of dry eyes of patients after surgery was assessed by using the Korean guidelines for the diagnosis of dry eye. RESULTS: At 6 months after EDCR, the proportion of patients with dry eye symptoms was 30% in a total of 80 patients. The duration of epiphora and tear breakup time after EDCR were higher in the group without dry eye symptoms and the proportion of eyes with corneal punctuate epithelial erosion after EDCR was higher in the group with dry eye symptoms. About 15% of total patients started treatment with a dry eye of level 2 or higher. CONCLUSIONS: About 15% of patients who underwent EDCR for PANDO combined with dry eye syndrome developed significant dry eye syndrome after surgery. The short onset of epiphora was associated with the development of the dry eye symptoms. Therefore, it is necessary to evaluate dry eye syndrome before surgery, and surgeons should be careful about this.

Incidence and management of dural tears in full-endoscopic unilateral laminotomies for bilateral lumbar decompression.

PURPOSE: To report incidence of dural lacerations in lumbar endoscopic unilateral laminotomy for bilateral decompression (LE-ULBD) and to describe patient outcomes following a novel full-endoscopic bimanual durotomy repair. METHODS: Retrospective review of prospectively collected database including 5.5 years of single surgeon experience with LE-ULBD. Patients with no durotomy were compared with patients who experienced intraoperative durotomy, including demographics, ASA score, prior surgery, number of levels treated, procedure time, hospital length of stay (LOS), visual analogue scale, perioperative complications, revision surgeries, use of analgesics, and Oswestry Disability Index (ODI). RESULTS: In total, 13/174 patients (7.5%) undergoing LE-ULBD experienced intraoperative durotomy. No significant differences in demographic, clinical or operative variables were identified between the 2 groups. Sustaining a durotomy increased LOS (p = 0.0019); no differences in perioperative complications or rate of revision surgery were identified. There was no difference in minimally clinically important difference for ODI between groups (65.6% for no durotomy versus 55.6% for durotomy, p = 0.54). CONCLUSION: In this cohort, sustaining a durotomy increased LOS but, with accompanying intraoperative repair, did not significantly affect rate of complications, revision surgery or functional outcomes. Our method of bimanual endoscopic dural repair provides an effective approach for repair of dural lacerations in interlaminar ULBD cases.

[ACUTE INJURY TO FLEXOR TENDONS OF THE HAND: ASSESSMENT, DIAGNOSIS AND TREATMENT].

INTRODUCTION: Hand lacerations are common injuries seen by the primary care physician. Even seemingly small cuts carry a high risk of injury to flexor tendons of the hand which requires surgical treatment by a specialist. Elucidation of the relevant history, along with a dedicated and focused physical examination is imperative for an early intervention which, along with a meticulous surgical technique and dedicated rehabilitation by occupational therapists, will lead to a much improved functional prognosis for the patient. This is a brief review of the anatomy and physiology of flexor tendons injury and repair, with historical milestones of developments in the approach to the injury. The article also highlights the surgical procedure brought forth by the late Professor Isidor Kessler, one of the founders of surgery of the hand in Israel, presented here as an overview and guidance to the primary care physician.

Epidemiology and Management of Oculoplastic Disorders at a Tertiary Hospital: A 4-Year Review.

PURPOSE: To describe the epidemiology and management of oculoplastic disorders at a tertiary hospital in Nigeria. METHODS: This was a retrospective review of patients with oculoplastic disorders at the Department of Ophthalmology, Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospitals Complex, IleIfe, Nigeria from January 2013 to December 2016. The general ophthalmology service records were reviewed to identify patients with oculoplastic disorders. Data retrieved from patient records included date of initial visit, age at presentation, gender, oculoplastic diagnosis and aetiology, modality of treatment given, and indications for patient referrals. RESULTS: There were 563 (7.4%) patients with oculoplastic disorders, out of 7,575 ophthalmology department patients. They had 573 oculoplastic disorders in all. There were 281 (49.9%) males and 282 (50.1%) females. The median age at presentation was 28 years (range, 1 day to 100 years). Eyelid laceration (n=68; 11.9%) and chalazion (n=63; 11%) were the commonest disorders. Trauma (n=125; 21.8%) was the commonest aetiology, followed by inflammatory (n=121; 21.1%) and infective (n=108; 18.8%) causes. There were 162 (28.3%) surgical interventions; eyelid repair (n=67; 41.4%) was the commonest, followed by evisceration (n=25; 15.4%), and excisional biopsy (n=25; 15.4%). No patient had ptosis or lacrimal surgery. Orbital disorders (n=21; 42.9%) were the commonest indication for a referral elsewhere. CONCLUSION: Eyelid laceration was the commonest oculoplastic disorder, trauma was the commonest aetiology, and eyelid repair was the commonest oculoplastic surgery done. Further training in oculoplastics with emphasis on ptosis, lacrimal and orbital surgery, as well as the provision of equipment needed for optimal oculoplastic service delivery are recommended.

OBJECTIF: Décrire l'épidémiologie et la gestion des troubles oculoplastiques dans un hôpital tertiaire du Nigeria. MÉTHODES: Il s'agissait d'un examen rétrospectif des patients atteints de troubles oculoplastiques au département d'ophtalmologie, Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospitals Complex, Ile-Ife, Nigeria, de janvier 2013 à décembre 2016. Les dossiers du service d'ophtalmologie générale ont été examinés afin d'identifier les patients souffrant de troubles oculoplastiques. Les données extraites des dossiers des patients comprenaient la date de la première visite, l'âge au moment de la présentation, le sexe, le diagnostic oculoplastique et l'étiologie, la modalité du traitement administré et les indications pour le renvoi des patients. RÉSULTATS: 563 (7,4 %) des 7 575 patients du service d'ophtalmologie présentaient des troubles oculoplastiques. Ils présentaient 573 troubles oculoplastiques au total. Il y avait 281 (49,9%) hommes et 282 (50,1%) femmes. L'âge médian à la présentation était de 28 ans (intervalle de 1 jour à 100 ans). Paupière (n=68 ; 11,9%) et le chalazion (n=63 ; 11%) étaient les troubles les plus courants. Le traumatisme (n=125 ; 21,8%) était l'étiologie la plus fréquente, suivie par les causes inflammatoires (n=121 ; 21,1%) et infectieuses (n=108 ; 18,8%). Il y a eu 162 (28,8 %) interventions chirurgicales ; la réparation de la paupière (n=67 ; 41,4 %) était la plus courante, suivie de l'éviscération (n=25 ; 15,4%) et de la biopsie excisionnelle (n=25 ; 15,4%). Aucun patient n'a subi de ptose ou de chirurgie lacrymale. Les troubles orbitaux (n=21 ; 42,9%) étaient l'indication la plus fréquente d'un renvoi ailleurs. CONCLUSION: La lacération de la paupière était le trouble oculoplastique le plus courant, le traumatisme était l'étiologie la plus courante et la réparation de la paupière était la chirurgie oculoplastique la plus courante. Il est recommandé de poursuivre la formation en oculoplastie en mettant l'accent sur le ptosis, la chirurgie lacrymale et orbitale, ainsi que de fournir l'équipement nécessaire à une prestation optimale des services oculoplastiques. Mots clés: Troubles oculoplastiques, prévalence, chirurgie, traumatisme.

The Economic Impact of Extensor Tendon Lacerations of the Hand in the United States.

PURPOSE: Extensor tendon lacerations (ETLs) are a common and debilitating injury for thousands of Americans annually. No study has attempted to estimate their economic impact. The objective of this study was to estimate the economic impact of ETLs in America. METHODS: The cost of ETLs to society was estimated using a validated prevalence-based cost of illness model. The primary cohort was defined as all patients with complete ETLs in the United States undergoing surgical repair and, secondarily, the imputed number of patients requiring reoperation within 1 year. For these groups, both direct and indirect costs (lost income, missed workdays, and disability payments) were measured. RESULTS: The total annual direct medical costs amounted to $14,095.28 per injury and 100,000 population. The total annual indirect labor costs were found to range between $80,842.90 and $150,136.82 per injury and 100,000 population. Hence, the estimated total costs of ETLs are $307 million per year in the United States alone and could be as high as $531 million annually depending on the effects of worker absenteeism on the core production-based industries. CONCLUSIONS: Extensor tendon lacerations incur a significant economic burden to our health care system and are more costly when compared with many other common hand conditions. Specifically, indirect costs are the major contributor toward the total cost these injuries incur on society, accounting for an upward of 91% of the total cost. These results suggest efforts be focused on improving rehabilitation protocols and treatments. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level II-economic and decision analyses.

Ex Vivo Biomechanical Assessment of a Novel Multi-Strand Repair of Canine Tendon Lacerations.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to evaluate the effect of increasing the number of suture strands traversing the transection site, level of suture purchase and depth of suture penetrance on the biomechanical properties of repaired gastrocnemius tendons. STUDY DESIGN: Thirty-eight adult cadaveric gastrocnemius tendons were randomized, transected and repaired with either two-, four- or six-strand locking multi-level repair. Tensile loads required to create a 1 and 3 mm gap, yield, peak and failure loads and failure mode were analysed. Significance was set at p < 0.05. RESULTS: Mean ± standard deviation yield, peak and failure force for six-strand repairs was 90.6 ± 22.1 N, 111.4 ± 15.2 N and 110.3 ± 15.1 N respectively. This was significantly greater compared with both four-strand (55.0 ± 8.9 N, 72.9 ± 7.8 N and 72.1 ± 8.2 N) and two-strand repairs (24.7 ± 8.3 N, 36.5 ± 6.0 N and 36.1 ± 6.3 N) respectively (p < 0.001). Occurrence of 3 mm gap formation was significantly less using six-strand repairs (p < 0.001). Mode of failure did not differ between groups with all repairs (36/36; 100%) failing by suture pull-through. CONCLUSION: Pattern modification by increasing the number of suture strands crossing the repair site, increasing points of suture purchase from the transection site and depth of suture penetrance is positively correlated with repair site strength while significantly reducing the occurrence of gap formation in a canine cadaveric model. Additional studies in vivo are recommended to evaluate their effect on tendinous healing, blood supply and glide resistance prior to clinical implementation.

Assessment of skin staples for augmentation of core tenorrhaphy in an ex vivo model of canine superficial digital flexor tendon laceration.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the biomechanical strength and incidence of gap formation among canine superficial digital flexor tendon (SDFT) constructs that underwent core tenorrhaphy only and those in which the core tenorrhaphy was augmented with skin staples or a continuous Silfverskiold cross-stitch (SXS) suture pattern. SAMPLE: 42 cadaveric forelimb SDFTs from 21 musculoskeletally normal dogs. PROCEDURES: Tendons were randomly assigned to 3 groups (14 SDTFs/group), sharply transected, and repaired with a core locking-loop suture alone (group 1) or augmented with circumferential placement of skin staples (group 2) or a continuous SXS suture pattern (group 3) in the epitenon. All constructs underwent a single load-to-failure test. Yield, peak, and failure loads, incidence of gap formation, and mode of failure were compared among the 3 groups. RESULTS: Mean yield, peak, and failure loads differed significantly among experimental groups and were greatest for group 3 and lowest for group 1 constructs. The incidence of gap formation differed among the tested groups and was lowest for group 3 and highest for group 1. The most common mode of construct failure was the suture pulling through the tendon for group 1, staple deformation for group 2, and epitendinous suture breakage for group 3. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Results indicated epitendinous placement of skin staples around a core SDFT tenorrhaphy site improved the biomechanical strength and resistance to gap formation for the repair but was inferior to epitendinous placement of SXS sutures. Further research is necessary before skin staples are used for tenorrhaphy augmentation in clinical patients.

Monocanalicular Stents in Eyelid Lacerations: A Report by the American Academy of Ophthalmology.

PURPOSE: To determine the efficacy and complication rates of monocanalicular stents in the setting of canalicular lacerations. METHODS: A literature search was performed in May 2018 in the PubMed database to identify all English-language reports of monocanalicular stenting to address canalicular lacerations. Studies that did not include at least 10 patients with at least 3 months of follow-up evaluation after surgery were excluded. Ninety-nine articles were identified, and 15 of these met criteria for data abstraction and were included in this assessment. The panel methodologist (V.K.A.) evaluated the quality of evidence and assigned a level-of-evidence rating to each of these studies. RESULTS: All 15 studies were rated as level III evidence. Anatomic and functional success rates after surgery ranged from 68% to 100% and 79% to 100%, respectively. Stents were generally well tolerated, although extrusion rates varied from 0% to 29%. CONCLUSIONS: Only level III evidence was available, and studies were not powered to detect differences between groups for rare complications or failure. Monocanalicular stents seem to be efficacious and well tolerated in the management of canalicular lacerations. Potential complications include extrusion (most commonly), tube displacement, granuloma, ectropion, slit punctum, fistula, and infection. Further comparative studies would help to identify the optimal time for device removal and to directly compare monocanalicular with bicanalicular stents.

A Global Rating Scale and Checklist Instrument for Pediatric Laceration Repair.

Introduction: Laceration repair is a core procedural skill in which pediatric residents are expected to attain proficiency per the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education. Restricted trainee work hours have decreased clinical opportunities for laceration repair, and simulation may be a modality to fill that clinical gap. There is a therefore a need for objective measures of pediatric resident competence in laceration repair. Methods: We created a global rating scale and checklist to assess laceration repair in the pediatric emergency department. We adapted the global rating scale from the Objective Structured Assessment of Technical Skills tool used to evaluate surgical residents' technical skills and adapted the checklist from a mastery training checklist related to infant lumbar puncture. We tested both tools in the pediatric emergency department. Eight supervising physicians used the tools to evaluate 30 residents' technical skills in laceration repair. We performed validation testing of both tools in the simulation environment. Based on formal evaluation, we developed a video to train future evaluators on the use of the global rating scale. Results: The global rating scale and checklist showed fair concordance across reviewers. Both tools received positive feedback from supervising physicians who used them. Discussion: We found that the global rating scale and checklist are more applicable to formative, rather than summative, training for resident laceration repair. We recommend using these educational tools with trainees in the simulation environment prior to trainees performing laceration repairs on actual patients.

A Simple, Reproducible and Low-cost Simulator for Teaching Surgical Techniques to Repair Obstetric Anal Sphincter Injuries.

OBJECTIVE: To describe and evaluate the use of a simple, low-cost, and reproducible simulator for teaching the repair of obstetric anal sphincter injuries (OASIS). METHODS: Twenty resident doctors in obstetrics and gynecology and four obstetricians participated in the simulation. A fourth-degree tear model was created using low-cost materials (condom simulating the rectal mucosa, cotton tissue simulating the internal anal sphincter, and bovine meat simulating the external anal sphincter). The simulator was initially assembled with the aid of anatomical photos to study the anatomy and meaning of each component of the model. The laceration was created and repaired, using end-to-end or overlapping application techniques. RESULTS: The model cost less than R$ 10.00 and was assembled without difficulty, which improved the knowledge of the participants of anatomy and physiology. The sutures of the layers (rectal mucosa, internal sphincter, and external sphincter) were performed in keeping with the surgical technique. All participants were satisfied with the simulation and felt it improved their knowledge and skills. Between 3 and 6 months after the training, 7 participants witnessed severe lacerations in their practice and reported that the simulation was useful for surgical correction. CONCLUSION: The use of a simulator for repair training in OASIS is affordable (low-cost and easy to perform). The simulation seems to improve the knowledge and surgical skills necessary to repair severe lacerations. Further systematized studies should be performed for evaluation.

OBJETIVO: Descrever e avaliar a utilização de um simulador simples, de baixo custo e reprodutível para o ensino de sutura de lacerações perineais de 4° grau. MéTODOS: Participaram da simulação 20 residentes de ginecologia e obstetrícia e quatro profissionais especialistas. Um modelo de laceração de 4° grau foi criado com materiais de baixo custo (preservativo simulando a mucosa retal, tecido de algodão simulando o esfíncter anal interno e carne bovina simulando o esfíncter anal externo). O simulador foi inicialmente montado com ajuda de fotos anatômicas, para estudar a anatomia e o significado de cada componente do modelo. A laceração foi criada e suturada, utilizando técnicas de borda a borda e de sobreposição do esfíncter anal. RESULTADOS: O modelo custou menos de R$ 10,00 e foi montado sem dificuldade, aprimorando os conhecimentos dos participantes sobre anatomia e fisiologia. As suturas das camadas (mucosa retal, esfíncter interno e esfíncter externo) foram realizadas seguindo a técnica cirúrgica. Todos os participantes ficaram satisfeitos com a simulação e consideraram que esta melhorou seus conhecimentos e habilidades. Entre 3 a 6 meses após o treinamento, 7 participantes presenciaram em sua prática lacerações graves e relataram que a simulação foi útil para a correção cirúrgica. CONCLUSãO: A utilização de um simulador para treinamento de sutura de lacerações obstétricas graves é acessível (baixo custo e fácil execução). A simulação parece aprimorar conhecimentos e habilidades cirúrgicas para sutura de lacerações graves. Mais estudos sistematizados devem ser realizados para avaliação.

A simple, reproducible and low-cost simulator for teaching surgical techniques to repair obstetric anal sphincter injuries / Um Simulador simples, reproduzível e de baixo custo para o ensino de técnicas cirúrgicas para reparar lesões obstétricas do esfíncter anal

Abstract Objective To describe and evaluate the use of a simple, low-cost, and reproducible simulator for teaching the repair of obstetric anal sphincter injuries (OASIS). Methods Twenty resident doctors in obstetrics and gynecology and four obstetricians participated in the simulation. A fourth-degree tear model was created using lowcost materials (condom simulating the rectal mucosa, cotton tissue simulating the internal anal sphincter, and bovine meat simulating the external anal sphincter). The simulator was initially assembled with the aid of anatomical photos to study the anatomy and meaning of each component of the model. The laceration was created and repaired, using end-to-end or overlapping application techniques. Results The model cost less than R$ 10.00 and was assembled without difficulty, which improved the knowledge of the participants of anatomy and physiology. The sutures of the layers (rectal mucosa, internal sphincter, and external sphincter) were performed in keeping with the surgical technique. All participants were satisfied with the simulation and felt it improved their knowledge and skills. Between 3 and 6 months after the training, 7 participants witnessed severe lacerations in their practice and reported that the simulation was useful for surgical correction. Conclusion The use of a simulator for repair training in OASIS is affordable (low-cost and easy to perform). The simulation seems to improve the knowledge and surgical skills necessary to repair severe lacerations. Further systematized studies should be performed for evaluation.

Resumo Objetivo Descrever e avaliar a utilização de um simulador simples, de baixo custo e reprodutível para o ensino de sutura de lacerações perineais de 4° grau. Métodos Participaram da simulação 20 residentes de ginecologia e obstetrícia e quatro profissionais especialistas. Um modelo de laceração de 4° grau foi criado com materiais de baixo custo (preservativo simulando a mucosa retal, tecido de algodão simulando o esfíncter anal interno e carne bovina simulando o esfíncter anal externo). O simulador foi inicialmente montado com ajuda de fotos anatômicas, para estudar a anatomia e o significado de cada componente do modelo. A laceração foi criada e suturada, utilizando técnicas de borda a borda e de sobreposição do esfíncter anal. Resultados O modelo custou menos de R$ 10,00 e foi montado sem dificuldade, aprimorando os conhecimentos dos participantes sobre anatomia e fisiologia. As suturas das camadas (mucosa retal, esfíncter interno e esfíncter externo) foram realizadas seguindo a técnica cirúrgica. Todos os participantes ficaram satisfeitos coma simulação e consideraram que estamelhorou seus conhecimentos e habilidades. Entre 3 a 6 meses após o treinamento, 7 participantes presenciaram em sua prática lacerações graves e relataram que a simulação foi útil para a correção cirúrgica. Conclusão A utilização de um simulador para treinamento de sutura de lacerações obstétricas graves é acessível (baixo custo e fácil execução). A simulação parece aprimorar conhecimentos e habilidades cirúrgicas para sutura de lacerações graves. Mais estudos sistematizados devem ser realizados para avaliação.

A retrospective review of 1495 patients with obstetric anal sphincter injuries referred for assessment of function and endoanal ultrasonography.

AIM: Obstetric anal sphincter injuries are a significant risk factor for faecal incontinence. Correct identification and successful primary repair are important. The aim of this study was to review the outcome of all patients, with an obstetric anal sphincter injury, referred to our unit. METHOD: This is a retrospective review of 1495 patients over a 12-year period. All had a third or fourth degree tear and were referred at 4-months postpartum. RESULTS: Endoanal ultrasonography demonstrated residual sphincter defect in 792 (53%) and normal sphincters, with no evidence of repair, in 661 (44%). The majority of injuries involved both the external and internal sphincters (n = 501). Significant reductions in resting pressure and voluntary squeeze pressures were seen when those with a sphincter defect were compared to those with intact sphincters. However, there was no significant difference in the mean (SD) Cleveland Clinic faecal incontinence scores (5.8 (5.8) and 4.3 (5.5), p = 0.8). CONCLUSION: Third and fourth degree tears appear to be over diagnosed. Primary repair appears to be unsuccessful in the majority of cases. There appears to be poor correlation between objective and subjective assessment of sphincter function.

Fingertip Injuries in Children: Epidemiology, Financial Burden, and Implications for Prevention.

BACKGROUND: Although fingertip injuries are common, there is limited literature on the epidemiology and hospital charges for fingertip injuries in children. This descriptive study reports the clinical features of and hospital charges for fingertip injuries in a large pediatric population treated at a tertiary medical center. METHODS: Our hospital database was queried using International Classification of Diseases, Revision 9 (ICD-9) codes, and medical records were reviewed. Frequency statistics were generated for 1807 patients with fingertip injuries who presented to the emergency department (ED) at Boston Children's Hospital (BCH) between 2005 and 2011. Billing records were analyzed for financial data. RESULTS: A total of 1807 patients were identified for this study; 59% were male, and the mean age at time of injury was 8 years. Most commonly, injuries occurred when a finger was crushed (n = 831, 46%) in a door or window. Average length of stay in the ED was 3 hours 45 minutes, 25% of cases needed surgery, and, on average, patients had more than 1 follow-up appointment. About one-third of patients were referred from outside institutions. The average ED charge for fingertip injuries was $1195 in 2014, which would amount to about $320 430 each year (in 2014 dollars) for fingertip injuries presenting to BCH. CONCLUSION: Fingertip injuries in children are common and result in significant burden, yet are mostly preventable. Most injuries occur at home in a door or window. Although these patients generally heal well, fingertip injuries pose a health, time, and financial burden. Increased awareness and education may help to avoid these injuries.

Partial Flexor Tendon Laceration Assessment: Interobserver and Intraobserver Reliability.

Accurate assessment of partial-thickness flexor tendon lacerations in the hand is difficult owing to the subjectivity of evaluation. In this study, we created 12 partial-thickness flexor tendon lacerations in a cadaveric hand, evaluated the accuracy of 6 orthopedic residents and 4 fellowship-trained hand surgeons in estimating the percentage thickness of each laceration, and assessed the groups' interobserver and intraobserver agreement. The 10 participants estimated each laceration independently and on 2 separate occasions and indicated whether they would repair it. The actual thickness of each laceration was calculated from measurements made with a pair of digital microcalipers. Overall estimates differed significantly from calibrated measurements. Estimates grouped by residents and fellowship-trained hand surgeons also differed significantly. Third-year residents were the most accurate residents, and fellowship-trained hand surgeons were more accurate than residents. Overall interobserver agreement was poor for both readings. There was moderate overall intraobserver agreement. Fellowship-trained hand surgeons and first-year residents had the highest intraobserver agreement. These results highlight the difficulty in accurately assessing flexor tendon lacerations. Accuracy appears not to improve with surgeon experience.

Posterior Humeral Avulsion of the Glenohumeral Ligament and Associated Injuries: Assessment Using Magnetic Resonance Imaging.

BACKGROUND: Lesions associated with posterior humeral avulsion of the glenohumeral ligament (HAGL) can lead to persistent symptoms related to posterior shoulder instability and can be commonly missed or delayed in diagnosis. PURPOSE: To identify and characterize the MRI findings in patients with a posterior HAGL lesion. STUDY DESIGN: Case series; Level of evidence, 4. METHODS: This retrospective case series included 27 patients (28 shoulders) identified by search through the senior authors' databases, with cross-reference to their institutional radiologic communication system for MRI review. Baseline patient demographic data were collected, including age and sex. All posterior HAGL lesions were identified on MRI and characterized as partial, complete, or floating lesions. All acute glenohumeral pathologic changes concurrent with the posterior HAGL were documented. Chondrolabral retroversion of the injured shoulder was measured on axial MRI. RESULTS: The average age of the identified cohort was 33.6 years (range, 15-81 years), and 23 patients were male (86%). Posterior HAGL injuries were found to be complete tears (71%), partial tears (25%), and floating lesions (4%); concomitant bony HAGL avulsion was found in 7% of injuries. Additional traumatic glenohumeral disorders occurred in 93% of cases. The most common concurrent injuries were reverse Hill-Sachs lesions (36%), anterior Bankart lesions (29%), and posterosuperior rotator cuff tears (25%). Notably, concomitant anterior labral or capsular injury was found in 50% of patients, signifying bidirectional disruption of the capsule. In addition, increased chondrolabral version was found in this cohort (10.2° ± 3.7° retroversion). CONCLUSION: This study depicts the high association of combined injury with posterior HAGL lesions and increased chondrolabral retroversion. Findings on MRI related to a posterior HAGL injury could potentially be masked by additional injury and may occur with mechanisms that also lead to anterior glenohumeral disorders.

Objective Structured Assessment of Technical Skills to Teach and Study Retention of Fourth-Degree Laceration Repair Skills.

BACKGROUND: Fourth-degree perineal lacerations are a serious but infrequent complication of childbirth. OBJECTIVE: We studied the long-term effect of an educational workshop on the knowledge and ability of obstetrics and gynecology residents to repair fourth-degree lacerations. METHODS: We assessed obstetrics and gynecology residents' baseline knowledge and skill of fourth-degree laceration repair by using a written examination and the Objective Structured Assessment of Technical Skills (OSATS). After the educational intervention (a lecture, a demonstrational video, and practice on a model), residents completed a written and OSATS posttest. Six months later, residents took the same posttests to determine their level of retention. Another group of residents who had not attended the workshop also took the tests at the 6-month mark and served as a control group. RESULTS: A total of 17 residents were in the intervention group and 11 residents in the control group. The pretest written examination mean was 6.1/10 and the OSATS mean was 10.9/18. After the workshop, the written mean increased to 9.1/10 and the OSATS to 16.6/18. This improvement was statistically significant (P < .01). Compared to the pretest, the 6-month follow-up scores had a statistically significant increase (written mean, 8.0/10, P < .01, and OSATS mean 15.5/18, P < .01). CONCLUSIONS: Residents improved on the written examination and OSATS after the educational workshop and maintained this improvement for 6 months. This intervention may prepare graduating residents for repairing future fourth-degree lacerations they may not have encountered during training.

Assessment of experimental animal model for training obstetric anal sphincter injury techniques.

The Multiparous Goat Pelvic Model was used to train obstetricians and residents for perineal and anal sphincter anatomy and techniques of repair of Obstetric Anal Sphincter Injuries (OASIs). The purpose of this study was to assess the similarity of this model with human anatomy and the usefulness of goat model for training obstetricians for perineal tears. Six workshops were conducted between June 2009 and December 2010. A total of 90 participants, including 64(70.3%) residents and 26(28.5%) consultants in Obstetrics and Gynaecology, attended hands-on training workshops using experimental goat pelvic model for the repair of perineal tears. Among the consultants, 23 (88.5%), and 60 (93.7%) residents could easily identify the goat anal sphincter. With reference to the similarity to human vaginal dimensions, 20 (76.9%) consultants and 43(67.1%) residents found it to be similar with human anatomy. Evaluating the anal canal anatomy, 22 (84.6%) consultants and 34(53.1%) residents reported it to be similar to the human anal canal. The perineal body anatomy was reported as very different by both consultants and residents (80% and 67.9% respectively). All the consultants and 49(76.5%) of the residents strongly recommended the use of this model for future hands-on workshops.

Simulating various levels of clinical challenge in the assessment of clinical procedure competence.

STUDY OBJECTIVE: Immersive simulation is increasingly used for competency assessment of emergency physicians. This group's concept of hybrid simulation (HS) (combining simulated patients and part-task trainers (a simulator that simulates a limited component of a clinical procedure) to create a multimodal clinical context) requires clinicians to integrate technical and nontechnical skills in a holistic clinical performance for assessment. It also offers the potential to provide authentic simulation of a given clinical procedure across multiple levels of challenge. The aims of this study are to systematically design and validate 2 patient-focused HS scenarios (each combining a simulated patient with a part-task simulator) for assessment of the management of a commonly encountered problem in an emergency department (ED) at different levels of clinical challenge, and to explore the effect of level of challenge of the HS scenario on physicians' performance. METHODS: A simple (HS1) and a complex (HS2) HS scenario (based on the management of a patient with a traumatic skin laceration within the ED) was developed according to expert opinion through cognitive task analysis. Interns and emergency medicine residents (stratified into expert and novice groups according to experience) were recruited to participate in both scenarios. Participants were randomized to perform either the HS1 or HS2 scenario first. Participants completed a questionnaire for face validity (realism of simulation) and content validity (comprehensiveness of simulation). Performances were assessed by 2 independent raters using validated rating tools modified to the needs of this study: the Modified Objective Structured Assessment of Technical Skills-Task Specific Checklist, the Objective Structured Assessment of Technical Skills-Global Rating Score, and the Direct Observation of Procedural Skills. RESULTS: Ten novice and 10 expert clinicians completed both scenarios. Mean face and content validity ratings were high for both HS1 (mean 4.4 [SD 0.52] and 4.2 [SD 0.48], respectively) and HS2 scenarios (mean 4.5 [SD 0.35] and 4.3 [SD 0.43], respectively). In HS1, no difference was found between experts' and novices' Modified Objective Structured Assessment of Technical Skills-Task Specific Checklist, Objective Structured Assessment of Technical Skills-Global Rating Score, and Direct Observation of Procedural Skills ratings. Experts performed significantly better than novices in HS2 in terms of the 3 tools' ratings. Novices' Modified Objective Structured Assessment of Technical Skills-Task Specific Checklist and Direct Observation of Procedural Skills ratings were significantly worse in HS2 compared with HS1, but no difference was found with the Objective Structured Assessment of Technical Skills-Global Rating Score. No statistical difference was found in experts' Modified Objective Structured Assessment of Technical Skills-Task Specific Checklist, Objective Structured Assessment of Technical Skills-Global Rating Score, and Direct Observation of Procedural Skills ratings between HS2 and HS1 scenarios. CONCLUSION: Recreating clinical challenge is an important consideration in the design of simulation-based assessment of procedural skills of clinicians. In this study, we have demonstrated a systematic approach to developing HS scenarios, which may be able to recreate various levels of clinical challenge for purpose of assessment of procedural skills.

The cost-effectiveness of reverse total shoulder arthroplasty compared with hemiarthroplasty for rotator cuff tear arthropathy.

BACKGROUND: Hemiarthroplasty (humeral head replacement [HHR]) and reverse shoulder arthroplasty (RSA) are surgical options for cuff tear arthropathy (CTA). RSA may provide better pain relief and functional outcomes, but it costs more and may have a higher complication rate. The goal of this study was to compare the cost-effectiveness of these two treatments and to use sensitivity analysis to determine the drivers of the model. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A Markov decision model was used. Outcome and complication probabilities were obtained from existing literature. Costs were based on average Medicare reimbursement and implant prices. Utilities were derived from responses to health state surveys (Short Form 6D) from 31 patients at one institution who underwent RSA or HHR for CTA. Incremental cost-effectiveness ratios were used to compare treatments. RESULTS: Our model showed RSA could be a cost-effective strategy for treatment of CTA, using $100,000 per quality-adjusted life-year gained as a cutoff and the Short Form 6D for utilities. The model was extremely sensitive to the complication rate and the utility of each procedure and was also sensitive to implant price, with an implant price <$13,000 making RSA cost-effective. CONCLUSIONS: Currently available cost and outcome data show that RSA could be a cost-effective alternative to HHR for CTA. The cost-effectiveness of RSA depends most on the health utility gained from the operation, the utility lost due to complications from the operation, and the cost of the implant. Dropping the implant price to <$7,000 increases cost-effectiveness to <$50,000 per quality-adjusted life-year gained. Further head-to-head studies evaluating the clinical and quality of life outcomes of these two treatments are warranted.