ICA agenesis with transcavernous anastomosis: a systematic review.

PURPOSE: To present two cases of Internal Carotid Artery (ICA) agenesis and conduct a systematic review to assess for associations with other anomalies and intracranial aneurysms. METHODOLOGY: We performed a retrospective review of published cases of patients with ICA agenesis with intercavernous anastomosis in MEDLINE database on August 2022 using search terms "internal carotid artery", "agenesis" and "transcavernous anastomosis". We also included two cases of ICA agenesis with type D collateral that we encountered. RESULTS: Total of 46 studies that included 48 patients and two of our cases resulted in 50 patients. Only 70% of studies reported the location of a collateral vessel of which more than two-thirds were on the floor of sella. More than half of the vessels connected cavernous segments of ICA. A1 segment ipsilateral to the side of ICA agenesis was absent in most of the cases but was not true for all cases. Aneurysm was seen in more than one-quarter of the patients. It can also mimic microadenoma as in prior reported cases as well as in one of our cases. CONCLUSION: ICA agenesis with type D collateral is a rare anomaly but clinically relevant due to the increased risk of an aneurysm or mimic microadenoma or false alarm for occlusion of ICA but knowledge of this rare variant can help in better management of these patients.

Clinical Utility of 18F-FDG PET/CT in Staging Localized Breast Cancer Before Initiating Preoperative Systemic Therapy.

BACKGROUND: 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose PET/CT is recommended as an optional study in the current NCCN Clinical Practice Guidelines in Oncology for Breast Cancer after CT of the chest, abdomen, and pelvis with contrast and bone scan (CTBS) in stage IIA-IIIC breast cancer. We evaluated our experience with the use of PET/CT in this setting before beginning primary systemic therapy (PST) prior to planned surgery. METHODS: We performed medical record abstractions of all adult female patients with clinical stage IIA-IIIC breast cancer diagnosed at Montefiore Medical Center from January 1, 2014, through January 1, 2019, who underwent PET/CT before PST. We calculated the proportion of patients upstaged after PET/CT and examined the cost and radiation exposure associated with PET/CT compared with CTBS. RESULTS: A total of 195 patients with 196 breast cancers (bilateral disease in 1 patient) met the study inclusion criteria and had PET/CT as the first imaging study before PST. The overall upstaging rate for regional nodal metastasis and/or distant metastasis was 37% (73/196), including 24% for stage IIA (9/38), 39% for stage IIB (31/79), 54% for stage IIIA (22/41), 27% for stage IIIB (8/30), and 37% for stage IIIC (3/8). The overall upstaging rate for distant metastasis was 14% (27/196), including 0% for stage IIA, 13% for stage IIB (10/79), 22% for stage IIIA (9/41), 17% for stage IIIB (5/30), and 37% for stage IIIC (3/8). Medicare reimbursement rates were $1,604.37 for PET/CT and $1,679.94 for CTBS. The radiation dose for PET/CT was 14 mSv versus 21 mSv for CTBS. CONCLUSIONS: Approximately 37% of patients with clinical stage IIA-IIIC breast cancer who underwent PET/CT before PST showed more extensive disease, including 23% with more extensive nodal metastasis and 14% with distant metastasis. Given its high detection rate, comparable cost, lower radiation dose, and greater convenience, PET/CT should be considered as an alternative to CTBS rather than "optional" after CTBS, especially in patients who require an efficient and expeditious workup before initiating PST.

Two-stage reimplantation for the treatment of deep infection after shoulder arthroplasty.

BACKGROUND: Two-stage reimplantation is the most common treatment modality considered for periprosthetic shoulder infection (PSI). Most studies to date have reported on a relatively small number of shoulders. The purpose of this study was to determine the outcome of 2-stage reimplantation for PSI in terms of both eradication of infection and restoration of function. METHODS: Between 1980 and 2010, 40 shoulders (39 patients) underwent a 2-stage reimplantation for PSI; 35 shoulders (34 patients) met inclusion criteria (10 hemiarthroplasties, 24 anatomic total shoulder arthroplasties, 1 reverse total shoulder arthroplasty). Outcome data included pain, motion, Neer rating, and complications. RESULTS: At most recent follow-up (4.1 years), 2-stage reimplantation had resulted in significant improvements in pain (from 4.4 to 2 on a 5-point scale; P < .0001), mean forward elevation (64°-118°; P < .0001), and mean external rotation (14°-41°; P < .0001). Preoperative testing showed leukocytosis in 1 patient, elevated C-reactive protein concentration in 67%, elevated erythrocyte sedimentation rate in 61%, and positive preoperative aspiration in 69%. Persistent infection, defined as positive cultures in samples obtained at the time of reimplantation, was identified in 5 shoulders (15%); 50% of persistent infections grew Propionibacterium acnes. Reoperations for infection included irrigation and débridement (1), a second 2-stage reimplantation (2), and resection arthroplasty (1); 2 additional patients were treated with chronic suppression. Reoperation for aseptic glenoid loosening was performed in 2 additional shoulders. Results were graded excellent in 10 (28%), satisfactory in 12 (33%), and unsatisfactory in 13 (39%) shoulders. CONCLUSION: Two-stage reimplantation eradicated PSI in 85% of the shoulders. Pain relief and good arcs of motion were achieved in many patients, but there was an overall rate of unsatisfactory results approaching 40%. Preoperative testing was not always reliable for the diagnosis of PSI.

Long-term outcomes of gastrografin in small bowel obstruction.

BACKGROUND: The gastrografin (GG) challenge is a diagnostic and therapeutic tool used to treat patients with small bowel obstruction (SBO); however, long-term data on SBO recurrence after the GG challenge remain limited. We hypothesized that patients treated with GG would have the same long-term recurrence as those treated before the implementation of the GG challenge protocol. METHODS: Patients ≥18 years who were treated for SBO between July 2009 and December 2012 were identified. We excluded patients with contraindications to the GG challenge (i.e., signs of strangulation), patients having SBO within 6-wk of previous abdominal or pelvic surgery and patients with malignant SBO. All patients had been followed a minimum of 1 y or until death. Kaplan-Meier method and Cox regression models were used to describe the time-dependent outcomes. RESULTS: A total of 202 patients were identified of whom 114 (56%) received the challenge. Mean patients age was 66 y (range, 19-99 y) with 110 being female (54%). A total of 184 patients (91%) were followed minimum of 1 year or death (18 patients lost to follow-up). Median follow-up of living patients was 3 y (range, 1-5 y). During follow-up, 50 patients (25%) experienced SBO recurrences, and 24 (12%) had exploration for SBO recurrence. The 3-year cumulative rate of SBO recurrence in patients who received the GG was 30% (95% confidence interval [CI], 21%-42%) compared to 27% (95% CI, 18%-38%) for those who did not (P = 0.4). The 3-year cumulative rate of exploration for SBO recurrence in patients who received the GG was 15% (95% CI, 8%-26%) compared to 12 % (95% CI, 6%-22%) for those who did not (P = 0.6). CONCLUSIONS: The GG challenge is a clinically useful tool in treating SBO patients with comparable long-term recurrence rates compared to traditional management of SBO.

Validation of the anatomic severity score developed by the American Association for the Surgery of Trauma in small bowel obstruction.

BACKGROUND: The anatomic severity schema for small bowel obstruction (SBO) has been described by the American Association for the Surgery of Trauma (AAST). Although acknowledging the importance of physiological and comorbid parameters, these factors were not included in the developed system. Thus, we sought to validate the AAST-SBO scoring system and evaluate the effect of adding patient's physiology and comorbidity on the prediction for the proposed system. METHODS: Patients aged ≥18 y who were treated for SBO at our institution between 2009 and 2012 were identified. The physiology and comorbidity as well as the AAST anatomic scores were determined, squared, and added to calculate the score that we termed Acute General Emergency Surgical Severity-Small Bowel Obstruction (AGESS-SBO). The area under the receiver operating characteristic (AUROC) curve analyses were performed for the AAST anatomic score and compared with the AGESS-SBO score as a predictor for inhospital mortality, extended hospital stay, and inhospital complications. RESULTS: A total of 351 patients with mean age of 66 ± 17 years were identified, of whom 145 (41%) underwent operation to treat bowel obstruction. Extended hospital stay (>9 d) occurred in 86 patients (25%), inhospital complications in 73 (21%), and inhospital mortality in eight patients (2%). The median (interquartile range [IQR]) AAST anatomic score was 1 point (IQR: 1-2), physiology score was 0 point (IQR: 0-1), and comorbidity score was 1 point (IQR: 1-3); for overall median AGESS-SBO score of 5 points (IQR: 3-13). The AUROC curve analyses demonstrated that the AGESS-SBO system with measures of presenting physiology, comorbidities in addition to AAST anatomic criteria could be beneficial in predicting key outcomes including inhospital mortality (AUROC curve: 0.80 versus 0.54, P = 0.03). CONCLUSIONS: The AAST anatomic score is a reliable system, which assists care providers to categorize SBO. Adding physiology and comorbidity parameters to the described anatomic criteria can be helpful in predicting the outcomes including mortality. Further studies evaluating its usefulness in research and quality improvement purposes across institutions are still required.

Long-term results of the uncemented acetabular component in a primary total hip arthroplasty performed for protrusio acetabuli: a fifteen year median follow-up.

PURPOSE: Protrusio acetabuli is an uncommon finding that can be seen in patients undergoing primary total hip arthroplasty for arthritis. Uncemented fixation of the acetabular component and bone grafting of the protrusio defect is commonly used as a reconstruction method and has shown good mid-term results. The long-term outcome of these reconstructions warrants further study. The objective of this study was to determine the results of primary total hip arthroplasty (THA) with use of an uncemented acetabular component for protrusio acetabuli in patients followed for a minimum of ten years. METHODS: Sixty-five hips in 53 patients had a primary THA with uncemented acetabular component for the protrusio acetabuli between 1984 and 2001. There were 53 procedures performed in females (82%) and 12 in males (18%). The mean age at the procedure was 66 years. Acetabular floor reconstruction with use of bone graft was performed in 58 hips (89%). Four patients (five hips) were lost to follow-up less than ten years after the procedure and 25 patients (31 hips) had died during the follow-up period. The median follow-up of living patients that did not have revisions for acetabular component was 15.4 years (range, ten to 24 years). RESULTS: During the study duration, six hips underwent acetabular component revision: aseptic loosening (three hips), polyethylene wear (two hips), and recurrent instability (one hip). The median Harris hip score for the living patients who did not have an acetabular component revision improved from 55 points pre-operatively to 82 points at the latest follow-up. At 15 years, the estimated survival rate from revision was 70% for the THA: 85.4% for the acetabular component, and 83% for the femoral component. Five unrevised acetabular components had evidence of non-progressive radiolucency. CONCLUSIONS: In patients undergoing THA with acetabular protrusio, fixation of an uncemented hemispherical shell and use of bone graft as necessary provided satisfactory clinical and radiographic results as well as satisfactory survivorship rates at a median follow-up of 15 years.

Anconeus interposition arthroplasty: mid- to long-term results.

BACKGROUND: Radiocapitellar arthritis and/or proximal radioulnar impingement can be difficult to treat. Interposition of the anconeus muscle has been described in the past as an alternative option in managing arthritis, but there are little published data about relief of pain and restoration of function over the long term in patients treated with this approach. QUESTIONS/PURPOSES: We sought (1) to determine whether interposition of the anconeus muscle in the radiocapitellar and/or proximal radioulnar joint relieves pain and restores elbow function; and (2) to identify complications and reoperations after anconeus interposition arthroplasty. METHODS: Between 1992 and 2012, we surgically treated 39 patients having radiocapitellar arthritis and/or proximal radioulnar impingement with an anconeus interposition arthroplasty. These were performed for situations in which capitellar and/or radial head pathology was deemed not amenable to implant replacement. We had complete followup on 29 of them (74%) at a minimum of 1 year (mean, 10 years; range, 1-20 years). These 29 patients (21 males, eight females) had interposition of the anconeus muscle at the radiocapitellar joint (10 elbows), the proximal radioulnar joint (two elbows), or both (17 elbows). Their mean age at the time of surgery was 39 years (range, 14-58 years). The reasons for the previous determination or the indications included lateral-side elbow symptoms after radial head resection (eight elbows), failed internal fixation of radial head fracture (two elbows), failed radial head replacement with or without capitellar replacement (four elbows), osteoarthritis and Essex-Lopresti injury (six elbows), failed internal fixation of distal humeral fracture involving the capitellum (two elbows), posttraumatic osteoarthritis involving the lateral compartment (one elbow), lateral compartment osteoarthritis associated with chondropathies (three elbows), and primary osteoarthritis affecting the lateral compartment (three elbows). Patient-reported outcome tools included the quick-Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (quick-DASH) and the Mayo Elbow Performance Score (MEPS); we also performed a chart review for complications and reoperations. RESULTS: During the followup duration, the mean MEPS was significantly improved from (mean ± SD) 64 ± 17 points before surgery to 82 ± 14 points after surgery (p < 0.001) with 21 elbows (72%) graded as excellent or good at most recent followup. The mean quick-DASH score was 24 ± 17 points (n = 25) at latest evaluation. Two patients (7%) had perioperative complications, including wound dehiscence (one elbow) and transient posterior interosseous nerve palsy (one elbow). Seven patients (24%) underwent additional surgery. CONCLUSIONS: Anconeus arthroplasty provides a reasonable surgical alternative in the armamentarium of procedures to address pathology at the radiocapitellar and/or proximal radioulnar joint. This procedure is especially attractive when other alternatives such as radial head replacement may be problematic secondary to capitellar erosion or marked proximal radius bone loss. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV, therapeutic study. See Guidelines for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

Revision allograft reconstruction of the lateral collateral ligament complex in elbows with previous failed reconstruction and persistent posterolateral rotatory instability.

BACKGROUND: Primary reconstruction of the lateral collateral ligament complex (LCLC) using graft tissue restores elbow stability in many, but not all, elbows with acute or chronic posterolateral rotatory instability (PLRI). Revision reconstruction using a tendon allograft is occasionally considered for persistent PLRI, but the outcome of revision ligament reconstruction in this setting is largely unknown. QUESTIONS/PURPOSES: We determined whether revision allograft ligament reconstruction can (1) restore the stability and (2) result in improved elbow scores for patients with persistent PLRI of the elbow after a previous failed primary reconstructive attempt and in the context of the diverse pathology being addressed. METHODS: Between 2001 and 2011, 160 surgical elbow procedures were performed at our institution for the LCLC reconstruction using allograft tissue. Only patients undergoing revision allograft reconstruction of the LCLC for persistent PLRI with a previous failed primary reconstructive attempt using graft tissue and at least I year of followup were included in the study. Eleven patients (11 elbows) fulfilled our inclusion criteria and formed our study cohort. The cohort consisted of six female patients and five male patients. The mean age at the time of revision surgery was 36 years (range, 14-59 years). The revision allograft reconstruction was carried out after a mean of 3 years (range, 2.5 months to 9 years) from a failed attempted reconstruction of the LCLC. Osseous deficiency to some extent was identified in the preoperative radiographs of eight elbows. Mean followup was 5 years (range, 1-12 years). RESULTS: Revision allograft reconstruction of the LCLC restored elbow stability in eight of the 11 elbows; two of the three elbows with persistent instability were operated on a third time (at 6 and 7 months after allograft revision reconstruction). For elbows with no persistent instability, the mean Mayo Elbow Performance Score at most recent followup was 83 points (range, 60-100 points), and six elbows were rated with a good or excellent result. All patients with persistent instability had some degree of preoperative bone loss. CONCLUSIONS: Revision allograft reconstruction of the LCLC is an option for treating recurrent PLRI, although this is a complex and resistant problem, and nearly ½ of the patients in this cohort either had persistent instability and/or had a fair or poor elbow score. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV, therapeutic study. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

The outcome of total elbow arthroplasty in juvenile idiopathic arthritis (juvenile rheumatoid arthritis) patients.

BACKGROUND: Elbow prosthetic replacement in patients with juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) can be complicated and technically challenging. Thus, we sought to evaluate the clinical benefit and the prosthetic longevity of primary semiconstrained linked total elbow arthroplasty (TEA) performed to treat these patients. METHODS: Between 1983 and 2005, 29 elbows in 24 patients (20 women and 4 men) had been replaced because of JIA. The mean age was 37 years (range, 24-68 years). Because of underlying deformity, the implant contour was modified for 9 elbows (31%) and a customized implant was inserted in 5 elbows (17%). The mean follow-up duration was 10.5 years (range, 4.6-20.1 years). RESULTS: During the follow-up period, 8 elbows underwent reoperation, including 6 (21%) that underwent implant revision. At most recent follow-up, 22 elbows (76%) subjectively had a satisfactory overall functional result. The mean Mayo Elbow Performance Score was 78 points (range, 50-100 points), with 18 elbows graded as having an excellent or good result. Compared with preoperative range of motion, the mean extension-flexion arc improved from 65° ± 44° to 89° ± 35° (P = .01), mean flexion improved from 113° ± 23° to 126° ± 26° (P = .02), and mean extension improved from 48° ± 25° to 37° ± 26° (P = .08). By use of the Kaplan-Meier survivorship method, the rate of TEA survival from any revision was 96.4% (95% confidence interval, 89.8%-100%) and 79.9% (95% confidence interval, 65.1%-97.5%) at 5 years and 10 years, respectively. CONCLUSION: Primary TEA for JIA patients is technically challenging and frequently requires implant modification or custom designs. These patients might have high complication and revision rates. However, most benefit from the intervention for a long term.

Restoration of the hip center during THA performed for protrusio acetabuli is associated with better implant survival.

BACKGROUND: Acetabular protrusio is an uncommon finding in hip arthritis. Several reconstructive approaches have been used; however the best approach remains undefined. QUESTIONS/PURPOSES: Our purposes in this study were to (1) describe the THA survivorship for protrusio as a function of the acetabular component, (2) evaluate survivorship of the cup as a function of restoration of radiographic hip mechanics and offset, and (3) report the long-term clinical results. METHODS: One hundred twenty-seven patients (162 hips) undergoing primary THA with acetabular protrusio were retrospectively reviewed. The mean age of the patients at surgery was 66±13 years, and the mean followup was 10±6 years (range, 2-25 years).The cup fixation was uncemented in 107 (83 with bone graft) and cemented in 55 hips (14 with bone graft). Preoperative and postoperative radiographs were reviewed for restoration of hip mechanics and offset. RESULTS: The THA survival from aseptic cup revision at 15 years was 89% (95% CI, 75%-96%) for uncemented compared with 85% (95% CI, 68%-94%) for cemented cups. The risk of aseptic cup revision significantly increased by 24% (hazards ratio, 1.24; 95% CI, 1.02-1.5) for every 1 mm medial or lateral distance away from the native hip center of rotation to the prosthetic head center. Harris hip scores were improved by mean of 27±20 points (n=123) with a higher postoperative score for uncemented bone grafted compared with solely cemented cups (81±16 versus 71±20 points). CONCLUSIONS: Restoring hip center of rotation using an uncemented cup with or without bone graft was associated with increased durability in our series. There was a 24% increase in the risk of aseptic cup revision for every 1 mm medial or lateral distance away from the native hip center to the prosthetic head center. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III, therapeutic study. See Guidelines for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

The fate of hips that are not prophylactically pinned after unilateral slipped capital femoral epiphysis.

BACKGROUND: The indications for prophylactic pinning of the contralateral hip after unilateral slipped capital femoral epiphysis (SCFE) remain controversial in part because the natural history of the contralateral hip is unclear. QUESTIONS/PURPOSES: We therefore determined (1) the incidence of contralateral slips in patients with unilateral SCFE, (2) the rate of subsequent corrective surgery, and (3) the Harris hip score (HHS) and VAS pain score for hips that sustained a contralateral slip after unilateral pinning. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed 226 patients with unilateral SCFE at initial presentation between 1965 and 2005; of these, 133 met our inclusion criteria and were followed at least 2 years. Latest followup included examination and radiographs for 52 patients and HHS (without radiographs) and VAS pain score for 81 hips. Minimum followup was 2 years (median, 13 years; range, 2-43 years). RESULTS: Of the 133 patients at risk for a subsequent slip, 20 patients developed a contralateral slip (15%). One patient developed avascular necrosis requiring arthroplasty, and another patient had a mild contralateral slip with disabling pain. For the 15 patients with contralateral slips and scores available, the mean HHS was 90 (range, 49-100) and the mean VAS pain score was 20 of 100. Six found the contralateral hip painful. CONCLUSIONS: The contralateral slip sustained by the majority of patients was for the most part mild. However, nearly 1/3 of the contralateral slipped hips were painful. One patient has severe pain, and a second required THA for avascular necrosis after an unstable slip. These may have been preventable by prophylactic pinning. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III, therapeutic study. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

Total hip arthroplasty for the sequelae of Legg-Calvé-Perthes disease.

BACKGROUND: The durability and risks associated with total hip arthroplasty (THA) for patients with a history of Legg-Calvé-Perthes disease (LCPD) are not well known. QUESTIONS/PURPOSE: We sought to (1) determine the survivorship of THAs performed for LCPD; (2) assess hip scores and complications associated with THA in this patient population; and (3) compare results between patients who had undergone surgery in childhood with patients who had conservative treatment. METHODS: We reviewed 99 primary THAs performed in 95 patients with a history of LCPD with minimum 2-year followup (mean ± SD, 8 ± 5 years). Mean age at THA was 48 ± 15 years. RESULTS: A total of 10 revisions were performed. Using revision for any reason as the end point, the 8-year survival rate was 90% (95% confidence interval [CI], 76%-96%) for cementless implants compared with 86% (95% CI, 57%-96%) for hybrid implants. The mean Harris hip score improved by 31 ± 16 (n = 76). Complications occurred in 16% of hips. The most common major complication was intraoperative fracture (eight femoral, one acetabular). Three patients developed sciatic nerve palsy after a mean lengthening of 2.2 ± 1 cm compared with a mean of 1.4 ± 1 cm in patients with intact sciatic nerve (p = 0.3). CONCLUSIONS: Cementless THAs for the sequelae of LCPD demonstrate 90% survival from any revision at 8 years followup. THAs for the sequelae of LCPD can be complicated and technically difficult. Intraoperative fractures and nerve injuries are common. Care should be taken to avoid excessive limb lengthening.

Tonsillar Metastasis From Colon Cancer Detected on 18F-FDG PET/CT Imaging.

A 54-year-old woman with smoking history who was diagnosed with invasive adenocarcinoma of the rectosigmoid colon with subsequent surgical resection and chemotherapy was presented. The patient developed local recurrence and pulmonary metastases that required further chemotherapy and surgical resection. During follow-up, the patient had F-FDG PET/CT scan showing asymmetric hypermetabolic tonsils with activity greater on the right compared with the left. The patient underwent bilateral tonsillectomy, and pathology revealed moderately to poorly differentiated adenocarcinoma in the right tonsil, consistent with metastasis from known colonic primary.

Unilateral Absence of the Basal Ganglia on 123I-Ioflupane DaTScan.

This 33-year-old man presented with hemorrhagic stroke manifesting with left hemiparesis and right ptosis. Angiography revealed no patent carotids. The anterior and middle cerebral arteries were filling collaterally through the posterior vertebrobasilar pathway. The presumptive diagnosis was moyamoya disease. The etiology of the bleeding was right basilar tip aneurysm that subsequently had partial coil placement. Months later, the neck of the aneurysm perforated and second coiling was performed. Later on follow-up, patient developed left hand tremor. A radionuclide DATscan revealed total absence of right-sided basal ganglia activity. A possible etiology was occlusion of the middle cerebral artery's lenticulostriate branches.

Minimum 20-Year Health-Related Quality of Life and Surgical Rates After the Treatment of Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis.

STUDY DESIGN: Longitudinal cohort. OBJECTIVES: To determine the patient-reported functional outcomes and need for related surgical procedures in a US cohort of adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) patients with minimum 20-year follow-up. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: There is limited information regarding the long-term outcomes of scoliosis treatment in the US population. METHODS: A novel population of patients who underwent pediatric treatment for AIS with minimum 20-year follow-up was identified. Search of a single-center diagnostic registry generated 337 patients who fulfilled the inclusion criteria (AIS, curve magnitude >35°, and childhood treatment with bracing, surgery, or observation from 1975 to 1992). Any additional spine surgery as well as EQ5D, ODI, SRS 22, SAQ were determined. A total of 180 patients were included (mean of 30-year follow-up, range 20-37). Childhood treatment entailed bracing (41 patients), surgery (103 patients), and observation (36 patients). RESULTS: During the study period, only 1 of the 41 bracing patients underwent additional scoliosis-related spine surgery, whereas 5 of the 36 patients in the observation cohort underwent scoliosis surgery as adults. Seven of 103 childhood surgical patients required additional revision surgery as adults. Fifteen patients (4 braced, 7 fusion, and 4 observed) underwent chest wall surgery as adults. SRS scores were around 10% worse compared to population-based controls, with the exception of SRS mental health scores, which were similar to controls. Overall, 5.6% of patients were on disability, with no difference between operative and nonoperative groups. CONCLUSION: We found a low rate of adult scoliosis surgery in the braced population, and a low rate of revision surgery at the 30-year follow-up in patients undergoing spine fusion for AIS between 1975 and 1992. No detected differences in patient-reported outcomes were found between the braced, surgical, and observed populations at a mean of 30 years' follow-up. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III, therapeutic.

Sternoclavicular joint allograft reconstruction using the sternal docking technique.

BACKGROUND: The sternoclavicular joint may become unstable as a result of trauma or medial clavicle resection for arthritis. Allograft reconstruction with the figure-of-8 configuration is commonly used. This study was conducted to determine the outcome of sternoclavicular joint reconstruction using an alternative graft configuration. METHODS: Between 2005 and 2013, 19 sternoclavicular joint reconstructions were performed using a semitendinous allograft in a sternal docking configuration. The median age at surgery was 44 years (range, 15-79 years). Indications included instability in 16 (anterior, 13; posterior, 3) or medial clavicle resection for osteoarthritis in 3. The median follow-up time was 3 years (range, 1-9 years). RESULTS: Two reconstructions (10.5%) underwent revision surgery, 1 additional patient had occasional subjective instability, and the remaining 16 (84%) were considered stable. Sternoclavicular joint reconstruction led to improved pain (visual analog scale for pain subsided from 5 to 1 point, P < .01), with pain being rated as mild or none for 15 shoulders. At the most recent follow-up, the median 11-item version of the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand and American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons scores were 11 (interquartile range [IQR], 0-41) and 88 (IQR, 62-100) respectively. The cosmetic aspect of the shoulder was satisfactory in 16 reconstructions (84%), with a median of 10 points (IQR, 9-10 points) on the visual analog scale for overall satisfaction. CONCLUSION: Reconstruction of the sternoclavicular joint with a semitendinous allograft in a sternal docking fashion restores stability in most patients requiring surgery for instability of the sternoclavicular joint or medial clavicle resection for osteoarthritis.

The hospital cost of two-stage reimplantation for deep infection after shoulder arthroplasty.

BACKGROUND: The cost of treating infection after hip and knee arthroplasty is well documented in the literature. The purpose of this study was to determine the cost of two-stage reimplantation for deep infection after shoulder arthroplasty. METHODS: Between 2003 and 2012, 57 shoulders (56 patients) underwent a two-stage reimplantation for deep periprosthetic shoulder infection; implants placed at reimplantation included anatomic total shoulder arthroplasty (a-TSA) in 58%, reverse total shoulder arthroplasty (r-TSA) in 40%, and hemiarthroplasty (HA) in 2%. During the same timeframe, 2953 primary shoulder arthroplasties (2589 patients) were performed at the same institution (a-TSA in 55%, r-TSA in 28%, and HA in 17%). Total direct medical costs were calculated by using standardized, inflation-adjusted costs for services and procedures billed during hospitalization and were adjusted to nationally representative unit costs in 2013 inflation-adjusted dollars. RESULTS: The mean hospital cost (per shoulder) for two-stage reimplantation was $35,824 (95% CI: 33,363 to 38,285) and was significantly higher than for primary procedures (mean: $16,068; 95% CI: 15,823 to 16,314). Both Part A and Part B costs were significantly higher in two-stage reimplantation (p < 0.001). For part A (hospital services), the mean cost for two-stage reimplantation was $29,851 (95% CI: 27,741 to 31,960), compared to $13,508 (95% CI: 13,302 to 13,715) for primaries. For part B (professional costs), mean costs were $5973 (95% CI: 5493 to 6453) versus 2560 (95% CI: 2512 to 2608) respectively. CONCLUSIONS: The hospital cost of two-stage reimplantation for the treatment of an infected shoulder arthroplasty is about two times higher than the cost of a primary shoulder arthroplasty.