Diagnosis of glenoid labral tears using 3-tesla MRI vs. 3-tesla MRA: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Various protocols exist for magnetic resonance arthrogram (MRA) of the shoulder, including 3D isotropic scanning and positioning in neutral (2D neutral MRA), or abduction-external-rotation (ABER). HYPOTHESIS: MRA does not improve diagnostic accuracy for labral tears when compared to magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) performed using 3-Tesla (3T) magnets. METHOD: Systematic review of the Cochrane, MEDLINE, and PubMed databases according to PRISMA guidelines. Included studies compared 3T MRI or 3T MRA (index tests) to arthroscopic findings (reference test). Methodological appraisal performed using QUADAS-2. Pooled sensitivity and specificity were calculated. RESULTS: Ten studies including 929 patients were included. Index test bias and applicability were a concern in the majority of studies. The use of arthroscopy as the reference test raised concern of verification bias in all studies. For anterior labral lesions, 3T MRI was less sensitive (0.83 vs. 0.87 p = 0.083) than 3T 2D neutral MRA. Compared to 3T 2D neutral MRA, both 3T 3D Isotropic MRA and 3T ABER MRA significantly improved sensitivity (0.87 vs. 0.95 vs. 0.94). For SLAP lesions, 3T 2D neutral MRA was of similar sensitivity to 3T MRI (0.84 vs. 0.83, p = 0.575), but less specific (0.99 vs. 0.92 p < 0.0001). For posterior labral lesions, 3T 2D neutral MRA had greater sensitivity than 3T 3D Isotropic MRA and 3T MRI (0.90 vs. 0.83 vs. 0.83). CONCLUSIONS: At 3-T, MRA improved sensitivity for diagnosis of anterior and posterior labral lesions, but reduced specificity in diagnosis of SLAP tears. 3T MRA with ABER positioning further improved sensitivity in diagnosis of anterior labral tears. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: IV.

Diagnostic Efficacy of 3-T MRI for Knee Injuries Using Arthroscopy as a Reference Standard: A Meta-Analysis.

OBJECTIVE: The objectives of our study were to assess the evidence for the diagnostic efficacy of 3-T MRI for meniscal and anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries in the knee using arthroscopy as the reference standard and to compare these results with the results of a previous meta-analysis assessing 1.5-T MRI. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The online Cochrane Library, MEDLINE, and PubMed databases were searched using the following terms: MRI AND ((3 OR three) AND (Tesla OR T)) AND knee AND arthroscopy AND (menisc* OR ligament). Patient demographics, patient characteristics, MRI scanning details, and diagnostic results were investigated. The methodologic quality of the included studies was assessed using the revised Quality Assessment of Diagnostic Accuracy Studies (QUADAS-2) tool. A meta-analysis of studies using 3-T MRI was performed, and the results were compared with a previous meta-analysis of studies using 1.5-T MRI. RESULTS: One hundred one studies were identified by the search strategy, and 13 studies were included in our review. Twelve studies were considered to have level 1b evidence, and one study was considered to have level 2b evidence. All 13 studies had high methodologic integrity and low risk of bias using the QUADAS-2 tool. The studies included 1197 patients with a mean age of 41.9 years. Ten of the 13 studies were eligible for meta-analysis. The mean sensitivity and mean specificity of 3-T MRI for knee injuries by location were as follows: medial meniscus, 0.94 (95% CI, 0.91-0.96) and 0.79 (95% CI, 0.75-0.83), respectively; lateral meniscus, 0.81 (95% CI, 0.75-0.85) and 0.87 (95% CI, 0.84-0.89); and ACL, 0.92 (95% CI, 0.83-0.96) and 0.99 (95% CI, 0.96-1.00). The specificity of 3-T MRI for injuries of the lateral meniscus was significantly lower than that of 1.5-T MRI (p = 0.0013). CONCLUSION: This study does not provide evidence that 3-T scanners have superior diagnostic efficacy for meniscal damage and ACL integrity when compared with previous studies of 1.5-T machines.

Diagnosis of rotator cuff tears using 3-Tesla MRI versus 3-Tesla MRA: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the diagnostic accuracy of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), 2-dimensional magnetic resonance arthrogram (MRA) and 3-dimensional isotropic MRA in the diagnosis of rotator cuff tears when performed exclusively at 3-T. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A systematic review was undertaken of the Cochrane, MEDLINE and PubMed databases in accordance with the PRISMA guidelines. Studies comparing 3-T MRI or 3-T MRA (index tests) to arthroscopic surgical findings (reference test) were included. Methodological appraisal was performed using QUADAS 2. Pooled sensitivity and specificity were calculated and summary receiver-operating curves generated. Kappa coefficients quantified inter-observer reliability. RESULTS: Fourteen studies comprising 1332 patients were identified for inclusion. Twelve studies were retrospective and there were concerns regarding index test bias and applicability in nine and six studies respectively. Reference test bias was a concern in all studies. Both 3-T MRI and 3-T MRA showed similar excellent diagnostic accuracy for full-thickness supraspinatus tears. Concerning partial-thickness supraspinatus tears, 3-T 2D MRA was significantly more sensitive (86.6 vs. 80.5 %, p = 0.014) but significantly less specific (95.2 vs. 100 %, p < 0.001). There was a trend towards greater accuracy in the diagnosis of subscapularis tears with 3-T MRA. Three-Tesla 3D isotropic MRA showed similar accuracy to 3-T conventional 2D MRA. CONCLUSION: Three-Tesla MRI appeared equivalent to 3-T MRA in the diagnosis of full- and partial-thickness tears, although there was a trend towards greater accuracy in the diagnosis of subscapularis tears with 3-T MRA. Three-Tesla 3D isotropic MRA appears equivalent to 3-T 2D MRA for all types of tears.

Ten year results of the collum femoris preserving total hip replacement: a prospective cohort study of seventy five patients.

PURPOSE: The collum femoris preserving (CFP) uncemented prosthesis has a bone-preserving, high subcapital neck resection and a short anatomical stem. The ideal arthroplasty option in the younger, active patient is a subject of some debate. We evaluated midterm outcomes of the CFP in this patient population. METHODS: A prospective, consecutive cohort of 75 CFP total hip replacement (THR) patients with a mean age of 52 years was followed for a mean of 9.3 years. Patients were assessed using the Harris Hip Score (HHS). Pain was assessed using a visual analogue scale (VAS) and activity levels using the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) score. Radiographs were evaluated for evidence of loosening. Survivorship was calculated with an endpoint of revision for aseptic loosening or radiographic evidence of loosening. RESULTS: Mean HHS improved from a mean of 50 pre-operatively to 91 (p < 0.001) postoperatively. Mean pain score was 1, mean patient satisfaction was 9 and mean UCLA score was 6. Two acetabular components were revised for aseptic loosening; no stem required revision. Radiographically, no cases had evidence of loosening. Survivorship was 96.8 % for the acetabular component and 100 % for the stem at ten years. Three patients died from unrelated causes, and five were lost to follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: Bone-preserving hip replacement has increased in popularity as hip replacement in younger and more active individuals increases. The CFP prosthesis has excellent midterm clinical function and survival and provides high levels of satisfaction in young patients.

An alternative method of fixation of calcaneal tuberosity fractures using the Tightrope(®) technique.

Calcaneal tuberosity fractures account for 1% to 3% of all calcaneal fractures. These fractures are frequently seen in the osteoporotic or diabetic elderly population. The patient's comorbidities, coupled with the usually osteoporotic bone, make fixing this fracture pattern a challenge. Numerous surgical techniques have been advocated for this fracture, including the standard lag screw fixation, tension band wiring, suture anchors, and direct suture repair. Whichever method is used, the construct must resist the massive pull of the gastrocnemius-soleus complex. We have described a method of fixing the avulsed calcaneal tuberosity using the TightRope(®) ankle syndesmosis fixation device (Arthrex(®), Naples, FL), which offers the advantages of allowing a robust and reliable fixation of a small or comminuted fragment. It is particularly advantageous in osteoporotic bone because of concern regarding the use of standard lag screw fixation, and it also may eliminate complications associated with retained hardware.

Perspectives and practices of dietitians with regards to social/mass media use during the transitions from face-to-face to telenutrition in the time of COVID-19: A cross-sectional survey in 10 Arab countries.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, most healthcare professionals switched from face-to-face clinical encounters to telehealth. This study sought to investigate the dietitians' perceptions and practices toward the use of social/mass media platforms amid the transition from face-to-face to telenutrition in the time of COVID-19. This cross-sectional study involving a convenient sample of 2,542 dietitians (mean age = 31.7 ± 9.5; females: 88.2%) was launched in 10 Arab countries between November 2020 and January 2021. Data were collected using an online self-administrated questionnaire. Study findings showed that dietitians' reliance on telenutrition increased by 11% during the pandemic, p = 0.001. Furthermore, 63.0% of them reported adopting telenutrition to cover consultation activities. Instagram was the platform that was most frequently used by 51.7% of dietitians. Dietitians shouldered new difficulties in dispelling nutrition myths during the pandemic (58.2% reported doing so vs. 51.4% pre-pandemic, p < 0.001). Compared to the pre-pandemic period, more dietitians perceived the importance of adopting tele nutrition's clinical and non-clinical services (86.9% vs. 68.0%, p = 0.001), with 76.6% being confident in this practice. In addition, 90.0% of the participants received no support from their work facilities for social media usage. Following the COVID-19 outbreak, the majority of dietitians (80.0%) observed a rise in public interest in nutrition-related topics, particularly those pertaining to healthy eating habits (p = 0.001), healthy recipes (p = 0.001), nutrition and immunity (p = 0.001), and medical nutrition therapies (p = 0.012). Time constraint was the most prevalent barrier to offering telenutrition for nutrition care (32.1%), whereas leveraging a quick and easy information exchange was the most rewarding benefit for 69.3% of the dietitians. In conclusion, to ensure a consistent provision of nutrition care delivery during the COVID-19 pandemic, dietitians working in Arab countries adopted alternative telenutrition approaches through social/mass media.

Outcomes Following the Use of Subtalar Arthroereisis in the Correction of Adult Acquired Flatfoot: A Systematic Review.

BACKGROUND: Adult acquired flatfoot deformity (AAFD) is a condition affecting approximately 3% of the adult population. It can lead to severe morbidity, and therefore, prompt treatment is of the upmost importance in maintaining and restoring function. Recently, the use of subtalar arthroereisis has become more widespread in the treatment of AAFD. The purpose of this systematic review is to examine the clinical and radiological outcomes of AAFD when treated with subtalar arthroereisis. METHODS: Studies involving the use of subtalar arthroereisis for the management of AAFD were reviewed, and appropriate studies selected based on inclusion and exclusion criteria. Studies were reviewed for both clinical and radiological outcomes following the use of subtalar arthroereisis as well as reported complications. RESULTS: Nine studies met our inclusion criteria, with most of these involving stage II AAFD. A total of 190 subtalar arthroereisis procedures were performed with all studies demonstrating improvement in both clinical and radiological scores with a low rate of complications. CONCLUSION: Subtalar arthroereisis may have benefits when used as an adjunct to treat stage II AAFD. However, more high-quality studies are needed to establish its best use. LEVELS OF EVIDENCE: Level IV: Systematic review.

A Snapshot of the Experience of Dietitians during the COVID-19 Crisis in Five Arab Countries: Findings from a Regional Cross-Sectional Study.

COVID-19's intimidating spread has challenged the resilience of the global health systems, causing shifts in the practices of healthcare workers, including dietitians. The current study aimed to assess the change in dietitians' practices and duties in hospitals/clinics after the commencement of COVID-19 pandemic. This cross-sectional study was conducted in five Arab countries between November 2020 and January 2021. A convenient sample of 903 dietitians filled an online self-administered questionnaire to meet the study aims. Nearly 40.0% of the dietitians experienced a change in their workload and caseload during the pandemic. Besides, 18.7% of the dietitians had been assigned additional tasks in their facilities. Nearly half the dietitians (46.9%) had started giving remote nutrition consultations, associated with a 21% drop in the number of dietitians offering in-person consultations (p = 0.001). Approximately 58.9% of the dietitians provided nutrition care to COVID-19 patients, with 48.4% having access to personal protective equipment. Moreover, 17.0% of dietitians supported COVID-19 patients with enteral and parenteral nutrition. In addition, 45.0% of dietitians reported that managing COVID-19 was challenging given that it was a newly discovered condition.

A simple reproducible technique for the retrieval of broken proximal femoral blades, a technical note and review of literature.

Despite advances in metallurgy, fatigue failure of hardware in orthopaedics is common especially when a fracture fails to heal. Revision procedures can be difficult, usually requiring removal of intact or broken hardware. Several different methods are usually used to successfully remove the intact or broken hardware. The proximal blade fracture is rare and under-reported in the literature. In our tertiary non-union and limb reconstruction unit, we have developed a technique for an easy and quick removal of a broken proximal femoral blades.

Does a daily consultant ward round affect the outcomes of orthopaedic patients?

INTRODUCTION: In the UK, more than 60 000 patients present with a fractured neck of femur each year. These patients represent a huge financial cost. This study looks at the 30-day readmissions and total length of hospital stay of patients presenting with a fractured neck of femur, as well as length of stay in non-hip fracture trauma patients, following the change to a daily consultant-led ward round. METHODS: A total of 200 records of patients with fractured neck of femur were reviewed with data collected retrospectively and prospectively following the introduction of the daily consultant-led ward round. Readmissions were classed as patients who spent a period of time admitted to hospital. Those who only attended an emergency unit were not included. Reasons for readmission and length of readmission were reviewed as were the initial and total length of stay. The authors also evaluated the length of stay in trauma patients (non-hip fracture emergency admissions) for a period of 6 months before and 4 months after the new working model was introduced. RESULTS: With the new working pattern, there was a reduction in the length of stay in those readmitted (13 vs 8 days), and the total length of stay of readmitted patients was also considerably lower (23 vs 13 days). In non-hip fracture trauma patients, there was a reduction in length of stay (8 vs 6 days). CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrates that by adopting a daily orthopaedic consultant-led ward round, it is possible to reduce the length of stay for patients with a fractured neck of femur, both on initial and subsequent hospital admissions, as well reducing the length of stay for non-hip fracture trauma patients.

Bilateral Simultaneous Avulsion Fractures of the Proximal Tibia in a 14-Year-Old Athlete with Vitamin-D Deficiency.

Fractures involving the proximal tibial epiphysis are rare and form 0.5% of all epiphyseal injuries. The specific anatomical and developmental features of the proximal tibial epiphysis make it vulnerable to unique patterns of fractures. Vitamin-D plays a vital role in bone homeostasis and its deficiency has an impact on fracture risk and healing. We present the first ever reported case of simultaneous bilateral proximal tibial physeal fractures in an athlete with vitamin-D deficiency. Treatment consisted of plaster immobilisation, and the patient made a full recovery and returned to preinjury level of activities. We report this case for its uniqueness and as an educational review of the importance of the developmental anatomy of the proximal tibia. We review the literature and discuss how the stages of the growing physis determine the type of fracture sustained.

Adolescent hallux valgus: a systematic review of outcomes following surgery.

PURPOSE: The management of adolescent hallux valgus (AHV) remains controversial, with reservations about both conservative and surgical treatments. Non-operative management has a limited role in preventing progression. Surgical correction of AHV has, amongst other concerns, been associated with a high prevalence of recurrence of deformity after surgery. We conducted a systematic review to assess clinical and radiological outcomes following surgery for AHV. METHODS: A comprehensive literature search was performed in the Cochrane Library, CINAHL, EMBASE, Google Scholar and PubMed. The study was performed in accordance with the recommendations of the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. Demographic data, radiographic parameters and results of validated clinical scoring systems were analysed. RESULTS: The published literature on AHV is largely heterogeneous and retrospective. Nine contemporary studies reporting on 140 patients (201 osteotomies) were included. The female to male ratio was 10:1. The mean age at operation was 14.5 years (range 10.5-22). The mean follow-up was 41.6 months (range 12-134). The mean post-operative American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) score was 85.8 (standard deviation, SD ±7.38). The mean AOFAS patient satisfaction showed that 86 % (SD ±11.27) of patients were satisfied or very satisfied with their outcome. On the duPont Bunion Rating Score (BRS), 90 % rated their outcome as good or excellent. There was a statistically significant improvement in the inter-metatarsal angle (IMA, p = 0.0003), hallux valgus angle (HVA, p < 0.0001) and distal metatarsal articular angle (DMAA, p = 0.019). CONCLUSION: Based on the most current published evidence, contemporary surgical interventions for AHV show excellent clinical and radiological outcomes, with high patient satisfaction. The rates of recurrence and other complications are lower than the historically reported figures. There is a need for high-level, multi-centre collaborative studies with prospective data to establish the long-term outcomes and optimal surgical procedure(s).

A case of fulminant portal pyemia complicating hemicolectomy for polyps: literature review and case report.

INTRODUCTION: Portal pyaemia is a rare phenomenon that can complicate a variety of pathologies and surgical procedures. It has a predilection for elderly and immunocompromised patients. DISCUSSION: We present a review of the related literature and report an exceptional case of fulminant portal pyaemia, with an atypical presentation in a patient with few typical risk factors, complicating an elective surgical procedure for benign disease. CONCLUSION: Portal pyaemia is a condition which can lead to acute overwhelming sepsis and carries a high mortality. It should be considered a differential in abdominal sepsis when no overt abdominal source is found.

Primary omental mesothelioma: a rare but important differential diagnosis in previous asbestos exposure.

Primary omental mesothelioma is a malignant tumour of the mesothelial cells of the omentum, related to asbestos exposure. It is an extremely rare condition that presents both diagnostic and therapeutic challenges. We present a review of the related literature and report on a fatal case of primary omental mesothelioma in a 70 year old man, presenting with a painful abdominal mass. Radiological imaging was not diagnostic but useful in excluding other pathologies. Diagnosis relied on specific immunohistochemical analysis. The difficulty in diagnosis and management and the advanced stage of disease meant that prognosis was very poor. Our patient died within 3 weeks of diagnosis.

Trigger finger presenting secondary to leiomyoma: a case report.

INTRODUCTION: WE PRESENT A PREVIOUSLY UNDESCRIBED ENTITY: trigger finger secondary to a leiomyoma. This is the first time such a case has been reported and highlights the fact that common conditions can sometimes present secondary to rare diseases. CASE PRESENTATION: A 39-year-old Caucasian man presented with a fairly typical presentation of trigger finger. During surgical treatment, the lesion was excised and sent for histology, which showed tissue consistent with a leiomyoma. The patient made an uneventful recovery. CONCLUSION: Trigger finger is a common condition that is usually easily diagnosed and managed. However, it is important to appreciate that uncommon conditions, such as leiomyoma, can present with what is sometimes considered trivial disease, and one should always consider the differential diagnoses even when faced with relatively benign conditions.

Bilateral congenital absence of internal iliac arteries, prominent lumbar arteries, and a ruptured mycotic aneurysm of the abdominal aorta.

A 46-year-old man was admitted for surgery on a ruptured mycotic abdominal aortic aneurysm. Emergency repair was performed, during which certain anomalies were noted. First, the bifurcation of the aorta was posterior to the left common iliac vein. Second there were no internal iliac arteries. Also, there were prominent lumbar arteries compensating for the absent internal iliac arteries bilaterally. This, we consider, is the first reported case of congenitally absent bilateral internal iliac arteries.