Primary outcomes of a femoral neck-preserving stem: a multicentre clinical-radiological analysis at 5-year follow-up.

PURPOSE: The aim of this prospective study was to evaluate the clinical-radiological outcomes of the Alteon Neck Preserving Stem (ANPS) (Exactech, Gainesville, FL, USA) implanted in four different centres by five senior hip surgeons with a minimum of 5 years of follow-up. MATERIAL AND METHOD: We conducted a multicentre prospective study that analysed 155 consecutive total hip replacements during 2014. We performed clinical-radiological analysis measuring Harris Hip Score (HHS), subjective satisfaction evaluation, radiolucencies, position of components, limb length discrepancy, heterotopic ossification, medical and surgical complications and a survival analysis at 5 years follow-up. RESULTS: Thigh pain was reported in 5 cases (3.2%), 2 of which reported mild pain, 2 moderate, and 1 severe. In 2 cases, subsidences of 3 mm were detected in the first scheduled X-ray, both related to intraoperative fractures with no progression after 3 months. The overall complication rate was 5.8% and 6 of the 9 complications were in the first 30 cases. Mean HHS improved from 42.9 points (range 37.2-55.7 points) preoperatively to 94.9 on average (range 87-98) at the end of the follow-up (p <0.01). Subjective evaluation was excellent in 130 (83.87%) cases and good in 25 patients (16.13%). CONCLUSIONS: The clinical-radiographic results of ANPS THR are satisfactory. The mid-term results are promising. However, long-term follow-up studies are necessary to confirm the validity of the concept.

Femoral Neck Preservation and Diaphyseal Invasion Comparing a Calcar-Metaphyseal Short Stem with its Homonymous Standard Femoral Stem. A Radiographic Study.

BACKGROUND: We aim to compare the preoperative planning radiographs of 50 patients in whom both a short stem and its homonymous standard version were programmed, focusing on the preservation of the neck and the invasion of the femoral shaft. The secondary objective was to evaluate the 50 preoperative radiographs with the 50 postoperative radiographs in which the short stem was implanted, measuring the real invasion of the diaphysis and the real preservation of the femoral neck. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We measured cut level at the femoral neck and diaphyseal invasion in 50 preoperative x-rays where an Alteon Neck Preserving Stem (ANPS) was templated and we compared it with 50 preoperative x-rays where an Alteon Taper Wedge Stem (ATWS) was templated. After surgery, we compared both parameters previously measured in the preoperative x-rays with the 50 postoperative radiographs where the short stem was implanted obtaining the real bone preservation at the femoral neck and the real diaphyseal invasion length. RESULTS: For templating comparison, mean bone preservation at the femoral neck was 14.87mm (SD 3.64) for the ANPS group and 9.94mm (SD 8.39) for the ATWS group (p <0.001). The mean diaphyseal bone invasion was 47.21mm (SD 5.89) and 76.77mm (SD 8.39) for ANPS and ATWS respectively (p <0.001). After surgery, the mean postoperative bone preservation at the femoral neck was 15.08mm (SD 3.1) with a mean of 0.17mm (SD 0.51) more preservation in the preoperative group. CONCLUSION: 1. ANPS allow bone preservation with limited diaphyseal invasion when compared with his homonymous ATWS in the preoperative templates. 2. ANPS showed a good correlation between preoperative radiographs and real bone preservation of the femoral neck and invasion of the femoral shaft.

Oral thromboprophylaxis in pelvic trauma: a standardized protocol.

BACKGROUND: Thromboprophylaxis for deep vein thrombosis (DVT) after lower-extremity trauma could include rivaroxaban, an oral medication that does not need laboratory monitoring. OBJECTIVE: To assess rivaroxaban's efficacy in preventing DVTs after pelvic trauma compared to its historical incidence. MATERIALS AND METHODS: All patients admitted with pelvic fractures in a 12-month period followed a standardized thromboprophylaxis protocol: 1) rivaroxaban 10 mg/day within 24 h of injury or upon hemodynamic stability; 2) pre-operative, post-operative, and 30-day extremity ultrasound; 3) ventilation-perfusion scintigraphy for clinical signs of pulmonary embolus; and 4) a 45-, 90-, and 120-day re-evaluation. Rivaroxaban administration ceased the day of surgery and restarted 12 h post-operatively or upon hemodynamic stability, continuing for 30 days. Excluded patients had severe neurological or hepatosplenic injuries, heparin hypersensitivity, or hemodynamic instability. RESULTS: Of 113 patients assessed, 84 patients (66 males), average age 46.6 years (range 19-69 years), were included. They had isolated pelvic trauma (n = 37), associated lower limb injuries (n = 47), average Injury Severity Score 21.4 (range 16-50), and average Glasgow Coma Scale score 13.6 (range 9-15). Patients receiving thromboprophylaxis soon after their fracture (n = 64) had a lower incidence of DVT than those receiving delayed thromboprophylaxis (n = 20) (p = 0.02). One patient (1.2%) died from a pulmonary embolus; 13 had asymptomatic below-the-knee DVTs. Rivaroxaban did not increase intra- or post-operative bleeding in surgical wounds. CONCLUSIONS: DVT incidence after pelvic fractures is reduced by administering antithrombotics within 24 h of injury or, if the patient is hemodynamically unstable, 24 h after stabilization. Rivaroxaban is a safe and effective method of providing this thromboprophylaxis.

Acute meningitis prognosis using cerebrospinal fluid interleukin-6 levels.

BACKGROUND: Improved diagnostic tests would aid in diagnosing and treating community-acquired meningitis. OBJECTIVE: To analyze the diagnostic value of interleukin-6 (IL-6) in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) of patients presenting with symptoms of acute meningitis. MATERIAL AND METHODS: In a 6-month prospective, observational, cross-sectional emergency department (ED) study, serum and CSF samples were obtained from all patients with a headache and fever in whom the physician suspected meningitis. Patients were excluded if computed tomography findings contraindicated a lumbar puncture, if they had bleeding disorders, or if their serum indicated bleeding. IL-6 levels were measured and compared in patients with (Group A) and without (Group B) bacterial meningitis. RESULTS: Samples were obtained from 53 patients, of whom 40 were ultimately found to have meningitis. These 40 patients averaged 49.6 ± 21.9 years, with number of men 18 (45%), hospitalizations 21 (52%), mortality 3 (.07%), and IL-6 average rating 491 (median: 14.5; range 0000-6000). Findings in the two groups were: Group A (with meningitis): n = 13, average IL-6 level: 1495 (median: 604; 25/75 percentiles: 232.5-2030; 95% confidence interval [CI] 371.7-2618.6; range 64-6000). Group B (with aseptic meningitis): n = 27, average IL-6 level: 7.34 (median: 5; 25/75 percentiles: 0.0/15.1; 95% CI 3.94-10.73; range 0-23.6). Mann-Whitney rank sum test: p < 0.0001. CONCLUSIONS: In patients with acute bacterial meningitis, CSF cytokine concentrations are elevated. Measuring CSF inflammatory cytokine levels in patients with acute meningitis could be a valuable ED diagnostic tool. Using this tool could improve the prognosis of patients with bacterial meningitis by allowing more rapid initiation of antibiotic treatment.

Evaluation of the learning curve and initial outcomes with a short cervicometaphyseal fixation stem: A case series. / Evaluación de la curva de aprendizaje y resultados iniciales con un vástago corto de fijación cervicometafisaria: Una serie de casos.

INTRODUCTION: Total hip arthroplasty in young patients has evolved in recent decades, and the use of short stems in young adult patients has been gaining popularity. The restitution of the biomechanics of the hip is a primary requirement to determine the future success of total hip replacement, and even more so in young adults who present the particularity of having a high functional demand and a long life expectancy. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this prospective study was to evaluate the learning curve and initial clinical-radiological outcomes of the Alteon Neck Preserving Stem™ (ANPS) (Exactech, Gainesville, FL, USA) with a minimum of 2 years follow up. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We conducted a multicenter prospective study that analyzed 90 consecutive total hip replacements during 2014. We performed a clinical-radiological analysis measuring Harris Hip Score (HHS), subjective Rodes and Maudsley satisfaction evaluation, radiolucencies, components position, limb length discrepancy, heterotopic ossification, medical and surgical complications and learning curve. RESULTS: During the first 30 cases, the intraoperative complication rate was 16%, while in the next 60 cases no intraoperative complications were reported. Thigh pain was reported in 3 cases (3.3%), being 2 moderates, and 1 severe. In 2 cases subsidences of 3 mm were detected in the first scheduled X-ray, both related to intraoperative fractures with no progression after 3 months. Mean HHS improved from 42.9 points (range 37-54 points) preoperatively to 93.2 on average (range, 87-96) at the end of the follow up (p < 0.01). Subjective evaluation was excellent in 75 (83.3%) cases and good in 15 patients (16.6%). CONCLUSIONS: This short stem has good clinical radiological results in a short and medium term follow-up and in the hands of surgeons specializing in arthroplasty the learning curve is estimated to be less than 30 surgeries.

Results of the Novation CrowncupTM porous-coated uncemented acetabular component in total hip arthroplasty: a 10-year clinical and radiological assessment.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate theclinical, radiological, and survivorship results of a porous-coated uncemented acetabularcup (Novation Crowncup TM Exactech, Gainesville, Florida, USA) in patientsundergoing total hip arthroplasty at the mid to long term follow-up. METHODS: Weprospectively analyzed 185 consecutivetotal hip replacements in 176 patients during 2009. All the patients received aNovation Crowncup™ uncemented cup. All surgeries were performed by one ofthe 4 joint replacement specialists. Several clinical and radiographic outcomemeasures were evaluated. RESULTS: There was no cupmigration recorded. Six cups (5.2%) had a thin (less than 1 mm) radiolucentline without signs of loosening or clinical manifestation, but under close followup. The wear was not significative at the end of the follow up. The mean HarrisHip Score increased from 45.7 (range = 28 to 65) preoperatively to 89.8 (range= 87 to 96) at the final follow-up. Subjectiveevaluation showed excellent results in 82.6%, good in 8.6%, fair in 5.9%, andpoor in 2.9% of the cases. Eight patients, 3 stems, and 5 cups (5% of the series)were revised, the survival of the series was 95% when the failure was the needfor additional acetabular or femoral revision surgery for any reason. If wedefine failure as the need for an acetabular revision for some reason, thesurvival was (97.5%). When we evaluated survival only for aseptic loosening ofthe cup at 10 years of follow-up, 98.4% of the implants survived. CONCLUSION: In our series,when we evaluated survival only for aseptic loosening of the cup at 10 years offollow-up, 98.4% of the implants survived. The Crowncup acetabular cup survivalrate was 97.5% including all causes of loosening and 95% including all causesfor revision at 10 years of follow-up. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV, Therapeutic Study.

Emergency medicine in Argentina: a stepwise process to specialty recognition.

As emergency medicine (EM) has developed as a medical specialty throughout the world, each country has followed its own path to official recognition. Despite a successful EM model in the United States, some countries, especially those that require government approval of new medical specialties, have often found it difficult to attain recognition. As of early 2009, Argentina had yet to recognize EM as an official specialty, although some regional governments have acknowledged the specialty's status. The Argentine Society of EM has taken a number of steps and proposed educational paths to EM specialization to convince Argentina's political decision-makers that Emergency Medicine is a fundamental step toward a modern medical system. Such national recognition would further an already thriving EM community and improve the quality of patient care in Argentina. To assist colleagues around the world who are pursuing or will pursue this goal, this article outlines Argentina's complex and ongoing path to specialty recognition.

Conversion total hip arthroplasty with a proximally modular, distal fixation reconstruction prosthesis following cephalomedullar nail failure.

BACKGROUND: The goals of intertrochanteric hip fracture (IHF) treatment are stable fixation, early mobilisation and function restoration. If the attempt to reduce, stabilise and fracture healing utilising a femoral cephalomedullar nail (CMN) fails, options for subsequent attempts are limited. PURPOSE: Evaluate the clinical and radiographic outcomes of conversion total hip arthroplasty (THA) using a modular stem following a CMN failure. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed a consecutive series of patients with an IHF between 2012 and 2014 to identify CMN patients that went on to the subsequent failure and conversion to THA utilising a modular femoral stem (MFS). In all cases, MP Reconstruction Prosthesis (Waldemar Link, Hamburg, Germany) was implanted. Primary clinical outcomes were assessed using Harris Hip Score (HSS) before conversion procedure, 3 months, 6 months and recent office visit post-conversion THA thereafter. The secondary outcome was to analyse intra and postoperative complications. Serial radiographs at each follow-up interval were assessed for clinical success or to confirm adverse events. RESULTS: 28 patients were included in the study; 17 were females. The average age was 72.7 years (SD ± 10.5); the average time from the index procedure to conversion THA was 12.6 months (SD ± 3.5). At baseline, average HHS was 42.1 (SD ± 3.6), improved to 80.7 (SD ± 5.1) at 3 months, 86.0 (SD ± 3.9) at 6-months which levelled off to 86.1 (SD ± 4.0) at final follow-up. There were 4 (14%) post-conversion complications: 2 dislocations, 1 superficial wound infection, 1 patient with symptomatic abductor deficiency. All 4 cases were conservatively treated successfully, the implants were retained, and the patients progressed without further issue. CONCLUSIONS: MFSs allow to successfully treat failed CMN and adverse variations in femoral anatomy with a device that will permit simultaneous correction of leg length, offset and version to relieve pain, restore function and create a durable prosthetic to host composite.

Lactic dehydrogenase in cerebrospinal fluid may differentiate between structural and non-structural central nervous system lesions in patients with diminished levels of consciousness.

BACKGROUND: Impaired consciousness without a history of trauma is a common reason for emergency department (ED) visits. Among critically ill patients with a history and physical findings suggestive of a cerebrovascular accident (CVA), it may be difficult to differentiate between a structural and a non-structural cause for their condition. OBJECTIVES: This study was conducted to determine if lactic dehydrogenase (LDH) levels in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) of patients with acute non-traumatic neurological disorders could distinguish between structural and non-structural etiologies. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Over a 6-month period, CSF specimens were collected from 54 critically ill patients admitted to the ED with impaired consciousness and findings consistent with a CVA. The patients had moderate to severe impairment of consciousness, had a new motor or sensory deficit, or had meningeal signs of recent onset. CSF-LDH levels were analyzed because CSF levels of the enzyme are typically elevated in meningitis, metastatic cancer, and disorders resulting in ischemic necroses. Patients were excluded if a computed tomography scan showed contraindications to performing a lumbar puncture, if they had a coagulopathy, or if the CSF was xanthochromic or produced visible blood sediment after centrifuging. The data were analyzed according to the patients' admission diagnoses-structural vs. non-structural lesion. RESULTS: Of the samples collected from 54 patients, eight were excluded. Among the 46 patients included in the study, the mean age was 56.1 +/- 2.75 years, mean APACHE II score was 20.93 +/- 0.98, Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) score was 7.15 +/- 0.49, and mortality was 55% (22 patients). The 30 patients with a structural abnormality had a mean age of 56.7 +/- 3.55 years, GCS score of 7.3 +/- 0.61, APACHE II score of 20.2 +/- 1.1, mortality of 43% (13 patients), and CSF-LDH level of 128.8 +/- 24.8 IU/L (95% confidence interval [CI] 78.1-179.6). The 16 patients with a non-structural (metabolic) disturbance had: a mean age of 55.0 +/- 4.42 years, GCS score of 6.87 +/- 0.86, APACHE II score of 22.2 +/- 1.94, mortality of 56% (9 patients), and CSF-LDH level of 29.8 +/- 2.9 IU/L (95% CI 23.6-36.1). Analysis by Student's t-test was p < 0.05. When the diagnostic value of CSF-LDH level was evaluated using a cutoff point of 40 IU/L, the following results were obtained: sensitivity: 86.7%, specificity: 81.3%, pretest likelihood: 65%, positive predictive value: 90%, negative predictive value: 76%, Likelihood Ratio (LR)+: 4.62, LR-: 0.16 (6.25-fold increase). CONCLUSIONS: In critically ill patients with acutely altered levels of consciousness but without a history of trauma, a CSF-LDH value < or = 40 IU/L is associated with non-structural pathology.

Rotura traumática simultánea y bilateral del tendón del cuádriceps en un paciente fisicoculturista: informe de caso y revisión de la literatura / Simultaneous bilateral traumatic quadriceps tendon rupture in a bodybuilding patient: case report and literature review

La rotura traumática, simultánea y bilateral del tendón cuadricipital es una lesión infrecuente, generalmente asociada a otras enfermedades sistémicas tales como insuficiencia renal o trastornos endocrinos. Presentamos el caso de un varón sano y atleta de 38 años que sufrió esta lesión mientras realizaba una sentadilla en el gimnasio. (AU)

The traumatic bilateral and simultaneous quadriceps tendon rupture is a rare injury, usually associated with other systemic diseases such as renal insufficiency or endocrine disorders. We present the case of a 38-year-old healthy male athlete who sustained this injury while performing a squat at the gym. (AU)

Single fascia iliaca compartment block for post-hip fracture pain relief.

Hip fractures can cause considerable pain when untreated or under-treated. To enhance pain relief and diminish the risk of delirium from typically administered parenteral analgesics and continued pain, we tested the efficacy of using fascia-iliaca blocks (FICB), administered by one of four attending physicians working in the emergency department (ED), with commonly available ED equipment. After informed consent, a physician administered one FICB to 63 sequential adult ED patients (43 women, 20 men; ages 37-96 years, mean 73.5 years) with radiographically diagnosed hip fractures. Under aseptic conditions, a 21 g, 2-inch IM injection needle was inserted perpendicularly to the skin 1 cm below the juncture of the lateral and medial two-thirds of a line that joins the pubic tubercle to the anterior superior iliac spine. The needle was inserted until a loss of resistance was felt twice (fascia lata and fascia iliaca), at which point 0.3 mL/kg of 0.25 bupivacaine was infused. The physician tested the block's efficacy by assessing sensory loss. Pain assessments were done using a 10-point Likert Visual Analog Scale (VAS) before, and at 15 min, 2 h, and 8 h post-block. Block failure was having the same level of pain as before the block. Oral analgesics were administered as needed. The IRB approved this study. Post-procedure pain was reduced in all patients, but not completely abolished in any. Before the FICB, the pain ranged from 2 to 10 points (average 8.5) using the VAS; at 15 min post-injection, it ranged from 1 to 7 points (average 2.9); at 2 h post-injection, it ranged from 2 to 6 points (average 2.3); at 8 h post-injection, it ranged from 4 to 7 points (average 4.4). Analgesic requests in the first 24 h after admission averaged 1.2 doses (range 1 to 4 doses) of diclofenac 75 mg. There were no systemic complications and only two local hematomas. Resident physicians learned the procedure and could perform it successfully with less than 5 min instruction. Physicians rarely use the FICB in EDs, although the technique is simple to learn and use. This rapid, effective, and safe method of achieving excellent pain control in ED patients with hip fractures can be performed using standard ED equipment.

Evaluation of the learning curve and initial outcomes with a short cervicometaphyseal fixation stem: A case series / Evaluación de la curva de aprendizaje y resultados iniciales con un vástago corto de fijación cervicometafisaria: Una serie de casos

Introduction: Total hip arthroplasty in young patients has evolved in recent decades, and the use of short stems in young adult patients has been gaining popularity. The restitution of the biomechanics of the hip is a primary requirement to determine the future success of total hip replacement, and even more so in young adults who present the particularity of having a high functional demand and a long life expectancy. Objective: The aim of this prospective study was to evaluate the learning curve and initial clinical–radiological outcomes of the Alteon Neck Preserving Stem™ (ANPS) (Exactech, Gainesville, FL, USA) with a minimum of 2 years follow up. Material and methods: We conducted a multicenter prospective study that analyzed 90 consecutive total hip replacements during 2014. We performed a clinical–radiological analysis measuring Harris Hip Score (HHS), subjective Rodes and Maudsley satisfaction evaluation, radiolucencies, components position, limb length discrepancy, heterotopic ossification, medical and surgical complications and learning curve. Results: During the first 30 cases, the intraoperative complication rate was 16%, while in the next 60 cases no intraoperative complications were reported. Thigh pain was reported in 3 cases (3.3%), being 2 moderates, and 1 severe. In 2 cases subsidences of 3 mm were detected in the first scheduled X-ray, both related to intraoperative fractures with no progression after 3 months. Mean HHS improved from 42.9 points (range 37–54 points) preoperatively to 93.2 on average (range, 87–96) at the end of the follow up (p < 0.01). Subjective evaluation was excellent in 75 (83.3%) cases and good in 15 patients (16.6%). Conclusions: This short stem has good clinical radiological results in a short and medium term follow-up and in the hands of surgeons specializing in arthroplasty the learning curve is estimated to be less than 30 surgeries.(AU)

Introducción: La artroplastia total de cadera en pacientes jóvenes ha ido evolucionando en las últimas décadas y la utilización de tallos cortos en pacientes adultos jóvenes ha ganado popularidad. La restitución de la biomecánica de la cadera es requisito primordial para determinar el éxito a futuro del reemplazo total de cadera, y aún más en los adultos jóvenes quienes presentan la particularidad de tener una alta demanda funcional y una esperanza de vida prolongada. Objetivo: El objetivo de este estudio prospectivo fue evaluar la curva de aprendizaje y los resultados clínico-radiológicos iniciales del Alteon Neck Preserving Stem™ (ANPS) (Exactech, Gainesville, FL, EE. UU.) con un mínimo de dos años de seguimiento. Material y métodos: Se realizó un estudio prospectivo multicéntrico que analizó 90 reemplazos totales consecutivos de cadera durante 2014. Realizamos un análisis clínico-radiológico utilizando Harris Hip Score (HHS), evaluación de satisfacción subjetiva de Roles y Maudsley, radiolucencias, posición de los componentes, discrepancia en la longitud de las extremidades, osificación heterotópica, complicaciones médicas y quirúrgicas y un análisis de la curva de aprendizaje. Resultados: Durante los primeros 30 casos la tasa de complicaciones intraoperatorias fue del 16% mientras que en los siguientes 60 casos no se reportó ninguna complicación intraquirúrgica. El dolor de muslo se notificó en tres casos (3,3%), siendo dos moderados y uno grave. En dos casos se detectaron hundimientos de 3 mm en la primera radiografía programada, ambas relacionadas con fracturas intraoperatorias sin progresión después de tres meses. La media de HHS mejoró de 42,9 puntos (rango 37 a 54 puntos) preoperatoriamente a 93,2 en promedio (rango, 87-96) al final del seguimiento (p < 0,01). La evaluación subjetiva fue excelente en 75 casos (83,3%) y buena en 15 casos (16,6%).(AU)

Evaluación de la curva de aprendizaje y resultados iniciales con un vástago corto de fijación cervicometafisaria: Una serie de casos / Evaluation of the learning curve and initial outcomes with a short cervicometaphyseal fixation stem: A case series

Introducción: La artroplastia total de cadera en pacientes jóvenes ha ido evolucionando en las últimas décadas y la utilización de tallos cortos en pacientes adultos jóvenes ha ganado popularidad. La restitución de la biomecánica de la cadera es requisito primordial para determinar el éxito a futuro del reemplazo total de cadera, y aún más en los adultos jóvenes quienes presentan la particularidad de tener una alta demanda funcional y una esperanza de vida prolongada. Objetivo: El objetivo de este estudio prospectivo fue evaluar la curva de aprendizaje y los resultados clínico-radiológicos iniciales del Alteon Neck Preserving Stem™ (ANPS) (Exactech, Gainesville, FL, EE. UU.) con un mínimo de dos años de seguimiento. Material y métodos: Se realizó un estudio prospectivo multicéntrico que analizó 90 reemplazos totales consecutivos de cadera durante 2014. Realizamos un análisis clínico-radiológico utilizando Harris Hip Score (HHS), evaluación de satisfacción subjetiva de Roles y Maudsley, radiolucencias, posición de los componentes, discrepancia en la longitud de las extremidades, osificación heterotópica, complicaciones médicas y quirúrgicas y un análisis de la curva de aprendizaje. Resultados: Durante los primeros 30 casos la tasa de complicaciones intraoperatorias fue del 16% mientras que en los siguientes 60 casos no se reportó ninguna complicación intraquirúrgica. El dolor de muslo se notificó en tres casos (3,3%), siendo dos moderados y uno grave. En dos casos se detectaron hundimientos de 3 mm en la primera radiografía programada, ambas relacionadas con fracturas intraoperatorias sin progresión después de tres meses. La media de HHS mejoró de 42,9 puntos (rango 37 a 54 puntos) preoperatoriamente a 93,2 en promedio (rango, 87-96) al final del seguimiento (p < 0,01). La evaluación subjetiva fue excelente en 75 casos (83,3%) y buena en 15 casos (16,6%).(AU)

Introduction: Total hip arthroplasty in young patients has evolved in recent decades, and the use of short stems in young adult patients has been gaining popularity. The restitution of the biomechanics of the hip is a primary requirement to determine the future success of total hip replacement, and even more so in young adults who present the particularity of having a high functional demand and a long life expectancy. Objective: The aim of this prospective study was to evaluate the learning curve and initial clinical–radiological outcomes of the Alteon Neck Preserving Stem™ (ANPS) (Exactech, Gainesville, FL, USA) with a minimum of 2 years follow up. Material and methods: We conducted a multicenter prospective study that analyzed 90 consecutive total hip replacements during 2014. We performed a clinical–radiological analysis measuring Harris Hip Score (HHS), subjective Rodes and Maudsley satisfaction evaluation, radiolucencies, components position, limb length discrepancy, heterotopic ossification, medical and surgical complications and learning curve. Results: During the first 30 cases, the intraoperative complication rate was 16%, while in the next 60 cases no intraoperative complications were reported. Thigh pain was reported in 3 cases (3.3%), being 2 moderates, and 1 severe. In 2 cases subsidences of 3 mm were detected in the first scheduled X-ray, both related to intraoperative fractures with no progression after 3 months. Mean HHS improved from 42.9 points (range 37–54 points) preoperatively to 93.2 on average (range, 87–96) at the end of the follow up (p < 0.01). Subjective evaluation was excellent in 75 (83.3%) cases and good in 15 patients (16.6%). Conclusions: This short stem has good clinical radiological results in a short and medium term follow-up and in the hands of surgeons specializing in arthroplasty the learning curve is estimated to be less than 30 surgeries.(AU)

Perspectives of South American physicians hosting foreign rotators in emergency medicine.

BACKGROUND: Emergency Medicine (EM) is increasingly becoming an international field. The number of fellowships in International EM in the USA is growing along with opportunities to complete international health electives (IHEs) during residency training. The impact on host institutions, however, has not been adequately investigated. The objective of this study is to assess the experience of several South American hospitals hosting foreign EM residents completing IHEs. METHODS: Anonymous, semi-structured one-on-one interviews were conducted with physicians working in Emergency Departments in three hospitals in Lima, Peru and one hospital in Buenos Aires, Argentina. All participants reported previously working with EM foreign rotators. Interviews were analyzed qualitatively and coded for common themes. RESULTS: Three department chairs, six residents, and 15 attending physicians were interviewed (total = 24). After qualitative analysis of interviews, two broad theme categories emerged: Benefits and Challenges. Most commonly reported benefits were knowledge sharing about emergency medical systems (78%), medical knowledge transfer (58%), and long-term relationship formation (42%). Top challenges included rotator Spanish language proficiency (70%) lack of reciprocity (58%), and level of training and rotation length (25%). Spanish proficiency related directly to how involved rotators became in patient care (e.g., taking a history, participating in rounds) but was not completely prohibitive, as a majority of physicians interviewed felt comfortable speaking in English. Lack of reciprocity refers to the difficulty of sending host physicians abroad as well as failed attempts at building long-lasting relationships with foreign institutions. Lastly, 25% preferred rotators to stay for at least 1 month and rotate in the last year of EM residency. This latter preference increased knowledge transfer from rotator to host. CONCLUSIONS: Our research identified benefits and challenges of IHEs in Emergency Medicine from the perspective of physician hosts in several hospitals in South America. Our results suggest that IHEs function best when EM residents rotate later in residency training and when relationships are maintained and deepened among those involved including host physicians, rotators, and institutions. This leads to future rotators, project collaboration, research, and publications which not only benefit individuals involved but also the wider field of Emergency Medicine.

Total hip arthroplasty for hip fractures: 5-year follow-up of functional outcomes in the oldest independent old and very old patients.

INTRODUCTION: This study aimed to determine the dislocation and reoperation rate, functional outcomes, and the survival rate of the unique subset of very old but lucid and independent patients with hip fractures following a total hip arthroplasty (THA) and geriatric team-coordinated perioperative care. METHOD: Between 2000 and 2006, previously independent ambulatory patients ≥80 years old presenting with an intracapsular hip fracture were given THAs under the care of an integrated orthopedic surgery-geriatric service. Their fracture-related complications, ambulation, mental status, and survival were followed for 5 to 11 years postinjury. RESULTS: Five years postinjury, 57 (61.3%) patients of the original study group were living. In all, 3 (3.2%) patients had postoperative hip dislocations (and 2 patients had dislocation twice) and 2 reoperations were needed within the first postoperative month. There were no hip dislocations or reoperations after the first year. Radiographs obtained on 88% of the surviving patients at 5 years postoperatively showed that all remained unchanged from their immediate postoperative images. Nearly half of the patients were still able to ambulate as they did preoperatively and their mixed-model equation was statistically unchanged. CONCLUSION: This study of patients >80 years old with previously good functional status demonstrates that with appropriate surgical (best prosthesis, good operating technique, and regional anesthesia) and geriatric (pre- and postoperative assessments, close follow-up, medication adjustments, and fall-prevention instruction) care, they have few hip dislocations and reoperations, survive postfracture at least as long as their noninjured contemporaries, and continue to function and ambulate as they did prior to their injury.

Pain treatment in post-traumatic hip fracture in the elderly: regional block vs. systemic non-steroidal analgesics.

BACKGROUND: This prospective, randomized double-blind study, conducted over 19 months in a tertiary care ED, sought to determine if a fascia-iliaca regional anesthetic block provides better and safer pain relief than does parenteral analgesia. AIMS: This study also aimed to determine the effectiveness of parenteral NSAID analgesia for acute hip fractures. METHODS: Patients >65 years old presenting at an adult ED with acute hip fractures were randomized upon presentation to the ED into two groups (A and B) using numbers generated by the EPI-INFO™ (Atlanta, GA: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) program. The randomization list was kept by one of the authors who did not interact with the patients. Two groups of patients were to receive either (A) a fascia-iliaca block with bupivacaine and parenteral saline injection, or (B) the same block with saline and an IV NSAID injection. Upon admission to the study, vital signs such as blood pressure, mean blood pressure (MAP), heart rate (HR), respiratory rate (RR) and pain-intensity measurements [using the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS)] were obtained and repeated at 15 min, 2 h and at8 h. The occurrence of complications was registered. RESULTS: One hundred seventy-five patients were randomized, and 21 were excluded from participation. The remaining 154 patients were grouped as: group A (n = 62) or group B (n = 92). The mean pain level on admission to the ED for all patients, assessed with the VAS, was 8.21 ± 0.91 (CI 95%: 6.43-9.99); in group A the VAS was 7.6 ± 0.22 and in group B 8.5 ± 0.72 (p = 0.411). At 15-min evaluation, values were: group A 6.24 ± 0.17 and group B 2.9 ± 0.16 (p < 0.001). At the 2-h assessment, values were: group A 1.78 ± 0.11 and group B 2.3 ± 1.16 (p = 0.764). At 8 h the VAS for group A was 2.03 ± 0.12 and for group B 4.4 ± 0.91 (p = 0.083). CONCLUSION: THIS STUDY DEMONSTRATES THAT: (1) parenteral NSAIDs are very effective as analgesics after hip fractures in elderly patients, (2) fascia-iliaca regional blocks are nearly as effective for up to about 8 h after administration and (3) regional fascia-iliaca blocks effectively control post-hip fracture pain. (4) Fascia iliaca regional block has a rapid onset.

Compartment syndrome of the thigh: an unusual complication after spinal surgery.

Compartment syndrome of the thigh is an uncommon pathology, and its acute presentation after spinal surgery is rare. Because a large muscle mass is involved and systemic manifestations of crush syndrome and altered mental status are present, such abnormalities may lead to a delay in appropriate diagnosis and subsequent treatment. A 56-year-old man who was suspected of having a posterior compartment syndrome in the thigh after spinal decompression in the knee-chest position was evaluated clinically and with the use of a catheter for intracompartmental pressure measurement as a tool to help establish the diagnosis and monitor the evolution. Because of sciatic involvement and a demonstrated increase in the pressure in the posterior compartment with myoglobinuria and acute renal failure, prompt longitudinal fasciotomy was performed with excellent neurologic recovery and improvement of both clinical parameters and mental status.