Tuberosity healing after reverse shoulder arthroplasty for complex proximal humeral fractures in elderly patients-does it improve outcomes? A systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Reverse shoulder arthroplasty (RSA) is being increasingly used for complex, displaced fractures of the proximal humerus in older patients. Anatomic tuberosity healing in RSA has been recognized to restore better shoulder function. We compared the reported clinical and functional outcomes of RSA in proximal humeral fractures with and without tuberosity healing. METHODS: We performed a systematic review of literature based on Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines and searched MEDLINE, CINAHL, Embase, and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials. We included all studies with RSA for proximal humeral fractures in patients older than 60 years and compared outcomes based on tuberosity healing with minimum follow-up of 12 months. RESULTS: Seven studies met the inclusion criteria. A total of 381 patients (382 shoulders) were identified. There were 53 men (18.3%) and 236 women (81.7%), with mean age of 76.83 years (range, 74-81 years). Mean follow-up duration was 29.84 months (range, 24-90 months), and the mean rate of greater tuberosity healing was 70.5%. Patients with healed tuberosity had significantly better active forward flexion (134.1° vs. 112.5°, P < .05), abduction (114.8° vs. 95.1°, P < .05), external rotation with elbow by the side (27.8° vs. 7.6°), and mean Constant score (63.5 vs. 56.6, P < .05) than with those with nonhealed tuberosity. CONCLUSION: The RSA group with healed greater tuberosity showed better range of motion, especially forward flexion and external rotation and Constant scores, compared with the nonhealed greater tuberosity group. Tuberosity healing may influence overall shoulder function after RSA for proximal humeral fractures in the elderly, and this needs verification with future prospective studies.

Distal Radius Plates With Coracoid Suture Anchors for the Fixation of Displaced Lateral End Clavicle Fractures.

Introduction Management of displaced fractures of the lateral end clavicle has always challenged orthopaedic surgeons, due to a high non-union rate, and difficulty achieving stable fixation allowing early mobilisation. Different methods of fixation have been utilised to provide stability and improve healing and functional outcomes. In this series, we evaluate the results of internal fixation using dorsal distal radius locking plates and coracoid suture anchors. Patients and methods We retrospectively reviewed the clinical notes and radiographs of eight consecutive patients with fractures of the lateral end of the clavicle presented to our hospital between January 2016 and December 2017. Patients were treated by open reduction and internal fixation using dorsal distal radius locking plates and coracoid suture anchors. Results All patients achieved full range of motion of the shoulder at eight weeks postoperatively. There were no intra-operative complications. Evidence of bone healing was noted in all cases within eight weeks post-operatively. There were no cases of wound complications, metal work irritation or fixation failures. The pre-morbid level of function was restored following the rehab protocol and physiotherapy. Conclusion Dorsal distal radius plates with suture anchor fixation appear to be a valuable alternative for the treatment of fractures of the lateral end of the clavicle. Coracoclavicular fixation provided and maintained the reduction of the fracture. Good clinical results can be achieved with a low risk of complications and without the need for metalwork removal.

Carpal Tunnel Decompression Under Wide Awake Local Anaesthesia No Tourniquet Technique (WALANT): A Cost Effective and Outcome Analysis.

Introduction Wide-awake local anaesthesia with no tourniquet (WALANT) technique is cost-effective, resource-friendly, and safe. This can be used as an alternative to hand surgery procedures in outpatient units. It can be performed in clinics or operating rooms. Methods We retrospectively evaluated the outcomes of WALANT for carpal tunnel decompression (CTD) over two years. Measured results include wound infections, relief of symptoms, paraesthesia, haematoma, Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), hospital anxiety and depression scale score (HADS) and cost-effectiveness. Results Eighteen patients underwent CTD under the WALANT technique over two years. VAS score was recorded at 3.1 ± 1.2 during the procedure and 1.67 ± 0.933 at two weeks follow-up. Persistent paraesthesia was found in only one patient at follow-up. Minimal bleeding was recorded during the procedure. No wound infections, revision surgery or post-operative haematoma formation were found. Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) was reported as 4.77 ± 2.1 after surgery. WALANT was also cost-effective, with an overall amount of £20. Conclusion Performing carpal tunnel decompression under WALANT in one stop upper limb clinic is a safe and cost-effective technique with no significant patient-related complications.

A Rare Presentation of Dual Ovarian Pathologies: Small Cell Carcinoma of the Ovary and Mucinous Ovarian Cancer.

The small cell carcinoma of ovaries co-occurring with mucinous ovarian cancer is a rare event. We report a 21-years-old lady with a composite tumour comprising small cell carcinoma and mucinous carcinoma of ovaries. The incidental finding of the left ovarian cyst led to further workup and revealed a solid cystic mass in the left adnexal area pathologically proven to be mucinous ovarian carcinoma. The initial surgery was deferred upon the patient's request. After a few more cycles of chemotherapy, at the completion of surgery as per ovarian protocol, the pathological evaluation showed small cell carcinoma in the left ovary with a residual focus of mucinous carcinoma. In contrast, the right ovary also showed surface deposits of small cell carcinoma. The patient's clinical condition deteriorated very rapidly after that, and she passed away. Early recognition of small cell carcinoma in a composite tumour is critically essential for timely intervention.

Simultaneous Triquetrum, Lunate, and Capitate Interosseous Ganglion Cysts.

INTRODUCTION: Intraosseous carpus ganglion cysts are very rare causes of hand and wrist pain. Isolated cases of lunate, scaphoid, pisiform, hamate, triquetrum, capitate, metacarpal, and phalanx cysts have no report of more than two carpal cysts, according to our knowledge. CASE REPORT: A case of simultaneous triquetrum, lunate, and capitate intraosseous ganglion cysts is presented. A 56-year-old right-handed woman presented with a 6-month history of persistent left-wrist pain. An old minor trauma was reported; however, the plain radiographs did not show any fractures. Subsequently, magnetic resonance imaging was performed, and it showed small cysticstructures in the lunate, triquetrum, and capitate which is keeping with small intraosseous ganglia. The patient did not want to go down the surgical route as the pain was to some extent manageable. CONCLUSION: Intraosseous carpal ganglion cysts, although rare, can cause chronic wrist pain and should be included in the differential diagnosis.

The use of Tranexamic Acid in Total Elbow Replacement to Reduce Post-Operative Wound Infection.

Background: Incidence of infection following total elbow replacement (TER) is recognised to be higher compared to hip or knee arthroplasty. Extensive swelling following TER can complicate the wound healing which might lead to infection. Tranexamic Acid (TXA) is proven to reduce blood loss peri-operatively which might contribute to better healing outcomes. Our aim is to assess the effect of TXA in wound healing following TER. Methods: A retrospective review of a single surgeon case series. 10 patients had TER mainly for complicated elbow fractures, four of them were relatively immune-supressed. All patients had 2 grams of TXA and antibiotics intra-operatively. All were reviewed at two weeks following surgery for wound check and removal of surgical clips. Results: Seven females and three males with a mean age of 81.5 had TER and TXA. The mean level of pre-operative haemoglobin was 134.40 g/l and the mean post-operative level was 122.70g/l. No patient in this series required blood transfusion. At two weeks and six weeks follow-up, all wound healed up with no signs of infection. Conclusion: TXA has been proven to be safe an effective way of reducing peri-operative bleeding. TXA maintains haemostasis after releasing the tourniquet and therefore reduces the swelling and wound complications post-operatively.

The role of ultrasonography in the diagnosis of occult scaphoid fractures.

Background: Ultrasonography is widely utilized by emergency physicians and radiologists to diagnose various orthopaedic diseases, including fractures. We aim to derive a definitive estimate of the diagnostic accuracy of ultrasonography in clinically suspected scaphoid fractures. Methods: We undertook a systematic review and meta-analysis of included diagnostic cohort studies that discussed the use of ultrasonography in the diagnosis of occult scaphoid fractures. We searched the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence database using the Healthcare Databases Advanced Search tool. In addition, we utilized the PubMed database to search the Medical Literature Analysis and Retrieval System Online, Excerpta Medica database, Cumulative Index of Nursing and Allied Health and Allied and Complimentary Medicine databases. Studies were included if they discuss the role of ultrasound imaging in the diagnosis of scaphoid fractures based on cortical interruption, radio-carpal effusion and scapho-trapezium-trapezoid effusion. Quality assessment was performed using the methodological index for non-randomized studies scoring system. Results: 6 non-randomized control studies met the inclusion criteria. Collectively, these included 236 patients with a mean age ranging from 18 to 41.2 years. The quality of these articles ranged between moderate and high based on the methodological index for non-randomized studies score. The mean sensitivity was 88.95% (standard deviation 10.03) and mean specificity was 89.50% (standard deviation 12.21). Conclusion: The current literature reveals high sensitivity and specificity in the use of ultrasonography in scaphoid fracture diagnosis. However, multiple factors including technical differences in ultrasound machines and probes, small sample sizes and variability of subsequent confirmatory tests have created a challenge in determining the ultimate reliability of ultrasonography in the diagnosis of occult scaphoid fractures. Considering these factors and limitations, large-sample and high-quality clinical trials are needed to adequately assess its reliability for this purpose. One stop clinics, in the authors' opinion, would be an ideal setting for its introduction as well as for future trials.Background: Ultrasonography is widely utilized by emergency physicians and radiologists to diagnose various orthopaedic diseases, including fractures. We aim to derive a definitive estimate of the diagnostic accuracy of ultrasonography in clinically suspected scaphoid fractures. Methods: We undertook a systematic review and meta-analysis of included diagnostic cohort studies that discussed the use of ultrasonography in the diagnosis of occult scaphoid fractures. We searched the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence database using the Healthcare Databases Advanced Search tool. In addition, we utilized the PubMed database to search the Medical Literature Analysis and Retrieval System Online, Excerpta Medica database, Cumulative Index of Nursing and Allied Health and Allied and Complimentary Medicine databases. Studies were included if they discuss the role of ultrasound imaging in the diagnosis of scaphoid fractures based on cortical interruption, radio-carpal effusion and scapho-trapezium-trapezoid effusion. Quality assessment was performed using the methodological index for non-randomized studies scoring system. Results: 6 non-randomized control studies met the inclusion criteria. Collectively, these included 236 patients with a mean age ranging from 18 to 41.2 years. The quality of these articles ranged between moderate and high based on the methodological index for non-randomized studies score. The mean sensitivity was 88.95% (standard deviation 10.03) and mean specificity was 89.50% (standard deviation 12.21). Conclusion: The current literature reveals high sensitivity and specificity in the use of ultrasonography in scaphoid fracture diagnosis. However, multiple factors including technical differences in ultrasound machines and probes, small sample sizes and variability of subsequent confirmatory tests have created a challenge in determining the ultimate reliability of ultrasonography in the diagnosis of occult scaphoid fractures. Considering these factors and limitations, large-sample and high-quality clinical trials are needed to adequately assess its reliability for this purpose. One stop clinics, in the authors' opinion, would be an ideal setting for its introduction as well as for future trials.