Knowledge, attitudes, and behavior among key people involved in the employment of people with epilepsy in southern Benin.

PURPOSE: This study aimed to investigate knowledge, attitudes, and behavior among individuals working to achieve, or promote, the employment and retention in employment of people with epilepsy (PWE) in Benin. METHODS: We interviewed 300 subjects using a self-administered questionnaire. RESULTS: Knowledge: 93% had heard of epilepsy; 8.8% had at least one person with epilepsy (PWE) in their family; and 67.3% had witnessed a person having epileptic seizures. Attitudes and behavior: 95.3% and 95%, respectively, expressed their views that PWE should be able to enter mainstream education and that PWE should marry; 76.4% considered PWE equal to themselves; and 28.6% reported they would not hire a PWE. We found some associations between demographic characteristics and knowledge, attitudes, and behavior among respondents. A few unhelpful aspects of knowledge, attitudes, and behavior were identified. CONCLUSIONS: Our study showed a fairly high level of accurate knowledge of epilepsy, but some misperceptions and unhelpful attitudes and practices toward PWE in Benin were noted. This study's findings can be used to help plan appropriate strategies based on correcting misperceptions concerning inclusion and retention in employment of PWE in Benin.

Multiple sclerosis and solar exposure before the age of 15 years: case-control study in Cuba, Martinique and Sicily.

Few studies report a protective role of childhood solar exposure to multiple sclerosis. Our objective was to confirm the protective role of childhood solar exposure in multiple sclerosis in Cuba, Martinique and Sicily. This was a matched case- control study, and cases met Poser criteria for clinically, laboratory (definite, probable) multiple sclerosis. Controls were resident population, without neurological disorder, living close to cases (within 100 km), matched for sex, age (+/-5 years), residence before age 15. We recruited 551 subjects during a 1-year period (193 cases, Cuba n = 95, Sicily n = 50, Martinique n = 48; 358 controls). Some (89%) met definite clinical multiple sclerosis criteria (relapsing remitting form (with and without sequel) (74%), secondary progressive (21%), primary progressive (5%)). Odds ratios in a uni-variate analysis were: family history of multiple sclerosis (5.1) and autoimmune disorder (4.0); wearing shirt (3.5), hat (2.7), pants (2.4); sun exposure causing sunburn (1.8); sun exposure duration (1 h more/day; weekends 0.91, weekdays 0.86); bare-chested (0.6); water sports (0.2). Independent factors in the multivariate analysis were family history of multiple sclerosis (4.8 (1.50-15.10)), wearing pants under sunlight (1.9 (1.10-3.20)), sun exposure duration (1 h more/ day, weekdays 0.90 (0.85-0.98), weekends 0.93 (0.87-0.99)), water sports (0.23 (0.13-0.40)). We conclude that outdoor leisure activities in addition to sun exposure reports are associated with a reduced multiple sclerosis risk, with evidence of dose response.

Impact of chronic airflow obstruction in a working population.

Data on the individual and collective impact of chronic airflow obstruction at a population level are scarce. In a nationwide survey, dyspnoea, quality of life and missed working days were compared between subjects with and without spirometrically diagnosed chronic airflow obstruction. Subjects aged > or =45 yrs were recruited in French health prevention centres (n = 5,008). Results of pre-bronchodilator spirometry and questionnaires (European Community Respiratory Health Survey-derived questionnaire and European quality of life five-dimension questionnaire) were collected. Adequate datasets were available for 4,764 subjects aged 60+/-10 yrs (only 2% were aged > or =80 yrs). The prevalence of airflow obstruction (forced expiratory volume in one second/forced vital capacity of <0.70) was 7.5%. The vast majority (93.9%) of cases had not been diagnosed previously. Health status was significantly influenced by dyspnoea. Both were associated with the number of missed working days. Despite mild-to-moderate severity, subjects with chronic airflow obstruction exhibited more dyspnoea, poorer quality of life and higher numbers of missed working days (mean 6.71 versus 1.45 days.patient(-1).yr(-1) in patients without airflow obstruction, for the population with no known heart or lung disease). In conclusion, even mild-to-moderate airflow obstruction is associated with an impaired health status, which represents an additional argument in favour of early detection in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

Position of the greater trochanter and functional femoral antetorsion: Which factors matter in the management of femoral antetorsion disorders?

Aims: The primary aim of this study was to define and quantify three new measurements to indicate the position of the greater trochanter. Secondary aims were to define 'functional antetorsion' as it relates to abductor function in populations both with and without torsional abnormality. Patients and Methods: Three new measurements, functional antetorsion, posterior tilt, and posterior translation of the greater trochanter, were assessed from 61 CT scans of cadaveric femurs, and their reliability determined. These measurements and their relationships were also evaluated in three groups of patients: a control group (n = 22), a 'high-antetorsion' group (n = 22) and a 'low-antetorsion' group (n = 10). Results: In the cadaver group, the mean anatomical antetorsion was 14.7° (sd 8.5; 0 to 36.5) and the functional antetorsion 21.5° (sd 8.1; 3.6 to 44.3): the posterior tilt was 73.3° (sd 10.8; 46.9 to 88.7) and the posterior translation 0.59 (sd 0.2; 0.2 to 0.9). These measurements had excellent intra and interobserver agreement with a range from 0.93 to 0.99. When the anatomical antetorsion decreased, the greater trochanter was more tilted and translated posteriorly in relation to the axis of the femoral neck, and the difference between functional and anatomical antetorsion increased. The results the three patient groups were similar to those of the cadaver group. Conclusion: The position of the greater trochanter and functional antetorsion varied with anatomical antetorsion. In the surgical management of femoral retrotorsion, subtrochanteric osteotomy can result in an excessively posterior position of the greater trochanter and an increase in functional antetorsion. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2018;100-B:712-19.

Learning the skills needed to perform shoulder arthroscopy by simulation.

INTRODUCTION: Simulation for arthroscopy helps surgical trainees develop their surgery skills in a safe environment. This teaching technique has become more widespread in recent years because of the need to provide surgeons in training with an alternative to the current methods. We hypothesized that a resident in surgery could acquire the skills needed to perform arthroscopic shoulder surgery by working on a simulator. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study was conducted over a 4-month period from June to September 2016. All the surgeons and residents in our department participated in the study. We recorded each participant's age, sex, dominant hand, and video gaming experience. We used the Arthro Mentor™ simulator from Simbionix (now 3D Systems). Testing was carried out at the start and end of training to evaluate the participant's skills and their progression. The changes were evaluated statistically. RESULTS: Fourteen surgeons were included in the study. They were split into two groups: controls and residents. There was a statistically significant improvement in the intern group between the overall pre-test score and the overall post-test score. There was no significant improvement in the overall score of the control group between the pre-test and post-test. DISCUSSION: For surgeons in training, shoulder arthroscopy simulation helps them acquire the skills needed to perform arthroscopy such as hand-eye coordination, triangulation and the ability to work in three-dimensions based on two-dimensional visual information. We believe that the benefit of simulation resides in learning the skills needed to perform a surgical procedure, not in learning the procedure itself. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: III-case-control study.

Combined intra- and extra-articular grafting for revision ACL reconstruction: A multicentre study by the French Arthroscopy Society (SFA).

BACKGROUND: A careful analysis of the reasons for ACL reconstruction failure is essential to selection of the optimal surgical revision technique designed to ensure good rotational stability and to minimise the risk of re-rupture. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate anterolateral ligament (ALL) stabilisation during revision ACL reconstruction. HYPOTHESIS: ALL stabilisation during revision ACL reconstruction provides good rotational stability without increasing the risk of complications. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This multicentre study included 349 patients, 151 retrospectively and 198 prospectively. There were 283 males and 66 females. Inclusion criteria were an indication for revision ACL reconstruction surgery with combined intra-articular reconstruction and ALL stabilisation after failed autograft ACL reconstruction, and intact PCL. Exclusion criteria were primary ACL reconstruction and concomitant peripheral medial and/or lateral lesions. Each patient underwent a clinical and radiographic evaluation before and after revision surgery. Before revision surgery, the mean IKDC score was 56.5±15.5 and 96% of patients were IKDC C or D. RESULTS: Rates were 5.0% for early and 10.5% for late postoperative complications. Lachmann's test had a hard stop at last follow-up in 97% of patients. The pivot-shift test was positive in 1% of patients. The mean subjective IKDC score was 84.5±13.0 and 86.5% of patients were IKDC A or B. The proportions of patients with radiographic knee osteoarthritis at last follow-up was unchanged for the lateral tibio-femoral and patello-femoral compartments but increased by 9.7% to 21.2% for the medial tibio-femoral compartment. The re-rupture rate was 1.2% and the further surgical revision rate was 5.4%. CONCLUSION: Anterior laxity at last follow-up was consistent with previous studies of revision ACL reconstruction. However, rotational stability and the re-rupture risk were improved. ALL stabilisation is among the techniques that deserve consideration as part of the therapeutic options for revision ACL reconstruction. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: IV, retrospective and prospective cohort study.

Short-term complications in intra- and extra-articular anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction. Comparison with the literature on isolated intra-articular reconstruction. A multicenter study by the French Arthroscopy Society.

INTRODUCTION: Lateral tenodesis (LT) is performed to limit the risk of iterative tear following anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction in at-risk patients. By adding an extra procedure to isolated ACL graft, LT reconstruction increases operating time and may complicate postoperative course. The objective of the present study was to evaluate the rate of early complications. The study hypothesis was that associating ALL reconstruction to ACL reconstruction does not increase the complications rate found with isolated ACL reconstruction. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A prospective multicenter study included 392 patients: 70% male; mean age, 29.9 years; treated by associated ACL and LT reconstruction. All adverse events were inventoried. RESULTS: Mean hospital stay was 2 days, with 46% day-surgery. Walking was resumed at a mean 27 days, with an advantage for patients treated by the hamstring technique. The early postoperative complications rate was 12%, with 1.7% specifically implicating LT reconstruction: pain, hematoma, stiffness in flexion and extension, and infection. There was a 5% rate of surgical revision during the first year, predominantly comprising arthrolysis for extension deficit. The 1-year recurrence rate was 2.8%. DISCUSSION: The complications rate for combined intra- and extra-articular reconstruction was no higher than for isolated intra-articular ACL reconstruction, with no increase in infection or stiffness rates. The rate of complications specific to ALL reconstruction was low, at 1.7%, and mainly involved fixation error causing lateral soft-tissue impingement. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: IV, prospective multicenter study.

Midterm results of combined intra- and extra-articular ACL reconstruction compared to historical ACL reconstruction data. Multicenter study of the French Arthroscopy Society.

INTRODUCTION: During anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction procedures, anterolateral reconstruction (ALR) can also be performed to improve the knee's rotational stability. However, the effectiveness of this supplemental technique and its impact on the risk of retears and on the onset of secondary degenerative changesare controversial. HYPOTHESIS: ALR improves control over the pivot shift, reduces the retear risk and delays the appearance of secondary degenerative lesions. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Clinical examination, knee laxity measurements and X-ray evaluations were done in 478 patients with more than 3years' follow-up after combined ACL and ALR from 11 participating hospitals. The mean patient age at the time of surgery was 28years. Eighty-eight percent of the patients participated in pivot sports and 45% were competitive athletes. The findings of this study were compared to historical isolated ACL reconstruction data. RESULTS: The average follow-up was 6.8years. No detectable pivot shift was found in 83% of patients, while 12.8% of patient had a smooth glide. The side-to-side difference in anteroposterior knee laxity with maximum manual force was less than 3mm in 66% of patients and less than 5mm in 95%. The retear rate was 5.4%, with half of these patients undergoing revision ACL surgery. Secondary meniscus damage requiring surgery occurred in 6.3% of patients; the radiological osteoarthritis rate was 17.5%. DISCUSSION: When compared to historical ACL reconstruction data, combined intra- and extra-articular reconstruction does not increase the complication rate. At a mean follow-up of 6.8years, it provides better control over the pivot shift along with a low retear rate and low occurrence of secondary meniscus injuries. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: IV, multicenter study.

[Economic analysis of home based versus hospital outpatient chemotherapy in stage IV non small cell lung cancer]. / Analyse économique de l'administration d'une chimiothérapie en hospitalisation à domicile (HAD) comparée à l'hospitalisation de jour dans les cancers bronchopulmonaires non à petites cellules de stade IV.

BACKGROUND: French law and government decisions have induced new development for home base treatments. The objective was to compare cost of home base chemotherapy (HBC) versus outpatient infusions, for non small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). METHODS: 10 patients were selected in each category. D8 of their cycles was performed at home compared to outpatient infusion. Costs were based on national fees with cytostatic drugs as supplement. The real cost was also assessed through a specific questionnaire. RESULTS: 30 D8 infusions were carried out at hospital and 24 D8 infusions at home. Average cost by cycle was 2,829.51 euros [2 560.74-3 147.02] for hospital infusion, 2,372.50 euros [1 962.75-2 792.88] for HBC (-16.15%). Difference was -457.01 euros by cycle [-919.74; 26.82]. Real costs by injection for BHC was 484.42 euros [424.18; 540.32] versus a fee of 699.89 euros [643.64; 750.23]. There were no difference in terms of adverse events. CONCLUSION: HBC for NSCLC is feasible. Average costs by cycle is lower of 16% versus hospital infusion. The results of this non randomized study had to be confirm by further clinical trials.

[Epidemiology of epilepsy in sub-Saharan Africa: a review]. / Epidémiologie de l'épilepsie en Afrique subsaharienne : une revue de la littérature.

Epilepsy is, above all tropical, moreover, very african in its frequency and gravity. Data on the prevalence of epilepsy shows it to be two or three times more prevalent in tropical zones than in industrialized countries in non tropical areas, however it is rare to find data on the incidence and prognosis of epilepsy in sub-Saharan Africa. It is difficult to determine the relative contribution of each of the causes of epilepsy. Only a few case-control studies have been carried out in sub-Saharan Africa. Infectious diseases, in particular parasitic diseases such as neurocysticercosis or cerebral malaria, seem to be the cause of the majority of the cases of epilepsy. However it is necessary to do additional epidemiological studies to determine the etiologies of epilepsy more precisely in sub-Saharan Africa.

Pre- and postoperative complications of adult forearm fractures treated with plate fixation.

INTRODUCTION: Adult forearm fractures account for 1-2% of all fractures of the limbs. The main objective of this retrospective multicenter study was to evaluate pre- and postoperative complications of forearm fractures. The secondary objective was to evaluate functional and radiological results of plate osteosynthesis for these fractures. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Between January 2008 and March 2014, 131 forearm fractures were reviewed retrospectively. Fractures were classified preoperatively according to the AO classification. Clinical outcomes were classified into four categories according to the Tschnerne and Oestern classification. Pre- and postoperative complications were sought systematically. RESULTS: Before surgery, 12 patients had neurological impairment (9%). At the last follow-up, nine patients had persistent neurological disorders (6.9%). Union of forearm fractures was obtained in 122 patients at 4.6 months on average (±2.6). Nine patients with nonunion were observed (6.9%) and five patients had radioulnar synostosis (3.8%). DISCUSSION: The frequency of neurological complications concomitant to forearm fractures is noteworthy. Similar cases with essentially irritative neurological disease have been reported in the literature, in particular for the ulnar nerve. Fracture nonunion is a relatively common complication: between 2 and 10% of cases depending on the study. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: IV.

Anesthesia and analgesia methods for outpatient anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction.

INTRODUCTION: More and more anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstructions are being performed as outpatient surgery in France, because of economic considerations. Postoperative pain is the most common reason for delayed discharge that could require hospitalization, and the main reason for unanticipated hospital admission. The purpose of this study was to define the best anesthesia and analgesia methods for ACL reconstruction. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This was a prospective, multicenter, comparative study performed between January 2014 and April 2015. Inclusion criteria were ACL reconstruction in patients above 15 years of age performed as an outpatient surgical procedure. The anesthesia techniques analyzed were general anesthesia, spinal anesthesia and quadruple nerve blockade. The analgesic methods studied were single-shot nerve blocks, continuous nerve blocks, peri-articular and intra-articular local infiltration analgesia (LIA), non-steroidal anti-inflammatory agents (NSAIDs) and intravenous corticosteroids. The main outcome criterion was pain on a visual analog scale (VAS). The secondary outcome criteria were delayed discharge of a patient who had undergone outpatient surgery, consumption of opioids and complications for the various anesthesia techniques and analgesia methods. RESULTS: In all, 680 patients were included in this study, which was 63% of the ACL reconstruction procedures performed during this period. The study population was 69% male and 31% female, with an average age of 30 years. Twenty-three patients (3.4%) could not be discharged on the day of surgery. No correlation was found with the anesthesia technique used. NSAID treatment was protective relative to delayed discharge (P=0.009), while opioid consumption was a risk factor (P<0.01). There were no differences in the pain levels related to the type of anesthesia. Peri-articular LIA of the hamstring tendon harvest site was effective. Intra-articular LIA did not provide better analgesia. Continuous nerve block had complication rates above 13%. DISCUSSION: All types of anesthesia were compatible with outpatient ACL reconstruction. No gold standard analgesia method can be defined based on this study's findings. However, we recommend multimodal analgesia associating peri-articular LIA or one-shot sensory saphenous nerve block, NSAIDs and corticosteroid treatment, and cryotherapy. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: II, prospective comparative non-randomized study.

French prospective multicenter comparative assessment of ambulatory surgery feasibility in anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction.

INTRODUCTION: The main objective of this multicenter study was to assess the feasibility of ambulatory surgery in France in anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstructions for any technique or graft used (hamstring, patellar tendon, fascia lata). We hypothesized that a dedicated organization would guarantee the patient's safety. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A multicenter, non-randomized, prospective, comparative study, conducted within the SFA symposium was conducted between January 2014 and March 2015, included all the patients operated on for arthroscopic ACL reconstruction using different surgical techniques. The outpatient group (OP) included patients eligible for day surgery who provided informed consent; the conventional hospitalization group (CH) comprised patients declined for outpatient surgery for organizational reasons. The main outcome was failure of the admission mode defined by hospitalization of a patient undergoing outpatient surgery or rehospitalization within the 1st week after discharge. The secondary outcomes were assessment of pain and postoperative complications. A total of 1076 patients were studied with 680 in the OP group and 396 in the CH group. The mean age was 30years±9years. In the CH group, the mean hospital stay was 2.7±0.8days. RESULTS: Twenty-three OP patients were hospitalized or rehospitalized (3.4%). Thirty-six (5.2%) early postoperative complications were noted in the OP group and 17 (4.3%) in the CH group (non-significant difference). Mean postoperative pain on D0-D4 and satisfaction were comparable between the two groups. CONCLUSION: This prospective multicenter study observed no serious incidents. In a selected population, the risks are comparable to those of conventional hospitalization. Outpatient ACL surgery is therefore feasible in France in 2016. LEVEL OF PROOF: III: case-control study.

Pain after out-patient vs. in-patient ACL reconstruction: French prospective study of 1076 patients.

BACKGROUND: Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) repair is increasingly performed on an out-patient basis. In France, however, concern about post-operative pain remains a strong barrier to out-patient ACL repair. The primary objective of this study was to compare post-operative pain after ACL repair as out-patient versus in-patient surgery. The secondary objectives were to assess the time-course of post-operative pain and to identify factors associated with pain intensity. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A multicentre, prospective, comparative, non-randomised study was conducted in France for the French Society for Arthroscopy (SFA) symposium. Patients who underwent primary ACL repair between January 2014 and March 2015 were included if they were eligible for out-patient surgery. The choice between out-patient and in-patient surgery was based on organisational and logistical considerations. Pain intensity was self-evaluated by the patients using a visual analogue scale (VAS), pre-operatively then in the evening after surgery, during the night after surgery, and 1, 3, and 5 days after surgery. The patients performed the evaluations at home using websurvey.fr® software. Demographic data, the characteristics of the surgical procedure, and the IKDC and Lysholm scores before and after surgery were collected. RESULTS: Of the 1076 patients included in the study, 680 had out-patient surgery and 396 in-patient surgery. Mean age was 30±9 years. The two groups were comparable at baseline. Pain intensity was not significantly different between the two groups at any of the measurement time points. Pain intensity showed a peak on post-operative day 1 that was similar in the two groups. The initial post-operative pain intensity score predicted subsequent pain intensity: patients with VAS scores <2 on the day of surgery also had low pain scores after surgery. In both groups, factors associated with greater pain intensity were age <25 years, high pre-operative pain score, and surgery performed after noon. Neither surgical technique nor concomitant lesions and methods used to treat them were associated with pain intensity. Risk factors for severe post-operative pain (VAS score >7) in the out-patient group were younger age, female gender, pre-operative VAS score >3, and tourniquet time >50minutes. CONCLUSION: Pain intensity is similar after out-patient and in-patient ACL repair. Concern about pain should not be a barrier to performing ACL repair on an out-patient basis. Our data on the time-course of the pain and factors associated with greater pain intensity should prove useful for improving patient management after ACL repair. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III, case-control study.

Epidemiology of alcohol use in the general population of Togo.

INTRODUCTION: Alcohol use is responsible for a high level of mortality and morbidity throughout the world. The WHO global strategy recommends that the detrimental effects of alcohol use be reduced. AIMS: The objective of this paper was to investigate, using data from the 2010 Togo STEPS survey, alcohol use and other health-related factors in the general population of Togo. METHODS: This epidemiological investigation using the STEPwise approach was undertaken from December 1st, 2010, to January 23rd, 2011, throughout the five regions of Togo. Togo is a low-income country (World Bank) located in West Africa. The study involved 4800 people aged 15 to 64 who were representative of the population of Togo and who were selected using the one-stage cluster sampling method. RESULTS: The sample was young and predominantly male. Approximately one-third of the respondents were alcohol abstainers, with the majority of these being women. Approximately the same proportion of current drinkers (daily consumption) by gender was observed. The reported daily average consumption of alcohol was 13 g of pure alcohol for men and 9 g for women. The mean number of heavy drinking days over the previous 30 days was higher for men (3 days), and this included 37.5% of the men who drink. CONCLUSION: We suggest a comparative analysis of the prevalence of harmful alcohol use in Togo and the WHO African region.

Meniscectomy versus meniscal repair: 10 years radiological and clinical results in vertical lesions in stable knee.

INTRODUCTION: Surgical management of meniscal lesion consists of either a meniscectomy or meniscal repair. Although repair offers immediate recovery after surgery, it is also associated with higher rates of revision. A meniscectomy, on the other hand is known to be associated with an early onset of osteoarthritis. The present study compared clinical and radiological results at 10 years between meniscectomy and meniscal repair in isolated vertical lesion in an otherwise stable knee. The hypothesis was that repair shows functional and radiological benefit over meniscectomy. PATIENTS AND METHOD: A multi-centric retrospective comparative study of 32 patients (24 male, 8 female). Mean follow-up was 10.6 years (range, 10-13 years). There were 10 meniscal repairs (group R) and 22 meniscectomies (group M), in 17 right and 15 left knees. Mean age at surgery was 33.45±12.3 years (range, 9-47 years). There were 28 medial and 4 lateral meniscal lesions; 26 were in the red-red zone and 6 in red-white zone. RESULTS: Functional score: KOOS score was significantly higher in group R than M on almost all parameters: 98±4.69 versus 77.38±21.97 for symptoms (P=0.0043), 96.89±7.20 versus 78.57±18.9 for pain (P=0.0052), 99.89±0.33 versus 80.88±19.6 for daily life activities (P=0.0002), 96.11±9.83 versus 54.05±32.85 for sport and leisure (P=0.0005), but 91±16.87 versus 68.15±37.7 for quality of life (P=0.1048). Radiology score: in group R, 7 patients had no features of osteoarthritis, and 2 had grade 1 osteoarthritis. In group M, 5 patients had grade 1 osteoarthritis, 10 grade 2, 3 grade 3 and 3 grade 4. Mean quantitative score was 0 (mean, 0.22±0.44) in-group R and 2 (mean, 2.19±0.98) in group M (P<0.0001). DISCUSSION: At more than 10year's follow-up, functional scores were significantly better with meniscal repair than meniscectomy on all parameters of the KOOS scale except quality of life. Functional and radiological scores correlated closely. These results show that meniscal repair for vertical lesions in stable knees protects against osteoarthritis and is therefore strongly recommended. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: IV; retrospective study.

Analysis of short and long-term results of horizontal meniscal tears in young adults.

INTRODUCTION: Symptomatic horizontal meniscal tears are rare but worrisome lesions in young adults. These are overuse injuries not amenable to the classic arthroscopic sutures. An open meniscal repair allows the meniscal lesion to be suture vertically, perpendicular to its in the vascularized zone. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the short and long-term clinical and radiological outcomes of the aforementioned surgical technique. MATERIAL AND METHOD: The first cohort consisted of 24 patients operated between 2009 and 2011 (6 women, 18 men; mean age 26years) having 11 lateral and 13 medial meniscal tears. The second cohort was of 10 patients operated between 2001 and 2002 (3 women, 7 men; mean age 24years) having 8 lateral and 2 medial meniscal tears. Patients were reviewed at the last follow-up using the IKDC, Lysholm and KOOS scores. Patients in the first cohort had an MRI, while those in the second cohort had X-rays. RESULTS: Eighteen patients in the first cohort were reviewed with a mean follow-up of 2 years (12-45 months) and 9 patients from the second cohort were reviewed after 10years (97-142 months). In the first cohort, one patient required secondary menisectomy. The mean Lysholm score was 90 and the subjective IKDC was 85. Every MRI examination found reduced extent and intensity of the hyperintense signal. In the second cohort, no patients required secondary meniscectomy. Two patients had joint space narrowing (less than 50%) on radiographs. The mean Lysholm score was 99 and the subjective IKDC was 91. CONCLUSION: Open repair of horizontal meniscal tears in young adults leads to good subjective and objective results in the short term, which are maintained in the long-term. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV - retrospective study.

Meniscal survival rate after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction.

BACKGROUND: Meniscal suture provides well-documented benefits. Integrity of the cruciate ligaments of the knee is a prerequisite for meniscal healing. Nevertheless, reconstruction of the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) does not consistently prevent recurrent tearing of a sutured meniscus. We evaluated meniscal survival rates, 5 and 10 years after meniscal suture concomitant with an ACL reconstruction. We compared the outcomes of these repaired menisci to those in which no menisci tears were detected during ACL reconstruction. METHODS: In this multi-centric retrospective study, we included two groups. One group consists of patients who underwent a meniscal repair. This group was further divided into two subgroups based on whether follow-up was 5 years (n=76) or 10 years (n=39). The control group included 120 patients with normal menisci observed during surgery. We studied meniscal survival rates in each group, and we analyzed risk factors associated with the recurrence of meniscal lesions. RESULTS: The 5-year meniscal survival rate was significantly higher in the control group than in the meniscal-repair group (95% vs. 80%, respectively; P=0.0029). The controls group also had a higher meniscal survival rate after 10 years, although the difference was not statistically significant (88% vs. 77%, P=0.07). A difference in knee laxity greater than 4mm was associated with a 5-fold increase in the risk of recurrent meniscal tears (P=0.0057). After 5 years, the risk of recurrence was higher for the medial than for the lateral meniscus, whereas after 10 years the difference was no longer statistically significant. DISCUSSION: Although insufficient healing after meniscal suturing contributes to the risk of further meniscal tears, new lesions can develop in menisci that were undamaged at the time of ACL reconstruction. The risk of a new meniscal lesion is strongly associated with inadequate control of antero-posterior and rotational laxity. Some apparently "new menisci lesions" seems to have been missed during ACL reconstruction. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: IV, retrospective study.

Decline in antibiotic resistance and changes in the serotype distribution of Streptococcus pneumoniae isolates from children with acute otitis media; a 2001-2011 survey by the French Pneumococcal Network.

Streptococcus pneumoniae is an important cause of acute otitis media (AOM). The aim of this study was to evaluate trends in antibiotic resistance and circulating serotypes of pneumococci isolated from middle ear fluid of French children with AOM during the period 2001-2011, before and after the introduction of the PCV-7 (2003) and PCV-13 (2010) vaccines. Between 2001 and 2011 the French pneumococcal surveillance network analysed the antibiotic susceptibility of 6683 S. pneumoniae isolated from children with AOM, of which 1569 were serotyped. We observed a significant overall increase in antibiotic susceptibility. Respective resistance (I+R) rates in 2001 and 2011 were 76.9% and 57.3% for penicillin, 43.0% and 29.8% for amoxicillin, and 28.6% and 13.0% for cefotaxime. We also found a marked reduction in vaccine serotypes after PCV-7 implementation, from 63.0% in 2001 to 13.2% in 2011, while the incidence of the additional six serotypes included in PCV-13 increased during the same period, with a particularly high proportion of 19A isolates. The proportion of some non-PCV-13 serotypes also increased between 2001 and 2011, especially 15A and 23A. Before PCV-7 implementation, most (70.8%) penicillin non-susceptible pneumococci belonged to PCV-7 serotypes, whereas in 2011, 56.8% of penicillin non-susceptible pneumococci belonged to serotype 19A. Between 2001 and 2011, antibiotic resistance among pneumococci responsible for AOM in France fell markedly, and PCV-7 serotypes were replaced by non-PCV-7 serotypes, especially 19A. We are continuing to assess the impact of PCV-13, introduced in France in 2010, on pneumococcal serotype circulation and antibiotic resistance.

Study of blood flow parameters measured in femoral artery after exercise: correlation with maximum oxygen uptake.

To study the recovery periods of blood flow parameters in muscles after anaerobic exercise, instantaneous and mean blood flow velocity curves were recorded in the femoral artery in 22 sportsmen at rest and during the first 4 min of recovery after exercise (Ruffier-Dickson test). A flat ultrasonic probe connected to a Doppler system (Flow-Tester) was fixed on the skin at the level of the common femoral artery. From Doppler recordings, we calculated periods of recovery (return to baseline) of femoral blood flow velocity (FBFV RP), heart rate (HR RP) and femoral stroke distance (FSD RP). Also, Ruffier-Dickson index (RDI), VO(2)max in mL/kg(-1)/min(-1) and number of training hours were determined. We observed a high correlation between FBFV RP and VO(2)max (p = 0. 0002), and significant correlation between FSD RP and VO(2)max (p = 0.0238) and RDI (p = 0.0451). In conclusion, there is a excellent correlation between blood flow velocity recovery period in femoral artery after moderate exercise and VO(2)max in high-level sportsmen. The method of testing is simple and based on conventional Doppler technique. It can be used for the follow-up of training levels in sportsmen.