Prediction of Isolated Local Recurrence After Resection of Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma: A Nationwide Study.

BACKGROUND: Distinguishing postoperative fibrosis from isolated local recurrence (ILR) after resection of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is challenging. A prognostic model that helps to identify patients at risk of ILR can assist clinicians when evaluating patients' postoperative imaging. This nationwide study aimed to develop a clinically applicable prognostic model for ILR after PDAC resection. PATIENTS AND METHODS: An observational cohort study was performed, including all patients who underwent PDAC resection in the Netherlands (2014-2019; NCT04605237). On the basis of recurrence location (ILR, systemic, or both), multivariable cause-specific Cox-proportional hazard analysis was conducted to identify predictors for ILR and presented as hazard ratios (HRs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). A predictive model was developed using Akaike's Information Criterion, and bootstrapped discrimination and calibration indices were assessed. RESULTS: Among 1194/1693 patients (71%) with recurrence, 252 patients (21%) developed ILR. Independent predictors for ILR were resectability status (borderline versus resectable, HR 1.42; 95% CI 1.03-1.96; P = 0.03, and locally advanced versus resectable, HR 1.11; 95% CI 0.68-1.82; P = 0.66), tumor location (head versus body/tail, HR 1.50; 95% CI 1.00-2.25; P = 0.05), vascular resection (HR 1.86; 95% CI 1.41-2.45; P < 0.001), perineural invasion (HR 1.47; 95% CI 1.01-2.13; P = 0.02), number of positive lymph nodes (HR 1.04; 95% CI 1.01-1.08; P = 0.02), and resection margin status (R1 < 1 mm versus R0 ≥ 1 mm, HR 1.64; 95% CI 1.25-2.14; P < 0.001). Moderate performance (concordance index 0.66) with adequate calibration (slope 0.99) was achieved. CONCLUSIONS: This nationwide study identified factors predictive of ILR after PDAC resection. Our prognostic model, available through www.pancreascalculator.com , can be utilized to identify patients with a higher a priori risk of developing ILR, providing important information in patient evaluation and prognostication.

Development of pancreatic diseases during long-term follow-up after acute pancreatitis: a post-hoc analysis of a prospective multicenter cohort.

BACKGROUND AND AIM: More insight into the incidence of and factors associated with progression following a first episode of acute pancreatitis (AP) would offer opportunities for improvements in disease management and patient counseling. METHODS: A long-term post hoc analysis of a prospective cohort of patients with AP (2008-2015) was performed. Primary endpoints were recurrent acute pancreatitis (RAP), chronic pancreatitis (CP), and pancreatic cancer. Cumulative incidence calculations and risk analyses were performed. RESULTS: Overall, 1184 patients with a median follow-up of 9 years (IQR: 7-11) were included. RAP and CP occurred in 301 patients (25%) and 72 patients (6%), with the highest incidences observed for alcoholic pancreatitis (40% and 22%). Pancreatic cancer was diagnosed in 14 patients (1%). Predictive factors for RAP were alcoholic and idiopathic pancreatitis (OR 2.70, 95% CI 1.51-4.82 and OR 2.06, 95% CI 1.40-3.02), and no pancreatic interventions (OR 1.82, 95% CI 1.10-3.01). Non-biliary etiology (alcohol: OR 5.24, 95% CI 1.94-14.16, idiopathic: OR 4.57, 95% CI 2.05-10.16, and other: OR 2.97, 95% CI 1.11-7.94), RAP (OR 4.93, 95% CI 2.84-8.58), prior pancreatic interventions (OR 3.10, 95% CI 1.20-8.02), smoking (OR 2.33, 95% CI 1.14-4.78), and male sex (OR 2.06, 95% CI 1.05-4.05) were independently associated with CP. CONCLUSION: Disease progression was observed in a quarter of pancreatitis patients. We identified several risk factors that may be helpful to devise personalized strategies with the intention to reduce the impact of disease progression in patients with AP.

Distal femoral osteotomy for multidirectional malunion using 3D printing technology: a case-report.

Multidirectional distal femoral malunion and limb shortening lead to functional deficit and decreased quality of life. A corrective osteotomy might be necessary to cope with these issues. The inception of computer-assisted planification and the introduction of patient-specific instrumentation based on 3D printing technology with personalized osteotomy guides provide high correction accuracy, effectiveness, time-saving, and reduce potential complications. The present study describes a case of correction osteotomy using this procedure in a young patient with multidirectional malunion who recovered from a painful joint with functional limitations at a two-year follow-up.

Recurrence of idiopathic acute pancreatitis after cholecystectomy: systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Occult biliary disease has been suggested as a frequent underlying cause of idiopathic acute pancreatitis (IAP). Cholecystectomy has been proposed as a strategy to prevent recurrent IAP. The aim of this systematic review was to determine the efficacy of cholecystectomy in reducing the risk of recurrent IAP. METHODS: PubMed, Embase and Cochrane Library databases were searched systematically for studies including patients with IAP treated by cholecystectomy, with data on recurrence of pancreatitis. Studies published before 1980 or including chronic pancreatitis and case reports were excluded. The primary outcome was recurrence rate. Quality was assessed using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale. Meta-analyses were undertaken to calculate risk ratios using a random-effects model with the inverse-variance method. RESULTS: Overall, ten studies were included, of which nine were used in pooled analyses. The study population consisted of 524 patients with 126 cholecystectomies. Of these 524 patients, 154 (29·4 (95 per cent c.i. 25·5 to 33·3) per cent) had recurrent disease. The recurrence rate was significantly lower after cholecystectomy than after conservative management (14 of 126 (11·1 per cent) versus 140 of 398 (35·2 per cent); risk ratio 0·44, 95 per cent c.i. 0·27 to 0·71). Even in patients in whom IAP was diagnosed after more extensive diagnostic testing, including endoscopic ultrasonography or magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography, the recurrence rate appeared to be lower after cholecystectomy (4 of 36 (11 per cent) versus 42 of 108 (38·9 per cent); risk ratio 0·41, 0·16 to 1·07). CONCLUSION: Cholecystectomy after an episode of IAP reduces the risk of recurrent pancreatitis. This implies that current diagnostics are insufficient to exclude a biliary cause.

ANTECEDENTES: Se ha sugerido que la enfermedad biliar oculta es una causa subyacente frecuente de pancreatitis aguda idiopática (idiopathic acute pancreatitis, IAP). La colecistectomía se ha propuesto como una estrategia para prevenir la IAP recidivante. El objetivo de esta revisión sistemática era determinar la eficacia de la colecistectomía para reducir el riesgo de la IAP recidivante. MÉTODOS: Se realizó una búsqueda sistemática en PubMed, Embase y Cochrane de estudios que incluían pacientes con IAP tratados con colecistectomía, y con datos sobre la recidiva de la pancreatitis. Se excluyeron los estudios anteriores a 1980, los que incluían pancreatitis crónica y los casos clínicos. El resultado principal fue la tasa de recidiva. La calidad se evaluó utilizando la escala de Newcastle-Ottawa. Se realizaron metaanálisis para calcular la tasa de riesgo utilizando un modelo de efectos aleatorios con el método de varianza inversa. RESULTADOS: En total, se incluyeron 10 estudios, de los cuales 9 se utilizaron para realizar análisis agrupados. La población de estudio incluyó 524 pacientes en los que se habían efectuado 126 colecistectomías. De estos 524 pacientes, 154 (29% (i.c. del 95% 25,5-33,3)) presentaron recidiva de la enfermedad. La tasa de recidiva fue significativamente menor después de la colecistectomía que después del tratamiento conservador (14/126 (11%) versus 140/398 (35)); tasa de riesgo 0,44 (i.c. del 95% 0,27-0,71)). Incluso en pacientes en los que se diagnosticó IAP tras haber efectuado pruebas diagnósticas más extensas, incluyendo ultrasonografía endoscópica o colangiopancreatografía por resonancia magnética, la tasa de recidiva después de la colecistectomía era menor (4/36 (11%) versus 42/108 (39%); tasa de riesgo 0,41 (i.c. del 95% 0,16-1,07)). CONCLUSIÓN: La práctica de una colecistectomía después de un episodio de IAP disminuye el riesgo de pancreatitis recidivante. Esto implica que los diagnósticos actuales son insuficientes para excluir una causa biliar (PROSPERO CRD42017055275).

Accuracy of magnetic resonance studies in the detection of chondral and labral lesions in femoroacetabular impingement: systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Several types of Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) are commonly used in imaging of femoroacetabular impingement (FAI), however till now there are no clear protocols and recommendations for each type. The aim of this meta-analysis is to detect the accuracy of conventional magnetic resonance imaging (cMRI), direct magnetic resonance arthrography (dMRA) and indirect magnetic resonance arthrography (iMRA) in the diagnosis of chondral and labral lesions in femoroacetabular impingement (FAI). METHODS: A literature search was finalized on the 17th of May 2016 to collect all studies identifying the accuracy of cMRI, dMRA and iMRA in diagnosing chondral and labral lesions associated with FAI using surgical results (arthroscopic or open) as a reference test. Pooled sensitivity and specificity with 95% confidence intervals using a random-effects meta-analysis for MRI, dMRA and iMRA were calculated also area under receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve (AUC) was retrieved whenever possible where AUC is equivocal to diagnostic accuracy. RESULTS: The search yielded 192 publications which were reviewed according inclusion and exclusion criteria then 21 studies fulfilled the eligibility criteria for the qualitative analysis with a total number of 828 cases, lastly 12 studies were included in the quantitative meta-analysis. Meta-analysis showed that as regard labral lesions the pooled sensitivity, specificity and AUC for cMRI were 0.864, 0.833 and 0.88 and for dMRA were 0.91, 0.58 and 0.92. While in chondral lesions the pooled sensitivity, specificity and AUC for cMRI were 0.76, 0.72 and 0.75 and for dMRA were 0.75, 0.79 and 0.83, while for iMRA were sensitivity of 0.722 and specificity of 0.917. CONCLUSIONS: The present meta-analysis showed that the diagnostic test accuracy was superior for dMRA when compared with cMRI for detection of labral and chondral lesions. The diagnostic test accuracy was superior for labral lesions when compared with chondral lesions in both cMRI and dMRA. Promising results are obtained concerning iMRA but further studies still needed to fully assess its diagnostic accuracy.

Surgical management of degenerative meniscus lesions: the 2016 ESSKA meniscus consensus.

PURPOSE: A degenerative meniscus lesion is a slowly developing process typically involving a horizontal cleavage in a middle-aged or older person. When the knee is symptomatic, arthroscopic partial meniscectomy has been practised for a long time with many case series reporting improved patient outcomes. Since 2002, several randomised clinical trials demonstrated no additional benefit of arthroscopic partial meniscectomy compared to non-operative treatment, sham surgery or sham arthroscopic partial meniscectomy. These results introduced controversy in the medical community and made clinical decision-making challenging in the daily clinical practice. To facilitate the clinical decision-making process, a consensus was developed. This initiative was endorsed by ESSKA. METHODS: A degenerative meniscus lesion was defined as a lesion occurring without any history of significant acute trauma in a patient older than 35 years. Congenital lesions, traumatic meniscus tears and degenerative lesions occurring in young patients, especially in athletes, were excluded. The project followed the so-called formal consensus process, involving a steering group, a rating group and a peer-review group. A total of 84 surgeons and scientists from 22 European countries were included in the process. Twenty questions, their associated answers and an algorithm based on extensive literature review and clinical expertise, were proposed. Each question and answer set was graded according to the scientific level of the corresponding literature. RESULTS: The main finding was that arthroscopic partial meniscectomy should not be proposed as a first line of treatment for degenerative meniscus lesions. Arthroscopic partial meniscectomy should only be considered after a proper standardised clinical and radiological evaluation and when the response to non-operative management has not been satisfactory. Magnetic resonance imaging of the knee is typically not indicated in the first-line work-up, but knee radiography should be used as an imaging tool to support a diagnosis of osteoarthritis or to detect certain rare pathologies, such as tumours or fractures of the knee. DISCUSSION: The present work offers a clear framework for the management of degenerative meniscus lesions, with the aim to balance information extracted from the scientific evidence and clinical expertise. Because of biases and weaknesses of the current literature and lack of definition of important criteria such as mechanical symptoms, it cannot be considered as an exact treatment algorithm. It summarises the results of the "ESSKA Meniscus Consensus Project" ( http://www.esska.org/education/projects ) and is the first official European consensus on this topic. The consensus may be updated and refined as more high-quality evidence emerges. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: I.

A history of meniscal surgery: from ancient times to the twenty-first century.

The science and surgery of the meniscus have evolved significantly over time. Surgeons and scientists always enjoy looking forward to novel therapies. However, as part of the ongoing effort at optimizing interventions and outcomes, it may also be useful to reflect on important milestones from the past. The aim of the present manuscript was to explore the history of meniscal surgery across the ages, from ancient times to the twenty-first century. Herein, some of the investigations of the pioneers in orthopaedics are described, to underline how their work has influenced the management of the injured meniscus in modern times. Level of evidence V.

HLA-DRB1*03:01 and HLA-DRB1*04:01 modify the presentation and outcome in autoimmune hepatitis type-1.

The classical human leukocyte antigen (HLA)-DRB1*03:01 and HLA-DRB1*04:01 alleles are established autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) risk alleles. To study the immune-modifying effect of these alleles, we imputed the genotypes from genome-wide association data in 649 Dutch AIH type-1 patients. We therefore compared the international AIH group (IAIHG) diagnostic scores as well as the underlying clinical characteristics between patients positive and negative for these HLA alleles. Seventy-five percent of the AIH patients were HLA-DRB1*03:01/HLA-DRB1*04:01 positive. HLA-DRB1*03:01/HLA-DRB1*04:01-positive patients had a higher median IAIHG score than HLA-DRB1*03:01/HLA-DRB1*04:01-negative patients (P<0.001). We did not observe associations between HLA alleles and alanine transaminase levels (HLA-DRB1*03:01: P=0.2; HLA-DRB1*04:01; P=0.5); however, HLA-DRB1*03:01 was independently associated with higher immunoglobulin G levels (P=0.04). The HLA-DRB1*04:01 allele was independently associated with presentation at older age (P=0.03) and a female predominance (P=0.04). HLA-DRB1*03:01-positive patients received immunosuppressive medication and liver transplantation. In conclusion, the HLA-DRB1*03:01 and HLA-DRB1*04:01 alleles are both independently associated with the aggregate diagnostic IAIHG score in type-1 AIH patients, but are not essential for AIH development. HLA-DRB1*03:01 is the strongest genetic modifier of disease severity in AIH.

Meniscal transplantation: still experimental surgery? A review.

INTRODUCTION: The objective of this review is to give a state of affairs of meniscal transplantation, with the accent on preservation and surgical techniques. MATERIALS AND METHODS: All articles were selected by performing a search on the literature by using relevant keywords. The most relevant articles were selected with close attention to the publication date. RESULTS: When a meniscal tear is diagnosed, suture can be an option in the vascular zone, whereas the more frequently affected avascular zone heals poorly. A meniscectomy however is not without consequences, wherefore meniscal transplantation can be seen as a therapeutic option for pain reduction and improvement of function when the meniscus is lost. The meniscal scaffold, allograft and autograft can be currently withheld as possible grafts, where the meniscal scaffolds hold great promise as an alternative to the allograft. Various fixation techniques are therefore developed, where viable, deep frozen as well as cryopreservated allografts seem to give the most promising short term results. The transplantation can be performed using an open as well as an arthroscopic technique, using soft tissue fixation, bone plugs or blocks. De primacy of one technique can't be proven. In general meniscal transplantation can be considered as an acceptable procedure. DISCUSSION: Since the outcomes of different studies are difficult to compare, an attempt should be made to limit new studies to the comparison of one aspect. We can conclude that larger, more comparative randomised controlled long-term studies are necessary to resolve which techniques can give the best long-term results.

Recurrent disease detection after resection of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma using a recurrence-focused surveillance strategy (RADAR-PANC): protocol of an international randomized controlled trial according to the Trials within Cohorts design.

BACKGROUND: Disease recurrence remains one of the biggest concerns in patients after resection of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC). Despite (neo)adjuvant systemic therapy, most patients experience local and/or distant PDAC recurrence within 2 years. High-level evidence regarding the benefits of recurrence-focused surveillance after PDAC resection is missing, and the impact of early detection and treatment of recurrence on survival and quality of life is unknown. In most European countries, recurrence-focused follow-up after surgery for PDAC is currently lacking. Consequently, guidelines regarding postoperative surveillance are based on expert opinion and other low-level evidence. The recent emergence of more potent local and systemic treatment options for PDAC recurrence has increased interest in early diagnosis. To determine whether early detection and treatment of recurrence can lead to improved survival and quality of life, we designed an international randomized trial. METHODS: This randomized controlled trial is nested within an existing prospective cohort in pancreatic cancer centers in the Netherlands (Dutch Pancreatic Cancer Project; PACAP) and the United Kingdom (UK) (Pancreas Cancer: Observations of Practice and survival; PACOPS) according to the "Trials within Cohorts" (TwiCs) design. All PACAP/PACOPS participants with a macroscopically radical resection (R0-R1) of histologically confirmed PDAC, who provided informed consent for TwiCs and participation in quality of life questionnaires, are included. Participants randomized to the intervention arm are offered recurrence-focused surveillance, existing of clinical evaluation, serum cancer antigen (CA) 19-9 testing, and contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CT) of chest and abdomen every three months during the first 2 years after surgery. Participants in the control arm of the study will undergo non-standardized clinical follow-up, generally consisting of clinical follow-up with imaging and serum tumor marker testing only in case of onset of symptoms, according to local practice in the participating hospital. The primary endpoint is overall survival. Secondary endpoints include quality of life, patterns of recurrence, compliance to and costs of recurrence-focused follow-up, and the impact on recurrence-focused treatment. DISCUSSION: The RADAR-PANC trial will be the first randomized controlled trial to generate high level evidence for the current clinical equipoise regarding the value of recurrence-focused postoperative surveillance with serial tumor marker testing and routine imaging in patients after PDAC resection. The Trials within Cohort design allows us to study the acceptability of recurrence-focused surveillance among cohort participants and increases the generalizability of findings to the general population. While it is strongly encouraged to offer all trial participants treatment at time of recurrence diagnosis, type and timing of treatment will be determined through shared decision-making. This might reduce the potential survival benefits of recurrence-focused surveillance, although insights into the impact on patients' quality of life will be obtained. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Clinicaltrials.gov, NCT04875325 . Registered on May 6, 2021.

First insights into human acetabular labrum cell metabolism.

OBJECTIVE: Hip labrum pathology has only begun to emerge as a significant source of groin pain in the last decade since the development of hip arthroscopy. Few data are available on the anatomy, histology and function of this structure. Moreover, no metabolic data exist at cellular level. The aim of this study was to characterize extracellular matrix (ECM) genes and pro-inflammatory mediators expressed by these cells. METHODS: Isolated human acetabular labrum cells were cultured in alginate beads for 10 days and additionally stimulated with interleukin (IL)-1 for 24 h. Gene expression levels and secretion of different ECM genes, enzymes and cytokines were examined by quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) to assess the metabolic characteristics of labrum cells. Articular chondrocytes and meniscus cells served as controls. RESULTS: Labrum cells expressed high levels of COL1A1 and low levels of COL2A1, aggrecan and SOX-9 compared to chondrocytes. However, COL2A1 was more expressed by labrum cells than by meniscus cells. The expression of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-1/-2/-9, ADAMTS-4 and IL-6 was significantly higher in labrum cells than in chondrocytes. IL-1 suppressed the ECM gene expression levels of labrum cells, but increased the expression levels and release of MMP-1/-3/-9/-13 and ADAMTS-4 and IL-6 by these cells. Remarkably, MMP-9 was only significantly upregulated in acetabular labrum cells. CONCLUSIONS: The findings in this study demonstrated that the acetabular labrum is populated with unique highly active fibrochondrocyte-like cells. These cells are capable of expressing and releasing pro-inflammatory enzymes and cytokines and react to a pro-inflammatory stimulus. In this way, they contribute obviously to disturbed tissue function in hip labrum pathology.

The combination of microfracture and a cell-free polymer-based implant immersed with autologous serum for cartilage defect coverage.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this short-term pilot study was to determine the clinical and MRI outcome of a combination of microfracture with a cell-free polymer-based matrix for the treatment of cartilage defects in the knee. METHODS: The technique was used for treatment of symptomatic cartilage defects in the knee. Five patients were prospectively evaluated during 2 years with use of the Knee injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS), the Tegner activity scale and the visual analog scale (VAS). MRI data were analyzed based on the original and modified MOCART (Magnetic Resonance Observation of Cartilage Repair Tissue) scoring system at 6, 12 and 24 months of follow-up. RESULTS: A gradual clinical improvement was observed during the follow-up. Adverse reactions to the matrix were not observed. The scaffold was firmly fixed with the use of bioresorbable pins. Both MOCART scoring systems revealed no significant deterioration or improvement in the repair tissue during the follow-up period. However, the majority of the patients exhibited subchondral lamina and bone changes. The formation of an intralesional osteophyte was observed in one case. CONCLUSIONS: The key finding in this study was that this procedure is safe for the treatment of cartilage defects in the knee. The patients showed a gradual clinical improvement postoperatively. Sixty percent (3/5) of the defects were adequately (complete or hypertrophic) filled with repair tissue at 2 years of follow-up. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: IV.

Short-term outcome of the second generation characterized chondrocyte implantation for the treatment of cartilage lesions in the knee.

PURPOSE: To evaluate short-term clinical and MRI outcome of the second generation characterized chondrocyte implantation (CCI) for the treatment of cartilage defects in the knee. METHODS: Thirty-two patients aged 15-51 years with single International Cartilage Repair Society (ICRS) grade III/IV symptomatic cartilage defects of different locations in the knee were treated with CCI using a synthetic collagen I/III membrane to cover the defect. Clinical outcome was measured over 36 months by the Knee injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS) and Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) for pain. Serial magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans of 22 patients were scored using the original and modified Magnetic resonance Observation of Cartilage Repair Tissue (MOCART) system. RESULTS: The patients included in this study showed a significant gradual clinical improvement after CCI. The MRI findings of this pilot study were considered to be promising. No signs of deterioration were observed. A complete or hypertrophic filling was observed in 76.5% of the cases at 24 months of follow-up. No preventive effect of an avital membrane on the occurrence of hypertrophic repair tissue was observed on MRI. Three failures were observed among the 32 patients until now (9.4%). CONCLUSIONS: This investigation provided useful information on the efficacy of this treatment. The short-term clinical and MRI outcome are promising. Large-scale and long-term trials are mandatory to confirm the results and the reliability of this procedure. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: IV.

Surgical treatment for early osteoarthritis. Part II: allografts and concurrent procedures.

UNLABELLED: Young patients with early osteoarthritis (OA) represent a challenging population due to a combination of high functional demands and limited treatment options. Conservative measures such as injection and physical therapy can provide short-term pain relief but are only palliative in nature. Joint replacement, a successful procedure in the older population, is controversial in younger patients, who are less satisfied and experience higher failure rates. Therefore, while traditionally not indicated for the treatment of OA, cartilage repair has become a focus of increased interest due to its potential to provide pain relief and alter the progression of degenerative disease, with the hope of delaying or obviating the need for joint replacement. The field of cartilage repair is seeing the rapid development of new technologies that promise greater ease of application, less demanding rehabilitation and better outcomes. Concurrent procedures such as meniscal transplantation and osteotomy, however, remain of crucial importance to provide a normalized biomechanical environment for these new technologies. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Systematic review, Level II.

Hip arthroscopy in patients with painful hip following resurfacing arthroplasty.

PURPOSE: Determining the etiology of persistent groin pain after hip resurfacing arthroplasty (HRA) can be very challenging, even for the experienced surgeon. The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the use of hip arthroscopy as a diagnostic and therapeutic tool for the painful hip following resurfacing arthroplasty. METHODS: In the present paper, the indications for arthroscopy and the arthroscopic findings in 15 patients with persistent and incapacitating groin pain following HRA are described. In all patients, nonsurgical diagnostic investigations such as ultrasound and radiography, blood sample analysis, and technetium and leukocyte-labeled scanning were inconclusive so that a definite diagnosis could not be established. RESULTS: In seven patients, synovial biopsies were taken arthroscopically to rule out metal sensitivity, low-grade infection, or excessive metal wear. A definite diagnosis from histological evaluation could be made in 5 out of the 7 patients. Five patients were clinical suspicious of iliopsoas tendinitis. Diagnostic arthroscopy and histological analysis of the synovial samples provided an alternative diagnosis in 2 out of the 5 patients. Three patients underwent femoral osteoplasty for impingement due to reduced anterior femoral offset with subsequent symptom relief. CONCLUSION: Hip arthroscopy after HRA is a valuable diagnostic alternative to open procedures in case of persistent groin pain, when noninvasive investigations fail to explain the symptoms. Multiple tissue samples should always be taken for histological examination and culture, as they are crucial in the final identification of the origin of the complaints.

Autologous matrix-induced chondrogenesis combined with platelet-rich plasma gel: technical description and a five pilot patients report.

PURPOSE: This pilot study was designed to describe the technical details and to present the preliminary outcome of autologous matrix-induced chondrogenesis (AMIC) combined with platelet-rich plasma gel, the so called AMIC plus technique, for the treatment of patellar cartilage defects in the knee. METHODS: The AMIC plus technique was used for the treatment of (osteo) chondral patellar lesions in the knee. The surgical technique is extensively described. Five patients were clinically prospectively evaluated during 2 years. MRI data were analysed based on the original MOCART (Magnetic Resonance Observation of Cartilage Repair Tissue) and modified MOCART scoring system. RESULTS: A clinical improvement became apparent after 24 months of follow-up. Both MOCART scoring systems revealed no significant deterioration or improvement of the repair tissue between one and 2 years of follow-up. However, all cases showed subchondral lamina and bone changes. The formation of intralesional osteophytes was observed in 3 of the 5 patients during the 2 years of follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: AMIC plus is feasible for the treatment of symptomatic patellar cartilage defects and resulted in a clinical improvement in all patients. The favourable clinical outcome of the AMIC plus technique was not confirmed by the MRI findings. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: IV.

Is there any superiority in the clinical outcome of mobile-bearing knee prosthesis designs compared to fixed-bearing total knee prosthesis designs in the treatment of osteoarthritis of the knee joint? A review of the literature.

To substantiate the validity and relevance of the mobile-bearing knee prosthesis design compared to the fixed-bearing design, concerning the clinical outcome, this review was conducted. Articles published in 6 major orthopaedic journals were screened. Only randomized controlled trials, which investigate the clinical outcome, were included. The clinical outcome parameters of each study were analysed. Despite the numerous quantities of publications in orthopaedic literature, we could conclude, that only a few of them are randomized controlled trials. Although better kinematics of mobile-bearing knee prosthesis designs compared to fixed-bearing knee prosthesis designs are reported, no superiority of one of the bearing designs concerning clinical outcome could be revealed. Because no superiority of one of the designs concerning revision rate, survival and outcome can be found, the cheaper one should be the one to be recommended. For this reason, we advise that further research, comparing the costs and cost-benefit of mobile-bearing compared to fixed-bearing knee prosthesis designs, should be performed.

A long-term study of anterior cruciate ligament allograft reconstruction.

We retrospectively reviewed the long-term clinical outcome of unilateral arthroscopic anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) allograft reconstruction. From October 1995 to December 1997, 64 arthroscopic ACL reconstructions were performed. Multiligamentous knee injuries and ACL injuries in polytrauma patients were excluded and out of the remaining 60 patients 55 were available for follow-up. Three patients had suffered a rerupture caused by major trauma. One patient had a rerupture without significant trauma and one failure was caused by deep infection. These five patients were revised. Fifty patients (36 males, 14 females) were included in the final follow-up. At the time of evaluation, the mean duration of follow-up was 10 years and 6 months. All patients were examined by an independent examiner. Seven patients had an extension lag (<5 degrees) and all patients had a knee flexion of at least 120 degrees, with a mean flexion of 135 +/- 5 degrees compared to 135 +/- 8 degrees. At the time of follow-up, the median IKDC score was 97 (74-100). The Lysholm scoring scale had a median value of 95 (76-100). The median sports level on the Tegner scale was 6 (4-9). The one-leg-hop test showed a mean value of 95 +/- 5%. One patient did not perform the one-leg-hop test because of recent surgery to the Achilles tendon. In conclusion, the tibialis anterior or tibialis posterior tendon allograft ACL reconstruction produced good clinical results in the majority of patients at long-term follow-up.

Catastrophic thinking about pain as a predictor of length of hospital stay after total knee arthroplasty: a prospective study.

This study prospectively investigates whether catastrophizing thinking is associated with length of hospital stay after total knee arthroplasty. Forty-three patients who underwent primary total knee arthroplasty were included in this study. Prior to their operation all patients were asked to complete the pain catastrophizing scale, and a Western Ontario McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis index. A multiple regression analysis identified pain catastrophizing thinking and age as predictors of hospital stay after total knee arthroplasty. Patients with a higher degree of pain catastrophizing prior to the total knee arthroplasty and those with a higher age have a significantly greater risk for a longer hospital stay. Therefore, the results of this study indicate that the pre-operative level of pain catastrophizing in patients determine, in combination with other variables, the length and inter-individual variation in hospital stay after total knee arthroplasty. Reducing catastrophizing thinking about pain through cognitive-behavioral techniques is likely to reduce levels of fear after total knee arthroplasty. As a result, pain and function immediately post-operative might improve, leading to a decrease in length of hospital stay. Although during the last decades the duration of hospital stay is significantly reduced, this study shows that this can be improved when taking into account the contribution of psychological factors such as pain catastrophizing.

The revised Atlanta criteria more accurately reflect severity of post-ERCP pancreatitis compared to the consensus criteria.

Background and objective: Post-endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) pancreatitis (PEP) is the most prevalent complication after ERCP with an incidence of 3.5%. PEP severity is classified according to either the consensus criteria or the revised Atlanta criteria. In this international cohort study we investigated which classification is the strongest predictor of PEP-related mortality. Methods: We reviewed 13,384 consecutive ERCPs performed between 2012 and 2017 in eight hospitals. We gathered data on all pancreatitis-related adverse events and compared the predictive capabilities of both classifications. Furthermore, we investigated the correlation between the two classifications and identified reasons underlying length of stay. Results: The total sample consisted of 387 patients. The revised Atlanta criteria have a higher sensitivity (100 vs. 55%), specificity (98 vs. 72%) and positive predictive value (58 vs. 5%). There is a significant difference (p < 0.001) between the two classifications. In 124 patients (32%), the length of stay was influenced by concomitant diseases. Conclusion: The revised Atlanta classification is superior in predicting mortality and better reflects PEP severity. This has important implications for researchers, clinicians and patients. For the diagnosis of PEP pancreatitis, the consensus criteria remain the golden standard. However, the revised Atlanta criteria are preferable for defining PEP severity.