Clinical Outcomes Following Surgical Management of Post-Traumatic Elbow Contractures in the Pediatric Age Group: A Meta-Analysis and Systematic Review.

PURPOSE: Post-traumatic elbow stiffness is a common occurrence resulting in potentially substantial functional limitations in both daily activities and recreational endeavors. In children, this can be particularly difficult given the early stages of childhood and development and the challenges of rehabilitation. Several studies have reported favorable results of elbow contracture releases in children, resulting in improvements in outcomes. This meta-analysis aimed to determine the efficacy and safety of elbow contracture releases in the pediatric population (<18 years), along with subgroup analyses comparing age groups, operative approach, and post-traumatic versus nontraumatic etiologies. METHODS: Meta-analysis was performed with a multidatabase search (PubMed, OVID, EMBASE, and Medline) according to Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines on September 25, 2020. Data from all published literature meeting inclusion criteria were extracted and analyzed. RESULTS: Seven studies were included, comprising 114 post-traumatic elbow contractures. Mean age was 13.7 years. Contracture releases of the elbow led to improvements in flexion-extension arc of motion by 48º, and pronosupination arc of motion by 22º. Subgroup analysis comparing age groups of <10, 10-14 and 15-18 years showed greater improvements in flexion-extension arc in the older age group, whereas subgroup analysis comparing injury patterns revealed a larger improvement in pronosupination motion for radial head fractures. Comparing open and arthroscopic procedures, open releases had greater improvement in both flexion-extension and pronosupination motion by 18º and 21º, respectively, although there were limited patients in the arthroscopy group. CONCLUSION: Operative management of pediatric elbow contractures is effective. Older children, children with radial head fractures, and those receiving open contracture releases may be more likely to have greater improvements. TYPE OF STUDY/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic IV.

Comparing outcomes of the anterosuperior and deltopectoral approaches in reverse total shoulder arthroplasty for degenerative glenohumeral arthritis: a systematic review.

PURPOSE: Reverse total shoulder replacement (rTSR) improves pain and function in patients with a wide range of shoulder pathology. Anterosuperior (AS) and deltopectoral (DP) approaches are widely used to gain access to the glenohumeral joint in arthroplasty. Our aim was to systematically review the literature comparing outcomes of these two approaches when performing rTSR for degenerative glenohumeral arthritis. METHODS: Systematic review was performed with an electronic multi-database search (Pubmed, Medline & Embase) according to PRISMA guidelines on 18th September 2022. Data from published studies of any study design that met the inclusion criteria were extracted, reviewed and synthesized. RESULTS: A total of 38 studies were identified for full text review, of which four were included. No significant difference in pain and range of motion were observed between approaches. Scapular notching was more common in the anterosuperior approach. Low rates of instability and intra-operative fracture were observed in both. CONCLUSION: Both approaches demonstrate similar clinical outcomes with reference to pain, range of motion and complications when performing rTSR indicated for degenerative joint disease. However, further well-designed studies are required.

Comparing direct anterior approach versus posterior approach or lateral approach in total hip arthroplasty: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: There are several approaches to THA, and each has their respective advantages and disadvantages. Previous meta-analysis included non-randomised studies that introduce further heterogeneity and bias to the evidence presented. This meta-analysis aims to present level I evidence by comparing functional outcomes, peri-operative parameters and complications of direct anterior approach (DAA) versus posterior approach (PA) or lateral approach (LA) in THA. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A comprehensive multi-database search (PubMed, OVID Medline, EMBASE) was conducted from date of database inception to 1st December 2020. Data from randomised controlled trials comparing outcomes of DAA versus PA or LA in THA were extracted and analysed. RESULTS: Twenty-four studies comprising 2010 patients were included in this meta-analysis. DAA has a longer operative time (MD = 17.38 min, 95%CI: 12.28, 22.47 min, P < 0.001) but a shorter length of stay compared to PA (MD = - 0.33 days, 95%CI: - 0.55, - 0.11 days, P = 0.003). There was no difference in operative time or length of stay when comparing DAA versus LA. DAA also had significantly better HHS than PA at 6 weeks (MD = 8.00, 95%CI: 5.85, 10.15, P < 0.001) and LA at 12 weeks (MD = 2.23, 95%CI: 0.31, 4.15, P = 0.02). There was no significant difference in risk of neurapraxia for DAA versus LA or in risk of dislocations, periprosthetic fractures or VTE between DAA and PA or DAA and LA. CONCLUSION: The DAA has better early functional outcomes with shorter mean length of stay but was associated with a longer operative time than PA. There was no difference in risk of dislocations, neurapraxias, periprosthetic fractures or VTE between approaches. Based on our results, choice of THA approach should ultimately be guided by surgeon experience, surgeon preference and patient factors. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE I: Meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials.

Smaller Gap Formation With Suture Anchor Fixation Than Traditional Transpatellar Sutures in Patella and Quadriceps Tendon Rupture: A Systematic Review.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study is to compare the biomechanical properties between traditional transosseous tunnel and suture anchor technique repair for extensor mechanism ruptures and assess for differences in the mechanism of failure of both techniques. METHODS: A multi-database search (PubMed, EMBASE, and Medline) was performed according to PRISMA guidelines on November 14, 2021. All articles comparing biomechanical properties of transpatellar and suture anchor technique for extensor mechanism ruptures were included. Abstracts, reviews, case reports, studies without biomechanical analysis, conference proceedings, and non-English language studies were excluded. Outcomes pursued included gap formation, load to failure, and mechanism of failure. Relevant data from studies meeting inclusion criteria were extracted and analyzed. Study methodology was assessed using the Methodological Index for Non-Randomized Studies score. RESULTS: A total of 212 knees were biomechanically assessed, including 98 patella and 114 quadricep tendon ruptures. Five patellar tendon studies were included, and all of them reported significantly smaller gap formation in suture anchor group. Gap formation for suture anchors ranged from .9 mm to 4.1 mm, while that of transpatellar group ranged from 2.9 mm to 10.3 mm. One study reported a significantly higher load to failure in the suture anchor group, while the remaining four studies reported no significant difference. Load to failure for suture anchor ranged from 259 N to 779 N, while that of the transpatellar group ranged from 287 N to 763 N. The most common mechanism of failure was anchor pullout in suture anchor and knot failure in the transpatellar group. Five quadriceps tendon studies were included, and three studies reported statistically significant smaller gap formation in the suture anchor group. Gap formation for suture anchor ranged from 1.5 mm to 5.0 mm, while that of transpatellar group ranged from 3.1 mm to 33.3 mm. Two studies reported a significantly higher load to failure in the suture anchor group, while one study reported a higher load to failure in the transpatellar repair group. Load to failure for suture anchor ranged from 286 N to 740 N, while that of transpatellar group ranged from 251 N to 691 N. The most common mechanism of failure was suture failure in the suture anchor and knot failure in the transpatellar group. CONCLUSION: Suture anchor fixation displays a better biomechanical profile than traditional transpatellar techniques in terms of smaller gap formations in the repair of both patella and quadriceps tendon injuries. Anchor pullout in suture anchor fixation was present mainly with the use of titanium anchors. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: These findings above may result in better retention of tendon approximation in patella and quadriceps tendon fixation postoperatively, which may result in earlier recovery. Further randomized controlled clinical trials to compare these techniques are required.

Extrusion, meniscal signal change, loss of shape, synovitis and bone marrow oedema are reliable scoring parameters to assess MRI appearance post meniscal transplant.

PURPOSE: Meniscal allograft transplantation (MAT) has shown good promise in restoring normal knee joint biomechanics in a meniscal deficient patient. However, MRI appearance of the meniscal allograft is often questioned and raises concerns of its viability and function. This paper aims to introduce and validate a new scoring system for MAT MRI appearance at 12 months [MRI appearance in Meniscal Transplant Score (MIMS)], using key changes such as extrusion, meniscal signal change, loss of shape, synovitis and bone marrow oedema. METHODS: A retrospective analysis of 10 patients from a single surgeon series was conducted. All MAT were performed with soft tissue fixation technique. MRI was performed at 12 months post-transplant with two independent consultant musculoskeletal radiologists and one experienced meniscal transplant surgeon scoring the images obtained. Interobserver agreement and intraclass correlation were measured. RESULTS: Interobserver agreement between examiners on individual features of the MIMS was superior for tibial bone oedema, substantial for meniscal extrusion and femoral bone oedema, moderate for meniscal shape and synovitis, and fair for meniscal signal changes. Absolute agreement between raters found good reliability (ICC = 0.774; 95% 0.359, 0.960) for single measures and excellent reliability (ICC = 0.911; 95% 0.627, 0.986) for average measures. CONCLUSION: MIMS is a reliable method of evaluating the meniscal allograft transplant 12 months post-transplant. Further research with larger MAT cohort groups and patient reported outcome measures may be helpful to correlate its clinical significance and guide further management. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III.

Tibio-Talar-Calcaneal Nail Fixation for Ankle Fractures: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Unstable ankle fractures are traditionally treated with open reduction and internal fixation. An alternative surgical option is primary tibio-talar-calcaneal fusion. Our aims were to determine the indication, complication rates, and functional outcomes, of tibio-talar-calcaneal nailing when used as the primary treatment of ankle fractures. A multidatabase literature search was performed on December 14, 2019 according to PRISMA guidelines. All studies in the English language reporting complications and outcomes involving tibio-talar-calcaneal nailing for primary treatment of ankle fractures were included. Ten studies with 252 ankle fractures were included. Mean age of patients was 75.5 (32-101) years. Mean follow-up duration was 79 weeks (36-104 weeks). Surgical site infection occurred in 11.2% (95% confidence interval [CI] 6.3%-19%) of patients, implant failure occurred in 8.1% (95% CI 5%-12.8%) of patients, and unplanned return to operating room occurred in 10.1% (95% CI 6.1%-16.2%) of patients. There were no cases of wound dehiscence. All-cause mortality rate at the end of follow-up was 26.6% (95% CI 19.7%-34.9%). Average reduction in Olerud-Molander Ankle Score after surgery was 7.9 points (5.0-11.8). Eighty-one point five percent (95% CI: 67.4%-90.4%) of patients were able to return to similar preoperative mobility aid after surgery. Tibio-talar-calcaneal nailing is an alternative procedure for patients who have sustained fractures unsuitable for nonoperative management, but have low functional demands and at increased risks of complications after open reduction and internal fixation. About 81.5% (95% CI 67.4%-90.4%) of patients were able to return to a similar preinjury mobility status after tibio-talar-calcaneal nailing.

Role of vertebroplasty and balloon kyphoplasty in pathological fracture in myeloma: a narrative review.

BACKGROUND: Up to 70% of multiple myeloma (MM) patients develop vertebral metastasis and subsequent pathological vertebral fractures (PVF). With contemporary systemic therapies, life expectancy of MM patients has improved drastically, and the need to manage pain and associated disability from PVF is increasingly a high priority. The aim of this review is to provide an updated comprehensive synthesis of evidence in the use of vertebral augmentation, including percutaneous vertebroplasty (PV) and balloon kyphoplasty (BKP), to treat MM-related PVF. METHODS: A comprehensive multi-database search in accordance with PRISMA guidelines was performed up to 10 February 2021. Relevant English language articles were selected and critically reviewed. FINDINGS: A total of 23 clinical studies have been included in the review. PV and BKP showed significant pain and functional improvements in terms of analgesia requirements, Cervical Spine Function Score, Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group scale, EQ-5D score, Karnofsky score, Neck Pain Disability Index, Oswestry Disability Index, Short form-36 (SF-36) questionnaire and VAS pain scale. Both procedures also reported promising radiographic outcomes in terms of vertebral height improvement, maintenance and restoration, as well as kyphotic deformity correction. Asymptomatic cement leakage was commonly reported. There was no significant difference between the two procedures. CONCLUSION: PV and BKP are safe and effective procedure that offers pain relief, reduction in pain associated disability and reduction of fracture incidence. Its minimally invasive approach is associated with minimal morbidity risk, making it a viable option in frail patients. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE IV: Narrative review.

Comparable dislocation and revision rates for patients undergoing total hip arthroplasty with subsequent or prior lumbar spinal fusion: a meta-analysis and systematic review.

BACKGROUND: There is a known correlation between the procedures of lumbar spinal fusion (LSF), total hip arthroplasty (THA) and the complication of hip dislocation and revision occurring in patients. However there is no consensus as to whether the risk of this complication is higher if THA is performed before or after LSF. This meta-analysis aims to determine the influence of surgical sequence of lumbar spinal fusion and total hip arthroplasty on the rates of hip dislocation and revisions. METHODS: A meta-analysis was conducted with a multi-database search (PubMed, OVID, EMBASE, Medline) according to PRISMA guidelines on 27th May 2020. Data from all published literature meeting inclusion criteria were extracted and analyzed with an inverse variance statistical model. FINDINGS: A total of 25,558 subsequent LSF and 43,880 prior LSF THA patients were included in this study. There was no statistically significant difference in all-cause revisions (OR = 0.86, 95%CI: 0.48-1.54, p = 0.61), dislocation (OR = 0.82, 95%CI: 0.25-2.72, p = 0.75) or aseptic loosening (OR = 1.14, 95%CI: 0.94-1.38, p = 0.17) when comparing patients receiving LSF subsequent versus prior to THA. CONCLUSION: Lumbar spinal fusion remains a risk factor for dislocation and revision of total hip arthroplasties regardless of whether it is performed prior to or after THA. Further preoperative assessment and altered surgical technique may be required in patients having THA who have previously undergone or are likely to undergo LSF in the future. EVIDENCE LEVEL: Level II, Meta-analysis of homogeneous studies.

No Difference in Functional, Radiographic, and Survivorship Outcomes Between Direct Anterior or Posterior Approach THA: 5-Year Results of a Randomized Trial.

BACKGROUND: Both the direct anterior approach (DAA) and posterior approach (PA) to THA have known advantages and disadvantages. The comparison between DAA and PA THA has been widely explored during the early postoperative period. However, few randomized trials have compared these approaches at a minimum follow-up of 5 years; doing so would be important to establish any differences in mid-term outcomes or complications. QUESTIONS/PURPOSES: We performed a randomized trial comparing DAA and PA in THA in terms of (1) patient-reported outcome scores, (2) quality of life and functional outcomes assessed by the EQ-5D and 10-meter walk test results, (3) radiographic analysis, and (4) survivorship and surgical complications at a minimum of 5 years follow-up. METHODS: Two hip specialist surgeons performed both DAA and PA THA using the same THA components at two hospital sites. One hundred twelve patients on the elective THA surgical waitlist were invited to participate in the study. Thirty-four patients did not meet the study's inclusion criteria and were excluded, and three patients declined to participate in the study. The remaining 75 patients who were eligible were randomized into DAA and PA groups. Thirty-seven patients were initially randomized to receive DAA THA, but two did not and were excluded, resulting in 48% (35 of 73) of patients who received DAA THA; 52% (38 of 73) of patients were randomized into and received PA THA. Over a minimum 5 years of follow-up, 3% (1 of 35) of DAA patients were lost to follow-up, and none of the patients undergoing PA THA were lost. A per-protocol analysis was adopted, resulting in further patients being excluded from analysis. Of the 73 study patients, 99% (72; DAA: 35, PA: 37) were analyzed at 1 year, 95% (69; DAA: 34, PA: 35) were analyzed at 2 years, and 72% (52; DAA: 23, PA: 29) were analyzed at 5 years. The primary outcome was the Oxford Hip Score (OHS) and WOMAC score. Secondary outcomes included the EQ-5D and EQ-5D VAS scores, 10-meter walk test results, radiographic evidence of loosening (femoral: lucency > 2 mm at the implant-bone interface, subsidence > 2 mm; acetabular: migration or change in inclination), 5-year survivorship analysis from all-cause revisions, and surgical complications. The study was powered to detect a 10-point difference in the WOMAC score, which is equivalent to the minimum clinically important difference (MCID). RESULTS: There were no differences in primary outcomes (OHS and WOMAC scores) or secondary outcomes (EQ-5D scores, EQ-5D VAS scores, and 10-meter walk test result) between the DAA and PA groups at the 5-year follow-up interval. The median (range) OHS at 5 years was 46 (16 to 48) for DAA and 47 (18 to 48) for PA groups (p = 0.93), and the median WOMAC score was 6 (0 to 81) for DAA and 7 (0 to 59) for PA groups (p = 0.96). The median EQ-5D score was 1 (0.1 to 1) for DAA and 1 (0.5 to 1) for PA groups (p = 0.45), and the median EQ-5D VAS score was 85 (60 to 100) for DAA and 95 (70 to 100) for PA groups (p = 0.29). There were no cases of component loosening on radiographs. There was no difference in component survival between the two approaches at 5 years (DAA: 97% [95% CI 85% to 100%] versus PA: 97% [95% CI 87% to 100%]). Eight of 23 patients in the DAA group reported decreased sensation in the lateral femoral cutaneous nerve distribution. CONCLUSION: DAA and PA are both effective approaches in performing primary THA. Each approach has its associated risks and complications. The choice of THA should be based on individual patient factors, surgeon experience, and shared decision-making. Early registry data indicate DAA and PA THA are comparable, but longer-term data with larger numbers of patients will be required before one can safely conclude equal survivorship between both approaches. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level I, therapeutic study.

Improved functional outcome and tuberosity healing in patients treated with fracture stems than nonfracture stems during shoulder arthroplasty for proximal humeral fracture: a meta-analysis and systematic review.

BACKGROUND: Proximal humeral fractures are difficult injuries to treat and obtain satisfactory outcomes. For those treated with arthroplasty, humeral fracture stems have been popular due to better ability for reduction and fixation of tuberosities. This study aims to investigate the outcomes of fracture stems in shoulder arthroplasty for proximal humeral fracture and the comparison of outcomes between fracture vs. nonfracture stems. METHODS: A meta-analysis was conducted with a multidatabase search (PubMed, OVID, EMBASE, Medline) according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines on May 19, 2020. Data from all published literature meeting inclusion criteria were extracted and analyzed. FINDINGS: Eleven studies were included for analysis, including 383 hemiarthroplasties (HA) (294 fracture stems, 89 nonfracture stems) and 358 reverse total shoulder arthroplasties (RTSA) (309 fracture stems, 49 nonfracture stems). At the final follow-up, meta-analysis shows favorable overall ASES score in all fracture stem prosthesis (mean = 74.0, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 69.3-78.7), Constant-Murley score (mean = 67.2, 95% CI: 61.6-72.8), external rotation (mean difference [MD] = 7°, 95% CI: 3°-10°, P < .001), and forward flexion (MD = 17°, 95% CI: 10°-25°, P < .001). Pooled proportion (PP) of greater tuberosity healing (PP = 0.786, 95% CI: 0.686-0.886) was high, whereas all-cause revisions (PP = 0.034, 95% CI: 0.018-0.061) remained low. With the exception of RTSA scapular notching (PP = 0.109, 95% CI: 0.020-0.343), other complication metrics had PP of ≤0.023. In the 4 studies comparing fracture (138 HA, 54 RTSA) vs. nonfracture stems (89 HA, 49 RTSA), fracture stems had statistically significant better American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons scores (MD = 14.29, 95% CI: 8.18-20.41, P < .001), external rotation (MD = 6°, 95% CI: 2°-9°, P = .003), forward flexion (MD = 16°, 95% CI: 7°-24°, P < .001), and greater tuberosity healing (odds ratio = 2.20, 95% CI: 1.28-3.77, P = .004). There was no statistically significant difference in complications. CONCLUSION: Fracture stems showed promising overall clinical outcomes with low complication rates in treating proximal humeral fractures. The use of fracture stems is also associated with greater chance of tuberosity healing compared with nonfracture stems. There is increasing evidence to suggest the superiority of fracture stems over nonfracture stems in clinical outcomes, while maintaining similar complication rates.

Clinical outcomes and complication profile of total hip arthroplasty after lumbar spine fusion: a meta-analysis and systematic review.

BACKGROUND: Hip and spine pathology can alter the biomechanics of spino-pelvic mobility. Lumbar spine fusions can reduce the mobility of the lumbar spine and therefore result in compensatory femoral motion, contributing towards dislocations of THA. PURPOSE: This meta-analysis aims to determine the effect of pre-existing spine fusions on THA outcomes, and complication profile including hip dislocations, all-cause revisions and all complications. METHODS: A multi-database search was performed according to PRISMA guidelines. All studies that compared patients who underwent THA with and without prior SF were included in the analysis. RESULTS: Ten studies were included in this review, consisting of 28,396 SF THA patients and 1,550,291 non-SF THA patients. There were statistically significant higher rates of hip dislocation (OR 2.20, 95% CI 1.71-2.85, p < 0.001), all-cause revision (OR 3.43, 95% CI 1.96-6.00, p < 0.001) and all complications (OR 2.83, 95% CI 1.28-6.24, p = 0.01) in SF than in non-SF THA patients. When registry data were excluded, these rates were approximately doubled. Subgroup analysis of revisions for dislocations was not statistically significant (OR 5.28, 95% CI 0.76-36.87, p = 0.09). While no meta-analysis was performed on clinical outcomes due to heterogeneous parameter reporting, individual studies reported significantly poorer outcomes in SF patients than in non-SF patients. CONCLUSION: THA patients with SF are at higher risks of hip dislocations, all-cause revisions and all complications, which may adversely affect patient-reported outcomes. Surgeons should be aware of these risks and appropriately plan to account for altered spino-pelvic biomechanics, in order to reduce the risks of hip dislocations and other complications. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: II (Meta-analysis of non-homogeneous studies). These slides can be retrieved under Electronic Supplementary Material.

Robotic-assisted total knee arthroplasty is comparable to conventional total knee arthroplasty: a meta-analysis and systematic review.

BACKGROUND: Total knee arthroplasty (TKA) is a successful procedure in managing end-stage arthritis when non-operative treatments fail. New technologies such as robotic TKA (rTKA) have been developed to improve the accuracy of prosthesis implantation. While short-term cohort studies on rTKA have shown excellent results, the evidence comparing between rTKA and conventional TKA (cTKA) is not yet well established. This meta-analysis aims to compare the efficacy and safety of rTKA versus cTKA in terms of clinical outcomes, radiographic results, complications, peri-operative parameters and costs. METHODS: A multi-database search was performed according to PRISMA guidelines. Data from studies comparing between rTKA and cTKA were extracted and analyzed. RESULTS: Eighteen studies were included in this review, consisting of 2234 rTKA and 4300 cTKA. Robotic TKA led to a more precise prosthesis implantation with significantly fewer outliers in the mechanical axis (p < 0.001), femoral coronal (p = 0.002) and tibial sagittal (p = 0.01) alignments. Only the Hospital for Special Surgery (HSS) (p < 0.001) score at final follow-up was significantly better in rTKA than cTKA. rTKA also had a lower mean blood loss (p < 0.001) despite a longer mean operation time (p = 0.006). There were no statistically significant difference in terms of other clinical outcome measures, range of motion and complications. CONCLUSION: Both rTKA and cTKA are reliable and safe to perform. However, rTKA is capable of achieving superior alignment in several axes, lower mean blood loss and this may lead to marginally better clinical outcomes than cTKA. EVIDENCE LEVEL: Level II, Meta-analysis of non-homogeneous studies.

Outcome after total ankle arthroplasty with a minimum of five years follow-up: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Total ankle arthroplasty (TAA) is increasingly gaining recognition as an alternative to ankle arthrodesis in the treatment of end-stage ankle arthritis. Despite high rates of adverse events during early inception, newer generations of uncemented prosthesis and design modifications have improved outcomes. Questions remain regarding the long-term outcomes and implant survivorship of TAA. AIM: This analysis aims to establish an updated review of intermediate and long-term clinical outcome and complication profile of TAA. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A multi database search was performed on 14th October 2018 according to PRISMA guidelines. All articles that involved patients undergoing uncemented TAA with 5 years minimum follow-up, reported clinical outcome or complication profile of TAA were included. Seventeen observational studies were included in the review, with 1127 and 262 ankles in the 5 and 10 years minimum follow-up groups respectively. RESULTS: Mean difference between pre- and post-operative AOFAS score was 43.60 (95%CI: 37.51-49.69, p<0.001) at 5 years minimum follow-up. At 5 years minimum follow-up, pooled proportion (PP) of prostheses revision for any reason other than polyethylene exchange was 0.122 (95%CI: 0.084-0.173), all cause revision was 0.185 (95%CI: 0.131-0.256), unplanned reoperation was 0.288 (95%CI: 0.204-0.390) and all infection was 0.033 (95%CI: 0.021-0.051). At 10 years minimum follow-up, PP of prostheses revision for any reason other than polyethylene exchange was 0.202 (95%CI: 0.118-0.325), all cause revision was 0.305 (95%CI: 0.191-0.448), unplanned reoperation was 0.422 (95%CI: 0.260-0.603) and all infection was 0.029 (95%CI: 0.013-0.066). CONCLUSION: Despite good intermediate and long-term functional outcome measures, TAA has relatively higher revision surgery prevalence with longer follow-up periods. Further research should be directed towards identifying patient populations that would best benefit from TAA and those at greatest risk of requiring revision surgery.

Suture button versus syndesmosis screw constructs for acute ankle diastasis injuries: A meta-analysis and systematic review of randomised controlled trials.

BACKGROUND: Ankle syndesmotic injuries can be surgically managed with syndesmosis screws (SS) or suture button (SB) fixation. We performed a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) aiming to compare the clinical and complication profiles of both modalities. METHODS: A multi-database search up to 4th of March 2018 was performed according to PRISMA guidelines. All RCTs comparing both techniques and published in English were included. RESULTS: Five RCTs with a total of 280 patients (140 SB, 140 SS) were included for analysis. SB had a statistically significant higher AOFAS score at 1 year (mean difference=5.46, 95% CI=0.40-10.51, p=0.03) and lower implant failure rate (OR=0.03, 95% CI=0.01-0.15, p<0.001). Infection and wound issues were marginally higher with SB (OR=1.4, 95% CI=0.4-4.85, p=0.60). No other parameters showed statistically significant difference. CONCLUSIONS: Both constructs yielded similar clinical outcomes. The 1 year AOFAS score was higher in SB but clinical significance is unlikely. SB had significantly fewer implant failures. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level I.

Time to recurrence after surgical excision of atypical fibroxanthoma-updated systematic review and meta-analysis.

Atypical fibroxanthoma (AFX) remains a rare cutaneous dermally based fibrohistiocytic tumour with high rates of local recurrence. Mohs micrographic surgery (MMS) and wide local excision (WLE) with margins 1-2 cm are two surgical options. It is unclear whether timing of recurrence following surgical excision of AFX differs according to technique. A systematic review and meta-analysis were performed according to PRISMA guidelines. There was a total of 188 MMS cases and 783 WLE cases. The pooled proportion of MMS cases of recurrence is 6.6% (95% CI 3.6-11.9%), compared with WLE 11.3% (95% CI 7.1-16.5%), which was not significantly different (P = 0.12) Pooled time to recurrence of MMS for AFX to be 14.2 (95% CI 11.6-16.8%) months, compared to 13.3 (95% CI 9.99-16.6%) months (P = 0.86). Our findings suggest that recurrence rates are similar between MMS and WLE techniques and that timing of recurrence is similar regardless of surgical technique employed.

Fixed- Versus Adjustable-Loop Devices for Femoral Fixation in Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction: A Systematic Review.

PURPOSE: To compare biomechanical and clinical outcomes between adjustable-loop devices (ALDs) and fixed-loop devices (FLDs) in the femoral fixation component of anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR) using a hamstring autograft or allograft. METHODS: A multi-database search was performed on July 18, 2018, according to Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. All articles directly comparing ALDs and FLDs in ACLR using hamstring grafts were included. Non-English-language articles were excluded. RESULTS: We included 13 biomechanical, 2 prospective, and 6 retrospective studies in this review. Retensioning of ALDs was performed in 4 of 13 biomechanical studies and in all clinical studies. Biomechanically, 11 studies showed a statistically significantly larger maximum irreversible displacement of the graft in the ALD group. Two studies showed no statistically significant difference with retensioning of the TightRope ALD, whereas all 3 studies that examined knotting of ALDs showed no statistically significant difference between the FLD and ALD groups. Five studies reported statistically significantly higher graft stiffness for FLDs than ALDs. Retensioning or knotting did not produce any significant change in construct stiffness. Nine studies reported a statistically significantly higher ultimate load to failure for FLDs. With knotting of ALDs, this difference was no longer statistically significant in only 1 study. Clinical studies showed no statistically significant differences in clinical, functional, radiologic, and complication outcomes between both groups. CONCLUSIONS: Despite the superior biomechanical properties of FLDs, ALDs and FLDs yielded similar clinical outcome scores and graft rerupture rates. Biomechanical outcomes were improved with retensioning of ALDs after tibial fixation, as per manufacturer recommendations. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III, systematic review of Level III and IV studies.

The Efficacy and Safety of Inpatient Rehabilitation Compared With Home Discharge After Hip or Knee Arthroplasty: A Meta-Analysis and Systematic Review.

BACKGROUND: Total hip and knee arthroplasties (THKAs) are successful procedures in managing end-stage arthritis when nonoperative treatments fail. The immediate postoperative period is an important time for the body to recuperate and rehabilitate. Studies have shown that early intensive rehabilitation can enhance recovery. Rehabilitation can be provided as inpatient rehabilitation (IR) or discharge with home rehabilitation. These options have been studied, but literature on the efficacy and safety of IR compared to home discharge is scarce, and evidence is not well established. This meta-analysis aims to compare the efficacy and safety of IR to home discharge with rehabilitation after THKA. METHODS: A multidatabase search was performed according to PRISMA guidelines. Data from studies assessing the efficacy and safety of IR and home as discharge destinations after THKA were extracted and analyzed. RESULTS: Fifteen studies were included, consisting of 37,411 IR patients and 172,219 home discharge patients. These studies had heterogeneous reporting methods, with some conflicting results. There was no clinically significant difference in clinical outcomes between the groups. Readmission was nearly 5 times (odds ratio = 4.87, 95% confidence interval = 3.24-7.33, P < .001) and periprosthetic complications nearly 3 times (odds ratio = 2.82, 95% confidence interval: 1.54-5.24, P < .001) higher in IR patients than those discharged home after THKA. CONCLUSION: Although IR is associated with higher risks of complications and readmissions, this may be because of patient selection bias in the clinical setting. Following THKA, it is safe to discharge patients to home with rehabilitation whenever possible. EVIDENCE LEVEL: Level II, Meta-analysis of heterogeneous studies.

Prevalence of Bifid Zygomaticus Major Muscle.

Facial expression muscles have significant morphological variability, including its size, shape, attachment patterns, and prevalence. The zygomaticus major (ZMj) represents one such important structure involved in facial expressions. The bifid ZMj muscle is a known anatomical variation that clinically presents as a dimple in the cheek; however, its prevalence and variation with ethnicity and geography remains poorly understood. The authors performed the first meta-analysis examine and established the prevalence of bifid ZMj variant across different population groups. From 7 studies identified via electronic databases, the prevalence of bifid ZMj variant was most prominent in the American subgroup 34% (95% CI 22.3%-48%), followed by the Asian subgroup at 27.4% (95% CI 14.3%-46.1%) and European subgroup at 12.3% (95% CI 6.5%-22.1%). Subgroup difference was found to be statistically significant (P = 0.027). The overall prevalence of the bifid ZMj is 22.7% (95% CI 14.3%-34.2%). This contributes to the understanding of various facial muscle morphologies and attachment patterns, which have significant implications in surgical planning and procedures for facial reanimation and recreation of natural patient appearances.