Deltoid fatigue part 2: a longitudinal assessment of anatomic total shoulder arthroplasty over time.

BACKGROUND: Gradual loss of overhead range of motion (ROM) has been observed after reverse shoulder arthroplasty (RSA). It remains unclear if this is caused by the effect of RSA design on muscle fiber lengthening or is part of the natural aging process of the shoulder musculature. Although studies have attempted to evaluate deltoid fatigue after RSA, there is a paucity of literature evaluating this effect after anatomic shoulder arthroplasty (aTSA), which would be expected to occur due to aging alone. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the effect of time on overhead ROM after aTSA and compare this with previous data on a similar cohort of RSAs. We hypothesized that overhead ROM would decrease gradually over time in both groups without differences between prosthesis types. METHODS: A retrospective review of 384 aTSAs without complications was performed over a 10-year period. All shoulders were treated for primary osteoarthritis using a single implant system. Patients were evaluated longitudinally at multiple postoperative time points. At least 1 follow-up visit was between 1 and 2 years postoperatively and another at least 5 years after surgery. ROM and patient reported outcome measures (PROMs) were evaluated using linear-mixed models for repeated measures. These results were compared with a previously evaluated cohort of 165 well-functioning RSAs analyzed using the same methodology. RESULTS: Primary aTSA shoulders were observed to lose 0.7° of abduction per year starting 1 year postoperatively (P = .001). Smaller losses were observed in external rotation (-0.3°/yr, P = .06) and internal rotation (-0.04/yr, P < .001). However, no significant losses were observed in forward elevation (P = .8). All PROMs diminished slowly over time, but these changes did not exceed the minimally clinically important difference when modeled over 10 years (Simple Shoulder Test -0.08/yr, P < .001; American Shoulder Elbow Surgeons -0.5/yr, P < .001; University of California Los Angeles Shoulder Score -0.2/yr, P < .001). When compared with a similarly analyzed cohort of RSAs, overhead ROM decreased at a slower rate in the aTSA cohort (abduction -0.7° vs. -0.8°/yr, P = .9; FE -0.06° vs. -0.8°/yr, P = .05). DISCUSSION: In the well-functioning aTSA, gradual loss of ROM occurs in all planes of motion except forward elevation. However, these losses are small and have little meaningful impact relative to minimally clinically important difference thresholds on PROMs. Progressive loss of abduction seen in both aTSA and RSA is likely secondary to aging of the periscapular and rotator cuff musculature. When compared with RSA, loss of motion after aTSA was statistically similar, calling into question the belief that RSA-induced deltoid fatigue leads to loss of overhead motion over time.

Anatomical and biomechanical study of the inferior extensor retinaculum by shear-wave elastography in healthy adults.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the stiffness of the inferior extensor retinaculum (IER) using shear-wave elastography (SWE) in neutral and varus positions in healthy adults, and to assess the reliability and reproducibility of these measurements. METHODS: Both ankles were analyzed by shear-wave elastography (SWE) in 20 healthy patients (10 females/10 males) resting on a hinge support with their ankles in neutral, valgus 20°, and varus 30° positions. Their stiffness was evaluated by shear-wave speed measured (SWS). RESULTS: The median SWS of the IER varies according to the position of the ankle. The IER tension was maximal in the 20° valgus position (4.1 m/s (52.8 kPa), ranged from 3.0 to 6.4 m/s), in contrast to the other positions (p < 0.0001). Retinaculum SWS was negatively correlated with age significantly in neutral (ρ = - 0.38, p = 0.02) and varus (ρ = - 0.47, p = 0.002) positions. Gender, dominant side, height, and foot morphology (foot arch, hind foot frontal deviation) had no impact on IER stiffness. Intra- and inter-observer agreements were all excellent. CONCLUSION: SWE is a reliable and reproducible technique for quantitative analysis of the stiffness of the main part of the IER: the frondiform ligament. It becomes taut in the valgus position of the ankle, and its strength decreases with age, even in young subjects. This could be an interesting diagnostic examination in cases of prolonged pain, and could help in the choice of transplant during surgical repair of the ATFL. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: IV.

Ankle syndesmosis biomechanical evaluation by shear-waves elastography in healthy young adults: Assessment of the reliability and accuracy of the measurements and definition of a corridor of normality.

BACKGROUND: Aims of this study were: 1/ to evaluate the shear wave speed (SWS) properties of the anteroinferior tibiofibular ligament (AITFL) and the distal interosseous membrane (DIOM) in neutral, dorsal flexion and plantar flexion positions in a cohort of healthy adult volunteers; 2/ to assess the reliability and reproducibility of these measurements. METHODS: Both ankles were analyzed by shear wave elastography (SWE) in 20 healthy patients (10 females/10 males) standing on a hinge support with their ankles in neutral, 20° dorsal flexion and 30° plantar flexion positions. Stiffness of AITFL and DIOM was evaluated by SWS measurement. RESULTS: The SWS of AITFL and DIOM were minimal in the plantar flexion position (4.28 m/s [2.65-5.11] and 3.35 m/s [1.69-4.55], respectively). It increased significantly for both ligaments in neutral position (4.69 m/s [3.53-5.71] and 3.81 m/s [1.91-4.74], respectively; p < 0.0001), and reached their maximum values in dorsal flexion (6.58 m/s [5.23-8.34] and 4.79 m/s [3.07-6.19], respectively; p < 0.0001). There was no correlation between each ligament regardless the positions. SWS of AITFL was independent of demographic characteristics analyzed. SWS of DIOM was negatively correlated with height in dorsal flexion (ρ = -0.35; p = 0.03) and in plantar flexion (ρ = -0.37; p = 0.02). Female gender was associated with increased DIOM SWS in neutral (p = 0.005), dorsal flexion (p = 0.003), and plantar flexion (p = 0.001) positions. Moreover, foot morphology (foot arch, hind foot frontal deviation) did not impact AITFL nor DIOM SWS. Inter- and intra-observer measurements were all good or excellent. CONCLUSION: The AITFL and DIOM, stabilizers of the distal tibiofibular syndesmosis, increase in stiffness while dorsal flexion increases. This study describes a reliable and reproducible protocol to assess their stiffness by SWE, and defines a corridor of normality.

Autologous lamellar keratoplasty for the treatment of feline corneal sequestrum: A retrospective study of 35 eyes (2012-2020).

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the use of autologous lamellar keratoplasty for the treatment of feline corneal sequestrum (FCS). PROCEDURE: The medical records of cats diagnosed with FCS that underwent autologous lamellar keratoplasty between 2012 and 2020 with a minimum of 2 months of follow-up were reviewed. After keratectomy of FCS, a button adjacent to the corneal limbus was harvested on the same eye and sutured to the recipient bed. A nictitating membrane flap was left in place until the first recheck except for one patient. Postoperative treatment with topical and systemic antibiotics and systemic nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications was prescribed. Follow-up examinations were carried out 2 weeks, 1 month and 2 months post-operatively and consisted of a complete ophthalmic examination. RESULTS: A total of 35 cats (35 eyes) were included. The median follow-up time was 3.2 months (range, 2-59 months). Brachycephalic cats were overrepresented (85.7%). The mean graft size was 6.5 mm (range, 6-9 mm). Minor complications consisting of melting and partial integration of the graft occurred in 2/35 eyes (5.7%). Recurrence was observed in 1/35 eyes (2.9%) and was managed by a superficial keratectomy. A good visual outcome was achieved in all eyes, and a faint or mild corneal opacification occurred in 15/35 (42.9%). CONCLUSIONS: Autologous lamellar keratoplasty is an effective treatment for FCS, providing good tectonic support to the affected cornea and resulting in good visual and cosmetic outcomes. These results should be verified in future prospective studies that include a larger number of cases and longer-term follow-up.

Deltoid fatigue: a longitudinal assessment of reverse shoulder arthroplasty over time.

BACKGROUND: Studies evaluating the mid-term performance of reverse shoulder arthroplasty (RSA) have identified a drop in the Constant-Murley score between 6 and 8 years after surgery, which is most affected by a loss of forward elevation and strength. Alterations of the deltoid length and moment arm after RSA lead to nonphysiological stress on the deltoid muscle. Concern has arisen that the long-term implications of increased deltoid work may be causing "deltoid fatigue." The purpose of this study was to evaluate the long-term effects of RSA on overhead range of motion (ROM) and validate the hypothesis of deltoid fatigue. METHODS: We performed a retrospective review of 165 RSAs over a 5-year period. Diagnoses were limited to cuff tear arthropathy, osteoarthritis with rotator cuff deficiency, and irreparable rotator cuff tear. All procedures were performed using a single implant system. Patients were evaluated longitudinally at multiple time points. They were required to undergo a minimum of 3 follow-up visits, with at least 1 visit at >5 years. ROM and patient-reported outcome measures were evaluated using linear mixed models for repeated measures to evaluate changes in outcome measures over time. A secondary analysis was performed to assess the influence of patient demographic factors on observed changes in ROM and patient-reported outcome measures. RESULTS: Primary RSA shoulders were observed to lose 0.8° of forward elevation and abduction per year starting at 1 year postoperatively (P = .006), without a significant drop at mid-term follow-up. No significant change in external or internal rotation was observed. Male patients and patients with a diagnosis of osteoarthritis with rotator cuff deficiency showed greater baseline overhead ROM at 1 year postoperatively, but the subsequent rates of functional decline were similar regardless of age, sex, or indication. DISCUSSION: This study challenges the previous theory of deltoid fatigue resulting in a significant loss of overhead ROM beginning 6-8 years after index arthroplasty. However, a slower progressive decline in overhead ROM in well-functioning RSA shoulders was observed, averaging 0.8° of overhead ROM per year. This progressive deterioration occurs at a slightly greater rate than that observed in the natural shoulder. The observed rate of functional decline was found to be independent of age, sex, and preoperative diagnosis.

Latarjet with cortical button fixation is associated with an increase of the risk of recurrent dislocation compared to screw fixation.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to compare the clinical results of the Latarjet procedure using two cortical buttons vs two screws. It was hypothesized that cortical button would result in similar rates of recurrent dislocations, but a lower rate of reoperation compared to screw fixation. METHODS: A retrospective comparative case-cohort analysis was performed for all patients undergoing a Latarjet procedure for recurrent anterior glenohumeral instability. Patient demographics, number of dislocations prior surgery, arm dominance, shoulder hyperlaxity, level of sport, type of sport and ISIS score were collected. Shoulders were separated into two groups based on surgical fixation (screws vs cortical button). Postoperatively, shoulders were evaluated for recurrent dislocation, revision surgery, post-operative Walch-Duplay score, and the Simple shoulder test (SST). Two hundred and thirty-six patients were included in the screw fixation group (group A) and 72 in button fixation group (group B) and were evaluated at a mean follow-up of 3.4 ± 0.8 years. Demographics of the two groups were similar with the exception of operative side hand dominance, which was more common in group B [50 (69.4%) vs 128 (54.2%), p = 0.02]. RESULTS: Recurrent dislocation was significantly lower in Group A: 6 (2.5%) vs 6(8.3%) (p = 0.02). Reoperation was more common in group A [14 (5.9%) vs 0 (0%)]. At follow-up, Walch-Duplay scores and simple shoulder tests were similar in both groups. CONCLUSION: Button fixation for Latarjet showed higher rates of recurrent dislocation compared to screw fixation. However, the increased stability afforded by screw fixation needs to be weighed against the increased risk of reoperation for hardware prominence. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: III.

Treatment of prolapsed gland and cartilage deformity of the nictitating membrane with pocket technique and chondrectomy alone, or combined with a wedge conjunctivectomy: 132 dogs (1998-2018).

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the results obtained using Morgan pocket technique and chondrectomy (MPTC) alone, or combined with a wedge conjunctivectomy (MPTC + WC) for the treatment of prolapsed gland associated with cartilage deformity of the nictitating membrane (PGCD) in dogs. PROCEDURE: Medical records of dogs diagnosed with PGCD that received a MPTC or MPTC + WC were reviewed between 1998 and 2018. Success rate was defined by lack of recurrence of the prolapsed gland with a minimum of 6 months follow-up. Histological examination of the excised cartilage was performed in 13 eyes. RESULTS: A total of 132 dogs (181 eyes) met the inclusion criteria. Median follow-up time was 25 months (range, 6-166 months). MPTC was used in 131 eyes with 91.6% success rate. MPTC + WC was used in 50 eyes with 100% success rate. Postoperative complications occurred in 6.9% and 4%, respectively, for MPTC and MPTC + WC, including lacrimal cysts (8 eyes) or corneal erosion (3 eyes). Recurrence and complications rates were significantly lower using MPTC + WC compared with MPTC in the giant breed dogs (P = .019 and P = .002, respectively), but not in the overall study population (P = .328 and P = .290, respectively). Histological cartilage anomalies were noted in 2/13 specimens from chronic PGCD. CONCLUSIONS: MPTC + WC offers a good therapeutic option for giant breed dogs with PGCD. The combined technique provides a good apposition and mobility of the nictitating membrane onto the ocular surface and potentially reduces the risk of recurrence in these giant canine breeds.

A 10-year experience with reverse shoulder arthroplasty: are we operating earlier?

INTRODUCTION: As surgeons' confidence in reverse shoulder arthroplasty (RSA) increases, they may tend to offer RSA earlier in the course of glenohumeral joint disease. This study evaluates the changes in the "tipping point" for primary RSA over a 10-year period to evaluate changes in practice. METHODS: A total of 3975 primary RSAs performed over a 10-year period were retrospectively reviewed from a multi-institutional database. Of these, 3536 primary RSAs with preoperative diagnoses of osteoarthritis with rotator cuff deficiency (1626), irreparable rotator cuff tear (396), and rotator cuff tear arthropathy (1514) were included in the analysis. Preoperative range of motion (ROM) and patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) were used to calculate tipping points for each subgroup on a yearly basis over a 10-year period, and assessed for changes over time. RESULTS: PROMs (American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons Standardized Shoulder Assessment Form, Simple Shoulder Test) and the Constant score remained similar over the 10-year study period, with all demonstrating slightly higher tipping points later in the study. ROM measures (forward elevation, abduction, and external rotation) all showed small increases over time, demonstrating better ROM before electing to undergo RSA in later years. CONCLUSIONS: With the increasing use of RSA over the last decade, the ROM tipping point for patients electing to undergo surgery has increased, whereas the PROM tipping point has remained stable. This indicates that patients undergoing RSA in the present have greater ROM preoperatively compared with 10 years ago; however, their perceived disability remains similar. Surgeons and patients continue to pursue RSA at a similar preoperative morbidity over the last 10 years.

Dolutegravir and lamivudine maintenance therapy in HIV-1 virologically suppressed patients: results of the ANRS 167 trial (LAMIDOL).

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the dolutegravir+lamivudine combination in virologically suppressed patients living with HIV. METHODS: The ANRS 167 LAMIDOL trial was an open-label, single arm, multicentre trial assessing once-daily dolutegravir (50 mg)+lamivudine (300 mg) in virologically suppressed HIV-1 patients on first-line triple-drug regimens. The main criteria for inclusion in the trial were plasma viral load (pVL) ≤50 copies/mL for ≥2 years, CD4 nadir >200 cells/mm3 and WT HIV prior to treatment initiation. From week -8 (W-8) to day 0 (D0) (Phase 1), the current third agent was switched to dolutegravir. From D0 to W48 (Phase 2), patients received once-daily dolutegravir+lamivudine, except if intolerant or if pVL >50 copies/mL during Phase 1. Virological failure was defined as pVL >50 copies/mL in two consecutive samples. The study was designed to show that the strategy had an efficacy of ≥80%, assuming a 90% success rate with a type I error of 5% and a power of 90%. RESULTS: In total, 104 of 110 patients enrolled in Phase 1 were included in Phase 2. These 104 patients were 86% male, 72% MSM and 87% CDC stage A. Their characteristics were (median): age 45 years, CD4 nadir 339 cells/mm3, baseline CD4 743 cells/mm3 and duration of viral suppression 4.5 years. The overall success rate at W48 was 97% (95% CI: 94%-100%), meeting the design expectation/assumption. Three therapeutic failures occurred: one virological failure at W4, one lost to follow-up at W32 and one interruption of therapeutic strategy at W40 after a blip (pVL 59 copies/mL but control pVL <50 copies/mL). Three viral blips occurred in two additional patients. Neither M184V nor integrase resistance mutations were detected after failure or blips. CONCLUSIONS: Dolutegravir+lamivudine is a promising maintenance therapy in HIV-1-infected patients with controlled virological suppression.

Risk factors for carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae infections: a French case-control-control study.

This study aimed to assess characteristics associated with infections due to carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae (CRE), producing (CPE) or not producing (non-CPE) carbapenemase, among hospitalised patients in 2014-2016 in France. Case-patients with CRE were compared to two control populations. In multivariate analysis comparing 160 CRE cases to 160 controls C1 (patients with a clinical sample positive for carbapenem-susceptible Enterobacteriaceae), five characteristics were linked to CRE: male gender (OR = 1.9; 95% CI = 1.3-3.4), travel in Asia (OR = 10.0; 95% CI = 1.1-91.2) and hospitalisation in (OR = 2.4; 95% CI = 1.3-4.4) or out of (OR = 4.4; 95% CI = 0.8-24.1) France in the preceding 12 months, infection in the preceding 3 months (OR = 3.0; 95% CI = 1.5-5.9), and antibiotic receipt between admission and inclusion (OR = 1.9; 95% CI = 1.0-3.3). In multivariate analysis comparing 148 CRE cases to 148 controls C2 [patients with culture-negative sample(s)], four characteristics were identified: prior infection (OR = 3.3; 95% CI = 1.6-6.8), urine drainage (OR = 3.0; 95% CI = 1.5-6.1) and mechanical ventilation (OR = 3.7; 95% CI = 1.1-13.0) during the current hospitalisation, and antibiotic receipt between admission and inclusion (OR = 6.6; 95% CI = 2.8-15.5). Univariate analyses comparing separately CPE cases to controls (39 CPE vs C1 and 36 CPE vs C2) and non-CPE cases to controls (121 non-CPE vs C1 and 112 non-CPE vs C2), concomitantly with comparison of CPE to non-CPE cases showed that only CPE cases were at risk of previous travel and hospitalisation abroad. This study shows that, among CRE, risk factors are different for CPE and non-CPE infection, and suggests that question patients about their medical history and lifestyle should help for early identification of patients at risk of CPE among patients with CRE.

Outpatient pulmonary rehabilitation for severe asthma with fixed airway obstruction: Comparison with COPD.

Background: The benefit of exercise has been demonstrated in asthma, but the role of pulmonary rehabilitation (PR) in people with severe asthma, especially with airway obstruction, has been less investigated. The activity limitation mechanisms differ in asthma and COPD, so the effect of a PR program not specific to asthma is unclear. Methods: We retrospectively compared the effect of an ambulatory PR program in nonsmoking patients with severe asthma and airway obstruction (FEV1/FVC ratio <70% and FEV1 < 80% measured twice, not under an exacerbation) and sex-, age-, FEV1-, and BMI-matched COPD controls. Results: We included 29 patients, each with asthma and COPD. Airway obstruction was moderate (median FEV1 57% [44-64]). VO2 at peak was higher for asthma than COPD patients (19.0 [15.7-22.2] vs 16.1 [15.3-19.6] ml.min-1.kg-1, p = 0.05). After PR, asthma and COPD groups showed a significant and similar increase in constant work cycling test of 378 [114-831] s and 377 [246-702] s. Changes in Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HAD) total score were similar (-2.5 [-7.0 to 0.0] vs -2.0 [-5.0 to 2.0], p > 0.05). Quality of life on the St. George's Respiratory Questionnaire (SGRQ) was significantly improved in both groups (-14.0 [-17.7 to -2.0], p < 0.005 and -8.3 [-13.0 to -3.6], p < 0.0001). Conclusion: Outpatient PR is feasible and well tolerated in patients with severe asthma with fixed airway obstruction. A nondedicated program strongly improves HAD and SGRQ scores and constant work-rate sub-maximal cycling, with similar amplitude as with COPD.

Diagnosis of Ehlers-Danlos syndrome after a first shoulder dislocation.

BACKGROUND: Shoulder dislocation is often the first symptom of Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (EDS). Whether it occurs in early-onset EDS is unknown. In most cases, surgical failure leads to the diagnosis. We aimed to determine whether clinical symptoms can signal the presence of EDS at a first dislocation. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this retrospective study, we analyzed clinical and radiologic data for 27 patients with EDS and shoulder instability and a control population of 40 consecutive non-EDS patients undergoing surgery for an unstable shoulder. Data were collected on gender, age, single or bilateral disease, general hyperlaxity, shoulder hyperlaxity, number of dislocations or subluxations, nontraumatic onset, and pain specificity. Nerve and vascular injuries, joint disorders, and family history were recorded, and radiologic data were reported. RESULTS: Age <14 years, female sex, bilateral disorder, and general hyperlaxity were significantly more frequent in patients with EDS and a first dislocation than in those without EDS. Painless dislocation with pain after dislocation and concomitant nerve injury were more frequent in affected patients, as were hemostasis disorders and a family history of joint hyperlaxity. Bone lesions were not seen on radiographs. Only the hyperlaxity sign (external rotation >85°) did not differ between the groups. CONCLUSION: After a first dislocation in a young girl with global hyperlaxity but not necessarily shoulder hyperlaxity, painless atraumatic dislocation with pain after reduction can suggest EDS.

Ultrasound imaging of the thenar motor branch of the median nerve: a cadaveric study.

INTRODUCTION: Anatomic variations of the median nerve (MN) increase the risk of iatrogenic injury during carpal tunnel release surgery. We investigated whether high-frequency ultrasonography could identify anatomic variations of the MN and its thenar motor branch (MBMN) in the carpal tunnel. METHODS: For each volar wrist of healthy non-embalmed cadavers, the type of MN variant (Lanz classification), course and orientation of the MBMN, and presence of hypertrophic muscles were scored by 18-MHz ultrasound and then by dissection. RESULT: MBMN was identified by ultrasound in all 30 wrists (15 subjects). By dissection, type 1, 2 and 3 variants were found in 84%, 3%, and 13% of wrists, respectively. Ultrasound had good agreement with dissection in identifying the variant type (kappa =0.9). With both techniques, extra-, sub-, and transligamentous courses were recorded in 65%, 31%, and 4% of cases, respectively. With both techniques, the bifid nerve, hypertrophic muscles, and bilateral symmetry for variant type were identified in 13.3%, 13.3%, and 86.7% of wrists, respectively. Agreement between ultrasound and dissection was excellent for the MBMN course and orientation (kappa =1). CONCLUSION: Ultrasound can be used reliably to identify anatomic variations of the MN and MBMN. It could be a useful tool before carpal tunnel release surgery. KEY POINTS: • Ultrasound can identify variations of the motor branch of the median nerve. • Ultrasound mapping should be used prior to carpal tunnel release surgery. • All sub-, extra-, and transligamentous courses were accurately identified. • Type 3 variants (bifid nerve), hypertrophic muscles, and bilateral symmetry were accurately identified.

Arthroscopic Subacromial Spacer Implantation in Patients With Massive Irreparable Rotator Cuff Tears: Clinical and Radiographic Results of 39 Retrospectives Cases.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the clinical and radiographic outcome of a biodegradable subacromial spacer in the treatment of massive irreparable rotator cuff tear. METHODS: Between January 2011 and December 2014, all shoulders with symptomatic massive irreparable rotator cuff tears treated at our institution with arthroscopic implantation of a biodegradable subacromial spacer followed for at least 1 year were included in our series. Patients with osteoarthritis ≥ grade 3 in the Hamada classification were excluded. Outcome measures included pre- and postoperative, range of motion, Constant score, acromiohumeral distance, and Hamada classification on anteroposterior and lateral radiographs. RESULTS: Thirty-nine consecutive shoulders (37 patients) met the inclusion criteria. The mean age of patients was 69.8 (53-84) years. At the last follow-up (mean 32.8 ± 12.4 months), range of motion was significantly increased for all patients in anterior elevation (from 130° to 160°, P = .02), abduction (from 100° to 160°, P = .01), and external rotation (from 30° to 45°, P = .0001). The mean Constant score was also significantly (P < .001) improved from 44.8 (±15.2) preoperatively to 76.0 (±17.1) at the last follow-up. The mean acromiohumeral distance significantly (P = .002) decreased from 8.2 mm (±3.4) to 6.2 mm (±3.1) at the last follow-up. The Hamada score progressed of 1 radiographic stage in 4 shoulders (15%) and progressed of 3 stages in 2 (4%), whereas the other 32 shoulders remained stable. No intra- or postoperative complications were found except for 1 patient who required a revision for spacer migration. CONCLUSIONS: Arthroscopic implantation of a subacromial spacer for irreparable rotator cuff tear leads to significant improvement in shoulder function at a minimum of 1 year postoperatively. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV, therapeutic case series; treatment study.

Do the sizes of total hip arthroplasty implants match between 3D planning software and 2D templating?

INTRODUCTION: The use of three-dimensional (3D) planning before a total hip arthroplasty (THA) procedure is becoming increasingly popular as it offers several theoretical benefits: better restoration of a patient's anatomy, fewer intraoperative problems, and lower THA cost. It is said to be more accurate than two-dimensional (2D) planning, but as far as we know, no study has investigated how well the implant sizes match between 3D and 2D planning for a surgeon who is just starting to use 3D planning. Consistent implant sizes would make it easier for a surgeon to transition from one system to another. This led us to conduct a retrospective comparative study to: (1) compare how well the implant sizes match between a 3D planning system and a 2D planning method (conventional radiography using templates); (2) determine if the sizes planned on the 3D system match the implants that were used in the patient; (3) determine if the sizes planned with the 2D method match the implants that were used in the patient. HYPOTHESIS: There is a good match in the implant sizes between the 3D and 2D planning. METHODS: A retrospective observational, single-surgeon study was done with patients who underwent THA between January 2019 and September 2021 at a single teaching hospital. For each patient, the size of the THA implants was planned preoperatively in 3D using proprietary software (Optimized Positioning System™, Corin) and 2D templating. These patients were the first to be operated on by this surgeon based on 3D planning. RESULTS: Forty-nine patients were included. The implant size matched exactly between the two planning methods for 20% (10/49) of cups [one size larger with 3D in 35% of hips (17/49) and two sizes larger in 20% of hips (10/49)], for 53% (26/49) of femoral stems [one size smaller with 3D in 53% of hips (26/49)] and for 14% (7/49) of complete THA implant systems (cup, femoral stem, femoral head). The size planned in 3D was the same as the cup size implanted in 51% (25/49) of hips, as the femoral stem size in 65% (32/49) and as the complete THA system in 22% (11/49). The cup was within one size in 88% (43/49) of hips and the femoral stem was within one size in 98% (48/49) of hips. The size planned in 2D was the same as the cup size implanted in 45% (22/49) of hips, as the femoral stem size in 63% (32/49) and as the complete THA system in 18% (9/49). The cup was within one size in 86% (42/49) of hips and the femoral stem was within one size in 96% (47/49) of hips with 2D templating. There was no statistically significant difference in the size matching between the 2D and 3D techniques for either the implanted cup (p=0.5) or the implanted femoral stem (p=0.8). CONCLUSION: There is a poor match between the implant sizes determined by 3D and 2D planning. Based on our findings, the shift from 2D templating to 3D planning must be done gradually given the learning curve associated with 3D systems. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: III; comparative retrospective study.

Biomechanical evaluation of the anterior talo-fibular and calcaneo-fibular ligaments using shear wave elastography in young healthy adults.

BACKGROUND: The objective of this study was to evaluate the stiffness of the anterior talo-fibular ligament (ATFL) and calcaneo-fibular ligament (CFL) using shear wave elastography (SWE) with the ankle in the neutral position and in varus, in young healthy adult volunteers. We also evaluated the reliability and reproducibility of the SWE measurements. HYPOTHESIS: The stiffness of both ligaments increases with increasing ankle varus. SWE may be a reliable tool for evaluating the lateral collateral ligament complex of the ankle. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We used SWE to evaluate both ankles of each of 20 healthy volunteers (10 females and 10 males). For each test, the foot was placed on a hinged plate and tested in the neutral position and in 15° and 30° of varus. Stiffness was evaluated based on shear wave velocity (SWV). RESULTS: Stiffness of both the ATFL and CFL was minimal in the neutral position (2.06m/s and 3.43m/s, respectively). Stiffness increased significantly for both ligaments in 15° of varus (2.48m/s and 4.11m/s, respectively; p<0.0001) and was greatest in 30° of varus (3.15m/s and 4.57m/s, respectively; p<0.0001). ATFL stiffness was greater in males than in females in 15° (p=0.04) and 30° (p=0.02) of varus. For the CFL, in contrast, stiffness was not different between males and females. Stiffness of the ATFL and CFL was not associated with age, dominant side, height, or foot morphology. No correlations were found between stiffness of the two ligaments in any of the positions. Repeating each measurement three times produced excellent concordance for both ligaments in all three positions. CONCLUSION: The ATFL and CFL are the main lateral stabilisers of the ankle, and each exerts a specific function. Their stiffness increases with the degree of varus. This study describes a protocol for evaluating ATFL and CFL density by SWE, which is a reliable and reproducible technique that provides a normal range. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: IV.

A first-in-human, single and multiple dose study of lunsekimig, a novel anti-TSLP/anti-IL-13 NANOBODY® compound, in healthy volunteers.

Lunsekimig is a novel, bispecific NANOBODY® molecule that inhibits both thymic stromal lymphopoietin (TSLP) and interleukin (IL)-13, two key mediators of asthma pathophysiology. In this first-in-human study, we evaluated the safety, tolerability, pharmacokinetics (PK), pharmacodynamics (PD), and immunogenicity of lunsekimig in healthy adult participants. Participants received single ascending doses (SAD) of lunsekimig (10-400 mg intravenous [IV] or 400 mg subcutaneous [SC]) (SAD part) or multiple ascending doses (MAD part) of lunsekimig (100 or 200 mg, every 2 weeks [Q2W] for three SC doses), or placebo. Overall, 48 participants were randomized 3:1 in the SAD part and 4:1 in the MAD part for lunsekimig or placebo. The primary endpoint was safety and tolerability. The secondary endpoints included PK, antidrug antibodies (ADAs) and total target measurement. Lunsekimig was well tolerated and common treatment-emergent adverse events were COVID-19, nasopharyngitis, injection site reactions, and headache. Lunsekimig showed dose-proportional increases in exposure and linear elimination. Mean t1/2z of lunsekimig was around 10 days across all IV and SC doses of the SAD and MAD parts of the study. Increases in the serum concentration of total TSLP and IL-13 for lunsekimig versus placebo indicated target engagement. ADA of low titers were detected in four (11.1%) participants who received lunsekimig in the SAD, and seven (43.8%) in the MAD. In conclusion, lunsekimig was well tolerated in healthy participants with a linear PK profile up to single 400 mg IV and SC dose and multiple doses of 100 and 200 mg SC Q2W, with low immunogenicity.

Adherence profiles and therapeutic responses of treatment-naive HIV-infected patients starting boosted atazanavir-based therapy in the ANRS 134-COPHAR 3 trial.

The adherence profile of HIV-infected patients predicts the therapeutic outcome, in particular during the early phase of antiretroviral therapy (ART). We conducted a prospective observational multicenter trial monitoring adherence and virological and immunological parameters over the initial 6 months of treatment. Thirty-five subjects were starting a treatment regimen including atazanavir, ritonavir, and emtricitabine-tenofovir. Adherence was assessed using self-completed questionnaires, announced pill counts, and the medication event monitoring system (MEMS) for each drug. Three MEMS measures were defined: the percentages of doses taken, days with the correct dosing, and doses taken on time (± 3 h). Dynamic virological suppression (DVS) was defined as a reduction in the plasma HIV-RNA level of >1 log10 per month or <40 copies/ml. The cumulative treatment time was 5,526 days. A high level of adherence was observed. The MEMS-defined adherence for correct dosing (-0.68% per 4-week period, P < 0.03) and timing compliance (-1.60% per 4-week period, P < 0.003) decreased significantly over time. The MEMS-defined adherence data were concordant with the pill counts during the trial but not with the data from the questionnaires. The median [range] percentages of doses taken (100% [50 to 102]), days with the correct dosing (95% [41 to 100]), and doses taken on time (86% [32 to 100]) were significantly associated with DVS in separate models. Among these three measures, the percentage of doses taken on time had the greatest ability to predict DVS. Timing compliance should be supported to optimize DVS during the early phase of treatment by once-daily boosted protease inhibitor-based ART. (This study has been registered at ClinicalTrials.gov under registration no. NCT00528060.).

Biomechanical evaluation of the spring ligament and the posterior tibial tendon by shear-waves elastography: validation of a reliable and reproducible measurement protocol.

PURPOSE: The anatomy of the spring ligament complex, as well as its pathology, is not well known in daily clinical practice. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the shear-wave elastography properties of the spring ligament and the posterior tibial tendon in healthy adults, and to assess the reliability and reproducibility of these measurements. METHODS: Shear-wave elastography was used to evaluate both ankles in 20 healthy patients (10 females/10 males) resting on a hinge support with their ankles in neutral, valgus 20° and varus 30° positions. The stiffness of the spring ligament and posterior tibial tendon was assessed by measuring the speed of shear wave propagation through each structure. RESULTS: Posterior tibial tendon and spring ligament reach a maximum estimated stiffness in valgus 20° position (7.43 m/s vs 5.73 m/s, respectively). Flat feet were associated with greater spring ligament stiffness in the 20° valgus position (p = 0.01), but not for the posterior tibial tendon (p = 0.71). The physiologic weightbearing hindfoot attitude had no impact on the stiffness of the posterior tibial tendon or the spring ligament, regardless of the analysis position. Intra- and inter-observer agreements were all excellent for spring ligament stiffness, regardless of ankle position, and were good or excellent for posterior tibial tendon. CONCLUSIONS: This study describes a protocol to assess the stiffness of tibialis posterior and the spring ligament by shear-wave elastography, which is reliable, reproducible, and defines a corridor of normality. Further studies should be conducted to define the role of elastography for diagnosis/ evaluation of pathology, follow-up, or surgical strategies.

Nutritional Status of Vegetarian Patients Before and After Bariatric Surgery: a Monocentric Retrospective Observational Case-Control Study.

The obesity pandemic is associated with an increasing number of bariatric surgeries which allow improvement in obesity-related comorbidities and life expectancy but potentially induce nutritional deficiencies. Vegetarianism becomes more and more popular and exposes as well to vitamin and micronutrient deficiencies. Only one study has explored the impact of vegetarianism on the preoperative nutritional status of eligible patients for bariatric surgery, but none in postoperative care. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We conducted a retrospective case-control study in our cohort of bariatric patients, matching 5 omnivores for each vegetarian. We compared their biological profile regarding vitamin and micronutrient blood levels before and 3, 6, 12, and 30 months after surgery. RESULTS: We included 7 vegetarians including 4 lacto-ovo-vegetarians (57%), 2 lacto-vegetarians (29%), and one lacto-ovo-pesco-vegetarian (14%). Three years after surgery with equivalent daily standard vitamin supplementation, the two groups showed a similar biological profile including blood levels of ferritin (p = 0.6), vitamin B1 (p = 0.1), and B12 (p = 0.7), while the total median weight loss at 3 years was comparable (39.1% [27.0-46.6] in vegetarians vs 35.7% [10.5-46.5] in omnivores, p = 0.8). We observed no significant difference between vegetarians and omnivores before surgery regarding comorbidities and nutritional status. CONCLUSION: It seems that, after bariatric surgery, vegetarian patients taking a standard vitamin supplementation do not show an increased risk of nutritional deficiencies compared to omnivores. However, a larger study with a longer follow-up is needed to confirm these data, including an evaluation of different types of vegetarianism such as veganism.