Impact of Preoperative Quality of Life and Related Factors on the Development of Surgical Site Infections Following Primary Total Joint Arthroplasty: A Prospective Case-Control Study with a Five-Year Follow-Up.

Introduction: As surgical site infections (SSIs) after joint arthroplasty contribute to increased morbidity and mortality, they require further surgical intervention, prolonged hospitalisation, and antimicrobial treatment. The aim of our study is to examine the association between preoperative quality of life (QoL) and other predictive factors on the development of SSIs after primary arthroplasty. Methods: This is a prospective study that enrolled 56 patients with hip and knee primary osteoarthritis who underwent joint replacement. Data were collected from January to March 2017, including patient demographic characteristics, comorbidities, laboratory results, and perioperative clinical data. The patients' QoL was evaluated preoperatively by applying the knee injury and osteoarthritis outcome score (KOOS) and the hip disability and osteoarthritis outcome score (HOOS) for total knee replacement (TKR) and total hip replacement (THR), respectively. A 5-year follow-up was conducted to assess the clinical status of the patients. Results: 66.1% of patients underwent TKR, with 4.9 ± 1.2 days of hospitalisation, 16% of them required autologous blood transfusion, while 33.9% of patients were treated with THR, with 5.7 ± 1 days hospitalisation and 36.8 of them required this type of transfusion. 16 patients were diagnosed with SSIs, with the older of them (>65 years old) presenting lower probability (odds ratio: 0.13, 95% CI: 0.03-0.62) requiring treatment with additional antibiotics, while revision surgery was performed in 3 of these cases, following periprosthetic joint infection (PJI). Overall preoperative QoL was not statistically associated with SSIs, but low QoL scores were associated with higher rates of SSIs and increased levels of postoperative pain (p = 0.009 < 0.05). Conclusions: The duration of each operation (>90 min), the length of hospitalisation (>4 days), and the presence of comorbidities including hypothyroidism and recurrent urinary tract infections were associated with a high risk for SSIs following arthroplasties. On the contrary, this study revealed no association between other comorbidities, including heart coronary disease, hypertension, and diabetes mellitus, with close monitoring of plasma glucose and SSIs. Moreover, the younger the patients, the more likely they were to require treatment with antibiotics. Overall, high QoL index scores were mainly accompanied by low rates of postoperative SSIs and pain.

An Educational Module for Pavlik Harness Application for Developmental Dysplasia of the Hip: Study in a Greek Population.

INTRODUCTION: The success of Pavlik harness therapy is based, among other things, upon the correct reapplication by parents. This prospective study assesses the effectiveness of a validated Objective Structured Assessment of Technical Skill (OSATS) educational module for Pavlik harness application among Greek parents. METHODS: Forty consecutive parents of newborns with developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH), who were treated with Pavlik harness, were divided into two groups. Twenty parents (group 1) were educated with the Greek OSATS version, while the rest (group 2) served as the control. The OSATS score, quality of the final product (Global Rating Scale - GRS) and sonographic imaging of the hips were evaluated during follow-up. RESULTS: Post-intervention evaluation revealed significant higher means of OSATS score (p<0.01), GRS of performance (p<0.05) and GRS of final product (p<0.05) for group 1. At every retention time point, OSATS was signifi cantly higher for group 1, however there were no significant differences between either GRS score between groups. There was no significant difference in radiographic evaluation and successful outcome. CONCLUSIONS: This educative module increased the parents' skill level on application of Pavlik harness. However, this module revealed no significant effect in clinical and radiological evaluation of the hips, in this population.

Is serum gentamicin concentration modified with autologous cell-saved blood transfusion after total knee arthroplasty using tranexamic acid? A randomised control trial.

BACKGROUND: Self-transfusion has been proven as an effective management of blood loss after total knee arthroplasty (TKA). Considering that the high local concentration of antibiotic from bone cement is delivered intravenously through the self-transfusion process, systematic toxicity has never been evaluated. In addition, the effectiveness of self-transfusion with the routine concomitant use of other modern blood-salvage strategies, like tranexamic acid, should also be assessed. Therefore, we performed a randomised study to assess: 1) the safety of self-transfusion in TKA by comparing the gentamicin concentrations resulting from the use or not of autologous blood transfusion; 2) the efficacy of self-transfusion in TKA, with the concomitant administration of tranexamic acid. HYPOTHESIS: Self-transfusion in TKA elevates the serum gentamicin concentration and the potential risk of nephrotoxicity. METHODS: The serum concentration of aminoglycosides was measured in two groups of 20 patients each, after TKA, according to the use of self-transfusion. Hemoglobin, renal function and calculated blood loss were compared at several points in time between groups. RESULTS: The only time where there was a statistically significant difference in serum gentamicin, was at 48h postoperatively between groups [0.3 ug/mL±0.21, range: 0.15 to 0.72 vs. 0.14ug/mL±0.1, range: 0 to 0.35 (p=0.02)]. There were no significant differences in total blood loss [1341mL±501, range: 830 to 2230 vs. 1263mL±459 range: 840 to 2480 (p=0.67)] and need of allogeneic blood transfusion [3 units vs. 2 units] between groups. CONCLUSION: The use of autologous blood transfusion was found to be safe, in terms of nephrotoxicity of aminoglycosides after TKA, but it seemed to be ineffective as a blood salvage strategy, when used concomitantly with the administration of tranexamic acid. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: II; low-powered randomised study. CLINICALTRIALS. GOV REGISTRATION NUMBER: NCT04505748.

Ultrasound-guided Platelet-rich Plasma Application Versus Corticosteroid Injections for the Treatment of Greater Trochanteric Pain Syndrome: A Prospective Controlled Randomized Comparative Clinical Study.

Purpose The purpose of this clinical study was to evaluate and compare the effectiveness of ultrasound (US)-guided platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections versus US-guided corticosteroid injections (CSI) in the treatment of greater trochanteric pain syndrome (GTPS). Methods Between January 2015 and December 2016, 24 patients with GTPS were enrolled and randomized in two groups (A and B). Group A (study group) patients received US-guided PRP injection treatment, while group B (control group) patients received US-guided CSI treatment. Clinical outcomes in both groups were evaluated and compared using the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) of pain, the Harris Hip Score (HHS) and the presence or absence of complications at 4, 12, and 24 weeks post-injection. The level of significance was set at p<0.05. Results Both groups showed improved scores (VAS and HHS) compared to the pre-injection period, but patients in group A had a statistically significant (p <0.05) decrease in VAS score and a significantly increased HHS at the last follow-up (24 weeks post-injection). No complications were reported. Conclusions In conclusion, patients with GTPS present better and longer-lasting clinical results when treated with US-guided PRP injections compared to those with CSI. Further studies are needed to optimize the technical preparation of PRP, the sample concentration, the number of injections and the time intervals between them, in order to achieve the maximum desired results.

Asymmetrical thigh creases or isolated thigh crease may be a false positive sign with low predictive value in the diagnosis of developmental dysplasia of the hip in infants: a prospective cohort study of 117 patients.

BACKGROUND: The clinical importance of asymmetrical thigh creases in the diagnosis of developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH) in infants remains controversial. The aim of this study is to investigate the association of asymmetrical skinfolds of the thigh as the only clinical finding with the DDH in infants. METHODS: One hundred and thirty-four infants between January 2010 and December 2015 were referred to our clinics for DDH with the only clinical sign being asymmetrical or isolated thigh creases and met the inclusion criteria of the study. Patients with another clinical sign for DDH in our initial evaluation, those infants suspicious for syndrome and those older than 6 months were excluded. Finally, 117 patients had undergone clinical and ultrasound evaluation and were included to statistical analysis. RESULTS: There were 82 females and 35 males, with mean age of 2.2 months old. In 96 of the 117 infants (82.1%), there were provocative skin creases in the opposite thigh after a little pressure of the thigh by the examiner during the evaluation. Three of the babies (3.1%) with provocative skin creases and 1 (4.8%) with true isolated thigh crease had immature hips in ultrasonography. Positive predictive value for DDH of an isolated or asymmetrical thigh crease was 4.55% (95% CI 0.83-21.36%), and negative predictive value was 96.97% (95% CI 94.75-98.27%). Sensitivity of skinfold asymmetry found to be 25% (95% CI 0.63-80.59%), and specificity was 82.05% (95% CI 73.88-88.53%) for DDH. CONCLUSION: The positive predictive value of asymmetrical or isolated thigh creases for DDH in infants was found to be low, as the majority of hips with normal clinical examination and asymmetry in thigh skinfolds seemed to be normal. Moreover, in-depth evaluation of the patients could highlight new provocative thigh creases in the opposite thigh, which could limit the referrals to expert physicians to exclude DDH. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III.

The Effects of Long-term Use of Nitrogen-containing Bisphosphonates on Fracture Healing.

Nitrogen-containing bisphosphonates (N-BPs) are pharmaceutical agents that have been used for many years to treat osteoporosis, multiple myeloma, Paget's disease, metastatic bone disease, and a variety of other diseases in which bone mineral density is reduced. Given that N-BPs inhibit bone resorption, an important stage in the fracture healing process, they have been extensively studied in preclinical models for their activity. In animal models, treatment with N-BPs is associated with a larger callus formation in fracture area and delay in remodeling from primary woven bone to lamellar bone, but there is no delay in formation of the fracture callus. In humans, all existing evidence suggest that initiating treatment with N-BPs, after upper and lower limb fractures, does not appear to have a significant effect on fracture healing. Rarely, patients with long-term use of N-BPs may develop "atypical fractures" and delay in their healing. Therefore, this clinical condition is not fully understood and many questions remain unanswered. Similarly, there are few studies about the benefits of stopping a long-term treatment with them, if a fracture occurs. Although most studies support that chronic N-BP therapy may lead to fracture healing delay, this is not fully documented. On the other hand, there are studies that are in complete disagreement with them. All of the above suggest that there is a need for more detailed future research into larger patient populations and different types of fractures, with sufficient data on the type, dosage, route and duration of administration of N-BPs, and the control methods of fracture healing, in order to have a safe final conclusion on the effect of their long-term administration in this highly complex process.

The use of tourniquet may influence the cement mantle thickness under the tibial implant during total knee arthroplasty.

INTRODUCTION: It is still unknown whether the creation of blood-free surfaces by the use of tourniquet during total knee arthroplasty (TKA) has an influence on cement penetration and on implant fixation. The aim of this study is to evaluate the cement mantle under tibial component and the occurrence of progressive radiolucent lines (RLLs) according to the use of tourniquet in primary TKA. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Fifty patients undergone TKA without the use of tourniquet (group 1) were well matched regarding baseline characteristics with 50 TKAs with the use of tourniquet (group 2). Patients were followed up prospectively. Cement mantle thickness was measured using immediate postoperative X-rays, and the occurrence of progressive radiolucency was finally evaluated in 3-year follow-up. New Knee Society Score (KSS) was used to compare clinical outcome between groups. RESULTS: Mean cement mantle thickness was 9.27 ± 1.86 mm in group 1 versus 10.49 ± 2.31 mm in group 2 (p = 0.005). Mean cumulated width of RLLs in anterioposterior (AP) view was 7.74 ± 6.68 mm in group 1 versus 3.48 ± 4.69 mm in group 2 (p < 0.001). The percentage of RLLs in AP view was related to the cumulated cement mantle thickness in the same view (r = - 0.218, p < 0.05). There was no significant difference between groups at the final follow-up in terms of ROM and new KSS. CONCLUSION: Our results suggest that the use of tourniquet increased the cement mantle thickness under tibial implant and had an influence on the occurrence of RLLs in cement-bone interface, which is related to implant survivorship, with this implant design.

Validation and cross-cultural adaptation of Greek version of Achilles tendon Total Rupture Score.

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was the translation, cross-cultural adaptation and validation of the Achilles Tendon Total Rupture Score (ATRS) in Greek population. METHODS: The translation and cross-cultural adaptation of the original version of ATRS in Greek language was performed according to the methodology described by Beaton et al. Validation and test-retest reliability were evaluated in forty-six patients, treated surgically for acute Achilles tendon rupture. Validity was evaluated by correlation of total and all subscale scores of Greek version of Manchester Foot Pain and Disability Index (MFPDI). Test-retest reliability evaluated with interclass correlation coefficient and Crombach's α coefficient was used for internal consistency. RESULTS: The internal consistency (α=0.96) and test-retest reliability (ICC=0.97) were excellent. There were no ceiling and floor effects during test-retest assessment. The Greek version of ATRS showed strong correlation with all subscales and overall score of MFPDI (pain subscale: R=-0.954, p<0.01, function subscale: R=-0.811, p<0.01, appearance subscale: R=-0.763, p<0.01, overall: R=-0.914, p<0.01). CONCLUSIONS: Greek version of ATRS was successfully adapted in Greek population and it appears to be a valid and reliable instrument to evaluate outcomes in Greek speaking patients after Achilles tendon rupture. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III.

Short stems in total hip replacement: evidence on primary stability according to the stem type.

BACKGROUND:: As the prevalence of total hip replacement is increasing in younger patients, less invasive implants (short stems) are becoming more favourable. However, despite the advantages of these stems, clinical results with a follow-up of more than 10 years are limited to a very few stem designs. There has been an increase in publications recently - mechanical and clinical studies - concerning the primary stability of short stems. Primary stem stability is an important factor as it reflects final stem stabilisation and is related to the clinical results of the prosthesis. METHOD:: We conducted a systematic review of the literature to retrieve evidence concerning primary implant stability in short stems - as expressed by implant micromotion and stem subsidence - according to our previously proposed short-stem classification. RESULTS:: Mechanical in vitro studies on stem micromotion are very few and limited to type 2 "partial collum" short stems. The results are comparable to those of stems with a known long-term excellent clinical course. Clinical results concerning stem migration patterns are also limited to some of the commercially available short stems. Although comparative studies are very few, the results for most of the short stems are similar to those of standard stems. CONCLUSION:: There are promising results concerning biomechanical studies of the initial micromotion of short stems, as well as clinical results of stem migration patterns. Long-term clinical studies are needed in order to confirm these findings. The existing literature concerns very few of the many commercially available implants.

Percutaneous repair of the Achilles tendon rupture in athletic population.

AIMS: This review was designed in order to study the percutaneous repair of Achilles tendon rupture in athletic population. We present a comprehensive description of clinical, functional outcomes, complications, with emphasis on patients' level, and time of return to sports. METHODS: We proceeded to a systematic search of Medline (PubMED), Cochrane, and Scopus databases using keywords "Achilles Tendon", "Percutaneous Repair", "Percutaneous suturing", "Subcutaneous repair", "Subcutaneous suturing", "Athletes", and "Athletic" to identify articles or abstracts written in English. RESULTS: Thirteen studies, including 670 patients, could be identified. A variety of percutaneous repair techniques were performed. Re-rupture rate was very low. The most frequent complication was sural nerve damage. Average functional outcomes were satisfying. Up to 91.4% continued practicing sports after surgery. Furthermore, 78-84% returned to the same or higher sports level. Average time of return was 18 weeks in 9 studies. CONCLUSION: Percutaneous repair of Achilles tendon rupture is an excellent perspective for athletic population. Low re-rupture rate and impressing level of return to sports allow athletes to continue their recreational activities or careers.

Constrained Implants in Total Knee Replacement.

Total knee replacement (TKR) is a successful procedure for pain relief and functional restoration in patients with advanced osteoarthritis. The number of TKRs is increasing, and this has led to an increase in revision surgeries. The key to long-term success in both primary and revision TKR is stability, as well as adequate and stable fixation between components and underlying bone. In the vast majority of primary TKRs and in some revision cases, a posterior cruciate retaining or a posterior cruciate substituting device can be used. In some primary cases with severe deformity or ligamentous instability and in most of the revision cases, a more constrained implant is required. The purpose of this paper is to review the literature concerning the use of condylar constrained knee (CCK) and rotating hinge (RH) implants in primary and revision cases focusing on the indications and results. According to this review, although excellent and very good results have been reported, there are limitations of the existing literature concerning the indications for the use of constrained implants, the absence of long-term results, and the limited comparative studies.

Use of demineralized bone matrix in the extremities.

Autologous bone graft is considered as the gold standard for all indications for bone grafting procedures but the limited availability and complications in donor site resulted in seeking other options like allografts and bone graft substitutes. Demineralized bone matrix (DBM) is an allograft product with no quantity limitation. It is an osteoconductive material with osteoinductive capabilities, which vary among different products, depending on donor characteristics and differences in processing of the bone. The purpose of the present review is to provide a critical review of the existing literature concerning the use of DBM products in various procedures in the extremities. Clinical studies describing the use of DBM alone or in combination with other grafting material are available for only a few commercial products. The Level of Evidence of these studies and the resulting Grades of Recommendation are very low. In conclusion, further clinical studies of higher quality are required in order to improve the Recommendation Grades for or against the use of DBM products in bone grafting procedures.

Use of demineralized bone matrix in spinal fusion.

Spinal fusion remains the gold-standard treatment for several pathological spine conditions. Although, autologous Iliac Crest Bone Grafting is considered the gold-standard graft choice to promote spinal fusion; however, it is associated with significant donor site morbidity and a limited graft quantity. Therefore, several bone graft alternatives have been developed, to augment arthrodesis. The purpose of this review is to present the results of clinical studies concerning the use of demineralized bone matrix (DBM), alone or as a composite graft, in the spinal fusion. A critical review of the English-language literature was conducted on Pubmed, using key word "demineralized bone matrix", "DBM", "spinal fusion", and "scoliosis". Results had been restricted to clinical studies. The majority of clinical trials demonstrate satisfactory fusion rates when DBM is employed as a graft extender or a graft enhancer. Limited number of prospective randomized controlled trials (4 studies), have been performed comparing DBM to autologous iliac crest bone graft in spine fusion. The majority of the clinical trials demonstrate comparable efficacy of DBM when it used as a graft extender in combination with autograft, but there is no clinical evidence to support its use as a standalone graft material. Additionally, high level of evidence studies are required, in order to optimize and clarify the indications of its use and the appropriate patient population that will benefit from DBM in spine arthrodesis.

Benign post-radiation rectal stricture treated with endoscopic balloon dilation and intralesional triamcinolone injection.

Post-radiation stricture is a rare complication after pelvis irradiation, but must be in the mind of the clinician evaluating a lower gastrointestinal obstruction. Endoscopy has gained an important role in chronic radiation proctitis with several therapeutic options for management of intestinal strictures. The treatment of rectal strictures has been limited to surgery with high morbidity and mortality. Therefore, a less invasive therapeutic approach for benign rectal strictures, endoscopic balloon dilation with or without intralesional steroid injection, has become a common treatment modality. We present a case of benign post-radiation rectal stricture treated successfully with balloon dilation and adjuvant intralesional triamcinolone injection. A 70-year-old woman presented to the emergency room complaining for 2 weeks of diarrhea and meteorism, 11 years after radiation of the pelvis due to adenocarcinoma of the uterus. Colonoscopy revealed a stricture at the rectum and multiple endoscopic biopsies were obtained from the stricture. The stricture was treated with endoscopic balloon dilation and intralesional triamcinolone injection. The procedure appears to have a high success rate and a very low complication rate. Histologic examination of the biopsies revealed non-specific inflammatory changes of the rectal mucosa and no specific changes of the mucosa due to radiation. All biopsies were negative for malignancy. The patient is stricture-free 12 months post-treatment.

Non-Hodgkin lymphoma and GIST: molecular pathways and clinical expressions.

We report the case of a 64-year-old woman with a gastrointestinal stromal tumor and a diffuse large cell lymphoma. For this case, we conducted a literature review in an attempt to correlate these two neoplasms on a molecular basis. Diffuse large cell lymphoma is a subtype of non-Hodgkin lymphomas. The etiologic factor of these lymphomas is considered to be the mutations or allelic losses of the TP53 tumor suppressor gene and the overexpression of the bcl-2 oncogene. Gastrointestinal stromal tumors are mesenchymal tumors, which are typically defined by the expression of c-KIT (CD117) and CD34 genes in the tumor cells. Although there are references to dispersants in the literature about patients with both non-Hodgkin lymphoma and gastrointestinal stromal tumors, there is no common molecular pathway between these two diseases. In conclusion, there is no indication that these two neoplasms are relevant on a molecular basis.

Tuberculosis in the peritoneum: not too rare after all.

Peritoneal tuberculosis is rare with increased incidence rates in recent years. The absence of characteristic clinical features of the disease often makes its diagnosis difficult and elusive. We present the case of 61-year-old female with peritoneal tuberculosis. The patient suffered from abdominal pain for a period of 5 months prior to admission. The diagnosis was established on the basis of findings from an abdominal computed tomography scan, a chest radiograph and histopathological analysis of the laparoscopic resection of the two masses. The patient was discharged from hospital receiving a fourfold antituberculous treatment with isoniazid, rifampicin, pyrazinamide and ethambutol. A high index of suspicion and a combination of radiologic, endoscopic, microbiologic and histopathological examination achieves diagnostic accuracy and prevents clinical mismanagement.

Occupational chemical burns: a 2-year experience in the emergency department.

Chemical burn injuries are a result of exposure to acid, alkali, or organic compounds. In this retrospective study, a total of 21 patients suffering occupational chemical burns, came to the emergency room at the University General Hospital of Alexandroupolis, from 2008 to 2010; 76.2% were workers, 19% were farmers, and 4.8% were desk officers. The majority of burns were due to exposure to acid (61.9%). Upper extremities were the most frequently injured area followed by the lower extremities and thorax. None of the patients needed further hospital care, but in the follow-up, four of the patients suffered keloid. Proper surgical treatment at the emergency room decreases the length of hospital stay for patients who suffer chemically induced burns.

Pulmonary thromboendarterectomy after treatment with treprostenil in a chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension patient: a case report.

In recent years, there has been a major advance in the treatment of pulmonary hypertension. New medications are continually added to the therapeutic arsenal. The prostanoids are among the first agents used to treat pulmonary hypertension and are currently considered the most effective. This case study describes a 63-year-old man who was diagnosed with chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension and successfully treated with subcutaneously administered treprostenil for 6 months before a successful pulmonary thromboendarterectomy. Treatment of chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension often requires a multidisciplinary approach before surgery. Further evaluation of prostanoids is needed to define their role and time of initiation of medical therapy in these patients.

Serratia pneumonia presenting as hemoptysis in a patient with sarcoidosis: a case report.

INTRODUCTION: Serratia marcescens is a Gram-negative bacillus which belongs to the family Enterobacteriaceae. It is a facultative anaerobe and produces red pigment at room temperature. It naturally occurs in soil and water as well as the intestines, and it is responsible for nosocomial infections. There have been few reports about community acquired pneumonia of Serratia. CASE PRESENTATION: This report presents a 37-year-old man with hemoptysis, fever, and shortness of breath. The clinical and laboratory examinations revealed that the patient had pseudohemoptysis due to S. marcescens pneumonia, on an immunocompromised pattern, because of the coexistence of sarcoidosis (stage 1). CONCLUSION: Appropriate antibiotic therapy for Serratia was administered, and the patient's symptoms regressed. The patient is healthy and asymptomatic after 1-year follow-up. To the best of the authors' knowledge, this is the first reported case of a pseudohemoptysis in a patient with pulmonary sarcoidosis.

Current surgical status of thyroid diseases.

Thyroid nodules are a common clinical problem for surgeons. The clinical importance of nodules is the need to exclude thyroid cancer, which occurs in 5%-15% of patients. If fine needle aspiration cytology is positive, or suspicious for malignancy, surgery is recommended. During the past decade, with the tendency to develop smaller incisions, an endoscopic approach has been applied to thyroid surgery, called minimally invasive video-assisted thyroidectomy. This approach was immediately followed by other minimally invasive or scarless neck techniques, such as the breast approach, axillary-breast approach, and robot-assisted method. All these techniques follow the same principles of surgery and oncology. This review presents the current surgical management of the thyroid gland, including the surgical techniques and compares them by describing benefits and drawbacks of each one.