Juvenile hallux valgus: Comparison of three types of osteotomy and medium-term postoperative results.

BACKGROUND: There is no consensus on the treatment of juvenile hallux valgus (JHV). Numerous surgical techniques have been described, none of which has been proven to be superior and the mid-term results of these methods are not well known. Our objective was to compare the mid-term clinical, radiographic, and functional results of three metatarsal osteotomy techniques. METHODS: Patients under 18 years of age operated on for JHV between January 2010 and December 2019 were included in this multicenter retrospective study. Patients were excluded if they had non-idiopathic hallux valgus or if their postoperative follow-up was less than 3 years. The surgical techniques used were metatarsal osteotomies: basimetatarsal, scarf, or distal. During follow-up visits, we collected HMIS-AOFAS (Hallux Metatarsophalangeal Interphalangeal Scale-American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Society) and Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) scores, acquired radiographs, and recorded complications and recurrences. Secondarily, the study population was stratified according to physis status (open vs. closed). RESULTS: During the study period, 18 patients (26 feet) met the inclusion criteria. The median postoperative follow-up was 6.5 (4.1) years. At the end of follow-up, the median HMIS score was 79.0 (20.0), the mean hallux valgus angle (HVA) improvement was 13.2° (16.8), and the complication and recurrence rates were 31 % and 23 %, respectively. There was no significant difference in the outcome measures between the three techniques or any difference according to physis status at the time of surgery. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: The functional and radiographic results of metatarsal osteotomies are good in the medium term, regardless of the osteotomy site. Our results are comparable to those published in the literature. As our sample size was limited, it did not lead to the identification of statistically significant differences.

Cross-Cultural Adaptation and Validation of the Romanian Musculoskeletal Tumor Society Scoring System for Patients with Extremity Bone Sarcomas.

Background and Objectives: Primary malignant bone tumors are rare lesions, and their complex treatment can lead to functional impairment. It is important to have a postoperative assessment tool for patients' functional outcomes to be evaluated and to consequently adapt future treatments in the pursuit of a continuous improvement of their quality of life. The Musculoskeletal Tumor Society Score (MSTS) is a validated specific system score that is used frequently in the follow-up of these patients. We found no information about a valid translated Romanian version of this score neither for the upper limb nor for the lower limb. We proposed in this study to translate the original version of the MSTS Score into Romanian and to perform validation analysis of the Romanian-language MSTS Score. Materials and Methods: We selected 48 patients who underwent limb-salvage surgery after resection of bone sarcomas. Patients were interrogated twice according to the translated Romanian version of the MSTS Score during their follow-up. The translation was performed according to the recommended guidelines. A total number of 96 questionnaires were valid for statistical analysis. Results: Internal consistency and reliability were good for both sets of questionnaires' analytic measurements, with Cronbach's alpha values of 0.848 (test) and 0.802 (retest). The test-retest evaluation proved to be statistically strong for reproducibility and validity with Spearman's rho = 0.9 (p < 0.01, 95% CI). Conclusions: This study permitted the translation of this score and the validation of psychometric data. Our results showed that the Romanian version of the MSTS is a reliable means of assessment of the functional outcome of patients who received limb-salvage surgery for the upper and lower extremities.

Multi-Technique Characterization of 3.45 Ga Microfossils on Earth: A Key Approach to Detect Possible Traces of Life in Returned Samples from Mars.

The NASA Mars 2020 Perseverance rover is actively exploring Jezero crater to conduct analyses on igneous and sedimentary rock targets from outcrops located on the crater floor (Máaz and Séítah formations) and from the delta deposits, respectively. The rock samples collected during this mission will be recovered during the Mars Sample Return mission, which plans to bring samples back to Earth in the 2030s to conduct in-depth studies using sophisticated laboratory instrumentation. Some of these samples may contain traces of ancient martian life that may be particularly difficult to detect and characterize because of their morphological simplicity and subtle biogeochemical expressions. Using the volcanic sediments of the 3.45 Ga Kitty's Gap Chert (Pilbara, Australia), containing putative early life forms (chemolithotrophs) and considered as astrobiological analogues for potential early Mars organisms, we document the steps required to demonstrate the syngenicity and biogenicity of such biosignatures using multiple complementary analytical techniques to provide information at different scales of observation. These include sedimentological, petrological, mineralogical, and geochemical analyses to demonstrate macro- to microscale habitability. New approaches, some unavailable at the time of the original description of these features, are used to verify the syngenicity and biogenicity of the purported fossil chemolithotrophs. The combination of elemental (proton-induced X-ray emission spectrometry) and molecular (deep-ultraviolet and Fourier transform infrared) analyses of rock slabs, thin sections, and focused ion beam sections reveals that the carbonaceous matter present in the samples is enriched in trace metals (e.g., V, Cr, Fe, Co) and is associated with aromatic and aliphatic molecules, which strongly support its biological origin. Transmission electron microscopy observations of the carbonaceous matter documented an amorphous nanostructure interpreted to correspond to the degraded remains of microorganisms and their by-products (extracellular polymeric substances, filaments…). Nevertheless, a small fraction of carbonaceous particles has signatures that are more metamorphosed. They probably represent either reworked detrital biological or abiotic fragments of mantle origin. This study serves as an example of the analytical protocol that would be needed to optimize the detection of fossil traces of life in martian rocks.

Neuromonitoring for spine surgery in children.

Neuromonitoring or electrophysiologic monitoring is now an essential component of pediatric spine surgery due to the high number of spinal deformity indications in asymptomatic patients, for whom any neurological complication would be disastrous. Technological advances have led to the development of compact monitors that allow surgeons themselves to monitor the motor evoked potentials (MEP) perioperatively. This shift happened because it was difficult to always have a neurophysiologist in the operating room. Unfortunately, this also means that multimodal monitoring (sensory, mixed, D-wave, electromyography, pedicle screws) is much more difficult to implement. There are absolute indications, such as any spinal deformity without neurological deficit and relative indications, which are more difficult to interpret. Technical incidents frequently occur before the start of the surgery. If no replacement device is available, the procedure must be cancelled unless the patient's life or function are at risk. At least two monitoring systems should be available at every facility to avoid having to cancel surgery for purely technological reasons. Once the surgical procedure has started, the absence of MEP recruitment curves in the upper and lower limbs is likely due to the anesthesia depth; the surgery should be stopped until this problem is corrected. When there is a true intraoperative alert (MEPs disappear in the lower limbs only), we propose taking the following steps, depending on whether the spine is stable or unstable: remove the causal implant, remove all hardware, preserve any stabilization devices, initiate an intraoperative wake-up test, verify conditions under which the intervention should continue. Level of evidence: V.

Tibia Valga Correction by Extraperiosteal Fibular Release in Multiple Exostosis Disease.

Genu valgum is a frequent deformity encountered in Multiple Hereditary Exostosis (MHE) patients. If left untreated, lower limb deformity leads to poor functional outcomes in adulthood. Our hypothesis was that in some cases, fibular shortening would lead to a lateral epiphysiodesis-like effect on the tibia. We herein report the case of a 6-year-old child with MHE who underwent extraperiosteal resection of the fibula for tibia valga correction. To obtain the lateral release of the calf skeleton, resection included inter-tibio-fibular exostosis along with proximal fibular metaphysis and diaphysis without any osseous procedure on the tibia. Gradual improvement of the valgus deformity occurred during follow-up (HKA from 165° preop to 178° at 27-month follow-up). Lateral release of the fibula led to an increase in the fibula/tibia index (from 93% preop to 96% at follow-up). Studying fibular growth in MHE patients could help understand how valgus deformity occurs in these patients. Even if encouraging, this result is just the report of a unique case. Further research and a larger series of patients are required to assess fibular release as a valuable option to treat valgus deformity in MHE.

Improved Gait and Radiological Measurements After injection of Botulinum Toxin Into Peroneus Longus in Young Children With USCP and Equinovalgus Gait.

BACKGROUND: Children with cerebral palsy develop foot deformities due to a combination of factors including muscle shortening, hypertonia, weakness, and cocontraction of muscles acting at the ankle joint resulting in an altered gait pattern. We hypothesized these factors affect the peroneus longus (PL) and tibialis anterior (TA) muscles couple in children who develop equinovalgus gait first followed by planovalgus foot deformities. Our aim was to evaluate the effects of abobotulinum toxin A injection to the PL muscle, in a cohort of children with unilateral spastic cerebral palsy and equinovalgus gait. METHODS: This was a prospective cohort study. The children were examined within 12 months before and after injection to their PL muscle. Twenty-five children of mean age 3.4 (S.D.: 1.1) years were recruited. RESULTS: We found significant improvement in foot radiology measures. Passive extensibility of the triceps surae did not change, whereas active dorsiflexion increased significantly. Nondimensional walking speed increased by 0.1 (95% confidence interval [CI], [0.07, 0.16]; P < 0.001), and the Edinburgh visual gait score improved by 2.8 (95% CI, [-4.06, -1.46]; P < 0.001). Electromyography showed increased recruitment for gastrocnemius medialis (GM) and TA but not for PL during the reference exercises (standing on tip toes for GM/PL, active dorsiflexion for TA) and decreased activation percentages for PL/GM and TA across sub-phases of gait. CONCLUSIONS: One key advantage of treating the PL muscle only might be to address foot deformities without interfering with the main plantar flexors that are instrumental to support body weight during gait.

Custom-Made 3D-Printed Prosthesis after Resection of a Voluminous Giant Cell Tumour Recurrence in Pelvis.

Giant-cell tumours are benign aggressive bone lesions that can affect any part of the skeleton. In early stages, curettage is preferred, but in case of local recurrence or voluminous lesions in the periacetabular region, wide resection and reconstruction are recommended. The purpose of this article is to increase clinicians' awareness of the importance of the follow-up of these patients and to describe a case of a voluminous recurrence of a giant-cell tumour in the pelvis. We present a 25-year-old female who underwent internal hemipelvectomy assisted by 3D cutting-guides and reconstruction with a custom-made 3D-printed pelvic prosthesis, hip arthroplasty and ilio-sacral arthrodesis. No postoperative complications occurred and, at long-term follow-up, the patient had a stable and painless hip joint, good bone-implant osteointegration, with an excellent functional outcome. In spite of all available reconstructive techniques, in well-selected patients with voluminous pelvic resections, custom-made 3D-printed implants allow patients to have a good mechanical outcome.

Athletic children: Guidelines and monitoring in pediatric orthopedic surgery.

In day-to-day practice pediatric orthopedic surgeons often come up against the question of sport. The aim of the present study was to analyze the relationship between sport and childhood, with 3 questions: (1) What are the benefits of sport for children? (2) How to manage high-level child athletes? And (3) What sports are possible after major orthopedic surgery? Sports provide many benefits for children, and are to be encouraged. Sixty minutes' moderate to intense physical activity per day benefits motor development and bone mineralization and reduces the risk of obesity. On the other hand, excessive sports activity, as encountered in high-level sport, can be harmful for the child's development. The amount of training should not exceed a certain threshold in terms of hours per week according to age. Surgical treatment of sport-related traumatic lesions does not necessarily accelerate return to sport: indications need to be reasonable, despite pressure from the patient's circle. Sports are possible after major orthopedic surgery, although return to sport tends to be delayed and the level is lower than preoperatively.

Side bending radiographs and lowest instrumented vertebra in adolescent idiopathic scoliosis: A French quality-of-care study.

BACKGROUND: Determining which spinal levels to instrument during surgical treatment of Lenke Type 1 adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) depends on the reducibility of the primary and secondary curve patterns. This reducibility can be evaluated in several ways, with the most popular being radiographs in bending for moderate thoracic and lumbar curvatures. Hypothesis Side-bending radiographs will alter the choice of the lowest instrumented vertebra (LIV) for the surgical treatment of AIS. METHODS: Thirteen experienced French spine surgeons were invited to perform surgical planning on 23 patients based on stereoradiographs with and without (standing) side-bending views. The surgical planning was repeated a second time to assess the intra- and inter-rater reliability. Variations in the choice of LIV were analyzed for each evaluation. RESULTS: The intra-rater reliability was moderate to substantial. The inter-rater reliability was low to moderate. The study compared 879 surgical plans. Selective fusion was chosen in 0.3% of the plans. The median LIV was L2. The availability of side bending views changed the plan in 39% of cases. However, 36% of the plans were changed in the control (test-retest) condition. No significant difference was found between the variations with side-bending radiographs and "control" variations (p>0.05). CONCLUSION: The use of radiographs in bending has no significant effect on the LIV choice in this study. This result is derived from statistically robust analysis made possible by one of the largest datasets available on this topic. Large inter-rater variability was observed and will be explored further in a future study. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: II; non-randomized controlled comparative study.

Reduced plantar-flexors extensibility but improved selective motor control associated with age in young children with unilateral cerebral palsy and equinovalgus gait.

BACKGROUND: Children with spastic cerebral palsy gradually lose muscle extensibility but the interplay between the muscular and neurological components of the condition is unclear especially in the pathophysiology of equinovalgus gait. AIM: This study aimed to quantify the muscular and neurological disorders in young children with unilateral cerebral palsy, and to investigate the role of the peroneus longus (PL) in equinovalgus gait. DESIGN, SETTING AND POPULATION: This was an observational study with prospective assessments of 31 children (median age: 2.9 years, range: 2-6) from outpatient clinic in a tertiary teaching hospital. METHODS: Clinical measures of plantar flexor extensibility (XV1), stretch response (XV3), and active ankle dorsiflexion angle (XA) were obtained as well as walking velocity and electromyography of tibialis anterior (TA), gastrocnemius medialis (GM) and PL during walking. RESULTS: We found reduced extensibility of the triceps surae on the paretic side (effect size r = 0.73, p < 0.001 for soleus and r = 0.68, p < 0.001 for gastrocnemius) and a correlation between reduced triceps surae extensibility and earlier stretch response (ρ = 0.5, p = 0.004). During the swing phase, there was major co-contraction between TA and GM/PL, and significantly larger activation of PL compared to GM (r = 0.46, p = 0.011). Both GM and PL activation decreased with age. CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggest gradual deterioration of the muscular disorder and a link between the muscular and neurological disorders, although plantar flexor co-contraction improved with age. The PL was more activated than the GM and may be considered an intervention target to treat equinovalgus gait.

Comparison of four correction techniques for posterior spinal fusion in adolescent idiopathic scoliosis.

INTRODUCTION: When performing posterior spinal fusion for adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS), it is of major importance to address both coronal and sagittal deformities. Although several techniques have been described, few data exist comparing them. Our objective was to compare four techniques (in situ bending (ISB), rod derotation (RD), cantilever (C) and posteromedial translation (PMT)) for the correction of spinal deformity in AIS including thoracic deformity. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We conducted a multicenter retrospective study including 562 AIS patients with thoracic deformity with at least 24-month follow-up. Radiographic analysis was performed preoperatively, postoperatively and at last follow-up. The main outcomes were main curve correction and thoracic kyphosis restoration (TK). RESULTS: Coronal correction rate was significantly different among the four treatment groups (ISB 64% vs C 57% vs RD 55% vs PMT 67%, p < 0.001). Multivariate regression revealed that correction technique did not influence correction rate, whereas implant density, convex side compression and use of derotation connectors did. TK increase was significantly higher in the PMT group (average + 13°) than in DR (+ 3°), while ISB (-3°) and cantilever (-13°) resulted in TK decrease (p < 0.001). Multivariate analysis revealed that TK increase was only influenced by the reduction technique (p < 0.001) and preoperative TK (p < 0.001). DISCUSSION: The four techniques had the same ability to correct spinal deformity in the coronal plane. Three factors were identified to improve correction rate: implant density, convex compression and use of derotation connectors. On the other hand, PMT was more effective in restoring TK, particularly in hypokyphotic patients.

Early dynamic changes within the spine following posterior fusion using hybrid instrumentation in adolescents with idiopathic scoliosis: a gait analysis study.

INTRODUCTION: In adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) patients, mechanical consequences of posterior spinal fusion within the spine remain unclear. Through dynamic assessment, gait analysis could help elucidating this particular point. The aim of this study was to describe early changes within the spine following fusion with hybrid instrumentation in adolescents with idiopathic scoliosis, using gait analysis MATERIALS AND METHODS: We conducted a single-centre prospective study including AIS patients scheduled for posterior spinal fusion (PSF) using hybrid instrumentation with sublaminar bands. Patients underwent radiographic and gait analyses preoperatively and during early postoperative period. Among gait parameters, motion of cervicothoracic, thoracolumbar and lumbosacral junctions was measured in the three planes. RESULTS: We included 55 patients (mean age 15 years, 84% girls). Fusion was performed on 12 levels and mean follow-up was 8 months. There was a moderately strong correlation between thoracolumbar sagittal motion and lumbosacral junction pre- and postoperatively (R = - 0.6413 and R = - 0.7040, respectively, all p < 0.001), meaning that the more thoracolumbar junction was in extension, the more lumbosacral extension movements decreased. There was a trend to significance between postoperative SVA change and thoracolumbar sagittal motion change (R = - 0.2550, p = 0.059). DISCUSSION: This is the first series reporting dynamic changes within the spine following PSF using hybrid instrumentation in AIS patients. PSF led to symmetrization of gait pattern. In the sagittal plane, we found that thoracolumbar extension within the fused area led to decreased extension at cervicothoracic and lumbosacral junctions. Even though consequences of such phenomenon are unclear, attention must be paid not to give a too posterior alignment when performing PSF for AIS patients.

Treatment of knee sprains in children.

The incidence of knee sprains in children is steadily increasing. Skeletal immaturity and anatomical features of the child's ligamentous structures explain the frequency of bone avulsions in young children. Peripheral ligament injuries are the most common and often benign. Nevertheless, associated injuries of the cruciate or patellofemoral ligament(s) are not rare and must not be missed. Age is a determining factor in diagnostic guidance. Anterior intercondylar tibial eminence fractures, otherwise known as tibial spine fractures (TSF), usually occur in young children. Ligamentous distension at the time of the accident would explain the residual laxity that can affect the prognosis of these fractures. The treatment of interstitial ruptures of the ACL follows recommendations that are becoming clearer through multicentric studies. Reparation techniques, historically rejected as ineffective, have again become topical under specific conditions with the aim of preserving the native ACL and its proprioceptive receptors, which are essential in children. ACL reconstruction techniques have made progress in children, especially with techniques adapted from adults. Preservation of growth plates remains pertinent, especially at the femur to avoid growth disorders, thus highlighting the important role paediatric orthopaedic surgeons have in the management of these knee sprains.

Description of spine motion during gait in normal adolescents and young adults.

INTRODUCTION: Standing radiographs allow analysis of spinal segments and their relative positioning. However, it requires a specific positioning influencing spinal alignment. Knowledge of trunk movements when walking is therefore an essential step to evaluate dynamic sagittal balance. Our objective was to define spinal junction kinematics and their correlations during gait in a healthy population. METHOD: This is a prospective, single-center study. Between 2015 and 2017, 25 healthy volunteers were included. The measurements were taken in a motion analysis laboratory. Several kinematic parameters were studied, including spinal junction movements in the three planes and dynamic sagittal vertical axis (Dyn-SVA). Pearson correlation coefficients were calculated to determine the interactions between the spinal junctions. RESULTS: In the sagittal plane, the average amplitude of variation of the dyn-SVA was 25.5 cm (SD = 8.9). The average range of motion of the lumbosacral and thoracolumbar junction was approximately 3°, they operated in anti-phase during the gait cycle and were strongly correlated (r = -0.5069, p = 0.01). In the transverse plane, the anti-rotation of the upper body relative to the pelvis was mainly ensured by the opposite movements of the lumbosacral and thoracolumbar junction (r = 0.5689, p = 0.003). In the frontal plane, the lateral inclination in the lumbar region was made in the opposite direction from the pelvis toward the carrying member. CONCLUSION: Although there is substantial inter-subject variability, our study characterized the angular movements in the three planes of the different spinal junctions, of the pelvis and the lower limbs during a gait cycle in a healthy population.

Genetic variant of SRF-rearranged myofibroma with a misleading nuclear expression of STAT6 and STAT6 involvement as 3' fusion partner.

Pediatric neoplasms with a myofibroblastic differentiation are frequent in children, in particular myofibroma. Recently, a novel deep soft tissue myofibroblastic neoplasm has been described with high cellularity, a smooth muscle phenotype and SRF-RELA fusion. We report the case of a 15-year-old boy who presented with a tumor of the deep soft tissue of the arm, with overlapping histological features with the recently described SRF-RELA group of myofibromas but differing by the presence of calcifications, a novel SRF-STAT6 fusion transcript and nuclear expression of STAT6. No local recurrence nor distant metastasis was detected at the current follow-up of 29 months. The clinical relevance of this novel fusion requires further investigations.

Liver transarterial chemoembolization and sunitinib for unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma: Results of the PRODIGE 16 study.

BACKGROUND: Trans-arterial chemoembolization (TACE) is one first-line option therapy for patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) not suitable for surgical resection. AIMS: We evaluated the effects of sunitinib plus doxorubicin-TACE on bleeding or liver failure. METHODS: Seventy-eight patients with HCC were included in this randomized, double-blind study. They received one to three TACE plus either sunitinib or placebo four weeks out of six for one year. The occurrence of severe bleeding or liver failure was assessed during the week after the TACE. The safety and survival outcomes were evaluated. RESULTS: No bleeding complication was reported. One and two liver failures were respectively observed in sunitinib and placebo patients. Compliance to sunitinib treatment was acceptable. Sunitinib dose reduction occurred in 37% of patients due to acute toxicity. Main grade 3-4 toxicities were: thrombocytopenia, neutropenia, increased bilirubin, increased ALT and asthenia. In the sunitinib group, the median PFS and OS were 9.05 [5.81;11.63] and 25.0 [13.5;36.8] months, respectively. In the placebo group, the median PFS and OS were 5.51 [4.14;7.79] and 20.5 [15.1;30.6] months, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: TACE plus sunitinib in the first-line therapy for patients with HCC not suitable for surgical resection was feasible. CLINICALTRIALS. GOV NUMBER: NCT01164202.

Can the TrueLok Hexapod System™ be used to accurately correct lower limb deformity in children?

INTRODUCTION: Progressive bone lengthening in children can be done using an external fixator, a lengthening nail, or plate with screws. The TrueLok Hexapod System™ (TL-HEX™) is the newest hexapod external fixator on the market. We hypothesized that the TL-HEX™ can accurately correct lower limb deformities in children. The goal of this study was to evaluate the clinical and radiographic outcomes after correcting lower limb deformities in children using the TL-HEX™ system. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Data from 58 limbs that underwent bone lengthening with the TL-HEX™ were analyzed for this retrospective, single-center study. The average patient age was 11.4 years. The femur was lengthened in 23 limbs and the tibia in 35. The outcomes were evaluated using long leg standing radiographs preoperatively and at the final assessment. The variables of interest were the mechanical axis deviation (MAD), mechanical lateral distal femoral angle (mLDFA), mechanical lateral proximal tibia angle (mMPTA), healing index (HI) and accuracy of the correction. The complications were graded on a 4-point scale summarizing three broad goals: planned correction, duration of treatment and sequelae. The accuracy of the correction was defined as the difference between the planned correction and the actual correction achieved. RESULTS: The mean HI was 37 days/cm. Significant correction was achieved for leg length discrepancy (LLD) (60 mm vs. 20 mm; p<0.01) and mLDFA (88.6° vs. 89.9°; p=0.04) but not the MAD (17.7 vs. 14.7; p= 0.17) or mMPTA (87.3 vs. 88.1; p=0.08). In the entire cohort, the difference from planned was 12.5 mm (p<0.01) for lengthening, 1.3° for the mLDFA (p=0.5) and 3° for the mMPTA (p=0.02). Relative to the initial goal, the mean lengthening achieved was 118%. In the sub-group where the plan did not need to be modified, the accuracy of the correction was better. There were 40 complications (69%). CONCLUSION: The TL-HEX™ is an effective and accurate system. The complication rate associated with its use is the same as other hexapod external fixators. Surgeons and patients must be aware of the high complication rate, which may require the plan to be modified and could potentially compromise the outcome.

Fatty acid composition of the erythrocyte membrane and risk of hepatocellular carcinoma in cirrhotic patients.

BACKGROUND: Disturbances in fatty acid (FA) metabolism have been reported in cirrhosis, but the role of FAs in the development of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is still unclear. Biomarkers are a promising means to explore the associations between exogenous intake or endogenous production of FAs and cancer risk. AIM: To estimate the relationship between fatty acid content in erythrocyte membranes and HCC risk in cirrhotic patients METHODS: The "CiRCE" case-control study recruited cirrhotic patients from six French hospitals between 2008 and 2012. Cases were cirrhotic patients with HCC (n = 349); controls were cirrhotic patients without HCC at inclusion (n = 550). FA composition of phospholipids in erythrocyte membranes was determined by high performance gas chromatography. Odds ratios for HCC risk according to FA concentrations were estimated with multivariable logistic regression. RESULTS: HCC patients were older and more often men (P < 0.001). In both groups, saturated FAs represented more than 39% of all FAs in erythrocyte membranes, mono-unsaturated FAs around 14%, and polyunsaturated FAs around 46%. High levels of C15:0 + C17:0, C20:1 n-9, C18:2 n-6 and C20:2 n-6 were associated with higher risk of HCC. The levels of C18:0 and C20:4 n-6 were lower in HCC cases than in controls. CONCLUSIONS: The FA composition of erythrocyte membranes differed according to the presence of HCC with higher levels of saturated FAs, linoleic and eicosadienoic acids, and lower levels of stearic and arachidonic acids. These alterations may reflect particular dietary patterns and/or altered FA metabolism. Further investigations are warranted.

Intra-arterial hepatic beads loaded with irinotecan (DEBIRI) with mFOLFOX6 in unresectable liver metastases from colorectal cancer: a Phase 2 study.

BACKGROUND: Chemo-embolisation with drug-eluting beads loaded with irinotecan (DEBIRI) increased survival as compared with intravenous irinotecan in chemorefractory patients with liver-dominant metastases from colorectal cancer (LMCRC). First-line DEBIRI with systemic chemotherapy may increase survival and secondary resection. METHODS: In the FFCD-1201 single-arm Phase 2 study, patients with untreated, non-resectable LMCRC received DEBIRI plus mFOLFOX6. Four courses of DEBIRI were performed alternating right and left lobe or two sessions with both lobes treated during the same session. RESULTS: Fifty-seven patients were enrolled. Grade 3-5 toxicities were more frequent when both lobes were treated during the same session (90.5% versus 52.8%). Nine-month PFS rate was 53.6% (95% CI, 41.8-65.1%). The objective response rate (RECIST 1.1) was 73.2%, and the secondary R0 surgery was 33%. With a median follow-up of 38.3 months, median OS was 37.4 months (95% CI, 25.7-45.8), and median PFS 10.8 months (95% CI, 8.2-12.3). CONCLUSIONS: Front-line DEBIRI + mFOLFOX6 should not be recommended as the hypothesised 9-month PFS was not met. However, high response rate, deep responses, and prolonged OS encourage further evaluation in strategies integrating biologic agent, in particular in patients with secondary surgery as the main goal. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION: NCT01839877.

Deformity correction in thoracic adolescent idiopathic scoliosis.

AIMS: To compare the rates of sagittal and coronal correction for all-pedicle screw instrumentation and hybrid instrumentation using sublaminar bands in the treatment of thoracic adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS). METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of 124 patients who had undergone surgery in two centres for the correction of Lenke 1 or 2 AIS. Radiological evaluation was carried out preoperatively, in the early postoperative phase, and at two-year follow-up. Parameters measured included coronal Cobb angles and thoracic kyphosis. Postoperative alignment was compared after matching the cohorts by preoperative coronal Cobb angle, thoracic kyphosis, lumbar lordosis, and pelvic incidence. RESULTS: A total of 179 patients were available for analysis. After matching, 124 patients remained (62 in each cohort). Restoration of thoracic kyphosis was significantly better in the sublaminar band group than in the pedicle screw group (from 23.7° to 27.5° to 34.0° versus 23.9° to 18.7° to 21.5°; all p < 0.001). When the preoperative thoracic kyphosis was less than 20°, sublaminar bands achieved a normal postoperative thoracic kyphosis, whereas pedicle screws did not. In the coronal plane, pedicle screws resulted in a significantly better correction than sublaminar bands at final follow-up (73.0% versus 59.7%; p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: This is the first study to compare sublaminar bands and pedicle screws for the correction of a thoracic AIS. We have shown that pedicle screws give a good coronal correction which is maintained at two-year follow-up. Conversely, sublaminar bands restore the thoracic kyphosis better while pedicle screws are associated with a flattening of the thoracic spine. In patients with preoperative hypokyphosis, sublaminar bands should be used to restore a proper sagittal profile. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2020;102-B(3):376-382.