Advancing orthopaedic trauma care through WhatsApp: An analysis of clinical and non-clinical applications, challenges, and future directions.

The integration of WhatsApp, a widely-used instant messaging application (IMA), into the realm of orthopaedics and trauma surgery has emerged as a significant development in recent years. This paper explores the multifaceted role of WhatsApp in orthopaedics, focusing on its clinical and non-clinical applications, advantages, disadvantages, and future prospects. The study synthesizes findings from various research papers, emphasizing the growing reliance on mobile technology in healthcare. WhatsApp's role in orthopaedics is notable for its ease of use, real-time communication, and accessibility. Clinically, it facilitates triage, teleconsultation, diagnosis, treatment, patient advice, and post-operative monitoring. Non-clinically, it supports telemedicine, teleradiology, virtual fracture clinics, research, and education in orthopaedic surgery. The application has proven beneficial in enhancing communication among healthcare teams, providing quick responses, and motivating junior physicians. Its use in educational settings has been shown to improve learner's understanding and patient care. However, the use of WhatsApp in orthopaedics is not without challenges. Risks include the potential spread of misleading information, privacy concerns, and issues with image quality affecting diagnosis and treatment decisions. The paper acknowledges the importance of maintaining professional boundaries and the need for oversight measures to ensure content accuracy. Looking forward, the potential of WhatsApp and similar IMAs in orthopaedics lies in their ability to streamline data collection and retrieval, improve doctor-patient communication, and address challenges like bureaucratic red tape and limited resources. The paper suggests that future orthopaedic practice, particularly in emergency departments, will increasingly rely on such technologies for efficient patient management. This shift, however, must be approached with an understanding of the ethical, legal, and practical implications of integrating social media and mobile technology in healthcare.

GOLDIC Therapy Holds Promise as an Orthobiologic Agent: A Systematic Review of the Literature.

Introduction: Orthobiologic agents play a significant role in regenerative medicine. The quest for newer and more effective Orthobiologic agents is never-ending, leading to the evolution of more reformed products. GOLDIC (GOLD Induced cytokine) is a recently evolving Orthobiologic agent developed by conditioning autologous serum with gold particles. We aim to collate the available evidence on GOLDIC and provide a systematic literature review. Materials and methods: Using Cochrane and PRISMA guidelines literature search was done for GOLDIC. After duplicate removal and exclusions, 62 articles were scrutinized, of which 8 articles qualified for full-text review. A risk-of-bias assessment of the included studies was done. Results: All articles showed standardized preparation methods of GOLDIC and uniformity in the number of doses administered, except one study. Reproducible results were noted like an increase in plasma gelsolin and improved KOOS, WOMAC, and VAS scores. Conclusion: GOLDIC has the potential to be a significant Orthobiologic modality considering its standardized preparation techniques, method of administration, and uniformly reproducible outcome measures. However, further high-quality evidence is needed to analyze the clinical efficiency and safety profile of GOLDIC. Systematic review registration: INPLASY202350027 [https://doi.org/10.37766/inplasy2023.5.0027].

Bone Marrow Aspirate Concentrate for Treatment of Primary Knee Osteoarthritis: A Prospective, Single-Center, Non-randomized Study with 2-Year Follow-Up.

Introduction: Knee osteoarthritis (OA) is a widespread, disabling condition with no intervention to fully restore cartilage or halt progression. Bone marrow aspirate concentrate (BMAC), an autologous product from bone marrow aspiration, has shown promise as a regenerative therapy due to its cell composition and chondrogenic effects. Our study aims to assess the functional outcomes, including pain, function, satisfaction, and complications post-BMAC injection in knee OA patients. Materials and Methods: In this prospective, single-center study, 63 patients with grade II-III knee OA (Kellgren-Lawrence (K-L) scale) unresponsive to conservative management underwent BMAC injection. The procedure involved bone marrow aspiration from the anterior iliac crest, processing to obtain a concentrate, followed by intra-articular injection. Patients were followed for 24 months, assessing outcomes using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS), International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) score, and MOCART 2.0 score. Results: The cohort, with a slight female predominance and predominantly aged 41-50 years, majorly comprised K-L grade III OA patients. BMAC treatment resulted in significant improvements in VAS pain scores, IKDC functional scores, and MOCART 2.0 scores over the 24-month follow-up. Conclusion: BMAC injection provides significant improvement in both pain and functional outcomes at mid-term follow-up in patients with mild-to-moderate OA of the knee. Further high-quality, adequately powered, multi-center, prospective, double-blinded, randomized controlled trials with longer follow-up are necessary to justify the routine clinical use of BMAC for treatment of patients suffering with knee OA.

Safety and Efficacy of Bone-Marrow Aspirate Concentrate in Hip Osteoarthritis: A Systematic Review of Current Clinical Evidence.

Introduction: Hip osteoarthritis (OA) is one of the leading causes of disability and morbidity worldwide. It is estimated to affect 9.2% individuals globally with age over 45 years. Conventional treatment modalities have limitations and side-effects. To overcome these limitations, over the last decade, there has been an increased interest in the use of orthobiologics derived from autologous sources including platelet-rich plasma (PRP), bone-marrow aspirate concentrate (BMAC) and adipose tissue derived formulations. This review qualitatively presents the in-vitro, pre-clinical, clinical and on-going clinical studies exploring the safety and efficacy of BMAC for management of hip OA. Materials and methods: The electronic database search was done through PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, Scopus, ProQuest and Google Scholar till February 2024. The search terms used were "osteoarthritis" OR "hip osteoarthritis" OR "orthobiologics" OR "efficacy or use of orthobiologic treatment" OR "bone-marrow concentrate" OR "bone-marrow aspirate concentrate", AND "BMAC". The inclusion criteria were clinical studies of any level of evidence written in the English language, published till February 2024, evaluating the safety and efficacy of intra-articular administration of BMAC for the management of hip OA. Results: A total of 5 studies were included in this review for qualitative data synthesis. The total number of patients who participated in the study was 182, ranging from 4 to 112 in a single study. No adverse events were reported throughout the duration of the study. In addition, intra-articular administration of BMAC led to reduced pain, and improved function and overall quality of life (QoL). Conclusion: The results from this review demonstrated that administration of BMAC is safe and potentially efficacious in terms of reducing pain, improving function and overall QoL of patients with hip OA in short- and mid-term average follow-up based on the included studies. Nonetheless, more adequately powered, multi-center, prospective, double-blind, non-randomized and randomized controlled trials with long-term follow-up are warranted to establish long-term safety and efficacy of BMAC for management of hip OA and justify its routine clinical use.

Metabolomics in Osteoarthritis Knee: A Systematic Review of Literature.

Introduction: Osteoarthritis (OA) is a common degenerative disorder of the synovial joints and is usually an age-related disease that occurs due to continuous wear and tear of the cartilage in the joints. Presently, there is no proven medical management to halt the progression of the disease in the early stages. The purpose of our systematic review is to analyze the possible metabolites and metabolic pathways that are specifically involved in OA pathogenesis and early treatment of the disease. Materials and Methods: The articles were collected from PubMed, Cochrane, Google Scholar, Embase, and Scopus databases. "Knee", "Osteoarthritis", "Proteomics", "Lipidomics", "Metabolomics", "Metabolic Methods", and metabolic* were employed for finding the articles. Only original articles with human or animal OA models with healthy controls were included. Results: From the initial screening, a total of 458 articles were identified from the 5 research databases. From these, 297 articles were selected in the end for screening, of which 53 papers were selected for full-text screening. Finally, 50 articles were taken for the review based on body fluid: 6 urine studies, 15 plasma studies, 16 synovial fluid studies, 11 serum studies, 4 joint tissue studies, and 1 fecal study. Many metabolites were found to be elevated in OA. Some of these metabolites can be used to stage the OA Three pathways that were found to be commonly involved are the TCA cycle, the glycolytic pathway, and the lipid metabolism. Conclusion: All these studies showed a vast array of metabolites and metabolic pathways associated with OA. Metabolites like lysophospholipids, phospholipids, arginine, BCCA, and histidine were identified as potential biomarkers of OA but a definite association was not identified, Three pathways (glycolytic pathway, TCA cycle, and lipid metabolic pathways) have been found as highly significant in OA pathogenesis. These metabolic pathways could provide novel therapeutic targets for the prevention and progression of the disease. Supplementary Information: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s43465-024-01169-5.

Vitamin D, PTH, and Lipid Dysregulation in Osteoarthritis: A Case-Control Study.

Introduction: Osteoarthritis (OA) is a degenerative joint disease characterized by cartilage degradation, bone remodeling, and pain. Recent evidence suggests that Vitamin D insufficiency, alterations in parathyroid hormone (PTH) levels, and dyslipidemia may play roles in the pathophysiology of OA, affecting calcium homeostasis and bone health. We investigated the association between Vitamin D, PTH levels, lipid profile, and calcium homeostasis in OA patients. Materials and Methods: This case-control study involved 200 participants, divided into OA and control groups, at a tertiary care center from April to May 2023. Serum levels of 25-hydroxyvitamin D, PTH, total cholesterol, HDL, LDL, triglycerides, and calcium were measured. Statistical analysis was conducted to assess correlations between these biomarkers and OA status. Results: OA patients demonstrated significantly lower Vitamin D levels and higher PTH and total cholesterol levels compared to controls. Vitamin D insufficiency was prevalent, with a notable correlation between decreased Vitamin D levels, elevated PTH, and dyslipidemia. These findings suggest a potential metabolic interplay affecting OA progression and symptomatology. Conclusion: The study highlights a significant association between Vitamin D insufficiency, altered PTH levels, and lipid dysregulation in OA patients, underscoring the importance of assessing these parameters in the clinical management of OA. Further research is needed to explore the therapeutic implications of correcting Vitamin D insufficiency and lipid abnormalities in OA.

Efficacy of stromal vascular fraction for knee osteoarthritis: A prospective, single-centre, non-randomized study with 2 years follow-up.

BACKGROUND: Current osteoarthritis (OA) treatments focus on symptom relief without addressing the underlying disease process. In regenerative medicine, current treatments have limitations. In regenerative medicine, more research is needed for intra-articular stromal vascular fraction (SVF) injections in OA, including dosage optimization, long-term efficacy, safety, comparisons with other treatments, and mechanism exploration. AIM: To compare the efficacy of intra-articular SVF with corticosteroid (ICS) injections in patients with primary knee OA. METHODS: The study included 50 patients with Kellgren-Lawrence grades II and III OA. Patients were randomly assigned (1:1) to receive either a single intra-articular SVF injection (group A) or a single intra-articular ICS (triamcinolone) (group B) injection. Patients were followed up at 1, 3, 6, 12, and 24 months. Visual analog score (VAS) and International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) scores were administered before the procedure and at all follow-ups. The safety of SVF in terms of adverse and severe adverse events was recorded. Statistical analysis was performed with SPSS Version 26.0, IBM Corp, Chicago, IL, United States. RESULTS: Both groups had similar demographics and baseline clinical characteristics. Follow-up showed minor patient loss, resulting in 23 and 24 in groups A and B respectively. Group A experienced a notable reduction in pain, with VAS scores decreasing from 7.7 to 2.4 over 24 months, compared to a minor reduction from 7.8 to 6.2 in Group B. This difference in pain reduction in group A was statistically significant from the third month onwards. Additionally, Group A showed significant improvements in knee functionality, with IKDC scores rising from 33.4 to 83.10, whereas Group B saw a modest increase from 36.7 to 45.16. The improvement in Group A was statistically significant from 6 months and maintained through 24 months. CONCLUSION: Our study demonstrated that intra-articular administration of SVF can lead to reduced pain and improved knee function in patients with primary knee OA. More adequately powered, multi-center, double-blinded, randomised clinical trials with longer follow-ups are needed to further establish safety and justify its clinical use.

Standardized Informed Consent Form for Clinicians Administering Platelet-Rich Plasma.

Introduction When it comes to medico-legal malpractice suits, lawyers and insurers tend to focus on informed consent documentation. Unfortunately, there is no standard protocol for obtaining informed consent for the use of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections, which might cause problems. This study aimed to mitigate this concern through the development of a standardized informed consent document for PRP injections, grounded in evidence-based practices. Materials and methods An examination of databases was conducted to explore the medico-legal ramifications associated with PRP injections, as well as the broader topic of informed consent, with a particular focus on the context of PRP injections. Moreover, interviews were carried out with healthcare providers and individuals who had received PRP injections within the preceding year, utilizing a semi-structured methodology. Results We developed an evidence-based informed consent document tailored for PRP injections. To guarantee its legal validity, the document underwent review by a legal specialist. Subsequently, our institutions implemented the finalized form for PRP injection procedures over one year. Conclusion A legally valid and evidence-based informed consent form for PRP injections would ensure patient's rights, and encourage open communication and transparency between them and the doctor. Moreover, if a lawsuit were to arise, it would serve as a critical document in the doctor's defense and withstand scrutiny from lawyers and the judiciary.

Beginning of the era of Organ-on-Chip models in osteoarthritis research.

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a prevalent degenerative joint disease characterized by the progressive breakdown of joint cartilage and underlying bone, affecting millions globally. Traditional research models, including in-vitro cell cultures and in-vivo animal studies, have provided valuable insights but exhibit limitations in replicating the complex human joint environment. This review article focuses on the transformative role of Organ-on-Chip (OoC) and Joint-on-Chip (JoC) technologies in OA research. OoC and JoC models, rooted in microfluidics, integrate cellular biology with engineered environments to create dynamic, physiologically relevant models that closely resemble human tissues and organs. These models enable an accurate depiction of pathogenesis, offering deeper insights into molecular and cellular mechanisms driving the disease. This review explores the evolution of OoC technology in OA research, highlighting its contributions to disease modeling, therapeutic discovery, and personalized medicine. It delves into the design concepts, fabrication techniques, and integration strategies of joint components in JoC models, emphasizing their role in accurately mimicking joint tissues and facilitating the study of intricate cellular interactions. The article also discusses the significant advancements made in OA research through published JoC models and projects the future scope of these technologies, including their potential in personalized medicine and high-throughput drug screening. The evolution of JoC models signifies a paradigm shift in OA research, offering a promising path toward more effective and targeted therapeutic strategies.

The New Consumer Protection Act Controversy: Does It Apply to Doctors in India?

A new Consumer Protection Act (CPA) was introduced in 2019 and has created quite a stir in the medical fraternity. There is widespread uncertainty as to whether this new Act applies to the medical profession. However, on careful review of the original CPA of 1986, the definition of services included within the Act, and understanding the changes introduced in CPA 2019, the legal application of CPA 2019 to medical professionals becomes clear. While the term medical services has been removed from the list of services under the purview of the Act, the phrase "but not limited to" before listing the services leaves the door open for the inclusion of other services.

Advancements in Tuberculosis Diagnostics: A Comprehensive Review of the Critical Role and Future Prospects of Xpert MTB/RIF Ultra Technology.

Tuberculosis remains a persistent global health challenge, demanding swift and accurate diagnostic methods for effective treatment. The emergence of the Xpert MTB/RIF Ultra system marks a significant milestone in combating tuberculosis, streamlining the identification of Mycobacterium tuberculosis, and advancing our pursuit of eradicating the disease. Delving into the therapeutic landscape of tuberculosis and rifampicin resistance, this scientific narrative review offers a comprehensive exploration. It begins by delving into the historical backdrop and the hurdles encountered with traditional tuberculosis diagnostics. From there, it traces the journey of the Xpert MTB/RIF technology, underscoring its molecular underpinnings. In this narrative review, the performance of the Xpert MTB/RIF Ultra system undergoes thorough scrutiny, encompassing investigations into sensitivity, specificity, and comparisons with alternative diagnostic methods. The spotlight shines on its clinical applications across diverse scenarios, from diagnosing pulmonary and extrapulmonary tuberculosis to its pivotal role in identifying rifampicin resistance. The study also evaluates its clinical efficacy in enhancing patient outcomes and supporting global tuberculosis control initiatives. However, the review does not shy away from discussing the challenges and limitations associated with the Xpert MTB/RIF Ultra system. It meticulously addresses concerns regarding cost, infrastructure requirements, and potential diagnostic inaccuracies. Offering a panoramic view, the review assesses the system's impact in resource-constrained settings and its potential to bolster tuberculosis elimination endeavors worldwide. Peering into the future, it explores ongoing research avenues and potential enhancements in Xpert MTB/RIF Ultra technology, envisioning a landscape of improved performance, broader applications, and emerging diagnostic innovations in the realm of tuberculosis diagnostics.

Disseminated Tuberculosis of the Lungs, Brain, Pleurae, Mediastinal Lymphadenopathy, and Elbow Joint in an Immunocompetent Indian Female: A First-of-Its-Type Case.

Tuberculosis is usually seen in the lungs. However, the involvement of various extrapulmonary sites is due to the spread of the bacteria via blood, lymphatic, or direct inoculation. The present case is a rare presentation of tuberculosis in an Indian female who came with complaints of swelling in her right elbow joint, headache, and cough with expectoration. A diagnostic evaluation resulted in the isolation of Mycobacterium tuberculosis from the sputum samples and elbow joints, which was further supported by an exudative picture on the cerebrospinal fluid examination. The findings were supported by advanced radiometric techniques. She was commenced on an antituberculous treatment per her weight. Disseminated tuberculosis is a challenging diagnosis as there is often a delay in clinical presentation, a lack of awareness about the possibility of multiple sites with tuberculous infection in clinicians, and a time lag in the availability of the culture results.

Beyond Blame: Is India Ready for No-Fault Liability in Healthcare?

In contemporary healthcare systems, the pursuit of justice intertwines with fault attribution and liability determination. The exploration of no-fault liability as a potential alternative within India's healthcare landscape delves into its feasibility and implications. Drawing from international experiences, regulatory frameworks, and societal readiness, the complexities and potential benefits of adopting a no-fault liability system are elucidated. Perspectives from patients, healthcare providers, and broader societal stakeholders are considered, highlighting both the advantages and challenges associated with such a transition. Addressing disparities in access, legal reforms, and logistical hurdles underscores the groundwork necessary for potential adoption, signaling a potential paradigm shift toward equitable compensation and accountability within India's healthcare system.

Applications of Blockchain-Based Technology for Healthcare Devices Post-market Surveillance.

The volume of data analysis for medical device post-market surveillance (PMS) has increased dramatically in recent years. It is the more stringent and intricate regulatory criteria of the health authorities that are meant to improve the medical device safety review. As regulators scrutinize device safety more closely, proactive approaches to PMS processes are becoming crucial. To solve some of the issues brought on by this shifting regulatory landscape, new technologies have been investigated. This study envisages the technical features of blockchain technology (BCT) and its role in enhancing the PMS for medical devices. To address the aforementioned challenges, our model involves the establishment of a secure, permissioned blockchain for PMS data management, utilizing a proof-of-authority consensus mechanism. This blockchain framework will exclusively permit a carefully vetted and designated set of participants to validate transactions and record them in the PMS data ledger. The utilization of BCT holds the potential to introduce enhanced efficiency and provide several advantages to the various stakeholders involved in the PMS procedure, including its potential to support emerging regulatory efforts.

Next Generation Sequencing in orthopaedic infections - Where is the road headed?

Next-generation sequencing (NGS) has emerged as a game changer in the field of orthopaedic diagnostics, notably in the detection and management of infections associated with prosthetic joints and implants. This paper conducts an exhaustive examination of the pivotal role, outcomes, and prospective future uses of NGS in diagnosing orthopaedic infections. In comparison to conventional culture-based methods, NGS offers a marked improvement in sensitivity thereby facilitating prompt and comprehensive identification of pathogens. This encompasses the ability to detect polymicrobial infections, antibiotic-resistant strains, and previously imperceptible microorganisms. Furthermore, this article delves into the technology's contribution to advancing personalized medicine and promoting judicious antibiotic use. Nonetheless, the seamless integration of NGS into routine clinical practice is impeded by challenges such as substantial financial outlays, the requisite for specialized equipment and expertise, and the intricacy associated with data analysis. Notwithstanding these impediments, the potential for NGS to revolutionize orthopaedic diagnostics remains substantial, with ongoing advancements poised to address current limitations and broaden its scope within clinical applications.

Tuberculosis of the Parietal Bone in an Indian Boy: A Rare Entity.

Tuberculosis is a common issue in endemic regions. The disease can affect both adults and children. Tuberculosis involving the flat bones of the skull is infrequently reported. Besides, reports of parietal bone tuberculosis in children are rare and a diagnostic challenge. Often, these cases report late, and this could compromise the treatment outcomes. Herein, a case of post-traumatic tuberculosis of the left parietal bone is presented in a child. The diagnosis was achieved by radiometric investigations and the isolation of Mycobacterium tuberculosis from the pus. He was initiated on antituberculous chemotherapy.

Spina Ventosa of the Thumb With Valgus Deformity in a Female With No Pulmonary Involvement: A First Report of Its Type in an Immunocompetent Adult From India.

Small bone involvement caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection is an uncommon clinical entity. Usually, the condition is linked to the spread of bacteria from the lungs. It is rather uncommon for people without pulmonary seeding, trauma, or a history of tuberculosis to experience isolated episodes of spina ventosa. We describe a rare case of an immunocompetent Indian woman, aged 25, who complained of swelling in her left thumb. The diagnosis of primary tubercular dactylitis of the thumb was made after a thorough clinical and laboratory workup, and she received conservative treatment.

Surgical Preparedness Index in Orthopaedics During the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) Pandemic.

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has increased the vulnerability of routine surgical procedures and elective surgery preparedness all over the world, with the suspension of most elective surgeries during the pandemic and the backlog of patients currently on waiting lists, especially in publicly funded healthcare systems. On average, at the beginning of the year 2022, about 200 million patients awaited surgery all over the world. By enhancing the strength of surgical preparedness, there is a better chance of strengthening elective surgical systems against shocks such as future pandemics or climate emergencies. We explore the implications, challenges, and strategies of the concept of surgical preparedness to maintain sustainability in the global healthcare system, especially in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), with the experiences gained during the COVID-19 pandemic.