Lower Intraoperative and Immediate Postoperative Complications in Robotic Versus Conventional Primary Total Hip Arthroplasty: A Retrospective Cohort Analysis of Over 360,000 Patients.

PURPOSE: Although a trend of an improved alignment with robotic total hip arthroplasty (THA) over conventional methods has surfaced from recent series, it is unknown whether these results translate into meaningful enhancements in postoperative outcomes. To address this lack in the literature, we compared the perioperative morbidity and mortality with robotic and conventional THA in a large national cohort of 367,894 patients. We hypothesized that no significant differences would exist in the outcomes between the two groups. METHODS: Records were extracted from 2016-2019 from the National Inpatient Sample (NIS) database Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project which is the largest in-patient database in the United States. From 367,894 THAs, robotics were employed for 7,863 patients. The remaining 360,031 conventional THAs served as controls. The two groups were compared for demographics, admission, and hospital stay details including costs, and mortality and morbidity data including medical and surgical complications. Descriptive statistics were used for demographic data while analytical statistics including t-tests, chi-squared tests, Fischer exact test, and Pearson chi-squared tests were used for perioperative outcomes. Statistical significance was set at p<0.005. RESULTS: Demographic distributions between robotic and conventional THA groups displayed similar age and sex characteristics. Shorter mean lengths of stay (1.87 days) were seen in robotic THA versus conventional THA (2.33 days) while higher costs were noted for the former (mean $68,686.71 vs $66,840.39) (p<0.005). Low overall mortality (0.03% robotic, 0.09% conventional) was seen in both groups (p>0.005). Higher comparative incidences of anemia, acute renal failure, and pneumonia were seen in conventional THA (p<0.005) while no significant differences were noted for other complications including myocardial infarction, pulmonary embolism, deep vein thrombosis, and cardiac arrest (p>0.005). Among others, lower dislocation rates, mechanical complications, periprosthetic joint infection, and periprosthetic fractures were seen with robotic THA (p<0.005). Wound complications and superficial infection rates did not differ between the two groups (p>0.005). CONCLUSIONS: Evidence has emerged from our results to support more routine adaptation of the robotic option of performing a THA. These can be based on lower local, systemic, and mechanical complications as demonstrated by the present study. Further evaluation of these results in follow-up would help establish the foothold of robotic surgery in total hip replacement in the modern context.

Measurable residual disease conversion rate with consolidation chemotherapy in acute myeloid leukemia.

The rate of MRD clearance in AML with standard consolidation chemotherapy is not well defined. A multi-institution retrospective analysis was performed on 107 consecutively treated AML patients in morphologic complete remission with detectable MRD post-induction therapy who received standard chemotherapy consolidation. In response to standard intermediate/high-dose cytarabine consolidation therapy, 26 of 60 patients (43.3%) with MRD threshold of detection of at least 0.1% converted to MRD-negative status (undetectable with assay used), and 6 of 47 patients (12.8%) with MRD threshold of detection > 0.1% converted to MRD-negative status. Multivariable logistic regression for patients with MRD threshold of detection of at least 0.1% showed that, when controlling for age, ELN risk category, dose of cytarabine, and use of a combination agent, treatment with 1 cycle of consolidation cytarabine versus ≥2 cycles decreased the odds of conversion of AML to MRD-negative (OR = 0.24, 95% CI 0.07-0.85, p = 0.03).

The clinical, molecular, and prognostic features of the 2022 WHO and ICC classification systems for myelodysplastic neoplasms.

Myelodysplastic neoplasms (MDS) are clonal disorders of bone marrow failure exhibiting a variable risk of progression to acute myeloid leukemia. MDS exhibit certain prognostic genetic or cytogenetic abnormalities, an observation that has led to both the pathologic reclassification of MDS in the 2022 World Health Organization (WHO) and International Consensus Classification (ICC) systems, as well as to an updated prognostic schema, the Molecular International Prognostic Scoring System (IPSS-M). This single-institution study characterized the molecular patterns and clinical outcomes associated with the 2022 WHO and ICC classification schemas to assess their clinical utility. Strikingly, with the exception of one individual, all 210 patients in our cohort were classified into analogous categories by the two pathologic/diagnostic schemas. Most patients (70%) were classified morphologically while the remaining 30% had genetically classified disease by both criteria. Prognostic risk, as assessed by the IPSS-M score was highest in patients with MDS with biallelic/multi-hit TP53 mutations and lowest in pts with MDS-SF3B1. Median leukemia-free survival (LFS) was shortest for those with MDS with biallelic/multi-hit TP53 (0.7 years) and longest for those with MDS with low blasts (LFS not reached). These data demonstrate the clear ability of the 2022 WHO and ICC classifications to organize MDS patients into distinct prognostic risk groups and further show that both classification systems share more similarities than differences. Incorporation of the IPSS-M and IPSS-R features provide additive prognostic and survival components to both the WHO and ICC classifications, which together enhance their utility for evaluating and treating MDS patients.

Dialysis Patients Undergoing Total Hip Arthroplasty have Higher Rates of Morbidity and Mortality and Incur Greater Healthcare Costs: A National Database Study from 367,894 Patients.

Purpose: The incidence of a total hip arthroplasty (THA) is sevenfold higher in dialysed patients. Only a few have specifically studied the impact of chronic dialysis on outcomes of THA whilst comparing them with non-dialysed/controls. The present study questioned whether significant differences existed in morbidity and mortality rates after THA in dialysed and non-dialysed patients. Methods: The National Inpatient Sample (NIS) database Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project using records for THAs performed during 2016-2019 was employed. This largest, nationwide, in-patient database in the US acquires data from > 7 million hospital stays annually from > 20% hospitals. Among 367,894 THAs performed during 2016-2019, 383 were regularly dialysed. The two groups (dialysis and controls) were compared for in-hospital mortality, demographic data, perioperative details and medical/surgical complications. Results: Dialysed patients were younger (p < 0.001), had greater mortality (0.5% vs 0.09%, p = 0.005), lengths of stay (4.4 vs 2.3 days, p < 0.001), costs ($96,824 vs $66,848, p < 0.001) and male preponderance (p < 0.001). Postoperative dislocations (3.1% vs 1.4%, p = 0.013), mechanical complications (p = 0.032) and blood loss (p = 0.031) were greater in dialysed patients. Medical postoperative complications (myocardial infarction, pneumonia, thromboembolism, acute renal failure), periprosthetic fractures, wound dehiscence, superficial and deep surgical-site infection and periprosthetic joint infections were comparable between the 2 groups. Dialysed patients had elective THAs more often (25% vs 8.6%). Controls had higher (twofold) home discharges while ~ 50% of dialysed THAs needed discharge to another facility. Conclusions: This large national data highlighted greater morbidity and mortality among dialysis patients following THA, something to consider preoperatively along with individual circumstances whilst making risk-benefit assessments for arthroplasty. Improvements in healthcare could bridge gaps between outcomes and expectations in dialysed patients.

High Prevalence of Isolated Antero-medial Osteoarthritis (AMOA) in Indian Patients Undergoing Primary Total Knee Arthroplasty.

Background: Isolated antero-medial osteoarthritis (AMOA) of the knee is a distinct pattern of arthritis. Medial arthritis of the knee in select patients can be managed with uni-compartmental arthroplasty (UKA), with studies showing shorter hospital stay, faster rehabilitation and reduced medical complications in the post-operative period compared to TKA. However, the prevalence of AMOA in Indian patients with osteoarthritis of the knee is unknown. The aim of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of AMOA in patients undergoing primary TKA for OA. Methods: This was a prospective evaluation of 2518 knees in 1936 patients who were selected for primary TKA. Pre-operative radiographs were screened based on the Oxford UKA Radiological decision aid and diagnosis of AMOA was established. All 2518 knees underwent primary total knee arthroplasty and cases of AMOA were confirmed intra-operatively based on ACL integrity, lateral compartment wear and medial compartment wear pattern. Cases with AMOA arthritic wear pattern were considered amenable for UKA if radiographs showed intact lateral joint space, intra-operatively those with intact and functional ACL, acceptable patellofemoral wear (Outerbridge I-II). Results: We report a prevalence of 46.94% of AMOA, who were amenable for UKA. Obese patients were more likely to have a damaged or non-functional ACL and more likely to have a high degree of wear, not amenable for UKA (p < 0.05). Non-functional ACL was associated with higher prevalence of posterior extension of arthritic wear. Conclusion: This study demonstrated a high prevalence (46.94%) of antero-medial osteoarthritis (AMOA), amenable for UKA. Patient selection is important for improving outcomes after TKA or UKA. Future studies are warranted to compare outcomes of both UKA and TKA in patients with isolated AMOA of the knee.

Visualization in arthroscopic meniscectomy- portal-site injection versus tourniquet inflation: A prospective, double-blinded, randomised controlled study.

OBJECTIVES: Alternatives to tourniquets include portal-site epinephrine injections. This prospective, randomised-controlled, double-blinded study compared intraoperative visibility and safety of portal-site injections with tourniquets in arthroscopic meniscectomies. METHODS: Sixty eligible adults [16-55ys, excluding vascular/neuromuscular/systemic illnesses] were randomly/equally divided across 3 groups A (controls)-local portal injections; B-local injections with tourniquet; C-local and 1:200,000epinephrine injections. A single surgeon operated blinded to patient group. Intraoperative visibility, surgeon visual analogue score (VAS)and other details were recorded. RESULTS: Superior visibility [p = 0.003,p = 0.027] and VAS [p = 0.010,p = 0.042] were reported in groups B, C versus A, Visibility [p = 0.705; p = 0.805] and operating times [p = 0.05] were comparable between B and C. CONCLUSIONS: Portal-site epinephrine injections emerged as tenable surrogates for tourniquets for clear visualization in arthroscopy.

Ependymoma, NOS and anaplastic ependymoma incidence and survival in the United States varies widely by patient and clinical characteristics, 2000-2016.

BACKGROUND: Ependymoma is a rare CNS tumor arising from the ependymal lining of the ventricular system. General differences in incidence and survival have been noted but not examined on a comprehensive scale for all ages and by histology. Despite the rarity of ependymomas, morbidity/mortality associated with an ependymoma diagnosis justifies closer examination. METHODS: Incidence data were obtained from the Central Brain Tumor Registry of the United States in collaboration with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the National Cancer Institute, and survival data from Surveillance Epidemiology and End Results, from 2000 to 2016 for anaplastic ependymoma and ependymoma, not otherwise specified (NOS). Age-adjusted incidence rates (IRs) per 100 000 person-years were analyzed by age, sex, race, and location. Survival analysis was performed with Kaplan-Meier curves and multivariable Cox proportional hazards models. RESULTS: Incidence of anaplastic ependymoma was highest in ages 0 to 4 years. African American populations had lower incidence but had a 78% increased risk of death compared to white populations (hazard ratio [HR]: 1.78 [95% CI, 1.30-2.44]). Incidence was highest for anaplastic ependymoma in the supratentorial region. Adults (age 40+ years) had almost twice the risk of death compared to children (ages 0-14 years) (HR: 1.97 [95% CI, 1.45-2.66]). For ependymoma, NOS, subtotal resection had a risk of mortality 1.86 times greater than gross total resection ([HR: 1.86 [95% CI, 1.32-2.63]). CONCLUSIONS: African American populations experienced higher mortality rates despite lower incidence compared to white populations. Extent of resection is an important prognostic factor for survival. This highlights need for further evaluation of treatment patterns and racial disparities in the care of patients with ependymoma subtypes.

Posterior subacromial injections are superior in differentiating a rotator cuff from a biceps pathology: A cadaveric study.

BACKGROUD: the ideal route and accuracy of subacromial injections in shoulder pathologies are often questioned. This study aimed at comparing anterior and posterior injections in terms of subacromial space dye localization and diagnostic accuracy. We hypothesized that posterior injections would prove more accurate. METHODS: lidocaine-dye mix was injected posteriorly and anteriorly in five cadaveric shoulders each. Presence of dye was ascertained at dissection. RESULTS: All five posterior injections remained confined to the subacromial space. In all five anteriorly injected shoulders, the dye was seen leaking from the subacromial space into bicipital groove. CONCLUSIONS: Varying accuracies of anterior [69-90%] and posterior [56-80%] subacromial injections have been reported. We observed both routes to be equally accurate [100%]. The dye exclusively remained within the subacromial space with posterior injections. This has higher diagnostic value in differentiating subacromial and long head of biceps pathologies. The anterior approach may have a better therapeutic role in combined subacromial and biceps pathologies.

Genomic landscape of neutrophilic leukemias of ambiguous diagnosis.

Chronic neutrophilic leukemia (CNL), atypical chronic myeloid leukemia (aCML), and myelodysplastic/myeloproliferative neoplasms, unclassifiable (MDS/MPN-U) are a group of rare and heterogeneous myeloid disorders. There is strong morphologic resemblance among these distinct diagnostic entities as well as a lack of specific molecular markers and limited understanding of disease pathogenesis, which has made diagnosis challenging in certain cases. The treatment has remained empirical, resulting in dismal outcomes. We, therefore, performed whole-exome and RNA sequencing of these rare hematologic malignancies and present the most complete survey of the genomic landscape of these diseases to date. We observed a diversity of combinatorial mutational patterns that generally do not cluster within any one diagnosis. Gene expression analysis reveals enrichment, but not cosegregation, of clinical and genetic disease features with transcriptional clusters. In conclusion, these groups of diseases represent a continuum of related diseases rather than discrete diagnostic entities.

When can I go home after my knee replacement? Factors affecting the duration of in-hospital stay after knee replacement.

BACKGROUND: Despite a sevenfold decline in the number of postoperative nights (21-3) after a total knee arthroplasty (TKA) over the last four decades, predictors of length of stay (LOS) are not fully understood. We attempted to ascertain these factors by analyzing a large cohort of patients. METHODS: Prospectively collected data between January 2016 and March 2017 were retrospectively analyzed at our institute. Charts of 1663 consecutive, simple primary unilateral and bilateral TKAs were reviewed for the LOS excluding staggered bilateral, complex primary and revision knees. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS: Preoperative variables [demographics, cash/credit status, historical, clinical, laboratory findings, Knee Society Function Scores and Oxford Knee Scores (OKSs)] were scrutinized by multivariate regression to identify significant factors affecting LOS and formulate model equations for patients and health caregivers. Results were incorporated into an iOS application, which was tested for accuracy. RESULTS: Among 1524 unilateral and 139 bilateral TKAs, mean LOS was 4.4 and 5.2 days, respectively. Five factors, namely insurance, flexion/hyperextension deformity, preoperative OKS and a rheumatoid etiology, were significantly associated with prolonged LOS in unilateral knees. The impact of these independent variables on LOS could be calculated by: [Formula: see text]For bilateral cases, the only significant variable extending LOS was a low preoperative OKS and the equation is given as follows: [Formula: see text]The iOS-app-predicted LOS and actual LOS were similar (p > 0.05) for 115 prospectively operated knees. CONCLUSION: Poor preoperative OKS, rheumatoid etiology, flexion and hyperextension deformity and delays in insurance affected unilateral TKR LOS, while poor preoperative OKS alone affected LOS in bilateral cases.

Nonmalignant and malignant meningioma incidence and survival in the elderly, 2005-2015, using the Central Brain Tumor Registry of the United States.

BACKGROUND: Meningioma incidence increases significantly with age. In the expanding elderly population, we lack complete understanding of population-based trends in meningioma incidence/survival. We provide an updated, comprehensive analysis of meningioma incidence and survival for individuals aged over 65. METHODS: Data were obtained from the Central Brain Tumor Registry of the United States (CBTRUS) from 2005-2015 for nonmalignant and malignant meningioma. Age-adjusted incidence rates per 100000 person-years were analyzed by age, sex, race, ethnicity, location, and treatment modalities. Survival was analyzed using Kaplan-Meier and multivariable Cox proportional hazards models for a subset of CBTRUS data. RESULTS: Nonmalignant meningioma incidence doubled from adults age 65-69 years to adults over age 85 years and was significantly greater in females than males for all ages. Malignant meningioma incidence did not differ by sex for any age grouping. Nonmalignant and malignant meningioma incidence was significantly greater in black populations versus others. Nonmalignant meningioma survival was worse with age, in black populations, and in males, including when analyzed by 5-year age groups. Surgical resection and radiation did not improve survival compared with resection alone in nonmalignant meningioma. CONCLUSIONS: This study reports increasing nonmalignant meningioma incidence in the elderly, increased incidence in black populations, and in females. In contrast, malignant meningioma incidence did not differ between sexes. Risk of death was higher for black individuals and males. Additionally, radiation did not confer a survival advantage when combined with resection for nonmalignant meningioma. Thus, we identify clinically relevant discrepancies in meningioma incidence/survival that require further study.

Spontaneous Retroperitoneal Hematoma Presenting as Femoral Neuropathy in a Patient on Low Molecular Weight Heparin Therapy.

INTRODUCTION: Retroperitoneal hemorrhage has been sparsely reported with warfarin therapy. In this paper, we describe a case of spontaneous retroperitoneal hematoma causing femoral neuropathy following treatment with low molecular weight heparin. CASE REPORT: A 65-year-old gentleman had presented with acute onset left-sided thigh pain, paraesthesia, and weakness along with lower backache. On deeper introspection, our patient had, in the recent past, been thrombolyzed for pulmonary embolism. The clinical examination led us to suspect an acute lumbar pathology, and he was investigated on those lines. Imaging studies, however, revealed a massive retroperitoneal hemorrhage which was the cause of femoral neuropathy. In this case report, the presentation of this rare association has been discussed with special emphasis on clinical premonition in the background of anticoagulant therapy. Watchful and medical treatment yielded successful recovery at follow-up. CONCLUSION: Cautious clinical assessment is needed in patients taking anticoagulant therapy. The presentation of a femoral neuropathy is often intriguing. Management options include careful observation and emergency decompression in cases of worsening neurological status.

Comparison between Multisite Infiltration Analgesia versus Adductor Canal Block for Pain Management in Total Knee Arthroplasty: A Prospective Study.

BACKGROUND: Severe acute postoperative pain after total knee arthroplasty (TKA) may cause significant morbidity to patients. Recent techniques such as peripheral nerve blocks have shown promising hope in providing appropriate pain control without systemic side effects. Adductor canal block (ACB) and multisite infiltration analgesia (MIA) are two techniques that are proven to be effective individually. AIM: This study aims to compare the efficacy of ACB versus MIA in postoperative analgesia and functional recovery after unilateral knee arthroplasty. SETTINGS AND DESIGN: A prospective study was conducted between July 2016 and December 2016 involving 200 patients undergoing unilateral TKA. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Patients were either administered MIA (Group I, n = 100 patients) or ACB (Group II, n = 100 patients). All the patients were assessed for severity of pain by visual analog scale (VAS) at 8, 24, and 48 h postoperatively and knee range of motion (ROM) at 48 h after surgery. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS: The Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS 19.0, SPSS Inc., Chicago, IL, USA) was used for descriptive and inferential analysis. RESULTS: Patients who received MIA showed significantly better VAS scores 8, 24, and 48 h after surgery. Furthermore, this subset of patients showed a marginally better ROM postoperatively. However, there was no difference number of patients requiring rescue analgesia for breakthrough pain or technique-related problems between both groups. CONCLUSION: This study demonstrates that MIA is a safe technique that provides effective analgesia at 8, 24, and 48 h postoperatively. This leads to faster rehabilitation compared to ACB in patients undergoing TKA.

Validating the Role of Steroid in Analgesic Cocktail Preparation for Local Infiltration in Total Knee Arthroplasty: A Comparative Study.

BACKGROUND: Pain control after total knee arthroplasty (TKA) through local analgesic cocktail preparation has gained widespread popularity in recent times. Local steroids have potent anti-inflammatory effect leading to reduced postoperative swelling and pain which might increase the efficacy and duration of local infiltration analgesia. AIM: The aim is to evaluate whether the addition of local steroid to an injectable analgesic cocktail for periarticular infiltration leads to better pain control and knee range of motion (ROM) in the immediate postoperative period compared to patients who do not receive steroid in their cocktail. SETTINGS AND DESIGNS: A prospective study was conducted in a group of 140 patients undergoing unilateral TKA between June 2017 and December 2017. MATERIALS AND METHODS: All the patients in the study group received either periarticular infiltration with an analgesic cocktail (Group I, n = 70) or analgesic cocktail with 100 mg methylprednisolone (Group II, n = 70) for postoperative pain with ultrasound-guided adductor canal block (ACB). Patients were evaluated with visual analog scale (VAS) for pain at 8, 24, and 48 h postoperatively and ROM at 48 h after surgery. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS: The SPSS 19.0 software (SPSS Inc., Chicago, IL, USA) was used for the statistical analysis. Student t-test has been used to find the pairwise significance. RESULTS: Group II had a statistically significant decrease in VAS scores at 8 h (P = 0.096), first postoperative day (P = 0.0001) and second postoperative day (P = 0.0001) as compared to Group I. However, there was no statistically significant difference seen with early ROM in both the groups at 48 h (P < 0.361). CONCLUSION: Patients who received steroid cocktail infiltration plus ACB had an improved and better postoperative analgesia in an early postoperative period of 24-48 h; however, there was no significant difference in clinical ROM and functional outcome when compared to the study group.

Molecularly targeted drug combinations demonstrate selective effectiveness for myeloid- and lymphoid-derived hematologic malignancies.

Translating the genetic and epigenetic heterogeneity underlying human cancers into therapeutic strategies is an ongoing challenge. Large-scale sequencing efforts have uncovered a spectrum of mutations in many hematologic malignancies, including acute myeloid leukemia (AML), suggesting that combinations of agents will be required to treat these diseases effectively. Combinatorial approaches will also be critical for combating the emergence of genetically heterogeneous subclones, rescue signals in the microenvironment, and tumor-intrinsic feedback pathways that all contribute to disease relapse. To identify novel and effective drug combinations, we performed ex vivo sensitivity profiling of 122 primary patient samples from a variety of hematologic malignancies against a panel of 48 drug combinations. The combinations were designed as drug pairs that target nonoverlapping biological pathways and comprise drugs from different classes, preferably with Food and Drug Administration approval. A combination ratio (CR) was derived for each drug pair, and CRs were evaluated with respect to diagnostic categories as well as against genetic, cytogenetic, and cellular phenotypes of specimens from the two largest disease categories: AML and chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL). Nearly all tested combinations involving a BCL2 inhibitor showed additional benefit in patients with myeloid malignancies, whereas select combinations involving PI3K, CSF1R, or bromodomain inhibitors showed preferential benefit in lymphoid malignancies. Expanded analyses of patients with AML and CLL revealed specific patterns of ex vivo drug combination efficacy that were associated with select genetic, cytogenetic, and phenotypic disease subsets, warranting further evaluation. These findings highlight the heuristic value of an integrated functional genomic approach to the identification of novel treatment strategies for hematologic malignancies.

Incidence and survival trends for medulloblastomas in the United States from 2001 to 2013.

Population-based data examining recent epidemiological trends in medulloblastoma, the most common pediatric brain malignancy, are limited. Therefore, we sought to examine recent population-level trends in medulloblastoma incidence and survival. Central Brain Tumor Registry of the United States (CBTRUS) data were analyzed from 2001 to 2013. Age-adjusted incidence rates (IR) and annual percent changes (APCs) with 95% confidence intervals (CI) were calculated by age, sex, and race. Relative survival rates were calculated by age, sex, and race using Surveillance, Epidemiology and End-Results (SEER) registries; subsets of CBTRUS data. Kaplan-Meier and Cox proportional hazards models were used to examine survival differences. Medulloblastoma incidence remained relatively stable from 2001 to 2013, with minor fluctuations from 2001 to 2009 (APC = 2.2, 95% CI 0.8, 3.5) and 2009-2013 (APC = -4.1, 95% CI -7.5, -0.6). Incidence was highest in patients aged 1-4 years at diagnosis, but patients aged 10-14 years showed increased incidence from 2000 to 2013 (APC = 3.2, 95% CI 0.6, 5.8). Males displayed higher IR relative to females (males: 0.16 vs. females: 0.12), except in patients <1 year-old. Compared to Whites, Blacks displayed a non-significant increase in incidence (APC = 1.7, 95% CI -0.4, 4.0) and in mortality risk (hazard ratio for survival = 0.74; p = 0.09). The current study reports no overall change in medulloblastoma incidence from 2001 to 2013. Male and female patients <1 year-old had equal medulloblastoma incidence rates and poor 5-year relative survival compared to other ages. Non-significant trends in the data suggest disparities in medulloblastoma incidence and survival by race. Thus, analysis of tumor-specific trends by demographic variables can uncover clinically informative trends in cancer burden.

Incidence and survival trends in oligodendrogliomas and anaplastic oligodendrogliomas in the United States from 2000 to 2013: a CBTRUS Report.

Measuring tumor-specific trends in incidence is necessary to elucidate tumor-type contribution to overall cancer burden in the US population. Recently, there have been conflicting reports concerning the incidence of oligodendrogliomas (OD) and anaplastic oligodendrogliomas (AOD). Therefore, our goal was to examine trends in OD and AOD incidence and survival by age, gender and race. Data was analyzed from the Central Brain Tumor Registry of the United States (CBTRUS) from 2000 to 2013. Age-adjusted incidence rates per 100,000 person-years with 95% confidence intervals (CI) and annual percent changes (APCs) with 95% CI were calculated for OD and AOD by age, sex and race. Survival rates were calculated for age, sex and race using a subset of the CBTRUS data. OD and AOD incidence peaked at 36-40 and 56-60 years, respectively. AOD:OD ratio increased up to age 75. Overall, OD and AOD incidence decreased [OD: APC -3.2 (2000-2013), AOD: -6.5 (2000-2007)]. OD incidence was highest in Whites but decreased significantly (2000-2013: APC -3.1) while incidence in Black populations did not significantly decrease (2000-2013: APC -1.6). Survival rates decreased with advancing age for OD, while persons aged 0-24 had the lowest survival for AOD. The current study reports a decrease in overall OD and AOD incidence from 2000 to 2013. Furthermore, AOD makes up an increasing proportion of oligodendroglial tumors up to age 75. Lower AOD survival in 0-24 years old may indicate molecular differences in pediatric cases. Thus, surveillance of tumor-specific trends by age, race and sex can reveal clinically relevant variations.

Extra-articular deformities in arthritic knees-a grueling challenge for arthroplasty surgeons: An evidence-based update.

Critical to the success of a total knee arthroplasty (TKA) is the anatomical alignment. This may appear as a challenge in an extra-articular deformity (EAD) that may be inherent in certain people or result from fracture malunion, congenital disorders, nutritional, metabolic and infective causes. This appraisal aimed at providing the reader with an up-todate overview of the research carried out on, and existent evidence of EAD correction while planning a TKA. We reviewed the current English literature on TKA in extra-articular knee deformities. Among the published data, a common initial approach of mandatory clinical and radiological assessment emerges as an obligatory step while handling cases with EAD. While several methods of managing the deformity and arthritis have been described, a broad division into intra-articular and extra-articular means can be deciphered. The relatively old-school, yet reliable thought process of extra-articular correction allows an all-inclusive restoration of alignment with the inherent complications related to the necessary osteotomy. A cohort of younger and more venturesome surgeons seem inclined towards performing navigated, intra-articular correction for mild to moderate and sometimes, severe deformities. The crux of the matter lies is obtaining a well-balanced knee without violating the all-important cruciates. Restoring the patient's ambulatory status seems sooner with the intra-articular methods which are also more precise in determining the axes and while removing minimum bone. Greatest satisfaction is accomplished in those with less grotesque, rotationallyaligned knees while meticulously balancing soft-tissues and encouraging earlier weightbearing.

Rotator cuff tears: An evidence based approach.

Lesions of the rotator cuff (RC) are a common occurrence affecting millions of people across all parts of the globe. RC tears are also rampantly prevalent with an age-dependent increase in numbers. Other associated factors include a history of trauma, limb dominance, contralateral shoulder, smoking-status, hypercholesterolemia, posture and occupational dispositions. The challenge lies in early diagnosis since a high proportion of patients are asymptomatic. Pain and decreasing shoulder power and function should alert the heedful practitioner in recognizing promptly the onset or aggravation of existing RC tears. Partial-thickness tears (PTT) can be bursal-sided or articular-sided tears. Over the course of time, PTT enlarge and propagate into full-thickness tears (FTT) and develop distinct chronic pathological changes due to muscle retraction, fatty infiltration and muscle atrophy. These lead to a reduction in tendon elasticity and viability. Eventually, the glenohumeral joint experiences a series of degenerative alterations - cuff tear arthropathy. To avert this, a vigilant clinician must utilize and corroborate clinical skill and radiological findings to identify tear progression. Modern radio-diagnostic means of ultrasonography and magnetic resonance imaging provide excellent visualization of structural details and are crucial in determining further course of action for these patients. Physical therapy along with activity modifications, anti-inflammatory and analgesic medications form the pillars of nonoperative treatment. Elderly patients with minimal functional demands can be managed conservatively and reassessed at frequent intervals. Regular monitoring helps in isolating patients who require surgical interventions. Early surgery should be considered in younger, active and symptomatic, healthy patients. In addition to being cost-effective, this helps in providing a functional shoulder with a stable cuff. An easily reproducible technique of maximal strength and sturdiness should by chosen among the armamentarium of the shoulder surgeon. Grade 1 PTTs do well with debridement while more severe lesions mandate repair either by trans-tendon technique or repair following conversion into FTT. Early repair of repairable FTT can avoid appearance and progression of disability and weakness. The choice of surgery varies from surgeon-to-surgeon with arthroscopy taking the lead in the current scenario. The double-row repairs have an edge over the single-row technique in some patients especially those with massive tears. Stronger, cost-effective and improved functional scores can be obtained by the former. Both early and delayed postoperative rehabilitation programmes have led to comparable outcomes. Guarded results may be anticipated in patients in extremes of age, presence of comorbidities and severe tear patters. Overall, satisfactory results are obtained with timely diagnosis and execution of the appropriate treatment modality.