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Purpose: Hip fractures are associated with increased mortality. The identification of risk factors of mortality could improve patient care. The aim of the study was to identify risk factors of mortality after surgery for a hip fracture and construct a mortality model. Materials and Methods: A cohort study was conducted on patients with hip fractures at two institutions. Five hundred and ninety-seven patients with hip fractures that were treated in the tertiary hospital, and another 147 patients that were treated in a secondary hospital. The perioperative data were collected from medical charts and interviews. Functional Assessment Measure score, Short Form-12 and mortality were recorded at 12 months. Patients and surgery variables that were associated with increased mortality were used to develop a mortality model. Results: Mortality for the whole cohort was 19.4% at one year. From the variables tested only age >80 years, American Society of Anesthesiologists category, time to surgery (>48 hours), Charlson comorbidity index, sex, use of anti-coagulants, and body mass index <25 kg/m2 were associated with increased mortality and used to construct the mortality model. The area under the curve for the prediction model was 0.814. Functional outcome at one year was similar to preoperative status, even though their level of physical function dropped after the hip surgery and slowly recovered. Conclusion: The mortality prediction model that was developed in this study calculates the risk of death at one year for patients with hip fractures, is simple, and could detect high risk patients that need special management.
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CASE: We describe the surgical management of a girl with dwarfism and congenital spondyloepiphyseal dysplasia, who presented in adolescence with coxa vara and bilateral pseudarthrosis between the femoral neck and the diaphysis, with asymmetric distal migration at both sites and leg length discrepancy. The patient at 16 years underwent valgus osteotomy in situ and femoral neck fixation in the left hip. The right hip was operated 19 months later. CONCLUSION: Hip dysplasia is common in spondyloepiphyseal dysplasia, but a debilitating nontraumatic bilateral pseudarthrosis at the base of the femoral neck has not been previously reported. Valgus corrective osteotomies of the femur in situ led to union and allowed the patient to walk.
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Coxa Vara , Osteocondrodisplasias , Seudoartrosis , Femenino , Humanos , Adolescente , Cuello Femoral/cirugía , Osteocondrodisplasias/complicaciones , Osteocondrodisplasias/diagnóstico por imagen , Osteocondrodisplasias/cirugía , Seudoartrosis/diagnóstico por imagen , Seudoartrosis/cirugía , Fémur/cirugía , Coxa Vara/diagnóstico por imagen , Coxa Vara/cirugíaRESUMEN
BACKGROUND & AIMS: During the pandemic, steroids use at various dosages and durations for the treatment of COVID-19 patients, especially in hospitalized patients, was a common and effective strategy. However, steroid administration is associated with osteonecrosis as an adverse event. The aim of the study was to examine the prevalence of skeleton osteonecrosis in COVID-19 patients treated with or without steroids. METHODS: Eighty randomly selected hospitalized COVID-19 patients were analyzed, of which 40 were managed with a published protocol including steroids and 40 did not receive steroids. Demographics and laboratory measurements including white blood cells count, C-reactive protein and ferritin were retrieved from the medical records. All patients underwent magnetic resonance imaging of the hips, shoulders, and knees. Subsequently, all patients were clinically examined and Oxford hip score (OHS) and EuroQol- 5 Dimension (EQ-5D-5 L) were documented. RESULTS: Three patients (3/40; 7.5 %) treated with steroids were diagnosed with femoral head osteonecrosis. None of the patients in the non-steroid-treated group developed osteonecrosis. There were no differences between the two groups regarding OHS and EQ-5D-5 L. Patients with osteonecrosis had higher ferritin levels, received higher doses of corticosteroids (median dose 2200 mg), and had longer hospitalization. CONCLUSIONS: COVID-19-related therapy with steroids resulted in lower prevalence of osteonecrosis than that previously recorded in patients with severe acute respiratory syndrome caused by coronavirus-type-1. However, this risk seems not negligible and therefore, high clinical suspicion for early diagnosis is warranted, given the fact that a great proportion of hospitalized patients received steroids during the COVID-19 pandemic.
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Tratamiento Farmacológico de COVID-19 , COVID-19 , Humanos , Masculino , Femenino , Persona de Mediana Edad , COVID-19/complicaciones , COVID-19/epidemiología , Estudios Transversales , Anciano , SARS-CoV-2 , Osteonecrosis/inducido químicamente , Osteonecrosis/epidemiología , Osteonecrosis/diagnóstico por imagen , Glucocorticoides/efectos adversos , Glucocorticoides/uso terapéutico , Glucocorticoides/administración & dosificación , Imagen por Resonancia Magnética , Necrosis de la Cabeza Femoral/inducido químicamente , Necrosis de la Cabeza Femoral/epidemiología , PrevalenciaRESUMEN
Previous studies have reported miR-217 uregulation in age-related pathologies. We investigated the impact of miR-217-5p on sirtuin 1 (SIRT1) regulation in human osteoarthritic (OA) chondrocytes. MiR-217 target enrichment analyses were performed using three public databases, Gene Ontology and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes. MiR-217-5p expression levels were quantified in normal and OA chondrocytes. SIRT1 expression levels, nuclear factor kappa-B p65 subunit (NF-κBp65) and p53 acetylation levels, and expression levels of OA-related pro-inflammatory markers [tumor necrosis factor α (TNFα), interleukin 1ß (IL-1ß), IL-6], pro-apoptotic markers [Bax, pro-caspase 3, cleaved caspase 3] and matrix regulators [matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-1, MMP-13, MMP-9, Collagen 2 (COL2A1), Aggrecan (ACAN)] were evaluated in miR-217 mimic-treated and/or miR-217 inhibitor-treated OA chondrocytes, with/without subsequent treatment with siRNA against SIRT1 (siSIRT1). MiR-217-5p was upregulated in OA chondrocytes, while target prediction/enrichment analyses revealed SIRT1 as miR-217 target-gene. Deacetylation of NF-κBp65 and p53 in miR-217 inhibitor-treated OA chondrocytes was reversed by siSIRT1 treatment. MiR-217 inhibitor-treated OA chondrocytes showed increased COL2A1, ACAN and decreased IL-1ß, IL-6, TNFα, Bax, cleaved caspase 3 and MMPs expression levels, which were reversed following miR-217 inhibitor/siSIRT1 treatment. Our findings highlight the impact of miR-217-5p on SIRT1 downregulation contributing to OA pathogenesis.
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MicroARNs , Osteoartritis , Sirtuina 1 , Humanos , Proteína X Asociada a bcl-2/metabolismo , Caspasa 3/metabolismo , Condrocitos/metabolismo , Condrocitos/patología , Interleucina-1beta/metabolismo , Interleucina-6 , MicroARNs/genética , MicroARNs/metabolismo , Osteoartritis/metabolismo , Sirtuina 1/genética , Sirtuina 1/metabolismo , Factor de Necrosis Tumoral alfa/metabolismo , Proteína p53 Supresora de Tumor/metabolismoRESUMEN
CASE: We describe the case of a 53-year-old male patient with a history of acute carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) provoked by a radio-opaque mass on the palmar side of the wrist. Although the mass disappeared in new radiographs 6 weeks later without any intervention apart from the carpal tunnel release, excisional biopsy was conducted on the residue, revealing tumoral calcinosis. CONCLUSION: Both acute CTS and spontaneous resolution are clinical manifestations of this rare condition on suspicion of which biopsy can be avoided by following a "wait and see" strategy.
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Calcinosis , Síndrome del Túnel Carpiano , Masculino , Humanos , Persona de Mediana Edad , Muñeca/patología , Síndrome del Túnel Carpiano/diagnóstico por imagen , Síndrome del Túnel Carpiano/etiología , Articulación de la Muñeca/patología , Radiografía , Calcinosis/complicaciones , Calcinosis/diagnóstico por imagen , Calcinosis/patologíaRESUMEN
PURPOSE: The aim of this study was the comparative assessment of long-term clinical (subjective and objective), functional and quality of life outcome data between primary and revision THA. METHODS: 122 patients (130 hips) who underwent cementless revision THA of both components (TMT cup, Wagner SL stem, Zimmer Biomet) for aseptic loosening only (Group A) were compared to a matched group of 100 patients (100 hips) who underwent cementless primary THA for osteoarthritis (Synergy stem, R3 cup, Smith & Nephew) (Group B). Outcomes were evaluated with survival analysis curves, Harris Hip Score (HHS), WOMAC, Oxford Hip Score (OHS), Short-Form Health Survey (SF-12) and EQ-5D-5L scales. Mobility was assessed with walking speed, Timed Up And Go Test (TUG), Parker Mobility Score, Lower Extremity Functional Scale (LEFS) and UCLA scores. RESULTS: At a mean follow-up of 11.1 (8-17) years a cumulative success rate of 96% (95% CI, 96-99%) in Group A and 98% (95% CI, 97-99%) in Group B with operation for any reason as an endpoint was recorded. Statistically significant differences between groups were developed for WOMAC (Mann-Whitney U-test, p = 0.014), OHS (Mann-Whitney U-test, p = 0.020) and physical component of SF-12 scores (Mann-Whitney U-test, p = 0.029) only. Group A had less improvement in function as compared with group B. In Group A, in multiple regression analysis, patients' cognition (p = 0.001), BMI (p = 0.007) and pain (p = 0.022) were found to be independent factors influencing functional recovery (WOMAC). Similarly, pain (p = 0.03) was found to influence quality of life (EQ-5D-5). CONCLUSIONS: In the long term, revision THA shows satisfactory but inferior clinical, functional, and quality of life outcomes when compared to primary THA. Residual pain, BMI and cognitive impairment independently affect functional outcomes.
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Artroplastia de Reemplazo de Cadera , Prótesis de Cadera , Osteoartritis , Humanos , Artroplastia de Reemplazo de Cadera/efectos adversos , Prótesis de Cadera/efectos adversos , Calidad de Vida , Equilibrio Postural , Estudios de Seguimiento , Falla de Prótesis , Estudios de Tiempo y Movimiento , Osteoartritis/etiología , Reoperación , Dolor/etiología , Resultado del Tratamiento , Estudios RetrospectivosRESUMEN
Purpose: This is a retrospective cohort study of type C distal humeral fractures (AO classification system) aimed at evaluating the effectiveness of current operative treatment options. Materials and methods: Thirty-seven patients with type C distal humeral fractures, treated operatively from January 2002 to September 2016, were retrospectively studied. Thirty-two were eligible for inclusion. Patients were treated by open reduction using the posterior approach, olecranon osteotomy and parallel-plate two-column internal fixation. Patients were evaluated for fracture healing, functional outcomes and complications (infection, ulnar neuropathy, heterotopic ossification and need for implant removal). Restoration of the normal anatomy was defined by measuring carrying angle, posterior angulation and intercondylar distance of distal humerus. Results: The mean follow-up time was 8.7 years [range 2-15.5 years, standard deviation (SD) = 3.96]. Mean time to fracture union was 8 weeks for 29 patients (90.6%) (range, 6-10 weeks). In nine cases, there was malunion of varied importance (28.1%). There was one case with postoperative ulnar neuropathy and one case with deep infection. The mean Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH) score and mean Mayo Elbow Performance Score (MEPS) were 20 (range 0-49) and 83.3 (range 25-100), respectively. Conclusion: In complex distal humerus fractures, the posterior approach with olecranon osteotomy and parallel plating of two columns, after anatomic reconstruction of the articular segment, is a prerequisite for successful elbow function. How to cite this article: Athanaselis ED, Komnos G, Deligeorgis D, et al. Double Plating in Type C Distal Humerus Fractures: Current Treatment Options and Factors that Affect the Outcome. Strategies Trauma Limb Reconstr 2022;17(1):7-13.
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Recovery from COVID-19 is not always uneventful, especially in critically ill hospitalized patients. Persistent symptoms including fatigue/ weakness, shortness of breath, anxiety, and depression have been described at one-year follow-up. Furthermore, symptoms from the musculoskeletal system like joint pain or stiffness are underreported in studies with long-term follow-up of up to one year. Infection with SARS-CoV-2 itself has been associated with endothelial damage, and together with high-dose corticosteroid treatment, it is predisposed to the dissemination of microthrombi and the development of femoral head osteonecrosis (FHOn), as it has been shown during the previous (2003-2004) coronavirus outbreaks. A resurgence of FHOn cases is anticipated but this is not reflected in the existing studies with long-term follow-up. Prompt diagnosis is critical for early treatment and possibly for the hip joint preservation. Patients with COVID-19 treated with corticosteroids should be screened for avascular necrosis early after discharge from the hospital. Every healthcare worker involved in the management of these patients should maintain a high level of suspicion and should be alert when patients report symptoms such as vague aches at the buttocks, hip area, adductors, and/or above the knee. Studies are needed to identify risk factors for FHOn including disease severity, type of steroid, cumulative dose, and duration of treatment.
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COVID-19 , Osteonecrosis , Corticoesteroides/uso terapéutico , COVID-19/complicaciones , Brotes de Enfermedades , Progresión de la Enfermedad , Humanos , Osteonecrosis/diagnóstico , Osteonecrosis/epidemiología , Osteonecrosis/etiología , SARS-CoV-2 , Índice de Severidad de la EnfermedadRESUMEN
PURPOSE: Hip fractures are associated with functional decline and increased mortality. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of zoledronic acid and high-dose vitamin D on function and mortality after hip fractures. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Forty-five patients received zoledronic acid and high dose of vitamin D during hospitalization after fracture management. These patients were compared with a control group of 46 patients. Pre- and postoperative prospectively collected data including ASA score, Charlson comorbidity score, presence of dementia, Vitamin D, and the Barthel index were available. Final follow-up was performed after one year. Primary outcome was patients' function at final follow-up as measured with Barthel index score. Secondary outcomes included mortality, assessment of pain, and complications. RESULTS: Barthel index score at final follow-up was decreased in both groups. There was no significant difference in Barthel index between the two groups (15.5 ± 5.0 vs 15.8 ± 5.8, p = 0.850). However, the Barthel index in the control group decreased beyond the smallest detectable change (3 points). Mortality was statistically different between groups (8.8% vs 28.2%, p = 0.047). Complications and pain at final follow-up were not different between groups. Multivariate analysis revealed that preoperative Barthel index and Charlson comorbidity score independently affected function at final follow-up. Logistic regression analysis disclosed that not receiving active treatment and complications were associated with increased mortality. CONCLUSIONS: Medical treatment after surgical management of hip fractures results in reduced mortality and lessens the functional decline associated with these fractures.
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Fracturas de Cadera , Vitamina D , Fracturas de Cadera/cirugía , Humanos , Estudios Prospectivos , Vitaminas/uso terapéutico , Ácido Zoledrónico/uso terapéuticoRESUMEN
Pigmented villonodular synovitis (PVNS) is a proliferative, recurrent and locally invasive disease of the synovium. The symptoms of the disorder are not typical and thus it is very often misdiagnosed. Most of the times, magnetic resonance imaging presents the nodular model of development and sets the basis for the diagnosis. The final diagnosis will be set by the pathological evaluation of the lesion's biopsy. PVNS may be localized (nodule with a clear boundary with/without presence of single pedicle) or diffuse (extensive involvement of the adjacent nerves and vessels). Depending on the extension of the PVNS, a different management approach is performed, lesion excision vs. resection, followed by radiotherapy respectively. We report a case of diffuse PVNS in the knee joint, treated with surgical excision and adjuvant radiotherapy as well as follow-up imaging after a time period of 3 years.
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PURPOSE: The aim of the study was to systematically evaluate clinical outcomes of tapered fluted stems, either monoblock or modular, in revision total hip arthroplasty. METHODS: PubMed, EMBASE and Web of Science and Cochrane databases were systematically searched by 2 researchers. Clinical studies reporting primarily on survival and re-revision rates, and secondarily on subsidence, dislocation, intraoperative fractures, periprosthetic fractures and infection were included. 2 investigators assessed the quality of the studies. RESULTS: 46 studies were included in this review, reporting on 4601 stem revisions. The pooled re-revision rate was 5.1% and long-term survival ranged from 75% to 98.5%. No differences were observed between monoblock and modular stems regarding re-revision rate, dislocation rate, periprosthetic fracture rate or infection rates. Monoblock stems exhibited more subsidence and modular stems displayed more intraoperative fractures. CONCLUSIONS: Satisfactory results can be obtained with the use of tapered fluted end-bearing stems. Monoblock stems offer the same clinical results as modular stems.
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Artroplastia de Reemplazo de Cadera , Prótesis de Cadera , Luxaciones Articulares , Fracturas Periprotésicas , Artroplastia de Reemplazo de Cadera/efectos adversos , Fémur/cirugía , Humanos , Luxaciones Articulares/cirugía , Fracturas Periprotésicas/diagnóstico por imagen , Fracturas Periprotésicas/cirugía , Diseño de Prótesis , Reoperación , Estudios Retrospectivos , TitanioRESUMEN
Introduction: Infection is a detrimental complication of operatively treated hip fractures. The objective of this retrospective case-control study was to evaluate the mortality, the physical function and the quality of life of hip fractures complicated with infection and determine risk factors for deep infection in hip fractures. Patients and methods: All patients with hip fractures (31A and 31B OTA/AO) that were operatively managed over a 10-year period that subsequently developed deep infection were included in the study. Thirty-nine patients met the inclusion criteria. These patients were compared with a matched control group of 198 patients without infection. Minimum follow-up was 1 year. Mortality, Barthel index score, EQ-5D-5L, Parker mobility score and visual analogue scale (VAS) pain score were compared between groups. Results: Mortality at 1 month was 20.5â¯% and 43â¯% at 1 year. Half of the infections were acute and 28â¯% were polymicrobial. Mortality was greater in the infection group (43â¯% vs. 16.5â¯%, p < 0.0014 ), and Barthel index was inferior in the infection group (14 vs. 18, p < 0.0017 ) compared to control group. Logistic regression analysis revealed that time from admission to surgery was a negative factor that predisposed to infection. Conclusions: Patients complicated with infection after a hip fracture have higher mortality and inferior functional results. Delay from admission to surgery predisposes to infection.
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INTRODUCTION: Forearm non-unions pose a significant treatment challenge to orthopedic surgeons. Repetitive treatment failures can lead to a devastating situation for the patient. Forearm function influences both elbow and wrist proper function. CASE REPORT: A functionless hand is presented, describing a longstanding non-union, treated with multiple surgeries before. A thorough debridement with respect to blood supply and local biology are of major importance before applying the locking plates along with the use of bone-graft. The reconstruction of the forearm converted a functionless arm to a fully functioning arm and the patient returned eventually to her previous activities. CONCLUSION: Fixation with locking plates combined with the use of autograft can lead to very satisfactory results even in extraordinary cases, especially when attention is paid to local anatomy and blood supply.
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INTRODUCTION: Among various patterns of complex injuries of the wrist and forearm, "spaghetti wrist" refers to an extensive volar forearm laceration, in which several of the 12 tendons, 2 major nerves and 2 major arteries are transected, leading to lifelong disability and psychological, social and economic consequences. The aim of the study is to emphasize the keynote principles for the management of these injuries through retrospective review of a large group of patients treated by a team of experienced hand surgeons. MATERIAL-METHODS: Data were retrospectively obtained for 61 patients (49 males and 12 females with average age of 34.7 years) treated for spaghetti wrist lacerations and followed for a minimum period of two years, in two accredited Orthopaedic / Hand-Upper Extremity Surgery and Microsurgery Departments in Greece. All patients were treated within 16 hours of injury and underwent primary, layered reconstruction of all injured structures through an axial forearm exposure. RESULTS: The most frequent mechanism of injury was glass-related lacerations. Overall, 541 structures were reconstructed, of which 417 were tendons, 76 nerves, and 48 arteries. An average of 8.86 structures were injured per patient, including 6.83 tendons, 1.24 nerves, and 0.79 arteries. The majority of the patients (28/61) had ≥10 structures injured (45.9%), while 32.7% (20/61) and 21.3% (13/61) of patients had 6-9 and 3-5 injured structures respectively. Almost 80% (49/61) of patients had excellent/good grading in all six tests used for the functional assessment post-operatively. DISCUSSION: Spaghetti wrist injuries usually occur in a transverse wound pattern and necessitate timely and definitive operative reconstruction of all injured structures in layers, through an axial approach, by experienced hand surgeons to maximize outcome and to avoid complications. The most important prognostic factor of functional recovery is not the number of transected tendons, but the involvement of ulnar and/or median nerve injury.
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Traumatismos de la Muñeca , Muñeca , Adulto , Femenino , Humanos , Masculino , Estudios Retrospectivos , Tendones , Traumatismos de la Muñeca/diagnóstico por imagen , Traumatismos de la Muñeca/cirugía , Articulación de la Muñeca/cirugíaRESUMEN
CASE: A 54-year-old man presented with low back pain and low-grade fever. Palpation revealed a focal mass of the lumbar region. Radiographs were normal, but magnetic resonance imaging demonstrated a multicystic mass at the level of L2-L4. The initial diagnosis of a hydatid cyst was confirmed after surgical excision. CONCLUSION: Although primary paraspinal hydatidosis is rare, physicians should be aware of it when dealing with patients suffering from low back pain combined with red-flag symptoms. Especially in rural regions or areas where populations live in close proximity to host animals, primary paraspinal hydatidosis should be included in the differential diagnosis.
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Equinococosis , Dolor de la Región Lumbar , Animales , Equinococosis/complicaciones , Equinococosis/diagnóstico por imagen , Equinococosis/cirugía , Humanos , Dolor de la Región Lumbar/etiología , Región Lumbosacra/cirugía , Imagen por Resonancia Magnética , RadiografíaRESUMEN
Vitamin D deficiency due to inadequate sun exposure and/or inadequate intake from food is very common worldwide, consisting a major public health problem. As prolonged exposure to ultraviolet radiation involves risks, food fortification of staple foods emerges as a favorable solution for addressing vitamin D deficiency. Bread is a suitable candidate for fortification as it is consumed often and is the main carbohydrate source in European countries.The purpose of this study was the evaluation of the bioavailability of vitamin D from a fortified Greek-type bread that was developed as a means for addressing vitamin D deficiency, by comparing the absorption curve of vitamin D in fortified bread in relation to that of plain vitamin supplementation. Two groups of clinically healthy volunteers consumed 25,000 international units (IU) of vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol) either in fortified bread (Group A) or in a plain supplement form (Group B). The baseline plasma concentrations of cholecalciferol were 8.1 ± 6.0 ng/mL and 6.8 ± 3.4 ng/mL in Groups A and B, respectively. After 12, 24, and 48 h, the concentrations of cholecalciferol in Group A were 16.7 ± 4.8, 15.3 ± 8.3 and 11.9 ± 6.0 ng/mL, respectively, and in Group B, 15.2 ± 3.3, 11.6 ± 2.4, and 9.6 ± 3.6 ng/mL, respectively. In both groups, the concentrations of cholecalciferol at 12 and 24 h were significantly higher than the baseline concentrations (p < 0.01). There were no statistically significant differences between the concentrations of cholecalciferol between Groups A and B, at each time point.Cholecalciferol is bioavailable from Greek-type fortified bread and bread could be used for addressing vitamin D deficiency.
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Pan , Deficiencia de Vitamina D , Pan/análisis , Colecalciferol , Alimentos Fortificados , Humanos , Rayos Ultravioleta , Vitamina D , Deficiencia de Vitamina D/epidemiología , Deficiencia de Vitamina D/prevención & controlRESUMEN
BACKGROUND: Total joint arthroplasty is one of the most common options for end stage osteoarthritis of major joints. However, we must take into account that thrombosis after hip/knee arthroplasty may be related to mutations in genes encoding for blood coagulation factors and immune reactions to anticoagulants [heparin-induced thrombocytopenia (HIT)/thrombosis]. Identifying and characterizing genetic risk should help to develop diagnostic strategies or modify anticoagulant options in the search for etiological mechanisms that cause thrombophilia following major orthopedic surgery. AIM: To evaluate the impact of patients' coagulation profiles and to study specific pharmacologic factors in the development of post-arthroplasty thrombosis. METHODS: In 212 (51 male and 161 female) patients that underwent primary total hip arthroplasty (100) or total knee arthroplasty (112) due to osteoarthritis during a period of 1 year, platelet counts and anti-platelet factor 4 (PF4)/heparin antibodies were evaluated pre/postoperatively, and antithrombin III, methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase, factor V and prothrombin gene mutations were evaluated preoperatively. In a minimum follow-up of 3 years, 196 patients receiving either low-molecular-weight heparins (173) or fondaparinux (23) were monitored for the development of thrombocytopenia, anti-PF4/heparin antibodies, HIT, and thrombosis. RESULTS: Of 196 patients, 32 developed thrombocytopenia (nonsignificant correlation between anticoagulant type and thrombocytopenia, P = 0134.) and 18 developed anti-PF4/heparin antibodies (12/173 for low-molecular-weight heparins and 6/23 for fondaparinux; significant correlation between anticoagulant type and appearance of antibodies, P = 0.005). Odds of antibody emergence: 8.2% greater in patients receiving fondaparinux than low-molecular-weight heparins. Gene mutations in factor II or V (two heterozygotes for both factor V and II) were identified in 15 of 196 patients. Abnormal low protein C and/or S levels were found in 3 of 196 (1.5%) patients, while all patients had normal levels of von Willebrand factor, lupus anticoagulant, and antithrombin III. Four patients developed HIT (insignificant correlation between thrombocytopenia and antibodies) and five developed thrombosis (two had positive antibodies and two were heterozygotes for both factor II & V mutations). Thrombosis was not significantly correlated to platelet counts or HIT. The correlation of thrombosis to antibodies, factor II, factor V was P = 0.076, P = 0.043, P = 0.013, respectively. CONCLUSION: Screening of coagulation profile, instead of platelet monitoring, is probably the safest way to minimize the risk of post-arthroplasty thrombosis. In addition, fondaparinux can lead to the formation of anti-PF4/heparin antibodies or HIT.
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The human hand is the most exposed part of the body to highest risk for injuries, loss of the skin integrity, and to the inoculation of bacteria, most commonly Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus ß-haemolytic, and gram-negative. In case of an infection, the mobile anatomical structures and the synovial membranes in close proximity to each other may spread the pus towards deep spaces and compartments. Mild early infections without an abscess formation may respond to antibiotics, but at more advanced stage, erythema, swelling, stiffness, and severe pain may ensue. Abscess formation will cause debilitating pain, fever, systemic symptoms, and even sepsis. Necrotizing infections may threaten not only the limb, but also patient's life. Therefore, an initially "trivial" hand injury should never be neglected, as it might turn into a deep space infection, which must be treated immediately with drainage, wound debridement, and i.v. antibiotics. Delay in diagnosis and inadequate initial management might rapidly lead to abscess formation, destruction of the gliding surfaces and the normal anatomy, and irreparable functional deterioration.
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The intra-articular use of tranexamic acid (TXA) has contributed to reduced blood loss in total joint arthroplasty (TJA). The purpose of this study is to assess the efficacy of simultaneously topical use of tranexamic acid and vancomycin powder within the TJA space. From 2016 to 2017, 219 consecutive total hip arthroplasties (THAs) and 272 total knee arthroplasties (TKAs) were performed in a tertiary care center, with a group of patients receiving intra-articular TXA and vancomycin, compared to patients receiving only TXA and to a control group that did not receive anything. Haemoglobin and hematocrit were measured preoperatively, on the first and third days. Transfusions and adverse events were recorded. Haemoglobin and hematocrit dropped significantly in all THA and TKA groups till the third day postoperatively, with a major reduction in the control group, compared to the other two treatment groups. Infections and thromboembolic events were similar in either group of the TJAs. In conclusion, the topical use of tranexamic acid mixed with the vancomycin powder within the joint space after the TJAs of the hip and knee did not alter the anti-fibrinolytic effect of TXA.