From PHQ-2 to SRS-22: how a depression screening tool relates to SRS scores in patients with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis.

PURPOSE: The aim of our study was to determine the relationship between Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ) scores-a simple, validated depression screening tool-and Scoliosis Research Society (SRS)-22 questionnaire scores in patients with idiopathic scoliosis (IS). METHODS: IS patients screened for depression with the PHQ-2 who completed the SRS-22 over a 2-year period were reviewed. If PHQ-2 scores were positive (> 3), the more comprehensive PHQ-9 was administered. Median SRS-22 scores between positive and negative PHQ screens were compared. Nonparametric correlation between PHQ and SRS-22 Mental Health (MH) domain was performed. The ability of the MH domain to discriminate between patients with positive versus negative screens and patients with moderate-severe depression risk versus no-mild risk was evaluated with ROC analysis. RESULTS: 521 patients were included. Patients with + PHQ-2 screens had significantly lower total and individual domain SRS scores, especially within the MH domain (4.0 vs. 3.2). For those with moderate-severe depression risk, total and individual domain scores were also significantly lower (MH domain, 4.0 vs. 3.0, p < 0.05). A weak, but significant correlation was observed between the PHQ and MH domain scores (rho = 0.32, p < 0.001). A cut-off of ≥ 3.6 on the MH domain demonstrated sensitivity of 0.75 and specificity of 0.86 for identifying patients at no-mild risk for depression. CONCLUSION: Recognizing mental health conditions is critical to successful IS treatment as psychosocial conditions can negatively affect treatment outcomes. IS patients scoring < 3.6 on the SRS-22 MH domain should be considered for depression screening due to an increased risk of moderate-severe depression.

Intravascular papillary hemangioendothelioma disguised as a peripheral sheath tumor of median nerve at the wrist: a case report and literature review.

BACKGROUND: Intravascular papillary hemangioendothelioma (IVPH) is a benign lesion previously reported in the nasal cavity, neck, upper extremities, and breast. Diagnosis with cross-sectional imaging can prove difficult, with histopathological examination necessary for diagnosis. IVPH resulting in carpal tunnel symptoms is quite rare. CASE PRESENTATION: We report the case of a 37-year-old woman who presented with a radial, volar right wrist mass enlarging over the span of 5 years. She noted numbness and tingling in her wrist and thumb, exacerbated by minor accidental collisions and wrist hyperextension. There was no antecedent trauma. On examination, a mildly tender, mobile mass was evident at the volar aspect of the right wrist. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) with contrast demonstrated a lobulated, predominantly T2 hyperintense, heterogeneously enhancing mass thought to be a peripheral nerve sheath tumor. The patient elected for surgical excision of the mass, and the histopathological examination showed organizing thrombi with prominent papillary endothelial hyperplasia. At the 2-month follow-up, the patient had full range of motion of her fingers and wrist, with subjectively normal sensation in the distribution of the median nerve. CONCLUSION: Carpal tunnel syndrome, in exceedingly rare occasions, can result from an IVPH. MRI findings may be confused with more common entities. Histopathological confirmation remains necessary for conclusive diagnosis.

An Open-Labeled Randomized Prospective Multi-center Study to Evaluate the Efficacy and Safety of Intra-articular Injection of OSSINEXT™, an Autologous Growth Factor Concentrate (AGFC) Compared to Hyaluronic Acid (HA) in Knee Osteoarthritis.

BACKGROUND: Osteoarthritis (OA) is known as degenerative arthritis and is the second most common rheumatologic problem with a prevalence of 22%-39% in India. Knee OA (KOA) is a major cause of mobility impairment, particularly among females. Non-surgical treatment options for KOA include intra-articular injections of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) and hyaluronic acid (HA). Most commercially available PRP preparation kits do not remove RBCs and WBCs which are detrimental to the healing effects. Wockhardt Regenerative Pvt. Ltd., Mumbai, India has developed a kit known as Ossinext™ which has an advantage over traditional PRP in that it eliminates RBCs and WBCs. This study was conducted to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of intra-articular injection of Wockhardt's Ossinext™ an autologous growth factor concentrate (AGFC) versus HA in KOA. METHODS:  Male and female patients in the age group between 30 and 75 years with confirmed KOA on radiological assessment with Grades I-III on the Kellgren-Lawrence Grading Scale and with visual analog scale (VAS) pain score of 4 or more (on the numeric rating scale) in spite of taking non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) since past 2 weeks were considered for study participation. This was an open-labeled study and eligible patients were randomly allocated to AGFC or HA in a 1:1 fashion. Three intra-articular injections were given in the affected knee joint, i.e. at baseline, month 1, and month 2 visits. Patients were evaluated at regular intervals, i.e. at months 5, 8, and 11 for primary and secondary endpoints. The primary efficacy endpoint for this study was change from baseline in WOMAC (Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index) scores at month 11 whereas the secondary efficacy endpoints were change from baseline of VAS pain scale at months 1, 2, 5, 8, and 11 as well as change from baseline of WOMAC, KOOS (Knee and Osteoarthritis Outcome System), and IKDC (International Knee Documentation Committee) scale at month 5, 8, and 11. For analysis a mixed model for repeated measures was used. RESULTS:  Out of the 100 patients who were enrolled, 50 patients each were randomized to AGFC and HA arm. The results were analyzed from 99 patients (49 for AGFC and 50 for HA) who met the criteria for the modified intent to treat (mITT) population. At month 11 on the WOMAC scale, there was greater improvement seen with Ossinext™ compared to HA group which was also statistically significant with p-value of 0.0332. Within the group, there was statistically significant improvement before and after treatment in all scales, i.e. WOMAC, KOOS, IKDC, and VAS at all time points, i.e. months 5, 8, and 11 with a p-value as low as <0.0001. Within the group, the VAS score showed statistically significant improvement even at months 1 and 2 as well. A total of 24 patients reported 37 adverse events (AEs) during the study, most common being pain, pyrexia and swelling but none of the AEs reported during the study were considered as severe in intensity. There were no safety concerns reported. CONCLUSIONS: In conclusion, greater and statistically significant improvement was seen with Ossinext™ in WOMAC scores at month 11 compared to HA. Ossinext™ also showed marked statistically significant improvement from before treatment to after treatment in the WOMAC, KOOS, IKDC, and VAS scales used for the assessment of KOA with a p-value as low as <0.0001. Ossinext™ was also safe and well-tolerated.

An Anatomic Study of the Lateral Dorsal Cutaneous Nerve Using 3-Tesla MRI: A Comparison to Cadaveric Data With Surgical Applications.

BACKGROUND: The lateral dorsal cutaneous nerve (LDCN) and the anastomotic branch of the sural nerve (AB) are cutaneous sensory nerves at risk of iatrogenic injury during lateral foot surgery. This study is the first to use a large cohort of high-resolution magnetic resonance images (MRIs) of the ankle to better describe the course of these nerves in vivo in order to aid surgeons intraoperatively. Our study intends to build on the "high and inside" approach to the proximal 5MT by accounting for variations in course of the LDCN and AB. METHODS: One hundred twenty-five 3-tesla (T) MRI studies of the ankle were analyzed. Three reviewers measured the distance from the LDCN and AB to landmarks including the most proximal aspect of the fifth metatarsal tuberosity (5MT) and the peroneus brevis tendon (PBT). RESULTS: Mean vertical distance from the LDCN to the 5MT was 0.8 ± 0.2 cm. Presence of an AB was visualized in 59 of 125 studies (47.2%) and was found 2.2 ± 0.5 cm dorsal to the 5MT. The AB was found to become superior to PBT at a horizontal distance 1.9 ± 0.5 cm proximal to the 5MT. The LDCN was found superior to the PBT at its insertion onto the 5MT in approximately 10% (n = 12) of our studies. During these instances, the LDCN was located an average of 0.3 cm dorsal to the PBT. CONCLUSION: Our proposed "safe zone" for the approach to the proximal 5MT remains superior to the LDCN and inferior to the AB and avoids crossing directly over either nerve in >95% of analyzed MRI studies. This incision begins 1.5 cm dorsal to the most proximal aspect of the 5MT and extends no more than 1 cm posteriorly. Careful dissection and identification of the LDCN and possible AB is necessary prior to further extension of incision. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV, case series.

An Anatomic Study of the Sural Nerve Using 3-Tesla MRI: A Comparison to Cadaveric Data With Surgical Applications.

BACKGROUND: The sural nerve (SN) is a sensory cutaneous nerve that is at risk of iatrogenic injury during surgery at the lateral ankle. Prior anatomic studies of the SN are limited primarily to cadaveric studies with small sample sizes. Our study analyzed a large cohort of magnetic resonance images (MRIs) of the ankle to obtain a more generalizable, in vivo sample of distal SN course. METHODS: A total of 204 3-tesla MRI studies of the ankle were analyzed. Three reviewers measured the distance from the SN to various landmarks including the distal tip of the lateral malleolus (DTLM) and the lateral border of the Achilles tendon (LBA). RESULTS: Mean vertical distance from SN to DTLM was 2.2 cm (range, 0.9-3.6 cm). Mean horizontal distance from SN to DTLM and to LBA at the level of DTLM was 1.7 cm (range, 0.8-3.0 cm) and 1.9 cm (range, 1.0-2.9 cm), respectively. Mean horizontal distance from SN to LBA at the level of superior Achilles tendon insertion onto the calcaneus (SAI) was 2.6 cm (range, 1.4-3.7 cm), and mean horizontal distance from SN to LBA at 5 cm above SAI was 0.9 cm (range, 0.4-1.8 cm). CONCLUSION: The variation in SN course observed in our study allowed us to propose "safe zones" for several surgical approaches including the extensile lateral approach to the calcaneus (ELAC), the sinus tarsi approach (STA), the direct lateral approach to the lateral malleolus (DLA), and the posterolateral approach to the ankle (PLA), which we hope will minimize iatrogenic injury to the SN. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV, case series.

Minimally invasive multiple-rod constructs with robotics planning in adult spinal deformity surgery: a case series.

PURPOSE: Multiple-rod constructs (MRCs) are often used in deformity correction for increased stability and rigidity. There are currently no reports showing minimally invasive placement of MRCs in adult deformity surgery and its technical feasibility through preoperative software planning. METHODS: Data were collected retrospectively from medical records of six consecutive patients who underwent minimally invasive MRCs with robotics planning by a single surgeon at an academic center between March-August 2020. RESULTS: A total of six patients (4 females, mean age 69.7 years) underwent minimally invasive long-segment (6 +) posterior fixation with multiple rods (3 +) using the Mazor X Stealth Edition robotics platform. Average follow-up was 14.3 months. All patients underwent oblique lumbar interbody fusion (OLIF) as a first stage, followed by second stage posterior fixation in the same day. The mean number of levels posteriorly instrumented was 8.8. One patient underwent 3 rod fixation (1 iliac, 2 S2AI) and 5 patients underwent quad rod fixation (2 iliac, 2 S2AI). The mean time to secure all rods was 8 min 36 s. Mean improvement in spinopelvic parameters was -4.9 cm sagittal vertical axis, 18.0° lumbar lordosis, and -10.7° pelvic tilt with an average pelvic incidence of 62.5°. Estimated blood loss (EBL) was 100-250 cc with no blood transfusions, and all but one patient ambulated on postoperative day 1 or 2. CONCLUSION: Spinal robotics brings us into a new era of minimally invasive construct design. To our knowledge, this is the first description of the technical feasibility of MRCs in minimally invasive adult spinal deformity surgery.

Simultaneous Robotic Single Position Oblique Lumbar Interbody Fusion With Bilateral Sacropelvic Fixation in Lateral Decubitus.

Single position lateral fusion reduces the need for a secondary surgery and robotic guidance allows for potentially higher accuracy of screw placement. We expand the role of robotics with a simultaneous workflow where 2 surgeons can work in single position surgery and discuss the technical feasibility of placement of S2-alar-iliac (S2AI) screws in the lateral position. A 70-year-old male presented with chronic back pain and bilateral leg pain with the left side worse than the right. He subsequently underwent an L3-S1 oblique lumbar interbody fusion (OLIF) with a minimally invasive L3-ilium robotic posterior spinal fixation simultaneously in single lateral position with S2AI screws. The software planning requisite of robotics allowed for a preoperative plan where lumbar cortical screws were used to line up with bilateral S2AI screws. Intraoperatively, the OLIF was performed anterior to the patient which allowed for a second surgeon to perform the posterior stage of screw placement simultaneously in overlapping fashion during OLIF exposure. Once all screws were placed, the OLIF discectomy and cage placement were completed. As the OLIF incision is closed, rodding proceeds posteriorly with subsequent closure simultaneously as well. Operative time from skin incision to skin closure was 3 hours and 47 minutes. We present here a novel technical report on the recommended workflow of simultaneous robotic single position surgery OLIF and demonstrate the feasibility of placement of sacroiliac fixation in the lateral decubitus position. We believe this technique to be minimally invasive, effective, with the benefit of shortening valuable operating room case time.

Simultaneous Robotic Single-Position Surgery (SR-SPS) with Oblique Lumbar Interbody Fusion: A Case Series.

BACKGROUND: The oblique lateral interbody fusion (OLIF) procedure is an important component of the surgeon's armamentarium for the treatment of degenerative spinal conditions. OLIF with posterior spinal fixation frequently is performed and requires additional time because the patient is flipped to a prone position and redraped. We report a series of cases in which robotic-assistance was used for a 2-surgeon workflow in which OLIF and single lateral position posterior spinal fixation were performed at the same time, termed simultaneous robotic single position surgery (SR-SPS). METHODS: Data were collected retrospectively from medical records of 13 consecutive patients who underwent SR-SPS by a single surgeon at an academic center between June and December 2020. Instrumentation accuracy, total operating room time, estimated blood loss, length of stay, and complications were assessed. RESULTS: A total of 13 patients whose mean age was 64.1 years (range 46-84 years) underwent SR-SPS over a 6-month period. Average follow-up was 10.3 months. All patients were treated for degenerative spine disease. The average operative duration was 111.2 ± 25.2 minutes. A total of 60 pedicle screws were placed bilaterally in the lateral position with an accuracy rate of 95.0%. Complications included 1 postoperative seroma, and 1 patient required reoperation 3 months postoperatively due to a fall. CONCLUSIONS: We report the first case series describing SR-SPS. Our study shows that this method can reduce operative time while ensuring accurate and timely screw placement with minimal complications.

Advances in the interventional management of neuropathic pain.

The management of neuropathic pain, defined as pain as a result of a lesion or disease in the somatosensory nervous system, continues to be researched and explored. As conventional methods demonstrate limited long-term efficacy, there is a significant need to discover therapies that offer both longitudinal and sustained management of this highly prevalent disease, which can be offered through interventional therapies. Tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs), gabapentinoids, lidocaine, serotonin norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs), and capsaicin have been shown to be the most efficacious pharmacologic agents for neuropathic pain relief. With respect to infusion therapies, the use of intravenous (IV) ketamine could be useful for complex regional pain syndrome, fibromyalgia, and traumatic spinal cord injury. Interventional approaches such as lumbar epidurals are a reasonable treatment choice for up to 3 months of pain relief for patients who failed to respond to conservative treatment, with a "B" strength of recommendation and moderate certainty. Neuroablative procedures like pulsed radiofrequency ablation work by delivering electrical field and heat bursts to targeted nerves or tissues without permanently damaging these structures, and have been recently explored for neuropathic pain relief. Alternatively, neuromodulation therapy is now recommended as the fourth line treatment of neuropathic pain after failed pharmacological therapy but prior to low dose opioids. Finally, the intrathecal delivery of various pharmacologic agents, such as quinoxaline-based kappa-opioid receptor agonists, can be utilized for neuropathic pain relief. In this review article, we aim to highlight advances and novel methods of interventional management of neuropathic pain.

Synthetic Approaches to Star-Shaped Molecules with 1,3,5-Trisubstituted Aromatic Cores.

Herein, we summarize the synthetic approaches that have been developed for the synthesis of star-shaped molecules. Typically, to design such highly functionalized molecules, simple building blocks are first assembled through trimerization reactions, starting from commercially available starting materials. Then, these building blocks are synthetically manipulated to generate extended star-shaped molecules. We also discuss the syntheses of star-shaped molecules that contain 2,4,6-trisubstituted 1,3,5-triazine or 1,3,5-trisubstituted benzene rings as a central core and diverse substituted styrene, phenyl, and fluorene derivatives at their periphery, which endows these molecules with extended conjugation. A variety of metal-catalyzed reactions, such as Suzuki, Buchwald-Hartwig, Sonogashira, Heck, and Negishi cross-coupling reactions, as well as metathesis, have been employed to functionalize a range of star-shaped molecules. The methods described herein will be helpful for designing a wide range of intricate compounds that are highly valuable in the fields of supramolecular chemistry and materials science. Owing to space limitations, we will not cover all of the publications on this topic. Instead, we will focus on examples that were reported by our research group and other relevant recent literature. Apart from the trimerization sequence, this Minireview has been structured based on the key reactions that were used to prepare the star-shaped molecules and other higher analogues. Finally, some examples that do not fit into this classification are discussed.

Thromboprophylaxis with dabigatran after total hip arthroplasty in Indian patients: A subanalysis of a double-blind, double-dummy, randomized RE-NOVATE II study.

OBJECTIVE: In the Re-NOVATE II study, oral dabigatran provided thromboprophylaxis after total hip arthroplasty and improved compliance postdischarge in a global population. This article aims to identify trends (if any) in the Indian population. METHODS: In this prospective, double-blind, double-dummy study, patients scheduled for primary, unilateral, elective total hip arthroplasty were randomized to 220 mg oral dabigatran once daily, starting with a 110 mg half-dose, 1-4 hours after surgery, or subcutaneous enoxaparin 40 mg once daily, starting the evening before surgery. Each group received a placebo of the other study drug. The primary efficacy outcome was the composite of total venous thromboembolism (VTE) and all-cause mortality. Secondary outcome measures were composite of major VTE and VTE-related mortality during the treatment period. The major safety outcome was incidence of bleeding events. RESULTS: Of the 179 Indian patients randomized, 91 received oral dabigatran and 88 received subcutaneous enoxaparin for 28-35 days. Total VTE and all-cause mortality occurred in 18.7% of patients in the dabigatran group and 13.7% in the enoxaparin group [odds ratio = 1.4 (95% confidence interval 0.6, 3.5)]. Major VTE and VTE-related mortality was numerically lower in the dabigatran group (7.9%) compared with the enoxaparin group (9.9%). Safety outcomes were comparable between both groups. CONCLUSION: Dabigatran is an effective oral alternative to enoxaparin for thromboprophylaxis as demonstrated by the RE-NOVATE II study global results. Data analyzed in Indian patients indicate comparable effects of dabigatran etexilate for major efficacy and safety outcomes.