Acute Respiratory Failure With a Rare, Rapidly Progressing Pediatric Desmoid Tumor Anterior Mediastinal Mass.

ABSTRACT: We present an unusual case of a 6-year-old boy who presented with the sudden presence of left neck mass and acute hypoxemic respiratory failure, whose subsequent imaging demonstrated a previously undiagnosed anterior mediastinal mass (AMM) extending into the left neck. Biopsy of the mass was consistent with a desmoid tumor, which is a rare cause of AMM in children. Desmoid tumors are locally aggressive, often invading and enveloping surrounding tissues, but overall slow growing. The sudden growth of the neck mass suggests a very aggressive desmoid tumor, causing an unexpected respiratory compromise. Anterior mediastinal masses may cause symptoms by compressing the heart, great vessels, and airways. However, the patient may adapt and develop compensatory mechanisms to counter the compressive effects. Emergency care of the patient with an AMM who presents with acute respiratory distress includes optimizing oxygenation through promoting a calm environment, oxygenating while minimizing positive end-expiratory pressure, maintaining the patient's compensatory mechanisms by minimizing sedation and muscle relaxation, positioning the patient to minimize compressive effects of the mass on the vital thorax structures, and early consultation with pediatric specialists to develop a shared-emergency treatment strategy and to secure an expedited disposition to the appropriate venue of care.

Barbed versus standard sutures for closure in total knee arthroplasty: a multicenter prospective randomized trial.

Barbed suture has been associated with improved closure efficiency and safety in TKA in prior studies. We performed a multicenter randomized controlled trial to determine the efficiency and safety of this technology in TKA. We prospectively randomized 411 patients undergoing primary TKA to either barbed running (n=191) or knotted interrupted suture closure (n=203). Closure time was measured intra-operatively. Cost analysis was based on suture and OR time costs. Closure time was shorter with barbed suture (9.8 vs. 14.5 min, p<0.001). Total closure cost was less with barbed suture ($324 vs. $419, p<0.001). Early complications and outcomes were similar between groups. The use of barbed suture in TKA is associated with shorter closure time, lower cost and similar outcomes and complications when compared with standard sutures.

Functional Outcomes After Arthroscopic Scapulothoracic Bursectomy and Partial Superomedial Angle Scapulectomy.

BACKGROUND: Arthroscopic scapulothoracic bursectomy with partial superomedial angle scapulectomy has been described as a treatment for persistent scapulothoracic bursitis with varying results. PURPOSE: To evaluate patients after arthroscopic scapulothoracic bursectomy utilizing validated functional outcome instruments. STUDY DESIGN: Case series. METHODS: Fifteen patients underwent arthroscopic scapulothoracic bursectomy and partial superomedial angle scapulectomy. Thirteen patients were available for review at a mean 27-month follow-up (range, 13-65 months). Patients were evaluated preoperatively with a history, physical examination evaluating medial scapula border tenderness and crepitus, pain visual analog scale (VAS) score, and the simple shoulder test (SST). Postoperatively, patients were evaluated with all preoperative questionnaires as well as a satisfaction survey and the American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES) score. RESULTS: SST scores improved significantly from a mean 7.7 ± 3.1 preoperatively to 10.3 ± 2.3 postoperatively (P = .03). VAS pain scores reduced significantly from 6.5 ± 2.2 preoperatively to 2.3 ± 2.4 postoperatively (P < .001). Ninety-two percent (12/13) of patients were satisfied, and 92% (12/13) stated they would have the surgical procedure performed again. The mean ASES postoperative score was 80.1 (range, 38-100). The 2 clinical failures (ASES scores <50) had either a workers' compensation claim with persistent medial border tenderness or ongoing rotator cuff disease. Despite lower ASES scores, these patients were still satisfied with the procedure and would undergo it again. CONCLUSION: Arthroscopic scapulothoracic bursectomy with partial superomedial angle scapulectomy provides significant improvements in pain and functional outcomes. Even in patients at risk for poorer clinical outcomes, patient satisfaction and willingness to undergo the surgical procedure again was still high.