A comparison of the outcomes of anterior curciate ligament reconstruction with large-size graft versus reconstruction with average-size graft combined with extraarticular tenodesis.

INTRODUCTION: Many patients who have had anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction (R) complain of instability, inability to return to previous levels of sports activity, and possible ACL graft failure. Graft size was discovered to be an important factor in lowering ACL failure rates. Also, extraarticular tenodesis decreases recurrent instability, A comparative study was done to compare the effect of graft size and lateral external tenodesis on the recurrence of instability after ACL-R. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A Prospective Blinded Randomized Controlled study included 100 consecutive patients who underwent ACL-R with hamstring tendon grafts in our Hospital. The patients were allocated into two groups (Group A and B) with randomization; group A received ACL-R with a large-size ACL-graft diameter of 6 strands, and group B received ACL-R of 4 strands combined with lateral extraarticular tenodesis (LET) (Modified Lemaire). Each group had fifty patients. The follow-up time was two years. They were examined for graft failure, anterolateral rotatory instability with the pivot shift test, and clinical outcomes, which were evaluated with the International Knee Documentation Committee score (IKDC) both subjective and objective. RESULTS: In this study; group A, graft failure occurred in three (6.3%) patients, a positive pivot shift test grade I was detected in eight (17.8%) patients, grade II in three (6.7%) patients, and grade III in one (2.2%) patient. The subjective IKDC score was 87.9 (± 7.19) points. The objective IKDC score was normal or nearly normal in 43 (93.4%) patients. In group B, one (2.1%) patient had graft failure, five (10.9%) had a positive pivot shift test grade I, one (2.1%) had a grade II, and no patient had a grade III. The subjective IKDC score was 91.9 (± 8.9) points. The objective IKDC score was normal or nearly normal in 44 (95.6%) patients. As regard the subjective IKDC score, there was a non-significant difference between both groups (p value = 0.465). CONCLUSION: Both groups showed a low ACL-graft failure rate, low anterolateral rotatory instability, and a good clinical outcome. Although there was no significant difference in subjective IKDC score between both groups, the failure rate and anterolateral rotatory instability were significantly lower in the ACL-R (4 strands) with LET combination group than in the group with the large-diameter (6 strands) graft. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level 1; Randomized Comparative Study.

Surgical Outcomes of Congenital Heart Disease in Down Syndrome: Tertiary Center Experience-Focus on the Electrical Conduction System.

To document outcomes of cardiac surgical repair in Down syndrome (DS) patients with specific focus on the associated electrical conduction morbidities, ultimately leading to a higher incidence of pacemaker implantation (PMI). A retrospective study conducted between 2011 and 2020. A total of 167 DS patients undergoing 204 surgeries were included. The mean gestational age (GA) and mean weight were 37.3 weeks and 5.5 kg, respectively. Complete atrioventricular septal defect (AVSD) was the most common diagnosis. Pre-operative ECG revealed superior axis deviation (SAD) in 92 and 32% of patients with AVSD and isolated perimembranous ventricular septal defect (VSD), respectively (p < 0.01). Postoperative right bundle branch block (RBBB) was observed in 83 and 55% of patients with AVSD and following perimembranous VSD repair, respectively (p = 0.04). Ten patients underwent post-operative pacemaker implantation (PMI). Reintervention rate was around 8.9%. Three mortalities were encountered throughout the study period, 2 of which were in-hospital deaths. Low mortality was observed, however, a higher rate of PMI requirements noted with risk factors including lower age and weight.

Arthroscopic rotator interval release for frozen shoulder, comparative study between diabetic and non-diabetic patients.

INTRODUCTION: The objective of this study is to evaluate the outcomes of arthroscopic rotator interval release for the treatment of frozen shoulder and compare the results in patients with and without diabetes. METHODS: thirty-two patients with frozen shoulders were divided into two groups; 19 diabetics and 13 non-diabetics. All patients underwent arthroscopic rotator interval release. The VAS and UCLA score were assessed pre-operatively and post-operatively; after 1, 3, and 12 months and compared between groups. RESULTS: The VAS and UCLA score was significantly improved in both groups during follow-up intervals (p < 0.01). There was no significant difference between diabetic and non-diabetic patients in VAS and UCLA scores during follow-up times (p-values > 0.05). CONCLUSION: Arthroscopic rotator interval release provides significant improvement of frozen shoulder with no difference in results between diabetic and non-diabetic patients. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level 2; Prospective Comparative study.

Plate augmentation and bone grafting in treatment of femoral shaft nonunion initially fixed by intramedullary nail.

INTRODUCTION: This study aims to evaluate the results of plate augmentation and bone grafting without removing the nail in the treatment of nonunited, nailed femoral shaft fractures. METHODS: Twenty patients with atrophic nonunion femoral shaft fractures initially fixed by intramedullary nail were treated by augmentation plating and iliac bone graft with retention of the nail. Patients were evaluated at regular intervals using an X-ray and Wu scoring system, which assesses clinical and radiological signs of healing. RESULTS: All 20 patients achieved bony union at a mean time of 4.9 months (3-8 months). According to Wu's score, 12 cases showed excellent results, and 8 cases obtained good results with no complications recorded. CONCLUSION: augmentation plating and iliac bone graft provide a good and safe method of treatment of previously nailed and non-united femoral shaft fractures. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level 4; Case Series.

One sacroiliac screw for posterior ring fixation in unstable pelvic fractures.

Unstable pelvic injuries are considered uncommon and they are usually associated with high rate of morbidity and mortality. High energy blunt trauma and falling from height are usually the main mechanism of injury. It is a retrospective study that was performed in academic level I trauma center. From September 2015 to December 2019, a consecutive series of 26 patients (7 females), with average age of 32 years with unstable pelvic fracture were included in this study. All patients underwent reduction and percutaneous fixation with one sacroiliac screw posteriorly for each sacroiliac joint and anterior arch fixation of the pelvic ring with either platting or external fixator. The average duration of follow up was 36 months. Clinical results: at the final follow-up, all patients had complete radiological healing of the fractures. The subjective functional assessment yielded excellent for twenty-two patients, good for two patients and fair for two patients. Posterior arch fixation of the pelvic ring with one sacroiliac screw beside anterior arch fixation in unstable fracture pelvis is a sufficient fixation method to maintain the requiring stability to allow complete union of the fracture. Level of Evidence: Therapeutic Level III.

Pacemaker implantation post congenital heart disease surgical repair: tertiary center experience.

This was a retrospective study documenting all pacemaker implantations (PMIs) secondary to postoperative atrioventricular block. A total of 26 patients were included between 2011 and 2020. The incidence rate was 1.8%, with a median follow-up time of 4.5 years. At the time of the initial PMI, the median weight was 5 kg, and the median generator longevity was 45 months. Mean cardiopulmonary bypass and aortic clamp times were significantly longer among surgeries complicated with PMI (P≤ 0.05). Trisomy 21 patients were 4 times more likely to need a PMI (95% CI 1.8-9, P < 0.001). The mean Risk Adjustment in Congenital Heart Surgery and Society of Thoracic Surgery scores were higher in patients with PMI. All initial PMIs were epicardial (18 single chamber). Most patients underwent ventricular septal defect closure (isolated or complex), except for 5 patients who underwent left-sided surgery. Pacing-induced dilated cardiomyopathy occurred in 3 patients. All implanted leads were functional except for 2 leads with high thresholds and another biventricular system infection. There was a 31% rate of pacing reintervention.Conclusion: PMI resulted in significant morbidity but without mortality. The highest risk for PMI was left ventricular outflow tract repair, trisomy 21, prolonged cardiopulmonary bypass, and aortic cross times. What is Known: •Incidence rate for postoperative atrioventricular block requiring pacemaker was at 1.8%, similar to previously published reports. •Longer cardiopulmonary bypass and aortic cross-clamp times were associated with higher risk for developing postoperative persistent atrioventricular block. What is New: •Incidence for persistent atrioventricular block requiring pacemaker was highest among left ventricular outflow tract surgery at 8.6%. •Following all intracardiac repair, Down syndrome patients were 4 times more likely to need a pacemaker implantation compared to the non-syndromic group.

Three-dimensional Capsular Volume Measurements in Multidirectional Shoulder Instability.

BACKGROUND: In a previous study undertaken to quantify capsular volume in rotator cuff interval or axillary pouch, significant differences were found between controls and patients with instability. However, the results obtained were derived from two-dimensional cross sectional areas. In our study, we sought correlation between three-dimensional (3D) capsular volumes, as measured by magnetic resonance arthrography (MRA), and multidirectional instability (MDI) of the shoulder. METHODS: The MRAs of 21 patients with MDI of the shoulder and 16 control cases with no instability were retrospectively reviewed. Capsular areas determined by MRA were translated into 3D volumes using 3D software Mimics ver. 16 (Materilise, Leuven, Belgium), and glenoid surface area was measured in axial and coronal MRA views. Then, the ratio between capsular volume and glenoid surface area was calculated, and evaluated with control group. RESULTS: The ratio between 3D capsular volume and glenoid surface area was significantly increased in the MDI group (3.59 ± 0.83 cm3/cm2) compared to the control group (2.53 ± 0.62 cm3/cm2) (p<0.01). CONCLUSIONS: From these results, we could support that capsular volume enlargement play an important role in MDI of the shoulder using volume measurement.

Bilateral arthroscopic rotator cuff repair using a single-stage procedure.

Bilateral rotator cuff tears requiring repair are not uncommon. Typically, these tears have been treated with staged surgeries. However, in appropriately selected cases, single-stage repair is preferable because it reduces costs, the number of admissions, total hospitalization, and rehabilitation time. It can also reduce patient suffering by providing relief with a single procedure. The authors compared 10 patients with a mean age of 55 years who had bilateral symptomatic rotator cuff tear and underwent single-stage bilateral arthroscopic cuff repair (group A) with 17 patients with a mean age of 55 years who had unilateral symptomatic rotator cuff tear and underwent unilateral arthroscopic cuff repair (group B). Clinical assessment was performed preoperatively and at 3, 6, and 12 months postoperatively with the visual analog scale, the University of California Los Angeles (UCLA) score, and the Korean shoulder score. Overall function, pain, and strength were improved significantly in both groups. Although the difference in visual analog scale score between both groups decreased during follow-up, this score was significantly lower in group B (P=.026). At initial follow-up, the UCLA score was higher in group A. However, at the last follow-up, this score was significantly higher in group B (P<.001). The Korean shoulder score was significantly higher in group A at all follow-up times (P<.001). The study findings showed that single-stage bilateral rotator cuff repair is a preferable option in appropriately selected patients. It can provide satisfactory results without additional complications, and it does not lead to longer hospitalization or rehabilitation than unilateral repair.