Management and subsequent outcomes of patellar sleeve injuries: A retrospective case series of 90 pediatric and adolescent patients.

Purpose: This study aims to report the epidemiology of patellar sleeve injuries, describe diagnostic findings and treatment, and assess functional outcomes following different treatments. Methods: A medical database was queried from 1990 to 2016 to identify patients ≤18 years presenting to a single pediatric institution with a patellar sleeve injury. Patients with significant comorbidities or previously operatively treated for ipsilateral knee injuries were excluded. Standard demographic data, mechanism of injury, skeletal maturity, injury-related radiographic parameters, along with treatment paradigms, post-treatment clinical and radiographic findings, and patient-reported outcomes were collected. Results: A total of 90 patients, mean age of 10.7 years (range: 7-17) was included, of which 69 (77%) were male. Seventy-three percent of all injuries occurred while playing sports (particularly football/basketball/soccer), with "direct blow" or "landing" being the most prevalent mechanisms of injury. Twenty-six (29%) underwent operative treatment, with transosseous suture fixation being the most popular surgical technique (73%). Of the 64 (71%) non-operatively treated patients, 18 (39%) were placed in a hinged knee brace locked in extension with the remainder split between casting and standard knee immobilizer. Compared to the non-operative cohort, a higher percentage of the operative group had a pre-treatment extensor lag (p < 0.001) and greater fragment displacement (p < 0.001) with patella alta (p < 0.001) on imaging. There was no difference in outcome scores (Pedi-IKDC/Lysholm) or patella alta on radiographs between groups. Post-treatment surveys indicated no difference in residual pain or ability to return to sport. Conclusion: This large case series provides valuable epidemiologic, clinical, and radiographic data describing patellar sleeve fractures, along with outcomes following non-operative and operative treatments. Level of evidence: IV.

Does Tibial Tuberosity Osteotomy Improve Outcomes When Combined With Medial Patellofemoral Ligament Reconstruction in the Presence of Increased Tibial Tuberosity-Trochlear Groove Distance? A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.

Background: There has been recent debate regarding the optimal surgical management strategy for recurrent patellofemoral instability in the presence of an increased tibial tuberosity-trochlear groove (TT-TG) distance. In particular, performing a combined tibial tuberosity osteotomy (TTO) and medial patellofemoral ligament reconstruction (MPFLR) for patients with a TT-TG >20 mm has been questioned, with the hypothesis that an isolated MPFLR (iMPFLR) would be just as effective. Purpose: To pool and compare outcomes after MPFLR+TTO versus iMPFLR in patients with a TT-TG >20 mm. Study Design: Systematic review; Level of evidence, 4. Methods: PubMed-MEDLINE, Embase, Web of Science, and Cochrane Central were searched, and a systematic review was performed. Included were studies that reported postoperative redislocation rates and/or functional outcome scores for patients with recurrent patellar instability and a TT-TG >20 mm who underwent either MPFLR+TTO or iMPFLR and had minimum 2-year follow-up data. Methodologic quality was assessed using the modified Coleman Methodology Score (mCMS). A proportional meta-analysis comparing redislocation, subjective instability, and total complication rates was performed, and mean postoperative functional outcome scores were pooled using a random-effects model with a restricted maximum likelihood estimator. Results: In total, 1548 studies were screened, from which 13 were included for analysis. Of the 386 included patients (406 knees), 276 underwent MPFLR+TTO and 110 underwent iMPFLR. The mean mCMS was 61.3 ± 10.5 (range, 48-77). The pooled postoperative redislocation rate was 1.22% (95% CI, 0.22%-7%), with no significant difference between the study groups (P = .9995). The pooled complication rate was 10.17% (95% CI, 6.2%-16.3%) with no difference between groups (P = .9275), although the MPFLR+TTO group had higher heterogeneity in complication rates (I2 = 79.4%) compared with iMPFLR (I2 = 0%). There was no group difference in the pooled postoperative Lysholm scores (P = .5177), but patients who underwent iMPFLR had significantly higher postoperative Kujala scores compared with those who underwent MPFLR+TTO (P = .0283). Conclusion: Even in the presence of previously indicative anatomic factors (TT-TG >20 mm), TTO combined with MPFLR does not seem to confer additional benefit compared with iMPFLR. This finding could be advantageous in minimizing the burden of additional surgery with its associated risks. The study findings should, however, be interpreted with caution given the heterogeneity of the studies.

Mindfulness-Based Interventions for the Reduction of Postoperative Pain in Hip and Knee Arthroplasty Patients: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

PURPOSE: The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis is to evaluate the effect of mindfulness-based interventions (MBIs) on post-surgical pain in patients undergoing a total hip replacement (THR) or total knee replacement (TKR). METHODS: We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) guidelines. A search of multiple databases, including PubMed and EMBASE, was performed for studies from database inception through March 2nd, 2022. Data were extracted, and pooled estimates of standardized mean differences in pain scores were calculated using a random effects model and inverse probability weighting. RESULTS: Two randomized control trials were eligible for inclusion (299 patients). The average ages of participants in each study were similar at 65.5 and 64.8 years, and both studies were predominantly female at 72.4% and 61.9%. The mindfulness intervention ranged from an eight-week program to a 20-minute session. Both individual studies reported statistically significant reductions in postoperative pain for MBI groups. The pooled standardized mean difference in pain scores for the MBI groups compared to the control groups was -1.94 (-3.39; -0.48). CONCLUSIONS: There exists preliminary evidence for the beneficial effect of MBIs on reducing the postoperative pain experience in this patient population. Given the significant consequences of postoperative pain and the necessity for non-opioid forms of analgesia, this topic represents a promising area of research that warrants future randomized control trials to better understand the role of MBIs for postoperative analgesia.

Low-Intensity Pulsed Ultrasonography Plus Arthroscopic Drilling Does Not Improve Bone Healing More Than Arthroscopic Drilling Alone in Pediatric Patients With Stable Osteochondritis Dissecans of the Knee.

Purpose: To determine whether adjuvant use of bone stimulation would improve the rate of healing in the operative management of stable osteochondritis dissecans (OCD) of the knee in pediatric patients. Methods: This retrospective matched case-control study was performed at a single tertiary care pediatric hospital between January 2015 and September 2018. Patients who underwent antegrade drilling for stable femoral condyle OCD with greater than 2 years' follow-up were included. Preference was for all to receive postoperative bone stimulation; however, some were denied because of insurance coverage. This enabled us to create 2 matched groups of those who received postoperative bone stimulation and those who did not. Patients were matched on skeletal maturity, lesion location, sex, and age at surgery. The primary outcome measure was the rate of healing of the lesions determined by postoperative magnetic resonance imaging measurements at 3 months. Results: Fifty-five patients were identified who met the inclusion and exclusion criteria. Twenty patients from the bone stimulator group (BSTIM) were matched to 20 patients from the no bone stimulator group (NBSTIM). Mean age for BSTIM at surgery was 13.2 years ± 2.0 (range, 10.9-16.7) and for NBSTIM at surgery 12.9 years ± 2.0 (range, 9.3-17.3). At 2 years, 36 patients (90%) in both groups went on to clinical healing without further interventions. In BSTIM, there was a mean decrease of 0.9 (±1.8) mm in lesion on coronal width and 12 patients (63%) had overall improved healing; in NBSTIM there was a mean decrease of 0.8 (±3.6) mm in coronal width and 14 patients (78%) had improved healing. No statistical differences in the rate of healing were found between the 2 groups (P = .706). Conclusion: In antegrade drilling of stable knee OCD lesions in pediatric and adolescent patients, adjuvant bone stimulator use did not appear to improve radiographic or clinical healing. Level of evidence: Level III, retrospective case-control study.

Racial Equity in Healthcare Machine Learning: Illustrating Bias in Models With Minimal Bias Mitigation.

Background and objective While the potential of machine learning (ML) in healthcare to positively impact human health continues to grow, the potential for inequity in these methods must be assessed. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the presence of racial bias when five of the most common ML algorithms are used to create models with minimal processing to reduce racial bias. Methods By utilizing a CDC public database, we constructed models for the prediction of healthcare access (binary variable). Using area under the curve (AUC) as our performance metric, we calculated race-specific performance comparisons for each ML algorithm. We bootstrapped our entire analysis 20 times to produce confidence intervals for our AUC performance metrics. Results With the exception of only a few cases, we found that the performance for the White group was, in general, significantly higher than that of the other racial groups across all ML algorithms. Additionally, we found that the most accurate algorithm in our modeling was Extreme Gradient Boosting (XGBoost) followed by random forest, naive Bayes, support vector machine (SVM), and k-nearest neighbors (KNN). Conclusion Our study illustrates the predictive perils of incorporating minimal racial bias mitigation in ML models, resulting in predictive disparities by race. This is particularly concerning in the setting of evidence for limited bias mitigation in healthcare-related ML. There needs to be more conversation, research, and guidelines surrounding methods for racial bias assessment and mitigation in healthcare-related ML models, both those currently used and those in development.

Osteochondritis Dissecans Lesions of the Pediatric and Adolescent Knee.

Osteochondritis dissecans of the knee in pediatric and adolescent patients remains an incompletely understood entity, with multiple theories proposed for its underlying cause and variable treatment modalities. In addition to the importance of history and examination, treatment is primarily guided by lesion stability, which can be determined by MRI and arthroscopic findings. Other important factors that can influence healing include patient skeletal maturity, lesion location, and the size of the lesion. The purpose of this article is to review the most current epidemiology, classification, and pathoanatomy of the disease and discuss the different treatment options.

A comparative study of 6-week and 12-week Radiographic Union Scores for HUmeral fractures (RUSHU) as a predictor of humeral shaft non-union.

Background: Non-union in non-operatively managed humeral shaft fractures are associated with significant morbidity. Hence, developing a robust system that could help with early diagnosis is important. We aimed to evaluate the validity of the Radiographic Union Score for HUmeral fractures (RUSHU) at 6 weeks (RUSHU-6) and test whether a RUSHU at 12 weeks (RUSHU-12) would be a better predictor of non-union. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed all non-operatively managed humeral diaphyseal fractures from 2012 to 2018. Statistical analysis was used to determine the cut-off RUSHU-12 and evaluate the effect of RUSHU-6 and RUSHU-12 on non-union prediction. Results: In sum, 32 patients had radiographs at 6 weeks post-injury, 27 of which also had radiographs at 12 weeks. A RUSHU cut-off of 9 was the best predictor of non-union at 12 weeks. Only RUSHU-12 had a statistically significant influence predicting non-union (P = 0.011) and there was a significant correlation (P = 0.003) between score progression from RUSHU-6 to RUSHU-12 and the development of non-union. Discussion: A RUSHU-12 of <9 and a low score progression between 6 and 12 weeks suggest superior predictive value in determining the likelihood of non-union. Further validation in the form of a large multicentred study is however required.

The learning curves of a validated virtual reality hip arthroscopy simulator.

INTRODUCTION: Decreases in trainees' working hours, coupled with evidence of worse outcomes when hip arthroscopies are performed by inexperienced surgeons, mandate an additional means of training. Though virtual reality simulation has been adopted by other surgical specialities, its slow uptake in arthroscopic training is due to a lack of evidence as to its benefits. These benefits can be demonstrated through learning curves associated with simulator training-with practice reflecting increases in validated performance metrics. METHODS: Twenty-five medical students with no previous experience of hip arthroscopy completed seven weekly simulated arthroscopies of a healthy virtual hip joint using a 70° arthroscope in the supine position. Twelve targets were visualised within the central compartment, six via the anterior portal, three via the anterolateral portal and three via the posterolateral portal. Task duration, number of collisions (bone and soft-tissue), and distance travelled by arthroscope were measured by the simulator for every session of each student. RESULTS: Learning curves were demonstrated by the students, with improvements in time taken, number of collisions (bone and soft-tissue), collision length and efficiency of movement (all p < 0.01). Improvements in time taken, efficiency of movement and number of collisions with soft-tissue were first seen in session 3 and improvements in all other parameters were seen in session 4. No differences were found after session 5 for time taken and length of soft-tissue collision. No differences in number of collisions (bone and soft-tissue), length of collisions with bone, and efficiency of movement were found after session 6. CONCLUSIONS: The results of this study demonstrate learning curves for a hip arthroscopy simulator, with significant improvements seen after three sessions. All performance metrics were found to improved, demonstrating sufficient visuo-haptic consistency within the virtual environment, enabling individuals to develop basic arthroscopic skills.

Over two decades of orthopaedic surgery in patients with inhibitors-Quantifying the complication of bleeding.

Patients with haemophilia who have developed inhibitors against factor VIII (FVIII) or factor IX present a significant concern to those surgeons who operate on them. The evidence base for bypassing agents such as recombinant factor VIIa and activated prothrombin complex concentrate has amassed over several decades. The literature is open to positive interpretation on the successful use of these agents in the treatment of inhibitor-positive patients. However, there are equally persistent concerns amongst surgeons, in particular orthopaedic surgeons, regarding the high complication rate of bleeding. To explore and quantify this concern, we present a literature review spanning two decades of publications on haemophilia patients with inhibitors undergoing orthopaedic surgery. Irrespective of the progress made with haemostatic protocols, trepidation on embarking on surgery is valid. The high risk of bleeding is a function of the inherent complexity of the disease and rightfully translates into difficulties in its management. Combined with the prospect of orthopaedic surgery, those involved in the care of such patients are justified in their continued anxiety and diligence when considering the benefits in quality of life against the prevalent complications.

Cambridge Polytrauma Pathway: Are we making appropriately guided decisions?

Addenbrooke's Hospital, the Major Trauma Centre for the East of England Trauma Network, received 1070 major trauma patients between 1st January and 31st December 2014. In order to improve care, an audit was performed of 59 patients meeting our own selection criteria for orthopaedic polytrauma between 1st January 2013 and 31st December 2013. The Cambridge Polytrauma Pathway was devised through NCEPOD guidelines, literature review, internal and external discussion. It facilitates provision of best practice Early Appropriate Care, encompassing - multidisciplinary consultant decisions around the patient in our Neurological and Trauma Critical Care Unit, early full body trauma CT scans, serial measurements of lactate and fibrinogen levels, and out-of-hours orthopaedic theatre reserved for life-and-limb threatening injuries. Re-audit was conducted of 15 patients meeting selection criteria, admitted between 1st October 2014 and 31st March 2015. Significant improvements in recording of lactate and fibrinogen were demonstrated, both on admission (lactate - p<0.000, fibrinogen - p=0.015), and preoperatively (lactate - p=0.003, fibrinogen - p=0.030). Time to trauma CT was unchanged (p=0.536) with a median time to CT of 0.53h at re-audit (IQR 0.48-0.75). The number of patients receiving definitive orthopaedic intervention out-of-hours reduced from 8 to zero (p=0.195). The approach of facilitating management decisions to be made at early daytime MDT meetings has been adopted. It is anticipated that this pathway will improve outcomes in orthopaedic polytrauma patients and it is recommended that either the GOS-E, or the EQ-5D scoring systems be introduced to assess this.

The role of PPAR activation during the systemic response to brain injury.

BACKGROUND: Fenofibrate, a PPAR-α activator, has shown promising results as a neuroprotective therapy, with proposed anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant effects. However, it displays poor blood-brain barrier permeability leading to some ambiguity over its mechanism of action. Experimentally induced brain injury has been shown to elicit a hepatic acute phase response that modulates leukocyte recruitment to the injured brain. Here, we sought to discover whether one effect of fenofibrate might include the suppression of the acute phase response (APR) following brain injury. METHODS: A 1-h intraluminal thread middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) model followed by a 6-h reperfusion was performed in C57/BL6 mice. Quantitative reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction was then used to measure hepatic expression of chemokine (C-X-C motif) ligand 1 (CXCL1), chemokine ligand 10 (CXCL10) and serum amyloid A-1 (SAA-1), and immunohistochemical analysis was used to quantify brain and hepatic neutrophil infiltration following stroke. RESULTS: The MCAO and sham surgery induced the expression of all three acute phase reactants. A 14-day fenofibrate pre-treatment decreased reactant production, infarct volume, and neutrophil recruitment to the brain and liver, which is a hallmark of the APR. CONCLUSIONS: The data highlight a novel mechanism of action for fenofibrate and lend further evidence towards the promotion of its use as a prophylactic therapy in patients at risk of cerebral ischaemia. Further research is required to elucidate the mechanistic explanation underlying its actions.