Biomechanical Evaluation of Suture Tape Internal Brace Reinforcement of Soft Tissue Allografts for ACL Reconstruction Using a Porcine Model.

Background: Internal bracing of anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) surgery is a newer concept gaining popularity. Purpose/Hypothesis: To assess the biomechanical performance of soft tissue ACL reconstruction allografts reinforced with suture tape. It was hypothesized that load to failure would increase and cyclic displacement would decrease at time zero in the constructs reinforced with internal brace suture tape compared with those without suture tape augmentation. Study Design: Controlled laboratory study. Methods: We performed ACL reconstruction on porcine knees using bovine extensor tendon soft tissue allografts: 10 knees without (control) and 10 knees with (reinforced) suture tape reinforcement. An all-inside reconstruction technique was utilized with retrograde tunnel creation. An adjustable-loop device was used for femoral and tibial fixation of all grafts. The suture tape was placed through the tension loop in the femoral fixation construct and independently fixed in the tibia with an interference screw anchor. For each specimen, the authors recorded ultimate load, yield load, stiffness, cyclic displacement, and mode of failure. Outcomes between groups were compared using the Student t test. Results: There was a 33% decrease in mean cyclic displacement in the specimens with reinforced grafts (reinforced vs control: 3.9 ± 0.7 vs 5.8 ± 1.5 mm; P = .001). The reinforced grafts also had a 22% higher mean ultimate load (921 ± 180 vs 717 ± 122 N; P = .008) and a 25% higher mean yield load (808 ± 201 vs 602 ± 155 N; P = .020). There was no significant difference in stiffness between the reinforced versus nonreinforced grafts (136 ± 16 vs 132 ± 18 N/mm; P = .617). Three of the 10 control specimens failed at the graft, compared with 1 of 10 reinforced grafts. All other constructs in both groups failed at the tibial fixation site. Conclusion: Suture tape reinforcement of soft tissue grafts significantly decreased cyclic displacement while significantly increasing ultimate and yield loads without increasing graft construct stiffness during biomechanical testing at time zero in a porcine animal model. Clinical Relevance: The improved biomechanical performance of suture tape-reinforced graft constructs could allow patients to participate in earlier advancement of aggressive rehabilitation and potentially reduce failure rates as graft remodeling progresses.

N95 respirator and surgical mask effectiveness against respiratory viral illnesses in the healthcare setting: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVE: To examine the results, level of evidence, and methodologic quality of original studies regarding surgical mask effectiveness in minimizing viral respiratory illness transmission, and, in particular, the performance of the N95 respirator versus surgical mask. METHODS: Meta-analysis was conducted according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines with use of PubMed, MEDLINE, and the Cochrane Library databases. RESULTS: Eight studies (9164 participants) were included after screening 153 articles. Analyses showed statistically significant differences between N95 respirator versus surgical mask use to prevent influenza-like-illness (risk ratio [RR] = 0.81, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.68-0.94, P < 0.05), non-influenza respiratory viral infection (RR = 0.62, 95% CI = 0.52-0.74, P < 0.05), respiratory viral infection (RR = 0.73, 95% CI = 0.65-0.82, P < 0.05), severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus (SARS-CoV) 1 and 2 virus infection (RR = 0.17, 95% CI = 0.06-0.49, P < 0.05), and laboratory-confirmed respiratory viral infection (RR = 0.75, 95% CI = 0.66-0.84, P < 0.05). Analyses did not indicate statistically significant results against laboratory-confirmed influenza (RR = 0.87, CI = 0.74-1.03, P > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: N95 respirator use was associated with fewer viral infectious episodes for healthcare workers compared with surgical masks. The N95 respirator was most effective in reducing the risk of a viral infection in the hospital setting from the SARS-CoV 1 and 2 viruses compared to the other viruses included in this investigation. Methodologic quality, risk of biases, and small number of original studies indicate the necessity for further research to be performed, especially in front-line healthcare delivery settings.

Bicompartmental Bucket Handle Meniscal Tear with Chronic ACL Deficiency Causing a Rare Triple PCL and Triple Cruciate Sign: A Case Report.

CASE: A 16-year-old football player presented with chronic ACL deficiency along with bicompartmental bucket handle meniscal tears. CONCLUSION: We present a "triple cruciate" sign in addition to the triple posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) sign seen on Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) to aid in diagnosing this injury.

Trends in Utilization of Image Guidance for Hip Joint Injections.

OBJECTIVE: This study aims to evaluate trends in utilization of image guidance for intraarticular hip injections and to compare the cost efficiency of ultrasound-, fluoroscopic-, and landmark-guided injections in the management of hip osteoarthritis (OA) and femoroacetabular impingement (FAI). DESIGN: Retrospective descriptive epidemiology study. SETTING: The information was collected from Humana private payer insurance claims database encompassing all practice settings. PATIENTS OR PARTICIPANTS: A total of 302 855 patients for years 2007 to 2015. INTERVENTIONS OR ASSESSMENT OF RISK FACTORS OR INDEPENDENT VARIABLES: Primary diagnosis of hip OA or FAI. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Injection type [corticosteroid (CS) or hyaluronic acid (HA)], imaging modality (landmark, ultrasound, or fluoroscopic guidance), and costs. RESULTS: Landmark-guided CS and HA injections for the management of hip OA decreased, whereas fluoroscopic and ultrasound guidance increased. Similar trends were demonstrated in the management of FAI using CS. In the management of FAI using HA, landmark- and ultrasound-guided injections decreased and fluoroscopic-guided injections increased. Cost analysis revealed lower reimbursement of landmark and ultrasound guidance compared with fluoroscopic guidance. CONCLUSIONS: During the study period, there was an increase in the use of image guidance and decline in landmark guidance for the treatment of OA and FAI using CS and HA. Fluoroscopic guidance demonstrated increased reimbursement compared with landmark and fluoroscopic guidance. There is an opportunity to mitigate cost and reduce radiation exposure by using ultrasound-guided injections rather than fluoroscopic guidance.

Innate Arthroscopic & Laparoscopic Surgical Skills: A Systematic Review of Predictive Performance Indicators Within Novice Surgical Trainees.

OBJECTIVE: To query the literature for predictive factors for performance on arthroscopic and laparoscopic surgical simulators in novice surgical trainees. These predictive factors may prove a valuable tool in identifying certain innate potential to becoming a future skilled surgeon that could benefit both surgical residency candidates and program directors alike, while also improving patient care. DESIGN: Systematic Review. RESULTS: The initial searches yielded 249 articles. After screening titles/abstracts and implementing inclusion and exclusion criteria, 36 studies were included in the final systematic review. CONCLUSIONS: Current literature suggests that video game experience/frequency, psychomotor and visuospatial aptitude, and perceptual ability are among the most promising predictive indicators of baseline simulator performance. Study limitations include utilization of different standards for characterizing predictive factors. Future studies should aim to utilize standard guidelines for accurate quantification of innate predictive factors. Future research should also focus on utilizing standardized simulator platforms and aptitude tests to allow for more accurate cross-study comparisons and meta-analyses with larger sample sizes.

Predictors of Performance on the Arthrobox Arthroscopy Simulator for Medical Students.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to analyze the effects of past participation in athletics, the playing of musical instruments and video games and other variables on medical students' performance on an arthroscopic simulator task as well as other assessments of visuospatial ability. METHODS: We assessed 50 medical students by using previously validated tests of manual dexterity and spatial reasoning as well as performance on an arthroscopic surgical simulator. Inclusion criteria were to be 18 years of age or older and to be a student studying in the M.D. program at a single public state university. Exclusion criteria were previous use of an arthroscopic surgery training device or active participation in an actual arthroscopic surgery, defined as participating as a surgeon, resident trainee, physician's assistant, or other similarly credentialed professional. Students were also assessed by the use of a high-fidelity ultrasound simulator as a marker of visuospatial capacity. Students were then surveyed about lifestyle characteristics and personal attributes hypothesized to predict surgical skill, such as playing sports, instruments or video games. RESULTS: A total of 49 participants were included in this study. High levels of athletic experience were significantly associated with improved performance on the arthroscopic surgical simulator (P = .008). Participants with higher levels of athletic experience were more likely to achieve competence on the arthroscopic surgical simulator (P = .006). Scores on the arthroscopic simulator task were significantly correlated with both ultrasound simulator shape-identification task scores and masked mirror-tracing task scores, as independent measures of visuospatial ability (P = .015 and P = .013, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: This study provides evidence of a statistically significant correlation between increased experience in athletics and single-use test performance on an arthroscopic surgical simulator. Subjects who reported higher levels of experience in athletics were significantly more likely to achieve competence in the arthroscopic surgical simulator task. Finally, statistically significant correlations were found between subjects' performance scores on tasks assessed by the surgical simulator, masked mirror-trace assessment and ultrasound simulator. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Simulator-based training and education allow for the development of arthroscopic skills prior to operating on a live patient in a clinical situation. This is an area of great interest in orthopaedic education. Our study evaluates parameters in a trainee that may relate to a higher performance level in technical skills on an arthroscopic surgical simulator.

Regional Interdependence and the Role of the Lower Body in Elbow Injury in Baseball Players: A Systematic Review.

BACKGROUND: Elbow injuries are exceedingly common in baseball players. Previous studies have identified that upper extremity strength and range of motion deficits pose a risk for these injuries, but few studies have examined the effect of lower extremity deficits. Given the role of the lower extremity in the kinetic chain of the baseball throwing motion, lower body deficits may affect the kinematics of the upper extremity and play a role in the elbow injury of baseball players. PURPOSE: To systematically review the current literature investigating the association of trunk and lower extremity deficits with elbow pain or injury in baseball players. STUDY DESIGN: Systematic review. METHODS: A systematic review of the literature was performed according to the PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Meta-Analyses) guidelines to identify and analyze all previous studies focused on the association of elbow pain and/or injury with functional deficits of the trunk and lower extremities. RESULTS: A total of 14 studies met inclusion criteria, examining a range of baseball players extending from youth to professional athletes. One of the 14 studies examined other types of overhead throwing athletes alongside baseball players. Lower extremity-related risk factors for elbow pain and injury in these athletes were found and stratified per level of play. Factors included specific hip range of motion, lower extremity injury or pain, balance, and foot arch posture. Associations were also found with lower extremity injury and noncompliance with primary prevention programs. CONCLUSION: Specific lower extremity deficits were found to be independent risk factors for elbow pain and injury in throwing athletes at certain levels of play. Additionally, prevention programs designed to correct deficits in identified risk factors were effective in reducing the incidence of elbow injury in youth athletes. These results highlight the potential of screening and subsequent intervention to reduce the incidence of elbow injury in certain subsets of baseball players.

Nebulized heparin and salbutamol versus salbutamol alone in acute exacerbations of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease requiring mechanical ventilation: a double-blind randomized controlled trial.

Background: Nebulized heparin has been effectively used in the management of many pulmonary diseases. However, its effect on mechanically ventilated patients with acute exacerbation chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (AECOPD) has never been studied. This study aimed to assess the efficacy of nebulized heparin and salbutamol to increase ventilator-free days (VFD) in mechanically ventilated AECOPD patients and the effect of nebulized heparin on respiratory and coagulation functions. Methods: In this double-blind controlled study, 60 mechanically ventilated adult patients with AECOPD were randomly allocated into two groups; heparin and salbutamol (HS) group and salbutamol only (S) group. In the HS group, patients received nebulized heparin (25,000 IU) and salbutamol (5 mg) every 6 hours. Patients in the S group received nebulized salbutamol only (5 mg). The treatment was continued while patients remained ventilated for a maximum of 14 days. The primary outcome was VFDs at day 14. PaCO2, PaO2/FiO2 ratio, number of nebulizations withheld, C-reactive protein (CRP) titer and activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT) were secondary outcomes. Results: Patients in the Group HS had significantly more VFDs 4.7 ± 3.3 compared with those in the Group S 2.4 ± 2.6, P = 0.007. PaCO2 levels, PaO2/FiO2, the decrease in the CRP level and the increase in the APTT from the baseline showed no evidence of difference in both groups. Conclusions: The co-administration of nebulized heparin and salbutamol, compared with salbutamol alone, significantly increased (VFDs) among mechanically ventilated AECOPD patients without increasing bleeding risks.

Nebulized heparin and salbutamol versus salbutamol alone in acute exacerbations of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease requiring mechanical ventilation: a double-blind randomized controlled trial / 대한마취과학회지

Background@#Nebulized heparin has been effectively used in the management of many pulmonary diseases. However, its effect on mechanically ventilated patients with acute exacerbation chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (AECOPD) has never been studied. This study aimed to assess the efficacy of nebulized heparin and salbutamol to increase ventilator-free days (VFD) in mechanically ventilated AECOPD patients and the effect of nebulized heparin on respiratory and coagulation functions. @*Methods@#In this double-blind controlled study, 60 mechanically ventilated adult patients with AECOPD were randomly allocated into two groups; heparin and salbutamol (HS) group and salbutamol only (S) group. In the HS group, patients received nebulized heparin (25,000 IU) and salbutamol (5 mg) every 6 hours. Patients in the S group received nebulized salbutamol only (5 mg). The treatment was continued while patients remained ventilated for a maximum of 14 days. The primary outcome was VFDs at day 14. PaCO2, PaO2/FiO2 ratio, number of nebulizations withheld, C-reactive protein (CRP) titer and activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT) were secondary outcomes. @*Results@#Patients in the HS group had significantly more VFDs (4.7 [3.3]) compared with those in the S group (2.4 [2.6]), P = 0.007. PaCO2 levels, PaO2/FiO2, the decrease in the CRP level and the increase in the APTT from the baseline were comparable in both groups. @*Conclusions@#The co-administration of nebulized heparin and salbutamol, compared with salbutamol alone, significantly increased (VFDs) among mechanically ventilated AECOPD patients without increasing bleeding risks.

Nebulized heparin and salbutamol versus salbutamol alone in acute exacerbations of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease requiring mechanical ventilation: a double-blind randomized controlled trial / 대한마취과학회지

Background@#Nebulized heparin has been effectively used in the management of many pulmonary diseases. However, its effect on mechanically ventilated patients with acute exacerbation chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (AECOPD) has never been studied. This study aimed to assess the efficacy of nebulized heparin and salbutamol to increase ventilator-free days (VFD) in mechanically ventilated AECOPD patients and the effect of nebulized heparin on respiratory and coagulation functions. @*Methods@#In this double-blind controlled study, 60 mechanically ventilated adult patients with AECOPD were randomly allocated into two groups; heparin and salbutamol (HS) group and salbutamol only (S) group. In the HS group, patients received nebulized heparin (25,000 IU) and salbutamol (5 mg) every 6 hours. Patients in the S group received nebulized salbutamol only (5 mg). The treatment was continued while patients remained ventilated for a maximum of 14 days. The primary outcome was VFDs at day 14. PaCO2, PaO2/FiO2 ratio, number of nebulizations withheld, C-reactive protein (CRP) titer and activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT) were secondary outcomes. @*Results@#Patients in the HS group had significantly more VFDs (4.7 [3.3]) compared with those in the S group (2.4 [2.6]), P = 0.007. PaCO2 levels, PaO2/FiO2, the decrease in the CRP level and the increase in the APTT from the baseline were comparable in both groups. @*Conclusions@#The co-administration of nebulized heparin and salbutamol, compared with salbutamol alone, significantly increased (VFDs) among mechanically ventilated AECOPD patients without increasing bleeding risks.

Use of Musculoskeletal Ultrasound and Regenerative Therapies in Soccer.

Improvements in ultrasound technology have increased the popularity and use of ultrasound as a diagnostic and therapeutic modality for many soccer-related musculoskeletal (MSK) injuries. As a dynamic imaging modality, ultrasound offers increased accuracy and efficacy with minimally invasive procedures, such as guided injections, percutaneous tenotomy, and regenerative therapies, in the clinical setting. Emerging evidence indicates that regenerative therapies, such as platelet-rich-plasma (PRP), mesenchymal stem cells, and amniotic products, are a promising treatment for many MSK injuries and are gaining popularity among professional athletes. PRP is a safe treatment for a number of MSK conditions and has been included in the standard of care. However, conflicting evidence on return-to-play timeframes and efficacy in certain MSK conditions have led to inconsistent recommendations on indications for use, dose, and timing of treatment. Mesenchymal stem cell therapy, while promising, lacks high-level evidence of efficacy despite its increasing use among athletes. Currently, no data are available regarding the outcome of the use of amniotic products for the treatment of injuries in athletes. Furthermore, preparation of many regenerative therapies eclipses the concept of minimal manipulation and is subject to US Food and Drug Administration phase I to III trials. High-level research on regenerative medicine therapies should be continuously conducted to establish their clinical efficacy and safety data.

Dexmedetomidine vs morphine and midazolam in the prevention and treatment of delirium after adult cardiac surgery; a randomized, double-blinded clinical trial.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this clinical study was to evaluate the efficacy of neurobehavioral, hemodynamics and sedative characteristics of dexmedetomidine compared with morphine and midazolam-based regimen after cardiac surgery at equivalent levels of sedation and analgesia in improving clinically relevant outcomes such as delirium. METHODS: Sixty patients were randomly allocated into one of two equal groups: group A = 30 patients received dexmedetomidine infusion (0.4-0.7 µg/kg/h) and Group B = 30 patients received morphine in a dose of 10-50 µg/kg/h as an analgesic with midazolam in a dose of 0.05 mg/kg up to 0.2 mg/kg as a sedative repeated as needed. Titration of the study medication infusions was conducted to maintain light sedation (Richmond agitation-sedation scale) (-2 to +1). Primary outcome was the prevalence of delirium measured daily through confusion assessment method for intensive care. RESULTS: Group A was associated with shorter length of mechanical ventilation, significant shorter duration of intensive care unit (ICU) stay (P = 0.038), and lower risk of delirium following cardiac surgery compared to Group B. Group A showed statistically significant decrease in heart rate values 4 h after ICU admission (P = 0.015) without significant bradycardia. Group A had lower fentanyl consumption following cardiac surgery compared to Group B. CONCLUSION: Dexmedetomidine significantly reduced the length of stay in ICU in adult cardiac surgery with no significant reduction in the incidence of postoperative delirium compared to morphine and midazolam.