Mid-term outcomes of arthroscopic Latarjet procedure in chronic anterior shoulder instability after failed Bankart surgery or with significant glenoid bone loss.

INTRODUCTION: Arthroscopic Latarjet surgery is a technique developed to minimize invasive surgical treatment of anterior shoulder instability. However, compared to an open Latarjet operation, it is considered more technically demanding. The aim of our study was to assess its mid-term success rate in the hands of a surgeon with sufficient experience. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We included 32 patients with recurrent anterior shoulder instability in the analysed cohort who had undergone arthroscopic intervention according to Latarjet as a revision after a previous failed Bankart operation or in the case of the significant bone loss of the glenoid. Patients were followed-up according to a defined protocol for an average of 30.2 months (range 12‒60 months). In this study, we present clinical and radiological results of a long-term follow-up evaluated using Rowe, UCLA, and SST scoring systems, comparing ranges of motion, and thorough analysis of CT examinations performed no earlier than 6 months after surgery. Rowe, UCLA and SST scores were determined pre- and postoperatively; the range of motion was compared to the contralateral side. RESULTS: The postoperative score was significantly improved in accordance with the clinical finding in the followed-up group (Rowe: preOP 22.1 points ‒ postOP 97.6 points, UCLA: preOP 19.50 points ‒ postOP 33.30 points, SST: preOP 8.2 points ‒ postOP 11.5). However, the postoperative external rotation remains significantly smaller as compared to the contralateral side. The feared neurovascular damage did not occur in our cohort; one patient (3 %) had an infection in the access portal, which was managed conservatively; one patient (3 %) required revision surgery. CONCLUSION: Our results demonstrated that when in the hands of experienced surgeon, the arthroscopic Latarjet surgery is an effective surgical method with a low incidence of complications and excellent mid-term clinical outcomes (Fig. 17, Ref. 25).

[Evaluation of a Combination of Waveform Amplitude Latency and Decrease of Waveform Amplitude Magnitude during Spinal Surgery in Intraoperative Neurophysiological Monitoring of Transcranial Motor Evoked Potentials and Its Incidence on Postoperative Neurological Deficit]. / Vplyv predlzenia latencie transkraniálnych motorických evokovaných potenciálov v korelácií so znízením amplitúdy pocas spinálnych operácií s pouzitím intraoperacného neurofyziologického monitoringu na prognózu pooperacného neurologického deficitu.

PURPOSE OF THE STUDY This retrospective study investigated the significance of a combination of peak latency of waveform amplitude and waveform amplitude in association with spinal deformities. The correlation with postoperative neurologic deficit was evaluated too. MATERIAL AND METHODS Between January 2007 and January 2018, a group of 113 patients was evaluated in the study who underwent spine surgery using intraoperative neurophysiological monitoring (IONM) focusing on transcranial motor evoked potential (tc-MEP) monitoring. The average age of the patients was 30 years. Tc-MEPs were recorded bilaterally from tibialis anterior muscle and the abductor hallucis muscle in 88 patients without neurological deficit and in 25 patients with neurological deficit. The peak latency of waveform amplitude was defined as the period from stimulation until the waveform amplitude reached its peak. The correlation with postoperative neurological deficit was examined separately for latency delays of 5% and 10% or more and in combination with a decrease in amplitude of 70% or more. We used the presence-absence paradigm to evaluate the disappearance of previously present tc-MEPs and amplitude latency delays. The correlation with the deterioration of amplitudes from baseline or the elevation of thresholds was not used. Statistical tests were used to investigate the changes. The cases in our study with significant tc-MEP alerts were reviewed against the evidence-based response checklist. RESULTS Of 113 patients, the decrease in amplitude of 70% or more was identified in the neurological deficit group in 64% vs. 36% in the normal neurological group (p < 0.001). The neurological deficit was observed in 7.96% of patients postoperatively. A decrease in intraoperative amplitude of 70% or more from previously present tc-MEP occurred in 40 cases, with 89% sensitivity, 64% specificity, 36% false positive rate (FPR), and 20% positive predictive value (PPV) for prediction of postoperative neurological deficit. The amplitude latency peak delay of 10% or more was observed in 41 cases from the group of patients with postoperative neurological deficit, with 100% sensitivity, 64% specificity, 36% FPR and 22% PPV. A combination of a decrease in amplitude of 70% or more from the previously present tc-MEP and a delay in amplitude latency peak of 10% or more resulted in 100% sensitivity, 49% specificity, 51% FPR and 10% PPV in the group of postoperative neurological deficit patients. DISCUSSION Intraoperative tc-MEP alarm points have previously focused mainly on waveform amplitude. In our series, a criterion of an amplitude decrease of 70% or more from previously present tc-MEP was set as the alarm point. No alarm criterion for delay of peak latency of waveform amplitude was set before. We set a latency peak delay of 5% or more and 10% or more of waveform amplitude compared with the previously present tc-MEP as alarm criteria. This is the first study exploring the issue. We demonstrated the efficacy of latency peak of waveform amplitude together with the decrease of waveform amplitude. Another study found similarities in the decrease of amplitude of 70 % or more from baseline and the delay in amplitude latency of 10% or more from baseline; with 86% sensitivity, 98% specificity, 2% FPR and 86% PPV (1). CONCLUSIONS In conclusion, we investigated the efficacy of a change of peak latency delay of waveform amplitude in tc-MEP monitoring. The utilizing of the peak latency delay of waveform amplitude value resulted in high sensitivity up to 100 % and allows reduction of the FPR and an increase of the PPV. Further studies should set the alarm criteria more precisely for the waveform amplitude latency peak delay to achieve more effective spinal cord tc-MEP monitoring. Our concept of findings supports the neurophysiological monitoring findings in other studies. Key words: monitoring, IONM, intraoperative neurophysiological monitoring, tc-MEP, motor evoked potential, transcranial, amplitude, latency, peak.

[Bilateral Dislocation of the Hip Joints after a Car Accident?] / Bilaterálna traumatická luxácia bedrových klbov po autonehode?

The authors describe a case report of a 5-year-old foreign girl with a rare bilateral hip dislocation after a car accident. Young surgeons at the emergency department performed an unsuccessful closed reduction. Since the clinical and ultrasound screening of DDH of all newborns in the Slovak Republic is carried out until the age of 4-6 weeks, the treatment of dislocated hips starts early and the late diagnosed dislocations occur rarely. The aim of the study is to point at differences in DDH screening all over Europe resulting in an increased risk of misdiagnosed patients. Key words:hip dislocation, childhood, trauma, DDH, screening.

[Vascularised Fibula and Tendon Transfer in the Comprehensive Treatment of Forearm Fracture with Gas Gangrene Complication]. / Vaskularizovaná fibula a slachový transfer v komplexnej liecbe otvorenej zlomeniny predlaktia komplikovanej plynnou snetou.

Vascularized bone grafting was for the first time described in the 1970s. It has become a crucial component in the reconstruction of long bone defects and non-unions in a poorly vascularised environment. Although the vascularized bone is well described for the lower extremity and mandibular reconstructions, it started to be used for the upper extremity bone defects only recently. This publication presents a case of a young man with an open fracture of both the forearm bones. The treatment of the injury has been complicated with anaerobic gas gangrene of the forearm. This resulted in a non-union, radius shortening and necrosis of both the thumb extensors and flexors muscles. Once the acute infection was managed, the patient received a two-step treatment provided jointly by orthopaedic and plastic surgeons at the University Hospital in Bratislava. At the first stage auto transplantation of the vascularized fibula into the defect of radius was performed, with radial artery and radial veins being the recipient vessels. One year later, a tendon transfer was made in order to reconstruct the extension and flexion of the thumb. Donor tendons were the following: extensor indicis proprius and flexor digitorum superficialis for ring finger. The result of the reconstruction is the full incorporation of the fibular transplant (6 months after the primary operation) and the excellent range of motion of the hand and wrist. Thanks to the tendon transfer the function of the thumb, including the opposition, was achieved two months after the secondary surgery. Key words: defect of radius, tendon transfer, anaerobic infection, gas necrosis, microsurgery.

Bone metastases in neuroendocrine tumors.

Neuroendocrine tumors arise from various cells that form a part of the endocrine system and account for a small number of cases encountered by oncologists in clinical practice. The clinical incidence of these tumors used to be low, and newer imaging modalities have now begun to be used for detecting bone metastases at an earlier stage. Bone metastases arising from neuroendocrine tumors are a well-recognized complication. Their presence carries along a poor prognosis. Clinical symptoms are similar to those encountered in other forms of cancer that are complicated by bone metastasis. Over the last decade or so, the clinical detection, diagnostic methods and treatment strategies have changed dramatically, and new treatments are emerging slowly. The indolent course of neuroendocrine tumors and the development of bone metastasis have limited our current knowledge on how to best prevent and manage the condition. Current information available from clinical studies is marred by paucity and small sample sizes, making further clinical trials an absolute necessity. In this review, we discuss the current status in the diagnosis and management of bone metastases arising from neuroendocrine tumors (Fig. 3, Ref. 28).

Acute pain: a multifaceted challenge - the role of nimesulide.

BACKGROUND: This article summarizes the outcome from an international consensus meeting, which took place in Vienna on 4 November 2014. SCOPE: The aim of the meeting was to provide the state of the art on the pathophysiology and treatment of acute pain with special emphasis on nimesulide, a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) indicated for the treatment of acute pain and primary dysmenorrhea. Besides the data on the mechanisms of acute inflammatory pain and on the efficacy and safety of nimesulide in patients affected by different forms of acute pain, the clinical experience of attending experts was discussed based on selected case reports. RESULTS: The members of this consensus group recognized that nimesulide is a NSAID highly effective in the treatment of several painful situations with an acute inflammatory component including primary dysmenorrhea. Although safety concerns regarding nimesulide have emerged in recent years, both robust new epidemiological data and clinical experience confirm a positive benefit/risk profile of nimesulide in the treatment of several forms of acute pain. CONCLUSIONS: The members of this international consensus group concluded that nimesulide, when used appropriately, remains a particularly valuable and safe option for the treatment of several conditions characterized by the presence of acute inflammatory pain because of the rapid onset of the analgesic action, and the positive evidence-based benefit/risk profile.

Intercomparison of methods for coincidence summing corrections in gamma-ray spectrometry.

A comparison of the coincidence summing correction methods is presented. Since there are several ways for computing these corrections, each method has advantages and drawbacks that could be compared. This part of the comparison was restricted to point sources. The same experimental spectra, decay scheme and photon emission intensities were used by all the participants. The results were expressed as coincidence summing correction factors for several energies of (152)Eu and (134)Cs, and three source-to-detector distances. They are presented and discussed.

PAG: a potential tumour suppressor and how it all started. From immune signalling to neoplastic transformation.

Phosphoprotein associated with glycosphingolipid-enriched microdomains (PAG) also known as Csk-binding protein was first fully characterized in 2000. It was initially recognized as a ubiquitously expressed adaptor protein recruiting cytoplasmic C-terminal Src-kinase to the close proximity of plasma membrane-anchored Src-kinases thereby allowing Csk to impose its inhibitory potential on these kinases. A role of PAG was initially seen in negative regulation of immune reactions. Since the year 2000 other Csk-dependent and independent interactions have been discovered and some of them showed anti-oncogenic effects in experiment. According to current opinions, these findings place PAG in a position of tumour suppressor candidate.

Functional results in patients with sarcoma around the knee joint.

Authors evaluated functional outcomes after three different surgical procedures for sarcoma around the knee joint. Sixteen patients with sarcoma were given four to six preoperative courses of chemotherapy. Patients were separated into three groups according to the pattern of tumour excision. The first group underwent the resection of proximal fibula and tibialis anterior muscle resection, the second group underwent resection of distal femur or proximal tibia with total knee replacement, and the third group underwent radical amputation. The mean functional evaluations were 100, 95 and 80%. All marginal resections of proximal fibula resulted in excellent function. No local evidence of tumour recurrence was seen at mean follow-up of 24 months (Tab. 1, Fig. 2, Ref. 7).

Rafting in the membrane. A lesson learnt from lymphoproliferative disorders.

Lipid rafts are chemically distinct compartments of the plasma membrane. Their integrity is a prerequisite for vital cellular functions particularly for signalling and trafficking. Their perturbation is associated with development of a broad spectrum of diseases. Lipid rafts are also important for therapeutic effects of some drugs. Moreover, some of the raft associated molecules are useful immunohistochemical markers in routine histopathology.

Analytical efficiency curve for coaxial germanium detectors.

A new semi-empirical analytical expression of gamma-ray spectrometer efficiency curves has been proposed and a method for their parameters determination has been developed. The complete curve consists of two parts, first being the basic detector characterization curve of low number of parameters and second one being a corrective curve, which adjusts the final results to the required and achievable accuracy.

A modified method for the characterisation and activity determination of large area sources.

Large area sources emitting alpha and beta radiations, respectively, are often used for calibrations of surface contamination monitors and meters. It is well known, however, that their properties are strongly influenced by their construction and by their active layer preparation. Non-uniformity of activity distributions over the active surface and the thickness of absorption and backscattering layers cause changes not only in the ratio of particle emission rate and activity but also in emitted particle spectra distributions. Consequently, different sources need to be characterised by one or more parameters related to their emitted particle spectra and used for their activity determination. A modified method based on simple particle absorption spectrometry has been developed. The correlation between a source characteristic parameter and its radiation detection efficiency is utilised for its activity estimation.

Re-fixation in a lymph node revealing solution is a powerful method for identifying lymph nodes in colorectal resection specimens.

AIM: To verify an impact of a lymph node revealing solution (LRS) on the number of lymph nodes (LN) revealed in colorectal resection specimens. MATERIAL AND METHOD: Fifty-nine cases of rectosigmoid carcinomas divided into two subgroups-stage pT2&3 (20 cases) and ypT2&3 (with pre-operative radiotherapy-39 cases)-were formalin fixed for 42-72 h, serially sectioned and re-fixed in LRS containing ethanol, diethyl ether, glacial acetic acid, and formalin for 24 h. The number of LNs was matched to a control group consisting of 34 cases of colorectal carcinoma, 14 pT2&3 and 20 ypT2&3 rectosigmoid carcinomas examined routinely. Results were statistically tested by Student's t-test. RESULTS: In the study group the total number of revealed LNs was 869, range 1-48, average 14.7 per specimen, median 15. In the control group the number of LNs was 200, range 0-13, average 5.9 per specimen, median 6. The difference between the study and the control group was statistically significant (P = 0.05). CONCLUSION: Using LRS leads to a significant increase in the number of revealed LNs in colorectal resection specimens and makes it possible to find more than 12 LNs in a majority of stage pT2 and pT3 adenocarcinomas.

[Matrix-producing breast carcinoma with myoepithelial differentiation--description of 11 cases and review of literature aimed at histogenesis and differential diagnosis]. / Matrix produkující karcinom prsu s myoepiteliální diferenciací--popis 11 prípadu a prehled literatury se zamerením na histogenezi a diferenciální diagnostiku.

OBJECTIVE: Presentation of variable morphology of the so-called matrix-producing carcinoma, the rare variant of metaplastic breast carcinoma. Establish the extent of myoepithelial phenotype by immunohistochemistry and assess behaviour of the lesion. DESIGN: Review of clinicopathologic data of 11 cases. SETTING: Private Biopsy Lab s.r.o., Pilsen and Sikl's Department of Pathology, Charles University and Faculty Hospital, Pilsen. METHODS: Included are eleven cases from Breast Registry, Biopsy Lab s.r.o., Pilsen and Pathology Department, Faculty Hospital in Hradec Králové and Martin and from Biopsy Lab in Horovice. Analyzed were morphology, stage, grade and follow up. Myoepithelial phenotype was demonstrated immunohistochemically by LSAB+ system (DAKO) and seven conventional myoepithelial markers (GFAP, aktin S, calponin, cytokeratin 14, p63, CD10 and P-cadherin) were used. Oncogene p53 and Her2/neu were also detected. RESULTS: Matrix-producing carcinoma is an extremely rare type of metaplastic carcinoma of the breast, where high-grade epithelial component continually merges with heterologous mesenchymal chondroid component without overt spindle cell sarcomatoid pattern in between. There were all women at the age of 32 to 86-years (average 54 years, median 52 years) and the maximum tumor diameter ranged from 18 to 60 mm (average 32 mm). The axillary LN was positive in six cases in the time of diagnosis. The follow up available in 9 women ranged from three months to ten years (average 24 months); dissemination of the disease was observed in three cases; 2 of these patients died of disease after three and ten years, respectively. The heterologous mesenchymal chondroid component was produced in two different ways; one displayed typical structure of low-grade hyaline cartilage, in the second one the epithelial tumorous cells were embedded in the homogenous eosinophilic extracellular matrix giving appearance of chondroid aura. Metaplastic component constituted 5-75% of the tumor volume. Immunohistochemical evidence of myoepithelial differentiation in all neoplasms was demonstrated, with at least two conventional myoepithelial markers (actin S, calponin, GFAP, CK14, CD10, p63 and P-cadherin) being positive in every case. Expression of p53 was identified in six cases, all tumors were Her2/neu negative. Histologically the metastases were formed either by carcinoma cells only, or more frequently, they replicated the structure of primary lesion. CONCLUSION: As a rare entity, matrix-producing carcinoma of breast displaying myoepithelial phenotype, deserves separate position in tumor classification. It differs from conventional myoepithelial carcinoma and from heterologous metaplastic carcinoma, where the matrix emanate from undifferentiated sarcomatous tissue, but precise histogenesis in not clear yet. This is a very aggressive lesion and our findings show that previous reports of indolent behaviour were preliminary. Spectrum of differential diagnosis, namely benign mixed tumor, phylloid tumor, primary breast sarcoma and colloid carcinoma warrant clear knowledge about this unique entity.

Comparison of ionization chamber efficiencies for activity measurements.

The calibration of ionization chamber measuring systems in terms of activity is described. The energy-dependent efficiency curves of three chambers at the Bureau International des Poids et Mesures, the National Physical Laboratory and the Physikalisch-Technische Bundesanstalt are determined and compared using a fitting procedure for the experimental radionuclide efficiencies by the Microsoft (MS) EXCEL Solver program. An estimation of the uncertainty of the efficiency curves and the deviations of experimental and calculated radionuclide efficiencies are given. By this fitting method, discrepancies in the efficiency determination can be detected at a level of about one percent. Systematic deviations entering into the calculations either from emission probabilities per decay or from absolute activity standardization are discussed.

Fitting methods for constructing energy-dependent efficiency curves and their application to ionization chamber measurements.

An ionization chamber without and with an iron liner (absorber) was calibrated by a set of radionuclide activity standards of the Physikalisch-Technische Bundesanstalt (PTB). The ionization chamber is used as a secondary standard measuring system for activity at the Slovak Institute of Metrology (SMU). Energy-dependent photon-efficiency curves were established for the ionization chamber in defined measurement geometry without and with the liner, and radionuclide efficiencies were calculated. Programmed calculation with an analytical efficiency function and a nonlinear regression algorithm of Microsoft (MS) Excel for fitting was used. Efficiencies from bremsstrahlung of pure beta-particle emitters were calibrated achieving a 10% accuracy level. Such efficiency components are added to obtain the total radionuclide efficiency of photon emitters after beta decay. The method yields differences of experimental and calculated radionuclide efficiencies for most of the photon-emitting radionuclides in the order of a few percent.

Osteoid osteoma of olecranon process of ulna in subchondral location.

We present a case of a 15-year-old girl with osteoid osteoma in an unusual subchondral localization of the olecranon. Unspecific complaints and minimal X-ray findings at the onset of the disease led to an incorrect diagnosis and more than 2 years of inefficient treatment.

Cardiac rhabdomyosarcoma.

Cardiac sarcoma is a very rare neoplasm and is difficult to diagnose. The case of a 51-year-old man with a left atrial tumour, locally recurrent three months after its surgical removal, is presented. Computed tomography showed metastatic spread to the lung parenchyma. On revised histology, the mass extirpated was a sarcoma. Because of the metastatic spread, further therapy was symptomatic only; the patient died 15 months after the first manifestation of his problems. Immunohistochemical staining confirmed cardiac rhabdomyosarcoma with metastatic spread to the lungs. Difficulty in diagnosing and treating cardiac tumours is discussed.