Graded response model fit, measurement invariance and (comparative) precision of the Dutch-Flemish PROMIS® Upper Extremity V2.0 item bank in patients with upper extremity disorders.

BACKGROUND: The Dutch-Flemish PROMIS® Upper Extremity (DF-PROMIS-UE) V2.0 item bank was recently developed using Item Response Theory (IRT). Unknown for this bank are: (1) if it is legitimate to calculate IRT-based scores for short forms and Computerized Adaptive Tests (CATs), which requires that the items meet the assumptions of and fit the IRT-model (Graded Response Model [GRM]);(2) if it is legitimate to compare (sub) groups of patients using this measure, which requires measurement invariance; and (3) the precision of the estimated patients' scores for patients with different levels of functioning and compared to legacy measures. Aims were to evaluate (1) the assumptions of and fit to the GRM, (2) measurement invariance and (3) (comparative) precision of the DF-PROMIS-UE v2.0. METHODS: Cross-sectional data were collected in Dutch patients with upper extremity disorders. Assessed were IRT-assumptions (unidimensionality [bi-factor analysis], local independence [residual correlations], monotonicity [coefficient H]), GRM item fit, measurement invariance (absence of Differential Item Functioning [DIF] due to age, gender, center, duration, and location of complaints) and precision (standard error of IRT-based scores across levels of functioning). To study measurement invariance for language [Dutch vs. English], additional US data were used. Legacy instruments were the Disability of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH), the QuickDASH and the Michigan Hand Questionnaire (MHQ). RESULTS: In total 521 Dutch (mean age ± SD = 51 ± 17 years, 49% female) and 246 US patients (mean age ± SD = 48 ± 14 years, 69% female) participated. The DF-PROMIS-UE v2.0 item bank was sufficiently unidimensional (Omega-H = 0.80, Explained Common Variance = 0.68), had negligible local dependence (four out of 1035 correlations > 0.20), good monotonicity (H = 0.63), good GRM fit (no misfitting items) and demonstrated sufficient measurement invariance. Precise estimates (Standard Error < 3.2) were obtained for most patients (7-item short form, 88.5%; standard CAT, 91.3%; and, fixed 7-item CAT, 87.6%). The DASH displayed better reliability than the DF-PROMIS-UE short form and standard CAT, the QuickDASH displayed comparable reliability. The MHQ-ADL displayed better reliability than the DF-PROMIS-UE short form and standard CAT for T-scores between 28 and 50. For patients with low function, the DF-PROMIS-UE measures performed better. CONCLUSIONS: The DF-PROMIS-UE v2.0 item bank showed sufficient psychometric properties in Dutch patients with UE disorders.

Eponymous terms in anterior shoulder stabilization surgery.

Shoulder dislocation and its treatment are probably as old as time. Surgical treatment has gained acceptance recently, especially in recurrent cases. Within roughly the last 100years, numerous treatment strategies have been developed and questions elucidated regarding the entity of shoulder instability. Shoulder instability holds many eponymous terms. By means of literature and historical research, we present the biographical background of some common eponymous terms and the original publication on which those terms are based. We describe the Perthes lesion, Bankart lesion and repair, Hill-Sachs lesion, Bristow-Latarjet procedure and Eden-Hybbinette procedure. Shoulder instability has been recognized and treated for many centuries. Before the invention of X-rays and the ability to intervene surgically, empirical reduction and time were the only feasible treatment options. Understanding of the pathophysiology of this problem and its corresponding treatment has kept increasing since the 19th century. The originators involved still have their name attached to the different signs and procedures. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: IV.

A systematic comparison of the closed shoulder reduction techniques.

PURPOSE: To identify the optimal technique for closed reduction for shoulder instability, based on success rates, reduction time, complication risks, and pain level. METHODS: A PubMed and EMBASE query was performed, screening all relevant literature of closed reduction techniques mentioning the success rate written in English, Dutch, German, and Arabic. Studies with a fracture dislocation or lacking information on success rates for closed reduction techniques were excluded. We used the modified Coleman Methodology Score (CMS) to assess the quality of included studies and excluded studies with a poor methodological quality (CMS < 50). Finally, a meta-analysis was performed on the data from all studies combined. RESULTS: 2099 studies were screened for their title and abstract, of which 217 studies were screened full-text and finally 13 studies were included. These studies included 9 randomized controlled trials, 2 retrospective comparative studies, and 2 prospective non-randomized comparative studies. A combined analysis revealed that the scapular manipulation is the most successful (97%), fastest (1.75 min), and least painful reduction technique (VAS 1,47); the "Fast, Reliable, and Safe" (FARES) method also scores high in terms of successful reduction (92%), reduction time (2.24 min), and intra-reduction pain (VAS 1.59); the traction-countertraction technique is highly successful (95%), but slower (6.05 min) and more painful (VAS 4.75). CONCLUSION: For closed reduction of anterior shoulder dislocations, the combined data from the selected studies indicate that scapular manipulation is the most successful and fastest technique, with the shortest mean hospital stay and least pain during reduction. The FARES method seems the best alternative.

A systematic and technical guide on how to reduce a shoulder dislocation.

OBJECTIVES: Our objective is to provide a systematic and technical guide on how to reduce a shoulder dislocation, based on techniques that have been described in literature for patients with anterior and posterior shoulder instability. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A PubMed and EMBASE query was performed, screening all relevant literature on the closed reduction techniques. Studies regarding open reduction techniques and studies with fracture dislocations were excluded. RESULTS: In this study we give an overview of 23 different techniques for closed reduction and 17 modifications of these techniques. DISCUSSION: In this review article we present a complete overview of the techniques, that have been described in the literature for closed reduction for shoulder dislocations. This manuscript can be regarded as a clinical guide how to perform a closed reduction maneuver, including several technical tips and tricks to optimize the success rate and to avoid complications. CONCLUSION: There are 23 different reduction techniques with 17 modifications of these techniques. Knowledge of the different techniques is highly important for a good reduction.

The Bristow-Latarjet procedure, a historical note on a technique in comeback.

The Bristow-Latarjet procedure is a well-known surgical technique designed to treat shoulder instability. In this procedure, the coracoid process is transferred to the glenoid rim, to serve as augmentation of an associated bony defect. Because long-term results following a soft tissue procedure (Bankart repair) reveal that up to 21 and 33 % of the patients might experience recurrent instability and with the advent of the arthroscopic coracoid transfer, there is renewed interest in this procedure to treat shoulder instability. The aim of this study is to provide a historical overview, with emphasis on the original inventors Bristow and Latarjet, the complications and following modifications regarding the surgical approach, the coracoid transfer and the arthroscopic technique. Level of evidence V.

Technique for instant stapling of the sigmoid mesentery and mesorectum in laparoscopic colorectal surgery.

BACKGROUND: Dissection of the mesentery of the distal sigmoid or rectum before transection with a linear stapler in laparoscopic colorectal surgery is time consuming, can cause irritating bleeding, and can harm the vascularization of the distal part of the bowel anastomosis. METHODS: A new linear stapling technique in laparoscopic colorectal surgery is presented. This technique is used to perform transection of the distal sigmoid or proximal rectum with a linear stapler by instant stapling of both the mesentery/mesorectal fat and the intestine instead of standard preliminary dissection. This technique was performed in a pilot study of 27 laparoscopic colorectal operations for benign or malignant disease. RESULTS: In none of the 27 patients was leakage of the anastomosis observed. CONCLUSIONS: This new technique is safe and effective. It saves time, avoids troublesome dissection of the mesentery/mesorectum, which can cause bleeding or damage to the bowel, and preserves vascularization of the distal part of the anastomosis.

Prevention of lens condensation in laparoscopic surgery by lens heating with a thermos flask.

Condensation on the scope lens as a result of differences between room and intraabdominal temperatures is a disturbing problem for laparoscopic surgeons. Despite the use of anti-lens condensation solutions, this cannot be entirely avoided. The authors report a simple, cheap, and effective method for preventing lens condensation by lens heating using a sterilized thermos flask filled with hot water.

Gunshots to the neck: selective angiography as part of conservative management.

Trauma units all over the world are faced with an ever-increasing number of gunshot injuries. While the traditional view is that exploration is mandatory for all gunshot wounds to the neck, this issue is now often debated amongst trauma surgeons. The aim of this particular study was to assess the outcome of gunshot wounds to the neck using a selective conservative approach. Haemodynamically stable patients were investigated with angiography. Only when this proved to be positive, the patient was surgically explored. The records of 116 patients presenting with a gunshot to the neck to our trauma unit over a 3-year-period were reviewed. We studied demographics, bullet track, clinical findings, diagnostic investigations, methods of treatment, time in hospital and outcome. Seventy of the 116 patients sustained a direct hit to the neck, in 46 patients the bullet traversed the face or chest first. Eighty-five patients presented with vascular injury, 61 with an injury to the airway, 32 with an injury to the pharynx or oesophagus, and 12 with sustained neurological damage. Angiography was performed in 89 patients and was positive in 12 patients. Lesions occurred in the common carotid artery (seven), the internal carotid artery (three), the external carotid artery (three), the vertebral artery (two) and the subclavian artery (one). Five patients had more than one lesion. In total 18 patients were treated operatively by performing a neck exploration. Four patients had emergency surgery for exsanguinating bleed. Fourteen had surgery after a positive diagnostic study; 12 after angiography, 2 after another positive investigation. Ten (8.6%) patients died; three during resuscitation, three during emergency exploration, two due to respiratory failure, one postoperative and one from the adult respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). Our results suggest that selective conservative management is a good treatment for gunshot wounds of the neck. In our experience angiography plays a key role in the detection of a major vascular injury requiring surgical exploration. Careful clinical assessment enhanced with the appropriate investigations is the cornerstone for deciding to explore a gunshot wound to the neck.