Preoperative carbohydrate drink in fast-track primary total knee arthroplasty: a randomized controlled trial of 168 patients.

A key component in fast-track total knee arthroplasty (TKA) is early mobilization. Preoperative fasting might cause orthostatic hypotension and -intolerance which both can interfere with early mobilization. It was hypothesized that consuming a carbohydrate drink 2-3 hours prior to surgery is a viable option to reduce orthostatic hypotension, and as a result, improve rehabilitation. In this randomized controlled trial, all consecutive unilateral primary TKA patients were reviewed for eligibility. Exclusion criteria were American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) class above 3, older than 80 years of age, Diabetes Mellitus, and an insufficient comment of Dutch language. Patients were distributed in two groups. The control group was allowed to eat till 6 hours and drink clear fluids till 2 hours before surgery (standard treatment). The intervention group consumed, additionally to the standard treatment, a carbohydrate drink 2-3 hours before surgery. Blood pressure was measured both lying and standing as a measure for orthostatic hypotension during first time postoperative mobilization on day of surgery. A total of 168 patients were included. Prevalence of orthostatic hypotension in the control- and intervention group was 24 patients (34%) and 14 patients (19%) respectively, (p=0.05). Prevalence of orthostatic intolerance was 13 patients (19%) in the control group and 9 patients (13%) in the intervention group (p=0.32). No drink related adverse events occurred. In conclusion, taking a carbohydrate drink 2-3 hours before TKA significantly lowers the number of patients with orthostatic hypotension in early mobilization. However, the clinical relevance of the carbohydrate drink has to be studied further.

Patient reported outcomes and implant survivorship after Total knee arthroplasty with the persona knee implant system: two year follow up.

BACKGROUND: More personalized implant designs for total knee arthroplasty might optimize the clinical outcome after surgery. One of these personalized implant designs is the Persona knee implant system (Zimmer Biomet, Warsaw, Indiana, USA). The primary objective of this study was to determine patient reported outcomes and implant survivorship of the Persona Knee system used in primary total knee arthroplasty, up to two years after surgery. METHODS: From November 2013 to July 2016 consecutive patients undergoing primary total knee arthroplasty were enrolled in a prospective observational cohort study at three centers. Preoperatively, at 6 weeks, 6 months, 1 and 2 years after surgery, patients completed the Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS), the Oxford Knee Score (OKS), the Knee Society Score (KSS, 2011, modified version) and the EQ-5D. Adverse Events were captured, assessed for relationship to device, and recorded in the study database. Furthermore, physical functioning was assessed by the orthopedic surgeon. Repeated measures analyses were performed on PROM scores. Kaplan Meier was used to calculate survivorship of the Persona Knee Implant System. RESULTS: A total of 146 total knee arthroplasties were performed. 61% (89/146) of the patients were female and mean age was 64.7 (± 6.9) years. Two years after surgery, one patient had a revision of the polyethylene insert because of a periprosthetic joint infection. Therefore, the Kaplan-Meier survival estimate at 2 years was 0.99 (0.95-1.00 95% CI). OKS increased from 22.1 (95% CI 20.9-23.3) to 41.8 (95% CI 40.6-43.1) two years after surgery. Furthermore, all other PROMs also increased from before surgery to 2 year postoperatively. CONCLUSION: The Persona Knee implant is safe and effective and the clinical results up to two years after surgery are promising. PROMs results are very good; pain, function and quality of life all improved greatly after TKA. Further studies are needed to determine the long term clinical performance of the Persona prosthesis. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Clinicaltrials.gov ( NCT02337244 ). Registered June 1st, 2015. Retrospectively registered.

[Patient expectations and satisfaction concerning total knee arthroplasty]. / Verwachtingen en tevredenheid bij totale knieprothese.

BACKGROUND: Approximately 5-10% of patients is dissatisfied after a total knee arthroplasty. Several studies suggest that unrealistic expectations contribute to this; however, a systematic overview of the literature is missing. DESIGN: Systematic literature review METHOD: Using a systematic search strategy, prospective and retrospective studies with a follow-up of a minimum of six months, were obtained from PubMed publisher, MEDLINE, Embase, Cochrane, PsycINFO, CINAHL, and Web-of-Science. The search terms included 'total knee arthroplasty', 'preoperative expectations' and 'patient satisfaction'. Two reviewers independently selected the studies. Two reviewers independently conducted the quality assessment. Finally, a best evidence synthesis was performed. RESULTS: The search yielded 6802 studies, of which eight met the inclusion criteria. Limited evidence was found that there is no significant relation between expectations and satisfaction regarding limitations in recreation, walking distance, use of a walking aid and expected time to full recovery. Conflicting evidence was found that high expectations regarding general improvement, pain reduction and limitations in activities of daily living are associated with more dissatisfaction. Moderate evidence was found that patients with unfulfilled expectations were more often dissatisfied. CONCLUSION: Limited prospective research has been published on the relationship between expectations and patient satisfaction concerning total knee arthroplasty. The outcomes are very heterogenous and conclusions from these outcomes should be treated carefully. Future research needs to be more standardised and should utilise validated questionnaires.

Chevron versus Mitchell osteotomy in hallux valgus surgery: a comparative study.

Good clinical results have been reported for chevron and Mitchell osteotomies in mild hallux valgus (HV). The primary aim of the present study was to compare first metatarsal shortening after chevron and Mitchell osteotomies in HV. The secondary outcome measures were the degree of valgus correction, metatarsalgia, and patient satisfaction. A total of 84 patients were included in the present study and were treated from 2005 to 2007; 42 patients were in each group. The outcome measurements-first metatarsal length, HV angle, 1-2 intermetatarsal angle, satisfaction, and metatarsalgia-were taken preoperatively and at follow-up. The Mitchell osteotomy resulted in a significantly larger decrease in the first metatarsal length. No significant difference in transfer metatarsalgia was found. Approximately 30% of patients were mildly or not satisfied after HV surgery. Mitchell osteotomy leads to a larger decrease in the first metatarsal length. Patients with metatarsalgia performed poorly, and no significant differences in metatarsalgia were found. Preventing postoperative metatarsalgia is important for a successful outcome after HV surgery.

Comparison of early versus late initiation of GnRH antagonist co-treatment for controlled ovarian stimulation in IVF: a randomized controlled trial.

STUDY QUESTION: What is the impact of initiating GnRH antagonist co-treatment for in vitro fertilization (IVF) on cycle day (CD) 2 compared with CD 6 on live birth rate (LBR) per started cycle and on the cumulative live birth rate (CLBR)? SUMMARY ANSWER: Early initiation of GnRH antagonist does not appear to improve clinical outcomes of IVF compared with midfollicular initiation. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY: During ovarian stimulation for IVF, GnRH antagonist co-treatment is usually administered from the midfollicular phase onwards. Earlier initiation may improve the follicular phase hormonal milieu and therefore overall clinical outcomes. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION: This open-label, multicentre randomized controlled trial was conducted between September 2009 and July 2011. A web-based program was used for randomization and 617 IVF-intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) patients were included. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS: Recombinant FSH (150-225 IU) was administered daily from CD 2 onwards in both groups. The study group (CD2; n = 308) started GnRH antagonist co-treatment on CD 2, whereas the control group (CD6; n = 309) started on CD 6. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE: There were no significant differences in clinical outcomes between the two groups. A non-significant trend towards a higher LBR per started cycle and CLBR was observed in the CD6 group compared with the CD2 group (LBR: 24.0 versus 21.5%, P = 0.5; CLBR: 29.9 versus 26.7%, P = 0.6). LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION: The study was terminated prematurely because no significant difference was observed in clinical outcomes after 617 inclusions. A much larger study population would be needed to detect a small significant difference in favour of either study arm, which raises the question of whether this would be relevant for clinical practice. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS: The present study shows that the additional treatment burden and costs of starting GnRH antagonist on CD 2 instead of on CD 6 are not justified, as early initiation of GnRH antagonist does not improve LBRs. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S): This study was partially supported by a grant from Merck Serono. O.H., M.J.C.E, A.V., P.A.D., R.E.B., G.J.E.O., C.A.G.H., G.C.D.M., H.J.V., P.F.M.H. and A.B. have nothing to declare. F.J.B. has received fees and grant support from the following companies (in alphabetic order): Ferring, Gedeon Richter, Merck Serono, MSD and Roche. B.J.C. has received fees and grant support from the following companies (in alphabetic order): Ferring, Merck Serono and MSD. C.B.L has received fees and grant support from the following companies (in alphabetic order): Auxogen, Ferring, Merck Serono and MSD. B.C.J.M.F. has received fees and grant support from the following companies (in alphabetic order): Andromed, Ardana, Ferring, Genovum, Merck Serono, MSD, Organon, Pantharei Bioscience, PregLem, Schering, Schering Plough, Serono and Wyeth. J.S.E.L. has received fees and grant support from the following companies (in alphabetic order): Ferring, Gennovum, MSD, Merck Serono, Organon, Schering Plough and Serono. N.S.M. has received fees and grant support from the following companies (in alphabetic order): Anecova, Ferring, Merck Serono, MSD, Organon and Serono. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: www.clinicaltrials.gov, no. NCT00866034.

Conservatively treated borderline ovarian tumours, followed by IVF treatment: a case series.

Borderline ovarian tumours (BOT) often affect young females, in whom conservative treatment may be desired in order to preserve fertility. It is unknown whether in vitro fertilisation (IVF) increases the risk of recurrent disease. This case-series will focus on four patients diagnosed with BOT, who were initially treated conservatively and subsequently received IVF. Five recurrences occurred prior to IVF and three recurrences occurred after IVF in three individuals. After a mean follow-up of 104 months after initial conservative treatment and 43 months after IVF treatment, all four patients were alive and disease-free.

[Fertility preservation in female oncology patients]. / Fertiliteitspreservatie bij vrouwen met kanker.

Four women were referred to the department ofGynaecology for fertility preservation. A 33-year-old nulliparous woman with breast cancer stage pT1cN0M0 underwent an IVF-ICSI cycle; five embryos were frozen. Pre-implantation genetic diagnosis (PGD) because of BRCA2 gene mutation carriage was not carried out and more recently follow-up oocyte donation options are being considered. A second, 32-year-old nulliparous woman with breast cancer stage pT2N1M0 underwent an IVF cycle; seven embryos were frozen. The third patient was a 14-year-old girl with osteosarcoma of the distal femur, who underwent a laparoscopic unilateral ovariectomy, one day after referral, and cortical tissue was frozen. The fourth patient was a 33-year-old nulliparous woman without partner, with non-Hodgkin lymphoma stage IIA. She underwent laparoscopic ovariectomy and cortical tissue was frozen. Infertility due to cancer treatment and fertility preservation options should be discussed early in treatment planning. Patients' expectations and fertility preservation limitations are important to consider. Fertility preservation options can be conducted in specialised hospitals under institutional review board approval. It still has an experimental status.

The open modified Bankart procedure: outcome at follow-up of 10 to 15 years.

We report the outcome of a modified Bankart procedure using suture anchors in 31 patients (31 shoulders) with a mean follow-up of 11 years (10 to 15). The mean age of the patients was 28 years (16 to 39). At follow-up, the mean Rowe score was 90 points (66 to 98) and the Constant score was 96 points (85 to 100). A total of 26 shoulders (84%) had a good or excellent result. The rate of recurrence varied between 6.7% and 9.7% and depended on how recurrence was defined. Two patients had a significant new injury at one and nine years, respectively after operation. The overall rate of instability (including subluxations) varied between 12.9% and 22.6%. All patients returned to work, with 29 (94%) resuming their pre-operative occupation and level of activity. Mild radiological osteoarthritis was seen in nine shoulders (29%) and severe osteoarthritis in one. We conclude that the open modified Bankart procedure is a reliable surgical technique with good long-term results.

Avascular osteonecrosis of the femoral head treated with a vascularized iliac bone graft: preliminary results and follow-up with radiography and MR imaging.

Treatment of avascular necrosis (AVN) of the femoral head with a vascularized iliac bone graft was studied in nine patients (12 hips). The condition of the femoral head was classified radiographically before and after surgery. Magnetic resonance (MR) imaging was performed to demonstrate the extent and signal intensity characteristics of the area of AVN and to assess the viability of the graft. The radiologic results were correlated with the clinical findings. Although radiography showed progression of disease in six patients, seven of the nine patients demonstrated clinical improvement. The MR imaging results correlated better with the clinical findings: MR imaging demonstrated progression of AVN in only two patients (two hips) and no progression or reduced necrosis in six patients (nine hips). Nine of the 11 grafts (eight patients) evaluated with MR imaging appeared viable after a mean follow-up of 50 months. MR imaging appears useful in assessing marrow changes and graft viability after treatment of AVN of the femoral head with a vascularized iliac bone graft.

[Complete rupture of the tendon of the biceps muscle of the thigh]. / Complete ruptuur van de M. biceps femoris-pees.

Complete rupture of the tendon of the M. biceps femoris proximal to its insertion is a rare occurrence. Relatively few patients have been recorded. We describe a patient with a complete rupture sustained as a result of a water skiing accident, viz. a fall over the stern wave. The case history was in accordance with a theory about the cause of this lesion--sudden overstretching of the hamstrings. The diagnosis was made by physical examination in the acute phase. With the patient in supine, 90 degrees flexed knees position and with isometric contraction of his hamstrings it is easy to mark and palpate a defect of the tendon just proximal to the caput fibulae. After operative reconstruction, a plaster cylinder was used for five weeks' postoperative immobilization. Five weeks after surgery, physical therapy was started, first to regain knee motion, and later to regain strength. Twelve weeks after surgery, the patient resumed working and recreational sports.

[The importance of health protection of the consumer in relation to veterinary drugs]. / Het belang van gezondheidsbescherming van de consument in relatie tot diergeneesmiddelen.

The responsibility of the Ministry of Welfare, Health and Cultural Affairs (WVC) and especially the task of the Veterinary Public Health Inspectorate (VI), and the research and advice of the National Institute of Public Health and Environmental Hygiene (RIVM) are described with regard to the Netherlands Veterinary Medicinal Products Act, now and in the future. The registration of these medicines is also necessary for the safety of the consumer; this holds both for the problems related to residues in products of animal origin, and for the problems with respect to bacterial resistance to antimicrobial drugs, because of therapeutic prescription of the same type of drugs in human patients. The admittance to the market of a veterinary drug will only take place after an adequate risk-evaluation with respect to human health, followed by risk-management; the latter implies the admittance policy and its control. The authors have the opinion that the internal quality control and quality assurance during the meat production chain has to be conducted by the producers themselves. The monitoring of this surveillance, and hence the external quality assurance, will remain a governmental responsibility to safeguard products of animal origin.