Application of generative language models to orthopaedic practice.

OBJECTIVE: To explore whether large language models (LLMs) Generated Pre-trained Transformer (GPT)-3 and ChatGPT can write clinical letters and predict management plans for common orthopaedic scenarios. DESIGN: Fifteen scenarios were generated and ChatGPT and GPT-3 prompted to write clinical letters and separately generate management plans for identical scenarios with plans removed. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Letters were assessed for readability using the Readable Tool. Accuracy of letters and management plans were assessed by three independent orthopaedic surgery clinicians. RESULTS: Both models generated complete letters for all scenarios after single prompting. Readability was compared using Flesch-Kincade Grade Level (ChatGPT: 8.77 (SD 0.918); GPT-3: 8.47 (SD 0.982)), Flesch Readability Ease (ChatGPT: 58.2 (SD 4.00); GPT-3: 59.3 (SD 6.98)), Simple Measure of Gobbledygook (SMOG) Index (ChatGPT: 11.6 (SD 0.755); GPT-3: 11.4 (SD 1.01)), and reach (ChatGPT: 81.2%; GPT-3: 80.3%). ChatGPT produced more accurate letters (8.7/10 (SD 0.60) vs 7.3/10 (SD 1.41), p=0.024) and management plans (7.9/10 (SD 0.63) vs 6.8/10 (SD 1.06), p<0.001) than GPT-3. However, both LLMs sometimes omitted key information or added additional guidance which was at worst inaccurate. CONCLUSIONS: This study shows that LLMs are effective for generation of clinical letters. With little prompting, they are readable and mostly accurate. However, they are not consistent, and include inappropriate omissions or insertions. Furthermore, management plans produced by LLMs are generic but often accurate. In the future, a healthcare specific language model trained on accurate and secure data could provide an excellent tool for increasing the efficiency of clinicians through summarisation of large volumes of data into a single clinical letter.

Distal periarterial sympathectomy surgery for chronic digital ischemia: A systematic review of the literature.

Objective: This study assesses the efficacy of distal periarterial sympathectomy in treating chronic digital ischemia by evaluating clinical outcomes of surgery. Methods: A systematic literature review of distal sympathectomy for chronic digital ischemia was conducted. Data extracted included study design, patient statistics, aetiology, follow-up duration, sympathectomy level, and surgical outcomes. Results: 21 studies were analysed, containing a total of 337 patients, 324 hands, and 398 digits. Patient age ranged from 23.2 to 56.6 years. Causes of ischemia included Scleroderma, Raynaud's disease, atherosclerosis/Buerger's disease, systemic lupus erythematosus/discoid lupus, undifferentiated rheumatic disorder/mixed connective tissue disease, CREST syndrome, trauma and unknown diagnoses. Common digital artery sympathectomy was mostly performed. Follow-up spanned 12-120 months. Outcomes: Distal sympathectomy led to reduced pain in 94.7 % patients. Complete resolution of ulceration was seen in 73 % patients. Subsequent amputation was required in 28 % patients. Other complications were reported in 24.1 % patients. Conclusions: This study indicates that distal periarterial sympathectomy may effectively treat chronic digital ischemia, offering pain relief and resolution of digital ulceration. However, risks of complications and amputation persist. Further research is required to inform patient selection and establish the optimal technique and extent of distal sympathectomy surgery, before it can be considered a valid treatment option.

Trapeziectomy with Abductor Pollicis Longus Tendon Interposition Arthroplasty for First Carpometacarpal Joint Osteoarthritis: A Systematic Review.

Background: The prevalence of osteoarthritis (OA) of the first carpometacarpal (CMC) joint and subsequent thumb disability is rising. Abductor pollicis longus tendon interposition arthroplasty (APLTIA) has gained popularity as a procedure to alleviate pain and restore thumb function. Methods: A systematic review was performed to assess the current reported outcomes of APLTIA. Inclusion criteria involved clinical studies with case-series as the minimal accepted level of evidence. Our primary outcome focussed on PROMs data, whilst secondary outcomes focussed on objective measures of function and complications. Papers investigating pathologies other than CMC OA or procedures other than APLTIA were excluded. Results: Twelve studies were included (485 thumbs), all of which were observational in study design. APLTIA appears to be associated with a reduction in pain and functional improvement. APLTIA was not found to complicate further surgery. Conclusion: APLTIA may be associated with improvement in short-term pain relief and functional status. Further research is required to evaluate the benefits, duration of relief and long-term outcomes of APLTIA.

Sarcoidosis of the ear, nose and throat: A review of the literature.

OBJECTIVES: Sarcoidosis is a multisystemic inflammatory disease with extrathoracic manifestations, most commonly affecting the young and middle-aged, female and Black populations. Diagnosis usually requires evidence of non-caseating granulomata and, when treated, prognosis is usually favourable. We aim to establish the incidence, clinical features and optimal treatment of ENT manifestations of this disease. DESIGN: We performed a PubMed literature review to determine the evidence base supporting this. RESULTS: ENT manifestations are present in 5%-15% of patients with sarcoidosis, often as a presenting feature, and require vigilance for swift recognition and coordinated additional treatment specific to the organ. Laryngeal sarcoidosis presents with difficulty in breathing, dysphonia and cough, and may be treated by speech and language therapy (SLT) or intralesional injection, dilatation or tissue reduction. Nasal disease presents with crusting, rhinitis, nasal obstruction and anosmia, usually without sinus involvement. It is treated by topical nasal or intralesional treatments but may also require endoscopic sinus surgery, laser treatment or even nasal reconstruction. Otological disease is uncommon but includes audiovestibular symptoms, both sensorineural and conductive hearing loss, and skin lesions. CONCLUSIONS: The consequences of ENT manifestations of sarcoidosis can be uncomfortable, disabling and even life-threatening. Effective management strategies require good diagnostic skills and use of specific therapies combined with established treatments such as corticosteroids. Comparisons of treatment outcomes are needed to establish best practice in this area.

Quadricuspid aortic valve: a case report and review of the literature.

Quadricuspid aortic valve (QAV) is a rare congenital anomaly that can present as aortic insufficiency later in life. We report a case of aortic regurgitation associated with a QAV, treated by aortic valve replacement. The patient presented with breathlessness, lethargy and peripheral oedema. Echocardiography and cardiac magnetic resonance revealed abnormal aortic valve morphology and coronary angiography was normal. The presence of a quadricuspid aortic valve was confirmed intra-operatively. This was excised and replaced with a bioprosthetic valve and the patient recovered well postoperatively. Importantly, the literature indicates that specific QAV morphology and associated structural abnormalities can lead to complications. Hence, early detection and diagnosis of QAV allows effective treatment. Aortic valve surgery is the definitive treatment strategy in patients with aortic valve regurgitation secondary to QAV. However, the long-term effects and complications of treatment of this condition remain largely unknown.

Periorbital necrotising fasciitis with underlying undiagnosed hepatitis C infection.

We report the case of a 56-year-old man, previously well, who presented with a spontaneous right-sided periorbital necrotising soft tissue infection and subsequently found to have undiagnosed hepatitis C and liver cirrhosis. The patient presented with rapid onset right eye pain, periorbital swelling and septic shock. CT scan revealed diffuse inflammatory changes to the soft tissue anterior to the right eye. The initial treatment included intravenous antibiotics, emergency debridement of necrotic tissue and admission to intensive care. Group A streptococcus was cultured from the debrided tissue. The patient developed decompensated liver failure and life-threatening haematemesis. Liver screening detected hepatitis C positive serology, the only risk factor for which was an old tattoo. The patient was effectively managed by early involvement of multiple clinical teams. We review the literature surrounding periorbital necrotising fasciitis, discuss the evidence for hepatic disorders as a potential cause and make recommendations for managing these patients.

GPRC6a is not required for the effects of a high-protein diet on body weight in mice.

OBJECTIVE: The G-protein coupled receptor family C group 6 member A (GPRC6A) is activated by proteinogenic amino acids and may sense amino acids in the gastrointestinal tract and the brain. The study investigated whether GPRC6A was necessary for the effects of low- and high-protein diets on body weight and food intake in mice. METHODS: The role of GPRC6A in mediating the effects of a low-protein diet on body weight was investigated in GPRC6a knockout (GPRC6a-KO) and wild-type (WT) mice fed a control diet (18% protein) or a low-protein diet (6% protein) for 9 days. The role of GPRC6A in mediating the effects of a high-protein diet on body weight was investigated in GPRC6a-KO and WT mice fed a control diet (18% protein) or a high-protein diet (50% protein) for 5 weeks. RESULTS: A high-protein diet reduced body weight gain and food intake compared with a control diet in both WT and GPRC6a-KO mice. A low-protein diet decreased body weight gain in GPRC6a-KO mice. CONCLUSIONS: GPRC6A was not necessary for the effects of a low- or high-protein diet on body weight and likely does not play a role in protein-induced satiety.