Return to Play and Functional Outcomes Following Treatment of Acute Achilles Tendon Ruptures: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Return to play (RTP) and functional outcomes are critical to treatment success for acute Achilles tendon rupture (AATR). This systematic review and meta-analysis explored treatment superiority essential in optimal treatment selection concerning individual patients and their expectations regarding RTP and functional outcomes. This study was in accordance with the preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses guidelines. The included studies were assessed regarding the level and quality of evidence. Fixed-effects models were employed for I2 < 25% and random-effects models for I2 ≥ 25%. The RTP rate meta-analysis of surgical vs conservative treatment revealed no significant difference. This was similar to the subgroup analysis of open repair and conservative treatment. The RTP rate and Achilles Tendon Total Rupture Score (ATRS) meta-analysis of open repair + earlier rehabilitation (ER) vs + later rehabilitation (LR) also revealed no significant differences. The mean time to RTP meta-analysis of open repair + ER vs + LR showed that open repair + ER was significantly favored (-4.19 weeks; p = .002). The ATRS meta-analysis of conservative treatment with ER vs with LR revealed no significant difference. This meta-analysis has revealed that the RTP rates following treatment of AATR are high. Therefore, the decision for surgical vs conservative treatment or open repair + ER vs + LR for AATR should not be selected based on the expectation of RTP. However, open repair + ER can be advocated over + LR for reduced mean time to RTP.

Postoperative complications of S2AI versus iliac screw in spinopelvic fixation: a meta-analysis and recent trends review.

BACKGROUND CONTEXT: Iliac screw constructs have been a major advancement in spinopelvic fixation demonstrating superior biomechanics as compared with earlier pelvic spanning constructs. However, drawbacks such as screw site prominence and wound complication have led to the development of a lower profile S2AI iliac screw. PURPOSE: In this study, we aimed to study the differences in complication rates between the traditional iliac and S2AI fixations via a pooled analysis of the available head-to-head comparisons between S2AI and iliac screws. We also aimed to study the iliac screw complications trend over the years particularly with reference to recent modifications in its screw insertion techniques. STUDY DESIGN: A meta-analysis with attention to the comparison of patients who underwent iliac screws and S2AI screws was conducted. METHODS: The following databases were utilized: PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, Embase, and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials database. Using the search terms: iliac, iliac bolts, S2AI, sacral 2 alar iliac, sacral two alar iliac, reviewers independently selected eligible studies, analyzed data and evaluated the risk of bias. Data analysis was conducted using RevMan 5.3 software. RESULT: A total of 215 articles were identified, with 6 clinical studies directly comparing outcomes of S2AI pelvic fixation versus iliac screw fixation. A total of 477 patients were included, of which 255 patients (53.5%) underwent S2AI screw and 222 (46.5%) underwent iliac screw fixation. Our pooled analysis favored S2AI screws with regards to postoperative complications of screw prominence (odds ratio [OR]=5.99, 95% confidence interval [CI]=2.168-16.523, p<.001), screw loosening (OR=3.36, 95% CI=1.415-7.998, p=.006), implant breakage (OR=2.30, 95% CI=1.189-4.443, p=.013), and revision surgery (OR=7.84, 95% CI=3.224-19.080, p<.001). Although there was a trend toward more wound complications in conventional iliac screw techniques when compared with S2AI, it was not statistically significant. CONCLUSION: Spinopelvic fixation is an evolving technique. The results from this study showed that S2AI screws with a lower profile have made a significant impact in reducing complications associated with conventional iliac screws. With recent entry point modification and further advancement in the conventional iliac screw technique, such as the "subcrestal iliac screw technique" which reduces the iliac screw complication rate but avoids S2AI-associated SIJ violation. Further studies may be needed to investigate whether these newer iliac screw techniques can narrow the difference in complication rates between iliac screws and S2AI screw techniques.

Results of the modified Pirogoff amputation with cannulated screws for diabetic foot infection.

INTRODUCTION: Syme amputation has been shown to have value in patients with diabetic foot infections, but it has inherent drawbacks. A potential alternative is the modified Pirogoff amputation. Our objective was to evaluate the outcome of modified Pirogoff amputation using internal fixation with 6.5-mm cannulated screws in the management of diabetic foot. METHODS: This is a prospective study of 13 patients admitted from January 2012 to June 2015. Inclusion criteria were infection limited to the forefoot, presence of a palpable posterior tibial pulse and an ankle-brachial index of more than 0.7. Internal fixation of the calcaneum to the tibial was performed using two 6.5-mm cannulated screws under image intensifier control. RESULTS: In ten cases, the wounds were healed at three weeks. Osseous union was observed in ten cases; the time taken for its occurrence was 2-5 months. Removal of screws was performed in five cases. Five cases developed technical complications of screw tract infection, with two cases having distal screw migration. Good results, defined as cases not requiring a below-knee amputation for two years postoperatively, were obtained in 10 (77%) cases. At the three-year follow-up, three additional cases required proximal amputation, leaving 7 (54%) cases with good outcomes. CONCLUSION: Our prospective study showed that with careful selection of patients, good postoperative results can be obtained. There is a definite role for modified Pirogoff amputation in the management of diabetic foot problems.

Minimally Invasive Dual Iliac-Screw and Dual-Rod Construct: A Case Report Describing Optimal Subcrestal Iliac-Screw Entry Points in the Surgical Treatment of Metastatic Lumbosacral Fracture.

BACKGROUND AND IMPORTANCE: Dual iliac-screw and dual-rod fixation provides additional stability to lumbopelvic constructs and can be employed in management of neoplastic disease with extensive osseous involvement. Optimal iliac-screw positioning is vital to achieve the desired dual iliac-screw and dual-rod linkage. CLINICAL PRESENTATION: In this report, we describe our technique with particular focus on subcrestal iliac-screw entry point position using a 4-quadrant teardrop radiological view concept in a case of minimally invasive L3-iliac spinopelvic fixation using dual iliac-screw and dual-rod for a patient with pathological sacral fracture. At the last follow-up 20 mo postsurgery there was minimal axial and radicular pain and no evidence of screw prominence. Radiographs showed no evidence of construct failure. CONCLUSION: The 4-quadrant teardrop concept provides a good visual reference for optimal subcrestal screw placement when employing a dual iliac-screw and dual-construct.

Minimally invasive dual iliac screw, dual rod fixation in a rare case of pathological sacral fracture from a paraganglionoma: a technique description.

The management of lumbosacral neoplastic disease can be demanding, often requiring complex reconstruction. In the context of extensive sacral involvement, the risk of iliac screw breakage is greater. Few studies advocate the use of dual iliac screw techniques to reduce implant failure. In this report, the authors have described the first case of percutaneous dual iliac screw, dual rod insertion as part of a minimally invasive spinopelvic stabilization in a patient with a sacral fracture from a paraganglionoma. The patient underwent percutaneous L-2 to ilium fixation. A dual iliac screw, dual rod construct was used for stabilizing the left lumbopelvic junction. At the 1-year follow-up, the patient remained asymptomatic, with radiographs showing no signs of instrumentation failure. Minimally invasive dual iliac screw, dual rod fixation is a viable option in cases in which additional stability is required due to extensive neoplastic disease or active individuals have increased functional demands. Short-term results in this report are encouraging; however, more research is warranted to establish the procedure's long-term safety.

Gallstone Disease After Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy in an Asian Population-What Proportion of Gallstones Actually Becomes Symptomatic?

BACKGROUND: Despite evidence on gallstone disease after laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG), there is an existing lack of consensus on practice guidelines, i.e., surveillance and stone-lowering prophylaxis. Available evidence also has a racial bias as western reports predominate current data. Considering the growing popularity of LSG in Asia and the unique Asian anthropometrics, we have attempted to provide a regional perspective by reviewing our LSG database to investigate the epidemiology of this complication. METHODS: One hundred two morbidly obese cases were retrospectively reviewed. Abdominal ultrasounds were conducted preoperatively and at 12-month post-op. No gallstone-lowering prophylaxis was used. Outcome measure was the incidence of new gallstone formation at 1 year and the rate of symptomatic stones during the follow-up period. RESULTS: Mean age was 43 years (range 20-68) with average initial BMI of 41.68 kg/m2. Preoperative gallstones were present in 14 (13.7%) cases. At 12-month post-op, 24 (27.5%) patients with no previous gallstone disease developed new stones. Within the mean follow-up period of 28.4 months, only one case (0.9%) developed gallstone complication requiring a cholecystectomy. We found no statistical difference in demographics, BMI variables (initial BMI, ΔBMI at 6 months and 1 year), and comorbidities between patients with new gallstone and those without stones. CONCLUSION: Our results match western data in that gallstone formation is common after LSG though incidence of complicated stones is small. This is despite not using gallstone-lowering prophylaxis. The low conversion rate also questions the relevance of surveillance screening, as most patients with new gallstones remain asymptomatic at least in the short-term follow-up.

Minimally invasive iliac screw fixation in treating painful metastatic lumbosacral deformity: a technique description and clinical results.

INTRODUCTION: Pelvic fixation via iliac screws is a crucial technique in stabilizing metastatic lumbosacral deformity. MIS iliac screw fixation avoids complications of an open approach and is a viable palliative option in treating patients with painful instability and advanced disease, unsuited for major reconstruction. In this paper we describe the use of MIS iliac screw fixation in treatment of painful metastatic LSJ deformity, highlighting our treatment rationale, selection criteria, technical experience and outcomes. METHODS: Five patients with lumbosacral metastatic deformity who underwent MIS lumbopelvic stabilization using iliac screws were prospectively studied. Patients had severe axial back pain in erect posture with significant resolution when supine. All patients had advanced disease with unfavorable tumor scores for major spinal reconstruction. RESULTS: Mean cohort age was 62 years. Median pre-op SIN and Tokuhashi scores were 13 and 9, respectively. All patients were instrumented successfully without conversion to open technique. Mean preoperative and postoperative Cobb angle was 11° and 5.4°, respectively. There were no neurological deficits or wound complications postop. Postoperative CT scans showed no iliac screw and sacroiliac joint bony violation. Mean time for commencement of adjuvant therapy was 2.8 weeks. Average follow-up was 13.2 months. No screw breakage, wound complication, symptomatic implant prominence and SI joint pain were noted at last follow-up. CONCLUSION: MIS iliac screw fixation is feasible, reproducible and can be employed without complications in metastatic spine. This opens a new avenue of surgical management for metastatic lumbosacral disease patients, who otherwise may be inoperable and provide better soft tissue control and earlier postoperative adjuvant treatment opportunity.

Cervical intradural abscess masquerading as an epidural collection.

Intradural spinal cord abscesses especially in the cervical spine are a rare occurrence. We report a rare presentation of an intradural extramedullary abscess at the atlantoaxial level, initially misdiagnosed as an epidural collection. The patient presented with worsening quadriparesis preceded by a 2-week history of upper respiratory tract infection and neck pain. Magnetic resonance imaging showed evidence of an epidural abscess on the left side abutting the cervicomedullary junction. We performed occipitocervical fixation and surgical decompression. Absence of a suspected epidural abscess led us to consider a durotomy, and an intradural abscess was recognized and drained. Presence of an intradural abscess, though extremely rare, must always be considered in suspected spinal epidural collections as radiological and clinical findings are indistinguishable between the two conditions.

Gene expression of TRK neurotrophin receptors in advanced neuroblastomas in Singapore--a pilot study.

The clinical hallmark of neuroblastoma is heterogeneity. Biologically, ploidy and N-Myc amplification are currently the only 2 features used to define risk group and to determine therapy. Tyrosine kinase neurotrophin receptors (Trks, including TrkA, TrkB, and TrkC) are important in the clinical and biological behavior of neuroblastomas. The authors aim to study Trks gene expression in their local population of advanced neuroblastoma patients. Multiplex reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) assay on the expression of TrkA, TrkB, TrkB-truncated, and TrkC was performed on a total of 19 advanced neuroblastoma archival tumors, diagnosed in KK Women's and Children's Hospital between 2003 and 2007. Of the 19 tumors investigated, Trks expression was present in 14 (73.6%) cases. Of these cases, 8 (42.1%), 10 (52.6%), 7 (36.8%), and 6 (31.6%) expressed TrkA, TrkB, TrkB-truncated, and TrkC receptor mRNAs, respectively. Subsequently, the authors compared Trks expression with N-Myc amplification status of the 19 patients. N-Myc was amplified in 5 (26.3%) of the cases. Within the non-N-Myc-amplified group, Trks expression was present in 9 (64%) of the 14 cases. The significant expression of Trk isoforms among advanced neuroblastoma cases as evident from this study support their role as possible risk assessment tools alongside N-Myc amplification status.

Migraine and patent foramen ovale: exploring the association and a possible treatment option.

Migraine is a very common type of headache. With a prevalence of 10-12%, migraine ranks 19th among diseases causing worldwide morbidity. Number of studies have shown a high prevalence of patent foramen ovale (PFO) in patients with migraine, especially migraine with aura. The right to left shunting of blood in a PFO could serve as a conduit for chemicals that would exert a trigger effect on hyper excitable neurons leading to the development of migraine. Furthermore patients with PFO and migraine also show a marked improvement in their symptoms after percutaneous closure of the PFO. This review is a close look at this association and also explores whether subsequent closure of the shunt can be looked upon as a viable treatment option.