Outcomes of total hip arthroplasty using collared versus collarless uncemented HA-coated stems: a meta-analysis.

Purpose: to systematically review comparative studies reporting revision rates, clinical outcomes, or radiographic outcomes of total hip arthroplasty (THA) using collared versus collarless conventional-length uncemented hydroxyapatite (HA)-coated stems. Methods: In adherence with PRISMA guidelines, a literature search was performed on Medline, Embase, and Scopus. Comparative clinical studies were eligible if they reported outcomes of collared versus collarless uncemented HA-coated stems for primary THA. Two reviewers screened titles, abstracts, and full-texts to determine eligibility; then performed data extraction; and assessed the quality of studies according to Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) checklist. Results: The search returned 972 records, 486 were duplicates, and 479 were excluded after title/abstract/full-text screening. Three further studies were included from the references of eligible studies and from discussions with subject matter experts, resulting in 11 included studies. The JBI checklist indicated six studies scored ≥7 points and four studies ≥4 points. Pooled data revealed collared stems had significantly lower revision rates (OR = 0.45; 95% CI = 0.31-0.64) and subsidence (MD = -1 mm; 95% CI = -1.6--0.3), but no significant difference in intraoperative complication rates (OR = 0.94; 95% CI = 0.67-1.32) in the short term to mid-term. Unpooled data indicated that collared stems provide equivalent survival, equivalent or better outcomes, and equivalent or lower complication rates. Conclusion: In comparative studies, collared stems have lower revision rates than collarless stems, as well as equivalent or better clinical and radiographic outcomes. Differences could be due to a protective effect that the collar offers against subsidence, particularly in undersized or misaligned stems. Further studies are warranted to confirm long-term results and better understand differences between registry data and clinical studies.

Epidemiology of Musculoskeletal Injuries in Tennis Players During the French Open Grand Slam Tournament From 2011 to 2022.

Background: The epidemiology of musculoskeletal injuries at the Australian Open, Wimbledon, and US Open tennis tournaments has been investigated in recent studies; however, there is no published literature on the incidence of musculoskeletal injuries at the French Open. Purpose: To describe the incidence, location, and type of musculoskeletal injuries in tennis players during the French Open tournament from 2011 to 2022. Study Design: Descriptive epidemiology study. Methods: A review was performed of all injuries documented by a multidisciplinary medical team during the French Open from 2011 to 2022. All musculoskeletal injuries that occurred during the main draw of the female and male singles or doubles matches were included. Descriptive statistics were used to summarize the data. Injury locations were grouped into regions as well as into upper limb, trunk, and lower limb. Results: In total, there were 750 injuries in 687 tennis players, resulting in a mean of 62.5 injuries per tournament; however, there were no obvious trends in injury incidence over the time frame evaluated. The number of injuries in female and male players was similar (392 vs 358, respectively). The most common injury regions were the thigh/hip/pelvis (n = 156), ankle/foot (n = 114), and spine (n = 103). The most common injury types were muscle-related (n = 244), tendon-related (n = 207), and joint-related (n = 163), and the most affected muscles were the adductors (n = 45), rectus abdominis (n = 38), and lumbar muscles (n = 25). Conclusion: Over the 12-year period from 2011 to 2022 female and male players experienced similar numbers of musculoskeletal injuries, with most injuries occurring in the lower limbs compared with the upper limbs and trunk.

Primary Sclerosing Cholangitis: Gender Effects in Valencia's Low-Prevalence Region.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Recent studies point out to epidemiological changes in primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC). Our aims were to determine in PSC patients followed in several centers in a Mediterranean geographic area: (i) changes in baseline features and (ii) effect of gender on clinical course. METHODS: Retrospective multicenter study of PSC patients treated in 8 hospitals in a Mediterranean area between 2000 and 2021. Charts were reviewed compiling demographic, clinical, radiological, and histological variables. RESULTS: Cohort of 112 PSC patients included, 42% women, 70% diagnosed after 2010. Women were increasingly diagnosed in recent cohorts. The median time from diagnosis to the combined endpoint liver transplantation (Lt) and/or death was 6.9 years. Asthenia at diagnosis (p = 0.009) was associated with lower transplant-free survival, while diagnosis before 2005 was associated with greater LT-free survival (p < 0.001). By Cox regression, LT-free survival was not influenced by age, sex, or cirrhosis at the time of diagnosis. Women were found to have less jaundice at diagnosis (2 vs 14%; p = 0.013), higher prevalence of ANA antibodies (43.9 vs 15.7%; p = 0.003), and lower GGT levels at diagnosis (GGT 123 vs 209U/L; p = 0.014) than men. CONCLUSION: In an area traditionally considered to have low prevalence, the prevalence of affected women surpasses expectations based on existing literature. There appear to be gender-related variations in the presentation of the condition, highlighting the need for confirmation through larger-scale studies.

Consensus document from the Spanish Society for Liver Transplantation: enhanced recovery after liver transplantation.

The goal of the Spanish Society for Liver Transplantation (La Sociedad Española de Trasplante Hepático) is to promote and create consensus documents about current topics in liver transplantation with a multidisciplinary approach. To this end, in November 2022, the 10th Consensus Document Meeting was held, with the participation of experts from the 26 authorized Spanish liver transplantation programs. This edition discusses Enhanced Recovery After Liver Transplantation, dividing needed actions into three periods: preoperative, intraoperative and postoperative. The evaluated evidence and the consensus conclusions for each of these topics are described.

Consensus document from the Spanish Society for Liver Transplantation: Enhanced recovery after liver transplantation. / Documento de consenso de la Sociedad Española de Trasplante Hepático. Recuperación intensificada en trasplante hepático.

The goal of the Spanish Society for Liver Transplantation (Sociedad Española de Trasplante Hepático) is to promote and create consensus documents about current topics in liver transplantation with a multidisciplinary approach. To this end, in November 2022, the 10th Consensus Document Meeting was held, with the participation of experts from the 26 authorized Spanish liver transplantation programs. This edition discusses enhanced recovery after liver transplantation, dividing needed actions into 3periods: preoperative, intraoperative and postoperative. The evaluated evidence and the consensus conclusions for each of these topics are described.

Documento de consenso de la Sociedad Española de Trasplante Hepático. Recuperación intensificada en trasplante hepático / Consensus document from the Spanish Society for Liver Transplantation: Enhanced recovery after liver transplantation

La Sociedad Española de Trasplante Hepático tiene como objetivo la promoción y elaboración de documentos de consenso sobre temas de actualidad en trasplante hepático de abordaje multidisciplinario. Para ello, en noviembre de 2022 se celebró la 10.ª Reunión de Consenso, con la participación de representantes de los 26 programas de trasplante hepático españoles autorizados. En esta edición se abordó la recuperación intensificada tras el trasplante hepático y se dividieron las acciones en 3periodos, preoperatorio, intraoperatorio y postoperatorio. Se exponen a continuación las evidencias evaluadas y las consecuentes recomendaciones consensuadas.(AU)

The goal of the Spanish Society for Liver Transplantation (Sociedad Española de Trasplante Hepático) is to promote and create consensus documents about current topics in liver transplantation with a multidisciplinary approach. To this end, in November 2022, the 10th Consensus Document Meeting was held, with the participation of experts from the 26 authorized Spanish liver transplantation programs. This edition discusses enhanced recovery after liver transplantation, dividing needed actions into 3periods: preoperative, intraoperative and postoperative. The evaluated evidence and the consensus conclusions for each of these topics are described.(AU)

Documento de consenso de la Sociedad Española de Trasplante Hepático. Recuperación intensificada en trasplante hepático / Consensus document from the Spanish Society for Liver Transplantation: Enhanced recovery after liver transplantation

Resumen La Sociedad Española de Trasplante Hepático tiene como objetivo la promoción y elaboración de documentos de consenso sobre temas de actualidad en trasplante hepático de abordaje multidisciplinario. Para ello, en noviembre de 2022 se celebró la 10.ª Reunión de Consenso, con la participación de representantes de los 26 programas de trasplante hepático españoles autorizados. En esta edición se abordó la recuperación intensificada tras el trasplante hepático y se dividieron las acciones en 3 periodos, preoperatorio, intraoperatorio y postoperatorio. Se exponen a continuación las evidencias evaluadas y las consecuentes recomendaciones consensuadas. Abstract The goal of the Spanish Society for Liver Transplantation (Sociedad Española de Trasplante Hepático) is to promote and create consensus documents about current topics in liver transplantation with a multidisciplinary approach. To this end, in November 2022, the 10th Consensus Document Meeting was held, with the participation of experts from the 26 authorized Spanish liver transplantation programs. This edition discusses enhanced recovery after liver transplantation, dividing needed actions into 3 periods: preoperative, intraoperative and postoperative. The evaluated evidence and the consensus conclusions for each of these topics are described (AU)

Spontaneously ruptured hepatocellular carcinoma on non-cirrhotic liver: A prospective case series.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Spontaneous ruptured hepatocellular carcinoma is an uncommon complication, and there are scarce data about non-cirrhotic patients. Tumor treatment is not standardized and the risk of peritoneal dissemination is unclear. AIM: we analyzed the treatment and survival in patients with rHCC on non-cirrhotic liver. METHODS: One hundred and forty-one non-cirrhotic patients with hepatocellular carcinoma diagnosed by histology were included in a multicenter prospective registry (2018-2022). Seven of them (5%) presented with hemoperitoneum due to spontaneous rupture. RESULTS: Liver disease was associated in three patients (42.9%). A single nodule was detected in three cases (42.9%). One patient had vascular invasion and none extrahepatic spread. Initial hemostatic therapy and sequential treatment was individualized. Patients with single nodule were treated: resection (one case) with recurrence at 4 months treated with TACE and sorafenib. TACE/TAE followed by surgery (two cases) one in remission 43 months later, the other had liver recurrence at 18 months and was transplanted. Patients with multiple lesions were treated: TAE/emergency surgery and subsequent systemic therapy (two cases), one received lenvatinib (1-year survival) and the other sorafenib (5-month survival). TAE and surgery with subsequent systemic therapy (one case). Initial hemostatic surgery, dying on admission (one case). No patient developed intraperitoneal metastasis. All patients with multiple lesions died by tumor. The 3-year survival rate was 42.9%. CONCLUSIONS: Initial hemostasis was achieved in all patients by TAE/TACE or surgery. Subsequent treatment was individualized, based on tumor characteristics, regardless of rupture. Long-time remission could be achieved in single nodule patients.

Trasplante hepático por hemangioendotelioma hepático difuso / Liver transplantation for diffuse epithelioid hemangioendothelioma

RESUMEN El hemangioendotelioma epiteloide hepático (HEH) es un tumor vascular, de etiología no aclarada, extraordinariamente infrecuente. La ausencia de características clínicas, analíticas y radiológicas especificas dificulta su correcto diagnóstico. El tratamiento del HEH depende del tamaño y localización tumoral, la extensión extrahepática y la condición médica del paciente. Entre las posibles opciones se encuentra el trasplante hepático, que obtiene unos buenos resultados clínicos, aunque el riesgo de recidiva no es despreciable. Presentamos un nuevo caso de HEH tratado mediante trasplante hepático.

ABSTRACT Hepatic epithelioid hemangioendothelioma (HEHE) is an extremely rare vascular tumor of unclear etiology. The diagnosis is difficult due to the absence of specific clinical characteristics, laboratory tests results and radiological findings. The management of HEHE depends on tumor size, location, extrahepatic extension, and patients' medical status. Liver transplantation is one of the possible options with good clinical results, although the risk of recurrence is not negligible. We present a new case of HEHE managed with liver transplantation.

A novel device with pedicular anchorage provides better biomechanical properties than balloon kyphoplasty for the treatment of vertebral compression fractures.

PURPOSE: To compare the biomechanical behavior of vertebrae with vertebral compression fractures (VCF) treated by a novel system with pedicular anchorage (dowelplasty) versus balloon kyphoplasty. METHODS: Four cadaveric spines (T12-L5) were harvested, cleaned from soft tissues, and separated into vertebrae. Axial compressive loads were applied to each vertebra until a VCF was generated. Half of the vertebrae (n = 11) were instrumented using the "dowelplasty" system, consisting of a hollow titanium dowel anchored into the pedicle, through which a cannulated titanium nail is inserted and locked and through which cement is injected. The other half (n = 11) were instrumented using balloon kyphoplasty. Axial compressive loads were re-applied to each vertebra until fracture. Fracture load and fracture energy were calculated from load-displacement data for the pre- and post-treatment states. RESULTS: Compared to balloon kyphoplasty, dowelplasty granted greater net change in fracture load (373N; 95%CI,-331-1076N) and fracture energy (755Nmm; 95%CI,-563-2072Nmm). A sensitivity analysis was performed without L4 and L5 vertebrae from the dowelplasty group, since the length of the cannulated nails was too short for these vertebrae: compared to balloon kyphoplasty, dowelplasty granted an even greater net change in fracture load (680N; 95%CI,-96-1457N) and fracture energy (1274Nmm; 95%CI,-233-2781Nmm). CONCLUSION: Treating VCFs with dowelplasty grants increased fracture load and fracture energy compared to the pre-treatment state. Furthermore, dowelplasty grants greater improvement in fracture load and fracture energy compared to balloon kyphoplasty, which suggests that dowelplasty may be a good alternative for the treatment of VCF. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: level IV.

Sacroiliac joint MRI for diagnosis of ax-SpA: algorithm to improve the specificity of the current ASAS MRI criteria.

OBJECTIVE: To compare sacroiliac joint (SIJ) lesions on MRI in women with versus without axial spondyloarthritis (ax-SpA) and establish an algorithm to determine whether such lesions are due to ax-SpA. METHODS: This retrospective comparative study assessed bone marrow edema (BME), sclerosis, erosions, osteophytes, and ankylosis at the SIJ in two groups of women, one with and another without ax-SpA. Sensitivity and specificity were calculated for combinations/characteristics of lesions, using rheumatologists' assessment with assessment of spondyloarthritis international society (ASAS) criteria as the gold standard for diagnosis of ax-SpA. RESULTS: Compared to women without ax-SpA, women with ax-SpA had more BME (61% vs 17%, p < 0.001), sclerosis (40% vs 22%, p < 0.001), erosions (35% vs 5%, p < 0.001), and ankylosis (2% vs 0%, p = 0.007), but less osteophytes (5% vs 33%, p < 0.001). The ASAS MRI criteria yielded 59% sensitivity and 88% specificity, while a new algorithm achieved 56% sensitivity and 95% specificity using the following criteria: no osteophytes at the SIJ and either (i) BME at the SIJ with at least one dimension ≥ 8 mm or (ii) at least one erosion at the SIJ. CONCLUSIONS: We recommend the following pragmatic algorithm for MRI diagnosis of ax-SpA in women: no osteophytes at the SIJ and either (i) BME at the SIJ with at least one dimension ≥ 8 mm or (ii) at least one erosion at the SIJ. The false positive rate when using the new algorithm (3.3%) is less than half than when using the ASAS MRI criteria (7.7%); thus, its application in clinical practice could reduce overdiagnosis and prevent overtreatment of ax-SpA. CLINICAL RELEVANCE STATEMENT: The developed algorithm has a false-positive rate that is less than half than when using the ASAS MRI criteria (3.3% vs 7.7%), thus its application in clinical practice could reduce overdiagnosis and prevent overtreatment of axial spondyloarthritis. KEY POINTS: • Compared to women without axial spondyloarthritis (ax-SpA), women with ax-SpA had a significantly higher prevalence of bone marrow edema (BME), sclerosis, erosions, and ankylosis, but a significantly lower prevalence of osteophytes. • A new algorithm for positive ax-SpA based on sacroiliac joint MRI was developed: no osteophytes at the sacroiliac joint (SIJ) and either (i) BME at the SIJ with at least one dimension ≥ 8 mm or (ii) at least one erosion at the SIJ. • We recommend this new algorithm for diagnosis of ax-SpA in women, as it has a significantly better specificity than the assessment of spondyloarthritis international society (ASAS) MRI criteria and less than half the false positive rate; thus, its application in clinical practice could reduce overdiagnosis and prevent overtreatment of ax-SpA.

Excellent Clinical Outcomes and Return to Dance of 6 Active, Professional Ballet Dancers Aged Younger Than 40 Years at Total Hip Arthroplasty Through Direct Anterior Approach With a Custom Stem: A Case Report.

OBJECTIVE: To report clinical outcomes and return to dance after total hip arthroplasty (THA) by direct anterior approach (DAA) using custom stems in young, active, professional ballet dancers. DESIGN: Case report. SETTING: Tertiary. PATIENTS: Six active, professional ballet dancers younger than 40 years who intended to resume ballet after THA. INTERVENTIONS: Primary THA by muscle-sparing DAA using custom stems. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Return to dance, Oxford hip score (OHS), forgotten joint score (FJS), and satisfaction with surgery and pain using numeric rating scale (NRS). CTs were acquired 2 days after surgery to assess implant position. Descriptive statistics were used. RESULTS: The cohort comprised 4 women and 2 men aged 15 to 39 years. At 2.5 to 5.1 years of follow-up, all patients returned to professional ballet dance. Time to return to dance was 3 to 4 months for 3 patients and 12 to 14 months for 3 patients. Clinical scores were excellent, except for FJS in 1 patient who had considerable pain at her spine and ipsilateral foot. All patients were satisfied with surgery (NRS = 10). There were no complications, reoperations, or revisions. CTs confirmed that stems and cups were correctly positioned. CONCLUSIONS: All 6 young, active, professional ballet dancers who underwent THA by muscle-sparing DAA using custom stems returned to professional ballet dance and were completely satisfied with surgery. At >2 years of follow-up, 5 patients had excellent clinical outcomes and reported their dancing level to be as expected or better, whereas 1 patient had a lower FJS and was unable to return to her expected dance level.

Outcomes of arthroscopic versus open reduction and internal fixation for the treatment of acute traumatic lunate fractures: a systematic review.

The purpose of the study was to compare outcomes of fully-arthroscopic reduction and internal fixation (ARIF) versus open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) to treat acute traumatic lunate fractures. A literature search was conducted using Medline and Embase. Demographic data and outcomes were extracted for included studies. The search identified 2146 references: 17 articles were included, reporting on 20 cases (4 ARIF and 16 ORIF). No differences between ARIF and ORIF were found in rates of union (100% vs 93%, P = 1.000), grip strengths (mean difference, 8%; 95%CI, -16 to 31; P = 0.592), rates of return to work (100% vs 100%, P = 1.000), or ranges of motion (mean difference, 28°; 95%CI, -25 to 80; P = 0.426). Lunate fractures were not identified in 6 of the 19 radiographs, but were identified in all CT scans. There were no differences in outcomes between ARIF and ORIF for the treatment of fresh lunate fractures. The authors recommend surgeons to perform CT scans when diagnosing high-energy wrist trauma so as not to overlook lunate fractures. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV.

Comparison of Cobb angle measurements for scoliosis assessment using different imaging modalities: a systematic review.

Purpose: To report accuracy, repeatability, and agreement of Cobb angle measurements on radiographs and/or stereo-radiographs (EOS) compared against one another or against other imaging modalities. Methods: This review follows Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analysis (PRISMA) guidelines. A literature search was conducted on 21 July 2021 using Medline, Embase, and Cochrane. Two researchers independently performed title/abstract/full-text screening and data extraction. Studies were eligible if they reported Cobb angles, and/or their repeatability and agreement, measured on radiographs and/or EOS compared against one another or against other imaging modalities. Results: Of the 2993 records identified, 845 were duplicates and 2212 were excluded during title/abstract/full-text screening. Two more relevant studies were identified from references of eligible studies, leaving 14 studies for inclusion. Two studies compared Cobb angles from EOS vs CT, while 12 compared radiographs vs other imaging modalities: EOS, CT, MRI, digital fluoroscopy, or dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry. Angles from standing radiographs tended to be higher than those from supine MRI and CT, and angles from standing EOS tended to be higher than those from supine or prone CT. Correlations across modalities were strong (R = 0.78-0.97). Inter-observer agreement was excellent for all studies (ICC = 0.77-1.00), except one (ICC = 0.13 radiographs and ICC = 0.68 for MRI). Conclusion: Differences of up to 11º were found when comparing Cobb angles across combinations of imaging modalities and patient positions. It is not possible, however, to determine whether the differences observed are due to the change of modality, position, or both. Therefore, clinicians should be careful when utilizing the thresholds for standing radiographs across other modalities and positions for diagnosis and assessment of scoliosis.

Immune changes over time and survival in patients with cirrhosis treated with non-selective beta-blockers: A prospective longitudinal study.

BACKGROUND: Treatment with non-selective beta-blockers (NSBB) has been associated with anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer effects in patients with cirrhosis. This study aims to analyze the impact of chronic NSBB treatment on immune activation and disease progression in stable outpatients with cirrhosis. METHODS: In this prospective follow-up of 150 patients with cirrhosis, 39 received treatment with NSBB. Blood samples were taken every 6-9 months, and immune and adrenergic variables were measured. Mixed linear models were used to assess the effect of NSBB on these variables over time. Multivariate Cox regression was used to study associations with adverse clinical events (hepatocellular carcinoma, death, or liver transplant). RESULTS: Median follow-up was 1635 days. NSBB treatment was associated with significantly lower levels of IL-6 (ß - 4.7; 95% confidence interval [CI] -6.9, -2.6) throughout the study. During follow-up, 11 patients developed hepatocellular carcinoma, 32 died, and 4 underwent liver transplant. Patients with higher concentrations of IL-10, IL-6 and IFN-γ developed more clinical events. Event-free survival was significantly better in patients treated with NSBB (hazard ratio 0.36, 95% CI 0.18, 0.71) in a multivariate Cox regression adjusted for Child-Pugh-Score, esophageal varices, and platelets. CONCLUSION: Chronic treatment with NSBB in patients with stable cirrhosis gives rise to a different state of immune activation, characterized by lower concentrations of IL-6 over time, and it is associated with a reduced risk of adverse event (death, hepatocellular carcinoma, or transplant), after controlling for disease severity.

High Rates of Satisfaction and Return to Dance in Current or Former Professional Ballet Dancers After Total Hip Arthroplasty With a Muscle-Sparing Direct Anterior Approach Using Custom Femoral Stems.

Background: Professional ballet dancers have high expectations after total hip arthroplasty (THA), particularly if they intend to resume dancing as performers or teachers. Purpose: To report clinical outcomes and return to dance after THA with a muscle-sparing direct anterior approach using a custom femoral stem in a cohort of current or former professional ballet dancers. Study Design: Case series; Level of evidence, 4. Methods: Twenty-three patients (26 hips) were included, that identified as current or former professional ballet dancers, from a consecutive series of 1699 hips that underwent primary THA by 1 of 2 surgeons. Both surgeons routinely implanted custom femoral stems using a muscle-sparing direct anterior approach in active and/or high-demand patients. All patients completed a questionnaire postoperatively that assessed dance capabilities, the visual analog scale (VAS) for hip pain (0-10), the VAS for satisfaction with surgery (0-10), the Oxford Hip Score (OHS), and the Forgotten Joint Score (FJS). Results: The initial cohort comprised 19 women and 4 men, with a mean age of 50.5 ± 14.9 years and a mean 38.0 ± 14.4 years of dance experience. One patient underwent revision THA for a leg-length discrepancy, leaving 22 patients (25 hips) with a mean follow-up of 3.4 ± 1.4 years. The mean VAS satisfaction score was 9.8 ± 0.6, and the mean VAS pain score was 0.5 ± 1.0. The postoperative OHS and FJS were 46 ± 2 and 92 ± 15, respectively. Overall, 16 patients resumed ballet at 5.1 ± 3.9 months, 3 resumed other types of dance, and 3 did not resume any type of dance. None of the 6 patients who did not resume ballet indicated pain in the operated hip as the reason for stopping. Conclusion: In current or former professional ballet dancers, THA by a muscle-sparing direct anterior approach using a custom femoral stem yielded excellent clinical outcomes at a minimum of 2 years, with the highest satisfaction score of 10 points reported for 88% of hips and 72% of hips being totally pain free. Furthermore, 73% of patients resumed ballet, and 86% resumed dance in general.

Satisfactory clinical and radiographic outcomes following revision total hip arthroplasty by direct anterior approach using primary femoral stems at 2-8 years of follow-up.

INTRODUCTION: To report clinical and radiographic outcomes of revision total hip arthroplasty (THA) through the direct anterior approach (DAA) using primary stems. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The authors assessed a consecutive series of revision THAs operated by DAA using primary (cemented and uncemented) stems between 1/1/2010 and 30/06/2017. The initial cohort comprised 47 patients (50 hips), aged 65 ± 10 years with BMI of 25 ± 4 kg/m2. Clinical assessment included modified Harris Hip Score (mHHS) and satisfaction with surgery. Radiographic assessment included radiolucent lines > 2 mm, bone remodelling, cortical hypertrophy, pedestal formation, and osteolysis. Linear regression analyses were performed. RESULTS: Of the 50 hips (47 patients) in the initial cohort, intraoperative complications that did not require re-revision occurred in 5 hips. At a follow-up of > 2 years: 5 hips (10%) were lost to follow-up and 3 hips (6%) required stem re-revision, leaving a final cohort of 42 hips (40 patients). Postoperative complications that did not require re-revision occurred in 4 hips (8%). At 4.3 ± 1.6 years, post-revision mHHS was 89 ± 14 (range 47-100) and 38 patients were satisfied or very satisfied with revision surgery. Bone remodelling was observed in 8 hips (16%), cortical hypertrophy in 6 hips (12%), grade I heterotopic ossification in 7 hips (14%), and grade II in 1 hip (2%). There were no cases of radiolucent lines, pedestal formation, or osteolysis. Regression analyses revealed that post-revision mHHS was not associated with any variable. CONCLUSIONS: Revision THA performed through the DAA using primary stems grants satisfactory clinical and radiographic outcomes at a minimum follow-up of two years.

Best practices during COVID-19 pandemic in solid organ transplant programs in Spain.

Clinical management of transplant patients abruptly changed during the first months of COVID-19 pandemic (March to May 2020). The new situation led to very significant challenges, such as new forms of relationship between healthcare providers and patients and other professionals, design of protocols to prevent disease transmission and treatment of infected patients, management of waiting lists and of transplant programs during state/city lockdown, relevant reduction of medical training and educational activities, halt or delays of ongoing research, etc. The two main objectives of the current report are: 1) to promote a project of best practices in transplantation taking advantage of the knowledge and experience acquired by professionals during the evolving situation of the COVID-19 pandemic, both in performing their usual care activity, as well as in the adjustments taken to adapt to the clinical context, and 2) to create a document that collects these best practices, thus allowing the creation of a useful compendium for the exchange of knowledge between different Transplant Units. The scientific committee and expert panel finally standardized 30 best practices, including for the pretransplant period (n = 9), peritransplant period (n = 7), postransplant period (n = 8) and training and communication (n = 6). Many aspects of hospitals and units networking, telematic approaches, patient care, value-based medicine, hospitalization, and outpatient visit strategies, training for novelties and communication skills were covered. Massive vaccination has greatly improved the outcomes of the pandemic, with a decrease in severe cases requiring intensive care and a reduction in mortality. However, suboptimal responses to vaccines have been observed in transplant recipients, and health care strategic plans are necessary in these vulnerable populations. The best practices contained in this expert panel report may aid to their broader implementation.

SPINE: High heterogeneity and no significant differences in clinical outcomes of endoscopic foraminotomy vs fusion for lumbar foraminal stenosis: a meta-analysis.

Objective: This study aimed to systematically review the literature for comparative and non-comparative studies reporting on clinical outcomes of patients with lumbar foraminal stenosis treated by either endoscopic foraminotomy or fusion. Methods: In adherence with Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines, a literature search was done on January 17, 2022, using Medline and Embase. Clinical studies were eligible if they reported outcomes following fusion or endoscopic foraminotomy, in patients with primary lumbar foraminal stenosis. Two independent reviewers screened titles, abstracts, and full-texts to determine eligibility; performed data extraction; and assessed the quality of eligible studies according to the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) checklist. Results: The search returned 827 records; 266 were duplicates, 538 were excluded after title/abstract/full-text screening, and 23 were eligible, with 16 case series reporting on endoscopic foraminotomy, 7 case series reporting on fusion, and no comparative studies. The JBI checklist indicated that 21 studies scored ≥4 points. When comparing endoscopic foraminotomy to fusion, pooled data revealed reduced operative time (69 vs 119 min, P < 0.01) but similar Oswestry disability index (19 vs 20, P = 0.67), lower back pain (2 vs 2, P = 0.11), leg pain (2 vs 2, P = 0.15), complication rates (10% vs 5%, P = 0.22), and reoperation rates (5% vs 0%, P = 0.16). The proportions of patients with good/excellent MacNab criteria were similar for endoscopic foraminotomy and fusion (82-91% vs 85-91%). Conclusions: There were high heterogeneity and no significant differences in clinical outcomes, complication rates, and reoperation rates between endoscopic foraminotomy and fusion for the treatment of lumbar foraminal stenosis; although endoscopic foraminotomy has reduced operative time.

Accuracy of FDG-PET/CT for Response Evaluation of Muscle-Invasive Bladder Cancer following Neoadjuvant or Induction Chemotherapy.

INTRODUCTION: The aim of the study was to confirm the diagnostic accuracy of a second FDG-PET/CT following neoadjuvant or induction chemotherapy (NAIC) prior to radical cystectomy for patients with localized muscle-invasive bladder cancer (MIBC). METHODS: Retrospective review of 62 consecutive patients with MIBC, that had a first FDG-PET/CT between April 2016 and September 2021. Patients then underwent NAIC, followed by a second FDG-PET/CT and radical cystectomy. Patients with no hypermetabolism in the bladder and lymph nodes on the second FDG-PET/CT were considered metabolic complete responders, while patients with no evidence of residual disease on histopathology were considered pathologic complete responders. The accuracy of the second FDG-PET/CT to distinguish complete responders from patients with residual disease was calculated, with histopathology as gold standard. RESULTS: Of 62 patients, 1 was lost to follow-up, 5 died before radical cystectomy, 5 had delay >2 months between the second FDG-PET/CT and radical cystectomy, and 6 did not undergo radical cystectomy and instead underwent alternative treatment. The study cohort comprised 45 patients, 39 males and 6 females, with an age of 66 ± 6 years. In comparison to histopathology, FDG-PET/CT provided (i) sensitivity of 95% and specificity of 42%, for the overall disease; (ii) sensitivity of 100% and specificity of 36%, for the primary tumor only; and (iii) sensitivity of 97% and specificity of 30%, for the lymph nodes only. CONCLUSION: FDG-PET/CT has over 95% sensitivity for distinguishing complete responders from patients with residual disease. Thus, FDG-PET/CT can be used for early response evaluation following NAIC to identify patients that did not completely respond to chemotherapy and may require alternative treatment pathways.