Individual differences and health in chronic pain: are sex-differences relevant?

BACKGROUND: Because psychological variables are known to intercorrelate, the goal of this investigation was to compare the unique association between several well-established psychological constructs in pain research and pain-related outcomes. Sex differences are considered because pain is experienced differently across sex groups. METHODS: Participants were 456 consecutive chronic pain patients attending a tertiary pain clinic (mean age = 58.4 years, SD = 14.8, 63.6% women). The study design was cross-sectional. Psychological constructs included personality (NEO-Five Factor Inventory), irrational thinking (General Attitudes and Beliefs Scale), and coping (Social Problem Solving Inventory). Outcomes were pain severity and interference (Brief Pain Inventory) and physical, general, and mental health status (Short Form-36). To decide whether the bivariate analyses and the two-block, multivariate linear regressions for each study outcome (block 1 = age, sex, and pain severity; block 2 = psychological variables) should be conducted with the whole sample or split by sex, we first explored whether sex moderated the relationship between psychological variables and outcomes. An alpha level of 0.001 was set to reduce the risk of type I errors due to multiple comparisons. RESULTS: The moderation analyses indicated no sex differences in the association between psychological variables and study outcomes (all interaction terms p > .05). Thus, further analyses were calculated with the whole sample. Specifically, the bivariate analyses revealed that psychological constructs were intercorrelated in the expected direction and mostly correlated with mental health and overall perceived health status. In the regressions, when controlling for age, sex, and pain severity, psychological factors as a block significantly increased the explained variance of physical functioning (ΔR2 = .037, p < .001), general health (ΔR2 = .138, p < .001), and mental health (ΔR2 = .362, p < .001). However, unique associations were only obtained for mental health and neuroticism (ß = - 0.30, p < .001) and a negative problem orientation (ß = - 0.26, p < .001). CONCLUSIONS: There is redundancy in the relationship between psychological variables and pain-related outcomes and the strength of this association is highest for mental health status. The association between psychological characteristics and health outcomes was comparable for men and women, which suggests that the same therapeutic targets could be selected in psychological interventions of pain patients irrespective of sex.

[What do we know about atypical fractures in patients on biphosphonates treatment? A literature review using a case series]. / ¿Qué sabemos de las fracturas atípicas en los pacientes en tratamiento con bifosfonatos? Revisión bibliográfica a raíz de una serie de casos.

AIM: Retrospective review of long term biphosphonates treated patients who sustained a subtrochanteric or diaphyseal femoral fracture with an atypical pattern. A literature review is presented as an update of the topic. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A retrospective study was conducted on 13 subtrochanteric or diaphyseal fractures in female patients treated with biphosphonates at our institution from September 2007 to March 2011. RESULTS: Four cases of subtrochanteric fractures and 13 diaphyseal fractures were detected. Four patients had bilateral fractures. All cases but one (that affected only the lateral cortex) were complete fractures. Surgically, these kinds of fractures are demanding due to the hardness of the bones. DISCUSSION: It is difficult to know if there is any relationship between bisphosphonates treatment and atypical femoral fractures. Nevertheless, current literature supports a greater benefit of their use in preventing vertebral and non-vertebral fractures. For this reason, biphosphonates continue being considered as a first choice in the prevention of osteoporotic fractures. CONCLUSIONS: Patients on long-term treatment with bisphosphonates may present atypical femoral fractures as a complication. It is considered that the maximum period for biphosphonates treatment should not exceed 5 years.

¿Qué sabemos de las fracturas atípicas en los pacientes en tratamiento con bifosfonatos? Revisión bibliográfica a raíz de una serie de casos / What do we know about atypical fractures in patients on biphosphonates treatment? A literature review using a case series

Objetivos. Realizamos una revisión retrospectiva de los pacientes en tratamiento de forma prolongada con bifosfonatos que presentaron fracturas subtrocantéreas y diafisarias de fémur de patrón atípico. Revisión de la literatura existente con el fin de realizar una actualización del tema con consideraciones de interés para el cirujano ortopeda y traumatólogo. Material y métodos. Revisión de 13 pacientes en tratamiento con bifosfonatos con fracturas subtrocantéreas y diafisarias de fémur tratadas en nuestro centro entre septiembre de 2007 y marzo de 2011. Resultados. Se detectaron 4 casos de fracturas subtrocantéreas y 13 de fracturas diafisarias. Cuatro pacientes presentaron fracturas bilaterales. Todas las fracturas eran completas salvo un caso en el que era incompleta con afectación de la cortical lateral. La intervención quirúrgica fue más demandante técnicamente por encontrarse un hueso pétreo como consecuencia de la medicación con bifosfonatos. Discusión. Existe la dificultad de establecer la relación causal directa entre el tratamiento prolongado con bifosfonatos y las fracturas atípicas femorales. No obstante, la literatura actual refiere un beneficio superior en la prevención de fracturas vertebrales y no vertebrales y, por tanto, se continua considerando a los bifosfonatos como un fármaco de primera elección en la prevención de las fracturas osteoporóticas. Conclusiones. Los pacientes con tratamiento prolongado con bifosfonatos pueden presentar fracturas atípicas femorales como complicación. Se considera que debe evaluarse en un periodo medio menor a 5 años la sustitución parcial o definitiva por otro fármaco, teniendo en cuenta el riesgo residual de fractura estimado en ese momento (AU)

Aim. Retrospective review of long term biphosphonates treated patients who sustained a subtrochanteric or diaphyseal femoral fracture with an atypical pattern. A literature review is presented as an update of the topic. Material and methods. A retrospective study was conducted on 13 subtrochanteric or diaphyseal fractures in female patients treated with biphosphonates at our institution from September 2007 to March 2011. Results. Four cases of subtrochanteric fractures and 13 diaphyseal fractures were detected. Four patients had bilateral fractures. All cases but one (that affected only the lateral cortex) were complete fractures. Surgically, these kinds of fractures are demanding due to the hardness of the bones. Discussion. It is difficult to know if there is any relationship between bisphosphonates treatment and atypical femoral fractures. Nevertheless, current literature supports a greater benefit of their use in preventing vertebral and non-vertebral fractures. For this reason, biphosphonates continue being considered as a first choice in the prevention of osteoporotic fractures. Conclusions. Patients on long-term treatment with bisphosphonates may present atypical femoral fractures as a complication. It is considered that the maximum period for biphosphonates treatment should not exceed 5 years (AU)

Cultura de seguridad clínica en cirugía ortopédica y traumatología. Influencia de una intervención formativa / Patient safety culture in orthopaedics surgery. Influence of a training activities plan

Objetivo: Conocer las características de la cultura de seguridad clínica en cirugía ortopédica y traumatología, valorando la influencia de una intervención formativa en su tendencia evolutiva. Población y metodología: Estudio observacional ecológico con intervención formativa. La población objeto de estudio fueron los profesionales del Servicio de Cirugía Ortopédica y Traumatología del Hospital Clínic Universitario de Barcelona. Se utilizó la versión española del cuestionario HSOPS para valorar la cultura de seguridad clínica. Resultados: El porcentaje de respuestas válidas obtenidas fue superior al 60% en las dos mediciones de la cultura realizadas. Las 12 dimensiones consideradas mejoraron su tendencia. El trabajo en equipo dentro del servicio se identificó como una dimensión de fortaleza del modelo. Conclusiones: La intervención formativa ha consolidado una tendencia favorable. La mejora de la cultura de seguridad clínica requiere tiempo y actuaciones periódicas (AU)

Objective: The purpose of this paper is to measure patient safety culture in orthopaedics surgery and to assess the influence of a training activities plan. Methodology: We performed an ecological observational study with a training intervention. Study population included all professionals of Orthopaedics and Traumatology Service of the Clinic Hospital of Barcelona. We used the Spanish version questionnaire HSOPS in order to evaluate safety culture among staff. Results: The percentage of valid questionnaires obtained was above 60% in the two surveys of patient safety culture. The twelve dimensions considered have improved trend. Teamwork climate inside the unit has been identified as a stronghold dimension. Conclusions: The training intervention developed has consolidate a positive trend. The improvement of the patient safety culture needs time and continual actions (AU)

Comentario. El Banco de Huesos del Hospital Provincial de Madrid / Comentary. The Madrid Provincial Hospital bone bank

No disponible

[Palliative surgical treatment of spastic paralysis in the lower extremity]. / Cirugía paliativa de la parálisis espástica en las extremidades inferiores.

AIMS: The purpose of this paper is to describe our experience with and to review the best results in the surgical treatment of patients suffering from spastic paralysis of the lower limbs. DEVELOPMENT: To enable a correct indication of the techniques to be employed the authors recommend a thorough examination of the types of deformity (fixed, dynamic or mixed) and the use of specific tests for exploring the different deformities. These are necessary steps to be able to interpret the different disorders in a global manner and thus reach diagnostics that provide us with a proper surgical therapeutic orientation about the spastic hip, knee, ankle and foot. Due to the importance of the overall problem, it is becoming increasingly more frequent to advise multidisciplinary work involving the collaboration of different specialists (neurologists, rehabilitators, physiotherapists, psychologists, paediatricians, neurophysiologists and orthopaedic surgeons). Spasticity is as heterogeneous as the results of the different treatment projects. The techniques used must allow the rehabilitation therapy to be continued. Surgical intervention is recommended when the damage to the CNS has stabilised and the patient is over 4 years old. The psychic state of the patient and the family must also be evaluated. CONCLUSIONS: The objective of the treatment in patients who can walk is to improve motor functioning, the type of gait and to prevent fixed deformities from developing. In patients who do not walk, the aim is to improve their hygiene and their capacity to sit and to walk. These indications are indispensable to be able to successfully perform a little-known area of orthopaedic surgery which does not respond to the techniques used in flaccid paralysis surgery.

[Palliative surgical treatment of spastic paralysis in the upper extremity]. / Cirugía paliativa de la parálisis espástica en las extremidades superiores.

AIMS: In this paper we review the main studies conducted on therapy applied to the bony and soft parts in spastic paralysis of the upper extremity. DEVELOPMENT: Spasticity presents muscular hypertonia and hyperexcitability of the stretch reflex, which are typical of upper motoneuron syndrome. Physiopathologically, spasticity is due to the medullar and supramedullar alteration of the afferent and efferent pathways. Treatment is multidisciplinary and involves the collaboration of rehabilitators, neurophysiologists, neurologists, paediatricians, orthopaedic surgeons and psychologists, who all contribute with their different therapeutic aspects and characteristics (which can be pharmacological, peripheral neurological blockages, surgical, etc.). The characteristic posture of the upper extremities in spastic cerebral palsy is the inward rotation of the shoulder, flexion of the elbow and pronated forearm, and the deformity of the fingers (swan-neck and thumbs-in-palm). The primary objectives in these patients will be to improve communication with their surroundings, perform activities of daily living, increase mobility and walking. CONCLUSIONS: The surgical treatment applied by orthopaedic surgeons in the upper extremities are aimed at achieving an enhanced adaptive functionality rather than morphological normality. Factors to be taken into account include age, voluntary control over muscles and joints, level of severity of the spasticity (Ashworth scale) and stereognostic sensitivity. In general, on soft parts we will use procedures such as dehiscence or lengthening of the flexor muscles of the shoulder and elbow or of the adductor of the thumb; transfer of the pronators in order to adopt the supinating function or of the flexors so as to reinforce the extensors of the forearm, and capsulodesis or tenodesis in the hand. The bony procedures will consist in derotational osteotomies of the humerus and radius and arthrodesis in the wrist or in the metacarpophalangeal joints of the thumb, depending on whether there is greater rigidity or age in the former cases or instability in the latter.

Cirugía paliativa de la parálisis espástica en las extremidades inferiores / Palliative surgical treatment of spastic paralysis in the lower extremity

Objetivo. En el presente trabajo se expone nuestra experiencia y la revisión de los mejores resultados en el tratamiento quirúrgico de los enfermos afectados de parálisis espástica de los miembros inferiores. Desarrollo. Para la correcta indicación de las técnicas a emplear, los autores recomiendan el examen exhaustivo de los tipos de deformidades (fija, dinámica o mixta) y el empleo de los test de exploración específicos de las distintas deformidades, pasos necesarios para poder interpretar las distintas alteraciones de una forma global, y llegar así a unos diagnósticos que nos permitan una adecuada orientación terapéutica quirúrgica sobre la cadera, la rodilla, el tobillo y el pie espásticos. Debido a la importancia que tiene el problema global, cada vez más frecuente, se aconseja el trabajo multidisciplinar con la colaboración de distintos especialistas (neurólogo, rehabilitador, fisioterapeuta, psicólogo, pediatra, neurofisiólogo y cirujano ortopédico). La espasticidad es tan heterogénea como los resultados de los diversos proyectos de tratamiento. Las técnicas utilizadas deben permitir la continuación del tratamiento rehabilitador. Se aconseja la intervención quirúrgica cuando se ha estabilizado el daño del SNC y el paciente tiene más de 4 años. Ha de valorarse el psiquismo del paciente y de la familia. Conclusiones. El objetivo del tratamiento en los pacientes que deambulan es mejorar la función motora y el tipo de marcha, y prevenir el desarrollo de deformidades fijas, mientras que en los pacientes que no deambulan se pretende mejorar la higiene y la capacidad de sentarse y deambular. Estas indicaciones son imprescindibles para llegar a realizar con éxito una parcela de la cirugía ortopédica poco conocida y que no responde a las técnicas empleadas en la cirugía de las parálisis flácidas (AU)

Aims. The purpose of this paper is to describe our experience with and to review the best results in the surgical treatment of patients suffering from spastic paralysis of the lower limbs. Development. To enable a correct indication of the techniques to be employed the authors recommend a thorough examination of the types of deformity (fixed, dynamic or mixed) and the use of specific tests for exploring the different deformities. These are necessary steps to be able to interpret the different disorders in a global manner and thus reach diagnostics that provide us with a proper surgical therapeutic orientation about the spastic hip, knee, ankle and foot. Due to the importance of the overall problem, it is becoming increasingly more frequent to advise multidisciplinary work involving the collaboration of different specialists (neurologists, rehabilitators, physiotherapists, psychologists, paediatricians, neurophysiologists and orthopaedic surgeons). Spasticity is as heterogeneous as the results of the different treatment projects. The techniques used must allow the rehabilitation therapy to be continued. Surgical intervention is recommended when the damage to the CNS has stabilised and the patient is over 4 years old. The psychic state of the patient and the family must also be evaluated. Conclusions. The objective of the treatment in patients who can walk is to improve motor functioning, the type of gait and to prevent fixed deformities from developing. In patients who do not walk, the aim is to improve their hygiene and their capacity to sit and to walk. These indications are indispensable to be able to successfully perform a little-known area of orthopaedic surgery which does not respond to the techniques used in flaccid paralysis surgery (AU)

Cirugía paliativa de la parálisis espástica en las extremidades superiores / Palliative surgical treatment of spastic paralysis inthe upper extremity

Objetivo. En el presente trabajo se revisan los principales estudios de las aplicaciones terapéuticas sobre las partes óseas y las partes blandas en la parálisis espástica de las extremidades superiores. Desarrollo. La espasticidad se presenta con hipertonía muscular e hiperexcitabilidad del reflejo de estiramiento, típicos del síndrome de la motoneurona superior. Fisiopatológicamente, la espasticidad se debe a la alteración de las vías aferentes y eferentes medular y supramedularmente. Su tratamiento es multidisciplinar: intervienen, fundamentalmente, rehabilitadores, neurofisiólogos, neurólogos, pediatras, cirujanos ortopédicos y psicólogos, que aportan sus distintos enfoques y sus características terapéuticas (tratamiento farmacológico, bloqueos neurológicos periféricos y quirúrgico, etc.). La postura característica de las extremidades superiores en la parálisis cerebral espástica es la rotación interna del hombro, la flexión del codo y la pronación del antebrazo, y la deformidad de los dedos (cuello de cisne y pulgares en palma). Los objetivos prioritarios en estos pacientes serán mejorar su comunicación con el entorno, que realicen actividades de la vida diaria e incrementar su movilidad y deambulación. Conclusiones. Los tratamientos quirúrgicos que aplican los cirujanos ortopédicos en las extremidades superiores pretenden, más que la normalidad morfológica, una mejor funcionalidad adaptativa. Son factores a considerar la edad, el control voluntario muscular y de las articulaciones, la gravedad de la espasticidad (escala de Ashworth) y la sensibilidad estereognósica. En general, utilizaremos procedimientos sobre las partes blandas, como la desinserción o el alargamiento de los músculos flexores del hombro y el codo o del aductor del pulgar; transferencia de los pronadores para adoptar función supinadora, o de los flexores para potenciar los extensores en el antebrazo, y capsulodesis o tenodesis en la mano. Los procedimientos óseos consistirán en osteotomías desrotadoras del húmero y el radio y artrodesis en la muñeca o en la articulación metacarpofalángica del pulgar, según existan mayor rigidez o más edad en los primeros casos o inestabilidad en el último (AU)

Aims. In this paper we review the main studies conducted on therapy applied to the bony and soft parts in spastic paralysis of the upper extremity. Development. Spasticity presents muscular hypertonia and hyperexcitability of the stretch reflex, which are typical of upper motoneuron syndrome. Physiopathologically, spasticity is due to the medullar and supramedullar alteration of the afferent and efferent pathways. Treatment is multidisciplinary and involves the collaboration of rehabilitators, neurophysiologists, neurologists, paediatricians, orthopaedic surgeons and psychologists, who all contribute with their different therapeutic aspects and characteristics (which can be pharmacological, peripheral neurological blockages, surgical, etc.). The characteristic posture of the upper extremities in spastic cerebral palsy is the inward rotation of the shoulder, flexion of the elbow and pronated forearm, and the deformity of the fingers (swan-neck and thumbs-in-palm). The primary objectives in these patients will be to improve communication with their surroundings, perform activities of daily living, increase mobility and walking. Conclusions. The surgical treatment applied by orthopaedic surgeons in the upper extremities are aimed at achieving an enhanced adaptive functionality rather than morphological normality. Factors to be taken into account include age, voluntary control over muscles and joints, level of severity of the spasticity (Ashworth scale) and stereognostic sensitivity. In general, on soft parts we will use procedures such as dehiscence or lengthening of the flexor muscles of the shoulder and elbow or of the adductor of the thumb; transfer of the pronators in order to adopt the supinating function or of the flexors so as to reinforce the extensors of the forearm, and capsulodesis or tenodesis in the hand. The bony procedures will consist in derotational osteotomies of the humerus and radius and arthrodesis in the wrist or in the metacarpophalangeal joints of the thumb, depending on whether there is greater rigidity or age in the former cases or instability in the latter (AU)

Síndrome del latigazo cervical

El término 'síndrome del latigazo cervical' se utiliza para describir la lesión de uno o más elementos de la región del cuello, que puede ocurrir cuando se aplican fuerzas de inercia sobre la cabeza en un accidente de un vehículo a motor y que ocasiona dolor en la región cervical. Suele reservarse esta denominación cuando no se aprecian signos de lesión de la columna cervical en las exploraciones radiológicas y en ausencia de signos de lesión de las raíces nerviosas. Es un diagnóstico de exclusión que debe efectuarse una vez se han descartado otras lesiones más graves (AU)

Pie plano flexible: relación con anomalías de los ejes de los miembros inferiores / Flexible flat foot: relation with axial abnormalities of the lower limbs

El objetivo de este trabajo es observar la relación entre el pie plano flexible del niño y las alteraciones de los ejes de las extremidades inferiores, así como ver si los distintos tratamientos del pie plano pueden influir en dichos ejes. Para ello se han escogido 242 niños de ambos sexos entre 3 y 4 años de edad, diagnosticados de pie plano flexible. Se han hecho tres grupos de tratamiento con un seguimiento de tres años: a) plantillas ortopédicas, b) cuñas internas y zapatos ortopédicos y c) grupo control. Entre la alteración de los ejes de las extremidades inferiores se han valorado la anteversión y retroversión de caderas, la torsión tibial interna y externa y el genu valgo y varo. Los resultados muestran que la anteversión femoral aumenta un 18 por ciento con la edad. No hay relación entre torsión tibial interna y pie plano. El genu valgo disminuye con la edad y esta reducción es mayor en el grupo tratado con cuñas internas (AU)

[Anatomic basis of continuous axillary block of the brachial plexus with thoracic reservoir]. / Bases anatómicas del bloqueo axilar continuo del plexo braquial con reservorio torácico.

Although continuous axillary block is effective for periods of up to four to six weeks, pain clinic patients with severe chronic pain in the upper extremities, mainly resulting from neuropathic disease, can require continuous drug delivery by catheter-reservoir for up to three months or longer. We studied possible locations for implanting reservoirs or catheters from the perivascular axillary space in fresh cadavers, checking for possible vascular or nerve damage after applying the usual technique for reservoir implantation. The ideal location for the reservoir is the subcutaneous tissue of the homolateral infraclavicular space of the anterior side of the thorax. The customary procedures for inserting the catheter along the subcutaneous route that extends from the perivascular axillary space to the reservoir carry no risk of damaging vascular or nerve structures.

Femoral head necrosis after intertrochanteric fracture: a case report after synthesis with Ender nails.

A case of femoral head necrosis in a patient who suffered an intertrochanteric fracture, treated with Ender nails 1 year before, is presented. The rarity, and possible mechanisms (reduction and type of osteosinthesis) of necrosis are discussed.

Recording of chick embryo movements and their correlation with joint development.

Chick embryo movements were picked up, by means of a vibration-recording technique, from the 5th day of incubation until the moment of hatching, and correlated with histological observations of the main joints. A close relationship could be demonstrated between the dates on which the first movements can be recorded and the commencement of joint formation.

Experimental analysis on the variations of acid-base balance in the chick embryo.

1. The pH remains steady, 7.57. 2. The pCO2 increases gradually. We believe this is fundamental for hatching. 3. Bicarbonate and base excess increase from acidosis to alkalosis due to absorption of the egg shell. 4. The pO2 increases in stage 41 and 42 due to pulmonary respiration. 5. The pO2 drop prior to hatching due to involution of the chorioalantoid membrane and increasing requirements.