[Anatomical and biomechanical characteristics of plantaris tendon and its application in ligament reconstruction].

Objective: To improve the clinical utility of the plantaris tendon mainly by summarizing its anatomical characteristics, biomechanical properties, harvesting methods, and its applications in ligament reconstruction. Methods: The relevant literature from domestic and international databases regarding the anatomical and biomechanical characteristics of the plantaris tendon and its applications in ligament reconstruction was comprehensively reviewed and systematically summarized. Results: The plantaris tendons have an absence. The majority of plantaris tendon forms a fan-shape on the anterior and medial sides of the Achilles tendon and terminates at the calcaneal tuberosity. There are significant differences in biomechanical parameters between plantaris tendon with different numbers of strands, and multi strand plantaris tendon have significant advantages over single strand tendon. The plantaris tendon can be harvested through proximal and distal approaches, and it is necessary to ensure that there are no obvious anatomical variations or adhesions in the surrounding area before harvesting. The plantaris tendon is commonly utilized in ligament reconstruction around the ankle joint or suture reinforcement for Achilles tendon rupture, with satisfactory effectiveness. There is limited research on the use of plantar tendon in the reconstruction of upper limb and knee joint ligaments. Conclusion: The plantaris tendon is relatively superficial, easy to be harvested, and has less impact on local function. The plantaris tendon is commonly utilized in ligaments reconstruction around the ankle joint or suture reinforcement for Achilles tendon rupture. The study on the plantaris tendon for upper limbs and knee joints ligament reconstruction is rarely and require further research.

Intramedullary Nailing Versus Open Reduction and Plate Fixation for Lateral Malleolar Fractures: A Meta-Analysis.

The fixation for lateral malleolar fracture in ankle fractures is still controversial. The purpose of this meta-analysis is to compare clinical and radiological outcomes between intramedullary nail (IMN) and plate for lateral malleolar fractures in ankle fractures. The PubMed, EMBASE, and Cochrane Library were searched for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) from databases inception to June 2023. Data on outcomes were extracted and the methodological quality of the included studies were assessed. A meta-analysis was performed using RevMan 5.3 software when the data extracted from included studies could be synthesized. Seven RCTs were included. The methodological quality of the included studies was moderate to high. The meta-analysis results showed that the infection rate of the IMN group was significantly lower than that of the plate group (RR = 0.38; 95%CI 0.18-0.82; p = .01). There were no significant differences between the 2 groups in Olerud and Molander Ankle Score (OMAS), union rate, radiological outcomes, nerve injury rate, reoperation rate, loss of reduction, and total complication rate. Our present meta-analysis demonstrated that the IMN might be a better method for the fixation of lateral malleolar fracture in ankle fracture, as the infection rate was significantly lower than a plate.

Forefoot Function after Hallux Valgus Surgery: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis on Plantar Load Measurement.

While hallux valgus (HV) surgeries are useful for correcting skeletal alignment problems, their effects on plantar load, which reflects forefoot functions, are less understood. The objective of this study is to conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis on the plantar load change after HV surgeries. A systematic search of Web of Science, Scopus, PubMed, CENTRAL, EMBASE, and CINAHL was performed. Studies that assessed the pre- and post-operative plantar pressure of HV patients undergoing surgeries and reported load-related parameters over the hallux, medial metatarsal, and/or central metatarsal regions were included. Studies were appraised by using the modified NIH quality assessment tool for before-after study. Studies suitable for meta-analysis were pooled with the random-effects model, using the standardized mean difference of the before-after parameters as an effect measure. Twenty-six studies containing 857 HV patients and 973 feet were included for the systematic review. Meta-analysis was conducted on 20 of them, and most studies did not favor HV surgeries. Overall, HV surgeries reduced the plantar load over the hallux region (SMD -0.71, 95% CI, -1.15 to -0.26), indicating that forefoot function worsened after surgeries. For the other five outcomes, the overall estimates were not statistically significant, indicating that surgeries did not improve them either. There was substantial heterogeneity among the studies, which in most cases could not be resolved by pre-planned subgroup analyses by surgical classification, year of publication, median age of patients, and length of follow-up. Sensitivity analysis removing lower-quality studies showed that the load integrals (impulse) over the central metatarsal region significantly increased (SMD 0.27, 95% CI, 0 to 0.53), indicating that surgeries increased the risk of transfer metatarsalgia. There is no solid evidence that HV surgeries could improve forefoot functions from a biomechanical point perspective. Currently available evidence even suggests that surgeries might reduce the plantar load over the hallux and adversely affect push-off function. The reasons behind and the effectiveness of alternative surgical methods warrant further investigation.

Does the Level of Syndesmotic Screw Insertion Affect Clinical Outcome after Ankle Fractures with Syndesmotic Instability?

OBJECTIVE: Ankle fractures are often combined with syndesmotic instability, requiring reduction and stabilization. However, the optimal level for syndesmotic screw positioning remains unclear. This study aims to evaluate the effect of different syndesmotic screw insertion levels on postoperative clinical outcomes and determine whether an optimal level exists. METHODS: This retrospective study included data from 43 adult patients with acute closed ankle fractures combined with intraoperative evidence of unstable syndesmotic injuries who underwent open reduction internal fixation from January 1, 2017 to March 1, 2018 according to the inclusion and exclusion criteria. All 43 patients were divided into three groups based on the syndesmotic screw placement level: trans-syndesmotic group: screw level of 2-3 cm; inferior-syndesmotic group: screw level <2 cm; and supra-syndesmotic group: screw level >3 cm. Clinical outcomes were measured at the final follow-up, including the American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) ankle-hindfoot score, Olerud-Molander Ankle Score (OMAS), short-form 36-item questionnaire (SF-36), visual analogue scale (VAS) score and restrictions in ankle range of motion (ROM). The relationships between screw placement level and clinical outcomes were analyzed with the Kruskal-Wallis H-test and Spearman correlation analysis. RESULTS: The median follow-up duration was 15 months (range, 10-22 months). No patients developed fracture nonunion or malunion or experienced hardware failure. The outcome scoring systems showed an overall score for the entire group of 94.91 points for the AOFAS ankle-hindfoot score, 83.14 for the OMAS, 96.65 for the SF-36, 1.77 for the VAS, 9.14° for the restrictions in dorsiflexion, and 1.30° for the restrictions in plantarflexion. There were no significant differences among three groups in clinical outcomes (P > 0.05). Neither the AOFAS score nor OMAS had significant correlations with screw insertion level (P = 0.825 and P = 0.585, respectively). No postoperative arthritis or widening of the tibiofibular space was observed at the final follow-up. CONCLUSION: Different syndesmotic screw placement levels appear not to affect the clinical outcomes of ankle fractures with syndesmotic instability. No optimal level was observed in this study. Our findings suggest other clinically acceptable options apart from syndesmotic screw placement 2-3 cm above the ankle.

Plate versus screws fixation for the posterior malleolar fragment in trimalleolar ankle fractures.

BACKGROUND: The fixation methods of posterior malleolar fracture (PMF) in trimalleolar ankle fractures is still controversial. We aim to compare clinical and radiological outcomes between plate fixation and screws fixation for PMF in trimalleolar ankle fractures. METHODS: Literature search was performed through PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane Library and CNKI database from databases inception to May 2022 to identify randomized controlled trial (RCT) and comparative clinical study in English or Chinese. A meta-analysis was performed using RevMan 5.1 software, and systematic review was performed when the data extracted from included studies could not be synthesized. RESULTS: Two RCTs and six cohort studies were included. The meta-analysis results showed that articular step-off or gap in plate fixation was superior to antero-posterior screws fixation (RR = 0.28; 95%CI: 0.11, 0.76; P = 0.01). there were no significant differences in American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society scores (MD = -0.19; 95%CI: -2.43, 2.05; P = 0.87), arthritis (RR = 1.67; 95%CI: 0.61, 4.55; P = 0.32), infection and total complication (RR = 1.42; 95%CI: 0.89, 2.25; P = 0.14). CONCLUSION: Plate fixation might have better articular step-off or gap, compared with "A to P" screws fixation for the posterior malleolus in trimalleolar ankle fractures. Screw fixation could achieve shorter surgical time than plate fixation. However, no significant differences were found in AOFAS scores, arthritis, infection, sural nerve injury and total complication during the comparisons.

Preference of Orthopedic Practitioners Toward the Use of Topical Medicine for Musculoskeletal Pain Management in China: A National Survey.

OBJECTIVE: Musculoskeletal pain is having growing impacts worldwide with clinical challenge in pain management. The purpose of the present study is to investigate the preferences of orthopedic surgeons of China for using medicine in musculoskeletal pain. METHODS: A questionnaire was developed, including the following domains, personal information, medication preference for pain treatment, and perceptions of topical medicine. Ten participants were selected to confirm the consistency of questionnaire. A cross-sectional survey was conducted in orthopedic physicians with different specialties in different regions of China via the online survey platform. The participants' survey results were analyzed one-way and multi-way using chi-square test and logistic regression. RESULTS: The pre-survey analysis results of 10 randomly selected investigators were a mean weighted kappa coefficient of 0.76 (range 0.61-0.89), which indicated the substantial consistency of the present questionnaire. A total of 1099 orthopedic surgeons (mean age, 41.67 ± 8.31 years) responded to our survey, most of whom were male (90.72%), and most of whom worked in level III hospitals (63.24%) and trained in modern medicine (71.43%). Most surgeons who participated in the survey had used topical analgesics in their clinical work (95.81%), and most preferred to use topical analgesics (39.50%) or a combination of oral analgesics (28.87%). Primary reasons for preferring topical analgesics were as follows: less adverse reactions (68.01%); ease of use (60.90%); and not interfering with other oral medications (49.60%). The preference for prescribing topical analgesics increased with the education level of the respondent, where statistically significant differences were seen (P < 0.05). In addition, the level of the respondent's hospital, type of hospital, the respondent's profession, and their participation in surgical work influenced their preferences for topical analgesics (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Orthopedic surgeons across China have different medication preferences in the treatment of musculoskeletal pain. The educational background of the physician largely influences the preference when selecting medications. To better improve the treatment of musculoskeletal pain, there is a need to improve the overall medical education of practitioners and to disseminate clinical practice guidelines.

Impact of Metabolic Syndrome and It's Components on Prognosis in Patients With Cardiovascular Diseases: A Meta-Analysis.

Background: Patients with metabolic syndrome (MetS) have a higher risk of developing cardiovascular diseases (CVD). However, controversy exists about the impact of MetS on the prognosis of patients with CVD. Methods: Pubmed, Cochrane library, and EMBASE databases were searched. Cohort Studies and randomized controlled trials post hoc analyses that evaluated the impact of MetS on prognosis in patients (≥18 years) with CVD were included. Relative risk (RR), hazard rate (HR) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated for each individual study by random-effect model. Subgroup analysis and meta-regression analysis was performed to explore the heterogeneity. Results: 55 studies with 16,2450 patients were included. Compared to patients without MetS, the MetS was associated with higher all-cause death [RR, 1.220, 95% CI (1.103 to 1.349), P, 0.000], CV death [RR, 1.360, 95% CI (1.152 to 1.606), P, 0.000], Myocardial Infarction [RR, 1.460, 95% CI (1.242 to 1.716), P, 0.000], stroke [RR, 1.435, 95% CI (1.131 to 1.820), P, 0.000]. Lower high-density lipoproteins (40/50) significantly increased the risk of all-cause death and CV death. Elevated fasting plasma glucose (FPG) (>100 mg/dl) was associated with an increased risk of all-cause death, while a higher body mass index (BMI>25 kg/m2) was related to a reduced risk of all-cause death. Conclusions: MetS increased the risk of cardiovascular-related adverse events among patients with CVD. For MetS components, there was an increased risk in people with low HDL-C and FPG>100 mg/dl. Positive measures should be implemented timely for patients with CVD after the diagnosis of MetS, strengthen the prevention and treatment of hyperglycemia and hyperlipidemia.

[Research progress of early postoperative rehabilitation for acute Achilles tendon rupture after surgical repair].

Objective: To summarize the latest research progress of early postoperative rehabilitation for acute Achilles tendon rupture after surgical repair. Methods: The high-quality randomized controlled trials and systematic reviews/meta-analyses regarding early postoperative rehabilitation for acute Achilles tendon rupture in recent years were reviewed. Results: There are three functional rehabilitations after acute Achilles tendon rupture surgery, including early postoperative mobilization, early weight-bearing with immobilization, and early weight-bearing combined with mobilization. The results of randomized controlled trials show that the effectiveness of early postoperative rehabilitation is similar or better than the early postoperative immobilization. The results of systematic reviews/meta-analyses show that the early postoperative rehabilitation is beneficial to the early function recovery of the Achilles tendon, can reduce the time for functional recovery, and do not adversely affect the outcomes. Conclusion: Early postoperative rehabilitation is beneficial to the functional recovery, and do not increase postoperative complications. There is still no uniform protocol of early postoperative rehabilitation and the timing of weight-bearing, and further studies are needed in the future.

Association Between Calcium or Vitamin D Supplementation and Fracture Incidence in Community-Dwelling Older Adults: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.

Importance: The increased social and economic burdens for osteoporosis-related fractures worldwide make the prevention of such injuries a major public health goal. Previous studies have reached mixed conclusions regarding the association between calcium, vitamin D, or combined calcium and vitamin D supplements and fracture incidence in older adults. Objective: To investigate whether calcium, vitamin D, or combined calcium and vitamin D supplements are associated with a lower fracture incidence in community-dwelling older adults. Data Sources: The PubMed, Cochrane library, and EMBASE databases were systematically searched from the inception dates to December 24, 2016, using the keywords calcium, vitamin D, and fracture to identify systematic reviews or meta-analyses. The primary randomized clinical trials included in systematic reviews or meta-analyses were identified, and an additional search for recently published randomized trials was performed from July 16, 2012, to July 16, 2017. Study Selection: Randomized clinical trials comparing calcium, vitamin D, or combined calcium and vitamin D supplements with a placebo or no treatment for fracture incidence in community-dwelling adults older than 50 years. Data Extraction and Synthesis: Two independent reviewers performed the data extraction and assessed study quality. A meta-analysis was performed to calculate risk ratios (RRs), absolute risk differences (ARDs), and 95% CIs using random-effects models. Main Outcomes and Measures: Hip fracture was defined as the primary outcome. Secondary outcomes were nonvertebral fracture, vertebral fracture, and total fracture. Results: A total of 33 randomized trials involving 51 145 participants fulfilled the inclusion criteria. There was no significant association of calcium or vitamin D with risk of hip fracture compared with placebo or no treatment (calcium: RR, 1.53 [95% CI, 0.97 to 2.42]; ARD, 0.01 [95% CI, 0.00 to 0.01]; vitamin D: RR, 1.21 [95% CI, 0.99 to 1.47]; ARD, 0.00 [95% CI, -0.00 to 0.01]. There was no significant association of combined calcium and vitamin D with hip fracture compared with placebo or no treatment (RR, 1.09 [95% CI, 0.85 to 1.39]; ARD, 0.00 [95% CI, -0.00 to 0.00]). No significant associations were found between calcium, vitamin D, or combined calcium and vitamin D supplements and the incidence of nonvertebral, vertebral, or total fractures. Subgroup analyses showed that these results were generally consistent regardless of the calcium or vitamin D dose, sex, fracture history, dietary calcium intake, and baseline serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D concentration. Conclusions and Relevance: In this meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials, the use of supplements that included calcium, vitamin D, or both compared with placebo or no treatment was not associated with a lower risk of fractures among community-dwelling older adults. These findings do not support the routine use of these supplements in community-dwelling older people.

Comparison of Posteromedial Versus Posterolateral Approach for Posterior Malleolus Fixation in Trimalleolar Ankle Fractures.

OBJECTIVE: To compare clinical and radiographic outcomes of posterior malleolar fractures (PMF) treated with lag screws from anterior to posterior versus posterior to anterior approach. METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed 48 patients with trimalleolar fractures who underwent open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) with either posteromedial (PM) or posterolateral (PL) approaches between January 2012 and December 2014. Fixation of the posterior malleolus was made with anteroposterior screws in 20 patients using the PM approach and posteroanterior screws in 28 patients using the PL approach. The American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) scores and range of motion (ROM) of the ankle were used as the main outcome measurements, and results were evaluated at the 6-month, 12-month and final follow-up. Postoperative radiographs and computed tomography scans were used to evaluate the residual gap/step-off. The degree of arthritis was evaluated on final follow-up using Bargon criteria. Other complications were also recorded to compare the clinical outcomes of the two approaches. RESULT: The mean duration of follow-up regardless of the approaches was 21.1 months (range, 15-54 months). None of the patients developed delayed union or nonunion. Functional bone healing was obtained in all patients at 10.7 weeks (range, 8-16 weeks). The mean AOFAS scores of the PM group at the postoperative 6-mouth, 12-month, and final follow-up were 91.4 (range, 82-100), 92.5 (range, 84-100), and 92.9 (range, 86-100), respectively. In the PL group, the mean AOFAS scores were 89.9 (range, 72-100), 91.4 (range, 77-100), and 91.9 (range, 77-100), respectively. At the final follow-up, the median loss of range of motion (ROM) for dorsiflexion and plantaflexion were 0°(0°, 5°) and 0°(0°, 0°), respectively, in both groups. There were no significant differences between the two approaches in AOFAS scores and ROM of the ankle in each period postoperatively (P > 0.05). Two patients in the PL group and 1 in the PM group developed Bargon grade 2 or 3 arthritis. We detected a 2-mm and 3-mm step-off in 1 patient in the PM and PL groups, respectively. CONCLUSION: Satisfactory results were obtained by using the two approaches for fixation of posterior malleolus, and the approaches have similar clinical and radiographic outcomes. Surgeons should choose the appropriate approach based on their experience.

Surgical interventions to treat humerus shaft fractures: A network meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

BACKGROUND: There are three main surgical techniques to treat humeral shaft fractures: open reduction and plate fixation (ORPF), intramedullary nail (IMN) fixation, and minimally invasive percutaneous osteosynthesis (MIPO). We performed a network meta-analysis to compare three surgical procedures, including ORPF, IMN fixation, and MIPO, to provide the optimum treatment for humerus shaft fractures. METHODS: MEDLINE, EMBASE, Cochrane Bone, Joint and Muscle Trauma Group Specialised Register, and Cochrane library were researched for reports published up to May 2016. We only included randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing two or more of the three surgical procedures, including the ORPF, IMN, and MIPO techniques, for humeral shaft fractures in adults. The methodological quality was evaluated based on the Cochrane risk of bias tool. We used WinBUGS1.4 to conduct this Bayesian network meta-analysis. We used the odd ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) to calculate the dichotomous outcomes and analyzed the percentages of the surface under the cumulative ranking curve. RESULTS: Seventeen eligible publications reporting 16 RCTs were included in this study. Eight hundred and thirty-two participants were randomized to receive one of three surgical procedures. The results showed that shoulder impingement occurred more commonly in the IMN group than with either ORPF (OR, 0.13; 95% CI, 0.03-0.37) or MIPO fixation (OR, 0.08; 95% CI, 0.00-0.69). Iatrogenic radial nerve injury occurred more commonly in the ORPF group than in the MIPO group (OR, 11.09; 95% CI, 1.80-124.20). There were no significant differences among the three procedures in nonunion, delayed union, and infection. CONCLUSION: Compared with IMN and ORPF, MIPO technique is the preferred treatment method for humeral shaft fractures.

Interventions for treating simple bone cysts in the long bones of children.

BACKGROUND: Simple bone cysts, also known as a unicameral bone cysts or solitary bone cysts, are the most common type of benign bone lesion in growing children. Cysts may lead to repeated pathological fracture (fracture that occurs in an area of bone weakened by a disease process). Occasionally, these fractures may result in symptomatic malunion. The main goals of treatment are to decrease the risk of pathological fracture, enhance cyst healing and resolve pain. Despite the numerous treatment methods that have been used for simple bone cysts in long bones of children, there is no consensus on the best procedure. This is an update of a Cochrane review first published in 2014. OBJECTIVES: To assess the effects (benefits and harms) of interventions for treating simple bone cysts in the long bones of children, including adolescents.We intended the following main comparisons: invasive (e.g. injections, curettage, surgical fixation) versus non-invasive interventions (e.g. observation, plaster cast, restricted activity); different categories of invasive interventions (i.e. injections, curettage, drilling holes and decompression, surgical fixation and continued decompression); different variations of each category of invasive intervention (e.g. different injection substances: autologous bone marrow versus steroid). SEARCH METHODS: We searched the Cochrane Bone, Joint and Muscle Trauma Group Specialised Register, the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, MEDLINE, Embase, the China National Knowledge Infrastructure Platform, trial registers, conference proceedings and reference lists. Date of last search: April 2016. SELECTION CRITERIA: Randomised and quasi-randomised controlled trials evaluating methods for treating simple bone cysts in the long bones of children. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: Two review authors independently screened search results and performed study selection. We resolved differences in opinion between review authors by discussion and by consulting a third review author. Two review authors independently assessed risk of bias and data extraction. We summarised data using risk ratios (RRs) or mean differences (MDs), as appropriate, and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). We used the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE) system to assess the overall quality of the evidence. MAIN RESULTS: In this update in 2017, we did not identify any new randomised controlled trials (RCT) for inclusion. We identified one ongoing trial that we are likely to include in a future update. Accordingly, our results are unchanged. The only included trial is a multicentre RCT conducted at 24 locations in North America and India that compared bone marrow injection with steroid (methylprednisolone acetate) injection for treating simple bone cysts. Up to three injections were planned for participants in each group. The trial involved 90 children (mean age 9.5 years) and presented results for 77 children at two-year follow-up. Although the trial had secure allocation concealment, it was at high risk of performance bias and from major imbalances in baseline characteristics. Reflecting these study limitations, we downgraded the quality of evidence by two levels to 'low' for most outcomes, meaning that we are unsure about the estimates of effect. For outcomes where there was serious imprecision, we downgraded the quality of evidence by a further level to 'very low'.The trial provided very low quality evidence that fewer children in the bone marrow injection group had radiographically assessed healing of bone cysts at two years than in the steroid injection group (9/39 versus 16/38; RR 0.55 favouring steroid injection, 95% CI 0.28 to 1.09). However, the result was uncertain and may be compatible with no difference or small benefit favouring bone marrow injection. Based on an illustrative success rate of 421 children with healed bone cysts per 1000 children treated with steroid injections, this equates to 189 fewer (95% CI 303 fewer to 38 more) children with healed bone cysts per 1000 children treated with bone marrow injections. There was low quality evidence of a lack of difference between the two interventions at two years in functional outcome, based on the Activity Scale for Kids function score (0 to 100; higher scores equate to better outcome: MD -0.90; 95% CI -4.26 to 2.46) or in pain assessed using the Oucher pain score. There was very low quality evidence of a lack of differences between the two interventions for adverse events: subsequent pathological fracture (9/39 versus 11/38; RR 0.80, 95% CI 0.37 to 1.70) or superficial infection (two cases in the bone marrow group). Recurrence of bone cyst, unacceptable malunion, return to normal activities, and participant satisfaction were not reported. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS: The available evidence is insufficient to determine the relative effects of bone marrow versus steroid injections, although the bone marrow injections are more invasive. Noteably, the rate of radiographically assessed healing of the bone cyst at two years was well under 50% for both interventions. Overall, there is a lack of evidence to determine the best method for treating simple bone cysts in the long bones of children. Further RCTs of sufficient size and quality are needed to guide clinical practice.

Early functional rehabilitation versus traditional immobilization for surgical Achilles tendon repair after acute rupture: a systematic review of overlapping meta-analyses.

Several meta-analyses comparing early functional rehabilitation and traditional immobilization following surgical Achilles tendon repair after acute rupture have been published. However, they have led to conflicting conclusions. The aims of this systematic review were to select high-quality meta-analyses from multiple discordant meta-analyses and to provide a postoperative rehabilitation strategy following surgical repair using currently available evidence. We performed a comprehensive search using the PubMed and Embase databases and the Cochrane Library. Assessment of Multiple Systematic Reviews (AMSTAR) instrument was used to assess the methodological quality. Three investigators independently applied the Jadad decision algorithm. Their results were then compared to ensure selection of a meta-analysis that provided the highest quality of evidence. Six meta-analyses met the eligibility criteria. AMSTAR scores ranged from 6 to 10. According to the Jadad decision algorithm, a high-quality meta-analysis with a greater number of RCTs was selected. This meta-analysis showed that early functional rehabilitation was superior to cast immobilization in terms of patient satisfaction and the time to return to pre-morbid sporting levels. There were no differences regarding major complications or the time before return to prior employment and sporting activity. Thus, we recommend early functional rehabilitation as the postoperative strategy for acute Achilles tendon ruptures.

Efficacy and safety of sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors in type 2 diabetes: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials for 1 to 2years.

AIMS: To evaluate the mid long-term efficacy and safety of sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitors in adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). METHODS: Three databases including Pubmed, Embase, and Cochrane Library were searched for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of SGLT2 inhibitors that lasted for at least 52weeks. Two reviewers retrieved the literature and evaluated study quality using the Modified Jadad Score Scale. The outcome measures were pooled using random or fixed effects models. RESULTS: Fourteen articles of 13 RCTs were included in this meta-analysis. Compared to a placebo, the SGLT2 inhibitors significantly reduced glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) [for 1year result, weighted mean differences (WMDs): -0.491%; 95% confidence intervals (CIs): -0.573 to -0.410; I(2)=39.9%, for 2years result, WMD: -0.503%; 95% CI: -0.742 to -0.265; I(2)=70.7%], fasting plasma glucose (FPG) (for 1year result, WMD: -0.809; 95% CI: -0.858 to -0.761; I(2)=56.4%; for 2years result, WMD: -0.764; 95% CI: -1.026 to -0.501; I(2)=39.4%), body weight (BW) (for 1year result, WMD: -2.477; 95% CI: -2.568 to -2.385; I(2)=0.0%; for 2years result, WMD: -2.990; 95% CI: -3.642 to -2.337; I(2)=0.0%), systolic blood pressure (SBP) (for 1year result, WMD: -2.874; 95% CI: -4.528 to -1.220; I(2)=98.1%; for 2years result, WMD: -7.500; 95% CI: -7.698 to -7.302) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) (for 1year result, WMD: -1.950; 95% CI: -2.890 to -1.010; I(2)=98.0%; for 2years result, WMD: -2.197; 95% CI: -3.112 to -1.283). Compared to oral antidiabetic drugs (OADs), the SGLT2 inhibitors also reduced HbA1c, FPG, BW, SBP and DBP significantly. Compared to a placebo, the SGLT2 inhibitors increase the risk of hypoglycemia [odds ratios (ORs): 1.214; 95% CI: 1.036 to 1.423; I(2)=47.7%], urinary infection (OR: 1.477; 95% CI: 1.172 to 1.861; I(2)=46.6%) and genital tract infections (OR: 4.196; 95% CI: 2.332 to 7.549; I(2)=52.7%). Compared to OADs, SGLT2 inhibitors showed a remarkable reduction of hypoglycemia incidence (OR: 0.202; 95% CI: 0.059 to 0.691; I(2)=97.8%), but increased the incidence of genital tract infections (OR: 5.715; 95% CI: 4.339 to 7.528; I(2)=0.0%) and urinary infection (OR: 1.192; 95% CI: 0.990 to 1.434; I(2)=45.3%). SGLT2 inhibitors did not decrease estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) when comparing with placebos [(for absolute value change, WMD: 0.629mL/min/1.73m(2); 95% CI: -1.250 to 2.508; I(2)=0.0%); (for percent change, WMD: -2.274%; 95% CI: -5.410 to 0.861; I(2)=54.5%)] and OADs (for percent change, WMD: 0.356%; 95% CI: -0.967 to 1.679; I(2)=0.0%). CONCLUSION: SGLT2 inhibitors have favorable effects on combating hyperglycemia for mid long-term; likewise, they have additional benefits beyond glycemic control such as reducing body weight and lowering blood pressure.

Surgical Versus Conservative Treatments for Displaced Midshaft Clavicular Fractures: A Systematic Review of Overlapping Meta-Analyses.

Multiple meta-analyses have been performed to compare surgical and conservative interventions for treating displaced midshaft clavicular fractures. But conclusions are discordant.The purposes of current study were (1) to conduct a systematic review of meta-analyses comparing surgical and conservative interventions for the treatment of displaced midshaft clavicular fractures, (2) to help decision makers interpret and choose among discordant meta-analyses, and (3) to provide treatment recommendations through the best available evidence.We searched the Cochrane library, PubMed, and EMBASE databases to identify meta-analyses comparing surgical and conservative treatments for the displaced midshaft clavicular fractures. Two investigators independently scanned titles and abstracts to exclude irrelevant articles and identify meta-analyses that met the eligibility criteria. The methodological quality of the meta-analysis was independently assessed by the two investigators using the Oxford Centre for Evidence-based Medicine Levels of Evidence and the Assessment of Multiple Systematic Reviews (AMSTAR) tool. The Jadad decision algorithm was applied to determine which of the included studies provided the best available evidence.Six meta-analyses met the eligibility criteria in this systematic review. AMSTAR scores ranged from 5 to 10. The Jadad decision-making tool suggests that the highest quality review should be selected based on the publication characteristics of the primary trials, the methodology of the primary trials, the language restrictions, and whether analysis of data on individual patients was included in the study. As a result, we selected a high-quality Cochrane review.This systematic review of overlapping meta-analyses comparing surgical and conservative treatments suggests that surgical treatment provides a lower rate of overall treatment failure and a better functional outcome, but is associated with more implant-related complications. Hence, treatment should be individualized, with careful consideration of the advantages and disadvantages of each treatment method and of patient preferences.

Interventions for treating displaced midshaft clavicular fractures: a Bayesian network meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

Displaced midshaft clavicle fractures are frequent injuries. There are 3 treatment methods including conservative treatment, plate fixation, and intramedullary pin fixation. However, which is the best treatment remains a topic of debate.To establish the optimum treatment for displaced midshaft clavicular fractures, we did a network meta-analysis to compare 3 treatments in terms of postoperative nonunion and infection.We searched PubMed, the Cochrane Library, and Embase for relevant randomized controlled trials (RCTs) until the end of October 2014. Two investigators independently reviewed the abstract and full text of eligible studies and extracted information. We used WinBUGS 1.4 (Imperial College School of Medicine at St Mary's, London) to perform our Bayesian network meta-analysis. We used the graphical tools in STATA12 (StataCorp, Texas) to present the results of statistical analyses of WinBUGS14. Nonunion and infection were presented as odd ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). We also presented the results using surface under the cumulative ranking curve (SUCRA). A higher SUCRA value suggests better results for respective treatment method.Thirteen RCTs were included in our network meta-analysis, with a total of 894 patients randomized to receive 1 of 3 treatments. Nonunion rates were 0.9%, 2.4%, and 11.4% for intramedullary pin fixation, plate fixation, and conservative method, respectively. Nonunion occurred more commonly in patients treated with conservative method than in patients treated with either plate fixation (OR, 0.18; 95% CI, 0.05-0.46) or intramedullary pin fixation (OR, 0.12; 95% CI, 0.01-0.50). There was no significant difference between plate and intramedullary pin fixation in nonunion (OR, 3.64; 95% CI, 0.31-17.27). Furthermore, SUCRA probabilities were 87.8%, 62.0%, and 0.2% for intramedullary pin fixation, plate fixation, and conservative method, respectively. Infection rates were 3.6% and 3.9% for intramedullary pin fixation and plate fixation, respectively. There was no significant difference between plate and intramedullary pin fixation in infection (OR, 3.64; 95% CI, 0.31-17.27). SUCRA probabilities were 46.5% and 8.5% for intramedullary pin and plate fixation, respectively.Our network meta-analysis suggested that intramedullary pin fixation is the optimum treatment method for displaced midshaft clavicle fracture because of the low probabilities of nonunion and infection.