The Delphi of ORACLE: An Expert Consensus Survey for the Development of the Observational Risk Assessment of Contractures (Longitudinal Evaluation).

OBJECTIVE: Despite rising prevalence rates, no standard tool is available to identify individuals at risk of developing contractures. This study aimed to gain expert consensus on items for the development of the Observational Risk Assessment Tool for Contractures: Longitudinal Evaluation (ORACLE) for care home residents. DESIGN: A two-round, online modified Delphi study. PARTICIPANTS: Panellists were qualified healthcare professionals with a background in physiotherapy, occupational therapy, nursing, and rehabilitation medicine. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: In the first round, the experts were asked to rate the predesigned list of items on a Likert scale while in the second round, consensus was sought in the areas of disagreement identified in the previous round. RESULTS: The two rounds of the Delphi survey included 30 and 25 panellists, respectively. The average clinical and academic experience of the panellists was 22.2 years and 10.5 years, respectively. The panel demonstrated a high level of consensus regarding the clinical factors (10 out of 15 items); preventive care approaches (9 out of 10 items), and contextual factors (12 out of 13 items) ranging from 70% to 100%. CONCLUSION: This Delphi study determined expert consensus on items to be included in a contracture risk assessment tool (ORACLE). The items were related to factors associated with joint contractures, appropriate preventive care interventions, and potentially relevant contextual factors associated with care home settings. The promise of a risk assessment tool that includes these items has the capacity to reduce the risk of contracture development or progression and to trigger timely and appropriate referrals to help prevent further loss of function and independence.

Expanding the phenotypic spectrum for CDK8-related disease: A case report.

BACKGROUND: Cyclin-dependent kinase 8 (CDK8) is part of a regulatory kinase module that regulates the activity of the Mediator complex. The Mediator, a large conformationally flexible protein complex, goes on to regulate RNA polymerase II activity, consequently affecting transcriptional regulation. Thus, inactivating mutations of the genes within the kinase module cause aberrant transcriptional regulation and disease, namely, CDK8-related intellectual developmental disorder with hypotonia and behavioral abnormalities (IDDHBA). CASE PRESENTATION: We describe, for the first time, a likely pathogenic heterozygous CDK8 variant c.599G>A, p.(Arg200Gln) inherited from the biological mother. The clinical presentation of the child and mother is within the described clinical spectrum for IDDHBA; however, undocumented progressive contractures of the hips and knees as well as scoliosis were also observed in the child. This phenotype was not found in the mother, highlighting a heterogenous presentation for the same variant within the same family. Furthermore, the described clinical presentation may further support the notion of a module- or Mediator-related syndrome with varying clinical presentation. CONCLUSION: This case report documents the first inherited case of IDDHBA and expands the phenotypic spectrum for CDK8-related disease to include undocumented progressive contractures of the hips and knees as well as scoliosis, which may support the notion of a module- or Mediator-related syndrome with varying clinical presentation.

Toward a Consensus Aproach for Assessing Capsular Contracture Severity and Progression: A Systematic Review.

BACKGROUND: Breast implants are the most commonly used medical devices in plastic surgery, and capsular contracture (CC) is one of the most common complications. However, our assessment of CC is based largely on Baker grade, which is problematically subjective and affords only four possible values. METHODS: The authors performed a systematic review concluding in September of 2021 in compliance with Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines. It identified 19 articles that propose approaches to measuring CC. RESULTS: In addition to Baker grade, the authors identified several modalities reported to measure CC. These included magnetic resonance imaging, ultrasonography, sonoelastography, mammacompliance measuring devices, applanation tonometry, histologic evaluation, and serology. Capsule thickness and other measures of CC inconsistently correlated with Baker grade, whereas the presence of synovial metaplasia was consistently associated with Baker grade I and II, but not III and IV capsules. CONCLUSIONS: There remains no particular method to reliably and specifically measure the contracture of capsules that form around breast implants. As such, we would recommend that research investigators use more than one modality to measure CC. Other variables that can impact breast implant stiffness and associated discomfort beyond CC need to be considered when evaluating patient outcomes. Given the value placed on CC outcomes in assessing breast implant safety, and the prevalence of breast implants overall, the need for a more reliable approach to measuring this outcome persists.

The examination and treatment of soft tissue contracture of the elbow.

Treatment of the stiff elbow can be a challenging task. A thorough understanding of normal elbow anatomy and the potential causes of elbow contracture are essential for the development of effective treatment strategies. This chapter provides a review of key points for the treating surgeon including normal elbow anatomy, etiological factors that commonly contribute to elbow stiffness, physical examination and imaging of the stiff elbow, and treatment options for contracture correction.

Early Elbow Flexion Contracture Predicts Shoulder Contracture in Infants with Brachial Plexus Birth Injury.

OBJECTIVE: To determine if children who present with an elbow flexion contracture (EFC) from brachial plexus birth injury (BPBI) are more likely to develop shoulder contracture and undergo surgical treatment. STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective review of children <2 years of age with BPBI who presented to a single children's hospital from 1993 to 2020. Age, elbow and shoulder range of motion (ROM), imaging measurements, and surgical treatment and outcome were analyzed. Patients with an EFC of ≥10° were included in the study sample. Data from 2445 clinical evaluations (1190 patients) were assessed. The final study cohort included 72 EFC cases matched with 230 non-EFC controls. Three patients lacked sufficient follow-up data. RESULTS: There were 299 included patients who showed no differences between study and control groups with respect to age, sex, race, ethnicity, or functional score. Patients with EFC had 12° less shoulder range of motion (95% CI, 5°-20°; P < .001) and had 2.5 times the odds of shoulder contracture (OR, 2.5; 95% CI, 1.3-4.7; P = .006). For each additional 5° of EFC, the odds of shoulder contracture increased by 50% (OR, 1.5; 95% CI, 1.2-1.8; P < .001) and odds of shoulder procedure increased by 62% (OR, 1.62; 95% CI, 1.04-2.53; P = .03). Sensitivity of EFC for predicting shoulder contracture was 49% and specificity was 82%. CONCLUSIONS: In patients with BPBI <2 years of age, presence of EFC can be used as a screening tool in identifying shoulder contractures that may otherwise be difficult to assess. Prompt referral should be arranged for evaluation at a BPBI specialty clinic, because delayed presentation risks worsening shoulder contracture and potentially more complicated surgery.

[Surgical treatment of combined injuries of the neck and shoulder joints]. / Khirurgicheskoe lechenie sochetannykh porazhenii shei i plechevykh sustavov.

OBJECTIVE: To develop the algorithm for effective surgical restoration of shoulder joint and neck functions and acceleration of social and labor rehabilitation. MATERIAL AND METHODS: There were 116 patients with combined consequences of burns of the neck and shoulder joints between 2012 and 2021. These ones amounted to 29.4% of all patients with lesions of the neck or shoulder joints. Simultaneous surgeries with correction of post-burn cicatricial deformities and contractures were performed in 66 patients (56.9%). Age of patients ranged from 18 to 72 years, and 96% of them were employable. There were 89 (76.7%) women and 27 (23.3%) men. We assessed spread and localization of cicatricial process, as well as restriction of mobility of the neck and shoulder joint to select optimal surgical approach. Classification of neck deformities and contractures of shoulder joints considering severity of cicatricial lesion and functional impairment made it possible to systematize the approach to reconstructive procedures. Reconstructive surgery included repair with local tissues including skin-fatty flap, non-perforated split or full-thickness skin autograft, rotated flaps including those based on perforator vessels, as well as preliminary skin stretching. RESULTS: In general, 116 patients with combined lesions of the neck and shoulder joints underwent 314 surgeries. To accelerate rehabilitation, we performed simultaneous surgeries with correction of deformities and contractures in 66 patients (56.9%). Staged reconstructive surgeries were carried out in 50 patients. Acute dermotension and skin-fatty neck flap grafting were the most common for deformities and contractures of the neck. Skin-fatty axillary flap was used in most patients with contractures of shoulder joints. CONCLUSION: Simultaneous surgeries can accelerate rehabilitation. Correct algorithm of staged surgical treatment reduces rehabilitation period and eliminates functional disorders.

[Diagnosis and treatment of finger flexion contracture caused by forearm flexor disease].

Objective: To summarize the clinical characteristics, differential diagnosis, and treatment methods of finger flexion contracture caused by three kinds of forearm flexor diseases. Methods: Between December 2008 and August 2021, 17 patients with finger flexion contracture were treated, including 8 males and 9 females, aged 5-42 years, with a median of 16 years. The disease duration ranged from 1.5 months to 30 years, with a median of 13 years. The etiology included 6 cases of Volkmann's contracture, all of which were flexion deformity of the 2nd to 5th fingers, accompanied by limitation of thumb dorsiflexion in 3 cases and limitation of wrist dorsiflexion in 3 cases; 3 cases of pseudo-Volkmann's contracture, including 2 cases of flexion deformity of middle, ring, and little fingers, and 1 case of flexion deformity of ring and little fingers; 8 cases of ulnar finger flexion contracture caused by forearm flexor disease or anatomical variations, all of which were flexion deformity of middle, ring, and little fingers. Operations such as slide of flexor and pronator teres origin, excision of abnormal fibrous cord and bony prominence, and release of entrapped muscle (tendon) were performed. Hand function was evaluated according to WANG Haihua's hand function rating standard or modified Buck-Gramcko classification standard, and muscle strength was evaluated according to British Medical Research Council (MRC) muscle strength rating standard. Results: All patients were followed up 1-10 years (median, 1.5 years). At last follow-up, 8 patients with contracture caused by forearm flexor disease or anatomical variations and 3 patients with pseudo-Volkmann's contracture achieved excellent hand function, with muscle strength of grade M5 in 6 cases and grade M4 in 5 cases. One patient with mild Volkmann's contracture and 3 patients with moderate Volkmann's contracture without severe nerve damage had excellent hand function in 2 cases and good in 2 cases, with muscle strength of grade M5 in 1 case and grade M4 in 3 cases. Two patients with moderate or severe Volkmann's contracture had poor hand function, with 1 case of muscle strength of grade M3 and 1 case of grade M2, which improved when compared with those before operation. The overall excellent and good rate of hand function and the proportion of patients with muscle strength of grade M4 and above were 88.2% (15/17), respectively. Conclusion: The finger flexion contracture caused by different etiology can be differentiated by analyzing the history, physical examination, radiographs, and intraoperative findings. After different surgical treatments, such as resection of contracture band, release of compressed muscle (tendon), and downward movement of flexor origin, most patients have a good outcome.

Predictive factors of the contracture test for diagnosing malignant hyperthermia in a Brazilian population sample: a retrospective observational study

Abstract Introduction Malignant Hyperthermia (MH) is a pharmacogenetic, hereditary and autosomal dominant syndrome triggered by halogenates/succinylcholine. The In Vitro Contracture Test (IVCT) is the gold standard diagnostic test for MH, and it evaluates abnormal skeletal muscle reactions of susceptible individuals (earlier/greater contracture) when exposed to caffeine/halothane. MH susceptibility episodes and IVCT seem to be related to individual features. Objective To assess variables that correlate with IVCT in Brazilian patients referred for MH investigation due to a history of personal/family MH. Methods We examined IVCTs of 80 patients investigated for MH between 2004‒2019. We recorded clinical data (age, sex, presence of muscle weakness or myopathy with muscle biopsy showing cores, genetic evaluation, IVCT result) and IVCT features (initial and final maximum contraction, caffeine/halothane concentration triggering contracture of 0.2g, contracture at caffeine concentration of 2 and 32 mmoL and at 2% halothane, and contraction after 100 Hz stimulation). Results Mean age of the sample was 35±13.3 years, and most of the subjects were female (n=43 or 54%) and MH susceptible (60%). Of the 20 subjects undergoing genetic investigation, 65% showed variants in RYR1/CACNA1S genes. We found no difference between the positive and negative IVCT groups regarding age, sex, number of probands, presence of muscle weakness or myopathy with muscle biopsy showing cores. Regression analysis revealed that the best predictors of positive IVCT were male sex (+12%), absence of muscle weakness (+20%), and personal MH background (+17%). Conclusions Positive IVCT results have been correlated to male probands, in accordance with early publications. Furthermore, normal muscle strength has been confirmed as a significant predictor of positive IVCT while investigating suspected MH cases.

Hereditary fibrosing poikiloderma (POIKTMP syndrome) report of a new mutation and review of the literature.

Hereditary fibrosing poikiloderma with tendon contractures, myopathy, and pulmonary fibrosis (POIKTMP) is a genodermatosis with autosomal dominant inheritance caused by mutations in FAM111B. We report another case with a new pathogenic variant and analyze all previously published 34 cases with a focus on sequence of clinical presentation and genotype-phenotype correlation. POIKTMP is characterized by marked age-dependent clinical expressivity. FAM111B encodes a catalytic nuclear protein, expressed in many tissues, which contributes to impaired DNA repair affecting multiple systems. Specific inhibition of catalytic activity might be a future strategy to halt progression of this otherwise untreatable disease. Given the relentless progression of the disease, it would make sense to start such treatment as early as possible. In order to achieve this objective, children with suspected POIKTMP should therefore undergo early imaging of all relevant organ systems.

Predictive factors of the contracture test for diagnosing malignant hyperthermia in a Brazilian population sample: a retrospective observational study.

INTRODUCTION: Malignant Hyperthermia (MH) is a pharmacogenetic, hereditary and autosomal dominant syndrome triggered by halogenates/succinylcholine. The In Vitro Contracture Test (IVCT) is the gold standard diagnostic test for MH, and it evaluates abnormal skeletal muscle reactions of susceptible individuals (earlier/greater contracture) when exposed to caffeine/halothane. MH susceptibility episodes and IVCT seem to be related to individual features. OBJECTIVE: To assess variables that correlate with IVCT in Brazilian patients referred for MH investigation due to a history of personal/family MH. METHODS: We examined IVCTs of 80 patients investigated for MH between 2004‒2019. We recorded clinical data (age, sex, presence of muscle weakness or myopathy with muscle biopsy showing cores, genetic evaluation, IVCT result) and IVCT features (initial and final maximum contraction, caffeine/halothane concentration triggering contracture of 0.2g, contracture at caffeine concentration of 2 and 32 mmoL and at 2% halothane, and contraction after 100 Hz stimulation). RESULTS: Mean age of the sample was 35±13.3 years, and most of the subjects were female (n=43 or 54%) and MH susceptible (60%). Of the 20 subjects undergoing genetic investigation, 65% showed variants in RYR1/CACNA1S genes. We found no difference between the positive and negative IVCT groups regarding age, sex, number of probands, presence of muscle weakness or myopathy with muscle biopsy showing cores. Regression analysis revealed that the best predictors of positive IVCT were male sex (+12%), absence of muscle weakness (+20%), and personal MH background (+17%). CONCLUSIONS: Positive IVCT results have been correlated to male probands, in accordance with early publications. Furthermore, normal muscle strength has been confirmed as a significant predictor of positive IVCT while investigating suspected MH cases.

Renal Involvement in H Syndrome, A Rare Cause of Diabetes Mellitus: Case Report.

BACKGROUND: H syndrome is a rare genodermatosis deriving from a mutation in the SLC29A3 gene and affecting numerous systems, particularly the skin. The syndrome exhibits different clinical characteristics involving several systems, most beginning with the letter "H." The most common clinical findings are cutaneous hyperpigmentation, flexion contracture in the fingers, hearing loss, short stature, insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus, heart anomalies, hepatosplenomegaly, and hypogonadism. Fewer than 150 cases have been reported so far and vast majority of them consisted with patients with Arab ethnicity. CASE PRESENTATION: We describe a patient presenting with short stature, developing diabetes mellitus at follow-ups, with homozygous deletion determined in exon 3 of the SLC29A3 gene, and diagnosed with H syndrome, reported due to the presence and rarity of renal involvement (hematuria and proteinuria). CONCLUSION: In conclusion, despite its rarity, endocrinologists, rheumatologists/nephrologists, and dermatologists need to be aware of H syndrome as a pleiotropic syndrome. H syndrome should be considered in the differential diagnosis of patients with cutaneous hyperpigmentation (particularly in the bilateral thigh and calf region) together with proteinuria/hematuria. In addition, periodic urine analysis should be performed in patients with H syndrome.

Reliability of a novel technique to assess palmar contracture in young children with unilateral hand injuries.

BACKGROUND: Palmar contracture in young children can have significant developmental consequences. Despite this, objective techniques to measure palmar range of movement and quantify contracture in young children are limited. PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to determine the reliability of hand span and hand length measures in young children and to establish whether there is any association with age, sex and presence of a palmar burn injury in the reliability of these measures. The study also sought to determine the normative difference and establish a cut off value for the between-hand difference to identify loss of movement in 1 hand. STUDY DESIGN: Cross sectional METHODS: Forty-four children aged 0 to <5 years were recruited. Twenty-two children had a unilateral palmar burn injury and 22 did not have a palmar burn injury. Each child's hand span and hand length were measured 3 times. This was performed twice by the first assessor and once by the second assessor. Intraclass correlation coefficients were calculated to determine the intra-rater and inter-rater reliability. The largest of the 3 values for both hand span and hand length from the first assessor's first assessment were used to determine the normative between-hand difference. Outliers were removed prior to determining the normative difference. Children were considered outliers if their between-hand difference in hand span and/or hand length was in the top 5% of values. RESULTS: Excellent reliability was established for hand span and hand length measures for the whole group (intra-rater ICC2,1 ≥0.95, inter-rater ICC2,1 ≥0.94). The mean normative between-hand difference for both measures was 2 mm. The cut-off for the normative difference in hand span was <9 mm and hand length was <6 mm. CONCLUSION: This measurement technique has excellent reliability and could be a useful method to quantify palmar range of movement and identify contracture in young children with unilateral hand injuries.

Associations among quality of life, activities, and participation in elderly residents with joint contractures in long-term care facilities: a cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: Joint contractures and degenerative osteoarthritis are the most common joint diseases in the elderly population, can lead to limited mobility in elderly individuals, can exacerbate symptoms such as pain, stiffness, and disability, and can interfere with social participation and quality of life, thus affecting mental health. However, relevant studies on this topic are very limited. This study describes the associations of joint contracture categories and sites in elderly residents in long-term care facilities with their quality of life, activities, and participation. METHODS: Elderly individuals with joint contractures who were residents in long-term care facilities were recruited. The World Health Organization (WHO) Quality of Life and the WHO Disability Assessment Schedule 2.0 were used to survey the participants. Correlations, multiple linear regressions, and multiple analyses of variance, with joint contractures as the response variable, were used in the statistical analysis. RESULTS: The final statistical analysis included 232 participants. The explanatory power of contracture sites on activities and participation had a moderate strength of association (η2 = .113). Compared with elderly residents with joint contractures and osteoarthritis isolated to the upper limbs, those with joint contractures and osteoarthritis in both the upper and lower limbs had significantly worse activity and participation limitations. No significant differences in activity and participation were found between elderly residents with joint contractures affecting only the upper limbs and those with joint contractures affecting only the lower limbs (F1,226 = 2.604 and F1,226 = 0.674, nonsignificant). Osteoarthritis had the greatest impact on activity limitations and participation restrictions among elderly residents with joint contractures affecting both the upper and lower limbs (F1,226 = 6.251, p = .014). CONCLUSIONS: Elderly residents in long-term care facilities belonging to minority groups, with a history of stroke, and with osteoarthritis are at a high risk of developing activity limitations and participation restrictions. Moreover, compared with other contraction sites, regardless of osteoarthritis, joint contractures affecting both the upper and lower limbs were associated with the greatest activity limitations and participation restrictions. TRIAL REGISTRATION: This study has been registered in the Chinese Clinical Trial Registry, registration number and date: ChiCTR2000039889 (13/11/2020).

Large flexion contracture angle predicts tight extension gap during navigational posterior stabilized-type total knee arthroplasty with the pre-cut technique: a retrospective study.

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to determine the predictors of tight extension gap (EG) compared with the flexion gap (FG) during navigational posterior stabilized-type total knee arthroplasty using the pre-cut technique. METHODS: Nineteen patients with tight EG (defined as FG-EG ≥2 mm after pre-cut; group T) and 84 patients with an approximately equal gap (defined as FG-EG = 0-1 mm after pre-cut; group E) were enrolled. Medial tibial slope angle, hip knee ankle angle, flexion contracture angle, and active maximum flexion angle were compared between the two groups. RESULTS: The multivariate logistic regression model indicated that the probability of tight EG increased with flexion contracture angle (odds ratio, 1.13; 95% confidence interval 1.05-1.20; P ≤ 0.001). According to the receiver operating characteristic analysis, the flexion contracture angle cut-off value associated with tight EG was 15.0° (sensitivity, 85%; specificity, 78%). CONCLUSION: This study demonstrated that a large flexion contracture angle (cut-off 15.0°) was associated with tight EG after pre-cut osteotomy during posterior stabilized-type total knee arthroplasty. Awareness of this risk factor may help improve preoperative predictability of tight EGs and preparedness for additional procedures, such as soft tissue release or capsulotomy, to correct them. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III.

Ankle contractures and functional motor decline in Duchenne muscular dystrophy.

INTRODUCTION: This prospective, correlational pilot study investigated the relationship between ankle plantar flexion contractures and motor function in boys with Duchenne muscular dystrophy in British Columbia (BC), Canada. PARTICIPANTS: Ambulatory boys with Duchenne muscular dystrophy were recruited from BC Children's Hospital, which follows everyone with Duchenne muscular dystrophy in BC ≤ 18 years of age (n = 14). METHODS: Spearman and Pearson correlation coefficients were estimated to examine the association between the degree of ankle dorsiflexion range of motion and North Star Ambulatory Assessment scores and the degree of ankle dorsiflexion range and six-minute walk test distances. RESULTS: Our analysis showed a moderate correlation between the degree of ankle dorsiflexion range and North Star Ambulatory Assessment scores [rho (14) = 0.50; p = 0.070] and a weak correlation between ankle dorsiflexion range of motion and six-minute walk test distances [rho (13) = 0.08; p = 0.747], however neither result was statistically significant. DISCUSSION: Although a significant relationship between ankle dorsiflexion range of motion and motor function was not found, the variability of ankle dorsiflexion range suggests challenges with preventing ankle contracture. This reinforces the importance of assessing ankle range of motion in boys with Duchenne muscular dystrophy with sufficient frequency to identify a need for additional interventions.

Lateral Elbow Dislocation of a Patient with Elbow Flexion Contracture and a Traumatic Brain Lesion.

Most of the lateral dislocations reported in previous literatures occurred to healthy patients by accident. However, our patient had limping gait, flexion contracture of the elbow, and spasticity in an affected arm due to a traumatic brain lesion 20 years ago. He fell down while taking a walk and presented with a lateral elbow dislocation accompanying tingling sense in ulnar nerve territory of his hand. Open reduction was performed. The torn MCL was reattached and the ulnar nerve was released. In postoperative six months, the range of motion was regained and the neurologic symptoms were resolved. This case shows that flexion contracture of elbow joint and a brain lesion causing motor disturbance of upper extremity could be the specific condition causing lateral elbow dislocation. Open reduction including repair of MCL and decompression of ulnar nerve, seems quite reasonable for the treatment of the lateral elbow dislocation.

Early postoperative pain as a risk factor of shoulder stiffness after arthroscopic rotator cuff repair.

BACKGROUND: The role of postoperative pain in incidence of shoulder stiffness (SS) after shoulder arthroscopy has not been thoroughly investigated. The present study was conducted to assess the effects of early postoperative pain (EPOP) on onset of SS after arthroscopic rotator cuff (RC) repair. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In a retrospective analysis of a prospectively collected database, 335 patients who underwent arthroscopic RC repair were evaluated. RC tendons were sutured to the bone using the double-row technique. EPOP was evaluated 1 week after surgery using the visual analog scale (VAS). SS was assessed 3 months after surgery and was categorized into moderate or severe based on shoulder range of motion (ROM). Each type of complication including SS was identified and recorded. RESULTS: Postoperative shoulder stiffness (POSS) was identified in 121 patients (36.2%) that was moderate in 86 patients (70.1%) and severe in 35 patients (28.9%). After 1 week, VAS pain score was equal to 7.7 ± 3.1 and 4.5 ± 2.1 in the patients with and without stiffness, respectively (p < 0.001). Diabetes and traumatic tear were found to be associated with postoperative stiffness (p = 0.046 and p < 0.001, respectively). Similar associations were found on multivariate analysis of data. VAS pain score was higher in the patients with severe stiffness compared with those with moderate stiffness (p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Our findings revealed that EPOP is associated with shoulder stiffness after arthroscopic RC repair. Therefore, strategies to ameliorate EPOP could be opted to decrease rate of POSS. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV.

Psychometric validation of the Chinese version of the PaArticular Scales among elderly residents in long-term care facilities with joint contractures.

BACKGROUND: Joint contractures, which affect activity, participation, and quality of life, are common complications of neurological conditions among elderly residents in long-term care facilities. This study examined the reliability and validity of the Chinese version of the PaArticular Scales in a population with joint contractures. METHODS: A cross-sectional study design was used. The sample included elderly residents older than 64 years with joint contractures in an important joint who had lived at one of 12 long-term care facilities in Taiwan for more than 6 months (N = 243). The Chinese version of the PaArticular Scales for joint contractures was generated from the English version through five stages: translation, review, back-translation, review by a panel of specialists, and a pretest. Test-retest reliability, internal consistency reliability, construct validity, and criterion validity were evaluated, and the results were compared with those for the World Health Organization Quality of Life scale and the World Health Organization Disability Assessment Schedule. RESULTS: The Chinese version of the PaArticular Scales had excellent reliability, with a Cronbach α coefficient of 0.975 (mean score, 28.98; standard deviation, 17.34). An exploratory factor analysis showed three factors and one factor with an eigenvalue > 1 that explained 75.176 and 62.83 % of the total variance in the Activity subscale and Participation subscale, respectively. The subscale-to-total scale correlation analysis showed Pearson correlation coefficients of 0.881 for the Activity subscale and 0.843 for the Participation subscale. Pearson's product-moment correlation revealed that the correlation coefficient (r) between the Chinese version of the PaArticular Scales and the World Health Organization Disability Assessment Schedule was 0.770, whereas that for the World Health Organization Quality of Life scale was - 0.553; these values were interpreted as large coefficients. CONCLUSIONS: The underlying theoretical model of the Chinese version of the PaArticular Scales functions well in Taiwan and has acceptable levels of reliability and validity. However, the Chinese version must be further tested for applicability and generalizability in future studies, preferably with a larger sample and in different clinical domains.

The influence of preoperative knee flexion contracture severity on short-term outcome of orthopedic surgery in ambulatory children with bilateral cerebral palsy.

BACKGROUND: Indications and cutoff value of deformities to determine surgical procedures for flexed knee gait are not clear. The aim was to determine the influence of none or mild, and moderate preoperative knee flexion contracture on the improvement of gait after orthopedic surgery in children with bilateral cerebral palsy (CP). METHODS: Inclusion criteria; bilateral CP, Gross Motor Function Classification System level I-III, and pre- and post operative-gait analysis. The 132 individuals identified were categorized into 2 groups based on the severity of knee flexion contracture (group 1: none or less than 11°; group 2: greater than or equal to 11°), and then matched according to the exact same soft tissue and/or bony orthopedic surgical procedures performed. The indication for surgery was to prevent progressive development of knee flexion contracture and stance phase flexed knee gait. Pre- and postoperative physical examination and gait analysis data were analyzed retrospectively. RESULTS: Sixty (30 + 30) children, with mean age 10.6 years in each group, were included. The average follow-up time was 17 months. Gait Deviation Index (GDI) improved in group 1 from mean 66 (SD 19) to 74 (15), p = 0.004, and in group 2 from 60 (13) to 69 (15), p = 0.001. Knee flexion in stance improved in group 1 from 21.4 (16.1) to 12.1 (16.0) degrees, p = 0.002, and in group 2 from 32.2 (14.2) to 17.0 (15.9), p = 0.001. Step length improved in both groups, p = 0.017 and p = 0.008, respectively. Only in group 2 significant improvement was noted in walking speed, p = 0.018 and standing function, Gross Motor Function Measure (GMFM-D), p = 0.001. Knee flexion contracture decreased in group 1 from mean 4.6 (5.3) to 2.1 (8.3) degrees, p = 0.071 and in group 2 from 17.2 (4.9) to 9.6 (9.3), p = 0.001. There was no statistical difference between groups in pre-post improvement of GDI or other variables, except GMFM-D. CONCLUSIONS: Relative mild to moderate preoperative knee flexion contracture does not influence the short-term improvement of gait after orthopedic surgery in children with bilateral CP.