Review of quality of x-rays for templating for total hip arthroplasty.

Digital templating of x-rays for total hip arthroplasty is used routinely for pre-operative planning. This is to assure that appropriately sized implants are selected to replicate patient's hip biomechanics. Multiple studies have shown that templating does not always correspond to the final implants used. The aim of this study was to assess the suitability of the x-rays taken pre-operatively for templating for total hip arthroplasty. We undertook a review of a series of pre-operative templating pelvis x-rays in 100 consecutive patients undergoing total hip arthroplasty. These x-rays were compared against set criteria to determine their suitability for use for templating. We determined that six x-rays met the criteria whereas ninety four x-rays did not meet the criteria for suitable x-rays. Twenty patients had repeat x-rays. The reasons for unsuitability were inadequate opposite femur (66%), absence or incomplete template (54%), inadequate femur length (47%), external rotation (39%), absence of opposite hip (4%). The twenty repeated x-rays were also reviewed for the same parameters and two (10%) satisfied the established criteria. It is imperative that x-rays for templating for total hip arthroplasty are done to a strict standard to obtain an x-ray that is appropriate for templating and there is minimal exposure of the patient to irradiation.

Use of Smart Toe(©) implant for small toe arthrodesis: A smart concept?

BACKGROUND: Arthrodesis of small joints for hammer and claw toe deformities is a common forefoot operative procedure. Our objective was to review patients who underwent small toe arthrodesis with Smart Toe(©) intramedullary monobloc implant. Our aim was to assess patient's surgical outcome and to ascertain implant suitability. METHODS: This procedure was undertaken in 90 patients from February 2011 to December 2012. We present our review of 82 (91.1%) patients who attended the final six 6-month follow up. Mean age was 56.5 years. There were 7 (8.5%) males and 75 (8.5%) males and 75 (91.5%) females. Clinical and radiological evaluation was undertaken. A questionnaire was used to assess general symptoms, clinical outlook, deformity and patient's perceptions and acceptance. Foot and Ankle Outcome Score and Foot and Ankle Disability Index were used to judge outcome. RESULTS: There were 71 (86.6%) proximal and 11 (13.4%) distal interphalangeal joints with 69 (84.1%) second, 7 (8.5%) third, 6 (84.1%) second, 7 (8.5%) third, 6 (7.3%) fourth toes. There was persistent swelling in 7 (8.5%) and tenderness in 1 (1.2%). Appearance of toes was symmetrical in 71 (86.6%) and 11 (13.4%) were asymmetrical but asymptomatic. The mean range of movement of the adjacent joint was 53.9°. Control of toes was good in 72 (87.8%) patients. Mean percentage of improvement was 76.1% with 100% in 17 (20.7%) and over 80% in 47 (57.3%). Seventy (85.3%) would recommend and undergo repeat surgery. There were 2 (2.4%) cases of metal cut out. There was one (1.2%) implant failure. Union was achieved in 79 (96.3%) patients. CONCLUSION: We feel that Smart Toe(©) small toe arthrodesis is a safe and reliable technique with good patient outcome and acceptance.

Deciphering the Epigenetic Symphony of Cancer: Insights and Epigenetic Therapies Implications.

Epigenetic machinery is a cornerstone in normal cell development, orchestrating tissue-specific gene expression in mammalian cells. Aberrations in this intricate landscape drive substantial changes in gene function, emerging as a linchpin in cancer etiology and progression. While cancer was conventionally perceived as solely a genetic disorder, its contemporary definition encompasses genetic alterations intertwined with disruptive epigenetic abnormalities. This review explores the profound impact of DNA methylation, histone modifications, and noncoding RNAs on fundamental cellular processes. When these pivotal epigenetic mechanisms undergo disruption, they intricately guide the acquisition of the 6 hallmark characteristics of cancer within seemingly normal cells. Leveraging the latest advancements in decoding these epigenetic intricacies holds immense promise, heralding a new era in developing targeted and more efficacious treatment modalities against cancers driven by aberrant epigenetic modifications.