The association of pre-existing mental health conditions and patient outcomes after lower extremity orthopaedic trauma: a scoping review.

INTRODUCTION: Existing research has established a correlation between post-traumatic mental health conditions, including anxiety and depression, and various aspects of recovery, such as pain exacerbations, reduced functional recovery, and lowered patient satisfaction. However, the influence of pre-existing mental health conditions on orthopaedic trauma outcomes has not been thoroughly investigated. The objective of this study was to systematically review literature addressing the association between pre-existing mental health conditions and patient outcomes following surgical interventions for lower extremity fractures in non-geriatric populations. METHODS: A systematic literature review was conducted using Medline, Embase, and Scopus databases following PRISMA-ScR guidelines to select studies that examined lower extremity orthopaedic trauma outcomes in relation to pre-existing mental health conditions. Studies that evaluated patients with surgically treated lower extremity fractures and a history of mental health conditions such as anxiety, depression, or mood disorders were included. Studies with a mean patient age above 65 years of age were excluded to focus on non-geriatric injury patterns. RESULTS: The systematic review identified 12 studies investigating the relationship between surgical outcomes of orthopaedic lower extremity fractures and pre-existing mental health disorders in non-geriatric populations. Studies included patients with pelvis, femur, tibia, and ankle fractures. A majority (83%) of these studies demonstrated that patients with pre-existing mental health diagnoses had inferior functional outcomes, heightened pain levels, or an increase in postoperative complications. DISCUSSION: The presence of pre-existing mental health conditions, particularly anxiety and depression, may predispose orthopaedic trauma patients to an elevated risk of suboptimal functional outcomes, increased pain, or complications after surgical intervention for lower extremity fractures. Future research should focus on interventions that mitigate the impact of mental health conditions on orthopaedic outcomes and patient wellness in this population.

Photoregulation of PRMT-1 Using a Photolabile Non-Canonical Amino Acid.

Protein methyltransferases are vital to the epigenetic modification of gene expression. Thus, obtaining a better understanding of and control over the regulation of these crucial proteins has significant implications for the study and treatment of numerous diseases. One ideal mechanism of protein regulation is the specific installation of a photolabile-protecting group through the use of photocaged non-canonical amino acids. Consequently, PRMT1 was caged at a key tyrosine residue with a nitrobenzyl-protected Schultz amino acid to modulate protein function. Subsequent irradiation with UV light removes the caging group and restores normal methyltransferase activity, facilitating the spatial and temporal control of PRMT1 activity. Ultimately, this caged PRMT1 affords the ability to better understand the protein's mechanism of action and potentially regulate the epigenetic impacts of this vital protein.

Mechanistic investigation and further optimization of the aqueous Glaser-Hay bioconjugation.

The Glaser-Hay bioconjugation has recently emerged as an efficient and attractive method to generate stable, useful bioconjugates with numerous applications, specifically in the field of therapeutics. Herein, we investigate the mechanism of the aqueous Glaser-Hay coupling to better understand optimization strategies. In doing so, it was identified that catalase is able to minimize protein oxidation and improve coupling efficiency, suggesting that hydrogen peroxide is produced during the aqueous Glaser-Hay bioconjugation. Further, several new ligands were investigated to minimize protein oxidation and maximize coupling efficiency. Finally, two novel strategies to streamline the Glaser-Hay bioconjugation and eliminate the need for secondary purification have been developed.

Risks of Increased Operative Time and Longer Hospital Stays Based on Age in Total Ankle Arthroplasty.

BACKGROUND: As total ankle arthroplasty (TAA) is increasingly performed in younger individuals in the United States, the aim of this study was to analyze TAA outcomes and complications by age. METHODS: A total of 1619 primary and revision TAAs from 2012 to 2020 were collected and included from the National Surgical Quality Improvement Program. Patients were stratified by age into those younger than 55 years, between 55 and 70 years, and older than 70 years. Demographics, medical comorbidities, American Society of Anesthesiology Physical Classification (ASA) class, operative time, 30-day complications, and comorbid conditions were compared by univariable analysis. Multivariable analysis was used to analyze readmission rates, reoperation rates, operative time, and hospital length of stay. RESULTS: Patients younger than 55 years were found to have a significantly longer operative time compared to patients older than 70 years of age or between 55 and 70 years (P < .001, P = .034). Patients older than 70 years were found to have a significantly longer hospital stay (P < .001) and a greater risk of discharging to a nonhome location (P < .001). By multivariable analysis, patients 55 to 70 have a statistically lower risk of readmission compared to the other 2 cohorts (P = .043). No difference in postoperative complications was demonstrated between the different groups. CONCLUSIONS: As the incidence of total ankle arthroplasty increases across all ages, it is important to understand specific perioperative risks for each age group. Younger patients tended to have longer surgeries and higher body mass indexes (BMIs). Patients aged 55 to 70 years had the lowest risks for perioperative complications. Patients greater than 70 years were at risk for longer hospital stays and discharge to nonhome locations. There were no differences in postoperative complications by age. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III: Retrospective comparative study.

Juvenile Osteochondral Lesions of the Talus: Current Concepts Review and an Update on the Literature.

Osteochondral lesions of the talus (OLTs) are lesions that occur before the physis closes and are frequently associated with acute ankle trauma. These lesions are often difficult to diagnose due to swelling and inflammation that are present after the initial injury. A growing body of literature has assessed the effects of OLTs in the adult population. However, the literature examining these lesions in the juvenile population is sparse. The purpose of this review is to provide a thorough understanding of OLTs, with a specific focus on the juvenile population. We evaluate the recent literature regarding the outcomes of various surgical treatment; modalities in the pediatric patient. While the outcomes after surgical treatment of pediatric OLTs are generally favorable, the paucity of investigation in this demographic is alarming. Further research is needed to better inform practitioners and families regarding these outcomes, as treatment plans are highly dependent on the individual patient in question.

Association Between Hospital Monopoly Status, Patient Socioeconomic Disadvantage, and Total Joint Arthroplasty Price Disclosure.

INTRODUCTION: In recent years, healthcare institutions and regulatory bodies have enacted cost transparency mandates for routine interventions such as total hip arthroplasty and total knee arthroplasty. However, disclosure rates remain low. This study examined the effect of financial characteristics of hospitals and the socioeconomic status of patients on price disclosure. METHODS: Hospitals conducting total hip arthroplasty/total knee arthroplasty, their quality ratings, and procedural volumes were identified using the Leapfrog Hospital Survey and linked to procedure-specific prices. Financial performance and the Area Deprivation Index (ADI) were used to correlate disclosure rates with hospital and patient characteristics. Hospital financial, operational, and patient summary statistics were compared by price-disclosure status using two-sample t -tests for continuous variables and Pearson chi-square test for categorical variables. The association between total joint arthroplasty price disclosure and hospital ADI was further evaluated using modified Poisson regression. RESULTS: A total of 1,425 hospitals certified by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services were identified in the United States. 50.5% (n = 721) of hospitals had no published payer-specific price information. Hospitals in an area of higher socioeconomic disadvantage were more likely to disclose prices of total joint arthroplasty (incidence rate ratio = 0.966, 95% CI: 0.937 to 0.995, P = 0.024). Hospitals that were considered monopolies or were for-profit were less likely to disclose prices (IRR = 1.15, 95% CI: 1.030 to 1.280, P = 0.01; IRR = 1.256, 95% CI: 0.986 to 1.526, P = 0.038, respectively). When accounting for both ADI and monopoly status, hospitals with patients who had a higher ADI were more likely to disclose costs for a total joint arthroplasty, whereas for-profit hospitals or hospitals considered monopolies in their HSA were less likely to disclose prices. DISCUSSION: For nonmonopoly hospitals, a higher ADI correlated with a higher likelihood of price disclosure. However, for monopoly hospitals, there was no significant association between ADI and price disclosure. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: II.

Evaluating Failure Mechanisms for Total Talus Replacement: Contemporary Review.

BACKGROUND: As total talus replacement (TTR) grows in popularity as a salvage option for talar collapse, a critical evaluation of the complications associated with this procedure is indicated. METHODS: In this review of the literature, we present a patient report and provide a review of several complications seen after TTR, including ligamentous instability, infection, and adjacent joint osteoarthritis, which we have encountered in our practice. RESULTS: Total talus replacement has the potential to reduce pain and preserve range of motion. However, the treating surgeon must be cognizant of the variety of adverse outcomes. We have presented cases of potential devastating complications from our own clinical experience and the literature. CONCLUSIONS: In conclusion, TTR may have utility in the properly selected patient with end-stage talar collapse, but implant composition, indications, and patient demographic variables complicate the interpretation of the literature.Levels of Evidence: Level III.

Employing non-canonical amino acids towards the immobilization of a hyperthermophilic enzyme to increase protein stability.

A carboxylesterase derived from Sulfolobus solfataricus P1 was immobilized onto an epoxy-activated Sepharose resin via non-canonical amino acids. The immobilized enzyme exhibited heightened performance in organic solvents, recyclability, and stability at room temperature for over two years. The incorporation of a non-canonical amino acid afforded a high degree of control over the bioorthogonal immobilization reaction. These results indicate that the specificity conferred by genetic code expansion produces advantages in protein immobilization and broadens the utility of such proteins to non-biological settings.

Fracture through Pre-Existing Tarsal Coalition: A Narrative Review.

Tarsal coalitions are abnormal fibrous or bony connections between the tarsal bones of the foot. While not always symptomatic, coalitions can cause pain, alterations in forefoot and hindfoot morphology, and alterations in foot and ankle biomechanics. Previous research has described the association of tarsal coalitions with fractures of the lower extremity. Multiple reports of acute fracture in the presence of tarsal coalition have been presented, as have reports of stress fractures of the foot and ankle with concomitant coalition, insidious in onset and thought to be related to aberrancies in foot and ankle biomechanics. The purpose of this review is to discuss the biomechanics seen in tarsal coalitions and to describe reports of fracture occurring concomitantly with tarsal coalitions. We will discuss diagnostic options and treatment approaches in the setting of fracture with preexisting tarsal coalition.

Retroperitoneal dermoid cyst presenting with radiculopathy symptoms: a case report.

Dermoid cysts rarely present in the retroperitoneal space or during adulthood. In this case report, we describe the clinical presentation, operative and post-operative course of a 31-year old with a retroperitoneal dermoid cyst. The patient presented with buttock and leg pain/paresthesia found to have a retroperitoneal mass between the psoas muscle and L5/S1 disk space. We describe the operative approach, including intra-operative images, of the resection by a team of urologists and neurosurgeons. The histology is also presented. Finally, we discuss the benefits of use of intra-operative ultrasound and neuromonitoring.