Validation of a Virtual Reality Simulator for Percutaneous Pedicle Screw Insertion.

INTRODUCTION: Working-hour restrictions, rota gaps and an increasing drive for theatre efficiency have resulted in challenges to surgical training. As a result, Virtual Reality (VR) has emerged as a popular tool to augment this training. Our aim was to evaluate the validity of a VR simulator for performing percutaneous pedicle screw guidewire insertion. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty-four participants were divided into three equal groups depending on prior surgical experience: a novice group (<10 procedures), an intermediate group (10-50 procedures) and an expert group (>50 procedures). All subjects performed four guidewire insertions on a TraumaVision® simulator (Swemac Innovation AB, Linköping, Sweden) in a set order. Six outcome measures were recorded; total score, time, fluoroscopy exposure, wire depth, zone of placement and wall violations. RESULTS: There were statistically significant differences between the groups for time taken (p<0.001) and fluoroscopy exposure (p<0.001). The novice group performed the worst, and the expert group outperformed both intermediates and novices in both categories. Other outcome results were good and less variable. There was an observed learning effect in the novice and intermediate groups between each of the attempts for both time taken and fluoroscopy exposure. CONCLUSIONS: The study contributes constructive evidence to support the validity of the TraumaVision® simulator as a training tool for pedicle screw guidewire insertion. The simulator is less suitable as an assessment tool. The learning effect was evident in the less experienced groups, suggesting that VR may offer a greater benefit in the early stages of training. Further work is required to assess transferability to the clinical setting.

Hemiepiphysiodesis: when should it be considered a day-case procedure?

Hemiepiphysiodesis is usually planned as a day-case but patients may stay overnight for pain control. In this study, we assessed the required level of analgesia (LOA) and length of stay (LOS) in patients undergoing hemiepiphysiodesis about the knee joint. We conducted a retrospective cohort study of patients that underwent temporary hemiepiphysiodesis of the distal femur or proximal tibia using hemiepiphysiodesis plates (eight-plates) for coronal plane deformities between January 2012 and October 2019. Demographics, type of procedure, anatomical site, anaesthetic time, preoperative, intraoperative and postoperative analgesia, and time of surgery were collected. Anterior hemiepiphysiodesis and permanent drill epiphysiodesis procedures were excluded. In this series of 79 patients, those with increased American Society of Anesthesiologists Score >1 and patients that were operated on >2 sites required increased LOA, (P < 0.05) and prolonged LOS (P < 0.05). The timing of surgery (morning vs. afternoon list) did not influence LOS or LOA. Patient-controlled analgesia (PCA) was required in 8 of 14 (57%) patients with four growth plates operated on. All (n = 12) patients that received PCA remained in hospital for at least one night. The use of local infiltration intraoperatively played a significant role in early discharge of the patients and t lower the LOA postoperatively (P < 0.05). Parameters including the number of growth plates operated on, use of tourniquet and intraoperative local infiltration can independently influence LOS and LOA postoperatively and at discharge. These parameters should be taken into consideration when consulting with the patient and family and when planning the postoperative course.

Barista's fracture: a new occupational hazard.

Stress fracture of the clavicle is a rare injury usually occurring in high-level athletes. It is typically a result of repetitive sporting activity or unusual strain. We present the first case of an occupational clavicle stress fracture in a young female barista. The patient initially presented with insidious onset clavicular pain. There was no history of trauma, and an undisplaced fracture was present on the plain radiograph but overlooked by the emergency physicians. Two weeks later, the patient presented again with worsening symptoms, and a displaced fracture of the clavicle was diagnosed on plain radiograph. A thorough occupational history revealed the cause of her pain, which was the mechanical activity of coffee tamping and the fracture went on to unite with no further complications. No other cause was found on investigations including magnetic resonance imaging. The fracture healed with cessation of coffee tamping. This case highlights a previously unrecognised occupational hazard of coffee tamping as a potential cause of stress fracture of clavicle.

Validated Method for Measuring Functional Range of Motion in Patients With Ankle Arthritis.

BACKGROUND: Total range of motion between the tibia and the floor is an important outcome measure following ankle surgery. However, there is wide variation in its measurement: from clinical evaluation, to radiographic metrics, and gait analysis. The purpose of this study was to present and validate a simple, standardized technique for measurement of functional total range of motion between the tibia and the floor using a digital goniometer. METHODS: Institutional review board approval was obtained. Forty-six ankles from 33 participants were recruited into 2 groups: Group 1 (healthy controls) comprised 20 ankles from 10 participants. None had any musculoskeletal or neurologic pathology. Group 2 (ankle osteoarthritis) comprised 25 ankles from 23 patients. Ankle pathology had been treated with ankle arthrodesis (n = 5), total ankle replacement (n = 6), and nonoperative treatment (n = 14). Measurement was performed by 2 testers according to a standardized protocol developed for the Total Ankle Replacement Versus Arthrodesis (TARVA) randomized controlled trial. Intra- and interrater reliability was calculated using intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs). RESULTS: Group 1 (healthy controls): the median difference for all measurements within an observer was 1.5 (interquartile range [IQR] 0.7-2.5) degrees, and the intraclass coefficients (ICCs) for inter- and intrarater total ankle range of motion were excellent: 0.95 (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.91-0.97, P < .001) and 0.942 (95% CI 0.859-0.977, P < .001), respectively. Group 2 (ankle osteoarthritis): the median difference for all measurements within an observer was 0.6 (IQR 0.2-1.3) degrees, and the ICCs for inter- and intrarater total ankle range of motion were excellent: 0.99 (95% CI 0.97-1.0), P < .001) and 0.99 (95% CI 0.96-1.0), P < .001), respectively. CONCLUSION: This technique provided a reliable, standardized method for measurement of total functional range of motion between the tibia and the floor. The technique required no special equipment or training. It provided a valid functional assessment for patients with or without ankle osteoarthritis, including those who had undergone operative treatment. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level II, prospective comparative study.

Idiopathic chondrolysis of the hip: presentation, natural history and treatment options.

Idiopathic chondrolysis of the hip is a rare disorder characterized by pain, stiffness, limp and radiological loss of joint space of the affected hip. The clinical outcome varies from complete recovery to fibrous ankylosis. Management remains controversial. We aim to outline the natural history and pathology of the disease and treatment strategies.

Medial radial head dislocation associated with a proximal olecranon fracture: a bado type v?

The Monteggia fracture is relatively rare. We present an unreported configuration of a traumatic olecranon fracture with a concomitant medial radial head dislocation in a 3-year-old male. This injury was initially missed and required a subsequent operative intervention. Following surgery, there was evident fracture union, articular congruency, and a full functional recovery. Medial radial head dislocation is not accounted for in the Bado (1967) classification of the Monteggia lesion and hence we propose the addition of a Bado V category.