Risk of encephalitis and meningitis after COVID-19 vaccination in South Korea: a self-controlled case series analysis.

BACKGROUND: Several neurological manifestations shortly after a receipt of coronavirus infectious disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccine have been described in the recent case reports. Among those, we sought to evaluate the risk of encephalitis and meningitis after COVID-19 vaccination in the entire South Korean population. METHODS: We conducted self-controlled case series (SCCS) analysis using the COVID-19 immunization record data from the Korea Disease Control Agency between February 2021 and March 2022, linked with the National Health Insurance Database between January 2021 and October 2022. We retrieved all medical claims of adults aged 18 years or older who received at least one dose of COVID-19 vaccines (BNT162b2, mRNA-1273, ChAdOx1-S, or Ad26.COV2.S), and included only those who had a diagnosis record for encephalitis or meningitis within the 240-day post-vaccination period. With day 0 defined as the date of vaccination, risk window was defined as days 1-28 and the control window as the remainder period excluding the risk windows within the 240-day period. We used conditional Poisson regression to estimate the incidence rate ratios (IRR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI), stratified by dose and vaccine type. RESULTS: From 129,956,027 COVID-19 vaccine doses administered to 44,564,345 individuals, there were 251 and 398 cases of encephalitis and meningitis during the risk window, corresponding to 1.9 and 3.1 cases per 1 million doses, respectively. Overall, there was an increased risk of encephalitis in the first 28 days of COVID-19 vaccination (IRR 1.26; 95% CI 1.08-1.47), which was only significant after a receipt of ChAdOx1-S (1.49; 1.03-2.15). For meningitis, no increased risk was observed after any dose of COVID-19 vaccine (IRR 1.03; 95% CI 0.91-1.16). CONCLUSIONS: Our findings suggest an overall increased risk of encephalitis after COVID-19 vaccination. However, the absolute risk was small and should not impede COVID-19 vaccine confidence. No significant association was found between the risk of meningitis and COVID-19 vaccination.

Erectile dysfunction in patient with obstructive sleep apnea: effects of continuous positive airway pressure.

BACKGROUND: Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is linked to various health complications, including erectile dysfunction (ED), which is more prevalent in individuals with OSA. This study explored ED in Korean OSA patients and assessed the impact of continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy on ED. METHODS: A total of 87 male patients with OSA from four different sleep centers underwent physical measurements and completed sleep and mental health (MH) questionnaires, including the Korean version of the International index of erectile function (IIEF), before and three months after initiating CPAP therapy. RESULTS: After three months of CPAP therapy, the patients demonstrated a significant improvement in ED as measured on the IIEF. However, the study found no significant correlation between the duration of CPAP use and the improvement in IIEF score. It did identify the SF36 quality of life assessment as a significant factor influencing ED improvement after CPAP. CONCLUSIONS: ED is a prevalent issue that escalates with age and is associated with OSA. CPAP therapy has shown potential in alleviating ED symptoms, particularly in those with underlying psychological conditions, although further research is required to confirm these findings and understand the underlying mechanisms.

Socioeconomic and Other Risk Factors for Retear after Arthroscopic Surgery for Nontraumatic Rotator Cuff Tear.

Background and Objectives: Few studies have investigated the socioeconomic factors associated with retear after rotator cuff repair. This study aimed to identify the risk factors, including socioeconomic factors, for rotator cuff retear in patients who underwent arthroscopic rotator cuff repair. Materials and Methods: This retrospective study included 723 patients diagnosed with full-thickness rotator cuff tears who underwent arthroscopic rotator cuff repair from March 2010 to March 2021. The outcome variable was rotator cuff retear observed on postoperative magnetic resonance imaging or ultrasonography. Sex, age, obesity, diabetes, symptom duration, and tear size were the independent variables. Socioeconomic variables included occupation, educational level, type of medical insurance, and area of residence. We compared patients with and without retear and estimated the effects of the independent factors on retear risk. Results: The mean age of the patients, symptom duration, and tear size were 62.4 ± 8.0 years, 1.8 ± 1.7 years, and 21.8 ± 12.5 mm, respectively. The age, type of medical insurance, diabetes, tear size, and symptom duration differed significantly between patients with and without retearing (p < 0.05). Age, occupation, type of medical insurance, diabetes, initial tear size, and symptom duration significantly affected the risk of retear. Patients who performed manual labor had a significantly higher retear rate (p = 0.005; OR, 1.95; 95% CI, 1.23-3.11). The highest retear risk was seen in patients with Medicaid insurance (p < 0.001; OR, 4.34; 95% CI, 2.09-9.02). Conclusions: Age, initial tear size, and symptom duration significantly affect retear risk after arthroscopic rotator cuff repair. Occupation and type of medical insurance were also risk factors for retear. Socioeconomically vulnerable patients may be at a greater risk of retear. Proactive efforts are required to expand early access to medical care.

The effect of teriparatide on fracture healing after atypical femoral fracture: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

This meta-analysis demonstrated that a greater prevalence of delayed union and nonunion and a longer time to fracture healing in the group that did not receive TPTD treatment after AFFs than in the group that received TPTD treatment. PURPOSE: To date, there is no hard evidence for medical management after atypical femoral fracture (AFF), even though weak data indicate faster healing with teriparatide (TPTD). Herein, we aimed to investigate the effect of postfracture TPTD treatment on AFF healing using a pairwise meta-analysis focusing on delayed union, nonunion, and fracture healing time. METHODS: A systematic search of the MEDLINE (PUBMED), Embase, and Cochrane Library databases was performed for studies investigating the effect of TPTD after AFF up to October 11, 2022. We compared the incidence of delayed union and nonunion and the time of fracture healing between the TPTD ( +) and TPTD (-) groups. RESULTS: The 6 studies analyzed a total of 214 AFF patients, including 93 who received TPTD therapy after AFF and 121 who did not. The pooled analysis showed a significantly higher rate of delayed union in the TPTD (-) group than in the TPTD ( +) group (OR, 0.24; 95% CI, 0.11-0.52; P < 0.01; I2 = 0%), and a higher nonunion rate was observed in the TPTD (-) group than in the TPTD ( +) group with low heterogeneity (OR, 0.21; 95% CI, 0.06-0.78; P = 0.02; I2 = 0%). The TPTD (-) group required 1.69 months longer to achieve fracture union than the TPTD ( +) group, with statistical significance (MD = - 1.69, 95% CI: - 2.44 to - 0.95, P < 0.01; I2 = 13%). Subgroup analysis for patients with complete AFF showed that the TPTD (-) group had a higher rate of delayed union with low heterogeneity (OR, 0.22; 95% CI, 0.10-0.51; P < 0.01; I2 = 0%), but there was no significant difference in the nonunion rate between TPTD ( +) and TPTD (-) groups (OR, 0.35; 95% CI, 0.06-2.21; P = 0.25; I2 = 0%). Fracture healing took significantly longer in the TPTD (-) group (MD = - 1.81, 95% CI: - 2.55 to - 1.08; P < 0.01; I2 = 48%). The reoperation rate showed no significant difference between the two groups (OR, 0.29; 95% CI, 0.07-1.20; P = 0.09; I2 = 0%). CONCLUSIONS: The current meta-analysis supported the hypothesis that TPTD treatment following AFF might benefit fracture healing, lowering the rate of delayed union and nonunion and shortening the fracture healing time.

Comparative efficacy of prolonged-release melatonin versus clonazepam for isolated rapid eye movement sleep behavior disorder.

PURPOSE: Clonazepam and melatonin are recommended as first-line treatments for isolated rapid eye movement (REM) sleep behavior disorder (iRBD). This study aimed to compare their efficacy and safety in REM sleep without atonia (RWA) and RBD-related symptoms. METHODS: This prospective, open-label, randomized trial included patients with video-polysomnography-confirmed iRBD. The patients were randomly assigned to receive either clonazepam 0.5 mg or prolonged-release (PR) melatonin 2 mg 30 min before bedtime for 4 weeks. The primary outcome was changes in RWA on follow-up polysomnography (PSG). Secondary endpoints were changes in other PSG parameters, clinical global improvement-impression scale (CGI-I) scores, and sleep questionnaire scores. The safety endpoint was adverse events. RESULTS: Of 40 patients with probable RBD considered, 34 were enrolled in the study and randomized. Visual scoring parameters of RWA indices were reduced, and automatic scoring parameters tended to be improved after clonazepam treatment but not after PR melatonin treatment. The proportion of N2 sleep was increased, and N3 and REM sleep were decreased only in the clonazepam group. The clonazepam group tended to answer "much or very much improvement" on the CGI-I more frequently than the PR melatonin group (p = 0.068). Daytime sleepiness and insomnia symptoms were reduced after PR melatonin but not after clonazepam. Depressive symptoms increased after clonazepam. Four of the patients (13.3%) reported mild to moderate adverse events, which were similar between the two groups. CONCLUSION: Four weeks of clonazepam, but not PR melatonin, improved RWA. RBD symptom improvement tended to be better after clonazepam than PR melatonin in exchange for increased depressive symptoms and daytime sleepiness. CLINICALTRIALS: gov identifier: NCT03255642 (first submitted August 21, 2017).

Comprehensive Senior Technology Acceptance Model of Daily Living Assistive Technology for Older Adults With Frailty: Cross-sectional Study.

BACKGROUND: There are considerable gaps between the need for assistive technologies and the actual adoption of these technologies among older adults, although older adults are among the groups that most need assistive technologies. Consequently, research is needed in this area because older adults' technology acceptance and influencing factors may differ depending on their level of frailty. OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to compare frail, prefrail, and robust groups of South Korean adults regarding their behavioral intention to use daily living assistive technologies and the affecting factors-namely, technological context factors, health contexts and abilities, and attitudinal factors-based on a comprehensive senior technology acceptance model. METHODS: A nationwide sample of 500 older South Korean adults (aged 55-92 years) was analyzed, and multivariate linear regression analyses of the robust, prefrail, and frail groups were performed. The independent and dependent variables consisted of 3 factors based on previous studies. First, technological context factors consisted of gerontechnology self-efficacy, gerontechnology anxiety, and facilitating conditions. Second, health contexts and abilities consisted of self-reported health conditions, cognitive ability, social relationships, psychological function, and physical function. Third and last, attitudinal factors consisted of behavioral intention to use assistive technologies, attitude toward use, perceived usefulness (PU), and perceived ease of use (PEOU). RESULTS: The results of the analyses showed that technological context factors such as gerontechnology self-efficacy, health contexts and abilities such as self-reported health conditions and psychological function, and attitudinal factors such as attitude toward use, PU, and PEOU had significant effects on behavioral intention to use daily living assistive technologies. In particular, gerontechnology self-efficacy had a significant relationship with behavioral intention to use these technologies in the robust (r=0.120; P=.03) and prefrail (r=0.331; P<.001) groups. Psychological function (life satisfaction) had a significant relationship with behavioral intention to use these technologies in the robust group (r=-0.040; P=.02). Self-reported health conditions had a significant relationship with behavioral intention to use these technologies in the prefrail group (r=-0.169; P=.01). Although each group had a different significant relationship with the variables, attitudinal factors such as attitude toward use affected all groups (robust group: r=0.190; P=.03; prefrail group: r=0.235; P=.006; and frail group: r=0.526; P=.002). In addition, PU and PEOU in the attitudinal factors had a significant relationship with behavioral intention to use assistive technologies in the robust (PU: r=0.160; P=.01; and PEOU: r=0.350; P<.001) and prefrail (PU: r=0.265; P<.001; and PEOU: r=0.120; P=.04) groups. CONCLUSIONS: This study found that the comprehensive senior technology acceptance model of daily living assistive technologies had different associations according to the frailty group. These findings provided insights into the consideration of interventions with daily living assistive technologies for older adults with varying levels of frailty.

Osteomyelitis on MR imaging as a key predictor of recurrent septic arthritis of the shoulder.

OBJECTIVES: To investigate the clinical and radiologic predictors of postoperative recurrent septic arthritis of the shoulder (SAS) using multivariable analysis. METHODS: Forty-three patients (mean age, 65 years; 24 women) who underwent surgery for SAS between January 2011 and October 2019 were retrospectively enrolled. An orthopedic surgeon assessed clinical (age, sex, comorbidity, duration from symptom onset to MR imaging and surgery, surgical method, antibiotic usage), laboratory (serum white blood cell [WBC] count, C-reactive protein [CRP] level, synovial cell count), and surgical findings (culture/biopsy results). Two musculoskeletal radiologists evaluated MR imaging findings (bone marrow [reactive bone marrow edema, osteomyelitis, osteochondral erosion] and soft tissue [synovitis, bursitis, muscle edema, abscess] abnormalities). Recurrent SAS was evaluated at ≥ 12 months postoperatively. Univariable and multivariable analyses were performed to determine the best predictor of recurrent SAS. RESULTS: The overall recurrent SAS rate was 33% (14/43). On univariable analysis, mean age (without recurrence vs. recurrence: 68 vs. 59 years, p = .04), mean duration from symptom onset to surgery (18 vs. 25 days, p = .02), serum WBC count (12,000 vs. 9,000 cells/mL3, p = .04), CRP level (13 vs. 6 mg/L, p = .01), and osteomyelitis on MR imaging (p < .01 for both readers) significantly differed between patients with and without recurrence; on multivariable analysis, only osteomyelitis on MR imaging was significantly associated with recurrent SAS for both readers (p = .02 and .01 for each reader respectively). The inter-reader agreement was good (κ = .62-1.0) for all MR imaging findings, except for muscle edema (fair, κ = .37). CONCLUSION: Osteomyelitis on MR imaging was the best predictor of recurrent SAS. KEY POINTS: • Osteomyelitis on preoperative MR imaging was the best predictor associated with recurrent septic arthritis of the shoulder on multivariable analysis including clinical, laboratory, and MR findings. • In multivariable analyses focused on each bone marrow abnormality, with adjustment for clinical and laboratory parameters, the presence of reactive bone marrow edema and osteochondral erosion on MR imaging showed no significant association with recurrent septic arthritis of the shoulder.

Peripheral Nerve Block for Hip Arthroscopy Does Not Have any Clinical Advantage Compared With Local Anesthetic Regarding Pain Management: A Meta-analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the efficacy of peripheral nerve block on reduction in opioid consumption and pain control after hip arthroscopy. METHOD: To identify studies evaluating the effects of peripheral nerve block on pain control and reduction in opioid consumption in hip arthroscopy, we searched all records in the PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Library databases until May 2021. Studies with the following characteristics were considered eligible: 1) patients who underwent a hip arthroscopy (population); 2) patients who received peripheral nerve block (intervention); 3) patients who did not receive peripheral nerve block (comparator); 4) record of total opioid consumption as a primary outcome and pain level at 1, 3 to 6, and 24 hours after surgery, patient satisfaction, and incidence of nausea and vomiting as secondary outcomes (outcomes); and 5) randomized controlled trial (study design). Data were independently extracted by two reviewers and synthesized using a random or fixed-effects model, according to the heterogeneity. RESULTS: Eight RCTs were finally included in the meta-analysis. There were no significant differences in postoperative opioid consumption at 24 hours (standardized mean difference [SMD] = -0.091, 95% confidence interval [CI] [-0.270, 0.089]) or in visual analog scale (VAS) score at 1 (SMD = 0.299, 95% CI [-0.758, 0.160]), 3 to 6 (SMD = -0.304, 95% CI [-0.655, 0.047]), and 24 (SMD = -0.230, 95% CI [-0.520, 0.060]) hours postoperatively between the peripheral nerve block and control groups. Moreover, no significant differences were observed in patient satisfaction (SMD < 0.001, 95% CI [-0.284, 0.284]) or the incidence of nausea and vomiting (SMD = 0.808, 95% CI [0.311, 2.104]) between the two groups. CONCLUSION: Peripheral nerve block for hip arthroscopy has no clinical advantage regarding pain management after surgery when compared with the group that received the local infiltration of analgesics without peripheral nerve block. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level II, meta-analysis of level I and II randomized controlled trials (RCTs).

Factors affecting the occurrence of osseous lesions in septic shoulder arthritis and the recurrence rate after arthroscopic surgery.

HYPOTHESIS: The purpose of this study was to determine the incidence of osseous lesions and the recurrence rate after arthroscopic surgery in shoulder septic arthritis patients and evaluate the influencing factors. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed 44 patients who underwent arthroscopic surgery for septic arthritis of the shoulder between January 2012 and September 2019. The average age of the patients was 65.57 ± 14.2 years, and 56.8% were female patients. The minimum follow-up period was 12 months (average, 32.8 ± 14.2 months; range, 12-72 months). We assessed variables including sex, age, underlying diseases, duration from symptom onset to magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), duration from symptom onset to surgery, radiologic results (radiography and MRI), history of injection therapy, and postoperative infection. The incidence of osseous lesions and the recurrence rate were calculated according to independent variables. In addition, multivariate logistic regression was performed to identify the risk factors for osseous lesions and recurrent infection after adjustment for other variables. RESULTS: Twenty-one patients had an osseous lesion on MRI, and 12 patients had evidence of bone erosion on radiographs. In univariate analyses, significant (P < .05) risk factors for the presence of osseous lesions were female sex, lower C-reactive protein level, and longer duration from symptom onset to MRI. The overall infection recurrence rate was 22.7% (10 of 44 patients). Culture results and the duration from symptom onset to surgery were significant risk factors for recurrent infection (P < .05). As the duration from symptom onset to MRI increased by 1 day, the probability of osseous lesions increased 1.31-fold (95% confidence interval, 1.08- to 1.59-fold; P = .007), and this probability was significantly higher after correction for other risk factors. CONCLUSIONS: To reduce the severity of septic shoulder infection, timely diagnosis and treatment are essential. Even if osseous lesions are present, good results can be obtained if meticulous débridement is performed through arthroscopic surgery. However, functional and radiologic long-term follow-up studies are needed in patients with osseous lesions.

Screw only versus screw plus plate in isolated talonavicular arthrodesis.

BACKGROUND: We aimed to compare outcomes of treatment of isolated talonavicular arthrodesis (ITNA) with screw only or screw plus plate, respectively. METHODS: We retrospectively evaluated 40 consecutive cases of ITNA [two-screw fixation patients: Group 1 (23 cases); screw-plus-plate fixation patients: Group 2 (17 cases)]. Outcome measures included radiographic findings, Foot and Ankle Outcome Scores (FAOS), and visual analogue scale (VAS) scores. RESULTS: Nonunion occurred more frequently in group 1 (21.7%) than in group 2 (5.9%), but there was no statistical significance (p = 0.216). Although the preoperative FAOS and VAS score showed similar results between both groups, there were significantly better clinical outcomes in two of five FAOS domains and VAS scores at 3 months postoperative and final follow-up (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Although union rates were not significantly different, nonunion occurred more frequently in screw only group and we obtained more favorable clinical outcomes in screw plus plate group.

Is open bone graft always necessary when treating aseptic subtrochanteric nonunion with a reamed intramedullary nail?

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to compare the radiological results between closed nailing without bone graft (BG) and open nailing with BG for aseptic subtrochanteric nonunion and to determine when an open procedure with BG should be considered. METHODS: In this retrospective study, we investigated patients who underwent surgical intervention for subtrochanteric nonunion between January 2008 and March 2018 in two institutions. Patients with infection, large bone defect, pathologic fracture, open fracture, previous surgery using plate, and follow-up of less than 1 year were excluded. We compared the demographic details and radiological results between patients who underwent the open procedure with BG (BG group) and the closed procedure without BG (non-BG group) as a historical control, and risk factors for the failure of revision surgery were evaluated. RESULTS: Thirty-seven patients met the criteria and were divided into the following two groups: the BG group (n=19) who underwent open nailing with BG and the non-BG group (n=18) who underwent closed reamed nailing without BG. The mean degrees of correction of varus and flexion deformity were significantly different (p=0.001, respectively), 6.2° and 2.9° in the BG group and 4.1° and 0.6° in the non-BG group, respectively. Bony union was observed in 17 cases (89.5%) in an average of 7.4 months in the BG group and in 16 cases (88.9%) in 7.6 months in the non-BG group, with no significant differences. The factors that were significantly associated with failure of revision were atypical fracture, two or more previous surgeries, and varus and sagittal anterior angulation. CONCLUSIONS: The radiological results of closed reamed nailing without BG for subtrochanteric nonunion were satisfactory. In the effort of percutaneous realignment, gap reduction, and intramedullary reaming, the radiological results of closed nailing without BG were not different from those of open nailing with BG; therefore, closed procedure without BG may be an acceptable option in appropriately selected patients.

High conversion rate to total hip arthroplasty after hemiarthroplasty in young patients with a minimum 10 years follow-up.

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to evaluate the follow-up results of bipolar hemiarthroplasty (BHA) for more than 10 years in patients aged < 60 years and to analyze the risk factors for acetabular erosion after BHA. METHODS: This retrospective study included 114 patients who underwent BHA were followed-up for at least 10 years. The mean age was 54.1 years, and the mean follow-up duration was 13.8 years. The patients were divided into two groups according to the presence of acetabular erosion, and the preoperative parameters were compared between the two groups. Moreover, the risk factors related to acetabular erosion after BHA were analyzed using statistical comparisons. RESULTS: Reoperation was performed in 44 of the 114 patients (38.6 %). The survival rate when the end point was reoperation related to acetabular erosion was found to be significantly time-dependent: 73.2 % at 5 years, 48.8 % at 10 years, and 25.9 % at 15 years. The acetabular erosion group showed significantly younger age at the time of surgery, higher body mass index (BMI), more avascular necrosis of the femoral head, and smaller prosthetic femoral head. The final multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that young age at the time of surgery were independent risk factors for acetabular erosion after BHA in patients aged < 60 years. CONCLUSIONS: The minimum 10-year follow-up outcomes of BHA in patients aged < 60 years showed a relatively high conversion rate to total hip arthroplasty. When considering BHA in younger patients, more careful decisions should be made with respect to patient's choice, keeping in mind that long-term survival cannot be guaranteed.

Comparison of Surgical Outcomes Between Standard and Elevated-Rim Highly Cross-Linked Polyethylene Acetabular Liners in Primary Total Hip Arthroplasty With Minimum 15-Year Follow-Up: Single-Center, Retrospective Cohort Study.

BACKGROUND: The aims of the present study are to (1) conduct the longest-to-date follow-up wear analysis of the highly cross-linked polyethylene acetabular liners, (2) assess the incidence of femoral and acetabular osteolysis, and (3) compare the surgical outcomes between standard and elevated-rim acetabular liners in primary total hip arthroplasty (THA). METHODS: In this retrospective cohort study, we evaluated 112 primary THAs performed by a single experienced arthroplasty surgeon at our institution between March 2000 and December 2003. Patients were classified based on the type of acetabular liner used: standard or elevated-rim liner. For evaluation of surgical outcomes, the following data were collected: acetabular cup position (anteversion and inclination), wear rate (linear and volumetric), presence of osteolysis, history of reoperation (all-cause and wear-related), complications (deep joint infection, dislocation, and periprosthetic fracture), and Harris hip score at last follow-up. RESULTS: Linear and volumetric wear rates were 0.028 mm/y (0.000-0.145 mm/y) and 11.641 mm3/y (0.000-70.000 mm3/y) in the standard group and 0.026 mm/y (0.000-0.094mm/y) and 9.706 mm3/y (0.000-33.000 mm3/y) in the elevated-rim group, respectively. These rates were not significantly different between groups. One case of osteolysis was confirmed in the standard group, whereas no osteolysis was observed in the elevated-rim group. CONCLUSION: We suggest that elevated-rim highly cross-linked polyethylene acetabular liners might be a good implant option that can be used safely.

Effect of a synthetic osteoconductive bone graft substitute with zeta potential control (geneX®ds) in the treatment of intertrochanteric fracture: A single center experience of 115 consecutive proximal femoral nail antirotations.

INTRODUCTION: Although various clinical applications of geneX®ds have been reported, no study has reported the clinical application of geneX®ds in osteoporotic hip fracture. The present study aimed to identify the clinical effect of the application of geneX®ds in elderly patients with intertrochanteric fracture treated using proximal femoral nail antirotation (PFNA). MATERIALS AND METHODS: From March 2014 to October 2017, 233 patients with intertrochanteric fracture (65 men and 168 women) were enrolled in this study. All patients received surgical treatment using PFNA. Patients were classified into two groups: those in whom geneX®ds which is synthetic osteoconductive bone graft substitute with the unique property of Zeta Potential Control (ZPC®), was use, and those in whom it was not. We compared the preoperative details and surgical outcomes, including radiologic outcome (postoperative reduction, tip apex distance, sliding distance of the helical blade, union, and union time) and clinical outcomes (Harris Hip Score and the walking ability at the last follow-up) between the groups. RESULTS: In patients with unstable fracture who achieved anatomical or extramedullary type of reduction, the average sliding distance at 1, 3, and 12 months was 4.9 mm, 7.5 mmm and 8.1 mm in the geneX®ds group and 7.5 mm, 10.8 mm, and 12.1 mm in the no geneX®ds group, respectively. There were significant differences in the sliding distance at 1, 3, and 12 months between these two groups. CONCLUSION: The use of this synthetic osteoconductive bone graft substitute with zeta potential control may have positive effect on the controlled sliding of the helical blade and the healing of intertrochanteric fracture.

Medication Adherence of Statin Users after Acute Ischemic Stroke.

Although statins are established therapy for the secondary prevention of ischemic stroke, factors associated with adherence to statin treatment following ischemic stroke are not well known. To address this, we assessed the 6-month statin adherence using 8-item Morisky Medication Adherence Scale-8 in patients with acute ischemic stroke. Of 991 patients, 65.6% were adherent to statin at 6-month after discharge. Multiple logistic regression analysis showed that patients' awareness of hyperlipidemia (OR 1.62; 95% CI 1.07-2.43), large artery stroke subtype (versus non-large artery stroke, OR 1.79; 95% CI 1.19-2.68), and alcohol drinking habits (OR 1.64; 95% CI 1.06-2.53) were positively associated, while high statin dose (versus low dose, OR 0.6; 95% CI 0.40-0.90) and higher daily number of medication pills (OR 0.93; 95% CI 0.88-0.97) were found to have a negative association with self-reported good adherence to statin medication after acute ischemic stroke. However, stroke severity and diagnosis of hyperlipidemia were not associated with adherence. These results suggest that educational and motivational interventions may enhance statin adherence because modifiable factors were associated with statin adherence.

Diagnostic strategy for elderly patients with isolated greater trochanter fractures on plain radiographs.

BACKGROUND: Isolated greater trochanter (GT) fractures are relatively rare and few studies have assessed the appropriate diagnostic and therapeutic strategies for these fractures. When initial plain radiographs show an isolated GT fracture, underestimation of occult intertrochanteric extension may result in displacement of a previously non-displaced fracture. This study examined the clinical results and value of different diagnostic strategies in elderly patients with isolated GT fractures on plain radiographs. METHODS: Between January 2010 and January 2015, 30 patients with initial plain radiographs showing isolated GT fractures were examined using MRI, bone scanning and/or CT for suspected occult intertrochanteric extension. We assessed the sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative predictive value of each test. In addition, we noted the location of the fracture or soft-tissue injury on MRI in addition to treatment results. RESULTS: All 30 patients had osteoporosis and fractures caused by minor trauma. MRI revealed isolated GT fractures in nine patients and occult intertrochanteric fractures in 21 patients. Using the MRI-based diagnosis as a reference, the results showed that plain radiographs, bone scans, and CT scans can be used for supplementary examination but they are not appropriate as confirmatory tests for these fractures. However, in patients with both isolated GT fractures seen on plain radiographs and increased uptake in only the GT area on bone scans, MRI revealed isolated GT fractures. The fractures were treated surgically in 20 patients and conservatively in 10 patients with satisfactory clinical results. CONCLUSIONS: We confirmed that MRI-based examination is useful in all symptomatic elderly patients whose plain radiographic findings reveal isolated GT fractures. However, we suggest that there is a need to establish a diagnostic strategy through increased understanding of the available diagnostic methods. We believe that surgical treatment should be considered in patients with occult intertrochanteric fractures that are detected on MRI.

Effect of Meniscal Tear Patterns and Preoperative Cartilage Status on Joint Space Width After Medial Opening-Wedge High Tibial Osteotomy.

BACKGROUND: Medial opening-wedge high tibial osteotomy (MOWHTO) is performed to treat young adults with medial compartment knee osteoarthritis associated with varus deformity. However, factors influencing joint space width (JSW) vary according to the type of medial meniscal tear and have not yet been completely elucidated. PURPOSE: To examine changes in JSW according to the type of medial meniscal tear after MOWHTO and analyze the influencing factors. STUDY DESIGN: Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3. METHODS: This study was conducted on 134 patients who underwent MOWHTO for medial osteoarthritis and were followed up for >2 years. The patients were classified into 3 groups based on medial meniscal status: intact, nonroot tear, and root tear. The authors then measured the JSW preoperatively and at 3 months, 6 months, 1 year, and >2 years postoperatively; analyzed whether the change in JSW varied according to meniscal status; and determined the association of these changes with the preoperative cartilage grade of the medial femoral condyle (MFC) and medial tibial plateau (MTP). International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) scores were used to evaluate clinical function. RESULTS: Of the 134 patients, the medial meniscus was intact in 29 patients, a nonroot tear was observed in 58 patients, and a root tear was observed in 47 patients. Postoperatively, JSW increased for all groups, but the timing of the increase varied between the groups (P < .001). JSW increased the most 6 months postoperatively in the intact group and 3 months postoperatively in the nonroot tear and root tear groups (P < .001). Additionally, the increase in JSW was the greatest in the root tear group. Preoperatively, MFC and MTP cartilage status differed among the groups; MTP status did not affect the JSW, but MFC status did (P < .001). The IKDC score increased from the preoperative to postoperative time point in all groups, but there was no significant difference between groups. CONCLUSION: The authors observed that the amount and timing of increase in JSW were dependent on the pattern of medial meniscal tear observed when MOWHTO was performed. In addition, the cartilage grade of MFC before surgery was associated with changes in JSW. The IKDC score was not significantly different between groups. However, a longer follow-up period is needed to analyze the correlation with the meniscal tear pattern and JSW.

Performance of the Fitbit Charge 2 and Galaxy Watch 2 compared with polysomnography in assessing patients with obstructive sleep apnoea.

Wearable devices may be used to evaluate sleep in patients with obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA). This study compared the use of two wearable devices (the Fitbit Charge 2 (FC2) and Galaxy Watch 2 (GW2)) with that of polysomnography (PSG) for assessing the sleep time of OSA patients. A total of 127 consecutive patients with OSA underwent overnight PSG while wearing the FC2 and GW2 on their nondominant wrist. We compared the total sleep time (TST) determined by the devices with that obtained by PSG with paired t tests, Bland‒Altman plots, and interclass correlations. Moreover, we evaluated the time in each sleep stage and differences due to OSA severity. The mean age of the OSA patients was 50 years, and the mean apnoea-hypopnea index was 38.3 events/h. The recording failure rate was not significantly different between the GW2 and FC2 (15.7% vs. 8.7%, p = 0.106). Compared to PSG, both the FC2 and GW2 underestimated TST by 27.5 and 24.9 minutes, respectively. TST bias in both devices did not correlate with OSA severity. The FC2 and GW2 underestimated TST, which should be considered when monitoring sleep time in patients with OSA.