The minimal important change is not a universal fixed value across diagnoses when using the FAOS and FAAM in patients undergoing elective foot and ankle surgery.

PURPOSE: This study aimed to calculate region and diagnosis-specific minimal important changes (MICs) of the Foot and Ankle Outcome Score (FAOS) and the Foot and Ankle Ability Measure (FAAM) in patients requiring foot and ankle surgery and to assess their variability across different foot and ankle diagnoses. METHODS: The study used routinely collected data from patients undergoing elective foot and ankle surgery. Patients had been invited to complete the FAOS and FAAM preoperatively and at 3-6 months after surgery, along with two anchor questions encompassing change in pain and daily function. Patients were categorised according to region of pathology and subsequent diagnoses. MICs were calculated using predictive modelling (MICPRED) and receiver operating characteristic curve (MICROC) method and evaluated according to strict credibility criteria. RESULTS: Substantial variability of the MICs between forefoot and ankle/hindfoot region was observed, as well as among specific foot and ankle diagnoses, with MICPRED and MICROC values ranging from 7.8 to 25.5 points and 9.4 to 27.8, respectively. Despite differences between MICROC and MICPRED estimates, both calculation methods exhibited largely consistent patterns of variation across subgroups, with forefoot conditions systematically showing smaller MICs than ankle/hindfoot conditions. Most MICs demonstrated high credibility; however, the majority of the MICs for the FAOS symptoms subscale and forefoot conditions exhibited insufficient or low credibility. CONCLUSION: The MICs of the FAOS and FAAM vary across foot and ankle diagnoses in patients undergoing elective foot and ankle surgery and should not be used as a universal fixed value, but recognised as contextual parameters. This can help clinicians and researchers in more accurate interpretation of the FAOS and FAAM change scores. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV.

The influence of food order on postprandial glucose levels in children with type 1 diabetes.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effect of the order of intake of carbohydrates, protein, and fat on postprandial glucose levels in children with type 1 diabetes (T1D). Our hypothesis was that postprandial glucose levels would be lower when fat and protein are consumed prior to carbohydrates, compared to a meal where all macronutrients are combined. METHODS: A randomized, open-label, within-subject crossover study was conducted. Twenty patients aged 7 to 17 years diagnosed with T1D for >1 year consumed 2 isocaloric meals (with similar composition) in random order. In 1 meal, the protein and fat part was consumed 15 minutes prior to the carbohydrates (test meal). In the other meal, all macronutrients were consumed together (standard meal). Capillary blood glucose measurements and continuous glucose monitoring system were used to assess multiple glucose levels during a 3-hour postprandial period. RESULTS: Overall, mean glucose levels were 1 mmol/L lower following the test meal compared to the standard meal (9.30 ± 3.20 vs 10.24 ± 3.35 mmol/L; P < .001). No significant difference in peak glucose was found. Glucose excursions were 1.5 and 1 mmol/L lower at 30 and 120 minutes following the test meal. A reduction in the total time period in which glucose levels exceeded 10 and 12 mmol/L of 28.7 (P = .001) and 22.3 minutes (P = .004), respectively, after the test meal was found. CONCLUSIONS: This study shows that consumption of protein and fat prior to carbohydrates results in lower postprandial glucose levels and reduced glycemic variability in children with T1D.

Epinephrine Diluted Saline-Irrigation Fluid in Arthroscopic Shoulder Surgery: A Significant Improvement of Clarity of Visual Field and Shortening of Total Operation Time. A Randomized Controlled Trial.

PURPOSE: To determine the influence of epinephrine saline irrigation in therapeutic shoulder arthroscopy procedures on the clarity of arthroscopic view. Three subgroups were analyzed; (1) Bankart/SLAP repairs; (2) rotator cuff repairs; and (3) subacromial procedures without rotator cuff repair. Secondary objectives were to evaluate the influence on total operating time and potential cardiovascular adverse reactions. METHODS: The design of the study was a prospective, randomized, double-blind controlled trial. A total of 101 patients were included. Pressure pump-controlled regular saline irrigation fluid was used in the control group. In the epinephrine group, epinephrine (0.33 mg/L) was added to the saline-irrigation fluid. Visual clarity was rated by a Numeric Rating Scale. Total operation time, total use of irrigation fluid, increases in pump pressure, heart rate, blood pressure, and electrocautery use were registered. RESULTS: Visual clarity (P = .002) was significantly better and total operating time (P = .008) significantly shorter in the epinephrine group. Total irrigation fluid used was significantly lower in the epinephrine group (P = .001). The greatest effect on visual clarity and shortening of operation time up to 15 minutes was seen in Bankart and SLAP repairs. No significant effect of the addition of epinephrine on heart rate and blood pressure was observed. CONCLUSIONS: The addition of epinephrine (0.33 mg/L) to irrigation fluid significantly improves visual clarity in most common types of therapeutic shoulder arthroscopy. A significant reduction in total operating time and use of irrigation fluid was observed. The greatest effect on visual clarity and shortening of operation time was seen in Bankart and SLAP group. Therefore, one of our initial hypotheses that the greatest effect would be observed in subacromial and rotator cuff repair procedures was not supported by the data presented. No cardiovascular adverse reactions were seen. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level 1, Randomized controlled trial.

Can combining femoral and acetabular morphology parameters improve the characterization of femoroacetabular impingement?

BACKGROUND: Femoroacetabular impingement (FAI) presupposes a dynamic interaction of the proximal femur and acetabulum producing clinical symptoms and chondrolabral damage. Currently, FAI classification is based on alpha angle and center-edge angle measurements in a single plane. However, acetabular and femoral version and neck-shaft angle also influence FAI. Furthermore, each of these parameters has a reciprocal interaction with the others; for example, a shallow acetabulum delays impingement of the femoral head with the acetabular rim. QUESTIONS/PURPOSES: We introduce the new parameter "omega zone," which combines five parameters into one: the alpha and center-edge angles, acetabular and femoral version, and neck-shaft angle. We sought to determine whether the omega zone could differentiate patients with FAI from (1) normal control subjects (alpha < 55°), but also from (2) control subjects with elevated alpha angles (≥ 55°). METHODS: We evaluated CT data of 20 hips of male patients with symptomatic cam-type FAI and of 35 male hips extracted from 110 anonymized CT scans for vascular diagnosis. We excluded hips with osteoarthritis, developmental dysplasia, or coxa profunda (center-edge angle 20°-45° on AP pelvic view or corresponding coronal CT views). With dedicated software, femoral and pelvic orientation was standardized; we tested the omega zone in four hip positions in three distinct groups: patients with cam-type FAI (alpha > 60°) and control subjects with normal (< 55°) and high alpha angles (≥ 55°). RESULTS: The omega zone was smaller in patients with cam-type FAI than normal control subjects (alpha angle < 55°) at 60° and 90° of flexion (mean, 12%; 95% confidence interval [CI], 7-17; p = 0.008; Cohen's d = 9%; 95% CI, 4-13; p = 0.003). Furthermore, the omega zone was smaller in all positions in patients with cam-type FAI than control subjects with high alpha angles (0° p = 0.017, 30° p = 0.004, 60° p = 0.004, 90° p = 0.007). In contrast, the omega zone did not differ between control subjects with normal or high alpha angles. In all hips, the omega zone decreased with flexion, corresponding to a decrease in remaining impingement-free motion with flexion. CONCLUSIONS: The omega zone visualizes and quantifies the interaction of the proximal femur and acetabulum. The omega zone differed between patients with cam-type FAI and control subjects with high alpha angles (≥ 55°), who could not be distinguished based on alpha angle alone. For hip-preserving surgery, it can help surgeons decide whether to address the femur, the acetabulum, or both.

What ape proximal femora tell us about femoroacetabular impingement: a comparison.

BACKGROUND: Human hip morphology is variable, and some variations (or hip morphotypes) such as coxa profunda and coxa recta (cam-type hip) are associated with femoroacetabular impingement and the development of osteoarthrosis. Currently, however, this variability is unexplained. A broader perspective with background information on the morphology of the proximal femur of nonhuman apes is lacking. Specifically, no studies exist of nonhuman ape femora that quantify concavity and its variability. QUESTIONS/PURPOSES: We hypothesized that, when compared with modern humans, the nonhuman apes would show (1) greater proximal femoral concavity; (2) less variability in concavity; and (3) less sexual dimorphism in proximal femoral morphology. METHODS: Using identical methods, we compared 10 morphological parameters in 375 human femora that are part of the Hamann-Todd collection at the Cleveland Museum of Natural History with 210 nonhuman ape femora that are part of the collection of the Royal Museum for Central Africa, Tervuren, Belgium, and the Muséum National d'Histoire Naturelle, Paris, France. RESULTS: The nonhuman apes have larger proximal femoral concavity than modern humans. This morphology is almost uniform without large variability or large differences neither between species nor between sexes. CONCLUSIONS: Variability is seen in human but not in nonhuman ape proximal femoral morphology. An evolutionary explanation can be that proximal femoral concavity is more important for the nonhuman apes, for example for climbing, than for modern humans, where a lack of concavity may be related to high loading of the hip, for example in running.

Short-Term Clinical Outcome of Hemiarthroplasty Versus Arthrodesis for End-Stage Hallux Rigidus.

Few data are available to compare the outcomes of first metatarsophalangeal joint (MTPJ) hemiarthroplasty and arthrodesis. We included 46 patients who had undergone BioPro(®) first MTPJ hemiarthroplasty and 132 who had undergone arthrodesis, with a minimum follow-up duration of 12 months. The primary outcome was patient satisfaction, which was determined using binominal questions. The Foot and Ankle Outcome Score, Foot Function Index, and Numerical Rating Scale for pain and limitations questionnaires were also used. The secondary outcome was treatment failure. No differences were found in the satisfaction rate (p = .54) after a median period of 38.4 (range 12 to 96) months and 39.8 (range 12 to 96) months in the hemiarthroplasty and arthrodesis patients, respectively. Furthermore, no differences were found in the failure rates (p = .93) or the interval to failure (p = .32).The results of the present study showed no significant differences in the short-term clinical outcomes and failure rates for BioPro(®) first MTPJ hemiarthroplasty and arthrodesis. Prospective comparative studies are required to determine whether BioPro(®) first MTPJ hemiarthroplasty is a good alternative for first MTPJ arthrodesis in the long term.

Where is the neck? Alpha angle measurement revisited.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: The alpha angle is the most used measurement to classify concavity of the femoral head-neck junction. It is not only used for treatment decisions for hip impingement, but also in cohort studies relating hip morphology and osteoarthritis. Alpha angle measurement requires identification of the femoral neck axis, the definition of which may vary between studies. The original "3-point method" uses 1 single point to construct the femoral neck axis, whereas the "anatomic method" uses multiple points and attempts to define the true anatomic neck axis. Depending on the method used, the alpha angle may or may not account for other morphological characteristics such as head-neck offset. METHODS: We compared 2 methods of alpha angle measurement (termed "anatomic" and "3-point") in 59 cadaver femora and 83 cross-table lateral radiographs of asymptomatic subjects. Results were compared using Bland-Altman plots. RESULTS: Discrepancies of up to 13 degrees were seen between the methods. The 3-point method had an "equalizing effect" by disregarding femoral head position relative to the neck: in femora with high alpha angle, it resulted in lower values than anatomic measurement, and vice versa in femora with low alpha angles. Using the anatomic method, we derived a reference interval for the alpha angle in normal hips in the general population of 30-66 degrees. INTERPRETATION: We recommend the anatomic method because it also reflects the position of the femoral head on the neck. Consensus and standardization of technique of alpha angle measurement is warranted, not only for planar measurements but also for CT or MRI-based measurements.

The short external rotators in the anterior approach hip arthroplasty: do the tendons heal or not? A prospective MRI study.

INTRODUCTION: Release of some of the short external rotator tendons may be needed in the direct anterior approach (DAA) for Total Hip Arthroplasty (THA). It is unknown if these tendons heal. The purpose of this prospective study is to examine short external rotator tendon healing after release and the associated effect on muscle volume. In addition, we examined the relation with external rotation force and patient reported outcome measures (PROMs). METHODS: In 21 DAA THA patients, preoperative MRI was compared with postoperative MRI at 6 weeks and 12 months. PROMs and rotation force of both hips were assessed. Tendon integrity and muscle volume of the obturator internus and piriformis were assessed on MRI using dedicated software. RESULTS: In 5 patients all tendons remained intact, in 4 patients only the conjoined tendon was released and in 12 patients both the conjoined and piriformis were released. Obturator externus remained intact in all patients. In patients with tendon release, mean volume of obturator internus and piriformis muscle decreased 27% (SD 11) and 23% (SD 16) 6 weeks after surgery, respectively. Released tendons and muscle volume loss did not recover 12 months after surgery. We found no relation between tendon release and hip rotation force or PROMs. CONCLUSIONS: We found absent tendon healing and muscle volume loss when the conjoined or piriformis tendons were released. Although we found no relation between tendon detachment and hip force or PROMs, we have adapted our operative technique to make it more preserving for the piriformis.

Diagnostic Accuracy of an Algorithm for Discriminating Presumed Solid and Gaseous Microembolic Signals During Transcranial Doppler Examinations.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of the work described here was to assess the diagnostic accuracy of a new algorithm (SGA-a) for time-domain analysis of transcranial Doppler audio signals to discriminate presumed solid and gaseous microembolic signals and artifacts (SGAs). METHODS: SGA-a was validated by human experts in an artifact cohort of 20 patients subjected to a 1-h transcranial Doppler exam before cardiac surgery (cohort 1). Emboli were validated in a cohort of 10 patients after aortic valve replacement in a 4-h monitoring period (cohort 2). The SGA misclassification rate was estimated by testing SGA-a on artifact-free test files of solid and gaseous emboli. RESULTS: In cohort 1 (n = 24,429), artifacts were classified with an accuracy of 94.5%. In cohort 2 (n = 12,328), the accuracy in discriminating solid/gaseous emboli from artifacts was 85.6%. The 95% limits of agreement for, respectively, the numbers of presumed solids and gaseous emboli, artifacts and microembolic signals of undetermined origin were [-10, 10], [-14, 7] and [-9, 16], and the intra-class correction coefficients were 0.99, 0.99 and 0.99, respectively. The rate of misclassification of solid test files was 2%, and the rate of misclassification of gaseous test files was 12%. CONCLUSION: SGA-a can detect presumed solid and gaseous microembolic signals and differentiate them from artifacts. SGA-a could be of value when both solid and gaseous emboli may jeopardize brain function such as seen during cardiac valve and/or aortic arch replacement procedures.

Graft failure and revision rate after ACL repair with dynamic intraligamentary stabilization. One-year results of a prospective case series of 155 patients.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to assess graft failure, revision rate, and functional outcomes after treatment of acute ACL rupture with dynamic intraligamentary stabilization (DIS) Ligamys device one year post surgery. Additionally, differences in functional outcome between patients with and without anteroposterior laxity were assessed. It was hypothesized that the failure rate of DIS was non-inferior to that of previously reported ACL reconstruction (10%). METHODS: In this prospectively designed multicenter study, including patients with an acute ACL rupture, DIS was performed within 21 days after rupture. Primary outcome was failure of the graft at 1 year post surgery, defined as 1) re-rupture of the graft, 2) revision of DIS, or 3) a > 3 mm side-to-side difference in anterior tibial translation compared to the non-operated knee (∆ATT), measured by the KT1000 device. Additional analysis was performed using a 5 mm threshold. The subjective International Knee Documentation Committee Score (IKDC) and Numerical Rating Scales (NRS) for pain and confidence were used to evaluate functional outcome. RESULTS: A total of 155 patients were included with a mean age at surgery of 27.8 years (SD 9.4). The mean interval from rupture to DIS was 16.4 days (SD 5.2). At a median follow-up of 13 months (IQR 12-18) the failure rate of the graft was 30.2% (95%CI:22.0-39.4); 11 patients (7%) required secondary reconstructive surgery and of the 105 patients who attended ATT measurement, 24 patients (23%) had an ∆ATT > 3 mm. Secondary analysis, based on a 5 mm threshold, revealed a failure rate of 22.4% (95%CI: 15.2; 31.1). A total of 39 patients (25%) reported at least one complication, comprising mainly arthrofibrosis, traumatic re-rupture and pain. In these patients, removal of the monoblock was performed in 21 cases (13.5%). At follow-up no significant differences in functional outcomes between patients with ∆ATT > 3 mm and stable ATT were observed. CONCLUSION: This prospective multicenter study found a high failure rate at one year follow-up of 30% (7% revision surgery and 23% > 3 mm side-to-side difference in anterior tibial translation) in patients treated by primary repair of the ACL with DIS, and did therefore not demonstrate non-inferiority to ACL reconstruction. For patients who did not require secondary reconstructive surgery, this study found good functional outcomes, also in case of persistent anteroposterior knee laxity (∆ATT > 3 mm). LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV.

Validation of the Super Simple Hip score combined with the University of California, Los Angeles activity scale for younger patients.

INTRODUCTION: Patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) are used increasingly, but for young patients with hip complaints, traditional scoring systems have a ceiling effect that limits their usability. We developed and validated the Super Simple Hip (SUSHI) score, a PROM specifically targeted at younger patients with hip complaints. Although the SUSHI measured hip problems adequately, the responsiveness of its activity rating component was considered inadequate. Consequently, we replaced the activity rating component by the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) activity scale. The aim of this study was to validate the resulting new 10-item SUSHI-UCLA score. METHODS: A prospective multicentre observational cohort study was performed. Patients between 18 and 59 years, who visited the Orthopaedic Department with hip complaints, completed the SUSHI-UCLA and hip osteoarthritis outcome score (HOOS) twice before their 1st appointment, and once 16 months after. RESULTS: 142 patients were included (mean age 49 years; SD 8.8). The SUSHI-UCLA score correlated well with the HOOS, both before and after treatment (Spearman's rho = 0.739 and 0.847, respectively, both p < 0.001). The responsiveness of both the SUSHI-UCLA score and the UCLA activity scale was high (standardised response mean = 2.51 and 1.35 respectively). The reproducibility was good (interclass correlation coefficient for agreement = 0.962). The minimal important change was 21.2. No significant floor or ceiling effect was observed. CONCLUSION: The SUSHI-UCLA score is an adequate PROM to measure hip complaints in younger patients and includes a validated activity rating.

The Influence of Pain on the Outcome of Extracorporeal Shockwave Lithotripsy.

INTRODUCTION: The aim of this study was to determine the predictive value of pain scores on the efficacy of extracor-poreal shockwave lithotripsy (ESWL) and to identify other predictive risk factors for treatment success. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 476 patients who underwent ESWL (piezoelectric lithotripsy) for urolithiasis between September 2011 and December 2015 were identified. The primary end-point of this study was success rate, which was evaluated 4 months after ESWL. The secondary outcome was the occurrence of complications as a result of ESWL. RESULTS: The average pain perception was reported at 5 on a scale from 0 to 10. The overall success rate of ESWL was found to be 43.9% and the success rate after the first ESWL was 35.1%. Univari-ate analysis showed no significant correlation between pain score and success of ESWL (p = 0.135). The level of intensity was correlated with pain scores (Pearson correlation -0.423, p < 0.001). Univariate analysis identified five predictive factors: sex, stone location, stone size, hydronephrosis and the use of tamsulosin. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that sex, stone location and size independently in-fluenced the success of ESWL (p = 0.045, p = 0.001 and p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: No correlation was found between the pain scores and efficacy of ESWL. Despite this absence, pain scores during ESWL sessions remain high and additional analgesia would improve patient satisfaction.

Risk factors for postoperative pain in the first three weeks after arthroscopic or open shoulder surgery.

INTRODUCTION: Shoulder surgery is a painful procedure. Adequate postoperative pain control increases patient satisfaction. The objectives of this study were to investigate postoperative pain development in shoulder surgery and to assess risk factors for high postoperative pain. HYPOTHESIS: Patients who undergo rotator cuff repair are more painful than patients who undergo different kinds of shoulder surgery. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Four hundred and sixty five patients who underwent shoulder surgery were included in this retrospective cohort study. A linear mixed model analysis was used to compare NRS (Numeric Rating Scale) for pain between different kinds of shoulder surgery in the first three weeks postoperatively. To assess risk factors for high postoperative pain odds ratios were calculated. RESULTS: Pain development in the first 3 weeks differed between procedures with rotator cuff repair being the most painful procedure. Risk factors for high postoperative pain were female sex and subacromial decompression with distal clavicle resection. DISCUSSION: Patients who undergo rotator cuff repair are indeed more painful than patients who undergo different kinds of shoulder surgery. With identifying these differences in pain development and the risk factors for high postoperative pain after shoulder surgery, we can optimize postoperative pain treatment. However, further research is needed to support these results. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: IV, retrospective cohort study.

The European Robotic Spinal Instrumentation (EUROSPIN) study: protocol for a multicentre prospective observational study of pedicle screw revision surgery after robot-guided, navigated and freehand thoracolumbar spinal fusion.

INTRODUCTION: Robotic guidance (RG) and computer-assisted navigation (NV) have seen increased adoption in instrumented spine surgery over the last decade. Although there exists some evidence that these techniques increase radiological pedicle screw accuracy compared with conventional freehand (FH) surgery, this may not directly translate to any tangible clinical benefits, especially considering the relatively high inherent costs. As a non-randomised, expertise-based study, the European Robotic Spinal Instrumentation Study aims to create prospective multicentre evidence on the potential comparative clinical benefits of RG, NV and FH in a real-world setting. METHODS AND ANALYSIS: Patients are allocated in a non-randomised, non-blinded fashion to the RG, NV or FH arms. Adult patients that are to undergo thoracolumbar pedicle screw instrumentation for degenerative pathologies, infections, vertebral tumours or fractures are considered for inclusion. Deformity correction and surgery at more than five levels represent exclusion criteria. Follow-up takes place at 6 weeks, as well as 12 and 24 months. The primary endpoint is defined as the time to revision surgery for a malpositioned or loosened pedicle screw within the first postoperative year. Secondary endpoints include patient-reported back and leg pain, as well as Oswestry Disability Index and EuroQOL 5-dimension questionnaires. Use of analgesic medication and work status are recorded. The primary analysis, conducted on the 12-month data, is carried out according to the intention-to-treat principle. The primary endpoint is analysed using crude and adjusted Cox proportional hazards models. Patient-reported outcomes are analysed using baseline-adjusted linear mixed models. The study is monitored according to a prespecified monitoring plan. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION: The study protocol is approved by the appropriate national and local authorities. Written informed consent is obtained from all participants. The final results will be published in an international peer-reviewed journal. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: Clinical Trials.gov registry NCT03398915; Pre-results, recruiting stage.

Children's use of the bearing angle in interceptive actions.

The authors investigated the effect of ball velocity and walking direction on children's adherence to the constant bearing angle (CBA) strategy. Children (N = 20) approached a moving ball to manually intercept it at a predefined target area. Results revealed that 10- to 12-year-olds adhered more than 5- to 7-year-olds to the CBA strategy. Younger children deviated more than older children from smaller angles of approach and lower ball velocities. The present findings suggest that younger children have difficulty adjusting to task requirements because they fail to couple walking velocity with ball velocity. The improvement seen with increasing age suggests that compliance with the CBA strategy may be attributed to older children's enhanced coincidence anticipation.

Self-Warming Blanket Versus Forced-Air Warming in Primary Knee or Hip Replacement: A Randomized Controlled Non-Inferiority Study.

OBJECTIVE: After primary total knee/hip replacement (TKR or THR respectively) a prosthetic joint infection (PJI) could develop. Hypothermia could raise the risk of infection. Heating by forced-air can disrupt laminar airfl ow in the operation room (OR), potentially raising the risk of infection. We aimed to study non-inferiority of an active self-heating blanket (SHB) compared to a forced-air blanket (FAB) in preventing hypothermia. METHODS: A randomized controlled non-inferiority trial (N = 86 patients) was performed comparing a SHB versus a FAB in elective primary TKR/THR patients. Primary outcome was lowest measured temperature during surgery. Secondary outcomes were patients' core temperature before, during, and after surgery, thermal comfort visual analogue score (VAS) and complications during hospitalization. RESULTS: Lowest measured temperature was 35.9°C (± 0.6) in SHB and 36.1°C (± 0.5) in FAB group (p = 0.05). No signifi cant correlation was found with duration of surgery or temperature of the OR. No signifi cant difference in core temperature was found before surgery (SHB = 36.8°C [± 0.4], FAB = 36.8°C [± 0.5], p = 0.49), after induction of anaesthesia (SHB = 36.6°C [± 0.5], FAB = 36.7°C [± 0.5], p = 0.22) nor as a mean during surgery (SHB = 35.8°C [± 1.6], FAB = 36.0°C [± 1.3], p = 0.68). SHB patients were "colder" at the recovery bay, 35.8°C (± 0.6) compared to FAB patients, 36.1°C (± 0.5) (p = 0.04). Mean VAS thermal comfort was 53.3 (± 15.7) in SHB and 52.9 (± 12.3) in FAB patients. No difference in complication rate was found. CONCLUSIONS: In this study neither kind of the warming blanket prevented perioperative hypothermia. Although a difference of 0.2°C was found between both groups at the end of TKR/THR surgery, this is most probably not clinically relevant. Complication rate in both groups was the same.

Outcome after 52 Salto Ankle Prostheses Implanted by a Single Surgeon.

While ankle arthrodesis was traditionally the gold standard method of treatment for disabling end-stage ankle arthritis, total ankle replacement (TAR) has been an acceptable alternative. The satisfaction rate of patients with TAR however differs. The purpose of our study is to investigate whether implant survival and results with special emphasis on the satisfaction rate of patients treated with a TAR implanted by a single surgeon were comparable to the literature. This was a retrospective cohort study in a teaching hospital. Data was collected from 52 patients who received a total ankle replacement (TAR) between 05/2002 and 06/2014. The mean follow-up time was 4.2 years (95% CI 3.3 - 5.0). Results showed a high satisfaction rate of 94% and 94% survival of the TAR after 5 years. We conclude that TAR with the Salto prosthesis is, in our hands, a reliable solution for end-stage ankle arthritis, with results comparable to the literature.

Safety and effectiveness of selective carotid angioplasty prior to cardiac surgery: a single-centre matched case-control study.

OBJECTIVES: Reducing the rate of postoperative stroke after cardiac surgery remains challenging, especially in patients with occlusive cerebrovascular disease. Angioplasty in all patients with high-grade carotid artery stenosis has not been shown to be effective in reducing the post-surgical stroke rate. In this study, we present the initial results of a different approach using selective carotid angioplasty only in patients with poor intracranial collaterals. METHODS: We conducted a single-centre study to assess the safety of this procedure. The postangioplasty complication rate of the study group was compared to that of patients who were scheduled for symptomatic carotid artery angioplasty. To determine the effectiveness of this procedure, the post-cardiac surgery complication rate of the study group was compared with that of the matched case controls. RESULTS: Twenty-two patients were treated with selective carotid angioplasty without developing persistent major neurological complications. All patients except 1 patient subsequently underwent surgery without developing persistent major neurological disabilities. Two patients died of cardiogenic shock within 30 days. CONCLUSIONS: Selective carotid angioplasty prior to cardiac surgery in patients with a presumed high risk of stroke was relatively safe and effective in this study group. Although this strategy does not prevent stroke in these high-risk patients, data suggest that this approach shifts the postoperative type of stroke from a severe haemodynamic stroke towards a minor embolic stroke with favourable neurological outcomes. Larger studies are needed to determine whether this strategy can effectively eliminate the occurrence of haemodynamic stroke after cardiac surgery.

Ultrasound guided Needling vs Radial Shockwave Therapy in calcific tendinitis of the shoulder: A prospective randomized trial.

PURPOSE: Ultrasound Needling(UN) and Radial Shockwave(RSWT) aim to dissolve deposits in Shoulder Calcific tendinitis. METHODS: RCT in 25 patients to compare short term effectiveness. Outcome measures were pain and functional outcome at 6 weeks and 1 year and decrease of deposits after 6 weeks. RESULTS: UN decreased deposit more than RSWT(P = 0.029). After 6 weeks, Constant, NRS and Oxford improved more in UN. After 1 year, there was no significant difference in NRS(p = 0.45) or Oxford(p = 0.32). CONCLUSION: Compared to RSWT, UN resulted in lower pain and faster resorption of calcifications after 6 weeks. No significant differences were found after 1 year.