Contemporary modern total ankle arthroplasty (TAA): A systematic review and meta-analysis of indications, survivorship and complication rates.

BACKGROUND: This study evaluates the clinical outcomes of contemporary total ankle arthroplasty (TAAs) to primarily establish the current benefits and risks to facilitate informed decision making to secondarily establish if improvements are seen between subsequent generations of implants, bearing philosophy, and associated surgical technique. METHODS: A systematic review and meta-analysis of published data from January 2000 to January 2020 was conducted following PRISMA guidelines. INCLUSION CRITERIA: English language papers, adult population, ≥20 ankles with a minimum follow up ≥24 months, pre- and post-operative functional scores available. Ankle implants were characterised by generations, which were determined from the original studies and confirmed based on literature set definitions. RESULTS: A total of 4642 TAAs in 4487 patients from 51 studies were included. The mean age was 61.9-years and follow up 57.8-months. Overall, 10-year survivorship rates were 77.63 %, with mobile bearing designs showing a small but significant advantage. Improved survivorship favoured the most modern implants at both two (p < 0.05), and 10-years (p < 0.01). The relative risk of a complication occurring improved with the evolution of implants e.g., nerve injury, and post-operative complications such as fracture, wound complications (e.g., dehiscence or heamatoma) and radiological abnormalities (e.g., radiolucencies, heterotopic bone formation and aseptic loosening). However, surgical site infection, and intra-operative fracture rates remain implant independent. CONCLUSIONS: Modern TAA offers improved survivorship, even with a trend to lower mean implantation age, similar complexity and ever changing indications. It would appear that implant evolution has reduced risks, especially those associated with revision, without affecting functional outcomes.

Artificial intelligence in orthopaedics surgery: transforming technological innovation in patient care and surgical training.

Artificial intelligence (AI) is an exciting field combining computer science with robust data sets to facilitate problem-solving. It has the potential to transform education, practice and delivery of healthcare especially in orthopaedics. This review article outlines some of the already used AI pathways as well as recent technological advances in orthopaedics. Additionally, this article further explains how potentially these two entities could be combined in the future to improve surgical education, training and ultimately patient care and outcomes.

Negative pressure wound therapy for surgical wounds healing by primary closure.

BACKGROUND: Indications for the use of negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT) are broad and include prophylaxis for surgical site infections (SSIs). Existing evidence for the effectiveness of NPWT on postoperative wounds healing by primary closure remains uncertain. OBJECTIVES: To assess the effects of NPWT for preventing SSI in wounds healing through primary closure, and to assess the cost-effectiveness of NPWT in wounds healing through primary closure. SEARCH METHODS: In January 2021, we searched the Cochrane Wounds Specialised Register; the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL); Ovid MEDLINE (including In-Process & Other Non-Indexed Citations); Ovid Embase and EBSCO CINAHL Plus. We also searched clinical trials registries and references of included studies, systematic reviews and health technology reports. There were no restrictions on language, publication date or study setting. SELECTION CRITERIA: We included trials if they allocated participants to treatment randomly and compared NPWT with any other type of wound dressing, or compared one type of NPWT with another. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: At least two review authors independently assessed trials using predetermined inclusion criteria. We carried out data extraction, assessment using the Cochrane risk of bias tool, and quality assessment according to Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluations methodology. Our primary outcomes were SSI, mortality, and wound dehiscence. MAIN RESULTS: In this fourth update, we added 18 new randomised controlled trials (RCTs) and one new economic study, resulting in a total of 62 RCTs (13,340 included participants) and six economic studies. Studies evaluated NPWT in a wide range of surgeries, including orthopaedic, obstetric, vascular and general procedures. All studies compared NPWT with standard dressings. Most studies had unclear or high risk of bias for at least one key domain. Primary outcomes Eleven studies (6384 participants) which reported mortality were pooled. There is low-certainty evidence showing there may be a reduced risk of death after surgery for people treated with NPWT (0.84%) compared with standard dressings (1.17%) but there is uncertainty around this as confidence intervals include risk of benefits and harm; risk ratio (RR) 0.78 (95% CI 0.47 to 1.30; I2 = 0%). Fifty-four studies reported SSI; 44 studies (11,403 participants) were pooled. There is moderate-certainty evidence that NPWT probably results in fewer SSIs (8.7% of participants) than treatment with standard dressings (11.75%) after surgery; RR 0.73 (95% CI 0.63 to 0.85; I2 = 29%). Thirty studies reported wound dehiscence; 23 studies (8724 participants) were pooled. There is moderate-certainty evidence that there is probably little or no difference in dehiscence between people treated with NPWT (6.62%) and those treated with standard dressing (6.97%), although there is imprecision around the estimate that includes risk of benefit and harms; RR 0.97 (95% CI 0.82 to 1.16; I2 = 4%). Evidence was downgraded for imprecision, risk of bias, or a combination of these. Secondary outcomes There is low-certainty evidence for the outcomes of reoperation and seroma; in each case, confidence intervals included both benefit and harm. There may be a reduced risk of reoperation favouring the standard dressing arm, but this was imprecise: RR 1.13 (95% CI 0.91 to 1.41; I2 = 2%; 18 trials; 6272 participants). There may be a reduced risk of seroma for people treated with NPWT but this is imprecise: the RR was 0.82 (95% CI 0.65 to 1.05; I2 = 0%; 15 trials; 5436 participants). For skin blisters, there is low-certainty evidence that people treated with NPWT may be more likely to develop skin blisters compared with those treated with standard dressing (RR 3.55; 95% CI 1.43 to 8.77; I2 = 74%; 11 trials; 5015 participants). The effect of NPWT on haematoma is uncertain (RR 0.79; 95 % CI 0.48 to 1.30; I2 = 0%; 17 trials; 5909 participants; very low-certainty evidence). There is low-certainty evidence of little to no difference in reported pain between groups. Pain was measured in different ways and most studies could not be pooled; this GRADE assessment is based on all fourteen trials reporting pain; the pooled RR for the proportion of participants who experienced pain was 1.52 (95% CI 0.20, 11.31; I2 = 34%; two studies; 632 participants). Cost-effectiveness Six economic studies, based wholly or partially on trials in our review, assessed the cost-effectiveness of NPWT compared with standard care. They considered NPWT in five indications: caesarean sections in obese women; surgery for lower limb fracture; knee/hip arthroplasty; coronary artery bypass grafts; and vascular surgery with inguinal incisions. They calculated quality-adjusted life-years or an equivalent, and produced estimates of the treatments' relative cost-effectiveness. The reporting quality was good but the evidence certainty varied from moderate to very low. There is moderate-certainty evidence that NPWT in surgery for lower limb fracture was not cost-effective at any threshold of willingness-to-pay and that NPWT is probably cost-effective in obese women undergoing caesarean section. Other studies found low or very low-certainty evidence indicating that NPWT may be cost-effective for the indications assessed. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS: People with primary closure of their surgical wound and treated prophylactically with NPWT following surgery probably experience fewer SSIs  than people treated with standard dressings but there is probably no difference in wound dehiscence (moderate-certainty evidence). There may be a reduced risk of death after surgery for people treated with NPWT compared with standard dressings but there is uncertainty around this as confidence intervals include risk of benefit and harm (low-certainty evidence). People treated with NPWT may experience more instances of skin blistering compared with standard dressing treatment (low-certainty evidence). There are no clear differences in other secondary outcomes where most evidence is low or very low-certainty. Assessments of cost-effectiveness of NPWT produced differing results in different indications. There is a large number of ongoing studies, the results of which may change the findings of this review. Decisions about use of NPWT should take into account surgical indication and setting and consider evidence for all outcomes.

Beds, overlays and mattresses for preventing and treating pressure ulcers: an overview of Cochrane Reviews and network meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Pressure ulcers (also known as pressure injuries, pressure sores and bed sores) are localised injuries to the skin or underlying soft tissue, or both, caused by unrelieved pressure, shear or friction. Specific kinds of beds, overlays and mattresses are widely used with the aim of preventing and treating pressure ulcers. OBJECTIVES: To summarise evidence from Cochrane Reviews that assess the effects of beds, overlays and mattresses on reducing the incidence of pressure ulcers and on increasing pressure ulcer healing in any setting and population. To assess the relative effects of different types of beds, overlays and mattresses for reducing the incidence of pressure ulcers and increasing pressure ulcer healing in any setting and population. To cumulatively rank the different treatment options of beds, overlays and mattresses in order of their effectiveness in pressure ulcer prevention and treatment. METHODS: In July 2020, we searched the Cochrane Library. Cochrane Reviews reporting the effectiveness of beds, mattresses or overlays for preventing or treating pressure ulcers were eligible for inclusion in this overview. Two review authors independently screened search results and undertook data extraction and risk of bias assessment using the ROBIS tool. We summarised the reported evidence in an overview of reviews. Where possible, we included the randomised controlled trials from each included review in network meta-analyses. We assessed the relative effectiveness of beds, overlays and mattresses for preventing or treating pressure ulcers and their probabilities of being, comparably, the most effective treatment. We assessed the certainty of the evidence using the GRADE approach. MAIN RESULTS: We include six Cochrane Reviews in this overview of reviews, all at low or unclear risk of bias. Pressure ulcer prevention: four reviews (of 68 studies with 18,174 participants) report direct evidence for 27 pairwise comparisons between 12 types of support surface on the following outcomes: pressure ulcer incidence, time to pressure ulcer incidence, patient comfort response, adverse event rates, health-related quality of life, and cost-effectiveness. Here we focus on outcomes with some evidence at a minimum of low certainty. (1) Pressure ulcer incidence: our overview includes direct evidence for 27 comparisons that mostly (19/27) have very low-certainty evidence concerning reduction of pressure ulcer risk. We included 40 studies (12,517 participants; 1298 participants with new ulcers) in a network meta-analysis involving 13 types of intervention. Data informing the network are sparse and this, together with the high risk of bias in most studies informing the network, means most network contrasts (64/78) yield evidence of very low certainty. There is low-certainty evidence that, compared with foam surfaces (reference treatment), reactive air surfaces (e.g. static air overlays) (risk ratio (RR) 0.46, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.29 to 0.75), alternating pressure (active) air surfaces (e.g. alternating pressure air mattresses, large-celled ripple mattresses) (RR 0.63, 95% CI 0.42 to 0.93), and reactive gel surfaces (e.g. gel pads used on operating tables) (RR 0.47, 95% CI 0.22 to 1.01) may reduce pressure ulcer incidence. The ranking of treatments in terms of effectiveness is also of very low certainty for all interventions. It is unclear which treatment is best for preventing ulceration. (2) Time to pressure ulcer incidence: four reviews had direct evidence on this outcome for seven comparisons. We included 10 studies (7211 participants; 699 participants with new ulcers) evaluating six interventions in a network meta-analysis. Again, data from most network contrasts (13/15) are of very low certainty. There is low-certainty evidence that, compared with foam surfaces (reference treatment), reactive air surfaces may reduce the hazard of developing new pressure ulcers (hazard ratio (HR) 0.20, 95% CI 0.04 to 1.05). The ranking of all support surfaces for preventing pressure ulcers in terms of time to healing is uncertain. (3) Cost-effectiveness: this overview includes direct evidence for three comparisons. For preventing pressure ulcers, alternating pressure air surfaces are probably more cost-effective than foam surfaces (moderate-certainty evidence). Pressure ulcer treatment: two reviews (of 12 studies with 972 participants) report direct evidence for five comparisons on: complete pressure ulcer healing, time to complete pressure ulcer healing, patient comfort response, adverse event rates, and cost-effectiveness. Here we focus on outcomes with some evidence at a minimum of low certainty. (1) Complete pressure ulcer healing: our overview includes direct evidence for five comparisons. There is uncertainty about the relative effects of beds, overlays and mattresses on ulcer healing. The corresponding network meta-analysis (with four studies, 397 participants) had only three direct contrasts and a total of six network contrasts. Again, most network contrasts (5/6) have very low-certainty evidence. There was low-certainty evidence that more people with pressure ulcers may heal completely using reactive air surfaces than using foam surfaces (RR 1.32, 95% CI 0.96 to 1.80). We are uncertain which surfaces have the highest probability of being the most effective (all very low-certainty evidence). (2) Time to complete pressure ulcer healing: this overview includes direct evidence for one comparison: people using reactive air surfaces may be more likely to have healed pressure ulcers compared with those using foam surfaces in long-term care settings (HR 2.66, 95% CI 1.34 to 5.17; low-certainty evidence). (3) Cost-effectiveness: this overview includes direct evidence for one comparison: compared with foam surfaces, reactive air surfaces may cost an extra 26 US dollars for every ulcer-free day in the first year of use in long-term care settings (low-certainty evidence). AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS: Compared with foam surfaces, reactive air surfaces may reduce pressure ulcer risk and may increase complete ulcer healing. Compared with foam surfaces, alternating pressure air surfaces may reduce pressure ulcer risk and are probably more cost-effective in preventing pressure ulcers. Compared with foam surfaces, reactive gel surfaces may reduce pressure ulcer risk, particularly for people in operating rooms and long-term care settings. There are uncertainties for the relative effectiveness of other support surfaces for preventing and treating pressure ulcers, and their efficacy ranking. More high-quality research is required; for example, for the comparison of reactive air surfaces with alternating pressure air surfaces. Future studies should consider time-to-event outcomes and be designed to minimise any risk of bias.

The use of endoluminal techniques in the revision of primary bariatric surgery procedures: a systematic review.

BACKGROUND: Weight regain following primary bariatric surgery is attributed to anatomical, behavioural and hormonal factors. Dilation of the gastrojejunal anastomosis is a possible cause of weight regain after roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB). However, surgical revision has significant risks with limited benefits. Endoluminal procedures have been suggested to manage weight regain post-surgery. This systematic review aims to assess efficacy of endoluminal procedures. METHODS: Studies where endoluminal procedures were performed following primary bariatric surgery were identified. Main outcome measures were mean weight loss pre- and post-procedure, excess weight loss, recurrence rates, success rates and post-procedure complications. RESULTS: Twenty-six studies were included in this review. Procedures identified were (i) endoluminal plication devices (ii) other techniques e.g. sclerotherapy, mucosal ablation, and Argon Plasma Coagulation (APC) and (iii) combination therapy involving sclerotherapy/mucosal ablation/APC and endoscopic OverStitch device. Endoluminal plication devices show greatest initial weight loss within 12 months post-procedure, but not sustained at 18 months. Only one study utilising sclerotherapy showed greater sustained weight loss with peak EWL (19.9%) at 18 months follow-up. Combination therapy showed the greatest sustained EWL (36.4%) at 18 months. Endoluminal plication devices were more successfully performed in 91.8% of patients and had lower recurrence rates (5.02%) compared to sclerotherapy and APC, with 46.8% success and 21.5% recurrence rates. Both procedures demonstrate no major complications and low rates of moderate complications. Only mild complications were noted for combination therapy. CONCLUSIONS: The paucity of good quality data limits our ability to demonstrate and support the long-term efficacy of endoluminal techniques in the management of weight regain following primary bariatric surgery. Future work is necessary to not only clarify the role of endoluminal plication devices, but also combination therapy in the management of weight regain following primary bariatric surgery.

Negative pressure wound therapy for surgical wounds healing by primary closure.

BACKGROUND: Indications for the use of negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT) are broad and include prophylaxis for surgical site infections (SSIs). Existing evidence for the effectiveness of NPWT on postoperative wounds healing by primary closure remains uncertain. OBJECTIVES: To assess the effects of NPWT for preventing SSI in wounds healing through primary closure, and to assess the cost-effectiveness of NPWT in wounds healing through primary closure. SEARCH METHODS: In June 2019, we searched the Cochrane Wounds Specialised Register; the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL); Ovid MEDLINE (including In-Process & Other Non-Indexed Citations); Ovid Embase and EBSCO CINAHL Plus. We also searched clinical trials registries and references of included studies, systematic reviews and health technology reports. There were no restrictions on language, publication date or study setting. SELECTION CRITERIA: We included trials if they allocated participants to treatment randomly and compared NPWT with any other type of wound dressing, or compared one type of NPWT with another type of NPWT. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: At least two review authors independently assessed trials using predetermined inclusion criteria. We carried out data extraction, assessment using the Cochrane 'Risk of bias' tool, and quality assessment according to Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluations methodology. MAIN RESULTS: In this third update, we added 15 new randomised controlled trials (RCTs) and three new economic studies, resulting in a total of 44 RCTs (7447 included participants) and five economic studies. Studies evaluated NPWT in the context of a wide range of surgeries including orthopaedic, obstetric, vascular and general procedures. Economic studies assessed NPWT in orthopaedic, obstetric and general surgical settings. All studies compared NPWT with standard dressings. Most studies had unclear or high risk of bias for at least one key domain. Primary outcomes Four studies (2107 participants) reported mortality. There is low-certainty evidence (downgraded twice for imprecision) showing no clear difference in the risk of death after surgery for people treated with NPWT (2.3%) compared with standard dressings (2.7%) (risk ratio (RR) 0.86; 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.50 to 1.47; I2 = 0%). Thirty-nine studies reported SSI; 31 of these (6204 participants), were included in meta-analysis. There is moderate-certainty evidence (downgraded once for risk of bias) that NPWT probably results in fewer SSI (8.8% of participants) than treatment with standard dressings (13.0% of participants) after surgery; RR 0.66 (95% CI 0.55 to 0.80 ; I2 = 23%). Eighteen studies reported dehiscence; 14 of these (3809 participants) were included in meta-analysis. There is low-certainty evidence (downgraded once for risk of bias and once for imprecision) showing no clear difference in the risk of dehiscence after surgery for NPWT (5.3% of participants) compared with standard dressings (6.2% of participants) (RR 0.88, 95% CI 0.69 to 1.13; I2 = 0%). Secondary outcomes There is low-certainty evidence showing no clear difference between NPWT and standard treatment for the outcomes of reoperation and incidence of seroma. For reoperation, the RR was 1.04 (95% CI 0.78 to 1.41; I2 = 13%; 12 trials; 3523 participants); for seroma, the RR was 0.72 (95% CI 0.50 to 1.05; I2 = 0%; seven trials; 729 participants). The effect of NPWT on occurrence of haematoma or skin blisters is uncertain (very low-certainty evidence); for haematoma, the RR was 0.67 (95% CI 0.28 to 1.59; I2 = 0%; nine trials; 1202 participants) and for blisters the RR was 2.64 (95% CI 0.65 to 10.68; I2 = 69%; seven trials; 796 participants). The overall effect of NPWT on pain is uncertain (very low-certainty evidence from seven trials (2218 participants) which reported disparate measures of pain); but moderate-certainty evidence suggests there is probably little difference between the groups in pain after three or six months following surgery for lower limb fracture (one trial, 1549 participants). There is also moderate-certainty evidence for women undergoing caesarean sections (one trial, 876 participants) and people having surgery for lower limb fractures (one trial, 1549 participants) that there is probably little difference in quality of life scores at 30 days or 3 or 6 months, respectively. Cost-effectiveness Five economic studies, based wholly or partially on trials included in our review, assessed the cost-effectiveness of NPWT compared with standard care. They considered NPWT in four indications: caesarean sections in obese women; surgery for lower limb fracture; knee/hip arthroplasty and coronary artery bypass graft surgery. They calculated quality-adjusted life-years for treatment groups and produced estimates of the treatments' relative cost-effectiveness. The reporting quality was good but the grade of the evidence varied from moderate to very low. There is moderate-certainty evidence that NPWT in surgery for lower limb fracture was not cost-effective at any threshold of willingness-to-pay and that NPWT is probably cost-effective in obese women undergoing caesarean section. Other studies found low or very low-certainty evidence indicating that NPWT may be cost-effective for the indications assessed. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS: People experiencing primary wound closure of their surgical wound and treated prophylactically with NPWT following surgery probably experience fewer SSI than people treated with standard dressings (moderate-certainty evidence). There is no clear difference in number of deaths or wound dehiscence between people treated with NPWT and standard dressings (low-certainty evidence). There are also no clear differences in secondary outcomes where all evidence was low or very low-certainty. In caesarean section in obese women and surgery for lower limb fracture, there is probably little difference in quality of life scores (moderate-certainty evidence). Most evidence on pain is very low-certainty, but there is probably no difference in pain between NPWT and standard dressings after surgery for lower limb fracture (moderate-certainty evidence). Assessments of cost-effectiveness of NPWT produced differing results in different indications. There is a large number of ongoing studies, the results of which may change the findings of this review. Decisions about use of NPWT should take into account surgical indication and setting and consider evidence for all outcomes.

Negative pressure wound therapy for surgical wounds healing by primary closure.

BACKGROUND: Indications for the use of negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT) are broad and include prophylaxis for surgical site infections (SSIs). Existing evidence for the effectiveness of NPWT on postoperative wounds healing by primary closure remains uncertain. OBJECTIVES: To assess the effects of NPWT for preventing SSI in wounds healing through primary closure, and to assess the cost-effectiveness of NPWT in wounds healing through primary closure. SEARCH METHODS: In June 2019, we searched the Cochrane Wounds Specialised Register; the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL); Ovid MEDLINE (including In-Process & Other Non-Indexed Citations); Ovid Embase and EBSCO CINAHL Plus. We also searched clinical trials registries and references of included studies, systematic reviews and health technology reports. There were no restrictions on language, publication date or study setting. SELECTION CRITERIA: We included trials if they allocated participants to treatment randomly and compared NPWT with any other type of wound dressing, or compared one type of NPWT with another type of NPWT. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: At least two review authors independently assessed trials using predetermined inclusion criteria. We carried out data extraction, assessment using the Cochrane 'Risk of bias' tool, and quality assessment according to Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluations methodology. MAIN RESULTS: In this third update, we added 15 new randomised controlled trials (RCTs) and three new economic studies, resulting in a total of 44 RCTs (7447 included participants) and five economic studies. Studies evaluated NPWT in the context of a wide range of surgeries including orthopaedic, obstetric, vascular and general procedures. Economic studies assessed NPWT in orthopaedic, obstetric and general surgical settings. All studies compared NPWT with standard dressings. Most studies had unclear or high risk of bias for at least one key domain. Primary outcomes Four studies (2107 participants) reported mortality. There is low-certainty evidence (downgraded twice for imprecision) showing no clear difference in the risk of death after surgery for people treated with NPWT (2.3%) compared with standard dressings (2.7%) (risk ratio (RR) 0.86; 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.50 to 1.47; I2 = 0%). Thirty-nine studies reported SSI; 31 of these (6204 participants), were included in meta-analysis. There is moderate-certainty evidence (downgraded once for risk of bias) that NPWT probably results in fewer SSI (8.8% of participants) than treatment with standard dressings (13.0% of participants) after surgery; RR 0.66 (95% CI 0.55 to 0.80 ; I2 = 23%). Eighteen studies reported dehiscence; 14 of these (3809 participants) were included in meta-analysis. There is low-certainty evidence (downgraded once for risk of bias and once for imprecision) showing no clear difference in the risk of dehiscence after surgery for NPWT (5.3% of participants) compared with standard dressings (6.2% of participants) (RR 0.88, 95% CI 0.69 to 1.13; I2 = 0%). Secondary outcomes There is low-certainty evidence showing no clear difference between NPWT and standard treatment for the outcomes of reoperation and incidence of seroma. For reoperation, the RR was 1.04 (95% CI 0.78 to 1.41; I2 = 13%; 12 trials; 3523 participants); for seroma, the RR was 0.72 (95% CI 0.50 to 1.05; I2 = 0%; seven trials; 729 participants). The effect of NPWT on occurrence of haematoma or skin blisters is uncertain (very low-certainty evidence); for haematoma, the RR was 0.67 (95% CI 0.28 to 1.59; I2 = 0%; nine trials; 1202 participants) and for blisters the RR was 2.64 (95% CI 0.65 to 10.68; I2 = 69%; seven trials; 796 participants). The overall effect of NPWT on pain is uncertain (very low-certainty evidence from seven trials (2218 participants) which reported disparate measures of pain); but moderate-certainty evidence suggests there is probably little difference between the groups in pain after three or six months following surgery for lower limb fracture (one trial, 1549 participants). There is also moderate-certainty evidence for women undergoing caesarean sections (one trial, 876 participants) and people having surgery for lower limb fractures (one trial, 1549 participants) that there is probably little difference in quality of life scores at 30 days or 3 or 6 months, respectively. Cost-effectiveness Five economic studies, based wholly or partially on trials included in our review, assessed the cost-effectiveness of NPWT compared with standard care. They considered NPWT in four indications: caesarean sections in obese women; surgery for lower limb fracture; knee/hip arthroplasty and coronary artery bypass graft surgery. They calculated quality-adjusted life-years for treatment groups and produced estimates of the treatments' relative cost-effectiveness. The reporting quality was good but the grade of the evidence varied from moderate to very low. There is moderate-certainty evidence that NPWT in surgery for lower limb fracture was not cost-effective at any threshold of willingness-to-pay and that NPWT is probably cost-effective in obese women undergoing caesarean section. Other studies found low or very low-certainty evidence indicating that NPWT may be cost-effective for the indications assessed. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS: People experiencing primary wound closure of their surgical wound and treated prophylactically with NPWT following surgery probably experience fewer SSI than people treated with standard dressings (moderate-certainty evidence). There is no clear difference in number of deaths or wound dehiscence between people treated with NPWT and standard dressings (low-certainty evidence). There are also no clear differences in secondary outcomes where all evidence was low or very low-certainty. In caesarean section in obese women and surgery for lower limb fracture, there is probably little difference in quality of life scores (moderate-certainty evidence). Most evidence on pain is very low-certainty, but there is probably no difference in pain between NPWT and standard dressings after surgery for lower limb fracture (moderate-certainty evidence). Assessments of cost-effectiveness of NPWT produced differing results in different indications. There is a large number of ongoing studies, the results of which may change the findings of this review. Decisions about use of NPWT should take into account surgical indication and setting and consider evidence for all outcomes.

Bizarre parosteal osteochondromatous proliferation co-occurring with a metatarsal fatigue fracture: a case report.

BACKGROUND: Bizarre parosteal osteochondromatous proliferation (BPOP) is a relatively rare benign extraperiosteal osteochondroma-like proliferative lesion that shares similarities with malignant tumours in terms of morphology. The aetiology of BPOP has yet to be determined and there are no previous reports of BPOP associated with fracture. CASE PRESENTATION: A 57-year-old woman presented with a one-month history of pain and swelling in her right foot, which were worsened by activity and improved with rest. Physical examination revealed a hard, non-mobile mass measuring 1.5 cm × 1.5 cm on the dorsal aspect of the third metatarsal of the right foot. There was overlying erythema and tenderness on palpation. Computed tomography (CT) of the right foot demonstrated a fracture of the neck of the third metatarsal, osteolysis at the fracture site and soft tissue swelling. Bone scintigraphy revealed increased tracer uptake suggesting abnormal bone metabolism at the neck of the third metatarsal. Surgical excision of the lesion was performed. Histopathology and immunohistochemistry confirmed the diagnosis of BPOP. CONCLUSION: BPOP is a rare benign lesion that is commonly misdiagnosed. Differential diagnosis is mainly achieved through imaging and histopathological assessment.

Do joint-preserving hip procedures compromise subsequent total hip arthroplasty? A meta-analysis of complications, functional outcome and survivorship.

BACKGROUND: Joint-preserving hip operations can help relieve pain and delay the need for long-term joint arthroplasty. Previous research has not identified procedures that can compromise outcomes following total hip arthroplasty (THA). This meta-analysis aims to evaluate the effect of joint-preserving hip operations on outcomes following subsequent THA. METHODS: MEDLINE, EMBASE and Scopus databases were searched from the date of inception until February 2024. All studies comparing outcomes following THA in individuals with (PS) and without prior surgery (NPS) of the femur or pelvis were included. Data on operative time, blood loss, intra- and post-operative complications, functional outcomes, and implant survivorship were extracted. RESULTS: 16 studies, comprising 2576 patients were included (PS = 939, NPS = 1637). The PS group was associated with significantly longer operative time [MD: 8.1, 95% CI: 4.6-11.6], significantly greater blood loss [MD: 167.8, 95% CI: 135.6-200.0], and a higher risk of intra-operative peri-prosthetic fracture [RR: 1.9, 95% CI: 1.2-3.0], specifically, with prior femoral osteotomy. There were no differences in terms of risks of dislocation [RR: 1.8, 95% CI: 1.0-3.2], implant loosening [RR: 1.0, 95% CI: 0.7-1.5], or revision surgery [RR: 1.3, 95% CI: 1.0-1.7] between the two groups. The PS group was associated with significantly poorer improvements in functional outcome [MD: -5.6, 95% CI: -7.6-(-3.5)], specifically, with prior acetabular osteotomy. Implant survivorship in the two groups was comparable after one year [HR: 1.9, 95% CI: 0.6-6.2] but significantly inferior in the PS group after five years [HR: 2.5, 95% CI: 1.4-4.7], specifically, with prior femoral osteotomy. CONCLUSION: Joint-preserving hip operations are associated with greater intra-operative challenges and complications. In subsequent joint arthroplasty, prior acetabular procedures affect functional outcomes while prior femoral procedures influence implant survivorship. Hip pain due to the morphological sequelae of pediatric hip pathology can be debilitating at a young age. Surgical decision-making at that time needs to consider the survivorship of a THA implanted at that young age against the consequences of hip preservation surgery on further THA.

Timing of Surgery for Hip Fracture in Patients on Direct Oral Anti-coagulants: A Population-Based Cohort Study.

Background: In patients with hip fracture on direct oral anti-coagulants (DOACs), timely surgery is important in optimising outcomes but the safety of early surgery is unclear. This study aims to evaluate the timing of surgery on peri- and post-operative outcomes in patients with hip fracture on DOAC therapy. Methods: Single-centre, retrospective, population-based cohort study of patients on DOAC therapy compared to standard care with low-molecular-weight heparin (LMWH) undergoing surgery for hip fracture. Data obtained: patient demographics, fracture classification, American Society of Anaesthesiologists (ASA) classification, time to surgery, procedure performed, type of DOAC, timing of last DOAC dose, use of reversal agents or pro-coagulants and length of stay. Outcomes assessed: pre- and post-operative haemoglobin levels, incidence of blood transfusion, major haemorrhage, venous thromboembolism (VTE) and death within 30 days of surgery. Results: A total of 755 patients were included. Compared to standard treatment, DOAC use was associated with a similar change in pre- and post-operative haemoglobin levels (P = .90), risk of blood transfusion (RR: 1.04, 95% CI: .70-1.54, P = .84), haemorrhage (RR: 1.51, 95% CI: .53-4.28, P = .44), VTE (RR: .92, 95% CI: .12-7.20, P = .94) and mortality (RR: 1.85, 95% CI: .89-3.84, P = .10), all of which were independent of the timing of surgery. Conclusion: This study builds on growing evidence that surgery for hip fracture in patients on DOAC therapy is not associated with an excessive risk of haemorrhage, irrespective of the timing of surgery. Timely surgical fixation of the hip fracture in this population is indicated in the absence of other risk factors for haemorrhage.

Clinical and radiological outcomes of robotic-assisted unicompartmental knee arthroplasty: Early lessons from the first 100 consecutive knees in 85 patients.

INTRODUCTION: Robotic-assisted unicompartmental knee arthroplasty (UKA) is associated with improved component positioning and comparable short- and mid-term implant survivorship with manual UKA. This study aims to evaluate clinical and radiological outcomes following robotic-assisted UKA as well as any potential learning-curves associated with the introduction of such new technology. METHODS: Prospective study of patients undergoing robotic-assisted UKA. Outcome measures were patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) including Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC), Knee Society Score (KSS) and Oxford Knee Score (OKS), complications, implant survivorship, component positioning and learning curve. RESULTS: Eighty-five patients comprising 100 knees were recruited and followed up for 21.0 ± 4.3 months. At two years, there were significant and sustained improvements in PROMs and 100% implant survivorship rate. A high degree of implant accuracy was achieved with the robotic system. A cumulative learning curve of 20 cases was noted. CONCLUSION: Robotic-assisted UKA achieves excellent implant accuracy and clinical outcomes in the short-term. Long-term follow up is needed to evaluate this relationship.

The current state of robotics in total knee arthroplasty.

Robotic total knee arthroplasty (TKA) has demonstrated improved component positioning and a reduction of alignment outliers with regard to pre-operative planning.Early robotic TKA technologies were mainly active systems associated with significant technical and surgical complications.Current robotic TKA systems are predominantly semi-active with additional haptic feedback which minimizes iatrogenic soft tissue injury compared to conventional arthroplasty and older systems.Semi-active systems demonstrate advantages in terms of early functional recovery and hospital discharge compared to conventional arthroplasty.Limitations with current robotic technology include high upfront costs, learning curves and lack of long-term outcomes.The short-term gains and greater technical reliability associated with current systems may justify the ongoing investment in robotic technology.Further long-term data are required to fully ascertain the cost-effectiveness of newer robotic systems. Cite this article: EFORT Open Rev 2021;6:270-279. DOI: 10.1302/2058-5241.6.200052.

Outcomes of bariatric surgery in extreme obesity: results from the United Kingdom National Bariatric Surgery Registry for patients with a body mass index >70 kg/m2.

BACKGROUND: Bariatric and metabolic surgery (BMS) is an established safe, effective, and durable treatment for obesity and its complications. However, there is still a paucity of evidence on surgery outcomes in patients suffering from extreme obesity. OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to evaluate outcomes of BMS in weight loss and the resolution of co-morbidities in patients with a body mass index (BMI) ≥70kg/m2. SETTING: National Health Service and private hospitals in the United Kingdom. METHODS: This cohort study analyzed prospectively collected records from the UK National Bariatric Surgery Registry of patients with a BMI ≥70 kg/m2 undergoing Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB), sleeve gastrectomy (SG), or adjustable gastric band (AGB) between January 2009 and June 2014. RESULTS: There were 230 patients (64% female) eligible for inclusion in the study: 22 underwent AGB; 102 underwent SG, and 106 underwent RYGB. Preoperative weight and BMI values were comparable (76 ± 7 kg/m2 for AGB; 75 ± 5 kg/m2 for SG; 74 ± 5 kg/m2 for RYGB). The median postoperative follow-up was 13 months for AGB (10-22 mo), 18 for SG (6-28 mo), and 15 for RYGB (6-24 mo). Patients undergoing RYGB and SG exhibited the greatest postoperative total body weight loss (35 ± 13% and 31 ± 15%, respectively; P = .14), which led to postoperative BMIs of 48 ± 10 kg/m2 and 51 ± 11 kg/m2, respectively (P = .14). All procedures conferred a reduction in the incidence of co-morbidities, including type 2 diabetes, and led to improved functional statuses. The overall complication rate was 7%, with 3 deaths (1%) within 30 days of surgery. CONCLUSION: This study found that primary BMS in patients with a BMI >70kg/m2 has an acceptable safety profile and is associated with good medium-term clinical outcomes. RYGB and SG are associated with better weight loss and great improvements in co-morbidities than AGB. Given the noninferiority of SG outcomes and SG's potential for further conversion to other BMS procedures if required, SG may be the best choice for primary BMS in patients with extreme obesity.

Robotics in total hip arthroplasty: a review of the evolution, application and evidence base.

Robotic systems used in orthopaedics have evolved from active systems to semi-active systems.Early active systems were associated with significant technical and surgical complications, which limited their clinical use.The new semi-active system Mako has demonstrated promise in overcoming these limitations, with positive early outcomes.There remains a paucity of data regarding long-term outcomes associated with newer systems such as Mako and TSolution One, which will be important in assessing the applicability of these systems.Given the already high satisfaction rate of manual THA, further high-quality comparative studies are required utilizing outcome scores that are not limited by high ceiling effects to assess whether robotic systems justify their additional expense. Cite this article: EFORT Open Rev 2020;5:866-873. DOI: 10.1302/2058-5241.5.200037.

Evolving Cognitive Dysfunction in Children with Neurologically Stable Opsoclonus-Myoclonus Syndrome.

Cognitive and acquired neurodevelopmental deficits have been reported in children with opsoclonus-myoclonus syndrome (OMS) and are known to be associated with more severe and relapsing disease course. However, there is a paucity of data regarding cognitive dysfunction in children with stable neurological disease. We report three children with OMS and evolving cognitive dysfunction in the context of a mild disease course. The children's ages at disease onset were between 17 and 35 months and they were followed up for 4-10 years. Neuroblastoma was identified in one child. OMS severity scores ranged between 8 and 12/15 at presentation. They underwent immunotherapy and all were in remission by 7 months (range 4-13 months), with treatment maintained for 1 year. One child remained relapse-free, while two others had one clinical relapse each and were immunotherapy-responsive again. In all cases, evolving cognitive dysfunction was reported despite being in remission and stable off treatment for a median of 20 months (range of 12-31 months; two OMS scores of 0/15 and one of 2/15). In children with OMS who have completed treatment and have made full or near full neurological recovery, concerns remain regarding long-term outcome in terms of future learning and cognitive development.

Complications following hip fracture: Results from the World Hip Trauma Evaluation cohort study.

INTRODUCTION: Hip fractures are common in people over 60 years of age, and are associated with significant disability, morbidity and mortality. The aim of this study was to record the incidence of complications in the first 120 days following hip fracture. METHODS: The World Hip Trauma Evaluation (WHiTE) study is a multicentre, prospective cohort study conducted in National Health Service (NHS) hospitals in England and Wales. Participants are 60 years and older who received operative treatment for a hip fracture. We report the incidence of complications recorded by hospital staff until discharge from hospital and by participants at 120-days post-surgery. RESULTS: An analysis of 8673 consecutive participants enrolled in the WHiTE study revealed the following risks of complications within the first 120 days: signs of wound infection (3.1%); dislocation (0.5%); failure of fixation (0.6%); peri­prosthetic fracture (0.3%); overall revision surgery (0.9%); blood loss requiring transfusion (6.1%); chest infection (6.3%); urinary tract infection (5.0%); deep vein thrombosis/pulmonary embolus (1.8%); cerebrovascular accident (0.6%); acute coronary syndrome/myocardial infarction (0.6%); acute kidney injury (1.3%). CONCLUSION: The rates of complications reported here provide a reference range against which future studies might be assessed. Registration: ISRCTN63982700.

Direct Oral Anticoagulants in the Prevention of Venous Thromboembolism Following Surgery for Hip Fracture in Older Adults: A Population-Based Cohort Study.

INTRODUCTION: Direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) decrease the risk of venous thromboembolism (VTE) without increasing the risk of hemorrhage in elective lower limb orthopedic surgery. However, the role of DOACs in preventing VTE following hip fracture surgery in the older adults remains unclear. This study aims to evaluate the efficacy and safety of DOACs in older adults undergoing surgery for hip fracture. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Single-center, retrospective, population-based cohort study of patients receiving either a DOAC or low-molecular-weight heparin (LMWH) for VTE prophylaxis following hip fracture surgery. Data obtained included patient demographics, comorbidities, fracture classification, time to surgery, procedure performed, and length of stay. Main outcomes assessed were incidence of VTE, incidence of major hemorrhage, and death within 30 days of surgery. RESULTS: A total of 321 patients were included. Incidence of VTE was 0% in the DOAC group and 3.4% in the LMWH group (risk ratio [RR]:0.26, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.02-4.34, P = .35). Hemorrhage occurred in 7.4% and 3.0% of patients in the DOAC and LMWH groups, respectively (RR: 2.47, 95% CI: 0.77-7.91, P = .13). Mortality from VTE was 0% in the DOAC group and 0.7% in the LMWH group (RR: 0.97, 95% CI: 0.05-20.02, P = .99). Mortality from hemorrhage was 1.9% in the DOAC group and 0.7% in the LMWH group (RR: 2.47, 95% CI: 0.23-26.78, P = .46). DISCUSSION: The use of DOACs for VTE prophylaxis following surgery in older adults with hip fracture was associated with a similar rate of VTE compared to LMWH. However, there was a worrying trend toward an increased risk of hemorrhage. CONCLUSION: In the present study of a carefully selected cohort of patients, the effect of DOACs in reducing the risk of VTE following surgery for hip fracture in the older adults was comparable to LMWH. However, a trend toward increased risk of hemorrhage was noted. Larger prospective studies will be required to identify patients who will benefit the most from treatment.

Nanoscale mechanisms in age-related hip-fractures.

Nanoscale mineralized collagen fibrils may be important determinants of whole-bone mechanical properties and contribute to the risk of age-related fractures. In a cross-sectional study nano- and tissue-level mechanics were compared across trabecular sections from the proximal femora of three groups (n = 10 each): ageing non-fractured donors (Controls); untreated fracture patients (Fx-Untreated); bisphosphonate-treated fracture patients (Fx-BisTreated). Collagen fibril, mineral and tissue mechanics were measured using synchrotron X-Ray diffraction of bone sections under load. Mechanical data were compared across groups, and tissue-level data were regressed against nano. Compared to controls fracture patients exhibited significantly lower critical tissue strain, max strain and normalized strength, with lower peak fibril and mineral strain. Bisphosphonate-treated exhibited the lowest properties. In all three groups, peak mineral strain coincided with maximum tissue strength (i.e. ultimate stress), whilst peak fibril strain occurred afterwards (i.e. higher tissue strain). Tissue strain and strength were positively and strongly correlated with peak fibril and mineral strains. Age-related fractures were associated with lower peak fibril and mineral strain irrespective of treatment. Indicating earlier mineral disengagement and the subsequent onset of fibril sliding is one of the key mechanisms leading to fracture. Treatments for fragility should target collagen-mineral interactions to restore nano-scale strain to that of healthy bone.