Suprascapular nerve release does not provide additional benefits in arthroscopic rotator cuff repair surgery: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

PURPOSE: To investigate the effect of suprascapular nerve release in arthroscopic rotator cuff repair surgery. METHODS: This systematic review was performed to include randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and non-RCTs that compared the outcomes of patients who did and did not receive suprascapular nerve release (SSNR) during arthroscopic rotator cuff repair surgery. MEDLINE, Embase, and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials were searched for relevant studies. Methodological Index for Non-randomized Studies (MINORS) was used for cohort study assessment. The Cochrane risk of bias assessment tool (version 1.0) was used to assess the risk of bias in randomized trials. The primary outcomes were pain and shoulder function. The secondary outcome was the re-tear rate. RESULTS: Two RCTs and three non-RCTs with a total of 187 patients (90 patients received SSNR and 97 patients did not receive SSNR) were included in this systematic review. The meta-analysis revealed that the SSNR group did not had a more pain reduction, assessed by visual analogue scale, compared to the non-SSNR group. Also, the SSNR group did not have a significantly more improvement in the UCLA score, compared to the non-SSNR group. In addition, there was no significant difference between the two groups in terms of Constant score and re-tear rate. CONCLUSIONS: The result of this study showed that additional suprascapular nerve release did not provide additional benefit in arthroscopic rotator cuff repair surgery. Routine arthroscopic SSNR is not recommended when treating patients with rotator cuff tear. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III.

Trunk Movement and Sequential Trunk Muscle Activation During Oscillation Exercises Using Flexible Poles.

OBJECTIVES: Oscillatory exercises using flexible poles, such as the Flexi-bar, were recommended as rehabilitation programs to increase trunk muscles strength; however, the strategy to enhance the training effects is under investigations. The aim of this study was to characterize the trunk movements and muscle activation patterns when performing an oscillation exercise with flexible poles in different weights. METHODS: Twelve healthy male participants performed oscillation exercises with flexible poles of different weights. The center of mass, as well as surface electromyography for 10 trunk muscles were assessed while participants performed oscillation exercises. RESULTS: The participants' trunks showed rhythmic anterior-posterior movement during oscillation exercises using flexible poles. The center-of-mass movement distances were 20.32 (6.73) mm, 25.33 (5.31) mm, 32.40 (9.94) mm, and 37.28 (21.59) mm for the Flexi-bar, light pole, medium pole, and heavy pole, respectively. Erector spinae, internal obliques, multifidus, and external obliques revealed significant activation levels during oscillation exercises. The participants who could perform steady and smooth oscillation with heavy pole for 30 seconds revealed phasic sequential muscle activation. CONCLUSION: The present study suggested that oscillation exercises with flexible poles were associated with a concomitant trunk movement in anterior-posterior direction and an effective activation of trunk muscles.

Different types of bullae of limbs with necrotizing fasciitis predict different outcome: a prospective study.

STUDY OBJECTIVE: Necrotizing fasciitis (NF) is an uncommon life-threatening necrotizing skin and soft tissue infection. Bullae are special skin manifestations of NF. This study was conducted to analyze the differences between different types of bullae of limbs with NF for providing the information to emergency treatment. METHODS: From April 2015 to August 2018, patients were initially enrolled based on surgical confirmation of limbs with NF. According to the presence of different bullae types, patients were divided into no bullae group (Group N), serous-filled bullae group (Group S), and hemorrhagic bullae group (Group H). Data such as demographics, clinical outcomes, microbiological results, presenting symptoms/signs, and laboratory findings were compared among these groups. RESULTS: In total, 187 patients were collected, with 111 (59.4%) patients in Group N, 35 (18.7%) in Group S, and 41 (21.9%) in Group H. Group H had the highest incidence of amputation, required intensive care unit care, and most patients infected with Vibrio species. In Group N, more patients were infected with Staphylococcus spp. than Group H. In Group S, more patients were infected with ß-hemolytic Streptococcus than Group H. Patients with bacteremia, shock, skin necrosis, anemia, and longer prothrombin time constituted higher proportions in Group H and S than in Group N. CONCLUSIONS: In southern Taiwan, patients with NF accompanied by hemorrhagic bullae appear to have more bacteremia, Vibrio infection, septic shock, and risk for amputation. If the physicians at the emergency department can detect for the early signs of NF as soon as possible, and more patient's life and limbs may be saved.

GMI, an Immunomodulatory Peptide from Ganoderma microsporum, Restrains Periprosthetic Joint Infections via Modulating the Functions of Myeloid-Derived Suppressor Cells and Effector T Cells.

Periprosthetic joint infections (PJIs) caused by Staphylococcus aureus infection are difficult to treat due to antibiotic resistance. It is known that the biofilms from methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA) promote expansion of myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) to suppress T-cell proliferation and benefit bacterial infections. This study finds that GMI, a fungal immunomodulatory peptide isolated from Ganoderma microsporum, suppresses MDSC expansion to promote the proliferation of cytotoxic T cells. The enhancement is likely attributed to increased expression of IL-6 and TNF-α and reduction in ROS expression. Similar beneficial effects of GMI on the suppression of MDSC expansion and IL-6 expression are also observed in the whole blood and reduces the accumulation of MDSCs in the infected bone region in a mouse PJI infection model. This study shows that GMI is potentially useful for treating S. aureus-induced PJIs.

Predictors for gram-negative monomicrobial necrotizing fasciitis in southern Taiwan.

BACKGROUND: Necrotizing fasciitis (NF) is a rare and life-threatening necrotizing skin and soft-tissue infection. Infectious pathogens of NF must be detected early and treated rapidly to prevent loss of limb or a fatal outcome. This study aimed to detect more reliable predictors between gram-negative and gram-positive monomicrobial NF of limbs. METHODS: A total of 100 patients with limb monomicrobial NF were diagnosed prospectively from April 2015 to July 2018. These monomicrobial NF pathogens can be divided into gram-negative and gram-positive groups according to the result of Gram staining and final bacterial reports. Data such as demographics, seawater or seafood contact history, infectious location, comorbidities, presenting signs and symptoms, and laboratory findings were recorded and compared. RESULTS: A total of 55 patients were infected with gram-negative organisms and 45 patients with gram-positive organisms. Among the 55 cases of monomicrobial gram-negative NF, 48 (87.3%) were caused mainly by Vibrio spp. (38, 69.1%) and Aeromonas spp. (10, 18.2%). A higher incidence of chronic kidney disease, cerebrovascular accident, tachypnea, and septic shock; a higher rate of band forms of leukocytes of more than 3%, serum lactate of more than 20 mg/dL, and C-reactive protein level of less than 150 mg/dL; prolonged prothrombin time; and a lower fibrinogen level were observed in patients with gram-negative infection. In a multivariate analysis, a higher incidence of seawater or seafood contact history (odds ratio [OR]: 66.301; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 7.467-588.702), a higher rate of hyperlactatemia (OR: 7.904; 95% CI: 1.231-50.744), and a low fibrinogen level (OR: 1.013; 95% CI: 1.004-1.023) indicated gram-negative infection. CONCLUSIONS: In southern Taiwan, NF of limbs mainly affected the lower limbs, exhibited monomicrobial infection, and was predominated by gram-negative bacteria. Gram-negative monomicrobial NF of limbs often occurred in individuals with the more seawater or seafood contact history, hyperlactatemia, and low fibrinogen levels.

Prevalence and associated factors of myopia among rural school students in Chia-Yi, Taiwan.

BACKGROUND: The prevalence of myopia has increased rapidly worldwide over the past few decades. The aim of this study was to evaluate the prevalence and associated risk factors for myopia in elementary and junior high school students in Chia-Yi, Taiwan. METHODS: We included 5417 students in total from Grade 1-6 (n = 4763) and Grade 7-9 (n = 654) from Chia Yi County in this population-based study. The students underwent noncycloplegic autorefractometry and an interview with a structured questionnaire. RESULTS: For this study population, the prevalence of myopia and high myopia was 42.0 and 2.0%, respectively, revealing a statistically significant increase with increasing age (p < 0.05). Junior high school students (aged 13-15) showed a greater prevalence of myopia than elementary school students (aged 7-12) (55.8% vs. 40.1%, respectively, p < 0.001). Multiple logistic regression analysis showed that associated factors of myopia were body height (odds ratio [OR]: 1.05, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.05-1.06), body mass index (OR: 0.98, 95% CI: 0.96-1.00), and ocular alignment (horizontal heterophoria vs. orthophoria, OR: 2.37, 95% CI: 2.08-2.70; tropia vs. orthophoria, OR: 1.94, 95% CI: 1.50-2.52) for elementary school students, whereas in junior high school students, they included body height (OR: 1.02, 95% CI: 1.01-1.04) and ocular alignment (heterophoria vs. orthophoria, OR: 2.20, 95% CI: 1.56-3.10). CONCLUSIONS: This study provided epidemiological data on myopia in rural school students in Chia-Yi, Taiwan, and demonstrated the association between heterophoria and myopia. Correction of refractive errors in the students remained a challenge.

Effects of Chronic Kidney Disease on Hemiarthroplasty Outcomes for Fragility Hip Fracture in Diabetic Patients: A Nationwide Population-Based Observational Study.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study is to compare perioperative outcomes, readmission, and mortality after hemiarthroplasty for hip fractures in diabetic patients with different renal function statuses. METHODS: In this retrospective population-based cohort study, diabetic patients who received primary hemiarthroplasty for hip fracture between January 1997 and December 2013 were identified from the Taiwan National Health Insurance Research Database. Primary outcomes were perioperative outcomes including infection and revision. Secondary outcomes were all-cause readmission and mortality. RESULTS: A total of 29,535 diabetic patients were included: 8270 patients had chronic kidney disease (CKD group), 1311 patients underwent permanent dialysis (dialysis group), and 19,954 patients did not have CKD (non-CKD group). During a mean follow-up of 4.5 years, these 3 groups had comparable risks of any infection, including superficial and deep infection. Dialysis patients had a significantly higher risk of revision than did CKD and non-CKD patients (subdistribution hazard ratio 1.65, 95% confidence interval 1.16-2.36; subdistribution hazard ratio 1.57, 95% confidence interval 1.10-2.24, respectively). Compared with the non-CKD group, the dialysis group had significantly higher risks of readmission and mortality at all time points, namely 3 months after surgery, 1 year after surgery, and the final follow-up. The CKD group also had higher risks of readmission and mortality than did the non-CKD group at all time points. CONCLUSION: CKD is associated with poor outcomes following hemiarthroplasty for fragility hip fracture. CKD patients may have higher risks of surgical complications including revision than non-CKD patients, and they have significantly elevated risks of readmission and mortality.

A Real-Time Wearable Assist System for Upper Extremity Throwing Action Based on Accelerometers.

This paper focuses on the development of a real-time wearable assist system for upper extremity throwing action based on the accelerometers of inertial measurement unit (IMU) sensors. This real-time assist system can be utilized to the learning, rectification, and rehabilitation for the upper extremity throwing action of players in the field of baseball, where incorrect throwing phases are recognized by a delicate action analysis. The throwing action includes not only the posture characteristics of each phase, but also the transition of continuous posture movements, which is more complex when compared to general action recognition with no continuous phase change. In this work, we have considered six serial phases including wind-up, stride, arm cocking, arm acceleration, arm deceleration, and follow-through in the throwing action recognition process. The continuous movement of each phase of the throwing action is represented by a one-dimensional data sequence after the three-axial acceleration signals are processed by efficient noise filtering based on Kalman filter followed by conversion processes such as leveling and labeling techniques. The longest common subsequence (LCS) method is then used to determine the six serial phases of the throwing action by verifying the sequence data with a sample sequence. We have incorporated various intelligent action recognition functions including automatic recognition for getting ready status, starting movement, handle interrupt situation, and detailed posture transition in the proposed assist system. Moreover, a liquid crystal display (LCD) panel and mobile interface are incorporated into the developed assist system to make it more user-friendly. The real-time system provides precise comments to assist players to attain improved throwing action by analyzing their posture during throwing action. Various experiments were conducted to analyze the efficiency and practicality of the developed assist system as part of this work. We have obtained an average percentage accuracy of 95.14%, 91.42%, and 95.14%, respectively, for all the three users considered in this study. We were able to successfully recognize the throwing action with good precision and the high percentage accuracy exhibited by the proposed assist system indicates its excellent performance.

Progress on Range of Motion After Total Knee Replacement by Sensor-Based System.

For total knee replacement (TKR) patients, rehabilitation after the surgery is key toregaining mobility. This study proposes a sensor-based system for effectively monitoringrehabilitation progress after TKR. The system comprises a hardware module consisting of thetriaxial accelerometer and gyroscope, a microcontroller, and a Bluetooth module, and a softwareapp for monitoring the motion of the knee joint. Three indices, namely the number of swings, themaximum knee flexion angle, and the duration of practice each time, were used as metrics tomeasure the knee rehabilitation progress. The proposed sensor device has advantages such asusability without spatiotemporal constraints and accuracy in monitoring the rehabilitation progress.The performance of the proposed system was compared with the measured range of motion of theCybex isokinetic dynamometer (or Cybex) professional rehabilitation equipment, and the resultsrevealed that the average absolute errors of the measured angles were between 1.65° and 3.27° forthe TKR subjects, depending on the swing speed. Experimental results verified that the proposedsystem is effective and comparable with the professional equipment.

Vibrio cholerae non-O1 - the first reported case of keratitis in a healthy patient.

BACKGROUND: Vibrio cholerae non-O1 is a virulent pathogen that causes significant morbidity and mortality in humans. Herein, we report a case of corneal ulcer caused by this pathogen. CASE PRESENTATION: A 59-year-old fisherman with no systemic history was struck in the right eye by a marine shrimp and developed keratitis. Corneal scrapping culture revealed the presence of the V. cholerae non-O1, and its identification was confirmed by Analytical Profile Index 20E system and polymerase chain reaction. He was successfully treated with topical levofloxacin (0.3%) and fortified amikacin (12.5 mg/mL) for 2 weeks. The visual acuity recovered to 20/25 after treatment without complications. CONCLUSIONS: This is the first case report of keratitis caused by V. cholerae non-O1 strain. Ocular injury by marine creatures and contaminated seawater can contribute to severe corneal ulcer. Early diagnosis can be achieved by meticulous history taking and a comprehensive laboratory workup. Simultaneously, an effective antibiotic therapy can lead to a positive outcome.

Tranexamic acid in total shoulder arthroplasty and reverse shoulder arthroplasty: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: The effects of tranexamic acid (TXA) in the setting of shoulder arthroplasty are unclear. The objective of this study was to examine the effects of TXA in reducing the need for blood transfusions and blood loss in patients undergoing primary total shoulder arthroplasty (TSA) and reverse total shoulder arthroplasty (RTSA). METHODS: We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and retrospective cohort studies (RCS) that compared outcomes of patients who did and did not receive TXA during TSA or RTSA. We searched Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, EMBASE, and MEDLINE for relevant studies. We assessed the risk of bias of the included studies and calculated pooled risk estimates. The primary outcome was transfusion rate, and secondary outcomes were changes in hemoglobin, estimated total blood loss (ETBL), blood loss via drainage, operative time, hospital stay, overall complications, and thromboembolic events. RESULTS: We identified 3 RCTs and 3 RCS including 677 patients with 680 shoulders (343 TXA and 337 non-TXA). The random-effects model meta-analysis showed that TXA group had a lower transfusion rate (risk ratio (RR) 0.34, 95% CI 0.14 to 0.79), less change in hemoglobin (mean difference (MD) -0.64 g/dl, 95% CI -0.81 to - 0.46), and reduced ETBL (MD -249.24 ml, 95% CI -338.74 to - 159.74). In patients with RTSA, the TXA group had a lower transfusion rate (RR 0.28, 95% CI 0.14 to 0.79), less ETBL (MD -249.15 ml, 95% CI -426.60 to - 71.70), less change in hemoglobin (MD - 0.64 g/dl, 95% CI -0.86 to - 0.42), and less blood loss via drainage (MD - 84.56 ml, 95% CI -145.72.14 to - 23.39) than non-TXA group. CONCLUSIONS: The use of TXA in primary shoulder arthroplasty appears safe, and can reduce transfusion rate, changes in hemoglobin, and perioperative total blood loss, especially in patients with RTSA. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Systematic Review and meta-analysis, III.

Effect of high body mass index on knee muscle strength and function after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction using hamstring tendon autografts.

BACKGROUND: Increased body mass index (BMI) has been associated with poorer function in patients who have undergone anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction. However, the effect of high BMI on muscle strength in these patients remained unclear. The current study aimed to compare knee muscle strength and Knee injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS) in ACL-reconstructed patients with a variety of different BMIs. METHODS: From November 2013 to March 2016, we prospectively enrolled 30 patients who underwent ACL reconstruction (18-60 years of age). Anthropometric parameters, body compositions, isokinetic muscle strength and KOOS were assessed preoperatively, and at post-operative 16th week and 28th week. The patients were stratified into two groups by BMI, i.e. normal BMI (18.5-24.9 kg/m2) and high BMI (≥25.0 kg/m2). RESULTS: Twelve patients in the normal BMI group completed the follow-up, while sixteen patients did so in the high BMI group. In comparison of muscle strength between baseline and 28th week follow-up, the normal BMI group had significant increases in overall knee muscle strength, while the high BMI group only had increases in extensors of uninjured knee and flexors of the injured knee. However, there were significant increases in all KOOS subscales for the high BMI group. The high BMI patients reported increased KOOS, which may reflect the contribution of ligament stability in the presence of inadequate muscle strength. CONCLUSIONS: The normal BMI patients had improvement in all knee muscle strength following ACL reconstruction, while high BMI patients only had increases in certain knee muscles. High BMI patients had a decreased quadriceps muscle symmetry index, as compared to their normal BMI counterparts. Increases in quadriceps muscle strength of the uninjured knee and ACL reconstruction were associated with improvements in KOOS in high BMI patients.

Epinephrine in irrigation fluid for visual clarity in arthroscopic shoulder surgery: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

PURPOSE: To investigate whether epinephrine in irrigation fluid improves visual clarity in arthroscopic shoulder surgery. METHODS: We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that compared the surgical outcomes of patients who did and did not receive epinephrine during arthroscopic shoulder surgery. We searched the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, MEDLINE, and Embase for relevant RCTs. We used the Cochrane Collaboration's tool to assess the risk of bias and adopted random-effects model meta-analysis to combine data. We used the Grades of Recommendation, Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE) methodology to evaluate the overall quality of the body of the retrieved evidence. The primary outcome was visual clarity. The secondary outcomes were operative time, amount of irrigation fluid, the need for increased pump pressure, and adverse cardiovascular events. RESULTS: This study included three RCTs with a total of 238 participants (124 in the epinephrine group and 114 in the non-epinephrine group). The use of epinephrine in irrigation fluid for shoulder arthroscopy achieved better visual clarity (standardized mean difference, 1.01; 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.63 to 1.39; p < 0.0001) and less need for increased pump pressure (risk ratio, 0.40; 95% CI 0.25 to 0.64; p = 0.0001) compared to the non-epinephrine group. No significant differences were noted in operative time (mean difference - 5.08; 95% CI - 14.46 to 4.31; p = 0.29) and amount of irrigation fluid (mean difference - 1.04; 95% CI - 2.38 to 0.39; p = 0.12) between the two groups. No adverse events were recorded in any of the included trials. CONCLUSIONS: The current evidence shows that the use of epinephrine in arthroscopic shoulder surgery may improve visualization and does not appear to have any major disadvantages. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level I.

Effect of Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy on Passive Ankle Stiffness in Patients With Plantar Fasciopathy.

Plantar fasciopathy (PF) is the most common cause of heel pain. Extracorporeal shockwave therapy (ESWT) improves the gait pattern in patients with PF. However, the effects of ESWT on the biomechanics of the ankle in these patients remains unclear. Sixteen participants were included in the present study. Of the 16 participants, 8 patients with PF were assigned to receive extracorporeal shockwave therapy, and 8 healthy participants served as an external control group. ESWT was applied to the PF group for 1500 pulses at an energy flux of 0.26 mJ/mm2 every 3 weeks for 3 sessions. The biomechanics of the ankle joints were then assessed using an isokinetic dynamometer, and a health-related quality of life questionnaire was administered at baseline and at the final follow-up session 12 weeks after the initial treatment. Passive stiffness was calculated and compared between the foot affected with PF, the opposite foot, and both feet of those in the healthy control group. The Kruskal-Wallis 1-way analysis of variance with repeated measures was performed, and statistical significance was considered present at the 5% (p ≤ .05) level. Ankle dorsiflexion in the affected limb increased from 14° ± 3° to 17° ± 2° after ESWT (p < .05). No statistically significant differences were noted in the strength of dorsiflexion or plantarflexion at baseline and after ESWT. However, a statistically significant increase in the ratio of strength in ankle dorsiflexion versus plantarflexion was found after ESWT (p < .05). No differences in the passive stiffness of the ankle joint were demonstrated. Patients reported an improved physical function score after ESWT (p < .05). An increased dorsiflexion/plantarflexion torque ratio and maximal dorsiflexion associated with decreased pain might contribute to the improved physical function after ESWT for PF.

Tourniquet use in arthroscopic anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials.

BACKGROUND: To assess the effects of tourniquet use in arthroscopic anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction surgery. METHODS: We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials (RCTs) that compared surgical outcomes following tourniquet use against non-tourniquet use during ACL reconstruction surgery. We searched the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, MEDLINE, and EMBASE for relevant RCTs. We used the Cochrane Collaboration's tool to assess the risk of bias of included RCTs, and performed a random-effects meta-analysis in calculating the pooled risk estimates. The primary outcomes was postoperative pain measured by visual analogue scale, verbal rating scale, or required morphine dose. The secondary outcomes were blood loss in drainage, operative time, muscle strength, and calf and thigh girth. RESULTS: We included 5 RCTs with 226 participants (116 in the tourniquet group and 110 in the non-tourniquet group). Postoperative pain and morphine doses were not significantly different between the two groups. Compared to the non-tourniquet group, the tourniquet group had a significantly increased blood loss in the drain (mean difference: 94.40 ml; 95% CI 3.65-185.14; P = 0.04). No significant differences in the operative time and muscle strength were found between the two groups. Tourniquet use was associated with a greater decrease in thigh girth but not in calf girth. CONCLUSIONS: The current evidence shows that compared to tourniquet use, ACL reconstruction surgery without tourniquet does not appear to have any major disadvantages and does not prolong operation time. There might be less drain blood loss associated with tourniquet use, though drains are no longer routinely used in ACL reconstruction surgery.

Synchronous multifocal necrotizing fasciitis prognostic factors: a retrospective case series study in a single center.

PURPOSE: No reports have been published on synchronous multifocal necrotizing fasciitis (SMNF), a multifocal presence of necrotizing fasciitis in different extremities. We evaluated the clinical characteristics and outcomes of SMNF. METHODS: Eighteen patients (14 men, 4 women; mean age: 59 years) diagnosed with SMNF of the extremities between January 2004 to December 2012 were enrolled and evaluated. RESULTS: Vibrio species were the most commonly (78%; n = 14) isolated; others were two cases (11%) of Aeromonas spp., one case (6%) of group A ß-hemolytic streptococcus, and one case of coagulase-negative staphylococcus. SMNF was in the bilateral lower limbs (72%; n = 13), bilateral upper limbs (17%; n = 3), and one patient with one upper and one lower limb (11%). Non-surviving patients had more bilateral lower limb involvement and thrombocytopenia. CONCLUSIONS: Most patients with SMNF were male and had bilateral lower limb and marine Gram-negative bacteria involvement. The mortality of SMNF remained extremely high in patients with involvement of bilateral lower limb and initial thrombocytopenia.

Revision total hip arthroplasty for large medial defects with witch's hat-shaped structural allografts--minimum 10-year follow-up.

A witch's hat-shaped structural allograft can restore bone stock over acetabular medial wall during revision total hip arthroplasty, which may be of importance for future re-revisions. However, long-term results are unclear. A retrospective review of 104 consecutive hips in 96 patients was performed to determine survivorship and functions. The minimum follow-up was 10 years. Nine patients required re-revision for cup aseptic loosening with a mean time to revision of 4.5 years. Kaplan-Meier survivorship was 89.4% at the endpoint. Radiographic evaluation revealed sixteen instances of minor medial wall graft absorption without significant cup migration. The mean modified Harris Hip Scores were 36 preoperatively and 86 at last follow-up. Revision acetabular surgery using a witch's hat-shaped allograft to restore acetabular medial wall provides an excellent alternative.

The effect of renal function on surgical outcomes of intracapsular hip fractures with osteosynthesis.

BACKGROUND: Chronic kidney disease (CKD) affects many physiologic systems, including bone quality, nutrition, and cardiovascular condition. Femoral neck fractures in patients on dialysis are associated with frequent complications and a high risk of mortality. However, the effect of CKD on clinical outcomes of patients with hip fractures treated with osteosynthesis remains unclear. METHODS: One hundred and thirty patients with 130 femoral neck fractures treated with internal fixation were divided into two groups and the data were then analyzed. Group 1 consisted of 98 patients (98 hip fractures) with normal renal function (estimated glomerular filtration rate, or eGFR, ≥60 ml/min/1.73 m(2)). Group 2 was composed of 32 patients (32 hip fractures) with CKD (eGFR <60 ml/min/1.73 m(2)) without dialysis. Clinical outcomes as well as early and late complications were recorded for each group. Survivorship analysis was performed, and the mortality and complication rates for the groups were then compared. RESULTS: In Group 1, 32 complications (32.6%) occurred in 98 hips, including 5 cases of nonunion and 16 cases of osteonecrosis. In Group 2, 24 complications (75%) developed in 32 hips; these included 8 cases of nonunion and 3 cases of osteonecrosis. The mean duration of follow-up was 32 months. The overall mortality rate was 11.5%. No difference was noted in early, late, or overall mortality rate between two groups. Patient with CKD had a higher nonunion rate (OR = 5.9, P = 0.023). Meanwhile, CKD and displaced fracture pattern were independent predictors for revision surgery (OR = 3.0, P = 0.032; OR = 6.9, P = 0.001, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: Osteosynthesis is a safe and effective treatment for femoral neck fractures; however, patients with femoral neck fracture and CKD have a higher risk of nonunion and subsequent surgical revision. LEVEL OF RELEVANCE: Prognostic studies, Level III.

The role of cross sectional imaging in the management of acute pyogenic inguinal abscess - extrapelvic versus intrapelvic origin.

BACKGROUND: Abscesses involving the inguinal region as manifestations of complex soft-tissue infections are rare, and the infectious route is usually unclear. The purpose of this study was to ascertain the importance of imaging study and whether the clinical presentations differ between the extrapelvic and intrapelvic origin. METHODS: Patients who presented with inguinal abscess between January 2003 and December 2010 were evaluated retrospectively. All patients received broad-spectrum antibiotic therapy and debridement. Imaging studies, including computed tomography or magnetic resonance imaging, were performed in all patients to elucidate the origin and extent of infectious disease, and the results were reviewed. Clinical data, laboratory examination findings, and culture results were analyzed. RESULTS: Twenty-eight patients were enrolled in the study: 13 patients whose infections were of extrapelvic origin (Group 1) and 15 patients of intrapelvic origin (Group 2). Imaging studies yielded information that helped guiding the treatment. Gram-positive coccus infection was more frequent in Group 1 (p < 0.001), while mixed pathogen and anaerobic bacterial infection were more frequent in Group 2 (p = 0.002 and p = 0.006, respectively). Group 2 had a higher incidence of history of malignancy and chronic renal failure (p = 0.044 and p = 0.038, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: Computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging are helpful in diagnosing cases of inguinal abscess and determining the extent of infection. In patients presenting with acute pyogenic inguinal abscess, a higher prevalence of chronic renal failure and history of malignancy were found in those with an intrapelvic, as compared with an extrapelvic, origin of infection.

Comparison of Outcomes after Arthroscopic Rotator Cuff Repair between Elderly and Younger Patient Groups: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Comparative Studies.

This study aimed to compare the outcomes of arthroscopic rotator cuff repair (ARCR) surgery between younger and older patients. We performed this systematic review and meta-analysis of cohort studies comparing outcomes between patients older than 65 to 70 years and a younger group following arthroscopic rotator cuff repair surgery. We searched MEDLINE, Embase, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), and other sources for relevant studies up to 13 September 2022, and then assessed the quality of included studies using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale (NOS). We used random-effects meta-analysis for data synthesis. The primary outcomes were pain and shoulder functions, while secondary outcomes included re-tear rate, shoulder range of motion (ROM), abduction muscle power, quality of life, and complications. Five non-randomized controlled trials, with 671 participants (197 older and 474 younger patients), were included. The quality of the studies was all fairly good, with NOS scores ≥ 7. The results showed no significant differences between the older and younger groups in terms of Constant score improvement, re-tear rate, or other outcomes such as pain level improvement, muscle power, and shoulder ROM. These findings suggest that ARCR surgery in older patients can achieve a non-inferior healing rate and shoulder function compared to younger patients.