Faster bone union progression and less sclerosis at the osteotomy margin after medial opening-wedge high tibial osteotomy using highly porous ß-tricalcium phosphate granules versus allogeneic bone chips: A matched case-control study.

BACKGROUND: This study compared bone union progression using highly porous (80% porosity) ß-tricalcium phosphate (ß-TCP) granules or allogeneic bone chips in the gap created by medial opening-wedge high tibial osteotomy (MOWHTO). METHODS: The study population consisted of 54 patients who received MOWHTO with locking plate fixation: 27 patients using highly porous ß-TCP granules, and 27 age- and sex-matched patients using allogeneic bone chips. Bone union progression was evaluated 1, 3, 6, and 12 months postoperatively. The presence of radiographic sclerosis at the osteotomy margin was also assessed. RESULTS: Among all patients, the highest degree of bone union observed 12 months postoperatively was grade 4. As postoperative time passed, bone union progression of highly porous ß-TCP granules increased linearly and was statistically significant compared with that of cancellous allogeneic bone chips (P = 0.014). The presence of radiographic sclerosis at the osteotomy margin was significantly less common in the ß-TCP group than in the allograft group (P = 0.003) and was the strongest predictor of delayed progress of bone union (odds ratio = 6.16, P = 0.006). CONCLUSIONS: Patients who underwent MOWHTO using highly porous ß-TCP granules had faster new bone remodeling, less radiographic sclerosis at the osteotomy margin, and no inferior clinical outcome compared with allogeneic bone chips, as determined at the 1-year follow up. The presence of radiographic sclerosis at the osteotomy margin in patients undergoing MOWHTO using allogeneic bone or synthetic bone substitute may indicate delayed progress of bone union.

Which orally administered antithrombotic agent is most effective for preventing venous thromboembolism after total knee arthroplasty? A propensity score-matching analysis.

PURPOSE: Even today, total knee arthroplasty (TKA) is associated with venous thromboembolism (VTE). The purpose of our study is to report the incidence of postoperative VTE and to compare the efficacy of commonly used orally administered antithrombotic agents. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Seven hundred ad ninety-nine patients who underwent primary TKA were retrospectively reviewed. The patients were prescribed one of three antithrombotic agents: aspirin (n = 168), rivaroxaban (n = 117), or apixaban (n = 514). Before surgery, patient demographics and risk factors were matched via propensity scoring. After surgery, all three groups took the agent for 7 days and underwent ultrasonography to check for VTE. RESULTS: The overall incidence of postoperative VTE was 15.4% (123/799). Only one patient developed symptomatic VTE. Female sex and staged bilateral TKA were risk factors for postoperative VTE. The postoperative VTE rates in the aspirin, rivaroxaban, and apixaban groups were 16.2%, 6.0%, and 17.1%, respectively, significantly lower in the rivaroxaban group (p <  0.02). The majority of VTEs in all three groups were calf-vein thromboses. CONCLUSIONS: All agents showed enough efficacy as antithrombotic agents. Considering that aspirin is inexpensive, aspirin is a cost-effective option for preventing postoperative VTE.

Long-term Outcomes of Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction Using Quadriceps Tendon-Patellar Bone Autograft.

BACKGROUND: To date, there have been few studies on the outcomes of anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR) using quadriceps tendon-patellar bone (QTPB) autograft. PURPOSE: To evaluate the long-term clinical outcomes of ACLR using QTPB autograft. STUDY DESIGN: Case series; Level of evidence, 4. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed 139 patients who underwent primary ACLR with QTPB autografts and had at least 7 years of postoperative follow-up data. Instability, clinical scores, donor-site morbidity, radiographic progression of osteoarthritis, and any associated complications were assessed. RESULTS: The proportion of knees classified as grade >1 on the anterior drawer, Lachman, and pivot-shift tests decreased significantly postsurgically (from 47.4% to 5.0%, 48.9% to 4.3%, and 53.3% to 5.0%, respectively; P < .001 for all). The mean clinical scores at the final follow-up were 89.8, 81.0, and 4.4 for the Lysholm, International Knee Documentation Committee, and Tegner Activity Scale, respectively. The results of the Cybex II dynamometer isokinetic test showed decreases in flexion and extension strength at both 60° and 180° per second, which persisted until the final follow-up visit. About one-fifth (19.4%) of the patients had osteoarthritis (Kellgren-Lawrence grade ≥1) before surgery, which increased to 33.8% at the final follow-up. The overall complication rate was 23.2%, and about one-third of the patients who experienced complications underwent revision surgery as a result of graft rupture and residual instability. CONCLUSION: In the current study, ACLR using QTPB autograft provided satisfactory long-term clinical results, with acceptable rates of complication and donor-site morbidity.

A modified proximally based nail bed flap approach for benign subungual bone tumors in the distal phalanx.

BACKGROUND: Complete tumor removal and damaged nail bed repair are critical factors that determine the success of subungual tumor excision. We examined a modified proximally based nail bed flap approach for excision of subungual bone tumors of the distal phalanx and present cases where this approach was used, along with postoperative functional and cosmetic outcomes. METHODS: Twenty-four benign subungual bone tumors, identified from 23 patients (9 males and 14 females), were included in this study. All patients underwent tumor excision by the modified proximally based nail bed flap approach. Pain was assessed using a numeric rating scale, and cosmesis was self-assessed using a visual analog scale preoperatively and 1 year postoperatively. We measured sensation of the involved digit tip, relative to opposite-side sensation, using static and moving two-point discrimination and Semmes-Weinstein monofilament tests 1 year postoperatively. Lastly, we assessed postoperative nail deformities and tumor recurrence as potential surgical complications. RESULTS: Mean pain severity and cosmesis were significantly improved 1 year postoperatively. There were no significant differences in the digit tip sensation between the involved and the opposite-side digits 1 year postoperatively. We observed one case of tumor recurrence and four cases of postoperative nail deformities. CONCLUSIONS: The modified proximally based nail bed flap approach showed satisfactory functional and cosmetic outcomes. This approach enables a low rate of recurrence after removal of benign subungual bone tumors in the short term and cosmetically superior nail bed repair. Level of evidence: Therapeutic, IV.

Dynamic First Tarsometatarsal Instability During Gait Evaluated by Pedobarographic Examination in Patients With Hallux Valgus.

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to investigate the pedobarographic characteristics of tarsometatarsal instability and to identify factors associated with pedobarographic first tarsometatarsal instability in patients with hallux valgus. METHODS: Fifty-seven patients (mean age, 59.7 years; standard deviation, 11.4 years; 6 men and 51 women) with a hallux valgus angle (HVA) greater than 15 degrees were included. All patients underwent a pedobarographic examination along with weightbearing anteroposterior (AP) and lateral foot radiography. Radiographic measurements were compared between the 2 groups with and without pedobarographic first tarsometatarsal instability. The association between the radiographic and pedobarographic parameters of the first tarsometatarsal instability was analyzed using the chi-square test. Binary logistic regression analysis was performed to identify significant factors affecting pedobarographic first tarsometatarsal instability. RESULTS: The HVA (P < .001), intermetatarsal angle (P = .001), and AP talo-first metatarsal angle were significantly different between the pedobarographically stable and unstable tarsometatarsal groups. There was no significant association between radiographic and pedobarographic instability of the first tarsometatarsal joint (P = .924). The HVA was found to be the only significant factor affecting pedobarographic tarsometatarsal joint instability (P = .001). CONCLUSION: The pedobarographic examination has possible clinical utility in evaluating first tarsometatarsal joint instability in patients with hallux valgus. Patients with a greater HVA should be assessed for the presence of first tarsometatarsal instability, and the necessity of the Lapidus procedure should be considered. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III, comparative study.

Depression is Closely Associated With Chronic Low Back Pain in Patients Over 50 Years of Age: A Cross-sectional Study Using the Sixth Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (KNHANES VI-2).

STUDY DESIGN: A cross-sectional study. OBJECTIVE: This study was designed to analyze the relationship between the presence and severity of depression and low back pain (LBP) in a representative sample of the general population using a self-report screening questionnaire for depression. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: There is increasing evidence supporting an association between depression and LBP. However, the degree of the association between these two conditions in the general population is poorly understood. METHODS: Health surveys and examinations were conducted on a nationally representative sample (n = 7550) of Koreans. LBP status was determined by a simple survey response concerning LBP >30 days during the past 3 months. Depression was defined as individuals with a total score >10 on the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ)-9 survey. The severity of depression was categorized as none (0-4), mild (5-9), moderate (10-14), moderately severe (15-19), and severe (20-27) according to PHQ-9 score. Data regarding demographics, socioeconomic history, and comorbid health conditions were used to analyze adjusted, weighted logistic regression models. RESULTS: In the Korean population, the prevalence of depression was significantly greater in individuals with LBP (20.3%) than in those without LBP (4.5%). On multivariate logistic regression analysis, the presence of depression was significantly associated with LBP (adjusted odd ratio [aOR]: 3.93, P < 0.001). The risk of LBP increased with increasing severity of depression as follows: severe depression (aOR: 9.28, P < 0.001), moderately severe depression (aOR: 3.24, P = 0.001), moderate depression (aOR: 4.97, P < 0.001), and mild depression (aOR: 2.48, P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Depression is more common in patients with LBP among Koreans. The presence of depression was significantly associated with LBP, especially in severely depressed individuals. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 3.

Benefits of Thromboelastography and Thrombin Generation Assay for Bleeding Prediction in Patients With Thrombocytopenia or Hematologic Malignancies.

BACKGROUND: Thromboelastography (TEG) provides comprehensive information on the whole blood clot formation phases, whereas thrombin generation assay (TGA) reveals the endogenous thrombin levels in plasma. We investigated the potential significance of TEG and TGA parameters for prediction of clinical bleeding in hematologic patients on the basis of the patient's platelet levels. METHODS: TEG and TGA were performed in 126 patients with thrombocytopenia or hematologic malignancies. The bleeding tendencies were stratified on the basis of the World Health Organization bleeding grade. RESULTS: Maximum amplitude (MA) and clot formation in TEG and endogenous thrombin potential (ETP) in TGA showed significant associations with high bleeding grades (P=0.001 and P=0.011, respectively). In patients with platelet counts ≤10×109/L, low MA values were strongly associated with a high bleeding risk. For bleeding prediction, the area under the curve (AUC) of MA (0.857) and ETP (0.809) in patients with severe thrombocytopenia tended to be higher than that of platelets (0.740) in all patients. Patients with platelet counts ≤10×109/L displayed the highest AUC of the combined MA and ETP (0.929). CONCLUSIONS: Both TEG and TGA were considered to be good predictors of clinical bleeding in patients with severe thrombocytopenia. Combination of the ETP and MA values resulted in a more sensitive bleeding risk prediction in those with severe thrombocytopenia.