Brazilian Society of Surgical Oncology recommendations on Merkel cell carcinoma surgical treatment.

BACKGROUND: Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) is a rare neuroendocrine skin cancer with poor 5-year survival rates. Surgery and radiation are the current first-line treatments for local and nodal disease. OBJECTIVES: The Brazilian Society of Surgical Oncology developed this document aiming to guide the surgical oncology role in multimodal MCC management. METHODS: The consensus was established in three rounds of online discussion, achieving consensus on specific topics including diagnosis, staging, treatment, and follow-up. RESULTS: Patients suspected of having MCC should undergo immunohistochemical examination and preferably undergo pathology review by a dermatopathologist. Initial staging should be performed with dermatologic and nodal physical examination, combined with complementary imaging. Whole-body imaging, preferably with positron emission tomography (PET) or computed tomography (CT) scans, are recommended. Due to the need for multidisciplinary approaches, we recommend that all cases should be discussed in tumor boards and referred to other specialties as soon as possible, reducing potential treatment delays. We recommend that all patients with clinical stage I or II may undergo local excision associated with sentinel lymph node biopsy. The decision on margin size should consider time to recovery, patient's comorbidities, and risk factors. Patients with positive sentinel lymph nodes or the presence of risk factors should undergo postoperative radiation therapy at the primary site. Exclusive radiation is a viable option for patients with low performance. Patients with positive sentinel lymph node biopsy should undergo nodal radiation therapy or lymphadenectomy. In patients with nodal clinical disease, in addition to primary tumor treatment, nodal radiation therapy and/or lymphadenectomy are recommended. Patients with advanced disease should preferably be enrolled in clinical trials and discussed in multidisciplinary meetings. The role of surgery and radiation therapy in the metastatic/advanced setting should be discussed individually and always in tumor boards. CONCLUSION: This document aims to standardize a protocol for initial assessment and treatment for Merkel cell carcinoma, optimizing oncologic outcomes in middle-income countries such as Brazil.

Multivisceral resection for retroperitoneal liposarcoma-is it worth it? A 20-year single-center experience.

PURPOSE: Soft tissue sarcomas are rare malignant tumors. Liposarcoma constitutes the most frequent histological subtype of retroperitoneal sarcoma. The prognosis of soft tissue sarcomas depends on clinical and histologic characteristics. OBJECTIVE: Evaluate variables that may be related to the overall and local recurrence-free survival in patients with retroperitoneal liposarcoma and discuss the need for visceral resection en-bloc for tumors. METHODS: A retrospective analysis was conducted of the medical records of 60 patients seen between 1997 and 2017 who underwent surgical resection of retroperitoneal liposarcoma. RESULTS: The overall survival rate at 5 years of follow-up was 75.22% (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.58-0.86). The probability of a local recurrence-free survival at 5 years of follow-up was 26.04% (95% CI 0.11-0.44). The multivariate analysis showed that dedifferentiated or pleomorphic tumors and R2/fragmented resection were associated with a shorter time to recurrence. No other characteristics markedly influenced the overall survival (P > 0.05). CONCLUSION: Patients with dedifferentiated or pleomorphic tumors and incomplete resection were associated with higher local recurrence rates than others. This study reinforces the need for complete and en-bloc resection with organs when there is clear involvement or technical surgical difficulty to maintain the tumor integrity.

Sitagliptin prevents inflammation and apoptotic cell death in the kidney of type 2 diabetic animals.

This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of sitagliptin, a dipeptidyl peptidase IV (DPP-IV) inhibitor, in preventing the deleterious effects of diabetes on the kidney in an animal model of type 2 diabetes mellitus; the Zucker diabetic fatty (ZDF) rat: 20-week-old rats were treated with sitagliptin (10 mg/kg bw/day) during 6 weeks. Glycaemia and blood HbA1c levels were monitored, as well as kidney function and lesions. Kidney mRNA and/or protein content/distribution of DPP-IV, GLP-1, GLP-1R, TNF-α, IL-1ß, BAX, Bcl-2, and Bid were evaluated by RT-PCR and/or western blotting/immunohistochemistry. Sitagliptin treatment improved glycaemic control, as reflected by the significantly reduced levels of glycaemia and HbA1c (by about 22.5% and 1.2%, resp.) and ameliorated tubulointerstitial and glomerular lesions. Sitagliptin prevented the diabetes-induced increase in DPP-IV levels and the decrease in GLP-1 levels in kidney. Sitagliptin increased colocalization of GLP-1 and GLP-1R in the diabetic kidney. Sitagliptin also decreased IL-1ß and TNF-α levels, as well as, prevented the increase of BAX/Bcl-2 ratio, Bid protein levels, and TUNEL-positive cells which indicates protective effects against inflammation and proapoptotic state in the kidney of diabetic rats, respectively. In conclusion, sitagliptin might have a major role in preventing diabetic nephropathy evolution due to anti-inflammatory and antiapoptotic properties.

Popliteal lymph node dissection for metastases of cutaneous malignant melanoma.

Popliteal lymph node dissection is performed when grossly metastatic nodal disease is encountered in the popliteal fossa or after microscopic metastasis is found in interval sentinel nodes during clinical staging of cutaneous malignant melanoma. Initially, an S-shaped incision is made to gain access to the popliteal fossa. A careful en bloc removal of fat tissue and lymph nodes is made to preserve and avoid the injury of peroneal and tibial nerves as well as popliteal vessels, following the previous recommendations. This rare surgical procedure was successfully employed in a patient with cutaneous malignant melanoma and nodal metastases at the popliteal fossa. The technique described by Karakousis was reproduced in a step-by-step fashion to allow anatomical identification of the neurovascular structures and radical resection with no post-operative morbidity and prompt recovery. Popliteal lymph node dissection is a rarely performed operative procedure. Following a lymphoscintigraphic examination of the popliteal nodal station, surgeons can be asked to explore the popliteal fossa. Detailed familiarity of the operative procedure is necessary, however, to avoid complications.

Transition from cyclosporine-induced renal dysfunction to nephrotoxicity in an in vivo rat model.

Cyclosporin A (CsA), a calcineurin inhibitor, remain the cornerstone of immunosuppressive regimens, regardless of nephrotoxicity, which depends on the duration of drug exposure. The mechanisms and biomarkers underlying the transition from CsA-induced renal dysfunction to nephrotoxicity deserve better elucidation, and would help clinical decisions. This study aimed to clarify these issues, using a rat model of short- and long-term CsA (5 mg/kg bw/day) treatments (3 and 9 weeks, respectively). Renal function was assessed on serum and urine; kidney tissue was used for histopathological characterization and gene and/or protein expression of markers of proliferation, fibrosis and inflammation. In the short-term, creatinine and blood urea nitrogen (BUN) levels increased and clearances decreased, accompanied by glomerular filtration rate (GFR) reduction, but without kidney lesions; at that stage, CsA exposure induced proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA), transforming growth factor beta 1 (TGF-ß1), factor nuclear kappa B (NF-κß) and Tumor Protein P53 (TP53) kidney mRNA up-regulation. In the long-term treatment, renal dysfunction data was accompanied by glomerular and tubulointerstitial lesions, with remarkable kidney mRNA up-regulation of the mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) and the antigen identified by monoclonal antibody Ki-67 (Mki67), accompanied by mTOR protein overexpression. Transition from CsA-induced renal dysfunction to nephrotoxicity is accompanied by modification of molecular mechanisms and biomarkers, being mTOR one of the key players for kidney lesion evolution, thus suggesting, by mean of molecular evidences, that early CsA replacement by mTOR inhibitors is indeed the better therapeutic choice to prevent chronic allograft nephropathy.

Diabetes abrogates sex differences and aggravates cardiometabolic risk in postmenopausal women.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study is to evaluate the effect of gender and menopause in cardiometabolic risk in a type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) population, based on classical and non-traditional markers. METHODS: Seventy four volunteers and 110 T2DM patients were enrolled in the study. Anthropometric data, blood pressure, body mass index (BMI), waist circumference (WC) and the following serum markers were analyzed: glucose, Total-c, TGs, LDL-c, Oxidized-LDL, total HDL-c and large and small HDL-c subpopulations, paraoxonase 1 activity, hsCRP, uric acid, TNF-α, adiponectin and VEGF. RESULTS: Non-diabetic women, compared to men, presented lower glycemia, WC, small HDL-c, uric acid, TNF-α and increased large HDL-c. Diabetes abrogates the protective effect of female gender, since diabetic women showed increased BMI, WC, small HDL-c, VEGF, uric acid, TNF-α and hsCRP, as well as reduced adiponectin, when compared with non-diabetic. In diabetic females, but not in males, WC is directly and significantly associated with TNF-α, VEGF, hsCRP and uric acid; TNF-α is directly associated with VEGF and hsCRP, and inversely with adiponectin. Postmenopausal females presented a worsen cardiometabolic profile, viewed by the increased WC, small HDL-c, VEGF, uric acid, TNF-α and hsCRP. In this population, WC is directly and significantly associated with TNF-α, VEGF, hsCRP; TNF-α is directly associated with VEGF; and uric acid is inversely associated with large HDL-c and hsCRP with adiponectin, also inversely. CONCLUSIONS: Diabetes abrogates the protective effect of gender on non-diabetic women, and postmenopausal diabetic females presented worsen cardiometabolic risk, including a more atherogenic lipid sketch and a pro-inflammatory and pro-angiogenic profile. The classical cardiovascular risk factors (CVRFs) fail to completely explain these differences, which are better clarified using "non-traditional" factors, such as HDL-c subpopulations, rather than total HDL-c content, and markers of inflammation and angiogenesis, namely TNF-α, hsCRP, uric acid and VEGF. Multi-therapeutic intervention, directed to obesity, atherogenic lipid particles and inflammatory mediators is advisory in order to efficiently prevent the serious diabetic cardiovascular complications.

Implication of low HDL-c levels in patients with average LDL-c levels: a focus on oxidized LDL, large HDL subpopulation, and adiponectin.

To evaluate the impact of low levels of high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-c) on patients with LDL-c average levels, focusing on oxidative, lipidic, and inflammatory profiles. Patients with cardiovascular risk factors (n = 169) and control subjects (n = 73) were divided into 2 subgroups, one of normal HDL-c and the other of low HDL-c levels. The following data was analyzed: BP, BMI, waist circumference and serum glucose Total-c, TGs, LDL-c, oxidized LDL, total HDL-c and subpopulations (small, intermediate, and large), paraoxonase-1 (PON1) activity, hsCRP, uric acid, TNF- α , adiponectin, VEGF, and iCAM1. In the control subgroup with low HDL-c levels, significantly higher values of BP and TGs and lower values of PON1 activity and adiponectin were found, versus control normal HDL-c subgroup. However, differences in patients' subgroups were clearly more pronounced. Indeed, low HDL-c subgroup presented increased HbA1c, TGs, non-HDL-c, Ox-LDL, hsCRP, VEGF, and small HDL-c and reduced adiponectin and large HDL. In addition, Ox-LDL, large-HDL-c, and adiponectin presented interesting correlations with classical and nonclassical markers, mainly in the normal HDL-c patients' subgroup. In conclusion, despite LDL-c average levels, low HDL-c concentrations seem to be associated with a poor cardiometabolic profile in a population with cardiovascular risk factors, which is better evidenced by traditional and nontraditional CV biomarkers, including Ox-LDL, large HDL-c, and adiponectin.

Emergent biomarkers of residual cardiovascular risk in patients with low HDL-c and/or high triglycerides and average LDL-c concentrations: focus on HDL subpopulations, Oxidized LDL, adiponectin, and uric acid.

This study intended to determine the impact of HDL-c and/or TGs levels on patients with average LDL-c concentration, focusing on lipidic, oxidative, inflammatory, and angiogenic profiles. Patients with cardiovascular risk factors (n = 169) were divided into 4 subgroups, combining normal and low HDL-c with normal and high TGs patients. The following data was analyzed: BP, BMI, waist circumference and serum glucose, Total-c, TGs, LDL-c, oxidized-LDL, total HDL-c and HDL subpopulations, paraoxonase-1 (PON1) activity, hsCRP, uric acid, TNF- α , adiponectin, VEGF, and iCAM1. The two populations with increased TGs levels, regardless of the normal or low HDL-c, presented obesity and higher waist circumference, Total-c, LDL-c, Ox-LDL, and uric acid. Adiponectin concentration was significantly lower and VEGF was higher in the population with cumulative low values of HDL-c and high values of TGs, while HDL quality was reduced in the populations with impaired values of HDL-c and/or TGs, viewed by reduced large and increased small HDL subfractions. In conclusion, in a population with cardiovascular risk factors, low HDL-c and/or high TGs concentrations seem to be associated with a poor cardiometabolic profile, despite average LDL-c levels. This condition, often called residual risk, is better evidenced by using both traditional and nontraditional CV biomarkers, including large and small HDL subfractions, Ox-LDL, adiponectin, VEGF, and uric acid.

Trapeziectomy and Suture-Button Suspensionplasty for Basilar Thumb Arthritis: Is It Enough to Prevent First Ray Subsidence?

Introduction Trapeziectomy and suture-button suspensionplasty (SBS) are a novel option to treat end-stage trapeziometacarpal (TMC) osteoarthritis. Our purpose is to evaluate our outcomes with this technique and in this setting, with a minimum of 18 months of follow-up. Materials and Methods Twenty-eight patients were included, operated between 2016 and 2018. We recorded demographic data, preoperative Eaton stage, follow-up and operative times. The patients completed the Quick Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (QuickDASH) questionnaire and tip pinch, key pinch, and grip strength were measured. First metacarpal subsidence was calculated, and postoperative complications were documented. Results The average follow-up was 34 months. The mean QuickDASH was 32 at the final follow-up. The average strength results were 20 kg for grip, 3.6 kg for tip pinch, and 4.2 kg for key pinch. The rate of first ray subsidence was 10.7%. We encountered three complications: a hardware intolerance, a second metacarpal fracture, and a suture rupture. There was one reoperation to remove an implant. Conclusion Trapeziectomy and SBS functional results are similar to other techniques, with less subsidence of the first ray and allowing for early mobilization and fast recovery. This procedure is a safe and promising option in the treatment of TMC osteoarthritis, with good medium-term outcomes.

Chemopreventive efficacy of Atorvastatin against nitrosamine-induced rat bladder cancer: antioxidant, anti-proliferative and anti-inflammatory properties.

To investigate the anti-carcinogenic effects of Atorvastatin (Atorva) on a rat bladder carcinogenesis model with N-butyl-N-(4-hydroxibutil)nitrosamine (BBN), four male Wistar rat groups were studied: (1) CONTROL: vehicle; (2) Atorva: 3 mg/kg bw/day; (3) Carcinogen: BBN (0.05%); (4) Preventive Atorva: 3 mg/kg bw/day Atorva + BBN. A two phase protocol was used, in which the drug and the carcinogen were given between week 1 and 8 and tumor development or chemoprevention were expressed between week 9 and 20, when the bladders were collected for macroscopic, histological and immunohistochemical (p53, ki67, CD31) evaluation. Serum was assessed for markers of inflammation, proliferation and redox status. The incidence of bladder carcinoma was: control 0/8 (0%); Atorva 0/8 (0%); BBN 13/20 (65%) and Atorva + BBN 1/8 (12.5%). The number and volume of tumors were significantly lower in the Atorva + BBN group, with a marked reduction in hyperplasia, dysplasia and carcinoma in situ lesions. An anti-proliferative, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant profile was also observed in the preventive Atorva group. p53 and ki67 immunostaining were significantly increased in the BBN-treated rats, which was prevented in the Atorva + BBN group. No differences were found for CD31 expression. In conclusion, Atorvastatin had a clear inhibitory effect on bladder cancer development, probably due to its antioxidant, anti-proliferative and anti-inflammatory properties.

Is bilateral hallux valgus chevron osteotomy a safe procedure for ambulatory surgery?

INTRODUCTION: Several osteotomies of the first metatarsal have been described for treatment of hallux valgus but chevron osteotomy is one of the most common and well-established procedure for treating this deformity. Although there is a trend towards considering bilateral surgery there is lack of publications addressing bilateral treatment in ambulatory units. The aim of this study is to analyze results of bilateral and unilateral distal chevron osteotomies associated with lateral soft tissue release as ambulatory procedures. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective review was made about the patients treated at our ambulatory unit over a period of five years. Initially, general information as patient's satisfaction's rate and return to normal activity's time and evaluation of standardized follow-up charts and records made by the surgeon were recorded. Secondly, the hallux metatarsophalangeal interphalangeal scale developed by the American Orthopedic Foot & Ankle Society was used. RESULTS: A total of 194 patients with 230 feet operated were included in this study. We found 29 patients that didn't meet the inclusion criteria and were excluded. The unilateral group was composed by 139 feet and the bilateral group by 52 feet. The improvement between preoperative and discharge clinical and radiographic results was significant independently in both groups. A total of 14% of complications were found in our study, 19% in the unilateral group and 12% at the bilateral group. None of them required revision surgery. CONCLUSION: Bilateral distal chevron osteotomies, associated with lateral soft tissue release, are safe and effective ambulatory procedures. It was found a satisfactory deformity correction in moderate HV. Both patients that underwent unilateral and bilateral procedures had similar clinical and radiological outcomes with no increase in complications or return to normal activity time. With this study it was demonstrated that bilateral chevron osteotomies can be performed as ambulatory procedures.

Trapeziectomy with suture-button suspensionplasty versus ligament reconstruction and tendon interposition: a randomized controlled trial.

The purpose of the present study was to compare the results of patients operated with trapeziectomy and ligament reconstruction and tendon interposition (LRTI) using flexor carpi radialis tendon versus trapeziectomy followed by suspension of the first metacarpal to the second metacarpal using a Mini TightRope® suture button (suture button suspension: SBS). A single-center prospective randomized controlled trial was performed, comparing 37 patients with SBS and 39 with LRTI. All surgeries were performed by the same fellowship-trained hand surgeon. Patients were assessed by an independent observer at 40 months' follow-up. Pre- and postoperative strength, trapezial space ratio (TSR), range of motion, QuickDASH and visual analogue pain score were recorded. Both procedures improved functional parameters of pain, key strength, tip strength and grip strength while maintaining range of motion, without significant differences. In the SBS group, TSR decreased by 17%, compared to 28% in the LRTI group. The mean operative time was shorter in SBS (63 vs 91 minutes; p < 0.0001), as was immobilization time (2 vs 6 weeks; p < 0.0001), and patients resumed normal activity sooner (10 vs 12 week; p = 0.0138) and required less physical therapy (19.3 vs 13.1 weeks; p < 0.0001). We believe that our results are related to the hypothesis suggested by biomechanical studies that revealed better initial load bearing profile and maintenance of trapezial space following serial loading in cadaver models.

Regular physical exercise training assists in preventing type 2 diabetes development: focus on its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.

Diabetes mellitus has emerged as one of the main alarms to human health in the 21st century. Pronounced changes in the human environment, behavior and lifestyle have accompanied globalization, which resulted in escalating rates of both obesity and diabetes, already described as diabesity. This pandemic causes deterioration of life quality with high socio-economic costs, particularly due to premature morbidity and mortality. To avoid late complications of type 2 diabetes and related costs, primary prevention and early treatment are therefore necessary. In this context, effective non-pharmacological measures, such as regular physical activity, are imperative to avoid complications, as well as polymedication, which is associated with serious side-effects and drug-to-drug interactions. Our previous work showed, in an animal model of obese type 2 diabetes, the Zucker Diabetic Fatty (ZDF) rat, that regular and moderate intensity physical exercise (training) is able, per se, to attenuate insulin resistance and control glycaemia, dyslipidaemia and blood pressure, thus reducing cardiovascular risk, by interfering with the pathophysiological mechanisms at different levels, including oxidative stress and low-grade inflammation, which are key features of diabesity. This paper briefly reviews the wide pathophysiological pathways associated with Type 2 diabetes and then discusses in detail the benefits of training therapy on glycaemic control and on cardiovascular risk profile in Type 2 diabetes, focusing particularly on antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Based on the current knowledge, including our own findings using an animal model, it is concluded that regular and moderate intensity physical exercise (training), due to its pleiotropic effects, could replace, or at least reduce, the use of anti-diabetic drugs, as well as of other drugs given for the control of cardiovascular risk factors in obese type 2 diabetic patients, working as a physiological "polypill".

Inhibition of bladder tumour growth by sirolimus in an experimental carcinogenesis model.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the anticarcinogenic effects of sirolimus 2 mg/kg/day on a rat model of urinary bladder carcinogenesis induced with N-butyl-N(4-hydroxybutyl)nitrosamine (BBN). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirty-six male Wistar rats were divided into four groups: 1, a control group (eight), given tap water only; 2, a sirolimus control group (eight), given 2 mg/kg/day; 3, a carcinogen (BBN) group (12) exposed to 0.05% BBN; 4, a treatment group (sirolimus/BBN; eight) given 2 mg/kg/day + 0.05% BBN. In the tumour-induction phase, from week 1 to week 8, rats from groups 3 and 4 received BBN ad libitum in drinking water. In the treatment phase, from week 8 to week 20, rats from groups 2 and 4 received sirolimus 2 mg/kg/day by an oesophageal cannula. At week 20 the rats were killed humanely, and the number and size of tumours recorded. The bladders were collected for histological, immunohistochemical and gene expression evaluation. Blood was collected for the determination of several serum proliferative and inflammatory markers. Lipid peroxidation, through serum malondialdehyde (MDA) content, and total antioxidant status (TAS) were also evaluated. RESULTS: Sirolimus caused a marked inhibition of bladder tumour growth. When compared with group 3, group 4 had a reduced proportion of rats with tumour (three of eight vs eight of 12), and significantly fewer tumours per rat, with a mean (sd) of 1.00 (0.0) vs 1.88 (0.35), and tumour volume per tumour, of 0.30 (0.11) vs 66.1 (48.9) mm³, with less aggressive histological changes, i.e. a marked reduction in hyperplasia (four of eight vs 12/12), high-grade dysplasia (four of eight vs 11/12) and urothelial tumour. Rats in group 4 had no infiltrative bladder cancers and had a lower incidence of high-grade tumours than rats in group 3. The rats in group 4 had decreased serum levels of transforming growth factor-ß1, higher levels of tumour necrosis factor-α, and higher levels of serum TAS and a better serum MDA/TAS ratio, a marker of more favourable redox status. Furthermore, the down-regulation of bladder caspase 3 gene expression and the increased Ki67 immunostaining in group 3 were significantly attenuated in group 4. CONCLUSIONS: Sirolimus given as an oral agent, 2 mg/kg/day, significantly inhibited rat bladder carcinogenesis. Sirolimus reduced the number and volume of tumours and induced a less aggressive histological behaviour. This might be due to antiproliferative and antioxidant properties, as well as to the restoration of apoptotic pathways.

Differential effects of acute (extenuating) and chronic (training) exercise on inflammation and oxidative stress status in an animal model of type 2 diabetes mellitus.

This study compares the effects of a single bout of exercise (acute extenuating) with those promoted by an exercise training program (chronic), focusing on low-grade chronic inflammation profile and on oxidative stress status, using the obese ZDF rats as a model of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Animals were sacrificed after 12 weeks of a swimming training program and after a single bout of acute extenuating exercise. Glycaemic, insulinemic, and lipidic profile (triglycerides, total-cholesterol) were evaluated, as well as inflammatory (serum CRPhs, TNF-α, adiponectin) and oxidative (lipidic peroxidation and uric acid) status. When compared to obese diabetic sedentary rats, the animals submitted to acute exercise presented significantly lower values of glycaemia and insulinaemia, with inflammatory profile and oxidative stress significantly aggravated. The trained animals showed amelioration of glycaemic and lipidic dysmetabolism, accompanied by remarkable reduction of inflammatory and oxidative markers. In conclusion, the results presented herein suggessted that exercise pathogenesis-oriented interventions should not exacerbate underlying inflammatory stress associated with T2DM.

Percutaneous Scaphoid Fixation: Experience Value among Different Approaches.

Background Percutaneous scaphoid osteosynthesis is an attractive and increasingly popular option, as a treatment for acute scaphoid fractures in selected cases, and as an alternative to conservative treatment. The purpose of this study is to assess the radiographic positioning of the screw in percutaneous scaphoid fixation, taking into consideration the surgeons' experience, and the difference between volar and dorsal approaches. Methods We retrospectively assessed patients undergoing percutaneous scaphoid fixation from 2013 to 2019. Inclusion criteria are as follows: (1) scaphoid waist fractures (Herbert's B2), (2) a minimum of 18 years of age and a maximum of 55 years of age, (3) dominant hand, (4) manual work, (5) minimum follow-up time of 6 months, and (6) without associated lesions. Criteria for correct positioning are as follows: (1) on the axis or parallel to the scaphoid axis with a maximum deviation of 1.5 mm volar/dorsal, (2) without proximal/dorsal prominence, (3) correct scaphoid alignment/reduction, and (4) absence of threads in the fracture site. Radiographs were evaluated separately by a hand surgeon, a general orthopaedic surgeon, and an orthopaedic resident. Results With a total of 39 patients, a dorsal approach was performed in 10 patients and a palmar approach in 29 patients. We verified a very good interobserver reliability. The hand surgeon's team correctly positioned 15 (83.3%, 15/18), while the other team did 9 correctly (42.9%, 9/21). Comparing teams according to the approach used, the dorsal approach did not show a statistical difference, while the same was not true for the volar approach ( p < 0.05). Conclusion This points to a positive impact on the team's experience in the positioning of the screws, and therefore in the benefit of treatment by teams dedicated to the area, while daring to suggest that less-experienced surgeons should utilize the dorsal approach.

Validation of the Ottawa ankle rules: Strategies for increasing specificity.

INTRODUCTION: The majority of patients with ankle injuries undergo radiological examinations of the foot, ankle or both. The objective of this study was in the first place to validate the Ottawa Ankle Rules (OARs) for the population of our centre. Secondly, an attempt was made to identify parameters that contribute to improve the specificity of the method, with a view to reduce the need for patients to be exposed to radiation as well as optimizing the expenses of the Emergency Ward (EW). MATERIALS AND METHODS: This was a prospective study conducted during a 9-month period. The study population included 148 patients, in 54 (36%) of the patients a fracture was present on the exams performed. Patients were submitted to a sequential protocol in the EW with a form completion, evaluation of OARs, application of the Visual Analog Pain Scale (VAS) and radiographic exams. RESULTS: We found a sensitivity of OARs in ankle injuries of 100%, specificity of 26% and in midfoot injuries of 100% and 62% respectively. All patients with fractures had a VAS of 5 or more points in any of the tested sites. With the VAS criterium, we found a significant increase of global specificity (38% vs 15%), as well as when applied only to the ankle (26% to 47%) or to midfoot trauma (62% to 67%). In both, there would have been a 100% reduction of CT scans. Patients with a fracture or with fractures who required surgical treatment had a mean VAS significantly higher than patients with no fracture or fractures submitted to conservative treatment respectively. Although there was a lower percentage of fractures in the group of injuries in Work Accidents (31% vs 37% Sports Activity and 38% Leisure Activity), there was a statistically significant increase in the sum of average VAS in Accidents at Work vs Leisure Activities and vs Sports Activities. CONCLUSION: We seek to confirm the usefulness of OARs for our population and we investigated strategies to further reduce the need for unnecessary radiographs. The introduction of parameters for grading pain and adapting to the context of the accident seem promising.