Functional outcomes following surgical-site infections after operative fixation of closed ankle fractures.

BACKGROUND: To compare the functional outcomes between patients with and without postoperative surgical-site infection (SSI) after surgical treatment in closed ankle fractures. METHODS: Retrospective cohort study with prospective follow-up. Of 1011 treated patients, 959 were eligible for inclusion in a postal survey. Functional outcomes were assessed using three self-reported questionnaires. RESULTS: In total 567 patients responded a median of 4.3 years (range 3.1-6.2 years) after surgery. In total 29/567 had an SSI. The mean Olerud and Molander Ankle Score was 19.8 points lower for patients with a deep SSI (p=0.02), the Lower Extremity Functional Scale score was 10.2 points lower (p<0.01) and the Self-Reported Foot & Ankle Questionnaire score was 5.0 points higher (p=0.10) than for those without an SSI, after adjusting for age, sex, smoking status, diabetes, physical status, fracture classification and duration of surgery. CONCLUSIONS: Patients with a deep SSI had worse long-term functional outcomes than those without an SSI.

Sarcopenia is associated with postoperative infection and delayed recovery from colorectal cancer resection surgery.

BACKGROUND: Skeletal muscle depletion (sarcopenia) predicts morbidity and mortality in the elderly and cancer patients. METHODS: We tested whether sarcopenia predicts primary colorectal cancer resection outcomes in stage II-IV patients (n=234). Sarcopenia was assessed using preoperative computed tomography images. Administrative hospitalisation data encompassing the index surgical admission, direct transfers for inpatient rehabilitation care and hospital re-admissions within 30 days was searched for International Classification of Disease (ICD)-10 codes for postoperative infections and inpatient rehabilitation care and used to calculate length of stay (LOS). RESULTS: Overall, 38.9% were sarcopenic; 16.7% had an infection and 9.0% had inpatient rehabilitation care. Length of stay was longer for sarcopenic patients overall (15.9 ± 14.2 days vs 12.3 ± 9.8 days, P=0.038) and especially in those ≥ 65 years (20.2 ± 16.9 days vs 13.1 ± 8.3 days, P=0.008). Infection risk was greater for sarcopenic patients overall (23.7% vs 12.5%; P=0.025), and especially those ≥ 65 years (29.6% vs 8.8%, P=0.005). Most (90%) inpatient rehabilitation care was in patients ≥ 65 years. Inpatient rehabilitation was more common in sarcopenic patients overall (14.3% vs 5.6%; P=0.024) and those ≥ 65 years (24.1% vs 10.7%, P=0.06). In a multivariate model in patients ≥ 65 years, sarcopenia was an independent predictor of both infection (odds ratio (OR) 4.6, (95% confidence interval (CI) 1.5, 13.9) P<0.01) and rehabilitation care (OR 3.1 (95% CI 1.04, 9.4) P<0.04). CONCLUSION: Sarcopenia predicts postoperative infections, inpatient rehabilitation care and consequently a longer LOS.

Economic outcomes associated with deep surgical site infection in patients with an open fracture of the lower limb.

AIMS: The aim of this study was to estimate economic outcomes associated with deep surgical site infection (SSI) in patients with an open fracture of the lower limb. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A total of 460 patients were recruited from 24 specialist trauma hospitals in the United Kingdom Major Trauma Network. Preference-based health-related quality-of-life outcomes, assessed using the EuroQol EQ-5D-3L and the 6-Item Short-Form Health Survey questionnaire (SF-6D), and economic costs (£, 2014/2015 prices) were measured using participant-completed questionnaires over the 12 months following injury. Descriptive statistics and multivariate regression analysis were used to explore the relationship between deep SSI and health utility scores, quality-adjusted life-years (QALYs), and health and personal social service (PSS) costs. RESULTS: Deep SSI was associated with lower EQ-5D-3L derived QALYs (adjusted mean difference -0.102, 95% confidence interval (CI) -0.202 to 0.001, p = 0.047) and increased health and social care costs (adjusted mean difference £1950; 95% CI £1383 to £5285, p = 0.250) versus patients without deep SSI over the 12 months following injury. CONCLUSION: Deep SSI may lead to significantly impaired health-related quality of life and increased economic costs. Our economic estimates can be used to inform clinical and budgetary service planning and can act as reference data for future economic evaluations of preventive or treatment interventions. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2018;100-B:1506-10.

Efficacy of vacuum-assisted closure therapy on rehabilitation during the treatment for surgical site infection after cardiovascular surgery.

OBJECTIVE: Surgical site infection (SSI) after cardiovascular procedures is a severe complication, potentially leading to high morbidity and mortality. In addition, during the treatment of SSI, rehabilitation is delayed, which can severely impair postoperative recovery. The aim of this study was to assess the effect of vacuum-assisted closure (VAC) therapy on rehabilitation during the treatment of SSI after cardiovascular surgery. METHODS: From January 2008 to March 2015, 10 patients underwent VAC therapy for SSI after cardiovascular operations. The patient characteristics, duration of VAC therapy, time interval from the implementation of VAC to physical therapy (PT) (T1), ambulation (T2) and walking (T3), functional independent measure (FIM), and maximum consecutive walking capacity (MCWC) were retrospectively analyzed. RESULTS: Nine patients underwent mid-sternal incision and one patient underwent thoraco-abdominal incision. The mean time interval from the beginning of VAC therapy to PT, ambulation, and walking was 0.38 ± 0.50, 0.63 ± 0.71, and 1.38 ± 1.86 days, respectively. The average FIM was 84.5 ± 14.0 at the beginning of VAC therapy and 106.7 ± 18.5 at the end of VAC therapy (P = 0.000494). On average, MCWC was 52.3 ± 54.6 m at the installation of VAC therapy and 189.7 ± 152.8 m at the completion of VAC therapy (P = 0.0169). FIM and MCWC improvement rate was better in VAC group than non-VAC group although these data are not suitable for statistical analysis because of a small sample size. CONCLUSIONS: Although further studies are warranted, VAC therapy may have a role in facilitating rehabilitation and improving the prognosis of SSI cases after major cardiovascular operations.

Diagnosis and rehabilitation of deep wound infection and internal fixation rejection in elbow: A case report.

This study aims at diagnosis and rehabilitation of a rare case of deep wound infection and internal fixation rejection in elbow. The patient sustained a distal fracture in the humerus 1 year ago, which was internal fixed. The wound always effused and the elbow had pain and swelling; joint motion was limited. Blood sedimentation rate and C reactive protein level increased, bacterial culture suggested deep wound infection, and ultrasound indicated inflammation. The main diagnoses were deep wound infection and internal fixation rejection. Therapeutics interventions were antibiotic agents, physical therapy, operative debridement, incision, drainage, and exercise and physical therapy. One year later, the internal fixation was taken out. His elbow was fully mobilized and the fracture healed. He got back to his former job. When encountered deep wound infection again and again after internal fixation, rejection should be considered. Except for anti-infection treatment, rehabilitation cannot be neglected, or the healing process may be delayed.

Successful treatment of deep sternal infections following open heart surgery by bilateral pectoralis major flaps.

OBJECTIVES: Severe sternum necrosis requiring extended resection necessitates plastic reconstruction of the resulting defect and stabilization of the chest. We analyzed the outcome of patients undergoing bilateral pectoralis major flap repair on functional and cosmetic results, chest stabilization and pulmonary function. METHODS: Twelve patients undergoing cardiac surgery between 1997 and 2001 suffered from a deep mediastinal wound infection and sternum necrosis. After a mean of two attempts of extensive wound debridement, all 12 patients underwent complete sternal resection with plastic reconstruction by bilateral pectoralis major flaps. Risk factors were obesity (n=10) and diabetes (n=11). Six months postoperatively patients underwent physical examination, pulmonary function testing and functional CT scan. RESULTS: Three patients died in hospital (two septic multiorgan failure, one heart failure) and nine were discharged with complete wound closure. One patient suffered a lethal stroke during follow-up. At 6-month follow-up no recurrent sternum infection had occurred. Chest stability was satisfactory without impairment of pulmonary function (VC 77.5+/-12.1% at follow-up vs 77.8+/-12.5% preoperatively). Mobility and force of arms and shoulder were adequate; at CT scan the maximum distance change between the former sternoclavicular joint in inspiration versus expiration was minimal. Quality of life questionnaires showed no significant limitations except a disturbed sleep and mild restriction of executing hobbies and social activities. CONCLUSIONS: Bilateral pectoralis major flap repair is a safe technique to cure severe mediastinitis necessitating complete sternal resection. Wounds close without extensive reconstructive surgery. Cosmetic results as well as stabilization of the chest were good. Patients reported an almost uncompromised quality of life without respiratory impairment.

A case-control study of surgical site infection following operative fixation of fractures of the ankle in a large U.K. trauma unit.

Most of the literature on surgical site infections following the surgical treatment of fractures of the ankle is based on small series of patients, focusing on diabetics or the elderly. None have described post-operative functional scores in those patients who develop an infection. We performed an age- and gender-matched case-control study to identify patient- and surgery-related risk factors for surgical site infection following open reduction and internal fixation of a fracture of the ankle. Logistic regression analysis was used to identify significant risk factors for infection and to calculate odds ratios (OR). Function was assessed using the Olerud and Molander Ankle Score. The incidence of infection was 4% (29/717) and 1.1% (8/717) were deep infections. The median ankle score was significantly lower in the infection group compared with the control group (60 vs 90, Mann-Whitney test p < 0.0001). Multivariate regression analysis showed that diabetes (OR = 15, p = 0.031), nursing home residence (OR = 12, p = 0.018) and Weber C fractures (OR = 4, p = 0.048) were significant risk factors for infection. A low incidence of infection following open reduction and internal fixation of fractures of the ankle was observed. Both superficial and deep infections result in lower functional scores.

Is there a therapeutic role for cranioplasty?

Cranioplasty is often undertaken as a joint neurosurgical and maxillofacial procedure. The principal aims remain to improve cosmesis and to protect the underlying brain. We report two cases of cranioplasty with subsequent improvement in neurological function and discuss the possible therapeutic role of cranioplasty.

Retalhos de rotação para cobertura após artroplastia total de joelho / Rotation flaps for coverage after total knee arthroplasty

Objetivo: Avaliar os resultados obtidos com o uso de retalhos miocutâneos de rotação local nos casos de deiscência da ferida operatória após artroplastia total de joelho. Métodos: Os pacientes submetidos a esse procedimentos cirúrgicos foram selecionados no período de 2000 a 2012. Os nove casos selecionados neste período foram submetido a retalhos de cobertura devido a deiscência de pele associada a infecção. Em oito casos utilizamos retalhos de rotação local do gastrocnêmio medial e um caso de avanço de pele. Resultados: em 89% destes casos houve sucesso quanto à cobertura da prótese e viabilidade dos retalhos. Em quatro casos foi possível manter ou revisar a prótese. Outros quatro casos evoluíram com necessidade de amputação por falha no tratamento infeccioso e um caso permaneceu sem a prótese. A avaliação funcional mostrou um resultado insatisfatório em 89% desses casos. Conclusão: Os retalhos de cobertura são uma boa opção para o tratamento dos casos de deiscência com exposição da prótese e que o insucesso funcional esteve associado à falha no controle do quadro infeccioso e aos danos causados por este. Nível de Evidência IV, Série de Casos.

Objective: To evaluate the results obtained using local rotation myocutaneous flaps in cases of wound dehiscence after total knee arthroplasty. Methods: Patients undergoing these surgical procedures were selected in the period 2000-2012. The nine selected cases in this period were subjected to flap coverage due to skin dehiscence associated with infection. In eight cases we used rotation flaps of the medial gastrocnemius and in one case, we used advancing skin. Results: 89% of the cases were successful in the coverage of the prosthesis and the viability of the flaps. In four cases it was possible to maintain or review the prosthesis. Four other cases progressed to amputation for infectious treatment failure and a case remained without the prosthesis. The functional evaluation showed an unsatisfactory outcome in 89% of cases. Conclusion: Coverage flaps are a good option for the treatment of cases of dehiscence with exposure of the prosthesis and the functional failure was associated with the inability to control the infection and the damage caused by this. Level of Evidence IV, Case Series.

Tratamiento de la no unión ósea con clavo colchero / Treatment with Colchero's nail for bone nonunion

Se presentan 722 casos de no unión ósea (en tibia 344, en fémur 292 y en húmero 86) tratados por medio del clavo Colchero intramedular con pernos. En 382 pacientes el padecimiento fue aséptico y en 340 infectados por lo cual hubo que retirar la sepsis por el método de escarificación, para convertir la falta de unión en aséptica y dejarla preparada para la osteosíntesis. En las no uniones atróficas se utilizó hueso esponjoso autólogo y en las hipertróficas no hubo que recurrir a este procedimiento. La unión se logró con una cirugía en 720 casos, existiendo 2 no uniones que se volvieron a operar por el mismo método y se resolvieron. La marcha con apoyo total se inició a los tres días de la cirugía; con ello, la consolidación fue rápida, el enfermo pudo volver al trabajo pronto y a una vida social activa