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Abstract Purpose This study investigated potential use of computed tomography (CT)-based parameters in the lumbar spine as a surrogate for magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)-based findings. Methods In this retrospective study, all individuals, who had a lumbar spine CT scan and MRI between 2006 and 2012 were reviewed (n = 198). Disc height (DH) and endplate degeneration (ED) were evaluated between Th12/L1-L5/S1. Statistics consisted of Spearman correlation and univariate/multivariable regression (adjusting for age and gender). Results The mean CT-DH increased kranio-caudally (8.04 millimeters (mm) at T12/L1, 9.17 mm at L1/2, 10.59 mm at L2/3, 11.34 mm at L3/4, 11.42 mm at L4/5 and 10.47 mm at L5/S1). MRI-ED was observed in 58 (29%) individuals. CT-DH and MRI-DH had strong to very strong correlations (rho 0.781-0.904, p

Abstract Background To study if pain relief after injection and arthroplasty correlate. Methods A retrospective cohort study included consecutive patients (n = 88; median age 64 (interquartile range (IQR) 22) years, 49 (56%) females) that received fluoroscopic-guided intra-articular hip injection with contrast agent, anaesthetic (diagnostic), and corticosteroid (therapeutic) before implantation of primary total hip arthroplasty. Pain scores were assessed pre-injection, post-injection after 15 min (diagnostic phase) at first clinical follow up (therapeutic phase; median 2 (IQR 2) months), and postoperatively (last follow up (median 15 (IQR 5) months)). Responders had reduction in pain score ≥ 20 (numeric rating scale 0–100) points. The primary outcome was the same (or inverse) response to injection and arthroplasty. Results The median pain scores were higher pre-injection (68 (IQR 30) points) compared to the diagnostic phase (18 (IQR 40) points; p

Background: Metatarsal pronation has been claimed to be a risk factor for hallux valgus recurrence. A rounded shape of the lateral aspect of the first metatarsal head has been identified as a sign of persistent metatarsal pronation after hallux valgus correction. This study investigated the derotational effect of a reversed L-shaped (ReveL) osteotomy combined with a lateral release to correct metatarsal pronation. The primary hypothesis was that most cases showing a positive round sign are corrected by rebalancing the metatarsal-sesamoid complex. We further assumed that the inability to correct the round sign might be a risk factor for hallux valgus recurrence. Methods: We retrospectively evaluated 266 cases treated with a ReveL osteotomy for hallux valgus deformity. The radiologic measurements were performed on weightbearing foot radiographs preoperatively, at an early follow-up (median, 6.2 weeks), and the most recent follow-up (median, 13 months). Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses identified risk factors for hallux valgus recurrence (hallux valgus angle [HVA] ≥ 20 degrees). Results: A preoperative positive radiographic round sign was present in 40.2% of the cases, of which 58.9% turned negative after the ReveL osteotomy ( P < .001). Hallux valgus recurred in 8.6%. Risk factors for recurrence were a preoperative HVA >30 degrees (odds ratio [OR] = 5.3, P < .001), metatarsus adductus (OR = 4.0, P = .004), preoperative positive round sign (OR = 3.3, P = .02), postoperative HVA >15 degrees (OR = 74.9; P < .001), and postoperative positive round sign (OR = 5.3, P = .008). Cases with a positive round sign at the most recent follow-up had a significantly higher recurrence rate than those with a negative round sign (22.7% vs 5.9%, P < .001). Conclusion: The ReveL osteotomy corrected a positive round sign in 58.9%, suggesting that not all hallux valgus deformities may need proximal derotation to negate the radiographic appearance of the round sign. A positive round sign was found to be an independent risk factor for hallux valgus recurrence. Further 3-dimensional analyses are necessary to better understand the effects and limitations of distal translational osteotomies to correct metatarsal pronation. Level of Evidence: Level IV, case series.

Abstract Surgical site infection (SSI) may cause a substantial burden for patients and healthcare systems. A potential risk of different architectures of the operating room for SSI is yet unknown and was subject of this study. This observational cohort study was performed in a university hospital and evaluated patients, who underwent a broad spectrum of orthopedic surgeries in 2016 (open-plan operating room architecture) versus (vs) 2017 (closed-plan operating room architecture). Patients, who underwent surgery in the transition time period from the open-plan to the closed-plan operating room architecture and those, who were treated e.g. for osteomyelitis as index procedure were excluded. The primary outcome was revision surgery for early SSI within 30 (superficial) or 90 (deep or organ/space) days of surgery. Age, gender, American society of anesthesiologists (ASA) classification, and the body mass index (BMI) were considered as potential interacting factors in a logistic regression analysis. The incidence of revisions for SSI was 0.6 percent (%) (n = 45) in the 7'740 included surgical cases (mean age of 52 (standard deviation (SD) 19) years; n = 3'835 (50%) females). There was no difference in incidences of revision for SSI in the open- vs closed-plan operating room architecture (0.5% vs 0.7%; adjusted odds ratio (OR) = 1.34 (95% confidence interval (CI) 0.72–2.49, P = 0.35)). Age and gender were not a risk factor for revision for SSI. However, ASA classification and BMI were identified as risk factors for the incidence of revision for SSI (OR = 1.92 (95% CI 1.16- 3.18, P = 0.01) and OR = 1.05 (95% CI 1.00–1.11, P = 0.05)). The overall incidence of revisions for early SSI after a broad spectrum of orthopedic surgeries was relatively low (0.6%) and independent from the operating room architecture. An increase in ASA classification and possibly BMI, however, were identified as independent risk factors for revision for SSI.

Abstract Background Anterior scoliosis correction is a powerful technique with the disadvantage of a kyphotic effect on lumbar and thoracolumbar curves. We aimed to investigate whether a cognizant interposition of a rib graft anteriorly and at the concave side of the scoliotic curve causes significant fulcrum effect to enforce scoliosis correction and to reduce interfusional kyphosis in anterior scoliosis corrections. Methods Twenty otherwise comparable patients with lumbar and thoracolumbar adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) curves undergoing anterior short scoliosis correction with (n = 10) or without (n = 10, matched for age, gender and degree of deformity) fulcrum effect were retrospectively compared by means of radiographic measurements (sagittal and coronal profile, Cobb angles and intersegmental deformity correction angles) to evaluate the effect of this modified surgical technique. Results The overall amount of scoliosis correction was similar with 74 and 60% of initial curves of 57° and 53° in the case and control group respectively with a mean of 3 fused segments (4 screws). Statistically relevant differences were found for intersegmental coronal cobb angles at the apex of 20° to 3° and 17° to 9° with and without fulcrum, respectively (p

Abstract Background Portal placement is a key factor for the success of arthroscopic procedures, particularly in rotator cuff repair. We hypothesize that the acromial anatomy may strongly determine the position of the shoulder bony landmarks and limit the surgeon’s freedom to position the arthroscopic approaches in direction towards the acromion. The purpose of this study was to analyze the relation between different acromial shapes and the freedom of movement of arthroscopic instruments relative to the rotator cuff from standardized arthroscopic portals in a laboratory study on 3D shoulder models. Methods 3D models of shoulders with a broad range of different acromial shapes were printed using CT and MRI scans. Angles from the portals to defined points on the rotator cuff and the supraglenoid tubercle were measured. In conventional radiographs, the critical shoulder angle, the scapular body acromial angle, and the glenoid acromial angle were measured and compared with the measured angles to the rotator cuff. Results There was a large variation of angles of approach of instruments to the rotator cuff between the seven shoulders for each portal. From the joint line portal and the posterior edge portal, the biggest angles were measured to the posterior cuff. From the intermediate portal, the angles were largest to the intermediate rotator cuff and from the anterior portals to the anterior cuff. To the supraglenoid tubercle, best access was from anterior. For all portals, there was a big correlation between the glenoid acromial angle and the scapular body acromial angle with the angles of approach to the tendon and especially to the supraglenoid tubercle. Conclusion The access to the rotator cuff from almost every portal is influenced by the acromial shape. As hypothesized, a small (small GAA) and flat (big SBAA) acromion provide an easier approach to the rotator cuff from almost every portal. Therefore, it may severely influence the instruments maneuverability.

Abstract Background Hallux valgus deformity (HV) affects around every fourth individual, and surgical treatment is performed in every thousandth person. There is an ongoing quest for the best surgical management and reduction of undesirable outcomes. The aim was to explore associations of obesity and gender with radiological and clinical outcome after reversed L-shaped osteotomy (ReveL) for HV. Materials and methods This study was carried out in a retrospective cohort design at a single University Hospital in Switzerland between January 2004 and December 2013. It included adult patients treated with ReveL for HV. The primary exposure was body mass index (BMI) at the time of ReveL. The secondary exposure was gender. The primary outcome was radiological relapse of HV (HV angle [HVA] > 15 degrees [°]) at the last follow-up. Secondary outcomes were improvable patient satisfaction, complication, redo surgery, and optional hardware removal. Logistic regression analysis adjusted for confounders. Results The median weight, height, and BMI were 66.0 (interquartile range [IQR] 57.0–76.0) kilograms (kg), 1.65 (IQR 1.60–1.71) metres (m), and 24.0 (IQR 21.3–27.8) kg/m2. Logistic regression analysis did not show associations of relapse with BMI, independent of age, gender, additional technique, and preoperative HVA (adjusted odds ratio [ORadjusted] = 1.10 [95% (%) confidence interval (CI) = 0.70–1.45], p = 0.675). Relapse was 91% more likely in males (ORadjusted = 1.91 [95% CI = 1.19–3.06], p = 0.007). Improvable satisfaction was 79% more likely in males (ORadjusted = 1.79 [CI = 1.04–3.06], p = 0.035). Hardware removal was 47% less likely in males (ORadjusted = 0.53 [95% CI 0.30–0.94], p = 0.029). Conclusions In this study, obesity was not associated with unsatisfactory outcomes after ReveL for HV. This challenges the previous recommendation that preoperative weight loss may be necessary for a successful surgical treatment outcome. Males may be informed about potentially higher associations with unfavourable outcomes. Due to the risk of selection bias and lack of causality, findings may need to be confirmed with clinical trials.

Background. The Swiss Orthopaedics Minimal Dataset (SOMD) was launched seven years ago. It is a standardized, generic, and patient-reported outcome questionnaire, comprising ten items (location of disease, pain within the past four weeks, limitations at work/leisure/sleep/autonomy, subjective value of a body part, employment status, work disability (sick leave/pension), and household support). We conducted this study about the SOMD to report its reliability, validity, and clinical applicability. Methods. A retrospective observational cohort study was conducted. The test-retest study population (n = 60; lost to follow-up: n = 7 (12%)) was drawn from three retirement homes (in 2013), while the test study population (n = 14,180; excluded (e.g., duplicates): n = 1,990 (14%)) consisted of patients from a university hospital (in 2014–2017). In the test-retest study population, the same questionnaire was completed twice (at days 0 and 7). In the test study population, only the first questionnaire was included (to avoid duplicates). In a subgroup of the test study population (n = 302), only those patients who completed the SOMD and Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) of the hip within 14 days were considered (to minimize recall bias). Reliability (test-retest and internal consistency), criterion validity for the item of pain, and return rates were analyzed. Results. The test-retest study population (n = 53) showed very high test-retest reliability for all tested items of the SOMD (intraclass correlation coefficient = 0.96–1.00 (95% confidence interval 0.93–1.00), p

Abstract Background Surgical treatment of hallux valgus (HV) is one of the major flagships of orthopedic surgeons. Due to relatively unsatisfactory radiological and clinical outcomes, the search for the best surgical technique and causes for unsatisfactory outcomes continues. The objective was to investigate associations of the number of screws and additional surgical techniques for HV with radiological and clinical outcome after reversed L-shaped osteotomy (ReveL). Methods A retrospective cohort study of adults from a single University Hospital between 2004 and 2013 was performed. The primary exposure was the number of screws (one vs two) used for osseous fixation after ReveL. The secondary exposure was an additional surgical technique for HV (e.g., Akin osteotomy). The primary outcome was a radiological recurrence of HV (HV angle (HVA) > 15°) at last follow-up. The secondary outcomes were limited patient satisfaction, complication, revision surgery, and elective hardware removal. Odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) were estimated by logistic regression adjusting for confounders. Results The recurrence was 45% less likely with the use of one screw, independent of age, sex, additional technique, and preoperative HVA (odds ratio (ORadjusted) = 0.55 [95% CI 0.30–0.98], p = 0.043). The recurrence was 162% more likely with an additional surgical technique for HV (ORadjusted = 2.62 [1.24–5.52], p = 0.011). Conclusion In ReveL for HV, a single screw (instead of two screws) may be sufficient enough for a similar or even better outcome, which may also reduce costs. Additional surgical procedures for HV may be refrained from if possible. Due to limitations of a retrospective study, results may need validation with clinical trials.

Abstract Background Lateral talar process fractures (LTPF) are often missed on conventional radiographs. A positive V sign is an interruption of the contour of the LTP. It has been suggested, but not proven to be pathognomonic for LTPF. The objective was to study whether the V sign is pathognomonic for LTPF and if it can be properly assessed in different ankle positions and varying fracture types. Methods An experimental study was conducted. Two investigators assessed lateral radiographs (n = 108) of a foot and ankle model. The exposure variables were different ankle positions and fracture types. The primary outcome was the correct detection of a V sign. The secondary outcomes were the detection of the V sign depending on ankle position and fracture type as well as the uncertainty. Results The interobserver agreement on the V sign and type of fracture were fair (κ = 0.35, 95% CI 0.18–0.53, p

Category: Sports Introduction/Purpose: Achilles tendon tendinopathy is a common problem in our daily practice. The initial therapy consists of conservative treatment and usually leads to a reduction of pain. In some cases though, there is need for surgical treatment. The most common procedure is debridement of the tendon. If there is advanced damage of the tendon, a flexor hallucis longus (FHL) transfer may be indicated. In the current literature, there is a lack of hard criteria about the indications for such a transfer. Methods: We searched our radiologic database from the years 2016 and 2017 for magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans of the Achilles tendon. 60 patients were included in a tendinopathy group and 60 patients in a control group with no signs of tendinopathy. Inclusion criteria were severe tendinopathy for the tendinopathy group and a normal Achilles tendon for the control group. Exclusion criteria were other relevant morphologic changes or history of relevant surgery of the lower limb. Axial MRI scans were analyzed on a level of 4-5 centimeters above the ankle joint. The area of triceps surae (TS) and FHL were measured as well as the diameter of TS and an oblique diameter of FHL (from the medial corner of the fibula to the posteromedial corner of the FHL muscle). Then, quotients of the area of the FHL/TS and diameter of the FHL/TS were built and interobserver agreement was analyzed. Results: The quotients for area and for diameter of the FHL/TS showed significantly (p

BACKGROUND Providing efficient healthcare is important for hospitals. Shorter and longer length of hospital stay (LOS) outliers influence financial results and reimbursement. The objective of this study was to identify independent diagnosis related group (DRG)-related risk factors for shorter and longer LOS outlier status. METHODS A retrospective case-control study was conducted at a Swiss level 1 trauma centre between January 2012 and December 2014. The study included all patients with available information on LOS based on DRG. Many predictor variables were tested. The outcome variable was the DRG-based LOS. Logistic regression models were fitted for shorter and longer LOS outliers, with a significance level of

Category: Ankle, Hindfoot, Trauma Introduction/Purpose: Lateral talar process fractures (LTPF) constitute 15% of ankle injuries in snowboarders. They are often misdiagnosed on conventional radiographs, which are also susceptible to rotational malpositioning due to pain. A positive V sign is an interruption of the contour of the lateral talar process. It has been suggested to be pathognomonic for LTPF. However, there are very few studies about this topic. The objectives were to study whether the V sign is useful in diagnosing LTPF. Methods: In an experimental study, two investigators evaluated lateral radiographs (n=108) of high resolution, solid foam, radiopaque distal foot and ankle models. Two other investigators, who obtained the radiographs, defined the gold standard. Four different models (no fracture, type A, B, or C fractures according to Hawkins) and three varying ankle joint positions (0°, 20°, and 40° of inversion, plantar flexion, and internal rotation) were the independent variables. The correct detection of a V sign on lateral radiographs (Figure 2 showing a positive V sign on a lateral radiograph in a type B LTPF) was the primary dependent variable and the detection of the fracture type and uncertainty in making this decision were the secondary dependent variables. The chosen study size surpassed the sample size calculation. The chi-squared test was used for categorical data. Results: There were fair interobserver agreements on the V sign and fracture types (kappa coefficient [k]=0.35, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.18-0.53, p

QUESTIONS: Treatment of patients with severe injuries is costly, with best results achieved in specialised care centres. However, diagnosis-related group (DRG)-based prospective payment systems have difficulties in depicting treatment costs for specialised care. We analysed reimbursement of care for severe trauma in the first 3 years after the introduction of the Swiss DRG reimbursement system (2012–2014). MATERIAL/METHODS: The study included all patients with solely basic insurance, hospital admission after 01.01.2011 and discharge in 2011 or 2012, who were admitted to the resuscitation room of the University Hospital of Zurich, aged ≥16 years and with an injury severity score (ISS) ≥16 (n = 364). Clinical, financial and administrative data were extracted from the electronic medical records. All cases were grouped into DRGs according to different SwissDRG versions. We considered results to be significant if p ≤0.002. RESULTS: The mean deficit decreased from 12 065 CHF under SwissDRG 1.0 (2012) to 2 902 CHF under SwissDRG 3.0 (2014). The main reason for the reduction of average deficits was a refinement of the DRG algorithm with a regrouping of 23 cases with an ISS ≥16 from MDC 01 to DRGs within MDC21A. Predictors of an increased total loss per case could be identified: for example, high total number of surgical interventions, surgeries on multiple anatomical regions or operations on the pelvis (p ≤0.002). Psychiatric diagnoses in general were also significant predictors of deficit per case (p

We retrospectively analyzed CT scans of 620 individuals, who presented to our traumatology department between 2008 and 2010. Facet joint (FJ) arthritis was present in 308 (49.7%) individuals with a mean grade of 1. It was seen in 27% of individuals ≤40 years and in 75% of individuals ≥41 years () as well as in 52% of females and 49% of males (). Mean FJ orientation was 30.4° at L2/3, 38.7° at L3/4, 47° at L4/5, and 47.3° at L5/S1. FJ arthritis was significantly associated with more coronal (increased degree) FJ orientation at L2/3 () with a cutoff point at ≥32°. FJs were more coronally oriented (48.8°) in individuals ≤40 years and more sagittally oriented (45.6°) in individuals ≥41 years at L5/S1 (). Mean FJ asymmetry was 4.89° at L2/3, 6.01° at L3/4, 6.67° at L4/5, and 7.27° at L5/S1, without a significant difference for FJ arthritis. FJ arthritis is common, increases with age, and affects both genders equally. More coronally oriented FJs (≥32°) in the upper lumbar spine may be an individual risk factor for development of FJ arthritis.