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Background Hypermobility of the first carpometacarpal joint is mostly surgically treated with a volar approached stabilization by Eaton, but recent studies indicate the importance of the dorsoradial and intermetacarpal ligaments (DRL and IML) for carpometacarpal joint stability. The aim of this study was to compare a dorsal and volar technique for primary carpometacarpal hypermobility regarding pain and functional outcome. Methods Patients with non-degenerative, painful carpometacarpal hypermobility were included and were randomly assigned to either the volar technique using the FCR, or a dorsal technique using the ECRL. After premature termination of the trial, we followed all patients treated with the volar approach. Pain, strength, and ADL function using DASH and Michigan Hand Questionnaires (MHQ) were measured at baseline and 3 and 12 months after surgery. Results After including 16 patients, the randomized trial comparing the volar and dorsal technique was terminated because of significant increased pain in the dorsal group. Although none of the other outcome measures were significant in the underpowered comparison, in line with the pain scores, all variables showed a trend towards a worse outcome in the dorsal group. Between 2009 and 2012, 57 thumbs were surgically stabilized. We found significant better pain and MHQ scores, and after 1 year improved grip and key pinch strength. Patients returned to work within 8 (±7) weeks, of which 85 % in their original job. Conclusions Surgical stabilization of the thumb is an effective method for patients suffering from hypermobility regarding pain, daily function, and strength. We recommend a volar approach. Level of Evidence: Level I, therapeutic study

Purpose To compare the efficacy and safety of TDR to that of the fusion for the treatment of lumbar degenerative disc disease (LDDD). Methods Randomized controlled trials comparing TDR with any other intervention for LDDD were acquired by a comprehensive search in PubMedCentral, MEDLINE, EMBASE, BIOSIS, ClinicalTrials.gov, and the FDA trials register. Methodologic quality was assessed and relevant data were retrieved, and appropriate meta-analysis was performed. Two review authors independently selected studies, extracted data, and assessed risk of bias. Results and upper bounds of confidence intervals were compared with predefined clinically relevant differences. Results Six relevant randomized controlled trials (RCTs) involving 1,603 patients were identified and reported two year follow-up results. Patients in TDR group compared with lumbar fusion group demonstrated significant improvements in ODI, VAS scores and complication rates at the two year follow-up. Meanwhile, except for operating time in anterior group, intra-operative blood loss, operating time in posterior group, and reoperation rate were without clinical significance between the two groups. In addition, the range of motion (ROM) was maintained within normal ranges after TDR. Conclusions The results showed the TDR has significant safety and efficacy comparable to lumbar fusion at two year follow-up. Although superiority compared to fusion could not be proved, by comparing clinical symptoms relieved, motion preserved, and the low reoperation rate during long-term follow-up on TDR, TDR was considered safe and effective. Therefore, the authors suggest adopting TDR on a large scale; with failure of TDR, interbody fusion would be performed.

Purpose The purpose of this study was to evaluate clinical and radiological outcomes of autologous osteochondral transfer (OATS) for femoral head osteonecrosis. Methods Twenty-one hips in 20 patients (one woman and 19 men), average patients' age at the time of surgery of 35.4 (range 20–56) years, were treated with OATS for osteonecrosis of the femoral head (ONFH). Seven patients at pre-collapse ARCO stages IIA and IIB were treated with OATS alone. Thirteen patients with large pre-collapse ARCO IIC and post-collapse ARCO III and IV were treated with OATS and morselised bone allografts (OATS/allograft). Harris hip score (HHS) was used for clinical evaluation of outcomes; X-rays were performed to examine the evolution of the disease. Kaplan-Meier survival curves were used to determine the failure of the procedures with conversion to THR defined as endpoint. Results Follow-up of patients treated with OATS alone was 46.14 (range 18–75) months with HHS improvement from a preoperative mean of 42 to 87.85 points at the latest follow-up examination. Only one patient in this group needed a revision operation with THR. The survival for this group of patients was 85.71 % at four years. Follow-up of patients treated with AOTS/allograft was 32.7 (range 7–84) months with HHS improvement from a preoperative mean of 35.2 to 65.7 points at the latest follow-up examination. One patient died six months after the surgery. There were five conversions to THR because of femoral head collapse in this group of patients with survival of 61.54 % at three years. Conclusion The use of osteochondral grafts offers the possibility of successful treatment for ONFH at small and medium pre-collapse stages. The outcomes of large pre-collapse and post-collapse stages were below our expectations. OATS is a time buying procedure for young patients as it may defer total hip replacement.

This study evaluated the perception of veterinarians in including the emerging metastrongyloid Angiostrongylus vasorum in the differential diagnosis for dogs referred with appropriate signs. Veterinarians at teaching hospitals, private practices or kennels collected faecal samples from 606 symptomatic dogs in six different areas of Italy. The samples were examined with the Baermann technique. Fourteen dogs scored positive for A. vasorum, all showing different clinical pictures, with the most common reason for inclusion in the study being a combination of respiratory signs along with general signs. The most reported sign was cough, followed by aspecific distresses. Other respiratory signs were dyspnoea, tachypnoea and breathing sounds, while bleeding diathesis occurred in one dog. Gastrointestinal disorders were diarrhoea and vomitus, while no neurological signs were detected. Four key cases are herein described, with a special focus on their clinical description, findings at the collateral diagnostic imaging and therapeutic options with moxidectin. This survey provides new data on distribution of A. vasorum in Europe and on the clinical impact of the disease. The results confirm that clinical angiostrongylosis overlaps a series of other conditions of dogs. Awareness among vet practitioners is discussed along with the importance of including A. vasorum on the list of differential diagnoses in canine clinical practice and of performing appropriate diagnostic methods.

The aim of this health economic analysis was to compare the cost-effectiveness of ticagrelor versus clopidogrel within the German health care system. A two-part decision model was adapted to compare treatment with ticagrelor or clopidogrel in a low-dose acetylsalicylic acid (ASA) cohort (≤150 mg) for all ACS patients and subtypes NSTEMI/IA and STEMI. A decision-tree approach was chosen for the first year after initial hospitalization based on trial observations from a subgroup of the PLATO study. Subsequent years were estimated by a Markov model. Following a macro-costing approach, costs were based on official tariffs and published literature. Extensive sensitivity analyses were performed to test the robustness of the model. One-year treatment with ticagrelor is associated with an estimated 0.1796 life-years gained (LYG) and gained 0.1570 quality-adjusted life-years (QALY), respectively, over the lifetime horizon. Overall average cost with ticagrelor is estimated to be EUR 11,815 vs. EUR 11,387 with generic clopidogrel over a lifetime horizon. The incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER) was EUR 2,385 per LYG (EUR 2,728 per QALY). Comparing ticagrelor with Plavix® or the lowest priced generic clopidogrel, ICER ranges from dominant to EUR 3,118 per LYG (EUR 3,567 per QALY). These findings are robust under various additional sensitivity analyses. Hence, 12 months of ACS treatment using ticagrelor/ASA instead of clopidogrel/ASA may offer a cost-effective therapeutic option, even when the generic price for clopidogrel is employed. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1007/s00392-013-0552-7) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Purpose The aim of the study was to assess bone graft incorporation after revision hip arthroplasty in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Methods We report an acetabular reconstruction using impacted, morselized, frozen, radiation sterilized bone allografts in 71 patients suffering from RA. There were sixty-six women and five men at a mean age of 57.5 years. Reconstruction was performed in 78 revision total hip arthroplasties (THAs) for aseptic loosening of acetabular component. The mean follow-up was five years and four months. In 38 cases, a revision was done with use of reinforcement devices. Results In four revised hips (10 %) without reinforcement implants, resorption of the allografts was noticed. All Mueller rings and 50 % of unscrews cages (Link, Howmedica) were revised because of aseptic loosening and bone graft resorption. In all of 17 hips with the Burch-Schneider cage, no measurable migration or bone allografts resorption occurred. There were no major general complications. Conclusions Acetabular reconstruction with use of morselized, frozen, radiation sterilized bone allografts and the Burch-Schneider cage can be highly successful in managing massive deficiency of acetabular bone stock in revision hip arthroplasty in RA patients.

Purpose Recurrences and deaths are known to occur, even if less frequently, in small, node-negative breast cancer patients, and decision on adjuvant treatments remains controversial. In the present analysis, we evaluate recurrence risk in patients with pT1 a, b, c, node-negative, breast cancer, accordingly with some prognostic biological factors. Methods We retrospectively evaluated 900 node-negative patients (pT1a, b, c) surgery treated between 2000 and 2009 in four Italian oncologic centers. We defined 3 different cohorts: ER positive (ER+); Her-2 positive (Her-2+); and triple negative (TN). Results pT1a was seen in 7.6% of patients, 37.7 % pT1b, 54.8 % pT1c. Concerning the 3 different cohorts, 58.2 % were ER+; 10.8 % were Her-2+; 8.2 % were TN. Overall, chemotherapy was given to 3.0 %, 27.2 %, 69.8 % of pT1a, b, c, respectively, and to 22.7 %, 58.8 %, 68.9 % of ER+, Her-2+, TN subgroups. At a median follow-up of 67 months, 5-year DFS was 96.3 %, 89.2 %, 89.4 % in pT1a, b, c, respectively (100 %, 93.6 %, 89.8 % in ER+; 100 %, 78.7 %, 85.0 % in Her-2+; 100 %, 76.8 %, 85.2 % in TN) (p = ns). At multivariate analysis, histologic grade and Ki-67 resulted independent prognostic factors. Overall, 5-year OS was 98 %, without differences among pT1a, b, c, or among the 3 cohorts. Conclusions Overall, 5-year DFS was very favorable in this series of small, node-negative breast cancers, but Her-2+ and TN cohorts have a higher recurrence rate than ER+ cohort (p

The aim of this study was to evaluate the clinical effectiveness of covered Niti-S stent placement under multidetector CT and fluoroscopy guidance for the palliation of dysphagia in patients with cervical esophageal cancer. Under radiological imaging guidance using axial and sagittal CT scans, and fluoroscopy, Niti-S esophageal stents were placed in ten consecutive patients with complete obstruction caused by cervical esophageal cancer (9 men and 1 woman; age range = 54–79 years; mean age = 68.1 years) between February 2010 and December 2011. The procedure time and technical success rate were evaluated. Swallowing improvement was assessed by the following items: ability to eat and/or swallow (graded as follows: 3 = ability to eat normal diet, 2 = ability to eat semisolids, 1 = ability to swallow liquids, 0 = complete obstruction). Procedural and post-procedural complications were also evaluated. Survival (mean ± SD) was examined. The mean (±SD) procedure time was 40 ± 19 min (range = 21–69 min). Stent placement was technically successful in all patients; inadequate stent deployment did not occur in any case. Ability to eat and/or swallow was improved and scored 2.4 (score 3 in 5 cases, score 2 in 4 cases, score 1 in 1 case, and score 0 in no case) after stent placement. No major or post-procedural complications were encountered. The mean survival time was 131 ± 77 days (range = 31–259 days). Niti-S stents appeared to be a safe and effective device for the palliation of dysphagia caused by advanced cervical esophageal cancer. Multidetector CT and fluoroscopy image guidance helped the operators accurately place the stents in the cervical esophagus.

The principle of stretching wound margins for primary wound closure is commonly practiced and used for various skin defects, leading at times to excessive tension and complications during wound closure. Different surgical techniques, skin stretching devices and tissue expanders have been utilized to address this issue. Previously designed skin stretching devices resulted in considerable morbidity. They were invasive by nature and associated with relatively high localized tissue pressure, frequently leading to necrosis, damage and tearing of skin at the wound margins. To assess the clinical effectiveness and performance and, to determine the safety of TopClosure® for gradual, controlled, temporary, noninvasive and invasive applications for skin stretching and secure wound closing, the TopClosure® device was applied to 20 patients for preoperative skin lesion removal and to secure closure of a variety of wound sizes. TopClosure® was reinforced with adhesives, staples and/or surgical sutures, depending on the circumstances of the wound and the surgeon’s judgment. TopClosure® was used prior to, during and/or after surgery to reduce tension across wound edges. No significant complications or adverse events were associated with its use. TopClosure® was effectively used for preoperative skin expansion in preparation for dermal resection (e.g., congenital nevi). It aided closure of large wounds involving significant loss of skin and soft tissue by mobilizing skin and subcutaneous tissue, thus avoiding the need for skin grafts or flaps. Following surgery, it was used to secure closure of wounds under tension, thus improving wound aesthetics. A sample case study will be presented. We designed TopClosure®, an innovative device, to modify the currently practiced concept of wound closure by applying minimal stress to the skin, away from damaged wound edges, with flexible force vectors and versatile methods of attachment to the skin, in a noninvasive or invasive manner.

Purpose The value of intraoperative neurophysiological monitoring (IONM) with surgical detethering in dysraphic patients has been questioned. A retrospective analysis of our series of 65 patients is presented with special focus on technical set-up and outcome. Methods All patients were diagnosed with a tethered cord (TC) due to spinal dysraphism. A high-risk group (HRG) was determined consisting of 40 patients with a lipomyelomeningocele and/or a split cord malformation sometimes in combination with a tight filum terminale. The surgical procedure was a detethering operation in all cases performed by a single surgeon during a 9-year period (1999–2008). A standard set-up of IONM was used in all patients consisting of motor-evoked potentials (MEP) evoked by transcranial electrical stimulation (TES) and electrical nerve root stimulation. In young patients, conditioning stimulation was applied in order to improve absent or weak MEPs. Results IONM responses could be obtained in all patients. Postoperative deterioration of symptoms was found in two patients of whom one patient belonged to the HRG. Mean maximal follow-up of all 65 patients was 4.6 years (median 4.1 years). Long-term deterioration of symptoms was found in 6 of 65 patients with a mean follow-up of 5 years (median 5.3 years). Conclusion The use of IONM is feasible in all TC patients. The identification of functional nervous structures and continuous guarding of the integrity of sacral motor roots by IONM may contribute to the safety of surgical detethering.

Background Malar mounds may be accentuated by chronic lid edema, with the development from malar edema to malar mounds and finally to malar festoons. Because standard techniques do not seem effective and not specifically proposed for the treatment of malar festoons, subperiosteal vertical upper-midface lift associated with lower blepharoplasty overcomes these shortcomings. Methods Twelve patients (3 males and 9 females, age = 47 ± 6 years) underwent video-assisted endoscopic subperiosteal vertical upper-midface lift (SUM-lift) in conjunction with a lower blepharoplasty between 2006 and 2007 for treatment of malar festoons. This includes simultaneous lower blepharoplasties and video-assisted transtemporal subperiosteal and sub-SMAS tissue release. Results All patients healed uneventfully without any major postoperative problems. The surgical outcome was evaluated according to the analysis of photographs obtained before and after surgery and the analysis of pre- and postoperative measurements. The technique we used (SUM-lift) achieved a significant rejuvenation of the midface and the malar festoons. Conclusion Subperiosteal vertical midface lift resuspends and redrapes the facial network that originates at the level of the orbital rim. It seems to improve the permeability characteristics of the malar septum in the treatment of malar festoons and malar mounds by freeing the cheek tissue from underlying bone and redraping the malar septum. It is a reliable technique to improve malar mounds, palpebral bags, or festoons.

Purpose Untreated complete obstetric brachial plexus injury (COBPI) usually results in limited spontaneous recovery of shoulder function. Older methods used to treat COBPI have had questionable success, with very few studies being published. The purpose of the current study was to examine the results of triangle tilt surgery on shoulder function and development in COBPI individuals. Methods This study was conducted as a retrospective chart review. Inclusion criteria were COBPI patients that had undergone the triangle tilt procedure from 2005 to 2009 and were between the ages of 9 months and 12 years. COBPI was defined as permanent injury to all five nerve roots (C5–T1), with significant degradation in development and function of the hand. Twenty-five patients with a mean age of 5 (0.75–12) years were followed up clinically for more than 2 years. Results The triangle tilt procedure resulted in demonstrable clinical enhancements with appreciable improvements in shoulder function, glenoid version, and humeral head congruity. There was a significant increase in the overall Mallet score (2.4 points, p

Objective It is well known that 10–15% of hydrocephalus cases at childhood and 40–50% in premature infants, occur following Germinal matrix hemorrhage (GMH). Such hemorrhages are reported to arise due to the rupture of germinal matrix (GM) vessels as a result of cerebral blod flow changes among infants with

Summary The present study estimated the 10-year probability using the Japanese version of WHO fracture risk assessment tool (FRAX™) in order to determine fracture probabilities that correspond to intervention thresholds currently used in Japan and to resolve some issues for its use in Japan. Introduction The objective of the present study was to evaluate a Japanese version of the WHO fracture risk assessment (FRAX™) tool to compute 10-year probabilities of osteoporotic fracture in Japanese men and women. Since lumbar spine bone mineral density (BMD) is used preferentially as a site for assessment, and densitometers use Japanese reference data, a second aim was to investigate the suitability and impact of this practice in Japan. Methods Fracture probabilities were computed from published data on the fracture and death hazards in Japan. Probabilities took account of age, sex, the presence of clinical risk factors and femoral neck BMD. Fracture probabilities were determined that were equivalent to intervention thresholds currently used in Japan. The difference between T-scores derived from international reference data and that using Japanese-specific normal ranges was estimated from published sources. The gradient of risk of BMD for fracture in Japan was compared to that for BMD at the lumbar spine in the Hiroshima cohort. Results The 10-year probabilities of a major osteoporosis-related fracture that corresponded to current intervention thresholds ranged from approximately 5% at the age of 50 years to more than 20% at the age of 80 years. The use of femoral neck BMD predicts fracture as well as or better than BMD tests at the lumbar spine. There were small differences in T-scores between those used for the model and those derived from a Japanese reference population. Conclusions The FRAX™ tool has been used to determine possible thresholds for therapeutic intervention, based on equivalence of risk with current guidelines. The approach will need to be supported by appropriate health economic analyses. Femoral neck BMD is suitable for the prediction of fracture risk among Japanese. However, when applying the FRAX™ model to Japan, T-scores and Z-scores should be converted to those derived from the international reference.

Extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL) is a non-invasive procedure that allows urinary stones to be fragmented using acoustic shock waves. The impact of the shock waves causes transient stinging pain at the entry site as well as deep visceral discomfort, requiring analgesia during the procedure. The objective of this study was to compare the clinical efficacy of Entonox and pethidine for pain relief during outpatient ESWL. We randomized 150 outpatients undergoing elective ESWL into three groups of 50 patients, each group receiving inhalational Entonox, intravenous pethidine, or inhalational compressed air during ESWL. Quantitative evaluation of pain was performed according to a visual analogue scale (VAS), before and after the intervention. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) and paired t tests were used to compare VAS scores in the three groups, before and after the intervention. Entonox and pethidine decreased the pain score significantly, while compressed air did not. There was no significant difference between pain relief by Entonox and pethidine. This study demonstrates for the first time that inhalational Entonox is an effective analgesic regimen for ESWL. Entonox can be regarded as an appropriate alternative to analgesics like opioids in relieving pain during ESWL.

Purpose: To estimate the prevalence of degenerative lumbar spinal stenosis (LSS) in adults, identified by clinical symptoms and/or radiological criteria. Methods: Systematic review of the literature. Pooled prevalence estimates by care setting and clinical or radiological diagnostic criteria were calculated and plotted [PROSPERO ID: CRD42018109640]. Results: In total, 41 papers reporting on 55 study samples were included. The overall risk of bias was considered high in two-thirds of the papers. The mean prevalence, based on a clinical diagnosis of LSS in the general population, was 11% (95% CI 4–18%), 25% (95% CI 19–32%) in patients from primary care, 29% (95% CI 22–36%) in patients from secondary care and 39% (95% CI 39–39%) in patients from mixed primary and secondary care. Evaluating the presence of LSS based on radiological diagnosis, the pooled prevalence was 11% (95% CI 5–18%) in the asymptomatic population, 38% (95% CI − 10 to 85%) in the general population, 15% (95% CI 13–18%) in patients from primary care, 32% (95% CI 22–41%) in patients from secondary care and 21% (95% CI 16–26%) in a mixed population from primary and secondary care. Conclusions: The mean prevalence estimates based on clinical diagnoses vary between 11 and 39%, and the estimates based on radiological diagnoses similarly vary between 11 and 38%. The results are based on studies with high risk of bias, and the pooled prevalence estimates should therefore be interpreted with caution. With an growing elderly population, there is a need for future low risk-of-bias research clarifying clinical and radiological diagnostic criteria of lumbar spinal stenosis. Graphic abstract: These slides can be retrieved under Electronic Supplementary Material.[Figure not available: see fulltext.]