Search

Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries and surgeries are both increasing in incidence. A notable rate of reinjury and failure does occur after ACL surgery. As a result, interventions that may reduce ACL injury or reinjury are needed and are active areas of innovation. Knee bracing as a strategy to either prevent primary ACL injury, reduce reinjury, or failure after ACL surgery is common. The evidence for bracing around ACL injuries is not straightforward. Clinicians therefore need to understand the relevant literature on bracing around ACL injuries to make personalized decisions for individuals who may be at risk for ACL injury. The purpose of this review is to provide an overview on bracing for ACL injuries and summarize the current available clinical evidence for its use in ACL injuries.

Background Anterior vertebral body tethering is an alternative to fusion surgery for the treatment of adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) that is purported to preserve spinal motion. There is limited information regarding the measurable motion that is maintained over the instrumented levels following thoracic anterior vertebral body tethering surgery in humans. The purpose of the present study was to assess radiographic spinal motion 1 year after anterior vertebral body tethering. Methods As part of a prospective U.S. Food and Drug Administration investigational device exemption study, 32 patients were treated with thoracic anterior vertebral body tethering. At 1 year postoperatively, patients were evaluated with standing flexion-extension and side-bending radiographs in a microdose biplanar slot scanning imaging system. The angle subtended by the screws at the upper instrumented vertebra (UIV) and lower instrumented vertebra (LIV) was measured on left and right-bending radiographs to evaluate the coronal arc of motion and was compared with preoperative values over the same levels. At 1 year postoperatively, the sagittal Cobb angle was measured over the instrumented levels on flexion and extension radiographs. Results Side-bending radiographs revealed that the mean angle subtended by the screws changed from 15° ± 8° on left-bending radiographs to 8° ± 6° on right-bending radiographs. The mean coronal arc of motion on bending was 7° ± 6°, with 20 (62.5%) of 32 patients having a coronal arc of motion of >5°. The mean preoperative coronal arc of motion over the instrumented segments was 30° ± 9°. On flexion-extension lateral radiographs made at 1 year postoperatively, the mean kyphotic angle over the instrumented segments was 33° ± 13° in flexion and 11° ± 14° in extension, for a mean postoperative arc of motion of 21° ± 12° between flexion and extension radiographs. Conclusions At 1 year following thoracic anterior vertebral body tethering for the treatment of AIS, the thoracic spine showed a measurable range of coronal and sagittal plane motion over the instrumented levels without evidence of complete autofusion. Motion in the coronal plane decreased by 77% following anterior vertebral body tethering. These findings provide proof of concept that sagittal spinal motion is preserved after thoracic anterior vertebral body tethering, although the functional importance remains to be determined. Level of evidence Therapeutic Level IV. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

INTRODUCTION Surgical site infection (SSI) remains a major complication after adult spinal surgery. We investigated whether adding preoperative nasal decontamination by antiseptic swab (skin and nasal antiseptic povidone-iodine, SNA-PI) to our antimicrobial protocol reduces the SSI rate among our patients undergoing thoracolumbar spinal surgery. METHODS We retrospectively reviewed all adult thoracolumbar spinal surgeries performed between June 2015 and May 2017 at a single hospital. Patients were divided into those who received nasal decontamination (SNA-PI+) and those who did not (SNA-PI-). SSI rates and responsible pathogens were compared between the cohorts. RESULTS A total of 1,555 surgeries with nasal decontamination (SNA-PI+) and 1,423 surgeries without (SNA-PI-) were included. The SSI rate in the SNA-PI+ group was 13 of 1,555 (0.8%) versus 10 of 1,423 (0.7%) for SNA-PI- group (P = 0.68). The infection rate was the highest among posterior instrumented fusions in the SNA-PI+ group (1.4%). Methicillin-sensitive Staphylococcus aureus was responsible for 70% of infections in the SNA-PI- group and 38% in the SNA-PI+ group (P = 0.13). CONCLUSIONS Routine nasal antiseptic swab before spine surgery did not affect the overall rate of SSI in thoracolumbar spinal surgeries. The incidence of methicillin-sensitive S aureus was lower in patients who received nasal decontamination (5/1,555, 0.3%) compared with those who did not (7/1,423, 0.5%); however, this result was not statistically significant (P = 0.57).

STUDY DESIGN A level-3 retrospective cohort analysis. OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to describe obesity's effect on complications and outcomes in degenerative spondylolisthesis patients treated by minimally invasive transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (MI TLIF). SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA Obesity is associated with a greater complication rate among lumbar spine surgery patients. Poor clinical outcomes might likewise be supposed, but the association is not well established. Minimally invasive techniques have been developed to reduce complications and improve clinical outcomes in comparison to traditional open techniques. METHODS We reviewed 134 consecutive patients with degenerative spondylolisthesis undergoing MI TLIF. Subjects were grouped into nonobese (N = 65) and obese (N = 69) cohorts. The obese group was further subdivided by BMI. Patient demographics, perioperative complications, and outcome scores were collected over a minimum of 24 months. Four periods (intraoperative, postoperative hospitalization, 6-month, and 24-month postoperative) were assessed. RESULTS Cohort demographics were not significantly different, but it was noted that obese patients had more major comorbidities than nonobese patients. There was no difference in intraoperative complications between the two groups. The in-hospital complication rate was significantly greater in the obese group. The 6-month postoperative complication rate was not different between cohorts. Wound drainage was most common and noted only in the obese cohort. Complications at 24 months were not different but did trend toward significance in the obese for recurrence of symptoms and total complications. Functional outcome was better among nonobese subjects compared with obese subjects at every interval (significant at 6 and 12 months). Back pain scores were significantly better among nonobese subjects than obese subjects at 24 months, but Leg Pain scores were not different. CONCLUSIONS MI TLIF can be safely performed in the obese population despite a higher in-hospital complication rate. Knowledge of common complications will help the treatment team appropriately manage obese patients with degenerative spondylolisthesis. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE 3.

STUDY DESIGN This is a retrospective cohort study. OBJECTIVE To compare posterolateral versus transforaminal interbody fusion (PLF vs. PLF+TLIF) of the L4/5 segment regarding rates of subsequent surgery, clinical and radiographic parameters, and patient satisfaction. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA Surgical treatment of lumbar stenosis, decompression with or without fusion, is an efficacious treatment in select patients. Reoperation is thought to be a problem after lumbar fusion. Despite multiple studies, the fusion method that minimizes the need for subsequent surgery has yet to be determined. MATERIALS AND METHODS A retrospective cohort study was conducted on 89 patients who had an isolated L4/5 decompression and fusion, from January 2006 to 2012. All patients had stenosis and degenerative spondylolisthesis at the L4/5 level. All surgeries were performed at a single center, using either PLF (31 patients) or PLF+TLIF (58 patients) techniques. Preoperative and postoperative patient-reported outcome measures (Oswestry disability index, visual analog scale back pain, visual analog scale leg pain) and radiographic parameters (L4/5 lordosis and overall lumbar lordosis) were measured. Patient satisfaction was acquired via a questionnaire. Chart reviews and patient questionnaires were used to determine the incidence of subsequent lumbar surgery over a minimum follow-up of 5 years. RESULTS At an average of 8.7 years follow-up, 2 of 31 patients in the PLF group had subsequent lumbar surgery, compared with 16 of 58 patients in the PLF+TLIF group (6% vs. 28%; P=0.02). There were no significant differences between groups with respect to sex, age, body mass index, tobacco, perioperative measures, patient-reported outcomes, or radiographic parameters (P>0.05). CONCLUSIONS Both PLF and PLF+TLIF are effective fusion methods for L4/5 stenosis and spondylolisthesis. In this study, patients treated with PLF were less likely to undergo a subsequent lumbar surgery. More research is needed to determine which factors influence whether PLF or PLF+TLIF should be used in these patients. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE Level III.

Background Polyetheretherketone (PEEK) and machined allograft interbody spacers are among devices used as fusion adjuncts in anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF). Most results are good to excellent but some patients develop pseudarthrosis. We compared the reoperation rates for pseudarthrosis following 1- or 2-level ACDF with PEEK or allograft cages. Methods This was a retrospective cohort study. We reviewed patients who underwent 1- or 2-level ACDF. The rate of subsequent surgery for pseudarthrosis was calculated for cases confirmed by computerized tomography. Patient-reported outcomes were collected at post-index surgery follow-up and post-revision ACDF follow-up. Radiographic parameters were assessed at a minimum of 1-year post-op on all patients. Results Two hundred and nine patients were included: 167 received allograft and 42 received PEEK. Subsidence was demonstrated in 31% of allograft and 29% of PEEK patients. There were no significant differences in clinical outcomes between allograft and PEEK groups. Clinical outcomes were not adversely affected by subsidence. Reoperation for pseudarthrosis was performed in 8% of allograft patients and 14% of PEEK patients (not statistically different). Improvement in patient-reported outcome was significantly better for patients without symptomatic post-operative pseudarthrosis. Conclusions Both allograft and PEEK spacers are acceptable options for ACDF surgery. Similar clinical outcomes and rates of radiographic subsidence were found. Subsidence was not a factor in clinical outcomes. Reoperation for pseudarthrosis was associated with poor outcomes. A higher incidence of revision for symptomatic pseudarthrosis occurred in the PEEK group, but this was not statistically significant.

WOS: 000396413400008, Aim: In surgeries on patients with advanced ligament instabilities or severe bone defects rotating hinged knee prostheses are one of a limited number of appropriate options. The objective of our study is to evaluate the mid-term functional results and complications of several surgeries using this form of prothesis. Material and Method: The rotating hinged knee prosthesis (RHKP) was applied to 23 knees of 19 patients in primary or revision surgeries at our instution between February 2009 and December 2011. Following their operations, patients underwent several retrospective evaluations to assess surgical success. The average follow-up period for the patients was 54 months. The average age of the patients at their last follow-up was 75. Results: The average Special Surgery Knee Scores, Knee Society Knee Scores, and Knee Society Functional Scores were 44, 27, and 18, respectively, before the surgery; and 83, 92, and 70 in the final post-surgery follow-ups. In addition, the average range of motion increased from the pre-operative level of 76 to 101 degrees at the final evaluation. Two patients had per-operative rupture of the patellar tendon, and four patients had various complications after the surgery, including periprosthetic fracture, deep infection, aseptic loosening, and patellofemoral instability. Discussion: Primary or revision knee arthroplasty using RKHP can be successful in cases with advanced ligament instability or severe bone defects; however, increased complication rates should be kept in mind.

WOS: 000469248600010, PubMed ID: 31135948, BACKGROUND: Extension-block pinning is a popular treatment for mallet fractures, but it is associated with several pitfalls. Of note, transfixation Kirschner wires used to fix the distal interphalangeal (DIP) joint may cause iatrogenic nail bed injury, bone fragment rotation, chondral damage, or osteoarthritis. The objective of this study was to determine whether a transfixation pin was necessary for extension-block pinning in the treatment of bony mallet fracture. METHODS: Patients were treated with a pin-orthosis extension-block technique if they had been diagnosed with a type IVB mallet fracture according to Doyle's classification. Radiological outcomes were evaluated based on postoperative X-ray results, and functional outcomes were evaluated using Crawford's criteria. RESULTS: Thirteen patients (9 males and 4 females) with a mean age of 26 years were included. The mean time between the injury and surgery was 3.3 days, and the mean follow-up period was 8.2 months (range: 4-12 months). Radiographic bone union was achieved in all patients within an average of 5.1 weeks (range: 5-6 weeks). At the final follow-up, the DIP joint had an average degree of flexion of 76.1 degrees (range: 65 degrees-80 degrees) and an average extension deficit of 3.84 degrees (range: 0 degrees-15 degrees). According to Crawford's criteria, 8 patients had excellent results, 4 patients had good results, and 1 patient had a fair result. No patient reported pain at the final follow-up. CONCLUSION: Satisfactory clinical and radiological outcomes were obtained with the pin-orthosis extension-block technique. Future prospective and randomized studies are justified to confirm the efficacy of this technique.

Background: Pedal biphalangism, which was also defined as symphalangism, is seen at a frequency that cannot be ignored; however, no study can be found in the literature evaluating biphalangism in normal population in comparison to those who have foot disorders. The aim of this study was to evaluate the incidence of the pedal fifth toe symphalangism in normal population and in patients with foot deformity including hallux valgus, pes planus, pes cavus, and pes equinovarus. We hypothesized that pedal fifth toe symphalangism may be a predisposing factor or an accompanying structural variation for foot deformity. Materials: Patients admitted to the emergency department of our center in October and November 2016 were defined as the control group, and patients with the diagnosis of hallux valgus, pes planus, pes cavus, and pes equinovarus treated between 2011 and 2016 in our department were defined as the foot deformity group. Individuals who had anteroposterior, oblique, and lateral radiographs of foot were included in the study. Results: One thousand and four patients participated in the cross-sectional observational study. Biphalangeal fifth toe was found in 328 of 1004 (32.7%) patients. In foot deformity group ( n = 672), 222 patients (33%) had biphalangeal fifth toe. In the control group, 106 (31.9%) of the 332 patients had biphalangeal fifth toe. There was no statistically significant difference in the incidence of biphalangeal fifth toe between the two groups ( p = 0.72). Conclusions: According to the results of this study, biphalangeal fifth toe is a common pedal anatomical variant seen approximately in one-third of the population who have either foot deformity or not. This information may be valuable for podiatrist undertaking the conservative or surgical treatment of fifth toe-related disorders.

The goal of distal chevron osteotomy for hallux valgus is to restore proper first-toe joint alignment by performing lateral translation of the distal first metatarsal fragment (the metatarsal head). We hypothesized that in some patients this procedure might also result in involuntary medial translation of the proximal first metatarsal fragment, which we called proximal intermetatarsal divergence. The aim of the present study was to compare the pre- and postoperative radiographs of patients with hallux valgus to determine whether we could identify proximal intermetatarsal divergence. We retrospectively compared the pre- and postoperative radiographs of 29 feet in 28 patients treated with distal chevron osteotomy. Two different methods were used to measure the intermetatarsal angles: the anatomic intermetatarsal angle (aIMA) and the mechanical intermetatarsal angle (mIMA). The maximum intermetatarsal distance (MID) was also measured. We defined proximal intermetatarsal divergence as a postoperative increase in the aIMA or MID, coupled with a decrease in the mIMA. For data analysis, we divided the patients into low-angle (mild deformity) and high-angle (severe deformity) groups, according to their preoperative mIMA. The mean ± standard deviation patient age was 41 ± 14 years. In the low-angle group, the mean mIMA decreased (from 10.91° to 7.00°), the mean aIMA increased (from 11.80° to 13.55°), and the mean MID increased (from 17.97 mm to 20.60 mm; p = .001, for all). In the high-angle group, the mean mIMA decreased (from 14.30° to 6.90°; p = .001), the mean aIMA decreased (from 14.77° to 13.54°; p = .06), and the mean MID decreased (from 20.74 mm to 20.37 mm; p = .64). The results of our study suggest that proximal intermetatarsal divergence might occur after distal chevron osteotomy for hallux valgus, primarily in patients with a low preoperative mIMA.

WOS: 000363948900024, PubMed: 25908335, The main purpose of the present study was to analyze the clinical features, the most common infective agents, and the results of two-stage total hip revision using a teicoplanin-impregnated spacer. Between January 2005 and July 2011, 41 patients were included. At the clinical status analysis, physical examination was performed, Harris hip score was noted, isolated microorganisms were recorded, and the radiographic evaluation was performed. The mean Harris hip score was improved from 38.9 +/- 9.6 points to 81.8 +/- 5.8 points (P < 0.05). Infection was eradicated in 39 hips. Radiographic evidence of stability was noted in 37 acetabular revision components, and all femoral stems. Two-stage revision of the infected primary hip arthroplasty is a time-consuming but a reliable procedure with high rates of success. (C) 2015 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Study design Clinical study with pre- and postoperative back photographs and postoperative Scoliosis Research Society-22 survey in patients who had undergone surgery for idiopathic scoliosis. Objective To determine the effect of showing patients their photographs before and after surgery for idiopathic scoliosis on postoperative patient satisfaction. Summary of background data After scoliosis surgery, patient satisfaction may be limited because the patients cannot directly see their back and may forget the preoperative appearance. Methods In 60 patients who had undergone surgery for correction of idiopathic scoliosis (Lenke type 1), pre- and postoperative photographs were taken from the anterior, posterior, and right and left lateral views. After surgery, patients in group 1 (30 patients) were shown the preoperative and most recent follow-up photographs, and patients in group 2 (30 patients) had routine evaluation but were not shown their photographs. All patients completed the Scoliosis Research Society-22 survey. Results Patients in both groups had similar age, sex, distribution of Lenke type and Risser sign, follow-up, and pre- and postoperative Cobb angles and balance (coronal and sagittal). A significant difference was observed between the groups for survey question 10 (which was about self-image), question 18 (which was about function and activity), and question 21 (which was about satisfaction) (P ≤ 0.05). There were no differences between patients in groups 1 and 2 in Scoliosis Research Society-22 domain or total scores. Conclusion By showing patients the pre- and postoperative clinical photographs, patient satisfaction may be greater, as measured with some SRS-22 scores. This method may enable clinicians to positively change the patients' self-image perception after surgery for correction of scoliosis. Level of evidence 4.

Sacral agenesis (SA), or caudal regression syndrome, is a congenital malformation of the spine of varying degree of severity. The aim of our study was to identify associated impairments in structure and function of the orthopedic, neurological, cardiopulmonary, genitourinary, and gastrointestinal systems, and to evaluate their impact on function.This was a retrospective case series analysis of 38 patients with SA. Patients were divided into two groups: SA with myelomeningocele (group 1) and without myelomeningocele (group 2). Between-group comparisons in terms of the features of the SA, impairments in associated systems, impact on gross motor function, need for surgery, and association with prenatal screening and maternal gestational diabetes were evaluated.The majority of comorbidities were orthopedic and neurological in nature. Impairments in sphincter control and independent transferring were more prevalent in group 1, resulting in lower function. Scoliosis, kyphosis, and hip dislocation/subluxation were the most common orthopedic problems, with a higher prevalence of kyphosis in group 1. The requirement for neurosurgery was significantly higher in group 1.Orthopedic and neurological comorbidities are commonly associated with SA and are more prevalent in the presence of a myelomeningocele. As the impairments impact a child's ability for maximum function, early identification and intervention is required to correct or ameliorate the impairment.Level IV.

BackgroundHeel pain is a prevalent concern in orthopedic clinics, and there are numerous pathologic abnormalities that can cause heel pain. Plantar fasciitis is the most common cause of heel pain, and the plantar fascia thickens in this process. It has been found that thickening to greater than 4 mm in ultrasonographic measurements can be accepted as meaningful in diagnoses. Herein, we aimed to measure normal plantar fascia thickness in adults using ultrasonography.MethodsWe used ultrasonography to measure the plantar fascia thickness of 156 healthy adults in both feet between April 1, 2011, and June 30, 2011. These adults had no previous heel pain. The 156 participants comprised 88 women (56.4%) and 68 men (43.6%) (mean age, 37.9 years; range, 18–65 years). The weight, height, and body mass index of the participants were recorded, and statistical analyses were conducted.ResultsThe mean ± SD (range) plantar fascia thickness measurements for subgroups of the sample were as follows: 3.284 ± 0.56 mm (2.4–5.1 mm) for male right feet, 3.3 ± 0.55 mm (2.5–5.0 mm) for male left feet, 2.842 ± 0.42 mm (1.8–4.1 mm) for female right feet, and 2.8 ± 0.44 mm (1.8–4.3 mm) for female left feet. The overall mean ± SD (range) thickness for the right foot was 3.035 ± 0.53 mm (1.8–5.1 mm) and for the left foot was 3.053 ± 0.54 mm (1.8–5.0 mm). There was a statistically significant and positive correlation between plantar fascia thickness and participant age, weight, height, and body mass index.ConclusionsThe plantar fascia thickness of adults without heel pain was measured to be less than 4 mm in most participants (~92%). There was no statistically significant difference between the thickness of the right and left foot plantar fascia.

WOS: 000350369800017, PubMed: 25417791, Purpose The aim of this study is to evaluate the efficacy of Tonnis triple pelvic osteotomy in patients with LCP disease. Methods Between 2007 and 2011, Tonnis triple pelvic osteotomy was performed for 43 patients with LCP, in our institute. During the follow-ups of patients with LCP the indications for the surgery were lateralization of the femoral head, insufficient femoral head coverage and subluxation of the femoral head. The mean age of patients at the time of surgery was 9.4 years. Results Before surgical intervention, according to Waldenstrom classification, three patients were in the necrosis stage (7 %), six patients in the fragmentation stage (13.9 %), 16 patients in the re-ossification stage (37.2 %) and 18 patients in the remodeling stage (41.9 %). According to Herring classification, four patients were in group B (9.3 %), one patient in group B/C (2.3 %) and 38 patients in group C (88.4 %). After the operation, patients were evaluated with Stulberg classification, and good outcome (Stulberg I/II) was achieved in 23 patients (53, 5 %), fair outcome (Stulberg III) in 16 patients (37, 2 %) and poor outcome (Stulberg IV/V) was seen in only four patients (9.3 %). The mean value of CEA was 0.37 degrees pre-operatively and in the last follow-ups the mean value of CEA was 23.7 degrees. Conclusions We recommend triple pelvic osteotomy for patients with LCP when conservative methods are not successful. According to our results we believe that Waldenstrom classification is a better option than Herring classification to determine the prognosis of disease after containment surgery.