Temporal change of joint position sense after posterior cruciate ligament reconstruction using multi-stranded hamstring tendons

A total of 29 patients who had undergone posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) reconstruction using multi-stranded hamstring tendons were prospectively followed-up for joint stability and proprioceptive function at a minimum of 24 months after surgery. We measured temporal changes of the posterior laxity by stress radiography and the KT-2000 arthrometer, and we also measured joint position sense for an average of 42 months (range 24–78 months). In terms of results, improvement of joint stability was observed postoperatively and maintained over 2 years after PCL reconstruction, although posterior stability in the reconstructed knee was not identical to the contralateral normal knee. Although joint position sense worsened just after reconstruction, it gradually recovered from 18 months after surgery. However, proprioceptive function after PCL reconstruction did not recover to the same level as in the contralateral normal knee even over 24 months after surgery.     

Eccentric ankle arthritis in the sagittal plane: a novel description of anterior and posterior ankle arthritis

BackgroundTo report radiographic characteristics of anterior and posterior ankle arthritis, which demonstrates the eccentric narrowing of either aspect of the tibiotalar joint in the sagittal plane.MethodsRadiographic analysis of 19 ankles with anterior arthritis and 16 ankles with posterior arthritis was performed, which were defined as having both (1) eccentric narrowing of the anterior or posterior tibiotalar joint space on lateral radiographs and (2) talar tilt angle less than 4 degrees on anteroposterior radiographs. Measured radiographic parameters were: Talar tilt angle, medial distal tibial angle (MDTA), talar center migration (TCM), anterior distal tibial angle (ADTA), tibial axis-to-talus ratio (TT ratio), talo-first metatarsal (Meary) angle, hindfoot alignment angle (HAA), hindfoot moment arm, and mechanical axis deviation (MAD). An Intergroup comparison analysis, including a normal control group, was also performed.ResultsThe TT ratio was significantly different between each group, indicating a distinct talus position in the sagittal plane. The anterior group had a significantly larger TCM than the control group and lower ADTA compared to other groups, indicating medial translation of the talus and anterior opening of the tibial plafond. The posterior group demonstrated a significantly higher Meary angle and lower HAA compared to other groups and lower MDTA compared to the control group, indicating lower medial longitudinal arch, valgus heel alignment, and varus tibial plafond. The MAD was significantly higher in both the anterior and posterior groups than the control group, indicating varus lower limb alignment.ConclusionAnterior ankle arthritis demonstrated anteromedial translation of the talus and anterior opening of the tibial plafond. Posterior ankle arthritis was associated with the lower medial longitudinal arch and hindfoot valgus, indicating an association with flatfoot deformity. Both anterior and posterior ankle arthritis were associated with varus lower limb alignment.     

Effectiveness of gait retraining interventions in individuals with hip or knee osteoarthritis: A systematic review and meta-analysis

BackgroundOsteoarthritis is a chronic synovial joint disease leading to pain, stiffness, and gait dysfunction, resulting in a significant health and economic burden. Gait retraining strategies and tools are used to address biomechanical gait dysfunction and symptoms in individuals with osteoarthritis. However, there is limited evidence relating to their effectiveness.QuestionDo gait retraining strategies and tools improve gait biomechanics and symptoms in individuals with hip or knee osteoarthritis compared to control or alternate intervention?MethodsSeven databases were searched using key words relating to osteoarthritis, gait retraining, and biomechanics. A best evidence synthesis was conducted on included studies. Where available, a meta-analysis was performed, and the standardised mean difference (SMD) and 95% confidence internals (CI) were reported.ResultsEighteen studies were included. One study investigated gait retraining in participants with hip osteoarthritis and demonstrated limited evidence for improving gait biomechanics. Seventeen studies on knee osteoarthritis were included in the best evidence synthesis with six included in the meta-analysis. Gait retraining strategies which incorporated a real-time biofeedback tool, appear to have strong evidence for effectively modifying walking biomechanics. Moderate evidence was identified to support kinesiology taping improving pain scores. The meta-analysis pooled effect demonstrated significant improvements for knee adduction moment [SMD, −1.10; 95% CI. −1.85, −0.35] and the Western Ontario and McMaster Osteoarthritis Index in favour of gait retraining than a control intervention [SMD, −0.86; 95% CI. −1.33, −0.39]. All other interventions demonstrated evidence that was conflicting, limited, or not in favour of gait retraining.ConclusionGait retraining may be beneficial for improving biomechanics and symptoms in knee osteoarthritis, however due to the high heterogeneity and limited studies in the analysis, further research is required. Further high quality randomised controlled trials for knee and especially hip osteoarthritis investigating the effects of gait retraining on biomechanics and symptoms are required.     

Effect of gap-filling technique and gap location on linear and nonlinear calculations of motion during locomotor activities

BackgroundMarker occlusion during camera-based movement analysis is common. Different interpolation techniques are available for estimating location of missing marker trajectories.Research questionWhat is the effect of gap location and interpolation technique on linear and nonlinear measures for a given kinematic time series?MethodsKinematic data were recorded during motor-assisted elliptical training and treadmill walking. Gap-filling techniques (i.e., Cubic, Makima, Autoregressive, Nearest Neighbor, and No Interpolation) and gap locations experimentally applied to each cycle across initially complete time series (Gap 1: local minimum and maximum peaks; Gap 2: maximum peaks; Gap 3: maximum peaks at negative slope; Gap 4: random locations) were examined during linear (Maxima and Minima joint angles) and nonlinear [maximum Lyapunov exponent (LyE)] measures.ResultsGap-filling technique and gap location influenced values calculated for linear and nonlinear measures of joint motions. When referenced to the gold standard (original data series without gaps), across all joints studied the average % error of Maxima and Minima joint angles and LyE % error were lower when applying Cubic, Makima, Autoregressive, and Nearest Neighbor techniques compared to No Interpolation (p < 0.0001). The % error of Maxima joint angles was lower for Gaps 1, 3, and 4 compared to Gap 2 (p = 0.0003), while % error of Minima joint angles was lower for Gaps 2 and 3, compared to Gaps 1 and 4 (p < 0.0001). An interaction between gap-filling technique and gap location was identified for LyE % error, in which Gap 4 % error was significantly greater during No Interpolation compared to other gap-filling techniques (p < 0.0001).SignificanceFindings can guide selection of appropriate techniques to manage missing kinematic data points in camera-based motion analysis time series. Gap-filling techniques significantly reduced error in calculating select linear and nonlinear measures of variability, with Cubic most consistently resulting in the greatest reduction in error.     

Which surgical approach is optimal for joint preparation in talonavicular fusion — A cadaver study

BackgroundFusion of the talonavicular joint has proven challenging in literature. The optimal surgical approach for talonavicular arthrodesis is still uncertain. This study compares the amount of physical joint preparation between dorsal and medial approaches to the talonavicular joint.MethodsTwenty fresh frozen cadaver specimens were randomly assigned to receive either a dorsal or medial operative approach to the talonavicular joint. The joint surface was prepared, and the joint was disarticulated. Image analysis, using ImageJ, was performed by two blinded reviewers to assess the joint surface preparation and this was compared by surgical approach.ResultsThe dorsal approach had a higher median percentage of talar and total talonavicular joint surface area prepared (75% vs. 59% (p = .007) and 82% vs. 70% (p = .005)). Irrespective of approach, the talus was significantly more difficult to prepare than the navicular (62% vs 88% (p = .001)).ConclusionThe dorsal approach provides superior talonavicular joint preparation. The lateral ¼th of the talar head was the most difficult surface to prepare, and surgeons performing double or triple arthrodesis may prepare the lateral talar head from the lateral approach.Level of evidenceLevel V.     

关节穿刺生理盐水冲洗治疗四肢骨关节炎的效果分析

目的观察关节穿刺生理盐水冲洗治疗四肢骨关节炎的效果。方法回顾性分析自2010-06—2014-10采用关节穿刺生理盐水冲洗治疗的332例(382个关节)骨关节炎,其中关节镜术后患者244例,观察疼痛缓解情况。结果所有患者关节冲洗后症状均有明显改善,患者主观满意度良好。治疗后3个月,关节镜术后组复诊218例,再治疗20例,复诊治疗率9.17%;单纯冲洗组复诊73例,再治疗11例,复诊治疗率15.07%;治疗后6个月,关节镜术后组复诊148例,再治疗36例,复诊治疗率24.32%;单纯冲洗组复诊45例,再治疗15例,复诊治疗率33.33%;治疗后9个月,关节镜术后组复诊88例,再治疗31例,复诊治疗率35.23%;单纯冲洗组复诊21例,再治疗11例,复诊治疗率52.38%。结论关节穿刺生理盐水冲洗治疗四肢骨关节炎可有效改善患者临床症状,缓解疼痛。     

IVIM在前列腺癌诊断中的价值及其与第八版AJCC临床病理分级的相关性研究

目的分析体素内不相干运动(IVIM)相关定量参数在前列腺癌诊断中的价值并分析其与临床病理分级的相关性。方法连续搜集经穿刺或根治切除术病理证实的63例前列腺病例,其中前列腺癌31例,前列腺增生32例。两组患者均采用IVIM模型计算得出病灶的标准水分子扩散系数(Ds)、纯水分子扩散系数(D)、快速水分子扩散系数(D^*)及灌注分数(f),利用受试者工作特征(ROC)曲线分析其对前列腺癌的诊断效能。评估以上参数与美国癌症联合会(AJCC)第8版前列腺癌临床病理分级的相关性,P<0.05认为差异有统计学意义。结果前列腺增生组的Ds、D值及f值显著高于前列腺癌组(P值均为0.000)。AJCC前列腺癌不同临床病理分级的组间Ds、D值及f值差异均有统计学意义(P<0.05),其中D值具有最大的诊断效能(AUC=0.964)。D^*值在不同临床分级的PCa组间比较差异无统计学意义(P>0.05)。Ds、D及f值与AJCC临床分级呈负相关(r值分别为-0.612、-0.946及-0.610,P=0.000)。结论IVIM参数定量分析对前列腺癌有较高的诊断价值,其中D值诊断效能最高,且有助于判断前列腺癌的侵袭性及预后情况。     

Intraindividual Comparisons to Determine Comparative Effectiveness: Their Relevance for G-BA’s Health Technology Assessments

ObjectivesHealth technology assessments (HTA) rely on head-to-head comparisons. We searched for intraindividual comparisons (IIC) qualifying as head-to-head design to develop comparative evidence.MethodsGemeinsamer Bundesausschuss (G-BA) appraisals between January 2011 and April 2020 were reviewed for inclusion of IIC. Identified IIC were grouped according to disease characteristics into nonprogressive, progressive, irregular, or symmetrical conditions. Evaluation of IIC by Institut für Qualität und Wirschaftlichkeit im Gesundheitswesen (IQWIG) and acceptance of IIC by G-BA were determined, and criteria for the usage and quality of IIC were developed.ResultsA total of 483 appraisals finalized between January 2011 and April 2020 were reviewed. Eleven appraisals included IIC: nonacog beta (hemophilia B), turoctocog alpha (hemophilia A), emicizumab (2 appraisals: hemophilia A), pasireotide (unresectable pituitary tumor), lomitapid (homozygous familial hypercholesterolemia), glycerol phenylbutyrate (2 appraisals: urea cycle disorders), asfotase alfa (hypophosphatasia), lumacaftor (cystic fibrosis), and larotrectinib (NTRK⁺ solid tumors). All those appraisals related to rare genetic conditions with hemophilia and its bleeding rate are considered mainly a nonprogressive condition. All the other diseases show progressive disease characteristics. None of the identified IIC has been accepted by G-BA. Inconsistencies of before/after study design, lack of clarity on treatments prior to the switch, and different time intervals were among the most commonly cited methodological concerns.ConclusionsIICs provide a rare opportunity to determine comparative effectiveness in distinct clinical settings that are not suitable or difficult to randomize into parallel groups. While manufacturers and researchers should aim for highest methodological standards when running an IIC, HTA bodies should accept IIC in distinct settings when determining relative effectiveness.     

Predictors of a forgotten joint after medial fixed-bearing unicompartmental knee arthroplasty

BackgroundA forgotten joint is considered the ultimate goal of joint replacement. We aim to explore the predictive factors of a forgotten joint after fixed-bearing unicompartmental knee arthroplasty (UKA).MethodsThis retrospective cohort study used prospectively collected data from 302 cases of medial-compartment UKA with a minimum of 2-year follow-up. The primary outcome was the achievement of a forgotten joint after UKA, according to the Forgotten Joint Score (FJS-12) at the last follow-up. Patients with FJS-12 > 84 were considered to have forgotten UKA. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were conducted with preoperative patient characteristics and surgery-related factors as potential predictors.ResultsOf patients, 94 (31.1%) achieved a forgotten joint post-surgery. Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that preoperative hip-knee-ankle angle (HKAA), anatomic lateral distal femoral angle (aLDFA), and postoperative HKAA and HKAA changes were independent predictors of a forgotten joint. The probability of achieving a forgotten joint increased by 29% (OR = 1.29, 95% CI: 1.12–1.51) with a 1° increase in aLDFA. Preoperative HKAA, postoperative HKAA, HKAA changes (ΔHKAA), and outcomes exhibited a non-linear relationship. The probability of achieving a forgotten joint was the highest with preoperative HKAA > 172.0°, postoperative HKAA of 176.0–178.5°, and ΔHKAA < 5.5°.ConclusionTo achieve the forgotten joint state, the ideal HKAA range after medial fixed-bearing UKA is 176.0–178.5° and ΔHKAA should be <5.5°. Patients with smaller preoperative aLDFA and HKAA have a lower probability of achieving a forgotten joint after UKA.