Evaluation of Quality of Life Using EORTC QLQ‐BM22 in Patients with Bone Metastases after Treatment with Magnetic Resonance Guided Focused Ultrasound

Objective

To reveal the alterations in quality of life (QOL) in bone metastases patients after magnetic resonance guided focused ultrasound (MRgFUS).

Methods

This retrospective study enrolled 26 patients diagnosed with bone metastases. Patients had various primary malignant tumors and tumor lesions in different locations. All patients received MRgFUS for bone metastasis. Each focal spot sonication pulse that was applied to create energy deposition lasted 20 s and was performed at a frequency of 1.05 MHz. The visual analog scale (VAS) was used to measure pain level and the EORTC QLQ‐BM22 was applied to evaluate QOL for 12 months. The lower the QLQ‐BM22 score, the better the QOL of patients.

Results

The painful site subscale of the EORTC QLQ‐BM22 was observed without significant change. Significant reductions in the functional subscales were observed after therapy compared with the baseline. The functional interference was reduced significantly during the first 12 months. From the 2‐month time point onwards, the pain characteristics subscale also decreased significantly. VAS scores had decreased by 40.8% 1 month after the operation and had decreased 10.9% compared with VAS scores preoperation. Scores for pain characteristics decreased by 28.8% after the operation and the scores were still down by 10.8% 1 year after the treatment. VAS scores indicated a significant reduction in pain over the course of the research until the 12‐month time point follow‐up compared with the baseline.

Conclusion

MRgFUS therapy improved the QOL of patients with bone metastasis by relieving bone pain.

     

En Bloc Resection of Primary Malignant Bone Tumor in the Cervical Spine Based on 3‐Dimensional Printing Technology

Objective

To investigate the feasibility and safety of en bloc resection of cervical primary malignant bone tumors by a combined anterior and posterior approach based on a three‐dimensional (3‐D) printing model.

Methods

Five patients with primary malignant bone tumors of the cervical spine underwent en bloc resection via a one‐stage combined anteroposterior approach in our hospital from March 2013 to June 2014. They comprised three men and two women of mean age 47.2 years (range, 26–67 years). Three of the tumors were chondrosarcomas and two chordomas. Preoperative 3‐D printing models were created by 3‐D printing technology. Sagittal en bloc resections were planned based on these models and successfully performed. A 360° reconstruction was performed by spinal instrumentation in all cases. Surgical margins, perioperative complications, local control rate and survival rate were assessed.

Results

All patients underwent en bloc excision via a combined posterior and anterior approach in one stage. Mean operative time and estimated blood loss were 465 minutes and 1290 mL, respectively. Mean follow‐up was 21 months. Wide surgical margins were achieved in two patients and marginal resection in three; these three patients underwent postoperative adjuvant radiation therapy. One vertebral artery was ligated and sacrificed in each of three patients. Nerve root involved by tumor was sacrificed in three patients with preoperative upper extremity weakness. One patient (Case 3) had significant transient radiculopathy with paresis postoperatively. Another (Case 4) with C ₄ and C ₅ chordoma had respiratory difficulties and pneumonia after surgery postoperatively. He recovered completely after 2 weeks’ management with a tracheotomy tube and antibiotics in the intensive care unit. No cerebrovascular complications and wound infection were observed. No local recurrence or instrumentation failure were detected during follow‐up.

Conclusion

Though technically challenging, it is feasible and safe to perform en bloc resection of cervical primary bone tumors. This is the most effective means of managing cervical spine tumors. Preoperative 3‐D printing modelling enables better anatomical understanding of the relationship between the tumor and cervical spine and can assist in planning the surgical procedure.

     

Purely off‐clamp robotic partial nephrectomy: Preliminary 3‐year oncological and functional outcomes

Objectives

To describe our surgical technique and to report perioperative, 3‐year oncological and functional outcomes of a single‐center series of purely off‐clamp robotic partial nephrectomy.

Methods

A prospective renal cancer institutional database was queried, and data of consecutive patients treated with purely off‐clamp robotic partial nephrectomy between 2010 and 2015 in a high‐volume center were collected. Perioperative complications, and 3‐year oncological and functional outcomes were assessed. Univariable and multivariable analyses were carried out to identify independent predictors of renal function deterioration.

Results

Out of 308 patients treated, 41 (13.3%) experienced perioperative complications, 2.9% of which were Clavien grade ≥3. The 3‐year local recurrence‐free survival and renal cell carcinoma‐specific survival rates were 99.5% and 97.9%, respectively. No patient with preoperative chronic kidney disease stage ≤3B developed severe renal function deterioration (chronic kidney disease stage 4) at 1‐year follow up. At multivariable analysis, preoperative estimated glomerular filtration rate (P = 0.005) was the only independent predictor of a new‐onset chronic kidney disease stage ≥3 in patients with preoperative chronic kidney disease stages 1 or 2.

Conclusions

Off‐clamp robotic partial nephrectomy is a safe surgical approach in tertiary referral centers, with adequate oncological outcomes and negligible impact on renal function.

     

Systematic overview and critical appraisal of meta‐analyses of interventions in intensive care medicine

Rationale

Meta‐analysed intervention effect estimates are perceived to represent the highest level of evidence. However, such effects and the randomized clinical trials which are included in them need critical appraisal before the effects can be trusted.

Objective

Critical appraisal of a predefined set of all meta‐analyses on interventions in intensive care medicine to assess their quality and assessed the risks of bias in those meta‐analyses having the best quality.

Methods

We conducted a systematic search to select all meta‐analyses of randomized clinical trials on interventions used in intensive care medicine. Selected meta‐analyses were critically appraised for basic scientific criteria, (1) presence of an available protocol, (2) report of a full search strategy, and (3) use of any bias risk assessment of included trials. All meta‐analyses which qualified these criteria were scrutinized by full “Risk of Bias in Systematic Reviews” ROBIS evaluation of 4 domains of risks of bias, and a “Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta‐Analyses” PRISMA evaluation.

Results

We identified 467 meta‐analyses. A total of 56 meta‐analyses complied with these basic scientific criteria. We scrutinized the risks of bias in the 56 meta‐analyses by full ROBIS evaluation and a PRISMA evaluation. Only 4 meta‐analyses scored low risk of bias in all the 4 ROBIS domains and 41 meta‐analyses reported all 27 items of the PRISMA checklist.

Conclusion

In contrast with what might be perceived as the highest level of evidence only 0.9% of all meta‐analyses were judged to have overall low risk of bias.

     

Development of a new patient‐reported outcome (PRO) measure on the Impact of Nighttime Urination (INTU) in patients with nocturia—Psychometric validation

Aims

To psychometrically evaluate the Impact of Nighttime Urination (INTU) questionnaire, a new patient‐reported outcome measure developed to assess the impact of nocturia on health and functioning in a multicenter, behavioral modification (fluid restriction) study.

Methods

Participants aged 50‐95 years with at least two voiding episodes/night for ≥6 months completed voiding diaries and the INTU on 3 consecutive days during weeks 1 and 2 (same day recall) and completed the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) and Nocturia Quality of Life Questionnaire (N‐QOL) at baseline and days 8 and 15. Psychometric evaluations of the INTU were conducted.

Results

Rasch analysis showed the INTU to be a unidimensional construct, with most items located on the severe end of the symptom severity continuum. In addition to an Overall Impact Score (10 items), exploratory factor analysis affirmed by confirmatory factor analysis identified two domains: Daytime (six items) and Nighttime (four items) Impact Scores (comparative fit index = 0.968; root mean square error of approximation = 0.08). Concurrent validity met prespecified hypotheses, indicating similarity of concepts with the PSQI (correlation [r] = 0.627) and N‐QOL (r = ?0.784) total scores. The INTU differentiated among patients with different nocturic episode frequencies (P < 0.05 for all three summary scores). Statistically significant decreases were observed in mean Overall and Nighttime Impact Scores at week 2 versus week 1 in responders, indicating that the instrument can detect changes in response to symptom improvements.

Conclusions

The INTU questionnaire demonstrated robust measurement properties and is a suitable tool for assessing the patient‐reported impact of nocturia on health and functioning.

     

Prostate‐specific antigen screening impacts on biochemical recurrence in patients with clinically localized prostate cancer

Objective

To clarify the impact of prostate‐specific antigen screening on surgical outcomes of prostate cancer.

Methods

Patients who underwent radical prostatectomy were divided into two groups according to prostate‐specific antigen testing opportunity (group 1, prostate‐specific antigen screening; group 2, non‐prostate‐specific antigen screening). Perioperative clinical characteristics were compared using the Wilcoxon rank‐sum and χ²‐tests. Cox proportional hazards models were used to identify independent predictors of postoperative biochemical recurrence‐free survival.

Results

In total, 798 patients (63.2%) and 464 patients (36.8%) were categorized into groups 1 and 2, respectively. Group 2 patients were more likely to have a higher prostate‐specific antigen level and age at diagnosis and larger prostate volume. Clinical T stage, percentage of positive cores and pathological Gleason score did not differ between the groups. The 5‐year biochemical recurrence‐free survival rate was 83.9% for group 1 and 71.0% for group 2 (P < 0.001). On multivariate analysis, prostate‐specific antigen testing opportunity (hazard ratio 2.530; P < 0.001) was an independent predictive factor for biochemical recurrence after surgery, as well as pathological T stage, pathological Gleason score, positive surgical margin and lymphovascular invasion. Additional analyses showed that prostate‐specific antigen screening had a greater impact on biochemical recurrence in a younger patients, patients with a high prostate‐specific antigen level, large prostate volume and D'Amico high risk, and patients meeting the exclusion criteria of the Prostate Cancer Research International Active Surveillance study.

Conclusions

Detection by screening results in favorable outcomes after surgery. Prostate‐specific antigen screening might contribute to reducing biochemical recurrence in patients with localized prostate cancer.

     

The efficacy and safety of cold‐induced lipolysis in the treatment of pseudogynecomastia

Background

The treatment options for pseudogynecomastia have been limited. Cold‐induced lipolysis provides a noninvasive, localized subcutaneous adipocyte destruction by inducing adipocyte apoptosis.

Objective

This study has been designed to evaluate the efficacy of cold‐induced lipolysis as a treatment modality for pseudogynecomastia.

Methods

In this 28‐week prospective trial, a total of 12 male pseudogynecomastia patients (Korean) were treated twice with cold‐induced lipolysis. Efficacy was determined by chest circumference, ultrasonographic measurement of fat thickness, Simon's Gynecomastia class (SGC), photographic assessment, and the patient's satisfaction (baseline, weeks 4, 8, 16, and 28). Using a questionnaire, safety was evaluated at each visit.

Results

For 10 subjects that completed the trial, chest circumference and fat thickness significantly improved by week 8. This same improvement was gradually noticed through week 28. The patients SGC scores continuously decreased after two sessions. Photographic assessment showed an improvement until week 28. The result of the patient's satisfaction score was also meaningful. While there were no adverse events observed, transient pain and bruising at the treatment site were noticed.

Limitations

We recruited a limited number of participants. Also, we could not exclude there might be other individual factors in association with the patients pseudogynecomastia.

Conclusion

Cold‐induced lipolysis is a safe, effective therapeutic option in the treatment of pseudogynecomastia. Lasers Surg. Med. 48:584–589, 2016. © 2016 The Authors. Lasers in Surgery and Medicine Published by Wiley Periodicals Inc.

     

A New Intraoperative Syndesmosis Instability Classification System: Utility and Medium‐term Results in Closed Displaced Ankle Fractures

Objective

To investigate the utility and medium‐term results of a new intra‐operative classification system for distal tibiofibular syndesmosis injury in ankle fractures.

Methods

Between January 2010 and January 2015, 116 patients diagnosed with displaced closed Weber B and C ankle fractures were treated in our department. The etiology of injury was 56 cases of fall‐sprain, 36 of traffic injury, 14 of fall from a height, and 10 of multiple injuries. After fixation of the fibular fracture, we classify syndesmosis stability as either normal or one of three grades of instability using the fibular hook traction test. This determined further fixation selection and final syndesmosis treatment.

Results

Of 116 cases, 82 (71%) demonstrated a tibiofibular syndesmosis injury and 52 (45%) were unstable. Twenty‐six cases were type I injuries (<4 mm displacement), 41% cases were type II injuries (4–7 mm displacement), and 3% of cases were type III injuries (>7 mm displacement). Types II and III are defined as unstable and require stabilization. Type III injuries have multiplanar instability and require two screws at the syndesmosis. Weber C fractures demonstrate significantly greater degrees of instability than Weber B fractures (χ² = 15.50, P = 0.0014). All patients were followed up for 12–24 months, with no cases of non‐union or broken screws. Good and excellent results were achieved in 93% of cases (according to the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society scoring system).

Conclusion

The syndesmosis instability classification system provides a rational and efficient basis for managing syndesmosis instability. Our results from application of the algorithm justify its further evaluation in the treatment of patients with closed displaced Weber B and C ankle fractures.

     

Angle Stable Interlocking Intramedullary Nails for Tibial Plateau Fractures

Objective

Angle stable interlocking intramedullary nail (ASIN), a novel technique, has rarely been used for treatment of tibial plateau fractures (TPF). This retrospective study was designed to introduce this novel technique, ASIN, as well as to describe the initial experience and verify the effectiveness when ASIN was used for the management for TPF.

Methods

A cohort of 19 cases with closed TPF aged from 18–70 years with at least 23 months follow‐up from November 2008 to September 2013 was analyzed retrospectively. All patients underwent the ASIN procedure, which was performed by the same group of surgeons. Perioperative and postoperative parameters like the measurement of radiographic pictures, surgical data, and clinical function were recorded including the changes in treatment. A modified Hohl–Luck radiological and functional score combined with the Hospital for Special Surgery (HSS) score were applied to evaluate the final results and to provide reliable data through the whole procedure when applying the ASIN procedure.

Results

The patients were followed up regularly for an average of 26.3 (range, 23–34) months. All patients achieved a bony union at an average of 15.1 weeks with no incidences of malunion, nonunion, or infection. Anatomical reduction of the articular surface was obtained in 16 patients. No secondary failure of fixation occurred. The mean postoperative knee flexion was 122.9°. The modified Hohl–Luck radiological and functional score was excellent and good, respectively, in 16 patients. The mean HSS score was 89.4.

Conclusion

The angle stable interlocking intramedullary nail system turned out to be a viable alternative protocol in the treatment of tibia plateau fractures and provided satisfactory results, with good fracture reduction, biomechanical fixation, low rates of complications, and passable postoperative knee function.

     

Total Hip Arthroplasty in Hemophilia Patients: A Mid‐term to Long‐term Follow‐up

Objective

To report the results of mid‐term to long‐term follow‐up after primary total hip arthroplasty (THA) in hemophiliacs and to hypothesize that THA can provide satisfactory outcomes in these patients.

Methods

Twenty‐four primary THA performed in 21 hemophilia patients between 2002 and 2012 were reviewed retrospectively, including 20 cases of hemophilia A and 1 case of hemophilia B. The standard lateral approach was used for all implantations. Substitution therapy for factor VIII and activated prothrombin complex concentrates were administered to patients with hemophilia A and B, respectively. Total and hidden blood loss were calculated. Outcomes were assessed using the Harris hip score before surgery and at the final follow‐up visit. Complications were recorded by clinical and radiographic assessment and then compared to those in previous reports.

Results

The mean follow‐up period was 113 months (range, 5–15 years). The average total blood loss was 3559 mL (range, 1494–7506 mL). The mean amount of red blood cell (RBC) transfusion was 4.4 U (range, 0–14 U). The mean amount of clotting factor used in the perioperative period for management of hemophilia was 14 031.3 U (range, 8100–25 200 U). Harris hip scores improved from 37 points (range, 15–81) before surgery to 90 points (range, 70–96) at the last follow‐up. No signs of loosening, infection or other complications of the implant components occurred after discharge. The overall survivorship of the implants was 100% for all patients, and no revision surgery was performed.

Conclusions

With modern techniques and hematological management, THA in patients with hemophilia leads to significant improvement in joint function with a relatively low incidence of complications. Increased blood loss and substitution therapy have no obvious negative influences on the mid‐term to long‐term results of THA.

     

Comparative Study Between M6‐C and Mobi‐C Cervical Artificial Disc Replacement: Biomechanical Outcomes and Comparison with Normative Data

Objective

Cervical spondylosis affects a huge proportion of the middle‐aged population. Degenerative changes can occur in multiple regions of the cervical spine typically affecting the joints, intervertebral discs and endplates. These changes lead to compression of adjacent nervous structures, which results in radiculopathic and myelopathic pain. Various treatment modalities are currently available with non‐surgical approaches the initial go to if there is no symptomatic cord compression. Anterior cervical discectomy and fusion, or arthroplasty are the two common surgical approaches if non‐surgical treatments fail to relieve symptoms of the patients or there are signs of central cord compression. However, studies have shown that there is an increased risk of adjacent segment disease related to fusion. Cervical disc arthroplasty aims to restore normal range of motion (ROM) in patients with pain and disability due to degenerative disc disease resistant to conservative care. Two common disc prostheses used include M6‐C and Mobi‐C. Both prostheses comprise a mobile polymer segment sandwiched between two metal endplates with mechanisms resembling an actual intervertebral disc. This study aims to compare the kinematics associated with these prostheses, against the normal range of motion in the non‐degenerative population.

Method

Patients who underwent M6‐C or Mobi‐C disc replacements by the senior author from 2012 to 2015 were identified at a single tertiary institution. Routine 3‐month postoperative lateral radiographs were analyzed for flexion and extension ROM angles at the involved vertebral level by two independent authors. Data was compared to previous published studies investigating cervical spine ROM of asymptomatic patients.

Results

There was no statistical significance in the difference of overall flexion range between M6‐C and Mobi‐C prostheses. However, overall range of extension of Mobi‐C was greater compared to M6‐C (P = 0.028). At C_5–6, the range of flexion for both implants were similar but lesser compared to asymptomatic patients (P < 0.001). Range of extension was greater in the Mobi‐C group (14.2° ± 5.1°) compared to the M6‐C (7.3° ± 4.6°) (P = 0.0009). At C_6–7, there were no statistical differences in both range of flexion and extension between the two prostheses and asymptomatic patients (P > 0.05).

Conclusion

The early results regarding restoration of ROM following cervical arthroplasty using either M6‐C or Mobi‐C prosthesis are encouraging. Long‐term follow‐up studies are necessary to observe the change in ROM over time with physiological loading and wear patterns.

     

Traumatic Spino‐pelvic Dissociation with Bilateral Triangular Fixation

Objective

To evaluate the clinical outcomes of traumatic spino‐pelvic dissociation (TSD) treated with modified bilateral triangular fixation.

Methods

Eighteen consecutive patients of TSD were included in the study from March 2011 to March 2015, and the medical records of patients were reviewed retrospectively. There were 14 men and 4 women with an average age of 33.1 ± 1.4 years (range, 18–55 years). A total of 16 cases were caused by falling, and 2 cases were caused by traffic accident. All sacral fractures had associated injuries. According to the morphology of sacral fracture, U‐shaped fractures were present in 10 cases, H‐shaped fractures in 6 cases, and Y‐shaped fractures in 2 cases. According to Roy–Camille classification, there were 12 cases of type II and 6 cases of type III. All patients received surgical treatment with modified bilateral triangular fixation, and the sacral plexus decompression was performed simultaneously on 6 cases whose scores were more than 2 according to Gibbons classification and were found having traumatic canal stenosis or sacral nerve compression detected by preoperative imaging examination. Mears’ radiological evaluation criterion was applied to evaluate the reduction quality of fractures; Gibbons score was applied as the index of neurological deficiency healing, and the clinical outcome of fracture was evaluated with Majeed function assessment at last follow‐up.

Results

All patients were followed up continuously within an average of 32.4 ± 3.6 months (range, 22–48 months). All sacral fractures were healed in an average time of 11.3 ± 2.8 months (range, 8–28 months). According to the Majeed function evaluation, 12 cases were classified as excellent, 4 cases as good, and 2 cases as fair. Meanwhile, the anatomical reduction was obtained in 11 cases, satisfactory reduction in 6 cases, and unsatisfactory reduction in 1 case according to Mears’ radiological evaluation criterion. The average Gibbons score changed from 2.5 ± 0.2 preoperatively to 1.4 ± 0.5 24 months postoperatively, which had a significant difference (t = 2.15, P < 0.05).

Conclusion

Modified triangular fixation combined with internal fixations shows satisfactory clinical outcomes in the treatment of TSD, which is recommended as an effective and advanced surgical choice.

     

Assessment of Change of Shoulder Balance in Patients with Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis after Correctional Surgery

Objective

To identify factors that influence shoulder balance and to determine whether a model can be made to predict shoulder balance after corrective surgery.

Methods

This is a retrospective study in which we examined the records of with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) patients who underwent single posterior spinal correction and fusion using all pedicle screws with derotation in our institution between January 2008 and June 2010. For the radiographic outcome measurement, we measured the preoperative lumbar curve, the main thoracic curve, and their difference (L_TH_D), and the degree of correction of the lumbar curve, the main thoracic curve, and their difference (c_L_TH_D) to evaluate their influence on postoperative shoulder balance. The preoperative flexibility of the proximal non‐fusion curve on the immediate postoperative tilt of the upper endplate of the uppermost vertebra of fusion segments (Up_FuS) was used to evaluate and predict the shoulder balance at follow‐up.

Results

For patients who had shoulder balance at follow‐up, the average balance time was 7.1 months, and in most of them, balance was detected within 12 months. The main thoracic curve has the greatest influence on preoperative shoulder tilt and correction of the main thoracic curve has the greatest influence on the postoperative alteration in shoulder balance. To evaluate the influence on the preoperative shoulder tilt, the lumbar curve must be larger than the main thoracic curve both pre operatively and postoperatively. If the preoperative flexibility of the proximal non‐fusion curve on the immediate postoperative Up_FuS includes the horizontal line (With Horizontal group), shoulder balance can be ensured. The postoperative Up_FuS can be evaluated based on the preoperative Up_FuS and the degree of correction of the lumbar and main thoracic curves.

Conclusion

Shoulder balance can be ensured in patients in the With Horizontal group after surgery. If the preoperative Up_FuS and the degree of correction of the main thoracic curve and the lumbar curve are considered in the preoperative plan, the desired postoperative Up_FuS can be achieved, ensuring shoulder balance at follow‐up.

     

Identifying Common Pathogens in Periprosthetic Joint Infection and Testing Drug‐resistance Rate for Different Antibiotics: A Prospective,Single Center Study in Beijing

Objective

The aim of this study is to identify the common microorganisms causing PJI as well as the drug‐resistant spectrum for each microorganism, to help orthopaedic surgeons to choose appropriate antibiotics.

Method

One hundred and sixty patients who suffered from failure of primary or revision total hip or knee arthroplasty for different reasons were prospectively recruited. These patients underwent revision or re‐revision total hip or knee arthroplasty in our institution between August 2013 to August 2016. The details of patients’ medical history and comprehensive physical examination, as well as demographic data were recorded precisely. Routine blood test results, erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), C‐reactive protein (CRP), high sensitive C‐reactive protein (hs‐CRP), interleukin‐6 (IL‐6) levels, and synovial leukocyte counts were collected. Additionally, aspiration was conducted during surgery to avoid pollution unless when PJI was strongly suspected, in which case, joint puncture and aspiration were conducted before surgery. Intraoperatively, the implant‐surrounding tissue and the prosthesis were collected under aseptic conditions. Postoperatively, the prosthesis, implant‐surrounding tissue and synovium were sent to the laboratory immediately. The sonicate extraction (the prosthesis was sent for ultrasound sonication first), implant surrounding tissue and synovium were sent for microbiologic culture, and the implant‐surrounding tissue was also sent for pathological examination. The isolated bacteria strains and drug‐resistance rates for each pathogen for different antibiotics were presented.

Results

There were 59 PJI cases in the infectious group and 101 cases in the non‐infectious group (PJI is diagnosed according to the diagnosing criteria from the Workgroup of the Musculoskeletal Infection Society). Of 69 strains of pathogens isolated, Gram‐positive bacterium is the most common pathogenic bacteria causing PJI (60, 86.96%). Staphylococcus epidermidis and Staphylococcus aureus played an important role as well, followed by Gram‐negative bacteria (8, 11.59%) and fungus (1, 1.45%). Penicillin (78.57%), erythromycin (66.67%) and clindamycin (44.74%) showed high antibiotic resistance rate. In addition, the second‐generation cephalosporin, usually as the prophylactic antibiotic, resistance rate was high (20%) as well. Fortunately, no vancomycin‐resistant bacteria were discovered in the current study.

Conclusion

This study provides some information on the most common pathogens in our institution and the selection of antibiotics in the perioperative period in northern China. Cefuroxime and clindamycin might not be appropriate for use as prophylactic antibiotics in revision total knee or hip arthroplasty. Vancomycin is ideal for empiric antibiotic use in suspected PJI cases because of the low drug‐resistance rate.

     

Comparison of Plantar Pressure Distribution and Functional Outcome after Scarf and Austin Osteotomy

Objective

To investigate the changes of plantar pressure distribution in patients who underwent either Austin or Scarf osteotomy and underwent a postoperative rehabilitation program.

Methods

Between September 2006 and December 2007, 50 participants who suffered from mild to moderate hallux valgus deformity were prospectively included in this study. An Austin osteotomy (Austin group) was performed in 25 patients and a Scarf osteotomy (Scarf group) in 25 patients. Indication for the Scarf or Austin technique was made according to the consensus of the Austrian society of foot and ankle surgery. Plantar pressure analysis was performed at 4 weeks, 8 weeks, and 6 months postoperatively. Furthermore, range of motion and the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) questionnaire were evaluated.

Results

In the big toe and first metatarsal head region in groups, maximum force, peak pressure, and force‐time integral increased significantly from 4 weeks to 6 months postoperatively (P ≤ 0.001). The mean AOFAS score increased from 60.7 preoperatively to 93.1 6 months after Austin surgery and from 56.7 preoperatively to 94.4 6 months after Scarf surgery. The Austin group had a mean range of motion (ROM) of 68.5° that increased to a mean ROM of 75.5° 6 months postoperatively, while the Scarf group had a mean ROM of 67.8° that increased to a mean ROM of 68.2° 6 months postoperatively.

Conclusion

Despite different surgical techniques and the degree of deformity, there were no differences in plantar pressure parameters and functional outcomes between both groups.

     

Preliminary outcome of a treatment strategy based on perioperative chemotherapy and surgery in patients with locally advanced colon cancer

Aim

Preoperative chemotherapy followed by radical surgery is an attractive treatment for locally advanced colon cancer (LACC) given the promising results of this approach in other locally advanced tumours. The study evaluates the outcome and treatment‐related complications of perioperative oxaliplatin‐ and capecitabine‐based chemotherapy and surgery for clinical Stage III colon cancer.

Method

Twenty‐two consecutive patients with a CT‐staged LACC were included. All were staged at baseline and before surgery. Surgery‐related complications and oncological outcome were determined.

Results

Toxicity was manageable, with 19/22 patients completing the planned chemotherapy protocol. The median time from initial diagnosis to surgery was 65.5 days. The median time from the end of chemotherapy to surgery was 22 days. After neoadjuvant treatment, tumour reduction of 69.5% was observed by CT scan and a 59.9% decrease of SUV_max (standard uptake value) was achieved on positron emission tomography/CT. No progressive disease was reported during preoperative chemotherapy and surgery was performed in all 22 patients. Four patients developed postoperative complications. After a median postoperative follow‐up of 14.4 months, the actuarial overall and disease‐free survival rates were 100 and 90%.

Conclusion

Neoadjuvant chemotherapy followed by surgery and chemotherapy for LACC is safe without apparent increase of early and medium‐term complications.

     

Epigenetic markers in circulating cell‐free DNA as prognostic markers for survival of castration‐resistant prostate cancer patients

Background

: Noninvasive biomarkers to guide personalized treatment for castration‐resistant prostate cancer (CRPC) are needed. In this study, we analyzed hypermethylation patterns of two genes (GSTP1 and APC) in plasma cell‐free DNA (cfDNA) of CRPC patients. The aim of this study was to analyze the cfDNA concentrations and levels of the epigenetic markers and to assess the value of these biomarkers for prognosis.

Methods

: In this prospective study, patients were included before starting new treatment after developing CRPC. The blood samples were collected prior to start of the treatment and at three time points thereafter. cfDNA was extracted from 1.5 mL of plasma and before performing a methylation‐specific PCR, bisulfate modification was carried out.

Results

: The median levels of cfDNA, GSTP1, and APC copies in the baseline samples of CRPC patients (n = 47) were higher than in controls (n = 30). In the survival analysis, the group with baseline marker levels below median had significant less PCa‐related deaths (P‐values <0.02) and did not reach the median survival point. The survival distributions for the groups were statistically significant for the cfDNA concentration, GSTP1 and APC copies, as well as PSA combined with GSTP1 + APC (P‐values <0.03). Furthermore, there were strong positive correlations between PSA and marker response after starting treatment (P‐values <0.04).

Conclusions

: In conclusion, this study showed the kinetics of methylated cfDNA (GSTP1 and APC) in plasma of CRPC patients after starting treatment. Furthermore, the value of the markers before treatment is prognostic for overall survival. These results are promising for developing a test to guide treatment‐decision‐making for CRPC patients.

     

Accuracy of administrative coding data in colorectal cancer resections and short‐term outcomes

Background

Administrative data are routinely captured for each hospital admission and may serve as an alternative source for populating databases. This study aims to determine the accuracy of administrative data to provide tumour characteristics and short‐term post‐operative outcomes, after a colorectal cancer (CRC) resection, compared with clinical data.

Methods

A retrospective study of all CRC resections at a single hospital from 1 January 2008 to 31 December 2013 was conducted. Local administrative data were coded as per ICD‐10‐AM (International Classification of Diseases, Tenth Revision, Australian Modification) and Australian Classification of Health Interventions. Clinical data for all patients were extracted from the medical charts and compared with administrative data. Code combinations and algorithms were used to improve the accuracy of administrative data.

Results

A total of 436 patients were identified. The accuracy of algorithms combining tumour location and type of operation for right colon, left colon and rectum were 93, 89 and 88%, respectively. The accuracy of histological type was 89%, lymph node status 92% and metastasis status 88%. The accuracy of return to theatre and in‐hospital mortality was 100%.

Conclusion

Administrative data can provide reliable information on tumour details and short‐term post‐operative outcomes. The potential for administrative data to validate data captured in registries and be used independently for audit and research should be further explored.