Lower limb lengthening: is there a difference in the lengthening index and infection rates of lengthening with external fixators, external fixators with intramedullary nails or intramedullary nailing alone? A systematic review of the literature

A review of the current literature was undertaken to assess the lengthening index (LI) and infection rates found with different techniques of lower limb lengthening. We compared three methods of lengthening: external fixators, intramedullary nails and both methods used as a combined technique. Ten papers meeting the inclusion criteria were reviewed. The review found that by using either an ExFix with IMN or an IMN alone lengthening was achieved at twice the rate of ExFix alone. There were no infections recorded in the IMN group, 36.2% superficial and 2.5% deep in the ExFix group and 1.4% superficial and 5.5% deep in the ExFix + IMN group. When using LI and infection rates to compare techniques, the safest and most effective method of lower limb lengthening appears to be with IMN alone.     

Does the use of an intramedullary nail alter the duration of external fixation and rate of consolidation in tibial lengthening procedures? A systematic review

We performed this systematic review to evaluate tibial lengthening procedures with the use of an intramedullary nail. We investigated the hypothesis that lengthening over a nail can reduce the time spent in an external fixator and increase the rate of consolidation thereby reducing the risk of complications and improving patient satisfaction. We conducted a comprehensive literature search using the MEDLINE, EMBASE and PubMed databases using the key words ‘tibia’ or ‘tibial lengthening’ and ‘nail’. This search was performed in December 2011 and repeated by both authors. Specific outcome measures were the duration of external fixation, rate of consolidation and complication rates. A total of 6 comparative studies published between 2005 and 2011 consisting of 494 procedures met our inclusion and exclusion criteria and were eligible for critical appraisal. The methodological quality of the studies was variable, and they were not homogenous enough for meta-analysis. Patients who have tibial lengthening over an intramedullary nail spend significantly less time in an external fixator. However, there is no reliable evidence to suggest that the rates of consolidation or complication are any different to those lengthened without an intramedullary nail.     

Invasive and surgical procedures in pre-hospital care: what is the need?

Background

On occasion, advanced invasive procedures in pre-hospital care can be life saving. This study aimed to identify the contemporary use of these procedures on a regional doctor-led air ambulance unit, and to define the need, skill set and training requirements for a regional pre-hospital team in the UK.

Methods

Mission data were recorded prospectively and the database reviewed to identify invasive procedures over a 76-month period. These cases were reviewed with indications, mechanism of injury, presence of cardiac arrest at any time point (±return of spontaneous circulation) and procedural failure or morbidity.

Results

Two hundred and thirty-five procedures were performed: 16 for injuries affecting the airway, 111 for breathing and 108 for circulation. Almost a third of patients in cardiac arrest regained spontaneous circulation. Procedures performed increased fivefold from 2003 to 2009, with a marked increase in the use of thoracostomy and intra-osseous access. Procedural failure or inadequacy was high with needle cricothyroidotomy, needle chest decompression and early intra-osseous access experience.

Conclusions

A steady increase in the number of procedures was observed over time. Less invasive methods of airway and breathing support were frequently inadequate, though definitive surgical airway or chest decompression was effective each time it was performed. Thoracotomy was performed infrequently. There are implications for the training of pre-hospital doctors who work in the majority of the UK.     

Bone lengthening in children: how to predict the complications rate and complexity?

PURPOSE: Complications arising from limb-lengthening procedures are often severe leading to long-term residuals. The aim of this study was to determine whether the complication rate and complexity could be predicted using a distraction index for bone lengthening in children. STUDY DESIGN: This study retrospectively reviewed a series of 116 lower limbs lengthening in 88 consecutive patients (mean age 13.5). Mean follow-up 3.8 years. Lengthening percentage, lengthening index, distraction regenerate length, additional surgeries, and complications rate were used to evaluate the results of limb lengthening. The correlation between lengthening percentage and complication rate was particularly analyzed and its practicability illustrated. Scatter plots of complication rate (%) against lengthening percentage were constructed, and linear regression was used to investigate mathematical relationship between the variables. RESULTS: The lengthening index was 33 +/- 12.1 days/cm. The length of distraction regenerate was 6 +/- 3.2 cm. The lengthening percentage was 21 +/- 16.5. The scatter plots of neurological complication rate, residual deformities rate, broken pins rate, joint contractures rate, and hypertension rate against lengthening percentage showed a positive linear relationship with r = 0.8. CONCLUSIONS: The number of complications increased considerably with the increase in lengthening percentage. The lengthening percentage correlates very well with the complication rate and can be used to predict the complication rate. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: During planning a lengthening procedure, the lengthening percentage should be a useful tool to predict the complications rate and to discuss the risks and benefits with patients and their families. The knowledge about predictable complications should help prevent and early detect expected complications.     

Use of safety scalpels and other safety practices to reduce sharps injury in the operating room: What is the evidence?

Background

The occupational hazard associated with percutaneous injury in the operating room (OR) has encouraged harm reduction through behaviour change and the use of safety-engineered surgical sharps. Some Canadian regulatory agencies have mandated the use of “safety scalpels.” Our primary objective was to determine whether safety scalpels reduce the risk of percutaneous injury in the OR, while a secondary objective was to evaluate risk reduction associated with other safety practices.

Methods

We used evidence review methods described by the International Liaison Committee on Resuscitation and conducted a systematic, English-language search of Ovid, MEDLINE and EMBASE using the following search terms: “safety-engineered scalpel,” “mistake proofing device,” “retractable/removable blade/scalpel,” “pass tray,” “hands free passing,” “neutral zone,” “sharpless surgery,” “double/cutproof gloving” and “blunt suture needles.” Included articles were scored according to level of evidence; quality; and whether they were supportive, opposed or neutral to the study question(s).

Results

Of 72 included citations, none was supportive of the use of safety scalpels. There was high-level/quality evidence (Cochrane reviews) in support of risk reduction through double-gloving and use of blunt suture needles, with additional evidence supporting a pass tray/neutral zone for sharps handling (4 of 5 articles supportive) and use of suturing adjuncts (1 article supportive).

Conclusion

There is insufficient evidence to support regulated use of safety scalpels. Injury-reduction strategies should emphasize proven methods, including double-gloving, blunt suture needles and use of hands-free sharps transfer.     

Comparative study of callus progression in limb lengthening with or without intramedullary nail with reference to the pixel value ratio and the Ru Li��s classification

Introduction

Callus progression is a great concern during limb lengthening. In this study, we investigated the difference in callus progression between tibial lengthenings with and without intramedullary nail.

Method

Seventy tibiae in 38 patients with an average age of 24?years were lengthened with Ilizarov external fixator and nail; 56 tibiae in 40 patients with an average age of 28.6?years were lengthened with the same Ilizarov external fixator but without nail. The callus progression was compared with reference to pixel value ratio (PVR) and Ru Li??s classification. Statistical analysis was performed to compare the variation trend of PVR and incidence of various callus pathways (particular patterns of callus progression as outlined in Ru Li??s classification) and shapes of each aspect of callus between the two groups.

Results

The trend of PVR was not statistically different in posterior, lateral and medial aspects of the callus between the two groups, but averagely lower in the anterior aspect in the group without nail than that with nail. The group without nail presented less incidence of homogeneous pathway, greater incidence of heterogeneous pathway; also greater incidence of fusiform callus, less incidence of cylindrical callus.

Conclusion

It was concluded that with nail, the callus underwent a more favorable progression and even longer lengthening could be allowed.     

How preparation and preservation procedures affect the properties of amniotic membrane? How safe are the procedures?

Human amniotic membrane (AM) has been widely used for tissue engineering and regenerative medicine applications. AM has many favorable characteristics such as high biocompatibility, antibacterial activity, anti-scarring property, immunomodulatory effects, anti-cancer behavior and contains several growth factors that make it an excellent natural candidate for wound healing. To date, various methods have been developed to prepare, preserve, cross-link and sterilize the AM. These methods remarkably affect the morphological, physico-chemical and biological properties of AM. Optimization of an effective and safe method for preparation and preservation of AM for a specific application is critical. In this review, the isolation, different methods of preparation, preservation, cross-linking and sterilization as well as their effects on properties of AM are well discussed. For each section, at least one effective and safe protocol is described in detail.     

Equipment and monitoring – what is in the future to improve safety?

There have been a number of recent developments in the practice of anesthesia and intensive care aimed at improving outcome in terms of reducing both morbidity and mortality, as well as other less‐defined factors, such as quality of service provision. Significant advances have been made in airway devices such as pediatric tracheal tube designs, Microcuff^® tracheal tubes, and new laryngoscopes. Noninvasive monitoring devices, including continuous hemoglobin analysis and near infrared spectrometry, are being increasingly used in pediatric anesthesia. Other, ‘scaled‐down’ versions from adult anesthesia care, however, have not universally been shown to result in improved safety and outcomes in pediatric anesthesia.     

Suing the surgeon: what are procedures? How to conduct an assessment?

Surgeons are particularly exposed to lawsuits. Most will be threatened or confronted with litigation several times during their career. The surgeon can be held directly and personally liable during a penal procedure. Civil jurisdictions oversee expert evaluation in cases involving self-employed and salaried surgeons in private practice. An administrative structure for expert evaluation is set up for surgeons working in the public sector. The law of March 4, 2002 has set up a new structure with commissions for reconciliation and compensation of medical accidents (CRCI); these apply to all surgeons. It is essential that the practitioner prepare himself fully, studying both the patient dossier and the pertinent medical literature in order to participate in an expert evaluation under the best circumstances and to justify the diagnostic and therapeutic measures taken. The surgeon may be accompanied by legal counsel and an expert medical witness, but he should not abdicate all responsibility for testimony to them; he, as the treating physician, has the fullest knowledge of the medical case and can best respond to the expert's interrogation. This behavior also demonstrates both responsibility and respect to the patient and his family.     

Controlling the controls: what is negative pressure wound therapy compared to in clinical trials?

Aim

Surgical site infections (SSIs) are common following colorectal operations. Clinical trials suggest that closed incision negative pressure wound therapy (ciNPWT) may reduce SSIs compared to a ‘standard of care’ group. However, wound management in the standard of care group may vary. The aim of this review was to assess the control arms in trials of ciNPWT for potential confounding variables that could influence the rates of SSI and therefore the trial outcomes.

Methods

A mapping review of the PubMed database was undertaken in the English language for randomized controlled trials that assessed, in closed surgical wounds, the use of ciNPWT compared to standard of care with SSI as an outcome. Data regarding wound care to assess potential confounding factors that may influence SSI rates were compared between the ciNPWT and standard of care groups. Included were the method of wound closure, control dressing type, frequency of dressing changes and postoperative wound care (washing).

Results

Twenty-seven trials were included in the mapping review. There was heterogeneity in ciNPWT duration. There was little control in the comparator standard of care groups with a variety of wound closure techniques and different control dressings used. Overall standard of care dressings were changed more frequently than the ciNPWT dressing and there was no control over wound care or washing. No standard for ‘standard of care’ was apparent.

Conclusion

In randomized trials assessing the intervention of ciNPWT compared to standard of care there was considerable heterogeneity in the comparator groups and no standard of care was apparent. Heterogeneity in dressing protocols for standard of care groups could introduce potential confounders impacting SSI rates. There is a need to standardize care in ciNPWT trials to assess potential meaningful differences in SSI prevention.     

What is the fracture displacement influence to fracture non-union in intramedullary nail treatment in subtrochanteric fracture?

Introduction

The fracture displacement in intramedullary nail in femoral subtrochanteric fracture may cause fracture non-union. We retrospectively analysed our recent experience to clear the influence about fracture displacement in intramedullary nail in femoral subtrochanteric fracture.

How precise is the evaluation of chronic wounds by health care professionals?

Chronic wounds are a growing challenge for physicians and health insurance agencies. The burden of affected patients is enormous, because of pain but also because of long-lasting therapies and dependence on nursing services. In other areas of medicine, computer-based diagnostics is established, yet, accurate wound documentation is rarely conducted and is often limited to size measurement with a ruler and a rough photo documentation. Objective assessment of lesions by evaluation of granulation tissue, fibrin coverage and necrosis is not performed. The aim of this study was to investigate the spread and variety in judgement of a chronic wound. A diabetic ulcer was described by 16 wound therapists (eight physicians and eight nurses). Granulation tissue, fibrin coverage, necrosis, size and depth of the lesion, wound exudate and wound edges were judged, and the therapeutical consequences were determined. Study data show an extensive inhomogeneity and a wide spread of the results, like in no other field of medical diagnostics. This could be shown in the group of physicians, as well as in the group of nursing personnel. As the choice of treatment by a specialist is based upon the assessment of the wound, it is possible that in practice it can lead to suboptimal therapy. This is a consequence of varying treating physicians and subsequent changes in treatment regimens. This results in a prolongation of treatment and burden for the patient. Circumstances like this contribute to rising of costs in this area of the health care system. The goal is to apply objective wound diagnostic technologies in the field of chronic wounds to catch up with other diagnostic procedures.     

How risky is early intramedullary nailing of femoral fractures in polytraumatized patients?

There is controversy over both the time of intervention and the technique of surgical stabilisation of femoral fractures in polytraumatized patients. Retrospective analysis of data on 55 such patients revealed that stabilisation within the first 24 h using locked, unreamed nails had no negative impact on the rate of pulmonary complications. The frequency of complications was assessed by comparing immediate intramedullary (IM) osteosynthesis with extramedullary stabilisation in patients with or without concomitant blunt thoracic trauma. Due to the small study population and discrepancies the size of subgroups, no definite statistical conclusions were possible. However, our results suggest that the frequency of complications is determined by the overall severity of injury rather than by the type of acute surgical treatment.     

Rod fracture and lengthening intervals in traditional growing rods: is there a relationship?

Purpose

Is there any relationship between lengthening intervals and rod fracture in traditional growing rod (TGR) surgery?

Methods

A multicenter EOS database was queried for patients who had: (1) dual growing rods for EOS; (2) minimum 2-year follow-up; (3) a minimum of 2 lengthenings; and (4) revision surgery due to rod fracture. Of 138 patients who met the criteria: 56 patients experienced at least one-rod fracture (RF group) and 82 patients had no rod fractures (NRF group). In addition to each patient’s lengthening intervals, demographics, construct details, and radiographic parameters were compared.

Results

RF and NRF patients had a mean pre-op age of 5.7 years (range 1.3–10.7) and 7.3 years (range 1.6–12.8), respectively (p < 0.001). There was no significant association between etiologies and rod fracture or between BMI and rod fracture (p = 0.979). There was no significant difference between lengthening intervals between the RF and NRF groups (p > 0.05). RF and NRF patients had statistically similar mean pre-op major curve size and max kyphosis (p = 0.279; p = 0.619, respectively). Stainless steel rods fractured more frequently compared with Titanium rods (SS 49.2 % vs. Ti 38 %; p = 0.004). Rod fracture occurred more in rods smaller than 4 mm (p = 0.011).

Conclusions

Lengthening intervals were not statistically different in RF and NRF groups and there was no association between lengthening interval and rod fracture in TGR cases. It was shown that patients who had rod fracture were younger and were more likely to have SS rods with smaller than 4 mm diameter.

     

How does patient safety culture in the operating room and post-anesthesia care unit compare to the rest of the hospital?

Background

A strong patient safety culture in the operating room (OR) and post-anesthesia care unit (PACU) is essential to promote safe care.

Methods

The Patient Safety Climate in Healthcare Organizations (PSCHO) survey was administered to employees at 30 Veterans Affairs (VA) hospitals. The survey consisted of 42 close-ended items representing 12 different dimensions of safety. We measured percent problematic response (PPR); higher PPR values reflect weaker safety culture. The “OR/PACU” and the “Other Work Areas” groups' item-specific, dimension-specific, and overall problematic responses were compared.

Results

The overall and dimension-specific PPRs were similar between the OR/PACU and the Other Work Areas group (overall: 20.2% and 18.1%, respectively; P = .41). When the 2 groups were compared on an item-by-item level, the OR/PACU staff reported more frequent witnessing of unsafe patient care (PPR 55.1% vs 43.2%; P = .01), and perceived less understanding by senior leadership of clinical care (PPR 28.3% vs 17.1%; P = .01) and less hospital interest in quality of care (PPR 20.4% vs 12.5%; P = .03).

Conclusions

Specific areas of safety culture in the OR/PACU were found that should be targeted for improvement.     

Insomnia and limb pain in hemodialysis patients: what is the share of restless leg syndrome?

Insomnia and limb pain are common problems in dialysis patients. In addition, restless leg syndrome (RLS) as a specific cause of insomnia and limb pain has been reported in many studies. The purpose of this study was to estimate incidence of insomnia and RLS as a cause of insomnia in these patients. Twenty-six patients undergoing hemodialysis were investigated for insomnia, limb pain and RLS as per the defined criteria. They were evaluated for dialysis quality, dialysis duration, hemoglobin, serum phosphorous, ionized calcium, iron and ferritin levels. These variables between patients with insomnia and those with normal sleep were evaluated by independent "t" test. Without considering the etiology or pathogenesis of insomnia, we evaluated the occurrence of insomnia and limb pain in these patients, and specifically, restless leg syndrome. Insomnia and limb pain were common in dialytic patients. 46% of patients had insomnia. 91% of sleepless group had limb pain as a persistent, annoying complaint. Limb pain was not seen in groups with a normal sleep pattern. Restless leg syndrome was found in 8% of total cases (2 out of 26) and 17% among the insomnia group (2 out of 12). In spite of high incidence of insomnia among patients undergoing regular hemodialysis, role of RLS is trivial. There is a strong relationship between hemoglobin levels and duration of renal replacement therapy to insomnia occurrence.     

How precise is the identification of the center of the femoral head during total knee arthroplasty?

Background and purpose

Identification of the center of the femoral head in the coronal plane is essential during total knee arthroplasty. We evaluated a new method for localization of the center of the hip, thereby detecting the neutral mechanical axis using inter-femoral head center distances (X) measured from a radiograph. Our proposed method was compared with 3 commonly used methods using landmarks that are estimated to be 2 finger-breaths medial to the anterosuperior iliac spine (method A), 2.5 cm perpendicular to the mid-inguinal point (method I), and 1.5 cm lateral to the femoral artery (method F).

Methods

114 patients undergoing total knee arthroplasty were prospectively enrolled in the study. Four landmarks were marked and conventional anterior-posterior pelvic radiographs were taken. On the radiograph, the distance between the estimated FHC and the neutral mechanical axis was measured.

Results

The median value (mm) of the measured distance was 9 in A, 7 in I, 8.5 in F, and 5 in X. When an error of more than 3° from neutral alignment was defined as an outlier, 15% of measurements in A, 6% of measurements in I, 14% in F, and 2% in X would fall in the outlier zone.

Interpretation

The method detecting the neutral mechanical axis using inter-femoral head center distances (X) showed the least variability and the lowest percentage of outliers.Correct alignment is important for the longevity of total knee arthroplasty (TKA) (Jeffery et al. 1991, Ritter et al. 1994, Ensini et al. 2007, Sikorski 2008). Location of the center of the femoral head (FHC) intraoperatively is useful in assessment of the overall alignment of the lower limb during TKA. By estimating the mechanical axis after placement of the trial components, errors of limb alignment can be identified and corrected.Ideally, the FHC can be identified by an on-table radiograph, which, however, is time consuming and inconvenient and exposes the patient to additional radiation. Navigation systems have become more widely used to find the FHC and they may improve the accuracy of alignment, but this approach is not always available. Palpation of the anterior iliac spine (ASIS) is commonly used intraoperatively to indirectly estimate the center of the femoral head (Horton and Reckling 1995, Hooper et al. 2005). However, some authors have suggested that this is not as accurate as it is commonly presumed to be (Mullaji et al. 2010, Baldini and Adravanti 2008). Various methods using anatomical landmarks have been reported as alternatives (Horton and Reckling 1995, Matsuda et al. 2004, Sawant et al. 2004, Samarji et al. 2009). They include the use of a landmark that is located 2 finger-breaths medial to the ASIS (method A) (Hooper et al. 2005), a landmark that is located 1.5 cm lateral to the point where the femoral artery crosses the line joining the pubic tubercle and the ASIS (method F) (Sawant et al. 2004), and a landmark that is located 2.5 cm perpendicular to the midpoint of the line joining the ASIS and the symphysis pubis (method I) (Samarji et al. 2009).Here we describe a new method (X) for localization of the FHC using the inter-femoral head center distance (IFD). The IFD was measured on an anteroposterior radiograph of the pelvis preoperatively. A customized metal graduated ruler with 2 mobile pegs was used to replicate the IFD, and this ruler was fitted above the pelvic girth. Thus, these 2 pegs indicated the FHC and then we could identify the neutral mechanical axis of the lower limb.In this study, we validated the reliability of method I in identifying the neutral mechanical axis of the lower limb in vivo, and compared the precision of the methods using A and X. We also evaluated the 2 techniques using F and I. In addition, we tried to determine whether height, body mass index (BMI), and abdominal circumference had any influence on the 4 methods.