Alterations in energy consumption and plantar pressure distribution during walking in young adults with patellofemoral pain syndrome

Objective

The aim of this study was to determine the alterations of walking energy expenditure and plantar pressure distribution in young adults with patellofemoral pain syndrome (PFPS).

Safety and feasibility of exoskeleton-assisted walking during acute/sub-acute SCI in an inpatient rehabilitation facility: A single-group preliminary study

Abstract

Context/objective: Information on the safety and feasibility of lower extremity powered exoskeletons for persons with acute/sub-acute spinal cord injury (SCI) is limited. Understanding the safety and feasibility of employing powered exoskeletons in acute/sub-acute (<6 months post injury) at a SCI acute inpatient rehabilitation (SCI-AIR) facility could guide clinical practice and provide a basis for larger clinical trials on efficacy and effectiveness.

Design: Single group observational study.

Setting: SCI-AIR.

Participants: Participants (n?=?12; age: 28–71 years; 58% AIS D; 58% male) with neurological levels of injuries ranging from C2 to L3.

Interventions: Up to 90?min of exoskeleton-assisted locomotor training was provided up to three times per week during SCI-AIR.

Outcome measures: Safety of device use during inpatient locomotor training was quantified as the number of adverse events (AE) per device exposure hour. Feasibility of device use was defined in terms of protocol compliance, intensity, and proficiency.

Results: Concerning safety, symptomatic hypotension was the most common AE reported at 111-events/exoskeleton-hours. Protocol compliance had a mean (SD) of 54% (30%). For intensity, 77% of participants incorporated variable assistance into at least 1 walking session; 70% of participants' sessions were completed with a higher RPE than the physical therapist. In proficiency, 58% achieved at least minimal assistance when walking with the device.

Conclusion: Exoskeleton training in SCI-AIR can be safe and feasible for newly injured individuals with SCI who have clinically defined ambulatory goals. Nonetheless, sufficient controls to minimize risks for AEs, such as hypotensive events, are required.     

Traumatic Hemipelvectomy: A Case Report and a Review of the Literature

Abstract Traumatic hemipelvectomy is a life threatening, devastating pelvic injury with very low survival rates. Excessive loss of blood, related systemic problems and additional injuries about the gastrointestinal and genitourinary systems increase mortality of this severe sort of injury. A young, male farmer injured violently by an agricultural heavy machine; a survivor of traumatic hemipelvectomy is described in this case report.     

A comparison between the Major Trauma Centre management of complex open lower limb fractures in children and the elderly

Introduction: Open lower limb fractures can be devastating with outcomes determined by tissue damage and adherence to strictly defined care pathways. Managing such injuries in paediatric and elderly populations presents logistical and technical challenges to achieve best outcomes. Orthoplastic principles were developed mainly in the young adult population whereas requirements for paediatric and elderly patients need further understanding.Methods: A retrospective analysis was performed on two groups of patients at the extremes of age, with type IIIb (severe) open lower limb fractures, presenting to a Major Trauma Centre (MTC) with orthoplastic services over a six-year period - the first group being under 16 years; the second group being over 65. The timelines of combined surgery to both fix the fracture and flap the soft-tissue defect were strictly observed. Each group were followed-up for a minimum of nine months. Data were analysed according to patient demographics, mechanism of trauma, time to wound excision, time to definitive surgery, fixation technique, soft-tissue reconstruction type, deep infection rate, flap survival, bony union, secondary amputation and functional outcome (Enneking score).Results: 33 paediatric patients and 99 elderly patients were identified.Paediatric: The median age was 12 years. All the children were ASA Grade I. Open tibial fractures were most common (76%) followed by ankle fracture dislocation (12%). The majority were high-energy injuries and were commonly managed with external fixators (or frames) and free flap coverage. Median hospital stay was 12 days, and time to union 114 days, with median Enneking scores of 85%. There was one flap failure and no deep infections.Elderly: The median age was 76 years. ASA grades varied and reflected multiple comorbidities. High-energy injuries required free flaps, while more common, low-energy fragility fractures were covered with loco-regional flaps. Internal fixation with intramedullary nails was most commonly used. Median hospital stay was 13 days, and time to union was 150 days, with median Enneking scores of 70%. There was one flap failure, one deep infection, and one delayed amputation.Discussion: These results reflect both similarities and important differences in managing open fractures in the extremes of age. The specific challenges of each group of patients are discussed, including surgical aspects, but also the importance of orthoplastics infrastructure within the MTC and input from allied professionals to facilitate patient pathways.     

A comparative study of the correction of femoral deformity between the Ilizarov apparatus and Ortho-SUV frame

Purposes

This study compared the six-axis external fixator Ortho-SUV Frame (OSF) and the Ilizarov apparatus (IA) in femoral deformity correction. Our specific questions were: (1) which of the fixators (OSF or IA) provides shorter period of femoral deformity correction, and (2) which of the fixators (OSF or IA) provides better accuracy of correction.

Methods

We retrospectively analysed 123 cases of femoral deformities (127 femora): 45 (47) treated with OSF (20 male and 27 female) and 78 (80) with IA (53 male and 27 female). The average age in the OSF group was 34.6 (range, 18–66) and in the IA group 35.8 (range, 18–76). All the deformities were categorized according to the number of planes and deformity components as simple, middle and complex deformities.

Results

Elimination of simple deformities in the IA group took 58.3 ± 21.4 days, EFI 58.8 ± 39.8 days/cm, and lengthening was 4.6 ± 1.98 cm. Middle deformities were 71.3 ± 26.2, 61.9 ± 30.3 and 4 ± 2, respectively. In complex deformities we had 105.2 ± 21.8, 79.3 ± 35.4 and 3.2 ± 1.45, respectively. Normal alignment was achieved in 55.0 % of cases in IA. In 45.0 % of cases we had residual deformity. Elimination of simple deformations in the OSF group took 55.3 ± 12.8 days, EFI 47.5 ± 23 days/cm, and lengthening 4.5 ± 1.1сm. Middle deformities were 43.6 ± 18.9, 59 ± 14.6 and 3.6 ± 2, respectively. In complex deformities we had 44.9 ± 11.5, 57.5 ± 9.4 and 3.6 ± 1.7, respectively. In the OSF group normal alignment was achieved in 85.1 %. In 14.9 % there was residual deformity.

Conclusion

Using OSF simplifies deformity correction and reduces its period by 2.3 times in complex deformities and by 1.6 times in middle deformities. Accuracy of correction with OSF was significantly higher than correction with IA.     

Epidemiology,Etiology, Pathophysiology and Diagnosis of the Acute Compartment Syndrome of the Extremity

Abstract Due to an insult that causes a pressure elevation in the compartment, which is the limited space surrounded by the unyielding bone and fascia, the circulation is compromised resulting in muscular and neural ischemia and eventually tissue necrosis. The diagnosis of the compartment syndrome has always been based on the clinical symptoms, however, multiple studies suggested that clinical examination alone is insufficient and may result in delayed diagnosis, delayed treatment and serious sequelae. To avoid delayed diagnosis and treatment the use of compartment pressure monitoring has been advised. There is, however, no consensus about the indications for the compartment pressure monitoring, or about the threshold pressure that should be used for dermatofasciotomy. A diagnostic guideline is proposed.     

The effects of a temporarily manipulated dental occlusion on the position of the spine: a comparison during standing and walking

Background context

The relationship between dental occlusion and body posture or even the spine position is often analyzed and confirmed. However, this relationship has not been systematically investigated for standing and walking.

Purpose

To examine whether a symmetric or asymmetric dental occlusion block, using 4 mm thick silicon panels, can significantly change the spine position (cervical, thoracic, or lumbar region) during standing and walking.

Study design

The following study is a cross-sectional study.

Patient sample

This study was carried out with 23 healthy subjects (18 women, 5 men) without discomfort in the temporomandibular system or body movement apparatus.

Outcome measures

Position changes (millimeter) of the spine (cervical, thoracic, lumbar) in frontal, sagittal, and transverse planes of motion.

Methods

The upper spine position was quantified with an ultrasonic distance measurement system (sonoSens Monitor). Every subject placed the 4 mm thick silicon panel systematically between the left/right premolars or the front teeth. Differences between the habitual and manipulated occlusion positions were determined by the Friedman test, followed by pairwise comparisons with applied Bonferroni-Holm correction.

Results

During standing and walking there were significant (p≤.05) differences between the occlusion block conditions and the habitual dental position in all body planes except in the right lumbar region during walking. In addition, differences within the manipulated occlusion position could be detected. Significant differences were also shown between the standing and walking trials in the frontal, sagittal, and transverse planes, particularly with respect to the lumbar region (p≤.001).

Conclusions

Symmetrical and asymmetrical occlusion blocks in the premolar region can be associated with changes in all three spine regions during standing and walking. The results showed highly similar reaction patterns in all spine positions, regardless of the location of the silicon panel. Between standing and walking, the main differences were in the lumbar spine. The results suggest a relationship between the chewing and the movement system. However, it must be stated that this study has no direct clinical impact. The study design cannot determine the causality of the observed associations; also the clinical significance of the small postural changes remains unknown.     

Clinical outcomes in pediatric tibial lengthening and deformity correction: a comparison of the Taylor Spatial Frame with the Orthex Hexapod System

PurposeComparison of two hexapod frame systems in paediatric tibial deformity correction; the Taylor Spatial Frame (TSF) and Orthex Hexapod System.MethodsPaediatric patients with congenital and acquired tibial deformities treated with either TSF (between 2014 and 2016) or Orthex (between 2017 and 2019) frames were included in a retrospective comparative study. Outcome measures were healing index, pin infection rate, regenerate quality and density, software residual rate, deformity correction accuracy, strut exchanges and quality of life (QoL).ResultsThe TSF group had 17 patients (18 frames) and the Orthex group had 21 patients (25 frames). The most common indications for tibial deformity correction were fibular hemimelia (14) and septic or traumatic growth arrest (8). The median time in frame was 230 days (TSF) versus 203 days (Orthex) (p= 0.06). The mean lengthening achieved was 54 mm (TSF) and 51 mm (Orthex) (p = 0.41). The healing index was 41 days/cm (TSF) versus 43 days/cm (Orthex) (p = 0.70). Pin site infections occurred more in the TSF cohort (40%) than in the Orthex cohort (18%) (p < 0.001). The regenerate in the Orthex group showed higher density at three months (p = 0.029) and was more homogenous (p = 0.023) at six months after frame application. Strut exchanges were less frequent with the Orthex system (p < 0.0001). QoL measures were similar in both cohorts (p = 0.92).ConclusionsThis is the first study to compare two hexapod designs in paediatric orthopaedics. The Orthex system showed superiority in regenerate quality and a significant reduction in pin site infection rates. Both systems delivered predictable and accurate limb deformity correction.Level of evidenceIII     

The effect of energy restriction, walking, and exercise on lower extremity lean body mass in obese women with osteoarthritis of the knee

Two hundred and twenty-eight Japanese women, aged 45–69 years, with osteoarthritis of the knee (knee OA) and a body mass index of greater than 26.4 self-selected one of the following interventions: (1) a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) alone (NA group; n = 52), (2) the NSAID with nonweight-bearing exercises (NE; n = 49), (3) the NSAID combined with walking (NW; n = 35), (4) an energy restriction diet plus the NSAID (ND; n = 29), (5) the diet combined with the NSAID and strengthening exercises (NDE; n = 37), or (6) the diet combined with the NSAID and walking (NDW; n = 26). Body weight and lower extremity lean body mass (L-LBM), assessed with segmental bioelectrical impedance, were measured at the outset and at 8 weeks in the six therapy groups. Interval changes in L-LBM and L-LBM per body weight (L-LBM/weight) were compared among the six groups at the conclusion. The Lequesne index can index of severity of osteoarthritis of the knee at the final assessment, compared with that at the initial assessment, was significantly decreased in the NE group, but not in the NW or the NA groups (P = 0.023). There was a significant increase in the L-LBM/weight in the NE group, but not in the NA or NW groups (P = 0.002 between NE and NA; P = 0.019 between NE and NW). There was a significant reduction in the Lequesne index in the NDE group in comparison with the ND and NDW groups (P = 0.0001 between NDE and ND; P = 0.0001 between NDE and NDW). There was a significant increase in L-LBM/weight in the NDE group, but not in the NDW or the ND groups (P = 0.011). Adjunctive therapy with nonweight-bearing lower extremity exercises appears to be more efficacious for prevention of lower extremity loss of muscle mass than adjunctive therapy with walking for obese women with knee OA. Received: August 10, 2000 / Accepted: November 29, 2000     

关节镜下钻孔术与微骨折锥术治疗距骨骨软骨损伤的疗效比较

目的比较关节镜下克氏针钻孔术和微骨折锥术治疗小面积距骨骨软骨损伤的疗效。方法回顾性研究自中山大学孙逸仙纪念医院骨科2014年2月至2017年6月收治的57例小面积距骨骨软骨损伤患者资料,根据治疗方法不同分为两组:钻孔组(关节镜下克氏针钻孔术治疗)26例,男15例,女11例;年龄20~57岁;损伤面积0.6~1.4 cm^2;根据Berndt和Harty基于X线片的踝关节骨软骨损伤分期标准:Ⅰ期9例,Ⅱ期8例,Ⅲ期6例,Ⅳ期3例。微骨折组(关节镜下微骨折锥术治疗)31例,男17例,女14例;年龄24~55岁;损伤面积0.5~1.5 cm^2;Berndt和Harty的踝关节骨软骨损伤分期:Ⅰ期10例,Ⅱ期11例,Ⅲ期8例,Ⅳ期2例。通过比较末次随访时的视觉模拟评分(VAS)、美国足踝外科协会(AOFAS)的踝-后足评分、踝关节运动评分(AAS)和Berndt和Harty提出的距骨骨软骨损伤分期评价手术疗效。结果57例患者术后获13~27个月随访。所有患者末次随访时的VAS评分、AOFAS评分、AAS评分、Berndt和Harty提出的距骨骨软骨损伤分级均较术前改善,差异有统计学意义(P<0.05)。末次随访时两组患者的VAS评分[(2.2±1.6)、(2.1±1.4)分]、AOFAS评分[(89.1±6.3)、(90.4±5.8)分]、AAS评分(6、6分)比较差异均无统计学意义(P>0.05)。末次随访时两组患者AOFAS的踝-后足评分优良率分别为88.5%(23/26)和90.3%(28/31),差异无统计学意义(χ^2=0.052,P=0.820)。结论关节镜下克氏针钻孔术和微骨折锥术在治疗小面积距骨骨软骨损伤中均能取得满意的近期疗效,且疗效基本相似,远期疗效有待进一步研究。     

Comparison of energy efficiency between Wearable Power-Assist Locomotor (WPAL) and two types of knee-ankle-foot orthoses with a medial single hip joint (MSH-KAFO)

Objective: To compare the energy efficiency of Wearable Power-Assist Locomotor (WPAL) with conventional knee-ankle-foot orthoses (MSH-KAFO) such as Hip and Ankle Linked Orthosis (HALO) or Primewalk.

Study design: Cross over case-series.

Setting: Chubu Rosai Hospital, Aichi, Japan, which is affiliated with the Japan Organization of Occupational Health and Safety.

Methods: Six patients were trained with MSH-KAFO (either HALO or Primewalk) and WPAL. They underwent 6-minute walk tests with each orthosis. Energy efficiency was estimated using physiological cost index (PCI) as well as heart rate (HR) and modified Borg score. Trial energy efficiency with MSH-KAFO was compared with WPAL to assess if differences in PCI became greater between MSH-KAFO and WPAL as time goes on during the 6-minute walk. Spearman correlation coefficient of time (range: 0.5–6.0 minutes) with the difference was calculated. The same statistical procedures were repeated for HR and modified Borg score.

Results: Greater energy efficiency, representing a lower gait demand, was observed in trials with WPAL compared with MSH-KAFO (Spearman correlation coefficients for PCI, HR and modified Borg were 0.93, 0.90 and 0.97, respectively, all P?Conclusions: WPAL is a practical and energy efficient type of robotics that may be used by patients with paraplegia.     

左旋布比卡因与罗哌卡因应用于臂丛神经阻滞的临床对比研究

目的 比较左旋布比卡因和罗哌卡因用于肌间沟臂丛神经阻滞的效果及不良反应。方法 本组自2007年5月～12月对60例行上肢手术患者,ASAI～Ⅱ级,分为罗哌卡因（R）组和左旋布比卡因（L）组,每组30例,采用肌间沟法行臂丛神经阻滞,观察感觉／运动神经阻滞的起效时间及持续时间、患者对神经阻滞满意度、不良反应。结果 两组间感觉神经和运动神经阻滞起效时间的差异无显著性（P〉0．05）;L组的感觉和运动神经阻滞持续时间显著长于R组（P〈0．05）,神经阻滞优良率均为100％。结论 左旋布比卡因与罗哌卡因均可安全用于临床肌间沟臂丛神经阻滞,二者有相似的药效学特性,但左旋布比卡因在术后镇痛方面略优于罗哌卡因。     

A comparison of postoperative respiratory complications associated with the use of desflurane and sevoflurane: a single-centre cohort study

Sevoflurane and desflurane are the most commonly used volatile anaesthetics for maintenance of anaesthesia. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the relationship between choice of volatile anaesthetic and early postoperative respiratory complications, and to address a critical knowledge gap in safety outcomes between these two commonly used agents. We performed a retrospective analysis of adult (non-cardiac surgery) patients who received sevoflurane or desflurane for the maintenance of general anaesthesia at our institution between 2005 and 2018. We evaluated the association between desflurane exposure (when compared with sevoflurane) and the primary outcome of postoperative respiratory complications, defined by early post-extubation desaturation (S_pO₂ < 90%) or re-intubation within 7 days postoperatively. Multivariable regression analyses were performed and adjusted for confounding factors, including patient, anaesthetic and surgical factors. Propensity matched, interaction and sub-group analyses were performed to assess outcomes in high-risk groups: morbidly obese (BMI > 35 kg.m⁻²); elderly (age > 65 years); and high risk of respiratory complications as well as the primary outcome at 24 h. Desflurane was used for 23,830 patients and sevoflurane for 84,608 patients. Patients exposed to desflurane did not demonstrate a reduced risk of postoperative respiratory complications when compared with sevoflurane (adjusted odds ratio 0.99, 95%CI 0.94–1.04, p = 0.598). These findings were consistent across all sub-groups of high-risk patients and in the propensity score matched cohort. In summary, desflurane use was not associated with reduced postoperative respiratory complications when compared with sevoflurane. In the context of environmental and cost concerns with volatile anaesthetic agents, our study provides important data to support organisational decisions regarding the use of desflurane.     

A comparison between the effects of fentanyl, droperidol with fentanyl, and halothane anaesthesia on intra-ocular pressure in adults

The effects of fentanyl 3.0 micrograms/kg (group 1), droperidol 0.1 mg/kg with fentanyl 3.0 micrograms/kg (group 2), and halothane 0.5% inspired concentration (group 3) on intra-ocular pressure were compared. In each group, a decrease in intra-ocular pressure was produced which was significantly lower than resting values (p greater than 0.01) and was independent of changes in arterial blood pressure. The recovery time in group 1 patients was significantly less than that of patients in group 3.     

A comparison between epoetin omega and epoetin alfa in the correction of anemia in hemodialysis patients: a prospective, controlled crossover study

The objective of the study was to evaluate and compare the safety and effectiveness of epoetin omega (produced in baby hamster kidney cells) and epoetin alfa (produced in Chinese hamster ovary cells) in sustaining the correction of anemia in maintenance hemodialysis patients. The study, a prospective and controlled crossover, was completed in 38 stable patients treated with both epoetins for 24 weeks. Group A (17 patients) started with epoetin omega, and Group B (21 patients) started with epoetin alfa. After 24 weeks, a 4 week crossover (wash out) was made: Group A was switched to epoetin alfa and group B to epoetin omega for the next test period of 24 weeks. Both epoetins were administered subcutaneously after each dialysis. Doses were adjusted with the aim of maintaining a target hemoglobin level between 10 and 12 g/dl (hematocrit 30% to 35%). The mean weekly dose of epoetin omega/kg body weight (BW) was 67 +/- 43 U. The mean weekly dose of epoetin alfa/kg BW was 86 +/- 53 U. The average of all mean values of hemoglobin (Hb) during treatment with epoetin omega was 11.4 +/- 0.7 g/dl (hematocrit 34 +/- 2%), and during treatment with epoetin alfa was 11.3 +/- 0.7 g/dl (hematocrit 33 +/- 2%) (not significant). Thromboses of vascular access occurred in 3 patients during an epoetin omega treatment and in 3 patients during epoetin alfa treatment. At the site of injection, only 1 patient described a mild pain when treated with epoetin omega and only 6 patients when treated with epoetin alfa. In conclusion, both epoetin omega and epoetin alfa were effective in correcting the anemia of all studied patients. However, lower doses of epoetin omega were needed to maintain the same target hemoglobin level. No serious side effects with either epoetin were noted. The authors believe that additional comparisons of different epoetin preparations should be performed and will provide better insight into their biological activity and clinical responsiveness.