Surgery for pressure ulcers improves general health and quality of life in patients with spinal cord injury

Study Design:

Prospective clinical study.

Background:

Pressure ulcers interfere with the rehabilitation process in patients with spinal cord injury (SCI) and are a significant deterrent to participation in activities that contribute to independent, productive, and satisfying life.

Objective:

To evaluate the effect of surgery for pressure ulcers on general health and quality of life in patients with SCI.

Setting:

Tertiary care center in northern India.

Methods:

Various types of flap surgery were performed on 30 patients with SCI and 32 pressure ulcers (stages III and IV). Outcome was evaluated using general improvement in health (hemoglobin, serum proteins, and general well-being), patient satisfaction, and global quality of life scores (according to the visual analog scale).

Results:

At admission, the mean values of global quality of life, hemoglobin, serum albumin, and total serum proteins were 50.15 (range, 30–65), 8.75 g/dL (range, 6–12 g/dL), 3.12 g/dL (range, 2.9–4.3 g/dL), and 5.21 (range, 5–6.2 g/dL), respectively. At 6-month follow up, mean values of global quality of life score, hemoglobin, serum albumin, and total serum proteins were 87.36 (range, 44–96), 10.85 g/dL (range, 8.2–13.5 g/dL), 3.89 g/dL (range, 3.2–4.5 g/dL), and 6.43 g/dL (range, 5.85–6.70 g/dL), respectively. The overall rise in quality of life scores, hemoglobin, serum albumin, and total serum proteins was statistically significant. Most of the patients (76.7%) reported improvement in subjective well-being, and 83.3% were satisfied with the ultimate outcome of the surgery.

Conclusion:

Results suggest that surgery for stages III and IV pressure ulcers offers the greatest benefit to the patients in terms of improvement in general health (anemia, hypoproteinemia, and general well-being) and quality of life.     

Repair of the torn distal biceps tendon by endobutton fixation

Background:

A number of techniques have been described to reattach the torn distal biceps tendon to the bicipital tuberosity. We report a retrospective analysis of single incision technique using an endobutton fixation in sports persons.

Materials and Methods:

The present series include nine torn distal biceps tendons in eight patients, fixed anatomically to the radial tuberosity with an endobutton by using a single incision surgical technique; seven patients had suffered the injuries during contact sports. The passage of the endobutton was facilitated by using a blunt tipped pin in order to avoid injury to the posterior interosseous nerve. The patients were evaluated by Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH) score and Mayo elbow score.

Results:

The average age of the patients was 27.35 years (range 21–42 years). Average follow-up was 41.5 months (range 24–102 months). The final average flexion extension arc was 0°–143°, while the average pronation and supination angles were 77° (range 70°–82°) and 81° (range 78°–85°), respectively at the last followup. All the patients had a Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH) score of 0 and a Mayo elbow score of 100 each. All the seven active sports persons were able to get back to their respective game. There was no nerve injury or any other complication.

Conclusions:

The surgical procedure used by us is a simple, safe and reproducible technique giving minimal morbidity and better cosmetic results.     

Salvage radiotherapy after high-intensity focused ultrasound treatment for localized prostate cancer: feasibility, tolerance and efficacy

Background:

The objective of this study is to evaluate the feasibility, tolerance and efficacy of salvage external beam radiotherapy (EBRT) in persistent or recurrent prostate cancer after failed high intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) therapy.

Methods:

We reviewed data on tolerance and oncologic outcomes for all patients with biopsy-proven locally recurrent or persistent prostate cancer who underwent salvage EBRT in our department between April 2004 and June 2008. Minimum follow-up for inclusion was 2 years. Failure with EBRT was defined as biochemical relapse (Phoenix definition) or introduction of androgen deprivation therapy (ADT). Gastrointestinal and urinary toxicity and urinary stress incontinence were scored at 12 and 24 months (Radiation Therapy Oncology Group and Ingelman Sundberg rating, respectively).

Results:

The mean age of the patients was 68.8 years (range: 60–79). Mean prostate-specific antigen (PSA) before EBRT was 5.57 ng/mL (range: 2.5–14.8). Median follow-up was 36.5 ± 10.9 months (range: 24–54). No patient received adjunctive ADT. The EBRT course was well-tolerated and completed by all patients. The mean PSA nadir was 0.62 ng/mL (range: 0.03–2.4) and occurred after a median of 22 months (range: 12–36). One patient experienced biochemical failure and was prescribed ADT 30 months after EBRT. The disease-free survival rate was 83.3% at 36.5 months. There was no major EBRT-related toxicity at 12 or 24 months.

Conclusions:

Our early clinical results confirm the feasibility and good tolerance of salvage radiotherapy after HIFU failure. Oncological outcomes were promising. A prospective study with longer follow-up is needed to identify factors predictive of success for salvage EBRT therapy after HIFU failure.     

Comparison of serum testosterone levels in prostate cancer patients receiving LHRH agonist therapy with or without the removal of the prostate

Introduction:

The prostate secretes enzymes and nutrients to promote sperm motility. Recent reports suggest that the prostate may also secrete testosterone, which is believed to be a fuel for prostate tumour growth. The aim of this study was to determine if a difference in serum testosterone levels exists between men on luteinizing hormone releasing-hormone (LHRH) agonists who have undergone radical prostatectomy, radiation or hormone therapy as primary prostate cancer treatment.

Methods:

Serum testosterone levels were evaluated in 165 consecutive prostate cancer patients using LHRH analogues for >3 months. We excluded patients receiving either radiation or chemotherapy at time of time of testosterone measurement. Patients were classified based on primary treatment: (1) radical prostatectomy; (2) radiation; or (3) primary hormone therapy. We used one-way ANOVA to compare testosterone levels. Pearson correlation was used to correlate testosterone with prostate-specific antigen (PSA) and time on LHRH agonists. Multivariable linear regression was used to predict serum testosterone levels.

Results:

The median (interquartile range) serum testosterone levels were 1.4 (1–1.9), 1.3 (1–1.625) and 1.25 (0.9–1.525) nmol/L for radical prostatectomy, radiation and primary hormone therapy groups, respectively. There was no statistically significant difference in testosterone levels between the groups (p = 0.3). No correlation was found between testosterone and PSA levels or time on LHRH (r = 0.02 and r = 0.01), respectively. Multivariable linear regression showed that none of the clinical variables were predictors of serum testosterone levels.

Conclusion:

Our study suggests that primary treatment does not affect serum testosterone levels among men using LHRH analogues.     

Pelvic massive allograft reconstruction after bone tumour resection

Purpose

The purpose of this report was to retrospectively review a series treated with pelvic tumour resection and massive allograft reconstruction, and determine survival of patients and implants, functional results and morbidity of surgical technique.

Methods

From 1999, 33 patients underwent pelvic tumour resection and massive allograft reconstruction. The mean age was 40 years (range, 14–72) and 29 patients had a primary malignant tumour. The resection involved the acetabular area in all but three patients.

Results

At a median follow-up of 33 months (range, two–143) four patients had local recurrence. The morbidity was high: five deep infections (15 %), requiring two allograft removal, six hip dislocations (18 %), eight sciatic nerve palsy (24 %), persistent in six cases, and two loosening of the acetabular component. Implant survival was 87.3 % at last follow up. The cumulative overall patient’s survival was 41.5 % at five and ten years. The average MSTS functional score was 70 % (range, 54–100 %) when the acetabulum was preserved while it was 61 % (30–100 %) in patients with acetabular resection.

Conclusion

In conclusion, pelvic allografts represent a valid option for reconstruction after resection of pelvic tumours but due to the associated morbidity, patients should be carefully selected.     

Hip resurfacing in patients under thirty years old: an attractive option for young and active patients

Purpose

Metal-on-metal hip resurfacing is offered as an alternative to traditional hip arthroplasty for young, active adults with advanced osteoarthritis. The concept of hip resurfacing is considered very attractive for this specific population (hard-on-hard bearing component with a large femoral head limiting the risk of dislocation, and allowing femoral bone stock preservation).

Methods

A prospective clinical trial was designed to investigate the outcome of hip resurfacing in young patients (under 30 years old). We studied 24 hips in 22 patients. Mean age at operation was 24.9 years (range 17.1–29.9). No patient was lost to follow-up.

Results

There was no revision at average follow-up of 50.6 months (44–59). Mean UCLA activity score improved from 5.5 (1–9) pre-operatively to 7.6 (1–10) postoperatively (p < 0.001). Mean Harris hip score increased from 43.9 (19–67) to 89.3 (55–100) (p < 0.001). Radiological analysis discerned no osteolysis and no implant migration.

Conclusion

The absence of short-term complications, such as mechanical failure or dislocation, is encouraging and leads us to think that mid-term results will be satisfactory. Moreover, the specific advantages of hip resurfacing (bone stock preservation, excellent stability, low risk of dislocation, large-diameter head) make the procedure a very attractive option for young subjects.     

Retrograde dynamic locked nailing for valgus knee correction: a revised technique

Purpose

Traditionally, valgus knee deformity is predominately corrected by stabilisation with a plate inserted via the medial approach to the supracondylar region of the femur. However, this technique is unfavourable from both a biomechanical and a biological point of view. A revised retrograde dynamic locked nailing was developed to improve correction of this defect.

Method

Forty-one knees with valgus deformity (average tibiofemoral angle, 22°; range, 16–29°) in 25 adult patients were treated by oblique femoral supracondylar varus osteotomy and stabilised with retrograde dynamic locked nails. Postoperatively, early ambulation with protected weight bearing and range of motion knee exercises were encouraged.

Result

Thirty-five knees of 21 patients were followed-up for an average of 2.6 years (range, 1.1–4.5 years). All osteotomy sites healed with an average union period of 3.4 months (range, 2.5–5.0 months). There were no significant complications. At the latest follow-up, the average tibiofemoral angle was 7.1° valgus (range, 4–10° valgus). For all of the knees, the outcomes were satisfactory (p < 0.001).

Conclusion

The technique described here may be a feasible alternative for correction of valgus knee deformity. The advantages of this technique include the use of a biomechanically more appropriate method, a minimal complication rate and a high rate of satisfactory outcomes.     

Dual mobility acetabular component in revision total hip arthroplasty for persistent dislocation: no dislocations in 50 hips after 1–5 years

Background

A dual mobility cup has the theoretic potential to improve stability in primary total hip arthroplasty (THA) and mid-term cohort results are favorable. We hypothesized that use of a new-generation dual mobility cup in revision arthroplasty prevents dislocation in patients with a history of recurrent dislocation of the THA.

Materials and methods

We performed a retrospective cohort study of patients receiving an isolated acetabular revision with a dual mobility cup for recurrent dislocation of the prosthesis with a minimum follow-up of 1 year. Kaplan–Meier survival analyses were performed with dislocation as a primary endpoint and re-revision for any reason as a secondary endpoint.

Results

Forty-nine consecutive patients (50 hips) were included; none of the patients was lost to follow-up. The median follow-up was 29 months (range 12–66 months). Two patients died from unrelated causes. Survival after 56 months was 100 % based on dislocation and 93 % (95 % CI 79–98 %) based on re-revision for any reason. Radiologic analysis revealed no osteolysis or radiolucent lines around the acetabular component during the follow-up period.

Conclusion

The dual mobility cup is an efficient solution for instability of THA with a favorable implant survival at 56 months.

Level of evidence

Level 4, retrospective case series.     

Computer-assisted surgery as indication of choice: total knee arthroplasty in case of retained hardware or extra-articular deformity

Purpose

The use of traditional cutting guides during knee arthroplasty in some cases could be extremely difficult, if not impossible, because of angular deformities, IM sclerosis, long-stemmed hip implants, or hardware within the femoral canal that cannot be removed. In these difficult cases navigation-assisted knee arthroplasty should be considered as an effective and appealing option.

Methods

We present 14 cases in which ideal mechanical and prosthetic alignment was achieved with different image-free, computer-assisted navigation systems, because of an extra-articular deformity (group A, nine patients) or because of a retained implant or hardware (group B, five patients).

Results

After a mean follow-up of 28 months (range 12–53 months), the average knee score increased overall from a mean of 33 points (range 12–63) to 78 points (range 63–90). The average functional score improved from a mean of 32 points (range 10–65) to 72 points (range 40–90). The postoperative mechanical axis ranged between 3° of varus and 3° of valgus. There was an implant revision in one patient who had a traumatic rupture of medial collateral ligament, which occurred 27 months after the index procedure.

Conclusions

Based on our results we think that the navigation-assisted technique provides an alternative approach to the traditional instrumentation for treating these difficult patients in an effective and less invasive manner.     

Scoliosis after thoracotomy/sternotomy in children with congenital heart disease

Context:

Congenital heart disease (CHD) patients bear a higher risk of scoliosis during their lifetime compared to their normal counterparts. On the other hand, operation on chest wall has been shown to increase the risk of scoliosis. However, the data are inconclusive. The present retrospective analysis is undertaken to determine the frequency of post-thoracotomy/sternotomy scoliosis in children with CHD.

Materials and Methods:

One hundred and eighty children with CHD who underwent thoracotomy/sternotomy and had a minimum followup of 3 years in a teaching center from 1997 to 2010 were recruited. After operation, all the patients were regularly examined for the development of scoliosis. 102 patients underwent thoracotomy and 78 sternotomy. Student''s t test, Chi-square test, Fisher''s exact test were used for statistical analyses.

Results:

Eighty-eight males and 92 females with a mean age of 9.95 ± 2.31 (range: 5–15) years were enrolled. The mean age at operation was 2.59 ± 1.66 (range: 0–9) years and the mean follow-up period was 7.36 ± 2.12 (range: 5–13) years. Scoliosis was confirmed in two patients (1.1%): 1 (1%) in the thoracotomy group (a 12-year-old female operated 2 years earlier with a spinal 22° convexity to the right and 78° kyphosis) and another (1.1%) in the sternotomy group (an 8-year-old female operated during her neonatal period with a spinal 23° convexity to the left).

Conclusion:

Scoliosis is not a common finding among the operated children with CHD in our center.     

Arthroscopic radial head excision in managing elbow trauma

Purpose

This study describes a case series of 15 patients with radial head fractures who underwent radial head excision using an arthroscopic technique.

Methods

Over a four year period, 15 patients (average age 49.6 years) who had sustained a radial head or radial neck fracture underwent an arthroscopic excision of the radial head. Four patients had an unreconstructable comminuted fracture (early group; EG) and 11 patients had pain and loss of motion with an associated non- or malunion (late group; LG).

Results

The mean time to surgery following injury was three weeks (one to five) for the EG and 27 weeks (eight–58) for the LG. The average visual analogue scale (VAS) was 1.7 (zero to four), and the average Quick Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (Quick-DASH) score was 24.7 (16–44). At final follow-up, average supination was 62.0° (range 45–75°) and pronation was 63.3° (range 45–75°). There were no complications.

Conclusion

This series demonstrates that arthroscopic excision of fractures of the radial head and neck is reliable, reproducible and safe, with similar results to open excision. There may also be additional benefits in the short term with regards to speed of healing and rehabilitation.     

Significant benefit for older patients after arthroscopic subacromial decompression: a long-term follow-up study

Background

Patients suffering from isolated subacromial impingement (SI) of their shoulder but who are resistant to other therapies benefit substantially from arthroscopic subacromial decompression (ASD) if they are young (<60 years). Although physical demands rise notably in the older population, it still remains unclear if surgery leads to better results in these patients. Therefore, the aim of this study was to focus on the impact of age on the functional outcome in elderly patients suffering from SI.

Methods

In this retrospective analysis, 307 patients (age range: 42–63 years) with isolated SI were enrolled. The 165 patients were allocated to physical therapy whereas 142 underwent ASD. The patient cohort was divided into two groups according to the median age (<57 years). Functional outcome was recorded using the Munich Shoulder Questionnaire (MSQ) allowing for qualitative self -assessment of the Constant, SPADI and Dark Scores.

Results

Median age was 57 (25 %–75 %: 48–63) years, follow-up was 55 (25 %–75 %: 25–87) months. In group I (age < 57 years, n = 165) no significant differences in outcome between physical therapy and ASD were detected. In contrast, in group II (age > 57 years; n = 142) the patients reported significantly better results after ASD in the overall MSQs.

Conclusion

Despite their higher age, elderly patients with isolated SI actually benefit significantly from ASD in comparison to physical therapy.     

Intraoperative red blood cell salvage and autologous transfusion during open radical retropubic prostatectomy: a cost-benefit analysis

INTRODUCTION

Open radical retropubic prostatectomy (RRP) has an average blood loss of over 1,000ml. This has been reported even from high volume centres of excellence.^1–4 We have looked at the clinical and financial benefits of using intraoperative cell salvage (ICS) as a method of reducing the autologous blood transfusion requirements for our RRP patients.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Group A comprised 25 consecutive patients who underwent RRP immediately prior to the acquisition of a cell saver machine. Group B consisted of the next 25 consecutive patients undergoing surgery using the Dideco Electa (Sorin Group, Italy) cell saver machine. Blood transfusion costs for both groups were calculated and compared.

RESULTS

The mean postoperative haemoglobin was similar in both groups (11.1gm/dl in Group A and 11.4gm/dl in Group B). All Group B patients received autologous blood (average 506ml, range: 103–1,023ml). In addition, 5 patients (20%) in Group B received a group total of 16 units (average 0.6 units) of homologous blood. For Group A the total cost of transfusing the 69 units of homologous blood was estimated as £9,315, based on a per blood unit cost of £135. This cost did not include consumables or nursing costs.

CONCLUSIONS

We found no evidence that autologous transfusions increased the risk of early biochemical relapse or of disease dissemination. ICS reduced our dependence on donated homologous blood.     

Outcome of complex tibial plateau fractures treated with external fixator

Background:

Tibial plateau fractures are usually associated with communition and soft tissue injury. Percutaneous treatment of these complex fractures is intended to reduce soft issue complications and postoperative stiffness of the knee joint. We assessed the complications, clinical outcome scores, and postoperative knee range of movements, after fluoroscopic assisted closed reduction and external fixator application.

Materials and Methods:

Seventy eight complex tibial plateau fractures in 78 patients were included in the study. All fractures were managed with closed reduction and external fixator application. In 28 cases with intraarticular split, we used percutaneous cancellous screw fixation for reduction and fixation of condylar parts. In nine open fractures, immediate debridement was done. In 16 cases, elevation of depressed segment and bone grafting was required, which was done from a very small incision. All patients were clinically and radiographically evaluated at a mean followup of 26.16 months (range 6–60 months).

Results:

Clinical results were evaluated according to the Rasmussen''s criteria. Average healing time was 13.69 weeks (range 12– 28 weeks). Mean knee range of motion was 122.60° (range 110°–130°). Forty seven results were scored as excellent, 25 good, 2 fair, and 1 as poor.

Conclusion:

We believe that minimally invasive treatment by percutaneous techniques and external fixation is a fairly reasonable treatment alternative, if near anatomical reduction of joint surface can be confirmed on fluoroscopy.     

Body composition modifications in people with chronic spinal cord injury after supervised physical activity

Background

Quantification of body composition variables is important for planning of better activities in relation to individuals with spinal cord injury (SCI).

Objectives

(1) To evaluate changes in body composition in patients with SCI after a supervised physical activity process; (2) To correlate total body fat with time since injury.

Design

Pre-post intervention.

Setting

Sarah Rehabilitation Hospital Network, Brazil.

Participants

Fifty-three men with SCI aged 18–52 years with duration of injury >3 years.

Interventions

The subjects were divided into three groups: tetraplegia (TT) (C5–C8), high paraplegia (HP) (T1–T6), and low paraplegia (LP) (T7–L2). Body composition was estimated in the first and last weeks of hospitalization.

Outcome measures

Body weight (kg), skinfolds sum (mm), absolute (kg), and relative (%) fat and lean body mass.

Results

Body weight increased in TT and decreased in HP (0.8 kg, 95%CI 0.1–1.5; and −1.0 kg, 95%CI −2.0 to 0.0, respectively; P < 0.05). Skinfolds sum decreased only in HP (−13.1 mm, 95%CI −20.7 to −5.5; P < 0.05). Absolute and relative body fat decreased significantly in the paraplegia groups. Lean body mass (LBM) percentage increased significantly in the paraplegia groups. Absolute LBM increased in TT and LP (0.8 kg, 95%CI 0.3–1.3; and 1.3 kg, 95%CI 0.8 to 1.8, respectively; P < 0.05). There was no correlation between time since injury and skinfolds sum for the three groups (P < 0.05).

Conclusion

TT, HP, and LP demonstrated favorable changes in body composition after 29 days of supervised physical activity. However, these changes were different in direction and magnitude.