Radiographic classification for fractures of the fifth metatarsal base

Objective

Avulsion fractures of the fifth metatarsal base (MTB5) are common fore foot injuries. Based on a radiomorphometric analysis reflecting the risk for a secondary displacement, a new classification was developed.

Materials and methods

A cohort of 95 healthy, sportive, and young patients (age?≤?50 years) with avulsion fractures of the MTB5 was included in the study and divided into groups with non-displaced, primary-displaced, and secondary-displaced fractures. Radiomorphometric data obtained using standard oblique and dorso-plantar views were analyzed in association with secondary displacement. Based on this, a classification was developed and checked for reproducibility.

Results

Fractures with a longer distance between the lateral edge of the styloid process and the lateral fracture step-off and fractures with a more medial joint entry of the fracture line at the MTB5 are at higher risk to displace secondarily. Based on these findings, all fractures were divided into three types: type I with a fracture entry in the lateral third; type II in the middle third; and type III in the medial third of the MTB5. Additionally, the three types were subdivided into an A-type with a fracture displacement <2 mm and a B-type with a fracture displacement?≥?2 mm. A substantial level of interobserver agreement was found in the assignment of all 95 fractures to the six fracture types (κ?=?0.72). The secondary displacement of fractures was confirmed by all examiners in 100 %.

Conclusions

Radiomorphometric data may identify fractures at risk for secondary displacement of the MTB5. Based on this, a reliable classification was developed.     

Medial patellofemoral ligament reconstruction for patellar maltracking following total knee arthroplasty is effective

Purpose

Maltracking of the patella after total knee arthroplasty (TKA) remains a well-recognized problem. The medial patellofemoral ligament (MPFL) has shown to be important for patellar stabilization and reconstructions of the MPFL have already shown excellent functional outcomes for patellar instability of the native knee. Nevertheless, there is only limited literature on using an MPFL reconstruction for correction of patellar maltracking after TKA. In this retrospective study, a consecutive case series was evaluated.

Methods

Between 2007 and 2010, nine patients (nine knees) with anterior knee pain and symptomatic (sub)luxations of the patella after primary or revision TKA were treated by reconstruction of the MPFL in combination with a lateral release. In two cases, an additional tibial tuberosity transfer was performed, due to insufficient per-operative correction. Pre-operative work-up included a CT scan to rule out component malrotation and disorders in limb alignment. Pre- and post-operative patellar displacement and lateral patellar tilt were measured on axial radiographs. Clinical outcome was evaluated using the visual analogue scale (VAS) satisfaction, VAS pain, dislocation rate and Bartlett patella score.

Results

Median patellar displacement improved from 29 mm (0–44) to 0 mm (0–9) post-operatively. Median lateral patellar tilt was 45° (23–62) pre-operative and changed to a median 15° (?3 to 21) post-operative. Median VAS satisfaction was 8 (5–9) and only one patient reported a subluxing feeling afterwards. The Bartlett patella score displayed a diverse picture.

Conclusions

Patellar maltracking after primary or revision TKA without malrotation can effectively be treated by MPFL reconstruction in combination with a lateral release. Only in limited cases, an additional tibial tuberosity transfer is needed.

Level of evidence

IV.     

Clinical outcomes of medial patellofemoral ligament reconstruction in patients with an increased tibial tuberosity–trochlear groove distance

Purpose

Medial patellofemoral ligament (MPFL) reconstruction is performed to treat recurrent patellar dislocation (RPD). However, the effectiveness of MPFL reconstruction in patients with a severely lateralised tibial tuberosity remains unknown. In this study, the clinical outcomes of MPFL reconstruction in patients with an increased tibial tuberosity–trochlear groove (TT–TG) distance were examined.

Methods

A total of thirty-four patients who underwent MPFL reconstruction for RPD were retrospectively examined. Nineteen patients with a TT–TG distance of >20 mm (increased TT–TG distance group) were compared with 15 patients with a TT–TG distance of <20 mm (control group). Clinical outcomes of MPFL reconstruction were evaluated by occurrence of re-dislocation, Crosby and Insall grading system, apprehension sign, and Kujala and Lysholm scores.

Results

None of the patients reported re-dislocation. Apprehension sign remained in three patients in the increased TT–TG distance group and in one patient in the control group. According to the Crosby and Insall grading system, 9 patients (47 %) were excellent, 9 (47 %) were good, and 1 (5 %) was fair to poor in the increased TT–TG distance group, while 6 (40 %) were excellent and 9 (60 %) were good in the control group. Kujala and Lysholm scores were significantly improved post-operatively in both groups. No significant correlations were observed between TT–TG distance and post-operative Kujala or Lysholm score.

Conclusion

Overall clinical outcomes of MPFL reconstruction were favourable even in patients with an increased TT–TG distance. TT–TG distance of >20 mm may not be an absolute indication for medialisation of the tibial tuberosity when performing MPFL reconstruction.

Level of evidence

Case–control study, Level III.     

The treatment of acquired patella baja with proximalize the tibial tuberosity

Purpose

Acquired patella baja may result in decreased range of motion of the knee, extensor lag, and anterior knee pain. The aim of the study was to evaluate the efficacy of tibial tubercle osteotomy with proximal displacement.

Methods

Between 1998 and 2011, a proximalization of the tibial tuberosity was performed in 15 patients (15 knees) with patella baja diagnosed using the Blackburne–Peel ratio. Clinical outcomes included the Tegner Lysholm knee scoring scales, the WOMAC questionnaire, the short form-12 (SF-12), and a visual analogue score (VAS) pain scale.

Results

Fifteen proximalizations of the tibial tuberosity were performed, with a mean follow-up period of 64 months (5–160). The mean patient age was 59 years (41–86 years). The mean preoperative Blackburne–Peel ratio of 0.4 (0.1–0.6) was improved to a mean of 1.0 (0.8–1.2) post-operatively, which was associated with significant improvements in the Lysholm knee scoring scale from 13.3 ± 13.0 to 86.7 ± 10.4 points (p < 0.0001). Quality of life, as measured using the SF-12 outcome, also improved significantly (p < 0.0001), as did all WOMAC questionnaire score subscales (p < 0.0001). The VAS preoperative status for pain improved from 8.3 ± 2.0 to 1.5 ± 1.8. No patient had delayed or non-union of the osteotomy site.

Conclusions

A series of patients with patella baja, treated with proximalization of the tibial tuberosity, achieved satisfactory outcomes in terms of pain relief and improved function, without major complication.     

Tibial rotational osteotomy and distal tuberosity transfer for patella subluxation secondary to excessive external tibial torsion: surgical technique and clinical outcome

Purpose

Recurrent patella subluxation may be secondary to excessive external tibial torsion. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the clinical and radiographic outcome of patients undergoing tibial derotation osteotomy and tibial tuberosity transfer for recurrent patella subluxation in association with excessive external tibial torsion.

Methods

A combined tibial derotation osteotomy and tibial tuberosity transfer was performed in 15 knees (12 patients) with recurrent patella subluxation secondary to excessive external tibial torsion. Clinical evaluation was carried out using preoperative and post-operative Knee Society Score (KSS), Kujala Patellofemoral score, the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) questionnaire, the short form-12 (SF-12) and a visual analogue score (VAS) pain scale.

Results

The median follow-up period was 84 months (range 15–156) and median patient age was 34 years (range 19–57 years). The median preoperative external tibial torsion was 62° (range 55°–70°), with a median rotational correction of 36° (range 30°–45°) after surgery. Significant improvement (p < 0.05) was found in the KSS part I (37 ± 14 to 89 ± 11 points), KSS part II (25 ± 26 to 85 ± 14 points), Kujala score, the SF-12 outcome, WOMAC score and VAS score (8.8 ± 1.9 to 2.4 ± 1.5). Two patients had a nonunion of the tibial osteotomy site; one patient required bone grafting, while another patient required revision to total knee arthroplasty.

Conclusion

Patients presenting with recurrent patella subluxation secondary to excessive external tibial torsion >45° who underwent tibial derotation osteotomy and tibial tuberosity transfer achieved a satisfactory outcome in terms of pain relief and improved function. A significant complication was seen in 2/15 patients.

Level of evidence

Case series, Level IV.     

The effect of tibial tuberosity realignment procedures on the patellofemoral pressure distribution

Purpose

The study was performed to characterize the influence of tibial tuberosity realignment on the pressure applied to cartilage on the patella in the intact condition and with lesions on the lateral and medial facets.

Methods

Ten knees were loaded in vitro through the quadriceps (586 N) and hamstrings (200 N) at 40°, 60°, and 80° of flexion while measuring patellofemoral contact pressures with a pressure sensor. The tibial tuberosity was positioned 5 mm lateral of the normal position to represent lateral malalignment, 5 mm medial of the normal position to represent tuberosity medialization, and 10 mm anterior of the medial position to represent tuberosity anteromedialization. The knees were tested with intact cartilage, with a 12-mm-diameter lesion created within the lateral patellar cartilage, and with the lateral lesion repaired with silicone combined with a medial lesion. A repeated measures ANOVA and post hoc tests were used to identify significant (P < 0.05) differences in the maximum lateral and medial pressure between the tuberosity positions.

Results

Tuberosity medialization and anteromedialization significantly decreased the maximum lateral pressure by approximately 15% at 60° and 80° for intact cartilage and cartilage with a lateral lesion. Tuberosity medialization significantly increased the maximum medial pressure for intact cartilage at 80°, but the maximum medial pressure did not exceed the maximum lateral pressure for any testing condition.

Conclusions

The results indicate that medializing the tibial tuberosity by 10 mm reduces the pressure applied to lateral patellar cartilage for intact cartilage and cartilage with lateral lesions, but does not overload medial cartilage.     

Excellent results of lesser tuberosity transfer in acute locked posterior shoulder dislocation

Purpose

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the clinical and radiological results of lesser tuberosity transfer in acute locked posterior shoulder dislocation with a humeral head defect between 25 and 45 %.

Methods

Clinical and radiological results of seven patients with locked posterior shoulder dislocation with a humeral head defect between 25 and 45 % which were managed with a modification of the McLaughlin procedure within 14 days after injury were evaluated retrospectively after a mean follow-up of 41 months.

Results

All shoulders remained stable. The results were good in one and excellent in six patients with a median absolute Constant score of 92 (range 80–98). Mean active pain-free abduction was 171.4° (SD 6.4), mean flexion was 175.7° (SD 4.9), and mean external rotation was 54.3° (SD 17.6). Internal rotation was restricted in all patients. There were no radiological signs of osteoarthritis.

Conclusions

Lesser tuberosity transfer shows excellent clinical and radiographic mid-term results in acute cases of locked posterior shoulder dislocation with a reverse Hill-Sachs lesion between 25 and 45 %.

Level of evidence

Case series with no comparison group, Level IV.     

Effect of patellar thickness on early results of total knee replacement with patellar resurfacing

Purpose

Patellar thickness is a concern in total knee replacement with patellar resurfacing because of the risk of patellar fracture or implant loosening. The aim of this study was to evaluate if patellar thickness is related to clinical outcome in the absence of patellar fracture or implant loosening.

Methods

Early results of 169 patients who underwent total knee replacement with patellar resurfacing were reviewed to assess the effect of patellar thickness on clinical outcome. The mean follow-up was 13 months. The range of motion, Knee Society Score, Function Score and WOMAC Score were assessed preoperatively, at day 0, 6 months and 1 year. Radiographs were assessed for patellar fracture or implant loosening.

Results

Thirty-one percent of all patients had preoperative thickness <21 mm. Seven percent had <12 mm residual thickness after patellar cut, all were female. Twenty-three percent had ≥1 mm increase of thickness after surgery. Radiographs did not show any patellar fracture or implant loosening. However, preoperative patellar thickness <21 mm had poorer gain in range of motion at 1 year. Preoperative range of motion had greater influence on postoperative range of motion than preoperative patellar thickness. Residual thickness <12 mm had lower gain in WOMAC score at 1 year and an increase in thickness ≥1 mm postoperatively was associated with lower gain in WOMAC score at 6 months.

Conclusions

Early results of patellar resurfacing with preoperative thickness <21 mm or residual thickness <12 mm were found to be inferior even in the absence of patellar fracture or implant loosening. Conservative cutting resulting in 1 mm increase in thickness was also found to have inferior clinical results.

Level of evidence

II.     

Stent-assisted embolization of recurrent or residual intracranial aneurysms

Introduction

Intracranial stents have theoretical advantages in the treatment of wide-necked intracranial aneurysms, but the usability of intracranial stents in the retreatment of recurrent intracranial aneurysms is relatively unknown. In this study, we aim to evaluate the safety and efficacy of stent-assisted embolization in the retreatment of recurrent or residual intracranial aneurysms.

Methods

Retrospective evaluation was carried out for 55 consecutive patients (17 men and 38 women; mean age 51.5 years), with 56 recurrent or residual intracranial aneurysms electively retreated with stent-assisted embolization.

Results

The technical success rate was 91 % (50/55 patients). Procedural complications were encountered with six patients (11 %). Angiographic and clinical follow-up data were available for 51 patients (93 %), with a mean follow-up period of 28.1 months. No rebleedings were encountered during the study period. The clinical outcome was favorable in 50 patients (91 %), with a Glasgow Outcome Score of 4 (N?=?14) or 5 (N?=?36) at the end of the study period. Poor clinical outcome correlated with very large (>2 cm) total aneurysm size (P?=?0.002), large (>10 mm) recurrent aneurysm size (P?=?0.011), and occurrence of periprocedural complications (P?<?0.001).

Conclusion

Stent-assisted coil embolization is beneficial for the retreatment of wide-necked recurrent or residual intracranial aneurysms, but stability and permanent occlusion of the recurrent aneurysm is unlikely if the aneurysm exceeds 2 cm in diameter, the recurrent diameter of the aneurysm exceeds 10 mm, or if mass effect is present with the recurrent aneurysm.     

Insertional anatomy and clinical relevance of the distal biceps tendon

Purpose

This study was undertaken to evaluate the incidence of bifurcated distal biceps tendons and the tendon’s insertional footprint on the radial tuberosity.

Methods

Twenty-five embalmed cadaveric specimens were dissected. The relationships and orientation of the muscle bellies and distal biceps tendon were examined. The insertional length, width, and footprint area of the distal biceps tendon on the radial tuberosity were evaluated.

Results

In 12 specimens (48%), the distal biceps tendon was in 2 distinct, easily separated parts. The average footprint length, width, and area of the tendon’s insertion on the radial tuberosity were 20.5 mm ± 2.0 mm, 9.7 mm ± 1.3 mm, and 156.3 mm² ± 29.4 mm², respectively. We calculated that the tendon’s insertion occupied approximately 35.9% of the area of the radial tuberosity. In the specimens with a bifurcated distal biceps tendon, the long head of the tendon inserted at the posterosuperior portion of the radial tuberosity, and the average area was 71.4 mm² ± 11.3 mm². The short head of the distal biceps tendon inserted at the anteroinferior portion, and the average area was 88.3 mm² ± 24.1 mm².

Conclusion

This study confirmed that bifurcated distal biceps tendon insertion is not a rare anatomical variation, showed by recent investigations, and found that the short head of the distal biceps tendon was inserted more anteriorly than the long head on the radial tuberosity. These findings may allow functional independence and isolated rupture of each portion. It can make correct diagnosis possible and allow for a more anatomical orientation of the tendon during surgical repair.     

Extrapleural and cardiophrenic lymph nodes: prevalence,clinical significance and diagnostic value

Purpose

The aim of this study was to evaluate the prevalence, clinical meaning and diagnostic value of extrapleural and cardiophrenic nodes occasionally observed on computed tomography (CT) scans of the chest.

Materials and methods

We included 750 consecutive patients who underwent CT of the chest for different clinical purposes (340 nonneoplastic patients, 270 with extrathoracic neoplasms, 120 with intrathoracic neoplasms, 20 with pleural metastasis) and 91 patients with histologically proven malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM). For each group of patients, we analysed the presence of extrapleural and cardiophrenic nodes, their number (single or multiple) and their size.

Results

The prevalence of cardiophrenic nodes between 6 and 10 mm and >10 mm was significantly higher in patients with MPM (28.6 and 26.4 %, respectively) than in all other categories of patients, except for patients with pleural metastasis (30 and 25 %, respectively). The prevalence of extrapleural nodes, independently from their size, was significantly higher in patients with MPM (68 %) compared with all other groups, including patients with pleural metastasis (5 %; p < 0.0001).

Conclusions

Cardiophrenic nodes >5 mm and extrapleural nodes of any size have a significant diagnostic value in malignant pleural disease, either primary or secondary, whereas they are extremely rare in other neoplastic or nonneoplastic diseases.     

Novel technology of multimodal ultrasound tomography detects breast lesions

Objectives

To introduce a new three-dimensional (3D) diagnostic imaging technology, termed “multimodal ultrasonic tomography” (MUT), for the detection of breast cancer without ionising radiation or compression.

Methods

MUT performs 3D tomography of the pendulant breast in a water-bath using transmission ultrasound in a fixed-coordinate system. Specialised electronic hardware and signal processing algorithms are used to construct multimodal images for each coronal slice, corresponding to measurements of refractivity and frequency-dependent attenuation and dispersion. In-plane pixel size is 0.25 mm?×?0.25 mm and the inter-slice interval can vary from 1 to 4 mm, depending on clinical requirements. MUT imaging was performed on 25 patients (“off-label” use for research purposes only), presenting lesions with sizes >10 mm. Histopathology of biopsy samples, obtained from all patients, were used to evaluate the MUT outcomes.

Results

All lesions (21 malignant and four benign) were clearly identified on the MUT images and correctly classified into benign and malignant based on their respective multimodal information. Malignant lesions generally exhibited higher values of refractivity and frequency-dependent attenuation and dispersion.

Conclusion

Initial clinical results confirmed the ability of MUT to detect and differentiate all suspicious lesions with sizes >10 mm discernible in mammograms of 25 female patients.

Key Points

? Technical advances in ultrasound offer new diagnostic opportunities in breast imaging ? 3D ultrasound can detect breast cancer without ionising radiation or compression ? Multimodal 3D ultrasound assesses acoustic refractivity, frequency-dependent attenuation and dispersion ? MUT can differentiate between benign and malignant breast lesions     

Successful fixation of Mason type 2 radial head fractures using Meniscus Arrows

Purpose

Previous experience has revealed excellent outcomes when using the Meniscus Arrow (Conmed Linvatec Ltd., Tampere, Finland) bioabsorable meniscal repair system for the fixation of small fracture fragments. This study describes the results of the fixation of Mason type 2 radial head fractures with these Arrows in a prospective series of 21 patients.

Methods

Between 2006 and 2010, a total of 21 patients were treated with Meniscus Arrows for the fixation of Mason type 2 fractures of the radial head during an open procedure. Twenty-one, twenty and seventeen patients were followed up at 2 and 6 post-operative weeks, 18 weeks and 24 months, respectively. Radiographs were obtained during follow-up visits, and range of motion was classified according to the Weseley classification.

Results

At 24 post-operative months, 88 % of patients showed ‘excellent’ and 12 % showed ‘good’ results in terms of extension. All patients (100 %) showed ‘excellent’ results for flexion, supination and pronation. Uneventful healing of the fracture was observed in all patients. No complications were noted.

Conclusion

This study shows promising outcomes for the use of Meniscus Arrows as fixation devices in the treatment for Mason type 2 fractures of the radial head.

Level of evidence

Prospective therapeutic study, Level IV.     

MRI features most often associated with surgically proven tears of the spring ligament complex

Objectives

The authors aim to present the common MRI appearances of surgically proven spring ligament tears as minimal radiological literature exists regarding injury to this increasingly important structure.

Materials and methods

Our retrospective review identified a treatment group comprising 13 cases of surgically proven spring ligament injury and a 96-patient comparison group. All patients underwent standard musculoskeletal MRI sequences of the foot and ankle. Images were reviewed by a registrar-grade orthopedic surgeon and a consultant musculoskeletal radiologist for abnormalities of the spring ligament complex.

Results

MRI findings in relation to surgically proven injury of the superior-medial portion of the spring ligament included proximal thickening >5 mm in 92 % and distal thinning <2 mm in 85 % of proven injures to the spring ligament complex. Common abnormalities of the medio-plantar portion comprised ligament thickening >7 mm in 31 % and intra-substance signal heterogenicity demonstrated in 38 % of cases.

Conclusions

The complex orientation of the medio-plantar ligament makes its evaluation unreliable due to the difficulty obtaining diagnostic quality imaging and our inability to correlate MRI findings in this portion of the ligament with surgically proven injury. However, MRI abnormalities of the superior-medial ligament are consistent, reproducible, and correlate with surgical pathology. As our incomplete understanding of the flexible flatfoot deformity evolves, our ability to recognize injury to the spring ligament may encourage novel surgical treatments looking to incorporate its repair or reconstruction into deformity correction.     

SPECT blood pool phase analysis can accurately and reproducibly quantify mechanical dyssynchrony

Objectives

Phase analysis of SPECT blood pool imaging has the potential to assess mechanical dyssynchrony (MD). However, wall motion of the left ventricle (LV) from SPECT images can be based on either time-activity or time-distance curves. In this paper, these two techniques were compared using receiver-operator characteristics (ROC) analysis at detecting MD patients from a population of normal subjects.

Methods

SPECT phase analysis was performed on 48 normal subjects (LVEF > 55%, normal wall motion, QRS < 120 ms), and 55 MD patients (LVEF < 35%, QRS > 120 ms). ROC analysis was individually performed on each of three phase parameters (phase standard deviation, synchrony, and entropy) for each LV wall motion technique. ROC area differences were assessed using the Student t-test. Intra- and inter-observer reproducibilities were investigated using regression analysis.

Results

Time-activity-based phase analysis produced excellent ROC areas of .93 or better for all three phase parameters. The time-distance techniques produced significantly (P < .05) lower ROC areas in the range of .53-.76. Time-activity-based phase analysis had excellent intra- and inter-observer reproducibility with correlation coefficients >.96, compared to values of ~.85 for the time-distance methods.

Conclusion

SPECT time-activity-based phase analysis had excellent sensitivity and specificity at detecting MD patients with very high intra- and inter-observer reproducibility.     

Cyclic long-term loading of a bilateral fixed-angle plate in comparison with tension band wiring with K-wires or cannulated screws in transverse patella fractures

Purpose

A bilateral fixed-angle plate was biomechanically compared to the two currently preferred methods of osteosynthesis for transverse patella fractures. It was hypothesized that the new angle-stable implant would provide a secure and sustainable fracture fixation, superior to the established standard techniques.

Methods

Twenty-one identical patellae made of polyurethane foam (Sawbones^®), osteotomized to create a transverse two-part fracture, were fixed with modified anterior tension wiring, cannulated lag screws with anterior tension wiring or bilateral polyaxial 2.7-mm fixed-angle plates. The testing protocol consisted of 10,000 repetitive cycles using a non-destructive physiological load between 100 and 300 N at a simulated knee flexion of 60°.

Results

All 21 Sawbone^®-patellae sustained repetitive loading up to 10,000 cycles without failing. The anterior tension wire group displayed significant displacement of the fracture gap (0.7 ± 0.2 mm) during cyclic loading, while both lag screws with tension wiring and bilateral fixed-angle plates showed no fracture gap widening at all (p < 0.01).

Conclusion

The bilateral fixed-angle plate and cannulated lag screws with anterior tension wiring preserved a constantly reduced fracture gap over 10,000 tensile cycles in contrast to modified anterior tension wiring, which exhibited significant widening of the gap after initial loading. Results of in vitro testing indicate that bilateral fixed-angle plates provide sustainable fixation stability offering a promising new option in the treatment for transverse patella fractures.     

End-stage extension of the knee and its influence on tibial tuberosity-trochlear groove distance (TTTG) in asymptomatic volunteers

Purpose

Increased tibial tuberosity-trochlear groove distance (TTTG) is one potential correcting parameter in patients suffering from lateral patellar instability. It was hypothesized that end-stage extension of the knee might influence the TTTG distance on MR images.

Methods

Transverse T1-weighted MR images of the knee were acquired at full extension, 15° and 30° flexion of the knee in 30 asymptomatic volunteers. MRI parameters: slice thickness: 3 mm, matrix: 256 × 384, FOV: 150 × 150 mm. Two observers independently measured the TTTG at all positions.

Results

Mean TTTG for observer 1 was 15.1 ± 3.2 mm at full extension, 10.0 ± 3.5 mm at 15° flexion and 8.1 ± 3.4 mm at 30° flexion. Mean TTTG for observer 2: 14.8 ± 3.3 mm at full extension, 9.4 ± 3.0 mm at 15° flexion, 8.6 ± 3.4 mm at 30° flexion. Mean values were significantly different (p < 0.001) between full extension and 15° as well as 30° flexion for both observers. Mean values were significantly different (p < 0.001) between 15° and 30° for observer 1, but not for observer 2 (n.s.). Interobserver agreement was very good (intraclass correlation coefficient: 0.87–0.88; p < 0.001).

Conclusions

The TTTG increases significantly at the end-stage extension of the knee. Therefore, the comparability of published TTTG values measured on radiographs, CT and MRI at various flexion/extension angles of the knee are limited.

Level of evidence

Development of diagnostic criteria in a consecutive series of patients and a universally applied ‘gold’ standard, Level II.     

Clinical experience with the pREset stent retriever for the treatment of acute ischemic stroke—a review of 271 consecutive cases

Introduction

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the safety and efficacy of the pREset stent retriever in a real-world clinical setting.

Methods

Patients treated with pREset were selected from a prospectively maintained single-center database. A TICI score ≥2b after ≤3 passes was regarded as successful recanalization. All device-related complications and their clinical significance were reported. Parenchymal hematomas (PH) were classified according to ECASS, adding focal and diffuse subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) as categories. A 90-day mRS of 0–2 was defined as favorable outcome. In addition, we separately analyzed patients treated with >3 pREset passes and patients receiving other rescue maneuvers.

Results

We included 271 patients. Successful recanalization was achieved in 76.4 %. Device-related complications occurred in 9.2 % of which 2.2 % were clinically significant. PH I, PH II, focal SAH, and diffuse SAH was observed in 5.2, 4.8, 12.2, and 2.2 %, respectively. A total of 39.5 % of patients had favorable clinical outcome. Considering treatments with >3 pREset passes or other rescue procedures, an additional 8.5 and 9.3 % of target vessels were recanalized. The chance of favorable clinical outcome decreased significantly with any kind of rescue therapy. In addition, the rate of PH I was significantly higher in patients treated with >3 pREset passes, whereas all other types of hemorrhage showed no difference.

Conclusion

In terms of safety and effectiveness, pREset performed comparably to other stent retriever devices. To avoid futile recanalization and potential additional harm, escalation of therapy beyond three thrombectomy passes should only be performed after careful individual consideration of each case.     

Temporary stent placement with concurrent chemoradiation therapy in patients with unresectable oesophageal carcinoma: is there an optimal time for stent removal?

Objective

To investigate the influence of the timing of stent removal on the outcome of temporary stent placement with concurrent chemoradiation therapy in patients with unresectable oesophageal carcinoma.

Methods

Retrospective analysis was performed on 52 patients undergoing temporary stent placement. Stents were electively removed within 4 weeks in 15 patients (group A), 4–6 weeks in 17 patients (group B) and after 6 weeks in 20 patients (group C). Recurrent symptoms after stent removal, dysphagia score and overall survival periods were compared among the groups.

Results

Stent placement and removal were technically successful in all patients. The dysphagia score was significantly improved in all groups (P?<?0.001). In 19 patients (36 %), recurrent symptoms occurred 15–441 days after stent removal. In group A, recurrent obstruction was significantly higher than in groups B (P?=?0.049) and C (P?=?0.019). Incidence of oesophago-respiratory fistulas in group C was significantly higher than in group A (P?=?0.027). There was no significant difference in survival periods.

Conclusion

The ideal time for stent removal likely falls between 4 and 6 weeks following the start of palliative CCRT allowing the temporary stents to relieve dysphagia effectively in patients with unresectable oesophageal carcinoma.

Key Points

? Stents are usually required for unresectable oesophageal carcinoma ? Optimal timing of stent removal is 4–6 weeks after starting palliative CCRT. ? Early stent removal (<4 weeks) is associated with higher recurrence rates. ? Delayed stent removal (>6 weeks) is associated with greater oesophago-respiratory fistula development.     

Surgical treatment of significant glenoid bone defects and associated humeral avulsions of glenohumeral ligament (HAGL) lesions in anterior shoulder instability

Purpose

Combined occurrence of humeral avulsion of glenohumeral ligament (HAGL) lesion and a significant glenoid bone defect is an unusual and previously undescribed association in traumatic anterior shoulder instability. The purpose of this study was (1) to report a retrospective case series of seven anterior bony instability patients who were diagnosed with this unusual association and (2) to evaluate the results of a modified Latarjet procedure and simultaneous HAGL repair using a new subscapularis-sparing approach.

Methods

A retrospective review of the records of 64 anterior shoulder instability patients who underwent bony stabilization surgery was performed, and patients who underwent a combined reconstruction for significant glenohumeral bone defects (glenoid loss >20 %) and an associated HAGL lesion were identified. Pre- and postoperative follow-up clinical parameters and functional scores were documented (Oxford shoulder instability score [OSIS], Western Ontario shoulder instability index [WOSI]), Rowe score). Radiological assessment included measurement of the glenoid bone defect (CT scan) and evaluation of soft tissue lesions (MR arthrogram).

Results

Radiological and arthroscopic evaluation confirmed the combined lesion complex in 7 (11 %) patients. Follow-up evaluation (mean 20.6 months) suggested an excellent outcome (Rowe score: median 95, range 95–100); a statistically significant improvement was seen in the follow-up OSIS (median 12, range 12–14, p = 0.018) and WOSI score (median 28, range 17–102, p = 0.018) as compared to the preoperative score (median OSIS 50, range 32–53; median WOSI 1,084, range 919–1,195). Clinical tests for subscapularis function revealed a functional subscapularis muscle; no significant differences were detected in pre- versus postoperative internal rotation strength and in the operated versus normal contralateral shoulder (ns). The dual-window subscapularis–sparing approach provided adequate exposure for combined reconstruction of the humeral and glenoid lesions, and no complications were encountered.

Conclusions

Significant glenoid defects are associated with HAGL lesions in approximately 1/10th of patients with bony instability. Combined reconstruction of these lesions via a subscapularis-sparing approach results in an excellent outcome and significant improvement in functional scores at a medium-term follow-up.

Level of evidence

Therapeutic study, Level IV.