Is CT scan a predictor of instability in recurrent dislocation shoulder?

Purpose: Glenoid bone defect and the defect on the posterior-superior surface of the humerus “HillSachs lesion” are the commonly seen bony lesions in patients with recurrent dislocation shoulder. Computed tomography (CT) scan is considered as the best option in assessing the bony defects in the recurrent dislocation shoulder. The aim of this study was to assess the clinical and radiological corelation in the patients with recurrent dislocation shoulder. Methods: Forty-four patients of recurrent dislocation shoulder who were evaluated between January 2015 and December 2017 at a tertiary care center, clinically and radiologically using CT scan and meeting the inclusion criteria, were included. The correlation between the clinical history of the number of dislocations and the bone loss using CT scan was evaluated. Two sided statistical tests were performed at a significance level of a = 0.05. The analysis was conducted using IBM SPSS STATISTICS (version 22.0). Results: All the patients were male with mean age of 25.95 (SD ± 4.2) years were evaluated. Twenty-four patients sustained injury in sporting activities while 20 patients sustained injury in training. There were an average of 4.68 (SD ± 3.1, range 2-15, median 3) episodes of dislocation. Forty-one patients had the glenoid bone loss while 40 had the Hill-Sachs lesions. The mean glenoid width defect was 10.80% (range 0-27%) while the mean Hill-Sachs defect was 14.27 mm (range 0-26.6 mm). The mean area of bone loss of the glenoid surface was 10.81% (range 0-22.4%). The lesions were on track in 34 patients and off track in 10 patients. Conclusions: CT scan of the shoulder joint is an effective method for assessing the amount of bone loss. The number of dislocations are correlated significantly with off-track lesions and the amount of bone loss on the glenoid and Hill-Sachs lesion. The glenoid width bone loss of more than 9.80% or Hill-Sachs defect of more than 14.80 mm are the critical defects after which the frequency of dislocations increases.     

Pelvic fracture instability-associated L5 transverse process fracture,fact or myth? A systematic review and meta-analysis

Purpose

Stable or unstable pelvic ring fractures are sometimes associated with L5 transverse process (TP) fractures. This review aimed to determine the effect of L5 TP fractures on pelvic ring fracture stability.

Methods

We searched electronic databases (including MEDLINE, Google Scholar, and SCOPUS) and performed hand searching of English orthopedics journals and conference abstracts until May 2017. We pooled data from five studies, with a total of 278 patients.

Results

Of 28 studies, five were included (four studies involved adult patients, one pediatric population). Of the 278 pelvic fractures (average age 37.33 years; male 132 and female 92), 99 (35.6%) were stable and 179 (64.4%) were unstable (fracture B and C, according to the Tile classification). Sixty-seven (24.1%) were cases with L5 TP, and 211 (75.9%) were cases without L5 TP fracture. The typical causes of injury were road traffic accident (59.2%), fall from height (23.6%), and crush injuries and injuries by heavy objects (17.2%). The pooled odds ratio (OR) of L5 TP between the stable and unstable groups calculated with random effect analysis was 0.418 (0.083–2.108; p = 0.291); after excluding the study on a pediatric population, the pooled OR was 0.349 (0.056–2.159; p = 0.258).

Conclusions

L5 TP fractures may indicate high-energy trauma; however, no relationship between L5 TP fractures and pelvic ring fracture stability exists.

Level of evidence

Prognostic Level IV.

     

Is central sarcopenia a predictor of prognosis for patients with pathological fracture?

IntroductionWe aimed to investigate the relationship between central sarcopenia and survival in patients with pathological fracture.MethodsWe reviewed records of patients who were treated for pathological fracture of axial and appendicular skeleton in our clinic between 2011 and 2020. We used the psoas: lumbar vertebral index (PLVI) on axial computer tomographic evaluation to assess for central sarcopenia. A multivariate Cox algorithm was applied to recognize these factors independently associated with one month, six months, one year, and overall survival.ResultsA total of 147 patients [61 (41.4%) male and 86 (58.6%) female] were included, with an average age of 62.4 years. During the study, 108 (73.4%) patients died, and 39 (26.6%) were alive. The survival rates at 1 month, 6 months, and 1 year after surgery were 94.6%, 68.7%, and 53.1%, respectively. PLVI values ranged from 0.21 to 1.20 with a mean of 0.536 and a median of 0.520. According to the median value of PLVI, 68 patients with sarcopenia had low PLVI and 79 patients without sarcopenia had high PLVI. For the first month, only the preoperative albumin level was identified as a prognostic factor. Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group Performance Status (ECOG), American Society of Anesthesia (ASA) scores and primary malignancy (rapid grade) were strong predictor of poor survival. The PLVI was independent significant predictor of first month (HR, 0.083 [95% CI, 0.011–0.649], p = 0.018) and overall survival (HR, 0.129 [95% CI, 0.034–0.492], p = 0.003).ConclusionThe PLVI was a strong predictor of first year, and overall survival in patients with pathological fracture.     

Is kidney size a useful predictor of renal function in the elderly?

Despite its widespread use, the diagnostic yield of ultrasonography to detect early stages of reduced renal function in the elderly remains doubtful. METHOD: Sixty-two patients (age: 74.8 +/- 6.7 years, 30 females) attending a geriatric ward were examined. Non-insulin-dependent diabetes was present in 28 patients and 32 were hypertensive. Exclusion criteria were previously known renal failure, an elevated serum creatinine above 2 mg/dl at admission or apparent cognitive impairment. Inulin clearance (C(IN)), Cockcroft estimation and urinary albumin excretion rate (UAER) were determined. Renal parenchymal volume, renal volume and mean renal length were calculated using data obtained by ultrasonography. RESULTS: A multiple regression analysis identified C(IN) as the main determining factor on renal parenchymal volume (beta = 0.360; p = 0.004). Body height showed additional influence (beta = 0.295; p = 0.018), but age, gender, diabetes, UAER and hypertension did not. Cockcroft estimation, ultrasonographic markers of renal size and further confounding variables were evaluated in a subsequent multiple regression analysis. Cockcroft estimation explained the major part of the variance (beta = 0.783; p < 0.001) and the occurrence of diabetes showed a borderline additional effect. But there was no supplementary influence of any ultrasonographic parameter. In 11 patients, C(IN) was reduced to < or = 60 ml/min. ROC analysis revealed poor diagnostic efficacy of all ultrasonographic parameters (AUC < 0.7336) compared to Cockcroft estimation (AUC = 0.8718). CONCLUSION: Although a linear relation between C(IN) and renal parenchymal volume could be shown, ultrasonography cannot replace or complement Cockcroft estimation in order to detect early reduced renal function in the elderly. Nevertheless, reduced renal parenchymal volume may occur prior to elevation of serum creatinine in the elderly and should be noted carefully on routine ultrasonographic examinations.     

Is body temperature an independent predictor of mortality in hip fracture patients?

IntroductionAdmission body temperature is a critical parameter in all trauma patients. Low admission temperature is strongly associated with adverse outcomes. We have previously shown, in a prospective study that low admission body temperature is common and associated with high mortality in hip fracture patients (Uzoigwe et al., 2014). However, no previous studies have evaluated whether admission temperature is an independent predictor of mortality in hip fracture patients after adjustment for the 7 recognised independent prognostic indicators (Maxwell et al., 2008).MethodsWe retrospectively collated data on all patients presenting to our institution between June 2011 and February 2013 with a hip fracture. This included patients involved in the original prospective study (Uzoigwe et al., 2014). Admission tympanic temperature, measured on initial presentation at triage, was recorded. The prognosticators of age, gender, source of admission, abbreviated mental test score, haemoglobin, co-morbid disease and the presence or absence of malignancy were also recorded. Using multiple logistic regression, adjustment was made for these potentially confounding prognostic indicators of 30-day mortality, to determine if admission low body temperature were independently linked to mortality.Results1066 patients were included. 781 patients, involved in the original prospective study (Uzoigwe et al., 2014), presented in the relevant time frame and were included in the retrospective study. The mean age was 81. There were 273 (26%) men and 793 (74%) women. 407 (38%) had low body temperature (<36.5 °C). Adjustment was made for age, gender, source of admission, abbreviated mental test score, haemoglobin, co-morbid disease and the presence or absence of malignancy. Those with low body temperature had an adjusted odds ratio of 30-day mortality that was 2.1 times that of the euthermic (36.5–37.5 °C).ConclusionsLow body temperature is strongly and independently associated with 30-day mortality in hip fracture patients.     

Is the plasma endocan level a reliable predictor for the severity of erectile dysfunction?

Purpose

The aim of our study was to assess the correlation between serum endocan level and erectile dysfunction (ED).

Methods

A total of 92 patients were reviewed in this study after institutional review board approval. The patients’ characteristics were recorded, including age, body mass index, blood pressure, smoking history, serum creatinine, glucose, lipid profile, total testosterone, and Beck Depression Inventory scores. ED was evaluated with the Sexual Health Inventory for Men (SHIM) questionnaire and classified as severe, moderate, or mild. Scores of >?18 indicate normal erectile function and were recruited for the control group.

Results

Sixty-three patients with a median age of 56 years in the ED group and 29 patients with a median age of 55 years in the control group were compared. ED was classified as severe in 20, moderate in 25, and mild in 18 patients. A significant difference was determined between the severe ED group and the control group for serum endocan levels (p?<?0.001). A significant negative correlation between the SHIM score and endocan levels (rho ? 0.65; p?<?0.01), age and SHIM score (rho ? 0.32; p?=?0.04), BMI and SHIM score (rho ? 0.25; p?=?0.03), and BMI and total testosterone (rho ? 0.16; p?=?0.04) was determined upon Spearman’s correlation analysis. A positive correlation was also determined between total testosterone and SHIM score (rho 0.50; p?=?0.04). Patients’ age (p?=?0.037) and serum endocan level (p?=?0.029) were determined as significant in the multivariate analysis.

Conclusion

This study demonstrated the presence of an association between plasma endocan levels and ED. Endocan may be used as a new diagnostic marker for the severity of ED.

     

Is central skeleton bone quality a predictor of the severity of proximal humeral fractures?

IntroductionThe objectives of this study were to evaluate the correlation between bone attenuation around the shoulder joint assessed on conventional computed tomography (CT) and bone mineral density (BMD) based on dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA) of the central skeleton and the correlation between the bone quality around the shoulder joint and the severity of the fracture pattern of the proximal humerus.Materials and methodsA total of 200 patients with proximal humeral fracture who underwent preoperative 3-dimensional shoulder CT as well as DEXA within 3 months of the CT examination were included. Fracture types were divided into simple and comminuted fracture based on the Neer classification. After reliability testing, bone attenuation of the glenoid, three portions of the humeral head, and metaphysis was measured by placing a circular region of interest on the center of each bony region on CT images. Partial correlation analysis was used to assess the correlation between the bone quality around the shoulder joint on CT and the BMD on the central skeleton after adjusting for age and body mass index. Partial correlations between fracture classification and CT/DEXA results were also evaluated.ResultsBone attenuation measurements of the glenoid and humeral head showed good to excellent reliability (intraclass correlation coefficient, 0.623–0.998). Bone attenuation of the central portion of the humeral head on CT showed a significant correlation with the BMD of L1, L4, the femoral neck, and femoral trochanter (correlation coefficient, 0.269–0.431). Bone attenuation of other areas showed a lower correlation with BMD by DEXA. As the level of the Neer classification increased from a 2 to 4-part fracture, bone attenuation of the central humeral head decreased significantly (r = −0.150, p = 0.034). However, the BMD on DEXA was not a predictive factor for comminuted fracture of the proximal humerus.ConclusionsDEXA examination of the central skeleton may not reflect the bone quality of the proximal humerus and severity of proximal humeral fracture. Direct assessment of the bone quality of the proximal humerus is recommended to determine the osteoporotic nature of the fracture.     

The pelvic fracture – Indicator of injury severity or lethal fracture?

BackgroundPresence of pelvic fractures in trauma patients has previously been related to high mortality. However, there are controversies on whether pelvic fractures are the underlying cause of death or if it is rather an indicator of injury severity. We aimed to assess whether the presence of pelvic fracture increased mortality among a cohort of trauma patients or if it was simply an indicator of severe injury.Material and methodsKarolinska University Hospital is the largest trauma centre in Sweden. The hospital is linked to the Swedish National Trauma Registry, “SweTrau”. Registry data was collected for the period January 2013 until December 2015 with a one year further follow-up regarding mortality. Patients in the pelvic fracture group were compared to the non-pelvic fracture group and regression analysis was performed adjusting for factors that could possibly affect mortality.ResultsUnivariable analysis showed that pelvic fracture was associated with an increased mortality, OR 2.4 (CI 1.3–3.4). Multivariable analysis showed that the presence of a pelvic fracture was not associated with an increased 30-day mortality (OR 0.5, CI 0.2–0.9), while factors as Shock (OR 7.1, CI 4.6–10.9), GCS < 9 (OR 6.2, CI 3.9–9.8), ISS > 15 (OR 12.4, CI 8.1–18.9), Age >60 (OR 3.2, CI 2.1–4,9) and ASA 3–4 (OR 4.7, CI 3.1–7.3) were associated with an increased 30-day mortality. Factors affecting 1-year mortality was analysed in the same way and the results were similar.ConclusionPresence of pelvic fractures in trauma patients is not correlated to increased mortality when adjusted for Age, ISS, ASA, GCS and Shock.     

Is mechanism of injury alone a useful predictor of major trauma?

INTRODUCTION: The Review of Trauma and Emergency Services in Victoria -1999 left unresolved the predictive value of mechanism of injury in pre-hospital trauma triage guidelines. Ethics approval was granted. The objective of this study is to determine if mechanism of injury alone is a useful predictor of major trauma in pre-hospital trauma triage. METHODS: A retrospective cohort study was undertaken of all Victorian ambulance trauma Patient Care Records (PCRs) for 2002. PCRs where patients were physiologically stable, had no significant pattern of injury, but had a significant mechanism of injury were identified and compared with the State Trauma Registry to determine those patients who sustained hospital defined major trauma. RESULTS: There were 4571 incidents of mechanism of injury only, of which 62% were males, median age was 28 years. Two criteria had statistically significant results. A fall from greater than 5m (n=52) of whom 5 (RR 10.86, CI 4.47 to 26.42, P<0.0001) sustained major trauma and a patient trapped greater than 30min (n=36) of whom 3 (RR 9.0, CI 2.92 to 27.70, P=0003) sustained major trauma. The overall results are not clinically significant. CONCLUSION: This study suggests that individual mechanism of injury criteria have no clinical or operational significance in pre-hospital trauma triage of patients who have an absence of physiological distress and no significant pattern of injury. These results add to the knowledge base of trauma presentation in the pre-hospital setting, especially in Australia, and are the baseline for further studies.     

Is aspect ratio a reliable predictor of intracranial aneurysm rupture?

OBJECTIVE: This study was undertaken to assess the reliability of the aspect ratio (AR) (i.e., aneurysm depth to aneurysm neck) in predicting aneurysm rupture. It has been shown that the AR is a key factor in predicting intraaneurysmal blood flow and aneurysm rupture. METHODS: Seventy-five patients with subarachnoid hemorrhage and multiple aneurysms were studied. The sizes of the aneurysms and their ARs were determined by examining the angiographic films. By comparing the difference between ruptured and unruptured aneurysms in the same individual, each patient in effect served as his or her own control. Each ruptured aneurysm was confirmed during surgery. RESULTS: There were 75 ruptured and 107 unruptured aneurysms. The mean AR was 2.70 for ruptured aneurysms, compared with 1.8 for unruptured aneurysms. This difference between the ARs was statistically significant (P < 0.001). The difference in aneurysm sizes in the two groups also was significant (P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: AR on its own is as reliable a variable as the size of the aneurysm for predicting aneurysm rupture.     

Octyl-a-cyanoacrylate adhesive in the treatment of tibial transverse fracture in rabbits

Asfracturescausedbyhighenergybecomemoreseriousandtheoccurrencegraduallyincreases,fractures,especiallycomminutedfractures,posemoredifficultiesinthetreatment.Inmanaging comminutedfractures,inappropriatestabilizationof fragmentedbonesisthemaincauseofunsuccessful internalfixationanddelayedunionornonunionof bones.Atpresent,commonlyusedmaterialsinfixation arescrews,steelwire,etc,.Stabilizationofmultiple bonefragmentsisstillthekeyinrealpractice.Octyl a cyanoacrylateadhesivehasbetterbiomechanical stre…     

Is kidney injury a reversible process?

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Recent evidence indicates that the progression of renal fibrosis is a reversible process in experimental models. This review summarizes the new insights concerning the mechanisms of progression and regression of renal disease and examines this novel evidence in the light of feasibility and transfer to human nephropathies. RECENT FINDINGS: Most of the studies investigated prevention rather than reversal of renal disease. Interesting results have been obtained using agents antagonizing the signaling pathway of transforming growth factor-beta, by blockers of the tyrosine kinase growth factor receptors and by kinin receptor activation. SUMMARY: The future for therapy belongs to systems that mediate simultaneously proliferation, fibrosis and inflammation. Inhibitors of this kind of mediator will provide valuable assistance to 'classical' therapy with angiotensin II blockers, in order to achieve regression of renal fibrosis and reversal of renal failure.     

Is a “dragging sensation” a symptom of female pelvic organ prolapse?

Introduction and hypothesis

Pelvic organ prolapse (POP) commonly presents with a “vaginal lump or bulge” and/or a “dragging sensation.” The first symptom correlates strongly with clinical and imaging data. However, a “dragging sensation” may be less specific. Hence, we investigated the predictive value of both symptoms for POP.

Methods

This was a retrospective study involving archived data sets of women seen between November 2013 and May 2014. All underwent a clinical interview, POPQ examination, and 4D translabial ultrasound (TLUS). The main outcome measure was organ descent on clinical examination and TLUS. Offline analysis for organ descent was undertaken blinded against all other data.

Results

A total of 224 women were assessed. Mean age was 57 (23–84) years. Median parity was 3 (0–7). Ninety-three percent (n=208) were vaginally parous. Fifty-eight percent (n=129) complained of symptoms of prolapse: 49% (n=110) of a vaginal lump, 27% (n=61) of a dragging sensation. Clinically, mean point B anterior (Ba) was ?0.86 (?3 to +7.5) cm, mean cervical station (C) was ?4.1 (?9 to +8) cm, mean point B posterior (Bp) was ?1.1 (?3 to +5) cm. On imaging, mean bladder, uterine, and rectal descent were ?8.3 (?68.0 to 34) mm, +18.6 (?56.4 to 46.3) mm, and ?5.3 (?39.8 to 36) mm respectively. On univariate analysis, both symptoms were strongly associated with objective prolapse clinically and on TLUS, with “vaginal lump” consistently the stronger predictor.

Conclusions

The symptom of a “vaginal lump or bulge” was consistently a stronger predictor of objective POP than “dragging sensation.” This finding was insensitive to adjustments for potential confounders. However, a “dragging sensation” is clearly a symptom of prolapse.

     

Is race a positive predictor of cancer on repeat prostate biopsy?

PURPOSE: High grade intraepithelial neoplasia and atypical small acinar proliferation increase the probability of cancer on a subsequent prostate biopsy. We investigated whether race is prognostic for detecting cancer in patients undergoing repeat prostate biopsies. MATERIALS AND METHODS: At a single institution 416 men underwent 2 or more prostate biopsies from January 1993 through June 2003 for a total of 1,023 biopsies. We retrospectively examined multiple factors, including patient age, race, total number of biopsy cores total number of previously negative biopsy cores, prostate specific antigen, prostate specific antigen slope, digital rectal examination and family history of prostate cancer. Previous high grade intraepithelial neoplasia, atypical small acinar proliferation and Gleason score in positive biopsies were recorded from the histopathology review. Clinical variables were compared between black and white men using the Wilcoxon rank sum and Fisher exact tests. The Cox proportional hazards model was used for multivariate analysis. RESULTS: Of the 416 men 216 (51.9%) were black, 174 (41.8%) were white and 26 (6.3%) were another race. The average number of biopsy sessions in black and white men was 2.41 and 2.51, respectively. The cancer detection rate was 35.1% at the second biopsy, 34.6% at the third biopsy and 32.0% at the fourth biopsy. Cancer was diagnosed in 43.5% of black men compared to 25.9% of white men (p = 0.0004). When clinical and pathological variables were compared between the racial groups, black men had significantly higher prostate specific antigen (p = 0.02). There was no statistically significant difference in patient age, total number of cores, number of previous negative cores, prostate specific antigen slope, abnormal digital rectal examination, family history, or previous high grade intraepithelial neoplasia or atypical small acinar proliferation. Multivariate analysis showed that race approached but did not achieve statistical significance as a predictor of prostate cancer on repeat biopsy (p = 0.09). Previous high grade intraepithelial neoplasia (p = 0.0025), previous atypical small acinar proliferation (p = 0.0049), digital rectal examination (p = 0.0076) and prostate specific antigen slope (p = 0.0005) were independent predictors of prostate cancer on repeat biopsy. Of patients with previous atypical small acinar proliferation black men had a significantly higher rate of cancer detection on repeat biopsy. CONCLUSIONS: Previous high grade intraepithelial neoplasia, atypical small acinar proliferation, digital rectal examination and prostate specific antigen slope were independent predictors of prostate cancer on repeat biopsy. Race approached but did not attain significance after adjusting for disease features.     

Is there a standardised consent process within the surgical specialties?

IntroductionThe consent process is central to surgical practice. Subsequent to landmark cases such as Montgomery and Thefaut there is increasing consensus that consent should be a staged process. The aim of our survey was to identify if there was any homogeneity in the practice of surgeons with regards to the consent process in comparison to national guidelines.MethodsOur survey was distributed to a broad range of surgical specialties via an anonymous Google Forms questionnaire available online. Consultant Surgeons and Specialist registrars across the United Kingdom were then contacted via their relevant surgical societies and professional. Data collection was based on the Montgomery principles: consent location; face to face meetings; information leaflets (including their source); distribution of copies of letters and consent forms; use of percentage risks; use of pre-printed consent forms.ResultsThe total number of replies was 325. The majority of consent was taken on the day of surgery (166/319; 50.8%). Scheduled meeting for the consent process occurred routinely in only 87 cases (87/319; 27.3%). 103 (103/319; 32.9%) responders indicated the use of pre-printed consent forms. Of which 93 (93/103; 90.3%) were produced locally. Risk percentages were routinely used by 103 responders (103/319; 32.9%) Nearly two-thirds never write specific risk percentages routinely (205/319; 64.3%). Copies of consent forms were routinely given out by 210 responders (210/319; 65.8%). Supporting information was routinely given to patients in 248 cases (248/319; 77.7%).ConclusionOur survey documents significant variation in the practice of consent despite clear guidance on best practice. We believe that most surgeons welcome a more thorough and robust consent process, but hey need the time and infrastructure to be able to do it Introduction.     

Is erectile dysfunction really a clinically useful predictor of cardiovascular disease?

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the possible connection between erectile dysfunction (ED) and cardiovascular disease (CVD) in one of its more severe forms, namely myocardial infarction (MI). MATERIAL AND METHODS: The incidence of ED in men hospitalized due to MI (n=100) was compared with that reported in a questionnaire sent to an age-matched control population (n=129). RESULTS: The incidence of ED before MI (34%) was similar to that in the control population (30%). After MI, 53% reported ED. Smoking was much more common among the men with MI (82%) than among the controls (45%). Smoking was, however, only slightly more common among controls with (50%) than without (40%) ED. None of the men in the study group had consulted a physician due to ED before the MI and only 10/53 (19%) with ED after the MI had consulted a physician for this reason. Among the controls without a history of CVD, 18% reported ED, compared to 34% of the men before the MI but without clinical evidence of CVD and/or diabetes (p=NS). CONCLUSIONS: The well-known association between CVD and ED was confirmed. However, the lack of a sharp rise in the prevalence of ED prior to MI does not support the idea that ED is a clinically useful predictor of MI.