Effect of chamber capacitance on Doppler flow pattern across restrictive defects in obligatory atrial-level shunts

The right atrium has a significantly higher capacitance than the left atrium, and this may affect the Doppler flow pattern across an atrial septal defect (ASD) in unilateral atrioventricular (AV) valve atresia. This Doppler flow pattern is often used to assess ASD adequacy in this setting. We studied the effect of atrial capacitance and ASD size on the trans-ASD Doppler flow pattern in an in vivo flow model of alternate left or right AV valve atresia (LAVVA and RAVVA). We assessed trans-ASD Doppler flow patterns using the max/min velocity ratio and mean interatrial pressure gradients (PGs). In both models, ASD flow rate correlated with mean trans-ASD PG, but for similar flow rates the slope was higher in the LAVVA model. In LAVVA, a persistent PG was consistently observed, with low max/min ratio (median, 1.46; range, 1.03-3.13), whereas in RAVVA, phasic flow was common (median, 8.0; range, 2.8-20). Because atrial capacitance affects mean PG and Doppler flow pattern across the ASD, we propose that the assessment of ASD adequacy in RAVVA should not rely on Doppler findings.     

Effect of reverse total shoulder arthroplasty humeral inclination on glenohumeral range of motion,deltoid force,and glenoid strain: a biomechanical study

BackgroundReverse total shoulder arthroplasty (RSA) primarily varies between 2 implant design options: a 135 humeral stem inclination that closely resembles anatomic orientation, versus the Grammont-style 155 humeral stem inclination that further medializes and distalizes the center of rotation (COR). The purpose of this study was to compare deltoid force, glenoid strain, and simulated glenohumeral range of motion (ROM) between RSA 135 and RSA 155 designs, with a series of standardized permutations of glenosphere offset and rotator cuff pathology.MethodsTwelve fresh-frozen cadaveric shoulder specimens were studied using a shoulder simulator. Native shoulder motion profiles for reproducible abduction range of motion were established using a customized testing device. Optical 3-dimensional tracking and pressure sensors were used to accurately record glenohumeral range of motion (ROM), deltoid force, and glenoid strain for RSA 135 and RSA 155 designs. For each cohort, all combinations of glenosphere offsets and rotator cuff tendon involvement were evaluated.ResultsThere was no significant difference in the overall abduction ROM between the 155 and the 135 humeral stem implants (P = .75). Resting abduction angle and maximum abduction angle were significantly greater with a 155 + STD (standard offset) construct than with a 135 + STD construct (P < .001 and P = .01, respectively). Both stem inclinations decreased combined deltoid force requirements as compared the native shoulder with a massive cuff tear. Effective glenoid strain did not vary significantly between 135 + STD and 155 + STD constructs (P = .66).ConclusionOverall, range of motion between the 135 and the 155 humeral stem inclinations was not significantly different. The cumulative deltoid force was lower in RSA shoulders when compared to native shoulders with massive rotator cuff tears, highlighting the utility of both implant designs. The Grammont-style 155 stem coupled with a 2.5 mm inferior offset glenosphere required less deltoid force to reach maximum abduction than did the more anatomic, lateralized 135 stem coupled with a 4 mm lateral offset glenosphere.Level of EvidenceBasic Science, Biomechanics Controlled Laboratory Study     

Failed prior rotator cuff repair is associated with worse clinical outcomes after reverse total shoulder arthroplasty

BackgroundThe purpose of this study is to determine the comparative risk profile and clinical outcomes for patients undergoing reverse total shoulder arthroplasty (RTSA) for cuff tear arthropathy (CTA) without failed prior rotator cuff repair (RCR) compared with RTSA for CTA with prior RCR.MethodsFrom 2006 to 2014, all patients who underwent RTSA by two surgeons after failed RCR with minimum 2-year follow-up were identified. Patients who underwent RTSA with failed prior RCR were matched in a 1:1 ratio to patients undergoing primary RTSA, while controlling for demographic factors, prosthesis design, and surgeon. Postoperative active forward elevation and active external rotation were recorded. Outcome measures included American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons score, Visual Analog Scale (VAS), and Simple Shoulder Test. Perioperative complications and rates of secondary reoperation were noted, and comparative multivariate analysis was performed.ResultsOf 262 patients, 192 (73.3%) were available at minimum 2-year follow-up. The prior RCR group had a significantly higher complication rate (17.4%, n = 15) than the primary RTSA group (3.8%, n = 4) (P = .001), although no significant difference in periprosthetic infection (P = .469) or secondary revision rate (P = .136) was observed. At mean 36.3 ± 26.1-month follow-up, the prior RCR group had statistically worse American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons score (P < .001), VAS (P = .001), Simple Shoulder Test (P < .001), and active forward elevation (P = .006). Patients with multiple failed RCR attempts (n = 38) before RTSA demonstrated no significant differences versus isolated failed RCR (n = 48; P > .05).ConclusionThis study demonstrated that patients with RTSA after prior failed RCR have significantly worse patient-reported outcomes and greater rate of perioperative complications than patients undergoing primary RTSA for CTA.     

Direct Transfer to a Tertiary Care Hospital After Traumatic Injury is Associated with a Survival Benefit in a Resource-Limited Setting

World Journal of Surgery - Trauma is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide, and patients in low- and middle-income countries are disproportionately affected. Organized trauma...     

Five myths about unacceptable behaviour in surgical education

Recent evidence of the occurrence of discrimination, bullying and sexual harassment in surgery and more generally within healthcare has led to widespread discussion about the effects of unacceptable behaviour in surgical education and practice. Despite accumulating evidence of the adverse effects of unacceptable behaviour in clinical practice, not only on health care professionals but on patient care and outcomes, many surgeons and other health care professionals continue to embrace false perceptions about appropriate professional behaviour, interactions and approaches to teaching within surgical departments and more generally within healthcare institutions. This article explores five misperceptions about unacceptable behaviour in surgical education and provides evidence that supports a change in practice.     

A review and evaluation of patient-reported outcome measures for spasticity in persons with spinal cord damage: Recommendations from the Ability Network – an international initiative

Context: Patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) are valuable for capturing the impact of spasticity on health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in persons with spinal cord damage (SCD) and evaluating the efficacy of interventions.Objective: To provide practical guidance for measuring HRQoL in persons with spasticity following SCD.Methods: Literature reviews identified measures of HRQoL and caregiver burden, utilized in studies addressing spasticity in SCD. Identified measures were evaluated for clinical relevance and practicality for use in clinical practice and research. The PRISM, SCI-SET, EQ-5D and SF-36 instruments were mapped to the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF). The PRISM and SCI-SET were evaluated using the Consensus-based Standards for the Selection of Health Measurement Instruments (COSMIN) checklist.Results: Two spasticity-specific, five generic, and four preference-based measures were identified. ICF mapping and the COSMIN checklist supported the use of the PRISM and SCI-SET in SCD. The SF-36 is considered the most useful generic measure; disability-adapted versions may be more acceptable but further studies on psychometric properties are required. The SF-36 can be converted to a preference-based measure (SF-6D), or alternatively the EQ-5D can be used. While no measures specific to caregivers of people with SCD were identified, the Caregiver Burden Scale and the Zarit Burden Interview are considered suitable.Conclusion: Recommended measures include the PRISM and SCI-SET (condition-specific), SF-36 (generic), and Caregiver Burden Scale and Zarit Burden Interview (caregiver burden). Consideration should be given to using condition-specific and generic measures in combination; the PRISM or SCI-SET combined with SF-36 is recommended.