Pararectus approach combined with three-dimensional printing for anterior plate fixation of sacral fractures

BackgroundSurgical treatment of sacral fractures is difficult, both for reduction and stabilization. Traditional surgical reduction and internal fixation require a long duration of operation leading to extra blood loss, extensive tissue damage, and increased risk of post-operation complications. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the feasibility of a minimally invasive technique that could be more effective, more tissue sparing, and lead to less bleeding. We hypothesized that a Pararectus approach for anterior fixation of unstable sacral fractures would be reliable and more advantageous and significantly improve the outcome of sacral fracture repair.MethodsTwelve patients with unstable sacral fractures were recruited and examined by CT scanning. A 3D model of each sacral fracture was reconstructed. The computer-assisted 3D image of the reduced pelvis was 3D printed for surgery simulation and plate pre-bending. All cases were treated operatively with the anterior anatomical reduction and internal fixation via a minimally invasive Pararectus approach. VAS, Matta, and Majeed scores were used to evaluate outcomes of the operation.ResultsPre-operations were consistent with the actual surgeries in all cases. The pre-bent plates had an anatomical shape specifically fit to the individual pelvis without further adjustment at the time of surgery, and fracture reductions were significantly improved with little invasive tissue damage. The average operation time was 110 min. The intraoperative blood loss and incision length averaged 695 ml and 6.7 cm, respectively. A high percentage of all cases achieved a diaplasis with an excellent or good score according to the Matta and Majeed standards (83.33% and 91.67%, respectively).All patients achieved clinical healing with an average healing time of 8 weeks.Conclusion3D printing-assisted anterior fixation of unstable sacral fractures via a minimally invasive Pararectus approach is feasible. This new surgical strategy minimizes trauma damage and bleeding and produces satisfactory reduction and therapeutic efficacy.     

Determination of outcomes of complex upper end tibial fractures in squatting and cross leg sitting South Asian population

IntroductionTreatment of complex upper end tibial fractures has always been a challenge to orthopaedic surgeons. Though the roentgenogram results are satisfactory, the clinical and functional outcomes especially in terms of squatting/cross-leg sitting after long term follow-up are little known. Hence, we have done this study with a primary aim to assess the clinico-radiological and functional outcomes after operative fixation (mostly by locking plates) in complex upper end tibial fractures and a secondary aim to analyze correlation between functional outcome scores/range of motion (ROM) and the ability to squat & sit cross-legged in post-operative period.Materials and methodsThis prospective study included a total of 33 patients who were mainly treated with locking plates. In the follow-up, patients were assessed clinico-radiologically and outcome measurements were determined using the Tegner-Lysholm (T-L) Knee Score. Patients were categorized according to their ability to squat/sit cross-legged and a subgroup analysis was performed by comparing mean ROM and T-L score in each group.ResultsMajority of patients were in young and adult age group with a male to female ratio of 4.5:1. The average age was 42.39 ±14.64 years. Road traffic accident was the most common mode of injury. Average time interval between injury and surgery was 5.8±4.4 days. All the fractures united by 5-9 months. Mean ROM and T-L score at last follow-up were 120.94°±13.63° and 88.12±7.24 respectively. Average shortening, varus and valgus deformity were 0.43±0.09 cm, 2.12°±0.62° and 1.06°±0.45° respectively. 14 patients (42.42%) were able to squat and 15 (45.45%) were able to sit cross-legged postoperatively. Upon subgroup analysis, difference of mean ROM in those who could squat/sit cross-legged was found statistically significant (p≤0.05), however the difference in mean functional scores was not significant (p≥0.05).ConclusionComplex upper tibial fractures are a difficult entity to deal with. Anatomical locking plates take care of the alignment, articular congruity as well as ligamentous balancing thus giving good mid-term outcomes after ORIF/MIPO. However, applicability of the present functional outcome scores in assessing squatting/cross leg sitting remains doubtful. More weightage needs to be given to these activities to evaluate the outcome in South Asian population.     

Ankle arthrodesis using the Taylor Spatial Frame for the treatment of infection,extruded talus and complex pilon fractures

IntroductionThe treatment of complex pilon fractures and talus fracture-dislocations present several challenges, like avoiding infection, achieving union, management of bone loss and function preservation.MethodsRetrospective cohort review of fourteen patients who underwent ankle arthrodesis (AA) using the Taylor Spatial Frame (TSF) after pilon and talus fracture-dislocations. Ten tibiocalcaneal (TC) and four tibiotalar (TT) fusions were performed. Eleven of these cases were Gustilo III open fractures. Seven cases involved an open extruded talus. Four cases had established infections. There was a mean of 2.7 (range 0 – 8) operations prior to AA using TSF. The primary objective was to determine infection and union rates. Patient-reported outcomes (Short Form 36, SF-36) and functional outcomes (Ankle Osteoarthritis Score, AOS) were the secondary measures.ResultsEradication and prevention of deep infection was achieved in all cases. Radiological union was achieved at a mean of 9 months (range 5 – 17). Solid AA was achieved in 12 of 14 cases using the TSF. Two TC fusions required a hindfoot fusion nail to achieve union. Eleven cases had concurrent bone transport, mean of 63 mm (range 33 - 180). Mean time of TSF treatment was 11.1 months (range 6 - 16). One case required delayed amputation. Eight patients were able to fully weight bear unaided after the treatment. Mean SF-36 was 65 (range 35 -100). Mean AOS was 36.5 (range 6.6 – 77.5) with 69.3% of scores graded good to excellent. Mean total number of operations was 5.9 (range 2 – 10). Minimum follow up time was 12 months (range 12 - 56).ConclusionAA using TSF can be considered for complex pilon fractures and extruded talus. It has shown to be effective in achieving a solid fusion and infection eradication. While using the TSF in isolation, non-union must be suspected in TC fusions, absence of radiological signs of healing, massive bone loss, and possibly not using bone graft. Patients must be aware that while treatment of these injuries will be prolonged and carries the risk of many potential complications, it provides a good alternative to amputation.     

Gender-related differences in concomitant articular injuries after acute lateral patellar dislocation

ObjectivesTo explore the gender differences in the concomitant articular injuries after acute lateral patellar dislocation (LPD).MethodsMagnetic resonance images were prospectively analyzed in 166 patients after an acute LPD. Concomitant articular injuries included bone contusion, medial patellofemoral ligament (MPFL) injury, articular cartilage lesion, and vastus medialis obliquus (VMO) lesion. Statistical analyses were performed between the patient's gender and the incidence of concomitant articular injuries in adolescent and adult subgroups.ResultsThe incidence of partial and complete MPFL tear in adolescent males and females were (45%, 50%) and (63.2%, 29.8%), respectively. Compared with adolescent females, adolescent males showed higher incidence of complete MPFL tear (P = 0.049). The incidence of articular cartilage lesion of patella in adolescent males and females were 40% and 21.1%, respectively. Compared with adolescent females, adolescent males showed higher incidence of articular cartilage lesion of the patella (P = 0.043). No correlations were identified in other injuries in the adolescent group. The incidence of partial and complete MPFL tear in adult males and females were (34.4%, 65.6%) and (56.8%, 37.8%), respectively. Compared with adult females, adult males showed higher incidence of complete MPFL tear (P = 0.036). The incidence of articular cartilage lesion of patella in adult males and females were 56.3% and 32.4%, respectively. Compared with adult females, adult males showed higher incidence of articular cartilage lesion of patella (P = 0.047). The incidence of VMO injury in adult males and females were 59.4% and 35.1%, respectively. Compared with adult females, adult males showed higher incidence of VMO injury (P = 0.044). No correlations were identified in other injuries in the adult group.ConclusionsCompared with females, males predispose to complete MPFL tear and articular cartilage lesion of patella after acute LPD. Compared with female adults, male adults predispose to VMO injury.     

Blood biomarkers of mild traumatic brain injury: State of art

BackgroundMild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) is one of the most common causes of emergency department visits around the world. Up to 90% of injuries are classified as mTBI. Cranial computed tomography (CCT) is a standard diagnosis tool to identify intracranial complications in adults with mTBI. Alternatively, children can be admitted for inpatient observation with CCT scans performed only on those with clinical deterioration. The use of blood biomarkers is a supplementary tool for identifying patients at risk of intracerebral lesions who may need imaging.MethodWe realised a bibliographic state of art providing a contemporary clinical and laboratory framework for blood biomarker testing in mTBI management.ResultsThe S100B protein is the only biomarker that can be used today in the clinical routine for management of mTBI with appropriate evidence-based medicine. Due to its excellent negative predictive value, S100B protein is an alternative choice to CCT scanning for mTBI management with considered, consensual and pragmatic use. In this state of art, we propose points to help clinicians and clinical pathologists use serum S100B protein in the clinical routine. A state of art on the different biomarkers (GFAP, UCH-L1, NF [H or L], tau, H-FABP, SNTF, NSE, miRNAs, MBP) is also conducted. Some of these other biomarkers, used alone (GFAP, UCH-L1) or in combination (GFAP + H-FABP ± S100B ± IL10) can improve the specificity of S100B.ConclusionUsing a bibliographic state of art, we highlighted the added values of the blood biomarkers for the clinical management of mTBI.     

The Prevalence,Risk Factors,and Prognosis of Acute Kidney Injury After Lung Transplantation: A Single-Center Cohort Study in China

PurposeThe aim of this study is to evaluate the incidence, risk factors, and prognosis of acute kidney injury (AKI) after lung transplantation (LTx).MethodsRecords of patients who underwent LTx in a single center were retrospectively reviewed. The prevalence of post-transplant AKI, the use of continuous renal replacement therapy (CRRT), and the risk factors for AKI were investigated. The effects of AKI and CRRT on short-term outcomes and long-term survival were measured.ResultsThis study included 148 patients, 67 of which developed postoperative AKI. Of these, 31 patients underwent CRRT; the percentage of cases with no AKI was 6.2%, and the percentage of cases with stage 1, 2, and 3 who used CRRT was 0%, 10%, and 86.2%, respectively. Patients with AKI had significantly higher intensive care unit mortality and in-hospital mortality. The 1-year post-LTx survival rate of patients with AKI was 47.8%, significantly lower than those without AKI (74.1%). There was no difference in 1-year survival rate of those with stage 1 and stage 2 AKI, but patients with stage 3 AKI showed the worst survival. Patients who underwent CRRT had an inferior survival outcome (9.7% vs 76.1%, P < .05). We found that higher acute physiologic assessment and chronic health evaluation (APACHE) II scores (odds ratio [OR] 1.082, P = .009) and higher intraoperative fluid balance (OR 1.001, P = .012) were independent risk factors, and female sex (OR 2.539) and pulmonary hypertension (OR 2.869) were potential risk factors for post-LTx AKI. A prediction model integration of the above factors showed a good concordance with actual risks and had a concordance index (C-index) of 0.76 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.66-0.87).ConclusionSevere AKI requiring CRRT had a negative impact on the short-term and long-term outcomes of patients.     

An Orthotopic Liver Transplantation Patient Survived Without Hepatic Artery Flow Due to Thrombosis: A Case Report

BackgroundHepatic artery thrombosis (HAT), a serious complication after orthotopic liver transplantation, almost always leads to morbidity and mortality without urgent revascularization or retransplantation, especially if HAT occurs within a few days after transplantation.Case PresentationHerein we describe a case report of an orthotopic liver transplantation patient surviving without hepatic artery flow due to HAT on postoperative day 1. Reanastomosis, thrombectomy, and intra-arterial thrombolysis were performed, but only retrograde arterial flow by Doppler ultrasound, not by angiography, could be demonstrated in the hepatic artery. This case report is in compliance with the Declaration of Helsinki and the Declaration of Istanbul.ConclusionBased on the evidence from this patient, we believe that patients with failed revascularization can experience a long-term survival with conservative treatment. Retransplantation should be evaluated based on laboratory findings because graft function in individual patients can recover.     

Activation of Nrf2 Pathway by Dimethyl Fumarate Attenuates Renal Ischemia-Reperfusion Injury

BackgroundDimethyl fumarate (DMF) is a novel antioxidant that selectively reduces hydroxyl radicals. This study aimed to investigate the potential role of DMF in the pathogenesis of renal ischemia-reperfusion injury (IRI) and the mechanisms involved.MethodsC57BL/6 wild-type mice were treated with DMF or a vehicle. Subsequently, renal IRI was induced in mice by a model of right kidney nephrectomy and left renal ischemia for 30 minutes followed by reperfusion for 24 hours. Sham operation and phosphate-buffered saline were used as controls. Serum and renal tissues were collected at 24 hours after IRI to evaluate the influence of DMF on the recovery of renal function after IRI. Blood urea nitrogen and serum creatinine levels were measured. Kidney cell apoptosis was evaluated using terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labeling-positive staining. Interleukin 6 and tumor necrosis factor α cytokines in the kidney tissues were measured. Indicators of oxidative stress in the kidneys were detected. Finally, Nrf2-deficient mice were used to determine the protective role of the nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2)/hemeoxygenase-1 (HO-1) and NAD(P)H dehydrogenase quinone 1 (NQO1) signaling pathways induced by DMF using western blot assay.ResultsDMF significantly attenuated renal dysfunction in mice and showed reductions in the severity of renal tubular injury, cell necrosis, and apoptosis. Moreover, DMF significantly reduced the amount of key inflammatory mediators. Additionally, DMF attenuated the malondialdehyde levels 24 hours after IRI but upregulated the superoxide dismutase activities. Western blot assay showed that DMF significantly increased the protein levels of Nrf2, HO-1, and NQO-1. Importantly, these DMF-mediated beneficial effects were not observed in Nrf2-deficient mice.ConclusionsDMF attenuates renal IRI by reducing inflammation and upregulating the antioxidant capacity, which may be through Nrf2/HO-1and NQO1 signaling pathway.