Longer Term Outcomes Following High Tibial Osteotomy for Osteoarthritis: A Prospective,Multi-Centre Observational Study Comparing Tomofix and OPTY-LINE Devices

PurposeAssessing surgical accuracy and patient-recorded outcome measures for patients fitted with either the OPTY-LINE intramedullary realignment system or the Tomofix plate for medial opening wedge high tibial osteotomy (HTO).Patients and methodsTwo matched case series of patients with symptomatic medial compartment osteoarthritis without other significant knee pathology. One group comprised of 19 patients receiving the Tomofix plate, whereas another comprised of 12 patients receiving the OPTY-LINE intramedullary nail. Patella-centred long leg alignment radiographs were assessed to calculate surgical accuracy in all cases. Patients completed knee injury osteoarthritis outcome scores (KOOS) and osteotomy surgery patient satisfaction questionnaires pre-operatively and at 24 months post-surgery.ResultsAbsolute surgical accuracy at 2 years post-surgery was a mean 4.2 [standard deviation 3.7] for OPTY-LINE versus 9.2 [SD 7.8] for Tomofix (p = 0.11, Mann–Whitney U test). On average, patients in either the OPTY-LINE or Tomofix cohort reported at least a minimal perceptible clinical improvement—minimum average improvement of 15—for all five KOOS themes. No significant difference in change of KOOS scores over time or patient satisfaction levels were observed between the two cohorts.ConclusionThe OPTY-LINE device for HTO performs to a similar level as the Tomofix device. Surgical accuracy data are promising for OPTY-LINE, but does not seem to readily translate into difference in patient-reported outcomes compared to Tomofix. Even longer follow-up periods, to measure survival rates, and true randomised trials on larger samples can elucidate if there is a benefit for using one device over the other.     

可调节式内膜剥离器用于亚急性下肢动脉栓塞治疗32例分析

正多数下肢动脉栓塞病人在急性期内(发病6～8 h以内)行手术治疗可取得较好的治疗效果,但部分病人可能因医疗条件或个人原因而选择保守治疗(如仅使用抗凝药物等),下肢动脉部分开放或仅侧支开放,将疾病由急性期拖入了亚急性期,此时的血栓机化,并且与血管内膜粘连紧密不易分开。笔者团队自制可调节式内膜剥离器用于取出亚急性下肢动脉栓塞病人的陈旧性机化血栓。现报告如下。     

Anatomical study of the human sacral hiatus and implications for successful caudal epidural injection

BackgroundCaudal epidural injection (CEI) is a commonly used procedure to treat back and leg pain secondary to nerve root irritation, predominantly in the context of spinal canal stenosis. Key to a successful outcome is correct needle placement. Although fluoroscopic guidance confirms accurate needle placement, it does not help in determining the starting point, which can lead to multiple needle insertions.ObjectiveThis study aimed to determine the variability in size and position of the sacral hiatus and to identify reproducible surface landmarks to locate its position.Methods and study design250 human sacral bones were examined, measuring morphology and structure. Vernier callipers accurate to 0.1 mm were used for measurements. Results were analysed using SPSS statistical software.ResultsTwo specimens were excluded due to agenesis of the hiatus (0.8%). Of the remaining 248 specimens, it was found that the mean internal diameter of the sacral hiatus was 5.12 mm (SD 1.61). The position of the hiatus was variable but was most commonly found at the level of the fourth sacral vertebrae (62.9%, n = 156). Mean distance between the two superolateral sacral prominences was 64.15 mm (SD 6.5) and between superolateral sacral prominences (left and right) and apex of the hiatus were 63.21 mm (SD 10.9) and 63.34 mm (SD 10.87) respectively.ConclusionAlthough there is a clear anatomical variance in the position and size of the sacral hiatus, this study suggests that surface anatomy landmarks can be used to form an equilateral triangle of which the inferior apex should correspond to the sacral hiatus. Knowledge of this surface anatomy may assist the correct location of the sacral hiatus and hence subsequently improve the efficacy of CEI.     

Biochemical Changes after Vertical Banded Gastroplasty for Morbid Obesity

A prospective study of biochemical changes after vertical banded gastroplasty for morbid obesity, in 94 patients (10 males and 84 females, ages ranging from 18 to 59 years) has been carried out. Liver function tests and electrolyte estimations were performed preoperatively, during hospitalisation for surgery, at 6 weeks and at 6 months postoperatively, and demonstrated no significant changes in liver function in these patients 6 months after surgery. The study concludes that there is no increase in the risk of liver damage or electrolyte disturbance after vertical gastroplasty, but that there may be subtle hepatic changes present as gall bladder disease developed in 18 patients postoperation (19%).     

Laryngopyocele: three new clinical cases and review of the literature

Laryngopyocele is a fairly rare disease. It is a complication of laryngocele. Its clinical picture is often alarming; thus it needs fast differential diagnosis. Computed tomography allows early diagnosis. Surgical treatment permits a complete recovery. An association between laryngocele and carcinoma of the larynx has been reported by some authors. Three new cases of laryngopyocele are presented and discussed. Received: 23 November 1999 / Accepted: 29 May 2000