C. Brèque

Psychotropic Drugs and Falls in the Elderly People: Updated Literature Review and Meta-Analysis:

Objective: To carry out meta-analyses on psychotropic drugs and to provide an update of the risk of falling in the elderly people related to psychotropic drugs. Design: Meta-analyses of studies on psychotropic drugs. Results: 177 studies are included, of which 71 have data on risk factors associated with psychotropic drugs. The odds ratio and 95% Cl for associations between use of psychotropic drugs and fall are 1.78 and 1.57-2.01, respectively. This result is statistically heterogeneous. This heterogeneity disappears in the group of very old participants for each class. Conclusion: Our study confirms the association between falls in the elderly people and psychotropic drugs. These results are similar to those of former meta-analyses but with different methods. It shows that these meta-analyses on psychotropic drugs have a small impact on prescribing habits. They only give evidence to support the association between psychotropic drugs and falls even if there is no proven link.

Calibration of a system of projection moiré for relief measuring: biomechanical applications

The projection moire method which belongs to the family of structured light projection allows to obtain the relief of an object or the out-of-plane displacements by the difference in relief between two prompting states. Its principle consists in projecting a sinusoidal grating of vertical lines onto the surface of the object, and the relief is then deduced from the geometric parameters of the set-up and the analysis of the grating observed by a numeric camera. Several implementations are possible, some of them allowing simplifying assumptions for the calculation of the relief. This paper presents this measurement method in any case. A calibration process has been developed to determine the necessary geometric parameters influencing the calculation of the relief.

Impact of physical activity and sedentary behaviour on fall risks in older people: a systematic review and meta-analysis of observational studies

The objective of this work was to summarise and evaluate the evidence showing that physical activity is a protector factor as regards falls in older people. Relevant studies were identified through a systematic search in the MEDLINE and Cochrane Library, under the keywords of accidental fall/numerical data and risk factors, and with the bibliographies of retrieved papers. The combined odds ratio (OR) [95% confidence interval] for physical activity was 0.75 [0.64, 0.88] with moderate heterogeneity (I2 = 33%). For fall injury, it was 0.59 [0.47, 0.74] and, for falls in general, it rose to 0.94 [0.76, 1.17] with nil heterogeneity. The combined OR for sedentary factors was 1.14 [1.10, 1.82] with moderate heterogeneity (I2 = 36%). Regular physical activity in daily life yields significant reduction in falls in older people, especially falls with injuries.

Estimation of the risk factors for falls in the elderly: Can meta‐analysis provide a valid answer?

The objective of this study was to analyze whether a meta‐analysis could allow us to draw useful conclusions about the risk factors for falls in the elderly. A systematic review was carried out of various databases and completed manually. To satisfy the inclusion criteria, an article had to examine a population of subjects aged over 60 years to pertain to falls occurring during daily living activities, and to involve observational or interventional studies. This review identified 4405 indexed articles published between 1981 and 2011. Of the 220 studies with available data that were included in the final study, just 4% were interventional. Among these 220 studies, just 45% offered a satisfactory level of scientific proof. In total, 88 meta‐analyses were carried out on the 156 potential protectors or risk factors that were identified. Our systematic review and meta‐analyses ensured that high‐quality results were obtained from this comprehensive literature search and included a detailed assessment of the quality of the included studies. Several factors appeared to be disproportionately represented in the literature, a fact that likely reflects the objective and precise assessment of these factors rather than their importance in the falls of the elderly. Thus, we cannot be certain that we obtained the most comprehensive analysis of the risk factors for falling with this method. Meta‐analyses can help to define the association between falls and various risk factors, but they have to be used complementary to systematic review for the assessment of risk factors. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2013; 13: 250–263.

Tuberoplasty: Minimally invasive osteosynthesis technique for tibial plateau fractures

Fractures of the tibial plateau are in constant progression. They affect an elderly population suffering from a number of comorbidities, but also a young population increasingly practicing high-risk sports and using two-wheeled vehicles. The objective of this study was therefore to propose a new technique for the treatment of this type of fracture. There are a variety of classical pitfalls of conservative treatment such as defective reduction resulting in early osteoarthritis and alignment defects. Conventional treatments lead to joint stiffness and amyotrophy of the quadriceps, caused by the open technique and late loading. We propose an osteosynthesis technique for tibial plateau fractures with minimally invasive surgery. A minimally invasive technique would be more appropriate to remedy all of the surgical drawbacks resulting from current practices. The surgical technique that we propose uses a balloon allowing progressive and total reduction, associated with percutaneous screw fixation and filling with polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) cement. The advantages are optimal reduction, minimal devascularization, soft tissues kept intact, as well as early loading and mobilization. This simple technique seems to be a good alternative to conventional treatment. The most comminuted fractures as well as the most posterior compressions can be treated, while causing the least impairment possible. Arthroscopy can be used to verify fracture reduction and cement leakage. At the same time, it can be used to assess the associated meniscal lesions and to repair them if necessary.

Laxatives as a Risk Factor for Iatrogenic Falls in Elderly Subjects Myth or Reality

AbstractBackground The multifactorial nature of falls is well known, and several studies on falls in the elderly have reported that laxatives can be a risk factor, but without attempting to discuss possible mechanisms to explain this role. Objective We aimed to isolate studies in which the risk factors for falls in the elderly related to laxatives have been evaluated and to carry out a meta-analysis combining the results of all identified good-quality studies. Methods Systematic literature review using the keywords ‘accidental fall/numerical data’ and ‘risk factors’. This was followed by a manual search for articles cited in the previously identified publications. Articles were analysed if they had study populations aged ≥60 years, reported on falls occurring in everyday life, were observational or interventional studies that identified laxatives as a risk factor for falls, and were written in French or English. Articles of this type that were considered to be of good quality were included in the meta-analysis. Results 3747 indexed articles published between 1981 and 2007 were identified. Of these, seven articles met all inclusion criteria and were analysed. The odds ratio (95% CI) for the association between use of laxatives and fall occurrence in subjects participating in the good-quality trials (n = 4) included in the meta-analysis was 2.03 (1.52, 2.72). This result was statistically homogeneous (percentage of the total variation across studies due to heterogeneity [I2] = 0). ConclusionsElderly subjects treated with laxatives were twice as likely to fall compared with non-laxative users. The causal relationship was probably not directly attached to a side effect of the substance used, but rather a reflection of other pathologies (e.g. older age, confinement to bed, concomitant Parkinson’s disease) that may themselves cause falls.

Testing of a Complete Training Model for Chest Tube Insertion in Traumatic Pneumothorax

Introduction Chest tube insertion is a frequent procedure in cases of traumatic pneumothorax, but severe complications can occur if not well performed. Although simulation-based training in chest tube insertion has improved performance, an affordable and realistic model for surgical insertion of a chest tube is lacking. Objective The objective was to design a model for surgical chest tube insertion that would be realistic, affordable, and transportable and that would reflect all extrathoracic and intrathoracic steps of the procedure. Methods The model was a task trainer designed by 4 experts in our simulation laboratory combining plastic, electronic, and biologic material. The cost of supplies needed for construction was evaluated. The model was used and tested over 30 months on 56 participants, of whom 44 were surveyed regarding the realism of the model. Results The model involved a half chest wall (lamb) on a plastic box, connected to a webcam facilitating assessment of the extrathoracic and intrathoracic steps of the procedure, for a cost of &OV0556;60. Chest tubes, water seal package, and sterile instruments costed &OV0556;200. All anatomic structures were represented during surgical insertion of chest tube. The demonstration contributed to teaching small groups of up to 8 participants and was reproducible over 30 months of diversely located courses. Anatomic correlation, realism, and learning experience were highly rated by users. Conclusions This model for surgical chest tube insertion in traumatic pneumothorax was found to be realistic, affordable, and transportable. Furthermore, it allowed comprehensive assessment of the extrathoracic and intrathoracic procedural steps.

Characterization of biological materials by means of optical methods of measurement

This study presents the different possibilities of measuring mechanical quantities on biological materials by means of optical methods. These methods allow to perform non-contact and non-disturbing evaluations. The goal is to determine the mechanical characteristics of human organs to be able to model them in order to carry out digital simulations closer to reality. We will set out a method which measures the relief, another one which measures a field of displacements and the last one strain tensors.

Biomechanical study of dynamic changes in L4–L5 foramen surface area in flexion and extension after implantation of four interspinous process devices

BACKGROUND Lumbar spinal stenosis is a major public health issue. Interspinous devices implanted using minimally invasive techniques may constitute an alternative to the reference standard of bony decompression with or without intervertebral fusion. However, their indications remain unclear, due to a paucity of clinical and biomechanical data. Our objective was to evaluate the effects of four interspinous process devices implanted at L4-L5 on the intervertebral foramen surface areas at the treated and adjacent levels, in flexion and in extension. MATERIALS AND METHOD Six fresh frozen human cadaver lumbar spines (L2-sacrum) were tested on a dedicated spinal loading frame, in flexion and extension, from 0 to 10 N·m, after preparation and marking of the L3-L4, L4-L5, and L5-S1 foramina. Stereoscopic 3D images were acquired at baseline then after implantation at L4-L5 of each of the four devices (Inspace(®), Synthes; X-Stop(®), Medtronic; Wallis(®), Zimmer; and Diam(®), Medtronic). The surface areas of the three foramina of interest were computed. RESULTS All four devices significantly opened the L4-L5 foramen in extension. The effects in flexion separated the devices into two categories. With the two devices characterized by fixation in the spinous processes (Wallis(®) and Diam(®)), the L4-L5 foramen opened only in extension; whereas with the other two devices (X-Stop(®) and Inspace(®)), the L4-L5 foramen opened not only in extension, but also in flexion and in the neutral position. None of the devices implanted at L4-L5 modified the size of the L3-L4 foramen. X-Stop(®) and Diam(®) closed the L5-S1 foramen in extension, whereas the other two devices had no effect at this level. CONCLUSION Our results demonstrate that interspinous process devices modify the surface area of the interspinous foramina in vitro. Clinical studies are needed to clarify patient selection criteria for interspinous process device implantation. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE Level IV. Investigating an orthopaedic device.

Intervertebral foramen variation following dynamic L4-L5 interspinal device implantation: foramen size after interspinal device implantation.

Study Design: This is a biomechanical study. Objective: Measuring changes in foraminal size after L4–L5 interspinous devices implantation. Summary of Background Data: Low-back pain aetiologies include foraminal stenoses. A niche is developing for interspinal implants that are minimally invasive with few harmful side effects. At present, we do not have sufficient understanding about their impact on the foraminal opening. Methods: Six fresh L2−S1 columns were prepared with preservation of the capsuloligamentary and discal structures. The L4–L5 foramen was particularly carefully prepared. A 2-dimensional photographic analysis measured the length and width of the foramen and the extraforaminal surface, both before and after the implantation of a supple interspinal device that preserves the supraspinal ligaments. Photographic calibration and the use of precise and identical photographic landmarks (pixels) permitted the calculation of the foraminal deformity. A Wilcoxon test was performed for statistical analysis with P<0.05 for significance. Results: The average foraminal length was 15.7±2.8 mm and the average width was 9.4±1.2 mm. After the implantation of an interspinal device, it was 16.8±2.5 and 10.1±1.3 mm, respectively. The increase in the average foraminal opening was 7.45% and 7.63%, respectively (P=0.02). The average foraminal surface area was 150.4±35.8 mm2 and following intervention, this was 165.1±28.3 mm2, that is an average gain of 14.65 mm2 (5.3–26.9) (P=0.03). Conclusions: Few interspinal devices have been the subject of studies on the foraminal opening after implantation. Among the initial strict indications on root compressions for which conventional surgery is too invasive, these implants could present a true therapeutic alternative. This supple implant significantly opened the L4−L5 foramen on the cadavers. Nevertheless, biomechanical data are lacking on its effects on the 3 planes following stress. Even if the impact on the foraminal opening is of interest, kinematic studies are needed to determine the exact effects before clinical implantation.