Hasan Raza Mohammad

Age, sex and the association between skin test responses and IgE titres with asthma.

Skin prick tests (SPTs) and allergen‐specific serum IgE (sIgE) measurements are the main diagnostic tools for confirming atopic sensitization. Results are usually reported as ‘positive’ or ‘negative’, using the same arbitrary cut‐offs (SPT>3 mm, sIgE>0.35 kUA/l) across different ages and sexes. We investigated the influence of age and sex on the interpretation of allergy test in the context of childhood asthma.

Long-term outcomes of over 8,000 medial Oxford Phase 3 Unicompartmental Knees—a systematic review

Background and purpose — There is debate as to the relative merits of unicompartmental and total knee arthroplasty (UKA, TKA). Although the designer surgeons have achieved good results with the Oxford UKA there is concern over the reproducibility of these outcomes. Therefore, we evaluated published long-term outcomes of the Oxford Phase 3 UKA. Patients and methods — We searched databases to identify studies reporting ≥10 year outcomes of the medial Oxford Phase 3 UKA. Revision, non-revision, and re-operation rates were calculated per 100 component years (% pa). Results — 15 studies with 8,658 knees were included. The annual revision rate was 0.74% pa (95% CI 0.67–0.81, n = 8,406) corresponding to a 10-year survival of 93% and 15-year survival of 89%. The non-revision re-operation rate was 0.19% pa (95% CI 0.13–0.25, n = 3,482). The re-operation rate was 0.89% pa (95% CI 0.77–1.02, n = 3,482). The most common causes of revision were lateral disease progression (1.42%), aseptic loosening (1.25%), bearing dislocation (0.58%), and pain (0.57%) (n = 8,658). Average OKS scores were 40 at 10 years (n = 3,417). The incidence of medical complications was 0.83% (n = 1,443). Interpretation — Very good outcomes were achieved by both designer and non-designer surgeons. The PROMs, medical complication rate, and non-revision re-operation rate were better than those found in meta-analyses and publications for TKA but the revision rate was higher. However, if failure is considered to be all re-operations and not just revisions, then the failure rate of UKA was less than that of TKA.

Limb salvage talectomy for 3C Gustilo–Anderson fracture

Foot fractures vary in severity with complex midfoot fractures having poor morbidity rates and high amputation rates. Complex midfoot fractures are rarely reported since they are uncommon and only treated in specialist centres. Given the important role of the midfoot in foot function, reconstruction is preferable. Soft tissue management on the dorsal aspect of the foot poses further challenges to reconstructive surgeons. We report a case of a 55-year-old woman who sustained an open 3C Gustilo–Anderson fracture that was initially treated with open reduction internal fixation and free flap. She subsequently developed flap and internal fixation failure with osteomyelitis of the talus. We report a good outcome using primary limb shortening with a talectomy, tibiocalcaneal arthrodesis using external fixation and a combination of vancomycin-loaded calcium sulphate and intravenous antibiotics in our patient.

Perioperative adjuvant corticosteroids for postoperative analgesia in knee arthroplasty.

Background and purpose — Immediate postoperative pain management offered in knee arthroplasty is suboptimal in up to one-third of patients resulting in high opiate consumption and delayed discharge. In this meta-analysis we investigate the analgesic effect and safety of perioperative adjuvant corticosteroids in knee arthroplasty. Methods — Databases Medline, Embase, and Central were searched for randomized studies comparing the analgesic effect of adjuvant perioperative corticosteroids in knee arthroplasty. Our primary outcome was pain score at 24 hours postoperatively. Secondary outcomes included pain at 12, 48, and 72 hours, opiate consumption, postoperative nausea and vomiting, infection, and discharge time. Systemic (intravenous) and local (intra-articular) corticosteroids were analyzed separately. Results — 14 randomized controlled trials (1,396 knees) were included. Mean corticosteroid dosages were predominantly 50–75mg oral prednisolone equivalents for both systemic and local routes. Systemic corticosteroids demonstrated statistically significant and clinically modest reductions in pain at 12 hours by –1.1 points (95%CI –2.2 to 0.02), 24 hours by –1.3 points (CI –2.3 to –0.26) and 48 hours by –0.4 points (CI –0.67 to –0.04). Local corticosteroids did not reduce pain. Opiate consumption, postoperative nausea and vomiting, infection, or time till discharge were similar between groups. Interpretation — Corticosteroids modestly reduce pain postoperatively at 12 and 24 hours when used systemically without any increase in associated risks for dosages between 50 and 75 mg oral prednisolone equivalents.

Perioperative adjuvant corticosteroids for post-operative analgesia in elective knee surgery – A systematic review

BackgroundElective knee surgery is performed to reduce chronic pain and improve function in degenerate knees. Treatment of acute post-operative pain is suboptimal in 75% of patients despite multimodal analgesic approaches resulting in higher post-operative opiate consumption. The effect of corticosteroids as an adjunct for post-operative pain control remains undefined.MethodsThe databases MEDLINE, EMBASE and CENTRAL (Cochrane library) will be searched from their inception to present using broad search criteria for eligible randomised/quasi-randomised controlled trials investigating perioperative corticosteroid adjunctive use in elective knee surgery. Meta-analyses will be conducted according to the recommendations from the Cochrane Handbook for Systematic Reviews of Interventions.DiscussionThis systematic review of the perioperative adjunctive use of corticosteroids will assess the analgesic effects, post-operative nausea and vomiting, opiate consumption, infection rates and time till discharge and assess whether adjunctive corticosteroids should be encouraged in elective knee surgery.Systematic review registrationPROPSERO CRD42016049336

An unusual case of lipoma arborescens

Introduction Lipoma arborescens is a rare condition of the synovial lining. It is particularly uncommon in the bicipitoradial bursae of the elbow. Case Report A 68-year-old woman presented with a 5-month history of anterior elbow pain and swelling causing discomfort. Radiography demonstrated reactive changes of radial tuberosity and magnetic resonance imaging confirmed lipoma arborescens of the bicipitoradial bursa with distal biceps tendinopathy. A bicipital bursa bursectomy and lipoma excision was performed. Gross pathology and histology was consistent with lipoma arborescens. Three months postoperatively, our patient had full range of motion and good strength. Conclusions To our knowledge, this is the first published case report of lipoma arborescens affecting the elbow. Recognising the differential diagnoses of anterior elbow pain and the characteristic imaging is essential for accurate diagnosis.

Single stage treatment of diabetic calcaneal osteomyelitis with an absorbable gentamicin-loaded calcium sulphate/hydroxyapatite biocomposite: The Silo technique

BACKGROUND Chronic osteomyelitis necessities appropriate infected bone and soft tissue excision. The authors describe the Silo surgical technique for the treatment of calcaneal osteomyelitis using a new antibiotic-loaded absorbable calcium sulphate/hydroxyapatite biocomposite. METHODS The Silo method involves debridement of the dead bone and local delivery of antibiotic in drilled tunnels using the biocomposite. It is combined with multiple sampling and culture-specific systemic antibiotic treatment guided by a multidisciplinary team. Twelve consecutive diabetic patients with heel ulcers and calcaneal osteomyelitis were treated with the above method. All had comorbidities (Cierny-Mader (C-M) Class B hosts). The mean age was 68 years (range 50-85). A retrospective review of radiographs and electronic medical records was conducted. RESULTS Patients were followed up until clinical cure of the ulcer for a mean of 16 weeks (range 12-18). Infection was eradicated in all 12 patients with a single stage procedure following a bone preserving technique. One patient required a subsequent flap operation and six vacuum-assisted closure (V.A.C.). There was also one case of prolonged wound leakage and no calcaneal fractures. CONCLUSIONS The Silo technique is an effective method of local delivery of antibiotics and can be effectively implemented into the single-stage treatment of calcaneal osteomyelitis offering increased bone preservation and local delivery of antibiotic, decreasing the need for a major amputation. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE Level IV- case series.

An unusual presentation of arteriovenous malformation as an erosive midfoot lesion

Abstract Erosive bony lesions are radiographic findings where localized bone resorption and cortical line breakage occurs. One less common cause of bone erosions is arteriovenous malformations (AVMs). This should always be included in the differentials for foot pain. A 33-year-old gentleman presented with a 5-year history of chronic left foot pain. Clinical examination was unremarkable. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and computerized tomography demonstrated erosive bone changes in the navicular, the intermediate and lateral cuneiforms bones and their corresponding metatarsal bases. An ultrasound and magnetic resonance angiogram demonstrated high signal showing the abnormal communication between metatarsal artery and vein at the site of most pain confirming the AVM. This was subsequently successfully treated with sclerotherapy. Clinicians should be aware of the history, symptoms and signs of AVMs and consider the use of MRI with or without digital subtraction angiography in making a definitive diagnosis.