John Gliatis

Outcome of Distal Radial Fractures in Young Adults

The outcome of 169 fractures of the distal radius in adults under the age of 50 were assessed at least 18 months after injury (mean follow-up, 4.9 years) using a validated, patient-based outcome questionnaire. The questionnaire responses demonstrated that neither the Frykman nor the Mayo classifications of distal radial fractures predicted outcome. Fracture union with more than 10° of dorsal tilt was associated with increased difficulty with everyday activities and work, while union with a step in the radiocarpal articular surface was associated with loss of wrist mobility and difficulty with fine dextrous tasks. No measure of either intra- or extra-articular malunion influenced the severity or frequency of persistent wrist pain.

Anterior Cruciate Ligament Deficiency Causes Brain Plasticity A Functional MRI Study

Background The mechanoreceptors located in anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) constitute an afferent source of information toward the central nervous system. It has been proposed that ACL deficiency causes a disturbance in neuromuscular control, affects central programs and consequently the motor response resulting in serious dysfunction of the injured limb. Purpose The objective of this study was to investigate whether chronic anterior cruciate ligament injury causes plastic changes in brain activation patterns. Study Design Case control study; Level of evidence, 3. Methods Seventeen right leg–dominant male participants with chronic anterior cruciate ligament deficiency and 18 matched healthy male participants with no special sport or habitual physical activity participated in this study. Patient selection criteria comprised a complete right unilateral anterior cruciate ligament rupture ≥6 months before testing. Brain activation was examined by using functional magnetic resonance imaging technique (1.5-T scanner). Results Results show that patients with anterior cruciate ligament deficiency had diminished activation in several sensorimotor cortical areas and increased activation in 3 areas compared with controls: presupplementary motor area, posterior secondary somatosensory area, and posterior inferior temporal gyrus. Conclusion The current study reveals that anterior cruciate ligament deficiency can cause reorganization of the central nervous system, suggesting that such an injury might be regarded as a neurophysiologic dysfunction, not a simple peripheral musculoskeletal injury. This evidence could explain clinical symptoms that accompany this type of injury and lead to severe dysfunction. Understanding the pattern of brain activation after a peripheral joint injury such as anterior cruciate ligament injury lead to new standards in rehabilitation and motor control learning with a wide application in a number of clinical and research areas (eg, surgical procedures, patient re-education, athletic training, etc).

Midterm results of treatment with a retrograde nail for supracondylar periprosthetic fractures of the femur following total knee arthroplasty

Objectives: Although the short-term results of supracondylar periprosthetic fractures treated with retrograde nailing have been satisfactory, there is always a concern about the long-term survival of the prosthesis. The aim of the study was to evaluate fracture healing and knee functional outcome with a follow-up time of at least 2 years in periprosthetic fractures of the knee treated with a supracondylar nail. Design: Cohort study. Patients: There were 9 patients with 10 periprosthetic fractures. In 1 patient, the fracture occurred intraoperatively. In the others, the time between the total knee arthroplasty and the periprosthetic fracture ranged between 2 weeks and 7 years (average time: 2.78 years). The mean follow-up was 34.5 months (25-52 months). Main Outcome Measurements: The Western Ontario and McMaster Universities index was used to evaluate the functional result postoperatively using the paired t test as the statistical test. Fracture union was assessed with plain x-rays. Results: All the fractures united within 3 months. One fracture united in extreme valgus (35°) and was revised to a stemmed total knee replacement. There were no infections and no prosthesis loosening. The paired t test before the fracture and after the operation demonstrated no statistically significant differences; however, there was a trend toward lower functional score postoperatively. Conclusions: It appears that retrograde nailing is a reliable technique to treat periprosthetic supracondylar fractures. It provides adequate stability until fracture union. The morbidity of the operation is minimal, and the complication rate is low. The midterm results in our study showed that none of the prostheses required revision. In our opinion, it is the treatment of choice for a periprosthetic fracture when the prosthesis is stable.

The adult spinal cord injury without radiographic abnormalities syndrome: magnetic resonance imaging and clinical findings in adults with spinal cord injuries having normal radiographs and computed tomography studies.

BACKGROUND Spinal cord injury without radiographic abnormalities (SCIWORA) is thought to represent mostly a pediatric entity and its incidence in adults is rather underreported. Some authors have also proposed the term spinal cord injury without radiologic evidence of trauma, as more precisely describing the condition of adult SCIWORA in the setting of cervical spondylosis. The purpose of the present study was to evaluate adult patients with cervical spine injuries and radiological-clinical examination discrepancy, and to discuss their characteristics and current management. METHODS During a 16-year period, 166 patients with a cervical spine injury were admitted in our institution (Level I trauma center). Upper cervical spine injuries (occiput to C2, 54 patients) were treated mainly by a Halo vest, whereas lower cervical spine injuries (C3-T1, 112 patients) were treated surgically either with an anterior, or posterior procedure, or both. RESULTS Seven of these 166 patients (4.2%) had a radiologic-clinical mismatch, i.e., they presented with frank spinal cord injury with no signs of trauma, and were included in the study. Magnetic resonance imaging was available for 6 of 7 patients, showing intramedullary signal changes in 5 of 6 patients with varying degrees of compression from the disc and/or the ligamentum flavum, whereas the remaining patient had only traumatic herniation of the intervertebral disc and ligamentum flavum bulging. Follow-up period was 6.4 years on average (1-10 years). CONCLUSION This retrospective chart review provides information on adult patients with cervical spinal cord injuries whose radiographs and computed tomography studies were normal. It furthers reinforces the pathologic background of SCIWORA in an adult population, when evaluated by magnetic resonance imaging. Particularly for patients with cervical spondylosis, special attention should be paid with regard to vascular compromise by predisposing factors such as smoking or vascular disease, since they probably contribute in the development of SCIWORA.

The effect of total knee arthroplasty on patients’ balance and incidence of falls: a systematic review

PurposeDespite the high incidence of falls in patients with OA, few studies have explored whether falls risk is affected after patients undergo total knee arthroplasty (TKA). Therefore, the aim of this systematic review was to identify the extent of the effects of TKA on balance and incidence of falls by critically reviewing the available literature.MethodsA systematic review of published literature sources was conducted up to March 2014. All studies assessing balance and incidence of falls after TKA (without physiotherapeutic intervention) were included. The methodological quality of each study was reviewed using the Critical Appraisal Skill Programme tool.ResultsThirteen studies were included, comprising of ten cohort studies (Level II) and three studies with Level of evidence III.ConclusionsFindings provide evidence that TKA improves significantly single-limb standing balance (~60%) and dynamic balance up to 1-year following surgery (Level of evidence II). Moreover, TKA influences positively fear of falling and incidence of falls by switching 54.2 % of pre-operative fallers to post-operative non-fallers (Level of evidence II–III). It is highlighted that knee extension strength, proprioception and symmetrization of postural strategies have not fully recovered post-TKA and influence balance performance. Clinically, these persistent deficits need to be mitigated by physiotherapy even before TKA takes place.

Cross-cultural translation and validation of the Greek version of the Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS) in patients with total knee replacement

Abstract Purpose: Aim of this study is to assess the psychometric properties of the developed Greek version of the Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS) in total knee replacement (TKR) patients. Methods: Psychometric properties of the Greek version of KOOS were evaluated according to the Consensus-based Standards Measurements Instruments (COSMIN) checklist. Patients’ pre-operative clinical status and post-operative outcomes at two occasions (at discharge and 10–12 days post-operatively) were evaluated using the KOOS, KOS-ADL and SF-12 Health Survey. Results: A comprehensive Greek KOOS was piloted and well accepted by patients and therefore administered to 60 consecutive TKR patients (mean age 72.2 ± 7.2 years, 39 women). Excellent Internal consistency, good test–retest reliability of KOOS and KOOS 5 subdomains, respectively [ICC(2-1) 0.76, 95% CI = 0.235–0.902 and 0.89, 95% CI = 0.843–0.927] was yielded. A priori hypotheses for construct validity were confirmed with KOOS score and subdomains for pain, symptoms and Everyday Living function (ADL) correlating moderately with KOS-ADL. Responsiveness for KOOS subdomains of Pain and Symptoms yielded moderate effect size (ES = 0.4). Conclusion: The Greek KOOS was found to be a practical and comprehensible self-reported measure for TKR patients with acceptable psychometric properties. It is therefore, recommendable for usage in future clinical trials and clinical practice. Implications for Rehabilitation The Greek version of KOOS is an essential assessment scale to evaluate not only acute injuries but also chronic knee associated conditions in a holistic perspective. The Greek KOOS has been found to be a practical and comprehensible self-reported measure for TKR patients with acceptable psychometric properties, recommendable for usage in future clinical trials and clinical practice. KOOS Greek version (downloadable at the official site http://www.koos.nu/koosgreek.pdf) was used in the validity study.

Compound and acutely ruptured false aneurysm of the brachial artery: a case report

IntroductionA patient with a neglected, compound acutely ruptured false aneurysm of the brachial artery which developed after a periprosthetic fracture of the right humerus, is reported.Case presentationAn 84-year-old Greek woman underwent right shoulder hemiarthroplasty 2 years before a periprosthetic fracture which was treated conservatively in another hospital. After removing the U-slab herself, she noticed the development of an ulcer on the mid-humerus, with continuous oozing but no fever. This led to above-elbow amputation in an attempt to save the patients life.ConclusionIt is hoped that by awareness of such a possibility coupled with an early diagnosis based on the clinical picture and imaging modalities, such unfortunate results can be avoided in the future. In case of increasing displacement at the fracture site and excessive local swelling, the possibility of the presence of a false brachial aneurysm should be ruled out despite the presence of normal perfusion of the hand and palpable radial and ulnar pulses.

Complex knee injuries treated in acute phase: Long-term results using Ligament Augmentation and Reconstruction System artificial ligament

AIM To present the long-term results of complex knee injuries, treated early using the Ligament Augmentation and Reconstruction System (LARS) artificial ligament to reconstruct posterior cruciate ligament (PCL). METHODS From September 1997 to June 2010, thirty-eight complex knee injuries were treated, where early arthroscopic PCL reconstructions were undergone, using the LARS (Surgical Implants and Devices, Arc-sur-Tille, France) artificial ligament. Exclusion criteria were: Late (> 4 wk) reconstruction, open technique, isolated PCL reconstruction, knee degenerative disease, combined fracture or vascular injury and use of allograft or autograft for PCL reconstruction. Clinical and functional outcomes were assessed with IKDC Subjective Knee Form, KOS-ADLS questionnaire, Lysholm scale and SF-12 Health Survey. Posterior displacement (PD) was measured with the Telos Stress Device. RESULTS Seven patients were excluded; two because of co-existing knee osteoarthritis and the remaining five because of failure to attend the final follow-up. The sample consisted of 31 patients with mean age at the time of reconstruction 33.2 ± 12.5 years (range 17-61). The postoperative follow-up was on average 9.27 ± 4.27 years (range 5-18). The mean average IKDC and KOS scores were 79.32 ± 17.1 and 88.1 ± 12.47% respectively. Average PD was 3.61 ± 2.15 mm compared to 0.91 ± 1.17 mm in the uninjured knees (one with grade 1 + and two with grade 2 +). Dial test was found positive in one patient, whereas the quadriceps active drawer test was positive in three patients. None was tested positive on the reverse-pivot shift test. The range of motion (ROM) was normal in thirty knees, in comparison with the contralateral one. There was no extension deficit. Osteoarthritic changes were found in three knees (9.6%). CONCLUSION Early treatment of complex knee injuries, using LARS artificial ligament for PCL reconstruction sufficiently reduces posterior tibia displacement and provides satisfactory long-term functional outcomes.

Association of low back pain on physical, sociodemographic and lifestyle factors across a general population sample within Greece

BACKGROUND Although low back pain (LBP) is a debilitating problem internationally, there is not a lot of research on its impact on physical, psychosocial and lifestyle factors. Especially in mediterranean countries, such as Greece, it is not sufficiently explored whether physical (pain location, activity limitation etc.), sociodemographic (education, smoking etc.) or lifestyle factors (i.e. quality of life or anxiety) are influenced by LBP. OBJECTIVE To estimate LBP prevalence in the Greek general population and explore its association with particular sociodemographic, physical and lifestyle factors. METHOD A sample of 3125 people of the Greek adult population was randomly selected by stratified sampling encompassing rural and urban representation within the Greek mainland. An extended survey form was developed entailing three sections; personal (sociodemographic) information, questions on symptomatology and physical factors (i.e. pain characteristics, recurrence, physical disability etc.) and 3 self-administered questionnaires (including mostly lifestyle factors); Hospital Anxiety and Depression (HAD) scale for anxiety and depression, SF-12 for quality of life (QoL) and Roland-Morris for disability. RESULTS A total of 471 (15%) people reported LBP (210 males, mean age: 47.04 ± 15.03). Amongst them 60% reported sciatica, 76% suffered recurrent LBP and 70% received specialist care. Low disability levels, moderate to high pain intensity, gender differences and good self-reported QoL and psychosocial status were reported. Sociodemographic characteristics (income, smoking, marital status etc.) were not associated with LBP physical factors, apart from age which correlated with physical disability and wellness (r being 0.446 and 0.405, respectively, p< 0.001). Physical factors (particularly pain intensity and location) correlated with lifestyle factors (QoL) and disability (r ranging between 0.396 and 0.543, p< 0.001). Mental wellness, anxiety and depression (as lifestyle factors) were not associated with sociodemographic or physical factors. CONCLUSIONS Physical parameters were amongst the most prevalent characteristics of the Greek sample, thus offering a direction towards a more targeted treatment and rehabilitation planning. Unlike previous literature, most sociodemographic characteristics were not correlated with any LBP physical or lifestyle factors, thus possibly indicating a different socioeconomic background and aetiology domain to that of the usual non-specific LBP spectrum.

Attitudes and diagnostic practice in low back pain: A qualitative study amongst Greek and British physiotherapists.

AIM To explore current diagnostic practice and attitudes of Greek and United Kingdom physiotherapists (PTs) on assessing low back pain (LBP) patients. METHODS Three focus groups were undertaken, followed by a structured questionnaire-type survey comprising 23 health professionals and a random stratified sample of 150 PTs, respectively. Twenty-nine themes relating to LBP diagnostic practice emerged. These were then given to 30 British PTs assessing their level of agreement with their Greek counterparts. Analysis was performed by percentage agreements and χ2 tests. RESULTS The survey was divided into three subsections; PTs’ attitudes on LBP assessment, patients’ attitudes and diagnostic/healthcare issues, each constituting 14, 7 and 8 statements, respectively. Over half of the statements fell within the 30%-80% agreement between Greece and United Kingdom whereas, 5 statements reported low (< 10%) and 8 statements demonstrated high (> 90%) PT percentage agreement. Similarities across British and Greek PTs were detected in history taking methods and in the way PTs feel patients perceive physiotherapy practice whereas, re-assessment was undertaken less frequently in Greece. Diagnosis according to 91% of the Greek PTs is considered a “privilege” which is exclusive for doctors in Greece (only 17% British PTs agreed) and is accompanied with a great overuse of medical investigations. Forty percent of Greek PTs (compared to 0% of British) consider themselves as “executers”, being unable to interfere with treatment plan, possibly implying lack of autonomy. CONCLUSION Although similarities on history taking methods and on patients’ attitudes were detected across both groups, gross differences were found in re-assessment procedures and diagnostic issues between Greek and British physiotherapists, highlighting differences in service delivery and professional autonomy.