Manuel Sabeti-Aschraf

The anxiolytic effect of pregabalin in outpatients undergoing minor orthopaedic surgery

Preoperative anxiety can increase postoperative pain and is therefore important to avoid. Different approaches have already been tested for preoperative anxiolysis. Gabapentinoids might be a useful alternative to benzodiazepines. Pregabalin is used for treating generalized anxiety disorders and shows a favourable pharmacokinetic profile after oral administration; however, its anxiolytic effect preoperatively in healthy outpatients is still unclear. In this randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial the anxiolytic effect of pregabalin in 40 outpatients undergoing standardised general anaesthesia and postoperative pain therapy for minor orthopaedic surgery was analysed. Patients received preoperatively either 300 mg pregabalin or placebo orally. The primary outcome was anxiety before anaesthesia induction, the secondary outcome the postoperative pain, both assessed using a visual analogue scale from 0 to 100. Without any side effects pregabalin reduced preoperative anxiety compared with the control group (23 ± 10 vs. 38 ± 17; p = 0.003). Pain scores did not differ between groups; however, need of piritramide in the postanaesthesia care unit was reduced to half by pregabalin compared with the control group. A single preoperative dose of 300 mg pregabalin reduces anxiety in patients undergoing minor orthopaedic surgery without any side effects like dizziness or persisting sedation resulting in a prolonged stay in the postanaesthesia care unit.

Combined medial and lateral anatomic ligament reconstruction for chronic rotational instability of the ankle.

Background: This study aimed to extend knowledge on the arthroscopic evaluation of the unstable ankle joint and the outcome of ligament reconstruction on rotational instability. In contrast to previous studies, we investigated the combined repair of lateral and medial ligaments. Methods: Ninety-six patients underwent medial and lateral ligament reconstruction between 2006 and 2008, 81 of whom, with a mean age of 31.9 (range, 14 to 44) years, completed the 12-month followup and were therefore included in this study (Table 1). Clinical, radiographic, and concomitant arthroscopic examination was performed prior to the ligament stabilization. Postoperative followup included clinical and radiographic evaluation after 3, 6, and 12 months. Results: Arthroscopy showed a lesion of the anterior fibulotalar ligament (AFTL), calcaneofibular ligament (CFL), and tibiocalcanear ligament (TCL) (Deep part of deltoid ligament complex) in 67 patients. An avulsion of the proximal insertion point of the ATTL was additionally found in 14 cases. Clinical results 3 months after surgery showed a significant increase in the AOFAS-Hindfoot Score as well as a significant decrease of the Visual Analogue-Scale for pain (VAS) (p < 0.0001). This outcome persisted at the 12-month examination. Conclusion: Rotational instability of the ankle joint in most cases has an injury of the lateral ligaments and a component of the deltoid, the TCL, but rarely with a combined lesion of the TCL and the anterior tibiotalar ligament (ATTL) (Superficial part of deltoid ligament complex). The combined lateral and medial ligament reconstruction with an anchor technique had a good clinical outcome with high patient satisfaction with few complications. Level of Evidence: IV, Retrospective Case Series

Intra-operative ultrasound facilitates the localization of the calcific deposit during arthroscopic treatment of calcifying tendinitis

PurposeCalcifying tendinitis is a common condition of the shoulder. In many cases, arthroscopic reduction in the deposit is indicated. The localization of the deposit is sometimes challenging and time-consuming. Pre-operative ultrasound (US)-guided needle placement in the deposit and pre-operative US marking of the deposit at the skin with a ballpoint are described and recommended methods to alleviate the procedure without using ionizing radiation by fluoroscopy.MethodsIntra-operative sonography of the shoulder is introduced as a new method to localize the calcific deposit with high accuracy. After standard arthroscopic buresectomy, the surgeon performs an ultrasound examination under sterile conditions to localize the deposits. A ventral longitudinal US section is recommended, and the upper arm is rotated until the deposit is visible. Subsequently, perpendicular to the skin at the position of the transducer, a needle is introduced under arthroscopic and ultrasound visualization to puncture the deposit.ResultsThe presence of snow-white crystals at the tip of the needle proves the exact localization. Consecutively, the curettage can be accomplished. Another intra-operative sonography evaluates possible calcific remnants and the tendon structure.ConclusionThis new technique may alleviate arthroscopic calcific deposit curettage by visualizing the deposit without using ionizing radiation. Additionally, soft tissue damage due to decreased number of punctures to detect the deposit may be achieved. Both factors may contribute to reduced operation time.

Overuse Injuries Correlated to the Mountain Bike`s Adjustment: A Prospective Field Study

Mountain biking is an Olympic discipline and popular world wide. In comparison to conventional road cycling little is reported of overuse injuries. Especially, the set up of the mountain bike seems to play an important role in the on- set of overused body regions. Aim of this investigation is to identify overuse injuries in competitive mountain bikers and correlate them with technical settings of their bikes. This prospective field study consists of two phases analyzing volunteer competitive mountain bikers who were inter- viewed with a preformed questionnaire. In Phase 1 overused body regions were identified. In Phase 2 riders were exam- ined before and after the race for overused body regions which were correlated to the bikes adjustment. For this reason the athlete was sitting on a fixed mountain bike in riding position and the various distances were individually controlled. 169 competitors were analyzed of whom 87 had overuse injuries after the race. Most injuries concerned the lower back, the buttocks and the knee. There was a significant correlation between inadequate saddle-pedal distance and the incidence of knee pain (p<0.038), and paraesthetic sensations in the hand (p<0.023). The saddle inclination increased the incidence of pain in the buttocks (p<0.014)). Symptoms occurred more frequently in downhill (p<0.0001) and uphill (p<0.0007) passages. Overuse injuries are frequently observed in competitive mountain bikers. Certain detailed adjustments have a direct im- pact on the incidence of overuse injuries in the competitive mountain bike cyclist.

Comparison of plantar-pressure distribution and clinical impact of anatomically shaped sandals, off-the-shelf sandals and normal walking shoes in patients with central metatarsalgia

PurposeMetatarsalgia is one of the most frequent pathological conditions of the foot and ankle. Numerous studies exist on plantar-pressure characteristics in various types of shoes. However, to the best of our knowledge, plantar-pressure distribution and clinical effects in sandals has not as yet been the the focus of any study.MethodsTwenty-two patients (42 feet) with central metatarsalgia were assessed. Time and distance until symptom occurrence in terms of metatarsalgia were evaluated for normal walking shoes (WS), standard sandals (SS) and anatomically shaped, custom-made sandals with a metatarsal pad (AS). Pain intensity was measured with the visual analogue (VAS), and clinical assessment was performed with the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) score for the respective shoes. Additionally, plantar-pressure distribution was assessed with the emed-at platform (Novel GmbH) and the F-scan insole system (Tekscan Inc.), respectively.ResultsThe average walking distance until symptoms occurred was 1,894 m [standard deviation (SD) 1,196 m) for WS, 1,812 m (SD 1,079 m) for SS and 3,407 m (SD 1,817 m) for AS (p < 0.01). Mean duration until occurrence of symptoms was 22.3 min (SD 14.9 min) for the WS, 21.8 min (SD 13.4 min) for the SS and 42.0 min (SD 23.0 min) for the AS (p < 0.01). Plantar-pressure parameters were significantly reduced in the forefoot region for the AS compared with the other walking devices.ConclusionsThe results of this study reveal that a modified standard sandal can significantly influence the onset of metatarsalgia, as increased walking time and distance in these patients was observed.

Climbing Has a Positive Impact on Low Back Pain: A Prospective Randomized Controlled Trial.

Objective:Comparison of climbing versus no treatment to treat chronic low back pain. Design:Prospective randomized controlled trial. Setting:Tertiary. Participants:A total of 30 patients with chronic low back pain were recruited and randomly assigned to 2 different groups: climbing and control. The inclusion criteria were defined as chronic low back pain, age between 18 and 45 years, body mass index lower than 25, and no climbing experience. Interventions:Patients in the climbing group were instructed to climb 5 different climbing routes. A climbing activity of 10 sessions in 8 weeks, at least once a week with a minimum duration of 1 hour, was mandatory. Main Outcome Measures:The participants were examined before (T0) and after therapy (8 weeks, T8) and after another 6 weeks (T14). The outcome was evaluated using Oswestry Disability Index, Visual Analog Scale (VAS), Likert scale, and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Radiologists evaluating MRI were blinded. The study was performed as a single-center study. Results:Evaluating the Oswestry Disability Index, a significant difference in the time course between the 2 groups was detected (P = 0.022). Significant improvements comparing climbing and control group were also found when assessing VAS in a minimal finger-floor-distance position (P = 0.048). Patients in the climbing group showed a reduction in size of disc protrusion. Conclusions:Climbing may be an effective and low-cost therapy option for people with chronic low back pain. Clinical Relevance:Low back pain is a very common disease but still a challenge to treat. Therapy strategies vary from conservative ones, pharmacological treatment with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and weak opioids, to invasive treatment with acupuncture, injections, and operative reconstruction. Some can be costly and not without risks. For instance, many people who use NSAIDs are at risk of common side effects such as gastrointestinal complications (irritation, ulcers, and bleeding) that may lead to hospitalization. Climbing could offer reduction of pain and better performance in daily life, because it offers a closed chain muscle training that has the potential to improve posture, perception of the trunk midline, and muscle control. Climbing may also lead to a better adherence to continuing treatment than traditional physical therapy and exercise due to a more exciting aspect of the sports activity.