Toby O. Smith

Sutures versus staples for skin closure in orthopaedic surgery: meta-analysis

Objective To compare the clinical outcomes of staples versus sutures in wound closure after orthopaedic surgery. Design Meta-analysis. Data sources Medline, CINAHL, AMED, Embase, Scopus, and the Cochrane Library databases were searched, in addition to the grey literature, in all languages from 1950 to September 2009. Additional studies were identified from cited references. Selection criteria Two authors independently assessed papers for eligibility. Included studies were randomised and non-randomised controlled trials that compared the use of staples with suture material for wound closure after orthopaedic surgery procedures. All studies were included, and publications were not excluded because of poor methodological quality. Review methods Two authors independently reviewed studies for methodological quality and extracted data from each paper. Final data for analysis were collated through consensus. The primary outcome measure was the assessment of superficial wound infection after wound closure with staples compared with sutures. Relative risk and mean difference with 95% confidence intervals were calculated and pooled with a random effects model. Heterogeneity was assessed with I2 and χ2 statistical test. Results Six papers, which included 683 wounds, were identified; 332 patients underwent suture closure and 351 staple closure. The risk of developing a superficial wound infection after orthopaedic procedures was over three times greater after staple closure than suture closure (relative risk 3.83, 95% confidence interval 1.38 to 10.68; P=0.01). On subgroup analysis of hip surgery alone, the risk of developing a wound infection was four times greater after staple closure than suture closure (4.79, 1.24 to 18.47; P=0.02). There was no significant difference between sutures and staples in the development of inflammation, discharge, dehiscence, necrosis, and allergic reaction. The included studies had several major methodological limitations, including the recruitment of small, underpowered cohorts, poorly randomising patients, and not blinding assessors to the allocated methods of wound closure. Only one study had acceptable methodological quality. Conclusions After orthopaedic surgery, there is a significantly higher risk of developing a wound infection when the wound is closed with staples rather than sutures. This risk is specifically greater in patients who undergo hip surgery. The use of staples for closing hip or knee surgery wounds after orthopaedic procedures cannot be recommended, though the evidence comes from studies with substantial methodological limitations. Though we advise orthopaedic surgeons to reconsider their use of staples for wound closure, definitive randomised trials are still needed to assess this research question.

Outcomes of medial patellofemoral ligament reconstruction for patellar instability: a systematic review

It has been suggested that in the majority of patellar dislocation cases the medial patellofemoral ligament (MPFL) is disrupted. Accordingly several authors over the past decade have recommended repair or reconstruction of the MPFL to reduce the high incidence of recurrent dislocation. The purpose of this review was to determine whether MPFL reconstruction is a suitable procedure with regards to clinical and radiological outcomes for patients with patellar instability. A literature search using the electronic databases AMED, British Nursing Index, CINAHL, the Cochrane database, EMBASE, ovid Medline, Physiotherapy Evidence Database (PEDro), PsycINFO, Pubmed and Zetoc were performed from their inception to May 2007. All English language, human subject clinical papers reporting outcomes following MPFL reconstruction were included. Eight papers, collectively assessing 186 MPFL reconstructions, were finally included for review. Three reviewers independently assessed the methodological quality of each of the studies using the CASP appraisal tool. When analysed, it would appear that MPFL reconstruction may provide favourable clinical and radiological outcomes for patellar instability patients. However, following a critical appraisal of these papers a number of methodological weaknesses were identified including recruiting small samples, not controlling for confounding variables, and providing limited statistical analysis of results. Future study is recommended to address these methodological flaws, in addition to beginning to assess the effectiveness of this procedure, in different patient groups.

The relative timing of VMO and VL in the aetiology of anterior knee pain: a systematic review and meta-analysis

BackgroundAnterior knee pain (AKP) is a common musculoskeletal complaint. It has been suggested that one factor that may contribute to the presence of AKP is a delay in the recruitment of the vastus medialis oblique muscle (VMO) relative to the vastus lateralis muscle (VL). There is however little consensus within the literature regarding the existence or nature of any such delay in the recruitment of the VMO within the AKP population. The purpose of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to examine the relative timing of onset of the VMO and VL in those with AKP in comparison to the asymptomatic population.MethodsThe bibliographic databases AMED, British Nursing Index, CINAHL, EMBASE, Ovid Medline, PEDro, Pubmed and the Cochrane Library were searched for studies comparing the timing of EMG onset of the VMO and VL in those with AKP versus the asymptomatic population. Studies fulfilling the inclusion criteria were independently assessed. Heterogeneity across the studies was measured. A meta-analysis of results was completed for those studies where adequate data was supplied. Where comparable methodologies had been used, results were pooled and analysed.ResultsFourteen studies met the inclusion criteria; one prospective and thirteen observational case control. Eleven compared VMO and VL EMG onset times during voluntary active tasks while four investigated reflex response times. All used convenience sampling and did not state blinding of the assessor. Study methodologies/testing and assessment procedures varied and there was considerable heterogeneity within individual samples. Whilst a trend was identified towards a delay in onset of VMO relative to the VL in the AKP population during both voluntary active tasks and reflex activity, a substantial degree of heterogeneity across the pooled studies was identified (I2 = 69.9–93.4%, p < 0.01).ConclusionFindings are subject to substantial and unexplained heterogeneity. A trend was demonstrated towards a delayed onset of VMO relative to VL in those with AKP in comparison to those without. However not all AKP patients demonstrate a VMO-VL dysfunction, and this is compounded by normal physiological variability in the healthy population. The clinical and therapeutic significance is therefore difficult to assess.

The diagnostic accuracy of acetabular labral tears using magnetic resonance imaging and magnetic resonance arthrography: a meta-analysis

ObjectivesMagnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and magnetic resonance arthrography (MRA) have been advocated for the diagnosis of acetabular labral tears. The purpose of this study was to determine the sensitivity and specificity of MRI and MRA in diagnosing acetabular labral tears using meta-analysis.MethodsPertinent published and unpublished literature databases were reviewed. A two-by-two table was constructed to calculate the sensitivity and specificity of MRI or MRA investigations against surgical outcomes. Pooled sensitivity and specificity and Receiver Operating Characteristic curve (ROC) evaluations were performed. Methodological quality of each study was assessed using the QUADAS (Quality Assessment of Diagnostic Accuracy Studies) tool.ResultsNineteen papers assessing 881 hips were reviewed. Conventional MRI was assessed in 13 studies and MRA was assessed in 16 studies. Whilst both MRI (0.5–3T) and MRA (0.5–3T) presented with a moderate sensitivity and specificity (sensitivity 66%, 87%; specificity 79%, 64%), diagnostic accuracy of MRA appeared to be superior to MRI in detecting acetabular labral tears on ROC curve interpretation. The literature poorly described population characteristics, assessor blinding, with limited sample sizes.ConclusionsMRI and MRA may be useful adjuncts in the diagnosis of acetabular labral tears in adults. MRA appears to be superior to conventional MRI.

Pre-operative indicators for mortality following hip fracture surgery: a systematic review and meta-analysis

OBJECTIVE hip fracture is a common and serious condition associated with high mortality. This study aimed to identify pre-operative characteristics which are associated with an increased risk of mortality after hip fracture surgery. DESIGN systematic search of published and unpublished literature databases, including EMBASE, MEDLINE, AMED, CINAHL, PubMed and the Cochrane Library, was undertaken to identify all clinical studies on pre-operative predictors of mortality after surgery in hip fracture with at least 3-month follow-up. Data pertaining to the study objectives was extracted by two reviewers independently. Where study homogeneity was evidence, a meta-analysis of pooled relative risk and 95% confidence intervals was performed for mortality against pre-admission characteristics. RESULTS fifty-three studies including 544,733 participants were included. Thirteen characteristics were identified as possible pre-operative indicators for mortality. Following meta-analysis, the four key characteristics associated with the risk of mortality up to 12 months were abnormal ECG (RR: 2.00; 95% CI: 1.45, 2.76), cognitive impairment (RR: 1.91; 95% CI: 1.35, 2.70), age >85 years (RR: 0.42; 95% CI: 0.20, 0.90) and pre-fracture mobility (RR: 0.13; 95% CI: 0.05, 0.34). Other statistically significant pre-fracture predictors of increased mortality were male gender, being resident in a care institution, intra-capsular fracture type, high ASA grade and high Charlson comorbidity score on admission. CONCLUSIONS this review has identified the characteristics of patients with a high risk of mortality after a hip fracture surgery beyond the peri-operative period who may benefit from comprehensive assessment and appropriate management. PROSPERO REGISTRATION NUMBER CRD42012002107.

Is a tourniquet beneficial in total knee replacement surgery?: A meta-analysis and systematic review

Proponents of tourniquets postulate that they optimise intra-operative visibility and reduce blood loss. This study compared the outcomes of tourniquet assisted to non-tourniquet assisted total knee replacement (TKR). A systematic review was undertaken of the electronic databases Medline, CINAHL, AMED and EMBASE, in addition to a review of unpublished material and a hand search of pertinent orthopaedic journals. The evidence-base was critically appraised using a tool from the Cochrane Bone, Joint and Muscle Trauma Group. Fifteen studies were identified evaluating 16 outcome measures and parameters of 1040 TKRs in 991 patients. There was a significantly greater intra-operative blood loss in non-tourniquet compared to tourniquet assisted surgery (p=0.004). There was no significant difference between the groups for total blood loss or transfusion rate (p=0.22; p=0.48). There was a trend for greater complications in tourniquet compared to non-tourniquet patients. There was no difference between the groups for any other outcome measure assessed. In conclusion, this systematic review has found that there is no advantage to using a tourniquet in knee replacement surgery for reduction of transfusion requirements.

Diagnostic accuracy of ultrasound for rotator cuff tears in adults: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

AIM To determine the diagnostic accuracy of ultrasound to detect partial and complete thickness rotator cuff tears based on all available clinical trials. MATERIALS AND METHODS An electronic search of databases registering published and unpublished literature was conducted. All diagnostic accuracy studies that directly compared the accuracy of ultrasound (the index test) to either arthroscopic or open surgical findings (the reference test) for rotator cuff tear were included. The methodological quality of each included study was assessed using the QUADAS form. When appropriate, pooled sensitivity and specificity analysis was conducted, with an assessment of the summary receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve for each analysis. RESULTS Sixty-two studies assessing 6007 patients and 6066 shoulders were included. Ultrasonography had good sensitivity and specificity for the assessment of partial thickness (sensitivity 0.84; specificity 0.89), and full-thickness rotator cuff tears (sensitivity 0.96; specificity 0.93). However, the literature poorly described population characteristics, assessor blinding, and was based on limited sample sizes. The literature assessing transducer frequency was particularly small in size. CONCLUSION Ultrasonography is an appropriate radiological technique for the assessment of rotator cuff tears with an acceptable sensitivity and specificity. The diagnostic test accuracy of ultrasound is superior for the detection of full-thickness compared to partial-thickness cuff tears. Further study assessing the effect of transducer frequency is warranted.

Effect of medications with anti-cholinergic properties on cognitive function, delirium, physical function and mortality: a systematic review

OBJECTIVES to determine the effect of drugs with anti-cholinergic properties on relevant health outcomes. DESIGN electronic published and unpublished literature/trial registries were systematically reviewed. Studies evaluating medications with anti-cholinergic activity on cognitive function, delirium, physical function or mortality were eligible. RESULTS forty-six studies including 60,944 participants were included. Seventy-seven percent of included studies evaluating cognitive function (n = 33) reported a significant decline in cognitive ability with increasing anti-cholinergic load (P < 0.05). Four of five included studies reported no association with delirium and increasing anti-cholinergic drug load (P > 0.05). Five of the eight included studies reported a decline in physical function in users of anti-cholinergics (P < 0.05). Three of nine studies evaluating mortality reported that the use of drugs with anti-cholinergic properties was associated with a trend towards increased mortality, but this was not statistically significant. The methodological quality of the evidence-base ranged from poor to very good. CONCLUSION medicines with anti-cholinergic properties have a significant adverse effect on cognitive and physical function, but limited evidence exists for delirium or mortality outcomes.

The reliability and validity of the Q-angle: a systematic review.

The Quadriceps or Q-angle is an index of the vector for the combined pull of the extensor mechanisms and the patellar tendon. It is used as an indicator for patellofemoral joint dysfunction. The purpose of this article is to systematically review and appraise the literature to determine the reliability and validity of this test. An electronic database search was performed accessing AMED, British Nursing Index, CINAHL, the Cochrane database, EMBASE, ovid Medline, Physiotherapy Evidence Database (PEDro), PsycINFO, Pubmed and Zetoc to April 2008. All English language, human subject, clinical trials, assessing the inter- or intra-tester reliability, or the criterion validity, were included. The Critical Appraisal Skills Programme appraisal tool was used to establish the methodological quality of each study. Ten articles including 569 control and 179 patellofemoral disorder knees were reviewed. The findings suggest that there is considerable disagreement on the reliability and validity of the clinical Q-angle measurement. This may be due to a lack of standardisation in the measurement procedure. Further study is advocated to re-evaluate this topic using well-designed, and sufficiently large observational studies of specific patellofemoral dysfunction populations.

An evaluation of the clinical tests and outcome measures used to assess patellar instability

A literature review was undertaken to determine which clinical tests and outcome measures have been described to diagnose and evaluate patellar instability, and to assess the literature examining the sensitivity and specificity of these diagnostic tests, or the reliability, validity and responsiveness of the outcome measures identified. An electronic search was undertaken using standard databases as well as a hand search of specialist journals, reference lists and local medical libraries. All English language publications describing and/or evaluating diagnostic tests and outcome measures for patellar instability patients were included. On review, 104 papers and 64 textbooks were included. Eighteen diagnostic tests and 10 outcome measures were identified. Of these only five diagnostic tests (Bassetts sign; apprehension test; gravity subluxation test; clinical assessment of the tibial tubercle to trochlear groove value; Q-angle) and seven outcome measures (modified International Knee Documentation Committee knee ligament standard evaluation form; Kujala anterior knee pain scale; Fulkerson knee instability scale; Lysholm knee scoring scale; Tegner activity level scale; Short Form-36; Musculoskeletal Function Assessment injury and arthritis survey) had been assessed for accuracy in five studies. The sensitivity, specificity, reliability or validity, of these tests remains unclear for this patient population. Further work is needed to assess the appropriateness of the identified tests and outcomes for patellar instability cohorts.