Vincent V.G. An

Aspirin as Thromboprophylaxis in Hip and Knee Arthroplasty: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

BACKGROUND Venous thromboembolism (VTE) comprises pulmonary embolism and deep vein thrombosis and is a complication of particular concern in lower limb arthroplasty. In recent years, aspirin has emerged as a potential alternative thromboprophylactic agent, particularly after its acceptance as a recommended agent by the American College of Chest Physicians. Aspirin is favorable due to its relative cost-effectiveness and convenience compared to novel oral anticoagulants and warfarin. However, its efficacy since its inclusion in the American College of Chest Physicians guidelines remains unclear. The present systematic review aimed to establish the efficacy of aspirin in preventing VTE in total hip and knee arthroplasty. METHODS Electronic searches were performed using 6 databases from up to June 2015, identifying all relevant studies. Data were extracted and meta-analyzed. RESULTS Eleven relevant studies were identified for inclusion in the present meta-analysis. The overall rate of deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism in both hip and knee arthroplasty was 1.2% and 0.6%, respectively. The rate of major bleeding was 0.3%. Pooled mortality rate was 0.2%. All findings demonstrated a high and significant degree of heterogeneity. CONCLUSION Aspirin, both alone and in multimodal approaches to thromboprophylaxis, confers a low rate of VTE, with a low risk of major bleeding complications. However, the evidence for its use is limited by the low quality of studies and variation in dose in dosing regimes. Future randomized controlled trials should investigate the efficacy of aspirin, as well as the ideal dosing protocol for its use in thromboprophylaxis in arthroplasty.

Limitations in predicting outcome following primary ACL reconstruction with single-bundle hamstring autograft — A systematic review

BACKGROUND Anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR) is one of the most well studied and performed procedures in the world. Thus, it would be useful to develop a tool to predict patient outcomes post-operatively to allow clinicians to optimise management. PURPOSE To identify and summarise factors predictive of graft failure and patient-reported outcome (PROM) measures at minimum two years after ACLR with single-bundle quadruple hamstring autograft via the anteromedial portal technique. METHODS Studies reporting IKDC, KOOS, Lysholm and graft failure in ACLR were systematically reviewed. A methodological score was applied to these studies, with those above the mean analysed further. Only those reporting primary predictors of patient outcomes following ACLR were included. RESULTS Twenty-six studies satisfied our inclusion criteria. Fourteen scored above the mean 20 Downs and Black score (18.4) and were considered higher level evidence. The higher quality papers reported that younger age, female sex, higher BMI, smoking history and activity levels predicted poorer outcomes. High-grade tears of the menisci or full-thickness cartilage defects were identified as predictors of poorer PROMs. None of the factors investigated by more than a single paper were unanimously significant in predicting the outcome of ACLR. CONCLUSIONS The evidence surrounding predictors of outcome was inconsistent in design, methodology and reporting of results, hindering our ability to draw conclusions regarding the validity of the reported relationships. However, this systematic review identified several patient demographics, concomitant injuries, and surgical factors that could be investigated further in future prospective studies to create a definitive predictive model.

Regression modelling combining MRI measurements and patient anthropometry for patient screening and prediction of graft diameter in hamstring autograft arthroscopic ACL reconstruction

Background Previous studies have associated anthropometric data and pre-operative hamstring tendon measurements to intraoperative graft diameter for hamstring autograft ACL reconstruction, although an integrated model has yet to be described. The aim of this study was to present such a predictive model for quadrupled semitendinosus (4-ST) and doubled semitendinosus-gracilis (4-STG) graft constructs combining anthropometry (height and weight) and preoperative measurements of tendon as predictors. Methods ACL reconstructions using 4-STG and 4-ST were retrospectively reviewed. The outlines of the semitendinosus and gracilis tendons were identified manually in the axial slice of a preoperative T2 weighted MRI using a region-of-interest tool. Regression analysis using intraoperative graft diameter as the dependent variable was performed with tendon cross-sectional area (XSA), gender and height as predictors. Results 108 ACL reconstructions in 107 patients were examined, 75 of which were performed using the 4-STG construct, and 33 which employed the 4-ST construct. The mean graft diameter in the 4-ST group (8.6 ± 0.8 mm) was significantly (p < 0.001) greater than the 4-STG group (7.9 ± 0.7 mm). Female gender and 4-STG graft construct were associated with increased risk of graft diameter <8 mm. Predictive models of graft diameter were accurate to ±1 mm for both construct types. Conclusions An integrated method for assessing patient risk of producing a diminutive graft diameter and planning augmentation in select cases has been presented. The present findings describe a validated predictive model that builds on previous univariable analyses. Further investigation of larger samples, including factors associated with graft preparation, is required to improve model accuracy for routine clinical application. Level of evidence IV, Retrospective Cohort Study

Subtle Lisfranc Injuries: A Topical Review and Modification of the Classification System

Lisfranc injuries are relatively uncommon. No specific incidence of subtle injuries has been reported; however, almost one-third are missed on initial review. These missed injuries are a common cause of litigation. Although seen in high-energy injuries with direct application of forces, they are also associated with lower-energy indirect mechanisms, often on the athletic field. This article provides a topical review of subtle Lisfranc disruptions, focusing on contemporary perspectives, and describes a modification to the most prevalent classification system. [Orthopedics. 2018; 41(2):e168-e175.].

Factors affecting the incidence and management of fixed flexion deformity in total knee arthroplasty: A systematic review

PURPOSE This study aimed to systematically review the literature and identify factors which would contribute to the intraoperative correction of FFD to frame a potential surgical algorithm or predictive model to guide intraoperative decision-making. METHODS Electronic searches of six databases were undertaken in April 2016 according to the PRISMA guidelines, and the reference lists of studies searched. Quality of studies was assessed using the STROBE checklist, and the Downs and Black Scores. RESULTS Twenty-five studies investigating 10, 679 knees were found to satisfy the inclusion and exclusion criteria. These studies described a variety of pre-operative and intra-operative factors which contribute to the development or correction of post-operative FFD. The only patient predictor of post-operative FFD was pre-operative FFD. The intra-operative steps described to correct FFD were: distal femoral resection, soft-tissue balancing (in the posterior and medial compartments), sagittal component flexion and posterior condylar offset. However, no studies investigated these in an integrated model. CONCLUSION This review has identified various pre-, intra- and post-operative factors predictive of post-operative FFD. In practice, these factors are likely to interact, and therefore further investigation in an integrated model is crucial to developing a statistically sound and reliable intraoperative algorithm for surgeons to follow when correcting fixed flexion deformity.

Arthroscopic simulation using a knee model can be used to train speed and gaze strategies in knee arthroscopy

PURPOSE This study aimed to determine the effect of a simulation course on gaze fixation strategies of participants performing arthroscopy. METHODS Participants (n = 16) were recruited from two one-day simulation-based knee arthroscopy courses, and were asked to undergo a task before and after the course, which involved identifying a series of arthroscopic landmarks. The gaze fixation of the participants was recorded with a wearable eye-tracking system. The time taken to complete the task and proportion of time participants spent with their gaze fixated on the arthroscopic stack, the knee model, and away from the stack or knee model were recorded. RESULTS Participants demonstrated a statistically decreased completion time in their second attempt compared to the first attempt (P = 0.001). In their second attempt, they also demonstrated improved gaze fixation strategies, with a significantly increased amount (P = 0.008) and proportion of time (P = 0.003) spent fixated on the screen vs. knee model. CONCLUSION Simulation improved arthroscopic skills in orthopaedic surgeons, specifically by improving their gaze control strategies and decreasing the amount of time taken to identify and mark landmarks in an arthroscopic task.

Subchondral Insufficiency Fracture in the Lateral Compartment of the Knee in a 64-Year-Old Marathon Runner

A 64-year-old marathon runner presented to our clinic with a history of worsening pain in her left knee. Following magnetic resonance imaging, the diagnosis of subchondral insufficiency fracture of the knee (SIFK) was made. A course of conservative management via bisphosphonates was initiated. The patient successfully recovered and returned to full athletic function, having recently returned to competitive marathon running. This article aims to present this unusual case of lateral compartment SIFK and summarise the literature on this uncommon condition.

Response to Re: Hepatic resection for malignant liver tumours in the elderly: a systematic review and meta‐analysis

It is with great respect that I reflect on the comments made by Kehlet and Su’a and Hill on our paper. The limitations highlighted by these experts are acknowledged along with the value of their perspectives. Our intention was to provoke thought and stimulate discussion in an area of interest for those who perform colorectal surgery. The intention was also to be honest about what happens in many units, but it is not openly discussed (D’Souza, pers. comm., 2015). The science referenced provides a clear picture. The greater challenge, however, lies in wider translation of the science. Under ideal circumstances, we would be able to do things differently, but in the meantime, we do the best we can, respecting the wisdom of those who lead and guide.