Yu-n Li

Single-bundle or double-bundle for anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction: A meta-analysis

PURPOSE To compare the clinical outcomes of anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction with double-bundle and single-bundle techniques. STUDY DESIGN Meta-analysis METHODS We searched electronic databases including PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, and Google Scholar from 1966 to Jan 2012 to identify randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing clinical outcomes of anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction with double-bundle and single-bundle techniques. Two reviewers independently extracted data and assessed trial quality. Meta-analysis was performed to pool results. RESULTS Nineteen RCTs were included with a total of 1686 patients. The pooled analysis across all studies showed that the double-bundle ACL reconstruction technique could have significantly better outcomes in rotational laxity, as assessed by the pivot-shift test, KT grading and IKDC grading than the single-bundle techniques. We found no evidence of a difference in function measured by IKDC scores, KT arthrometer, Lysholm knee, or Tegner activity scores and complications after operations between single and double-bundle ACL reconstruction groups. CONCLUSION Our meta-analysis demonstrated the superiority of double-bundle over single-bundle anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction. The double-bundle ACL reconstruction technique has better outcomes in rotational laxity (pivot-shift test, KT grading and IKDC grading). However, for functional recovery, there was no significant difference between single-bundle and double-bundle reconstruction techniques.

Comparative efficacy and tolerability of three treatments in old people with osteoporotic vertebral compression fracture: a network meta-analysis and systematic review.

Purpose The question which kind of methods is most suitable for treating the old people for osteoporotic vertebral compression fracture is still discussed and pairwise meta-analyses cannot get hierarchies of these treatments. Our aim is to integrate the evidence to provide hierarchies of the comparative efficacy measured by the change of VAS (Visual Analogue Scale) and tolerability measured by incidence of new fractures and risk of all-cause discontinuation on three treatments (percutaneous vertebroplasty (PVP)、balloon kyphoplasty (BK) and conservative treatment(CT)). Methods We performed a Bayesian-framework network meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) to compare three treatments for the old people with osteoporotic vertebral compression fracture. The eligible RCTs were identified by searching Amed, British Nursing Index, Embase, Pubmed, the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), Google scholar, SIGLE, the National Technical Information Service, the National Research Register (UK) and the Current Controlled Trials databases. Data from three outcomes (e.g. VAS, risk of all-cause discontinuation and incidence of new fractures) were independently extracted by two authors. Results A total of five RCTs were finally included into this article. PVP and BK significantly decreased VAS when compared with CT. BK had a significantly lower risk of all-cause discontinuation contrast to CT. Three treatments (BK, PVP and CT) had no significant differences in the incidence of new fractures. Conclusions PVP may be the best way to relieve pain, CT might lead to the lowest incidence of new fractures and BK might had the lowest risk of all-cause discontinuation in old people with osteoporotic vertebral compression fracture. More large-scale and longer duration of follow-up studies are needed.

Epidemiology of traumatic spinal cord injury in Asia: A systematic review

Abstract Study design A systematic review. Background The number of traumatic spinal cord injury (TSCI) reports grows annually, especially in China and Korea. The epidemiological characteristics of TSCI in Asia differ from those in other countries. Thus, we compiled epidemiological factors from Asia to compare with those from other countries. Method We searched articles published in any language between January 1980 to December 2011 using the terms “spinal cord injury”, “traumatic spinal cord injury”, “epidemiology”, and “Asia”. The articles were reviewed for information regarding TSCI incidence, total cases, case criteria, case source, causes of injury, male/female ratio, mean age, prospective or retrospective, neurological level of injury, extent of injury, and America Spinal Injury Association Impairment Scale (AIS)/grade. Results Epidemiological data were extracted from 39 reports in the published literature that met the inclusion criteria. Only two studies reported prevalence rates. Incidence rates ranged from 12.06 to 61.6 per million. The average age ranged from 26.8 to 56.6 years old. Men were at higher risk than women. Motor vehicle collisions (MVCs) and falls were the main causes of TSCI. However, several countries reported war wounds as the major cause. The neurological level and extent of injury were mixed, and most patients were categorized as AIS/Frankel grade A. Conclusion TSCI is an important public health problem and a major cause of paralysis. We must understand the epidemiology to implement appropriate preventative measures. Asian epidemiology is different from that in other regions, so intervention measures must be established according to population-specific characteristics.

Long non-coding RNA small nucleolar RNA host gene 12 (SNHG12) promotes cell proliferation and migration by upregulating angiomotin gene expression in human osteosarcoma cells

The long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) small nucleolar RNA host gene 12 (SNHG12) has a role in cell proliferation and migration. Angiomotin, encoded by the AMOT gene, is a protein that regulates the migration and organization of endothelial cells. SNHG12 and AMOT have been shown to play a role in a variety of human cancers but have yet to be studied in detail in human osteosarcoma. Tissue samples from primary osteosarcoma (n = 20) and adjacent normal tissues (n = 20), the osteosarcoma cell lines, SAOS-2, MG-63, U-2 OS, and the human osteoblast cell line hFOB (OB3) were studied using Western blot for angiomotin, and quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction for the expression of SNHG12 and AMOT. The expression of SNHG12 was knocked down using RNA interference. Cell migration assays were performed. Cell apoptosis was studied using flow cytometry. SNHG12 and AMOT messenger RNA (mRNA) expression was upregulated in osteosarcoma tissues and cell lines when compared with normal tissues and cells. Upregulation of AMOT mRNA was associated with upregulation of SNHG12. Knockdown of SNHG12 reduced the expression of angiomotin in osteosarcoma cells and suppressed cell proliferation and migration but did not affect cell apoptosis. This preliminary study has shown that the lncRNA SNHG12 promotes cell proliferation and migration by upregulating AMOT gene expression in osteosarcoma cells in vivo and in vitro. Further studies are recommended to investigate the role of SNHG12 and AMOT expression in tumor cell proliferation and migration and angiogenesis in osteosarcoma and a range of malignant mesenchymal tumors.

Human umbilical cord blood stem cells for spinal cord injury: early transplantation results in better local angiogenesis

AIM We aim to explore the repair mechanism after the transplantation of CD34(+) human umbilical cord blood cells (HUCBCs) in traumatic spinal cord injury (SCI) in rats. MATERIALS & METHODS Wistar rats with SCI were randomly divided into three groups: DMEM injection (group A); CD34(+) HUCBC transplantation on the first day after injury (group B); and CD34(+) HUCBC transplantation on the sixth day after injury (group C). The Basso, Beattie and Bresnahan scores were used to evaluate motor behavior. At the injured site, the infarct size, blood vessel density, and survival and neural differentiation of transplanted cells were analyzed. RESULTS It was found that the Basso, Beattie and Bresnahan score in group B was significantly higher than other groups (p < 0.05), and the infarct size and blood vessel density at the injured site were significantly different (p < 0.01). However, the transplanted cells survived at least 3 weeks at the injured site, but did not differentiate into neural cells. CONCLUSION These results suggested transplantation of CD34(+) HUCBCs during the acute phase could promote the functional recovery better than during the subacute phase after SCI by raising blood vessel density, suggesting the possible clinical application for the treatment of spinal injury.

Review of literature of radial nerve injuries associated with humeral fractures-an integrated management strategy.

Background Radial nerve palsy associated with fractures of the shaft of the humerus is the most common nerve lesion complicating fractures of long bones. However, the management of radial nerve injuries associated with humeral fractures is debatable. There was no consensus between observation and early exploration. Methods and Findings The PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Google Scholar, CINAHL, International Bibliography of the Social Sciences, and Social Sciences Citation Index were searched. Two authors independently searched for relevant studies in any language from 1966 to Jan 2013. Thirty studies with 2952 humeral fractures participants were identified. Thirteen studies favored conservative strategy. No significant difference between early exploration and no exploration groups (OR, 1.03, 95% CI 0.61, 1.72; I2 = 0.0%, p = 0.918 n.s.). Three studies recommend early radial nerve exploration in patients with open fractures of humerus with radial nerve injury. Five studies proposed early exploration was performed in high-energy humeral shaft fractures with radial nerve injury. Conclusions The conservative strategy was a good choice for patients with low-energy closed fractures of humerus with radial nerve injury. We recommend early radial nerve exploration (within the first 2 weeks) in patients with open fractures or high-energy closed fractures of humerus with radial nerve injury.

Surgical strategies for ossified ligamentum flavum associated with dural ossification in thoracic spinal stenosis.

We describe two surgical strategies for treating thoracic spinal stenosis (TSS) with ossification of the ligamentum flavum (OLF) and dural ossification (DO), and discuss their postoperative efficacy. From January 2004 to June 2008, 147 patients underwent TSS surgery. Thirty three of those with intraoperative evidence of OLF and DO were included in the present study. Based on the different intraoperative treatment of the dura, these 33 patients were divided into two groups: Group A, 17 patients who had their dura slit and the ossification excised, and Group B, 16 patients treated by floating the ossified dura by thinning it with a drill. All patients underwent outpatient follow-up. Pre- and postoperative Japanese Orthopaedic Association (JOA) scores and recovery rates were evaluated. The mean follow-up period was 42 months. The incidence of DO with OLF in TSS was 22%. At 1 year follow-up, the mean JOA score improved from 5.12 ± 1.17 to 6.94 ± 0.90 in Group A and from 5.25 ± 1.34 to 7.13 ± 1.41 in Group B. Additionally, the mean JOA score improved from 5.18 ± 1.24 to 7.03 ± 1.16 in TSS patients with DO and from 5.52 ± 1.21 to 7.21 ± 1.18 in TSS patients without DO. The increased cross-sectional area of the pre- and postoperative dural sac at the level of stenosis suggested that decompression was complete. Both decompression methods are feasible for curing TSS with OLF and DO. Moreover, slitting the dura for ossified dura and ligamentum flavum removal to relax the spinal cord is a safe and reliable method. Even though it increased the surgical difficulties and risks, DO did not affect postoperative neurological recovery.

Factors affecting the length of stay of patients with traumatic spinal cord injury in Tianjin, China.

Abstract Purpose To describe the acute care length of stay (ACLOS) of adult patients with traumatic spinal cord injury (TSCI) in Tianjin, China, and identify the associated demographic and clinical factors. Methods TSCI patients admitted to a general hospital in Tianjin, China from 2004 to 2007 were identified. The predictor variables were demographic and clinical factors, including age, gender, etiology, level of injury, severity, associated injuries, surgery, and complications. The outcome variable was ACLOS. Multivariable linear regression analysis models were used to examine the association between predictor and outcome variables. Results This study included 631 TSCI patients. The mean ACLOS was 32.4 ± 37.7 days, with a range of 1–294 days. The median number of hospitalization days was 21 days. Admission to a suburban hospital surgery, urinary infection, poorer functional status, pressure ulcers, and associated injuries were significantly associated with ACLOS. Conclusion This study examined the effect of epidemiological and clinical factors on ACLOS in Tianjin, China. The factors that influenced the ACLOS were different from factors reported in other studies. More studies are needed in China to determine the effect of these factors on ACLOS in TSCI patients and to propose a predictive model.

Nonsteroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs as Prophylaxis for Heterotopic Ossification after Total Hip Arthroplasty: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

AbstractHeterotopic ossification (HO) is a frequent complication after total hip arthroplasty (THA). Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) have been used as routine prophylaxis for HO after THA. However, the efficacy of NSAIDs on HO, particularly selective NSAIDs versus nonselective NSAIDs, is uncertain.We searched PubMed, Embase, the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, and clinicaltrials.gov to identify randomized controlled trials with respect to HO after THA. Two reviewers extracted the data and estimated the risk of bias. For the ordered data, we followed the Bayesian framework to calculate the odds ratio (OR) with a 95% credible interval (CrI). For the dichotomous data, the OR and 95% confidence interval (CI) were calculated using Stata version 12.0. The subgroup analyses and the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) approach were used.A total of 1856 articles were identified, and 21 studies (5995 patients) were included. In the NSAIDs versus placebo analysis, NSAIDs could decrease the incidence of HO, according to the Brooker scale (OR = 2.786, 95% CrI 1.879–3.993) and Delee scale (OR = 9.987, 95% CrI 5.592–16.17). In the selective NSAIDs versus nonselective NSAIDs analysis, there was no significant difference (OR = 0.7989, 95% CrI 0.5506–1.125) in the prevention of HO. NSAIDs could increase discontinuation caused by gastrointestinal side effects (DGSE) (OR = 1.28, 95% CI 1.00–1.63, P = 0.046) more than a placebo. Selective NSAIDs could decrease DGSE (OR = 0.48, 95% CI 0.24–0.97, P = 0.042) compared with the nonselective NSAIDs. There was no significant difference with respect to discontinuation caused by nongastrointestinal side effects (DNGSE) in NSAIDs versus a placebo (OR = 1.16, 95% CI 0.88–1.53, P = 0.297) and in selective NSAIDs versus nonselective NSAIDs (OR = 0.83, 95% CI 0.50–1.37, P = 0.462).NSAIDs might reduce the incidence of HO and increase DGSE in the short-term.

Comparison of Bone Mineral Density in Lumbar Spine and Fracture Rate among Eight Drugs in Treatments of Osteoporosis in Men: A Network Meta-Analysis.

Context The preferred treatment for osteoporosis in men is debated, and pairwise meta-analysis cannot obtain hierarchies of these treatments. Objective The objective of this study was to integrate the evidence and provide hierarchies of eight drugs based on their effect on the bone mineral density in the lumbar spine (BMD in LS) and the fracture rate. Data Sources Eligible studies were identified by searching Amed, British Nursing Index, EMBASE, PubMed, the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), Google Scholar, SIGLE, the National Technical Information Service, the National Research Register (UK), and the Current Controlled Trials databases. Study Selection RCTs or quasi-RCTs reporting at least two drugs (two active drugs or one active drug and a placebo) used to treat osteoporosis in men were selected by two authors. Data Extraction Two authors independently extracted the data. Data Synthesis Thirteen studies involving 3647 patients were included. Compared with placebo therapy, zoledronate (SMDs 13.48, 95% credible intervals 11.88-15.08) yielded the most significant effect on increasing the BMD in LS, followed by alendronate (11.04, 9.68-12.41), teriparatide (20mcg) + risedronate (10.98, 8.55-13.48), risedronate (10.33, 8.68-12.01), teriparatide (20mcg) (9.33, 6.87-11.76), strontium ranelate (8.88, 7.51-10.24), ibandronate (5.49, 3.82-7.16), parathyroid hormone (1-84) (4.89, 3.12-6.62) and alfacalcidol (3.42, 1.7-5.2). Placebo therapy had a significantly higher fracture rate in contrast to risedronate (OR 2.51, 95% CrI 1.23-4.24) or zoledronate (2.92, 1.29-5.62) or teriparatide (20mcg) (4.04, 1.36-8.49) or teriparatide (40mcg) (3.5, 1.14-8.34). Zoledronate ranked first for increasing the BMD in LS, and teriparatide (20mg) was ranked first for decreasing the fracture rate. Conclusions Zoledronate might be the best choice to increase the BMD in LS and teriparatide (20mg) might lead to the lowest fracture rate.