Synovial sarcoma in patients under 20 years of age: a multicenter study with a minimum follow-up of 10 years

Purpose  

Synovial sarcoma (SS) is an aggressive soft-tissue tumor noted for late local recurrence and metastasis. This study investigates the long-term outcome of SS in patients of pediatric age and evaluates potential prognostic factors for SS.     

Cementless total hip arthroplasty for osteonecrosis of the femoral head in systemic lupus erythematosus: a study with 10–16 years of follow-up

Objectives

The purpose of the present study was to describe the long-term results of total hip arthroplasty (THA) for osteonecrosis of the femoral head (ONFH) in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE).

Methods

From 1994 to 2001, 18 cementless THAs (14 SLE patients) were included in the present study. Four hips (three patients) were lost to follow-up. The remaining 14 hips (11 patients) were available for evaluation. The mean follow-up period was 13.1 (range, 10.0–16.4) years. The follow-up rate was 77.8 %. The mean age at the time of surgery was 35.2 (range, 27.4–51.0) years.

Results

Mean preoperative Harris Hip Score was 37.4 (range, 17.1–63.1) points, which improved to 94.5 (range, 73.9–100) points at final follow-up. Two hips had dislocation and were treated successfully with closed reduction. No patient in this study group had deep venous thrombosis or pulmonary embolism. One hip had peroneal nerve palsy. No superficial or deep wound infection was observed. Two hips of two patients required reoperation due to dislodgement of a polyethylene insert. With revision of the acetabular component for any reason considered to be a failure, the 10-year survival rate was 93 % (95 % CI, 0.79–1).

Conclusion

We have reported the long-term results of THA for ONFH with SLE. Although several reports have noted that the results of THA for ONFH are less favorable than those for osteoarthritis, the long-term results of THA for ONFH with SLE were acceptable. THA is an acceptable option for patients with advanced-stage or an extended region of ONFH.     

Revision total hip arthroplasty using a cementless tapered revision stem in patients with a mean age of 82 years

Purpose

A tapered straight cementless stem was used for revision in a group of old and very old patients. We wanted to know whether the use of this implant could achieve satisfactory results despite age and osteoporosis.

Methods

We retrospectively analysed data of 77 elderly patients (77 hips) who underwent revision in cemented and uncemented primary total hip arthroplasties (THA). The patients had a mean age of 82.2 years (range, 75–92 years) at revision surgery. They were monitored for a mean follow up of 7.1 years (range, 5.0–10.2 years). During the minimum follow-up period 11 patients died of unrelated causes, leaving 66 patients (66 hips) for evaluation.

Results

During the period of study three stems failed due to aseptic loosening, three hips dislocated and were successfully treated by closed reduction and bracing. No infection, osteolysis or significant stress shielding around the stems was observed. The survivorship at an average of 7.1-year follow-up was 95.5%.

Conclusions

These results indicate that this stem is an excellent alternative in revision THA in patients of 75 years or older.

     

Cementless modular hip revision arthroplasty using the MRP Titan Revision Stem: outcome of 79 hips after an average of 4 years’ follow-up

Introduction As primary total hip replacements (THRs) become more common in older patients and younger, physically active patients, the number of revision arthroplasties will also increase. Femoral bone loss, joint instability and possible infections are a challenge for a surgeon performing revision arthroplasty of the hip. The severe proximal femoral bone loss indicates the use of revision stems with a distal fixation.Materials and methods In this study the clinical and radiological outcomes of 79 cementless stem revisions using the MRP Titan Revision Stem with an average follow-up time of 4 years were prospectively examined.Results The Harris Hip Score improved from preoperative 50.8±25.2 to postoperative 86.8±13.2. In all cases healing of bony defects could be found. For stem diameters larger than 17 mm, atrophy of the proximal femur and non-progressive radiolucent lines in zones 1 and 7 according to Gruen were detected. No disadvantages or complications of the Morse taper junctions were observed, and no osteolysis was detected in this region. Primary stable fixation was achieved in all but two cases. Three cases were revised again due to periprosthetic fracture (1) and persisting infection (2).Conclusion Given the encouraging results with the MRP Titan Revision Stem, the principle of uncemented diaphyseal fixation appears to solve most of the technical problems in cases of significant bone loss and obviously offers good preconditions for bony restoration.     

Complications and reoperations after laparoscopic sacrocolpopexy with a mean follow-up of 4 years

Introduction and hypothesis

There is a lack of knowledge concerning long-term reoperation and complications after laparoscopic sacrocolpopexy (LSCP). We analyzed the rates and indications and potential risk factors for reoperation after LSCP in a large series of consecutive patients.

Methods

This was a single-center, retrospective study including all patients who underwent LSCP between 2003 and 2013. Data regarding pelvic organ prolapse (POP), surgical modalities and perioperative complications were collected. Patients were then contacted by telephone or postal letter in 2014. The main outcome criteria were grade III Dindo classification complications: reoperation for POP recurrence, mesh complications, and urinary incontinence (UI).

Results

Between January 2003 and December 2013, a total of 464 consecutive patients (mean age, 59 years) underwent LSCP. Almost all (99.1 %) patients presented with POP ≥ grade 3 (POP-Q classification). Long-term evaluations were completed for 391 (84.1 %) patients. The median follow-up was 53.5?±?28.2 months. The global reoperation rate was 12.5 %. The main reoperation indications were UI-related surgery in 21 patients (5.5 %), POP recurrence surgery in 20 patients (5.1 %), and mesh-related surgery in 11 patients (2.8 %). Multivariate analysis showed that older age at the time of initial surgery and concomitant subtotal hysterectomy were significant protective factors against global reoperation (HR?=?0.606, CI 95 % [0.451–0.815] and 0.367, CI 95 % [0.193–0.698] respectively) and reduced the risk of POP recurrence surgery.

Conclusion

Prolapse recurrence and mesh-related surgery occurred in 5.1 and 2.8 % of patients respectively, 4 years after laparoscopic sacrocolpopexy. Age and concomitant subtotal hysterectomy could play a role in the incidence of long-term reoperation.

     

High-flexion TKA in patients with a minimum of 120 degrees of pre-operative knee flexion: outcomes at six?years of follow-up

We prospectively evaluated outcomes of high-flexion total knee arthroplasty in 165 patients who had advanced arthritis with a minimum 120-degree pre-operative knee flexion, with a mean follow-up of 77 months. Patients were divided into two groups according to their ability to perform full-range (heel-to-buttock) pre-operative knee flexion (group A) and the inability to do so (group B). The overall clinical rating was “excellent” in 96% of patients and “good” in 4% of patients. Mean maximum knee flexion decreased from 137.9° to 134.8°, with no statistical difference between pre- and post-operative knee flexion. However, patients in group A had significantly decreased knee flexion (146.2° vs. 135.0°, p < 0.001), whereas patients in group B exhibited no change in knee flexion (133.7° vs. 134.7°, p = 0.14). We found that 14.7%, 36.5% and 43.0% of the studied patients could engage in kneeling, Thai polite style sitting and cross-legged sitting, respectively, with no significant differences between groups A and B. The survival rates for any reoperation and prosthesis-related problem (such as early loosening) at six years were 98.3% and 100%, respectively. At six-year follow-up in patients with well preserved pre-operative knee flexion, the high-flexion knee prosthesis provided a favourable outcome without improving knee flexion.     

Anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction with LARS™ artificial ligament results at a mean follow-up of eight years

Purpose

The aim of this study was to review patients that underwent ACL reconstruction with the LARS™ ligament in the First Orthopaedic Division of Pisa University during the period between January 2003 and December 2005.

Methods

Twenty-six patients were reviewed with an average follow-up of 95.3 months (7.9 years). The review protocol was articulated in three phases: (1) a subjective evaluation using three grading scales: VAS, KOOS and the Cincinnati knee rating scale, (2) a clinical and objective evaluation, and (3) a biomechanical evaluation of the knee stability.

Results

A global positive result was obtained in 92.3 % of the patients (16 optimal results and eight good results), with a fast functional recovery and a high knee stability. A global poor result was reported in two cases. In our series we did not record cases of infection or knee synovitis. We recorded only one case of mechanical graft failure. The results obtained from our study are encouraging and similar to those in the literature.

Conclusions

We conclude that the LARS™ ligament can be considered a suitable option for ACL reconstruction in carefully selected cases, especially for older patients needing a fast functional recovery.     

Localised amyloidosis of the glans penis presenting as a painless lump with progression after 10 years

Primary amyloidosis of the genitourinary tract is uncommon, and isolated invasion of the glans penis is exceptionally rare Degos et al. (Bull Soc Fr Dermatol Syphiligr 68:159, 1961). We report a case of localised amyloidosis of the glans penis in a 40-year-old presenting as an asymptomatic penile mass which changed after 10 years prompting treatment. We believe this to be the longest interval recorded between clinical occurrence and histological diagnosis of primary penile amyloidosis.     

Application of a shape-memory alloy internal fixator for treatment of acetabular fractures with a follow-up of two to nine years in China

Displaced acetabular fractures should be treated surgically. Over the past decade, surgical approaches to the acetabulum and the surgical technique for repair of common fracture patterns have advanced. Excellent outcomes after repair of these injuries can be achieved. The aim of this study was to assess the medium-term results of reconstruction of acetabular fractures by using shape-memory alloy designed by the authors. This is a retrospective review conducted at a level 1 trauma centre. From October 1999 to July 2009, 19 patients with acetabular fractures were treated with our patented Ni-Ti shape-memory alloy acetabular tridimensional memory alloy-fixation system (ATMFS). The ATMFS device was cooled with ice before implantation and then warmed to 40–50°C after implantation to produce balanced axial and compression forces that would stabilise the fracture three dimensionally. Our results are as follows; according to the D’Aubigne−Postel scoring system: Fifteen cases out of 19 (79%) achieved excellent or good clinical results. In two patients, late complications included avascular necrosis of the femoral head (ANFH) associated with posterior dislocation of the hip joint two years after the operation. We also observed two cases of grade II or III ectopic ossification, with good hip function, and one case of traumatic arthritis. In conclusion, these results demonstrate the effectiveness of the ATMFS device for the management of acetabular fracture. The device provides continuous compression of the fracture with minimal disruption to the local blood supply.     

Uncemented metal-back glenoid component in revision of aseptic glenoid loosening: a prospective study of 10 cases with a minimum follow-up of 2 years

Introduction

Glenoid component loosening comprises 25 % of all complications related to total shoulder arthroplasties (TSA). This prospective study was undertaken to assess the accuracy of an uncemented metal-back glenoid component in cases of revision of aseptic glenoid loosening.

Materials and methods

Between September 2007 and January 2010, a total of ten patients with symptomatic glenoid loosening after TSA (7 cemented and 3 non-cemented) underwent revision surgery with an uncemented metal-back glenoid component (MB). The rotator cuff was functional in all cases. The reconstruction of the glenoid was obtained using an iliac crest graft (8 patients) or synthetic bone substitute (2 patients). The non-cemented glenoid component was fixed into the glenoid native bone, thus stabilizing the graft reconstruction. A clinical and radiological checkup was performed at the long-term follow-up and compared with the preoperative values. The patients were also asked to quantify their pain and satisfaction.

Results

There were no intraoperative complications. In all cases, the radiological evaluation showed a good integration of the bone graft with no radiolucency or new glenoid loosening. In one patient, the revision surgery was indicated for the dissociation between MB and polyethylene. After more than 2 years of follow-up, all patients were satisfied or highly satisfied with the outcomes. The pain VAS score (0–10) decreased from 5.1 to 0.6 (p < 0.001). The simple shoulder test increased from 3.4 to 7.9 points (gain 4.5; p < 0.001). The Constant and Murley score increased from 39.4 to 71 points (gain 31.6; p < 0.001). The gain in anterior elevation was 31°, from 118° to 149° (p < 0.001). External rotation elbow to the body (ER1) increased from an average of 34° preoperatively to 47° after surgery (p < 0.001) and external rotation at 90° of abduction from 43° to 66° (p < 0.001).

Conclusion

This study suggests that revision with a non-cemented glenoid component associated with a bone graft can solve the difficult challenge of glenoid loosening, provided that the rotator cuff is functional and the glenoid is reconstructable.

Level of evidence and study type

Cohort studies (prospective) without controls, Level IV.     

Shoulder arthroscopy combined to hardware removal in proximal humeral fractures: a series of 58 cases with a mean follow-up of 2 years

Background

Proximal humerus fractures are common injuries. Locking plates and anterograde medullary nails are the two most common fixation devices used when open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) is indicated. Complications related to fracture and to hardware are numerous, especially shoulder stiffness. The goal of this study is to report the clinical outcomes of gleno-humeral arthroscopic arthrolysis combined with hardware removal.

Methods

A total of 58 patients (25 men, 33 women) with a mean age of 58 years (24–79) were reviewed retrospectively. Forty of them were active workers (5 heavy workers), and 18 were retired. A total of 24 fractures were reported after sport accident, 26 after domestic accident, and 8 after high energy trauma. Thirty-four patients with 3 or 4 part fractures (fracture through the anatomic neck and tuberosities), 20 patients with two part (displaced surgical neck) fracture and 4 cases of fracture of the tuberosities were operated. We combined a gleno-humeral arthrolysis by arthroscopy and a removal of the hardware using the previous incision for the plate or by arthroscopy for the nail.

Results

The average follow-up was 23 months (range 6–60). Pain in Constant Murley score (CS) increased from 7.3 ± 3.8 points preoperatively to 13 ± 2.76 points post-operatively (p < 0.05). CS increased from 36.8 ± 12.25 points to 68.45 ± 15.24 points. Subjective shoulder value (SSV) score increased from 45.8 ± 16.6 to 78.23 ± 14.74. A gain in all active range of motion was reported (forward flexion: 37.6°, abduction: 39.5°, external rotation: 24.3°, internal rotation: from L5-S1 to T12-L1).

Conclusions

Gleno-humeral arthrolysis by arthroscopy combined with hardware removal after proximal humerus ORIF in one step is safe and beneficial for post-traumatic stiffness of the shoulder. It provides significant pain relief and increase of range of motion and allows to treat associated articular pathology.

     

Depigmentation with Q-switched Nd:YAG laser in universal vitiligo: a long-term follow-up study of 4 years

Q-switched (QS) lasers are used for depigmentation in universal vitiligo, but there is limited data on long-term results after laser treatment. This study was conducted to assess the safety and long-term follow-up results of QS Nd:YAG laser treatment in combination with need-based topical depigmentation therapy for universal vitiligo. A retrospective study was performed on patients with universal vitiligo who had received QS Nd:YAG laser treatment from 2010 to 2013. All patients were contacted and called for follow-up. Patients who reported were assessed clinically and information regarding adverse effects and relapse (repigmentation) in the follow-up period were obtained. Any need for topical depigmenting creams or other interventions and overall satisfaction to treatment were also documented. Records of 34 patients were retrieved, out of whom 28 cases reported for the follow-up visit. Duration of follow-up ranged from 2 to 5 years (mean, 2.78). No long-term adverse effects were reported and the majority of patients were highly satisfied with treatment. Satisfactory results with >90% clearance of pigment was reported by 89.3% (25/28) of patients, out of whom 72% (18/25) had retained the therapeutic effect with the use of sunscreens with/without intermittent topical depigmentation therapies. In seven cases, partial to complete relapse was observed. QS Nd:YAG laser is an effective tool for treating residual pigmentation in universal vitiligo, and the therapeutic effect can be maintained in most cases with regular sunscreen use and need-based topical therapies.     

Survival and "event-free" analysis of 785 patients with Bj?rk-Shiley spherical-disc valves at 10 to 16 years

Seven hundred eighty-five patients underwent Bj?rk-Shiley spherical-disc valve replacement from 1970 to 1976. There were 268 mitral valve replacements (MVR), 227 aortic valve replacements (AVR), 65 double-valve replacements, and 225 "combined" procedures. A 97.2% follow-up (mean, 12 years) was achieved. With an operative mortality of 4.1% for MVR, 8.4% for AVR, 15.4% for double-valve replacement, and 12.4% for combined procedures, the 12-year survival was most closely related to age at valve replacement: age less than 50 years, 70%; age 50 through 59 years, 52%; and age 60 years or more, 38%. Twenty-four patients (3.1%) (6 who had MVR, 5 who had AVR, 1 who had double-valve replacement, and 12 who had combined procedures) had a thrombosed valve 1 to 134 months postoperatively; this is equal to 0.36 thrombosed valve per 100 patient-years. One hundred eighteen embolic episodes occurred in 94 (13%) of the operative survivors or 1.8 emboli per 100 patient-years. There were major bleeding complications in 0.5% of patients and minor bleeding complications, in 4.0%. Endocarditis appeared in 30 patients (4.2%) or 0.4 episode per 100 patient-years and paravalvular leaks, in 20 patients (2.8%). The event-free survival by age group and valve site at 5, 10, and 12 years is presented. Events included death, thrombosed valves, strokes, bleeding, emboli, paravalvular leaks, and endocarditis. There were 5.3 events per 100 patient-years excluding operative deaths.     

Potential presence of metals in patients treated with metal–metal coupling prostheses for hip arthroplasty at 7 and 10 years of follow-up

Background

Beginning in 2008, metal-on-metal prostheses have been in the spotlight owing to much higher revision rates than expected. Adverse local tissue reactions have been well described in the literature as potential complications.

Methods

Between 2012 and 2013, 13 patients with metal-on-metal total hip replacements were evaluated clinically and radiologically and with laboratory samples. The same tests were repeated between 2015 and 2016 on eight patients to assess any changes. In the laboratory assessment, we searched for chromium, cobalt, molybdenum, and nickel in blood and urine samples over 24 h.

Results

Clinical assessment has shown good score in all patients except one. On a second examination, between 2015 and 2016, all patients obtained results similar to those obtained in the first assessment, except a patient, who reported a recent fall. In the radiological assessment between 2012 and 2013, results were optimal, apart from a case of aseptic mobilization. The patients reassessed 3 years after the first examination showed radiological results similar to those previously obtained, apart from a patient, who showed signals of mobilization. Metal levels found in their blood decreased in most cases after 3 years. Urine levels of nickel increased in five subjects, and chromium levels increased in four, but levels of cobalt and molybdenum decreased in four patients.

Conclusion

It could be hypothesized that the decreasing trend of metal ion levels is associated with a stable wear status. On the contrary, a progressive increase in metal ion levels must be considered as early proof of implant loosening.

     

The use of a dual-articulation acetabular cup system to prevent dislocation after primary total hip arthroplasty: analysis of 384 cases at a mean follow-up of 15 years

The concept of a dual articulation acetabular cup was developed by Prof. Bousquet in 1974. This concept has been shown to provide high stability after revision and primary total hip arthroplasty. The aim of our study was to evaluate the incidence of prosthetic instability in a consecutive homogeneous series of 384 primary dual mobility cups. Incidence of instability and implant survival were evaluated. Mean follow-up was 15.3 years (range, 12–20). There was no early or late instability. On the acetabular side there were 13 aseptic loosenings, 14 intraprosthetic dislocations, and seven polyethylene wear cases that required replacement of the liner. The cumulative survival rate of the dual-articulation acetabular cup using surgical revision for aseptic loosening as the endpoint was 95.9% ± 4.1% at 18 years postoperatively. Our series proves the good long term behaviour of dual-articulation acetabular components in primary arthroplasty. Their excellent survivorship rate and the absence of episodes of prosthetic instability increase our confidence in this concept.

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Résumé  Le concept de cupule à double mobilité a été inventé par le Professeur Gilles BOUSQUET en 1974. Ce concept a permis de mettre en évidence une importante stabilité des hanches, notamment après révision mais également dans les prothèses totales de hanches de première intention. Le but de cette étude est d’évaluer l’incidence et l’instabilité sur une série homogène consécutive de 384 hanches traitées avec cupule à double mobilité. Le taux d’instabilité des implants sur les patients survivants a été évalué. Le suivi moyen a été de 15,3 ans (de 12 à 20 ans) au plus long recul, il n’y a aucune instabilité ni primaire, ni tardive. Par contre, il existe 13 descellements aseptiques acétabulaires, 14 luxations intra prothétiques, 7 usures du polyéthylène qui ont nécessité un remplacement du PE. Le taux de survie cumulé de cette cupule à double mobilité est de 95,9% ± à 18 ans si l’on prend comme critère la révision pour descellement aseptique. Cette série prouve le bon devenir à long terme de cette articulation dans les prothèses totales primaires, avec un excellent taux de survie et l’absence de phénomènes de luxation inhérentes à ce concept.

     

Age-related levels of fecal M2-pyruvate kinase in children with cystic fibrosis and healthy children 0 to 10 years old

Background

The pathogenesis of gut inflammation, bacterial dysbiosis and increased rates of malignancy in CF is unclear. Fecal M2-pyruvate kinase (M2-PK) is a biomarker indicative of cellular proliferation that may be raised in intestinal malignancy and inflammation. Biomarkers, including M2-PK, may be useful in assessing effects of novel therapies on the gastrointestinal tract.