Graft Complications Research Articles

National Trends in Racial and Ethnic Disparities in Mortality from Mechanical Complications of Cardiac Valves and Grafts (1999–2020)

National Trends in Racial and Ethnic Disparities in Mortality from Mechanical Complications of Cardiac Valves and Grafts (1999–2020)

HALP score can predict the no-reflow phenomenon and in-hospital mortality after saphenous vein graft intervention

Aims: The no-reflow phenomenon (NRP) is one of the most frequently observed complications in saphenous vein graft (SVG) interventions. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of the hemoglobin, albumin, lymphocyte, and platelet (HALP) score on the development of NRP in patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS) undergoing percutaneous SVG intervention. Methods: This retrospective study included 263 patients who applied to our center with the diagnosis of ACS and underwent saphenous vein grafting procedure. The patients were divided into two groups according to whether no-reflow developed or not, and the HALP scores of the groups were compared. In addition, in-hospital mortality was compared between the study groups according to their HALP score values. The predictive ability of the HALP score for no-reflow was evaluated using a receiver operating characteristic curve. Results: NRP developed in 103 (39.2%) of the patients included in the study patients. HALP score value was found to be significantly lower in the no-reflow group (45.3±20 vs 53.8±18, p:0.001). In the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis, the cutoff value for the HALP score was calculated as 46.5. After multivariable adjustment, the HALP score

Evolution of liver transplantation in the metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease era: Tracking impact through time.

Liver transplantation (LT) for metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) is increasing globally due to rising rates of obesity and metabolic syndrome, posing significant challenges. MASLD patients typically present with advanced age, higher body mass index (BMI), and metabolic comorbidities such as diabetes, hypertension, and dyslipidemia. Comprehensive pre-transplant evaluations are crucial for assessing surgical risks and preparing patients for transplantation. MASLD patients with higher BMI may experience longer operative times, potentially affecting intraoperative outcomes. In the months following LT, MASLD recipients face persistent challenges, including a higher incidence of metabolic syndrome and cardiovascular events compared to non-MASLD recipients. However, survival rates at 1-, 3-, and 5-years post-LT do not markedly differ from other etiologies, indicating comparable surgical outcomes. Optimizing outcomes in MASLD patients undergoing LT demands a multidisciplinary approach from pre-transplant assessment to post-transplant care. Strategies must address metabolic comorbidities, manage cardiovascular health, and monitor steatosis recurrence, which can be exacerbated by obesity and diabetes. This approach aims to mitigate long-term graft complications and mortality risks, ultimately enhancing transplant success and patient well-being. Continued research is essential to refine these approaches and meet the evolving challenges posed by MASLD as a leading indication for LT worldwide.

Does septic arthritis after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction lead to poor outcomes? A systematic review and meta-analysis of observational studies

BackgroundSeptic arthritis is a rare but devastating complication after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR). While early treatment can prevent significant graft complications, outcomes are often inferior to those in uncomplicated ACLR. Furthermore, whether to retain or remove the graft after infection remains debatable. Therefore, we sought to compare the outcomes of septic arthritis post ACLR with uncomplicated ACLR and evaluate graft retention versus removal in infected patients.MethodsWe conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis in which PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Library databases were searched. Clinical studies were included if they compared patient-reported, clinician-reported, or radiographic outcomes (minimum follow-up of 12 months) between patients with post-ACLR septic arthritis and those with uncomplicated ACLR or that compared graft retention and removal in patients with post-ACLR septic arthritis.ResultsThirteen studies were retrieved. Patients with post-ACLR septic arthritis reported inferior Lysholm Knee Scoring Scale scores (mean difference (MD) 7.53; 95% confidence interval (CI) 3.20–11.86; P = 0.0006), Tegner Activity Scale scores (MD, 1.42; 95% CI 1.07–1.76; P < .00001), and return to sports rates (53% versus 76%, respectively) to those of patients with uncomplicated ACLR. Patients with post-ACLR septic arthritis and those with uncomplicated ACLR did not differ in terms of the pooled estimate of various clinician-reported outcomes, such as the objective International Knee Documentation Committee score, anterior–posterior laxity, pivot shift, and Lachman test results. Furthermore, no significant difference was noted between the aforementioned patient groups regarding osteoarthritis (detected radiographically). Graft retention led to better patient- and clinician-reported outcomes than graft removal.ConclusionsDespite similar clinician-reported outcomes and osteoarthritis rates, patients with post-ACLR septic arthritis reported worse outcomes than those with uncomplicated ACLR. Graft retention leads to improved patient- and clinician-reported outcomes compared with the outcomes of graft removal. Our findings may help develop realistic expectations and management strategies for this rare complication.

Endoprosthetic Reconstruction for Proximal Humerus Tumors.

Anatomic and reverse endoprosthetic reconstruction are two common surgical options used after tumor resection of the proximal humerus. The purpose of this article is to provide an overview of the functional outcomes and complications of modern anatomic and reverse endoprostheses. The anatomic endoprosthesis has traditionally been a successful reconstructive technique as it provided a stable platform upon which the hand and elbow could function. However, the reverse endoprosthesis has gradually replaced the anatomic endoprosthesis given that its semi-constrained design affords greater stability. Patients with reverse endoprostheses have improved motion, patient-reported outcome scores, and revision-free implant survivorship compared to those with anatomic endoprostheses. Shoulder function may be further improved with a reverse allograft prosthetic composite (APC) due to reconstruction of the rotator cuff tendons or by transferring the latissimus dorsi and teres major tendons to recreate the function of the posterosuperior rotator cuff muscles. The short-term functional improvement observed with the use of an allograft reconstruction, however, may diminish with longer follow-up due to delayed graft complications, such as resorption, nonunion, and fracture. In most patients undergoing oncologic resection of the proximal humerus, the reverse endoprosthesis or reverse APC is recommended due to improved functional outcomes and reduced postoperative complications compared to other reconstructive techniques.

Clinical and surgical outcomes of tectonic corneal patch grafts : insights from a tertiary referral hospital

PurposeThis study aimed to report the clinical characteristics, surgical indications, outcomes and long-term complications of full-thickness or lamellar corneal patch grafts for various indications.Material-methodThis retrospective study included 48 eyes of 47 patients who underwent full-thickness or lamellar corneal patch keratoplasty for treatment of corneal perforation, melting and descemetocele. Patient demographics, preoperative features, best-corrected visual acuity before and after surgery, mean follow-up time, corneal graft type, long-term complications, need for additional surgery, and anatomical success were analyzed.ResultsOf the 48 eyes, 21 had corneal perforation, 21 had severe corneal melting, and six had descemetocele. Sjögren’s syndrome (eight eyes, 16.7%), trauma (eight eyes, 16.7%), and limbal stem cell deficiency (eight eyes, 16.7%) were the most common indications for corneal patch grafting. The most common complications after surgery were graft melting (11 eyes, 22.9%) and glaucoma (5 eyes, 10.4%). One eye developed phthisis bulbi. Penetrating keratoplasty was performed in 8 of the 11 eyes with recurrent graft melting. All descemetocele cases were central and corneal melts were more frequently located paracentrally (p = 0.0001). Anatomical success was achieved in 39 eyes (81.2%).ConclusionCorneal patch grafting is a safe and effective method for maintaining ocular integrity in corneal melting and perforation that can not be closed using conventional methods. With a success rate of over 80%, corneal patch grafts can delay a larger full-thickness graft, especially in eyes with acute inflammation, until systemic therapy is effective.

Real-world Use of AlloDerm Acellular Dermal Matrix in Head and Neck Procedures in the United States.

Real-world literature evaluating the use of AlloDerm SELECT Regenerative Tissue Matrix in head- and neck-related procedures is limited. To inform patient care decisions, this study evaluated healthcare resource utilization (HCRU) in US adults undergoing head- and neck-related procedures using AlloDerm. A retrospective claims analysis was conducted using MarketScan Commercial and Medicare Supplemental Databases (study period: October 1, 2015, to March 31, 2022; index period: November 1, 2015, to March 1, 2022). Adults aged 18 years or older with (1) medical claims for AlloDerm and a skin substitute on the same day during the index period, (2) a head/neck procedure diagnostic code, and (3) 30 or more days of continuous enrollment before and after first AlloDerm use index date. Descriptive statistics were used to describe surgery types and 30-day follow-up reoperations, graft complications, and all-cause HCRU. Among 431 patients (51.7% women), mean (SD) age was 52.2 (15.8) years. AlloDerm was most used with oral cavity reconstruction (35.3%), septal perforation repair/rhinoplasty (16.5%), and parotidectomy (13.0%). Most procedures were performed in outpatient settings (hospital, 90.0%; ambulatory surgical center, 8.6%). Over 30 days, less than 1% of patients (4 of 431) required reoperation with AlloDerm; 0.5% (2 of 431) had graft-related complications. Most (75.6%) patients had an outpatient visit; few had an emergency room visit (7.9%) or inpatient claim (3.0%). Real-world evidence indicates that AlloDerm is used in head- and neck-related procedures in US adults, particularly oral reconstruction. Postprocedure complications and reoperations are uncommon during the follow-up period.

Preferences in treating polyomavirus infection in kidney transplant recipients: A discrete choice experiment with patients, caregivers, and clinicians.

Treatment strategies for BK polyomavirus (BKPyV) infection in kidney transplant recipients are heterogeneous among clinicians. We aimed to identify the treatment preferences of key stakeholders for BKPyV infection and measure the trade-offs between treatment outcomes. Adult kidney transplant recipients, caregivers, and clinicians were eligible to participate in a discrete choice experiment between February 2021 and June 2022. The five treatment-related attributes were achieving viral clearance and optimal graft function, as well as reducing the risk of graft loss, acute rejection, and complications. Results were analyzed using multinomial logistic models. In total, 109 participants (57 kidney transplant recipients, 10 caregivers, and 42 health professionals) were included. The most important attribute was the risk of graft loss, followed by side effects and acute rejection. As the risk of graft loss increased, all participants were less inclined to accept an assigned treatment strategy. For instance, if graft loss risk was increased from 1% to 50%, the probability of uptake of a treatment strategy for BKPyV infection was reduced from 87% to 3%. Graft loss is the predominant concern for patients, caregivers, and health professionals when deciding on the treatment for BKPyV infection, and should be included in intervention trials of BKPyV infection.

Osteoarthritis After Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction: A Systematic Review of Contributing Factors and Potential Treatments.

Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries result in abnormal knee motion and long-term joint degradation. ACL reconstruction (ACLR) is done with the aim of restoring normal knee kinematics and slowing the joint degradation process. It does appear that this inevitably happens and can be impacted by a multitude of factors. The aim of this review was to examine the factors that influence the progression of osteoarthritis (OA) after ACLR and examine possible treatments that can aid in slowing that progression. A systematic review was conducted by searching all levels of evidence for all studies in English that assessed risk factors for developing OA after ACL reconstruction, had a minimum follow-up of 10 years, and used radiographical outcomes to measure the presence of OA. Studies on trial treatments to reduce osteoarthritis after ACL reconstruction were also included. It was found that among the factors associated with an increased risk of post-ACLR OA are meniscal lesions, meniscectomy, increased age at the time of ACLR, increased time from injury to surgery, male sex, reduced range of motion, smaller thigh girth, graft complications, and failure. Additionally, in performing the ACLR, anteromedial femoral tunnel placement, higher graft tension, and following guidelines for performing anatomic ACLR have been shown to reduce the risk of OA as well. Patients should be adequately counselled on their risk pre-operatively for informed decision-making. Surgeons should also be aware of potential risk factors and how they can be mitigated.

Intermediate-Term Clinical Outcomes of Novel Distal Tibial Rotational Osteotomy for Varus Ankle Osteoarthritis

Category: Ankle Arthritis; Ankle Introduction/Purpose: Distal tibial oblique osteotomy for ankle osteoarthritis is an effective procedure with joint preserving. However, there is the risk of nonunion due to open wedge osteotomy and complication associated with autogenous bone harvesting. We performed distal tibial rotational osteotomy (DTRO) for ankle osteoarthritis, which modified osteotomy design is expected to reduce the risk of nonunion without autologous bone grafting and soft tissue complications. We evaluated the clinical and radiographical outcome of DTRO. Methods: A total of 23 feet (4 males and 19 females) who underwent DTRO for ankle osteoarthritis in our institutions between 2016 and 2022 was included. All patients required a minimum of one year follow-up. As a surgical procedure, tri-plane osteotomy was performed using anteromedial approach. Then, the distal tibial fragment was rotated distally in the 3D plane until ankle stability was achieved, and the prominence of the medial tibia was resection after the correction. A medial tibial locking plate was applied for stabilization after filling opening gap with synthetic bone blocks. We evaluated demographic data, radiographical measurements, classification of arthritis severity, and the rate of nonunion, wound complications and reoperation. In addition, JSSF scale (Japanese Society for Surgery of the Foot ankle) and SAFE- Q (Self-Administered Foot Evaluation Questionnaire) were assessed preoperatively and at the latest follow-up. Results: Subjects had an average age of 64 years, an average follow-up period of 42 months, and were classified as stage 2/3a/3b in 1/19/2 feet preoperatively. The average of tibial anterior surface angle changed from 83.7° to 93.5°, and the tibial lateral surface angle changed from 81.0° to 81.9° in pre- and postoperative radiography. The JSSF scale significantly improved from 49.1 to 88.2 (p&lt; 0.01) and the SAFE-Q showed significant improvement in all subscales at the latest follow-up. Bone union was obtained within 3 months in all cases, and no nonunion was observed. Delayed wound healing was observed in 1 case (4.4%). Ankle arthrodesis was needed in 1 case of deep infection and in 1 case of arthritis progression stage 3b to 4. Conclusion: In general, the distal tibia has poor soft tissue and blood flow that may lead the nonunion and soft tissue complications for distal tibial osteotomy. The advantage of DTRO was to maintain tibial bone contact after the osteotomy which may be favorable for bone stability and union, and to resect the medial bone prominence which reduce the tension of soft tissue. In this study, bone union was obtained in all cases without harvesting autogenous bone, and wound complications were low at 4.4%. Good intermediate-term outcomes were obtained, and DTRO can be a favorable surgical procedure for ankle osteoarthritis.

Short-Term Complications of Arthroscopic Bristow or Latarjet Procedure with Screw Versus Suture-Button Fixation: A Prospective Study of 308 Consecutive Cases by a Single Surgeon.

This study aimed to investigate the short-term complications (minimum 1-year follow-up) after either an arthroscopic Bristow or Latarjet procedure for anterior shoulder instability utilizing screw or suture-button fixation. Patients undergoing arthroscopic Bristow or Latarjet procedures between November 2016 and April 2021 were enrolled. Data were collected at baseline, 3 months, 6 months, and every year after surgery. Risks of postoperative complications and unplanned reoperations were assessed. A multivariable regression model was used to identify risk factors for complications and to determine the association of complications with patient-reported outcomes. A total of 412 patients (425 shoulders) undergoing arthroscopic Bristow or Latarjet procedures performed by a single surgeon between November 2016 and April 2021 were reviewed. Two hundred and ninety-nine patients (308 shoulders, 76.2% of 404 eligible) with a mean follow-up of 22.3 ± 4.2 months were included for analysis. Two hundred and sixty-nine shoulders (87.3%) underwent a Bristow procedure (165 with screw and 104 with suture-button fixation), while 39 (12.7%) underwent a Latarjet procedure (18 with screw and 21 with suture-button fixation). Eighty-two patients (83 shoulders) reported a total of 85 complications within 2 years after surgery, with an overall complication rate of 26.9%. The rates of recurrent dislocation or subluxation and infection were 1.9% and 0.6%, respectively, while a total of 4 (1.3%) of the shoulders had unplanned reoperations. The most common complications were graft-related (11.7%), followed by complications involving neurologic symptoms (10.7%). The overall, graft, and neurologic complication rates following Bristow or Latarjet procedures were 27.1% versus 25.6%, 12.3% versus 7.7%, and 10.0% versus 15.4%, respectively. Compared with the Bristow technique with screw fixation, Bristow with suture-button fixation yielded a lower risk of any complications (odds ratio [OR], 0.55; p = 0.04). Paying with rural insurance and poor sleep quality prior to surgery were associated with increased risk of any complications. Compared with arthroscopic Bristow procedures with screw fixation, Bristow procedures with suture-button fixation resulted in a lower overall complication risk. Both patient demographic and implant-specific factors were associated with the development of a complication. Therapeutic Level II. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

Endoscopic Cartilage Myringoplasty with Anterior Margin Preservation for Repairing Large Anterior Perforations.

Objective: This study compared the graft outcomes and complications of endoscopic cartilage inlay myringoplasty with preservation of anterior margins (IPAM) and the cartilage underlay technique with raising the tympanomeatal flap (CUTF) for repairing large anterior perforations. Materials and Methods: In total, 55 patients with large anterior perforations were recruited and allocated to the IPAM (n = 28) or the CUTF (n = 27) group. The graft success rate, hearing gain, operation time, and postoperative complications were compared between the groups at 12 months. Results: The mean operation times were 29.3 ± 2.7 minutes and 46.4 ± 3.9 minutes in the IPAM and CUTF groups, respectively (P < .001). The residual perforation rate was 0.0% in the IPAM group and 11.1% in the CUTF group (P = .222). All patients completed the 12-month follow-up. The overall graft success rate was 96.4% in the IPAM group and 88.9% in the CUTF group (P = .577). No significant differences were observed between the groups in terms of postoperative pure-tone averages for air conduction and bone conduction, air-bone gaps (ABGs), or ABG changes. In the CUTF group, 22.2% of the patients reported altered taste perception, 3.7% experienced bony external auditory canal (EAC) stenosis, and 3.7% developed EAC cholesteatoma. By contrast, the IPAM group did not have any cases of altered taste perception, EAC stenosis, or cholesteatoma. Conclusions: Endoscopic cartilage myringoplasty with IPAM and anterior perichondrium folding is a simple, effective, and minimally invasive technique for repairing large anterior perforations. It offers a high graft success rate and better hearing improvement compared to CUTF.

Complications of Fat Grafting and Repositioning for Correction of Lower Eyelid Pouch With Tear Trough Deformity or Lid-Cheek Junction: A Systematic Review.

Fat grafting and repositioning may serve as a convenient, economical, and effective surgical method for correcting lower eyelid pouch with a tear trough deformity or lid-cheek junction. However, comprehensive systematic reviews and meta-analyses investigating the complications associated with this technique are lacking. This study aimed to summarize and gather data on complications related to fat grafting and repositioning for the correction of tear trough deformity or lid-cheek junction in lower eyelid blepharoplasty. A thorough search was performed across multiple databases including PubMed, Cochrane, Embase, ProQuest, Ovid, Scopus, and Web of Science. Specific inclusion and exclusion criteria were applied to screen the articles. The occurrence of complications was analyzed using a random-effects model. A total of 33 studies involving 4671 patients met the criteria for systematic evaluation and were included in this meta-analysis. The overall complication rates were 0.112 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.060-0.177) for total complications, 0.062 (95% CI: 0.003-0.172) for unsatisfactory correction or contour irregularity, 0.062 (95% CI: 0.009-0.151) for hematoma, swelling (not specified as bulbar conjunctiva), ecchymosis, or oozing of blood, and 0.024 (95% CI: 0.013-0.038) for reoperation. Fat grafting and repositioning for correcting a lower eyelid pouch with tear trough deformity or lid-cheek junction was associated with high rates of complications. Therefore, it is crucial to closely monitor the rates of unsatisfactory correction or contour irregularity, hematoma, swelling (not specified as bulbar conjunctiva), ecchymosis, or oozing of blood, and reoperation. In addition, effective communication with patients should be prioritized.

Current Potential Outcomes of Buccal Mucosal Graft Anterior Urethroplasty for Male Urethral Stricture: A Single-Centre Study in Nepal.

Objective This study evaluates the efficacy and potential complications of Buccal Mucosal Graft (BMG) urethroplasty for anterior urethral stricture over a 48-month follow-up. Method A retrospective review was conducted on 130 patients who underwent various types of BMG urethroplasty between 2012 and 2019. Data on patient demographics, stricture etiology, and anatomic sitewere collected. Adverse outcomes such as complications likeerectile dysfunction (ED)persisting for over 12 months, and post-micturition dribbling (PMD) were analyzed to determine success rates, recurrent stricture risk factors, complications, and the definition of failure as stricture recurrence during the 48-month follow-up period. Results Of the 130 patients, there was a recurrence in 15.4 % (20 males), yielding a success rate of 84.6% (n=110). ED was reported in 11% (n=14) and PMD in 14% (n=18). All instances of ED were non-organic, and patients were administered oral phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) inhibitors. These complications were observed in 20 patients (15.4%); with urinary fistula (3.0%), graft contracture (2.3%), graft failure (3.8%), urinary tract infection (UTI) (3.0%), and wound infection (2.3%) being the most prevalent after penile urethroplasty. Univariate analysis indicated age (31-50 years, >50 = P<0.05) at surgery, etiology (Balanitis Xerotica Obliterans (BXO)= P<0.05), stricture length (4.1-8 cm, >8 cm = P<0.05), and location as significant predictors of stricture recurrence. However, multivariate analysis highlighted penile location (P<0.05) as the sole independent predictor for restricture during the follow-up period. Conclusion BMG urethroplasty demonstrates a substantial 84.6% success rate in treating anterior urethral stricture over a 48-month follow-up period. This outcome underscores the advancements in healthcare quality in resource-limited settings in countries like Nepal.

Superior Capsule Reconstruction for Irreparable Rotator Cuff Tears Yields Good Clinical Outcomes for Patients With and Without Diabetes Mellitus

PurposeTo compare the clinical outcomes after superior capsule reconstruction (SCR) for irreparable rotator cuff tears (RCTs) in patients with and without diabetes mellitus (DM). MethodPatients who underwent SCR using fascia lata autograft for irreparable RCTs between 2012 and 2020 with a minimum 2-year follow-up were divided into non-DM and DM groups. Propensity score matching was used to select controls matched for patients’ characteristics. Only patients with HbA1c <8% were eligible. The Visual Analog Scale (VAS) for shoulder pain, American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES) and Japanese Orthopaedic Association scores, and acromiohumeral distance were evaluated preoperatively and at 2 years postoperatively. Shoulder active range of motion (ROM) was evaluated preoperatively, at 6 months, 1 year, and 2 years postoperatively. Graft integrity and postoperative complications required additional surgery were evaluated. The Wilcoxon signed-rank test and Mann-Whitney U test were used to compare continuous variables. Pearson’s chi-squared test and Fisher’s exact test were used for categorical variables. The interaction between the postoperative period and ROM were analyzed by Friedman test and Wilcoxon rank sum test with Holm-Sidak post-hoc test. ResultsWe studied 154 patients (non-DM, 130; DM, 24) who underwent SCR. After matching, 21 patients were selected in each group. All clinical outcomes significantly improved at 2 years (all P<0.05) in both groups. We found no significant differences in clinical outcomes and rates of patients who achieved minimal clinically important differences of VAS and ASES scores between the groups (P=0.10-1.0). The rates of graft tear (both 9.5%) and complications (non-DM, 4.8%; DM, 0%) were not significantly different (both P=1.0). ConclusionSCR using fascia lata autograft for irreparable RCTs yields good clinical outcomes, including ROM, in patients with and without DM. No significant differences in postoperative outcomes were observed between the two groups. Level of EvidenceRetrospective cohort study, Level III.

Intervention principles for complications of arteriovenous graft

Stenosis, thrombosis, and infection are major complications of arteriovenous graft (AVG). Endovascular therapy is usually adopted for stenosis, while bypass, interposition, patch angioplasty and other surgical techniques can also be used for special sites. Interventions of AVG thrombosis include removal of thrombus and treatment of the underlying stenosis. The former includes catheter directed thrombolysis, endovascular intervention, surgical treatment, or hybrid treatment. Etiological detection before the application of empirical antibiotics is the first step of infection management. According to different infection ranges, partial graft excision and interposition, total graft excision and partial graft excision can be performed respectively. Active prevention, timely identification, and appropriate intervention of the complications can improve the long-term outcomes of AVG. Personalized interventional strategy should be employed based on the systemic evaluation.

A Meta-Analysis of Surgical Outcomes in 25727 Patients Undergoing Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion or Anterior Cervical Corpectomy and Fusion for Cervical Deformity.

Systematic Review. To evaluate which cervical deformity correction technique between anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF) and anterior cervical corpectomy and fusion (ACCF) produces better clinical, radiographic, and operative outcomes. We conducted a meta-analysis comparing studies involving ACDF and ACCF. Adult patients with either original or previously treated cervical spine deformities were included. Two independent reviewers categorized extracted data into clinical, radiographic, and operative outcomes, including complications. Clinical assessments included patient-reported outcomes; radiographic evaluations examined C2-C7 Cobb angle, T1 slope, T1-CL, C2-7 SVA, and graft stability. Surgical measures included surgery duration, blood loss, hospital stay, and complications. 26 studies (25727 patients) met inclusion criteria and were extracted. Of these, 14 studies (19077 patients) with low risk of bias were included in meta-analysis. ACDF and ACCF similarly improve clinical outcomes in terms of JOA and NDI, but ACDF is significantly better at achieving lower VAS neck scores. ACDF is also more advantageous for improving cervical lordosis and minimizing the incidence of graft complications. While there is no significant difference between approaches for most surgical complications, ACDF is favorable for reducing operative time, intraoperative blood loss, and length of hospital stay. While both techniques benefit cervical deformity patients, when both techniques are feasible, ACDF may be superior with respect to VAS neck scores, cervical lordosis, graft complications and certain perioperative outcomes. Further studies are recommended to address outcome variability and refine surgical approach selection.

Comparative study of endoscopic underlay myringoplasty with or without tucking of the attached perichondrium graft when repairing large central dry perforations

ObjectiveTo compare the graft success rates and hearing outcomes of underlay myringoplasty with or without perichondrium tucking of the attached perichondrium, graft perforation margins when repairing chronic large central dry perforations. Study designRandomized controlled trial. Material and methodsChronic large central dry perforations were prospectively randomized to tucking perichondrium graft underlay (TPGU) and no-tucking perichondrium graft underlay (NTPG) groups. The graft outcomes and complications were compared between the two groups at 12 months postoperatively. ResultsIn total, 61 patients with large central dry perforations were included. All patients completed 12-month follow-ups. Residual perforations occurred in 0.0 % of the TPGU group and in 12.9 % of the NTPG group (P = 0.129), and re-perforations occurred within 6 months in 0.0 % and 3.2 % of the two groups, respectively (P = 0.987). The graft success rates were 100.0 % (30/30) and 83.9 % (26/31) (P = 0.067). No significant between-group differences were observed in terms of preoperative (P = 0.547) or postoperative (P = 0.612) air bone gaps (ABGs) or mean ABG gains (P = 0.597). No graft-related complications were observed in either group during follow-up. No patients exhibited significant graft blunting or medialization; graft lateralization was noted in one patient of the NTPG group. ConclusionsEndoscopic cartilage with tucking of the attached perichondrium perforation margins during underlay myringoplasty may improve the graft success rate compared to that of the cartilage push-through technique when repairing large central dry perforations; however, the hearing improvements were comparable in the two groups.

Comparison of Negative-Pressure Wound Therapy and Gradual Wound Approximation Treatments for Infected Fasciotomy Wounds.

Negative-pressure wound therapy (NPWT) and gradual wound approximation (GWA) are effective and reliable methods of treating fasciotomy wounds. However, the effectiveness of these 2 methods in treating infected wounds remains unclear. The aim of our study was to compare these 2 delayed primary closure methods of treating infected fasciotomy wounds on the limbs. Patients who underwent fasciotomy surgery on the extremities after sustaining crushing injuries in the 2023 Kahramanmaraş-centered earthquakes and who were referred owing to infected open wounds during follow-up were included in the study. Patients who completed the wound closure process at our clinic were divided into 2 groups: the NPWT and GWA groups. Using retrospectively collected data, the groups were compared in terms of demographic characteristics, time until wound closure, number of surgeries, skin graft requirements, and complications. Laboratory parameters were also examined. Thirteen patients, (with 21 wounds) who underwent NPWT and 14 (with 22 wounds) who underwent GWA, were examined. The average age of the NPWT group was 32.85 ± 18.37 years, whereas that of the GWA group was 25.21 ± 16.31 years. The number of surgeries in the NPWT and GWA groups were 5.38 ± 2.11 and 4.23 ± 1.27, respectively, and the difference was statistically significant (P = .040). The average wound closure times of the NPWT and GWA groups (P = .0210) (11.00 ± 4.86 days and 8.27 ± 2.41 days, respectively) also differed significantly. Skin grafting was performed in 5 patients in the NPWT group and 2 in the GWA group. There were no significant differences between the 2 groups in terms of skin graft requirements or complication rates. NPWT and GWA are effective and reliable methods of closing infected fasciotomy wounds. Closure of these wounds can be achieved in a shorter time and with fewer surgeries using GWA than using NPWT.

Clinical approach to donor-derived infection in solid organ transplant recipients.

Donor-derived infection is an uncommon but potentially devastating complication of solid organ transplantation (SOT). Accurate and timely identification of unexpected infectious disease transmission events has implications not only for the recipient(s) experiencing infection, but also other recipients of organs or tissues from the same donor who may require additional testing or risk mitigation, as well as the broader organ transplant regulatory framework. This narrative review synthesizes data from published reports of symptomatic unexpected donor-derived infections in SOT recipients to provide clinicians with a systematic approach to the evaluation of undifferentiated illnesses that may be of donor origin. Key reasons to consider donor-derived infection include certain microbiologically proven infections in the recipient, especially early after transplant, characteristics of the donor or their management that suggest potential exposure to or infection with specific pathogens prior to organ procurement, and select clinical syndromes that occur in the post-transplant period. Syndromes for which expedited consideration and evaluation of donor-derived infection may be warranted include central nervous system infection, graft or perigraft complications developing in the absence of typical risk factors, and unexplained critical illness/sepsis syndrome in the early post-transplant period. When embarking on an investigation of a suspected donor-derived infection, clinicians should apply knowledge of the entire continuum of the organ procurement and transplant process to ensure unbiased and comprehensive data collection that will facilitate appropriate adjudication of these uncommon but high-consequence events.