Conservative Surgical Treatment Research Articles

Efficacy of conservative laparoscopic surgical treatment for acute ovarian torsion in pediatrics and adolescent populations: A single-armed meta-analysis.

Conservative laparoscopic torsioning with or without cystectomy or oophoropexy has emerged as a promising approach for the management of ovarian torsion, particularly in pediatric populations. We sought to understand the efficacy of this approach. We comprehensively reviewed the relevant literature. We formulated a search strategy by combining keywords related to laparoscopic surgery, conservative management, and ovarian torsion in pediatric and adolescent populations. Data were retrieved from Web of Science, PubMed, Medline, Cochrane Library, and ClinicalTrials. The Gov and Scopus databases. Eligible articles met the following criteria: Involved pediatric or adolescent populations with ovarian or adnexal torsion and evaluating the use of any method of laparoscopic torsioning surgery. We included the following outcomes; recurrence, conversion to laparotomy, need for oophorectomy, mean time to the onset of symptoms, abdominal pain at the time of presentation, fever, and evidence of ovarian function on postoperative ultrasound. In our meta-analysis, conducted using OpenMeta[Analyst], we analyzed both continuous and dichotomous data with mean difference and risk ratio, respectively, along with 95% confidence intervals (CI). First, the incidence of recurrence was reported in five studies, where 17 cases experienced recurrence out of 391 cases experienced recurrence. Additionally, instances requiring open surgery were documented in five studies, with 22 out of 360 cases requiring this conversion to open surgery, resulting in a combined ratio of 0.051 [95% CI (0.018, 0.083), p=0.02]. Moreover, six studies provided data on cases necessitating oophorectomy, with 27 out of 437 cases requiring the procedure. Furthermore, the mean time from symptom onset to surgery was 51.9 h. Abdominal pain was prevalent at presentation, affecting 264 out of 324 patients. Fever was less frequently reported, with 19 out of 324 patients experiencing it. Finally, a high percentage of patients showed evidence of ovarian function on postoperative ultrasound, with a pooled proportion of 0.69. Our analysis performed the conservative management of ovarian torsion in young women. Recurrence occurred in 17 out of 391, and 22 out of 360 required conversion to open surgery. Furthermore, oophorectomy was necessary in 27 of 437 patients, and the mean time from symptom onset to surgery was 51.9 h. Abdominal pain was the most common symptom, affecting 264 out of 324 cases, whereas fever was less common.

Post-thyroidectomy hypoparathyroidism: A clinical surgical dilemma.

Thyroid dysfunction directly affects human health and overall well-being; various approaches are available for the treatment of thyroid diseases, including conservative measures and surgical interventions. Despite advancements in conservative treatment, surgery remains the preferred option. Hypoparathyroidism is the primary cause of hospitalization after thyroidectomy, leading to cost-related concerns and a detrimental impact on patients' overall quality of life. Postoperative hypoparathyroidism can result in hypocalcemia, and these are challenging conditions that must be identified promptly to prevent immediate and long-term complications. This article focused on the presentation, risk factors, and management of hypoparathyroidism to increase awareness of the risks associated with certain variables, thereby enhancing our ability to predict the risk of this condition. Furthermore, this review highlighted the surgical techniques that may be utilized to prevent hypoparathyroidism. These considerations can help guide preoperative discussions regarding the benefits and potential risks of thyroidectomy.

Antibiotic and Surgical Treatment of Diabetic Foot Osteomyelitis: The Histopathological Evidence

Background: Osteomyelitis is one of the most frequent infections of the diabetic foot, accounting for 20–70% of foot infections. The treatment of osteomyelitis continues to be debated, and the possibility of performing conservative surgery associated with targeted antibiotic treatment allows for reductions in the amount of bone removed, the resolution of osteomyelitis, and a reduction in the changes in the biomechanics of the foot. The objective of this study was to evaluate the outcomes of osteomyelitis treatment with a combination of antibiotic and surgical procedures based on a histopathological analysis of the infected bone and margins. Materials and Methods: We analyzed 25 diabetic patients with osteomyelitis. We treated each patient with empiric antibiotic treatment, surgical removal of the infected bone, and targeted antibiotic treatment. During the surgical procedure, we collected infected bone samples and margins for microbiological and histopathological analyses. Results: All the patients had type 2 diabetes, with a mean age of 71 ± 10 years. Antibiotic therapy was administered orally for an average duration of 21 ± 9 days, aimed at improving the microbiological outcome. Histological examinations of the resected infected bone revealed the presence of osteomyelitis in 23 (92%) patients. The healthy margin sample, surgically assessed as non-infected, was confirmed negative in 80% of cases. At a follow-up of 18 ± 7 months, we achieved complete healing in twenty patients (80%), with an average healing time of 70 ± 41 days. No recurrence of osteomyelitis was observed. Conclusions: The data from this study demonstrate that the combination of targeted antibiotic therapy and conservative surgical treatment is effective in resolving osteomyelitis without recurrence with a very long follow-up. Histological analyses allowed us to confirm the actual presence of osteomyelitis and demonstrate that clinical differentiation during surgery is effective in identifying a healthy margin.

Current Treatment Of Obstetric Brachial Plexus Injury: A Review Article

Obstetric brachial plexus injury (OBPI) is a peripheral nervous system disorder. The incidence of OBPI dropped 47.1% over the sixteen-year study period, from 1.7 to 0.9 cases per 1000 live births. In Indonesia, the incidence of OBPI is 0.141%. Even though most babies recover spontaneously in the first 3 months of life, 20-30% suffer permanent functional deficits, which significantly impair their quality of life, which means a small number remain with bad recovery which requires surgical brachial plexus exploration. For children with complex medical conditions, it is important to implement and refer multidisciplinary strategies as early as possible. This can greatly improve their chances of functional recovery. To provide the best possible care, primary care physicians, physiatrists, nerve surgeons, and occupational and physical therapists should work together and modify current treatment paradigms. This will help to ensure improved quality care for these children. Successful treatment of patients with OBPI begins with an accurate understanding of the anatomy of the brachial plexus and the pathophysiology of nerve injury. Two main treatments/therapies for OBPI were identified: conservative treatment and surgical treatment. This review will explain the latest update on the management and rehabilitation of OBPI

A Lipoma of Large Proportion in the Oral Cavity: A Case Report

Background Lipoma is a benign neoplasm that can affect the whole body and rarely occurs in the oral cavity. It is slow-growing and asymptomatic, and conservative surgical treatment with total removal of the lesion is the treatment of choice. It originates from epithelial cells of mature adipose tissue. Case Presentation The aim of this study was to report a clinical case of a large lipoma in a 21-year-old male patient with melanoderma who presented a nodule in the region of the buccal vestibule extending from the region of the second molar to the ipsilateral canine, with an approximate size of 40 mm in its largest diameter in the anteroposterior direction and approximately 20 mm in diameter in the buccolingual direction. The initial diagnostic hypothesis was based on an ultrasound of the face, which detected a solid, circumscribed, echogenic nodule compatible with a lipoma of the face. Surgical treatment with excisional biopsy was chosen. The histopathological examination revealed fragments with the presence of discrete acanthosis and clear hyperkeratosis in the epithelium, along with the proliferation of mature adipocytes constituting a neoplastic parenchyma surrounded by a stroma. Conclusion The findings have confirmed the diagnosis of oral lipoma. The patient has evolved with a good prognosis and remained under follow-up without recurrence or sequelae. The present report has corroborated what has been observed in similar cases described in the literature regarding recurrence and excellent prognosis.

Isolated Sixth Cranial Nerve Palsy in Patients with Pituitary Apoplexy.

Pituitary apoplexy is an acute clinical syndrome constituted by headache, visual impairment, ophthalmoplegia, and altered mental status. Abducens nerve palsy due to pituitary apoplexy is a significant clinical manifestation in pituitary apoplexy cases.This study aims to investigate the rare occurrence of isolated sixth cranial nerve palsy in patients with pituitary apoplexy, a condition characterized by sudden hemorrhagic or ischemic infarction of the pituitary gland. A search was conducted on major databases, including PubMed, Web of Science, and ScienceDirect, to identify cases of isolated sixth cranial nerve palsy in patients with pituitary apoplexy. Only six cases were found in the available literature. Descriptive statistics were used to summarize the data, and relevant clinical features were compared between the cases. Among the six identified cases, isolated sixth cranial nerve palsy in patients with pituitary apoplexy predominantly affected middle-aged adults, with a prominent male preponderance. Clinical manifestations included acute-onset diplopia and headache, with the most common radiologic finding being pituitary gland enlargement or hemorrhage. Laboratory investigations revealed hormonal dysregulation in some cases. Treatment approaches varied and included conservative management and surgical intervention. Outcomes were generally favorable, with most patients experiencing partial or complete resolution of their cranial nerve palsy. Isolated sixth cranial nerve palsy in patients in the context of pituitary apoplexy is an exceptionally rare occurrence, with only six documented cases in the available literature. Further research and case reporting are essential to better understand this rare clinical entity and guide optimal management strategies.

Changes in Upper Airway Space in a Patient with Pycnodysostosis Following Primary Surgery and Orthodontic Treatment: A 12-Year Follow-Up Case Report

Pycnodysostosis (PDS) is an autosomal recessive form of osteosclerotic skeletal dysplasia characterized by craniofacial anomalies, a high-arched palate, and a narrowed pharyngeal space due to mandibular and maxillary deficiencies. These structural anomalies in the upper airway predispose PDS patients to obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). OSA can be managed in PDS patients using either a conservative (non-surgical and multidisciplinary) approach or surgical interventions. Given the craniofacial anomalies associated with PDS, orthodontic treatment aims to address the maxillary transverse deficit and retrognathia. Currently, there is no evidence regarding the impact of orthodontic therapy on OSA levels among PDS patients. This study reports the long-term morphological and functional changes in the upper airway of a PDS patient following adenotonsillectomy and uvulopalatoplasty at an early age (3.6 years) and orthodontic camouflage in late mixed dentition (10 years). Polysomnographies (PSGs), nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), and lateral cephalograms taken before and after ENT surgery and orthodontic treatment were analyzed. Lateral X-rays were evaluated for changes in the posterior airway space (PAS), while polysomnographies provided the apnea–hypopnea index (AHI). The NMR scans were segmented to measure the perimeter and radius of the upper airway. The findings of this study indicate that improvements following uvulopalatoplasty (UPP) were partial and temporary. Nonetheless, orthodontic therapy and the use of elastics did not appear to influence the PAS or AHI. Future studies with larger cohorts are needed to evaluate the long-term effectiveness of the UPP procedure. This study was conducted in accordance with the CARE guidelines.

Comparing Conservative and Early Surgical Treatments for Pyogenic Spondylodiskitis: An International Propensity Score-Matched Retrospective Outcome Analysis.

Pyogenic spinal infections pose therapeutic challenges, with the optimal treatment approach remaining contentious. This study aimed to compare outcomes of conservative vs early surgical treatment (SuT) modalities in primary pyogenic spondylodiskitis through an international cohort analysis. A retrospective outcome analysis was conducted of 392 patients from the United Kingdom and Germany, treated between 2017 and 2022 with primary pyogenic spondylodiskitis. Patients were stratified by treatment modality. Propensity score matching, facilitated by a directed acyclic graph and principal component analysis, was used to balance risk factors between the compared patient cohorts. Primary outcome was mortality rate, while secondary outcomes included hospitalization duration, infection relapse, and neurological status at discharge. The study included 95 patients undergoing conservative treatment, primarily treated in the United Kingdom, and 297 receiving SuT, predominantly in Germany. The mortality rate was notably higher in the conservative group (P < .001), while the surgical cohort experienced a shorter hospitalization duration (P < .01). After propensity score matching, 2 comparable cohorts of 95 patients each emerged. Subsequent analysis revealed a markedly increased mortality in the conservative group (24.2% for conservative treatment vs 4.2% for SuT, P < .001). Neither relapse nor neurological status at discharge showed significant differences between the groups. The study indicates that early surgical intervention may be more effective than conservative management in reducing mortality and hospital stay for patients with primary pyogenic spondylodiskitis. These findings highlight the need for prospective trials and more definitive treatment guidelines.

Presentation and Optimal Management of Anterior and Central Skull Base Osteoradionecrosis: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

To conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis to compare the efficacy of conservative treatment versus surgical debridement versus debridement followed by vascularized tissue coverage to provide evidence-based guidance on the management of osteoradionecrosis of the anterior and central skull base. PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Library. Systematic review and data sources including PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Library were accessed using PRISMA guidelines. Meta-analysis was performed on treatment type and resolution of osteoradionecrosis. A total of 13 articles met the inclusion criteria. Patients were categorized into conservative medical treatment versus surgical treatment. Conservative treatment included patients undergoing hyperbaric oxygen therapy, antibiotics, pentoxifylline-tocopherol-clodronate, or a combination of the three. Eight out of 197 patients treated with conservative therapy had resolution of symptoms (4.1%) while 135 of 188 patients treated with surgical intervention had resolution of symptoms (71.8%). Of these, 104 patients (91.2%) in the vascularized tissue group experienced resolution of symptoms. Surgery was superior to medical treatment alone in the resolution of skull base osteoradionecrosis. Vascularized surgical treatment fared significantly better when compared with both surgical debridement only and/or medical treatment. Our findings suggest that surgical treatment should be considered earlier in patients with skull base osteoradionecrosis to prevent severe or fatal sequelae. NA Laryngoscope, 2024.

Buccal fat pedicle flap with a delayed tarsoconjunctival flap for lower eyelid retraction: a new surgical methodology.

The aim of this retrospective case review is to present a novel surgical technique used in the treatment of recalcitrant lower eyelid retraction. This study was performed as a retrospective case review of 4 patients who have failed standard conservative surgical interventions for lower eyelid retraction repair. 3 patients developed lower eyelid retraction following surgical intervention for orbital trauma and 1 patient developed lower eyelid retraction in the setting of granulomatosis with polyangiitis. The surgical technique was identical in each patient and performed by an oculofacial plastic surgeon, sometimes together with an oral and maxillofacial surgeon. Follow-up results for all patients were assessed at 1 week, 1 month, and 3 months. All four patients demonstrated initial improvement in lower eyelid position, fullness, and height. A common finding was mild lateral postoperative entropion, which was easily overcome with an upper eyelid tarsoconjunctival flap. There were no surgical complications sustained in any of the cases. This retrospective case review provides a novel surgical option for the correction of recalcitrant lower eyelid retraction. The excellent vascularity provided by this flap, location, and easy access support its use. A prospective study comparing alternative solutions would be useful in comparing the buccal fat pad vascularized pedicle to alternative methods used to correct refractory and cicatricial lower eyelid retraction.

Experience in treating patients with autoimmune pancreatitis

Objective — to establish the main diagnostic signs of autoimmune pancreatitis and aspects of patient treatment. Materials and methods. The study analyzed the results of examination and treatment of 17 patients with autoimmune pancreatitis (AIP) from 2010 to 2022. Among the total number of patients with AIP, there were 11 men (65%) and 6 women (35%). The average age of the patients was 52.4 years. Among all patients with AIP, focal involvement of the pancreas was found in 3 (18%) patients, with a predominant involvement of the head of the pancreas. Segmental form of AIP was diagnosed in 6 (35%) patients, while diffuse form was found in 8 (47%) patients. Type 1 AIP was identified in 13 (76%) patients, and type 2 AIP in 4 (24%) patients. For all patients suspected of AIP, the HISORt criteria were assessed: instrumental visualization, serological and histological verification, determination of the volume of pancreatic involvement, and response to steroid therapy. Results. Recurrence of AIP was observed in 8 (47.0%) patients with type 1 AIP and 1 (5.8%) patient with type 2 AIP. AIP recurred in patients with proximal bile duct involvement, diffuse pancreatic involvement, persistently elevated IgG4 levels after steroid induction, delayed radiological remission, and damage to more than two organs. Increased serum levels of IgG, IgG4, apnd eosinophilia indicated a recurrence of IgG4‑RD. A repeat induction of steroids was performed in patients with recurrent AIP, which proved to be very effective, resulting in high remission rates, specifically in 7 (70%) patients with type 1 AIP and in 1 (100%) patient with type 2 AIP. Among all AIP patients that were operated on, 3 (40%) underwent Roux‑en‑Y hepaticojejunostomies, 1 (20%) pancreaticoduodenectomy, and 1 (20%) a Frey procedure. Conclusions. The low incidence of AIP necessitates the use of a clear diagnostic algorithm, and the peculiarities of the disease’s course require compliance with all the principles of conservative treatment and surgical interventions in case of surgical complications.

Pediatric wrist fractures: variations in management across countries. An evidence-based summary of evidence.

Fractures of the distal radius are common in pediatric population, with considerable variation in the management of pediatric wrist fractures across different countries. It is crucial to consider the different approaches to conservative management and surgical intervention. The decision on the appropriate treatment method often depends on the type and severity of the fracture, as well as the available healthcare resources and expertise in each country. This article tries to identify these variations, so the various healthcare systems can work toward implementing best practices in the management of pediatric wrist fractures on a global scale. Published peer-reviewed articles identified in electronic databases, including PubMed Scopus and Google Scholar. The management of pediatric wrist fractures can differ significantly among countries given the high variability in healthcare resources and cultural practices. The management of pediatric wrist fractures can be challenging in certain countries, especially in developing regions with limited resources. Challenges such as long therapeutic delays, lack of appropriate anesthesia, and the absence of fluoroscopy can complicate the treatment process. Randomized controlled clinical trials (RCTs) are vital in providing high-quality evidence to guide clinical decision-making, especially in the field of pediatric wrist fractures. Efforts to support and prioritize the conduct and dissemination of RCTs in pediatric wrist fracture management can ultimately lead to more consistent, effective, and evidence-based care for children with wrist fractures worldwide.

Progress and Current Status of Treatment for Lower Limb Varicose Veins

Varicose veins of lower extremities are common venous diseases of lower extremities in clinic [1]. The total number of patients with varicose veins of lower extremities in China has exceeded 100 million, and the incidence rate is about 15% [2]. Therefore, there is a huge number of illnesses and a demand for surgical treatment. At present, the main treatment options for lower limb varicose veins include conservative treatment and surgical treatment. Surgical treatment methods include traditional surgery and minimally invasive surgery. The high ligation and stripping of the great saphenous vein has always been the gold standard for the treatment of lower limb varicose veins. This method is technically mature and clinically effective, but it is a destructive surgery that uses a stripping device to forcefully pull. Therefore, the intraoperative trauma is large, the amount of bleeding is high, and a series of postoperative complications such as hidden nerve damage, subcutaneous congestion, incision bleeding, deep vein thrombosis, etc. are prone to occur. With the increasing demand for skin aesthetics and reducing postoperative complications, minimally invasive surgery has gradually been applied to the treatment of lower limb varicose veins, such as intracavitary laser ablation, intracavitary radiofrequency ablation, Tri Vex minimally invasive rotary cutting, hemodynamic correction, etc. [3]. This article provides a review of the current main treatment methods for lower limb varicose veins, in order to further understand and master the principles and application scope of each treatment method, and to better select personalized treatment plans for varicose vein patients in the future.

Rathke's cleft cysts: from pathophysiology to management.

Rathke's cleft cysts (RCCs) are benign, non-neoplastic lesions located in the sellar and suprasellar regions of the brain, originating from remnants of Rathke's pouch, an embryonic precursor to the anterior pituitary gland. Although RCCs are frequently asymptomatic and discovered incidentally during imaging studies, they can present with a variety of symptoms, including headaches, visual disturbances, and endocrine dysfunction due to the compression of adjacent neural structures. The management of RCCs is particularly challenging, as the decision to pursue conservative monitoring or surgical intervention depends heavily on the cyst's size, growth potential, and the severity of symptoms. Transsphenoidal surgery is the primary treatment for symptomatic RCCs, offering effective relief from symptoms through decompression of the cyst. However, recurrence remains a significant issue, with rates reported up to 33%, prompting debates about the extent of cyst wall removal during surgery. Recent advancements in minimally invasive endoscopic techniques have improved surgical outcomes, yet the risk of postoperative complications such as hypopituitarism and cerebrospinal fluid leaks persists. Additionally, stereotactic radiosurgery has emerged as a potential alternative for patients with recurrent RCCs or those who are not suitable candidates for repeat surgery. Despite its promise, the long-term safety and efficacy of radiotherapy in RCC management require further investigation. This narrative review aims to provide a comprehensive overview of RCCs, integrating the latest research and clinical guidelines to discuss pathophysiology, clinical presentation, and management strategies, emphasizing the need for a personalized approach to treating this complex condition.

Recent Advances in Diagnosing and Treating Post-Prostatectomy Urinary Incontinence.

Radical prostatectomy and radiotherapy are common first-line treatments for clinically localized prostate cancer. Despite advances in surgical technology and multidisciplinary management, post-prostatectomy urinary incontinence (PPI) remains a common clinical complication. The incidence and duration of PPI are highly heterogeneous, varying considerably between individuals. Post-prostatectomy urinary incontinence may result from a combination of factors, including patient characteristics, lower urinary tract function, and surgical procedures. Physicians often rely on detailed medical history, physical examinations, voiding diaries, pad tests, and questionnaires-based symptoms to identify critical factors and select appropriate treatment options. Post-prostatectomy urinary incontinence treatment can be divided into conservative treatment and surgical interventions, depending on the severity and type of incontinence. Pelvic floor muscle training and lifestyle interventions are commonly conservative strategies. When conservative treatment fails, surgery is frequently recommended, and the artificial urethral sphincter remains the "gold standard" surgical intervention for PPI. This review focuses on the diagnosis and treatment of PPI, based on the most recent clinical research and recommendations of guidelines, including epidemiology and risk factors, diagnostic methods, and treatment strategies, aimed at presenting a comprehensive overview of the latest advances in this field and assisting doctors in providing personalized treatment options for patients with PPI.

ADHESIVE DISEASE OF THE ABDOMINAL CAVITY: ETIOMORPHOPATHOGENESIS, CLINIC, DIAGNOSIS, TREATMENT AND PREVENTION AT THE PRESENT STAGE

In surgery of the gastrointestinal tract, peritoneal adhesions are detected in 80-90% of cases, including open surgical interventions, abdominal adhesions occur in 70-90% of patients, with laparoscopic – in 24-35% of patients. The number of deaths in adhesive disease ranges from 14 to 52%, and in patients with concomitant pathology, whose age exceeds sixty years, reaches 68%. The main etiological factors of the formation of adhesions are mechanical, chemical, physical and infectious effects. The pathogenesis of the formation of adhesions includes three processes: inhibition of fibrinolytic and extracellular matrix degradation systems; inflammatory reaction with cytokine production, mainly TGF-β1; tissue hypoxia as a result of interruption of blood supply to mesothelial cells and submesothelial fibroblasts. The clinical picture of SBBP, as a rule, is characterized by dyspeptic disorders in the early stages, and is accompanied by symptoms of intestinal obstruction in the advanced ones. The "gold standard". Treatment of adhesive disease can be carried out using conservative therapy or surgical intervention. To date, prevention is the most preferred method to prevent the consequences of the development of adhesive disease. Despite the improvement of surgical techniques, the development of new approaches to treatment and diagnosis, adhesions remain an inevitable consequence of intra-abdominal operations. Understanding the pathogenesis of the formation of the adhesive process and adhesion, the possibility of their transformation, especially at the cellular and molecular level, can help in the further development of more effective methods of treatment and prevention of SBP.

Algorithm of surgical treatment for diaphyseal defects of the forearm bones due to gunshot injuries

Introduction In the current system of providing medical aid to wounded servicemen, along with the conservative primary surgical treatment and minimally invasive extrafocal fixation, high-tech surgical interventions of considerable complexity with the use of additive and tissue-engineering technologies have been coming to the forefront. It is necessary to determine their place in the current algorithm of limb bone defect management, which was the substantiation of our study.The purpose of the study was to improve the algorithm for selecting a treatment method for patients with associated gunshot defects of the forearm based on the literature and clinical observations.Materials and Methods We analyzed scientific articles in PubMed and Scientific Electronic Library (eLIBRARY.ru) platforms, published from 2004 to 2024, on the basis of which we could refine the algorithm of treatment method selection for patients with associated gunshot defects of the forearm. The developed algorithm was used to treat 178 patients with gunshot fractures of the forearm.Results The review of the literature established the main provisions and principles that are applied in the reconstruction of the forearm with an associated defect. When choosing the method of bone defect management, a great number of authors tend to build a “reconstructive ladder”, moving from less severe (one bone) and extended defects (small defect up to 2 cm) to more complex (both bones) and massive defect (more than 10 cm). Upon having considered the revealed regularities, we improved the algorithm of surgical treatment of the latter, which is based on two classification principles: defect extention and location. Reconstruction of the forearm as a dynamic system after diaphyseal fractures requires consider the state of the radioulnar joint. The function of the latter depends on the length ratio of the radius and ulna bones. Therefore, we substantiated small (up to 2 cm) forearm bone defects that can be managed by simple surgical methods. Another fundamental addition to the algorithm was the allocation of a patients’ group with a defect of one forearm bone and a fracture of the other bone (defect-fracture); this combination allows avoiding complex surgical methods for reconstruction and use segment shortening.Discussion The treatment of associated forearm defects is challenging, the choice of reconstruction technique remains uncertain, and the required consensus is lacking. Several forearm reconstruction techniques are available, yet there is no reliable evidence of their effectiveness in terms of treatment time, complications, reoperations, and functional recovery.Conclusion The algorithm proposed for the treatment of extensive gunshot-associated defects of the forearm allows us to consider the change in the anatomy, make a surgical plan based on the reconstruction vector, and select optimal surgical techniques.

Current Therapeutic Strategies of Intervertebral Disc Regenerative Medicine.

Intervertebral disc degeneration (IDD) is one of the most frequent causes of low back pain. No treatment is currently available to delay the progression of IDD. Conservative treatment or surgical interventions is only used to target the symptoms of IDD rather than treat the underlying cause. Currently, numerous potential therapeutic strategies are available, including molecular therapy, gene therapy, and cell therapy. However, the hostile environment of degenerated discs is a major problem that has hindered the clinical applicability of such approaches. In this regard, the design of drugs using alternative delivery systems (macro-, micro-, and nano-sized particles) may resolve this problem. These can protect and deliver biomolecules along with helping to improve the therapeutic effect of drugs via concentrating, protecting, and prolonging their presence in the degenerated disc. This review summarizes the research progress of diagnosis and the current options for treating IDD.

A phase 3, randomized, double-blind, sham-controlled trial of SI-6603 (condoliase) in patients with radicular leg pain associated with lumbar disc herniation

BACKGROUND CONTEXTSI-6603 (condoliase) is a chemonucleolytic agent approved in Japan in 2018 for the treatment of lumbar disc herniation (LDH) associated with radicular leg pain. Condoliase, a mucopolysaccharidase with high substrate specificity for glycosaminoglycans (GAGs), offers a unique mechanism of action through the degradation of GAGs in the nucleus pulposus. As LDH management is currently limited to conservative approaches and surgical intervention, condoliase could offer a less invasive treatment option than surgery for patients with LDH. PURPOSEThe Discovery 6603 study (NCT03607838) evaluated the efficacy and safety of a single-dose injection of SI-6603 (condoliase) vs sham for the treatment of radicular leg pain associated with LDH. STUDY DESIGN/SETTINGA randomized, double-blind, sham-controlled, phase 3 study conducted across 41 sites in the United States. PATIENT SAMPLEMale and female participants (N=352; aged 30–70 years) with contained posterolateral LDH and unilateral radiculopathy/radicular leg pain for greater than 6 weeks. OUTCOME MEASURESThe primary endpoint was the change from baseline (CFB) in average worst leg pain score at 13 weeks, assessed using the 100-mm visual analogue scale. Key secondary endpoints were CFB in average worst leg pain score at 52 weeks, herniation volume at 13 weeks, and Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) score at 13 weeks. Safety evaluations included adverse events (AEs) and imaging findings. METHODSParticipants were randomized 1:1 to receive a single intradiscal injection of condoliase (1.25 units) or sham injection followed by 52 weeks of observation. The primary and key secondary endpoints were assessed using a mixed model for repeated measures (MMRM) analysis and a protocol-specified multiple imputation (MI) sensitivity analysis on the modified intention-to-treat (mITT) population. A prespecified serial gatekeeping algorithm was used for multiple comparisons. Safety endpoints included AEs, laboratory tests, vital signs, imaging (by X-ray and magnetic resonance imaging [MRI]), and occurrence of posttreatment lumbar surgery. RESULTSOf the 352 randomized participants, 341 constituted the mITT population (condoliase n=169; sham n=172) and the safety population (condoliase n=167; sham n=174). For the primary endpoint, the condoliase group showed significantly greater improvement in CFB in worst leg pain at Week 13 (least squares mean [LSM] CFB: −41.7) compared with sham injection (−34.2; LSM difference: −7.5; 95% confidence interval [CI]: −14.1, −0.9; p=.0263) based on the MMRM analysis. CFB in worst leg pain at Week 52 favored condoliase vs sham, but the difference was not statistically significant (p=.0558), which halted the serial gatekeeping testing algorithm and dictated that the CFB in herniation volume and ODI scores at Week 13 would be considered nonsignificant, regardless of their p-values. Treatment group differences in CFB in herniation volume and ODI score favored the condoliase group vs sham at all timepoints. The MI sensitivity analysis showed differences in CFB in worst leg pain at Week 13 (p=.0223) and Week 52 (p=.0433) in favor of the condoliase group. Treatment-emergent AEs (TEAEs) were more common in the condoliase group (≥1 TEAE: 71.9%; ≥1 treatment-related TEAE: 28.1%) compared with the sham group (≥1 TEAE: 60.3%; ≥1 treatment-related TEAE: 10.3%). Of the TEAEs, spinal MRI abnormalities and back pain occurred most frequently. No treatment-related serious AEs occurred. CONCLUSIONSCondoliase met its primary endpoint of significantly improving radicular leg pain at Week 13 and was generally well tolerated in patients with LDH. Chemonucleolysis with condoliase has the potential to provide a less invasive treatment option than surgery for those unresponsive to conservative treatment strategies.

Cutting-Edge Biomaterials in Intervertebral Disc Degeneration Tissue Engineering.

Intervertebral disc degeneration (IVDD) stands as the foremost contributor to low back pain (LBP), imposing a substantial weight on the world economy. Traditional treatment modalities encompass both conservative approaches and surgical interventions; however, the former falls short in halting IVDD progression, while the latter carries inherent risks. Hence, the quest for an efficacious method to reverse IVDD onset is paramount. Biomaterial delivery systems, exemplified by hydrogels, microspheres, and microneedles, renowned for their exceptional biocompatibility, biodegradability, biological efficacy, and mechanical attributes, have found widespread application in bone, cartilage, and various tissue engineering endeavors. Consequently, IVD tissue engineering has emerged as a burgeoning field of interest. This paper succinctly introduces the intervertebral disc (IVD) structure and the pathophysiology of IVDD, meticulously classifies biomaterials for IVD repair, and reviews recent advances in the field. Particularly, the strengths and weaknesses of biomaterials in IVD tissue engineering are emphasized, and potential avenues for future research are suggested.