Independent Ambulation Research Articles

Gradual distraction for treatment of severe knee flexion contractures using the Ilizarov’s apparatus

<p class="abstract"><strong>Background:</strong> Knee flexion contractures result in a significant amount of functional disability due to reduced mobility and limb length discrepancy. Treatment options include non-surgical methods like serial casting, dynamic splinting and traction or surgical methods like osteotomies and soft tissue procedures. External fixation has emerged as a highly successful means of achieving controlled gradual correction of joint contractures with low rates of complications including recurrence. The aim of this study is to evaluate the functional outcome in terms of residual deformity and change in ambulatory status following correction using the Ilizarov’s apparatus.</p><p class="abstract"><strong>Methods:</strong> 12 patients with knee flexion contractures ranging from 20°-70° underwent correction using the Ilizarov’s external fixator (IEF). The use of simple mathematic formulae enabled us to calculate and estimate the rate and duration of distraction. End results were assessed at one year by the residual contracture as: Excellent: 0-5°, Good: 6-15°, Fair: 16-30° and Poor: >30°.<strong></strong></p><p class="abstract"><strong>Results:</strong> The functional assessment was graded as excellent in 7, good in 4 and fair in 1 out of 12 patients. All patients were independent ambulators and only 1 out of 12 patients required an additional orthosis for maintenance of the correction.</p><p><strong>Conclusions:</strong> The IEF is a safe and precise modality even for the most complex contractures of the knee. Accurate placement of the hinges along the center of rotation of the knee avoids undue subluxation of the tibia during correction. In order to ensure a low rate of complications, it is imperative to have a detailed pre-operative plan and all principles of fixation should be meticulously adhered to. </p>

216. Ambulatory status after surgical and nonsurgical treatment for spinal metastasis

BACKGROUND CONTEXT Decisions for operative or nonoperative management remain challenging in patients with spinal metastases, especially when life expectancy and quality of life are not easily predicted. PURPOSE To evaluate the effects of operative and nonoperative management on maintenance of ambulatory function and survival in patients treated for spinal metastases. STUDY DESIGN/SETTING Retrospective study with propensity match. PATIENT SAMPLE Patients treated for spinal metastases at one of 2 academic medical centers (2005-2017). OUTCOME MEASURES Ambulatory function at 6 months following presentation was our primary outcome. Survival at 6 months and 1 year were secondary outcomes. METHODS We used propensity matching to yield an analytic sample in which operatively and nonoperatively treated patients were similar with respect to key baseline covariates. We included patients treated for spinal metastases between 2005-2017, who – at presentation - were 40-80 years old and independent ambulators, with RESULTS We identified 929 individuals eligible for inclusion, with 402 (201 operative, 201 nonoperative) retained following propensity score matching. Patients treated operatively had a lower likelihood than those treated nonoperatively of being nonambulatory at 6-months following presentation (3% vs 16%, RR 0.16; 95% CI 0.06, 0.46), as well as reduced risks of 6-month (20% vs 29%, RR 0.69; 95% CI 0.49, 0.98) and 1-year mortality (37% vs 51%, RR 0.74; 95% 0.59, 0.92). CONCLUSIONS Our results indicate that patients treated operatively were less likely to lose ambulatory function at 6-months following presentation than those managed nonoperatively. In patients with spinal metastases, our data can be incorporated into discussions about the treatments that align best with the patients’ preferences regarding surgical risk, mortality and ambulatory status. FDA DEVICE/DRUG STATUS This abstract does not discuss or include any applicable devices or drugs.

Short-term outcomes of the supine muscle-sparing anterolateral versus direct lateral approach to primary total hip arthroplasty.

Although total hip arthroplasty (THA) is among the most successful orthopaedic procedures, it is not without complications. As such, finding the optimal surgical approach has become an area of particular interest. In this study, we compare: (1) pain intensity; (2) opioid consumption; (3) lengths of stay (LOS); (4) complication rates; (5) discharge destination; and (6) ambulatory function between patients who underwent THA via the supine muscle-sparing anterolateral (MS-ALA) and conventional direct lateral (DLA) approaches. A retrospective analysis was conducted on 220 consecutive patients who received primary THA using the supine MS-ALA (n = 101) or DLA (n = 119) between 1 January 2014 and 31 December 2016. Outcomes included postoperative pain intensity, opioid consumption, LOS, discharge destination, complications, additional procedures, and time to independent ambulation. We demonstrated significantly lower opioid consumption on postoperative days (POD) 1 and 2 (mean differences, -32.0 and -28.4 mg, respectively; p ⩽ 0.001) and decreased pain intensity during the second 24 hours of the hospital stay (mean difference, -22.0; p < 0.001) in patients receiving the MS-ALA. Relative to the DLA cohort, patients in the MS-ALA cohort were 2.04 times more likely to be discharged to home (p = 0.028) and 1.91 times less likely to experience postoperative abductor insufficiency (p = 0.039). The present study is the 1st to compare postoperative outcomes, particularly pain intensity and opioid consumption, between the supine muscle-sparing anterolateral and direct lateral THA approaches. Further research should investigate the effect of surgical approach on quality and cost of care, include larger sample sizes, and involve longer-term follow-up.

Results of Rodding and Impact on Ambulation and Refracture in Osteogenesis Imperfecta: Study of 21 Children

Introduction:Delay in presentation and surgical intervention is quite usual in osteogenesis imperfecta (OI) because of various local and cultural beliefs. The purpose of this study is to review the results of 21 children who had intramedullary rodding and its effect on ambulation and refracture.Methods:We reviewed 21 children with a clinical diagnosis of OI. The mean age of children at presentation was 8.74 years (3–21 years). All children had recurrent fractures of long bones. Twenty eight femurs and 21 tibiae were stabilized with intramedullary rodding. Ambulatory status was assessed by the Hoffers and Bullock's (H and B) grading, and muscle power was recorded using the Medical Research Council, U. K., grade. Ten children had received intravenous bisphosphonates preoperatively. Postoperatively, the children were assessed for ambulatory status, pain, and ability for independent self-care.Results:The mean followup period was 34 months (24–48 months). Rush rods were used in 20 femurs, the Fassier–Duval (FD) rods in 6 femurs, and in two cases, with narrow intramedullary canals, Kirshner (K) wires were used. For the tibiae, 15 children received rush rods and in 6 cases, an FD rod was used. The mean time to fracture union was 8 weeks (6–12 weeks). Before surgery, 13 children were in H and B Grade 4 (wheel-chair independent or carried by parents usually in a developing country), four were able to ambulate with a walking aid (H and B Grade 3b), and four children were able to walk about in the house without aids (H & B Grade 2). After the rodding procedure, the ambulatoty status improved in 11 (50%) children. Seven children (33%) became household physiologic walkers (H & B Grade 3b), three achieved independent ambulation with orthosis (H & B Grade 1b), and one child with mild OI could walk unaided (H & B Grade 1a). No child had deterioration in ambulatory status. Only two children had refractures at the distal end of the rod due to continual growth of bones.Conclusions:Intramedullary rodding treatment for recurrent fractures in children with OI improves their mobility potential. It also and prevents repeated cast application, disuse wasting, and osteopenia which can lead to deterioration in the quality of the long bones.

CLINICAL STUDY OF INTEGRATED URINARY CARE TO SUPPORT SELF-RELIANCE AGAINST URINARY DYSFUNCTION WITH INVOLVEMENT BY UROLOGISTS

(Purpose) We reviewed 207 patients with urinary dysfunction who were managed by voiding care team at Osaka Rosai Hospital between November 2016 and June 2018. (Materials & methods) The study involved 112, 32, 24, 19, 10, 7, and 3 patients in the Urology, Orthopedics, Surgery, Internal Medicine, Neurosurgery, and Otorhinolaryngology departments, respectively. The average age was 72.7 years, ranging from 27 to 94 years, and the patients were170 males and 37 females. The average body mass index was 23.3, ranging from 11.6 to 43.7. The degree of activity of daily life (ADL) was distributed from J (independent ADL) to C (bedridden), and consisted of 132 in J category, 23 in A, 28 in B, 24 in C. Forty-seven patients had diabetes mellitus (DM), 36 had a cranial nerve disease, 25 had a history of urinary retention, 17 had indwelling urethral catheters on admission, 53 had an emergency hospital admission, and 174 underwent ≥1 operations during admission. (Results & conclusions) Among the 112 patients treated in the Urology department, 60 underwent robot-assist radical prostatectomy (RARP), 36 transurethral resection of prostate (TUR-P) and Holmium laser enucleation of the prostate (HoLEP), and 16 other procedures. A total of 93% were indwelling urethral catheter free, and 92% were pad-free (≤1 pad per day) at 1 year. In contrast, only 66% of the 95 patients in other departments were indwelling urethral catheter free at 1 year and were indwelling urethral catheter-free within 100 days, except for only one patient. The self-reliant voiding rate, including patients who have their indwelling urethral catheter removed or managed clean intermittent self-catheterization, was 91% at 1 year. A univariate analysis indicated that an ADL of J, independent ambulation, self-care/undiapered, self-reliant voiding score ≤4 (on a scale from 0 to 10, with higher score indicating a poorer ADL), and a urinary function ≤4 (on a scale from 0 to 10, with a higher score indicating greater urinary dysfunction) were significantly associated with freedom from urethral catheter. A multivariate analysis with Cox's proportional hazard model revealed a urinary function of ≤4 to be an independent good prognosticator for being catheter-free. Furthermore, a univariate analysis indicated that ADL J, a scheduled hospital admission, ≥1 operations during admission, independent ambulation, self-care/independent portable toilet, self-care/undiapered, self-reliant voiding score (≤4), and a urinary function of ≤4 were significantly associated with the acquisition of self-reliant voiding. A multivariate analysis with Cox's proportional hazard model revealed a self-reliant voiding of ≤4 to be an independent good prognosticator for self-reliant voiding. (Conclusions) Achieving freedom from an indwelling urethral catheter and acquiring a self-reliant voiding function are suggested to be very important for integrated urinary care.

Association Between Time to Treatment With Endovascular Reperfusion Therapy and Outcomes in Patients With Acute Ischemic Stroke Treated in Clinical Practice

Randomized clinical trials suggest benefit of endovascular-reperfusion therapy for large vessel occlusion in acute ischemic stroke (AIS) is time dependent, but the extent to which it influences outcome and generalizability to routine clinical practice remains uncertain. To characterize the association of speed of treatment with outcome among patients with AIS undergoing endovascular-reperfusion therapy. Retrospective cohort study using data prospectively collected from January 2015 to December 2016 in the Get With The Guidelines-Stroke nationwide US quality registry, with final follow-up through April 15, 2017. Participants were 6756 patients with anterior circulation large vessel occlusion AIS treated with endovascular-reperfusion therapy with onset-to-puncture time of 8 hours or less. Onset (last-known well time) to arterial puncture, and hospital arrival to arterial puncture (door-to-puncture time). Substantial reperfusion (modified Thrombolysis in Cerebral Infarction score 2b-3), ambulatory status, global disability (modified Rankin Scale [mRS]) and destination at discharge, symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage (sICH), and in-hospital mortality/hospice discharge. Among 6756 patients, the mean (SD) age was 69.5 (14.8) years, 51.2% (3460/6756) were women, and median pretreatment score on the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale was 17 (IQR, 12-22). Median onset-to-puncture time was 230 minutes (IQR, 170-305) and median door-to-puncture time was 87 minutes (IQR, 62-116), with substantial reperfusion in 85.9% (5433/6324) of patients. Adverse events were sICH in 6.7% (449/6693) of patients and in-hospital mortality/hospice discharge in 19.6% (1326/6756) of patients. At discharge, 36.9% (2132/5783) ambulated independently and 23.0% (1225/5334) had functional independence (mRS 0-2). In onset-to-puncture adjusted analysis, time-outcome relationships were nonlinear with steeper slopes between 30 to 270 minutes than 271 to 480 minutes. In the 30- to 270-minute time frame, faster onset to puncture in 15-minute increments was associated with higher likelihood of achieving independent ambulation at discharge (absolute increase, 1.14% [95% CI, 0.75%-1.53%]), lower in-hospital mortality/hospice discharge (absolute decrease, -0.77% [95% CI, -1.07% to -0.47%]), and lower risk of sICH (absolute decrease, -0.22% [95% CI, -0.40% to -0.03%]). Faster door-to-puncture times were similarly associated with improved outcomes, including in the 30- to 120-minute window, higher likelihood of achieving discharge to home (absolute increase, 2.13% [95% CI, 0.81%-3.44%]) and lower in-hospital mortality/hospice discharge (absolute decrease, -1.48% [95% CI, -2.60% to -0.36%]) for each 15-minute increment. Among patients with AIS due to large vessel occlusion treated in routine clinical practice, shorter time to endovascular-reperfusion therapy was significantly associated with better outcomes. These findings support efforts to reduce time to hospital and endovascular treatment in patients with stroke.

A randomised controlled study of preoperative oral carbohydrate loading versus fasting in patients undergoing colorectal surgery

PurposeThis study aimed to evaluate the effect of preoperative carbohydrate oral (CHO) loading on the postoperative metabolic and inflammatory response, perioperative discomfort and surgical clinical outcomes in open colorectal surgery compared with a conventional fasting protocol.MethodsFifty patients were randomly allocated to either the intervention group (CHO), to receive preoperative oral carbohydrate supplementation, or the control group (FAST), to undergo preoperative fasting. Insulin resistance, insulin sensitivity, the Glasgow Prognostic Score (GPS) and IL-6 levels were analysed at 06 h on the day of surgery (T1), 6 h after surgery (T2) and at 06 h on postoperative day 1 (T3) and postoperative day 2 (T4). Thirst, hunger, dry mouth, weakness, anxiety and pain were assessed using the visual analogue scale (VAS) prior to anaesthesia induction and at 0–4, 4–8, 8–12 and 12–24 h after surgery. Surgical clinical outcomes included the return of gastrointestinal function, time to independent ambulation and postoperative discharge day.ResultsPostoperative insulin resistance was 30% lower (p < 0.03) and insulin sensitivity was 15% higher (p < 0.05) in the CHO group than in the FAST group. The GPS was lower in the CHO group at T1 (p < 0.001), T3 (p < 0.01) and T4 (p < 0.004). IL-6 serum levels were lower at the analysed postoperative time points in the CHO group (p < 0.001). The VAS well-being score was lower in the intervention group (p < 0.001); however, the VAS pain score was not significantly different between the groups. The evaluated surgical outcomes appeared earlier in the CHO group (p < 0.001).ConclusionA preoperative CHO drink reduced the postoperative metabolic and inflammatory response and improved subjective well-being and surgical clinical outcomes but did not diminish the VAS pain score.

Patterns and Outcomes of Endovascular Therapy in Mild Stroke.

Background and Purpose- We aimed to evaluate the current practice patterns, safety and outcomes of patients who receive endovascular therapy (EVT) having mild neurological symptoms. Methods- From Jan 2010 to Jan 2018, 127,794 ischemic stroke patients were enrolled in the Florida-Puerto Rico Stroke Registry. Patients presenting within 24 hours of symptoms who received EVT were classified into mild (National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale [NIHSS] ≤5) or moderate/severe (NIHSS>5) categories. Differences in clinical characteristics and outcomes were evaluated using multivariable logistic regression. Results- Among 4110 EVT patients (median age, 73 [interquartile range=20] years; 50% women), 446 (11%) had NIHSS ≤5. Compared with NIHSS >5, those with NIHSS ≤5 arrived later to the hospital (median, 138 versus 101 minutes), were less likely to receive intravenous alteplase (30% versus 43%), had a longer door-to-puncture time (median, 167 versus 115 minutes) and more likely treated in South Florida (64% versus 53%). In multivariable analysis younger age, private insurance (versus Medicare), history of hypertension, prior independent ambulation and hospital size were independent characteristics associated with NIHSS ≤5. Among EVT patients with NIHSS ≤5, 76% were discharged home/rehabilitation and 64% were able to ambulate independently at discharge as compared with 53% and 32% of patients with NIHSS >5. Symptomatic intracerebral hemorrhage occurred in 4% of mild stroke EVT patients and 6.4% in those with NIHSS >5. Conclusions- Despite lack of evidence-based recommendations, 11% of patients receiving EVT in clinical practice have mild neurological presentations. Individual, hospital and geographic disparities are observed among endovascularly treated patients based on the severity of clinical symptoms. Our data suggest safety and overall favorable outcomes for EVT patients with mild stroke.

Joint power distribution does not change within the contralateral limb one year after unilateral limb loss

BackgroundTo assist with forward progression during gait, persons with unilateral lower-limb amputation typically perform more work within the unaffected versus affected limb. However, prior cross-sectional (>2years post-amputation) studies cannot necessarily elucidate the origin or evolution of these compensatory mechanics. Research questionDo lower limb joint kinetics change during the initial stages of independent ambulation among persons with lower-limb amputation? MethodsNine males with unilateral lower-limb amputation (6 transtibial; 3 transfemoral) completed instrumented gait analyses (speed = 1.2 m/s) at 2 and 12-months post-independent ambulation. Within the unaffected limb, sagittal and frontal plane total positive and negative work, peak power, average positive power, and percent contribution of each joint were compared between time points using paired t-tests. ResultsNo differences existed between time points in total positive or negative work, at any joint (p > 0.038) in either plane. Similarly, there were no differences in percent contribution by each joint to total average power by sagittal (p > 0.15) or frontal (p > 0.32) planes. SignificancePersons with unilateral lower-limb amputation do not alter power distribution among joints within the unaffected limb during initial independent ambulation. However, compared to previous cross-sectional reports, smaller peak powers in the unaffected hip and knee here suggest mechanical work increases with time since amputation. Future research should longitudinally monitor segment mechanics to determine when deleterious strategies develop, as these have implications for joint degeneration and pain.

Clinical Outcomes of Bipolar Hemiarthroplasty versus Total Hip Arthroplasty: Assessing the Potential Impact of Cement Use and Pre-Injury Activity Levels in Elderly Patients with Femoral Neck Fractures.

PurposeThis study was performed to analyze the potential impact of cement use and favorable pre-injury activity on clinical outcomes of bipolar hemiarthroplasty (BHA) compared with total hip arthroplasty (THA) in elderly patients with femoral neck fractures.Materials and MethodsSystematic review and meta-analysis of 12 clinical studies (5 randomized controlled trials and 7 comparative studies). Subgroup analysis was performed based on type of fixation method (cemented vs. cementless) and in the patient with independent ambulation, respectively.ResultsA significantly higher dislocation rate was observed in patients treated with THA compared with those treated with BHA in individuals capable of independent ambulation before injury (odds ratio [OR], 0.17; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.05–0.62; P=0.05, Z=1.98). Also, the dislocation rate was significantly higher in patients treated with cemented THA compared with those treated with cemented BHA (OR, 0.18; 95% CI, 0.05–0.62; P=0.006, Z=2.73). EQ-5D was significantly higher in those treated with cemented THA compared with patients treated with cemented BHA. Lastly, HHS was significantly higher in patients treated with cementless THA compared with those treated with cementless BHA.ConclusionAn increase in the dislocation rate was observed when THA was performed in elderly patients with femoral neck fracture and who were pre-injury independent walkers. In addition, cemented THA was associated with a higher dislocation rate compared with cemented BHA. However, the dislocation rate in those treated with cementless THA were similar to patients treated with cementless BHA. With regards to functional score, THA was superior to BHA in both cementless and cemented fixation.

Prospectively Classifying Community Walkers After Stroke: Who Are They?

ObjectiveTo classify patients with stroke into subgroups based on their characteristics at the moment of discharge from inpatient rehabilitation in order to predict community ambulation outcome 6 months later. DesignProspective cohort study with a baseline measurement at discharge from inpatient care and final outcome determined after 6 months. SettingCommunity. ParticipantsA cohort of patients (N=243) with stroke, referred for outpatient physical therapy, after completing inpatient rehabilitation in The Netherlands. InterventionsNot applicable. Main Outcome MeasuresA classification model was developed using Classification And Regression Tree (CART) analysis. Final outcome was determined using the community ambulation questionnaire. Potential baseline predictors included patient demographics, stroke characteristics, use of assistive devices, comfortable gait speed, balance, strength, motivation, falls efficacy, anxiety, and depression. ResultsThe CART model accurately predicted independent community ambulation in 181 of 193 patients with stroke, based on a comfortable gait speed at discharge of 0.5 meters per second or faster. In contrast, 27 of 50 patients with gait speeds below 0.5 meters per second were correctly predicted to become noncommunity walkers. ConclusionsWe show that comfortable gait speed is a key factor in the prognosis of community ambulation outcome. The CART model may support clinicians in organizing community services at the moment of discharge from inpatient care.

Gait quality and velocity influences activity tracker accuracy in individuals post-stroke

ABSTRACT Objective: Fitbit Zip™ (FBZ) is a low-cost user-friendly device that could help motivate individuals post-stroke to increase their physical activity. However, inaccuracy in step counts from altered gait variables could cause dissatisfaction and reduce compliance. The aim of this study was to determine the influence of gait variables on the concurrent validity of the FBZ. Method: In a cross-sectional study, 19 community-dwelling stroke survivors (mean 66 (SD 8) years) wore a FBZ at the non-paretic hip, and were videoed completing a six minute walk test (6MWT). Steps recorded by the FBZ were compared against the criterion standard of manually counted steps from video-recordings. Spatio-temporal gait parameters were calculated, and gait quality was assessed using the Wisconsin Gait Analysis (WGA) tool. Concurrent validity of FBZ was determined using Kendall’s Tau correlation coefficient. Linear regression analysis determined the association between gait parameters, quality, and FBZ accuracy. Results: A very strong correlation was observed between the FBZ steps and manual counting (τ = 0.80, p < .001). Step difference demonstrated significant negative association with gait velocity (R2 = 0.35, B = −59.94, p = .007), and positive association with WGA score (R2 = 0.69, B = 4.59, p < .001), indicating poor FBZ accuracy in participants with lower speed (≤0.8m/s) and poor gait quality (WGA score>16). Conclusions: FBZ is an accurate measure of step activity in independent ambulators with stroke walking at speeds > 0.8m/s, but accuracy can be compromised with lower speed and poor gait quality. Clinicians should consider gait velocity and quality before advising FBZ as a motivational tool to increase physical activity in individuals post-stroke.

Predicting survival in older patients treated for cervical spine fractures: development of a clinical survival score

BACKGROUND CONTEXTEmerging literature has identified the importance of pretreatment health and functional status as influential in the prognostication of survival. A comprehensive, accessible, predictive model for survival following cervical spine fracture has yet to be developed. PURPOSETo develop an accessible and intuitive predictive model for survival in individuals aged 50 and older treated for cervical spine fractures. STUDY DESIGNRetrospective review of records from two tertiary care centers (2009–2016). PATIENT SAMPLEPatients age 50 and older who received operative or nonoperative management for cervical fractures. OUTCOME MEASURESOne-year mortality was the primary outcome with 3-month and 2-year mortality considered secondarily. METHODSMultivariable logistic regression was used to identify factors independently associated with mortality. The magnitude and precision of the relationship with 1-year mortality for statistically significant variables determined weighting in the scoring system subsequently developed. Score performance was tested through multivariable regression and bootstrap simulation. In a sensitivity test, the performance of the score developed for 1-year mortality was assessed using figures for the 3-month and 2-year time-points. RESULTSWe included 1,758 patients. Mortality rates were 12% at 3 months, 17% at 1 year, and 21% at 2 years. Following multivariable testing age, injury severity score and Glasgow coma scale demonstrated the strongest predictive values for a base score, followed by serum albumin and ambulatory status. The resultant composite score ranged from 0 (base score≤4, albumin≤3.5 g/dL, and dependent/nonambulator at presentation) to a maximum of 4 (base score≥5, albumin>3.5 g/dL, and independent ambulator at presentation). Following multivariable analysis, when compared to patients with a score of 4, significantly increased odds of 1-year mortality were appreciated for those with scores of 3 (odds ratio [OR] 7.35; 95% confidence interval [CI] 3.77, 14.32), 2 (OR 8.43; 95% CI 4.66, 15.25), 1 (OR 17.47; 95% CI 9.81, 31.11), and 0 (OR 26.58; 95% CI 13.87, 50.92). Score performance was unchanged in bootstrap testing and sensitivity analyses. CONCLUSIONSWe have developed a useful prognostic utility capable of informing survival in individuals age 50 and older, following cervical spine fractures. The score can be applied to adjust patient expectations, anticipate outcomes, and as an adjunct to decision-making in the postinjury period.

The “Usual Suspects”: Genes for Inflammation, Fibrosis, Regeneration, and Muscle Strength Modify Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy

Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD), the most severe form of dystrophinopathy, is quite homogeneous with regards to its causative biochemical defect, i.e., complete dystrophin deficiency, but not so much with regards to its phenotype. For instance, muscle weakness progresses to the loss of independent ambulation at a variable age, starting from before 10 years, to even after 16 years (with glucocorticoid treatment). Identifying the bases of such variability is relevant for patient counseling, prognosis, stratification in trials, and identification of therapeutic targets. To date, variants in five loci have been associated with variability in human DMD sub-phenotypes: SPP1, LTBP4, CD40, ACTN3, and THBS1. Four of these genes (SPP1, LTBP4, CD40, and THBS1) are implicated in several interconnected molecular pathways regulating inflammatory response to muscle damage, regeneration, and fibrosis; while ACTN3 is known as “the gene for speed”, as it contains a common truncating polymorphism (18% of the general population), which reduces muscle power and sprint performance. Studies leading to the identification of these modifiers were mostly based on a “candidate gene” approach, hence the identification of modifiers in “usual suspect” pathways, which are already known to modify muscle in disease or health. Unbiased approaches that are based on genome mapping have so far been applied only initially, but they will probably represent the focus of future developments in this field, and will hopefully identify novel, “unsuspected” therapeutic targets. In this article, we summarize the state of the art of modifier loci of human dystrophin deficiency, and attempt to assess their relevance and implications on both clinical management and translational research.

Walking speed as a predictor of community mobility and quality of life after stroke

ABSTRACTBackground: Community mobility (CM) is considered a part of community reintegration that enhances Quality of Life (QoL). Achieving an appropriate gait speed is essential in attaining an independent outdoor ambulation and satisfactory CM.Objective: The aim of this study was to identify whether gait speed is a predictor of CM and QoL in patients with stroke following a multimodal rehabilitation program (MRP).Methods: This was a baseline control trial with 6-months follow-up in an outpatient rehabilitation setting at a university hospital. Twenty-six stroke survivors completed the MRP (24 sessions, 2 days/wk, 1 hr/session). The MRP consisted of aerobic exercise, task-oriented exercises, balance exercises and stretching. Participants also performed an ambulation program at home. Outcome variables were: walking speed (10-m walking test) and QoL (physical and psychosocial domains of Euroquol and Sickness Impact Profile).Results: At the end of the intervention, comfortable and fast walking speed increased by an average of 0.16 (SD 0.21) (*p < .05) and 0.40 (SD 0.51) (**p < .001) m/s, respectively. After the intervention, all participants achieved independent outdoor ambulation with an increase of 34.14 of walking minutes/day in the community and a decrease of sitting time of 95.45 minutes/day. Regarding QoL there were increased mean scores on the physical and psychosocial dimensions of Euroquol and the Sickness Impact Profile, respectively (**p < .001).Conclusions: The results suggest that improved walking speed after the MRP is associated with CM and higher scores in QoL. These findings support the need to implement rehabilitation programs to promote increased speed.

Ambulatory status after surgical and nonsurgical treatment for spinal metastasis

Decisions for operative or nonoperative management remain challenging for patients with spinal metastases, especially when life expectancy and quality of life are not easily predicted. This study evaluated the effects of operative and nonoperative management on maintenance of ambulatory function and survival for patients treated for spinal metastases. Propensity matching was used to yield an analytic sample in which operatively and nonoperatively treated patients were similar with respect to key baseline covariates. The study included patients treated for spinal metastases between 2005 and 2017 who were 40 to 80years old, were independent ambulators at presentation, and had fewer than 5 medical comorbidities. It evaluated the influence of operative care and nonoperative care on ambulatory function 6months after presentation as the primary outcome. Survival at 6months and survival at 1year were secondary outcomes. Nine hundred twenty-nine individuals eligible for inclusion were identified, with 402 (201 operative patients and 201 nonoperative patients) retained after propensity score matching. Patients treated operatively had a lower likelihood than those treated nonoperatively of being nonambulatory 6months after presentation (3% vs 16%; relative risk [RR], 0.16; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.06-0.46) as well as a reduced risk of 6-month mortality (20% vs 29%; RR, 0.69; 95% CI, 0.49-0.98). These results indicate that in a group of patients with similar demographic and clinical characteristics, those treated operatively were less likely to lose ambulatory function 6months after presentation than those managed nonoperatively. For patients with spinal metastases, our data can be incorporated into discussions about the treatments that align best with patients' preferences regarding surgical risk, mortality, and ambulatory status.

Abstract 183: Predictors of Good Functional Outcome at Discharge in Stroke Patients with Depression in the Florida Puerto Rico Collaboration to Reduce Stroke Disparities (FL-PR CReSD) Study

Background: Stroke is the fifth leading cause of death in the US and results in major disability. Modifiable factors that increase risk of poor outcome need to be identified. Depression is related to worse post-stroke outcomes with Hispanics having a higher burden of stroke and depression than non-Hispanics. The goal of this study was to determine the effect of ethnicity and prior depression on post-stroke outcomes. Methods: We analyzed 80,687 cases (84 institutions) from the FL-PR Stroke Registry (2014-2017). Pre-existing depression was identified by prior history or use of anti-depressant medications. Univariate analyses of patient characteristics (age, race/ethnicity, insurance), medical history [prior stroke/TIA, hypertension (HTN), diabetes mellitus (DM), dyslipidemia, tobacco, peripheral vascular disease (PVD), atrial fibrillation (AF), heart failure (HF), and chronic renal insufficiency (CRI)], mode of arrival, initial stroke severity (NIHSS), and independent ambulation prior to stroke, and multilevel multivariate logistic regressions using discharge modified Rankin Score (mRS) and ambulatory status were developed. Results: Of 80,687 cases analyzed, 10,085 (12.5%) had depression: 15% white, 7% black, 11% Florida Hispanic, 7% Puerto Rico Hispanic. In multivariate models, depression decreased the likelihood of good clinical outcomes (mRS 0-2, OR: 0.85, 95% CI 0.78, 0.92; independent ambulation at discharge, OR: 0.86, 95% CI 0.80, 0.94). Age ≥65, black, female, Medicare, no insurance or Medicaid, NIHSS ≥5, prior stroke/TIA, HTN, DM, AF, PVD, HF, CRI, and arrival by EMS were negatively associated with mRS 0-2; whereas dyslipidemia and premorbid independent ambulation showed positive association (p&lt;0.05). Age ≥ 65, black, female, Medicare, initial NIHSS ≥ 5, history of stroke or TIA, HTN, DM, PVD, HF, CRI, and arrival via EMS were negatively associated with independent ambulation at discharge; whereas history of dyslipidemia or being a smoker and independent ambulation prior to stroke showed a positive association (p&lt;0.05). Conclusions: Pre-stroke depression adversely affected functional outcomes at discharge. Various comorbidities also negatively impacted functional outcome, whereas independent ambulation and dyslipidemia prior to stroke increased likelihood of good outcome. Future studies should evaluate if antidepressant medications and intensive management of risk factors improve delayed outcomes.

Validity and Responsiveness of the Visual Vertigo Analogue Scale.

People with visual vertigo have dizziness provoked by visual stimulation. We have developed a Visual Vertigo Analogue Scale (VVAS) to evaluate their symptoms and response to rehabilitation. Our goal was to validate the VVAS against the Situation Characteristics Questionnaire (SITQ) score and determine its responsiveness to treatment. Participants (n = 115) completed 3 questionnaires: Dizziness Handicap Inventory (DHI), VVAS, and the SITQ at their initial and final sessions of vestibular rehabilitation. The SITQ was analyzed using the Space Motion Discomfort (SMD1) outcome measure and by calculating the average score of all the items (SMDavg). The results were stratified into those who had a significant clinical change in their DHI score posttreatment and those who did not. Associations of the VVAS with SMD scores and change scores were determined by Pearson and Spearman correlations. Nonparametric t tests were used to compare the 2 DHI groups on the clinical outcomes. There were significant associations between VVAS scores (P < 0.0001) and both SMD1 (βVVAS = 0.02) and SMDavg scores (βVVAS = 0.03). Significant differences existed between the 2 DHI groups for all scores: VVAS (P = 0.0002), SMD1 (P = 0.02), and SMDavg (P = 0.0001). VVAS scores correlated well with SMD1 and SMDavg scores. Changes in VVAS pre- and posttreatment scores corresponded to the changes seen in SMD1 and SMDavg scores. The VVAS shows validity and responsiveness to change. The VVAS can be used to detect clients with visual vertigo and to verify the progression of the client's symptoms.Video Abstract available for more insights from the authors (see Video, Supplemental Digital Content 1, http://links.lww.com/JNPT/A258).

THE DEVELOPMENT OF AN EMG CONTROLLER-BASED ROBOTIC GAIT TRAINING SYSTEM AND ITS CLINICAL FEASIBILITY FOR SUBACUTE STROKE PATIENTS IN IMPROVING LOCOMOTIVE FUNCTION

One-third of stroke survivors fail to regain independent ambulation and strokes have been identified as a significant source of long-term disability and a tremendous health burden. Robot-assisted gait rehabilitation is gaining traction and advocators for its inclusion as part of the routine post-stroke rehabilitation program are on the increase. However, despite the recent technological advances in the development and design of better robotics, the research evidence on the best model of robotic training remains sparse and unclear. It is therefore the aim of the current study to comparatively investigate the clinical feasibility and efficacy of a recently developed HIWIN Robotic Gait Training System (MRG-P100) combined with the use of a lab-developed MBS-E100 EMG system as a controller on facilitating the development of an appropriate gait pattern for motor impaired subacute stroke patients. The results indicated that due to the heterogeneity of stroke-induced changes in muscle characteristics, an “auto-fit” algorithm was required to allow constant monitoring and updating of the appropriate threshold based on EMG signals captured during previous gait cycle in order to determine the desired muscle activation threshold for the current gait cycle. Eighteen participants were tested using the new auto-fit algorithm and results demonstrated a significantly more fluent and physiologically appropriate gait pattern.

“Fibula plus Ilizarov”: a Simpler Strategy Than Bone Transport for Major Bone Defects in Children

Bone infection in children can cause extensive diaphyseal defects that are challenging to reconstruct. We report a modified technique of ours in 2 of our patients. One was a 10-year-old boy with 8 cm tibial defect and the other was 13-year-old boy with 7 cm femoral defect. The first stage of treatment involved radical debridement, sequestrectomy, antibiotic spacer application, stabilization with conventional external fixation, and 6 weeks of antibiotic therapy. The second stage of treatment consisted of intramedullary autologous fibular strut grafting stabilized with intramedullary K-wire supplemented with corticocancellous graft and stabilized with simple Ilizarov fixator. Patients began full weight bearing walking with fixator at three months of application. Fibular graft incorporated at 4 and 8 months for the femoral and tibial defects respectively. At follow-up of 3 years both patients are independent ambulators with preserved joint range of motion. We present this simple, cost-effective, and replicable technique.