Intermediate-term Follow-up Research Articles

Patient-reported outcomes following primary total hip arthroplasty in Crowe type III or IV developmental dysplasia are comparable to those in Crowe type I: a case-control study of 96 hips with intermediate-term follow-up

BackgroundA few previous studies have investigated patient satisfaction after total hip arthroplasty (THA) according to the degree of pelvic deformity. This study compared patient-reported outcomes after primary THA for Crowe types III, IV and I dysplasia.MethodsThis retrospective, single-center, single-surgeon case-control study included patients who underwent primary THA between 2008 and 2016. We sent postal questionnaires to 38 patients with Crowe type III and IV dysplasia. Among the questionnaire respondents, 23 patients, excluding those with a follow-up period of < 1 year, were enrolled as the H group. The control group included 46 patients with Crowe type I, matched for sex, age, body mass index and surgical approach. To investigate the influence of femoral shortening osteotomy, the H group was divided according to whether femoral shortening osteotomy was performed. Ten patients underwent THA with femoral shortening osteotomy (FO group), while 12 patients underwent THA without femoral shortening osteotomy (N-FO group). Patient demographics, mean follow-up period, surgical information, pre- and postoperative leg length discrepancy (LLD), and perioperative complications were investigated. Clinical evaluations were performed using the Japanese Orthopaedic Association (JOA) scores, 36-item short-form survey (SF-36), net promotor score (NPS), visual analogue scale (VAS), and questionnaires. The VAS and SF-36 scores were determined only at final follow-up.ResultsThe H and control groups were not significantly different in the postoperative JOA scores and SF-36. In the H group, VAS at the final follow-up was significantly higher, and significantly more patients felt that postoperative rehabilitation was serious, expressing that they underwent THA for LLD correction. In addition, the VAS scores in the FO group was higher than those in the N-FO group. Postoperative LLD was significantly greater in the H group than in the control group. Each group had an NPS of > 50.ConclusionThe postoperative VAS score was higher in Crowe type III and IV dysplasia than in Crowe type I dysplasia, but no significant differences were detected in the postoperative satisfaction, JOA score, and SF-36 score. These findings may help explain the effects of THA preoperatively to patients with Crowe type III and IV dysplasia.Level of evidenceTherapeutic Level 3b.

The Effectiveness of Virtual Reality in Patients With Spinal Pain: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Virtual reality (VR) technologies have been shown to be beneficial in various areas of health care; to date, there are no systematic reviews examining the effectiveness of VR technology for the treatment of spinal pain. To investigate the effectiveness of VR technology in the management of individuals with acute, subacute, and chronic spinal pain. Six electronic databases were searched until November 2019. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) assessing the effectiveness of VR were eligible for inclusion. Two independent reviewers extracted the data and assessed the risk of bias for each study and the overall quality of evidence. Mean differences of outcomes were pooled as appropriate using random-effects models. Seven RCTs with high risk of bias met review criteria. Quality of evidence ranged from very low to low quality. In patients with chronic neck pain, VR improved global perceived effect (GPE), satisfaction, and general health at short-term follow-up, as well as general health and balance at intermediate-term follow-up compared to kinematic training. VR improved pain intensity and disability at short-term and long-term follow-up compared to conventional proprioceptive training in patients with chronic neck pain. In patients with either subacute or chronic low back pain (LBP), VR improved pain, disability, and fear of movement compared to lumbar stabilization exercises and improved pain compared to conventional physical therapy (at short-term follow-up). In patients with chronic LBP, VR improved pain compared to lumbar stabilization exercises and improved fear of movement compared to conventional physical therapy (at short-term follow-up). VR's potential for improvement in outcomes for spinal pain that demonstrated statistical and/or clinical significance (pain intensity, disability, fear of movement, GPE, patient satisfaction, general health status, and balance) highlights the need for more focused, higher-quality research on the efficacy and effectiveness of VR for treatment of patients with spinal pain.

His bundle pacing–is it the final frontier of physiological pacing ?–A single centre experience from the Indian sub–Continent

BackgroundLong term right ventricular pacing can have deleterious effects on left ventricular (LV) function. His bundle pacing (HBP), a novel procedure can probably circumvent this setback. We investigated if (1) HBP is associated with pacing induced LV dysfunction by using LV global longitudinal strain (GLS) and (2) intermediate term performance of the Select Secure (3830) lead in the His bundle location. This report is probably the first on HBP in the Indian population. Methods61 patients, with normal LV ejection fraction (EF) with a guideline based indication for permanent pacing underwent a HBP pacemaker implantation using the His Select Secure 3830 lead; with lead guided mapping for locating the His bundle. The patients underwent GLS assessment; evaluation of the His lead parameters - sensing, impedance and capture thresholds immediately after implantation and at 6 months in addition to the standard follow up. ResultsAt 6 month follow up, the average GLS did not show significant variation from baseline in patients requiring ventricular pacing more than 40% and was similar, irrespective of selective or non selective His bundle pacing. All the patients had stable pacemaker parameters - with little change in capture threshold, lead impedance or sensing of the His bundle lead - implying electrical and mechanical stability on intermediate term follow-up. ConclusionHBP is a feasible procedure in the hands of an experienced operator, with stable lead performance. It does not appear to be associated with pacing mediated left ventricular dysfunction at intermediate term follow up. It should probably become the default method of permanent pacing.

Percutaneous coronary intervention of anomalous left circumflex coronary artery - A case series

We report a case series of 14 cases (mean age 54.14 ± 14.75 years) of successful percutaneous coronary intervention of anomalous left circumflex artery. While the intermediate-term follow-up (mean 36.0 ± 20.58 months) was uneventful in 12 patients, one died of a non-cardiac cause, while other lost to follow-up.

Needling therapies in the management of myofascial pain of the masticatory muscles: A network meta-analysis of randomised clinical trials.

A network meta-analysis (NMA) of randomised clinical trials (RCTs) was performed aiming to compare the treatment outcome of dry needling, acupuncture or wet needling using different substances in managing myofascial pain of the masticatory muscles (TMD-M). An electronic search was undertaken to identify RCTs published until September 2019, comparing dry needling, acupuncture or wet needling using local anaesthesia (LA), botulinum toxin-A (BTX-A), granisetron, platelet-rich plasma (PRP) or passive placebo versus real active placebo in patients with TMD-M. RCTs meeting the inclusion criteria were stratified according to the follow-up time: immediate post-treatment to 3weeks, and 1 to 6months post-treatment. Outcome variables were post-treatment pain intensity, increased mouth opening (MMO) and pressure threshold pain (PPT). The quality of evidence was rated according to Cochrane's tool for assessing risk of bias. Mean difference (MD) was used to analysed via frequentist NMA using Stata software. Twenty-one RCTs involving 959 patients were included. The quality of evidence of the included studies was low or very low. There was significant pain decrease after PRP when compared to an active/passive placebo and acupuncture. There was a significant improvement of MMO after LA (MD=3.65; CI: 1.18-6.1) and dry needling therapy (MD=2.37; CI: 0.66-4) versus placebo. The three highest ranked treatments for short-term post-treatment pain reduction in TMD-M (1-20days) were PRP (95.8%), followed by LA (62.5%) and dry needling (57.1%), whereas the three highest ranked treatments at intermediate-term follow-up (1-6months) were LA (90.2%), dry needling (66.1%) and BTX-A (52.1%) (all very low-quality evidence). LA (96.4%) was the most effective treatment regarding the increase in MMO followed by dry needling (72.4%). Based on this NMA, one can conclude that the effectiveness of needling therapy did not depend on needling type (dry or wet) or needling substance. The outcome of this NMA suggests that LA, BTX-A, granisetron and PRP hold some promise as injection therapies, but no definite conclusions can be drawn due to the low quality of evidence of the included studies. This NMA did not provide enough support for any of the needling therapies for TMD-M.

Intermediate-term Urinary Function and Complication Outcomes After Robot-Assisted Simple Prostatectomy

ObjectiveTo assess the incidence of delayed complications after robot-assisted simple prostatectomy and evaluate postoperative lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) as a function of time with intermediate-term follow-up. MethodsWe retrospectively reviewed 150 patients who underwent robot-assisted simple prostatectomy between May, 2013 and January, 2019. Indication for surgery was bothersome LUTS refractory to medical management and prostate volume ≥80 milliliters. The severity of LUTS was assessed using the International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS) and quality of life (QOL) score. One-way analysis of variance test with post hoc Tukey's honest significant difference test was used to compare postoperative IPSS and QOL scores as a function of time; P <.05 was considered significant. ResultsAt a mean ± SD follow up of 31.3 ± 18.2 months, none of the patients developed a bladder neck contracture and none of the patients required reoperation for LUTS. Postoperatively, IPSS and QOL scores decreased with an increasing duration of follow up (P <.001). Mean IPSS and QOL scores improved between 2 weeks and 3 months postoperatively (P = .027 and P = .006, respectively). After 3 months postoperatively, mean IPPS and QOL scores stabilized and remained unchanged up to 36 months of follow-up (all P >.05). ConclusionRobotic simple prostatectomy is associated with a low incidence of delayed complications at a mean of 31.3 months postoperatively. After robotic simple prostatectomy, urinary function outcomes improve in the early postoperative period with maximal improvement occurring at 3 months. Excellent urinary function outcomes are durable up to at least 36 months postoperatively.

Weight Gain After Simultaneous Kidney and Pancreas Transplantation.

Excessive weight (EW) gain is common after solid organ transplantation, but there is little information concerning obesity after pancreas transplantation. The study goal was to characterize EW gain after kidney-pancreas (KP) transplantation. This was a retrospective single-center review of 100 KP recipients transplanted between September 2007 and June 2015. The median percent weight gain for all recipients at 1 year posttransplant was 10% (interquartile range, 2.7%-19.3%) of baseline weight. EW gain, defined as greater than or equal to a 19% 1-year increase in weight, included all recipients (n = 26) above the upper limit of interquartile range for weight gain at 1 year. In multivariate analysis, recipient age <40 years, the use of tacrolimus/mammalian target of rapamycin immunosuppression, and an acute rejection event were independent risk factors for EW gain. At a mean follow-up of 43±23 months, there was no difference in patient or graft survival between the EW and non-EW cohorts. Although mean hemoglobin A1c levels between groups were equivalent, the EW versus non-EW cohort displayed a significant increase in mean insulin levels and a trend towards higher C-peptide levels. Criteria for posttransplant metabolic syndrome was met in 34.6% of EW versus 17.6% of non-EW cohorts (P = 0.07). At intermediate-term follow-up, EW gain after KP transplantation was not associated with an increased risk of death or graft loss, although there was a trend toward a greater risk of posttransplant metabolic syndrome. There may be a metabolic consequence of successful pancreas transplantation that results in EW gain in a proportion of recipients, leading to an increased risk of long-term cardiovascular complications.

Meta-analysis and systematic review of intermediate-term follow-up of prostatic urethral lift for benign prostatic hyperplasia.

Prostatic urethral lift (PUL), is a relatively new minimally invasive procedure for treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH).This article is a systematic review and meta-analysis of all the articles published including follow-up of at least 24months to analyze sustainability of results. We performed a critical review in according to the preferred reporting items for systematic review and meta-analysis (PRISMA) guidelines. From a total 768 published articles that matched our search terms, 5 studies with minimum follow-up of 24months were selected for comparison and data analyzed in terms of baseline characteristics, functional, and sexual health outcomes. Included in the analyses are five studies with a minimum follow-up of 24months. A total of 386 patients underwent PUL and 322 patients (83.4%) are available for follow-up at 24months. The randomized studies are grouped as group A and non-randomized studies as group B. At 24months, the mean reduction in International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS) from baseline was 9.1 in group A and 10.4 in group B. The mean improvement in peak flow rate (Qmax) was 3.7mL/s in group A and 3mL/s in group B, and quality of life (QoL) improved by 2.2 in both groups. PUL is a well-tolerated, minimally invasive therapy for BPH that provides favorable and durable symptomatic, sexual health, and functional outcomes up to 24months. Longer follow-up and randomized studies comparing to current standards are required to further confirm the long-term sustainability of PUL.

Programming implantable cardioverter–defibrillator in primary prevention: Guideline concordance and outcomes

Inappropriate therapy is a common adverse effect in patients with an implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) that may be prevented by appropriate programming. The purpose of this study was to assess the outcomes of device programming based on a 2015 HRS/EHRA/APHRS/SOLAECE expert consensus statement and a 2019 focused update on optimal ICD programming and testing. Consecutive patients who underwent ICD insertion for primary prevention from 2014-2016 at 3 centers were included in the retrospective analysis. Patients were classified into 2 groups based on the tachycardia programming at the time of implant: guideline concordant group (GC) and non-guideline concordant group (NGC). Kaplan-Meier analysis and Cox proportional hazard models were used to estimate freedom from ICD therapy (antitachycardia pacing or shock), ICD shock, and death. A total of 772 patients were included in the study (mean age 63.3 ± 13.8 years). Of this total, 258 patients (33.4%) were in the GC group and 514 patients (66.6%) were in the NGC group. During mean follow-up of 2.02 ± 0.91 years, guideline concordant programming was associated with a 53% reduction in ICD therapy (P<.01) and 50% reduction in ICD shock (P = .02). There were no significant differences in mortality (6% in GC group vs11% in NGC group; P = .22). Only one-third of the studied population had an ICD device programmed in concordance with current guidelines. ICD programming based on the current guidelines was associated with a significantly lower rate of ICD therapy and shock without changes in mortality during intermediate-term follow-up.

Renal function outcomes in the early and intermediate phases after radical cystectomy by ileal conduit.

Introduction and Objectives: An ileal conduit (IC) is an established option for urinary diversion, despite the fact that early renal impairment (RI) sometimes occurs after surgery. The aim of this study was to investigate the incidence and risk factors of early RI.Materials and Methods: Thirty-one patients diagnosed with muscle-invasive bladder cancer who underwent RC with IC were analyzed in this study. Early RI was defined as a greater than 25% decrease in estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) over the course of one year after surgery. The incidence and risk factors of early RI were evaluated.Results: The mean preoperative eGFR of the patients was 69.6 mL/min/1.73 m2. Early RI was observed in 7 (22.5%) patients. Multivariate analyses demonstrated that postoperative hydronephrosis was an independent risk factor for early RI (P=0.018). The mean intermediate-term eGFR change was −5.1 mL/min/1.73 m2 in patients with early RI and was greater than that (−2.9) in patients without early RI, although neither were statistically significantly different.Conclusion: Renal function after RC with IC decreased immediately over the course of one year, and postoperative hydronephrosis was an independent risk factor for early RI. Renal function had decreased slightly at intermediate-term follow-up with or without early RI.

Laparoscopic uterosacral ligament suspension vs laparoscopic sacral colpopexy in patients with pelvic organ prolapse: intermediate term follow-up of a retrospective study

Laparoscopic uterosacral ligament suspension vs laparoscopic sacral colpopexy in patients with pelvic organ prolapse: intermediate term follow-up of a retrospective study

Cardiovascular complications in patients with total cavopulmonary connection: A nationwide cohort study

BackgroundLong-term outcomes are not well established at the population level after completion of the total cavopulmonary connection (TCPC) among patients with functional univentricular hearts. PurposeTo evaluate the incidence of cardiovascular events after TCPC completion. MethodsFrom a validated population-based cohort, we identified 178 patients with TCPC circulation completed after January 1, 1995. We established a comparison cohort by frequency-matching patients 1:200 on sex, and month and year of birth to the general Danish population (n = 35,600 population controls). We started follow-up at date of TCPC completion for cases and, for controls, at the index date of their matched case. The risks of cardiovascular events were assessed using cumulative incidence rates and Poisson regression models adjusted for age, sex, and calendar year. ResultsThe median age at TCPC completion was 3.3 years (interquartile range 2.6 to 5.3 years). Over a median follow-up of 12.5 years, 10 (5.6%) TCPC patients died and 7 (4.5%) had a heart transplantation compared with a 0.2% mortality in the matched population. In TCPC patients, 15.7% had an arrhythmia (11.8% supraventricular tachycardia), 3.4% had a stroke (all ischemic), and 21.4% of TCPC patients initiated a combination of a diuretic and a renin-angiotensin system (RAS)-inhibitor. These rates were >50-fold higher than in the comparison cohort: 0.2% arrhythmia, 0.06% stroke, and 0.04% starting a diuretic and a RAS-inhibitor. ConclusionsPatients with TCPC circulation face a high risk of cardiovascular events during intermediate term follow-up.

Arthroscopic Microfracture for Osteochondral Lesions of the Talus: Functional Outcomes at a Mean of 6.7 Years in 165 Consecutive Ankles

Background: Arthroscopic microfracture for osteochondral lesions of the talus (OLT) has shown good functional outcomes. However, some studies have reported that functional outcomes deteriorate over time after surgery. Purpose: To use various functional scoring systems to evaluate functional outcomes in a large sample of patients with OLT treated by arthroscopic microfracture. Study Design: Case series; Level of evidence, 4. Methods: The study cohort consisted of 165 ankles (156 patients) that underwent arthroscopic microfracture for small to mid-sized OLT. The mean lesion size was 73 mm2 (range, 17-146 mm2), and the mean follow-up period was 6.7 years (range, 2.0-13.6 years). The Foot and Ankle Outcome Score (FAOS), American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society (AOFAS) ankle-hindfoot scale, visual analog scale (VAS) for pain, and 36-Item Short Form Health Survey (SF-36) were used to compare the functional outcomes between the preoperative and final follow-up assessments. Results: The mean FAOS significantly improved in regard to all subscores (P < .001). The AOFAS ankle-hindfoot scale showed an improvement from 71.0 points (range, 47.0-84.0) preoperatively to 89.5 points (range, 63.0-100) at the final follow-up (P < .001). The VAS score showed an improvement from 6.2 points (range, 4.0-9.0) preoperatively to 1.7 points (range, 0-6.0) at the final follow-up (P < .001). The mean SF-36 score improved from 62.4 points (range, 27.4-76.6) preoperatively to 76.2 points (range, 42.1-98.0) at the final follow-up (P < .001). Among 165 ankles, 22 ankles (13.3%) underwent repeat arthroscopic surgery for evaluation of repaired cartilage status. Conclusion: Arthroscopic microfracture showed good functional outcomes and improved quality of life with maintenance of satisfactory outcomes at a mean follow-up of 6.7 years. Therefore, arthroscopic microfracture seems to be reliable as a first-line treatment for OLT at an intermediate-term follow-up.

Functional Outcomes of Unstable Ankle Fractures in Adolescents.

The purpose of this study was to describe the functional outcomes and complications of unstable supination external rotation (SER) and pronation external rotation (PER) ankle fractures in adolescents. A secondary outcome was to compare functional outcomes of SER stage IV injuries that were treated definitively with closed reduction and cast application to a similar group of minimally displaced fractures treated with open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF). A retrospective review of adolescents aged 10 to 18 years with unstable ankle fractures treated at a single institution between 2009 and 2017 was conducted. All patients had functional outcomes data from the Foot and Ankle Ability Measure obtained at a minimum of 1-year follow-up. In total, 67 adolescents (41 SER, 26 PER) were included (mean follow-up: 52.3±24.8 mo). A total of 56 were treated with ORIF and 11 were closed reduced and casted. No patients treated nonsurgically had a loss of reduction and none required subsequent surgical intervention. Preoperative radiographic predictors of syndesmotic injury (>6 mm of tibiofibular clear space or <2 mm of tibiofibular overlap) were not sensitive and only moderately specific predictors of intraoperative syndesmotic injury. There was no difference in functional outcome between the 11 SER stage IV fractures treated nonoperatively and a group of minimally displaced SER injuries treated with ORIF. Patients with open or partially open physes had better functional outcomes. Patients with syndesmotic injuries, medial malleolus fractures, or fracture-dislocations were not associated with lower functional outcome scores in our adolescent cohort. Unstable SER and PER injuries in adolescents have favorable functional outcomes at intermediate-term follow-up, though a minority continue to have impaired ankle function. Minimally displaced SER stage IV injuries with near anatomic alignment after closed reduction can be successfully treated with continued closed management, and have no difference in functional outcomes compared with similar injuries treated with ORIF. Level III.

Dual Mobility Bearing Articulations Result in Lower Rates of Dislocation After Revision Total Hip Arthroplasty.

The purpose of our study is to directly compare the rates of instability after revision total hip arthroplasty (THA) between a modular dual mobility (DM) and a conventional polyethylene single-bearing surface. We retrospectively reviewed a consecutive series of patients who underwent revision THA from 2012 to 2016 at a single institution with a minimum of 2 years of follow-up. Rates of re-revision, dislocation, complications, and short-form (SF-12) scores were compared between the DM and single-bearing groups. To control for confounding variables, a multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed. Of the 267 revision THA patients, 94 patients had a DM bearing articulation (36%), whereas 173 patients (64%) had a conventional single-bearing with a mean follow-up of 37.8 months (range 24 to 73 months). The DM group was more likely to undergo revision THA for instability compared with the single-bearing group (8.5% versus 1.2%, P ≤ 0.005) but had reduced incidence of postoperative dislocations (2.1% versus 8.7%, P = 0.067) and no difference in the rates of re-revisions (9.6% versus 11.6%, P = 0.770). When controlling for confounding variables, patients who received a DM liner had lower rates of dislocation postoperatively than those of single-bearing (odds ratio 0.12, P = 0.019). Even with a selection bias of surgeons using DM for patients at high risk of instability, patients undergoing revision THA with a DM bearing have reduced rates of dislocation at the intermediate-term follow-up. Further study is needed to identify any potential longer-term complications which may result from a modular DM bearing.

Palliative care interventions for people with multiple sclerosis.

People with multiple sclerosis (MS) have complex symptoms and different types of needs. These demands include how to manage the burden of physical disability as well as how to organise daily life, restructure social roles in the family and at work, preserve personal identity and community roles, keep self-sufficiency in personal care, and how to be part of an integrated care network. Palliative care teams are trained to keep open full and competent lines of communication about symptoms and disease progression, advanced care planning, and end-of-life issues and wishes. Teams create a treatment plan for the total management of symptoms, supporting people and families on decision-making. Despite advances in research and the existence of many interventions to reduce disease activity or to slow the progression of MS, this condition remains a life-limiting disease with symptoms that impact negatively the lives of people with it and their families. To assess the effects (benefits and harms) of palliative care interventions compared to usual care for people with any form of multiple sclerosis: relapsing-remitting MS (RRMS), secondary-progressive MS (SPMS), primary-progressive MS (PPMS), and progressive-relapsing MS (PRMS) We also aimed to compare the effects of different palliative care interventions. On 31 October 2018, we conducted a literature search in the specialised register of the Cochrane MS and Rare Diseases of the Central Nervous System Review Group, which contains trials from CENTRAL, MEDLINE, Embase, CINAHL, LILACS, Clinical trials.gov and the World Health Organization International Clinical Trials Registry Platform. We also searched PsycINFO, PEDro and Opengrey. We also handsearched relevant journals and screened the reference lists of published reviews. We contacted researchers in palliative care and multiple sclerosis. Randomised controlled trials (RCTs) and cluster randomised trials were eligible for inclusion, as well as the first phase of cross-over trials. We included studies that compared palliative care interventions versus usual care. We also included studies that compared palliative care interventions versus another type of palliative interventions. We used standard Cochrane methodological procedures. We summarised key results and certainty of evidence in a 'Summary of Finding' table that reported outcomes at six or more months of post-intervention. Three studies (146 participants) met our selection criteria. Two studies compared multidisciplinary, fast-track palliative care versus multidisciplinary standard care while on a waiting-list control, and one study compared a multidisciplinary palliative approach versus multidisciplinary standard care at different time points (12, 16, and 24 weeks). Two were RCTs with parallel design (total 94 participants) and one was a cross-over design (52 participants). The three studies assessed palliative care as a home-based intervention. One of the three studies included participants with 'neurodegenerative diseases', with MS people being a subset of the randomised population. We assessed the risk of bias of included studies using Cochrane's 'Risk of Bias' tool.We found no evidence of differences between intervention and control groups in long-time follow-up (> six months post-intervention) for the following outcomes: mean change in health-related quality of life (SEIQoL - higher scores mean better quality of life; MD 4.80, 95% CI -12.32 to 21.92; participants = 62; studies = 1; very low-certainty evidence), serious adverse events (RR 0.97, 95% CI 0.44 to 2.12; participants = 76; studies = 1, 22 events, low-certainty evidence) and hospital admission (RR 0.78, 95% CI 0.24 to 2.52; participants = 76; studies = 1, 10 events, low-certainty evidence).The three included studies did not assess the following outcomes at long term follow-up (> six months post intervention): fatigue, anxiety, depression, disability, cognitive function, relapse-free survival, and sustained progression-free survival.We did not find any trial that compared different types of palliative care with each other. Based on the findings of the RCTs included in this review, we are uncertain whether palliative care interventions are beneficial for people with MS. There is low- or very low-certainty evidence regarding the difference between palliative care interventions versus usual care for long-term health-related quality of life, adverse events, and hospital admission in patients with MS. For intermediate-term follow-up, we are also uncertain about the effects of palliative care for the outcomes: health-related quality of life (measured by different assessments: SEIQoL or MSIS), disability, anxiety, and depression.

Outcomes of Total Ankle Arthroplasty in Ankles with >20° of Coronal Plane Deformity.

A preoperative severe coronal plane deformity of >20° has been considered a contraindication for total ankle arthroplasty. We aimed to evaluate whether outcomes of total ankle arthroplasty in ankles with severe coronal plane deformity (20° to 35° of varus or valgus) are comparable with those with moderate deformity (5° to 15° of varus or valgus). A total of 148 consecutive ankles (142 patients) that underwent primary total ankle arthroplasty using the HINTEGRA prosthesis were included. The overall mean follow-up duration was 74 months (range, 24 to 160 months). We divided all patients into 2 groups according to the preoperative coronal plane tibiotalar angle: the severe group (36 patients, 41 ankles) and the moderate group (106 patients, 107 ankles). Clinical and radiographic outcomes were analyzed for intergroup differences, and multivariable regression was used to adjust for baseline characteristics. Patients in each group showed similar characteristics in mean age, sex, mean body mass index, and median follow-up duration. At a mean follow-up of 74 months, we found no significant intergroup difference in the Ankle Osteoarthritis Scale pain and disability score, American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society ankle-hindfoot score, Short Form-36 Physical Component Summary score, visual analog scale pain score, or ankle range of motion (p > 0.05). However, the final tibiotalar angle, talar tilt angle, and number of outliers were greater in the severe group (p < 0.05). Complication rates did not show a significant difference between the 2 groups (p > 0.05). The overall survival probability of the implant was 91.3% (92.3% in the severe group and 90.7% in the moderate group) (p = 0.354). Total ankle arthroplasty in ankles with preoperative severe coronal plane deformity showed satisfactory and comparable clinical outcomes without increasing complication rates relative to those with moderate deformity in the intermediate-term follow-up. Our results suggested that total ankle arthroplasty may be considered in ankles with deformity of >20°. Prognostic Level III. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

The Effects of Lateral Ligaments Augmentation Using Suture-tape on Functional Ankle Instability

Category:SportsIntroduction/Purpose:Although lateral ligaments augmentation using suture-tape has been effective for restoration of mechanical ankle stability, few data are available regarding changes of peroneal strength, proprioception and postural control. The aim of this study was to determine effects of suture-tape augmentation on functional ankle instability (FAI).Methods:Twenty-four patients that underwent suture-tape augmentation were eligible and were followed more than two years postoperatively. Functional outcomes were evaluated with the Cumberland Ankle Instability Tool (CAIT), Foot and Ankle Ability Measure (FAAM). Changes of peroneal strength, proprioception and postural control were analyzed with an isokinetic dynamometer and a modified Romberg test.Results:CAIT and FAAM significantly improved to average 27.2 points, 86.7 points at final followup. Peak torque for eversion in 60º/sec angular velocity significantly improved to 10.6 Nm at final followup. Deficit ratio of peak torque for eversion significantly improved from mean 39.5% to 20.9%, and significant side to side difference was revealed (P < .001). There were no significant differences in joint position sense. A significant improvement in balance retention time was revealed at final followup and relative deficit ratio compared to unaffected side was 30.9%.Conclusion:Patient-reported functional outcomes significantly improved after lateral ligaments augmentation using suture-tape. Although this procedure demonstrated significant effects on FAI based on improvement of isokinetic peroneal strength and postural control, recovery rates compared to the unaffected side were insufficient at the intermediate-term followup. In addition, there was no significantly positive effect on proprioception of the ankle.

Intermediate-Term Outcomes of Trapeziectomy With a Modified Abductor Pollicis Longus Suspension Arthroplasty

Purpose There is limited literature characterizing intermediate-term surgical and clinical outcomes of basal thumb arthritis after trapeziectomy and modified abductor pollicis longus suspension arthroplasty (APLSA). We hypothesized that patients who underwent APLSA would have favorable intermediate-term outcomes. Methods Patients were contacted after APLSA at a median follow-up of 4.8 years (interquartile range, 3.0–6.0 years). Follow-up clinical evaluation included grip, key pinch, and tip pinch strength. We obtained patient-reported outcomes surveys: visual analog pain score and Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand score. Information on demographics, surgical information, and complications was obtained from the electronic medical record and patient interviews. Results This study evaluated 66 hands in 60 patients (51 women and 9 men, average age 60.4 years at surgery). At the time of index surgery, 8% of hands had prior ipsilateral surgery (not involving the carpometacarpal joint), 56% had concurrent ipsilateral surgery (35% carpal tunnel release, 32% hemitrapezoid resection, 22% other soft tissue procedures (mucous cyst excision, ganglion cyst excision, or trigger finger release), 5% metacarpal capsulodesis, and 5% metacarpal arthrodesis. Median time between operation and most recent evaluation was 4.8 years (interquartile range, 3.0–6.0 years). Operative hand grip (18.7 ± 11.1 kg), key pinch (4.7 ± 2.1 kg), and tip pinch (3.2 ± 1.7 kg) strength was 94%, 84%, and 86%, respectively, of nonsurgical grip, key pinch, and tip pinch strength. Median (interquartile range) outcomes were a visual analog pain score of 0.0 (0.0–2.0) and Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand score of 9.1 (2.3–26.1). Conclusions Results at 4.8 years for APLSA demonstrated 84% to 94% grip, key pinch, and tip pinch compared with the contralateral side. Patients experienced little to no pain in the operated joint and minimal disability of the upper extremity at intermediate-term follow-up. Abductor pollicis longus suspension arthroplasty is a favorable procedure for achieving pain relief and functional use associated with basal thumb arthritis. Type of study/level of evidence Prognostic IV.

Intermediate to Long-Term Clinical and Radiographic Results of Deltoid Ligament Reconstruction with Tendon Graft

Category:Ankle, Hindfoot, FlatfootIntroduction/Purpose:Adult acquired flatfoot deformity (AAFD) is a complex deformity characterized by hindfoot valgus, medial longitudinal arch collapse, midfoot abduction, and forefoot supination. In its most advanced stages (stage IV), the deltoid ligament is compromised, which leads to valgus talar tilt at the tibiotalar joint. This talar tilt puts patients at high risk of developing ankle arthritis necessitating ankle arthrodesis or arthroplasty. Tendon graft reconstruction of the deltoid ligament has previously demonstrated good clinical and radiographic outcomes at short to intermediate-term follow-up but controversy over efficacy of the procedure remains. The goal of the current study was to present the intermediate to long-term clinical and radiographic outcomes of the largest series to date of patients undergoing this procedure.Methods:Data from a prospectively collected Foot and Ankle Registry was reviewed. All consecutive patients undergoing deltoid ligament reconstruction with tendon allograft or autograft as part of their flatfoot surgery by the senior author prior to 1/1/2015 were eligible for inclusion. Patients with radiographic follow-up of <3 years were asked to return for follow-up under an IRB- approved study protocol. Patients missing preoperative radiographs or unable to complete follow-up were excluded from radiographic analysis. Measurements of talar tilt were performed on AP ankle x-rays by two observers (Figure 1). Reliability analysis was performed using intraclass correlation. Preoperative Foot and Ankle Outcome Scores (FAOS) were obtained from the registry. Patients were contacted to complete postoperative FAOS and PROMIS surveys. Paired t-tests were used to evaluate changes in talar tilt and clinical outcomes. P-values of less than 0.05 were considered significant.Results:35 feet/34 patients were eligible. Two feet/patients failed treatment (one ankle fusion, one deep infection and amputation). Three patients were deceased, two unable to follow-up due to unrelated medical problems, one missing preoperative imaging, and five unwilling to return for long-term follow-up. None of these patients failed treatment at last follow-up. 21 feet/20 patients (7/7 female) underwent radiographic analysis. Mean age at surgery was 58.4 (43.8-80.9) years. Interobserver agreement assessing change in talar tilt was excellent (ICC=.892). At mean radiographic follow-up of 10.3 (4.1-18.3) years, talar tilt improved significantly from an average of 9.71 +/- 6.22 degrees preoperatively to 3.63 +/- 3.27 degrees valgus postoperatively (p<.001). All FAOS subscores improved significantly pre to postoperatively. Postoperative PROMIS scores were comparable to or better than population means.Conclusion:Our findings demonstrate that deltoid ligament reconstruction with tendon graft enables radiographic correction, though not always complete, in patients with stage IV AAFD over the medium to long-term. Although limited by the sample size, our study demonstrates overall good clinical outcomes with few treatment failures. Though accessory procedures performed routinely at the time of flatfoot reconstruction present possible confounding variables, untreated ankle valgus likely leads to worsening deformity and ankle arthritis. Although the correction is not necessarily full, surgical reconstruction of the ligament may preclude patients from requiring joint sacrificing procedures such as ankle fusion or replacement over the long-term.