Preoperative Data Research Articles

Comprehensive analysis of radiological and surgical predictors in cervical sympathetic schwannomas: a novel staging approach and its implications.

Vagal schwannomas are well-documented, but cervical sympathetic chain schwannomas (CSCS) are rare, with most knowledge from case reports. This study aims to identify radiological predictors of misdiagnosis and factors guiding surgical approaches based on tumor size and extent. An ambispective analysis was conducted on 21 cases of CSCS, examining preoperative data, intraoperative findings and the questionnaire to identify the potential predictors. Tumors were classified into three types based on their relationship with the carotid sheath, and this classification was correlated with vessel ligation and postoperative neural outcomes. An excellent agreement was found between radiologist on new classification system(Kappa:0.89). Tumor classification revealed a diverse distribution, with 6 cases identified as Type 1, 6 as Type 2, 5 as Type 3, and 4 as Type 3S. The necessity of external carotid artery (ECA) ligation correlated with the tumor type. Type 3 tumors required ECA ligation in 50% of cases, while Type 1 and Type 2 tumors predominantly involved vascular preservation. Postoperative complications included vagal palsy in 28.5% of cases and first bite syndrome in 71.4%. Accurate preoperative planning and a novel staging system can enhance surgical outcomes and reduce postoperative complications as validated by our study.

The lack of causal link between myopia and intraocular pressure: Insights from cross-sectional analysis and Mendelian randomization study

ObjectiveThis study aimed to explore the potential causal relationship between intraocular pressure (IOP) and myopia. MethodsThe study included 3,459 patients who underwent corneal refractive surgery at our institution between 2021 and 2023. Preoperative data on IOP, spherical equivalent (SE), axial length (AL), and corneal thickness (CCT) were collected. The association between IOP and myopia was investigated through rank correlation analysis, and causal inference was examined using Mendelian randomization (MR) methods, including MR-Egger, weighted median, mode-based estimation, simple mode, and inverse variance weighted (IVW) approaches. Utilizing summary statistics from genome-wide association studies (GWAS), IOP was considered as the exposure, with myopia as the outcome variable. IVW method was employed for the primary analysis, supplemented by sensitivity analyses. ResultsCross-sectional analysis revealed a non-significant association between corrected IOP (cIOP) and myopia (r = -0.019, P = 0.12). MR analysis indicated a non-significant genetic causal relationship between cIOP and myopia under the IVW method (OR = 1.001; 95 % CI [0.999–1.003], P = 0.22), a finding corroborated in replication samples (OR = 0.98; 95 % CI [0.96–1.00], P = 0.099). ConclusionThis study did not find a direct causal link between IOP and the development of myopia. These findings challenge the traditional role attributed to IOP in the progression of myopia and highlight the complex, multifactorial process of myopia development. This provides a new perspective on understanding the intricate mechanisms behind myopia progression.

Elevated preoperative lower esophageal sphincter pressure predicts improved clinical outcomes after per oral endoscopic myotomy (POEM).

Although per oral endoscopic myotomy (POEM) has shown to be beneficial forthe treatment ofachalasia, it can be difficult to predict who will have a robust and long-lasting response. Historically, it hasbeen shownthat higher lower esophageal sphincter pressures havebeen associatedwith poorer responses to alternative endoscopic therapies such as Botox therapy and pneumatic dilation. This studywas designedto evaluate if modern preoperative manometric data could similarly predict response totherapyafter POEM. This was a retrospective study of 237 patients who underwent POEM at a single institution over a period of 13years (2011-2023) and who had a high-resolution manometry performed preoperativelyandan Eckardt symptom score performed both preoperative and postoperatively. The achalasia type and integrated relaxation pressures (IRP) were tested for potential correlation with the need for any further achalasia interventions postoperativelyaswell asthe degree of Eckardt score reduction using a linear regression model. The Achalasia type on preoperative manometry was not predictive for further interventions or degree of Eckardt score reduction (p = 0.76 and 0.43, respectively). A higher IRP was not predictive of the need forfurtherinterventions, however, it was predictive of agreaterreduction in postoperative Eckardt scores (p = 0.03)asshown by the non-zero regression slope. In this study, achalasia type was not a predictive factor in the need for further interventions or the degree of symptom relief.Although IRPwas not predictive ofthe need for further interventions, a higher IRPdid predictbetter symptomatic relief postoperatively.This result is opposite that of other endoscopic treatment modalities (Botox and pneumatic dilation). Therefore, patients with higher IRP on preoperative high-resolution manometry would likely benefit from POEMwhichprovides significant symptomatic relief postoperatively.

Perioperative outcomes using computer navigation in primary total shoulder arthroplasty

IntroductionThe utilization of computer navigation to improve glenoid component placement in primary total shoulder arthroplasty (TSA) is becoming increasingly prevalent. However, there is a paucity of literature examining the perioperative outcomes and cost of this technology compared to standard instrumentation. The purpose of this study was to compare the perioperative complications and healthcare utilization between computer navigation and standard instrumentation in primary TSA. MethodsThe Nationwide Readmissions Database was queried from 2016 to 2020 to identify patients who underwent elective primary TSA. Patients who underwent TSA with computer navigation (n = 752) were propensity score matched in a 1:3 proportion to patients who underwent TSA with standard instrumentation (n = 2256) for age, sex, smoking status, alcohol abuse, hypertension, diabetes mellitus, congestive heart failure, obesity, peripheral vascular disease, chronic kidney disease, chronic liver disease, and chronic lung disease. Bivariate statistical analyses were performed to compare preoperative demographic and comorbidity data, postoperative complications, and hospital utilization metrics between the 2 groups. Chi-square and student t-tests identified differences in categorical and continuous variables, respectively. ResultsPatients undergoing TSA with computer navigation exhibited lower rates of revision within 180 days (P < .001) and lower rates of certain postoperative medical and surgical complications, including acute renal failure (P = .006), urinary tract infection (P = .015), acute respiratory distress syndrome (P = .045), surgical site infection (P = .022), dislocation (P = .012), and prosthetic loosening (P = .032). Computer navigation patients had a higher cost of initial admission (P < .001) but were less likely to have extended hospital stays (P = .047), less likely to be discharged with home healthcare (P < .001), and more likely to be discharged routinely (P < .001). ConclusionTSA with computer navigation was associated with lower revision rates and reduced postoperative complications. Although greater initial costs were observed, decreased extended hospital stays and more routine discharges show promise for long-term cost efficiency. These findings underscore the advantages of computer navigation in TSA and should be considered by orthopedic surgeons when evaluating choice of instrumentation.

Stroke after heart valve surgery: a single center institution report

IntroductionStroke is a potentially debilitating complication of heart valve replacement surgery, with rates ranging from 1 to 10%. Despite advancements in surgical techniques, the incidence of postoperative stroke remains a significant concern, impacting patient outcomes and healthcare resources. This study aims to investigate the incidence, risk factors, and outcomes of in-hospital adverse neurologic events, particularly stroke, following valve replacement. The analysis focuses on identifying patient characteristics and procedural factors associated with increased stroke risk.MethodsThis retrospective study involves a review of 417 consecutive patients who underwent SVR between January 2004 and December 2022. The study cohort was extracted from a prospectively recorded cardiac intensive care unit database. Preoperative and perioperative data were collected, and subjects with specific exclusion criteria were omitted from the analysis. The analysis includes demographic information, preoperative risk factors, and perioperative variables.ResultsThe study identified a 4.3% incidence of postoperative stroke among SVR patients. Risk factors associated with increased stroke susceptibility included prolonged cardiopulmonary bypass time, aortic cross-clamp duration exceeding 90 min, prior stroke history, diabetes mellitus, and mitral valve annulus calcification. Patients undergoing combined procedures, such as aortic valve replacement with mitral valve replacement or coronary artery bypass grafting with AVR and MVR, (OR = 10.74, CI:2.65–43.44, p-value = < 0.001) and (OR = 11.66, CI:1.02–132.70, p-value = 0.048) respectively, exhibited elevated risks. Internal carotid artery stenosis (< 75%) and requiring prolonged inotropic support were also associated with increased stroke risk(OR = 3.04, CI:1.13–8.12, P-value = 0.026). The occurrence of stroke correlated with extended intensive care unit stay (OR = 1.12, CI: 1.04–1.20, P-value = 0.002) and heightened in-hospital mortality.ConclusionIn conclusion, our study identifies key risk factors and underscores the importance of proactive measures to reduce postoperative stroke incidence in surgical valve replacement patients.

Preoperative prediction of early mortality after surgery for spinal metastases.

The objective of this study was to provide a convenient preoperative prediction of the risk of early postoperative mortality. This retrospective study included patients who underwent surgery for spinal metastasis at our hospital between 2009 and 2021. Preoperative blood test data of all patients were collected, and the survival time was calculated by dividing the blood data. A multivariate analysis was conducted using a Cox proportional hazards model to identify prognostic factors. The study population included 83 patients (average: 64.5years), 22 of whom died within 3 months. The most common lesion was the thoracic spine, and incomplete paralysis was observed in 57 patients. The surgical methods included posterior implant fixation (n=17), posterior decompression (n=31), and posterior decompression with fixation (n=35). In the univariate analysis, the presence of abnormal values was significantly associated with postoperative survival in six preoperative blood collection items (hemoglobin, C-reactive protein, albumin, white blood cell, gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase, and lactate dehydrogenase). In a multivariate analysis, four test items (hemoglobin, C-reactive protein, white blood cell, and lactate dehydrogenase) were identified as independent prognostic factors.Comparing cases with ≥3 abnormal values among the above four items (high-risk group; n=23) and those with ≤2 (low-risk group; n=60), there was a significant difference in survival time. In addition, it was possible to predict cases of early death within 3months after surgery with 73% sensitivity and 89% specificity. The study showed that four preoperative blood test abnormalities (hemoglobin, C-reactive protein white blood cell, and lactate dehydrogenase) indicated the possibility of early death within 3months after surgery.

WP2.10 - The Future of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Surgery

Abstract Aims Artificial intelligence (AI) has revolutionised many industries, especially in the field of medicine. However, its application in medical surgery has been limited. Our study aims to review current literature surrounding AI’s use in surgery and identify potential future application of this new technology. We look at the preoperative, intra-operative, and postoperative phases of a patient’s surgical journey and see how AI can improve each component. Methods A selective literature review was conducted by gathering 19 relevant research papers of interest related to AI in surgery. These studies were collected from PubMed and papers only published from the past 5 years were included. Of the 19 papers 11 were included in the final review. Results This review reveals numerous applications of AI in surgery, primarily showcasing its accuracy in preoperative patient data analysis with high sensitivities of 89%. Secondly intra-operatively AI can provide guidance through supervised machine learning and computer vision with accuracies as high as 95%. Finally, postoperatively AI has been shown to have a high accuracy at preoperative prediction of surgical site readmission rates, diabetes remission and personalised weight loss trajectories. Conclusions The findings of this review demonstrate the transformative ability of AI on various stages of the surgical journey. While demonstrating significant promise, challenges such as ethical considerations and regulatory frameworks need to be addressed to ensure responsible and safe integration. The new advancements shown in AI provide the foundation for future research into the technology.

Predictive Factors of Transient Urinary Incontinence Following Holmium Laser Enucleation of the Prostate (HoLEP): Single-Center Experience.

Background and Objectives: The aim of this study was to assess the predictive factors associated with transient urine incontinence (TUI) following holmium laser enucleation of the prostate (HoLEP). Materials and Methods: A retrospective analysis was conducted on a prospectively maintained database containing the first 149 consecutive HoLEP cases between June 2022 and December 2023. The study recorded several patient characteristics, and preoperative data such as IPSS score, total gland volume, preoperative catheterization, Qmax, and PVR volume were collected. During the operation, data on total operating time, enucleation time, morcellation time, and weight of enucleated tissue were recorded. Finally, postoperative data were also documented. TUI refers to a patient's complaint of urine leakage, irrespective of type. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed to determine factors that predict TUI. Results: The study included 119 patients with BPH. Nineteen (15.96%) of them experienced postoperative TUI. Of those 19 patients, 15 (78.94%) recovered within three months from the date of the surgery. In the multivariate regression analysis, increased age (odds ratio [OR], 3.47; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.56~7.78; p = 0.002), prostate volume ≥ 100 mL (OR 1.86; 95% CI 1.54-2.13; p = 0.001), preoperative PVR volume ≥ 250 mL (OR 1.22; 95% CI 1.10-1.32; p = 0.02), preoperative catheterization (OR, 0.56; 95% CI 0.34-0.78; p = 0.003), increased operation time (OR, 3.87; 95% CI 1.62-4.19; p = 0.002), and resected tissue weight ≥ 40 g (OR, 1.032; 95% CI, 1.015-1.048; p = 0.002) were found to be independent predictors of TUI. Conclusions: The incidence of TUI following HoLEP was found to be 15.96% in patients, with a recovery rate of 78.94% within three months post-surgery. Predictive factors for TUI included age at surgery, prostatic volume, preoperative catheterization, high PVR, longer operative time, and resected tissue weight.

Intraoperative cone-beam computed tomography for catheter placement verification in pediatric hydrocephalus: technical note.

Ventriculoperitoneal (VP) shunt placement, essential for managing hydrocephalus, often risks catheter malpositioning, especially in patients with small ventricles. We present a novel technique combining neuronavigation with intraoperative cone-beam computed tomography using the BrainLab system and Loop-X mobile imaging unit. This approach enables real-time verification of catheter placement by integrating preoperative MRI data with intraoperative CT imaging. In a 12-year-old boy with therapy-refractory idiopathic intracranial hypertension, neuronavigation was guided by the BrainLab Skull Fix and Cushing canula, ensuring precise catheter insertion into the right frontal horn. Post-placement, Loop-X facilitated immediate verification of the catheter's trajectory and positioning, corroborated by postoperative MRI. This technique demonstrated high precision and minimized radiation exposure, emphasizing its utility in reducing revision rates due to suboptimal catheter placement.

Clinical effect of free chimeric anterolateral thigh flap and chimeric thoracodorsal artery perforator flap in chronic osteomyelitis

BackgroundChronic osteomyelitis poses a formidable challenge for orthopedic practitioners in the realm of clinical practice. Chimeric perforator flap is a commonly used repair method for chronic osteomyelitis. The purpose of this study was to compare the clinical efficacy of chimeric anterolateral thigh flap (C-ALTP) and chimeric thoracodorsal artery perforator flap (C-TDAP) for the treatment of chronic osteomyelitis. MethodsA retrospective analysis was performed on patients with chronic osteomyelitis of the lower extremity who underwent two kinds of treatment with chimeric perforator flaps from January 2014 to March 2022. The preoperative basic data, the operative and postoperative basic information of the two groups were collected and statistically analyzed. ResultsSixty-six patients were included in this study, and both groups achieved good aesthetic and functional results. Intraoperative results showed that the intraoperative blood loss and flap acquisition time in the C-TDAP group were less than those in the C-ALTP group. The incidence of postoperative complications in the donor and recipient sites in the C-TDAP group was significantly lower than that in the C-ALTP group, which led to a high reoperation rate in the C-ALTP group. Long-term follow-up showed that the wound healing time and weight-bearing walking time in the C-TDAP group were less than those in the C-ALTP group. ConclusionsBoth chimeric perforator flaps can effectively treat osteomyelitis with composite tissue defects, effectively eliminate inflammation of affected limbs and promote wound healing. However, C-TDAP flaps have more reliable healing effects on wounds and donor sites, and have fewer complications. Level of evidenceIII, Case–control study.

Analysis of Risk Factors Associated with Proximal Junctional Kyphosis Following Long Instrumented Fusion from L1 to Sacrum: Age Itself Does Not Independently Increase the Risk.

Background and Objectives: This study is a retrospective analysis aimed at understanding the incidence and risk factors of proximal junctional kyphosis (PJK) following long-instrumented spinal fusion from L1 to the sacrum in patients with mild to moderate sagittal imbalance. Materials and Methods: It recruited consecutive patients undergoing instrumented fusion from L1 to the sacrum for degenerative lumbar disease between June 2006 and November 2019 in a single institution. The patients' preoperative clinical data, muscle status at T12-L1 on magnetic resonance images, and sagittal spinopelvic parameters were analyzed. Univariate analysis was used to compare clinical and radiographic data between PJK and non-PJK patients. Logistic regression analysis was used to investigate the independent risk factors for PJK. Results: A total of 56 patients were included in this study. The mean age at surgery was 67.3 years and mean follow-up period was 37.3 months. In total, 10 were male and 46 were female. PJK developed in 23 (41.1%) out of 56; of these patients, 20 (87.0%) developed PJK within 1 year postoperatively. In the univariate analysis between PJK and non-PJK patients, the PJK group showed more frequent osteoporosis, lower body mass index, smaller cross-sectional area (CSA) and more fat infiltration (FI) in erector spinae muscle at T12-L1 and larger preoperative TLK and PT with statistical significance (p < 0.05). In the logistic regression analysis, severe (>50%) FI in erector spinae muscle (OR = 43.60, CI 4.10-463.06, R2N = 0.730, p = 0.002) and osteoporosis (OR = 20.49, CI 1.58-264.99, R2N = 0.730, p = 0.021) were statistically significant. Conclusions: Preexisting severe (>50%) fat infiltration in the erector spinae muscle and osteoporosis were independent risk factors associated with PJK following instrumented fusion from L1 to the sacrum, but age was not a risk factor.

Multicentre investigation on the effect of decompressive surgery on Balance and physical ActiviTy Levels amongst patients with lumbar Spinal stenosis (B-ATLAS): protocol for a prospective cohort study

IntroductionPatients with lumbar spinal stenosis may have poor balance, decreased physical function and problems maintaining physical activity levels due to radiculopathy. Decompressive surgery is often indicated if conservative management fails...

Prediction of transfusion risk after total knee arthroplasty: use of a machine learning algorithm

IntroductionTotal knee arthroplasty (TKA) carries a significant hemorrhagic risk, with a non-negligible rate of postoperative transfusions. The blood-sparing strategy has evolved to reduce blood loss after TKA by identifying the patient's risk factors preoperatively. In practice, a blood count is often performed postoperatively but rarely altering the patient's subsequent management. This study aimed to identify the preoperative variables associated with hemorrhagic risk, enabling the creation of a machine-learning model predictive of transfusion risk after total knee arthroplasty and the need for a complete blood count. HypothesisBased on preoperative data, a powerful machine learning predictive model can be constructed to estimate the risk of transfusion after total knee arthroplasty. Material and methodsThis retrospective single-centre study included 774 total knee arthroplasties (TKA) operated between January 2020 and March 2023. Twenty-five preoperative variables were integrated into the machine learning model and filtered by a recursive feature elimination algorithm. The most predictive variables were selected and used to construct a gradient-boosting machine algorithm to define the overall postoperative transfusion risk model. Two groups were formed of patients transfused and not transfused after TKA. Odds ratios were determined, and the area under the curve evaluated the model's performance. ResultsOf the 774 TKA surgery patients, 100 were transfused postoperatively (12.9%). The machine learning predictive model included five variables: age, body mass index, tranexamic acid administration, preoperative hemoglobin level, and platelet count. The overall performance was good with an area under the curve of 0.97 [95% CI 0.921 - 1], sensitivity of 94.4% [95% CI 91.2 - 97.6], and specificity of 85.4% [95% CI 80.6 - 90.2]. The tool developed to assess the risk of blood transfusion after TKA is available at https://arthrorisk.com. ConclusionThe risk of postoperative transfusion after total knee arthroplasty can be predicted by a model that identifies patients at low, moderate, or high risk based on five preoperative variables. This machine learning tool is available on a web platform that is accessible to all, easy to use, and has a high prediction performance. The model aims to limit the need for routine check-ups, depending on the risk presented by the patient. Level of evidenceII; diagnostic study

Comparative Study for Safety and Efficacy of OAGB and SADJB-SG: A Retrospective Study.

Obesity and related complications are managed by One Anastomosis Gastric Bypass (OAGB) and Single Anastomosis Duodeno-Jejunal Bypass with Sleeve Gastrectomy (SADJB-SG), both of which are adapted from traditional gastric bypass procedures. However, there are no current comparative studies on the safety and efficacy of these two surgical procedures. Preoperative baseline data of patients who had undergone OAGB and SADJB-SG surgeries from June 2019 to June 2021 were retrospectively analyzed at our bariatric facility. Postoperative data, including weight changes, improvement in type 2 diabetes (T2DM), and complication rates were collected over 2 years. This was followed by a comprehensive evaluation of the safety and efficacy of the two surgical procedures. A total of 63 patients completed the follow-up in this study. At the 24-month follow-up, excess weight loss percentage (EWL%) for the OAGB and SADJB-SG was 73.970±5.005 and 75.652±7.953, respectively (P-value = 0.310); total weight loss percentage (TWL%) was 24.006±8.231 and 23.171±6.600, respectively (P-value = 0.665). The diabetes remission rates for the two groups were 71.429% and 69.048%, respectively (P-value = 0.846). The cost for OAGB was 55088.208±1508.220 yuan, which was significantly lower than the 57538.195±1374.994 yuan for SADJB-SG (P-value< 0.001). The two surgical procedures are reliable in terms of safety and efficacy, and each has distinct advantages. While OAGB has reduced operational expenses, SADJB-SG offers a broader range of applicability.

Neuro Navigation Versus Conventional Spinal Techniques in Analyzing Nerve Injury and Anatomical Accuracy: A Systematic Review.

Neuronavigation, a computer-assisted surgical technique, enhances the accuracy of spinal surgery by using medical imaging to guide the surgeon's instruments. This method mitigates the serious complications of screw misplacement, such as dural tears, nerve damage, vascular injuries, and internal organ damage, by integrating pre-operative imaging data with real-time intraoperative sensor readings. Because of this integration, it is possible to visualize the spine in three dimensions, guaranteeing accurate instrument placement and greatly lowering the risk of complications. Despite its growing popularity, the benefits of neuronavigation in spinal instrumentation are debated. While some studies report improved accuracy in pedicle screw placement, others find no significant difference compared to conventional freehand techniques. Further research is required to determine the long-term benefits of neuronavigation, including its impact on patient outcomes, like reduced pain and improved function. This systematic review will evaluate the evidence on the risks and benefits of neuronavigation in spinal instrumentation surgery, compared to conventional techniques.

Clinical efficacy of one-stage anterior debridement and bone graft fusion for the treatment of cervical pyogenic spondylodiscitis

Objective: To investigate the efficacy of one-stage anterior debridement and bone graft fusion for the treatment of cervical pyogenic spondylodiscitis. Methods: This is a retrospective case series study. Retrospective analysis of clinical data from 23 patients with cervical pyogenic spondylodiscitis treated with one-stage anterior approach debridement and bone graft fusion was performed in the Department of Spinal Surgery, the First Affiliated Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University from January 2015 to January 2020. There were 14 males and 9 females,aged (51.9±12.8) years (range:26 to 82 years). Preoperatively, 14 patients had neurological deficits, classified according to the American Spinal Injury Association (ASIA) impairment scale as follows: grade A in 1 case, grade B in 1 case, grade C in 5 cases, and grade D in 7 cases. All patients underwent the one-stage anterior debridement and fusion procedure. The surgical time, blood loss, hospital stay, fusion time, and surgical complications were documented. Clinical efficacy was assessed using the visual analogue scale (VAS), the neck disability index (NDI), and the ASIA impairment scale. Preoperative and postoperative data were compared using paired sample t tests, repeated measures analysis of variance, and generalized estimating equations. Results: All the 23 patients underwent the operative procedures successfully. The operation time was (102.8±19.8) minutes (range:60 to 140 minutes), blood loss was (84.4±40.2) ml (range:30 to 160 ml), and the length of hospital stay was (17.4±6.0) days (range:10 to 30 days). Blood cultures were positive for the causative pathogen in 14 cases (60.8% positivity rate), while 9 cases had negative results. Irrigation fluid cultures yielded the causative pathogen in 19 cases (82.6% positivity rate), with 4 cases negative. All patients were followed up for more than 12 months, with a follow-up duration of (19.0±5.9) months (range:12 to 36 months). At the final follow-up, VAS improved from (5.9±1.1) points preoperatively to (0.8±0.3) points; NDI improved from (38.3±6.0)% preoperatively to (9.3±3.0)%, with statistically significant differences (both P<0.01). All patients experienced improvement in neurological function, with the exception of one patient in grade C and two in grade D, all other patients recovered to grade E. The C2-7 Cobb angle and the affected segment Cobb angle were corrected. white blood cell, erythrocyte sedimentation rate and C-reactive protein levels returned to normal. All patients achieved bony fusion, with a fusion time of (8.9±1.9) months (range:6 to 12 months). Two diabetic patients developed postoperative incision infection; no other surgery-related complications occurred in the remaining patients. Conclusion: One-stage anterior debridement and bone graft fusion can correct kyphosis, restore normal alignment, and improve neurological function in the treatment of single and double segment cervical pyogenic spondylodiscitis, representing a viable treatment option for cervical pyogenic spondylodiscitis.

Cost analysis of dermal allograft patch utilization in rotator cuff repair

PurposeTo perform an analysis of intra-operative costs associated with arthroscopic rotator cuff repair acellular dermal allograft patch augmentation and interposition. MethodsThis was a matched cohort retrospective cost identification analysis. We identified patients who underwent arthroscopic rotator cuff repair with acellular dermal allograft patch augmentation or interposition between 2014 to 2023 at a single academic center. These were matched based on age and tear size to a cohort of patients who underwent arthroscopic rotator cuff repair without a patch. Patients without preoperative MRI data were excluded. Via chart review, we collected demographics, medical comorbidities, tear characteristics, and intra-operative repair characteristics. Patch and control patients were compared with paired t tests. Differences in costs between patch and control patients were assessed using multivariable regression controlling for observable covariates. ResultsOne hundred and thirty-two (132) total patients were included: 66 patch patients and 66 control patients. The patch group demonstrated more tear retraction and utilized single row medial repair more frequently. Multivariable analysis revealed that there was a $4,930 total direct cost increase with the utilization of a patch (p<0.001) after controlling for age, BMI, ASA, CCI, gender, surgeon, tear width, number of anchors, occupation, biceps treatment, prior surgery, and repair construct. The multivariable analysis also revealed that a higher ASA was associated with a $1,440 increase in cost (p=0.012). Biceps tenotomy was associated with a $3,303 decrease in cost compared to tenodesis (p=0.001). Additionally, single row medial repair demonstrated a $1,745 decrease in total direct cost when compared to a double row repair construct (p=0.019). ConclusionThe addition of a patch increases the total direct cost by $4,930 when compared to arthroscopic RCR without a patch. Increased ASA, biceps tenodesis, and use of a double row repair construct were also associated with increased cost.

Short-term and long-term results of odontoid screw fixation in patients with Type II and rostral Type III dens fractures

ObjectivesTo evaluate both the short-term and long-term outcomes of odontoid screw fixation (OSF), identifying potential risk factors for implant-related complications in patients with odontoid fractures. MethodsThis is a retrospective observational cohort study. Inclusion criteria were as follows: 1) Type II fractures and rostral Type III fractures, according to the Anderson and D’Alonzo classification; 2) patients older than 15 years. Exclusion criteria were: 1) other Type III injuries; 2) osteoporosis confirmed by densitometry or a CT bone density score below 100 Hounsfield units; 3) odontoid fractures related to tumors or aneurysmal bone cysts. ResultsIn total, 56 patients were considered for the analysis of short-term results, and 26 patients were evaluated for long-term outcomes. No significant differences were observed in the preoperative imaging data and intraoperative features of OSF between patients with Type II and rostral Type III fractures. The mean operative duration was 63.9 ± 20.9 min, and the mean intraoperative blood loss was 22.1 ± 22.9 ml.Screw cut-out was identified in four patients with rostral Type III fractures (p = 0.04). The rate of screw cut-out was found to correlate with the degree of dens fragment displacement. The bone fusion rate was 95.7%. CT scans identified stable pseudarthrosis in two cases. We observed C2–C3 ankylosis in all cases following partial disc resection. One third of patients with screws placed through the anterior lip of C2 showed no C2–C3 ankylosis. A strong trend towards lateral joint ankylosis formation in patients with a median lateral mass dislocation of 11.9 mm was observed. Most SF-36 scores either matched or exceeded the corresponding normal median values in the published reference database. ConclusionsOSF is a reliable treatment method of Type II and rostral Type III odontoid fractures with fragment displacement of 4 mm or less. The minimally invasive OSF through the anterior-inferior lip of C2, using monocortical screw placement and cannulated instruments, without rigid intraoperative head immobilization, is sufficient to achieve favorable clinical and fusion results. This technique reduces the risk of ankylosis in the C2–C3 segment. OSF restore the quality of life for patients with odontoid fractures to levels comparable to those of the general population norm.

Does the Use of Injectable Platelet-Rich Fibrin Following Arthrocentesis for Disc Displacement Without Reduction Alleviate Pain?

The role of adjunctive injection agents at the end of temporomandibular joint (TMJ) arthrocentesis remains controversial. This study aims to compare pain reduction in patients with disc displacement without reduction treated with arthrocentesis alone (AO), arthrocentesis with injectable platelet-rich fibrin (iPRF), and arthrocentesis with hyaluronic acid (HA). A single-center, retrospective cohort study was conducted at the affiliated hospital of Health Sciences University, Hamidiye Faculty of Dentistry. Inclusion criteria were female subjects aged 18-65, who underwent TMJ unilateral arthrocentesis, and diagnosed with disc displacement without reduction. Exclusion criteria were prior use of occlusal splints, accompanying diagnosis of myalgia and bilateral arthralgia which both of the joints exceeds or equal to 50mm visual analogue scale for pain (pVAS) value. The primary predictor variable was the adjunctive injection agent: iPRF, HA, or no injection (AO as control). Primary and secondary outcomes were measured preoperatively (T0), and at 1month (T1) and 6months (T2) postoperatively. The primary outcome was pain (pVAS) at T2. Secondary outcomes were pVAS at T1 and maximum interincisal opening at T1 and T2. Demographics, preoperative and perioperative data were collected. Descriptive, bivariate, and multivariate analyses were conducted. The P value was set at ≤.05. A total of 88 subjects completed the study. The mean age of the subjects in the AO (n=30), HA (n=29) and iPRF (n=29) groups was 36.8 (±10.2), 34.8 (±8.9) and 37.6 (±11.6) respectively (P>.05). The mean pVAS scores at T0 for the AO, HA and iPRF groups were 63.2 (±8.7), 66.7 (±9.6) and 66.2 (±9.6) respectively (P>.05). The mean pVAS scores at T1 were 36.5 (±10.8), 29.0(±11.5) and 35.9 (±9.8) respectively (P<.05). The mean pVAS scores at T2 were 34.8 (±16.3), 24.7 (±12.7) and 25.3 (±13.4) respectively (P<.05). There were no differences in maximum interincisal opening between the groups at any timepoint (P>.05). iPRF and HA injections are associated with greater pain relief compared to AO. No significant difference was observed between iPRF and HA, suggesting that the choice between them can be based on cost-effectiveness.

Predictive Factors and Scoring System for Delayed Symptomatic Hyponatremia Following Endoscopic Endonasal Surgery: A Single-Center Retrospective Study

BackgroundsDelayed symptomatic hyponatremia (DSH) is one of the common complications following endoscopic endonasal surgery (EES). Currently, published studies have predominantly focused on delayed postoperative hyponatremia, while there is relatively limited research on DSH. MethodsWe analyzed 175 consecutive cases from a single center between 2019 and 2023, involving patients who underwent endoscopic endonasal surgery (EES) for pituitary adenoma or Rathke's cleft cyst (RCC), all histopathologically confirmed. We collected preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative data, and performed statistical analysis to determine the incidence of postoperative diabetes insipidus (DI) and identify significant predictive factors. Based on these factors, we developed a simplified scoring system. ResultsThere were 29 cases (16.6%) of DSH occurrence. In the binary logistic regression analysis, Knosp grade ≥3 (OR, 4.19; 95% CI, 1.26-13.92; P=0.019), intraoperative cerebrospinal fluid leaks (OR, 3.93; 95% CI, 1.49-10.34; P=0.006), serum sodium on the second day after surgery (OR, 0.88; 95% CI, 0.78-1.00; P=0.049), and postoperative diabetes insipidus (OR, 2.88; 95% CI, 1.10-7.53; P=0.031) were factors with independent predictive value for DSH. The scoring system achieved a maximum area under the ROC curve (AUC) of 0.789 (95% CI, 0.697-0.881), with a cutoff value of 1, sensitivity of 86.2%, and specificity of 59.6%. ConclusionThe incidence rate of DSH after EES in patients was 16.8%. Knosp grade ≥3, intraoperative cerebrospinal fluid leaks, serum sodium concentration on the second day after surgery, and postoperative diabetes insipidus were associated with the occurrence of DSH.