Revision Surgery Research Articles

Local antibiotic delivery via intra-articular catheter infusion for the treatment of periprosthetic joint infection: a systematic review.

There is an increasing interest in the use of intra-articular (IA) antibiotic infusion as a stand-alone or adjuvant therapy to standard revision surgery for periprosthetic joint infection (PJI). The objective of this systematic review is to evaluate the evidence with respect to this up-and-coming treatment modality. A systematic review of studies published until April 2023 was conducted using PubMed, Embase, MEDLINE and Cochrane databases. Quality assessment was performed with the National Institute of Health quality assessment tool. Inclusion criteria were adult patients (≥ 18years) with a mean follow-up of ≥ 11months and a score ≥ 6 on the National Institute of Health quality assessment tool. Primary outcome was eradication of infection. 15 articles, encompassing 631 PJIs in 626 patients, were included in the final analysis, all level IV case series. The majority was treated with single-stage revision with adjuvant IA antibiotic infusion (79.1%). The remaining PJIs were treated with stand-alone IA antibiotic infusion (12.2%), DAIR (debridement, antibiotics and implant retention) with adjuvant IA antibiotic infusion (5.7%) or two-stage revision with adjuvant IA antibiotic infusion (3.0%). Mean duration of IA antibiotic infusion was 19days (range 3-50). An overall failure rate of approximately 11% was found. In total 117 complications occurred, 71 were non-catheter-related and 46 were catheter-related. The most common catheter-related complications were premature loss of the catheter (18/46) and elevated blood urea nitrogen (BUN) and creatinine levels (12/46). Due to the lack of comparative studies the (added) benefit of IA antibiotic infusion in the treatment of PJI remains uncertain. Based on the current evidence, we would advise against using it as a stand-alone treatment. A prospective randomized controlled trial using a well-described infusion protocol is needed to see if the potential benefits justify the increased costs and potential complications of this treatment modality.

Comparison of Craniotomy versus Decompressive Craniectomy for Acute Subdural Hematoma: a Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

ObjectiveAcute Subdural Hematoma (ASDH) is a common critical neurosurgical condition, often requiring immediate surgical intervention. Craniotomy and decompressive craniectomy are the two mainstay surgical approaches. This comprehensive review and meta-analysis aims to summarize the existing evidence and compare the outcomes of these two procedures. MethodsPubMed, Embase, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), and CINAHL electronic databases were searched for relevant studies, published between inception of databases till June 2023. Eligible studies reported data of patients diagnosed with ASDH who underwent craniotomy or decompressive craniectomy for ASDH. Outcome measures included the Glasgow Coma Scale score, residual subdural hematoma (SDH), requirement of revision surgery, poorer outcomes, and mortality. Data were presented as pooled odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Quality assessment and risk of bias were performed for each study. ResultsFourteen studies with a total of 3095 patients were included. The results showed that patients who underwent craniotomy had significantly lower mortality, lower odds of poorer outcomes, and a higher rate of residual SDH, compared to patients who underwent decompressive craniectomy. There was no significant difference in the requirement of revision surgery between the two groups. Heterogeneity was high for most outcomes, and the quality of evidence ranged from moderate to low. ConclusionOur findings suggest that craniotomy is associated with better clinical outcomes and lower mortality compared to decompressive craniectomy for ASDH, but a higher rate of residual SDH. Further high-quality randomized controlled trials are needed to validate our findings.

Audiologic Outcomes After Vestibulotomy in Patients With Congenital Absence of the Oval Window.

To examine the clinical features and surgical outcomes in patients with congenital absence of the oval window (CAOW), and to investigate the potential factors that affect audiologic results. A retrospective chart review. A tertiary academic center. A total of 17 ears among 16 patients were confirmed to have CAOW. Among them, 13 ears underwent vestibulotomy for hearing reconstruction. Clinical parameters associated with the hearing outcomes were analyzed. A mean air-bone gap (ABG) after 6-month and long-term follow-up was compared with preoperative measurements. Intraoperative findings showed that anomalies of the malleus or incus were observed in 11 ears (64.7%), stapes anomalies were present in all ears (100%), and facial nerve anomalies were present in 10 ears (58.8%). Because of unfavorable facial nerve anomalies, hearing reconstruction was aborted in four cases (23.5%). In the hearing reconstruction group, the mean ABG at 6 months postoperation was significantly reduced after compared with the preoperative value (44.0 ± 8.4 dB versus 58.8 ± 9.1 dB, p = 0.006). After dividing ears into a success subgroup (ABG ≤ 30 dB, seven ears) and non-success subgroup (ABG > 30 dB, six ears), the use of a drill during vestibulotomy was significantly related to a poor hearing outcome (100% versus 16.7%, p = 0.015). The long-term follow-up result (mean, 60 mo) revealed no deterioration compared with the 6-month postoperative result. Five ears (29.4%) underwent revision surgery, and three of them showed ABG improvements. No serious complications were reported. Vestibulotomy is an effective and safe option for hearing restoration in patients with CAOW, particularly when the use of a drill is not required. The long-term audiologic outcome is also reliable.

Bacteriophage therapy in musculoskeletal infections: from basic science to clinical application.

The treatment of musculoskeletal infections (MSIs), including periprosthetic joint infection (PJI) and fracture-related infection (FRI), is often complicated by biofilm-related challenges necessitating multiple revision surgeries and incurring substantial costs. The emergence of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) adds to the complexity of the problem, leading to increased morbidity and healthcare expenses. There is an urgent need for novel antibacterial strategies, with the World Health Organization endorsing non-traditional approaches like bacteriophage (phage) therapy. Phage therapy, involving the targeted application of lytic potent phages, shows promise in the treatment of MSIs. Although historical clinical trials and recent case studies present significant milestones in the evolution of phage therapy over the past century, challenges persist, including variability in study designs, administration protocols and phage selection. Efforts to enhance treatment efficacy consist of personalized phage therapy and combination with antibiotics. Future perspectives entail addressing regulatory barriers, standardizing treatment protocols, and conducting high-quality clinical trials to establish phage therapy's efficacy for the treatment of MSIs. Initiatives like the PHAGEFORCE study and the PHAGEinLYON Clinic programme aim to streamline phage therapy, facilitating personalized treatment approaches and systematic data collection to advance its clinical utility in these challenging infections.

Evaluating Modern Spacer Options and Outcomes in Revision Hip Arthroplasty

IntroductionA two-stage revision continues to be the standard treatment for periprosthetic joint infection (PJI) in hip arthroplasty. The use of “functional” spacers may allow patients to return to daily living while optimizing their health for revision surgery. We aimed to evaluate the clinical outcomes of different spacer types regarding infection eradication, mechanical complications, and functional outcomes. MethodsPatients who have complete Musculoskeletal Infection Society (MSIS) criteria for diagnosis of PJI that underwent one-stage or two-stage revision were queried in an institutional surgical database between 2002 and 2022. Out of 286 patients, 210 met our inclusion criteria and were retrospectively reviewed for demographics, laboratory values, functional and patient-reported outcomes, and subsequent revisions. The study population had 54.3% females, a mean age of 61.7 years old, and a mean follow-up of 3.7 ± 3.2 years. There was no difference between age, body mass index (BMI), or Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI) scores between each cohort. Spacers were categorized as nonfunctional static, nonfunctional articulating, or functional articulating. Functional spacers were defined as those that allowed full weightbearing with no restrictions. Delphi criteria were used to define revision success, and failure was defined as a recurrent or persistent infection following definitive surgery. ResultsThere was a significantly lower re-operation rate after a definitive implant in the functional articulating cohort (P = 0.003), with a trending higher infection eradication rate and a lower rate of spacer failure compared to the nonfunctional spacer cohort. At 5 years, functional articulating spacers had a 94.1% survivorship rate, nonfunctional articulating spacers had an 81.2% survival rate, and nonfunctional static spacers had a 71.4% survival rate. In the functional articulating spacer cohort, 14.6% had yet to get reimplanted, with an average follow-up time of 1.4 years. ConclusionWithin this large cohort of similar demographics, functional articulating spacers may result in better clinical outcomes and infection eradication during two-stage revision arthroplasty for PJI.

Femoral Head Penetration Rates and Oxidation of Highly Crosslinked Polyethylene Hip Liners Implanted More Than 10 Years

Highly cross-linked and thermally stabilized polyethylene (HXLPE) was introduced to improve wear in total hip arthroplasty (THA), with manufacturers implementing different thermal treatments to reduce oxidation. It is important to understand how long-term time in vivo affects the wear of these materials. The purpose of this study was to investigate the wear and oxidative performance of first-generation HXLPE hip inserts implanted for greater than 10 years and compare annealed and remelted HXLPE formulations. There were 49 THA liners retrieved during routine revision surgery as part of an IRB approved implant retrieval program. Penetration rates for the liners were calculated as the difference between the thickness of the unloaded and loaded regions divided by implantation time. Oxidation indices for the rim, locking mechanism, articulating surface, and backside regions were measured using Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy according to ASTM 2102. Mann-Whitney U Tests were used to determine the statistical difference between annealed and remelted components. The cohort had an average implantation time of 13.1 ± 2.6 years for annealed and 12.1 ± 1.7 years for remelted components. The components were revised most often for polyethylene wear, instability, and loosening. The penetration rate averaged 0.0177 ± 0.014 mm/year for annealed components and 0.015 ± 0.022 mm/year for remelted components. Penetration rates did not differ between the remelted and annealed cohorts (P = 0.28). Oxidation indices were found to be significantly higher in the annealed cohort for all regions of interest (P < 0.001). Oxidation was found to be higher in the annealed HXLPE; however, this does not seem to be associated with greater wear, as we found the average penetration rate for the cohort was low, and the penetration rates were similar between the annealed and remelted cohorts.

Minimum 15-Year Survival Of A Biconvex Inlay Patellar Component In Primary Total Knee Arthroplasty: An Analysis Of 2,530 TKA From A Single Institution

IntroductionRoutine patellar resurfacing during primary total knee arthroplasty (TKA) remains controversial. To our knowledge, there are no studies reporting the long-term performance of a cemented biconvex all-polyethylene inlay component implanted at the time of primary TKA. The purpose of this study was to examine the 15-year survivorship and long-term clinical outcomes of this biconvex inlay patella used at our institution. MethodsWe retrospectively reviewed our prospectively collected institutional database and identified 2,530 patients who underwent cemented TKA with a single prosthetic design (from 1996 to 2007) where the patella was resurfaced using this cemented biconvex inlay patellar. The mean age at surgery was 68 years (range, 29 to 93). The mean body mass index was 33.0 (range, 16.4 to 76.3), with 61.9% women. At the time of analysis, the mean time from surgery was 20.4 years (range, 15 to 26). We used Kaplan-Meier analysis to calculate survivorship at 15 years. We analyzed clinical outcomes using three patient-reported outcome measures collected prospectively. ResultsThe 15-year survivorship with revision surgery for all causes as the end point was 97.1 % (95% CI [confidence interval] 96.1 to 98.1%). The 15 year survivorship with revision surgery for a patella-related complication as the end point was 99.7% (95% CI 99.4 to 1.0). At a minimum of 13 years post-TKA, patients showed significant improvement in scores for the Knee Society Clinical Rating System (P < 0.001), Western Ontario and McMaster University Osteoarthritis Index (P < 0.001), and Veterans Rand 12 Item Health Survey physical component (P < 0.001). ConclusionRoutine patellar resurfacing using a biconvex inlay patellar component has excellent survivorship and a low rate of complications at 15 years post-TKA.

Protocole à fin de constitution d’un registre français des prothèses de hanche

INTRODUCTION: Use of joint prostheses is growing widely, in particular in developed countries. The « Société Française de Chirurgie Orthopédique et Traumatologique » (SOFCOT) has submitted in 2007 to the «Commission Nationale Informatique et liberté» (CNIL) a project for creating a hip prostheses registry. More recently, the « Conseil National Professionnel de chirurgie Orthopédique et Traumatologique » (CNP-COT) developed a national implants and observatory registry on surgical orthopaedic and traumatologic practices and pathologies (RENACOT) aiming to assure traceability and materio-vigilance of hip implants used in France. The main objective of the study is to report the current state of surgical techniques, used implants and their evolutions in hip arthroplasty in France using retrospective data provided by a multicenter registry since 2006.MATERIAL ET METHODS: On the one hand, the research systematically lists the main characteristics of all implants used in hip arthroplasty; and on the other hand, these informations are correlated with epidemiologic, demographic data, CROMs and PROMs. The study group consists by all patients receiving a hip reconstruction either in traumatology (femoral neck fractures) or above all for degenerative diseases. The data are collected in 2 questionnaires. The link between primary and revision surgery of the same prosthesis is automatic through the patient social security N°, sex and operated side.RESULTS: Patient demographics provides the corresponding population epidemiologic information’s. Registered data are available through 3 modes: 1- In running time, the registry board members only can accede to all collected data by internet 2- A biennal report of the national hip replacement activity 3- Any particular request about a specific matter or implant DISCUSSION One of the major registry interests in case of revision is the possibility to assure an automatic link with the corresponding primary arthroplasty. This is only possible if the primary questionnaire is already implemented and if the correspondence between the primary arthroplasty and the same hip reoperation/revision can automatically be established from the moment where both questionnaires are correctly completed in the registry. The CNP, through the RENACOT spreading use, aims to extend such registry practice to all orthopaedic and traumatologic surgical fields.

Reconstruction of Multiple Lip and Facial Defects With Bipaddle and Sensate Radial Forearm Free Flap.

Free flaps and their modifications are used to reconstruct multiple large defects in the lip and face. In this study, we present our results on the reconstruction of these defects using bipaddle and sensate free radial forearm-palmaris longus flaps and subsequent revision surgeries. Patient medical records of 11 patients with a mean age of 63.9 ± 12.8 years were retrospectively reviewed. Functional oral competence, lip cosmetics, lip sensation, and donor forearm scars were evaluated using the drooling rating scale, visual analog scale, Semmes Weinstein Monofilament test, and patient and observer scar assessment scale, respectively. The mean dimensions of distal and proximal skin paddles of bipaddle free radial forearm-palmaris longus flaps were 12.7 ± 9.9 and 20.5 ± 3.8 cm2. Mean lengths of the bridge and proximal pedicles were 4.7 ± 1.6 and 5.5 ± 0.7 cm. All the flaps survived. No drooling was observed in the 2 patients without lower lip defects. The mean drooling scores of the 9 patients with lower lip defects were statistically different (Analysis of Variance, pANOVA < 0.00001) at 3, 6, 9, and 12 months postoperatively. The differences between 3 and 12 months were the most significant (pANOVA < 0.00001, pTUKEY < 0.000001). The lip sensation and drooling scores showed a strong positive correlation (r = 0.8504). All patients were able to speak fluently, drink fluid without leakage, and blow a balloon easily. All patients and observers were satisfied with the lip cosmetics, with no significant difference between satisfaction scores (P = 0.087615).There was a statistically significant difference (P < 0.00001) between mean sensation scores of surrounding healthy lip (2.94 ± 0.27) and free flaps (4.15 ± 0.4). All the donor scars healed uneventfully.

Posterior Shoulder Instability Part II – Glenoid Bone-Grafting, Glenoid Osteotomy, and Rehabilitation/Return to Play – An International Expert Delphi Consensus Statement

The purpose of this study was to establish consensus statements on glenoid bone-grafting, glenoid osteotomy, rehabilitation, return to play, and follow-up for posterior shoulder instability. A consensus process on the treatment of posterior shoulder instability was conducted, with 71 shoulder/sports surgeons from 12 countries participating based on their level of expertise in the field. Experts were assigned to one of 6 working groups defined by specific subtopics within posterior shoulder instability. Consensus was defined as achieving 80-89% agreement, whereas strong consensus was defined as 90-99% agreement, and unanimous consensus was indicated by 100% agreement with a proposed statement. All of the statements relating to rehabilitation, return to play, and follow-up achieved consensus. There was unanimous consensus that the following criteria should be considered: restoration of strength, range of motion, proprioception, and sport-specific skills, with a lack of symptoms. There is no minimum time point required to return to play. Collision athletes and military athletes may take longer to return because of their higher risk for recurrent instability, and more caution should be exercised in clearing them to return to play, with elite athletes potentially having different considerations in returning to play. The relative indications for revision surgery are symptomatic apprehension, multiple recurrent instability episodes, further intra-articular pathologies, hardware failure, and pain. The study group achieved strong or unanimous consensus on 59% of statements. Unanimous consensus was reached regarding the criteria for return to play, collision/elite athletes having different considerations in return to play, indications for revision surgery, and imaging only required as routine for those with glenoid bone-grafting/osteotomies at subsequent follow-ups. There was no consensus on optimal fixation method for a glenoid bone-block, the relative indications for glenoid osteotomy, whether fluoroscopy is required or if the labrum should be concomitantly repaired. Level V Expert Opinion.

Breast reconstruction with mentor anatomical implants and the risk of implant rotation: A retrospective study of 1134 women

BackgroundImplant rotation is a known complication to breast reconstruction using anatomical implants. However, there is a lack of large studies investigating the risk of implant rotation and potential predisposing risk factors. MethodWe reviewed the medical records of all patients who underwent breast reconstruction with Mentor anatomical implants from 2010 to 2021 at two Danish hospitals. We compared the risk of implant rotation between one- and two-stage breast reconstruction using univariate logistic regression. We analyzed the effect of biological mesh, immediate versus delayed reconstruction, and use of a higher final expander volume than the permanent implant volume on the risk of implant rotation. Finally, we analyzed the success rate of revision surgery for implant rotation. ResultsIn total, 1134 patients were enrolled. Patients who underwent two-stage breast reconstruction (n = 720) had a significantly higher risk of implant rotation than those who underwent one-stage breast reconstruction (n = 426; 11% vs. 5%, p < 0.01). There was no significant association between implant rotation and the use of biological mesh, immediate breast reconstruction, or use of a higher final expander volume than the permanent implant volume. The success rate of revision surgery after implant rotation was 73% (62/85 rotations). ConclusionsTwo-stage breast reconstruction significantly increased the risk of implant rotation compared to one-stage breast reconstruction. The overall risk of implant rotation was low and success rate of revision surgery was high. These findings suggest that anatomical implants are safe to use for breast reconstruction. However, surgeons and patients should be aware of the increased risk of implant rotation after two-stage reconstruction.

Is Routine Use of External Spinal Orthoses Necessary After Operative Stabilization of Cervical Spine Injuries?

Retrospective Review. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the efficacy of postoperative cervical orthoses to prevent fixation failure and loss of reduction after operative treatment of cervical spine fractures. While cervical orthoses are most times tolerated in trauma patients, it is not clear that postoperative bracing is effective at reducing the rate of fixation failure or nonunion in this patient population. Cervical collars may delay rehabilitation, increase the risk of dysphagia and aspiration, and can contribute to skin breakdown. All patients who underwent operative stabilization for cervical spine injuries at a single institution between January 2015 and August 2019 were identified through the institutional Research Electronic Data Capture (REDcap) database. Patient data, including cervical spine injury, surgery, post-operative orthosis use, and secondary surgeries for loss of reduction or infection, were recorded for all patients meeting the inclusion criteria. The primary outcome was the loss of reduction or failure of fixation, requiring revision surgery. Statistical analysis was performed using Jamovi (Version 1.1) statistical software. In all, 201 patients meeting inclusion and exclusion criteria were identified within the study period. Overall, 133 (66.2%) patients were treated with a cervical orthosis postoperatively and 68 (33.8%) patients were allowed to mobilize as tolerated without a cervical orthosis. Fixation failure and loss of reduction occurred in 4 (1.99%) patients. Of these 4, three patients were treated with a cervical orthosis postoperatively. There was no significant difference in the risk of instrumentation failure between patients in the postoperative orthosis and no orthosis groups ( P =0.706). The use of cervical orthoses after operative stabilization of cervical spine injuries remains controversial. There was no statistically significant difference in hardware failure or loss of fixation between patients treated in cervical orthoses postoperatively and those who were not.

Endoscopic Choanal Atresia Repair with Posterior Septectomy and Widening Toward Pterygoid Plate to Create a Wide Single Neochoana, Case Series

Objective: This study focuses on surgical technique, assessment of the outcomes and the recurrence rate of the disease. Patients and methods: This retrospective study was done on 18 patients with congenital choanal atresia at Azal specialized hospital and Al Kuwait University hospital, Sana’a, Yemen between 2014 and 2022. All patients underwent endoscopic repair with posterior septectomy, removal of atretic plate, lateral widening toward the pterygoid plate and creation of wide single neochoana with nasal stenting. Results: Of 18 cases, 2 cases were excluded because of short period of follow up. Of the 16 remaining cases, 13 cases (81.25%) showed good results during the period of follow up (6 months to 9 years) from the initial surgery. Restenosis occurred in 3 (18.75%) bilateral choanal atresia cases which underwent revision surgery with good results. Conclusion: Endoscopic creation of wide single neochoana with stenting followed by close follow up and family education give good success rate.

Reverse total shoulder replacement versus anatomical total shoulder replacement for osteoarthritis: population based cohort study using data from the National Joint Registry and Hospital Episode Statistics for England

ObjectivesTo answer a national research priority by comparing the risk-benefit and costs associated with reverse total shoulder replacement (RTSR) and anatomical total shoulder replacement (TSR) in patients having elective primary...

Revision arthroplasty of the knee in Awka, southeast, Nigeria: Prevalence, etiology, and treatment outcome

Introduction: Total Knee Arthroplasty (TKA) is effective for severe knee osteoarthritis, with a typical 10-year revision risk of around 5-5.5%. Rising revision rates are linked to increased TKA procedures and younger patient demographics. With improvements in implant design and reduction of implant wear,the main revision causes is now aseptic loosening. Others include instability, malalignment, and infection. Advances in implant technology have reduced polyethene wear issues, but technical errors during surgery remain a problem. The study aims to examine the increasing need for revisions in Nigeria, considering the local context of varying surgical expertise. Methodology: In Awka, Nigeria, 134 patients with 156 knees were assessed at an orthopedic center for knee pathologies. Evaluations included medical histories, physical exams, and tests like C-reactive protein screening and intraoperative aspirations to determine pathology causes. Three cases involved failed knee arthroplasties requiring revisions with specific prosthesis types, with follow-ups spanning 5 to 7 years. Result: This study from Awka, Nigeria, focused on 156 knee surgery cases, showing a low revision rate of 1.92% compared to 5-5.5% internationally. The mean patient age was 60.33 years, indicating early onset complications. Technical failures, not implant wear, primarily drove revisions. Patients, all female, faced significant declines in quality of life and often presented late for surgery, leading to complex revision cases requiring intensive care and specific implants like the LCCK for aseptic loosening or tumor implants for severe osteolysis. Postoperative care included long-term follow-up, averaging 3 to 7 years, with generally positive outcomes. Conclusion: The revision surgeries were due to technical failures rather than implant wear. There is remarkably low revision rate of 1.92% highlighting the regional success despite challenging conditions.

Efficacy of post-operative X-rays after operatively treated ankle fractures: What is their role?

ObjectiveThe utility of routine post-operative imaging in clinically asymptomatic patients is unclear. We sought to determine how frequently X-rays following operatively treated ankle fractures result in a change in management. DesignRetrospective cohort study conducted with hospital electronic health record SettingSingle level 1 trauma center in major urban city. Patients/Participants193 patients with operatively treated ankle fractures at our institution between January 2020 and December 2021. Main Outcome MeasuresPatient radiographs were categorized as surveillance X-rays and clinically indicated X-rays. Changes in management were defined as alteration in follow-up, deviation from standard post-operative protocols, or revision surgery. A logistic regression was performed looking at factors predicting whether an X-ray changes management. A cost analysis was also performed looking at the financial implications of asymptomatic surveillance of ankle fractures. Results438 post-operative X-rays were found and included in analysis. Of these, 391 were considered surveillance X-rays and 47 clinically indicated. 23 X-rays were determined to have resulted in changes in management (18 clinically indicated, 5 taken in asymptomatic patients). The number of management changing X-rays was significantly higher in the clinically indicated group (p < 0.0001). The only factor associated with whether an X-ray changed management was whether the patient was symptomatic at the visit (p < 0.0001). Asymptomatic surveillance X-rays cost our institution 21,825.62 USD per year. ConclusionsRadiographs in clinically asymptomatic patients with operatively managed ankle fractures have a low likelihood of changing management. Such imaging represents costs to the healthcare system, increased time for patients during clinic visits, and radiation exposure. The use of screening radiographic studies remains commonplace because the risk of delayed diagnosis is great, and the goal of any surgeon should be the swift identification of complications in order to minimize patient morbidity. Future surveillance protocols should consider the findings of this and other studies on the use of screening radiographs and strike a careful balance between minimizing unnecessary imaging, maximizing early complication detection, and ensuring a personalized approach towards patient-level factors to optimize care and efficiency for both patient and health system. Level of EvidenceLevel III

A ventral diaphragmatic advancement technique to repair a large congenital peritoneopericardial diaphragmatic hernia in a dog.

To report a ventral diaphragmatic advancement technique to repair a large congenital peritoneopericardial diaphragmatic hernia in a dog. A 5-month-old 15-kg entire male Labrador Retriever. The dog presented with a history of diarrhea for a week and acute-onset lethargy and vomiting for 3 days. Clinical examination revealed borborygmi on auscultation of the chest, and subsequent imaging showed a congenital peritoneopericardial diaphragmatic hernia. The ventro-central diaphragmatic defect was repaired with a pericardial flap, which subsequently failed 7 months later. The revision surgery was performed with a novel surgical technique. The defect was closed by means of incising the ventral attachments of the diaphragm either side of the defect and sliding it medially to allow a tension-free closure. The ventral aspect of the incised diaphragm was reattached with circumcostal sutures and the central defect closed. The dog recovered rapidly and without complication. An excellent outcome was reported after surgery. This novel technique was a simple method to repair a peritoneopericardial diaphragmatic hernia and had good clinical results in this case.

Lumbar Disc Replacement Versus Interbody Fusion: Meta-analysis of Complications and Clinical Outcomes.

Lumbar spinal fusion is a commonly performed operation with relatively high complication and revision surgery rates. Lumbar disc replacement is less commonly performed but may have some benefits over spinal fusion. This meta-analysis aims to compare the outcomes of lumbar disc replacement (LDR) versus interbody fusion (IBF), assessing their comparative safety and effectiveness in treating lumbar DDD. PubMed, Cochrane, and Google Scholar (pages 1-2) were searched up until February 2024. The studied outcomes included operative room (OR) time, estimated blood loss (EBL), length of hospital stay (LOS), complications, reoperations, Oswestry Disability Index (ODI), back pain, and leg pain. Ten studies were included in this meta-analysis, of which six were randomized controlled trials, three were retrospective studies, and one was a prospective study. A total of 1720 patients were included, with 1034 undergoing LDR and 686 undergoing IBF. No statistically significant differences were observed in OR time, EBL, or LOS between the LDR and IBF groups. The analysis also showed no significant differences in the rates of complications, reoperations, and leg pain between the two groups. However, the LDR group demonstrated a statistically significant reduction in mean back pain (p=0.04) compared to the IBF group. Both LDR and IBF procedures offer similar results in managing CLBP, considering OR time, EBL, LOS, complication rates, reoperations, and leg pain, with slight superiority of back pain improvement in LDR. This study supports the use of both procedures in managing degenerative spinal disease.

Practical Answers to Frequently Asked Questions in Anterior Cervical Spine Surgery for Degenerative Conditions.

Surgical counseling enables shared decision making and optimal outcomes by improving patients' understanding about their pathologies, surgical options, and expected outcomes. Here, we aimed to provide practical answers to frequently asked questions (FAQs) from patients undergoing an anterior cervical diskectomy and fusion (ACDF) or cervical disk replacement (CDR) for the treatment of degenerative conditions. Patients who underwent primary one-level or two-level ACDF or CDR for the treatment of degenerative conditions with a minimum of 1-year follow-up were included. Data were used to answer 10 FAQs that were generated from author's experience of commonly asked questions in clinic before ACDF or CDR. A total of 395 patients (181 ACDF, 214 CDR) were included. (1, 2, and 3) Will my neck/arm pain and physical function improve? Patients report notable improvement in all patient-reported outcome measures. (4) Is there a chance I will get worse? 13% (ACDF) and 5% (CDR) reported worsening. (5) Will I receive a significant amount of radiation? Patients on average received a 3.7 (ACDF) and 5.5 mGy (CDR) dose during. (6) How long will I stay in the hospital? Most patients get discharged on postoperative day one. (7) What is the likelihood that I will have a complication? 13% (8% minor and 5% major) experienced in-hospital complications (ACDF) and 5% (all minor) did (CDR). (8) Will I need another surgery? 2.2% (ACDF) and 2.3% (CDR) of patients required a revision surgery. (9 & 10) When will I be able to return to work/driving? Most patients return to working (median of 16 [ACDF] and 14 days [CDR]) and driving (median of 16 [ACDF] and 12 days [CDR]). The answers to the FAQs can assist surgeons in evidence-based patient counseling.

Image-guided navigation in posterior orbital tumour surgery: a comparative cohort study

ABSTRACT Purpose The posterior orbit is a confined space, harbouring neurovascular structures, frequently distorted by tumours. Image-guided navigation (IGN) has the potential to allow accurate localisation of these lesions and structures, reducing collateral damage whilst achieving surgical objectives. Methods We assessed the feasibility, effectiveness and safety of using an electromagnetic IGN for posterior orbital tumour surgery via a comparative cohort study. Outcomes from cases performed with IGN were compared with a retrospective cohort of similar cases performed without IGN, presenting a descriptive and statistical comparative analysis. Results Both groups were similar in mean age, gender and tumour characteristics. IGN set-up and registration were consistently achieved without significant workflow disruption. In the IGN group, fewer lateral orbitotomies (6.7% IGN, 46% non-IGN), and more transcutaneous lid and transconjunctival incisions (93% IGN, 53% non-IGN) were performed (p = .009). The surgical objective was achieved in 100% of IGN cases, with no need for revision surgery (vs 23% revision surgery in non-IGN, p = .005). There was no statistically significant difference in surgical complications. Conclusion The use of IGN was feasible and integrated into the orbital surgery workflow to achieve surgical objectives more consistently and allowed the use of minimal access approaches. Future multicentre comparative studies are needed to explore the potential of this technology further.