Significant Postoperative Improvement Research Articles

The Utility of the Schnur Sliding Scale in Adolescent Patients.

Although the Schnur Sliding Scale (SSS) was not intended to be used by third-party payors, it has become the national standard for coverage decisions regarding macromastia treatment in patients of all ages. Adolescents were neither included in the cohort that created the SSS nor represented in subsequent validation studies. In this prospective study, health-related quality of life surveys were administered to girls and young women 12 to 21 years of age before and after reduction mammaplasty to treat macromastia. The SSS was used preoperatively to estimate the amount of tissue to be resected. Before and after surgery, participants completed the Short Form-36, version 2 (SF-36); the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale (RSES); the Breast-Related Symptoms Questionnaire (BRSQ); and the Eating Attitudes Test-26. Demographic data were compared, and linear regressions were used to evaluate the effect of resection amounts meeting the SSS value on survey scores. Resection amounts fell below the SSS for 39 patients and above the SSS for 255 patients. The 2 groups had no differences in mean age or body mass index. Both groups had significant postoperative survey score improvements on the RSES, BRSQ, and 7 of 8 SF-36 domains (all P < 0.05). The groups had comparable postoperative survey scores on the RSES, BRSQ, and 8 of 8 SF-36 domains (all P > 0.05). Adolescents undergoing reduction mammaplasty above and below the SSS experienced comparable physical and psychosocial benefits. These findings underscore the need for third-party payors to broaden coverage for adolescent reduction mammaplasty, as the common coverage cutoff has no effect on overall postoperative benefit. Risk, II.

Middle Vault Dorsal Augmentation in Rhinoplasty as "Push-up" Preservation Technique or as "Modified Dorsal Split Extended Push-up" Procedure.

Primary or secondary dorsal augmentation rhinoplasty addresses aesthetic and functional issues related to a deficient, under-projected, or depressed nasal dorsum, frequently in middle vault. Traditional treatments often involve costal cartilage grafts, which can result in palpable irregularities and additional morbidity. Implementing dorsal preservation techniques in selected patients may improve predictability and outcomes of dorsal augmentation. We conducted a case series involving 12 patients with saddle nose deformities and significant nasal function impairment. All patients underwent either "push-up" preservation technique or "modified dorsal split extended push-up" technique. The techniques were evaluated for feasibility, safety, and efficacy. Functional outcomes were assessed using the nasal obstruction symptom evaluation (NOSE) scale preoperatively and three months postoperatively. Eight patients underwent "push-up" technique, and four patients required "dorsal split extended push-up" technique due to extensive scarring and mucosal adhesions from previous surgeries. All patients demonstrated significant postoperative improvement in nasal function as indicated by a reduction in NOSE scores (p < 0.05). Aesthetic outcomes showed a naturally augmented and smooth dorsum with no palpable irregularities. Patient satisfaction was rated very high (9 or 10 out of 10) in 10 patients and high (7 or 8 out of 10) in 2 patients. Follow-up was 6months. "Push-up" preservation technique and its extended variant provide a new surgical alternative for primary and secondary rhinoplasty with costal cartilage. These techniques offer improved and highly predictable aesthetic outcomes of the nasal dorsum with decreased morbidity, demonstrating significant potential for clinical practice and future research. This journal requires that authors assign a level of evidence to each article. For a full description of these Evidence-Based Medicine ratings, please refer to the Table of Contents or the online Instructions to Authors www.springer.com/00266 .

Outcomes of cobalt-chrome 3D-printed total talus replacement with and without combined total ankle replacement

BackgroundCollapse of the talus and peri-talar arthritis pose treatment challenges due to the anatomy and location of the talus as a keystone of the foot and ankle. Custom 3D-printed total talus replacement (TTR) and combined total ankle total talus replacement (TATTR) have emerged as treatment options for these pathologies. However, the safety and efficacy of these implants is unknown due to the limited number of cases and short follow-up durations. MethodsThis was a retrospective study to assess surgical outcomes of patients who underwent a TTR and TATTR with or without subtalar fusion. Patient demographics, intraoperative parameters, device related surgical and non-surgical events, imaging and clinical evaluations, and patient reported outcome (PRO) measures were compiled. ResultsA total of 38 patients received a custom 3D-printed implant with mean follow-up time of 22.1 (range: 12–45) months. In this cohort, 7 (18.4 %) required secondary surgery and 3 (7.9 %) required implant removal. Multivariate logistic regression revealed that patient diagnosis of depression was a significant predictor of secondary surgery with an OR 17.50 (p = 0.037). Significant postoperative improvements were observed in the talocalcaneal height (p = 0.005) and talar declination angle (p = 0.013) for the TATTR group. VAS and PROMIS pain interference (PI) scores demonstrated an initial significant improvement in pain, but this improvement did not maintain significance at most recent follow-up. However, there was a significant increase in the PROMIS physical function (PF) scores (p = 0.037) at most recent follow-up. ConclusionThese results demonstrate that TTR and TATTR provide significant improvement in post-operative radiographic foot and ankle alignment and physical function at the two-year timepoint. PRO findings suggest that patients are more active after surgery. Surgeons considering proceeding with either of these procedures should counsel patients about pain and functional outcomes as well as realistic expectations in patients with depression. Level of evidenceLevel 3

Preoperative Hip Injection Response Does Not Reliably Predict 2-Year Postoperative Outcomes After Hip Arthroscopy for Femoroacetabular Impingement

PurposeTo determine whether response to preoperative local anesthetic or corticosteroid intra-articular injections can predict 2-year postoperative outcomes in patients undergoing hip arthroscopy for femoroacetabular impingement syndrome (FAIS). MethodsThis was a retrospective analysis of patients undergoing hip arthroscopy for FAIS at a single institution from 2014-2020. Patients who underwent preoperative intra-articular hip injection were classified based on injection type (local anesthetic, corticosteroid) and whether they experienced pain relief following injection (responders, non-responders). Responders were matched 2:1 by age, BMI, and sex with non-responders. Patient reported outcomes (PROs) including Hip Disability and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (HOOS), 12-item Short-Form Survey mental (SF-12-MCS) and physical component summary (SF-12-PCS) and visual analogue scale (VAS) pain were collected preoperatively and 2-years postoperatively. Mean score change and Minimal Clinically Important Difference (MCID) achievement were calculated and compared between groups. ResultsThe matched cohort included 126 total patients (42 non-responders, 84 responders; 74.6% female; mean ± SD age: 30.9 ± 9.9 years; BMI: 24.7 ± 3.7 kg/m2) with no differences in demographic or radiographic hip variables. Both groups demonstrated significant 2-year postoperative score improvements across all PROs, except SF-12-MCS, which remained unchanged. There was no difference in mean score change or MCID achievement across all PROs between corticosteroid injection responder and non-responder groups. In the local anesthetic group, MCID achievement was similar across all PROs, except VAS pain which showed greater percentage of MCID achievement among local anesthetic non-responders relative responders (Responders: 55.0%, Non-responders: 89.5%; p = 0.03). Significant ceiling effects were most readily apparent among the injection responders group with greater percentages of patients achieving maximal 2-year postoperative survey scores (36.9% HOOS-ADL, 19.0% HOOS-Pain, 15.5% HOOS-QoL, 32.1% HOOS-Sport). ConclusionsResponse to preoperative injection with either corticosteroid or local anesthetic did not predict 2-year outcomes after hip arthroscopy in patients with FAIS. Level of EvidenceLevel III, retrospective matched cohort study.

Femoral tunnel length does not impact outcomes following ACL reconstruction using a single-bundle quadriceps tendon autograft: A systematic review.

To determine whether femoral tunnel length (FTL) affects clinical or functional outcomes following primary Anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR) with single-bundle quadriceps tendon autograft, both with and without a patellar bone block. An electronic search of MEDLINE, EMBASE, and Cochrane databases was carried out via OVID. Data pertaining to study characteristics, patient demographics, surgical techniques, femoral tunnel length, and subjective/objective clinical outcomes was abstracted. Studies were stratified into two groups based on FTL; a short femoral tunnel (S-FT) group of ≤25 mm, and a long femoral tunnel (L-FT) group of >25 mm. There was a high degree of heterogeneity between studies, prohibiting meta-analysis. Seven studies comprising 368 total patients with a mean age of 30.3 years (range: 23.4-34 years) were included for analysis. The S-FT group included 126 patients and the L-FT group 242 patients. Both groups demonstrated statistically significant postoperative improvements across both subjective and objective clinical and functional outcomes. Average complication rates were 11.9% (range: 0%-29%) in the S-FT group and 4.5% (range: 1%-14%) in the L-FT group. Ranges of re-rupture rates were 0%-2% and 0%-3% for the S-FT and L-FT groups, respectively (n.s.). Both S-FT and L-FT groups demonstrated comparable postoperative outcomes following primary ACLR with single bundle quadriceps tendon autograft. There were slightly superior, although non-significant, outcomes reported with short femoral tunnel length, however, this may have been confounded by the variation in surgical technique used. IV.

"Autologous Breast Dermal Filler": A Novel Technique for Breast Reconstruction After Nipple- or Skin-Sparing Mastectomy in Pubertal Gigantomastia.

For females in puberty, mastectomy caused by pathological gigantomastia usually brings significant psychological problems. Appropriate immediate breast reconstruction method is necessary. The aim of this study is to present a novel method of breast reconstruction that requires neither implants nor donor-site sacrifice. All patients who were diagnosed with pathological gigantomastia and indicated for nipple-sparing or skin-sparing mastectomy (NSM or SSM) were selected. All extra skin was de-epithelialized, followed by NSM or SSM through a vertical incision on the lower pole of the breast. Then, a skin and dermal envelope in all directions was formed. Whether to preserve the nipple-areolar complex depended on its perfusion. The dermal flap was folded inward to serve as the "autologous dermal filler" and reconstruct the breast. A second surgery of inframammary fold elevation for larger projection was performed at least 6 months. Follow up for at least 1 year and record complications as well as pre- and postoperative BREAST-Q Scores. A total of 11 breasts were included. Four (36.4%) were NSM and seven (63.6%) were SSM. Nipple to sternal notch distance in NSM and SSM was 32.3±9.1cm and 35.1±4.4cm, respectively. No complications occurred, while one breast with NSM showed nipple upward displacement. The BREAST-Q indicated significant postoperative improvements in breast satisfaction (20.5 ± 11.3 vs 80.2 ± 10.4) and psychosocial well-being (23.4 ± 8.9 vs. 81.4 ± 11.3). Preliminary study demonstrated the efficacy and long-term safety of "autologous breast dermal filler." For adolescents, it is a less invasive autologous breast reconstruction method, or transitional plan for further adjustment in adulthood. This journal requires that authors assign a level of evidence to each article. For a full description of these Evidence-Based Medicine ratings, please refer to the Table of Contents or the online Instructions to Authors www.springer.com/00266 .

Poster 186: The Utility of Preoperative Hip Injection Response as a Predictor of 2-Year Postoperative Outcomes Following Hip Arthroscopy for Femoroacetabular Impingement

Objectives: The objective of this study is to determine whether response to preoperative lidocaine or corticosteroid intra-articular hip injections can predict 2-year postoperative outcomes in patients undergoing arthroscopic management of femoroacetabular impingement syndrome (FAIS). Methods: We performed a retrospective analysis of a prospective cohort consisting of patients who received a preoperative corticosteroid or lidocaine intra-articular hip injection and subsequently underwent hip arthroscopy for treatment of FAIS between 2014-2020. Patients were classified by injection received and labeled as “responders” if the injection provided pain relief. Lidocaine and corticosteroid cohorts were matched using 1:1 matching for age, BMI, and sex. Patient reported outcome (PRO) measurements including the Hip Disability and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (HOOS), 12-item Short-Form Survey mental (SF-12 MCS) and physical component survey (SF-12 PCS), and visual analog scale (VAS) Pain were completed both preoperatively and 2-years postoperatively. Mean differences in preoperative and 2-year postoperative scores were calculated as was the percentage of patients achieving a mean clinically important difference (MCID). Floor and ceiling effects of PROs were also evaluated with 15% of patients achieving a maximum or minimum survey score deemed as significant. Results: Our cohort included 110 patients (55 lidocaine, 55 corticosteroid) with no significant differences in preoperative demographic variables (Table 1). Both cohorts demonstrated significant 2-year postoperative score improvements across all PROs, except SF-12 MCS, which was unchanged. Lidocaine non-responders demonstrated greater 2-year mean difference in all PROs, except for SF-12 MCS, when compared to lidocaine responders (Table 2). Lidocaine non-responders also achieved MCID at higher rates than responders in both HOOS Pain &amp; VAS Pain (Table 3). There was no difference in percentage of patients achieving MCID or mean difference in PROs between corticosteroid responders and non-responders. Ceiling and floor effects were seen in 2-year postoperative PROs of a combined lidocaine &amp; corticosteroid responder cohort. [Ceiling: HOOS ADL (34.6%) HOOS Pain (21.0%) HOOS Sport (28.4%); Floor: VAS Pain (34.6%)] Conclusions: Preoperative intra-articular hip injection response did not predict 2-year postoperative outcomes after hip arthroscopy for FAIS. Results from this study suggest that preoperative injection response should not be used in isolation to predict outcomes after arthroscopic treatment of FAIS.

Outcomes of Descemet Stripping Only Without Postoperative Use of Topical Rho-associated Protein Kinase Inhibitors.

Descemet Stripping Only (DSO) is a promising surgical option for select patients with Fuchs endothelial dystrophy (FED). There is growing support for the use of topical Rho-associated protein kinase inhibitors (ROCKi) to optimize DSO outcomes. However, in many settings, ROCKi are either unavailable or not approved to treat corneal diseases. This study sought to characterize patient outcomes after DSO in the absence of ROCKi and potentially broaden the settings where DSO can be offered to patients. Single-center retrospective case series of 15 eyes/11 patients (66 years; 52-74) that underwent DSO, alone or combined with cataract surgery, by one surgeon between August 2020 and January 2023. Patients included in analyses had FED with central guttae, no clinical evidence of corneal edema, and a clinically healthy peripheral corneal endothelium. Mean follow-up time was 14 months (2-34). Fourteen of 15 eyes achieved corneal clearance (93.3%). Mean time to clearance was 8.5 weeks (3-23). Eleven eyes (73%) achieved corrected distance visual acuity of ≤0.2 with a significant postoperative improvement at 4 to 8 months (P < 0.05) and sustained improvements at >12 months. No significant astigmatism was introduced by the procedure. Two eyes developed cystoid macular edema postoperatively. A trend toward earlier clearance was observed in the <65 years old group. Despite a longer time to corneal clearance in this cohort compared with the few studies using ROCKi, the overall success rate and visual outcomes for the patients in our cohort supports the use of DSO in settings where ROCKi are not readily available.

The attainment of a patient acceptable symptom state in patients undergoing revision spine fusion

IntroductionRevision lumbar fusion is most commonly due to nonunion, adjacent segment disease (ASD), or recurrent stenosis, but it is unclear if diagnosis affects patient outcomes. The primary aim of this study was to assess whether patients achieved the patient acceptable symptom state (PASS) or minimal clinically important difference (MCID) after revision lumbar fusion and assess whether this was influenced by the indication for revision.MethodsWe retrospectively identified all 1–3 level revision lumbar fusions at a single institution. Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) was collected at preoperative, three-month postoperative, and one-year postoperative time points. The MCID was calculated using a distribution-based method at each postoperative time point. PASS was set at the threshold of ≤ 22.ResultsWe identified 197 patients: 56% with ASD, 28% with recurrent stenosis, and 15% with pseudarthrosis. The MCID for ODI was 10.05 and 10.23 at three months and one year, respectively. In total, 61% of patients with ASD, 52% of patients with nonunion, and 65% of patients with recurrent stenosis achieved our cohort-specific MCID at one year postoperatively with ASD (p = 0.78). At one year postoperatively, 33.8% of ASD patients, 47.8% of nonunion patients, and 37% of patients with recurrent stenosis achieved PASS without any difference between indication (p = 0.47).ConclusionsThe majority of patients undergoing revision spine fusion experience significant postoperative improvements regardless of the indication for revision. However, a large proportion of these patients do not achieve the patient acceptable symptom state. While revision spine surgery may offer substantial benefits, these results underscore the need to manage patient expectations.

Modified stapes surgery for otosclerosis: An evaluation of auditory results and postoperative complications.

The senior author Shiao, had introduced a modified version of the traditional stapes surgery, called minimally traumatic stapes surgery (MTSS), and explored its effectiveness in reducing postoperative vertigo. However, MTSS exhibited no significant breakthrough in terms of audiometric results. Building upon the original MTSS through slight modifications and the use of the Medtronic Big Easy ® Piston as the prosthesis, this study evaluates a refined version of the original MTSS technique. In particular, this research sought to investigate the impact of this refined approach on hearing outcomes and postoperative complications among patients diagnosed with otosclerosis. This research comprehensively examined the medical records of individuals diagnosed with otosclerosis who underwent MTSS. The postoperative outcomes assessed encompassed hearing outcomes and the occurrence of any new complications. Overall, 95 patients diagnosed with otosclerosis (comprising 106 affected ears) underwent MTSS. Significant improvements in both the average air conduction threshold (40 ± 16.82 dB after vs 60 ± 14.56 dB before surgery; p < 0.0001) and average air-bone gap (11.99 ± 7.24 dB after vs 29.65 ± 9.47 dB before surgery; p = 0.003) were observed after the surgery. Conversely, no significant change in the average bone conduction threshold was observed after the procedure (28 ± 13.81 dB after vs 29 ± 12.31 dB before surgery; p = 0.149). Among the 106 affected ears, 102 showed postoperative air-bone gap measurements <20 dB, indicating an impressive 96.2% overall hearing improvement. Notably, only a few postoperative complications were observed, including vertigo, chorda tympani injury, facial weakness, and a slight hearing deterioration. The refined MTSS technique promoted significant postoperative hearing improvements with minimal complications. This approach showed potential for addressing the surgical challenges in Asian patients with otosclerosis, emphasizing the importance of further research on this advanced procedural method.

Moving Beyond Morphometrics and Alignment: Prospective Longitudinal Study on Cognition, Quality of Life, and Diffusion Metrics in Congenital Craniovertebral Junction Anomalies.

Chiari type I malformation (CMI) has been implicated to cause cognitive impairment. Unusual for a craniovertebral junction (CVJ) anomaly, this phenomenon is postulated to be related to microstructural changes across the brain. However, this has not been confirmed in a longitudinal study, in bony CVJ anomalies, or in the context of quality of life (QOL). This study aimed to analyze cognition, QOL, and diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) metrics before and after surgery for congenital CVJ anomalies and evaluate their correlations with conventional clinico-radiological factors. Fifty-seven patients with congenital CVJ anomalies-CMI, atlantoaxial dislocation (AAD), and basilar invagination (BI)-were evaluated in this prospective longitudinal study over 3 years with a neuropsychological battery, QOL and functional scores, and DTI metrics. A total of 43 patients (23 with CMI; 20 with AAD or BI) with 1-year postsurgical data were included in the final analysis. Cognitive dysfunction in one or more domains was noted in 15 (65%) of the patients with CMI and 16 (80%) of the patients with AAD/BI. Memory and visual motor perception were the most-affected domains in both the cohorts. At the 1-year follow-up, the proportion of patients demonstrating an overall cognitive dysfunction did not change significantly (P > .05). All patients demonstrated significant postoperative improvement in functional and QOL scores at follow-up. DTI metrics improved in many regions postoperatively, but did not correlate with functional or cognitive changes (P > .05). Cognition is affected in a majority of patients with CMI, AAD, or BI. These patients experience good functional and QOL outcomes after surgery but most of them continue to exhibit cognitive impairment. DTI metrics improve after surgery, but do not correlate with cognitive changes. These findings underline the multidimensional nature of the pathology of these anomalies that complicate achieving the concept of a "successful" surgery.

CLINICAL AND RADIOLOGICAL OUTCOMES OF REVISION TOTAL ANKLE ARTHROPLASTY USING THE INBONE II PROSTHESIS

BackgroundThe literature on the outcome of revision total ankle arthroplasty (TAA) remains limited. We aim to report the clinical and radiological outcomes of revision TAA at a high-volume centre in the UK.MethodsRetrospective review of 28 patients that underwent 29 revision TAA procedures using INBONE II prosthesis. Demographic, radiological, and patient reported outcome measures data were analysed.ResultsThe mean (range) duration from primary TAA to revision was 87.5 (16–223) months. The main indication for the revision was aseptic loosening of the primary TAA (82.8%). Additional procedures were required in 75.9% of patients. At mean (range) follow-up of 40 (24- 60) months, the infection, re-operation, and implant survival rates were 6.9%, 6.9% and 96.5% respectively. A significant postoperative improvement in the component alignment radiographic measures was observed. Osteolysis, subsidence, loosening and heterotopic ossification rates were comparable to other reports and did not influence the clinical outcome. A significant improvement was observed in the MOXFQ (all domains) and the EQ-5D (three domains) at 24 months postoperatively.ConclusionsRevision TAA using INBONE II was associated with good short-term survival and improvement in the postoperative scores at 2 years. Maintenance of the postoperatively improved alignment was documented at follow up. The relatively high survival rate in this series supports the notion that revision TAA is a satisfactory option for failed primary TAA.

Glenoid structural bone grafting in reverse total shoulder arthroplasty: clinical and radiographic outcomes

IntroductionCurrent options for reconstruction of large glenoid defects in reverse total shoulder arthroplasty (RTSA) include structural bone grafting, utilization of augmented components, or 3D printed custom implants. Given the paucity in the literature on structural bone grafts in RTSA, this study reflects our experience on clinical and radiographic outcomes of structural bone grafts utilized for glenoid defects in RTSA. MethodsWe identified 33 consecutive patients who underwent RTSA utilizing structural bone grafts for glenoid bone loss between 2008 and 2019. Twenty-six patients with mean clinical follow-up of 4.4 ± 3.9 years and mean radiographic follow-up of 2.7 ± 3.2 years were included. Patient demographic data, peri-operative functional outcomes, radiographic outcomes, complications, and re-operation rates were determined. ResultsBetween 2008 and 2019, 26 RTSAs were performed utilizing structural autograft or allograft for glenoid defects. There were 20 females (77%) and 6 males (23%), with mean presenting age of 68 years (range 41-86), mean BMI of 29 (range 21-44) and mean Charlson Comorbidity Index of 3 (range 0-8). There were 19 cases of central glenoid defects, and 7 were combined central and peripheral defects. Structural grafts included humeral head autograft (7), proximal humerus autograft (7), iliac crest autograft (7), distal clavicle autograft (2), and femoral head allograft (3). All eighteen revision RTSA cases had simultaneous humeral-sided revision. There was significant postoperative improvement in ASES scores (27.0 ± 12.6 preop vs. 59.8 ± 24.1 postop; p<0.001) and VAS scores (8.1 ± 3.6 preop vs. 3.0 ± 3.2 postop; p<0.001). Range of motion improved significantly for active forward elevation (63 ± 36º preop vs. 104 ± 36º postop; p<0.001) and external rotation (21 ± 20º preop vs. 32 ± 23º postop, p=0.036). Eighty-eight percent (23/26) of cases had successful reconstruction of the glenoid, defined as no visible radiolucent lines nor glenoid component migration at final follow-up. Re-operation rate was 19% (5/26) Postoperative complications included 2 cases of acromial stress fractures that were treated non-operatively, for a total complication rate (including re-operation) of 27% (7/26 cases). ConclusionsThe use of structural bone autografts and allografts in RTSA was associated with improved outcome scores and range of motion. A reoperation rate of 19% and total complication rate of 27% were reported for these challenging cases. However, 86% of these complications were not related to structural glenoid reconstruction failure. Structural grafts are a reasonable option for glenoid reconstruction in RTSA cases with glenoid bone loss.

Comparison of children and adults in deep brain stimulation for Tourette Syndrome: a large-scale multicenter study of 102 cases with long-term follow-up

BackgroundDeep brain stimulation (DBS) is a promising therapy for refractory Gilles de la Tourette syndrome (GTS). However, its long-term efficacy, safety, and recommended surgical age remain controversial, requiring evidence to compare different age categories.MethodsThis retrospective cohort study recruited 102 GTS patients who underwent DBS between October 2006 and April 2022 at two national centers. Patients were divided into two age categories: children (aged < 18 years; n = 34) and adults (aged ≥ 18 years; n = 68). The longitudinal outcomes as tic symptoms were assessed by the YGTSS, and the YBOCS, BDI, and GTS-QOL were evaluated for symptoms of obsessive–compulsive disorder (OCD), depression, and quality of life, respectively.ResultsOverall, these included patients who finished a median 60-month follow-up, with no significant difference between children and adults (p = 0.44). Overall, the YGTSS total score showed significant postoperative improvements and further improved with time (improved 45.2%, 51.6%, 55.5%, 55.6%, 57.8%, 61.4% after 6, 12, 24, 36, 48, and ≥ 60 months of follow-up compared to baseline, respectively) in all included patients (all p < 0.05). A significantly higher improvement was revealed in children than adults at ≥ 60 months of follow-up in the YGTSS scores (70.1% vs 55.9%, p = 0.043), and the time to achieve 60% improvement was significantly shorter in the children group (median 6 months vs 12 months, p = 0.013). At the last follow-up, the mean improvements were 45.4%, 48.9%, and 55.9% and 40.3%, 45.4%, and 47.9% in YBOCS, BDI, and GTS-QOL scores for children and adults, respectively, which all significantly improved compared to baseline (all p < 0.05) but without significant differences between these two groups (all p > 0.05), and the children group received significantly higher improvement in GTS-QOL scores than adults (55.9% vs. 47.9%, p = 0.049).ConclusionsDBS showed acceptable long-term efficacy and safety for both children and adults with GTS. Surgeries performed for patients younger than 18 years seemed to show acceptable long-term efficacy and safety and were not associated with increased risks of loss of benefit compared to patients older than 18 at the time of surgery. However, surgeries for children should also be performed cautiously to ensure their refractoriness and safety.

Functional Exercise Capacity and Perceived Exertion in Patients with Empty Nose Syndrome.

Empty nose syndrome (ENS) is a complex condition characterized by symptoms such as dyspnea, nasal discomfort, and emotional challenges. This study aimed to evaluate functional exercise capacity and perceived exertion in patients with ENS. Patients with ENS who presented with a range of severe symptoms were prospectively enrolled. Pulmonary function was evaluated using spirometry, and functional exercise capacity was measured via the 6 min walk test (6-MWT). Perceived exertion was quantified using the Borg scale, and cardiopulmonary function was evaluated by monitoring peripheral oxygen saturation (SpO2). These parameters were assessed before and after nasal reconstruction surgery. A total of 44 patients with ENS were enrolled and classified into mild-to-moderate (n = 20) and severe (n = 24) symptom groups. Spirometry results showed no significant differences before and after surgery in the entire cohort. Perceived exertion showed significant postoperative improvement (p = 0.006). The severe ENS symptom group experienced significant improvement in SpO2 (p = 0.013) and perceived exertion (p = 0.002) at the end of the 6-MWT after surgery. Surgical intervention significantly enhanced functional exercise capacity (p = 0.038) in patients with mild-to-moderate ENS symptoms. Surgical reconstruction positively affected perceived exertion and SpO2 at the end of the 6-MWT in patients with ENS. The severity of ENS symptoms, as assessed by SNOT-25 scores, influenced these outcomes. These findings underscore the potential benefits of surgical intervention for enhancing exercise tolerance and respiratory efficiency.

Arthroscopic inferior leaf meniscectomy of the involved anterior horn in the lateral meniscus horizontal tear via an accessary extreme far anteromedial portal

BackgroundAn accessory extreme far anteromedial portal can improve visualisation and ease inferior leaf meniscectomy in patients with lateral meniscal anterior horn horizontal tears. However, the therapeutic outcomes of adding an accessory extreme far anteromedial portal remain unclear. This study aimed to evaluate the clinical efficacy of adding an accessory extreme far anteromedial portal for treating lateral meniscal horizontal tears involving the anterior horns.MethodsThis retrospective study included 101 patients with anterior horn involvement in lateral meniscal horizontal tears who underwent arthroscopic unstable inferior leaf meniscectomy between January 2016 and December 2020. The pathologies were diagnosed using physical examinations and magnetic resonance imaging. The anterior horn involved in the lateral meniscal horizontal tears was treated using inferior leaf meniscectomy. The primary endpoints were changes in the visual analogue scale, Lysholm, International Knee Documentation Committee, and Tegner scores at the final follow-up. The secondary endpoint was meniscal cure rate at 3 months postoperatively. The preoperative and postoperative functional scores were compared. The occurrence of complications was recorded.ResultsAll patients were followed up for an average of 4.9 ± 1.2 years (range 2.3–7.5 years). After 4 months, none of the patients experienced pain, weakness, instability, or tenderness in the lateral joint line, achieving an imaging cure rate of 98%. At the final follow-up, significant postoperative improvements were observed in the average values of the visual analogue scale score (3.5 ± 0.7 vs. 0.7 ± 0.6), Lysholm score (62.7 ± 4.4 vs. 91.8 ± 3.1), International Knee Documentation Committee score (61.9 ± 3.7 vs. 91.7 ± 9.5), and Tegner score (2.0 ± 0.7 vs. 6.1 ± 0.7). Excellent Lysholm scores were obtained in 81 patients, and good outcomes were obtained in 18 patients, with an excellent-to-good rate of 98.0%.ConclusionsInferior leaf resection via the accessory far anteromedial portal is a safe treatment option for the involved anterior horn in lateral meniscal horizontal tears. This approach enhances visibility and facilitates surgical procedures, with minimal complications.

Is pre-operative electromyography a reliable tool in differentiating acute and chronic facial palsy? A preliminary evaluation in patients treated with triple innervation facial reanimation

Electromyographic evaluation is a reliable tool for confirming facial palsy and assessing its severity. It allows differentiating facial paresis and paralysis, and further distinguishes acute palsies, still showing muscle fibrillations, from chronic cases. This article aims to show that EMG fibrillations might represent a better criterion to differentiate acute and chronic palsies than the standard 18–24 months’ cut-off usually employed for classification and treatment purposes.We performed a cohort study using the eFACE tool for comparing triple innervation facial reanimation results in patients with EMG fibrillation treated <12 months, 12–18 months, and >18 months from paralysis onset.Patients showed a statistically significant post-operative improvement in all eFACE items, both in the whole sample and in the three groups. Only the deviation from the optimal score for the gentle eye closure item in group 2 didn't reach statistical significance (p = 0.173). The post-operative results were comparable in the three groups, as the Kruskal-Wallis test showed a difference only for the platysmal synkinesis item scores, which were significantly lower in group 3 (p = 0.025).EMG should represent a further tool to wide the group of paralysis patients that could be treated as recent facial palsy patients; Further prospective studies on pre-operative EMG fibrillations might allow for further refinement of the technique selection process.

Surgical Outcomes and Predictive Factors in Patients With Detrusor Underactivity Undergoing Bladder Outlet Obstruction Surgery.

This study was conducted to evaluate the efficacy of bladder outlet surgery in patients with detrusor underactivity (DU) and to identify factors associated with successful outcomes. We conducted a retrospective review of men diagnosed with DU in urodynamic studies who underwent bladder outlet surgery for lower urinary tract symptoms between May 2018 and April 2023. The International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS) questionnaire, uroflowmetry (UFM), and multichannel urodynamic studies were administered. Successful treatment outcomes were defined as either an IPSS improvement of at least 50% or the regaining of spontaneous voiding in patients urethral catheterization prior to surgery. The study included 93 male patients. Men diagnosed with significant or equivocal bladder outlet obstruction (BOO) experienced significant postoperative improvements in IPSS (from 20.6 to 6.0 and from 17.4 to 6.5, respectively), maximum urine flow rate (from 5.0 mL/sec to 14.4 mL/sec and from 8.8 mL/sec to 12.2 mL/sec, respectively) and voiding efficiency (from 48.8% to 86.0% and from 61.2% to 85.1%, respectively). However, in the group without obstruction, the improvements in IPSS and UFM results were not significant. The presence of detrusor overactivity (odds ratio [OR], 3.152; P=0.025) and preoperative urinary catheterization (OR, 2.756; P=0.040) were associated with favorable treatment outcomes. Conversely, an unobstructed bladder outlet was identified as a negative prognostic factor. In men with DU accompanied by equivocal or significant BOO, surgical intervention to alleviate the obstruction may enhance the IPSS, quality of life, and UFM results. However, those with DU and an unobstructed bladder outlet face a comparatively high risk of treatment failure. Preoperative detrusor overactivity and urinary catheterization are associated with more favorable surgical outcomes. Consequently, active deobstructive surgery should be considered for patients with DU who are experiencing urinary retention.

Opposition Transfer Using the Extensor Indicis Muscle and the Extensor Pollicis Brevis Tendon

PurposeThis study aimed to introduce a novel technique utilizing the extensor pollicis brevis and extensor indicis proprius tendons as power sources for thumb opposition reconstruction in cases of severe carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) associated with thenar muscle atrophy. Further, the efficacy of this novel method and the traditional Camitz technique was compared. MethodsPatients with severe CTS and thumb opposition dysfunction who underwent surgery using the novel technique (n = 7, 9 surgeries) or the Camitz technique (n = 8, 8 surgeries) were included in the analysis. The pre- and postoperative palmar abduction angle, thumb–ring finger opposition (T–R) angle, and Kapandji score were assessed. The repeated measures ANOVA and the Mann–Whitney U test were used for statistical analysis. ResultsThe novel technique was associated with a significant postoperative improvement in palmar abduction angle, T–R angle, and Kapandji score. In particular, the T–R angle of patients who underwent surgery using this technique was superior to that of patients who underwent surgery using the Camitz technique. Therefore, the novel technique was highly effective in improving thumb pronation. ConclusionThe novel technique using the extensor pollicis brevis and extensor indicis proprius tendons is promising for thumb opposition reconstruction in severe CTS cases. Unlike the traditional Camitz technique, this approach promotes stable thumb opposition function without requiring a pulley, thereby yielding satisfactory outcomes. Nevertheless, further studies with a larger sample size should be conducted to validate these findings.

Indications, Associated Procedures, and Results of Ankle Plafond-Plasty for Varus Ankle Osteoarthritis: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Plafond-plasty is a joint-preserving procedure to treat varus ankle osteoarthritis (OA) with asymmetrical joint involvement. The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to evaluate indications, different surgical techniques, associated procedures, and results of plafond-plasty in varus ankle OA and to analyze the level of evidence (LOE) and quality of evidence (QOE) of the included studies. A systematic review of the literature was performed using MEDLINE, Embase, and Cochrane. Five studies evaluating 99 ankles were included. A non-rigid varus ankle deformity and an ankle OA Takakura stage 3b or less were the most recommended pre-operative indications. Meta-analysis showed a significant post-operative improvement in clinical and radiological parameters. Many associated surgical procedures have been reported, the most frequent being medial additional supramalleolar osteotomy and lateral ankle ligament reconstruction. The level of evidence and methodological quality assessment of the included studies showed an overall low quality. Plafond-plasty seems to be a promising surgical option when managing varus ankle OA with asymmetrical joint involvement, extending the indications for joint sparing surgery. Additional associated procedures should be carefully evaluated case-by-case. IV.