Significant Risk Factor For Failure Research Articles

Survivability of the Femoral Neck System for the treatment of femoral neck fractures in adults.

Hip fractures are common injuries in the elderly, with an incidence that continues to rise. The femoral neck system (FNS) recently emerged as a novel treatment option for femoral neck fractures, but long-term survivability of the implant remains uncertain. The purpose of this study is to evaluate survivability of the FNS and assess risk factors for implant failure. One hundred five adult patients who received the FNS (DePuy Synthes, Raynham, MA) for femoral neck fractures (AO/OTA 31B) were included. Surgeries were performed within a regional hospital system comprising 18 facilities. All patients had a minimum follow-up of 1year. The primary outcome measures were cumulative incidence of implant failure and 1-year mortality, including risk factor analysis. Twelve implants failed at a follow-up ranging from 17days to 8months, and 7 failed within 90days. Cumulative incidence of implant failure was 2% at 30days, 7% at 90days, 12% at 6months, and 13% at 1year. Causes of implant failure included cut-out (n = 5), non-union (n = 4), peri-implant fracture (n = 2), and avascular necrosis (n = 1). Univariate Cox regression identified Pauwels type III fractures and an increasing AP Parker ratio as significant risk factors for failure. Pauwels type III fractures showed a 5.48 times higher risk compared to Pauwels types I & II. Every 10% increase in AP Parker ratio increased risk of failure by 2.39 times. The 1-year mortality rate was 21%, and univariate logistic regression identified age as the only risk factor (odds ratio = 3.71). The incidence of implant failure and 1-year mortality rate in this study suggests that the FNS can provide reliable fixation compared to rates in the literature, but complications are not uncommon. Avoiding Pauwels type III fractures and optimizing implant placement appear crucial to preventing implant failure. Therapeutic Level IV.

What is the best way to treat refractory macular hole?

AbstractBackground: Despite the abundance of surgical approaches proposed for persistent full thickness macular hole (PFTMH) treatment the choice of the optimal technique remains debatable.Purpose: to analyse the anatomical and functional outcome of surgery for persistent macular holes and to determine significant risk factors for failure of primary 25‐g vitrectomy with ILM peeling and gas tamponade for treatment of FTMH.Patients and Methods: Thirty‐eight eyes of thirty‐seven patients with FTMH that underwent primary 25‐gauge PPV, ILM peeling and gas tamponade (GT) were recruited to this retrospective, consecutive, interventional study. Four eyes with persistent holes underwent a re‐operation and outcome‐related factors were discussed.Results: The primary closure rate was 89.5% (34/38). In all failed to close (FTC) cases in this study we used the novel technique recently described by us previously. This manoeuvre included the combination of a subretinal‐fluid application technique with centripetal displacement of the macula and ILM flap technique (inverted pedicle ILM flap technique was used in 3 cases and free ILM flap in 1 case). Four eyes that underwent the repeated surgery obtained final closure. A hole size of >500 μm has a statistically significant effect on the primary macular hole closure (F = 0.048; φ = 0.38; p ˂ 0.05). In the Group 2 with primary unclosed holes, 75% of the eyes (3/4) had an axial length (AL) > 26 mm, while in Group 1 with primary closed holes such eyes were 12.5 times less (2/34) 5.9% (F = 0.004; φ = 0.63; р ˂ 0.01).Conclusion: The combination of a SR‐fluid application technique with centripetal displacement of the macula and ILM flap technique for refractory FTMH provide satisfactory morphologic and functional outcomes. Elongated AL, large diameter of MH and long duration of symptoms are the risk factors for initial closure. Proper second surgery can obtain satisfactory outcomes for persistent holes.

Is Posterior Tibial Slope and Mechanism of Failure Crucial for an Anatomically Reconstructed Primary Hamstring Graft Anterior Cruciate Ligament?

Purpose Native anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) failure is multifactorial with tibial slope identified as a crucial risk factor. The aim was to examine relation between lateral posterior tibial slope (LTPS) and failed ACL primary reconstruction by negating the associated risk factors such as tunnel position, gender, and graft types based on the mechanism of failure. Materials and Methods Our retrospective study included 102 patients, diagnosed as failed primary anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR). The LPTS was measured on lateral radiographs and the tunnel position assessed by magnetic resonance imaging on both femoral, tibial side by two musculoskeletal radiologists. We compared the slopes in patients based on their mechanism of failure. Results The mean LPTS in patients with anatomically placed tunnel (9.28° ± 3.5°; range, 4°–18°) was significantly higher than the rest (7.7° ± 2.9°; range, 3°–15°; P = 0.01). There was a significant association of higher tibial slope in graft rupture due to contact mechanism of failure (P = 0.02). LPTS was not significantly associated with noncontact mechanism of failure. Conclusion LTPS is a significant risk factor for failure in hamstring graft reconstructed ACL patients with optimally placed tunnels. LPTS ≥10° increases the risk of hamstring graft failure due to contact mechanism.

Penetrating renal injuries: an observational study of non-operative management and the impact of opening Gerota’s fascia

BackgroundNon-operative management has become increasingly popular in the treatment of renal trauma. While data are robust in blunt mechanisms, the role of non-operative management in penetrating trauma is less clear. Additionally, there is a paucity of data comparing gunshot and stab wounds.MethodsA retrospective review of patients admitted to a high-volume level 1 trauma center (Groote Schuur Hospital, Cape Town) with penetrating abdominal trauma was performed. Patients with renal injuries were identified and compared based on mechanism [gunshot (GSW) vs. stab] and management strategy (operative vs. non-operative). Primary outcomes of interest were mortality and failure of non-operative management. Secondary outcomes of interest were nephrectomy rates, Clavien-Dindo complication rate, hospital length of stay, and overall morbidity rate.ResultsA total of 150 patients with renal injuries were identified (82 GSW, 68 stab). Overall, 55.2% of patients required emergent/urgent laparotomy. GSWs were more likely to cause grade V injury and concurrent intra-abdominal injuries (p > 0.05). The success rate of non-operative management was 91.6% (89.9% GSW, 92.8% stab, p = 0.64). The absence of hematuria on point of care testing demonstrated a negative predictive value of 98.4% (95% CI 96.8–99.2%). All but 1 patient who failed non-operative management had associated intra-abdominal injuries requiring surgical intervention. Opening of Gerota’s fascia resulted in nephrectomy in 55.6% of cases. There were no statistically significant risk factors for failure of non-operative management identified on univariate logistic regression.ConclusionsNOM of penetrating renal injuries can be safely and effectively instituted in both gunshot and stab wounds with a very low number of patients progressing to laparotomy. Most patients fail NOM for associated injuries. During laparotomy, the opening of Gerota’s fascia may lead to increased risk of nephrectomy. Ongoing study with larger populations is required to develop effective predictive models of patients who will fail NOM.

Factors Associated with Discontinuation of Statin Therapy in Patients with Lymphoma Aged 80 Years and Older: A Retrospective Single-Institute Study.

BackgroundThere is little evidence to support or negate the benefits of statin therapy for primary prevention of cardiovascular disease (CVD) in lymphoma patients aged 80 years or older.ObjectiveWe evaluated comprehensive geriatric assessment (CGA) scores and previously reported risk factors for failure of statin therapy discontinuation in lymphoma patients aged 80 years and older with the aim of identifying those in whom discontinuation of statins for primary CVD prevention is indicated.Patients and methodsOur study cohort comprised 50 patients aged 80 years and older treated with chemotherapy for lymphoma at our institute from January 2011 to July 2020. We retrospectively analyzed the associations between CGA, including Geriatric 8, instrumental activities of daily living, and Charlson comorbidity index, and previously reported factors associated with failure of statin therapy discontinuation, defined as reintroduction of statins after their discontinuation, in this patient cohort.ResultsTwenty years or less of statin therapy was an independent predictor of failure of statin therapy discontinuation (hazard ratio 8.240, 95% confidence interval 1.380–49.10). There were significant differences in the rate of failure of statin discontinuation between patients receiving statins for ≥ 20 years versus < 20 years (p = 0.010). Multivariate analysis of CGA-related scores identified no significant risk factors for failure of statin discontinuation.ConclusionsDiscontinuation of statin therapy may be indicated in lymphoma patients aged 80 years and older who have used statins for 20 years or more.

Survival of conventional dental implants in the edentulous atrophic maxilla in combination with zygomatic implants: a 20-year retrospective study

PurposeImplant-supported prosthetic rehabilitation in the resorbed maxilla is a great challenge. The aim of this study was to determine the survival rate of conventional anterior implants placed in combination with zygomatic implants according to the Brånemark technique, and to identify risk factors for implant failure.MethodsWe collected data retrospectively from 72 consecutive patients who received treatment from 1998 to 2018 at our center, according to Brånemark’s original technique. Kaplan–Meier analysis was conducted to assess survival rate, and a survival regression model was used with the patient as the random factor, applying the Weibull distribution.ResultsA total of 236 maxillary anterior implants were included, with a mean follow-up of 12.1 years. Kaplan–Meier analysis showed overall cumulative survival rates of 95.3% at 1 year, 94.8% at 2 years, 93.0% at 5 years, 90.5% at 10 years, 81.6% at 15 years, and 67.7% at 20 years. Survival regression showed an association between bruxism and implant failure as well as implants bearing an overdenture. Implants with length ≤ 10 mm had a significantly lower survival time. No significant association was found between the number of anterior implants and survival rate.ConclusionsWe found acceptable long-term anterior conventional implant survival. Significant risk factors for failure were bruxism, overdentures, and implants shorter than 10 mm.

The effect of uneventful cataract surgery in pseudoexfoliation glaucoma with or without previous mitomycin C-augmented trabeculectomy.

To analyze the effect of uneventful cataract surgery on intraocular pressure (IOP) in pseudoexfoliation glaucoma (PXG) eyes with and without a history of Mitomycin C-augmented trabeculectomy. Eyes with PXG that had underwent uneventful cataract surgery were enrolled. The IOP and the medication numbers before cataract surgery, and 1, 3, 6, 12, 18, 24months after cataract surgery, and at the last visit were recorded in PXG with and without previous trabeculectomy. Failure was defined as IOP > 21 or ≤ 21mmHg with additional medication or surgery. In the postoperative first 24h, IOP > 50% above baseline was defined as an IOP spike. In the trabeculectomized eyes (n = 37), the increase in the mean IOP (p = 0.024) and the increase in the mean number of medications (p = 0.007) was significant at the last visit when compared with baseline. In the non-trabeculectomized eyes (n = 42) there was a significant decrease in the mean IOP (p = 0.016) and in the mean number of medications (p = 0.038) at the last visit. Twelve eyes (32.4%) in trabeculectomized group and six (14.3%) in the non-trabeculectomized group experienced failure. An IOP spike was seen in one eye in the trabeculectomized group, in 15 eyes in the non-trabeculectomized group (p < 0.0001). The IOP spike was a significant risk factor for failure (p = 0.027). Uneventful cataract surgery may have significant negative effect on the IOP control in the trabeculectomized PXG eyes. After cataract surgery, the non-trabeculectomized PXG eyes had a higher risk of IOP spike and an IOP spike may be a risk factor for failure.

Comparison of Orthosis Management Failure Rates for Mallet Injuries

PurposeA closed mallet injury is a common finger injury involving terminal extensor tendon avulsion from its insertion on the distal phalanx. Nonsurgical treatment with continuous extension orthosis fabrication is the preferred treatment. Our purpose was to report the failure rates of orthotic management by digit and investigate other factors that contribute to failure.MethodsThis was a retrospective chart review of all patients with an isolated mallet finger injury managed at our institution from 2011 to 2019. Patient demographics, details of management, and treatment outcomes were collected. Failure rates were compared for all digits, specifically comparing the little finger versus all other digits. A categorical variable analysis was performed to identify risk factors for failure of orthosis management.ResultsOut of 1,331 identified patients, 328 met the inclusion criteria. There was no statistically significant difference of failure rate between digits. There was a trend toward the little finger failing at a higher rate (n = 131, 40%) than the other digits individually (P = .08) and combined (n = 95, 29%; P = .06). An older age at injury was associated with failure. The median patient age with failure was 54 years, versus the median patient age with nonfailure of 48 years (P < .01). The failure rate was higher in tendinous versus bony mallet injuries (n = 131, 40% vs n = 66, 20%, respectively; P < .01). The orthotic type was associated with the failure rate, and failure was highest in patients treated with Stack orthoses (n = 183, 56%; P = .01).ConclusionsThere was no significant difference in the orthotic management failure rate by digit for a mallet injury. Statistically significant risk factors for failure are increasing age, a tendinous injury, and the orthotic type. Further evaluation with a larger cohort is warranted to increase the statistical power of the findings.Type of study/level of evidenceTherapeutic III.

Factors Associated With Gonioscopy-Assisted Transluminal Trabeculotomy (GATT) Complications and Failure in Children

To identify the factors associated with the complications and failure of gonioscopy-assisted transluminal trabeculotomy (GATT) in children. Retrospective case series. This study was conducted in an institutional setting in a pediatric population (aged <18 years) who had undergone GATT. Records were reviewed, and pre- and postoperative intraocular pressures (IOP), extent of angle treated, medications, complications, and failure were recorded. Failure was defined as IOP >21 mm Hg or <5 mm Hg, absence of at least 20% IOP reduction, performance of additional IOP-lowering surgery, or loss of light perception vision. A total of 74 eyes of 57 patients were included (mean age, 7.1 years). Over a median follow-up period of 28.5 months, 36 eyes (48.6%) failed. IOP spikes occurred in 25 eyes (33.8%) and were a significant risk factor for failure (hazard ratio [HR]=2.17; P=.0207). Postoperative hyphema was a significant risk factor for IOP spike (HR=4.13, P=.003) but not for failure (HR=0.7, P=.2977). The risk of IOP spike was lowest in eyes treated with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs; HR=0.27, P=.0016). The risk of failure increased significantly in eyes that received topical corticosteroids (compared to NSAIDs; HR=5.72, P=.0005), in eyes with <360○ incisions (HR=4.69, P < .0001), and in younger children. GATT is a reasonably effective procedure in childhood glaucoma. Postoperatively, the use of topical NSAIDs (without corticosteroid) may decrease the risk of failure. Eyes with IOP spikes without hyphema are at the highest risk for failure.

Risk Factors for Failing to Reach a Minimal Clinically Important Difference Following Minimally Invasive Lumbar Decompression.

Clinically important postoperative changes can be best evaluated through the minimal clinically important difference (MCID). Our study aims to evaluate risk factors associated with failure to achieve MCID following lumbar decompression (LD). Demographics, perioperative characteristics, and patient-reported outcome measures (PROM) for pain, disability, and physical function were retrospectively reviewed and collected for patients undergoing LD. MCID achievement was calculated using established values. Relative risk of demographic and perioperative characteristics with failure to meet MCID for all PROMs was calculated. Least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) was used to estimate individual risk factors, and postestimation logistic regression was performed. The study cohort included 811 patients. Comorbidity burden was associated with failed MCID for visual analog scale (VAS) back and leg pain and Oswestry Disability Index (ODI). Operative levels or duration was associated with failed MCID for VAS leg pain, 12-item short form physical component summary (SF-12 PCS), and the patient-reported outcomes measurement information system physical function (PROMIS PF). Preoperative spinal pathology was associated with failed MCID for VAS leg pain, ODI, SF-12 PCS, and PROMIS PF. Additional risk factors included the type of operation, insurance, age, and body mass index. LASSO selected insurance, age, comorbidity burden, blood loss, operative duration, and type of spinal pathology as significant risk factors for failure to reach MCID. Failure to reach MCID was greatest for VAS back. Age, comorbidity burden, and prolonged procedures were significantly associated with risk for failure to reach MCID for a majority of PROMs. Comorbidity burden combined with operative outcomes may place patients at increased risk for failure to reach MCID for pain, disability, and physical function following LD. Establishes risk factors for failing to reach the threshold of meaningful difference in symptoms after LD surgery.

Risk Factors for Failure After Osteochondral Allograft Transplantation of the Knee: A Systematic Review and Exploratory Meta-analysis

Background: Graft failure after osteochondral allograft transplantation (OCA) of the knee is a devastating outcome, often necessitating subsequent interventions. A comprehensive understanding of the risk factors for failure after OCA of the knee may provide enhanced prognostic data for the knee surgeon and facilitate more informed shared decision-making discussions before surgery. Purpose: To perform a systematic review and meta-analysis of risk factors associated with graft failure after OCA of the knee. Study Design: Systematic review and meta-analysis; Level of evidence, 4. Methods: The PubMed, Ovid/MEDLINE, and Cochrane databases were queried in April 2021. Data pertaining to study characteristics and risk factors associated with failure after OCA were recorded. DerSimonian-Laird binary random-effects models were constructed to quantitatively evaluate the association between risk factors and graft failure by generating effect estimates in the form of odds ratios (ORs) with 95% CIs, while mean differences (MDs) were calculated for continuous data. Qualitative analysis was performed to describe risk factors that were variably reported. Results: A total of 16 studies consisting of 1401 patients were included. The overall pooled prevalence of failure was 18.9% (range, 10%-46%). There were 44 risk factors identified, of which 9 were explored quantitatively. There was strong evidence to support that the presence of bipolar chondral defects (OR, 4.20 [95% CI, 1.17-15.08]; P = .028) and male sex (OR, 2.04 [95% CI, 1.17-3.55]; P = .012) were significant risk factors for failure after OCA. Older age (MD, 5.06 years [95% CI, 1.44-8.70]; P = .006) and greater body mass index (MD, 1.75 kg/m2 [95% CI, 0.48-3.03]; P = .007) at the time of surgery were also significant risk factors for failure after OCA. There was no statistically significant evidence to incontrovertibly support that concomitant procedures, chondral defect size, and defect location were associated with an increased risk of failure after OCA. Conclusion: Bipolar chondral defects, male sex, older age, and greater body mass index were significantly associated with an increased failure rate after OCA of the knee. No statistically significant evidence presently exists to support that chondral defect size and location or concomitant procedures are associated with an increased graft failure rate after OCA of the knee. Additional studies are needed to evaluate these associations.

Clinical Outcome of Discordant Empirical Therapy and Risk Factors Associated to Treatment Failure in Children Hospitalized for Urinary Tract Infections.

With the spread of antibiotic resistance in pediatric urinary tract infections (UTIs), more patients are likely to be started empirically on antibiotics to which pathogens are later found to be resistant (discordant therapy). However, in-vivo effectiveness may be different from in-vitro susceptibility. Aims of this study were to describe clinical outcomes of discordant empirical treatments in pediatric UTIs and to investigate risk factors associated to treatment failure. This observational, retrospective study was conducted on children hospitalized for febrile UTIs with positive urine culture and started on discordant empirical therapy. Failure rates of discordant treatments and associated risk factors were investigated. A total of 142/1600 (8.9%) patients were treated with inadequate empirical antibiotics. Clinical failure was observed in 67/142 (47.2%) patients, with no fatal events. Higher failure rates were observed for combinations of penicillin and beta-lactamase inhibitors (57.1%). Significant risk factors for failure of discordant treatment were history of recurrent UTIs (95% CI: 1.13–9.98, OR: 3.23, p < 0.05), recent use of antibiotics (95% CI: 1.46–21.82, OR: 5.02, p < 0.01), infections caused by Pseudomonas aeruginosa (95% CI: 1.85–62.10, OR: 7.30, p < 0.05), and empirical treatment with combinations of penicillin and beta-lactamase inhibitors (95% CI: 0.94–4.03, OR: 1.94, p = 0.05). This study showed that discordant empirical treatments may still be effective in more than half of pediatric UTIs. Clinical effectiveness varies between different discordant antibiotics in pediatric UTIs, and patients presenting risk factors for treatment failure may need a differentiated empirical approach.

Lymphedema Is a Significant Risk Factor for Failure After Primary Total Hip Arthroplasty.

Lymphedema is a chronic disease characterized by fluid buildup and swelling that can lead to skin and soft-tissue fibrosis and recurring soft-tissue infections. Literature with regard to the increased risk of complications following a surgical procedure in patients with lymphedema is emerging, but the impact of lymphedema in the setting of primary total hip arthroplasty (THA) remains unknown. The purpose of this study was to review outcomes following primary THA performed in patients with lymphedema compared with a matched cohort without lymphedema. Using our institutional total joint registry and medical records, we identified 83 patients (57 were female and 26 were male) who underwent THA with ipsilateral lymphedema. For comparison, these patients were matched 1:6 (based on sex, age, date of the surgical procedure, and body mass index [BMI]) to a group of 498 patients without lymphedema who underwent primary THA for osteoarthritis. Subsequently, postoperative complications and implant survivorship were evaluated for each group. The mean follow-up for each group was 6 years. Survivorship was compared between cohorts using Kaplan-Meier methodology and included both survivorship free of infection and survivorship free of reoperation or revision. Univariate Cox regression analysis was utilized to assess the association between patient factors for the time to event outcomes noted above. In patients with a history of lymphedema, there was an increased risk of complications (hazard ratio [HR], 1.97; p < 0.01), including reoperation for any cause (HR, 3.16; p < 0.01) and postoperative infection (HR, 4.48; p < 0.01). The 5-year infection-free survival rate was 90.3% for patients with lymphedema compared with 97.7% for patients without lymphedema (p < 0.01). Patients with lymphedema are at increased risk for complications, including reoperation and infection, following primary THA. These data emphasize the importance of appropriate preoperative counseling in this population and should encourage efforts to identify methods to improve outcomes, including further investigation of the effects of preoperative optimization of lymphedema prior to THA and methods for improved perioperative management. Prognostic Level III. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

Prognostic factors for successful Baerveldt glaucoma implant surgery for refractory glaucoma after multiple surgeries.

To determine the prognostic factors for success 3years after Baerveldt glaucoma implant (BGI) surgery. Single-center retrospective clinical study. We analyzed 27 eyes (24 patients) treated with BGI surgery between 2012 and 2016 at Osaka University Hospital. Patients were followed for a minimum of 3years postoperatively. We analyzed the success rates and risk factors. Failure was defined as the need for additional surgery for IOP reduction, loss of light perception, and intraocular pressure (IOP) ≧22mmHg (definition 1) or ≧17mmHg (definition 2) at two consecutive follow-up visits. The mean number of previous eye surgeries was 4.1 ± 3.3. The success rates were 81.5% and 77.8%, respectively, 1year and 3years after surgery based on definition 1 and 51.9% and 48.2%, respectively, based on definition 2. The early and late surgical complication rates, respectively, were 29.6% and 22.2%. An IOP 2months after BGI surgery of ≧17mmHg and the number of previous eye surgeries were significant risk factors for failure based on definition 2. The long-term results and complication rates after BGI surgery for refractory glaucoma in our hospital were similar to previous reports, and the IOP 2months after BGI surgery and the number of previous eye surgeries were associated with the prognosis.

Radiologic predictors for failure of non-operative management of complicated diverticulitis: a single-centre cohort study

PurposeModern non-operative management of diverticulitis consists of a complex therapeutic regimen and is successful in most cases even of complicated diverticulitis. Still, a certain proportion of patients requires urgent surgery due to failure of the conservative approach. This study aims to identify predictors for failure of conservative treatment of complicated diverticulitis with the need for subsequent urgent resection during the acute episode.MethodsA single-centre retrospective cohort study was performed at our tertiary centre including cases of acute complicated diverticulitis (characterized by localized abscess formation and/or pericolic air) between 2007 and 2019 that were treated guideline-conform by multimodal conservative treatment. Radiologic characteristics of disease in CT scans upon admission were analysed by uni- and multivariable logistic regression to determine predictors for resection within 30 days after onset of the conservative therapy approach.ResultsA total of 669 cases of acute diverticulitis were identified, of which 141 patients met the inclusion criteria. Overall, 13% (n = 19) of patients were operated within 30 days despite initial conservative management. Multivariable logistic regression identified length of inflamed bowel greater than 7 cm (p < 0.011) and abscess formations >1 cm (p < 0.001) as significant risk factors for failure of conservative treatment.ConclusionPatients with length of inflamed bowel >7 cm or abscess formation >1 cm have increased risk for failure of conservative treatment of acute episodes of diverticulitis with contained perforations with subsequent need for urgent surgery. Therefore, conservative treatment of those patients should be monitored with special caution.

Resection arthrodesis and osteoarticular allografts reconstruction after resection of primary bone tumors around the knee: Long-term clinical outcomes and prognostic factors for failure of biological reconstruction.

The biological reconstruction of the knee with osteoarticular allografts and resection arthrodesis have been reported but there has not yet been a direct comparison between both these procedures. This study aimed to identify the prognostic factors that influence failure of biological reconstruction and compared the results between both procedures. Between 1994 and 2017, we performed 92 limb-sparing procedures using resection arthrodesis (n=53) and osteoarticular allograft reconstruction (n=39) for the management of primary bone tumors around the knee. The minimum follow-up time was 2 years in both groups. The failure rate of reconstruction in the osteoarticular allograft and resection arthrodesis group was 48.7% and 39.6%, respectively (p=0.75). The mean MSTS score in the osteoarticular allograft and resection arthrodesis group was 23.7 and 21.8, respectively (p=0.01). The significant risk factor for failure after biological reconstruction was the administration of chemotherapy (p=0.001; HR=3.39; 95% CI,1.60-7.17). Patients who underwent osteoarticular allograft had a better functional outcome than those who underwent resection arthrodesis reconstruction, but clinical outcomes between the groups were comparable. Chemotherapy is a significant adverse prognostic factor for failure of biological reconstruction.

Primary vaccination in adult patients after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation – A single center retrospective efficacy analysis

Allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (alloHSCT) results in a loss of humoral immunity and subsequent risk for severe infections. Thus, re-vaccination is required but may fail due to incomplete immune reconstitution. We retrospectively analyzed predictors of immune response to primary vaccination applied according to the EBMT (European Blood and Marrow Transplantation Group) recommendations. Serologic response to vaccination against diphtheria (D), tetanus (T), Bordetella pertussis (aP) and Haemophilus influenzae (Hib) (administrated as combined DTaP-Hib-IPV vaccination) was studied in 84 alloHSCT patients transplanted between 2008 and 2015 (age at alloHSCT: 18.6–70.6 years). All patients with a relapse-free survival of ≥9 months, at least 3 consecutive vaccinations and absence of intravenous immunoglobulin administration within 3 months before and after vaccination met the primary inclusion criteria. Additionally, immunological response to a pneumococcal conjugate vaccine was analyzed in a subgroup of 67 patients. Patients’ characteristics at the time of first vaccination were recorded. Responses were measured as vaccine-specific antibody titers. Regarding DTaP-Hib-IPV vaccination, 89.3% (n = 75) of all patients achieved protective titers to at least 3 of the 4 vaccine components and were thus considered responders. 10.7% (n = 9) of the patients were classified as non-responders with positive immune response to less than 3 components. Highest response was observed for Hib (97.4%), tetanus (95.2%) and pneumococcal vaccination (83.6%) while only 68.3% responded to vaccination against Bordetella pertussis. Significant risk factors for failure of vaccination response included low B cell counts (p < 0.001; cut-off: 0.05 B cells/nl) and low IgG levels (p = 0.026; mean IgG of responders 816 mg/dl vs. 475 mg/dl of non-responders). Further, a trend was observed that prior cGvHD impairs vaccination response as 88.9% of the non-responders but only 54.7% of the responders had prior cGvHD (p = 0.073). The results demonstrate, that the currently proposed vaccination strategy leads to seroprotection in the majority of alloHSCT patients.

The Anterolateral Ligament Has Limited Intrinsic Healing Potential: A Serial, 3-Dimensional–Magnetic Resonance Imaging Study of Anterior Cruciate Ligament–Injured Knees From the SANTI Study Group

Background: Recent imaging studies demonstrate that the anterolateral ligament (ALL) is frequently injured at the time of anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) rupture. The intrinsic healing potential of these injuries after ACL reconstruction (ACLR) has not been defined. Purpose/Hypothesis: The primary objective was to evaluate the rate and duration of the healing process of injured ALLs after ACLR using serial 3-dimensional magnetic resonance imaging (3D-MRI). The secondary objective was to investigate whether any patient, injury, or surgical factors influenced the healing rate. The hypothesis was that serial imaging would demonstrate that the ALL has limited healing potential. Study Design: Case series; Level of evidence, 4. Methods: Patients enrolled in the study underwent 3D-MRI (slice thickness 0.5 mm) preoperatively and at 1, 6, 12, and 24 months after ACLR. Three observers determined the grade of ALL injury according to the Muramatsu classification. Inter- and intraobserver reliabilities were calculated. The rates of injury and time points for healing were determined. Full healing was defined as a change from a preoperative Muramatsu grade of B or C (indicating partial or complete injury) to grade A (normal). Multivariate analysis was used to investigate the association of aforementioned factors with the risk of incomplete healing. Results: A total of 44 patients were enrolled in the study. Of them, 71.2% had an ALL injury on preoperative imaging. Overall, full healing of ALL injuries occurred at a rate of 3.2%, 15.2%, and 30.3% at 1, 6, and 12 months, respectively. There were no changes in the Muramatsu grade in any patient beyond 12 months postoperatively. None of the complete lesions demonstrated full healing, but the proportion of patients with a grade C injury decreased from 13.6% preoperatively to 4.5% at 12 months due to an improvement to grade B in 4 of 6 patients (66%). Inter- and intraobserver reliabilities of the classification system were almost perfect at 0.81-0.94 and 0.95-1.00, respectively. None of the potential risk factors investigated were predictive of an increased risk of nonhealing. Conclusion: ALL injuries occurred in the majority of ACL-injured knees. They had limited intrinsic healing potential, with only 30.3% healing by 12 months after ACLR. The process of healing took >6 months in half of the patients in whom it occurred. No new cases of full healing occurred beyond 12 months postoperatively. No significant risk factors for failure of full healing to occur were identified, but it is likely that this aspect of the study was underpowered.

An evaluation of physiotherapy-led inhalation testing in chronic respiratory disease at a tertiary centre

Background Inhaled medications improve health outcomes in chronic respiratory patients. Guidelines and pharmaceutical licensing agreements recommend a drug response trial prior to use. Evidence to support this recommendation is of poor quality; adverse events are rare, and the trial process has a considerable impact on physiotherapy clinical time and patient experience. Current literature suggests using percentage predicted forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1) &gt;55% as a predictor of trial success. Aims 1. To identify the failure rate of inhaled therapy trials in the chronic respiratory cohort. 2. To predict risk factors associated with trial outcome to establish those who could avoid a trial due to low risk stratification. Methods An evaluation of service was completed which involved a retrospective review of 204 chronic respiratory participants who completed an inhaled therapy trial between September 2017 and September 2019. Spirometry and other anthropometric measurements were recorded at the time of the drug response trial. Data was analysed using multivariable logistic regression to identify variables linked to passing inhaled therapy trials. Discussion and conclusion FEV1% predicted was significantly less for those that failed (35.5%) compared to those that passed (53.18%) p = 0.012. Those with an FEV1 predicted &gt;55% had a higher likelihood to pass p = 0.005, R² = 0.039. The evaluation identified a low failure rate (4.9%) overall to inhalation therapy trials, with the most significant risk factor for failure being identified as FEV1 predicted &lt;55%. Patient screening could significantly reduce the burden of inhaled therapy trials for patients

Comparison of tibial plateau fracture surgical outcomes between young and elderly patients: are outcomes really poorer in the elderly?

Several studies have reported that total knee arthroplasty (TKA) is a suitable solution to treat elderly patients with complex tibial plateau fractures. The purpose of the present study was to compare surgical treatment outcomes after open reduction internal fixation (ORIF) between elderly and younger patients. We reviewed patients with plateau fracture (OTA/AO classification types 41B and 41C) who underwent ORIF at two academic trauma centers between November 2006 and October 2019. Of the 341 patients, 76 were ultimately included in the younger group (< 60years old) and 77 in the elderly group (≥ 60years). The average follow-up was 24months (range 12-96months). The primary outcome was any common complication of plateau fracture, namely post-traumatic arthritis and alignment change. Conversion to TKA, Reduction loss, coronal malalignment, non-union, union time, infection, and limb length discrepancy (LLD) were also assessed. The elderly group had a significantly higher prevalence of diabetes, but there were no other significant differences between the groups in terms of patient demographics, fracture characteristics, and operation characteristics. We detected no differences between the groups in terms of post-traumatic arthritis (p = 0.216), alignment change (p = 0.093), conversion to TKA (p = 0.681), reduction loss (p = 0.079), coronal malalignment (p = 0.484), non-union rate (p = 0.719), infection (p = 0.063), LLD (p = 0.154), or time to union (p = 0.513). Logistic regression analysis revealed that age > 60years was not associated with treatment failure, defined as either post-traumatic arthritis greater than grade II or non-union (p = 0.468). OTA/AO classification type 41C2 (p = 0.019), type 41C3 (p = 0.008), and malreduction (p = 0.050) were significant risk factors for failure. Age ≥ 60years is not an independent risk factor of poor radiographic outcome and high complication rate in tibial plateau fractures. This indicates that ORIF is still a good solution to treat elderly patients, similar to their younger counterparts.