Visual Analogue Score Score Research Articles

Effectiveness of an Ayurvedic Gel for Tooth Pain Relief Due to Dental Caries: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Aim: To evaluate the effectiveness of an ayurvedic gel in tooth pain reduction due to dental caries. Materials and methods: This in vivo cross-over design study enrolled adults with at least one tooth with caries and a symptom of pain after the application of an ice stimulus. Two hundred patients were screened and eligible patients were enrolled in the study. Forty-five subjects completed washout phases before each recall visit. During each recall visit, subjects evaluated pain relief following an ice bar stimulus and one random finger-tip application of a treatment i.e. Ayurveda Herbal gel containing clove oil, camphor, and menthol (Ayurveda Herbal Gel Group), and two control formulations: a gel without active ingredients and commercial olive oil as a surrogate of home remedy. At each assessment, subjects used a stopwatch to record the onset of pain relief and tooth pain using visual analog scores (VAS), dental pain scores (DPS), and relief from tooth pain by dental pain relief scores (DPRS). After each treatment, subjects recorded their satisfaction with the provided treatment using a four-point satisfaction index. Data were tabulated and statistical analysis was performed with (ANCOVA) and two-way ANOVA with a p - value of 0.05 considered statistically significant. Results: Forty-five subjects (28 males and 17 females) completed the entire study without any adverse events. Application of the Ayurveda gel resulted in a significantly faster onset of pain relief (2.47 min) in comparison to the onset of pain relief after 4 minutes recorded with the controls (p < 0.05). Subjects reported lower VAS and DPS scores over the study period of evaluation when using the Ayurveda gel compared to the application of each control formulation. Subjects also reported greater relief of pain and greater satisfaction after the application of the Ayurveda gel as compared to the controls. Conclusion: Significantly better tooth pain relief from caries was observed from an Ayurveda Herbal gel than from controls.

A prospective study to evaluate the role of repetitive trans-cranial magnetic stimulation in treatment of chronic low back pain

Introduction: Chronic Low Back Pain (CLBP) is a disabling musculoskeletal condition with a high prevalence in developing and developed countries. There are many treatment modalities but none of them provides a satisfactory and consistent cure. Recently focus has shifted to neuromodulation to cure chronic pains. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved the use of Repetitive TMS (rTMS) in the management of Pain in 2013. Since then, centres across the world have been using Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) as a noninvasive modality for the treatment of various pain conditions. rTMS is a variation of TMS where stimulation is provided in sessions to create long-term excitation in the brain cortex. Evidence on the effectiveness of rTMS for CLBP is scarce due to limited rigorous clinical trials. This study is the first of its kind undertaken in India to critically analyze the role of rTMS in the treatment of CLBP. Materials & Methods: In this single institutional prospective, single-blind study, we enrolled 40 patients of CLBP sharing similar clinical profiles. They were divided into a test group and a sham group. In the test group patients were given rTMS in addition to conventional treatment while in the sham group, patients were taken through the procedure of rTMS without actually being administered it. A figure-of-eight-shaped coil was used focusing on the Left M1 area and Dorsolateral prefrontal cortex to administer the rTMS by a trained physician. Visual Analogue Scores (VAS) were noted before and after the procedure. Each patient was continuously monitored during the procedure for any side effects. Subsequently, they were interviewed and followed up for 6 months. At the end of 6 months, data was compiled and conclusions were drawn. Result: In our study, we found that 90 per cent of patients in the test group reported a reduction in VAS score by 30 per cent reduction while the remaining had a 20 per cent reduction in pain scores. 90 per cent of subjects in the sham group reported a marginal improvement in VAS score which can be attributed to the placebo effect. Most patients in the test group reported an improvement in quality of life at the end of six months. None of the patients suffered any untoward side effects during or after the procedure. Conclusion: Based on our study we conclude that rTMS is a safe procedure and it can be used as a modality in treating CLBP with satisfactory outcomes. Although the sample size was small, it is the first study of its kind undertaken in India to evaluate the role of rTMS-based neuromodulation in treating this chronic disabling condition. However, to be accepted as a standard of care for CLBP it will require further multi-institutional robust clinical trials with long-term follow-up.

#2285 Potentially modifiable factors influencing longitudinal health-related quality of life for those with chronic kidney disease in the NURTuRE-CKD cohort

Abstract Background and Aims Factors affecting poor health-related quality of life (HRQoL) for people with chronic kidney disease (CKD) have been previously described in literature, and worse HRQoL is associated with CKD progression and death. Little emphasis has been placed on which factors may be potentially modifiable, and longitudinal HRQoL outcome analyses in non-dialysis dependent CKD cohorts are few in number. Baseline analysis of the NURTuRE-CKD cohort identified several associations between these factors and HRQoL and these associations can now be examined with longitudinal data. Method The NURTuRE-CKD cohort study recruited 2996 participants with non-dialysis dependent CKD between 2017-2019, collecting biochemical, anthropometric, sociodemographic, medical history and patient reported outcome measure (PROM) data. Face-to-face follow-up repeated these measures. Longitudinal worsening overall HRQoL was the main outcome of interest, represented by mapped EQ-5D-3L index value and visual analogue score (VAS). Multivariable linear mixed effects models were fitted in R using the lmer and lmerTest packages. Models for index value were fit separately for each independent variable of interest and collated, as well as fitting models with all variables of interest. Models were adjusted for available confounders, repeated measures and follow-up time. P-values were adjusted for multiple testing using false discovery rate correction. Results 2054/2996 (68.6%) had complete HRQoL data at follow-up, of whom most had CKD stage G3a-G4 (n = 1597, 77.8%). 1817 (88.5%) were white and 1196 (58.2%) were male. Mean age was 63.7 (SD ±14.5) years and the mean number of comorbidities was 3.7 (SD ±2.2). Median (IQR) time between baseline and follow-up was 518 (410) days. At follow-up, mean mapped EQ-5D-3L index value was 0.72 (SD ±0.3) and mean VAS score was 70.4/100 (SD ±20.6). 1595 (77.7%) reported problems in at least one EQ-5D-5L dimension, with 255 (12.4%) developing issues since baseline. 1203 (58.6%) reported worse HRQoL index values at follow up and 910 (44.3%) reported worse VAS. The dimension with the highest number of newly reported issues at follow-up was ‘usual activities’ with 301 (14.7%). Multivariable linear mixed methods models showed independent associations with worse HRQoL (Figs 1 and 2) for those on ten or more medications (β −0.118, CI −0.137 to −0.100, p < 0.001), current smokers (β −0.036, CI −0.067 to −0.006, p = 0.0.012), obesity (β-0.059, CI −0.080 to-0.039, p < 0.001), haemoglobin of <100g/L (β-0.044, CI −0.073 to-0.016, p = 0.014), hospital anxiety and depression scale scores of 8 or above for anxiety (β-0.146, CI −0.161 to-0.130, p < 0.001) and depression (β-0.202, CI-0.219 to −0.186, p < 0.001), worse health literacy (β −0.099, CI −0.136 to −0.063, p < 0.001), and pain (β −0.148, CI −0.161 to −0.135, p ≤ 0.001), weakness (β −0.106, CI −0.120 to −0.092, p < 0.001) and shortness of breath symptoms (β −0.074, CI −0.087 to −0.060, p < 0.001). Conclusion Potentially modifiable factors influencing longitudinal worsening of HRQoL for people with CKD include polypharmacy, smoking, obesity, anaemia, depression and anxiety, limited health literacy, pain, weakness and shortness of breath symptoms. This highlights the need for high quality randomised controlled trials to test interventions addressing these factors with reported HRQoL outcomes. Further work in this cohort is required, examining a third timepoint for HRQoL and linked clinical outcome data.

The Comparison between Spinal Facet Joint Toothed Plate and Traditional Pedicle Screw-rod on Reduction of Thoracolumbar Fracture.

Thoracolumbar fractures are one of the most common fractures in clinical practice. Surgical intervention is recommended to restore spinal alignment or decompress the nerves when there are unstable fractures or neurological injuries. However, after excessive forward thrust force restoration, facet joint dislocation often occurs between the upper vertebra and the fractured vertebra, which usually leads to unsatisfactory reduction outcomes. Herein, we propose a novel spinal facet joint toothed plate to assist in fracture reduction. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the effectiveness of the new spinal facet joint toothed plate in preventing facet joint dislocation, and its advantages compared to traditional pedicle screw-rod decompression. A total of 26 patients in the toothed plate group and 93 patients in the traditional group who experienced thoracolumbar fracture with reduction were retrospectively included. Relevant patients' information and clinical parameters were collected. Furthermore, visual analogue scores (VAS) scores and Oswestry disability index (ODI) scores were also collected. Moreover, imaging parameters were calculated based on radiographs. Correlated data were analyzed by χ2 test and t test. All patients in this study had no postoperative complications. Postoperative VAS scores and ODI scores (p < 0.001) were statistically significant (p < 0.001) in both groups compared with preoperative scores and further decreased (p < 0.001) at final follow-up. In addition, the postoperative vertebral margin ratio (VMR) (p < 0.001) and vertebral angle of the injured vertebrae (p < 0.001) were significantly improved compared with the preoperative period. There were no significant differences in postoperative VAS scores and ODI scores between the two groups. However, toothed plate reduction significantly improved the VMR (p < 0.05) and vertebral angle (p < 0.05) compared with conventional reduction. Ultimately, the total screw accuracy was 98.72% (sum of levels 0 and I), with 100% screw accuracy in the segment related to the tooth plate in the tooth plate group. The dislocation rate was higher in the conventional group (6.45%) than in the new serrated plate repositioning group (0.00%). The facet toothed plate assisted reduction method prevents facet joint dislocation and improves fracture reduction compared to traditional reduction technique, hence it could be considered as a novel surgical strategy for thoracolumbar fracture reduction.

Efficacy of stromal vascular fraction for knee osteoarthritis: A prospective, single-centre, non-randomized study with 2 years follow-up.

Current osteoarthritis (OA) treatments focus on symptom relief without addressing the underlying disease process. In regenerative medicine, current treatments have limitations. In regenerative medicine, more research is needed for intra-articular stromal vascular fraction (SVF) injections in OA, including dosage optimization, long-term efficacy, safety, comparisons with other treatments, and mechanism exploration. To compare the efficacy of intra-articular SVF with corticosteroid (ICS) injections in patients with primary knee OA. The study included 50 patients with Kellgren-Lawrence grades II and III OA. Patients were randomly assigned (1:1) to receive either a single intra-articular SVF injection (group A) or a single intra-articular ICS (triamcinolone) (group B) injection. Patients were followed up at 1, 3, 6, 12, and 24 months. Visual analog score (VAS) and International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) scores were administered before the procedure and at all follow-ups. The safety of SVF in terms of adverse and severe adverse events was recorded. Statistical analysis was performed with SPSS Version 26.0, IBM Corp, Chicago, IL, United States. Both groups had similar demographics and baseline clinical characteristics. Follow-up showed minor patient loss, resulting in 23 and 24 in groups A and B respectively. Group A experienced a notable reduction in pain, with VAS scores decreasing from 7.7 to 2.4 over 24 months, compared to a minor reduction from 7.8 to 6.2 in Group B. This difference in pain reduction in group A was statistically significant from the third month onwards. Additionally, Group A showed significant improvements in knee functionality, with IKDC scores rising from 33.4 to 83.10, whereas Group B saw a modest increase from 36.7 to 45.16. The improvement in Group A was statistically significant from 6 months and maintained through 24 months. Our study demonstrated that intra-articular administration of SVF can lead to reduced pain and improved knee function in patients with primary knee OA. More adequately powered, multi-center, double-blinded, randomised clinical trials with longer follow-ups are needed to further establish safety and justify its clinical use.

Comparison of mMO-TLIF via Midline Incision Versus MIS-TLIF via Wiltse Approach in Lumbar Degenerative Disease

BackgroundTo compare the clinical and radiological outcomes of modified mini-open transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (mMO-TLIF) via posterior midline incision for "targeted limited dissection" versus minimal invasive transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (MIS-TLIF) via Wiltse approach in lumbar degenerative diseases.MethodsA total of 60 consecutive patients in our center from January 2019 to March 2020 were enrolled, including 30 patients who were treated with mMO-TLIF via posterior midline incision and 30 treated with MIS-TLIF through the Wiltse approach. Perioperative parameters were recorded. The questionnaires of Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) and Visual Analogue Score (VAS) were conducted before the operation and after the operation (3 days, 1 week, and 2 years). CT and MRI radiological outcomes were evaluated before the operation and at a 2-year follow-up.ResultsThere were no significant differences in the general data, gender, age, and BMI between the two groups. All patients were successfully operated without intraoperative complications. There were significant differences between the two groups in the operation time (p < 0.001) and intraoperative bleeding (p < 0.05). There was no difference in ODI and VAS scores between groups pre- and post-operatively, but they were both significantly improved compared to those before the operation (p < 0.01). At a 2-year follow-up, the paraspinal muscle atrophy and fat infiltration were increased comparing to pre-operation, but the difference was also not statistically significant (p > 0.05). In addition, both the two groups’ fusion rates were more than 90% at a 2-year follow-up, however, no difference was detected between the two groups.ConclusionmMO-TLIF via midline incision for “targeted limited dissection” could achieve similar clinical and radiological outcomes as MIS-TLIF for lumbar degenerative disease.

A comparison of anterior reconstruction of spinal defect using nano-hydroxyapatite/polyamide 66 cage and autologous iliac bone for thoracolumbar tuberculosis: a stepwise propensity score matching analysis.

Previous studies have confirmed the advantages and disadvantages of autogenous iliac bone and nano-hydroxyapatite/polyamide 66 (n-HA/PA66) cage. However, there is no conclusive comparison between the efficacy of the two implant materials in spinal tuberculosis bone graft fusion. The aim of this study was to analyze the mid-to long-term clinical and radiologic outcomes between n-HA/PA66 cage and autogenous iliac bone for anterior reconstruction application of spinal defect for thoracolumbar tuberculosis. We retrospectively reviewed all patients who underwent anterior debridement and strut graft with n-HA/PA66 cage or iliac bone combined with anterior instrumentations between June 2009 and June 2014. One-to-one nearest-neighbor propensity score matching (PSM) was used to match patients who underwent n-HA/PA66 cage to those who underwent iliac bone. Clinical outcomes were assessed using the Japanese Orthopaedic Association (JOA) and visual analogue score (VAS). Radiographic evaluations included cage subsidence and segmental angle. At the end of the PSM analysis, 16 patients from n-HA/PA66 cage group were matched to 16 patients in Iliac bone group. The C-reactive protein (CRP) and erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) values in the n-HA/PA66 group decreased significantly from 33.19 ± 10.89 and 46.63 ± 15.65 preoperatively, to 6.56 ± 2.48 and 9.31 ± 3.34at the final follow-up, respectively (p < 0.001). There were no significant differences in the CRP and ESR values between the two groups at the final follow-up. The VAS and JOA scores in the iliac bone and n-HA/PA66 group were significantly improved at the 3-month follow-up postoperatively (both p < 0.001). Then, improvements of VAS and JOA scores continue long at final follow-up. However, there were no significant differences in the VAS and JOA scores at any time point between the two groups (p > 0.05). Although the segmental angle (SA) significantly increased after surgery in both groups, there was no significant difference at any time point after surgery (p > 0.05). There were no significant differences in the cage subsidence and fusion time between the two groups. Overall, our data suggest that the n-HA/PA66 cage outcomes are comparable to those in the autogenous iliac bone, with a similar high fusion rate as autogenous iliac bone.

Enhancing type 2 diabetes treatment through digital plans of care – a randomized controlled trial: evaluation of change in patient reported outcome measures

ABSTRACT Background We investigated how a personalized care-planning software and linked mobile-app may aid people to self-manage their type 2 diabetes (T2D) more effectively. Research Design and Methods People with T2D and glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) greater than 58 mmol/mol (7.5%) were randomized to either an intervention group receiving a personalized care plan, or the control group receiving usual care. Quality of life (QoL) was measured for both groups using validated questionnaires and one-on-one interviews with a subset of 12 participants from each group. Results QoL for the active treatment group increased, by their EQ −5D-5 L score increasing on average by 0.046, whereas it decreased for the control group on average by 0.009. The EQ Visual Analogue Score (VAS) of the intervention group also increased by 8.2%, whereas the control group had a reduction in EQ VAS score of 2.8% (p = 0.008 for difference). Conclusion In this prospective RCT, the findings point to how the provision of personalized care plans can result in an improvement in individuals’ self-rated QoL. This may lead to longer term health benefits.

Assessment of pain in children with juvenile idiopathic arthritis using the pediatric pain questionnaire

Background Juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) is a chronic autoinflammatory disease of unknown etiology and is the most common cause of autoimmune musculoskeletal disease in children. Pain is a commonly reported symptom in JIA. There are levels of pain that interfere with physical, educational, emotional, and social activity, even when disease activity is controlled. Assessment of pain at each office visit is the cornerstone of effective pain management. Pediatric Pain Questionnaire (PPQ) uses a 100-mm horizontal visual analog score (VAS) anchored with happy and sad faces to assess the present pain intensity and the worst pain intensity in the past week. Patients are also asked to choose from a list of 46 word descriptors to express sensory (e.g., cutting), affective (e.g., horrible), and evaluative (e.g., sad) qualities of their pain. Aim The aim of the study was to assess pain in children with JIA attending the Rheumatology Clinic in Alexandria University Children’s Hospital and to determine its relation to disease activity. Patients and methods Fifty-eight patients and their parents who attended the Pediatric Rheumatology Clinic of Alexandria University Children Hospital were asked to fill out the questionnaire. Of the patients 58.6% were females and 41.4% patients were males; the mean age of the patients was 10.36±3.34 (months). Results According to pain and emotion, most parents in this study answered that the pain seemed worse when their children are tired. Distribution of the studied cases for present pain on VAS in this study showed that no significant differences were found between the children and parent scorings of present pain on VAS. All correlations were highly significant for present pain (P&lt;0.001*). The distribution of the studied cases for worst pain last week on the VAS showed no significant differences between the children and parents scorings of worst pain on the VAS. All correlations were highly significant for worst pain (P&lt;0.001*). Distribution of the studied cases according to the relationship between pain intensity on VAS and disease activity score showed no significant difference between pain intensity reported by children, parents, and physicians on VAS and disease activity score. Conclusion This work should be viewed in the light of some potential limitations. The results of this study revealed that the PPQ questionnaire was valid, reliable, and sensitive to the assessment of pain. Integrating patient-reported outcome measures of pain severity and responsiveness to standard clinical practice is feasible and applicable in the follow-up of patients and monitoring the treatment effectiveness.

Reaching Minimal Clinically Important Difference, Substantial Clinical Benefit, and Patient-Acceptable Symptomatic State for Patient-Reported Outcome Measures following Arthroscopic Rotator Cuff Repair Does Not Correlate with Patient Satisfaction.

Purpose: Minimal clinically important difference (MCID), substantial clinical benefit (SCB), and patient acceptable symptomatic state (PASS) serve as metrics to gauge orthopedic treatment efficacy based on anchoring questions that do not account for a patient's satisfaction with their surgical outcome. This study evaluates if reaching MCID, SCB, or PASS values for American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons score (ASES), Single Alpha Numeric Evaluation (SANE), Simple Shoulder Test (SST), and Visual Analog Score (VAS) for pain following arthroscopic rotator cuff repair (RCR) correlates with overall patient satisfaction. Methods: This was a single-institution, retrospective study of patients who underwent RCR from 2015 to 2019. Pre-operative and 2 year postoperative ASES, SANE, SST, and VAS scores were recorded. Patients underwent a survey to assess: (1) what is your overall satisfaction with your surgical outcome? (scale 1 to 10); (2) if you could go back in time, would you undergo this operation again? (yes/no); (3) for the same condition, would you recommend this operation to a friend or family member? (yes/no). Spearman correlation coefficients were run to assess relationship between reaching MCID, SCB, or PASS and satisfaction. Results: Ninety-two patients were included. Mean preoperative ASES was 51.1 ± 16.9, SANE was 43.3 ± 20.9, SST was 5.4 ± 2.9, and VAS was 4.6 ± 2.1. Mean 2 year ASES was 83.9 ± 18.5, SANE was 81.7 ± 27.0, SST was 9.8 ± 3.2, and VAS was 1.4 ± 1.9. Mean patient satisfaction was 9.0 ± 1.9; 89 (96.7%) patients would undergo surgery again and recommend surgery. Correlation for reaching PASS for SANE and satisfaction was moderate. Correlation coefficients were very weak for all other outcome metrics. Conclusions: Reaching MCID, SCB, and PASS in ASES, SANE, SST, or VAS following RCR did not correlate with a patient's overall satisfaction or willingness to undergo surgery again or recommend surgery. Further investigation into the statistical credibility and overall clinical value of MCID, SCB, and PASS is necessary.

Does chronic urticaria affect quality of sleep and quality of life?

Urticaria affects a wide range of daily activities and social relationships. It has a severe impact on quality of life (QOL) and causes psychological problems. was to assess the impact of chronic urticaria (CU) on quality of sleep, the levels of depression, anxiety, QOL and their interaction with each other and their relation to disease related factors. The study included 25 patients with CU and 25 healthy controls. Urticaria Activity Score (UAS) was used for objective evaluation of the intensity of urticaria. Patients completed a 10-cm visual analogue score (VAS) indicating the overall severity of their itching over the previous 2 weeks. The Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI) was used to evaluate patients' QOL. Patients were also assessed for anxiety and depression with the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS). Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) was used for evaluation of sleep quality and sleep disturbances. In our CU patients the mean of UAS7 score was 39.72 ± 2.76 and the mean of VAS score was 28 ± 1.34. The mean of DLQI score was 24.8 ± 4.37 indicating severe impact of QOL. CU patients had higher total HADS score when compared to controls; 72% of the patients had depression and 92% had anxiety. By using PSQI, CU patients had significantly longer sleep latency onset, shorter total sleep duration, lower sleep efficiency and higher PSQI scores compared to controls. CU highly affects the QOL of patients and is associated with higher levels of anxiety, depression and poor sleep quality.

Early experience with the use of Cissus quadrangularis and Dalbergia sissoo therapy on bone marrow edema and knee pain associated with degenerative medial compartment knee osteoarthritis

Background: Bone marrow edema (BME) refers to the accumulation of excess fluid in the bone marrow, often indicative of injury or inflammation. Some studies suggest that incorporating plant-based therapies, rich in anti-inflammatory compounds and nutrients, may contribute to alleviating BME and promoting overall bone health. Aims and Objective: The study aims to evaluate the effect of Cissus quadrangularis and Dalbergia sissoo therapy on BME and knee pain associated with degenerative medial compartment knee osteoarthritis (OA). Materials and Methods: This retrospective study examined seven individuals with medial tibial condyle BME associated with medial compartment OA. These patients were treated with initial 10 days of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs along with once-a-day tablet containing C. quadrangularis (500 mg) and D. sissoo (400 mg). Visual analogue scores (VAS) and Oxford knee score (OKS) were noted at the beginning of the therapy and at 12 weeks of completion of therapy. Before treatment, BME (percentage of the medial tibial condyle) and presence/absence of subtle subchondral fracture were diagnosed with T2-weighted magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) images, and subsequently, its resolution was confirmed with a repeat MRI scan at 12 weeks. Results: At the end of 12 weeks of therapy, there was a statistically significant improvement in the mean VAS score (baseline 8.14±0.90 improved to 2.00±0.58 at 12 weeks, [P&lt;0.0001]), OKS (baseline 25.71±1.80 improved to 36.57±1.51 at 12 weeks, [P=0.0001]), and there was statistically significant decrease in mean BME (baseline 37.86±10.35% decreased to 14.29±4.50% at the end of 12 weeks, [P=0.0001]). Conclusion: Our early experience shows that the combination therapy of C. quadrangularis + D. sissoo is effective in relief of pain, improvement in knee function, and resolution of BME associated with medial compartment knee OA. This combination is safe, effective, and well-tolerated by patients’ population.

Significant Clinical Improvement After Arthroscopic Autologous Matrix-Induced Chondrogenesis for Osteochondral Lesions of the Talus: A 5-Year Follow-Up.

This study aims to evaluate the clinical outcomes of arthroscopic autologous matrix-induced chondrogenesis (A-AMIC) for osteochondral lesions of the talus (OLT) at 24 months and 60 months of follow-up. The secondary aim was to assess whether age, body mass index (BMI), and lesion surface affect outcomes. Sixty-three patients (32 males, 31 females) with a median age of 37 years [interquartile range (IQR): 25-48] were included. Preoperative and postoperative (24 months and 60 months) clinical outcomes were evaluated using a Visual Analog Score (VAS) for pain during walking, the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS), Short-Form Survey (SF-12), the Halasi, and the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) scores. Patients were categorized according to age, BMI, and lesion surface (1-1.5 cm2 and over 1.5 cm2). The effect of each category was evaluated. There were significant improvements in the VAS, AOFAS, SF-12, and UCLA, comparing the preoperative scores to the 60-month follow-up scores (P < 0.001). There were no significant differences in the above-mentioned outcomes between the follow-up periods. Patients older than 33 years had lower SF-12, Halasi, and UCLA scores (P = 0.005, 0.004, and <0.001, respectively). Overweight patients had lower VAS, SF-12, Halasi, and UCLA scores (P = 0.006, 0.002, 0.024, and 0.007, respectively). Lesion size was uninfluential. A-AMIC yielded clinical improvements at a minimum follow-up of 60 months in patients with symptomatic OLTs, with clinical improvement peaking in the first 2 years, followed by a plateau period. Increased age and BMI were significantly associated with inferior outcomes.

Efficacy of Peripheral Nerve Stimulator Guided Pectoral Nerve Block-1 and Serratus Anterior Plane Block for Post-operative Analgesia in Modified Radical Mastectomy: A Randomized Controlled Study.

Breast carcinoma is one of the most common cancers in present-day women worldwide, hence surgical intervention for the same is inevitable. General anesthesia being the preferred technique, the selection of appropriate postoperative pain management is a major concern in which superficial fascial plane chest wall blocks play a pivotal role. We aimed to prove the efficacy of peripheral nerve stimulator-guided pectoral nerve-1 (PEC 1) block and serratus anterior plane (SAP) block for postoperative analgesia in modified radical mastectomy. This prospective randomized controlled clinical study comprised 60 females undergoing modified radical mastectomy and was randomly allocated to two groups. Group A patients received general anesthesia while, in addition to general anesthesia, group B patients received PEC 1 and SAP blocks. Postoperatively the active and passive visual analog score (VAS), duration of analgesia, cumulative requirement of rescue analgesicsin the first 24 hours and associated perioperative complications were noted. All quantitative data were analyzed by student t-test and qualitative data by chi-square test using MedCalc software 12.5. VAS score for first24 hours in group B was lower at rest, on pressure over the surgical site as well as on movements compared with the patients in group A with the p-value being < 0.0001 at all time intervals. Time for receiving firstrescue analgesia was shorter (1.25±0.56hour vs 20.05±7.78hour, p<0.001) with the significantly higher requirement of cumulative doses of tramadol in the first24 hours in patients belonging to group A (233.33±47.95mg vs 110±31.62 mg, p<0.001). PEC 1 and SAP blocks given under peripheral nerve stimulator guidance have a high success rate and are reliable in providing adequate postoperative analgesiafor patients undergoing modified radical mastectomy.

Efficacy of Bilateral Erector Spinae Block in Patients Undergoing Posterior Spine Fusion Surgeries: A Comparative Randomised Controlled Trial.

Introduction During spine surgeries, various levels of tissue injury can result in varying hemodynamic responses and significant postoperative pain. Perioperative pain management is essential to controlling hemodynamic responses and postoperative pain management. Erector spinae plane (ESP) blocks can help alleviate this pain by blocking the dorsal rami of the spinal nerve. This study aims to evaluate the efficacy of ESP by assessing the perioperative opioid requirement, hemodynamic parameters, and visual analogue score (VAS) during the postoperative period. Methods In this study, 56 patients underwent elective posterior spine fusion surgeries under conventional anaesthesia and were allocated into two groups: 28 patients were included in the conventional group (Group C) and 28 patients in the ESP group (Group E). Group C patients received 20 ml of 0.9% sodium chloride (NaCl) on each side, and Group E patients received 20 ml of 0.25% bupivacaine + 4 mg dexamethasone on each side under ultrasound sonography guidance. Postoperative pain was assessed using the VAS score. The hemodynamic parameters during the intraoperative period, the time for the first opioid analgesia requirement until 24 hours in the postoperative period, and the amount of cumulative opioid consumption during the perioperative period were observed. Results Postoperative VAS was lower in Group E (P < 0.001). There were significant differences in hemodynamic parameters: heart rate (P < 0.045), systolic blood pressure (P < 0.002), diastolic blood pressure (P < 0.003), and mean arterial pressure (P < 0.002) at the time of incision in Group E. Intraoperative opioid requirements at the time of incision (P < 0.036), 60th minutes (P < 0.023), 120th minutes (P < 0.023), and postoperative opioid requirements at the first hour (P < 0.001), sixth hour (P < 0.004), 14th hour (P < 0.025), 20th hour (P < 0.009), and 24th hour (P < 0.025) had lower opioid requirements in Group E than Group C. Conclusion ESP block is a more site-specific dorsal rami block with a better perioperative hemodynamic profile, a part of multimodal analgesia intraoperatively, and excellent postoperative analgesia with fewer postoperative opioid requirements in multilevel spine fusion surgeries.

Clinical and Radiographic Outcomes of Anterior Lumbar Interbody Fusion With Anterior Plate Fixation.

Reports on the outcomes following instrumented anterior lumbar interbody fusion (ALIF) with anterior plate fixation are limited. The aim of this study was to assess the clinical and radiographic outcomes of patients undergoing ALIF with anterior plate fixation. Methods: Medical records and radiographic imaging were reviewed for 100 patients who received ALIF with anterior plate fixation between 2008 to 2021 and completed at least one year of follow-up and postoperative imaging. Prospectively collected patient data included indication for surgery, BMI, age, number and location of levels treated, complications, reoperation rates, fusion rate, and measurements of global lordosis, disc space height, and segmental angulation. Results: A total of 100 patients were included in this study. The mean length of follow-up was 81.37 months. Changes in preoperative-to-postoperative Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) and Visual Analog Score (VAS) demonstrated improvements of 30.86% and 18.56%, respectively. Major vascular injuries occurred in 3% of the cases. A hardware failure rate of 5% was observed. The reoperation rate was 10%. The radiographic fusion rate derived from computed tomography (CT) and plain film was 95.45% and 88.87%, respectively. Postoperative global lordosis demonstrated a 6.08% increase. Postoperative segmental angulation measurements increased by 57.74%. No statistically significant differences in clinical or radiographic outcomes were observed based on the spine level of fusion or the number of fusions performed. Conclusions: ALIF with anterior plate fixation achieved an adequate fusion rate with improvements in ODI and VAS scores meeting minimal clinically important difference thresholds. Postoperative disc space heights demonstrated significant improvements compared to preoperative measurements.

Combined, Single-Anchor Subscapularis Tendon Repair and Proximal Biceps Tenodesis Leads to Improved Function and Decreased Pain at 1 Year

PurposeThe purpose of this study was to evaluate the 1-year clinical outcomes of patients treated with combined proximal biceps tenodesis and repair of type II-III subscapularis tendon injuries according to Lafosse et al, using the Loop ‘N’ Tack (LNT) technique. MethodsAll patients undergoing proximal biceps tenodesis and rotator cuff repair (RCR) between March 1st, 2020 and January 30th, 2022 were retrospectively identified. Only patients undergoing combined proximal biceps tenodesis and repair of grade II or III SST injuries with a minimum follow-up of 1 year were included. All patients underwent combined single anchor proximal biceps tenodesis and SST repair using the Loop ‘N’ Tack (LNT) technique. The following outcome scores were recorded at a final follow-up of 1-year postoperatively and were compared to baseline, preoperative values: American Shoulder and Elbow Score (ASES), Single Assessment Numerical Evaluation (SANE), Veterans Rand 12 Item Health Survey (VR-12), and Visual Analog Score (VAS). The minimal clinically important difference (MCID) for all outcome indices was determined with a distribution-based method. ResultsA total of 41 consecutive patients were included. The MCID value for VAS pain, ASES, SANE, and VR-12 mental scores were 0.97, 8.5, 10.9, and 6.0 respectively. At 1-year final follow-up, approximately 95% (39/41) of patients exceeded the MCID for VAS pain scores, 90% (37/41) of patients for ASES scores, 85.4% (34/41) of patients for SANE scores, and 75.6% (31/41) of patients for VR-12 mental health scores. On average, ASES and SANE scores improved by 37 (Pre: 45.2, 1yr: 82.4, p<0.001) and 38 points (Pre: 38.0, 1yr: 75.7, p<0.001) respectively while VAS scores decreased by 4 points (Pre: 5.49, 1yr: 1.48, p<0.001). Approximately 88% (36/41) of patients were satisfied at 1 year post-operatively. Treatment failure was observed in one patient (2.4%). ConclusionPatients treated with combined, single-anchor SST repair and LNT proximal biceps tenodesis achieved significant improvements in function, high satisfaction, and low rates of re-operation at 1 year postoperatively. Additionally, 76% to 95% of patients met the MCID for VAS pain, ASES, SANE, and VR-12 mental health scores. Level of EvidenceLevel IV, retrospective case series

Smokers Achieved Minimal Clinically Important Difference for Visual Analog Scale and American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons Scores at a Lower Rate Than Nonsmokers Even When Repaired Supraspinatus Tendons Were Intact on Postoperative Magnetic Resonance Imaging

To investigate the impact of smoking on clinical outcomes after repair of supraspinatus tendon in patients who had an intact repair found on postoperative magnetic resonance imaging. Patients who received primary complete repair of supraspinatus tendon tear between 2014 and 2020 were retrospectively identified. Patients were excluded if a postoperative magnetic resonance imaging scan was not available or if the follow-up was less than 2 years. Visual analog score (VAS), American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES) score, and active forward flexion were assessed at the 2-year follow-up. The percentage of patients acquiring minimal clinically important difference (MCID) was reported. One hundred primary supraspinatus tendon repairs were included. The healing rate was 77% in smokers and 90% in nonsmokers. Smoking was the independent predictor of a poorer 2-year VAS (P < .001) and ASES (P < .001) scores. Significant improvement in clinical outcomes was observed between preoperation and the 2-year follow-up, regardless of the integrity of the repair or smoking status (P < .001). When the repaired tendon was intact, nonsmokers had a greater chance of achieving MCID in 2-year VAS and ASES scores than smokers. Ninety-nine percent of nonsmokers, compared with 82% of smokers, achieved MCID in VAS at the 2-year follow-up (P= .023). The corresponding figures for ASES were 98% and 71%, respectively (P= .004). In this study, smoking was associated with poorer clinical outcomes, including a greater 2-year VAS pain score and a lower 2-year ASES score, when compared with nonsmokers, even in cases in which there was no full-thickness retear of the repaired supraspinatus tendon. Level III, retrospective cohort study.

Can an Enhanced Recovery Protocol Result in a Safe and Effective Outpatient Simultaneous Bilateral Total Knee Arthroplasty?

BackgroundOutpatient total knee arthroplasty (OP TKA) is found to benefit patients as well as the health care system. Studies on OP TKA have been limited to unilateral total knee arthroplasty (TKA). This study aimed to determine if enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) protocols can result in performing simultaneous bilateral TKA (SBTKA) safely and effectively in the OP setting. MethodsThis retrospective study compared patients who underwent SBTKA in an OP setting (OP group, n = 100) using an ERAS protocol from April 1, 2021, to June 30, 2022, and a propensity-matched historical group (inpatient group, n = 100) operated in an inpatient setting via conventional protocol from July 1, 2019, to June 30, 2020. The complication rate, readmission rate, visual analog score (VAS), range of motion (ROM), and Knee Society Score (KSS) were compared between the groups in the early postoperative and follow-up periods up to 1 year. ResultsWe found a comparable complication rate (4 versus 7%, P = .4) and readmission rate (2 versus 3%, P = .7). The VAS score was significantly lower in the OP group on day 1, day 2, day 7, and day 14 postsurgery (P < .001). The KSS and ROM were significantly better in the OP group after 14 days (P < .001). The VAS, KSS, and ROM were comparable between the groups at 1 month and later follow-up periods (P > .05). ConclusionsAn ERAS protocol in SBTKA patients resulted in safe same-day discharge with better early functional outcomes compared with conventional practices. The results from similar future studies can alleviate surgeon and patient concerns about OP TKA.

Early efficacy observation of the unilateral biportal endoscopic technique in the treatment of multi-level lumbar spinal stenosis

BackgroundTo explore the early curative effect of unilateral biportal endoscopy (UBE) in the treatment of multi-level lumbar spinal stenosis with the help of multiple small incisions.MethodsA retrospective analysis was performed on 26 patients with multi-level lumbar spinal stenosis treated by UBE in our hospital from August 1, 2021, to March 1, 2022. We collect patients’ basic medical records and independently design surgical incisions. The visual analog score (VAS) and Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) were compared before surgery, 7 days after surgery and 6 months after surgery. Spinal canal diameters on CT were compared before surgery and 7 days after surgery. The modified MacNab standard was used to evaluate the efficacy satisfaction at 6 months after operation.ResultsIn this study, 26 patients were operated according to the predetermined surgical plan. The operative time was 145 ± 40.11 min, the intraoperative blood loss was 156.25 ± 44.32 ml, and the postoperative hospital stay was 4.79 ± 1.31 days. The VAS scores of postoperative lumbago and leg pain were lower than those before surgery (P < 0.05). The postoperative ODI score was significantly different from that before surgery (P < 0.05). The postoperative CT sagittal diameter was significantly different from that before surgery (P < 0.05). The curative effect of modified MacNab was 76.92% when followed up 7 days after surgery. The curative effect of modified MacNab was 92.31% when followed up 6 months after surgery, which was significantly improved compared with 7 days after surgery.ConclusionUnder multiple small incision channels, UBE can effectively treat multi-level lumbar spinal stenosis, significantly relieve the clinical symptoms of patients, and significantly improve the quality of life of patients. It is a safe and feasible minimally invasive surgical treatment method for multi-level lumbar spinal stenosis.