IC3D Classification of Corneal Dystrophies-Edition 3

PURPOSE

The International Committee for the Classification of Corneal Dystrophies (IC3D) was created in 2005 to develop a new classification system integrating current information on phenotype, histopathology, and genetic analysis. This update is the third edition of the IC3D nomenclature.

METHODS

Peer-reviewed publications from 2014 to 2023 were evaluated. The new information was used to update the anatomic classification and each of the 22 standardized templates including the level of evidence for being a corneal dystrophy [from category 1 (most evidence) to category 4 (least evidence)].

RESULTS

Epithelial recurrent erosion dystrophies now include epithelial recurrent erosion dystrophy, category 1 ( COL17A1 mutations, chromosome 10). Signs and symptoms are similar to Franceschetti corneal dystrophy, dystrophia Smolandiensis, and dystrophia Helsinglandica, category 4. Lisch epithelial corneal dystrophy, previously reported as X-linked, has been discovered to be autosomal dominant ( MCOLN1 mutations, chromosome 19). Classic lattice corneal dystrophy (LCD) results from TGFBI R124C mutation. The LCD variant group has over 80 dystrophies with non-R124C TGFBI mutations, amyloid deposition, and often similar phenotypes to classic LCD. We propose a new nomenclature for specific LCD pathogenic variants by appending the mutation using 1-letter amino acid abbreviations to LCD. Pre-Descemet corneal dystrophies include category 1, autosomal dominant, punctiform and polychromatic pre-Descemet corneal dystrophy (PPPCD) ( PRDX3 mutations, chromosome 10). Typically asymptomatic, it can be distinguished phenotypically from pre-Descemet corneal dystrophy, category 4. We include a corneal dystrophy management table.

CONCLUSIONS

The IC3D third edition provides a current summary of corneal dystrophy information. The article is available online at https://corneasociety.org/publications/ic3d .

Incidence of Total Blindness After Central Retinal Artery Occlusion With Ocular Neovascularization

Purpose: To determine the time-based incidence of total blindness after central retinal artery occlusion (CRAO) with secondary ocular neovascularization (ONV). Methods: In this retrospective cohort study, electronic records were queried using ICD-9 and ICD-10 codes to identify patients with secondary ONV post-CRAO. Patients with possible alternative ONV etiologies, previous panretinal photocoagulation (PRP), and/or previous antivascular endothelial growth factor (anti-VEGF) therapy were excluded. Clinical data included demographics, medical comorbidities, ONV manifestations, medical/surgical management, and best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA). Kaplan-Meier analysis was performed with total blindness (defined as a BCVA of no light perception) as the outcome of interest. Results: Of 345 eyes with CRAO, 34 met the inclusion criteria with a mean (±SD) follow-up of 22.0 ± 26.2 months. ONV management included PRP (70.6%), glaucoma drainage implant surgery or transscleral cyclophotocoagulation (32.4%), and intravitreal anti-VEGF therapy (mean 2.8 ± 5.6 injections per patient). The cumulative incidence of total blindness was 49.4% (95% confidence interval, 27.2%-71.6%) at 24 months, with 53.3% of cases occurring within 4 months of ONV onset. Conclusions: Post-CRAO ONV is associated with a high risk for progression from severe vision loss to total blindness. Neovascular glaucoma can present up to 4 months after CRAO, challenging the paradigm of "30-day-glaucoma." Routine gonioscopy should extend through this period, while glaucoma surgery can delay further vision loss. These findings can be used to counsel patients on the importance of follow-up adherence.

Primary ductal adenocarcinoma of the lacrimal gland with sarcomatoid differentiation: case report and genomic analysis

We describe a case of primary ductal adenocarcinoma of the lacrimal gland with novel histopathological characteristics corresponding to a biphasic growth course and provide a comprehensive genomic profile of this malignancy. A 39-year-old male with a history of slowly progressive unilateral proptosis and hypoglobus presented after 1 month of hyperacute exacerbation. Orbital imaging revealed a superior mass with osseous erosion. The patient underwent orbital exploration and excisional biopsy via lateral orbitotomy. Histopathology demonstrated high-grade adenocarcinoma with a well-differentiated glandular component alongside a poorly differentiated sarcomatoid region. The glandular section was immunopositive for Her-2, CK7, GATA3, and androgen receptor. Tumor recurrence necessitated en-bloc exenteration with dural resection alongside adjuvant radiotherapy and chemotherapy. This represents the first report of sarcomatoid differentiation in primary ductal adenocarcinoma of the lacrimal gland, which may incite hyperacute progression. Conversely, GATA3 immunopositivity may correlate with indolent growth. Genomic variants such as SEMA3C represent potential therapeutic targets for this condition.

Central Retinal Artery Occlusion with Concomitant Intracranial Hemorrhage Secondary to Streptococcus Gordonii Endocarditis

Purpose

To report a case of central retinal artery occlusion (CRAO) associated with subacute Streptococcus gordonii endocarditis secondary to a dental infection. Observations. A 27-year-old male presented with acute monocular vision loss in the setting of a stroke and seizure. A fundus exam revealed macular whitening and a cherry-red spot. Edema of the inner retinal layers was confirmed on macular optical coherence tomography, consistent with CRAO. Initial imaging (carotid Doppler, EKG, and transthoracic echocardiography) and a comprehensive laboratory workup did not reveal an etiology for the stroke or vision loss. Brain magnetic resonance imaging showed T1 hyperintensity with surrounding edema, which prompted a workup for possible septic emboli versus occult malignancy. Subsequent blood cultures led to the detection and diagnosis of Streptococcus gordonii endocarditis. It was subsequently revealed that the patient had self-extracted his molar two months prior to the onset of symptoms.

Conclusions

Endocarditis has been associated with Roth spots and inflammatory findings in the posterior segment. However, CRAO caused by vegetal septic embolism is rare. To our knowledge, this represents the first reported case of endocarditic CRAO with Streptococcus gordonii confirmed as the causative microbe. Retinal vascular occlusion in a young patient with no distinct risk factors should prompt a comprehensive dental history and infectious workup, with consideration given to early transesophageal echocardiography.

Subretinal Abscess Complicated by Post-infectious Retinal Vasculitis Following Strabismus Surgery

An 8-year-old girl presented with a subretinal abscess after strabismus surgery. This was treated successfully with medial rectus suture removal, pars plana vitrectomy, intravitreal antibiotics, and intravenous antibiotics. Recovery was complicated by acute post-infectious retinal vasculitis after tapering high-dose corticosteroids, requiring an extended corticosteroid regimen over 2 months until resolution. [J Pediatr Ophthalmol Strabismus. 2023;60(3):e26-e30.].

Economic Evaluation of Artificial Intelligence Systems Versus Manual Screening for Diabetic Retinopathy in the United States

BACKGROUND

The objective of this economic modeling study was to compare the cost effectiveness of fully automated retinal image screening (FARIS) to the current practice of universal ophthalmologist referral for diabetic retinopathy in the United States (US) health care system.

METHODS

A Markov decision-analytic model was used to compare the automated versus manual screening and management pathway for diabetic patients with unknown retinopathy status. Costs (in 2021 US dollars), quality-adjusted life year (QALY) gains, and incremental cost-effectiveness ratios were calculated. Sensitivity analysis was performed against a $50,000/QALY willingness-to-pay threshold.

RESULTS

FARIS was the dominant screening strategy, demonstrating cost savings of 18.8% at 5 years with equivalent net QALY gains to manual screening. Cost-effectiveness status was dependent on FARIS detection specificity, with a threshold value of 54.8%.

CONCLUSION

Artificial intelligence-based screening represents an economically advantageous screening modality for diabetic retinopathy in the US, offering equivalent long-term utility with significant potential cost savings. [Ophthalmic Surg Lasers Imaging Retina 2023;54:xx-xx.].

Cost effectiveness of patellofemoral versus total knee arthroplasty in younger patients

AIMS

Patellofemoral arthroplasty (PFA) has experienced significant improvements in implant survivorship with second generation designs. This has renewed interest in PFA as an alternative to total knee arthroplasty (TKA) for younger active patients with isolated patellofemoral osteoarthritis (PF OA). We analysed the cost-effectiveness of PFA versus TKA for the management of isolated PF OA in the United States-based population.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

We used a Markov transition state model to compare cost-effectiveness between PFA and TKA. Simulated patients were aged 60 (base case) and 50 years. Lifetime costs (2015 United States dollars), quality-adjusted life year (QALY) gains and incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER) were calculated from a healthcare payer perspective. Annual rates of revision were derived from the National Joint Registry for England, Wales, Northern Ireland and the Isle of Man. Deterministic and probabilistic sensitivity analysis was performed for all parameters against a $50 000/QALY willingness to pay.

RESULTS

PFA was more expensive ($49 811 versus $46 632) but more effective (14.3 QALYs versus 13.3 QALYs) over a lifetime horizon. The ICER associated with the additional effectiveness of PFA was $3097. The model was mainly sensitive to utility values, with PFA remaining cost-effective when its utility exceeded that of TKA by at least 1.0%. PFA provided incremental benefits at no increased cost when annual rates of revision decreased by 24.5%.

CONCLUSIONS

Recent improvements in rates of implant of survival have made PFA an economically beneficial joint-preserving procedure in younger patients, delaying TKA until implant failure or tibiofemoral OA progression. The present study quantified the minimum required marginal benefit for PFA to be cost-effective compared with TKA and identified survivorship targets for PFA to become both less expensive and more effective. These benchmarks might be used to assess clinical outcomes of PFA from an economic standpoint within the United States healthcare system. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2017;99-B:1028-36.

Early functional outcome after lateral UKA is sensitive to postoperative lower limb alignment

PURPOSE

The predictive role of patient-specific characteristics and radiographic parameters on medial unicompartmental knee arthroplasty (UKA) outcomes is well known, but knowledge of these predictors is lacking in lateral UKA. Therefore, purpose of this study was to assess the predictive role of these parameters on short-term functional outcomes of lateral UKA.

METHODS

In this retrospective cohort study, Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Arthritis Index scores were collected at 2-year follow-up (median 2.2 years, range 2.0-4.0 years) in 39 patients who underwent lateral UKA. Patient-specific characteristics included age, BMI and gender, while radiographic parameters included osteoarthritis severity of all three compartments and both preoperative and postoperative hip-knee-ankle alignment.

RESULTS

BMI, gender, age and preoperative valgus alignment were not correlated with functional outcomes, while postoperative valgus alignment was correlated with functional outcomes (0.561; p = 0.001). Postoperative valgus of 3°-7° was correlated with better outcomes than more neutral (-2° to 3° valgus) alignment (96.7 vs. 85.6; p = 0.011). Postoperative alignment was a predictor when corrected for patient-specific characteristics (regression coefficient 4.1; p < 0.001) and radiological parameters (regression coefficient 3.8; p = 0.002).

CONCLUSIONS

Postoperative valgus alignment of 3°-7° was correlated with the best short-term functional outcomes in lateral UKA surgery, while patient-specific parameters and preoperative alignment were not correlated with functional outcomes. Based on these findings, a surgeon should aim for valgus alignment of 3°-7° when performing lateral UKA surgery for optimal functional outcomes.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Prognostic study, Level II.

The Role of Patient Characteristics on the Choice of Unicompartmental versus Total Knee Arthroplasty in Patients With Medial Osteoarthritis

BACKGROUND

Medial unicompartmental knee arthroplasty (UKA) and total knee arthroplasty (TKA) are both viable treatment options for medial osteoarthritis (OA). However, it remains unclear when to choose for which arthroplasty treatment. Goals of this study were therefore to (1) compare outcomes after both treatments and (2) assess which treatment has superior outcomes in different patient subgroups.

METHODS

In this retrospective cohort study, 166 patients received the RESTORIS MCK Medial UKA and 63 patients the Vanguard TKA and were radiographically matched on isolated medial OA. Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Arthritis Index scores were collected preoperatively and postoperatively (mean: 3.0 years, range: 2.0-5.0 years).

RESULTS

Preoperatively, no differences were observed, but medial UKA patients reported better functional outcomes than TKA (89.7 ± 13.6 vs 81.2 ± 18.0, P = .001) at follow-up.Better functional outcomes were noted after medial UKA in patients younger than age 70 years (89.5 ± 14.2 vs 78.6 ± 20.0, P = .001), with body mass index below 30 (90.3 ± 11.4 vs 83.6 ± 14.9, P = .005), with body mass index above 30 (88.3 ± 17.5 vs 78.8 ± 21.0, P = .034) and in females (90.6 ± 11.0 vs 78.1 ± 19.4, P = .001) when compared with TKA. No differences were found in males and older patients between both arthroplasties.

CONCLUSION

Superior functional outcomes were noted after medial UKA over TKA in patients presenting with medial OA with these prostheses. Subgroup analyses suggest that medial UKA is the preferred treatment in younger patients and females while no differences were noted in older patients and males after medial UKA and TKA. This might help the orthopedic surgeon in individualizing arthroplasty treatment for patients with medial OA.

Why do patellofemoral arthroplasties fail today? A systematic review

BACKGROUND

Historically poor results of patellofemoral arthroplasty (PFA) were reported in the setting of isolated patellofemoral osteoarthritis (OA). In order to lower PFA failure rates, it is important to identify failure modes using a standardized method. In this systematic review, PFA failure modes were assessed and compared in early vs. late failures and older vs. recent studies.

METHODS

Databases of PubMed, Embase and Cochrane and annual registries were searched for studies reporting PFA failures. Failure modes in studies with mean follow-up <5years were classified as early failures while >5years were classified late failures. Cohorts started before 2000 were classified as older studies and started after 2000 as recent studies.

RESULTS

Thirty-nine cohort studies (10 level II and 29 level III or IV studies) and three registries were included with overall low quality of studies (GRADE criteria). A total of 938 PFA failures were included and were caused by OA progression (38%), pain (16%), aseptic loosening (14%) and patellar maltracking (10%). Pain was responsible for most early failures (31%), while OA progression was most common in late failures (46%). In older studies, OA progression was more commonly reported as failure mode than in more recent studies (53% vs. 39%, p=0.005).

CONCLUSION

This level IV systematic review with low quality of studies identified OA progression and pain as major failure modes. Reviewing these studies, appropriate patient selection could prevent PFA failures in select cases. Future studies assessing the role of PFA in isolated patellofemoral OA are necessary.

Different optimal alignment but equivalent functional outcomes in medial and lateral unicompartmental knee arthroplasty

INTRODUCTION

Several differences in kinematics, functional outcomes and alignment exist between medial and lateral unicompartmental knee arthroplasty (UKA). Therefore, the purpose of this study was (1) to compare functional outcomes between both procedures with the hypothesis that both have equivalent outcomes and (2) to assess the role of preoperative and postoperative alignment on functional outcomes in both procedures.

METHODS

Patients who underwent UKA were included when overall function - using Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Arthritis (WOMAC) score - and joint awareness - using Forgotten Joint Score (FJS) - were available preoperatively and at minimum two-year follow-up. A total of 143 medial UKA and 36 lateral UKA patients reported outcomes at mean 2.4-years follow-up (range 2.0 to 5.0year).

RESULTS

Preoperatively and postoperatively, no differences were seen between medial and lateral UKA in overall function (89.8±11.7 vs. 90.2±12.4, respectively, p=0.855) and joint awareness (71.2±24.5 vs. 70.9±28.2, respectively, p=0.956). With neutral postoperative alignment (-1° to three degrees), less joint awareness was noted following medial UKA than lateral UKA (72.6±22.6 vs. 55.3±28.5, p=0.024). With undercorrection (three degrees to seven degrees), however, following lateral UKA less joint awareness (85.3±19.5 vs. 68.2±26.8, p=0.020) and better functional outcomes (96.0±5.4 vs. 88.5±11.6, p=0.001) were noted than medial UKA.

CONCLUSION

Equivalent functional outcomes were noted between medial and lateral UKA at short-term follow-up but different optimal alignment angles seem to exist for both procedures.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level III therapeutic study.

Patients with isolated lateral osteoarthritis: Unicompartmental or total knee arthroplasty?

BACKGROUND

Lateral unicompartmental knee arthroplasty (UKA) and total knee arthroplasty (TKA) are both reliable treatment options for patients with isolated lateral osteoarthritis (OA). However, studies comparing both procedures are scarce. Aims of this study were to (I) compare short-term functional outcomes following lateral UKA and TKA and (II) assess the role of patient characteristics on outcomes as measured by the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC).

METHODS

In this retrospective cohort study, 82 patients (48 undergoing lateral UKA and 34 undergoing TKA) were identified that presented with lateral OA and completed the WOMAC. Independent t-tests were used to compare outcomes following lateral UKA and TKA.

RESULTS

Mean follow-up was 2.8 years (range: 2.0 - 5.0 years). Preoperatively, no differences between lateral UKA and TKA were seen (50.1±13.5 and 53.3±17.1, respectively, p=0.551). Postoperatively, lateral UKA patients reported better overall outcomes than TKA (90.5±11.7 vs. 81.8±17.9, p=0.017). Subgroup analysis showed better outcomes following lateral UKA than TKA in patients younger than 75 years (92.1±9.9 vs. 81.3±19.6, p=0.014) and in females (91.6±9.9 vs. 81.0±18.2, p=0.014).

CONCLUSION

These findings indicate that lateral UKA has superior short-term functional outcomes compared to TKA in patients with isolated lateral OA. Better outcomes were especially seen in younger patients and females. These findings may help orthopedic surgeons choose treatment for patients presenting with lateral OA and optimize treatment for individual patients.

Current state of computer navigation and robotics in unicompartmental and total knee arthroplasty: a systematic review with meta-analysis

Recently, there is a growing interest in surgical variables that are intraoperatively controlled by orthopaedic surgeons, including lower leg alignment, component positioning and soft tissues balancing. Since more tight control over these factors is associated with improved outcomes of unicompartmental knee arthroplasty and total knee arthroplasty (TKA), several computer navigation and robotic-assisted systems have been developed. Although mechanical axis accuracy and component positioning have been shown to improve with computer navigation, no superiority in functional outcomes has yet been shown. This could be explained by the fact that many differences exist between the number and type of surgical variables these systems control. Most systems control lower leg alignment and component positioning, while some in addition control soft tissue balancing. Finally, robotic-assisted systems have the additional advantage of improving surgical precision. A systematic search in PubMed, Embase and Cochrane Library resulted in 40 comparative studies and three registries on computer navigation reporting outcomes of 474,197 patients, and 21 basic science and clinical studies on robotic-assisted knee arthroplasty. Twenty-eight of these comparative computer navigation studies reported Knee Society Total scores in 3504 patients. Stratifying by type of surgical variables, no significant differences were noted in outcomes between surgery with computer-navigated TKA controlling for alignment and component positioning versus conventional TKA (p = 0.63). However, significantly better outcomes were noted following computer-navigated TKA that also controlled for soft tissue balancing versus conventional TKA (mean difference 4.84, 95 % Confidence Interval 1.61, 8.07, p = 0.003). A literature review of robotic systems showed that these systems can, similarly to computer navigation, reliably improve lower leg alignment, component positioning and soft tissues balancing. Furthermore, two studies comparing robotic-assisted with computer-navigated surgery reported superiority of robotic-assisted surgery in controlling these factors. Manually controlling all these surgical variables can be difficult for the orthopaedic surgeon. Findings in this study suggest that computer navigation or robotic assistance may help managing these multiple variables and could improve outcomes. Future studies assessing the role of soft tissue balancing in knee arthroplasty and long-term follow-up studies assessing the role of computer-navigated and robotic-assisted knee arthroplasty are needed.

The Role of Preoperative Patient Characteristics on Outcomes of Unicompartmental Knee Arthroplasty: A Meta-Analysis Critique

BACKGROUND

In 1989, Kozinn and Scott introduced strict exclusion criteria for unicompartmental knee arthroplasty (UKA). Because outcomes have improved with modern techniques and implants, these criteria have now been challenged. Therefore, the goal was to assess the role of these criteria on (1) functional outcomes and (2) revision rates of medial UKA. The hypothesis was that, with modern surgical techniques and implants, these traditional exclusion criteria are no longer strict contraindications for UKA.

METHODS

Databases of PubMed, EMBASE, and Cochrane and annual registries were searched for studies comparing UKA results in subgroups: age (young vs old), gender (male vs female), body mass index (obese vs nonobese), present vs absent patellofemoral osteoarthritis, and intact vs deficient anterior cruciate ligament.

RESULTS

Thirty-one comparative cohort studies (7 level II and 24 level III/IV studies) and 6 registries reported outcomes in 17,147 patients and revision rates in 285,472 patients. Females had inferior functional outcomes compared to males (odds ratio [OR], 4.03; 95% CI, 1.77-6.30). Furthermore, younger patients (in studies: OR, 1.52; 95% CI, 1.06-2.19; in registries: OR, 2.09; 95% CI, 1.70-2.57) and females (OR, 1.13; 95% CI, 1.06-1.21) had increased likelihood for revision. No increased likelihood for inferior outcomes or revisions was detected in patients with obesity, preoperative patellofemoral osteoarthritis, or anterior cruciate ligament deficiency.

CONCLUSION

Findings of increased revision risk in younger patients and increased revision risk with inferior outcomes in females give a more nuanced perspective on historical criteria, such that surgical decision-making may be based on UKA outcome data for subgroups rather than strict exclusion criteria.

The ACL Graft Has Different Cross-sectional Dimensions Compared With the Native ACL: Implications for Graft Impingement

BACKGROUND

Impingement of anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) grafts against the femoral notch and the posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) is thought to be influenced primarily by tunnel position and graft orientation. Recent data have implied that the native ACL is ribbon-shaped.

PURPOSE

To evaluate the 3-dimensional shape and cross-sectional area of the native ACL versus the ACL graft and to compare the degree of impingement against the femoral notch and PCL.

STUDY DESIGN

Cross-sectional study; Level of evidence, 3.

METHODS

Bilateral knee magnetic resonance images were analyzed for 27 patients with unilateral bone-patellar tendon-bone (BPTB) ACL reconstruction performed via transtibial or anteromedial portal femoral tunneling techniques. Three-dimensional models of the ACL, PCL, femur, and tibia were digitally rendered. The cross-sectional area and dimensions of the native ACL and the reconstructed graft were determined at 3 equally spaced locations and compared via Wilcoxon-Mann-Whitney and Kruskal-Wallis tests. In addition, impingement of the ACL on the PCL and femoral notch was graded in 3 groups. Chi-square or Fisher exact tests were used to compare the proportional differences of impingement of the native and reconstructed ACL on the PCL and femoral notch, respectively. All analyses were performed using 2-sided hypothesis testing, with statistical significance at P < .05.

RESULTS

Cross-sectional areas at all 3 points on the ACL graft were significantly greater than those of the native ACL (P < .001). The long- to short-axis ratio for the native ACL was significantly greater at each location compared with the corresponding locations along the ACL graft (P < .001), implying that the native ACL is "flatter" than is an ACL graft. There were 19 operated knees (70%) with contact or impingement between the ACL graft and the femoral notch compared with zero knees with a native ACL (P < .001). In addition, 22 operated knees (81%) showed contact or impingement between the ACL graft and the PCL, compared with 7 knees (26%) with a native ACL (P < .001). No significant differences in impingement frequency were noted between the transtibial and anteromedial tunneling techniques for ACL graft specimens (P > .05).

CONCLUSION

Native ACLs have a smaller cross-sectional area, are "flatter," and experience less incidence of impingement compared with anatomically placed BPTB ACL grafts.

Predictors of Subjective Outcome After Medial Unicompartmental Knee Arthroplasty

BACKGROUND

Unexplainable pain after medial unicompartmental knee arthroplasty (UKA) remains a leading cause for revision surgery. Therefore, the aim of this study is to identify the patient-specific variables that may influence subjective outcomes after medial UKA to optimize results.

METHODS

Retrospectively, we analyzed 104 consecutive medial UKA patients. The evaluated parameters consisted of age, body mass index, gender, preoperative radiographic severity of the various knee compartments, and preoperative and postoperative mechanical axis alignments.

RESULTS

At an average of 2.3-year follow-up, our data demonstrate that body mass index, gender, and preoperative severity among the various knee compartments do not influence Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Arthritis Index (WOMAC) results. Preoperatively, patients aged <65 years had inferior WOMAC stiffness (4.6 vs 2.9, P = .001), pain (9.7 vs 7.6, P = .041), and total (37.2 vs 47.6, P = .028) scores vs patients aged ≥65 years. Postoperatively, only the difference on the WOMAC stiffness subscale remained significant between both age groups, in favor of patients aged ≥65 years (1.0 vs 1.5, P = .035). A postoperative varus mechanical axis alignment of 1°-4° correlated to significantly superior WOMAC pain (P = .03), function (P = .04), and total (P = .04) scores compared to a varus of ≤1° or ≥4°.

CONCLUSION

Our data suggest that greater pain relief can be expected in patients aged <65 years and that a postoperative lower limb alignment of 1°-4° varus should be pursued. Taking these factors into consideration will help to maximize clinical outcomes, fulfill patient expectations after medial UKA, and subsequently minimize revision rates.

Barbed Suture Is Associated With Increased Risk of Wound Infection After Unicompartmental Knee Arthroplasty

BACKGROUND

Literature addressing the risks of barbed suture in arthroplasty remains limited. No study to our knowledge has compared rates of wound infection between barbed and conventional suture after unicompartmental knee arthroplasty (UKA). We hypothesized that barbed suture would be associated with an increased risk of wound infection in patients undergoing UKA.

METHODS

Electronic records were retrieved for 1040 UKA procedures. Odds ratios with postoperative wound infection as the outcome and barbed suture as the exposure were calculated. Binary logistic regression corrected for age, gender, body mass index, operative time, and risk factors (smoking, diabetes, renal insufficiency, and immunosuppression). Barbed suture consisted of Quill #2 polydioxanone (or #0 Vicryl) for deep closure and Quill 2-0 Monoderm for subcuticular closure. Conventional suture consisted of #0 Vicryl for deep closure and subcuticular 2-0 Monocryl or staples for skin closure.

RESULTS

A total of 839 procedures were included. Barbed suture was used in 333 surgeries, and conventional suture was used in 506. Eight cases of postoperative wound infection were identified. All infections occurred in the barbed suture cohort. Regression analysis revealed an association between subcuticular barbed suture and postoperative wound infection (odds ratio = 22.818, confidence interval = 2.69-2923.91; P = .0074).

CONCLUSIONS

The findings indicate that the use of barbed suture in subcuticular layer closure is associated with an increased risk of wound infection. This may be exacerbated by early intensive mobilization, commonly undertaken after UKA to permit rapid functional return. We recommend against the use of barbed suture for subcuticular layer closure in UKA.

Robotic-Assisted Knee Arthroplasty: An Overview

Unicompartmental knee arthroplasty and total knee arthroplasty are reliable treatment options for osteoarthritis. In order to improve survivorship rates, variables that are intraoperatively controlled by the orthopedic surgeon are being evaluated. These variables include lower leg alignment, soft tissue balance, joint line maintenance, and tibial and femoral component alignment, size, and fixation methods. Since tighter control of these factors is associated with improved outcomes of knee arthroplasty, several computer-assisted surgery systems have been developed. These systems differ in the number and type of variables they control. Robotic-assisted systems control these aforementioned variables and, in addition, aim to improve the surgical precision of the procedure. Robotic-assisted systems are active, semi-active, or passive, depending on how independently the systems perform maneuvers. Reviewing the robotic-assisted knee arthroplasty systems, it becomes clear that these systems can accurately and reliably control the aforementioned variables. Moreover, these systems are more accurate and reliable in controlling these variables when compared to the current gold standard of conventional manual surgery. At present, few studies have assessed the survivorship and functional outcomes of robotic-assisted surgery, and no sufficiently powered studies were identified that compared survivorship or functional outcomes between robotic-assisted and conventional knee arthroplasty. Although preliminary outcomes of robotic-assisted surgery look promising, more studies are necessary to assess if the increased accuracy and reliability in controlling the surgical variables leads to better outcomes of robotic-assisted knee arthroplasty.

Results of small incision extracapsular cataract surgery using the anterior chamber maintainer without viscoelastic

AIMS

To assess the efficacy of extracapsular cataract surgery using the anterior chamber maintainer (ACM) without the use of viscoelastic. To compare the effects of this surgical technique on non-diabetic and diabetic patients.

METHODS

A prospective single armed clinical trial of 46 eyes in 46 patients undergoing cataract surgery using the ACM without viscoelastic. Patients were assessed preoperatively and at 3 weeks, 3 months, and 12 months postoperatively. The main outcome variables included visual acuity, surgically induced astigmatic change (SIAC), changes in endothelial cell density (ECD), and morphology affecting the central and superior regions of the cornea.

RESULTS

Postoperatively, 56% and 70% of patients had unaided visual acuities of 6/12 or better at 3 weeks and 3 months respectively. Even after excluding those patients with pre-existing maculopathy (including diabetic maculopathy), there remains a significant difference between the non-diabetic and diabetic groups in terms of the proportion of patients attaining an unaided visual acuity of 6/12 or better at both 3 weeks (p = 0.003) and 3 months (p = 0.001). Three months postoperatively, the SIAC based upon the keratometric and refractive data was 1.1 dioptres (D) and 1.3 D respectively. There was no statistically significant difference in the SIAC when the non-diabetic and diabetic groups were compared. The mean central and superior endothelial cell losses at 3 months postoperatively were 16% and 22% respectively and at 12 months postoperatively were 20% and 25% respectively. The diabetic group demonstrated greater endothelial cell losses and a more marked and protracted deviation of endothelial cell morphology from normality when compared with the non-diabetic group; however, the differences did not reach statistical significance.

CONCLUSIONS

The efficacy of small incision cataract surgery using the ACM in terms of visual outcome and induced astigmatism is comparable with the results obtained using other techniques that utilise a similar size of incision. However, in view of the magnitude and range of the endothelial cell losses associated with this technique the concurrent use of viscoelastic is suggested. There does not appear to be a statistically or clinically significant difference between non-diabetic and diabetic patients in terms of the magnitude of the endothelial cell losses or in the wound healing response in the 12 months after cataract surgery using the ACM.

Electromyogram-triggered neuromuscular stimulation for improving the arm function of acute stroke survivors: a randomized pilot study

OBJECTIVE

To assess the efficacy of electromyogram (EMG)-triggered neuromuscular stimulation (EMG-stim) in enhancing upper extremity motor and functional recovery of acute stroke survivors.

DESIGN

A pilot randomized, single-blinded clinical trial.

SETTING

Freestanding inpatient rehabilitation facility.

PATIENTS

Nine subjects who were within 6 weeks of their first unifocal, nonhemorrhagic stroke were randomly assigned to either the EMG-stim (n = 4) or control (n = 5) group. All subjects had a detectable EMG signal (>5 microV) from the surface of the paretic extensor carpi radialis and voluntary wrist extension in synergy or in isolation with muscle grade of <3/5.

INTERVENTION

All subjects received two 30-minute sessions per day of wrist strengthening exercises with EMG-stim (experimental) or without (control) for the duration of their rehabilitation stay.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Upper extremity Fugl-Meyer motor assessment and the feeding, grooming, and upper body dressing items of the Functional Independence Measure (FIM) were assessed at study entry and at discharge.

RESULTS

Subjects treated with EMG-stim exhibited significantly greater gains in Fugl-Meyer (27.0 vs 10.4; p = .05), and FIM (6.0 vs 3.4; p = .02) scores compared with controls.

CONCLUSION

Data suggest that EMG-stim enhances the arm function of acute stroke survivors.

Modulation of chloride secretion in the rat ileum by intracellular bicarbonate

Increasing intracellular bicarbonate concentration ([HCO3-]i) inhibits calcium-mediated Cl- secretion in rat distal colon and T84 cells. We investigated the effect of [HCO3-]i on Cl- secretion in rat ileum. Segments of intact ileum from Sprague-Dawley rats were studied in Ussing chambers and villus and crypt intracellular pH and [HCO3-]i were determined using BCECF. A range of crypt and villus [HCO3-]i from 0 to 31 mM was obtained by varying Ringer's composition. Basal serosal-to-mucosal Cl- flux (JsmCl) averaged 8.5 +/- 0.2 mu eq.h-1.cm-2 and was unaffected by changing [HCO3-]i or serosal bumetanide. Carbachol increased JsmCl by 3.9 +/- 0.5 mu eq.h-1.cm-2 at [HCO3-]i = 0 mM but only by 1.0 +/- 0.3 mu eq.h-1.cm-2 at high crypt and villus [HCO3-]i. Dibutyryl-cAMP increased JsmCl by 2.5 +/- 0.2 mu eq.h-1.cm-2 at all [HCO3-]i. Carbachol and db-cAMP showed mutual antagonism at low [HCO3-]i and near-additivity at high [HCO3-]i. We conclude that like rat colon and T84 cells, calcium-mediated but not cAMP-mediated Cl- secretion in the ileum is inhibited by increasing [HCO3-]i. Mutual antagonism between carbachol and db-cAMP at low [HCO3-]i was present in ileum and distal colon but not in T84 cells.

Immune complex glomerulonephritis in patients coinfected with human immunodeficiency virus and hepatitis C virus

Human immunodeficiency virus-associated nephropathy (HIVAN), characterized by heavy proteinuria, rapidly progressive renal failure, "collapsing" glomerulopathy, and tubulointerstitial abnormalities, is the most common finding in HIV-infected patients undergoing a renal biopsy and predominantly affects blacks. We describe the clinical features and renal pathologic findings of 12 intravenous drug users (IVDUs) coinfected with HIV and hepatitis C virus (HCV) who were selected for renal biopsy because they presented with features different from typical HIVAN, including hypertension, microscopic hematuria, and cryoglobulinemia. There were seven black and five Hispanic patients. Eleven patients had immune complex glomerulonephritis (ICGN); one had glomerulosclerosis with immune complex deposits. Ten individuals had evidence of past hepatitis B viral infection, but none had persistent hepatitis B surface antigenemia. No other underlying cause for immune complex glomerulonephritis was identified. Renal biopsy showed membranoproliferative glomerulonephritis in five patients, mesangial proliferative glomerulonephritis in five, membranous nephropathy in one, and "collapsing" glomerulopathy with immune complex deposits in one. Hepatitis C virus RNA was detected by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) in the renal tissue and/or serum of nine of the 11 patients tested, and also in the renal biopsy tissue of four of eight patients with clinical and pathologic features of typical HIVAN without immunofluorescence evidence of immune complex deposits. One patient presented with renal failure, five patients developed end-stage renal disease (ESRD) requiring hemodialysis (mean time, 6.5 months), and six had stable renal function after a mean follow-up of 29.1 months (range, 2 to 72 months). Liver function abnormalities were present in seven of the 12 individuals, including four of the six patients who developed renal failure. These findings indicate that in some patients coinfected with HIV and HCV, the development of ICGN may dominate the clinical course of the disease. The occurrence of ICGN among black patients at risk for HIVAN may be related to the relatively high prevalence of HCV infection among IVDUs in this group.

Determination of cocaine usage in pregnant women by a urinary EMIT drug screen and GC-MS analyses

In mothers who had no prenatal care and in their newborns, the presence of cocaine and benzoylecgonine (BE) was determined in urine, hair, and meconium. Samples of urine and hair were obtained from pregnant women who entered the hospital for delivery. Cocaine usage was assessed by a urinary enzyme-multiplied immunoassay technique (EMIT) and by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). GC-MS was used to detect the presence of cocaine and BE in maternal urine and hair and in meconium and hair obtained from their newborns. In this study of 40 women, the EMIT assay for urinary BE identified 17 (42.5%) of the women as having used cocaine. Of these 17 women, all of their newborns were exposed to cocaine during gestation, based on the analysis of neonatal hair and meconium for cocaine or BE. From the maternal samples that were assayed for cocaine and BE by GC-MS, it appears that hair analysis identified the most cocaine users (70%) of the 40 women who participated in the study. When GC-MS was used to analyze the various samples from mothers and their newborns, 80% of the neonates showed exposure to cocaine. This study shows that women with no prenatal care who have a positive urinary drug screen by EMIT for BE have exposed their newborns to cocaine. The data from pregnant women with a negative drug screen for BE show that 52.2% of their newborns had prior fetal exposure to cocaine.

Necrotizing enterocolitis in infants of multiple gestation

We examined the records of ten pairs of twins and one set of triplets among whom one or more infants had necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC). Perinatal asphyxia and respiratory distress were less common in the firstborn infants. It might, therefore, be anticipated that necrotizing enterocolitis was less common in this group. We found the reverse to be true. In all of the twin pairs twin A had NEC, and in no case did only twin B have NEC. The disease developed in triplet B but not in triplets A or C. Examination of associated risk factors revealed that the firstborn infants were more stable, were fed sooner, and had feedings advanced somewhat more rapidly than their counterparts. We re-emphasize that there are unrecognized risk factors in the pathogenesis of NEC and that a high index of suspicion should be maintained for all premature infants despite their apparent stability.

A comparison of neurotic and psychotic depression using a standardized schedule

Forty-five patients of psychotic depression have been compared with 22 neurotic depressives, on SADD schedule regarding the socioderaographic and clinical variables. Two groups of these patients have differed on variables like age, duration of present attack, past history and family history of psychiatric illness and the precipitating factors.

Acute pneumonia in the newborn: changing picture

Pneumonia is one of the most serious infections in the neonate and is responsible for a large percentage of neonatal mortality. Pneumonia in a premature or term infant who is debilitated by an underlying problem such as hyaline membrane disease carries an extremely high morbidity and mortality. Since most of the bacterial pneumonias are treatable, early recognition and diagnosis and vigorous treatment are essential. X-ray findings, though helpful, serve only as a guideline. Prognosis is adversely affected if pneumonia results in generalized sepsis, leading to meningitis, disseminated intravascular coagulation, and osteomyelitis. Prompt antibiotic treatment should be begun before the etiologic agent or drug susceptibility is known.