A Comparison of EMA and FDA Decisions for New Drug Marketing Applications 2014-2016: Concordance, Discordance, and Why

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the European Medicines Agency (EMA) have robust scientific and technical collaborations. As a window to the impact of these activities we compared the agencies’ decisions on drug marketing applications. Decisions were compared for 107 new drug applications with a regulatory outcome at both agencies in the period 2014–2016. Further analysis addressed individual applications for which the agencies had differing outcomes in terms of marketing approval, type of approval, and approved indication, including reasons underlying differences. The EMA and the FDA had high concordance (91–98%) in decisions on marketing approvals. Divergence in approval decisions, type of approval, and approved indication were primarily due to differences in agencies’ conclusions about efficacy based on review of the same data or differing clinical data submitted to support the application. This high rate of concordance suggests that engagement and collaboration on regulatory science has a positive impact.

Identifying Provisional Generic Contextual Factor Domains for Clinical Trials in Rheumatology: Results from an OMERACT Initiative

Objective.

The Contextual Factors Working Group aims to provide guidance on addressing contextual factors in rheumatology trials within OMERACT.

Methods.

During the Special Interest Group session at OMERACT 2018, preliminary results were presented from a case scenario survey and semistructured interviews, including contextual factors mentioned in these. A group-based exercise sought to identify and rank important generic contextual factors.

Results.

A total of 79 candidate factors were listed. Across the 3 groups, gender/sex, comorbidities, and the healthcare system were ranked as most important.

Conclusion.

The identified important contextual factor domains may be considered a provisional list pending further research.

[Comparison of Tension Banding and Modified Orthocord Sling in Acromioclavicular Dislocation Treatment - Non-Randomized Retrospective Study]

PURPOSE OF THE STUDY Acromioclavicular joint dislocations (AC) represent one of the most frequent injury to the shoulder gridle. Low grade injuries type Rockwood I-II are treated non-operatively. Whereas high grade injuries type Rockwood III-VI are usually treated operatively. At present a wide spectrum of surgical techniques is used: Bosworth screw, hook plate, pinning and tension banding, PDS-sling. In our study the pinning and tension banding technique and the modified orthocord sling technique were compared. The goal of this study was to determine whether there are any clinical and radiological differences between these two techniques. MATERIAL AND METHODS This retrospective non-randomized level 3 evidence study included 58 patients. All of them have sustained a Tossy III AC dislocation. Of the 58 patients, 31 were treated with pinning and tension banding. Modified orthocord (absorbable knitted strand) sling technique (One 2.0-2.5 mm Kirchner wire, orthocord tension banding and coraco-clavicular ligament suture) was used in 27 patients. The same regime was used in postoperative follow up. For the clinical assessment the ASES and Constant score were used. The presence of calcification, degenerative changes, clavicular dislocation were assessed during the X-ray follow-ups. RESULTS The mean treatment time was 18.7 ± 4.9 weeks in the pinning and tension band group (Group A), whereas 15.8 ± 2.8 weeks in the modified orthocord sling technique (Group B). There was a significantly shorter period of healing in Group B. There were no statistically significant differences in the K wire removal time (Group A: 12.6 ± 3.7, Group B: 11.9 ± 3.2). No significant difference was observed between Group A and Group B on the ASES score (Group A: 95 ± 5.8, Group B: 98 ± 3.1) and on the Constant score (Group A: 97.7 ± 3.2, Group B: 97.9 ± 2.9). There were significant differences in both groups between the injured and non-injured shoulder on the Constant score. The mean secondary clavicular dislocation in Group A was 7.2 ± 1.8 mm in the operated shoulder and 4.8 ± 2.0 mm in the non-operated shoulder. The secondary dislocation in Group B was 7.5 ± 2.0 mm in the injured shoulder and 4.2 ± 1.2 mm in the non-injured shoulder. There was a significant difference between the injured and the non-injured shoulder in both groups. Calcification in coraco-clavicular ligament was observed in 15 (48.4%) Group A cases and in 13 (48.1%) Group B cases. Secondary AC joint arthrosis was observed in 8 (25.8%) Group A cases and in 1 (3.7%) Group B case. DISCUSSION No significant difference in clinical outcomes between both the surgical techniques was found. These results are comparable with other, recently published studies. On the other hand, we observed a significantly decreased treatment time with the modified orthocord sling technique. One, centrically inserted Kirschner wire, might better tolerate small rotation movements in the AC joint. Secondary clavicular dislocation, Kirschner wire dislocations and wound complications were similar in both groups and comparable to other, recently published studies. CONCLUSIONS Even though the tension banding and orthocord modified sling rank among the oldest and the cheapest techniques available for AC dislocation treatment, their results are comparable with modern and costly techniques. The orthocord modified sling technique has an advantage of fast and cheap material extraction in outpatient conditions. Key words: AC dislocation, acromioclavicular joint dislocation, orthocord sling, tension banding, AC disruption, acromioclavicular joint disruption.

[Correction Loss of Calcaneal Fractures by Different Type of Osteosynthesis]

PURPOSE OF THE STUDY The calcaneal bone is affected in 2% of body fractures. Because of its major influence to walking stability with its permanent consequences affecting both daily living and work activities, huge effort is expended on suitable treatment of these fractures. Many studies have focused on surgical treatment of calcaneal fractures or on comparing operative and non-operative treatment. The aim of this retrospective study is to investigate stability of different type of osteosynthesis. MATERIAL AND METHODS This study involves 119 men and 24 women aged 20 to 84 years who were in the period from 2011 to 2015 surgically treated for broken calcaneus in the Trauma Hospital in Brno - this study covers 152 calcaneal fractures in 143 patients. The calcaneal fractures were classified into Sanders I-IV subgroups based on the CT scans and divided by the applied type of osteosynthesis. The Böhler and Gissane angle as well as height, width and length of calcaneal bone at the time after reposition and stabilization and at 3 and 12 months after the trauma were compared. Also tracked was the relationship between the imaging scans and the clinical assessment based on the AOFAS Ankle-Hindfoot Scale (A-H score). RESULTS Decrease of the Bohler angle (increment of the Gissane angle) of more than 5 degrees and reduction of height and extension of length or width of the calcaneal bone of more than 2 mm were defined as a criterion of osteosynthesis failure. These conditions were met in 53 surgically treated calcaneal fractures (35% of the total). In 17 cases the angular stable plate failed (it is 36% of the used plates), in 21 cases it was the C-nails (42%) and in 11 cases the screws (24%) that failed. In this group, 20 patients (38%) were satisfied with 100 points in the A-H score, 16 patients (30%) felt good, 11 patients (21%) quite good and 5 patients (9%) felt bad. DISCUSSION It is difficult to compare the stability of different types of osteosynthesis in a retrospective study because of the compliance impossibility, differences in the follow-up time and distortion of X-rays. The results are distorted in uncooperative patients, smokers, alcohol abusers and in elderly patients. CONCLUSIONS The stability of different types of osteosynthesis is almost equal - the most stable is the screw synthesis (24% probability of failure), the plates show 36% odds of failure, and the most unstable seem to be the C-nails with 42% probability of failure. However, these results do not correlate with the clinical conditions according to the A-H score. Key words: calcaneal fracture, locking plate, intramedullary nail.

[Assessment of Reduction Abilities of an Expandable Stent in Treating Osteoporosis-Related Fractures of Th/L (Thoracolumbar) Spine]

PURPOSE OF THE STUDY The method of stabilising the osteoporosis-related spinal fractures using an expandable stent (vertebral body stent - VBS) and bone cement is generally accepted for its minimal invasiveness, a low risk of complications and confirmed analgesic effect. The efficiency of reduction of a compressed vertebra is, however, still discussed in the literature. Our hypothesis was that the stent expansion in the vertebral body can achieve a statistically significant reduction in the anterior, middle and posterior part of the vertebra. MATERIAL AND METHODS The patients in whom the VBS technique was used to treat an osteoporosis-related fracture of Th/L spine in the period 2010-2014 were included in the study, namely 29 patients with 31treated fractures. The following radiographic parameters were monitored - anterior, middle and posterior vertebral body height, kyphotic angle between the upper and lower endplates of the vertebral body. Also, the radiation burden, painfulness according to VAS score and occurrence of complications were monitored. The minimum follow-up was 12 months. RESULTS The mean height of the anterior part of the vertebral body before the surgery, on the 1st postoperative day and at 6 weeks, 3 months, 6 months and 12 months was 23.5/25.4/23.9/23.6/23.6 mm respectively. The mean height of the middle part of the vertebral body at the same intervals was 17.9/24.0/23.4/22.9/22.9/22.9 mm. The mean height of the posterior part of the vertebral body was 29.6/29.8/29.4/29.3/29.2/29.2 mm. The kyphotic angle between the endplates of the vertebral body was 8.6/5.3/7.4/7.9/8.0/8.0°. The mean VAS values were 8.2/2.4/2.0/1.9/1.8/1.7. The mean duration of surgery was 54.3 minutes. The mean time of fluoroscopy was 33.4 s. The mean radiation dose was 443.1 cGycm2. The observed complications comprised 2 cases of dilatation balloon rupture, one case of a failure to expand the stents in a healed fracture due to incorrect indication. In total, four cases of cement leakage outside the vertebral body were reported, always with no clinical response. DISCUSSION All the authors agree that the method brings immediate analgesic effect, comparable to kyphoplasty or vertebroplasty. In our cohort, good reduction ability of the implant in the middle part of the vertebral body was confirmed. This has been confirmed also by other authors. Nonetheless, at a longer time interval the loss of correction was observed, which was reported only by Hartmann (5). The other authors mostly did not take into account the longer-term outcomes. CONCLUSIONS The hypothesis that the stent is capable of a statistically significant reduction in the anterior, middle and posterior portion of the vertebral body was only partially confirmed. A statistically significant reduction was seen only in the middle portion of the vertebral body. In the anterior portion of the vertebral body the reduction was demonstrable only immediately after the surgery, while the later follow-up checks revealed the loss of correction. The statistically significant improvement of the kyphotic angle between the endplates of the injured vertebra was also seen only on the first postoperative radiographs and at later follow-up checks the improvement was no more significant. The change in the height of the posterior portion of the vertebral body was not statistically significant at any of the follow-up intervals. Key words:osteoporosis, vertebral fracture, vertebral body augmentation, stentoplasty, vertebral body stent.

Extrapolation in the development of paediatric medicines: examples from approvals for biological treatments for paediatric chronic immune-mediated inflammatory diseases

The European Union (EU) Paediatric Regulation requires that all new medicinal products applying for a marketing authorisation (MA) in the EU provide a paediatric investigation plan (PIP) covering a clinical and non-clinical trial programme relating to the use in the paediatric population, unless a waiver applies. Conducting trials in children is challenging on many levels, including ethical and practical issues, which may affect the availability of the clinical evidence. In scientifically justified cases, extrapolation of data from other populations can be an option to gather evidence supporting the benefit-risk assessment of the medicinal product for paediatric use. The European Medicines Agency (EMA) is working on providing a framework for extrapolation that is scientifically valid, reliable and adequate to support MA of medicines for children. It is expected that the extrapolation framework together with therapeutic area guidelines and individual case studies will support future PIPs. Extrapolation has already been employed in several paediatric development programmes including biological treatment for immune-mediated diseases. This article reviews extrapolation strategies from MA applications for products for the treatment of juvenile idiopathic arthritis, paediatric psoriasis and paediatric inflammatory bowel disease. It also provides a summary of extrapolation advice expressed in relevant EMA guidelines and initiatives supporting the use of alternative approaches in paediatric medicine development.

[Management of Odontoid Fractures with Compression Screw and Anterior Transarticular Screw Fixation in Elderly Patients]

PURPOSE OF THE STUDY In the management of dens axis fractures in patients older than 65 years of age the posterior approach is preferred due to osteoporosis and the risk of a failure of anterior osteosynthesis. The posterior approach, however, is associated with a higher incidence of complications. A combination of anterior transarticular fixation of C1/2 (ATS) with compression osteosynthesis of dens axis significantly increases the stability of osteosynthesis. MATERIAL AND METHODS In the period from 2009 to 2015 our hospital admitted 13 patients older than 65 years of age with a diagnosed type III dens axis fracture based on AO classification. 8 patients sustained a dens axis fracture combined with a stable atlas fracture. The cohort consisted of 13 women aged 67 to 90 years, with the mean age of 82.3 years. None of the female patients were affected neurologically. The dens axis fracture was treated by anterior approach. Once the screw was inserted in the dens axis, two more screws were added, the entrance points of those screws were medial and lateral to the odontoid screw and direction was divergently via C1/2 joints in order to reinforce stability. The patients were monitored at 6-week, 3-, 6- and 12-month follow-ups. Bone healing was confirmed by CT scan. RESULTS No complications were recorded during the surgery in any of the 13 patients. In one female patient the stabilization failed in the early postoperative period. A reoperation from anterior approach with the use of the same method was necessary. In eleven patients bone healing occurred after 6 to 12 months. In two patients pseudoarthrosis was formed with no clinical symptoms. No neurological deterioration or a patient s death was reported in the monitored period within 12 months after the treatment. DISCUSSION Where dens axis fractures in elderly patients are managed operatively, the posterior approach and transarticular fixation of C1/2 with sublaminar loop are preferred. This procedure is considered more reliable, owing to the fears of a failure of osteosynthesis by anterior approach. The most frequent cause of a failure is the pulling out of the screw through the anterior wall of dens axis base in patients with osteoporosis. Concurrently, the anterior approach is regarded as more considerate. The ATS fixation increases stability compared to isolated compression osteosynthesis, which makes it possible to manage the dens axis fractures by a more considerate anterior approach. CONCLUSIONS The ATS is a method that increases stability of compression osteosynthesis in managing dens axis in elderly patients. Key words: dens axis, upper cervical spine fracture, elderly, triple screw technique, anterior transarticular C1/2 stabilization.

[Treatment of Extensive Chondral Defects of the Patella after Patellar Dislocation]

PURPOSE OF THE STUDY Patellar dislocation is a fairly frequent knee joint injury in young patients. In most cases, this injury can be treated conservatively or surgically. In many cases, patellar cartilage or lateral femoral condyle or both these parts of articular surface are injured, and in conservative treatment this chondral damage very often remains undiagnosed. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the outcomes of treatment in patients who underwent surgery for patellar dislocation and in whom extensive traumatic cartilage lesions of the patella were found. MATERIAL AND METHODS The authors carry out a retrospective evaluation of outcomes in 34 patients from the period 2005-2014, in whom extensive chondral defect of the posterior side of the patella after its traumatic dislocation with the mean size of 4.1 cm2 (the maximum size was 28x18 mm) was found, namely in 21 women and 13 men aged 13-28 years. The patients were indicated for arthroscopic surgery based on the clinical examination which revealed a clear traumatic patellar dislocation. In 2 radiographs only, an osteochondral fragment was found, and in these patients a CT scan of the injured knee was made. The patients were retrospectively broken down into 3 sub-groups by the method of treatment of the chondral defect. The mean size of the defect in the debridement group was 2.7 cm2 compared to 4.6 cm2 in the group with cartilage fixation. In group I reinsertion through MiniSynthes 2.0 screws (5 patients) was performed, in group II reinsertion of the chondral fragment was done using transosseous PDS sutures (19 patients), in group III debridement of injured cartilage was carried out (10 patients). RESULTS The patients were assessed postoperatively using Kujala score and IKDC score. The mean age of patients at the time of injury was 19.6 years, with mean follow-up of 30.2 months. No group reported limitations of range of motion at the time of evaluation. Knee pain under load was present in 3 patients in group I, in 1 patient in group II and in 7 patients in group III. No patient suffered from another patellar dislocation. The mean Kujala score was 84.7 (group I), 89.3 (group II), and 78.5 (group III). The IKDC was 84.6 in group I, 87.2 in group II, and 74.3 in group III. At the time of evaluation, pre-injury activities were resumed by 72% of patients from group I, 82% of patients from group II, and 69% of patients from group III. DISCUSSION Treatment of primary patellar dislocation is still subject to discussions on whether to pursue conservative or surgical treatment. The main topic of studies is the subsequent rate of patellar re-dislocation and the rate of cartilage damage in patellofemoral joint, examined is also the scope of performed surgery, while only very few papers focus on treating the injured cartilage of the patella. Despite numerous studies, the optimal method of treatment of this injury has been identified as yet. CONCLUSIONS Where a serious, extensive fragment of patellar cartilage is found, the fixation of cartilage with the use of transosseous PDS sutures brings very good and good results, without the necessity of another surgery, while the simultaneous treatment of medial patellar retinacula considerably decreases the risk of patellar re-dislocation, thus reducing the risk of further damage to cartilage of patelofemoral joint. The use of transosseous suture fixation is considered by the authors to be more appropriate than the use of screws, mostly because no further surgery to remove fixation screws is necessary. Key words: acute patellar dislocations, chondral lesions, chondral repair, arthroscopy.

[Bilateral Asymmetric Traumatic Dislocation of Hip Joints]

The authors present a rare case of bilateral asymmetric traumatic dislocation of hip joints, where the left joint was treated conservatively after the reduction, while the right joint, with an acetabular fragment interposition, was treated surgically - by arthroscopically assisted reduction and fixation of an osteochondral fragment of posterior wall of the acetabulum. The female patient healed with no complications, showing an excellent clinical outcome with no signs of instability or limited mobility of hip joints, and also with no signs of para-articular calcification or necrosis of the hip at 1 year after the injury and treatment. Bilateral asymmetric dislocation of hip joint is a rare injury with the total incidence of 150 cases as reported by the literature. Recently, its incidence is higher due to the increased traffic and the associated accident rate. A precise and prompt reduction of the injured hip joint is always necessary, if possible under general anesthesia. Also, it is always necessary to carry out a complete examination of the patient since this type of injury is always caused by a strong force and is often accompanied by injuries of other parts of the body. Key words: bilateral asymmetric dislocation of hip joints, hip arthroscopy, acetabular fracture.

[Talar Neck Fractures Treated Using Percutaneous Screw Fixation]

PURPOSE OF THE STUDY Closed reduction and percutaneous fixation of nondisplaced talar neck fractures have been applied by some authors. The aim of this paper is to assess the results and complications of this minimally invasive technique. MATERIAL AND METHODS In the period from 2009 to 2014, twenty-one patients with a talar neck fracture were observed after closed reduction and percutaneous screw fixation in the Traumatological Hospital in Brno. The mean age of the patients was 38 years (range 18-56 years). The mechanism of injury was a motor vehicle accident in 11 cases, a fall from height in six cases, a sports injury in 3 cases, and a fall from stairs in one case. Injuries were classified according to the Hawkins classification. Conventional preoperative 3-dimensional CT scans of the fractures were analysed. Under the guidance of C-arm fluoroscopy, Kirscher wires were used for closed reduction and temporary percutaneous fixation. Subsequently, 3.5 and 4.5 mm diameter cannulated screws were inserted. The outcome was evaluated on the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) scoring scale. RESULTS The average follow-up was 32 months (21-42 months). The average healing time was 15.5 weeks (13-19 weeks). The average AOFAS score was 82.3 points (69-96 points). 75% of patients with type I injury achieved excellent results and 72% of patients with type II injury achieved excellent or good results. None of the patients developed wound complications. Two patients developed partial avascular necrosis and three patients subtalar traumatic arthritis after surgery. DISCUSSION Talar neck fractures are relatively uncommon fractures. Most of the published studies are small. Tenuous blood supply and displaced talar neck fracture predispose to avascular necrosis of the talus. Closed reduction and percutaneous fixation can reduce the soft tissue damage and disturbance to the blood supply. CONCLUSIONS Preoperative 3D CT scans, early surgery, anatomic articular surface reduction and percutaneous screw fixation increase the fracture healing rate and reduce the incidence of talar avascular necrosis. Key word: talus, closed reduction, percutaneous fixation, screw.

[Callus Distraction in the Treatment of Post-Traumatic Defects of the Femur and Tibia]

PURPOSE OF THE STUDY Evaluation of the results in patients treated for post-traumatic defects by the method of callus distraction of the femur and tibia using a monolateral external fixator. MATERIAL AND METHODS The group comprised 42 patients, 38 men and 4 woman, who underwent callus distraction using a monolateral external fixator in the Trauma Hospital Brno in the period from 2003 to 2010. The average age of the patients on the day gradual callus distraction was commenced was 32 (18-64) years. Post-traumatic bone defects were treated in 31 patients and deformities resulting from resection of post-traumatic infection loci in 11 patients. The tibia was involved in 34 and the femur in eight patients. The average follow-up in the out-patient department was 24.3 months (range, 7 to 118 months) after the fixator had been removed. The monolateral external fixator LRS Orthofix (Italy) was used in all patients. RESULTS The average length of defects treated by callus distraction was 5.5 cm (3-16 cm). The average interval between osteotomy and distraction commencement was 6.1 days (4-8 days). The average duration of distraction was 74 days (33-162 days); the average time of fixator application was 168 days (138-416 days). The average healing index was 42 days per cm of bone (26-88 days per cm). The treatment of soft tissue loss during callus distraction was necessary in six patients (14.3%). Of these, two (4.8%) had local fasciocutaneous flap skin coverage, and four (9.5%) free issue transfer. A total of 38 complications were treated, i.e., 0.9 complication per each callus distraction of the femur or tibia. Of them, pin-tract infection was most frequent and was recorded in 21 patients (50%). It was usually managed by regimen arrangement and oral antibiotic therapy. The screw had to be removed due to septic loosening in five patients (11.9%). Breakage of a fixator pin occurred in three patients (7.1%). No fracture after fixator removal was recorded. Callus angulations were managed by correction of fixator during distraction in two patients (4,8%). In one patient (2.4%), premature healing of fibular osteotomy was treated by a new resection osteotomy. One patient (2.4%), following callus distraction, underwent Achilles tenotomy. The docking site after segmental bone transport did not heal in two patients (4.8%) who subsequently underwent revision surgery involving spongioplasty; bone union was achieved. Callus distraction in all patients was completed with the use of external fixators initially applied. All patients achieved full weight-bearing on the treated extremity. DISCUSSION In this study we evaluated the results of callus distraction carried out by means of a monolateral external fixator. This type of fixation seems very useful because the telescopic system allows for adjustment without necessity to change its assembly. Dynamic adjustment is important at the stage of callus maturation. A monolateral fixator is better tolerated by patients than is a circular fixator, though both systems give the same results. The process of callus distraction is associated with many different complications. Neither the height of femoral or tibial osteotomy, nor the method of its performance had any significant effect on callus formation. Spin-tract infection is the most common complication. Its frequency can be reduced by using 6-mm pins coated with hydroxyapatite. Delayed healing is rare in simple callus distraction but occurs in the cases of segmental bone transport or repeated osteotomy. CONCLUSIONS The method of callus distraction is effective in the management of large bone defects. The treatment procedure depends on the extent of bone loss, size and type of soft tissue damage and presence or absence of infection. We prefer the use of monolateral external fixators for their ability of form adjustment and of 6-mm pins coated with hydroxyapatite. Key words: callus distraction, post-traumatic bone defect, external fixator.

[Treatment for Periprosthetic Femoral Fractures after Total Hip Arthroplasty]

PURPOSE OF THE STUDY To give a description of the patient group, risk factors, classification, therapeutic procedures and treatment outcomes in periprosthetic femoral fractures after total hip arthroplasty treated in the Trauma Hospital in Brno. MATERIAL AND METHODS This retrospective study comprised of 51 patients treated for a periprosthetic femoral fracture between 2003 and 2013. This included 19 (37%) intra-operative and 32 (63%) post-operative fractures. According to the Vancouver classification, the types of fractures were as follows: 9 patients A; 21 B1; 9 B2; 6 B3 and 6 with type C. RESULTS Type A fractures were treated conservatively. Although pseudoarthrosis of the greater trochanter occurred, the patients had no clinical problems. The intra-operative type B1 fractures were managed by cerclage tapes in nine patients and the post-operative B1 fractures were treated by plate osteosynthesis in 10 patients and femoral stem reimplantation in two patients. All post-operative type B2 and type B3 fractures were managed by reimplantation of the femoral stem and type C fractures were treated by plate osteosynthesis. Serious complications requiring revision surgery were recorded in five patients; they included plate failure in two B1 fractures, dislocation of a B2 fracture, a dislocation with femoral component rotation in a B3 fracture and failure of the plate in a type C fracture. CONCLUSIONS The treatment of a periprosthetic fracture can affect the patient's life. In view of the fracture type, implant type, general health of the patient and all risk factors, the authors prefer one-stage surgical treatment. The Vancouver classification is a guidleine for the therapeutic plan. Osteosynthesis as a single procedure is indicated only if the femoral component is stable and well fixed. When the stem in B2 and B3 fractures is loose, revision surgery with stem replacement is necessary. Key words: periprosthetic fracture, total hip atrhroplasty, Vancouver classification.

[Open talar dislocation]

PURPOSE OF THE STUDY

Total talar extrusion is a rare injury. It is frequently associated with severe soft tissue injury. There is no consensus about an appropriate treatment for an extruded talus. Total extrusion of the talus has a high possibility of avascular necrosis of the talus or infection. The primary goal of this study is a retrospective evaluation of the patients with open total talar dislocation treated by immediate reimplantation.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We evaluated six patients (mean age, 29.6 years) with an open total talar dislocation treated in the Traumatological Hospital Brno. The dislocated talus, after debridement, was reduced, held in the correct position by Kirschner wires and spanned by external fixation, with two pins placed in the calcaneus and two in the distal tibia. The patients were evaluated on the basis of clinical and radiographic examination. Two patients underwent secondary reconstruction procedures. The four remaining patients were evaluated using the AOFAS score.

RESULTS

The mean follow-up period was 24.2 months (range, 18-32). Two patients had an infection and one developed avascular necrosis of the talus. One patient required arthrodesis of the subtalar joint and one talectomy with tibiocalcaneal arthrodesis and callus distraction of the tibia.

CONCLUSIONS

A primary reimplantation of the talus can produce good functional outcome. It is reasonable to replace an extruded talus as soon as possible after debridement. Infection and avascular necrosis of the talus seem to be difficult to predict.

[Minimally invasive thoracoscopic transdiaphragmatic approach to thoracolumbar junction fractures]

PURPOSE OF THE STUDY

A retrospective analysis of patients with thoracolumbar junction fractures who underwent video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery via a minimally invasive approach (minithoracotomy) for reconstruction of the anterior spinal column.

MATERIAL

Between 2002 and 2006, a total of 127 patients were treated by this technique. The age of the group, including 75 men and 52 women, ranged from 18 to 75 years (average, 45.9 years). L1 and Th12 fractures were treated in 71 and 66 patients, respectively. Based on CT scans and operative findings, the fractures were assessed as type A in 81, type B in 42 and type C in four patients. The causes of injury were a fall from height in 72, a pedestrian's fall in 29, a traffic accident in 23 and other in three patients. On admission 19 patients had a neurological deficit of varying degree: Frankel grade A, eight patients; grade B, four; grade C, five; and grade D, two patients.

METHODS

The patients were treated by either posterior stabilization and, at the second stage, the minimally invasive technique via an anterior approach, or the minimally invasive anterior procedure alone. Transpedicular posterior stabilization was performed in 52 patients. All of them had an anterior procedure completed with screw-rod-screw stabilization, and the vertebral body was replaced with an allograft or an expandable titanium cage in 50 and two patients, respectively. The anterior approach alone was used in 75 patients, who received a bisegmental angle-stable implant in 43 and a monosegmental plate in 32 cases. To replace the vertebral body, allografts were used in 71 and an expandable titanium cage in four patients.

RESULTS

The average follow-up period was 3.9 years (range, 1 to 6 years). In the anterior procedure, the average operative time was 90 min (range, 50 to 130 min) and blood loss ranged from 200 ml to 2300 ml. A complication due to deep infection occurred in one patient and required removal of both the anterior and posterior implants. Bony fusion without complications was achieved in all patients within a year of surgery. The loss of correction after the anterior procedure with an allograft or titanium cage was up to 2 degrees at 1-year follow-up. No conversion of the minimally invasive technique to a conventional approach due to visceral or vascular injury was necessary; nor was revision surgery for fluidothorax needed. No loosening of an anterior implant or cage dislocation was recorded. Hypesthesia in the operative wound area was found in four patients (3.1%). Improvement in neurological status by at least one Frankel grade was found in 10 of the 19 affected patients.

DISCUSSION

The anterior approach is recommended for reconstruction of the anterior spinal column in burst fractures of the thoracolumbar junction in particular. An isolated posterior approach may result in implant failure during bony union or in the loss of correction after implant removal that can lead to the recurrence of kyphosis. Conventional thoracotomy is often associated with significant morbidity and hence there is a need for a minimally invasive approach to treat thoracolumbar junction injury.

CONCLUSIONS

The minimally invasive approach (minithoracotomy up to 6-7 cm) combined with thoracoscopy is an alternative to an exclusively endoscopic technique enabling us to provide safe surgical treatment of the anterior spinal column.

Complications during and after surgery of the lower cervical spine by isolated anterior approach with CSLP implant

BACKGROUND

The merits of different operative approaches in the management of spinal injury is debated. The aim of this study was to assess, retrospectively, the outcome of treatment of injuries of the lower cervical spine by an anterior approach, in terms of fusion rate and complications.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Between 1995 and 2004, 270 patients with an injury of the lower cervical spine were operated on by an anterior approach in our hospital. There were 67 females and 203 males. Using the Aebi and Nazarian classification, 22% of patients had a type A injury, 23% of patients had a type B injury and 55% of patients had a type C injury. All had an anterior approach with monocortical stabilisation using a cervical spine locking plate [Synthes].

RESULTS

Radiological evidence of fusion was found in all but one patient at 6 months. Complications occurred in a small proportion of the series. Recurrent laryngeal nerve injury was noted in seven patients, an abscess in the wound in one patient, a haematoma requiring re-operation for evacuation in two patients. The cervical locking plate broke in one patient and this patient went on to develop a pseudoarthrosis from failure to fuse. In another patient there was release of the plate osteosynthesis.

CONCLUSIONS

Treatment of the injured lower cervical spine by an anterior operation and plate fixation was successful in achieving bone fusion in almost every patient and was followed by a complication in only a small proportion of our series. Similar results in other reports indicate that this approach is a safe and effective procedure.

[Tibiotalocalcaneal arthrodesis using a retrograde nail locked in the sagittal plane]

PURPOSE OF THE STUDY

To evaluate our experience with the use of a retrograde nail locked in the sagittal plane for tibiotalocalcaneal arthrodesis indicated in severe post-traumatic arthritis of the ankle.

MATERIAL

Twenty patients, 16 men and four women at an average age of 58.7 years (range, 23 to 72) were evaluated. All patients had severe post-traumatic changes in the talocrural and talocalcaneal joints. Five patients also had an equinus deformity. In two patients arthrodesis followed the treatment of purulent arthritis of the talocrural joint. A local fasciocutaneous flap was used for soft tissue reconstruction in three patients. All patients were operated on using the standard surgical technique. METHODS With the patient in a supine position, reamed by hand with the use of a driving rod, a straight retrograde AAN Orthofix nail was inserted through the heel bone and talus into the distal tibia and locked in these bones in the sagittal plane.

RESULTS

No complications such as injury to the neurovascular plexus or pseudoarthrosis were recorded. Four patients showed a reaction to the proximal locking screw on the proximal tibial surface, which was treated by earlier screw removal under topical anaesthesia. Due to infectious complications, the nail had to be removed prematurely in one patient. The average Foot Function Index was 12 points (range, 10 to 15) and the average ankle-hindfoot score was 67.6 points (range, 59 to 84). Thirteen patients (65 %) were not limited in their daily activities or recreational sports, six (30 %) experienced pain in sports but not daily activities and one patient (5 %) reported pain even when walking. All fusions healed in the correct position within 18 weeks.

DISCUSSION

Tibiotalocalcaneal arthrodesis is not a frequent surgical procedure in either trauma surgery or orthopaedics. For this complicated procedure, rather than intramedullary nails, internal fixation with screws or plates or external fixation are preferred. The high rate of bony healing can be explained by maintenance of exact nail locking in the sagittal plane. The antero- posterior approach provides a more secure locking in the bone and assists in neutralizing sagittal forces at the site of arthrodesis. The use of reamed interlocking nails can therefore be accepted not only for treatment of long-bone fractures, but also for treating pseudoarthrosis and in complicated or failed arthrodesis.

CONCLUSIONS

Patients' satisfaction is the primary goal we strive to achieve in severe post-traumatic conditions of the talus and foot. Repeat surgery, spongioplasty, external fixation revision for pin-tract infection, persistent pain, activity restriction and poor clinical results reduce patients' satisfaction. In our group, the rate of healed arthrodesis was high and the number of complications was low, therefore our patients' satisfaction was high.

[Reconstruction of soft tissue defects of lower leg, ankle and foot using sural flap]

Covering soft-tissue injuries on the lower third of the leg, ankle joint and on the calcaneal part of the foot has so far been the domain for free flap use. The distally based superficial sural artery flap with vascular axis of the sural nerve was first described by Masquelet. We treated 31 patients after injuries with this method. No flap failed. Necrosis of the edges affected three flaps. Most flaps showed slight venous congestion. The authors present their clinical experience using this technique. The advantages are the following: the blood supply is reliable, elevation is easy and quick and major arteries are not sacrified.

[Arthroscopy of the hip joint]

PURPOSE OF THE STUDY

Arthroscopic examination of joints has recently gained wide application. Due to hip joint shape and a difficult approach to it, hip arthroscopy has long remained outside the attention and abilities of arthroscopists. The authors present their first experience with operative hip arthroscopy that offers new options for the treatment of intra-articular pathology of the hip joint.

MATERIAL

In the years 2001-2003, 24 hip arthroscopies were performed. The following pathological conditions were diagnosed and treated: loose bodies, chondral lesions of the femoral head and acetabulum, ruptures of the labrum acetabuli and ligamentum teres, impingement syndrome of the labrum acetabuli, and coxitis. No post-operative neurologic symptoms or vascular complications were observed.

METHODS

All procedures were carried out on patients in a supine position, with the treated joint in traction. A standard 30 degrees device and common instruments for arthroscopic surgery were used. The instruments were inserted in the articular fissure with the use of an X-ray intensifier. Movement in the hip joint during surgery is very limited due to traction, joint shape and the length of working canals. After traction is released, it is possible to examine also the intra-articular part of the femoral neck.

RESULTS

The pre-operative complaints (clunking, painful joint) were relieved up to 4 to 6 weeks after surgery in 23 patients. In one patient primarily diagnosed with coxitis, infection was not eradicated after lavage and debridement and, because inflammation deeply affected the femoral head, the hip was eventually treated by Girdlestone arthroplasty. The results were evaluated clinically and on the basis of the Merle d'Aubigne and Postel questionnaire assessing pain and walking abilities by both the patients and the surgeon. All 24 patients reported poor or average conditions before surgery and, after surgery, 23 experienced improvement to a very good or average condition. One patient's state failed to improve and was evaluated as poor both before and after surgery.

DISCUSSION

Hip arthroscopy is a minimal invasive technique which allows us to diagnose and, at the same time, treat intra-articular pathology in a gentle manner. In arthroscopic surgery, correct diagnosis (X-ray, CT and MRI), correct patient's position, their body mass (obesity), selection of appropriate approaches to the joint, surgeon's experience and potentials of arthroscopic instruments all play an important role. We assume that, with increasing experience, the number of patients as well as the scope of diagnosed and treated pathological conditions of the hip joint will grow. The outcomes of operative arthroscopy were very good (improvement in 23 of 24 patients) and it is probable that this technique can slow down or prevent early wear-and-tear hip arthritis.

CONCLUSIONS

In our country, operative arthroscopy of the hip is only at its beginning. However, it can be assumed that, similarly to other large joints, it will soon become a widely used, indispensable diagnostic and therapeutic method.

[Arthroscopic stabilization of the fractured intercondylar eminence]

PURPOSE OF THE STUDY

The authors present the results of arthroscopic reduction of a displaced fracture of the intercondylar eminence and stabilization of the fracture with a tension band wire and absorbable, double PDS sutures.

MATERIAL

In the years 1998 to 2002, a fracture of the intercondylar eminence was arthroscopically diagnosed in 34 patients, 21 women and 13 men in the age range of 17 to 46 years. Five patients had type I fracture, 13 had type II fracture and 16 had type III fracture, as classified by the Meyers and McKeever system. Arthroscopic stabilization was used for all type II and type III fractures in a total of 29 patients. Double PDS sutures no. 1 were always applied. One double PDS loop was used in eight patients and, in the rest, two or three double PDS loops were employed.

METHODS

PDS no. 1 sutures were inserted, by means of wire loops, through bone tunnels. These were drilled with 2-mm Kirschner's wires, using an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reamer, medial to the tibial tuberosity. Double PDS sutures were applied to the distal portion of the ACL, which permits good stabilization even in comminuted fractures of the eminence. The strength of a double PDS loop is sufficient and facilitates speedy recovery. Before terminating surgery it is necessary to check joint mobility and fixation stability. Only good stability allows for early mobilization of the joint. The postoperative treatment involved immobilization of the knee joint with a rigid brace in a semi-flexed position at 20 degrees for 6 weeks. However, from the second postoperative day, the brace was removed during targeted rehabilitation. Exercise on a continuous passive motion device, strengthening of the thigh muscles, patellar mobilization, walking with the use of crutches, while wearing the brace, with partial weight bearing until pain were practised. A treadmill without loading was used from the fifth postoperative week.

RESULTS

Twenty-nine patients in whom stabilization with PDS sutures was used were evaluated. Of them 26 were completely free from any complaints and fully healed, always without findings of displacement on X-ray. In one patient, a fragment of the comminuted fracture was loosened and interfered with full extension. It was removed by arthroscopy and full recovery without consequences ensued. One patient underwent repeat surgery for hematoma in the wound; after wound healing and rehabilitation, he achieved a full range of motion. One patient showed signs of fibrosis of Hoffa's fat pad. All patients returned to the style of life as before injury. At follow-up of 1 to 4 years, Lysholm scores were excellent in 23 patients, very good in four patients, satisfactory in one patient (repeat surgery) and one patient was not examined.

DISCUSSION

Fracture of the intercondylar eminence is caused by a mechanism similar to that causing rupture of the anterior cruciate ligament but, in addition, the margin of the intercondylar fossa is pressed against the eminence which breaks off. Displaced fractures (types II and III according to the Meyers and McKeever classification) are indicated for surgical stabilization. Fixation of the fractured eminence by means of absorbable material is sufficient, and insertion of metal material and its subsequent removal thus can be avoided. Arthroscopic inspection permits exact reduction; this procedure is minimally invasive.

CONCLUSIONS

Arthroscopic stabilization of a fractured eminence by means of PDS sutures is a gentle surgical procedure that provides good mechanical support, facilitates early rehabilitation and achieves good outcomes. The use of absorbable sutures allows us to avoid further surgery in order to remove fixation material.

Serum level of KL-6 as a marker of interstitial lung disease in patients with juvenile systemic sclerosis

OBJECTIVE

Serum KL-6 has been found to be elevated in diseases characterized by diffuse interstitial lung involvement. The purpose of this study was to evaluate serum KL-6 as a marker of interstitial lung disease (ILD) in patients with juvenile systemic sclerosis (JSS).

METHODS

Serum concentrations of KL-6 were measured with an immunoassay in 39 serum samples from 12 children with diffuse cutaneous form of JSS (6 patients with and 6 patients without ILD) and from 20 healthy controls comparable for age. In patients sampled serially, the relationship of KL-6 concentrations with the severity of ILD and its response to treatment were evaluated.

RESULTS

Serum concentrations of KL-6 were significantly higher in patients with ILD (1687 +/- 979 IU/ml) than in patients without (345 +/- 95 IU/ml, p < 0.01) and healthy controls (311 +/- 114 IU/ml, p < 0.001). Serum KL-6 concentrations of patients without ILD were not statistically different from those of healthy controls. We found a significant correlation of serum KL-6 concentrations with vital capacity and with diffusing capacity for carbon monoxide (DLCO). Analysis of individual patients showed that serum concentrations of KL-6 were correlated with ILD severity and its response to treatment.

CONCLUSION

Measurement of serum KL-6 concentration is a useful noninvasive marker of pulmonary fibrosis in children with JSS. Its advantages over conventional methods of ILD assessment, such as pulmonary function test and high-resolution computerized tomography, are that it is easy to quantify and to measure repeatedly and it does not need children's cooperation.

[Personal experience with injuries of the rectum and anus]

Authors analyze some new knowledge in treatment of rectal and anal injuries proceeded from own clinical experience in comparison with studies of a range of foreign authors published recently. During last ten years together 24 injured patients with this diagnose were operated in Traumatological Hospital Brno, primary reconstruction was performed in 10 patients, secondary reconstruction after precise examination of pelvic fundus pathophysiology in 14 patients, mostly transferred from other clinics. Authors prefer primary treatment in 3 hours after injury. This opinion is supported by control examinations after performed reconstructions.

[Traumatic avulsion of the tuberosity of the ischium]

The apophysis of the ischial tuberosity usually becomes united with the hipbone by 25 years of age. The highest incidence of avulsion in this region occurs between 15 and 17 years in young active persons. Apophysitis should be differentiated from apophyseolysis or an avulsion fracture of the ischial tuberosity. Apophysitis may be associated with chronic excessive sports activities in young men and women and is manifested by pain in the region involved. Its presence is confirmed by radiographic findings. The patient with an avulsion fracture of the ischial tuberosity reports an injurious event, usually a sudden movement during sports activities, associated with immediate pain. The diagnosis is again confirmed by radiology. Apophysitis is treated conservatively with no resulting problems. The poor healing of an avulsion fracture may result in chronic complaints, particularly painful sitting. This condition is treated by resection of the fractured apophysis. The authors describe the case of a 28-year-old man who complained of experiencing pain when sitting. At 20 years of age, he suffered an avulsion fracture of the ischial tuberosity that was treated conservatively. He was examined at our department and an unhealed fracture of the ischial tuberosity was diagnosed by radiology and computed tomography. The separated bony fragment was removed and the patient was followed up to 1 year. He remained free from any complaints. An avulsion fracture of the ischial tuberosity is an injury rarely reported in our as well as foreign literature. The available case reports are discussed.

[Characteristics of the cytokine response in patients with various forms of juvenile idiopathic arthritis]

BACKGROUND

Impairment of the dynamic balance between the first and second type of cytokine response with the prevalence of cytokines of the first type plays and important role in the pathogenesis of several autoimmune diseases, including the juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA). The aim of our work was to analyse cytokine profile in lymphocytes in the peripheral blood of patients with JIA, and to evaluate the mutual ration between T lymphocytes producing cytokines of the first and second type in different forms of the disease.

METHODS AND RESULTS

We studied a group of 42 children aged 6 to 16 years, 32 of them were patients with JIA, 10 children with non-autoimmune diseases represented the control group. Expression of intracellular cytokines INF-gamma and IL-4 were assayed in activated T lymphocytes using recommended protocol (FastImmune Cytokine system, BD). For the sample analysis, flow cytometer FACScan (BD) was used. No differences in incidence of CD3+INF-gamma + Ly was found between patients with oligoarticular and polyarticular form of JIA (19.3 +/- 8.65 vs. 19.2 +/- 9.7%), and values were equal to that of the control group (19.5 +/- 5.85%). Similarly, no difference was found in incidence of CD3+INF4+ Ly between the JIA patients and controls (2.4 +/- 0.9 vs. 2.8 +/- 0.45%). Patients with polyarticular form of disease had statistically lower incidence of CD3+INF4+ Ly than it was among the control group (1.8 +/- 0.9 vs. 2.8 +/- 0.45%, p < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

In the studied group of 32 patients with different forms of JIA, lower activity of cytokine response of the type 2 was found in children with polyarticular form of the disease.

[Carcinoma of the lower half of the rectum]

Authors analyze the group of patients surgically treated for rectal carcinoma during ten-years long period. While the surgical tactic in upper part of the rectum is solved by the resection with straight anastomosis, in carcinomas of lower part of the rectum there is an open question there, to use the deep pelvic anastomosis after radical resection or to perform the rectal extirpation with saving of sphincters and using the coloanal anastomosis. The necessary requirement is complex preoperative examination of the tumor and of pelvic fundus physiology. For application of coloanal anastomosis the rigid indications are determined. Authors used this method in 107 patients of the monitored group. Early and delayed complications of these interventions are analysed, indication for temporary stomy and application of pouchs. In the group of patients with coloanal anastomosis no local recurrence was noted, in the group with deep pelvic anastomosis the locoregional anastomosis was found in 8% of patients.

[Injuries of the small intestine in polytrauma]

The authors inform on the increasing number of penetrating abdominal injuries during the last five years, especially in the criminal injuries. Diagnostic methods in a stabilised patient are analysed, diagnostic and therapeutic laparoscopy is preferred to lavage of the abdominal cavity in indicated cases. Urgent surgical revision is recommended in patients in a critical state on account of quickly increasing compartment syndrome, although staged laparotomy is needed. The timing of surgical methods is emphasised in serious associated injuries. Conclusions are illustrated with surgical results.

[Intramedullary nailing using the Medin tibial nails]

In a prospectively followed up group of 163 nailed tibiae in 157 casualties after 4-48 months, on average after 15 months following implantation 20 patients (12.5%) developed complications. In two instances the nail broke or was bent (1.25%), the remaining complications were not associated with the implant or instruments. Subsequent tests however did not prove defective material of the damaged nails. Medin nails are a reliable, readily available and cheap implant.

[Will administration of omega-3 unsaturated fatty acids reduce the use of nonsteroidal antirheumatic agents in children with chronic juvenile arthritis?]

BACKGROUND

An increased intake of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) in the diet of patients with rheumatoid arthritis has a favourable effect on the course of the disease. The objective of the present work was to assess the effect of such a diet on the daily consumption of non-steroid antirheumatic drugs in children with juvenile chronic arthritis.

METHODS AND RESULTS

A group of 23 children with the diagnosis of chronic juvenile arthritis was divided by the method of random numbers into two groups. The first group received in addition to ibuprofen treatment a diet with an increased content of omega-3 PUFA. The second group served as control. In the first group (13 patients, mean age 11 years) in the course of five months treatment the original ibuprofen consumption declined by 17.3% (from a mean value of 28.4 mg/kg/day to 23.4 mg/kg/day), while in the control group (10 children, mean age 9.1 years) there was a decline of 6.5% (from a mean value of 23.7 mg/kg/day to 22.7 mg/kg/day). This difference was statistically significant at the level of 0.05 (P = 0.03).

CONCLUSIONS

Despite the statistically significant difference in the decline of daily consumption of the non-steroid antirheumatic drug in the investigated groups of patients and the obvious favourable effect of omega-3 PUFA the mean consumption of the drug remained in the first group after five months of treatment higher (23.4 mg/kg/day) than in the control group (22.4 mg/kg/day).