Acute monoarticular hip joint pseudogout masquerading as septic arthritis

Monoarticular pseudogout of the hip joint is rare and to the best of our knowledge only four other cases exist in the literature. We present a case of primary monoarticular pseudogout affecting the right hip in a patient in his 50s. The diagnosis was confirmed through ultrasound-guided synovial fluid aspiration and crystal analysis. The patient was treated conservatively with analgesia and after hip joint aspiration resulted in dramatic symptomatic resolution. Acute attack of pseudogout is a rare cause of acute hip pain. The clinical features may mimic hip joint septic arthritis and should be considered in the differential diagnosis of any presentation of acute joint pain. Diagnosis is important to avoid unnecessary medical and surgical intervention reducing hospital stay.

A Case of Axial Spondyloarthritis Triggered by SARS-CoV-2 Infection

Ever since the outbreak of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), there has been a noticeable change in atypical presentations of several rheumatological diseases following COVID-19 infections. In this case report, we present a case of SARS-CoV-2-induced axial and peripheral spondyloarthritis. This case highlights the possibility of SARS-CoV-2 infection accelerating the onset of autoimmune diseases such as axial spondyloarthritis. Although uncommon, these cases warrant a referral to the rheumatologist for appropriate diagnosis and management. This case also highlights the need for further research on the mechanisms behind the viral interaction of SARS-CoV-2 infections with the host immune system, especially about accelerating the onset of autoimmune diseases.

Day case vs inpatient total shoulder arthroplasty: A retrospective cohort study and cost-effectiveness analysis

BACKGROUND

Day case total shoulder arthroplasty (TSA) is a novel approach, not widely practiced in Europe. We conducted a retrospective cohort study of patients comparing elective day case and inpatient TSAs in our United Kingdom centre.

AIM

To evaluate the efficacy and cost-effectiveness of day case TSA compared to standard inpatient total shoulder arthroplasty.

METHODS

All patients undergoing TSA between January 2017 and July 2018 were included. Outcome measures were: Change in abduction and extension 3 mo postoperatively; 30-d postoperative adverse events and re-admissions in day case and inpatient groups. We also conducted an economic evaluation of outpatient arthroplasty. Multivariate linear and logistic regression were used to adjust for demographic and operative covariates.

RESULTS

Fifty nine patients were included, 18 d cases and 41 inpatients. There were no adverse events or re-admissions at 30 d postoperatively in either group. There were no significant differences in adjusted flexion (mean difference 16.4, 95%CI: 17.6-50.5, P = 0.337) or abduction (mean difference: 13.2, 95%CI: 18.4-44.9, P = 0.405) postoperatively between groups. Median savings with outpatient arthroplasty were £529 (interquartile range: 247.33-789, P < 0.0001).

CONCLUSION

Day case TSA is a safe, effective procedure, with significant cost benefit. Wider use may be warranted in the United Kingdom and beyond, with potential for significant cost savings and improved efficiency.

Tibia vara or Blount's disease: Why an early diagnosis and treatment are important?

Tibia vara is an asymmetrical disorder of the proximal tibia that produces a threedimensional deformity, which was first described by Blount in 1937. A 6-year-old boy presented with a history of anterior knee pain with progressive bowing of his right leg over the last 1 year after having a fall while playing soccer. An early diagnosis and treatment of this disease can have a great functional impact and lead to very good health outcomes.

Dynamic ultrasound assessment in the diagnosis of intra-articular entrapment of the biceps tendon (hourglass biceps): A preliminary investigation

Background:

The hourglass biceps, an intra-articular entrapment of the long head of the biceps (LHB), is a possible diagnosis in cases of shoulder pain associated with loss of passive elevation.

Purpose:

The objective of this study is to investigate the role of dynamic ultrasound (U/S) in determining the diagnosis of the hourglass biceps lesion.

Materials and Methods:

A prospective cohort of 16 patients with the clinical suspicion of an hourglass lesion, a preoperative ultrasound, and a confirmed hourglass LHB at surgery, were included in the study. Eight patients had preoperative dynamic ultrasound assessment of the LHB, and eight had standard ultrasound investigations and served as a control group.

Results:

Dynamic ultrasound accurately diagnosed an hourglass biceps in three out of eight cases. LHB hypertrophy was demonstrated in five out of eight cases with U/S and three out of eight cases with standard U/S. All patients were treated by excision of the intra-articular portion of the LHB, 15 by bipolar tenotomy, and one by LHB tenodesis.

Conclusions:

Dynamic ultrasound shows promise in improving the accuracy in diagnosis of LHB hypertrophy and the Hourglass lesion.

Level of Evidence:

III (Consecutive case-control study investigating a diagnostic test).

Post traumatic osteoma of tibial insertion of medial collateral ligament of knee joint

Two cases are presented of post traumatic para-articular osteoma developing at the site of tibial attachment of the medial collateral ligament of knee joint. These occurred after injuries sustained while playing football and in one case the ossified mass was treated with surgical excision for unresolved symptoms after conservative measures. A comparison is made with Pellegrini Stieda disease, which is a similar affection of the femoral insertion of the medial ligament of the knee joint.