Treatment of canine perineal hernia with a fascia lata graft is noninferior to the elevation of the internal obturator muscle: a prospective randomized trial of 66 dogs

OBJECTIVE

To compare the recurrence rate after herniorrhaphy of canine perineal hernia (PH) using elevation of the internal obturator muscle (EIOM) or fascia lata graft (FLG) and assess how clinical signs related to defecation evolve during 12 months postoperatively.

ANIMALS

66 client-owned male dogs undergoing PH surgery between March 1, 2017, and December 31, 2020.

METHODS

Dogs were randomized into 2 groups (EIOM = 36; FLG = 30) applying 2 stratification factors: preoperative bladder location and the defecation signs score (DSS). Follow-up visits were at 2 weeks and 3, 6, and 12 months postoperatively. The main outcome, the recurrence of PH was evaluated by rectal examination. We evaluated the noninferiority of FLG to EIOM from the difference in recurrence proportions between the techniques (95% CI), comparing the CI with a pre-defined noninferiority margin (15%). To evaluate defecation signs, the DSS was calculated from the owner questionnaire and assessed with a linear mixed model (P < .05 significant).

RESULTS

In 63 dogs attending the 12-month follow-up, the recurrence rate was 8.8% (3/34) in the EIOM and 10.3% (3/29) in the FLG group. The CI (-11.94% to 14.99%) was below the pre-defined margin, indicating the noninferiority of FLG. After surgery, the DSS decreased (P < .001), remaining low during the follow-up.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE

FLG was non-inferior to EIOM when considering recurrence. The DSS decreased postoperatively and complications were uncommon. FLG is a useful alternative for the treatment of canine PH.

Pericranial Flap-Based Multilayer Reconstruction of Endoscopic Transcribriform Craniectomy for Sinonasal Malignancies

OBJECTIVE

Diffusion of endoscopic techniques for the resection of ethmoid bone malignancies through a transcribriform approach (TA) has raised new challenges regarding reconstruction options to reduce post-operative complications. Although there is consensus on the advantages of vascularized flaps over free grafts for large defects, no standard protocol exists on reconstruction procedures. In addition, although the pedicled nasoseptal flap has been extensively discussed, few studies have been published on extranasal pedicled flaps. The aim of this manuscript is to provide a detailed description of a reconstruction technique for large anterior skull base defects with the pericranial flap as part of a multilayered reconstruction. Moreover, patients treated with this approach were retrospectively assessed for post-operative complications.

METHODS

A detailed description of the reconstruction procedure as performed in our departments is provided. Pictures depicting the main surgical steps are also included. In addition, preliminary functional results from a retrospective series of patients who underwent a TA and subsequent pericranial flap-based multilayer reconstruction for ethmoid roof malignancies between 2016 and 2022 at two institutional centers are reported.

RESULTS

16 patients were included in the study. Nine patients (56.3%) underwent adjuvant radiotherapy. Two patients had a biochemically-confirmed postoperative CSF leak. Only one of the two patients required surgical revision. During follow-up (mean 13 months), no other early nor delayed complications were observed.

CONCLUSION

A standardized surgical technique with pericranial flap as part of a multilayered reconstruction for large anterior skull base defects following resection of sinonasal malignancies is proposed, which appears to be a safe choice when endonasal flaps are not available.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level 4 Laryngoscope, 133:2942-2947, 2023.

Shoulder Positioning during Superior Capsular Reconstruction: Computational Analysis of Graft Integrity and Shoulder Stability

Simple Summary

In arthroscopic superior capsular reconstruction (ASCR) in irreparable rotator cuff tears (IRCTs), a graft is positioned and fixed between the superior rim of the glenoid and the humeral supraspinatus footprint. The fixation of the graft aims to restore the stability and improve the kinematics of the shoulder. The shoulder position during fixation of the graft may be a key factor impacting the outcome of ASCR; however, biomechanical evidence is lacking, as most studies addressing ASCR have been conducted in cadavers. In this study, graft strain and glenohumeral joint reaction force, estimated using a 3-D musculoskeletal model of the upper limb, were used to evaluate graft integrity and shoulder stability, respectively. The results suggest that ASCR significantly improved shoulder stability compared to the preoperative condition; however, the shoulder positions of fixation associated with the greatest improvements were also associated with the highest risk of compromising the integrity of the graft due to high strains. This study provides new and important information regarding the role of shoulder positioning during fixation of the graft.

Abstract

The shoulder position during fixation of the graft may be a key factor impacting the outcome of arthroscopic superior capsular reconstruction (ASCR) in irreparable rotator cuff tears (IRCTs). However, biomechanical evidence regarding this effect is lacking. The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of the shoulder position during fixation of the graft on shoulder stability and graft tear risk in ASCR. A 3-D musculoskeletal model of the upper limb was modified to account for the fixation of the graft in ASCR, assuming a full-thickness tear of the supraspinatus tendon. The concomitant tenotomy of the long head of the biceps (LHB) tendon was also studied. The biomechanical parameters evaluated included the strain of the graft and the glenohumeral joint reaction force (GH JRF), which were used to evaluate graft integrity and shoulder stability, respectively. Fixation of the graft considering abduction angles greater than 15° resulted in a high risk for graft tearing when the arm was adducted to the side of the trunk. For abduction angles below 15°, the mean shoulder stability improved significantly, ranging between 6% and 20% (p < 0.001), compared with that in the preoperative condition. The concomitant tenotomy of the LHB tendon resulted in loss of stability when compared to ASCR with an intact LHB tendon. The position of the shoulder during fixation of the graft has a significant effect on shoulder stability and graft tear risk after ASCR in IRCTs. This study provides new and important information regarding the role of shoulder positioning during fixation of the graft.