Exercise compared to a control condition or other conservative treatment options in patients with Greater Trochanteric Pain Syndrome: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

OBJECTIVES

To estimate the effectiveness of exercise at end of treatment and long-term follow-up compared to a control condition or other conservative treatments in patients with Greater Trochanteric Pain Syndrome (GTPS).

METHODS

Databases were searched September 2021 and updated September 2023. Randomized controlled trials (RCT) comparing exercise interventions for patients with GTPS, to a control condition; corticosteroid injection; shock wave therapy; or other types of exercise programs were included. Risk of bias was assessed using the ROB2 tool. Meta-analyses were performed using a random-effects model. The certainty of the evidence was rated by the GRADE approach.

RESULTS

Six RCTs including a total of 733 patients with GTPS were included. Three trials compared exercise to sham exercise or wait-and-see control groups, two trials compared exercise to corticosteroid injection, two trials compared exercise to shockwave therapy, and one trial compared exercise to another type of exercise. Meta-analyses showed that in the long term, exercise slightly reduces hip pain and disease severity, while slightly improving patient-reported physical function and global rating of change compared to a control condition. No serious adverse events were reported. Compared to corticosteroid injection, exercise improves long-term global rating of change.

CONCLUSION

The current evidence supports a strong recommendation for exercise as first line treatment in patients clinically diagnosed with GTPS. Compared to corticosteroid injection, exercise is superior in increasing the likelihood that a patient experiences a meaningful global improvement. These results are based on few trials and a moderate number of patients.

REGISTRATION

This review was prospectively registered in the PROSPERO database of systematic reviews (ID: CRD42021261380). CONTRIBUTION OF PAPER.

Self-inflicted very-low-velocity penetrating head injury: A CARE-compliant case report

RATIONALE

Low-velocity penetrating head injury (PHI) is rare, comprising 0.2% to 0.4% of head traumas, but can be devastating and is associated with significant morbidity and mortality. No previous case of very-low-velocity PHI due to self-inflicted stabbing with a gimlet has been reported.

PATIENT CONCERNS

A 62-year-old man was admitted to the hospital with bleeding head and abdominal wounds after stabbing his abdomen with a gimlet, and then hammering the same gimlet into his forehead and removing the gimlet himself.

DIAGNOSES

Upon examination at admission, stab wounds were present on the forehead and the right upper quadrant. Computed tomography (CT) of the head revealed a bone defect in the left frontal bone and showed the intracranial path of the gimlet surrounded by mild hemorrhage and pneumocephalus. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) confirmed a small amount of hemorrhage with pneumocephalus but no vascular injury.

INTERVENTIONS

Conservative treatment without surgery.

OUTCOMES

Follow-up MRI on hospital day 58 showed no abscess or traumatic intracranial aneurysm. The patient achieved full recovery of motor and mental functions with conservative treatment and was discharged on hospital day 69.

LESSONS

Very-low-velocity PHI might be successfully treated with conservative treatment.

Impact of breast surgical procedure on survival in BRCA mutated patients with invasive breast cancer: Mastectomy versus conservative treatment

INTRODUCTION

Patients with BRCA1/2 mutations have a higher risk of developing breast cancer compared to the wild-type population. For patients with a BRCA mutation, there are no specific recommendations for surgical management. The aim of this study was therefore to retrospectively investigate overall survival (OS) and recurrence-free survival (RFS) of BRCA mutated patients with localized invasive breast cancer, by comparing conservative surgery versus mastectomy.

METHODS

This study was based on data from the Côte d'Or breast and gynecological cancer registry. Data from patients with a constitutional BRCA1/2 mutation who presented with invasive breast cancer were collected retrospectively from 1998 to 2018. The Kaplan-Meier method was used to describe RFS and OS.

RESULTS

A total of 104 patients were included in the analysis, of whom 69 had conservative surgery and 35 underwent mastectomy. Regarding survival, there was no significant difference in OS (HR =1.49; 95 % confidence interval (CI) [0.76-2.93], p = 0.25). Similarly, there was no significant difference in RFS (HR =1.40; 95 % CI [0.81-2.40], p = 0.22), survival without homolateral recurrence (HR =0.88; 95 % CI [0.30-2.61], p = 0.89), without contralateral recurrence (HR =1.50; 95 % CI [0.55-4.09], p = 0.42), or without distant metastatic recurrence (HR =1.42, 95 % CI [0.69-2.90], p = 0.33).

CONCLUSION

In invasive breast cancer in a patient with a germline BRCA1/2 mutation, conservative surgery, when possible, appears to be a feasible option over total mastectomy, with no difference in overall survival. However, the patient should be informed of the aggressive nature of recurrence in this population requiring chemotherapy in most cases.

Conservative treatment of fragility fracture of the pelvis: A retrospective study

BACKGROUND

Although an increasing number of studies have reported the usefulness of early minimally invasive surgery (MIS) or fragility fracture of the pelvis (FFP), MIS is difficult to perform in every hospital, partly because of equipment problems. Moreover, different opinions exist on FFP treatment methods and the indication for surgery is usually determined by the fracture type. Since our hospital follows a conservative approach as the basic treatment, this study examined the outcomes of such an FFP approach.

HYPOTHESIS

FFP outcomes are influenced by the fracture type and walking ability before the injury.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

We investigated the bone fusion rate, bone fusion duration, unloading duration, walking ability trends, and outcomes in 76 patients with FFP treated conservatively at our hospital.

RESULTS

The union rate, mean period until union, and follow-up period were 93.4%, 3.3 months, and 14.3 months, respectively. Walking ability significantly decreased from 5.1 points before the injury to 4.4 points during the last follow-up (p<0.01). The average unloading period was 12.8 days, and FFPs showed a high bone fusion rate, even with conservative treatment.

DISCUSSION

Most patients eventually returned to their pre-injury status despite slightly decreased walking ability. Given the invasive nature of surgery, the indications for surgery should be carefully assessed after considering the risk-benefit ratio.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

III; retrospective study.

Extensor Carpi Ulnaris Tendinopathy in Athletes: A Review of the Conservative and Rehabilitative Options

BACKGROUND

Extensor carpi ulnaris (ECU) tendinopathy is characterized by pain along the dorsal and ulnar aspect of the wrist and distal forearm. It is common in athletes who play stick and racquet sports due to repetitive motion and axial-loading through the wrist and forearm. Conservative therapeutic options include rest, the use of anti-inflammatory medications, and various injections. Rehabilitation via occupational or physical therapy includes therapeutic exercise, splinting, activity modification, manual therapy, and modalities.

METHODS

A narrative review of the literature on ECU tendinopathy is presented, and a case study approach is used to highlight the clinical management of this condition in an elite athlete.

RESULTS

An approach of medical management and rehabilitation allowed this patient to successfully return to play.

CONCLUSIONS

A combination of conservative measures and rehabilitation can be used to treat ECU tendinopathy and permit patients to be symptom-free and return to their desired activities.

Return to Play and Functional Outcomes Following Treatment of Acute Achilles Tendon Ruptures: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Return to play (RTP) and functional outcomes are critical to treatment success for acute Achilles tendon rupture (AATR). This systematic review and meta-analysis explored treatment superiority essential in optimal treatment selection concerning individual patients and their expectations regarding RTP and functional outcomes. This study was in accordance with the preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses guidelines. The included studies were assessed regarding the level and quality of evidence. Fixed-effects models were employed for I2 < 25% and random-effects models for I2 ≥ 25%. The RTP rate meta-analysis of surgical vs conservative treatment revealed no significant difference. This was similar to the subgroup analysis of open repair and conservative treatment. The RTP rate and Achilles Tendon Total Rupture Score (ATRS) meta-analysis of open repair + earlier rehabilitation (ER) vs + later rehabilitation (LR) also revealed no significant differences. The mean time to RTP meta-analysis of open repair + ER vs + LR showed that open repair + ER was significantly favored (-4.19 weeks; p = .002). The ATRS meta-analysis of conservative treatment with ER vs with LR revealed no significant difference. This meta-analysis has revealed that the RTP rates following treatment of AATR are high. Therefore, the decision for surgical vs conservative treatment or open repair + ER vs + LR for AATR should not be selected based on the expectation of RTP. However, open repair + ER can be advocated over + LR for reduced mean time to RTP.

[Conservative treatment of valvular heart disease in adults]

Currently, there is no specific medication approved for the treatment of valvular heart disease per se. Except for secondary mitral valve insufficiency and tricuspid valve insufficiency in pulmonary hypertension, drug therapy for higher-grade valvular heart disease is limited to diuretic therapy for symptom control. Conservative therapy for comorbidities and potential heart failure can be beneficial regardless of the specific valve lesion. In cases of aortic valve stenosis or insufficiency, controlling arterial hypertension is important. Patients with mitral valve stenosis benefit from rhythm and rate control. Diuretics can help reduce regurgitant volume in patients with primary mitral valve insufficiency and tricuspid valve insufficiency. In addition to drug therapy, maintaining functional capacity is crucial for the outcome of patients. Therefore, it is recommended to engage in active physical activity whenever possible, despite the presence of valvular heart disease.

Spinal degeneration and lumbar multifidus muscle quality may independently affect clinical outcomes in patients conservatively managed for low back or leg pain

Few non-surgical, longitudinal studies have evaluated the relations between spinal degeneration, lumbar multifidus muscle (LMM) quality, and clinical outcomes. None have assessed the potential mediating role of the LMM between degenerative pathology and 12-month clinical outcomes. This prospective cohort study used baseline and 12-month follow-up data from 569 patients conservatively managed for low back or back-related leg pain to estimate the effects of aggregate degenerative lumbar MRI findings and LMM quality on 12-month low back and leg pain intensity (0-10) and disability (0-23) outcomes, and explored the mediating role of LMM quality between degenerative findings and 12-month clinical outcomes. Adjusted mixed effects generalized linear models separately estimated the effect of aggregate spinal pathology and LMM quality. Mediation models estimated the direct and indirect effects of pathology on leg pain, and pathology and LMM quality on leg pain, respectively. Multivariable analysis identified a leg pain rating change of 0.99 [0.14; 1.84] (unstandardized beta coefficients [95% CI]) in the presence of ≥ 4 pathologies, and a disability rating change of - 0.65 [- 0.14; - 1.16] for each 10% increase in muscle quality, but no effect on back pain intensity. Muscle quality had a non-significant mediating role (13.4%) between pathology and leg pain intensity. The number of different pathologies present demonstrated a small effect on 12-month leg pain intensity outcomes, while higher LMM quality had a direct effect on 12-month disability ratings but no mediating effect between pathology and leg pain. The relations between degenerative pathology, LMM quality, and pain-related outcomes appear complex and may include independent pathways.

Acute diverticulitis with extraluminal air: is conservative treatment sufficient? A single-center retrospective study

BACKGROUND

Acute diverticulitis with extraluminal air constitutes a heterogeneous condition whose management is controversial. The aims of this study are to report the failure rate of conservative treatment for diverticulitis with extraluminal air and to report risk factors of conservative treatment failure.

METHODS

A retrospective study was performed from an institutional review board-approved database of patients admitted with acute diverticulitis with extraluminal air from 2015 to 2021 at a tertiary referral center. All patients managed for acute diverticulitis with covered perforation (without intraabdominal abscess) were included. The primary endpoint was failure of medical treatment, defined as a need for unplanned surgery or percutaneous drainage within 30 days after admission.

RESULTS

Ninety-three patients (61% male, mean age 57 ± 17 years) were retrospectively included. Ten patients had failure of conservative treatment (11%). These patients were significantly older than 50 years (n = 9/10, 90% versus n = 47/83, 57%, p = 0.007), associated with cardiovascular disease (n = 6/10, 60% versus n = 10/83, 12%, p = 0.002), American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) score of 3-4 (n = 4/7, 57% versus 6/33, 18%, p = 0.05), under anticoagulant and antiplatelet (n = 6/10, 60% versus n = 11/83, 13%, p = 0.04) and steroid or immunosuppressive therapy (n = 3/10, 30% versus 5/83, 6%, p = 0.04), and with distant pneumoperitoneum location (n = 7/10, 70% versus n = 14/83, 17%, p = 0.001) compared with those with successful conservative treatment. On multivariate analysis, only distant pneumoperitoneum was an independent risk factor of failure (odds ratio (OR) 6.5, 95% confidence interval (CI) [2-21], p = 0.002).

CONCLUSIONS

Conservative treatment with antibiotics for acute diverticulitis with extraluminal air is safe with a success rate of 89%. Patients with distant pneumoperitoneum should be carefully monitored.

Short- and long-term outcomes of acute diverticulitis in patients with transplanted kidneys

AIM

The safety of nonoperative treatment for patients with transplanted kidneys who develop acute diverticulitis is unclear. Our primary aim was to examine the long-term sequelae of nonoperative management in this group.

METHOD

We performed a population-based retrospective cohort study using linked administrative databases housed at ICES in Ontario, Canada. We included adult (≥18 years) patients admitted with acute diverticulitis between April 2002 and December 2019. Patients with a functioning kidney transplant were compared with those without a transplant. The primary outcome was failure of conservative management (operation, drainage procedure or death due to acute diverticulitis) beyond 30 days. The cumulative incidence function and a Fine-Grey subdistribution hazard model were used to evaluate this outcome accounting for competing risks.

RESULTS

We examined 165 patients with transplanted kidneys and 74 095 without. Patients with transplanted kidneys were managed conservatively 81% of the time at the index event versus 86% in nontransplant patients. Short-term outcomes were comparable, but cumulative failure of conservative management at 5 years occurred in 5.6% (95% CI 2.3%-11.1%) of patients with transplanted kidneys versus 2.1% (95% CI 2.0%-2.3%) in those without. Readmission for acute diverticulitis was also higher in transplanted patients at 5 years at 16.7% (95% CI 10.1%-24.7%) versus 11.6% (95% CI 11.3%-11.9%). Adjusted analyses showed increased failure of conservative management [subdistribution hazard ratio (sHR) 3.24, 95% CI 1.69-6.22] and readmissions (sHR 1.55, 95% CI 1.02-2.36) for patients with transplanted kidneys.

CONCLUSION

Most patients with transplanted kidneys are managed conservatively for acute diverticulitis. Although long-term readmission and failure of conservative management is higher for this group than the nontransplant population, serious outcomes are infrequent, substantiating the safety of this approach.

Conservative treatment versus transverse pinning in fifth metacarpal neck fractures in active adults: a randomized controlled trial

PURPOSE

Compare two simple ways for treating boxer's fractures in active adults; conservative management by ulnar gutter slab and transverse pinning in fixation of fifth metacarpal's neck fracture regarding union, functional outcomes, and complications.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Ninety patients with fifth metacarpals' neck fractures with palmar angulation (30-70°) were managed either conservatively by an ulnar gutter slab or surgically by transverse pinning technique from January 2020 to December 2021. Only 84 patients completed a 1-year follow-up. Patients with old, open, or mal-rotated fractures were excluded. The block-randomization method was used to create equal groups. Patients were evaluated clinically and radiologically every 2-3 weeks until union, then at 6 and 12 months. Functional assessment at the final visit was done using the quick DASH score, total active motion (TAM), and total Active Flexion (TAF).

RESULTS

The mean radiological union time for the conservative group in this study was 7.76 weeks, while for the transverse pinning group, it was 7.38 weeks. There was no statistically significant difference between the two techniques regarding union rates and functional outcomes. All patients returned to their pre-injury jobs and level of activity.

CONCLUSION

Both conservative management in ulnar gutter slab and percutaneous transverse pinning are considered effective methods in the treatment of simple extra-articular fifth metacarpal neck fractures with angulation between 30 and 70 degrees (AO: 77 A3.1). The functional and radiological results using both methods were satisfactory and statistically comparable.

Clinical outcomes of conservative versus surgical treatment for patients with proximal humeral fracture before physiotherapy

Fear of movement, pain, and loss of shoulder function are the most common problems irrespective of their approach to management after proximal humeral fracture (PHF). However, it has been unclear whether there could be differences between both treatments in early clinical outcomes. It can help physiotherapists to guide in choosing treatment approaches. This study aimed to compare kinesiophobia, pain, range of motion (ROM), shoulder function, and Quality of life (QoL) in patients treated with either conservative (CT) versus surgical (ST) after PHF. In addition, it aimed to determine correlations between fear of movement and seconder outcome measures. This cross-sectional study enrolled the patients having 5-6 weeks (being permitted active movement) after being treated either CT or ST and receiving no physical therapy. Pain, passive and active ROMs, shoulder function, fear of movement, and QoL were evaluated. 42 patients were recruited. Kinesiophobia scores were similar (p=0.55) and moderate in both groups. There was a significant difference in degrees of shoulder active flexion, active and passive abduction in favor of the CT group (p=0.05, p=0.02, p=0.04, respectively). However, there was no difference between groups regarding the remaining clinical outcomes. Furthermore, kinesiophobia showed a moderate negative correlation with energy/fatigue, social functioning, and general health. These findings showed that patients treated surgically did not have more kinesiophobia, less function, and QoL before starting physiotherapy, despite having soft tissue damage and different types of fractures. However, surgically treated patients had significantly less range of motion.

Optimized braces for the treatment of adolescent idiopathic scoliosis: A study protocol of a prospective randomised controlled trial

INTRODUCTION

Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis (AIS) is a 3D deformity of the spine that affects 3% of the adolescent population. Conservative treatments like bracing aim to halt the progression of the curve to the surgical threshold. Computer-aided design and manufacturing (CAD/CAM) methods for brace design and manufacturing are becoming increasingly used. Linked to CAD/CAM and 3D radiographic reconstruction techniques, we developed a finite element model (FEM) enabling to simulate the brace effectiveness before its fabrication, as well as a semi-automatic design processes. The objective of this randomized controlled trial is to compare and validate such FEM semi-automatic algorithm used to design nighttime Providence-type braces.

METHODS AND ANALYSIS

Fifty-eight patients with AIS aged between 10 to 16-years and skeletally immature will be recruited. At the delivery stage, all patients will receive both a Providence-type brace optimized by the semi-automatic algorithm leveraging a patient-specific FEM (Test) and a conventional Providence-type brace (Control), both designed using CAD/CAM methods. Biplanar radiographs will be taken for each patient with both braces in a randomized crossover approach to evaluate immediate correction. Patients will then be randomized to keep either the Test or Control brace as prescribed with a renewal if necessary, and will be followed over two years. The primary outcome will be the change in Cobb angle of the main curve after two years. Secondary outcomes will be brace failure rate, quality of life (QoL) and immediate in-brace correction. This is a single-centre study, double-blinded (participant and outcome assessor) randomized controlled trial (RCT).

TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER

ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT05001568.

Management of acute diverticulitis in Stage 0-IIb: indications and risk factors for failure of conservative treatment in a series of 187 patients

Left-sided acute diverticulitis in WSES Stage 0-IIb preferentially undergoes conservative management. However, there is limited understanding of the risk factors for failure of this approach. The aim of this study was to investigate the factors associated with the decision to perform conservative treatment as well as the predictors of its failure. We included patients with a diagnosis of WSES diverticulitis CT-driven classification Stage 0-IIb treated in the Emergency Surgery Unit of the Agostino Gemelli University Hospital Foundation between 2014 and 2020. The endpoints were the comparison between the characteristics and clinical outcomes of acute diverticulitis patients undergoing conservative versus operative treatment. We also identified predictors of conservative treatment failure. A set of multivariable backward logistic analyses were conducted for this purpose. The study included 187 patients. The choice for operative versus conservative treatment was associated with clinical presentation, older age, higher WSES grade, and previous conservative treatment. There were 21% who failed conservative treatment. Of those, major morbidity and mortality rates were 17.9% and 7.1%, respectively. A previously failed conservative treatment as well as a greater WSES grade and a lower hemoglobin value were significantly associated with failure of conservative treatment. WSES classification and hemoglobin value at admission were the best predictors of failure of conservative treatment. Patients failing conservative treatment had non-negligible morbidity and mortality. These results promote the consideration of a combined approach including baseline patients' characteristics, radiologic features, and laboratory biomarkers to predict conservative treatment failure and therefore optimize treatment of acute diverticulitis.

Methodology and application of three-dimensional technology for brace design and production for treatment in patients with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis: a scoping review protocol

INTRODUCTION

Conservative treatment for adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) using bracing has proven to be effective at reducing curve progression. However, variation in brace design and lack of brace specificity hamper clinical treatment outcomes as well as the predictability and comparison hereof. To overcome this, recent technological developments aim to generate transparent and objective criteria for brace manufacturing by applying computer-aided design software and additive manufacturing to produce braces for scoliosis treatment. Yet, the extent of its applicability and clinical implementation are to be determined. This study will identify and map the available evidence for the methodology and application of three-dimensional technology for the design and production of clinical braces used for treatment in patients with AIS.

METHODS AND ANALYSIS

This scoping review will be conducted in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses extension for Scoping Reviews. This scoping review will consider studies on methodology of three-dimensional technological methodology and applications that have been or are currently being applied in brace treatment of AIS. The following databases will be searched: MEDLINE, Web of Science, Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews and Embase (OVID). Search limits will be applied; for example, only articles written in the English language published after 2000 will be included. The retrieved articles will be screened independently by two researchers. A third researcher will be consulted in case of disagreement. Data from relevant articles will be independently extracted by two researchers and presented in a tabular manner accompanied by a descriptive narration.

ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION

Considering the nature of the study, no ethical approval needed to be requested. The study result will be submitted to a peer-reviewed journal.

Botanical Briefs: Australian Stinging Tree (Dendrocnide moroides)

Dendrocnide moroides (also known as gympie-gympie, mulberrylike stinging tree, or stinger) is arguably the most brutal of stinging plants, even leading to death in dogs, horses, and humans in rare cases. They can be recognized as shrubs with heart-shaped, serrated, dark green leaves that are covered in what appears to be soft downy fur with red to dark purple raspberries growing on long stems. After contact, there is immediate piloerection and local swelling, which may disappear after 1 hour or last as long as 24 hours, but the subjective pain, pruritus, and burning can persist for months. One can only treat conservatively with symptom management, and the most successful method of removing plant hair is hair removal wax strips, which are considered an essential component of a first aid kit where D moroides is found.

Conservative management of complicated colonic diverticulitis: long-term results

BACKGROUND

The management of recurrent diverticulitis after initial non-operative treatment remains controversial. Recurrences after medical treatment have been described up to 36% but only 3 to 5% develop complicated disease.

AIM

To investigate the effectiveness of conservative treatment during a prolonged follow-up after first episode of complicated diverticulitis.

METHODS

This retrospective single-center study describes the conservative management and outcomes of 207 with complicated acute colonic diverticulitis treated at Parma University Hospital from 1 January 2012 until 31 December 2019. The follow-up was performed until December 2020. Diverticulitis severity was staged according to WSES CT driven classification for acute diverticulitis.

RESULTS

We enrolled 207 patients (118 males, 89 females). The mean age was 59 ± 14.5 years. CT scan of the abdomen was always performed. Almost all patients were treated with bowel rest and antibiotics (98.5%). Percutaneous drainage of abscessed diverticulitis was performed 12 times (5.7%). Average follow-up was 48 ± 28.8 months. 79 patients had new episodes of diverticulitis (38.1%) and 23 patients had high severity new episodes (11.1%). 11 patients underwent surgery (7.7%). Lower CT-Stages showed a higher recurrence rate (P = 0.002). Grade III diverticulitis showed a lower recurrence rate (P = 0.007). Patients with chronic NSAID use showed a higher incidence of high severity new episodes (P = 0.039). No recurrence rate differences were noted among patients with or without home therapy (P > 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Non-operative treatment is an effective and safe option in selected patients with complicated diverticulitis. The recurrence's severity is generally lower than the previous episodes and this can justify the conservative management.

Analysis of the efficacy and safety of conservative treatment of blunt abdominal trauma in children: retrospective study. Conservative treatment of blunt abdominal trauma in children

INTRODUCTION

in Brazil, trauma is responsible for 40% of deaths in the age group between 5 and 9 years old, and 18% between 1 and 4 years, and bleeding is the leading cause of preventable death in the traumatized child. Conservative management of blunt abdominal trauma with solid organs injury - started in the 60s - is the current world trend, with studies showing survival rates above 90%. The objective was to assess the efficacy and safety of conservative treatment in children with blunt abdominal trauma treated at the Clinical Hospital of the University of Campinas, in the last five years.

METHODS

retrospective analysis of medical records of patients classified by levels of injury severity, in 27 children.

RESULTS

only one child underwent surgery for initial failure of conservative treatment (persistent hemodynamic instability), resulting in a 96% overall success rate of the conservative treatment. Five other children (22%) developed late complications that required elective surgery: a bladder injury, two cases of infected perirenal collections (secondary to injury of renal collecting system), a pancreatic pseudocyst and a splenic cyst. Resolution of the complications was attained in all children, with anatomical and functional preservation of the affected organ. There were no deaths in this series.

CONCLUSION

the conservative initial approach in the treatment of blunt abdominal trauma was effective and safe with high resolution and low rate of complications leading to a high preservation rate of the affected organs. Level of evidence III - prognostic and therapeutic study.

A Method of Conservative Management of Giant Omphalocele Useful in Preventing Rupture of Sac

BACKGROUND

Omphalocele consists of congenital malformation of anterior abdominal wall defects occurring at the midline with herniation of the viscera through this defect. Giant omphaloceles constitute a challenging situation as such conservative management has been advocated as an effective method of treatment. This study aimed to compare the conventional method of dressing the omphalocele sac using gauze, an escharotic agent, and a crepe bandage to our improvised method of the usage of a sterilization wrap over the escharotic agent with a crepe bandage.

METHODS

This was a retrospective comparative review of 7 babies with giant omphalocele that was treated with topical honey and the non-adherent sterilization wrap covering (group B) and compared with 6 babies that had honey, sofratulle ,and dry gauze covering (group A) that was initially done in our center.

RESULTS

All of the babies who were in group B had an uneventful epithelization of the sac with no rupture; also, no death occurred in this group. However, three in group A had sacs that ruptured before epithelization. Two of these died from complications of sepsis following rupture of the sac, one had a small point on the sac which was ruptured and it healed with a dressing left in place for a week.

CONCLUSION

The use of Kimberley-Clark sterilization wrap prevents rupture of the sac while using the escharotic agent, thereby reducing mortality. We advocate that gauze should not make any contact with the omphalocele sac.

Outcomes of Patients With Local Regrowth After Nonoperative Management of Rectal Cancer After Neoadjuvant Chemoradiotherapy

BACKGROUND

Clinical complete responders after chemoradiation for rectal cancer are increasingly being managed by a watch-and-wait strategy. Nonetheless, a significant proportion will experience a local regrowth, and the long-term oncological outcomes of these patients is not totally known.

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this study was to analyze the outcomes of patients who submitted to a watch-and-wait strategy and developed a local regrowth, and to compare these results with sustained complete clinical responders.

DESIGN

This was a retrospective study.

SETTING

Single institution, tertiary cancer center involved in alternatives to organ preservation.

PATIENTS

Patients with a biopsy-proven rectal adenocarcinoma (stage II/III or low lying cT2N0M0 at risk for an abdominoperineal resection) treated with chemoradiation who were found at restage to have a clinical complete response.

INTERVENTIONS

Rectal cancer patients treated with chemoradiation who underwent a watch-and-wait strategy (without a full thickness local excision) and developed a local regrowth were compared to the remaining patients of the watch-and-wait strategy.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Overall survival between groups, incidence of regrowth' and results of salvage surgery.

RESULTS

There were 67 patients. Local regrowth occurred in 20 (29.9%) patients treated with a watch-and-wait strategy. Mean follow-up was 62.7 months. Regrowth occurred at mean 14.2 months after chemoradiation, half of them within the first 12 months. Patients presented with comparable initial staging, lateral pelvic lymph-node metastasis, and extramural venous invasion. The regrowth group had a statistically nonsignificant higher incidence of mesorectal fascia involvement (35.0% vs 13.3%, p = 0.089). All regrowths underwent salvage surgery, mostly (75%) a sphincter-sparing procedure. 5-year overall survival was 71.1% in patients with regrowth and 91.1% in patients with a sustained complete clinical response (p = 0.027).

LIMITATIONS

This study was limited by its retrospective evaluation of patient selection for a watch-and-wait strategy and outcomes, as well as its small sample size.

CONCLUSIONS

Local regrowth is a frequent event when following a watch-and-wait policy (29.9%); however, patients could undergo salvage surgical treatment with adequate pelvic control. In this series, overall survival showed a statistically significant difference from patients managed with a watch-and-wait strategy who experienced a local regrowth compared to those who did not. See Video Abstract at http://links.lww.com/DCR/B773.RESULTADOS DE LOS PACIENTES CON REBROTE LOCAL, DESPUÉS DEL MANEJO NO QUIRÚRGICO DEL CÁNCER DE RECTO, DESPUÉS DE LA QUIMIORRADIOTERAPIA NEOADYUVANTEANTECEDENTES:Los respondedores clínicos completos, después de la quimiorradiación para el cáncer de recto, se tratan cada vez más mediante una estrategia de observación y espera. No obstante, una proporción significativa experimentará un rebrote local y los resultados oncológicos a largo plazo de estos pacientes, no se conocen por completo.OBJETIVO:El propósito de este estudio, fue analizar los resultados de los pacientes sometidos a una estrategia de observación y espera, que desarrollaron un rebrote local, y comparar estos resultados con respondedores clínicos completos sostenidos.DISEÑO:Este fue un estudio retrospectivo.ENTORNO CLINICO.Institución única, centro oncológico terciario involucrado en alternativas a la preservación de órganos.PACIENTES:Pacientes con un adenocarcinoma de recto comprobado por biopsia (estadio II / III o posición baja cT2N0M0, en riesgo de resección abdominoperineal), tratados con quimiorradiación, y que durante un reestadiaje, presentaron una respuesta clínica completa.INTERVENCIONES:Los pacientes con cáncer de recto tratados con quimiorradiación, sometidos a una estrategia de observación y espera (sin una escisión local de espesor total) y que desarrollaron un rebrote local, se compararon con los pacientes restantes de la estrategia de observación y espera.PRINCIPALES MEDIDAS DE VALORACION:Supervivencia global entre los grupos, incidencia de rebrote y resultados de la cirugía de rescate.RESULTADOS:Fueron 67 pacientes. El rebrote local ocurrió en 20 (29,9%) pacientes tratados con una estrategia de observación y espera. El seguimiento medio fue de 62,7 meses. El rebrote se produjo a la media de 14,2 meses después de la quimiorradiación, la mitad de ellos dentro de los primeros 12 meses. Los pacientes se presentaron con una estadificación inicial comparable, metástasis en los ganglios linfáticos pélvicos laterales e invasión venosa extramural. El grupo de rebrote tuvo una mayor incidencia estadísticamente no significativa de afectación de la fascia mesorrectal (35,0 vs 13,3%, p = 0,089). Todos los rebrotes se sometieron a cirugía de rescate, en su mayoría (75%) con procedimiento de preservación del esfínter. La supervivencia global a 5 años fue del 71,1% en pacientes con rebrote y del 91,1% en pacientes con una respuesta clínica completa sostenida (p = 0,027).LIMITACIONES:Evaluación retrospectiva de la selección de pacientes para una estrategia y resultados de observar y esperar, tamaño de muestra pequeño.CONCLUSIONES:El rebrote local es un evento frecuente después de la política de observación y espera (29,9%), sin embargo los pacientes podrían someterse a un tratamiento quirúrgico de rescate con un adecuado control pélvico. En esta serie, la supervivencia global mostró una diferencia estadísticamente significativa de los pacientes manejados con una estrategia de observación y espera que experimentaron un rebrote local, en comparación con los que no lo hicieron. Consulte Video Resumen en http://links.lww.com/DCR/B773. (Traducción-Dr. Fidel Ruiz Healy).

Could the Pittsburgh Severity Score guide the treatment of esophageal perforation? Experience of a single referral center

BACKGROUND

Esophageal perforation (EP) is characterized by high morbidity and mortality. The Pittsburgh Severity Score (PSS) is a scoring system based on clinical factors at the time of EP presentation, intended to guide treatment. The aim of the study is to verify PSS usefulness in stratifying EP severity and in guiding clinical decisions.

METHODS

All patients referred to our unit for EP between January 2005 and January 2020 were enrolled. Patients were stratified according to their PSS into three groups (PSS ≤ 2, 3-5, and >5): the postoperative outcomes were compared. The predictive value of the PSS was evaluated by simple linear and logistic regression for the following outcomes: need for surgery, complications, in-hospital mortality, intensive care unit (ICU) and hospital stay, time to refeeding, and need for reintervention.

RESULTS

Seventy-three patients were referred for EP (male/female, 46/27). Perforations were more frequently iatrogenic (41.1%) or spontaneous (38.3%). The median PSS was 4 (interquartile range, 2-6). Surgery was required in 60.3% of cases. Pittsburgh Severity Score was associated with ICU admission, hospital stay, need for surgery and reintervention, postperforation complications and mortality. After regression analysis, PSS was significantly predictive of postperforation complications (p < 0.01), in-hospital mortality (p = 0.01), ICU admission (p < 0.01), need for surgical treatment (p < 0.01), and need for reintervention (p = 0.02).

CONCLUSION

Pittsburgh Severity Score is useful in stratifying patients in risk groups with different morbidity and mortality. It is also useful in guiding the therapeutic conduct, selecting patients for nonoperative management. Prospective studies are needed to confirm the role of the PSS in the treatment of esophageal perforation.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Management, Therapeutic/Care; level IV.

Conservative management of occult pneumothorax in mechanically ventilated patients: A systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

The aim of this systematic review was to investigate the safety and effectiveness of conservative management versus prophylactic intercostal catheter (ICC) insertion for the management of occult pneumothoraces in mechanically ventilated patients.

METHODS

PubMed, Embase, CINAHL, Web of Science, Cochrane Central, and other trial registries were searched. Eligible studies were critically appraised using standardized instruments. Meta-analysis was performed with mixed-methods logistic regression where appropriate and sensitivity analyses were performed with alternative statistical methods (Stata™ 15 or RevMan 5.3) or summarized in narrative. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and cohort studies were analyzed separately.

RESULTS

Twelve studies with a total of 354 participants were included; three RCTs (178 participants) and nine cohort studies (176 participants). The majority of the included studies, particularly the cohort studies, were well conducted. Two of the RCTs were rated as low quality. Statistically significant differences were observed in the RCT analysis: ICC insertion (any reason) (odds ratio, 2.86; 95% confidence interval, 1.26-6.43, 2 RCTs) in favor of prophylactic ICC; ICC complications (odds ratio, 0.12; 95% confidence interval, 0.02-0.62, 2 RCTs) in favor of conservative management. Nonstatistically significant differences were observed for progression of pneumothorax, ICC insertion (progression to simple pneumothorax), and ICC insertion (nonpneumothorax reasons). Results of analyses showed high imprecision (wide confidence limits). Conservative management showed a low rate of tension pneumothorax (2.8%). Complications were higher in the ICC group (19.5% vs. 5.8%).

CONCLUSION

Available evidence suggests that conservative management is safe for the management of occult pneumothoraces in mechanically ventilated patients, especially when undergoing short-term (<4 days) ventilation. We recommend that patients undergoing mechanical ventilation for a procedure alone and patients suspected to be ventilated less than 4 days can be conservatively managed.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Systematic review and meta-analysis, level III.

What Is the Efficacy of a Nonoperative Program Including a Specific Stretching Protocol for Flexor Hallucis Longus Tendonitis?

BACKGROUND

Diagnosis and treatment of tendonitis/entrapment of the flexor hallucis longus (FHL) has been sporadically described in the evidence, primarily in the context of dancers and other athletes. Although various nonspecific nonoperative treatments have been described, it is not clear how often they achieve a satisfactory amount of symptom improvement.

QUESTIONS/PURPOSES

The present study was designed to address the following questions regarding the nonoperative treatment of FHL tendonitis: (1) In a population of patients where the default management option for FHL tendonitis is a comprehensive nonsurgical approach, what proportion of patients thus treated opted not to have surgery? (2) What factors were associated with a patient's decision to undergo surgery after a period of nonsurgical management?

METHODS

The 656 patients included were all those diagnosed with FHL tendonitis who were initially treated nonoperatively in the foot and ankle division between January 2009 and December 2018. Demographics, comorbidities, examination findings, imaging results, pain scores, treatment instituted, and final outcome were obtained from the electronic medical record. The primary outcome was the decision to have surgery due to unsatisfactory symptom improvement. We compared patients who opted for surgery with those who did not after nonoperative treatment with univariable and multivariable statistics using demographics, comorbidities, and clinical findings as potential risk factors, with p < 0.05.

RESULTS

Forty-four percent (180 of 409) of patients decided to forgo surgery after the institution of a specific FHL stretching program. Surgery was more likely in patients with clinical hallux rigidus (OR 2.4 [95% CI 1.16 to 4.97]; p = 0.02) or posteromedial ankle pain (OR 1.78 [95% CI 1.12 to 2.83]; p = 0.01) and less likely in those who completed an FHL stretching program (OR 0.15 [95% CI 0.08 to 0.27]; p < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

FHL tendonitis is more common than the previous evidence suggests and frequently occurs in nonathletes. Once it was diagnosed by detection of tenderness anywhere along the tendon, most frequently at the fibroosseous tunnel, nonoperative treatment focused on specific FHL stretching and immobilization in more severe cases reduced the symptoms to the extent that 44% of patients decided that surgery was unnecessary. The key to its diagnosis is awareness that this injury is possible because most patients treated in this study had been previously seen by orthopaedic providers who had not appreciated the presence of the condition, leading to a delay in diagnosis and treatment of more than a year in many patients.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level III, therapeutic study.

Frequently asked questions and answers (if any) in patients with adrenal incidentaloma

PURPOSE

Adrenal incidentalomas (AIs) are incidentally discovered adrenal masses, during an imaging study undertaken for other reasons than the suspicion of adrenal disease. Their management is not a minor concern for patients and health-care related costs, since their increasing prevalence in the aging population. The exclusion of malignancy is the first question to attempt, then a careful evaluation of adrenal hormones is suggested. Surgery should be considered in case of overt secretion (primary aldosteronism, adrenal Cushing's Syndrome or pheochromocytoma), however the management of subclinical secretion is still a matter of debate.

METHODS

The aim of the present narrative review is to offer a practical guidance regarding the management of AI, by providing evidence-based answers to frequently asked questions.

CONCLUSION

The clinical experience is of utmost importance: a personalized diagnostic-therapeutic approach, based upon multidisciplinary discussion, is suggested.

Comparison of Days Alive Out of Hospital With Initial Invasive vs Conservative Management: A Prespecified Analysis of the ISCHEMIA Trial

Importance

Traditional time-to-event analyses rate events occurring early as more important than later events, even if later events are more severe, eg, death. Days alive out of hospital (DAOH) adds a patient-focused perspective beyond trial end points.

Objective

To compare DAOH between invasive management and conservative management, including invasive protocol-assigned stays, in the International Study of Comparative Health Effectiveness with Medical and Invasive Approaches (ISCHEMIA) randomized clinical trial.

Design, Setting, and Participants

In this prespecified analysis of the ISCHEMIA trial, DAOH was compared between 5179 patients with stable coronary disease and moderate or severe ischemia randomized to invasive management or conservative management. Participants were recruited from 320 sites in 37 countries. Stays included overnight stays in hospital or extended care facility (skilled nursing facility, rehabilitation, or nursing home). DAOH was separately analyzed excluding invasive protocol-assigned procedures. Data were collected from July 2012 to June 2019, and data were analyzed from July 2020 to April 2021.

Interventions

Invasive management with angiography and revascularization if feasible or conservative management, with both groups receiving optimal medical therapy.

Main Outcomes and Measures

The hypothesis was formulated before data lock in July 2020. The primary end point was mean DAOH per patient between randomization and 4 years. Initial stays for invasive protocol-assigned procedures were prespecified to be excluded.

Results

Of 5179 included patients, 1168 (22.6%) were female, and the median (interquartile range) age was 64 (58-70) years. The average DAOH was higher in the conservative management group compared with the invasive management group at 1 month (30.8 vs 28.4 days; P < .001), 1 year (362.2 vs 355.9 days; P < .001), and 2 years (718.4 vs 712.1 days; P = .001). At 4 years, the 2 groups' DAOH were not significantly different (1415.0 vs 1412.2 days; P = .65). In the invasive management group, 2434 of 4002 stays (60.8%) were for protocol-assigned procedures. There were no clear differences at any time point in DAOH when protocol-assigned procedures were excluded from the invasive management group. There were more hospital and extended care stays in the invasive management vs conservative management group during follow-up (4002 vs 1897; P < .001). Excluding protocol-assigned procedures, there were fewer stays in the invasive vs conservative group (1568 vs 1897; P = .001). Cardiovascular stays following the initial assigned procedures were lower in the invasive management group (685 of 4002 [17.1%] vs 1095 of 1897 [57.8%]; P < .001) due to decreased spontaneous myocardial infarction stays (65 [1.6%] vs 123 [6.5%]; P < .001) and unstable angina stays (119 [3.0%] vs 216 [11.4%]; P < .001).

Conclusions and Relevance

DAOH was higher for patients in the conservative management group in the first 2 years but not different at 4 years. DAOH was decreased early in the invasive management group due to protocol-assigned procedures. Hospital stays for myocardial infarction and unstable angina during follow-up were lower in the invasive management group. DAOH provides a patient-focused metric that can be used by clinicians and patients in shared decision-making for management of stable coronary artery disease.

Trial Registration

ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT01471522.

Relationship between hospital specialization and health outcomes in patients with nonsurgical spinal joint disease in South Korea: A nationwide evidence-based study using national health insurance data

ABSTRACT

Previous studies on hospital specialization in spinal joint disease have been limited to patients requiring surgical treatment. The lack of similar research on the nonsurgical spinal joint disease in specialized hospitals provides limited information to hospital executives.To analyze the relationship between hospital specialization and health outcomes (length of stay and medical expenses) with a focus on nonsurgical spinal joint diseases.The data of 56,516 patients, which were obtained from the 2018 National Inpatient Sample, provided by the Health Insurance Review and Assessment Service, were utilized. The study focused on inpatients with nonsurgical spinal joint disease and used a generalized linear mixed model with specialization status as the independent variable. Hospital specialization was measured using the Inner Herfindahl-Hirschman Index (IHI). The IHI (value ≤1) was calculated as the proportion of hospital discharges accounted for by each service category out of the hospital's total discharges. Patient and hospital characteristics were the control variables, and the mean length of hospital stay and medical expenses were the dependent variables.The majority of the patients with the nonsurgical spinal joint disease were female. More than half of all patients were middle-aged (40-64 years old). The majority did not undergo surgery and had mild disease, with Charlson Comorbidity Index score ≤1. The mean inpatient expense was 1265.22 USD per patient, and the mean length of stay was 9.2 days. The specialization status of a hospital had a negative correlation with the length of stay, as well as with medical expenses. An increase in specialization status, that is, IHI, was associated with a decrease in medical expenses and the length of stay, after adjusting for patient and hospital characteristics.Hospital specialization had a positive effect on hospital efficiency. The results of this study could inform decision-making by hospital executives and specialty hospital-related medical policymakers.

Assessment of Functional Conservative Treatment of Acute Complete Achilles Tendon Rupture

BACKGROUND

In recent years, treatment for Achilles tendon rupture (ATR) went through radical changes: from the conservative non-weight bearing approach to a functional protocol. This functional protocol allows complete weight bearing after only 2 weeks by placing the foot in a plastic boot in tapered down equines and using interchangeable wedges under the heel. This change of approach has dramatically lowered the rate of re-rupture.

OBJECTIVES

To describe our preliminary results with this functional protocol and to assess outcome measures in the functional conservative treatment.

METHODS

The study comprised 15 people who were evaluated clinically and by sonograph. We measured calf circumference, ankle joint range of motion (ROM), and single-leg heel-rise test (SLHRT). In addition, standard scoring methods (Achilles Tendon Rupture Score and Physical Activity Scale) were examined.

RESULTS

In our cohort 14 people successfully gained SLHRT. The mean Achilles Tendon Rupture Score functional questionnaire and Physical Activity Scale physical activity questionnaire score was 85.6 of 100, and 4.7 of 6, respectively. There were no significant differences in ankle ROM compared to the uninjured limb. There was statistically significant reduction in the calf circumference and soleus muscle thickness sonographically.

CONCLUSIONS

It seems that the conservative functional treatment of ATR demonstrates good functional outcomes, with the patients returning to close to normal activity, although noted muscle wasting and weakness. This protocol presents a true alternative to surgery and should be considered for most non-insertional Achilles tendon tears.

Kidney Transplant List Status and Outcomes in the ISCHEMIA-CKD Trial

BACKGROUND

Patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) and coronary artery disease frequently undergo preemptive revascularization before kidney transplant listing.

OBJECTIVES

In this post hoc analysis from ISCHEMIA-CKD (International Study of Comparative Health Effectiveness of Medical and Invasive Approaches-Chronic Kidney Disease), we compared outcomes of patients not listed versus those listed according to management strategy.

METHODS

In the ISCHEMIA-CKD trial (n = 777), 194 patients (25%) with chronic coronary syndromes and at least moderate ischemia were listed for transplant. The primary (all-cause mortality or nonfatal myocardial infarction) and secondary (death, nonfatal myocardial infarction, hospitalization for unstable angina, heart failure, resuscitated cardiac arrest, or stroke) outcomes were analyzed using Cox multivariable modeling. Heterogeneity of randomized treatment effect between listed versus not listed groups was assessed.

RESULTS

Compared with those not listed, listed patients were younger (60 years vs 65 years), were less likely to be of Asian race (15% vs 29%), were more likely to be on dialysis (83% vs 44%), had fewer anginal symptoms, and were more likely to have coronary angiography and coronary revascularization irrespective of treatment assignment. Among patients assigned to an invasive strategy versus conservative strategy, the adjusted hazard ratios for the primary outcome were 0.91 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.54-1.54) and 1.03 (95% CI: 0.78-1.37) for those listed and not listed, respectively (pinteraction= 0.68). Adjusted hazard ratios for secondary outcomes were 0.89 (95% CI: 0.55-1.46) in listed and 1.17 (95% CI: 0.89-1.53) in those not listed (pinteraction = 0.35).

CONCLUSIONS

In ISCHEMIA-CKD, an invasive strategy in kidney transplant candidates did not improve outcomes compared with conservative management. These data do not support routine coronary angiography or revascularization in patients with advanced CKD and chronic coronary syndromes listed for transplant. (ISCHEMIA-Chronic Kidney Disease Trial [ISCHEMIA-CKD]; NCT01985360).

Conversion to anatomic coracoclavicular ligament reconstruction (ACCR) shows similar clinical outcomes compared to successful non-operative treatment in chronic primary type III to V acromioclavicular joint injuries

PURPOSE

To compare the clinical outcomes of patients who underwent successful nonoperative treatment for type III-V acromioclavicular joint (ACJ) injuries to those who eventually required conversion to anatomic coracoclavicular ligament reconstruction (ACCR) at a minimum 5-year follow-up.

METHODS

Patients with primary, chronic type III-V ACJ injuries who either underwent successful conservative treatment or conversion to ACCR after failing a trail of conservative management between 2003 and 2014 with a minimum 5-year follow-up were included in the study. Clinical outcome measures comprised the American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES) and Simple Shoulder Test (SST) score, collected preoperatively and at final visit for the ACCR group. Outcome scores for patients with successful conservative treatment were only collected at final visit. A Self- Assessment Numeric Evaluation (SANE) score was obtained at terminal follow-up for both groups.

RESULTS

Twenty-two patients (mean age: 40.1 ± 15.6 years) with successful nonoperative treatment and twenty-one patients (mean age: 43.6 ± 12.0 years) who required conversion to ACCR were included in the study. At final follow-up, patients with successful non-operative treatment achieved similar ASES (93.0±12.0NonOP vs. 86.1±16.8ACCR), SST (11.2±1.4NonOP vs. 10.7±2.0ACCR) and SANE scores (80.9±19.7NonOPvs. 90.5±14.7ACCR) compared to those who were converted to ACCR. Additionally, patients who underwent conversion to ACCR showed significant improvement in ASES (49.8±18.1pre vs. 86.1±16.8post; Δ36.3±19.7) and SST scores (6.5±3.2prevs. 10.7±2.0post; Δ4.2±4.0) from pre- to postoperative.

CONCLUSION

At a minimum 5-year follow-up, patients with successful non-operative treatment for type III-V ACJ injuries achieved similar clinical outcomes compared to those who were converted to ACCR. In patients with chronic severe ACJ dislocation a trial of conservative treatment may be attempted, astime from injuryto eventual conversion to ACCR had no significant influence on postoperative clinical outcomes.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level IV.

Granulomatous mastitis in multiparae during pregnancy and lactation: Observational study (STROBE compliant)

The incidence of granulomatous mastitis (GLM) in multiparae as seriously affected the quality of life and breastfeeding of pregnant women after delivery, but the treatment is rarely reported. In this article, the development, healing, and lactation of 13 cases were reported and a retrospective analysis was performed. 10 cases of GLM were treated at the Breast Disease Prevention and Treatment Center of Haidian Maternal & Child Health Hospital of Beijing and 3 cases of GLM were treated in the Breast Department of Weihai Municipal Hospital of Shandong province from February 2017 to May 2019.Among the 13 patients, conservative symptomatic treatment was adopted during pregnancy and lactation: anti-infective therapy consisting of oral cephalosporin antibiotic for patients; ultrasound-guided puncture and drainage of pus or incision and drainage after abscess formation. Observation continued during the sinus tract phase. Postpartum breastfeeding was encouraged, especially on the affected side. In this study, the median healing time was 20 months and the average healing time was 30.4 months in 5 healthy breast lactation cases. In 8 cases of bilateral breast lactation, the median healing time was 30 months and the average healing time was 26.5 months. Linear regression test analysis: whether the affected breast was breast-fed after delivery had no effect on the postpartum wound healing time, P = .792. The wounds of 13 patients healed well after lactation, and none of them recurred since the last follow-up visit. There were no adverse events in all infants.Conservative symptomatic treatment for GLM of multiparous women during pregnancy and lactation and encouraging breastfeeding after delivery have no effect on infant health and the recovery time of patients.

The use of extracorporeal shock wave therapy for the treatment of bone marrow oedema - a systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Extracorporeal shock wave therapy (ESWT) has been used for various pathologies associated with bone marrow oedema (BME). However, it is still not clear whether ESWT may be favourable in the treatment of BME. Therefore, the aim of this systematic review was to assess the efficacy of ESWT for the treatment of BME.

METHODS

MEDLINE was searched for relevant literature with no time constraints. Both randomized and non-randomized trials were included. Case reports and conference abstracts were excluded. Titles and abstracts were screened and full-text articles of included studies were retrieved. Data on the effect of ESWT on pain, function, and the BME area on magnet resonance imaging were extracted.

RESULTS

Pain, function, and magnet resonance imaging results all improved across the studies - regardless of whether it was a randomized or non-randomized study. This effect was consistent across multiple pathologies such as osteonecrosis of the femoral head, BME associated with knee osteoarthritis, Kienböck's disease, and osteitis pubis. The meta-analysis showed that pain (after 1 month: weighted mean difference (WMD) = - 2.23, 95% CI - 2.58 to - 1.88, P < 0.0001; after 3-6 month: WMD = - 1.72, 95% CI - 2.52 to - 0.92, P < 0.00001) and function (after 1 month: WMD = - 1.59, 95% CI - 2.04 to - 1.14, P < 0.0001; after 3-6 month: WMD = - 2.06, 95% CI - 3.16 to - 0.96, P = 0.0002; after ≥ 12 month: WMD = - 1.20, 95% CI - 1.83 to - 0.56, P = 0.0002) was reduced in terms of ESWT treatment compared to a control group.

CONCLUSIONS

Based on the available evidence, ESWT may be an adequate option for conservative therapy in pathologies involving BME.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

PROSPERO, CRD42021201719 . Registered 23 December 2020.

Efficacy of parathyroidectomy compared with active surveillance in patients with mild asymptomatic primary hyperparathyroidism: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized-controlled studies

OBJECTIVE

Parathyroidectomy (PTx) has an established benefit in patients with symptomatic primary hyperparathyroidism (PHPT). However, its efficacy in mild asymptomatic PHPT has not been proven. This study aimed to systematically review and meta-analyze the best available evidence from randomized-controlled trials comparing the efficacy of PTx over conservative management (non-PTx) on skeletal outcomes [fractures and bone mineral density (BMD)], nephrolithiasis risk and quality of life (QoL) in patients with mild asymptomatic PHPT.

METHODS

A comprehensive literature search was conducted in PubMed, Scopus and Cochrane databases, from conception to February 23, 2020. Data were extracted from the studies that fulfilled the eligibility criteria and were synthesized quantitatively (fixed or random effects model) as relative risks and percentage mean differences (MD) with 95% confidence intervals (CI). I² index was employed for heterogeneity.

RESULTS

Four studies were included in the meta-analysis. There was no difference in fracture risk between PTx and active surveillance. The PTx group demonstrated higher BMD [MD 3.55% (95% CI 1.81, 5.29) in lumbar spine and 3.44% (95% CI 1.39, 5.49) in total hip, without difference in femoral neck and forearm] and lower calcium concentrations (MD - 13.26%, 95% CI - 7.10, - 19.43) compared with the non-PTx group. No difference was observed between groups regarding nephrolithiasis or QoL indices, except for general health (higher in PTx group).

CONCLUSIONS

In patients with mild asymptomatic PHPT, PTx increases BMD and reduces serum calcium concentrations. However, its superiority over active surveillance in terms of fracture risk, nephrolithiasis and QoL cannot be supported by current data.

Spontaneous remission in adult patients with IgA nephropathy treated with conservative therapy

Background

There are few studies describing the clinical course and spontaneous remission of IgA nephropathy (IgAN) in adult patients receiving conservative treatment.

Method

Data from 62 adult patients with biopsy-diagnosed IgAN, who received conservative treatment at least 5 years prior, were retrospectively investigated. No patients received corticosteroids, other immunosuppressants, or tonsillectomy. Remission of proteinuria and hematuria were defined as proteinuria <0.3 g/gCr and urine red blood cells (RBC) <5 / high power field (HPF) on three consecutive urinalyses obtained during an observation period of ≥6 months.

Result

Thirty-eight (61.3%) patients had remission of hematuria, 24 (38.7%) had remission of proteinuria, and 19 (30.6%) had remission of both. Remission rates increased in patients with proteinuria <0.5 g/g Cr at diagnosis. The median time to remission of hematuria was 2.8 years and that of proteinuria was 2.6 years. Patients who showed renal function decline (defined as 30% decline of estimated glomerular filtration rate [eGFR] from baseline) were older, had significantly lower eGFR, and higher proteinuria at diagnosis. Two patients with preserved renal function and normal proteinuria at diagnosis experienced renal function decline. Renal function did not decline within 3 years of diagnosis in patients with proteinuria <1 g/gCr at diagnosis.

Conclusions

Relatively high rates of spontaneous remission were observed. Remission of both hematuria and proteinuria were frequent within 3 years after diagnosis, and renal function was well preserved during this period. These data indicate that it is rational to use conservative treatment for 3 years after the diagnosis instead of aggressive treatments.

Systematic review and meta-analysis on juvenile primary spontaneous pneumothorax: Conservative or surgical approach first?

Background

Primary spontaneous pneumothorax (PSP) prevalence is typically higher in juvenile patients than in adults. We aimed to evaluate the optimal treatment for primary spontaneous pneumothorax and its efficacy and safety in juveniles.

Materials and methods

We searched PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane databases for eligible studies published from database inception to October 10, 2020, and conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis according to Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines. The primary and secondary outcomes were recurrence rate and hospital stay length, respectively. Odds ratios (OR) and mean differences were used for quantitatively analyzing binary and continuous outcomes, respectively. In total, nine retrospective studies with 1,452 juvenile patients (aged <21) were included for the quantitative analysis. The surgical approach led to a lower recurrence rate than did conservative approaches (OR: 1.95, 95% confidence interval: 1.15–3.32). Moreover, the recurrence rate was low in patients who underwent conservative treatment first and received surgery later.

Conclusions

Surgical approach for first-line management might have a greater effect on recurrence prevention than do conservative approaches. An upfront surgery might be an optimal choice for juvenile primary spontaneous pneumothorax.

Current treatment and outcome of esophageal perforation: A single-center experience and a pooled analysis

BACKGROUND

Esophageal perforation has been one of the serious clinical emergencies, because of the high mortality and complication rates. However, the current prognosis of esophageal perforation and the outcomes of available treatment methods are not well defined. This study attempted to pool the immediate outcomes of esophageal perforation in the past 2 decades.

METHODS

The clinical data of 22 consecutive adult patients with esophageal perforation in our center were analyzed. A pooled analysis was also conducted to summarize results from the literatures published between 1999 and 2020. Studies that met the inclusion criteria were assessed, and their methodological quality was examined.

RESULTS

The mortality and complication rates in our center were 4.55% and 31.82%, separately. The pooled analysis included 45 studies published between 1999 and 2019, which highlighted an overall immediate mortality rate of 9.86%. Surgical treatments were associated with a pooled immediate mortality of 10.01%, and for conservative treatments of 6.49%. Besides, in the past decade, the mortality and complication rates decreased by 27.12% and 46.75%, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

In the past 2 decades, the overall immediate mortality rate of esophageal perforation was about 10% in the worldwide, and the outcomes of esophageal perforation treatment are getting better in the last 10 years.

ETHICS REGISTRATION INFORMATION

LW2020011.

Traditional Chinese medicine in collaboration with conservative conventional medicine for lumbar herniated intervertebral disc: A protocol for systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Lumbar herniated intervertebral disc (LHIVD) is a common disease that causes low back pain. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) with conservative conventional treatment is known to be effective at treating LHIVD, but evidence for complex TCM therapies with conventional intervention has not been sufficiently collected to facilitate quality assessment and synthesis of data.

METHODS AND ANALYSIS

Studies were retrieved from the following databases: the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, EMBASE, MEDLINE/PubMed, 7 Korean databases (Korean Studies Information Service System, Korean Traditional Knowledge Portal, Oriental Medicine Advanced Searching Integrated System, Korean National Assembly Digital Library, Korean Association of Medical Journal Editors, National Digital Science Library, and Database Periodical Information Academic), Japan Medical Abstracts Society, and Chinese National Knowledge Infrastructure. The risk of bias of the included studies will be assessed using the Cochrane Assessment Tool for Risk of Bias. Eligible studies were quantitatively synthesized through a meta-analysis. The primary outcome will be pain scales, and the secondary outcomes will include range of motion, questionnaires for lumbar function, questionnaire for quality of life, etc.

ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION

Ethical approval was waived for this study protocol because it does not provide any patient data. The results of this review will be disseminated through peer-reviewed publications.

REGISTRATION NUMBER

DOI 10.17605/OSF.IO/K7NJ8 (https://osf.io/k7nj8).

Conservative treatment and outcome of upper cervical spine fractures in young children: A STROBE-compliant case series

Cervical spine (C-spine) fractures in young children are very rare, and little information on treatment modalities and functional, radiographic, and patient-reported outcome exists. In this 2-center, retrospective case series, we assessed subjective and functional mid-term outcomes in children aged ≤5 years whose C-spine fractures were treated nonoperatively.Between 2000 and 2018, 6 children (median age at injury: 23.5 months; range: 16-31 months) with C1 or C2 injuries were treated with Minerva cast/brace or soft collar brace at 1 of the 2 study centers. Two patients suffered C1 fractures, and 4 patients had lysis of the odontoid synchondrosis. Overall, 3 children had sustained polytrauma. One child died due to the consequences of massive head injury.For the primary outcome parameter, we recorded subjective symptoms such as pain and functional restrictions due to the sequelae of C-spine injuries at follow-up.Based on medical records, we also assessed the causes of injury, diagnostic procedures, treatments and complications, and time to fracture consolidation.Median follow-up of the 5 surviving children was 51 months (range: 36-160 months). At the latest follow-up, 4 of 5 children did not complain of any pain. One child who sustained an open head injury in combination with a subluxation of the odontoid and undisplaced fracture of the massa lateralis reported occasional headache. All patients experienced complete fracture healing and normal range of motion of the cervical spine.Median duration of cast/brace treatment was 8.5 weeks. Fracture healing was confirmed by computed tomography in all patients.All C-spine injuries were managed with either Minerva cast/Halo brace or soft collar brace without complications.In our retrospective case series, nonoperative treatment of atlas fractures and dislocations or subluxations of the odontoid in young children using Minerva casts or prefabricated Halo braces resulted in good subjective and functional outcomes at mid-term. We observed no complications of conservative treatment of C1 and C2 injuries in young children.

Factors affecting management of children's low-risk distal radius fractures in the emergency department: a population-based retrospective cohort study

BACKGROUND

Ten randomized controlled trials over the last 2 decades support treating low-risk pediatric distal radius fractures with removable immobilization and without physician follow-up. We aimed to determine the proportion of these fractures being treated without physician follow-up and to determine whether different hospital and physician types are treating these injuries differently.

METHODS

We conducted a retrospective population-based cohort study using ICES data. We included children aged 2-14 years (2-12 yr for girls and 2-14 yr for boys) with distal radius fractures having had no reduction or operation within a 6-week period, and who received treatment in Ontario emergency departments from 2003 to 2015. Proportions of patients receiving orthopedic, primary care and no follow-up were determined. Multivariable log-binomial regression was used to quantify associations between hospital and physician type and management.

RESULTS

We analyzed 70 801 fractures. A total of 20.8% (n = 14 742) fractures were treated without physician follow-up, with the proportion of physician follow-up consistent across all years of the study. Treatment in a small hospital emergency department (risk ratio [RR] 1.86, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.72-2.01), treatment by a pediatrician (RR 1.22, 95% CI 1.11-1.34) or treatment by a subspecialty pediatric emergency medicine-trained physician (RR 1.73, 95% CI 1.56-1.92) were most likely to result in no follow-up.

INTERPRETATION

While small hospital emergency departments, pediatricians and pediatric emergency medicine specialists were most likely to manage low-risk distal radius fractures without follow-up, the majority of these fractures in Ontario were not managed according to the latest research evidence. Canadian guidelines are required to improve care of these fractures and to reduce the substantial overutilization of physician resources we observed.

Should we perform cervix removal during hysterectomy for benign uterine disease? Clinical practice guidelines from the French College of Gynecologists and Obstetricians (CNGOF)

OBJECTIVE

To provide guidelines from the French College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (CNGOF), based on the best evidence available, concerning subtotal or total hysterectomy, for benign disease.

METHODS

The CNGOF has decided to adopt the AGREE II and GRADE systems for grading scientific evidence. Each recommendation for practice was allocated a grade, which depends on the quality of evidence (QE) (clinical practice guidelines).

RESULTS

Conservation of the uterine cervix is associated with an increased risk of cervical cancer (0.05 to 0.27%) and an increased risk of reoperation for cervical bleeding (QE: high). Uterine cervix removal is associated with a moderate (about 11 min) increase in operative time when hysterectomy is performed by the open abdominal route (laparotomy), but is not associated with longer operative time when the hysterectomy is performed by laparoscopy (QE: moderate). Removal of the uterine cervix is not associated with increased prevalence of short-term follow-up complications (blood transfusion, ureteral or bladder injury) (QE: low) or of long-term follow-up complications (pelvic organ prolapse, sexual disorders, urinary incontinence (QE: moderate).

CONCLUSION

Removal of the uterine cervix is recommended for hysterectomy in women presenting with benign uterine disease (Recommendation: STRONG [GRADE 1-]; the level of evidence was considered to be sufficient and the risk-benefit balance was considered to be favorable).

A systematic review on conservative treatment options for OSGOOD-Schlatter disease

OBJECTIVES

Osgood-Schlatter disease (OSD) is a sport- and growth-associated knee pathology with locally painful alterations around the tibial tuberosity apophysis. Up to 10% of adolescents are affected by OSD. Treatment is predominantly conservative. The aims of this systematic review are to comprehensively identify conservative treatment options for OSD, compare their effectiveness in selected outcomes, and describe potential research gaps.

METHODS

A systematic literature search was conducted using CENTRAL, CINAHL, EMBASE, MEDLINE, and PEDro databases. In addition, ongoing and unpublished clinical studies, dissertations, and other grey literature on OSD were searched. We also systematically retrieved review articles for extraction of treatment recommendations.

RESULTS

Of 767 identified studies, thirteen were included, comprising only two randomised controlled trials (RCTs). The included studies were published from 1948 to 2019 and included 747 patients with 937 affected knees. Study quality was poor to moderate. In addition to the studies, 15 review articles were included, among which the most prevalent treatment recommendations were compiled.

CONCLUSION

Certain therapeutic approaches, such as stretching, have apparent efficacy, but no RCT comparing specific exercises with sham or usual-care treatment exists. Carefully controlled studies on well-described treatment approaches are needed to establish which conservative treatment options are most effective for patients with OSD.

Early surgical reconstruction versus rehabilitation with elective delayed reconstruction for patients with anterior cruciate ligament rupture: COMPARE randomised controlled trial

OBJECTIVE

To assess whether a clinically relevant difference exists in patients' perceptions of symptoms, knee function, and ability to participate in sports over a period of two years after rupture of the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) between two commonly used treatment regimens.

DESIGN

Open labelled, multicentre, parallel randomised controlled trial (COMPARE).

SETTING

Six hospitals in the Netherlands, between May 2011 and April 2016.

PARTICIPANTS

Patients aged 18 to 65 with an acute rupture of the ACL, recruited from six hospitals. Patients were evaluated at three, six, nine, 12, and 24 months.

INTERVENTIONS

85 patients were randomised to early ACL reconstruction and 82 to rehabilitation followed by optional delayed ACL reconstruction after a three month period (primary non-operative treatment).

MAIN OUTCOMES

Patients' perceptions of symptoms, knee function, and ability to participate in sporting activities were assessed with the International Knee Documentation Committee score (optimum score 100) at each time point over 24 months.

RESULTS

Between May 2011 and April 2016, 167 patients were enrolled in the study and randomised to one of two treatments (mean age 31.3; 67 (40.%) women), and 163 (98%) completed the trial. In the rehabilitation and optional delayed ACL reconstruction group, 41 (50%) patients underwent reconstruction during follow-up. After 24 months, the early ACL reconstruction group had a significantly better (P=0.026) but not clinically relevant International Knee Documentation Committee score (84.7 v 79.4 (difference between groups 5.3, 95% confidence interval 0.6 to 9.9). After three months of follow-up, the International Knee Documentation Committee score was significantly better (P=0.002) for the rehabilitation and optional delayed ACL reconstruction group (difference between groups -9.3, -14.6 to -4.0). After nine months of follow-up, the difference in the International Knee Documentation Committee score changed in favour of the early ACL reconstruction group. After 12 months, differences between the groups were smaller. In the early ACL reconstruction group, four re-ruptures and three ruptures of the contralateral ACL occurred during follow-up versus two re-ruptures and one rupture of the contralateral ACL in the rehabilitation and optional delayed ACL reconstruction group.

CONCLUSIONS

In patients with acute rupture of the ACL, those who underwent early surgical reconstruction, compared with rehabilitation followed by elective surgical reconstruction, had improved perceptions of symptoms, knee function, and ability to participate in sports at the two year follow-up. This finding was significant (P=0.026) but the clinical importance is unclear. Interpretation of the results of the study should consider that 50% of the patients randomised to the rehabilitation group did not need surgical reconstruction.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

Netherlands Trial Register NL 2618.

Clinical outcome of conservatively managed pancreatic intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasms with mural nodules and main duct dilation

BACKGROUND

Surgical resection of intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasm (IPMN) is strongly recommended for patients exhibiting high-risk stigmata (HRS). However, determining surgical indications for elderly patients with comorbidities is challenging, as clinical outcomes are not well characterized. This multicenter observational study elucidated the clinical outcomes of patients with IPMN exhibiting HRS who did not undergo surgery.

METHODS

This study enrolled 101 IPMN patients exhibiting HRS with follow-up observations at 11 hospitals in Japan (2011-2016). The median observation period was 37 months (maximum: 86 months). Primary outcomes were estimated 5-year overall survival (OS) and disease-specific survival (DSS). Survival was also stratified based on HRS features.

RESULTS

Of 101 patients, 32 (31.7%) had the main pancreatic duct (MPD) measuring ≥ 10 mm and 80 (79.2%) had mural nodules measuring ≥ 5 mm. The estimated 5-year OS and DSS were 74% and 91%, respectively. In the stratified analysis, the co-presence of MPD ≥ 10 mm and mural nodules ≥ 5 mm or mural nodule ≥ 10 mm were related to worse 5-year DSS (MPD ≥ 10 mm and mural nodules ≥ 5 mm vs other characteristics: 60% vs 95%, log-rank test: p = 0.049; mural nodules ≥ 10 mm vs < 10 mm: 77% vs 95%, log-rank test: p = 0.003).

CONCLUSIONS

The estimated 5-year DSS of conservatively managed IPMN patients with mural nodules and main duct dilation was 91%. Only IPMN patients with plural HRS or large nodule formation might have an increased mortality risk. This is an important insight that can help facilitate appropriate clinical decision-making, especially in the elderly or high-surgical risk IPMN patients.

Comparison of treatment results between surgical and conservative treatment of distal radius fractures in adults: A meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

OBJECTIVE

This meta-analysis study aims to determine the efficacy and safety of surgical and conservative treatments for distal radius fractures (DRFs) in adults.

METHODS

Reports of randomized controlled trials were retrieved from the Web of Science, Pubmed, Google Scholar, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, Medline, Ovid, and BIOSIS for studies that met the eligibility criteria. The search was limited to human subjects and had no language limits. The search strategy was check by two independent reviewers. If there was any dispute, a third reviewer was consulted. Primary outcomes were: (1) the active wrist range of motion including flexion, extension, pronation, supination, radial, and ulnar deviation; (2) the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand (DASH) score; and (3) radiological outcomes including radial inclination and ulnar variance. Secondary outcomes were the number of complications including non-infectious and infectious. Quality assessment was performed using the Cochrane Risk of Bias Tool provided by the Cochrane Review Manager 5.3.

RESULTS

A total of 10 randomized controlled trials were included. The meta-analysis detected no statistically significant difference in pooled data for complications not included infection (MD 0.64, CI: 0.33 to 1.23, Z=1.34, p=0.18). Surgical treatment achieved a better range of motion (MD 3.76, CI: 1.58 to 5.95, Z=3.37, p=0.0007), DASH score (MD -6.57, CI: -9.08 to -4.06, Z=5.12, p<0.00001), and radiographic outcomes (MD 3.75, CI: 2.75 to 4.74, Z=7.37, p<0.00001) compared with conservative treatment. In contrast, the conservative treatment achieved less infection rate compared with surgical treatment (MD 4.09, CI: 1.18 to 14.21, Z=2.21, p=0.03).

CONCLUSION

Findings of this study reveal that when compared with conservative treatment, surgical treatment can ensure better clinical and radiological results for the treatment of DRFs in adults. Although similar complication rates can be encountered with both treatment modalities, it should be taken into account that the rate of infection may be higher in surgical treatment.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level I, Therapeutic Study.